For so many years, winning the Premier League was the great white whale for Liverpool, elusive and unattainable, always falling short in the race for England’s biggest prize.

Then Jurgen Klopp came along, and everything changed. The German restored Anfield to its former standing as a global superpower. Now he’s gone, and Liverpool are champions once again.

Arne Slot has proved the perfect successor, and he did it all without any proper first-team investment. That owes largely to Klopp’s midfield rebuild, and indeed his work with Michael Edwards and co over so many years, piecing together lasting stars who will continue to shine through the 2025/26 campaign.

But now, the signings are flowing through in cascades, with a deal wrapped up for Bayer Leverkusen right-sider Jeremie Frimpong and an agreement finally reached for his teammate, Florian Wirtz, who will become the most expensive player in British history.

It’s a lot of money for a 22-year-old playmaker, so how exactly is Wirtz going to improve Liverpool?

Why Liverpool have signed Wirtz

Liverpool have broken the bank to sign Wirtz, but sometimes, securing such a marquee deal is worth it. Having won the Premier League last season, the Reds are now consolidating their position at the top.

And Wirtz, having conquered his homeland, is ready to make the move to English football, where he could take Kevin De Bruyne’s vacated spot as the country’s foremost number ten.

As per FBref, the playmaker ranked among the top 2% of positional peers in the Bundesliga last year for assists, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, the top 1% for passes attempted and the top 5% for both progressive passes and progressive carries per 90.

Where Dominik Szoboszlai is industrious, Wirtz is incisive and influential to a different degree. Former Werkself striker Patrick Helmes has even gone as far as to say he’s “probably the best midfielder in the world.”

With Trent Alexander-Arnold gone, Liverpool will need to find new ways to maintain their peerless creativity; sparking chance after chance has been the foundation of their success in the Premier League across these recent successful years.

24/25

Liverpool

112

23/24

Liverpool

102

22/23

Liverpool & Man City

103

21/22

Liverpool

97

20/21

Liverpool

82

Curious that Trent created fewer big chances (15) than across any of Liverpool’s past four top-flight campaigns. Wirtz will fix all that, and if FSG secure a talented new striker, Liverpool may just reach a whole ‘nother level.

Liverpool interested in signing LaLiga striker

As per Diego Simeone, Liverpool are among the clubs interested in signing Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez this summer.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The renowned manager was responding to a journalist’s comments on Atletico’s striker being one of the hottest commodities on the market, and Simeone said he was flattered, name-checking Arsenal, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain too.

Simeone stated: “Every club wants to sign Julián Álvarez. It’s logical. I can’t imagine it any other way. Of course every top club wants him—Barcelona, PSG, Arsenal, Liverpool… all of them. And for us, for Atlético fans, it should be a point of pride that everyone wants him. Why? Because he’s ours. And since he’s ours, we need to protect him. We have to make sure he feels happy. And how will he feel happy? By winning. And to get there, we all need to give 110%.”

The 25-year-old Alvarez has only been in the Spanish capital for a year, but he’s enjoyed a world-class campaign and boasts dynamic attacking properties that suggest he’d be tailor-made for Slot’s system.

However, Los Colchoneros would reportedly be seeking a figure as high as €170m (£142m) to part with their star man.

What Julian Alvarez would bring to Liverpool

Alvarez enjoyed his time at Manchester City, posting 55 goal contributions across 103 matches before earning Simeone’s attention. Atletico would then sign the silky forward for £81.5m.

This sparked derision from some, but Alvarez has since proved the doubters wrong, scoring 29 goals and supplying seven assists across 54 matches in all competitions.

He’s settled into his throne as the free-scoring frontman, but he’s far more than just a goalscorer, ranked among the top 4% of strikers across Europe last season for passes attempted, shot-creating actions and progressive carries, the top 8% for progressive passes and the top 12% for successful take-ons per 90, according to FBref.

You can only imagine how he would perform in Slot’s Liverpool system, with Wirtz pulling the strings behind him. Journalist Roy Nemer actually hailed Alvarez as “the best striker in the world” for his performances across the past year, not just striking true but working hard to outfox defenders and create space for teammates.

Moreover, he’s demonstrated a propensity to do it on the biggest stage, scoring a stunning goal against Real Madrid in Atletico’s controversial Champions League quarter-final defeat in March.

Considering Alvarez has a wealth of trophy-laden Premier League experience in Pep Guardiola’s system, Liverpool might just find themselves hitting even loftier targets next year,

As per Sofascore, the Argentina superstar only missed seven big chances across the 2024/25 La Liga campaign, converting 17 strikes. Given that he created 11 big chances and averaged 34.9 touches per game too (which is high for a centre-forward), Alvarez’s dynamic approach has been underscored.

Truly, he’s one of the deadliest and most multi-faceted forwards on the market, with exceptional off-the-ball movement that Slot could use to an emphatic effect, with Wirtz and Mohamed Salah making things happen around him.

Liverpool’s new playmaker created 17 big chances in the Bundesliga last season after winning the division’s Player of the Season award one year prior. Clearly, he’s got the world at his feet, and Alvarez would be the grateful recipient of his production if signed by Liverpool this summer.

Whether Liverpool have the financial means to bring Alvarez back to England remains to be seen. Certainly, FSG won’t green-light a deal in the ballpark of £142m.

However, if something more agreeable can be found, Liverpool have got to pounce on this one, for he would be the perfect fit for Slot’s set-up.

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Looking to make a statement by doing what Nottingham Forest failed to do, Leeds United have reportedly joined the race to sign a USA international.

Leeds' transfer plan after Bijol

After welcoming Jaka Bijol from Udinese, it looks as though Leeds’ summer business is far from over. Their focus following the defender is reportedly transfixed on signing fresh midfield reinforcements and one of the biggest names mentioned on that front has been Douglas Luiz. The Juventus midfielder is set to leave Turin this summer and could be on his way back to the Premier League courtesy of those at Elland Road.

He’s not the 49ers’ only option, however. Reports have also mentioned the likes of Habib Diarra – going as far as to suggest that the Whites have already submitted an offer to sign the Strasbourg captain this summer. The interest should come as no surprise as Leeds step into the Premier League either, given the partnership that he would form with Ao Tanaka.

League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Habib Diarra

Ao Tanaka

Minutes

2,352

3,584

Progressive Carries

61

38

Tackles Won

13

58

Ball Recoveries

90

217

When compared it is, as if often the case, Tanaka who stands out but Diarra has plenty to offer in his own right and his ability to progress play whilst carrying possession would hide one of the few weaknesses that the Leeds star has.

Even if they secure a deal to sign Diarra, however, Leeds still may not be done with their summer business. The 49ers are seemingly looking to make a statement this summer and create a squad capable of first avoiding Premier League relegation, then so much more.

With that target in mind, the American owners have now reportedly joined the race to sign a UCL-level star ahead of Leeds’ top-flight rivals.

Leeds join Timothy Weah race

According to The Guardian’s Ed Aarons, the 49ers and Leeds have now joined the race to sign Timothy Weah from Juventus this summer after he rejected the chance to join rivals Nottingham Forest.

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The American international was left out of Juventus’ squad to face Manchester City in the Club World Cup on Thursday alongside Samuel Mbangula after the Italian giants reached an agreement with Forest, before Weah burst their bubble in ruthless fashion. Now, Leeds, Everton and Bournemouth have set their sights on signing the winger.

Dubbed “one of the most versatile players in world football” by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley, Weah was used as a forward and on both flanks for Juventus last season. Despite that, he’s now on the move – potentially leaving Leeds to take full advantage.

In one swoop, Leeds could deal Forest a frustrating blow and land someone who’d quickly become a key member of Daniel Farke’s squad at Elland Road.

After a slow start to the summer transfer window for Arsenal, they look as though they’re closing in on sealing two signings.

Kepa Arrizabalaga’s move from Chelsea to the Emirates Stadium won’t exactly be met with much fanfare considering he’s there to play second fiddle to David Raya, but it’s an important move nonetheless.

At just £5m, the Gunners have found a replacement for Neto and due to the price, it frees up money to spend elsewhere, hopefully on a wealth of attacking reinforcements.

The other arrival will see another Spaniard in the form of Martin Zubimendi head to North London. At just over £50m, that move is certainly a more exciting ones but he’s not the only midfielder who could arrive.

Arsenal looking to sign another midfielder after Zubimendi

Last summer, it looked as though Zubimendi was going to head to Liverpool. Sadly for the Anfield side, he did not. Whether or not he regrets that decision based on Arne Slot’s title success is unknown.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Well, a year on, he will now finally head to England, but it won’t be the red of Liverpool he’ll be donning. Instead, it’s the red of Arsenal.

The Gunners first made their move to sign the Spain international last January when they signalled their intentions to trigger his £51m release clause at Real Sociedad. Since then, an agreement has been tied up that will see the club spend a tiny bit more than that exit clause so they can pay it in instalments.

Zubimendi was reportedly in London over the weekend to wrap up the formalities of his move.

Yet, he could well be joined in the middle of the park next season by Brentford’s Christian Norgaard. That’s according to a number of sources, notably the Athletic’s David Ornstein.

He reported on Wednesday afternoon that Arsenal are “exploring” a deal to sign the Dane and have lodged their first offer, believed to be around €11m (£9m).

Fabrizio Romano furthered those claims by revealing on social media that the 31-year-old “wants to join Arsenal” this summer, so much so that personal terms have already been agreed between player and club.

Since then, BBC Sports’ Sami Mokbel has revealed that an agreement could be reached at £15m, including add-ons. A move appears to be advancing quickly, with Ornstein later reporting on Wednesday evening that the Gunners are now in the process of ‘finalising’ a deal to sign the player. A medical is also in the process of being planned.

Why Norgaard would be a good signing for Arsenal

With Jorginho having left the Emirates on a free transfer, heading to Flamengo, and Thomas Partey increasingly unlikely to sign a new deal, Arsenal need two midfielders.

Zubimendi ticks one box and in the form of Norgaard, although this would be a surprising move, it certainly makes a lot of sense.

Like Kepa, Arsenal would not be spending a bucket load on improving the squad and thus, would be leaving room to spend where it really matters this summer; on a new striker.

So, what could Norgaard offer to Mikel Arteta’s midfield? Well, like the departing Jorginho and Partey, he’s got a wealth of experience and, pivotally, he’s played in England for a long time now.

He signed for Brentford back in 2019 and has since gone on to feature 196 times for the Bees, playing 122 times in the Premier League.

34 of those top-flight outings came in 2024/25 where he scored five goals and also supplied four assists.

A holding midfielder who also chips in with goals and assists, there is reason to believe that Arteta could be signing a more experienced version of Declan Rice here.

Arsenal podcaster, Alex Moneypenny, who has appeared on Sky Sports and BBC Sport, outlines the Dane’s qualities perfectly. He’s a “search and destroyer”, a midfielder who specialises in “progressive passing”.

That’s backed up by the numbers with Norgaard ranking among the best holding midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive passing distance. In fact, he ranks almost identically to Zubimendi in this category.

The ability to turn the ball over from deep or in more advanced areas certainly makes him like Rice, as does the ability to progress play. Captain of Brentford too, he’s got the natural leadership skills that Arsenal’s record signing boasts.

But, what do the statistics say?

Goals

0.16

0.13

Assists

0.13

0.22

Goal-creating actions

0.42

0.32

Pass success rate

82%

83%

Progressive passes

4.92

6.11

Passes into final 3rd

4.38

4.36

Tackles

2.52

1.69

Succesful take-ons

0.22

0.42

With the benefit of playing further forward and taking set-pieces, Rice does better Brentford’s captain for assists and successful take-ons. It’s in the passing department where they are most alike.

They complete a similar percentage of their passes per 90 minutes and there’s not a huge difference between the number of those passes that are progressive in nature.

So, while a move of this nature is hardly going to blow supporters away, he’d be a steady pair of hands just like Jorginho was. If he hits the ground running like Rice did too, fans will soon take to the Bees star.

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Crystal Palace now hold strong interest in signing a £30m defender, who’s also a target for Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, according to a report.

Palace looking to strengthen with Europe on the horizon

Not only did Palace win the first major piece of silverware in their history courtesy of the 1-0 FA Cup final victory against Manchester City, but they also secured qualification for the 2025-26 Europa League, which could be quite the adventure for supporters.

This week, however, it was revealed the Eagles may not get to play in the competition, given their multi-club ownership model, although John Textor is willing to sell his shares in the club on the cheap to allow them to compete.

A meeting has been held to discuss the south Londoners’ involvement, but UEFA are yet to make a decision, meaning it is still very much up in the air whether Oliver Glasner’s side will be allowed to play in the prestigious competition.

It is thought that a decision will be made in around a week, which means the hierarchy must continue planning for the summer transfer window in the meantime, and they have now set their sights on a Bayern Munich target.

Indeed, according to a report from L’Equipe (via Get French Football News), Crystal Palace now hold strong interest in signing Burnley defender Maxime Esteve, having identified him as a priority target for the summer.

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However, there could be competition for Esteve’s signature, with Everton stepping up their interest in recent days, while the Bundesliga champions are also thought to be keen, although not to the same degree as Palace.

Having played a key role in Burnley’s promotion to the Premier League, the Clarets should be in a strong position to command a good fee for the centre-back, and previous reports have suggested they could hold out for around £30m.

"Phenomenon" Esteve could be ideal Guehi replacement

This summer will be the Eagles’ last chance to cash-in on their captain, with his contract set to expire next June, meaning Glasner could be faced with the momentous task of finding a replacement for the Englishman.

Of course, no Palace fan will want to see Guehi leave, but there are indications the Frenchman could be an ideal replacement, given the role he played in Burnley’s promotion last season, featuring in all 46 Championship games as his side shipped just 16 goals.

The 23-year-old is also at a good age to be a long-term success at Selhurst Park, and he has been praised by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who described the defender as a “true athletic phenomenon with some really good ball skills.”

Should they be allowed to compete in Europe, Crystal Palace will be in a good position to attract some top players this summer, and there are plenty of signs Esteve is in that category.

‘Think it probably would have been suited for the end of a World Cup rather in the middle,’ Clarke said

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Jun-20242:14

Clarke: Not the right time for Warner’s Sandpapergate comments

Former Australia captains Michael Clarke and Aaron Finch have questioned the timing of David Warner’s remarks about the impact of the 2018 ball-tampering scandal as he approaches the final weeks of his international career.Speaking to and in Antigua ahead of Australia’s Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup, Warner said “coming back since 2018 I’ve probably…been the only one that’s ever copped a lot of flak” although accepted it was inevitable he would always be remembered for what happened.Related

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Warner will finish his international career with a sanction still hanging over him from events at Cape Town in being barred from any leadership role in Australian cricket. He abandoned his attempts to have that overturned in late 2022. Steven Smith, who was banned for a year and stripped of the captaincy, has since led Australia again as Pat Cummins’ understudy, while Cameron Bancroft received a nine-month ban.”I understand where Davey is coming from, I think parts of what he said are fair enough; I don’t think he’s got the timing right,” Clarke told ESPN’s . “I don’t think it’s fair to say he’s the only one whose copped it. I think Cameron Bancroft’s certainly copped it, and there’s still about is the reasoning he’s not in the Australian Test team because of what happened years ago. Steve Smith obviously copped it and lost the Australian captaincy.David Warner is aiming to sign off international cricket as a champion across all formats•Getty Images

“Davey has certainly copped it, there’s no doubt about it. I just think the timing is probably not right. Think it probably would have been suited for the end of a World Cup rather in the middle of a World Cup because there’s probably other players in the team who would prefer this not to be spoken about right now. But there’s parts of what he said that are correct.”Earlier this year, Cummins spoke directly to Bancroft to reassure him his lack of a recall to the Test side when Warner retired had nothing to do with events of 2018.Clarke acknowledged Warner’s view that the ball tampering will always be part of his story, but believed the opener would be recalled for his brilliance as a player. If Australia go on to win the T20 World Cup, he could be one of just four players – alongside Cummins, Travis Head and Mitchell Starc – to have played in three finals across the three formats, after the World Test Championship and ODI World Cup triumphs.”I think he will definitely be remembered for how great a cricketer he has been, and he’s been an amazing entertainer,” Clarke said. “Unfortunately for him, yes, it [ball tampering] probably will be spoken about…in 10, 20 years’ time. But I think how good a cricketer he is will be spoken about as well.”Finch, too, was surprised by Warner’s comments. “Like Pup [Clarke] said, purely for the timing…I thought that was a little bit odd,” he said.At the time of his Test retirement, against Pakistan in January, Warner’s close friend Usman Khawaja said some of the aggravating behaviour from him before he was banned came from team instructions.”He was getting told to play a certain way by the coaching staff and people around at certain points,” Khawaja said. “You’ve seen a very different David Warner since he’s come back in 2019. He’s done it his own way.”

Following an excellent campaign last time out, Nottingham Forest are looking to use the summer transfer window to ensure that their European qualification was no blip. And that could reportedly start with the addition of a Bayern Munich midfielder.

Nuno Espirito Santo extends Nottingham Forest contract

Starting as they mean to go on this summer, Nottingham Forest confirmed the news that Nuno Espirito Santo has agreed a new deal with the club and will now remain in charge until at least 2028.

The Portuguese manager has taken the Midlands club to fresh heights in the Premier League and Evangelos Marinakis was clearly keen to ensure that he remains the man for the job at the City Ground.

The Greek owner told Nottingham Forest’s official media channels: “Nuno has made a great impact and performed very well during his time with us so far.

With that contract signed and delivered, Nottingham Forest can now turn their attention back towards the transfer window. Already, it looks as though Jair Cunha, Igor Jesus and Cuiabano are all on their way from Brazilian club Botafogo, who just defeated Paris Saint-Germain at the Club World Cup. But those in the Midlands could yet return to the market.

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Reports are now suggesting that the Midlands club have joined the race to sign a Champions League midfielder who looks destined to return to the Premier League this summer.

Nottingham Forest join £30m Palhinha race

According to Caught Offside, Nottingham Forest are now eyeing a move to sign Joao Palhinha this summer. The midfielder is reportedly free to leave Bayern Munich for up to €35m (£30m) in what is a cut-price deal considering that the German giants initially paid Fulham as much as £42m to secure his signature just one year ago.

The transfer fee is unlikely to be the main sticking point in any deal. Instead, there may be concerns about Palhinha’s wage demands. If he requests the same £8.5m-a-year contract that he earns at Bayern Munich then the likes of Nottingham Forest could instantly look elsewhere for options.

With Manchester United, former club Fulham, Benfica and West Ham United also in the race for his signature, Palhinha may have a decision to make regarding his salary if he wants to secure an exit away from Munich this summer.

At his best, there’s no denying that Palhinha is capable of making a significant impact with Fulham boss Marco Silva dubbing him “impressive” during his time in West London. Now, however, the Portugal international desperately needs a return to English football to rediscover his top form.

Rashid reiterated they’re happy to play the team, but have no direct control of things that happen beyond cricket

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Jun-20242:53

Rashid Khan: ‘Cricket is the only source of happiness back home’

Rashid Khan wishes “we could do something and wish there was a solution for it” but can’t do much about “some things which is not under the control of anyone in cricket.” The Afghanistan T20I captain was responding to whether beating Australia at the T20 World Cup on Saturday night in St Vincent gave them extra satisfaction.The backdrop to the question was in relation to Cricket Australia’s decision to not play Afghanistan bilaterally due to “a marked deterioration in human rights for women and girls” in the country. Earlier this year, Cricket Australia postponed a scheduled three-match T20I series with Afghanistan. CA have also postponed the hosting of a one-off Test for the same reason.”Well, we are sportsmen, and we love sports,” Rashid said at the post-match press conference. “People back home love sports. And I mentioned earlier, cricket is the only source of happiness back home. That’s the only source left in Afghanistan where people could celebrate. And if we keep that source away from us, I don’t know where Afghanistan will remain.Related

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“We sportsmen only think about the cricket. Everyone is saying sports bring the nation together and bring everyone together. So, for me, we’re always happy to play against any side, and that’s the only way where our cricket can improve day by day. Some things which are not under the control of anyone in cricket, and that’s something we can’t do anything about it. Wish we could do something, and wish that was a kind of solution for it, we would have been happy, but I don’t know what’s the solution for that.”Rashid had threatened to withdraw from the Big Bash League in 2023 after CA decided to postpone their ODI series. Rashid’s public stance joined a chorus of protests from Afghanistan’s male cricketers soon after ACB had termed CA’s statement over refusing to play Afghanistan due to the human rights crisis as “pathetic”.Rashid Khan reiterated Afghanistan are happy to play Australia•ICC/Getty ImagesRashid eventually softened his stance and put his name up in the drafts but was forced to miss the tournament through injury. On Sunday, Rashid reiterated they’re happy to play the team, but have no direct control of things that happen beyond cricket.”We’re happy to play any side, but as I mentioned earlier, some things, government, and political things, I don’t know much about these things, and I don’t like it as well. So, I have no answer for this, but my only thing always in mind is I love to play against the big teams. I love to travel all around the world to play and I have received so much so much love from everyone.”Whenever I go to Australia for Big Bash, I think I have got so much love and support from the fans there. They have given me so much love. In 2022 T20 World Cup, when we were playing in Adelaide against Australia, I got more support than them. And that was so satisfying.”Rashid reminisced the love and support he received in the aftermath of his father’s passing during the BBL in 2019, and termed fans in Adelaide [he plays for Adelaide Strikers] as “family”, while maintaining “cricket isn’t the solution for politics.””Playing in Australia, I’ve got massive support in every city. The hospitality I got in Australia, especially during the tough days in 2019 when my dad passed away, that was the hardest time for me when I was in Australia. And the amount of love and support I got from everyone in the team, and also the fans [was immense], I think I call them a family.”But as I said, I love to play all around the world. And those things which are not under the control, and cricket is not the solution, I don’t think we can bring sports into that. If there is another solution, you can take that. But don’t think cricket is the solution of politics and things like that.”So, yeah, if we play in the World Cup, why don’t we play in bilateral series? I think we’re happy to play against the best side. We learn from them. We get better day by day. But that’s the only thing I can say.”

Cricket Scotland is braced for another bout of legal action from an aggrieved former player after Hamza Tahir, the 28-year-old left-arm spinner, announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect. In his retirement statement, Tahir declared that a fellow South Asian player had told him that, to succeed in the Scotland set-up, “you have to perform twice as well”.Tahir, 28, claimed 63 wickets in 48 matches for Scotland, including a best of 5 for 38 against Oman in 2019. However, he was omitted from the squad for the recent T20 World Cup campaign in the Caribbean, having been cut from Cricket Scotland’s list of contracted players in March.In his statement, Tahir declared that “enough is enough”, as he listed the grievances that had brought him to his decision, including a solitary appearance at a major international event, against Pakistan at the T20 World Cup in 2021, and an allegation that a senior coach “used the P word several times” during a national tour in 2020.”This is only a snippet of the obstacles put in place of players of colour,” Hamza said. “In major tournaments such as World Cups I’ve always felt l’ve been held back and not allowed to go and showcase to the world what I can do, and make a name for myself on the world stage.”Tahir’s comments come amid a period of intense turmoil for Cricket Scotland, a body which was found to be institutionally racist two years ago, after complaints by two other former players, Majid Haq and Qasim Sheikh, prompted an independent review. The entire board resigned on the eve of the publication of the “Changing the Boundaries” report in July 2022, which listed 448 examples of racism and discrimination, of which just five have progressed to disciplinary procedures.In recent weeks, Cricket Scotland has been embroiled in a row with a further former player, John Blain, who claims he was “exonerated” of allegations of racist behaviour after receiving a letter from the former interim CEO, Peter Fitzboydon, in January, but subsequently accused the board of attempting to “rewrite history” in its reappraisal of that position.In a statement, Cricket Scotland reiterated its “utmost sympathy for anyone who has experienced discrimination whilst involved in our sport”, and thanked Tahir for being a “tremendous servant to the Scotland men’s national team”.Trudy Lindblade, Cricket Scotland CEO, added: “I sympathise with those who harbour a feeling of injustice, and we will continue to engage respectfully throughout the mediation process.”The only viable route to common ground is through independent mediation in order to achieve reconciliation. Only then can we speak openly and work together to provide an inclusive sport that we can all be proud of.”Ongoing instability and recrimination, played out in front of the media, will only cause further damage to relationships and reputations, and deepen the wounds that need to heal.”

A £160,000 a-week Liverpool star has now said ‘yes’ to joining a new team this summer, and there is only the fee left to be agreed between the clubs, according to a recent report.

Latest on Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez transfers to Liverpool

This week is expected to be an important time for the Premier League champions, as they are closing in on the signing of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. The Germany international is set to join Liverpool in a deal worth roughly £116m inclusive of add-ons, with a medical taking place this week.

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Wirtz is expected to complete the first part of his medical on Thursday, with the plan being he completes the rest on Friday, with a view to then announcing the transfer over the weekend. The attacking midfielder is set to sign a contract until 2030, which will place as him as one of the club’s highest earners.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are also continuing to find an agreement to sign Milos Kerkez from AFC Bournemouth. Journalist Ben Jacobs revealed earlier this week that the Reds are set to finalise the agreement for Kerkez next week in a deal worth £40 million. There are only small details to work on to complete this transfer, and his arrival at Anfield could potentially have a knock-on effect.

Robertson says 'yes' to Atletico Madrid

That is because, according to Spanish outlet AS, Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson has given the go-ahead to join Atletico Madrid this summer.

The report states that the Spanish giants are keen on signing the Scotland international, and Robertson sees the move to Spain as an excellent option to continue playing at the top level. Robertson wants to continue playing regular football and winning titles, which he may not be able to do at Liverpool given Kerkez’s arrival, so he believes Atlético are offering him everything that he wants at this stage of his career.

All that remains is that Atlético need to find an agreement with Liverpool over a transfer, which could be a relatively small fee, given Robertson has only one year remaining on his contract.

Apps

342

Goals

11

Assists

67

Robertson, who earns £160,000 a week at Anfield, played 33 times in the Premier League last season, 10 more than he played in the previous campaign. But Kerkez’s arrival pushes him down the pecking order, and a move to Atlético would see him become their regular left-back, as the Spanish side only have Javi Galan as their recognised player for that position, and he spent last season on loan at Real Sociedad.

His move to Atlético would see him join the likes of Kieran Trippier and Conor Gallagher in moving to the Spanish club in recent years from the Premier League.

It’s been the best part of a month since Tottenham Hotspur made the surprise decision to sack Ange Postecoglou after he delivered them their first piece of silverware in almost two decades.

Thomas Frank was then announced as the new head coach a few days later, and while a flurry of transfer rumours then followed, the club have only made one first-team signing – Mathys Tel.

The young Frenchman is undoubtedly an exciting player to have at the club, but fans are understandably keen to see a new face bought in, especially as Manchester United seem to be dead set on signing Bryan Mbeumo.

One of the names who continues to be linked with a move to the white side of North London is Antoine Semenyo, although another Premier League star has since been linked with Frank’s Lilywhites, a player who would be a more exciting signing than the Bournemouth star.

Spurs target Premier League star

While there have been occasional reports linking Semenyo with a move to Spurs for months now, they really began to gain momentum early last month, not long after Frank took the hot seat.

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In fact, some stories went so far as to claim that positive talks had been held between Daniel Levy and the player’s representatives.

However, as with most potential deals, the main obstacle appears to be the price, with most stories reaffirming that the Cherries want around £70m to let their star attacker leave.

While such a fee would be a new record for Tottenham, it’s probably not entirely out of reach, although it now looks as if the club have another option: Mohammed Kudus.

Yes, according to a recent report from the Telegraph, Spurs are very interested in the West Ham United star.

The report has revealed that the Ghanaian international is now one of the club’s primary targets and that there is a belief that they will be able to sign him for less than his £85m release clause, which expires on July 10.

Interestingly, according to another update from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the North Londoners have already made contact with the player’s camp, which is certainly encouraging from a Lilywhites perspective.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Kudus’ ability and potential, it’s one Spurs should fight for, especially as he’d be a more exciting signing than Semenyo.

Why Kudus would be more exciting than Semenyo

Okay, so the first thing to admit is that, yes, on this season alone, Semenyo looks to be more productive than Kudus, but when we expand the time horizon to include last season as well, it becomes very clear that the West Ham star is the far more dangerous attacker.

For example, since the start of the 23/24 campaign, the Accra-born “generational talent,” as dubbed by journalist Gary Al-Smith, has scored 23 goals and provided 14 assists in 83 appearances, totalling 6,502 minutes, which comes out to a strong average of a goal involvement every 2.24 games, or every 175.72 minutes.

In contrast, the Cherries star has scored 21 goals and provided ten assists in 78 appearances, totalling 5,869 minutes, which comes out to a less impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.51 games, or every 189.32 minutes.

Appearances

48

36

Minutes

3781′

2307′

Goals

18

8

Assists

10

3

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

0.30

Minutes per Goal Involvement

135.03′

209.72′

Appearances

35

42

Minutes

2721′

3562′

Goals

5

13

Assists

4

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.25

0.47

Minutes per Goal Involvement

302.33′

178.1′

However, while it’s clear that the former Ajax gem poses a greater goal threat, his output isn’t the only way to see that he’s the more exciting player, as it’s also evident in their respective underlying numbers.

For example, since the start of last season, the 24-year-old game-changer has completed more take-ons per 90 than his competitor, more shot and goal-creating actions, and more carries into the final third.

While these statistics might ultimately be less important than goals scored, they do give an insight into the sort of player the Irons star is, which is someone who is capable of grabbing a game by the scruff of the neck and making something happen – which is also the sort of player who’ll get fans on their feet.

If you still aren’t convinced that there is a superstar ready to explode in the 42-capped international, then listen to respected talent scout Jacek Kulig, who described him as a “future icon of Ghanaian football.”

Ultimately, Spurs need to add some more dynamism to their attack this summer, and while Semenyo would be a great signing, Kudus would bring more excitement and more substance to boot. Therefore, Levy and Co should be doing all they can to pick him up.

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Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing a star who would be an upgrade on Dejan Kulusevski.

1 ByDan Emery Jun 30, 2025