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“The players are ready and raring to go in the multi-day format; to adjust to that is a different story,” India head coach says

Sruthi Ravindranath26-Jun-2024India are going into the one-off Test against South Africa on the back of successive white-ball series sweeps – T20Is in Bangladesh and ODIs vs South Africa at home – but head coach Amol Muzumdar believes there’s scope for improvement in every department for the team.”We do have the momentum – we won in Bangladesh, we won against South Africa,” Muzumdar said two days out from the Test in Chennai. “They are different formats, but at the same time, we are trying to focus on every game as it comes. The demands [of playing a Test] are different. I think the team is up for it, and I think as far as improvement is concerned, I think all three departments – batting, bowling, and fielding, and fitness – four departments [can improve].”India last played a Test in December, beating Australia in Mumbai by eight wickets. That came on the back of another one-off Test at home, against England, which also India won. Also, most of the top players were also part of the Senior Women’s Inter-Zonal Multi-day Trophy in Pune in March-April.Related

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The teams got only five days to prepare for the upcoming Test against South Africa following the conclusion of the ODIs on June 23, but Muzumdar feels the players are aware of the challenge of switching formats, considering red-ball cricket is part of their long-term plans.”In December, we played against England and Australia; we played back-to-back Tests,” he said. “We are aware that red-ball cricket will be a part of women’s cricket going forward, and hence I feel that the inter-zonal, which happened in March-April, was very critical. So that the players also get the message that it’s not just white-ball cricket or just T20s that we are focusing on. We are also focusing on the red-ball stuff, and I think they are aware and they are ready and raring to go in the multi-day format. To adjust to that is a different story.”Those are the demands of modern-day cricket. You know you cannot escape that as a team. So we try to cater to all the demands. It’s not easy, but at the same time it’s a challenge and we accept it as a challenge to adapt to different formats.”While the core of the team won’t change as India switch formats, the likes of Shubha Satheesh, Sneh Rana, Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Meghna Singh, who did not play the ODIs, will be coming in for the Test.”I think those four players are very important players. We did have a camp that happened at the NCA about 15 days back, and they were specifically given red-ball stuff to be done in the camp,” Muzumdar said. “So they’ve already had the workload. The workload has been shared to them, and also when they went back home, they were told a few things to do. Their weekly chart was organised and given to them. So they’re completely fresh and raring to go. Even when they’ve come here and [are] in the squad, we just had a practice session yesterday with those four players, and they look absolutely fine.”India won back-to-back Tests against England and Australia late last year•Getty ImagesWhile the ODIs against South Africa were part of the Women’s Championships, Muzumdar said he wouldn’t mind a men’s style World Test Championship for women to add more context to the format. However, only four teams – Australia, England, India and South Africa – currently play Test cricket.”It’s not a bad idea to have Test Championships,” he said. “That’s something to look forward to, but that is for the board to decide. And if it happens, it’s even better for the game. Test cricket is always special. We like to keep it that way, that you know every game is important [regardless of the context] – whether it’s ODI, T20 or Test match. I know there is no Test Championship to look forward to, but at the same time, every game is important. We take part to win them.”Muzumdar also said that Shabnam Shakil, the 17-year-old uncapped medium-pacer, was brought into the side for all three formats so she could get a feel of the team culture. Shakil was part of the U-19 World Cup-winning India team last year, and also made an impression at WPL 2024 for Gujarat Giants, especially when she took 3 for 11 against Mumbai Indians.”She’s definitely a superb talent, and that’s the reason she is here,” he said. “We’ve made a conscious decision of including her in the team so that she gets a feel of the dressing room, and also the atmosphere and the culture that we’re building. She gets a first-hand experience to that. She’s definitely a good talent, and we will hear more about her in the future.”

Officially kicking off a new era, Rangers are now reportedly set to secure their first signing of Russell Martin’s tenure, with one of Scotland’s hottest prospects undergoing a medical.

Rangers commence new era

It’s not just the start of a new era in the technical area at Ibrox this summer. It’s also a new chapter for Rangers away from the pitch following the news that the 49ers have officially completed their takeover of the club. A long time coming, the American owners will be well aware of the task at hand and must use this summer to bridge the gap on Old Firm rivals Celtic.

After completing the takeover, Andrew Cavenagh told the official Rangers website: “We are deeply grateful for the trust placed in us by the Rangers Board, shareholders, staff, and supporters. This club’s history and traditions speak for themselves, but history doesn’t win matches.

“We know that the true way to honour the club’s heritage will be to drive performance. Our focus is simple: elevate performance, deliver results, and bring Rangers back to where it belongs – at the top.”

Since then, the 49ers have completed their first priority by appointing a new manager in Martin. The former Southampton boss arrives in the face of plenty of pressure and will be desperate to prove any doubters wrong at long last.

All pulling in the same direction, it looks as though the 49ers are ready to back their man to take the Gers back to the top of the Scottish Premiership. Whilst recent links have emerged to the likes of Flynn Downes, however, a young Scottish gem looks set to become the first signing of the Martine era at Ibrox.

Rangers set to sign Josh Mulligan

According to Ibrox Noise, Rangers are set to sign Josh Mulligan from Dundee with the midfielder undergoing a medical at the club. The 22-year-old’s arrival seems imminent and he looks destined to take his place in his history as the 49ers’ first signing and the first arrival under Martin. One of Scotland’s hottest prospects, Rangers’ pursuit should come as no surprise.

Described as an “aggressive” wing-back and central midfielder by journalist and football consultant Kai Watson, Mulligan has looked destined for a big move for some time. Now, at 22 years old, he is set to get exactly that courtesy of Rangers.

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Having started 24 games for Dundee in the Scottish Premiership last season, the right-midfielder is more than ready to step up at Ibrox and represents the direction that the 49ers could take Rangers towards this summer. Starting with Mulligan, the Gers could be in for a hectic transfer window.

Liverpool won the 2024/25 Premier League and are now moving to secure their place among Europe’s elite for the coming years, making sweeping changes in the transfer market.

A momentous effort to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz looks to be coming to a pleasing head, but the negotiations are still ongoing. Liverpool’s latest offer totals £113m, but the Bundesliga side are holding out for what would be a British-record £126m fee.

With moves for full-back pairing Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez already wrapped up, the Reds are surely set to continue competing for the biggest prizes in Arne Slot’s system.

However, there’s still something missing and no mistake. Well, while Liverpool have options at centre-forward in Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota, neither really cut the mustard last term, and both could be sold.

Liverpool aren’t prioritising the frontman position at the moment, but they are surveying the market and have been linked with a move for Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres.

Liverpool's interest in Viktor Gyokeres

With Arsenal “advancing in negotiations” for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, says Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool could have a free shot at Gyokeres this summer, having opened talks for the forward last month.

The Sweden striker has been breathtaking over his two campaigns in Portugal, scoring 97 goals and providing 28 assists across just 102 matches, winning back-to-back Liga Portugal titles.

Regarded as “the best finisher in the world” by data analyst Spencer Hossman, you can see why Liverpool are keen, for the 27-year-old is levels above Nunez and Jota.

However, recent reports suggest Manchester United may be set to win the race, ready to pay a £60m fee for the goalscorer.

1)

Viktor Gyokeres

33

39

2)

Kylian Mbappe

34

31

3)

Mohamed Salah

38

29

4)

Robert Lewandowski

34

27

5)

Victor Osimhen

30

26

5=

Harry Kane

31

26

Every case is different, but some fans might reserve judgment on this one, for Nunez posted 34 goals from 41 matches in 2021/22, playing for Benfica in Portugal.

The Iberian country is not on the same level as the Premier League, and that’s a fact. If Liverpool were to sign a striker from their own division, one already proven as a world-class option on English shores

Liverpool still in for PL striker

As per transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are still dreaming of signing Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak this summer, despite The Athletic’s David Ornstein previously declaring there would be “no chance” that the Sweden international leaves after United qualified for the Champions League.

It’s understood that upcoming contract talks will have a significant bearing on Isak’s stance, but if he were to leave this summer, Newcastle would be looking to bank a figure reaching as high as £150m.

Sky Sports’ Keith McDownie has claimed that while Newcastle are hopeful they can retain their talisman this summer, Isak is ambitious and does appear to view a transfer away at some stage.

What Alexander Isak would bring to Liverpool

What would Isak bring to Liverpool? In short, goals, and lots of them.

The 25-year-old has been a revelation at St. James’ Park since signing for a club-record £63m fee in 2022, departing Real Sociedad.

Across his three campaigns on Tyneside, Isak has scored 62 goals and laid on 11 assists across 109 matches, hitting his most confident stride over the past year, scoring 27 times as the Magpies flew back onto Europe’s elite stage, and indeed bagging against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.

But it’s not just the numbers, instead the remarkable range of skills that Isak brings to the table. Slot has showed through his maiden year at Anfield that he likes offensive players who operate dynamically, not just firing at goal but creating and linking up with teammates.

He’s a deadly marksman, hailed as a “world-class assassin” by pundit Alan Shearer, but Isak is indeed far more than a simple goalscorer, finishing the chances created by his peers.

Indeed, he’s one of the most complete out there. As per FBref, Isak ranked among the top 16% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for progressive passes, the top 7% for progressive carries and the top 8% for successful take-ons per 90.

You can see why he’s so coveted across the continent. Isak is the very definition of world-class, bringing so many dynamic attacking qualities to the table.

His tried-and-tested consistency in the Premier League bespeaks his suitability for Liverpool, and he’s two years younger than Gyokeres besides.

Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson even went as far as to coin Isak “the best striker in the world.” The one-time Newcastle man acknowledged his bias, but in fairness, Isak has showcased his skills to such a level that that claim isn’t without substance.

Ultimately, both Isak and Gyokeres would improve Slot’s Liverpool system if they were added into the ranks, but if fans were quizzed on their ideal option to don the striker’s shirt, Isak would win overwhelmingly.

After such a prolific and robust campaign for Eddie Howe’s side, Isak has proven himself one of the best of his generation, especially since his athleticism appears to have taken a leap forward, avoiding any impactful injury that plagued him through previous seasons at Newcastle and in Spain.

Liverpool are dreaming of completing this staggering signing, and if they play their cards right, the pieces might just fall into place.

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In what could finally see him realise his potential, Leeds United now reportedly have a genuine chance of signing a £13m+ forward who was once deemed a player destined for the very top.

Leeds preparing for Premier League

It’s a big summer for Leeds and the biggest since the arrival of the 49ers. They must get things right, too. They’ve already seen what can go wrong when promoted clubs either fail to spend or fail to recruit wisely, and they’ll be desperate to end a two-year-long trend of instant relegations in the top flight. So far, ahead of the transfer window, the extent of the task doesn’t seem lost on the 49ers, either.

Chairman Paraag Marathe has already set his ambitions high ahead of a return to the Premier League, claiming that he wants Leeds to become one of the biggest clubs in Europe and not just survive.

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He told reporters following Leeds’ promotion: “This was really hard to do. Two years of getting to this point, but all that hard work and all that difficulty, makes right now that much more rewarding and makes today so special. I hope I never forget this moment. I want to live in this moment as much as I can.

“This is a journey, this is not the end. We have to keep going, this is what Leeds does. We are going to have some difficulties, but we are going to get where we want to go and we are going to be one of the best clubs in all of Europe.”

Amid recent reports linking Leeds with moves for the likes of Jamie Vardy and Caoimhin Kelleher, it seems as though Marathe’s talk is far from cheap. It doesn’t end with Kelleher and Vardy, either, with another name now mentioned as a potential target.

Leeds could sign former wonderkid Kasper Dolberg

According to Voetbal Krant, Leeds now have a genuine chance to sign Kasper Dolberg this summer. The Anderlecht forward has become somewhat of a forgotten name in recent times, but it wasn’t so long ago that he was tipped to be the next best thing. Now 27 years old and fresh from a revived season in Belgium, the Dane could get the chance to step back into the limelight.

Having scored 24 goals in 44 games for Anderlecht this season, Dolberg will reportedly cost Leeds over £13m if they want to secure his signature this summer. The move would, of course, come with its risks given the false dawns that the forward has enjoyed, but following an excellent campaign it could be one worth taking.

Included on TuttoSport’s Golden Boy top 10 alongside the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele in 2017, Dolberg should be desperate to get back into similar conversations sooner rather than later.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta “loves” one Barcelona star and believes he’d be a cracking addition to the Gunners squad, according to reports, but he faces competition from a direct Premier League rival in pursuit of the player.

Josh Kroenke promises Arsenal investment this summer

Before their 1-0 win over Newcastle on Sunday, co-chair Josh Kroenke addressed supporters on the disappointment of finishing second in the Premier League yet again.

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ByDominic Lund May 19, 2025

In quotes taken from Arsenal’s matchday programme, Kroenke also promised fans that there will be investment into the squad this summer, as the north Londoners look to end their 22-year wait for a domestic top flight crown.

“We all want to win it,” said Kroenke.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

“We plan to invest to get behind winning and doing better next season. Ultimately, we all want the same thing. We’re as hungry for success as you are and that goes for everyone who works for the club.”

That pledge is already being answered, as Arsenal are widely believed to have agreed a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, with reports from both abroad and England strongly suggesting that Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres could be Andrea Berta’s second summer capture after the Spain midfielder.

Arsenal are apparently keen to strengthen across the board, particularly in the attacking areas, with Berta and co targeting a right-winger, left-winger and striker (GiveMeSport).

Mikel Arteta "loves" Ferran Torres and wants him at Arsenal

One man who can play out wide and through the middle as a centre-forward is ex-Man City starlet Ferran Torres. The £161,000-per-week Barça attacker boasts 19 goals from 45 appearances in all competitions under Hansi Flick this season, leaving little wonder both Arteta and Aston Villa boss Unai Emery are particularly keen.

That is according to journalist Graeme Bailey, who told The Boot Room that Arteta is a big fan of Torres and ideally wants him at Arsenal.

“Firstly, with Ferran Torres’ situation — Mikel Arteta loves Torres from his time at City, and he knows how City highly rated him,” said Bailey.

“Arteta knows what Torres could bring to Arsenal, but he’s not the only manager who likes him. Villa like Torres and so does Unai Emery.

“But my information is that Torres still has no intention of leaving Barcelona. Hansi Flick has used him quite a bit this season, but even when he hasn’t been playing in the past, he didn’t want to leave Barcelona.”

The 25-year-old appears more likely than not to remain at the Camp Nou, which is a crying shame when factoring in just how much he could reinforce Arsenal’s ranks.

Arteta is known to value versatility in any player, and Torres has featured on both the right and left-hand side whilst also operating as an out-and-out striker when required across 2024/2025.

Whilst promotion back up to the Championship was joyously celebrated, everyone at Birmingham City will have known in that moment that this was just the first step in the Blues’ mission to restore the club to its previous grandeur.

After all, Chris Davies’ giants were Premier League regulars all through the noughties, with an unbelievable EFL Cup trophy success even coming their way in 2011 when Alex McLeish was at the helm.

The desire up a division from Birmingham’s perspective will be to compete with the top dogs of the division again, therefore, with a new addition here and there this summer undoubtedly improving the Blues’ chances before they officially get underway in the challenging league.

How Birmingham could strengthen this summer

Much like Wrexham who will want to spend big after promotion, Birmingham won’t be shirking away from attempting to land statement buys to make an impression in the Championship.

Already, the ambitious Blues have been tipped to bring back Che Adams to St. Andrew’s to enhance their impressive attacking personnel, with their interest also stretching out to potentially adding in Premier League experienced Mark Travers in goal.

But, the deal on everyone’s lips at Birmingham is the one that could see Peterborough United superstar Kwame Poku enter the building shortly, with reports last month suggesting that there is a lucrative £30k-per-week deal on the table for the Ghanaian to jump up a division.

Whilst the “outstanding” EFL performer – as he’s been labelled by journalist Lukman Evergreen – has been known to fire home goal after goal for Darren Ferguson’s Posh at a devastating rate, he has also shown throughout his bright stint in Cambridgeshire to date his unselfish approach when teeing up teammates for countless opportunities.

How Poku could make Stansfield better

Poku’s arrival on the scene could end up making everyone around him even better, judging by his unplayable wing play, but it’s Jay Stansfield who will no doubt be licking his lips the most at the idea of linking up with the in-demand 23-year-old.

Transfer Focus

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

Whilst the 22-year-old striker is unquestionably one of the finest talents to recently grace the third tier – seen in his 19 league strikes across 2024/25 – he is arguably not the finished product yet in the league above.

Indeed, the former Exeter City forward has only amassed 12 Championship goals across his varied career to date.

But, with Poku by his side who will be equally keen to prove himself in his new terrain, he should be able to keep up his blistering League One form.

Games played

37

27

Goals scored

19

12

Assists

3

8

Shots*

2.7

2.4

Touches*

29.0

46.3

Accurate passes*

8.1 (69%)

20.3 (80%)

Big chances missed

13

3

Big chances created

6

9

Combined last season in League One, the dynamite duo would pick up a mammoth 42 goals and assists across 64 appearances, meaning the thought of both of them together under Davies’ wing in the Championship is a frightening prospect.

Eight of Poku’s sizeable 20 goal contributions for the season would fall into the assist category too, with the 23-year-old far more comfortable than his counterpart in roaming forward and creating openings, seen in his far higher amount of touches averaged per league clash.

Whereas, the Birmingham number 28 excels more as a poacher waiting in the box to pounce, with the 22-year-old perhaps capable of finishing off even more opportunities moving forward if Poku was supplying him with chances galore.

With Poku down the right wing and Stansfield as a number ten, Davies could make his attacking options even deadlier by landing the aforementioned Adams as an out-and-out centre-forward, with this potential front three running rings around Championship defences.

Of course, no such statement deals have crossed the line just yet, but expect Davies’ side to look unfazed by the pressures of Championship action if Poku enters the building very soon.

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Liverpool are now showing serious interest in signing a “wonderful” midfielder, who’s been likened to Real Madrid icon Toni Kroos, according to a report.

Carragher urges Slot to sign new central midfielder

FSG took a gamble by not providing Arne Slot with a new central midfielder last summer, but it was a decision that ultimately ended up paying dividends, with Ryan Gravenberch stepping up to the plate and playing a key role in the Premier League title triumph.

However, Jamie Carragher believes the Reds have been too dependent on Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister this season, with the Sky Sports pundit urging his former club to bring in a new central midfielder last month.

Carragher said: “They need a centre-back to ensure there is no crisis if Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are unavailable.

“Also a deep central midfielder so that Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister are not as overburdened next season as they have been in this one.”

Liverpool in regular talks to sign "incredible" 21-goal ace who Klopp loves

The Reds are positioning themselves.

BySean Markus Clifford May 6, 2025

Back in the January transfer window, it was revealed that Stuttgart maestro Angelo Stiller is among the potential targets in midfield, and there has now been a new update on the Merseysiders’ pursuit of the midfielder.

According to a report from Germany, Liverpool are now showing serious interest in signing Stiller after clinching their 20th league title, with the 24-year-old potentially in line to leave Stuttgart behind for Anfield, just like Wataru Endo.

Endo arrived on Merseyside for a fee of €20m (£17m) back in 2023, but a move for the German could be a little more on the pricey side, with an offer of at least €60m (£51m) likely to be needed to tempt Stuttgart into a summer sale.

"Wonderful" Stiller likened to Kroos

Ahead of the current season, the Stuttgart maestro received very high praise from football scout Ben Mattinson, given his ability to win possession and pick out his teammates due to his fantastic passing range.

Since then, the Germany international has continued to impress in a Stuttgart shirt, particularly catching the eye with his passing and ability to create chances over the past year, and a French journalist has even suggested he is similar to legendary midfielder Kroos.

Statistic

Average per 90

Passes attempted

85.97 (97th percentile)

Progressive passes

9.68 (98th percentile)

Assists

0.20 (88th percentile)

Shot-creating actions

3.88 (91st percentile)

With Carragher of the belief that Liverpool need a deep-lying midfielder this summer, Stiller’s passing range and playmaking abilities could make him a perfect fit for Slot’s side, so it is exciting news they have now expressed a serious interest in signing him.

A big-name player is “already” in talks to leave Chelsea this summer, and it is believed a move to Saudi Arabia has emerged as a possibility for him as well.

Chelsea set for plethora of summer exit deals in squad overhaul

Enzo Maresca and BlueCo have many important decisions to make with regard to the futures of out-of-favour squad players.

Man City and Liverpool eyeing £165m Chelsea "superstar" with approach made

They are “sniffing around” him

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Chelsea are tasked with finding new homes for the likes of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Alfie Gilchrist, Armando Broja, Raheem Sterling, David Datro Fofana, Renato Veiga, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell and Axel Disasi, who were all allowed to depart Stamford Bridge on loan this season.

Everton (home)

April 26th

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Newcastle (away)

May 11th

Man United (home)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (away)

May 25th

Barring a surprise, all the aforementioned players appear surplus to requirements under Maresca, with journalist Simon Phillips reporting the club may also listen to offers for “many more”.

When taking potential incomings into account, with Chelsea prioritising the signing of a centre-back, winger and striker (Sky Sports), Maresca’s side appear set for yet another busy summer ahead of their looming Club World Cup campaign.

The Premier League confirmed that a special edition summer window will be open from June 1st to June 10th this year, which allows the likes of Chelsea and Man City to bring in fresh faces before the CWC commences.

The window may allow Chelsea to conduct early exit deals in a no-nonsense fashion too, and 2024 summer flop João Félix is yet another player who looks likely to be up for grabs.

The Portugal international made a big name for himself as one of Europe’s rising stars not so long ago, earning a mega-money £108 million move from Benfica to Atlético Madrid in 2019, but he’s since failed to live up to that price tag.

Chelsea re-signed Felix on a permanent deal last year for around £42 million, but Maresca gave the green-light for him to seal a temporary move to AC Milan midway through 2024/2025, where he’s since failed to impress.

Kyle Walker was seen criticising Felix for not passing the ball, and Fabrizio Romano has already confirmed that Milan have no intention of signing the 25-year-old permanently.

Joao Felix "already" in talks to leave Chelsea for Benfica

According to CaughtOffside, the attacking midfielder is making a head start on resolving his long-term future ahead of the summer.

As per their information, Felix is “already” in talks to leave Chelsea as he eyes an “emotional” return to Benfica, but the Primeira Liga isn’t his only potential landing spot.

Clubs in the Saudi Pro League are expressing an interest as well, so Felix has the option of joining the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo in the Middle East. It would be a disappointing move for him this early in his career, despite the big money which would undoubtedly be on offer.

Former teammates like Álvaro Morata have lauded his “special” talent, but Felix has been critcised for his attitude behind-the-scenes, which appears to be casting a shadow over his obvious ability.

Liverpool have defied expectations to move within an inch of the Premier League title, Champions Elect, after the ruling of the majority consigned the Reds to a fight for top four before a ball had been kicked.

How wrong we all were. Even the most optimistic Liverpool supporters will have harboured doubts after Jurgen Klopp shocked the world and stepped down from his throne after nearly nine years, Arne Slot replacing him last summer.

It’s remarkable that he’s done it without making any meaningful first-team investment, dealt with contractual problems and managed a squad bearing weaknesses across several areas.

Centre-forward Darwin Nunez’s woes have been at the forefront of the drama.

Liverpool's striker conundrum

Liverpool signed Nunez from Benfica three years ago. He was 22 at the time, giddy from a clinical season in Portugal and arriving off the back of a staggering £85m transfer fee that, with all clauses met, would make him the most expensive player in Liverpool’s history.

But it hasn’t worked out. Nunez is heading toward the end of the season, having made just eight Premier League starts under Slot’s wing, lacking the streamlined potency that the Dutch tactician seeks out.

In fact, Nunez has only scored 25 Premier League goals across his three years as a Liverpool player, playing 90 times and missing 53 big chances across the time span.

While Liverpool are expecting to break the bank and sign a new number nine this summer, it’s frustrating that Nunez was ever signed in the first place. The passion’s there but he hasn’t made it work.

You almost think that, with Diogo Jota in the mix, his signing could have been avoided altogether if Liverpool had invested more time in Dominic Solanke, who left at the start of his pro career to join Bournemouth for £19m in 2019.

Given that he’s now Tottenham Hotspur’s star striker and record signing too at £65m, Liverpool must harbour some level of regret that they didn’t keep the faith, especially given that Nunez has failed to impress.

It’s a cautionary tale, one that Liverpool might want to bear in mind as they shuffle through their summer plans. Indeed, FSG are in danger of repeating their Solanke blunder.

Liverpool's new Solanke

Liverpool are planning to bolster Slot’s squad with several new parts this summer, but exits will also be considered.

The transfer chiefs will need to ensure they get it right, though, and avoid a repeat of the one-time Solanke sale through the potential departure of Harvey Elliott.

Elliott has been on Liverpool’s books since he was 16, poached from Fulham. Now 21, the Englishman has racked up a considerable number of senior appearances for the Reds, 141, having clinched 33 goal involvements and won a host of major honours besides. He’s a super-talented young star.

And the data really does speak for itself. As per FBref, Elliott ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for all of goals, assists and shot-creating actions recorded per 90.

A slick passer and able ball-carrier, Elliott also ranks among the top 4% for progressive passes and the top 5% for progressive carries per 90.

Despite his limited involvement this term, the England U21 star has enjoyed some rather standout moments, further illustrating his natural prowess in attacking situations, his ability to spark something out of nothing.

That goal against Paris Saint-Germain will gather more dust than perhaps it deserves in the sprawling library of Champions League history – for Liverpool were defeated in the return leg at Anfield – but there’s no denying it was a seismic strike, his third on Europe’s elite stage this season.

Oh, if FSG and Slot were to convene and conclude that Elliott’s future is best served away from Merseyside, Liverpool would no doubt be able to bank a decent sum, as the club did with Solanke way back when.

Newcastle United are among the early contenders, report The Chronicle this month, and Liverpool have thus slapped a £40m price tag on their young playmaker.

But, looking at Solanke’s journey since, it might be a little frustrating that he wasn’t kept on the books, or perhaps loaned out across a string of seasons to foster his natural ability.

Tottenham might be in a pit of despair at the moment, but the England striker has proved himself a talented and dynamic frontman for a forsaken outfit, scoring 11 goals and providing eight assists across 31 starts in all competitions.

However, Solanke scored 21 goals across 42 matches for Bournemouth last season and is effectively playing a hopeless part for Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs.

In any case, given that he’s risen to be one of England’s top strikers who fetched a large sum last summer, Liverpool might want to think long and hard about letting Elliott leave as he’s just starting out.

24/25

12 (0)

0

1

23/24

34 (11)

3

6

22/23

32 (18)

1

2

21/22

6 (4)

0

0

20/21*

0 (0)

0

0

19/20

2 (0)

0

0

The previous two top-flight campaigns have seen the talented midfielder make real headway under Klopp, whose regrets over not playing him more were made clear when he left last year.

If Newcastle offer Liverpool £40m, it would be a financial boost but one which could definitely come back to bite the Reds down the line.

Former Liverpool U18s head coach Neil Critchley once praised Elliott for his ability to create “magic” for his side, for his teammates. Liverpool won’t want to lose that magic element as they venture into the unknown, especially since Slot’s set to lose Trent Alexander-Arnold’s creativity this summer anyway.

Better than Diaz: Liverpool have strong interest in "special" £100m star

Arne Slot has confirmed Liverpool will strengthen in the transfer market this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Apr 15, 2025

Stan Collymore has warned a title-winning manager not to join Tottenham Hotspur after hearing that the tactician has held talks with chairman Daniel Levy.

Ange Postecoglou relaxed over Tottenham future

Ange Postecoglou is walking a tightrope in N17, with reports surrounding a potential Spurs move for Bournenmouth’s Andoni Iraola, among other candidates.

Tottenham ready to move for "elite" Postecoglou replacement after Chelsea loss

The Australian is treading on very thin ice right now.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 4, 2025

Tottenham registered their 16th Premier League defeat of the campaign away to Chelsea on Thursday, bringing Postecoglou’s future into even more disrepute, with Fabrizio Romano claiming it is Europa League or bust for the Australian.

Southampton (home)

April 6th

Wolves (away)

April 13th

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 21st

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

GiveMeSport sources have since reported that, in the aftermath of their London derby loss, Postecoglou might not even get that long. Amidst the consistent noise regarding his long-term future, the 59-year-old has adopted a relaxed mindset, suggesting there will be many outstanding candidates to replace him.

“I know what my responsibilities are. I’m sure if the club decide to go in a different direction, there are some outstanding candidates out there for it,” said Postecoglou on his potential replacement.

“It doesn’t rock my world, it doesn’t consume me. I am here and passionate about what we are doing. I was brought in to change the way the club plays, rejuvenate the squad and bring success. I am focused on that and that’s what I’ll keep doing.”

Postecoglou also commented on a potential return one day for ex-Spurs fan favourite Mauricio Pochettino, now manager of the USA ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where the States will play joint-hosts of their most important tournament since the 1990s.

“If he wants to come back one day then I hope it happens for him,” Postecoglou said when asked about Pochettino.

This follows comments made by the Argentine that he’d one day like to make a return to Tottenham, following five impressive years in N17 where he also guided them to an unprecedented Champions League final.

Stan Collymore urges Mauricio Pochettino not to re-join Tottenham

Now, writing in his column, pundit Collymore has urged Pochettino not to re-join Tottenham, following alleged talks with chairman Levy.

“There has been rumours of Mauricio Pochettino possibly making a return to Tottenham, having seemingly held talks with Daniel Levy,” wrote Collymore for CaughtOffside.

“But if I was him, I would not go anywhere near his former club, as I think very little has changed from when he left in 2019. I was at the Champions League final that year when Liverpool defeated them, and I remember very clearly how frustrated he was with the club after that. If he came back, he [wouldn’t] be given the tools to do the job that he wanted, so it would make little sense for him to be willing to go back there.”

Since being sacked by Levy in 2019, Pochettino has gone on to manage Chelsea and win a Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain. He’d be a fantastic appointment considering his proven track record and experience at Tottenham, but supporters would most likely have to wait a while for any reunion.