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Luke Shaw has credited Ruben Amorim for fixing the "toxic atmosphere" in the Manchester United dressing room. The English left-back, who has played under six different coaches at Old Trafford in the last 11 years, felt that things were extremely negative before the arrival of the ex-Sporting CP manager, but the situation has now vastly improved.

• Shaw praises Amorim
• Praised manager for fixing toxicity
• Lifts lid on his tough approach

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Shaw spent the majority of the 2024-25 campaign on the sidelines due to injuries, but he is now raring to start afresh under Amorim at Old Trafford. The experienced full-back has heaped praise on the United head coach amid the club's pre-season tour of the United States, while lifting the lid on his no-nonsense style.

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• WHAT SHAW SAID

  Speaking to reporters, the English defender said: "It’s not hard to see from the outside what it’s been like. A lot of the time I’ve been here over the last few years, it’s been extremely negative. It can be quite toxic, the environment; it’s not healthy at all. We need an environment that’s healthy, that’s positive, that’s got good energy and happiness.

  "I think when you have all those things, you feel free, and you express yourself more on the pitch. Things come together and I think, especially this pre-season, us as a team, I feel like the bond is growing and growing. I feel like in my time here, it’s probably the closest I’ve felt with the squad. I think the atmosphere is really good and extremely positive. Hopefully, that can continue."

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  Shaw added: "There are no stragglers in this group anymore. His (Amorim’s) mentality, his demands, he’s extremely tough on the group. He leaves no stone unturned. Everyone has to put the team first. He’s made that very clear. He’s picking players on who he feels will be best for the team and that’s his choice.

  "As players, we’re fully behind him and fully behind on his ideas and what he wants to implement in the team. We feel like a real team, especially in this pre-season since I’ve been back. The group is so together and that’s something that we need to keep, to make us more of a family and to keep everyone together, driving in the right direction."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

  The Red Devils are gearing up for their next pre-season friendly outing against Bournemouth in Chicago on Thursday. Amorim's side are due to kick off their new Premier League campaign on August 17, with a blockbuster home game against Arsenal on the cards.

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Autor de um dos gols na vitória do São Paulo por 3 a 1 contra o Coritiba, em partida válida pelo Campeonato Brasileiro no estádio do Morumbi, Luciano falou sobre o rigor da arbitragem após ser advertido nos últimos minutos do duelo – que aconteceu nesta quinta-feira (20), no estádio do Morumbi.

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+ ATUAÇÕES: São Paulo perde chances, mas Calleri e Luciano resolvem em vitória sobre o Coritiba

+Veja tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro e simule os próximos jogos

O problema é que o camisa 11 era um dos jogadores pendurados do Tricolor. Desta forma, por conta da regra do terceiro cartão amarelo, terá que cumprir suspensão contra o Juventude, em jogo que acontece no próximo domingo (23), às 16h (de Brasília), no estádio Alfredo Jaconi.

Após a vitória, o atacante comentou sobre a arbitragem deBraulio da Silva Machado e brincou ao dizer que como ‘castigo’ de Rogério Ceni, terá que viajar com a delegação para a cidade de Caxias do Sul, no Rio Grande do Sul.

– É difícil falar da arbitragem. Hoje, não podíamos encostar. O jogo tinha que correr mais, falei com ele (árbitro), mas toda vez ele me fala que vai me dar cartão, que vai me tirar do jogo. Tomei um pisão, eu sou nervoso mesmo, e levei o cartão. O Rogério até brincou ali e disse que vou viajar com eles (elenco) – disse Luciano.

O gol contra o Coxa teve um significado especial para o atacante. Este foi seu 50º gol com a camisa do São Paulo. Após a partida, também falou sobre o feito e disparou que preferia que esta marca tivesse acontecido em outra oportunidade.

– A gente está, apesar do tropeço que tivemos contra o Botafogo, na briga. Sabíamos que se ganhássemos hoje, entraríamos de vez [na briga]. Temos um confronto difícil contra o Juventude. Estava pensando hoje à tarde que se eu fizesse o gol 50, falaria que trocaria os 49 pelo título da Sul-Americana. Só não trocaria o gol contra o Palmeiras na final do Paulista. Mas, infelizmente, já passou. Bola para frente. Fiz de tudo para ajudar meus companheiros, graças a Deus fui premiado com o gol – completou.

Xabi Alonso explained what he expects from his Real Madrid full-backs and also addressed one issue highlighted by his predecessor Carlo Ancelotti.

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Alonso lays down his expectations from his full-backsWants them to be more aggressiveBrought up issues highlighted by Ancelotti last seasonFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Madrid head coach Alonso explained his footballing and tactical vision at his new club and shed light on the role he expects his full-backs to play in his system. He also acknowledged one pressing issue brought up time and again by his predecessor Ancelotti, stating that he is trying to learn from what the Italian has pointed out in the past.

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Los Blancos had an underwhelming 2024-25 season, which also culminated in the departure of Ancelotti after a four-year tenure. The former Real Madrid manager often spoke about a lack of balance, which saw them suffer heavy defeats against Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals, as well as arch-rivals Barcelona in La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de Espana.

WHAT XABI ALONSO SAID

Revealing what he expects from his full-backs, Alonso told former Real Madrid team-mate Guti on : "Once we've made progress, we need the full-backs to be higher, to be more aggressive. We have to be brave, we have to try to stifle [the opposition] so they don't get out. We have to not be shy and correct the opposing side. That's fundamental."

Later on, he made a telling Ancelotti reference.

"I've listened to Carlo, and he often said that the team lacked balance last season," Alonso explained. "And that's been important in the messages we're sending, when it comes to having the ball, turning it around, knowing how to accelerate, knowing how to stop… The quality is there, and the more collective sense we bring to the game… Then exceptional plays emerge that you can't coach. That's the path we want for the Club World Cup and for the future of this new era."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

So far, the two Madrid full-backs, Fran Garcia and Trent Alexander-Arnold, have done a more than decent job in the ongoing Club World Cup. Garcia has shown relentless energy and has been among the best players in Alonso's first four games at the club, while Alexander-Arnold is slowly settling into his new surroundings. The Englishman grabbed an assist during Madrid's 1-0 win over Juve in the round of 16, and he will be hoping to build on that performance when Los Blancos take on Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals on Saturday.

اتخذ نادي بايرن ميونخ خطوة جادة في سباق التعاقد مع الجناح الكولومبي لويس دياز، بتقديم عرض رسمي إلى ليفربول، وفقًا لآخر التقارير الواردة.

وارتبط دياز بالرحيل عن ليفربول خلال سوق الانتقالات الصيفية الجارية، مع اهتمام من برشلونة الإسباني وبايرن ميونخ الألماني بالتعاقد معه.

وبحسب ما ورد في صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية، بلغت قيمة عرض بايرن ميونخ لليفربول لضم لويس دياز، 67.5 مليون يورو، في محاولة لحسم واحدة من أبرز صفقات الصيف، لكن الرد جاء سريعًا من إدارة النادي الإنجليزي بالرفض.

بايرن ميونخ، الذي جعل دياز هدفًا أول بعد استبعاده لخيارات أخرى، يبدو مستعدًا للذهاب بعيدًا في هذه الصفقة، إذ تفيد التقارير الواردة من ألمانيا بأن بايرن يفكر في رفع العرض إلى 80 مليون يورو بعد إضافة حوافز ومكافآت متغيرة، وهو رقم يقترب من طموحات ليفربول المالية.

اقرأ أيضًا | لتجنب سيناريو أرنولد.. ليفربول يتخذ قرارًا بشأن رحيل كوناتي إلى ريال مدريد

ورغم هذه التحركات السريعة، إلا أن الاتفاق الشخصي بين اللاعب والنادي الألماني لم يُحسم بعد، خصوصًا في ما يتعلق بالتفاصيل المالية للعقد.

وتشير بعض المصادر إلى أن بايرن ميونخ يعرض عقدًا طويل الأمد حتى عام 2029 أو حتى 2030، وهناك مؤشرات إيجابية من جانب اللاعب إذا ما توصل الناديان إلى اتفاق.

من جهة أخرى، بات من الواضح أن دياز منفتح على الرحيل عن ليفربول هذا الصيف، شرط أن تصل إدارة ناديه إلى عرض مالي مُقنع.

ورغم قيمته الفنية الكبيرة داخل الفريق، إلا أن قرب نهاية عقده في 2027 وعدم وجود مفاوضات للتجديد، قد يدفع النادي الإنجليزي للنظر في الاستفادة من الصفقة ماليًا.

أما برشلونة، فرغم رغبة دياز الواضحة في ارتداء قميصه، إلا أن العائق المالي لا يزال حاضرًا بقوة.

النادي الكتالوني لم يتقدّم بعد بعرض رسمي، ويفضّل الانتظار حتى تتحسن أوضاعه الاقتصادية ويستعيد القدرة على التفاوض وفق قاعدة “1:1″، التي تسمح له بتسجيل اللاعبين الجدد دون قيود.

بايرن ميونخ يسابق الزمن لحسم الصفقة خلال الأيام المقبلة، مستغلًا تفوّقه المالي وسرعة تحركه، فيما يُراهن برشلونة على فشل المحاولة الألمانية ليدخل المشهد في توقيت أكثر ملاءمة.

Double-century stand with Luke Procter defies Lancashire attack at Old Trafford

Paul Edwards25-Jul-2023

Sporting fashion is so contagious that every time a county has departed from cricket’s orthodoxy this season or sought to force the pace in a match, local commentators have sought to label it some variety of England’s current tactics. Lancashire have not been immune from this piffle – Chazball is a current favourite, even though Glen Chapple, their head coach, is about as funky as a saint’s sock-drawer. Nevertheless, even on a day when Northamptonshire enjoyed one of their best days of the Championship season, it should be noted that Jack Morley and Tom Hartley were bowling in tandem at 2.10pm this afternoon.It is rare enough for Lancashire to select two spinners for a first-class game but no one can remember the last time two twisters were operating together half an hour after lunch on the first day, certainly not at Old Trafford. That it should have been so was partly testament to the quality of a Test match wicket that was going to help the twirlers if anyone but today showed little deterioration on its fifth day of use and no ill-effects from 48 hours under cover. Principally, however, it showed how Lancashire’s marquee seamers, Tom Bailey and Will Williams, had been tamed by a slim opener from Bedford, Emilio Gay, whose classically correct strokeplay was to make our day memorable.By the time he was dismissed six overs before the close when attempting a tired drive at a ball from the excellent George Balderson, Gay had made 144, his fourth first-class century and one run short of his career-best. His languid drives between point and mid-on, mixed with secure defence, had also offered some confirmation of a talent that was blighted by a knee injury at the start of the season and then cursed by the worms of uncertainty that can slither into any cricketer’s head when he wonders if and when the next big innings is coming.So the impressive thing about Gay’s hundred today was that his batting reflected none of this self-doubt. Yes, he was to offer one chance, to Keaton Jennings at slip off Jack Morley when he’d made 60, but he took boundaries off both the new-ball bowlers and Balderson early in his innings and came into lunch unbeaten on 35 having played with the sort of care that threw the dismissals of his colleagues into shaming relief. Indeed, Gay had watched as Ricardo Vasconcelos and Justin Broad had both fallen to Balderson when they failed to execute well-chosen attacking strokes. Steven Croft at backward point and Morley at midwicket had gobbled up smart catches and Northamptonshire were 29 for 2. Ten overs later Sam Whiteman was stumped by Phil Salt off Morley when he came down the wicket to a ball that turned inside his drive. That left the visitors on 59 for 3 and we thought a familiar story was about to be told to travelling supporters tired of hearing the bloody tale.Instead, though, Gay was joined by his skipper, Luke Procter, who once plied his trade in these parts and has often reminded his old muckers of a talent they probably underestimated.True, Procter’s crouching stance at the wicket still recalls that of the ancient Private Godfrey in “The Test”, a cricket-themed episode of , and of course, Northamptonshire’s 35-year-old captain is becoming something of a veteran himself. Yet when his moons align, he remains a mightily effective cricketer, coming down the wicket to the spinners and transforming himself from an arthritic pensioner into a model of orthodoxyPerhaps more significantly here, however, he gave Gay precisely the sort of encouragement the 23-year-old needed as he progressed beyond fifty towards the century he would eventually dedicate to his recently deceased and much beloved Uncle Gladstone. The pair had put on 207 by the time Procter was pinned on the back foot for 75 by Will Williams, whose aggression and economy have been one of the features of a Lancashire season that has not been whelmed in triumph.All the same, elements of Gay and Procter’s achievement are unlikely to have prompted street parties in Wellingborough or Brackley. For example, this was only Northamptonshire’s third century partnership of the season and the pair’s achievement in batting through from lunch till tea gave the county their first wicketless session since May 2022. Jennings’ bowlers, meanwhile, can reflect that they allowed Northamptonshire to collect only their second and third batting bonus points of their year. But at least one more venerable and certainly more respectable landmark was reached. Gay and Procter’s 207-run stand is their county’s highest for the fourth wicket against Lancashire, beating the unbroken 158 put on by Mushtaq Mohammed and Jim Watts at Liverpool in 1972.But if this was an indifferent day for Lancashire’s cricketers, even less could be said for the county club or “Lancashire cricket” as some officials crassly like to compress it. All gates near the Metro station on Brian Statham Way were closed this morning, parking was limited and non-members were expected to sit square of the wicket, although this resulted in a group of splendidly stubborn souls invading A Stand and letting the devil take the consequences. Not for the first time, Lancashire’s arrangements for a first-class match at Emirates Old Trafford had been made with the Operations Team thinking what they could get away with rather than what supporters might reasonably require. An Ashes Test is a prized honour west of the Pennines but if the consequence of holding one is not giving a toss about the faithful folk who turn up through fat years and lean ones, loyal Lancastrians are entitled to be a tad thankful Australia will not play here again until 2031.

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Apesar do compromisso com o Cruzeiro, pela Série B do Brasileirão, estar marcado para o próximo domingo (21), a equipe do Grêmio parece ter uma ideia clara de qual deve ser o 11 inicial da equipe para duelar com o atual líder da competição.

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>Lista com dez jogadores de peso que ainda estão sem clube

Por conta da suspensão pelo terceiro cartão amarelo de Geromel, o defensor deve ser substituído por Bruno Alves onde Nícolas, efetivamente recuperado de problema na panturrilha, deve formar a linha defensiva onde, além dele e Bruno, Natã será o outro zagueiro e com Rodrigo Ferreira ocupando a lateral-direita.

Desta forma, apesar da recuperação do lateral Edílson (fora por conta de uma amigdalite), a tendência é que o experiente jogador de 36 anos comece a partida ocupando o banco de reservas.

O mesmo raciocínio deve valer para Ferreira, atleta que esteve fora no período recente por problema muscular de grau 1 na coxa esquerda. Isso porque, enquantoLucas Leiva, Villasanti, Biel, Campaz e Guilhermeformariam o setor de meio-campo, a alternativa mais adiantada seria Diego Souza, artilheiro isolado da equipe na temporada com 16 tentos em 31 partidas.

Assim, a formatação do Imortal para o compromisso onde um grande público é esperado na Arena seria de Brenno; Rodrigo Ferreira, Natã, Bruno Alves e Nícolas;Lucas Leiva, Villasanti, Biel, Campaz e Guilherme; Diego Souza.

Everton are riding a seven-match unbeaten run in the Premier League, but David Moyes will want to return to winning ways after successive draws.

At a glance, 15th-placed Everton’s trip to Molineux on Saturday evening, taking on a Wolverhampton Wanderers side sat just one place below them, could have the feel of a six-pointer with less than three months of the campaign remaining.

But the Toffees’ fine form under their new and former manager has created a comfortable ten-point buffer, unassailable save for a steep regression back toward the dismal end to Sean Dyche’s tenure.

A victory would all but cement Everton’s place in the 2025/26 Premier League roster, but Moyes will need to overcome a host of injuries. Business as usual, then.

When Everton's absentees are returning

Everton’s frontline might be depleted, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Armando Broja are progressing in their recovery – albeit not in time for the weekend – as confirmed by Moyes.

Iliman Ndiaye, however, is still stuck in the infirmary for a few more weeks at the least, while the prognosis for Dwight McNeil is all the more frustrating, both facing a fight for fitness before the end of the campaign.

Despite the paucity of attacking options, Everton have made do and seen their attacking spirit enkindled by Moyes’ arrival, but Wolves are going to bring a physical and perhaps desperate challenge that could see Jesper Lindstrom return to the bench, having struggled for success all season.

Should such a move occur, Moyes may need to think outside the box.

Why Moyes should drop Lindstrom

Dyche oversaw a 4-0 thrashing of Wolves in the corresponding fixture this season, but Everton should indeed expect a different fight against an outfit facing the peril of relegation.

Chalkboard

Vitor Pereira has essayed to shape Wolves into a creative and attractive outfit, and though they’ve caught the eye in moments, there is still concern that the drop zone lingers dangerously below.

Against Everton, Matheus Cunha begins a suspension after a fracas with Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez in the FA Cup last weekend. Wolves’ loss..​​​​.

For their part, Everton might want to unleash Charly Alcaraz and take advantage of the hosts’ setback, though with Abdoulaye Doucoure returning to action following personal leave, he may not find a place in the middle.

Doucoure’s combative physicality and box-to-box presence will be essential for this stylistic match-up, but that doesn’t mean attacking midfielder Alcaraz can’t play from the opening too.

Indeed, Everton’s January loan recruit, 22, might principally play in Doucoure’s zone, but he’s enjoyed a measure of clinical success when fielded off the right flank, with the overarching positional fluidity making a telling comment on his ability to cover out of place when necessary.

It’s not like Lindstrom’s untouchable: the Danish winger, also a loanee, has failed to register a single goal involvement across 27 competitive appearances for the Toffees this term, having missed six big chances in front of goal.

Alcaraz, conversely, has started life at Goodison Park on strong footing, notching a goal and an assist in a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in February – his first start – while playing from the outset in last week’s draw at Brentford, creating three key passes, completing both his dribbles and winning six duels, as per Sofascore.

Before moving to Merseyside, Alcaraz’s exploits with Flamengo further evidence his suitability on the flank. As per FBref, the Argentina talent ranked among the top 6% of midfielders in the 2024 Brasileiro Serie A for progressive carries, the top 8% for successful take-ons and the top 7% for shot-creating actions per 90.

He’s a “special” talent – so says journalist Antonio Mango – and Everton must make this tweak. Lindstrom isn’t cutting it right now, and with Doucoure’s presence and security bolstering the attacking point of the midfield, Alcaraz could make a positive impression at Molineux.

Everton have a "monster" who could be Moyes' new Rooney & it's not Beto

Everton are resurgent under Moyes’ wing, with a new superstar on the rise.

By
Angus Sinclair

Mar 6, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Após demitir Roberto Fernandes e namorar Eduardo Baptista, o Náutico anunciou a chegada do técnico Elano.

– VEJA A TABELA DA SÉRIE B

Com passagens pelo futebol paulista, o comandante terá a missão de recuperar o Timbu na disputa da Série B.

Em sua rede social, Elano fez questão de alinhar o discurso com a torcida e garantiu que está preparado para mostrar serviço.

‘É com um enorme orgulho que chego ao Náutico para dar mais um passo muito importante da minha carreira como treinador. Me sinto plenamente preparado para o desafio de defender uma das camisas mais pesadas do futebol brasileiro e aproveito para convocar o torcedor Alvirrubro a fazer dos Aflitos o caldeirão que sempre foi. Juntos, nós podemos e vamos chegar muito mais longe! Vamos, Timbu!’, postou o treinador.

Estreia

O seu primeiro jogo será no sábado, quando terá o Londrina pela frente, nos Aflitos.

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Manchester United played out an entertaining 2-2 draw away from home against Everton on Saturday afternoon, in their final Premier League trip to Goodison Park, one of English football’s most historic stadiums.

For about 70 minutes, the Red Devils were poor. Everton went into the halftime break 2-0 up, thanks to goals from Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure. The Toffees striker scored after a messy clearance from a corner by United gifted him the ball in space. It was a well-controlled finish from the 27-year-old.

Doucoure also scored from a bad bit of defending from United. He outjumped Harry Maguire, following a parry from Andre Onana, to nod over the Cameroonian goalkeeper and double the Toffees’ lead.

United started the second half just as poorly, but, the introduction of Alejandro Garnacho and young striker Chido Obi changed the game. They seemed much more fluid and three-dimensional in attack.

Captain Bruno Fernandes got his side back into the game, scoring a well-directed freekick. Just moments later, Manuel Ugarte picked up a loose ball on the edge of the box, and, after bringing it down on his chest, slammed home to equalise.

Everton were perhaps unlucky not to have a penalty at the death. Former Red Devils captain Ashley Young went down under pressure, but after initially being given on the pitch, the decision was overturned.

United’s standout player was, as usual, Fernandes.

Fernandes’ performance vs. Everton

Over the years, no matter how dire the circumstances, there has always been one player United can rely on. It is none other than their “Portuguese Magnifico”, Fernandes. Against Everton, it was no different.

The Red Devils skipper scored a brilliant freekick to kickstart his side’s comeback at Goodison Park. From 20 or so yards out, shooting from the left-hand corner of the box, Fernandes directed his effort into the far corner, with Jordan Pickford rooted to the spot. It was a smart finish.

Samuel Luckhurst, a journalist for The Manchester Evening News gave Fernandes a 7/10 for his efforts. He praised the United skipper for the way he ‘galvanised the team’ in the final throes of the game.

Indeed, Fernandes’ stats on Sofascore show just how influential he was on the game for United. Their number eight had 109 touches, created two chances and won seven out of 13 duels. His all-round contribution was vital, and he had more touches, and the second-most number of touches across all players.

Stat

Leader

Most touches

Fernandes – 109

Most accurate passes

Fernandes – 64

Most key passes

Harrison – 3

Most tackles

Gueye – 11

Most successful dribbles

Fernandes – 3

Most duels won

Gueye, Mazraoui – 11

Possession lost

Fernandes – 29x

On the whole, though, it was a poor performance from the rest of United’s side. In particular, the defenders struggled against the Everton attackers.

The United defender who struggled vs Everton

It was a tough day at the office for several Red Devils defenders. Noussair Mazraoui played well but was substituted after seemingly picking up a slight knock. Maguire did not have his best game after a spell of good form

However, Matthijs de Ligt was someone who really struggled. He arguably looked out of his depth against the fantastic Beto and was one of the culprits for bringing down Young in the overturned penalty decision.

Luckhurst gave him a 2/10 for his efforts, a scathing review. The journalist said he looked ‘overwhelmed’ and was ‘easy prey’ against the Toffees attackers, who really got the better of him across the game.

He did not place very highly in many of the key stats from the game, as per the table above. Defensively, he only won five from nine duels, less than 11 players on the pitch, and only managed one tackle. He played a backpass out of play, too.

Incredibly, the Dutchman was not a player United wanted to bring in last summer. According to ESPN’s Mark Ogden, the Red Devils, and their new ownership group, INEOS, “didn’t want” to sign the defender from Bayern Munich, in a deal that cost them £38.5m up front and £4.3m in add-ons.

It certainly makes you question, will the Dutchman be a long-term option for Ruben Amorim? If United’s board didn’t want to bring him in, there is no saying that De Ligt is someone the Portuguese manager might view as a long-term fit for his system.

After performances like that against Everton, it could well be the case that he is not someone who is a long-term option for the club.

Man Utd considering first offer to sign £53k-p/w ace who may replace Onana

Onana has struggled at times this season…

ByTom Cunningham Feb 22, 2025

Liverpool currently sit top of the Premier League on 53 points after 22 games played, whilst Arsenal sit second on 47 points with 23 games played. If Arne Slot’s side continue at this rate, they will lift the trophy and secure Premier League glory for the first time since 2019/20.

When you compare Liverpool to their closest competitor – Arsenal – their defensive records are similar, both conceding 21 goals so far this season. Therefore, the goalscoring prowess of the Anfield side, scoring 54 goals compared to Arsenal’s 44 goals this season, is clearly where the points are being made up.

Of course, Mohamed Salah has played a huge part in that, scoring 23 goals and providing 17 assists so far this season, with 19 goals and 13 assists in his 22 Premier League games played. However, in their last four games, Salah only contributed with two goals and assists, which saw Slot’s side drop four points.

Whilst Salah will likely continue to provide high output, if he doesn’t provide said output, Liverpool could struggle to find the breakthrough, which could be the difference between them winning the league and not. Therefore, could the last few days of this window be key for the Reds?

Liverpool's need for a striker

Reports earlier this month claimed that Napoli striker Victor Osimhen – who is currently on loan at Galatasaray – was an option for Liverpool, in their bid to strengthen the forward line.

Transfer Focus

Whilst Chelsea and PSG hold long-term interest in the Nigerian number nine, the Merseysiders could make a move for the forward eventually, especially if Darwin Núñez was to be moved on, amid links to the Saudi Pro League.

Liverpool’s current striking options are Nunez, who has struggled for consistent minutes under Slot and has struggled to find his best form, Diogo Jota, who has struggled to stay fit throughout the season, and Luis Diaz, who has been playing as a make-shift centre-forward, despite being more of a left-winger.

Osimhen – who has made 21 appearances for the Turkish side this season, scoring 17 goals, providing five assists and totalling 1,627 minutes played – could well then be the answer, if a late swoop were to be pursued.

How Osimhen compares to Nunez

Nunez has managed 29 appearances for Liverpool this season, scoring six goals, providing four assists and totalling 1,515 minutes played.

Whilst he is still being used, the fact Diaz has been shifted to play through the middle shows Slot perhaps doesn’t fully trust him yet.

When comparing Osimhen to Nunez this season, you can see Osimhen is more of a typical box striker, scoring goals at an extremely high rate, generating exceptional xG numbers per 90, taking a high volume of shots and winning aerial duels for fun.

Nunez does, however, contribute more in regards to progressive actions, dropping deep and linking play more effectively, but given the quality in Liverpool’s squad already, a striker who can offer something different could be a better option for Slot’s side.

Osimhen has been labelled a “world-class” striker by José Mourinho, and that could be exactly what Liverpool need to take the goal-scoring burden off of Salah, having a centre-forward who can generate high xG chances when Salah isn’t performing and also cause havoc in the box, creating space for others around him.

Having the addition of such a clinical presence through the middle could hand the Reds that extra edge as they bid to secure the title.

Liverpool hold concrete interest in "exceptional" £50m Salah replacement

The Reds now hold concrete interest in a forward who has been in impressive form this season, as a potential heir to the Egyptian.

By
Dominic Lund

Jan 30, 2025