Liverpool might have ‘won’ the transfer window, but so often Premier League sides have flattered to deceive after spending liberally across the summer months.

In fairness, Liverpool lost the Community Shield against Crystal Palace last month and looked shaky in defence across their opening couple of fixtures. Florian Wirtz, £116m signing from Bayer Leverkusen, has yet to come alive.

That’s one way of looking at it. There’s also the fact that the top-flight champions have claimed nine points from nine to head into the international break at the summit, with Hugo Ekitike having scored three goals and supplied an assist across his first four appearances in Red.

Liverpool ended their incredible summer window with the record-breaking signing of Alexander Isak, who joins from Newcastle United on a £125m deal. However, some might feel that Ekitike might have already nailed down a starting berth, with three goals and an assist from four appearances.

He’s not the finished article, but Liverpool saw a chance to sign the burgeoning French forward and acted, with the view that he could soon become one of the very best in the business.

Why Liverpool signed Hugo Ekitike

After playing so confidently as Eintracht Frankfurt’s senior striker last season, talent scout Jacek Kulig remarked that Ekitike “could definitely reach world-class striker levels”.

Many feel that the jump from a division like the Bundesliga to the Premier League can be a step too far for some talented young players, but Ekitike is not part of that crowd and has indeed been one of Liverpool’s best players so far this season, scoring three goals and supplying one assist across his first four matches.

His fast start shouldn’t detract from the fact that the 23-year-old Ekitike is a work in progress, with his performance against Arsenal last weekend leaving much to be desired, failing to take a shot, blowing both attempted dribbles, completing two passes and losing six of eight contested duels, as per Sofascore.

Still, Isak’s going to have his work cut out on Merseyside this season, battling for a starting spot with this rising France striker.

Players like Isak and Wirtz are almost outliers in Liverpool’s transfer strategy, both having arrived on record-breaking deals this summer. There lies the truth of Liverpool’s new position of strength at the top of the food chain.

But Ekitike, though arriving for a hefty figure, has several years of development to undertake before he reaches the refined level of someone like Isak.

Liverpool saw an opportunity and they snatched at it. As is FSG’s way. Just look at the transformational signing of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion two years ago.

Liverpool struck gold with Alexis Mac Allister

Admittedly, Liverpool forked out a far prettier penny for Ekitike, wowing the Premier League when landing World Cup hero Mac Allister from Brighton for just £35m.

Jurgen Klopp oversaw the move, shipping off some of Liverpool’s long-standing midfielders in a clearout which sparked this new wave of success, Slot taking the wheel.

And while Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo have all played roles of differing, yet noteworthy, importance, none have exuded Mac Allister’s control, composure and quality across the full span of their time on Merseyside.

The Argentina international’s first Premier League term with the Reds, he stabilised the ship. Then, after a change in management, the £150k-per-week talent played a talismanic part in winning the top-flight title, so authoritative and dynamic in the middle of the park.

Mac Allister – PL at Liverpool

Stats (* per game)

23/24

24/25

Matches (starts)

33 (31)

35 (30)

Goals

5

5

Assists

5

5

Touches*

74.2

55.8

Pass completion

88%

87%

Big chances created

3

6

Key passes*

1.4

1.3

Dribbles*

0.5

0.5

Ball recoveries*

5.9

4.2

Tackles + interceptions*

4.1

3.3

Ground duels (won)*

5.0 (50%)

4.3 (50%)

Data via Sofascore

Shifting between midfield berths was never going to pose a problem for the South American, whose technical qualities and athleticism lend themselves to different roles. Pundit Joe Cole took note of this, remarking that the “superstar” is adept enough to “play anywhere” he is tasked to perform.

He might not be positionally comparable to Mac Allister, but Ekitike might be required to occupy various positions in a similar way, jockeying for a place with Isak at the front of the Liverpool ship.

However, his early foray into life in Red certainly suggests that Ekitike has both the talent levels and the adaptability to thrive under Slot’s leadership, as has been the case for Mac Allister over his two differing years at the club.

Renowned for his shooting ability and maestro-like vision in the middle of the pitch, Mac Allister has also been one of the division’s consistent tacklers over his time at Liverpool, finishing sixth with 94 won last season and sixth with 98 during the 2023/24 season.

Is it any surprise that the former Seagull’s market value will have risen exponentially over these past few years? Indeed, according to Football Transfers, the 26-year-old is worth a jaw-dropping £116m fee right now, bearing testament to his progress across the past several seasons.

In fact, not only is Mac Allister worth a lot more than Ekitike, who might be hoped to follow a similar path, but the difference in value between Mac Allister’s £35m signing and his current worth exceeds the entire sum Liverpool paid Frankfurt for their Les Bleus forward just over one month ago.

That goes to show that Mac Allister made the right decision in furthering his career at Liverpool, and that Ekitike too could find himself falling into a similar ballpark, especially after his promising start to life in Red.

For now, though, Mac Allister is the man with the shiny price tag, having quietly put himself alongside the cream of Liverpool’s crop, those such as Isak and Wirtz.

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عبر دودو الجباس لاعب بيراميدز عن سعادته بتتويج فريقه ببطولة كأس السوبر الإفريقي على حساب نهضة بركان المغربي. 

وتوج فريق بيراميدز بلقب السوبر الإفريقي أمام نهضة بركان المغربي بهدف دون رد أحرزه فيستون مايلي، على ملعب الدفاع الجوي. 

طالع.. جدو بعد تتويج بيراميدز بالسوبر الإفريقي: حققنا إنجازًا.. ومايلي أثبت قيمته

وقال الجباس في تصريحات عبر قناة “إم بي سي مصر2”: “هذا الفريق يستحق كل شيء، منذ سنين ونبني فريقًا، وكنا نصل لآخر محطة ولكن لا نحصد اللقب”. 

وأضاف: “الفريق أصبح يركز على هدف واحد وهو حصد الألقاب، بطولة إفريقيا صعبة للغاية وبالأخص عندما لا نمتلك الجماهير، بيراميدز تغلب على هذا العامل، وكأس السوبر الإفريقي بطولة مهمة جدًا”.

فيما أبدى محمود زلاكا سعادته الكبيرة بعد تتويج فريقه بالسوبر الإفريقي، قائلًا: “لا يوجد أحد يجتهد إلا وربنا يعوضه ويراضيه، أقول هذا الكلام لأنني مررت بذلك منذ ثلاث سنوات، حيث كنت لا ألعب الكرة”. 

وأردف: “تعبت واجتهدت وربنا عوضني بأشياء كثيرة، لا أصدق أنني معي هذه البطولات، وهذه المباريات تلعب بروح وعزيمة وتعبنا وربنا وفقنا وحصدنا اللقب”.

واختتم: “حلم أي أحد أن يلعب في كأس العالم، كنت سأنضم لمعسكر منتخب مصر الماضي ولم أوفق”.

فيما تحدث أحمد عاطف قطة لاعب فريق بيراميدز، عن تتويج فريقه بالسوبر الإفريقي على حساب نهضة بركان المغربي قائلا: “حلم لأي لاعب صغير مثلي يكون جزء من المنظومة الكبيرة واللاعيبه الكبيرة، واحصل على خبرات وسطهم وحقق انجازات كبيرة معهم”.

وواصل: “من سنتين الموضوع كان صعب اكون غير متواجد في بيراميدز وانا اعارة في المقاولون العرب، فجأة في سنة ونصف حققت 3 بطولات بطولة عالم وبطولتين قارتين، حلم كبير وشرء كبير أنني اكون متواجد وسط اللاعيبه الكبار والمنظومة”.  وشدد: “يورتتشتش قال لنا أول ما انضم لبيراميدز، قال لنا إن سبب عصيبته على الخط لأن بيراميدز لا يمتلك جماهير، الفرق الجماهيرية تعطي الفرق حماس وروح، وقال أفعل ذلك لأن لا يوجد أحد في ظهركم في المدرج يفوقكوا”.   

With Adam Idah set to join Swansea City, Celtic have now reportedly opened talks to sign a £10m striker who was once backed to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Marco van Basten.

Adam Idah set to join Swansea

After a 50-minute cameo to forget against Kairat in the Champions League, Idah has been shown the door by Celtic in ruthless fashion. Returning to English football just one year since swapping Norwich City for the Scottish champions in a move worth £9.5m, Idah will be desperate to put his recent Celtic form behind him back in the Championship.

The forward is set to leave with 29 goals in 76 appearances to his name, which includes a last-gasp Scottish Cup winner against Old Firm rivals Rangers in 2024. For that moment alone, some may argue that Idah proved to be worth every penny.

Ultimately, however, with Brendan Rodgers keen to bolster his side before the deadline, Idah has been shown the door. The Celtic boss told reporters when asked about potential incomings following his side’s Champions League exit in midweek: “I always think that investment is great, but it has to be a timely investment.

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“It has to be at the right time. I think at this moment in time, we’ve just lost a game. Like I say, this group of players have given everything. We’re obviously being limited to what we could do in the game at the moment, but like I said, they gave everything.”

At that stage, there was arguably little room to welcome further arrivals. With Idah now set to seal his exit, however, the Bhoys could welcome an instant upgrade.

Celtic in talks to sign Dolberg

According to Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph, Celtic are now in talks to sign Kasper Dolberg from Anderlecht this week. The 27-year-old forward is reportedly valued at £10m – a similar price that the Bhoys initially paid for Idah last summer – and negotiations are underway.

The Dolberg name is one that many will remember from several years ago. The Dane was the supposed to be the next best thing at Ajax. He was billed as football’s latest wonderkid. His own father even went as far as to compare him with the legendary Van Basten, whilst the Ajax scout who discovered Dolberg dubbed him an “extraordinary talent”, but things never quite worked out as planned.

That said, whilst the Dane is not among the world’s best players like many expected him to be, he still has a knack for goals and has already netted five in just eight games this season. And it is that knack for goals which should see Celtic push all the way for his signature.

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Principal jogador do Corinthians na temporada, Róger Guedes falou pela primeira vez sobre a possibilidade de deixar o clube nesta janela de transferências. O estafe do jogador conversa com um fundo de investimento árabe que levá-lo para o futebol do país. O Timão ainda não recebeu proposta oficial, mas teme a saída do atleta. 

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Guedes se mostrou feliz atuando pelo clube alvinegro, mas não descartou as chances de deixar a equipe. O atleta disse que está focado no seu desempenho em campo e disse ter entregado a situação nas mãos do seu empresário, Paulo Pitombeira. 

+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

– Eu tô tranquilo, isso tá com os meus empresários, está com o Paulo (Pitombeira), ele quem cuida da minha carreira. Isso é com ele. Estou bem focado aqui no Corinthians. Deixo tudo nas mãos dele. Só fico focado aqui no jogo para dar o meu melhor em campo. Tô feliz no Corinthians, tenho contrato até final de 2025, ou 2026. Tô feliz, mas as propostas fazem parte do futebol e está nas mãos do meu empresário também – disse o camisa 10 em entrevista ao portal ‘Meu Timão’ antes de deixar o estádio Monumental, em Lima, no Peru, onde o Timão bateu o Universitario por 2 a 1 e confirmou a classificação às oitavas de final da Copa Sul-Americana. 

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O vínculo de Róger Guedes com o Corinthians tem duração até o dia 31 de agosto de 2025. 

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Róger deixou claro que ainda não conversou com a diretoria corintiana sobre a situação. Duílio Monteiro Alves, que é presidente do clube, não viajou com a delegação até a capital peruana. O grupo de jogadores foi chefiado pelo vice-presidente Wagnão. 

– Não conversamos sobre isso. Duílio nem veio para cá. Estou tranquilo e focado no jogo – destacou Guedes. 

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Róger Guedes estreou pelo Corinthians em setembro de 2021, após mais de um ano de jogar, por conta da pandemia de Covid-19. O atleta atuava pelo Shandong Luneng (hoje Shandong Taishan), da China, e não conseguiu voltar ao país asiático após passar as festas do fim de 2020 no Brasil. Após longa negociação, conduzida especialmente por Paulo Pitombeira, o atleta conseguiu a rescisão com o clube chinês e acertou com o Timão.

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Com a camisa corintiana, o jogador já tem 124 jogos e 42 gols, 30 deles marcados na Neo Química Arena, onde se tornou o maior artilheiro do estádio na vitória do clube alvinegro sobre o América-MG, no último sábado (15).

Sammy-Jo Johnson, the New South Wales and Sydney Thunder allrounder, has announced her retirement from professional cricket a month after helping NSW win the WNCL title.The end of her cricket career will see Johnson pursue her other passion, drag racing, while working towards becoming a full-time mechanic”I’m excited for the next chapter. Becoming a mechanic has always been a dream of mine, and now I’ll be one step closer to moving into that full time,” Johnson said. “I’m also looking forward to spending more time with family and friends, and of course, racing at Sydney Dragway.”Related

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Johnson came through the NSW pathway before moving to Queensland to find playing opportunity. She would also become part of the Brisbane Heat set-up and play a key role in their back-to-back titles in 2018-19 and 2019-2020.She returned to NSW for the 2020-21 season, a move which included joining Thunder in the WBBL, and helped them to the title in the Covid bubble campaign in late 2020. She would also go on to captain NSW on 17 occasions.Johnson was able to close out her career with another title, taking 2 for 36 as NSW beat her former state Queensland in the WNCL final to claim the Ruth Preddy Cup.”Leading the side has been one of my greatest honours and even through the challenges, I was always well supported and loved every moment,” she said.”To finish my career with a WNCL title is unbelievable, but what means even more is seeing the growth in this group over the last five years,” she said. “Being part of the team that brough Ruth home, is something I will always cherish and be proud of.”Overall, Johnson claimed 109 wickets in the WBBL alongside scoring 962 runs and in the WNCL she took 103 wickets while scoring 1079 runs.”Sammy’s been an integral part of both the NSW Breakers and Sydney Thunder and leaves a lasting impact on the game,” Leah Poulton, Cricket NSW’s head of female cricket, said. “Her leadership, consistency, and all-round ability have set a high standard for those who follow in her footsteps. We thank Sammy for the immense contributions she’s made and wish her all the best in her next chapter.”Trent Copeland, the Sydney Thunder general manager, said: “Her passion and experience provided a competitive edge, and the influence she’s had on our younger players is immeasurable. What an absolute ripper of a human being. An exceptional leader in every situation, we are incredibly grateful for Sammy-Jo’s contributions to the club, and we have no doubt she will thrive in her next chapter.”

It would be fair to say that Arsenal had one of the best transfer windows in the Premier League this summer.

Mikel Arteta finally got his hands on a prolific number nine in Viktor Gyokeres, a dangerous left-winger and ten in Eberechi Eze, and the perfect six to anchor the midfield in Martin Zubimendi.

However, one player who didn’t necessarily excite the fans to begin with, but now looks like an excellent addition, is Noni Madueke.

The Englishman could be the perfect player to complement and rival Bukayo Saka on the right-hand side, although had Arsenal kept hold of one of their youngsters years ago, they’d have an even better option today.

Why Madueke can challenge Saka this season

Now, nobody is arguing that Madueke is the better player than Saka here; that would be far too reactionary.

However, from what we saw of him at Chelsea, and more importantly, what we’ve seen from him over the last couple of weeks, it looks like he could challenge the Hale Ender for game time this season.

For example, while he looked better than Gabriel Martinelli when playing off the left in the first two games of the season, it was away to Liverpool when he started on the right-hand side that he looked the most dangerous.

In fact, including the Reds’ frontline, the former Blues ace was probably the best attacker on the pitch, as even though he wasn’t able to score or set up a goal, he was a constant threat on the break.

According to Sofascore, he was successful in 100% of his dribbles, took the Gunners’ only shot on target, and had 29 touches, so the stats support the idea that he was Arteta’s best offensive player.

However, it’s been the 23-year-old’s performances for England over the last five days that have really turned heads.

In the game against Andorra, he helped to open the scoring when his cross was deflected in for an own goal, and then against Serbia, he was near enough unplayable.

In his 76 minutes of action, the Barnet-born winger scored his first senior international goal, completed 20 of 22 passes, completed 100% of his dribbles, won four of five duels, made two tackles and was ultimately a massive problem for the home side.

In all, Madueke currently looks like he’ll be able to challenge Saka for a place in the team when the Hale Ender is back to full fitness.

Although Arsenal would have had an even better option had they kept hold of a former youth player.

The Madueke upgrade Arsenal lost as a youngster

Just like other clubs of their size, Arsenal have let their fair share of incredible talents slip through their fingers, such as Harry Kane, Serge Gnabry and even Eze.

Where Are They Now

However, in this instance, we aren’t talking about someone who’s returned to the club or someone who’s nearing the end of their career; we’re talking about a player approaching the peak of their powers: Michael Olise.

Yes, as a youngster, the outrageously gifted Frenchman spent time in the Gunners’ youth setup before moving to Chelsea, Manchester City and then Reading, where he caught the eye of Crystal Palace.

The South Londoners decided to splash £8m on the then-19-year-old in the summer of 2021, and to say that it worked out for them would be a colossal understatement.

Over the following three years, the game-changing winger would score 16 goals and provide 25 assists in 90 appearances, more than justifying Sky Sports analyst Dougie Critchley’s claim that he is “one of the best players in the world.”

Moreover, the Eagles made a cool £42m profit on the player when they sold him to Bayern Munich for £50m last summer, although based on his performances for the German giants since, we’re sure they’d have gladly paid double that.

For example, he racked up a brilliant haul of 20 goals and 23 assists in 55 appearances, totalling 3842 minutes last season, and has already scored four goals in four games this season.

Appearances

55

46

Minutes

3842′

2646′

Goals

20

11

Assists

23

5

Goal Involvements per Match

0.78

0.34

Minutes per Goal Involvement

89.34′

165.37′

Ultimately, while there is every chance Madueke could be a brilliant player for Arsenal and great competition for Saka, it’s clear Olise is comfortably better than the former Chelsea ace.

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Bayern Munich chief has claimed that the Bundesliga champions "can afford any transfer they want", while explaining why they did not compete with Liverpool for Florian Wirtz's transfer. The Reds beat Bayern and Manchester City in the race to sign Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen this summer as they paid a whopping £116 million ($156m), a British transfer record at the time.

• Wirtz's struggle at Anfield

  Wirtz has failed to recreate the stunning form he showed for Bayer Leverkusen in the last two seasons since moving to the Premier League. He has appeared in 10 matches across all competitions for Arne Slot's side and has only one assist to show for his efforts thus far. 

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• Getty Images
  

  Wirtz benched against Chelsea

  After failing to perform in a series of games, Slot finally dropped Wirtz from his starting lineup during their crunch Premier League clash against Chelsea. He was, though, introduced in the game at the start of the second half, as the German replaced Conor Bradley. 

• 'We can afford any transfer we want'

  Now, Bayern Munich CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen has taken a sly dig at the English champions while explaining why they did not compete for Wirtz. Speaking to , Dreesen said: "We can afford any transfer we want. We have an excellent capital ratio. FC Bayern is doing very well. But we want to be able to pay a player – without having to run to the bank. That's not FC Bayern's DNA. The bottom team in the English league, at €125m, has €60m more in media revenue than us. Liverpool has €200m, while FC Barcelona and Real Madrid each have €160m."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Liverpool face mini-crisis

  After a perfect start to their season, where they won seven matches in a row across all competitions, the Reds have now lost three back-to-back games, against Crystal Palace and Chelsea in the Premier League and Galatasaray in the Champions League. After the international break, they will host Manchester United on October 19.

Rangers’ attacking options at Ibrox look very different now compared to just a few weeks ago.

All of last season’s top three scorers have departed this summer, with Václav Černý not returning following his loan spell, while Hamza Igamane departed for £10.4m, before Cyriel Dessers was sold for £3.5m on deadline day.

To replace them, wingers Djeidi Gassama and Oliver Antman have both arrived at Rangers while, in terms of centre-forwards, striker Bojan Miovski has come in from Girona for £2.6m, thrown in for his debut against Celtic last weekend.

Then, on deadline day, with Dessers Athens-bound, the new 49ers ownership group sanctioned one of the most expensive signings in the club’s history, but would they simply have been better off keeping a “rapid” forward?

Youssef Chermiti's move to Rangers

Last Monday, Rangers signed Youssef Chermiti from Everton in an £8m deal that could rise to £10m with performance-based add-ons.

This makes him Rangers’ most-expensive signing of the post-liquidation era, smashing Ryan Kent’s record, behind only Tore André Flo’s £12m move to Ibrox from Chelsea in 2000.

Well, the 21-year-old’s career on Merseyside does not leap off the page as someone who warrants a record-breaking transfer fee.

Chermiti began his career at Sporting CP, scoring three goals in 22 senior appearances for the Lisbon-based club, but this was enough to convince Everton to pay £11.5m to secure his signature in August 2023.

Well, fair to say this did not prove to be a shrewd investment, given that Chermiti did not score a single goal in 24 appearances for the Toffees, albeit these totalled just 295 minutes, with 22 of them as a substitute, of which 16 were cameos of ten minutes or fewer, in his defence.

Thus, it very much remains to be seen if Chermiti will be a success in Glasgow or not, making him a very expensive gamble.

So, would Rangers simply have been better off keeping hold of their “rapid” forward, rather than selling him for £4m?

Rangers' forgotten forward

Four years ago, Rangers signed forward Fashion Sakala on a free transfer, arriving from Oostende after his contract had expired at the Belgian club.

During two seasons in Glasgow, the Zambian international certainly made his mark, bagging 24 goals for Rangers, registering nine and then 12 during his two Premiership campaigns.

Speaking on Sportscene following Rangers’ 4-1 victory over Hibernian at Easter Road in March 2023, in which Sakala scored and bagged two assists, Steven Thomson praised his “immense” performance, while Leanne Crichton labelled him “rapid”.

Then, somewhat out of the blue, Sakala joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Fayha for a reported fee of £4m and, well, he hasn’t stopped scoring since then.

During his first season with the Orange, he bagged 19 Saudi Pro League goals, a tally only bettered by Cristiano Ronaldo and Aleksandar Mitrović, as the table below documents.

Goals

19

3rd

Assists

6

19th

G + A

25

3rd

Shots

105

3rd

Shots on target

42

3rd

Big chances missed

13

11th

Successful dribbles

84

1st

Average SofaScore rating

7.31

4th*

*minimum 25 apps; among forwards only.

As the table documents, Sakala was outstanding during his debut season in Saudi Arabia, ranking third for goals, shots and shots on target, completing the joint-most dribbles alongside Allan Saint-Maximin.

Last season, his form did dip, bagging only eight times in the Saudi Pro League, but this still means he has accumulated 30 goals across all competitions during two seasons with Al-Fayha, registering an assist against Al-Fateh on the opening day of this season.

During the same time frame, new signing Chermiti has scored, well, zero goals, having bagged just three in his entire senior career.

Thus, all available evidence suggests that the Zambian would certainly be more of a sure-fire thing in attack, rather than the recently arrived, expensively recruited Portuguese U21 international.

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Barcelona have reportedly intensified contact for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi amid growing competition from Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Real Madrid. The England international, whose deal runs until 2026, was close to joining Liverpool in the summer but a collapsed transfer could now trigger a full-scale bidding war across Europe.

Barca join Bayern in Guehi chase

Barca have stepped up talks for Crystal Palace centre-back Guehi as competition heats up between several European giants. According to , Bayern have already held discussions with the defender’s camp, exploring a possible free transfer in 2026 once his contract expires.
However, claims Barca have accelerated contact with Guehi’s representatives after learning of Bayern’s growing interest. Liverpool, who were close to landing the England international last summer, and Real Madrid are also monitoring the situation closely.
Guehi, 25, is valued at around €45 million (£39m/$53m), though Crystal Palace may be forced to sell at a reduced fee in January to avoid losing him for nothing in the summer.

AdvertisementGettyBayern lead race but others closing in

Bayern’s sporting director Max Eberl has reportedly identified Guehi as a potential long-term replacement depending on the futures of Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae. reports that the Bavarian club’s interest hinges on whether either of their current defenders depart next summer.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have not abandoned their pursuit, the Reds reached an advanced agreement with Palace in the final hours of the last transfer window before the London club abruptly pulled the plug due to their failure to find a replacement.
Guehi’s proposed move was so close that, the player had reportedly recorded a farewell video for Palace fans and even had a private jet booked to Merseyside before the club halted the transfer.

Guehi’s rise from Chelsea to England regular

Born in the Ivory Coast but raised in England, Guehi joined Chelsea’s academy at seven before moving to Crystal Palace in 2021 after an impressive loan spell at Swansea City. Since then, he has made over 150 appearances for the Eagles and developed into one of the Premier League’s most consistent defenders.
The 25-year-old right-footed centre-back is admired for his composure, and leadership, qualities that have made him a fixture in Gareth Southgate’s England squad, where he has been capped 23 times.
He also played a key role in England’s run to the Euro 2024 final, further enhancing his international reputation. His maturity and tactical awareness have made him an appealing option for clubs rebuilding their defensive lines.

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Why Guehi fits Flick’s rebuild

For Hansi Flick’s Barca, the focus this season has been on rebuilding the defensive core after the departure of Inigo Martinez, and their recent defense woes. Although the Catalans initially sought a left-footed centre-back, sporting director Deco is believed to be open to signing versatile defenders with top-level experience.
Guehi’s adaptability and strong ball-playing ability make him a viable candidate, especially with financial constraints limiting Barca’s options in the market. His potential availability for a reduced fee, or even on a free in 2026, fits perfectly within the club’s evolving recruitment model.
The Premier League defender’s ability to read transitions and maintain high defensive lines could also suit Flick’s pressing system, offering a blend of athleticism and composure under pressure.

England batter will take over from Jos Buttler across both T20I and ODI formats

Andrew Miller07-Apr-2025

Harry Brook takes over from Jos Buttler•Getty Images

Harry Brook has been confirmed as England’s new white-ball captain, across both T20I and ODI formats, after Jos Buttler’s decision to stand down following his team’s early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy in March.Brook, 26, has been England’s vice-captain in white-ball cricket for the past year, and led the side in Buttler’s absence for five ODIs against Australia last September. His first outing as the official captain will come in three home T20Is and three ODIs against West Indies at the end of May.”It’s a real honour to be named England’s white-ball captain,” Brook said. “Ever since I was a kid playing cricket at Burley in Wharfedale, I dreamed of representing Yorkshire, playing for England, and maybe one day leading the team. To now be given that chance means a great deal to me.”Brook had been the outstanding candidate for the role after emerging as a key player across formats since his debut in 2022, including Test cricket, for which he is currently ranked as the No.2 batter behind his England team-mate Joe Root, having made a career-best 317 against Pakistan in Multan last year.Speculation had mounted about Brook’s impending appointment when, on the eve of this year’s IPL, he pulled out of his deal with Delhi Capitals for the second year running, citing the need for England to remain his “priority and focus” ahead of a busy 12 months across formats, including key Test series against India and Australia, and the next T20 World Cup in February 2026.”I want to thank my family and coaches who’ve supported me every step of the way,” Brook said. “Their belief in me has made all the difference and I wouldn’t be in this position without them.Related

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“There’s so much talent in this country, and I’m looking forward to getting started, moving us forward, and working towards winning series, World Cups and major events. I’m excited to get going and give it everything I’ve got.”Though still relatively inexperienced as a leader, Brook impressed with his tactical nous in the 3-2 series loss to Australia in September, having also led the Under-19 team at the 2018 World Cup. He has also captained Northern Superchargers in the Men’s Hundred, when available.Though there were no realistic alternatives to Brook as T20I captain, there had been some thought as to whether Ben Stokes should take on the role in ODI cricket, given his existing relationship with Brendon McCullum, and the extent to which the 50-over and Test squads have overlapped in recent months.Speaking in March, Rob Key, England men’s managing director, acknowledged it would be “stupid” not to consider Stokes’ credentials. However, with Stokes still recuperating from hamstring surgery, and given that he had previously retired from the format in 2022 citing his workload, this option was not pursued.Key said: “I’m delighted that Harry Brook has accepted the role as England’s white-ball captain across both formats. He’s been part of our succession planning for some time, albeit this opportunity has come slightly earlier than expected.”Harry is not only an outstanding cricketer, but also has an excellent cricketing brain and a clear vision for both teams that will help drive us towards winning more series, World Cups and major global tournaments.”To date, Brook has played 26 ODIs for England, scoring 816 runs at 34.00, including a match-winning century as captain against Australia last summer. In T20Is, he has played 44 games, averaging 28.50 with a top score of 81 not out, and was part of the team that won the T20 World Cup in Australia in 2022.