Category Uncategorized

As Barcelona advance in their bid to sign Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams this summer, the chances of Liverpool winger Luis Diaz moving to LaLiga dwindle considerably.

Earlier in June, The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealed La Blaugrana had seen a formal approach for the Colombian rebuffed, with FSG unequivocal in their response: Diaz is not for sale this summer.

While transfer stances are pliable things, it does seem silly to let Diaz leave for anything less than a mammoth fee. Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon has been touted as a potential successor, but would the Three Lions star truly represent an upgrade, especially as he would cost up to £100m?

Coming off the back of his most productive campaign for Liverpool, and a title-winning term at that, the 28-year-old Diaz has also aroused the attention of Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, who would be more inclined to meet Anfield’s £70m valuation of the star.

If he does leave, Cody Gakpo at least provides Arne Slot with an existing presence on the left wing. Moreover, Florian Wirtz is Anfield-bound, and he’s more than capable of playing off the wide strip.

The latest on Florian Wirtz to Liverpool

Liverpool have pulled a blinder in securing Wirtz’s signature. The deal, which could rise to a British-record £116m fee, has been agreed, but not yet finalised, with a medical slated for Friday.

Despite concrete interest from Manchester City and Bayern Munich, Liverpool have entered the final stages of a record transfer that should seal their position at the highest rung of a ladder which dangles over the scope of European football.

Typically placed as a central attacking midfielder, the German international ranked among the top 4% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

He’d raise the level of any forward he plays with, and while Diaz would go from strength to strength alongside Wirtz next season, should he leave, there’s another who may benefit from the Leverkusen superstar’s prowess.

Liverpool make approach for new forward

As per esteemed French outlet L’Equipe, Liverpool have entered the race for winger Malick Fofana, though Chelsea are leading the race, having already established direct contacts with Lyon for the 20-year-old.

However, Liverpool have now held talks with the representatives of Malick Fofana too, though they have joined a battle consisting of Manchester United and Nottingham Forest.

Fofana’s fast ascent to prominence in Ligue 1 has caught the eye of several Premier League heavy hitters, and while he’s been priced at €50m (£43m), this stands far lower than what FSG would have to fork out for someone like Newcastle’s Gordon.

What Malick Fofana would bring to Liverpool

Belgian prospect Fofana may still be in the fledgling phase of a promising career, but he’s already proved he has the clean finishing and robust motions of a player capable of succeeding in the Premier League.

Joining Lyon from KAA Gent in January 2024, Fofana scored three times in the French top flight before the end of the 2023/24 term, only starting four matches.

Last season, though, he reached new levels while starting the year as a teenager, posting 11 goals and six assists across 41 matches.

In the French first division, he certainly demonstrated his aptitude, scoring five goals and assisting four more despite only starting 16 times. With only four big chances missed and six big chances created himself, there’s a lot to like, with the speedy star almost economical in his play, making smart choices.

As per FBref, he actually ranked among the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues in 2024/25 for non-penalty goals scored, the top 2% for progressive carries and the top 14% for touches in the attacking box per 90.

As is probably clear, he’s a naturally potent threat, looking to drive up the pitch and into the penalty area with fleet feet before striking on goal. Fofana has been described as a “game-changer” by journalist Antonio Mango, and it’s clear to see why.

The wideman’s performances, interestingly, have seen FBref draw up Gordon as one of his most comparable players, and so for a portion of the fee, surely this would be the track to head down for Liverpool?

He might be unrefined, but Gakpo resides in the Merseyside squad and, more to the point, Wirtz will soon be settled into the way of life at Liverpool, thus providing an electric talent such as Fofana with an elite supply line to direct toward the end of his darting runs.

For a Liverpool side whose creativity levels already rank as the best that the Premier League has seen in recent years, this is a tantalising thought that will become an exciting reality for the Reds faithful.

Across the past four Bundesliga campaigns, Wirtz has averaged 2.4 key passes or higher per game three times, which is an incredible achievement and a clear depiction of the magic of Liverpool’s new addition.

His genius ball-playing and -carrying skills would be the perfect fit for any player worth their salt, but for Fofana, a raw talent with blistering pace and an already established prolific sense, Liverpool truly could be the perfect stomping ground for him to take the next step in his development, especially as the aforementioned Gakpo will ease any sense of being overburdened.

Transfer Focus

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

If Liverpool sell Diaz and replace him with Fofana, they will be turning a profit while providing Wirtz with a forward to direct his playmaking skills toward for many years to come. What’s not to like?

He's better than Gordon: Liverpool among favourites to sign £77m winger

Liverpool may need to replace Luis Diaz in the transfer market this summer.

4

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 17, 2025

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has proven to be one of the busier Premier League transfer chiefs, as he looks to close the gap on English champions Liverpool and help manager Mikel Arteta end the club’s 20-plus-year-long wait for a league title.

The threat Gyokeres has text Sporting as he pushes to join Arsenal

He’s prioritising a move to north London.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 1, 2025

Both Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga have signed for Arsenal, while Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard is expected to undergo a medical this week (The Athletic), as he closes in on becoming a direct replacement for the now-departed Thomas Partey.

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

Arsenal are also attempting to wrap up a deal for Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera as well, so there is every possibility that the Gunners will soon announce four major deals in what would be a major boost.

“There were tentative links a while back, but nothing massively serious, and then all of a sudden an offer had gone for the defender,” said journalist Charles Watts in a recent CaughtOffside column.

“At the time of writing this column there is no agreement between Arsenal and Valencia for the defender, with Arsenal’s opening offer having been rejected.

“Arsenal are expected to return imminently with an improved bid and with reports suggesting that personal terms have already been agreed with Mosquera, this feels like one that could be wrapped up pretty quickly.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal are continuing their chase for a new striker, and Berta has his eyes on a new attacking wide player too – so we can expect a few more deals to potentially be concluded by deadline day on September 1.

A lot of talk has surrounded Arsenal’s serious interest in Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze recently, but another Premier League forward in Chelsea’s Noni Madueke remains a real option for Berta.

The former PSV Eindhoven star has been at the centre of rumoured discussions between Arsenal and Chelsea, as Berta assesses many targets, with Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg now providing an update.

Arsenal submit offer to Noni Madueke after talks opened

Plettenberg states via X that Arsenal have “submitted an offer” to Madueke and that “talks have started” over a potential deal for the England international, who cost Chelsea around £30 million to sign from PSV in 2023.

The 23-year-old racked up 11 goals and five assists in 44 appearances for Chelsea last season across all competitions, with Enzo Maresca even calling Madueke one of Chelsea’s best players.

Nevertheless, Madueke’s departure is still seen as a realistic possibility, especially now the west Londoners are closing in on both Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens and striker Joao Pedro.

He could be an ideal alternative to Bukayo Saka on the right-hand side, and one who may not break the bank either. Chelsea and Arsenal have enjoyed a fruitful business relationship lately, and the versatile forward may well become their latest in a long line of recent agreements.

“The one thing I love about Noni is he’s direct, and he’ll take you on,” said pundit Jason Cundy in May, to Chelsea’s official app.

“He’s quick. He’s strong. He’s a physical presence. When he goes past you, he stays past you.”

Am I crazy to be fading the winningest team in baseball at home?  Maybe. But, by now, you know my style, so stay with me for a bit. Our bankroll has been growing. 

Yes, the Yankees are the best team in baseball right now and the only team with 50 wins. They will also be sending Nestor Cortes to the mound, and he's been stellar at home.   When pitching at home this season, Cortes has a mere 1.77 ERA. That's dominant.  

Juan Soto is back in the lineup, and Aaron Judge is doing Aaron Judge things. He's batting .300 with 26 home runs, which is on pace to match and possibly eclipse his record-setting 62 home run MVP season.   

من المعروف عن أندية القمة في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، أنها تتنافس دائمًا على ضم أفضل اللاعبين، بجانب تنافسها على الفوز بالمباريات والألقاب 

وقد أكد نادي تشيلسي، تعيين ديف فالوز مدير التعاقدات السابق في نادي ليفربول، ليكون مديراً رياضياً لتطوير كرة القدم في النادي اللندني.

وغادر فالوز ليفربول في أكتوبر 2024 بعد 12 عاماً قضاها في النادي، وقد ترأس فريق التعاقدات وكان له دور محوري في التعاقد مع لاعبين مثل محمد صلاح وفيرجيل فان دايك وساديو ماني.

ونشرت “ليفربول دوت كوم” ان فالوز انضم إلى تشيلسي بعقد مدته ست سنوات وسيقود فريقاً يضم خمس أعضاء في النادي ويشمل عدة أسماء.

اقرأ أيضاً.. دروجبا: أنا معجب بالملك المصري محمد صلاح

وكان فالوز قد شكل عاملاً محورياً في نجاح ليفربول خلال فترة تدريب يورجن كلوب للنادي وقد استخدم تحليلات وبيانات في سياسات الانتقالات، وهو نهج إبداعي غير مسبوق.

وكان فالوز قد أجل رحيله عن ليفربول ليساعد الفريق في مرحلته الانتقالية من يورجن كلوب إلى عهد آرني سلوت، وسبق له العمل مع مانشستر سيتي ونيوكاسل وبولتون.

وقال فالوز في بيانه: “يسعدني الانضمام إلى تشيلسي والعمل بشكل وثيق مع شخصيات مثل بول ولورانس وجو وسام وغيرهم من الشخصيات الموهوبة في فرق تشيلسي رجال وسيدات وشباب”.

وأضاف :”لقد أعجبت كثيراً بالعمل المبذول في استراتيجية تطوير وجذب اللاعبين على جميع المستويات وأتطلع للمساهمة في تعزيز الأسس التي أرساها النادي مع الفرق الموهوبة التي طورها الملاك”.

The Saudi Pro League is reportedly prepared to pay a record-smashing €350 million for Kylian Mbappe and hand him a Cristiano Ronaldo-esque contract.

Vinicius Jr was wanted in the Middle EastMarquee signings being sought in that regionFrench superstar has no interest in moveFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

World Cup winner Mbappe has emerged as a top target for teams in the Middle East after they failed to lure club colleague Vinicius Junior away from Santiago Bernabeu. It was claimed that a €300m (£259m/$348m) fee could change hands there, with a €1 billion (£863m/$1.2bn) contract being lined up.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

No deal was done for the Brazil international, but the Saudi Pro League remains in the market for “high-profile players that can elevate the league’s global image”. According to , a €350m (£302m/$406m) offer has been readied for Mbappe.

The France international would be handed terms that “match or come very close to Ronaldo”, with the five-time Ballon d’Or-winning Portuguese superstar working on a record-breaking deal at Al-Nassr.

DID YOU KNOW?

No sale will be sanctioned as Real Madrid consider their French ‘Galactico’, who has been handed the No.10 shirt in the Spanish capital, to be “absolutely untransferable” as their “biggest commercial and media asset”.

GettyTELL ME MORE

Mbappe has also “shown no inclination” that he wants to leave the Bernabeu. He is focused on “establishing his legacy among Europe’s elite” and believes his efforts to be in peak condition for the 2026 World Cup “would be compromised by a move to the Saudi league”.

Bangladesh fast bowler Shoriful Islam has been ruled out of the second Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi with a groin injury. He is now in a race against time to be fit for the two Tests in India next month.According to the Bangladesh team physio Bayjedul Islam Khan, Shoriful complained of discomfort in the groin area after the first Test last week, and subsequent tests confirmed the injury.”Shoriful underwent an MRI following the first Test and the results show a Grade 1 left adductor strain,” Bayjedul said. “Recovery usually takes around 10 days in such cases and he has started his rehab.”Shoriful had taken three wickets in Bangladesh’s ten-wicket win in the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi. He was also handy with the bat, hitting two sixes in a 14-ball 22. Taskin Ahmed replaced him in Bangladesh’s starting XI for the second Test.Shoriful has played 11 Tests but also missed 11 Tests for Bangladesh since his debut three years ago. Taskin, meanwhile, is returning to the format after more than a year.Bangladesh’s next assignment is a tour of India, with the first Test in Chennai from September 19. They play two Tests and three T20Is during the tour that run until October 12.Bangladesh have a busy schedule till the end of 2024: after the tour of India, they have two Tests at home against South Africa in October, and a full tour of West Indies in November and December.

MatériaMais Notícias

da bet esporte： Maior competição mata-mata do futebol nacional, a Copa do Brasil está se encaminhando para sua fase decisiva, com as semifinais já em andamento.

RelacionadasCorinthiansSaiba como estão as possíveis negociações do Corinthians no último dia de janela abertaCorinthians02/08/2023FlamengoFlamengo mantém postura rígida em punição a jogadores por casos de indisciplina; relembreFlamengo02/08/2023GrêmioGrêmio apresenta Luan que fala em ‘recomeço’ e ‘página virada’Grêmio01/08/2023

da gbg bet： Corinthians, Flamengo, Grêmio e São Paulo seguem vivos e disputam duas vagas para as finais, que serão disputadas nos dias 16 (ida) e 23 (volta) de setembro.

Os finalista serão conhecidos no dia 16 de agosto, quando acontecem os duelos de volta de ambas as semifinais. Na partida de ida, disputada na Neo Química Arena, o Timão venceu o rival paulista por 2 a 1 com direito a dois gols de Renato Augusto, e joga pelo empate no Morumbi.

+ Assista aos jogos do seu clube do coração com aquela gelada! Copo Stanley a partir de R$120,00

Do outro lado da chave, o Flamengo contou com grande atuação coletiva de sua equipe para derrotar o Grêmio, fora de casa, pelo placar de 2 a 0. O Rubro-Negro chega para a partida de volta podendo perder por até um gol de diferença no Maracanã.

CONFIRA O CHAVEAMENTO DA COPA DO BRASIL

Sunderland have been working on the market to secure new arrivals and find themselves in the lead for an exciting centre-forward, according to a report.

Sunderland tipped to make some ambitious moves this window

The Black Cats find themselves back in familiar Premier League territory and have plenty of money to spend after Jobe Bellingham was sold to Borussia Dortmund for a base fee of £27 million.

With a wealth of financial capital to reinvest, Keith Wyness has suggested that Sunderland should sign Raheem Sterling from Chelsea, though he acknowledges his high wages may be a sticking point for any interested parties.

He stated: “I think you’re really going to be restricted, in my opinion, to the three clubs coming up – Leeds, Burnley, Sunderland. I think that’s where he might find a space.

“But again, the wages are going to have to be really heavily subsidised to get him any move at all. But I think it’s going to come to the point that that will be the case. It’s going to be a difficult move and I don’t know how long he’s got left on his contract yet, but still it’s going have to be Chelsea subsidising those heavily to get him out there.”

Japhet Tanganga and Charlie Cresswell could come in to strengthen Sunderland’s defence if circumstances fall in a direction that would allow Regis Le Bris to land either individual from Millwall or Toulouse, respectively.

Talks held: Sunderland now moving to sign new overseas players for Le Bris

Things could start to heat up in the transfer window for the Black Cats.

ByCharlie Smith Jun 19, 2025

However, signing proven quality in front of goal will be key to remaining in the top-flight, and there is every chance the Wearside giants could now be well on the road to securing the services of a clinical international forward.

Sunderland leading race to sign Vladyslav Vanat

According to The Daily Express, Sunderland are leading the race to sign Dynamo Kyiv forward Vladyslav Vanat and formal talks have been held with his camp over a potential move to the Stadium of Light.

The expectation is a ‘speedy agreement’ would be easy enough to find on personal terms, only after the clubs have agreed on a fee involving the Ukraine international.

Vladyslav Vanat in 2024/25 – all competitions

Appearances

45

Goals

21

Assists

9

However, there could be a sticking point on his price tag as Dynamo Kyiv are keen to recoup a figure reportedly said to be in the region of £21 million amid concerns over whether they will be able to secure a replacement capable of replicating his impact.

Furthermore, the Ukrainian giants want to keep striker Vanat ahead of their Champions League qualifying campaign, which begins on July 22nd against the winners of FK Vilnius Zagrinis and Hamrun Spartans.

Nevertheless, talks appear to be heading in a positive direction, so there is every chance Sunderland could manage to force this one over the line between now and the end of the summer window.

Bangladesh finally found a way to bat like a confident unit and that only happened because they realised they should always be looking for runs, even on tough pitches

Mohammad Isam in Dhaka11-Nov-2018One of the areas that Tamim Iqbal discussed with the Bangladesh batsmen during and after the first Test against Zimbabwe was the pace of their innings. He isn’t a big believer in defending too many deliveries for the sake of survival, which is what Bangladesh tried to do in Sylhet. Tamim feels batting becomes easier when you’re always on the lookout for runs, regardless of the match situation.Bangladesh suffered a familiar top-order collapse on the first day of the Dhaka Test but their recovery from that was simply excellent. They even crossed the dreaded 169, having failed to do so in each of their last eight innings. The 266-run partnership between Mushfiqur Rahim and Mominul Haque is the fourth-highest by a Bangladeshi pair. Mominul became the first batsman from his team to get to three 150-plus knocks, while Mushfiqur became only the 10th wicketkeeper to score six Test hundreds.

I found out why he is one of the top five players in Bangladesh. It really affected me. I think his input was important for me. I think it is one of my best hundredsMominul on Mushfiqur’s influence and making runs on a tough pitch

The change in fortune, particularly on an “unpredictable” pitch, was down to Mushfiqur and Mominul recognizing quite early that scoring runs will bring them comfort at the crease and in turn have the opposite effect on Zimbabwe’s bowlers.Mominul was the first to hit a boundary; by lunch he had four – one skewed over gully but the other three timed through midwicket, cover and mid-off. Mushfiqur was more careful, only looking for boundaries after the first interval. He had four fours when he reached his fifty.The pair had a great time in the middle session, scoring 151 runs in 32 overs. Mominul reached his century during this time, and as the partnership went into a higher gear, it became evident that they had cut out the risks and were working hard to grind down the Zimbabwe bowlers.In the last eight innings, the last of which was in Sylhet, the same batsmen had a hard time avoiding loose strokeplay. But here, there was a fine mix of deliveries left alone throughout their long partnership, with Mushfiqur especially careful against the fast bowling of Kyle Jarvis and Tendai Chatara. He reached his hundred after the tea interval, his first Test century since February 2017, against India in Hyderabad. The former Bangladesh captain has been very consistent in ODIs and T20Is during this period, but in Tests, especially with Tamim out injured, he needed to do better. And on Sunday, he most certainly did.Mushfiqur Rahim is pumped up after reaching his hundred•AFP”Mushfiqur bhai guided me throughout my innings,” Mominul said. “I found out why he is one of the top five players in Bangladesh. It really affected me. I think his input was important for me. I think it is one of my best hundreds. It was an interesting innings. It was tougher than some of my other hundreds.”Mominul is an instinctive top-order batsman. He made a good start to the year with his hundred in each innings against Sri Lanka. But apart from a 182 against Ireland A in August, he has had a lean time in 2018. But despite getting out to loose strokes several times in the last eight months, his confidence was evident even in Sylhet. Here in Dhaka, on a far more challenging pitch, Mominul scored freely but always made sure to pick the right balls to hit.”I didn’t see much of a difference [between this innings and the previous Tests]. I should have scored in the last five or six innings. You get out of the rhythm sometimes. Maybe something goes wrong with the routine, which I try to maintain.”I don’t try to complicate my batting. It is easier if you focus only on seeing the ball and playing the ball. You have to be mentally strong. Sometimes people say things when I am not scoring runs but that’s normal. Everyone would.”Still, there were the odd silly mistakes. Mominul survived dropped catches (albeit tough ones) on 9, 25 and 120 leaving no doubt that Bangladesh have a long way to go to become a fully confident Test batting unit. The three early wickets they lost also suggested the same. They were at a virtual standstill with Imrul Kayes and Liton Das finding it hard to get scoring opportunities in the first 11.1 overs. Imrul got out to a fine delivery but Liton and then Mohammad Mithun played poor shots after struggling to get the ball off the square.These were silly mistakes that could have cost Bangladesh heavily. Instead, through the Mushfiqur-Mominul record fourth-wicket stand, the home side have a stronger foothold in the contest.

Granit Xhaka has been offered a return to the Premier League by recently promoted Sunderland, who are interested in the former Arsenal captain.

Xhaka eyed by SunderlandReportedly in talks with Saudi Arabian teamPreviously starred for ArsenalFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to , Sunderland have made an audacious approach for Xhaka, who is set to leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer after just two years back in Germany. The reporter claims the Black Cats are in contact with the 2023-24 Bundesliga champions over a €10 million (£8.6 million) transfer and are willing to offer the 32-year-old Switzerland international a three-year contract.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Sunderland aren't the only side interested in recruiting the midfielder. The former Gunner has reportedly been in talks with Saudi Arabian side Neom which would see Xhaka receive a significant pay rise, while AC Milan have been keen on him in recent months without making much progress in negotiations with Leverkusen.

DID YOU KNOW?

Sunderland were something of a surprise package last season as they won promotion to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs, but that hasn't stopped them investing heavily in their squad in anticipation of their first season back in the top flight since 2016-17. Enzo Le Fee's loan move has been made permanent, while Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, Reinildo Mandava, Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra have all arrived at the Stadium of Light.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR XHAKA?

If Xhaka were to move to Sunderland, he would be tasked with filling the boots of Jobe Bellingham, who left the club earlier in the summer to sign for German outfit Borussia Dortmund.