da prosport bet： Liverpool fell to just their second Premier League defeat of the season this afternoon, losing 3-2 to Marco Silva’s European-chasing Fulham at Craven Cottage.

da stake casino： Alexis Mac Allister put Arne Slot’s side ahead after just a quarter of an hour but would trail 3-1 at the break after goals from Ryan Sessegnon, Alex Iwobi and Rodrigo Muniz.

Luis Diaz pulled a goal back in the second half, but it was too little too late, as the Reds squandered an opportunity to move one step closer to title glory in 2024/25.

They still sit 11 points clear of second-placed Arsenal with just seven games to go this campaign, still sitting in pole position to end their four-season drought for a league triumph.

It certainly was an afternoon to forget on the banks of the River Thames, with numerous players failing to deliver like they have done on so many occasions – undoubtedly contributing to the loss.

Liverpool’s poor performers against Fulham

Goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has been a superb replacement for Alisson in his absence this season, but his showing today was one of his worst of the season.

The Irish international had a goals prevented xG of -1.22 whilst also conceding three times – the most he has in any game throughout the current campaign.

As for star man Mohamed Salah, he blanked for the second game in a row after failing to make an impact in the Merseyside derby against Everton in midweek.

The winger registered just 49 touches, missing one big chance and failing to complete any of his attempted dribbles – once again unable to have an impact in the final third.

However, despite the Egyptian’s lack of positive impact in the capital, one other Reds player failed to deliver, with Slot needing to drop him from his starting eleven next weekend.

The Liverpool player who was worse than Salah against Fulham

Ahead of the game, Slot decided to make just one change from the team that beat their local rivals on Wednesday night, with Cody Gakpo coming in to replace Diaz.

Such a decision proved that the Dutchman had faith in the side to claim another victory, but were unable to do so, falling way behind the high levels they have set for themselves.

Diogo Jota scored the winner against the Toffees, but failed to have any form of positive impact this afternoon, with the manager desperately needing to drop the Portuguese international from his side.

The 28-year-old featured for 67 minutes against the Cottagers, missing a big chance and only completing two passes, showcasing how poor he was when the ball fell his way.

He also notched just 22 touches, an average of one every three minutes, and lost the ball 100% of the time he tried to take on an opponent, unable to repeat his heroics from midweek.

Out of his 22 touches, he lost possession 13 times, meaning he gifted the ball away with 60% of his touches – with Slot needing to hand increased minutes to the likes of Darwin Núñez and Federico Chiesa.

Diogo Jota’s stats for Liverpool against Fulham

Statistics

Tally

Minutes played

67

Touches

22

Passes completed

2

Dribbles completed

0/1

Possession lost

13x

Big chances missed

1

Shots taken

1

Stats via SofaScore

As a result of his dismal showing, he was handed a measly 5/10 match rating by The Express’ Jack Mceachen, further highlighting how poor he was during the defeat.

Given his inability to take advantage of his starting position, Slot has to drop him from the side, with Jota simply not at the level required for a side at the top of the Premier League.

The summer could pose an interesting challenge for the manager, deciding whether to stick or twist, potentially ending his stint at Anfield after his inability to impress.

Related Liverpool can sign the PL's new Kevin De Bruyne in swoop for £63m "artist"

Arne Slot’s side are expecting to be busy in the summer transfer market.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Apr 5, 2025

Manchester City added a new midfielder to their squad in the January transfer window.

Spaniard Nico Gonzalez joined the club from Portuguese giants FC Porto for a fee in the region of £50m. He was, in many ways, signed as a replacement for Rodri, who is sidelined this season with a knee injury.

The new City midfielder has certainly made a great impression to start the campaign. He has played nine times for the reigning Premier League champions so far this term and was even described as a “mini Rodri” by Pep Guardiola.

The Spain international might not be the only midfield recruit in 2025 for City. They have recently been linked with another player who can strengthen the centre of the park.

Man City’s new midfield target

After the success of the Gonzalez signing in the winter, City could now turn back to the market to add Tijani Reijnders to their midfield. The AC Milan sensation has been making waves for the Serie A giants this term and could now depart the club this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

According to a report from Football Insider, the Citizens ‘have identified Reijnders as a top target’ for the 2025 summer transfer window and is ‘seen as a player who would fit seamlessly into City’s midfield’, alongside the likes of Rodri and Gonzalez.

However, this will not be an easy deal for the East Mancunian outfit to do. Football Insider reports that the Milan ace will only be able to move to the Etihad Stadium if they pay £50m and sell three players to make room in their squad.

Why Reijnders would be a good signing

Should the Citizens bring Reijnders to the club head of the 2025/26 season, he would surely be a huge upgrade to their midfield. Football analyst Ben Mattinson believes he is one of the “top 5 midfielders this season”, high praise indeed.

The Dutchman has played a key role for Milan this term. He has scored 13 times and grabbed four assists across 43 games for the Serie A giants. One of those strikes was away to Real Madrid, in a fantastic 3-1 win at the Santaogo Bernabeu.

The Netherlands international is not the only midfielder City have been linked with in recent weeks. According to reports in Spain, they are targeting £50m-rated Hugo Larsson of Eintracht Frankfurt. The young Sweden star has six goals and one assist for the club.

Whilst both players will reportedly cost the same price, perhaps Reijnders will be the better option. Not only is he more experienced, but he offers more of a goal threat and lots of creativity in the final third. Just look at this assist for Christian Pulisic to see how technically gifted and creative he is.

Another way to get a picture of who will be the better signing out of Reijnders and Larsson is to compare their stats via FBref from the 2024/25 campaign. To preface these numbers, it is worth noting that Reijnders has played an average of 16 full 90 minutes more than Larsson.

Well, the metrics certainly make for interesting reading. For example, this term, Reijnders has averaged 6.40 progressive passes and 3.30 progressive carries per 90 minutes, compared to Larsson’s 4.89 progressive passes and 0.65 progressive carries each 90 minutes.

Progressive passes

6.4

4.89

Key passes

1.43

0.94

Shot-creating actions

3.27

2.44

Progressive carries

3.3

0.65

Successful take-ons

1.13

0.22

With both players potentially costing the same amount, you could argue there is not much difference in whom you sign.

However, the experience and all-rounder quality that Reijnders offers, particularly as a ball-carrier, perhaps give him the edge.

If City do decide to sign the Dutchman, he will bring technical quality on the ball and a goal-scoring threat as a box-crasher. He would certainly enhance the calibre of midfielder Guardiola has at his disposal.

He was saved by O'Reilly: Pep must drop 4/10 Man City dud after Bournemouth

Man City won their FA Cup semi-final 2-1 on Sunday

ByJoe Nuttall Mar 31, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

da bet7： O Santos está focado para o começo da sua jornada na Copa Sul-Americana. Para a disputa da competição, o Peixe pode enviar uma lista prévia com 50 jogadores até este sábado (1), às 19h. Com essa missão, o Alvinegro ‘corre’ contra o tempo na busca por reforços.

A CBF permite a transferência de jogadores de clubes estrangeiros até terça-feira (4) e ampliou a janela para transações entre equipes nacionais até o dia 20 de abril. Contudo, para participarem da Sul-Americana, os reforços precisam estar regularizados na Confederação até o fim da tarde desta sexta (31), pois a instituição brasileira não tem expediente formal no próprio sábado e deve apenas encaminhar as listas à Conmebol.

RelacionadasSantosSantos avança pela contratação do lateral Lucas Blondel, do TigreSantos30/03/2023SantosSantos goleia Goiás e assume liderança do grupo no Brasileirão Sub-20Santos30/03/2023SantosSantos reforça Sub-20 com atacante ex-FlamengoSantos30/03/2023

da heads bet： +A vez de Diniz? Listamos 12 técnicos que ainda estão atrás do primeiro grande título

No entanto, caso não haja tempo hábil para a regularização, a Conmebol também permitirá que até cinco atletas sejam inscritos de maneira provisória. Portanto, nomes de jogadores envolvidos em transações ainda não resolvidas pelo Peixe devem ser colocados de modo ‘temporário’ e regularizados posteriormente.

Caso a contratação e regularização sejam concluídas, o Santos deverá encaminhar à entidade na próxima segunda-feira (3) a documentação dos jogadores que estiverem nestas condições. Assim, a inscrição torna-se definitiva.

No meio disso tudo, o Santos luta no mercado com a intenção de encontrar reforços para o resto da temporada. Até o momento, o Alvinegro está próximo do argentino Lucas Blondel e faz os movimentos necessários para regularizar o lateral-direito. Ainda vale ressaltar que o clube observa opções na janela e ainda não ‘jogou a toalha’ por novos atletas.

Retiring opener David Warner crushed Pakistan with an audacious half-century to farewell Test cricket in style as Australia won the third Test at the SCG by eight wickets to complete a series sweep.Warner smashed 57 off 75 balls before his fairy-tale final innings ended shortly after lunch on day four with Australia just 11 runs short of victory. He was given out lbw to offspinner Sajid Khan on review as Warner walked off to handshakes from the Pakistan team and then waved his bat to a raucous ovation from the 24,220 crowd.Marnus Labuschagne finished unbeaten on 62 from 73 balls with Australia making light work of the 130 target on a dry surface that had played tricks with variable bounce and sharp turn.Australia batted with intent and scored at over five runs an over as the surface appeared easier for batting compared to on day three when 15 wickets fell. Pakistan succumbed to Warner and Labuschagne’s 119-run partnership with fiery quick Aamer Jamal, their best bowler in the series, surprisingly not used until after lunch.All eyes were on Warner in his final innings of his 112-Test career. Coming out to a standing ovation, Warner had a long embrace with opening partner and close mate Usman Khawaja before entering a guard of honour from Pakistan.Sajid opened the bowling for Pakistan and made an immediate impact on the first ball when he beat Khawaja with a sharp delivery that turned past the bat. Sajid revived Pakistan’s slim hopes when he dismissed Khawaja lbw for a duck later in the over in a decision upheld on review.There was intrigue over whether Warner would dig in or play in his trademark proactive style. His intention was evident when he skipped down the pitch at left-arm quick Mir Hamza and opened his account with a punch through cover as he showcased his sprinting between the wickets to race back for a second.On his 12th delivery, Warner smashed his first boundary when he plundered a wide delivery from Hamza through cover before unfurling his white-ball skills when he reverse swept Sajid to the boundary. Warner’s approach was nonetheless risky on a tricky surface and he had some luck when he inside edged seamer Hasan Ali past his stumps. He also had an anxious moment when he almost holed out to mid-on off Sajid only to land safely wide of Jamal who had run back in vain.Marnus Labuschagne stayed unbeaten and hit the winning runs•Getty Images

But Warner notched his half-century off just 56 balls and Australia only needed to knock off 39 runs after lunch. The remaining interest in the contest centred over whether Warner would hit the winning runs. He survived a tight lbw call off Sajid on 53 that Pakistan unsuccessfully reviewed and Labuschagne was dropped by captain Shan Masood at short midwicket to continue their series-long fielding woes.Labuschagne, who last year averaged a modest 35 in Test cricket, was in sublime touch and scored his second half-century of the match. He hit the winning run after Warner’s dismissal as Australia claimed a series whitewash with none of the three Tests getting into a fifth day.This match effectively lasted just three days after half of day two was washed out. But Australia were challenged, particularly their batters, with Warner set to leave a big hole at the top of the order.It was a disappointing finish for Pakistan, who sank to their 17th straight defeat in Australia. They had been highly competitive over the past two Tests and showcased a resilience few touring teams have in Australia. Pakistan unearthed Jamal, who was a shining light in his debut Test series with 18 wickets and he also shows promise as a genuine allrounder having struck 82 in their first innings.But Pakistan will rue sloppy fielding and batting implosions, which reared late on day three when they crumbled to 67 for 7 in their second innings. Their hopes on day four of setting Australia a challenging total rested on Mohammad Rizwan and Jamal.Quick Josh Hazlewood opened the bowling on day four, having set the SCG alight in the penultimate over of day three with the wickets of Saud Shakeel, nightwatcher Sajid Khan and Salman Agha. After a cautious start, Jamal scored the first boundary of the day when he hammered Hazlewood through backward point.Rizwan lived dangerously as he looked to attack Nathan Lyon, but he had better success sweeping part-time spinner Travis Head. Underlining his blossoming confidence, Jamal unfurled a reverse sweep off Lyon to the boundary as Pakistan’s lead passed 100.Coming off three straight five-wicket hauls, captain Pat Cummins only brought himself on 45 minutes into the day’s play but he could not break a partnership that had reached 42 runs. Just as Pakistan’s hopes increased, as has happened often during this series, they were rocked by a wicket almost out of nowhere when Rizwan, on 28, inside edged Lyon to Warner at leg slip.Pakistan fell away as Warner took centre stage and finished off his illustrious career with trademark aggression and a comprehensive Australia victory.

Meola, who is coaching Pat McAfee's CONCAFA SC at TST, spoke with GOAL about the current state of the USMNT roughly one year out from the World Cup

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• USMNT legend Meola says Pulisic missing Gold Cup is not a big issue
• Believes Milan star requested out for a reason, needs to be respected
• Adds goalkeeper pool is wide open ahead of 2026 World Cup

• Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  CARY, N.C. — U.S. men's national team legend Tony Meola believes Christian Pulisic's request not to participate in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup is no issue, and that his decision to do so should be respected as it was by U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino.

  "I've been pretty clear on this. It doesn't bother me. I know that's an unpopular opinion with some of my ex-teammates and stuff. If the guy needs time off, take it. I'm of the mindset that if you don't want to be there for whatever reason, whether you gotta recover, you got some issues going on… there's a million reasons that you could have that you're not fully there 100 percent," Meola told GOAL at media day at The Soccer Tournament 2025 on Tuesday.

  Pulisic, Antonee Robinson, and Yunus Musah have all faced criticism for skipping the Gold Cup – particularly given Pochettino’s status as a high-profile hire and the limited windows he’s had to work with a full squad. With the World Cup just over a year away, this summer marks another missed opportunity for the Argentine to fully assess his team. Still, Meola believes the U.S. will rarely have their full roster available and must use moments like this to evaluate new options and build depth.

  "I'm okay with it. I would prefer that Christian was there for obvious reasons. I would prefer that Antonee Robinson wasn't getting an operation. I would prefer that Yunus Musah didn't have to deal with the stuff off the field, whatever he's dealing with. But this is a national team, and I think we all look at the World Cup and go ‘everybody's going to be available,’ like, that's our dream. But if you just look at the history of the World Cup or tournaments in general, you rarely have everybody available. So there's no downside for me in seeing new faces and new players. And I think that's what we're going to get."

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The USMNT are set to have a new-look squad during their Gold Cup training camp in the buildup to the CONCACAF competition, with a handful of regulars missing in addition to Pulisic, Robinson, and Musah. The likes of Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Gio Reyna will all be at the FIFA Club World Cup, while Folarin Balogun is absent due to injury, with Josh Sargent not selected.

  Notably, among new faces, a few regulars are in the mix, specifically in the goalkeeping department, an area where Meola made 100 appearances while playing in three World Cups. Matt Turner, Matt Freese, and Chris Brady make up the group, and even though Turner has been the undisputed starter since the 2022 World Cup, Meola believes the pool is open after the 30-year-old recorded just four appearances for Crystal Palace across this past season.

  "We're going to find out Pochettino’s thoughts. I mean, he made it real clear about a week ago that this is open, and I think he was leaning towards just giving Matt opportunities. I believe it was four games total this year with Crystal Palace – just not good enough to play at the national team level," Meola explained. "I watched him in the World Cup in 2022, and I thought Matt Turner was outstanding, right? And whatever you rate him on a day or a game, my mind always goes to, if you were rated an eight, if you were playing all year, could you have been a nine? Like, that's true. That's just my way of looking at it."

  Turner mentioned he is keeping all options open, including MLS, in his first media availability of the Gold Cup. Meola think its crucial he finds a situation where he is the guaranteed No. 1.

  "This is nothing that Matt Turner doesn't know, right? He's having discussions with his agent and his representatives, and he's got to find a better opportunity," Meola said. "I think he thought it was going to be at Nottingham Forest, and things change. So I don't, I can't tell you who the number one is. I think what we'll see is some guys get some opportunities in this competition."

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Meola is coaching McAfee's team at TST 2025 for the second straight season, but he's been joined by former U.S. assistant Tab Ramos on the touchline this time around. Former U.S. international Brek Shea is on the team's roster.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  The Group Stage for TST 2025 begins on Wednesday, where Meola will look to lead CONCAFA SC to the $1 million prize.

  The USMNT, meanwhile, play Turkey in an international friendly on Saturday in their first of two matches ahead of the Gold Cup.

While the exact duration of his second term is not yet known, it will be at least until the 2024 T20 World Cup in June

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Nov-20235:10

Bal: ‘The natural cycle for this job should be WTC final in 2025’

Rahul Dravid will continue as India’s head coach after accepting the BCCI’s offer to extend his term. While the BCCI did not specify the duration of the extension, it will be at least until the 2024 T20 World Cup in June.Dravid became the head coach in November 2021 for a two-year term that ended at the conclusion of the 2023 ODI World Cup earlier this month. While India has risen to the top of the Test, ODI and T20I rankings under Dravid as coach, they were unable to win any ICC trophies – finishing as semi-finalists in the 2022 T20 World Cup, and runners-up in the 2023 World Test Championship and the 2023 ODI World Cup. India’s run in the ODI World Cup was particularly impressive: they won all nine league games and the semi-final, before losing the final to Australia.ESPNcricinfo learned that the BCCI wanted Dravid to stay on to ensure continuity to the structure he had put in place over the past two years, which might otherwise get disrupted under a new coach.Related

Dravid: 'We haven't played any fearful cricket in this final'

India's heartbreak is most poignant in the dashed hopes of Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid

BCCI offers to extend Dravid's stint as head coach

“The last two years with Team India have been thoroughly memorable,” Dravid said in a statement announcing his contract extension. “Together, we have witnessed the highs and lows, and throughout this journey, the support and camaraderie within the group have been phenomenal. I am genuinely proud of the culture we have set in the dressing room. It’s a culture that stands resilient, whether in moments of triumph or adversity. The skills and talent that our team possesses are phenomenal, and what we’ve stressed is following the right process and sticking to our preparations, which has had a direct impact on the overall result.”I thank the BCCI and the Office Bearers for placing their trust in me, endorsing my vision, and providing support during this period. The demands of this role necessitate considerable time away from home, and I deeply appreciate my family’s sacrifices and support. Their instrumental role behind the scenes has been invaluable. As we embrace new challenges post the World Cup, we remain committed to the pursuit of excellence.”Dravid’s first assignment in his second stint as head coach is India’s tour of South Africa, which starts with three T20Is and three ODIs from December 10 followed by two Tests, in Centurion (from December 26) and Cape Town (from January 3). India then play a five-Test series against England at home, before the T20 World Cup in June.Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary, said Dravid had the board’s “full backing”. “Team India is now a formidable unit across formats, and our top ranking in all three formats directly reflects his vision, guidance, and the roadmap he charted for the team,” Shah said. “Having won 10 consecutive games before the final, our World Cup campaign was nothing short of extraordinary, and the head coach deserves appreciation for setting up the right platform for the team to flourish. The head coach has our full backing, and we will provide him with all the support needed for sustained success at the international level.”The BCCI has also extended the terms for India’s support staff: Vikram Rathour (batting coach), Paras Mhambrey (bowling coach), and T Dilip (fielding coach).

da jogodeouro： Aston Villa are ready to splash £75m on a player who has already scored against them at Villa Park this season, according to a new report.

Aston Villa subs make the difference against Southampton

da pinup bet： Villa made history over the weekend as they beat Southampton 3-0 at Villa Park to continue their charge towards Champions League qualification next season.

For the first time in Premier League history, three substitutes scored in one game, with Ollie Watkins, Donyell Malen and John McGinn coming off the bench to find the net for Unai Emery’s side in the second period.

Watkins first produced a superb volleyed finish to lob Saints keeper Aaron Ramsdale in the 73rd minute, before Malen then hammered home Morgan Rogers’ through-ball with aplomb just six minutes later.

In added time, McGinn then slotted in Marco Asensio’s saved penalty – his second of the afternoon – to complete the scoring and move Villa back to within just one point of fourth-placed Manchester City.

Related Aston Villa join hectic Premier League race to sign "great" Bundesliga star

He’s a wanted man…

Posts ByTom Cunningham Apr 12, 2025

Speaking after the game, Emery was full of praise for both those we started the game, and those that came on to make an impact.

“The first half we didn’t concede transitions,” said the Spaniard. “We were dominating but we didn’t have many chances to score. The second half the game plan was the same and with the fast players we can add to try and push more and more and we did. It was a fantastic 90 minutes. The subs had a very good impact.”

Aston Villa ready to spend big on Wolves star Cunha

Villa and NSWE made some serious moves in the January transfer window, signing Malen on a permanent deal from Borussia Dortmund and completing loan moves for Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio and Axel Disasi.

Despite significantly bolstering their attacking line just months ago, however, Villa aren’t quite yet content with their options up-top.

According to reports in Spain, the Villans are keen to complete a summer move for Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha, and are willing to pay as much as £75 million for his services.

The Brazilian has been Wolves’ star player this season, playing a vital role in their likely Premier League survival, scoring 13 goals – including one at Villa Park back in September – and registering four assists.

Matheus Cunha Premier League Stats (2024/25)

Games played

26

Goals

13

Assists

4

Progressive carries (per 90)

3.9

Progressive passes (per 90)

4.7

Shots on target

1.5

Pass accuracy

70%

Take-ons completed

2.1

Stats via FBref

The report states that while Villa are keen, so are a number of other clubs, including Newcastle United, Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, meaning acquiring his signature will be no easy feat.

It’s also unclear whether Cunha, who only signed a contract extension at Molineux in February, will be open to leaving the Midlands club. Speaking about Cunha earlier this season, Wolves manager Vitor Pereira described him as a “special” talent.

“Matheus Cunha is a player, in my opinion, who can reach high standards in this league. I hope not [elsewhere] because we need him.”

Chelsea have now identified an “incredible” midfielder as a potential summer transfer target, but there may be fierce competition for his signature, with a whole host of Premier League clubs keen, according to a report.

Blues stepping up summer transfer plans

While the Blues have long since been out of the Premier League title race, they are still on course to have a fairly successful season, with Friday’s 1-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur solidifying their place in the top four.

However, if Enzo Maresca’s side are to compete with the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool next season, they may need to strengthen in a number of areas, with a striker believed to be of particular interest.

A £59m bid has been submitted for Real Madrid’s Endrick, while Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is also interested in a move to Stamford Bridge this summer, with a deal possible for a fee of around £68m.

Chelsea player criticised for "horrendous" attitude as Boehly looks to sell

He’s been slammed for his “arrogance” behind-the-scenes.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 3, 2025

Central midfield hasn’t been a problem position this season, with Moises Caicedo receiving rave reports, but there have been suggestions Maresca could also look to strengthen his options in the engine room this summer.

According to a report from The Boot Room, Chelsea have now joined the race to sign Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Hugo Larsson, but there could be fierce competition for his signature, with Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool also keen.

Larsson’s impressive performances this season have put him in the Blues’ sights, with checks being conducted, and they are planning to watch him closely when he comes up against Tottenham in the Europa League next week.

Previous reports have suggested the Swedish midfielder is valued at £50m, but his stock could well rise if he continues to perform well between now and the end of the campaign.

"Incredible" Larsson could be excellent signing

Maresca is blessed with some quality options in the middle of the park, with Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez among Chelsea’s best performers in the Premier League this season, but there are plenty of signs the Frankfurt midfielder could still be a solid addition.

Sport1-journalist Christopher Michel has lauded the 20-year-old as “incredible”, and he has proven himself as a major goalscoring threat for Frankfurt over the past year, ranking in the 92nd percentile for non-penalty goals per 90.

Perhaps in part due to his goalscoring ability, the Frankfurt star has been lauded as “very similar to Bellingham” by football scout Ben Mattinson, who has also praised him for his ability in possession of the ball.

Larsson could be an excellent signing for Chelsea, but given that they are already well-stocked in midfield, signing a top striker should be their top priority this summer.

Celtic got a glimpse of what life could look like after club captain Callum McGregor moves on from Parkhead when he was absent for the loss to their city rivals last weekend.

The Hoops were beaten 3-2 by Rangers at Paradise in the Scottish Premiership, cutting their lead at the top down to 13 points, and it came with Belgian starlet Arne Engels in the number six position.

An attack-minded midfielder by trade, the former Augsburg man did not control the game in the middle of the park – losing four of his five ground duels in total.

McGregor has won 58% of his ground duels and completed an eye-catching 94% of his passes in the Premiership this season, which suggests that the Hoops missed his presence against the Gers as Engels failed to offer the same mixture of strength and composure.

Brendan Rodgers may look to address that position in the summer transfer window to ensure that he has competition and depth in that area, potentially looking to replicate what his squad looked like during his first spell.

Between 2016 and 2019, Celtic had a younger McGregor as well as impressive defensive midfielder Nir Bitton at the base of the midfield as an option.

Why Nir Bitton was an important player for Rodgers

The Israel international made 67 appearances in less than three seasons under the Northern Irish head coach, but he was not signed by the former Liverpool and Leicester City chief.

Celtic signed him from FC Ashdod in the summer of 2013 and got nine years of service out of the versatile star, who caught the eye under several managers – including Rodgers.

The 6 foot 4 colossus made 39 appearances in all competitions in Rodgers’ first season at Parkhead in the 2016/17 campaign, starting all of his matches as a defensive or central midfielder.

Interestingly, however, all 16 of his starts in the following season came as a centre-back – even starting in that role against Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

As you can see in the table above, Bitton had plenty of experience as both a defensive midfielder and a centre-back during his nine-year stay in Glasgow.

This shows that the towering titan offered positional and tactical flexibility to Rodgers because he could play as part of a midfield three or two, or in the defence in a four or a three. This allowed the manager to change the system and tactics mid-game without making any substitutions, because Bitton could alter his role on the pitch due to his versatility.

The Celtic boss could, now, find his next version of the Israel international by swooping to sign a player the club are reportedly targeting this summer.

Celtic targeting defensive midfield star

According to Football Insider, the Scottish Premiership leaders are planning to bolster their options in the middle of the park in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Hoops are plotting a ‘busy’ summer of business because Rodgers has called on the owners to improve the squad in order to push the team to the next level in the 2025/26 campaign.

Football Insider reveals that Guingamp defensive midfielder Kalidou Sidibe is one of the names on their shortlist, as they plot a swoop for his services later this year.

Rodgers is eyeing the 26-year-old star in what could be a ‘cut-price’ deal due to his contract situation with the French club. The former PSG midfielder’s current deal with Guingamp is until the summer of 2026, which means that he will only have a year left on it at the end of this season.

Transfer Focus

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

This means that the Ligue 2 outfit could be tempted to cash in on the French colossus this summer unless they can agree to fresh terms with him, which could open the door for the Scottish giants to swoop in with an offer.

Why Kalidou Sidibe would be the next Nir Bitton for Celtic

Rodgers must push for the club to get a deal done for Sidibe when the summer transfer window opens for business because he has the quality and the versatility to become the manager’s new Nir Bitton at Parkhead next season.

Firstly, the 26-year-old star has a similar physical frame and could offer the same presence at the base of the midfield, as he stands at a staggering 6 foot 7, even taller than the 6 foot 4 former Celtic titan.

Secondly, Sidibe has started 88 times as a defensive midfielder and 20 times as a centre-back in his club career to date, which suggests that he shares Bitton’s positional flexibility.

This means that Rodgers, as he did with the Israel international, could use him in a multitude of ways as part of a midfield or defensive structure, thanks to his ability to play in either role.

Finally, his performances in Ligue 2 for Guingamp this season suggest that he has some excellent attributes that could make him an interesting stand-in for McGregor when needed next term and beyond.

As you can see in the table above, Sidibe has outperformed McGregor in several categories this season, winning more duels and making more tackles and interceptions, despite being dribbled past less often.

This suggests that the French colossus could offer more defensive security in that role when required, as he does not get beaten by opposition players as easily in duels and makes more defensive interventions each match.

Therefore, Sidibe could become Bitton 2.0 for Rodgers by offering a similar option in the squad as a versatile and towering defensive midfielder who can step in for McGregor, or alongside him, when needed.

It is now down to the recruitment team to ensure that they win the race to land the 6 foot 7 titan when the summer transfer window opens for business later this year.

Not Maeda or Kuhn: Celtic's "amazing" star should be the Player of the Year

This Celtic star should be the Player of the Year over both Nicolas Kuhn and Daizen Maeda.

By
Dan Emery

Mar 21, 2025

With one eye on finishing the season strongly ahead of the play-offs and the other on building a squad for the future, Sunderland have now reportedly taken a talented 18-year-old on trial and are closing in on securing his signature.

Sunderland have play-off place secured

With just four games to go in the Championship campaign, Sunderland sit as many as 16 points clear of seventh place West Bromwich Albion and have, therefore, already secured their place in the play-offs. If things stay as they are, then the Black Cats will square off against Sheffield United, who will be the favourites, shock contenders Bristol City and Frank Lampard’s resurgent Coventry City.

As ever though, the drama is far from over in the Championship and anything could still change below Regis Le Bris’ side in the fight to secure a place in the top six come May.

With the pressure off, Le Bris’ side have begun to falter ever so slightly, however, with a 0-0 draw against Norwich City followed up by a disappointing 1-0 defeat at the hands of Swansea City to leave those at the Stadium of Light frustrated.

Following defeat against the Welsh side, Le Bris told reporters: “It’s a disappointing result. We had a lot of possession, but it was difficult to create chances – they were well-organised and stuck to their style.

Worry for Le Bris as Newcastle eye possible move for £25m Sunderland star

This would be a massive blow for the Black Cats.

ByHenry Jackson Apr 13, 2025

“They played with an aggressive shape. It wasn’t about keeping the ball – we did that – but we struggled to break them down and create real openings. We have to manage the squad. While the result wasn’t what we wanted, today was an opportunity for some players to get valuable minutes.”

Meanwhile, now that they’ve secured their play-off place no matter what, Sunderland have reportedly had the chance to turn their attention towards signing a future star.

Sunderland closing in on Isaac Allan

Having already offered Crystal Palace fullback Freddie Cowin an opportunity to impress, those at the Stadium of Light have now reportedly taken another young player on trial. According to the Sunderland Echo, Sunderland are now closing in on signing Isaac Allan from Lincoln City with the goalkeeper’s trial already underway and his chance to impress coming against Wolves’ youth side.

The 18-year-old is reportedly open to a summer move away from Lincoln even if the Imps offer him a senior contract at the club and that has seen Sunderland come swooping in.

Sunderland’s interest in a talented young player should come as no surprise. The Stadium of Light has become the land of opportunity for young players in recent years, whether that’s been thanks to the Black Cats’ academy or, indeed, their transfer business.

Both Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham are fine examples of that and now Allan could follow in their footsteps towards Le Bris’ side if he completes his move ahead of the summer. Another one for the future, Sunderland are attempting to build a side not only capable of gaining a Premier League place, but also maintaining it for years to come.