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O Palmeiras bateu o Bolívar-BOL por 4 a 0, nesta quinta-feira (29), no Allianz Parque, e garantiu a melhor campanha da fase de grupos da Libertadores. A liderança do Grupo C veio com um placar construído com gols de Artur (duas vezes), Rony e Piquerez, com direito a grande atuação de Raphael Veiga. O Verdão volta a vencer após duas derrotas consecutivas e dois jogos sem marcar. Agora o time de Abel Ferreira aguarda o sorteio, no dia 5 de julho, para saber quem será seu adversário nas oitavas de final.

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+ Veja tabela e classificação da Libertadores-2023 clicando aqui

Começo do Palmeiras é tímido, mas logo mostra a face do tricampeão

Como era de se esperar de um time mandante, o Verdão teve a posse de bola desde o início da partida, mas mostrava uma certa dificuldade para encontrar os espaços na defesa do Bolívar, que estava satisfeito com o empate que lhe garantia a liderança do grupo. No entanto, com alguns ajustes feitos por Abel no meio-campo, o Alviverde começou a chegar com mais facilidade. Até que em um passe genial de Veiga, Rony ajeitou no peito e saiu na cara do gol para abrir o placar. 1 a 0 Palestra.

+ IMPERDÍVEL! Transmissão ao vivo dos jogos do Verdão na Liberta por apenas R$1,00!

+ Até 50% OFF em produtos do Verdão para os torcedores fanáticos!

Placar aberto, tranquilidade e “amasso” do Palmeiras no primeiro tempo

Com a vantagem no placar, o Verdão ficou ainda mais soltou e passou a jogar melhor, com jogadas de efeito, trocas de passe desde a defesa e inúmeras chances criadas. Em um lance praticamente de “pé em pé”, a bola chegou para a Piquerez, que acertou cruzamento na cabeça de Artur para anotar o 2 a 0 no marcador. Foi aí que a artilharia palmeirense veio mais pesada, chegando até a ter um cabeceio de Veiga no travessão. Foram chances e mais chances de gol, mas o primeiro tempo acabou mesmo com o 2 a 0 no placar.

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Alviverde volta mais agressivo do intervalo, mas não amplia a vantagem

Depois de terminar o primeiro tempo de forma muito superior ao adversário, o Palmeiras retornou do vestiário com ainda mais fome. Foram inúmeras chances criadas no ataque que poderiam ter aumentado a vantagem alviverde no placar. Rony, Gabriel Menino e Piquerez quase chegaram a balançar a rede na primeira metade da segunda etapa, mas pararam no goleiro Lampe ou na bola para fora. O Bolívar até ensaiava alguns sustos, que logo eram neutralizados pela defensa mandante.

Mais chances criadas, mais lances bonitos, mais gols do Palmeiras

De tanto o Verdão tentar, conseguiu chegar ao terceiro gol no segundo tempo e foi de uma maneira especial: mais um grande passe de Veiga, que deixou Piquerez na cara do gol de Lampe. O uruguaio só precisou ajeitar o corpo para fazer 3 a 0. Veiga, que foi um garçom brilhante, buscou o seu gol, mas desperdiçou pelo menos duas boas oportunidades de deixar a sua marca. Quem não desperdiçou foi Artur, que recebeu uma bola precisa de Dudu e bateu firme para fazer o quarto e fechar a goleada.

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E agora?

Com a vitória, o Palmeiras vai a 15 pontos, garante a primeira posição no Grupo C da Libertadores e a melhor campanha geral da competição continental. Dessa forma, o Verdão terá vantagem de decidir os mata-matas em casa até a final do torneio, que será disputada em campo neutro e em jogo único. Já o Bolívar fica com a segunda posição e pode até reencontrar o Alviverde nas oitavas de final se o sorteio, no dia 5 de julho, colocá-los frente a frente.

FICHA TÉCNICA
PALMEIRAS 4 x 0 BOLÍVAR-BOL
Local: Allianz Parque, São Paulo (SP)
Data e hora: 29/6/2023, às 21h (de Brasília)
Árbitro: Jesus Valenzuela (VEN)
Assistentes: Jorge Urrego (VEN) e Lubin Rorrealba (VEN)
VAR: Juan Soto (VEN)
Público e Renda: 33.250 torcedores/R$ 3.309.499,83
Cartões amarelos: Villamil (BOL)
Cartões vermelhos: –
Gols: Rony (24’/1ºT) (1-0), Artur (33’/1ºT) (2-0), Piquerez (30’/2ºT) (3-0), Artur (39’/2ºT) (4-0)

PALMEIRAS: Weverton; Mayke, Gustavo Gómez, Luan e Piquerez; Gabriel Menino (Luis Guilherme, aos 40’/2ºT), Richard Ríos (Fabinho, 40’/2ºT) e Raphael Veiga (Jhon Jhon, aos 40’/2ºT); Artur (Naves, aos 40’/2ºT), Dudu (Breno Lopes, aos 43’/2ºT) e Rony. Técnico: Abel Ferreira.

BOLÍVAR-BOL: Lampe; Nicolás Ferreyra, José Sagredo (Algarañaz, aos 28’/2ºT) e Bentaberry; Jesús Sagredo, Villamil, Saucedo (Hervías, aos 19’/2ºT), Justiniano e Roberto Fernández; Pato Rodríguez (Ramiro Vaca, aos 38’/2ºT) e Ronnie Fernández (Lucas Chávez, aos 38’/2ºT). Técnico: Beñat San José.

Ahead of Nottingham Forest’s opening game of the Premier League season, the club has been very active in the transfer market.

This season, the club will be competing in the Europa League alongside the domestic competitions, leading to manager Nuno Espirito Santo expressing concern about the team’s squad depth in his pre-match press conference: “The players are not supermen, we are going to need to rotate them. That’s a major problem with the intensity and demands of the games.”

Since these comments, Forest have unveiled Omari Hutchinson as their most expensive signing of the summer player. The addition of Hutchinson to the squad may go some way to easing Espirito Santo’s depth anxieties, and the player has already shared his willingness to contribute: “I’m going to give it my all, and I’m looking forward to the challenge as it’s a new chapter for me, but I feel ready.”

The club is also on the verge of signing Arnaud Kalimuendo from Rennes, pending a medical. These signings should go some way to helping Espirito Santo’s squad depth concerns, and the club is now looking to add a cherry on top of their recent transfers by signing an impressive youth star.

Nottingham Forest set to sign Celtic "sensation"

Football Insider have reported that Nottingham Forest are also closing in on a deal to sign 15-year-old Celtic academy star Dara Jikiemi.

Pete O’Rourke, who shared the transfer story, has described the defender as a “teenage sensation”. Jikiemi has been involved with youth football for Scotland and has captained the under-15s side despite being one of the younger members of the team.

Jikiemi is equally well regarded in the Celtic academy as he is in the Scotland youth system and has been on Forest’s radar since April. O’Rourke has said that Forest are currently “advancing in talks” with the defender to poach him from the UK giants’ academy.

Forest's next generation of talent

At only 15 years old, it may be a few years before fans start hearing about Jikiemi being considered for the first team; however, Forest do have some impressive talents that may be called up to the first team this season to help with the heavy schedule.

19-year-old Zach Abbot has already started breaking into the Forest first team, having made two League Cup and one FA Cup appearances over the last two seasons. While the path into the first team is blocked by players like Murillo, Nikola Milenkovic and new signing Jair Cunha, there may once again be minutes for him in the early rounds of the domestic cups or if Forest face any weaker sides in the Europa League.

In the more attacking areas, Isaac Davies is a player who could make the step-up this season. The 17-year-old attacking midfielder has impressed in the Under 18’s Premier League, with a notable appearance being when he came off the bench to score a hat-trick in a 4-1 victory over Leeds. In his 39 appearances in the youth league, Davies has managed eight goals and six assists, making him a prime candidate for first-team promotion.

Aside from the players in Forest’s youth system, the club have also focused on signing players on the younger side for the first team in this summer’s transfer window. This indicates that the Jikiemi signing, the development of the aforementioned youngsters and Forest’s first-team transfer business are all part of an overall club focus on developing younger players and bringing longevity to the team.

Following Eddie Howe’s approval, Newcastle United have now reportedly opened initial talks to sign a midfield reinforcement who’s already keen on the move.

Newcastle's nightmare summer goes on

Newcastle have just under a month to turn their summer around. So far, the Magpies have welcomed Aaron Ramsdale, Anthony Elanga and young winger Antonio Cordero. Whilst on paper that may sound like a solid list of incomings, the real story is that it’s been a nightmare summer full of rejection for those at St James’ Park.

Howe made his demand clear to PIF that he wanted any business done early and, to the credit of the Newcastle owners, their failure hasn’t been for the want of trying. Initial targets included Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Bryan Mbeumo before all three headed to Chelsea and Manchester United respectively. But it couldn’t go on like this, could it?

Simply put, it could go on and has done ever since. Next on their list of targets was Hugo Ekitike. Lying in wait this time around, however, were the Premier League champions before Ekitike rejected the Magpies and became a Liverpool player.

The same story has since followed Newcastle’s interest in Benjamin Sesko, who has reportedly chosen Manchester United to send Howe and co. back to square one for the umpteenth time this summer.

Newcastle chiefs confident £40m star with "nose for goals" is set to join

Newcastle are confident they will sign a Premier League forward.

ByCallum Kemp Aug 7, 2025

They can’t be knocked for their resilience, however, and those in Tyneside have instantly picked themselves up to go again – reportedly targeting both Nicolas Jackson and Malick Thiaw.

Reports have even gone as far as to suggest that they’ve already had an opening offer worth £26m to sign Thiaw turned down by AC Milan, having stepped up their chase for the centre-back.

Whether that ends their pursuit or they increase their offer is the big question, but the Milan defender isn’t the only new name on Newcastle’s reported shortlist.

Newcastle open talks to sign John McGinn

According to Football Insider, Newcastle have now opened initial talks to sign John McGinn from Aston Villa after receiving Howe’s approval. The Scotland midfielder is reportedly keen on a move to St James’ Park in an instant boost for Newcastle, and could yet be on his way to Tyneside this month.

Whether Unai Emery is willing to bid farewell to his captain is another question, though. Following a quiet summer of their own, Aston Villa are reportedly reluctant to sell McGinn this summer.

Whilst adding another attacker to their ranks should take priority, there’s no doubt that McGinn would add valuable leadership to the current Newcastle squad and replace the departed Sean Longstaff.

Kent’s Division One status is dangling by a thread after a dismal second day against Hampshire in the Vitality County Championship at Canterbury.The hosts slumped to 64 for 5 for in reply to Hampshire’s first innings total of 403, with Kyle Abbott claiming 3 for 23.What had looked like an even contest at the end of day one tilted drastically in Hampshire’s favour during the morning session. Tom Prest hit a majestic 102, and Brad Wheal chipped in with his highest first-class score of 61 as Hampshire were finally dismissed for 403. Kent could be relegated this week if they lose and results elsewhere go against them. They still trail by 339 at stumps.The visitors began day two on 213 for 7 and looked comfortable for the first hour until Joey Evison came on from the Nackington Road End and removed Abbott for 26, victim of a brilliant slip catch by Jack Leaning.Prest, who only had 15 at the start of play, responded by dumping Matt Parkinson into the Old Dover Road hedges to bring up his fifty and he took 21 from the over.He then reached his 100 from exactly 100 balls by dropping to one knee and smearing Charlie Stobo for six over deep midwicket before he finally fell to the same bowler after a juggling catch from Jas Singh on the deep midwicket boundary.Even the last wicket pair put on 71. Wheal twisted the knife with an aggressive cameo that included a pulled six off Singh, and it was 377 for 9 when rain ushered in the lunch break.Wheal was stuck on 49 for 15 balls before he nudged Parkinson for a single and he then clubbed Stobo for a six over square leg to take Hampshire past 400 before he was bowled playing on to Stobo.Kent’s response was all too predictable. Mohammad Abbas strangled Tawanda Muyeye, who was perhaps unfortunate to be given caught behind for five at the start of Kent’s sixth over.Abbott then took three wickets in five balls. Daniel Bell-Drummond went first in the 11th over, caught for ten by Fletcha Middleton, a ball after he’d been dropped by Prest. Jack Leaning and Joe Denly then both went for second-ball ducks, the former caught by Albert, the latter lbw to a ball that hit him above the knee roll.Joey Evison made 21 before Wheal had him caught behind but the hosts were spared further punishment when play was suspended at 4.34pm due to a combination of bad light and increasingly heavy rain, which persuaded the umpires there was no realistic chance of resuming.

Batters Jannillea Glasgow and Chedean Nation, who were with Royals in 2023, have now joined Knight Riders

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Jul-2024

Barbados Royals lifted the WCPL title in 2023•CPL via Getty Images

England wicketkeeper-batter Lauren Winfield-Hill has joined Guyana Amazon Warriors for the third edition of Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL).Amazon Warriors have also drafted in former West Indies Under-19 captain Ashmini Munisar, offspinner Sheneta Grimmond, uncapped allrounder Realeanna Grimmond, left-arm spinner Kaysia Schultz and Nyia Latchman along with Jamaican seamer Kate Wilmott.The three WCPL franchises had done most of their recruiting previously through retentions and pre-signings. Last week, Amazon Warriors had announced the signing of allrounders Chloe Tryon from South Africa and Erin Burns from Australia.Meanwhile, defending champions Barbados Royals drafted in wicketkeeper Rashada Williams and batter Trishan Holder from their squad of last year and added seam-bowling allrounder Shabika Gajnabi, seamer Cherry Ann Fraser and batter Djenaba Joseph – who were all with Amazon Warriors last year.Related

Jhulan Goswami joins TKR as mentor for WCPL 2024

Royals add Chamari Athapaththu for Women's CPL 2024

Tryon and Burns join Amazon Warriors for Women's CPL 2024

Jemimah Rodrigues, Shikha Pandey sign up for Women's Caribbean Premier League

Trinbago Knight Riders drafted Kyshona Knight, Anisa Mohammed and young wicketkeeper Shunelle Sawh from their squad of last year. Batters Jannillea Glasgow and Chedean Nation, who were with Royals in WCPL 2023, moved to TKR for the upcoming season.This year’s WCPL will be held in Trinidad from August 21 to 29, with all seven matches to be played at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.SquadsBarbados Royals: Hayley Matthews, Chamari Athapaththu, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Laura Harris, Georgia Redmayne, Chinelle Henry, Afy Fletcher, Aaliyah Alleyne, Qiana Joseph, Rashada Williams (wk), Trishan Holder, Shabika Gajnabi, Cherry Ann Fraser and Djenaba Joseph.Guyana Amazon Warriors: Stafanie Taylor, Shabnim Ismail, Karishma Ramharack, Shemaine Campbelle (wk), Natasha McClean, Shakera Selman, Chloe Tryon and Erin Burns, Ashmini Munisar, Sheneta Grimmond, Realeanna Grimmond, Kaysia Schultz, Nyia Latchmann and Kate Wilmott.Trinbago Knight Riders: Deandra Dottin, Meg Lanning, Jess Jonassen, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shikha Pandey, Kycia Knight (wk), Shamila Connell, Zaida James, Samara Ramnath, Kyshona Knight, Anisa Mohammed, Shunelle Sawh, Jannillea Glasgow, Jahzara Claxton and Chedean Nation.

Mohamed Salah signed a two-year contract extension in April to keep him at Liverpool for the upcoming two seasons, ensuring Arne Slot has usage of his talisman as he looks to plunder further riches after an incredible term.

Liverpool won the Premier League in their first season since Jurgen Klopp stepped down from his post, and Salah was the main man. The Egypt international, who turned 33 last week, scored 29 goals and added 18 assists en route to the title, becoming the first man to achieve 47 goal involvements in a single 38-game English top-flight campaign.

However, as he gets older, Salah could do with some cover, especially with Federico Chiesa looking to return to his Italian homeland. Thus, a new right-sided forward should be signed.

How curious that Salah might be replaced by Liverpool’s next version of Sadio Mane.

Liverpool lining up new winger

What a summer this has been for the mighty Reds already. Florian Wirtz is expected to arrive in a jaw-dropping £116m deal, joining from Bayer Leverkusen alongside Jeremie Frimpong, while Milos Kerkez is set to sign from Bournemouth too.

Who could be next? Well, it might be another English-based player according to reports.

As per Caught Offside, Liverpool have entered the race for Southampton star Tyler Dibling, who is likely to leave St. Mary’s this summer. Chelsea are also keen, however, no official talks have taken place yet.

RB Leipzig have already seen a €35m (£30m) bid rejected for the England U21 international, with relegated Saints instead holding out for something more like €60m (£51m).

With so many teams in the race, Liverpool will need to act quickly to ensure they secure the signature of a teenage prospect who has the potential to become a superstar.

Why Liverpool should sign Tyler Dibling

Described as an “unreal talent” by analyst Ben Mattinson, there’s certainly something special about Dibling’s style, with his flamboyant dribbling, fast pace and capacity to manoeuvre out from tight spaces underscoring his potential in the Premier League.

Southampton endured a miserable campaign as they crashed back into the Championship, but the 19-year-old Dibling was a breath of fresh air, dynamic and positionally flexible, while simultaneously showing an attacking instinct which could be sharpened into something deadly over the coming years.

Who knows, given he has made his name with Southampton, Dibling might even prove Liverpool’s next version of Mane, certainly boasting the elasticity and electricity of the Senegalese legend, if not yet the crisp ball-striking.

Right winger

13

1

0

Attacking midfield

7

1

2

Centre-forward

5

2

1

Right wing-back

1

0

0

Mane joined Liverpool from the southern outfit way back in 2016, in a deal worth £34m. Mane, 24 upon signing, had spent two seasons with Southampton, scoring 25 goals and laying on ten assists.

He had pace and skills and all the rest, but it was under the Anfield lights that he became a superstar, Klopp fashioning him into one of the world’s best.

Now, Dibling could do the same, but with a new man at the helm. The English youngster has even been called by former Saints Under-21 head coach Adam Asghar a “special” and “fearless” talent who “is an unbelievable ball-carrier and is always impacting games.”

He’s like a young Mane in that way, and indeed, would actually be making the move to Merseyside five years the left-sided forward’s junior, when he made the leap from Southampton.

Dibling would provide relief for Salah while proving himself useful across a range of different positions as Liverpool look to challenge for silverware across multiple fronts.

He’s the real deal, and Liverpool need to bring him over before they lose him to a divisional rival.

Their new Mo Salah: Liverpool favourites to sign "incredible" £84m striker

Liverpool are planning to sign a new number nine in the summer transfer market.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 16, 2025

There is no getting away from it: this season has been one big disappointment after another for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side crashed out of both domestic cups, couldn’t get past Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, and are so far behind Liverpool in the Premier League that it would be hard to say they were even in a title race.

However, while this has not been a campaign to remember for the North Londoners, there have at least been a few positives, such as the form of Declan Rice.

The Englishman has been one of the team’s best players and currently has a tally of 18 goal involvements in 50 games, so fans should be excited about recent reports linking the club to someone who could be their next Rice.

Arsenal's hunt for a new midfielder

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth reviewing some of the other midfielders linked with a move to Arsenal in recent weeks, like Martin Zubimendi and Hugo Larsson.

Transfer Focus

The former’s proposed £51m move to the Emirates actually got the ‘here we go’ treatment from Fabrizio Romano on Saturday morning, and with Spain manager Luis de la Fuente previously describing him as one of the “best central midfielders in the world,” fans should be excited.

Interestingly, Larsson would also reportedly cost just as much this summer, but as he’s still just 20 years old, his move would likely be one for the future, and if Arteta and Co want to sign an up-and-coming central midfielder, they’d be better served acting on their supposed interest in Adam Wharton.

Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are one of several sides keen on the Crystal Palace star.

Alongside the Gunners, the report revealed that Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are interested in the young Englishman.

A potential price tag is not mentioned in the story, but another report from earlier this month claimed that it would take a massive fee of around £80m to get the midfielder out of Selhurst Park this summer.

It would be an incredibly complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Wharton’s ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could be their next Rice.

Why Wharton could be Arsenal's new Rice

The first thing to say is that we aren’t claiming Wharton is on the same level as Rice at the moment, but there are enough similarities to suggest he could develop into someone just as brilliant.

One of the key similarities is their position and style of play, as, just like the Arsenal star, the young Palace ace started his career and primarily still plays in defensive midfield but is now incredibly influencing things at the sharp end of the pitch while maintaining his defensive output.

For example, FBref has placed him in the top 6% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for ball recoveries, the top 7% for progressive passes, shot-creating actions and dribblers challenged, the top 10% for crosses into the penalty area, the top 11% for expected assisted goals, the top 12% for goal-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Wharton’s Scout Report
Statistics	Per 90	Percentile
Ball Recoveries	6.73	Top 6%
Progressive Passes	7.76	Top 7%
Shot-Creating Actions	3.91	Top 7%
Dribbles Challenged	2.95	Top 7%
Crosses into Penalty Area	0.32	Top 10%
Inswinging Corner Kicks	1.22	Top 10%
Expected Assisted Goals	0.19	Top 11%
Goal-Creating Actions	0.45	Top 12%
Key Passes	1.67	Top 14%
Passes into Penalty Area	1.28	Top 14%
All Stats via FBref

On top of that, just like the former West Ham United captain, the young “generational talent,” as dubbed by members of the media, would be moving to the club from a fellow London-based Premier League side in Palace.

Finally, just like the Gunners’ number 41, the up-and-coming Eagles star earned his first England cap at 20 years old and under the management of Gareth Southgate.

Ultimately, while Wharton still has a lot of developing to do, he already looks like a special player, and if Arsenal have a chance to sign him, they should take it, as they may just be getting another Rice in the making.

Their answer to Salah: Arsenal make offer for £63m CF who's outscoring Isak

The dazzling striker could be the one to lead Arsenal to glory next year.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 14, 2025

Jurgen Klopp’s decision to leave Anfield at the end of the 2023/24 season pulled cascades of tears from many of a Liverpool persuasion.

But, in a documentary chronicling the German’s last hurrah at the helm, he issued a sharp closing statement that proved to presage Arne Slot’s incredible Premier League triumph.

“They will be fine, or maybe even more.” Maybe Klopp knew that he was doing something drastic when stepping down, something that would create not ripples but waves across Merseyside and beyond. Rivals tittered, and why not?

After Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger left their respective long-held posts, both Manchester United and Arsenal fell by the wayside. Surely the same would be true for Liverpool, whose resurgence was crafted almost single-handedly by Klopp’s brilliance?

It hasn’t proved to be true. Liverpool have equalled the Red Devils’ 20-time title-winning record as they consolidate their position as England’s most successful club.

Slot replaced Klopp and Liverpool went up a level. The fact that transfer investment has been so minimal over the past 20 months bears testament to FSG’s model, but fresh faces are now required to defend their crown and challenge down other lanes.

Liverpool's budding search for a striker

After Liverpool failed in their bid to sign Martin Zubimendi last summer, FSG made the bold decision to cease efforts to add a player to Slot’s midfield. This was met with dismay from some circles of the fanbase, but it paved the way for Ryan Gravenberch to make his name.

Instead of redoubling their efforts, Liverpool turned toward the frontline and signed Federico Chiesa for a cut-price £12.5m fee. The injury-prone Italian hasn’t started a Premier League game and he’s the only arrival of the Slot era so far.

Chiesa has been linked with a move back to Italy after his disappointing term, while the under-fire Diogo Jota could also leave.

Liverpool need forwards. Darwin Nunez is also expected to depart at the end of the season and Alexander Isak has been listed as the perfect signing to front Slot’s project.

He’s so far ahead of Nunez that it’s clear to see why Liverpool are keen. Salah, soon to be 33, will need some assistance next year, after all.

Matches (starts)

31 (31)

26 (8)

Goals

22

5

Assists

6

2

Shots (on target)*

2.9 (1.3)

1.2 (0.5)

Big chances missed

18

6

Pass completion

76%

71%

Big chances created

11

3

Dribbles*

1.4

0.3

Duels won*

3.0

2.2

While Nunez has featured infrequently from the starting whistle this season, it’s clear to see the disparity in quality between him and Isak, one of the best in the business.

If Liverpool can bag the Sweden striker, they could leap even higher next year, but with Chiesa’s future uncertain and Jota’s too, FSG look ready to invest in another attacking player who could prove perfect for the Anfield side.

Transfer Focus

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

Liverpool ready to bid for new forward

Liverpool are interested in signing West Ham United captain Jarrod Bowen this summer, with Caught Offside revealing that the Merseysiders are considering submitting an offer in the coming months.

Though Bowen is the centrepiece of Graham Potter’s plans, West Ham have fallen by the wayside following David Moyes’ departure last summer, languishing in 17th place in the Premier League.

The 28-year-old, who can play off the right in a central striking berth, wouldn’t come cheap, with the east Londoners set to face bids of €60m (£51m) for the England international.

It won’t be a one-horse race either with Tottenham Hotspur also said to be keen.

Why Jarrod Bowen could be a fantastic signing

West Ham’s talisman over the past five years, Bowen has been synonymous with the club’s rise into European competition and, indeed, glory, scoring the winning goal to seal the Conference League title in 2022/23.

Regarded as a “club legend” by his former Irons teammate Declan Rice, Bowen has paid his dues at the London Stadium but is sure to be disgruntled by the club’s regression this season, and Liverpool present an attractive package for sure.

If he were to join an already deep and devastating frontline that may yet add a number nine of Isak’s ilk, it’s got to be a no-brainer for the £150k-per-week talent, whose leadership and experience would be exactly what the Reds need to compete across multiple fronts.

Bowen might be regarded as something of a natural goalscorer, but he’s far more dynamic than that, ranking among the top 8% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.

This could see him serve well in Salah’s stead when rotation is needed, providing the clinical Isak with a flowing stream of creative support that has been proven in its consistency over the past years at West Ham.

24/25

30 (30)

9

9

23/24

34 (34)

16

6

22/23

38 (36)

6

6

21/22

36 (34)

12

12

20/21

38 (35)

8

5

19/20

13 (11)

1

4

Such a consistent and balanced attacking player would be perfect for Liverpool’s system. It’s not likely he would start all the time, with Salah nailed down on the right wing, but Bowen has ample experience at centre-forward too and could finally play in the Champions League with a move to Merseyside.

He’s certainly got the ability to do so. In fact, Bowen was remarked in the past to have joined the “Salah club” by talkSPORT’s Tony Cascarino, owing to his skill in swerving inwards and curling unstoppable strikes into the back of the net.

He’s cut from the same cloth as the Egyptian King. Of course, Bowen isn’t on Salah’s level, but he shares similar base properties that Slot could make excellent use of.

If a striker such as Isak is brought in, a dynamic partnership really could be forged over the coming years, with the Newcastle man not just a goalscorer either, actually hailed as “a better all-round centre-forward” than Erling Haaland by pundit Ally McCoist.

Fruits could grow from such a dynamic duo, completing Liverpool’s frontline and filling in the gaps which prevented Slot from winning multiple pieces of silverware this season.

Still, bagging the Premier League in your first year is nothing to be sniffed at.

Gakpo may have just hinted that Trent could still stay at Liverpool

Is Alexander-Arnold staying at Liverpool or leaving Anfield behind?

ByMatt Dawson Apr 27, 2025

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim said he avoids using social media in order to protect himself after he was revealed to be the top target of online abuse in English football. An investigation by the BBC found that Amorim received more abuse than any other figure in the game during the weekend of United's 2-2 draw with Tottenham in November, followed by Liverpool manager Arne Slot.

• Amorim receives most vile abuse according to report

  The BBC investigation showed that Amorim received more than 160 online messages described as 'extremely abusive' on the weekend of November 8-9, bearing the brunt of some 2000 messages flagged by data science company Signify. They included death threats and hate speech, breaking the rules of the platforms they were posted on including X, Instagram and TikTok.

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• AFP
  

  Amorim: Social media abuse 'normal' but I don't read it

  Amorim told a press conference: "First of all, nowadays it is normal in any profession, when you are exposed, like we are exposed, it's harder, but I don't read it. I'm not faking it – I don't read it. I protect myself from everything. I don't watch TV when they are talking about Manchester [United], not because I don't agree most of the times. I agree with a lot of things that you guys say. But it is a way of me being healthy because it's enough. When we lose, when we draw, I know that we play bad, my feeling as a coach is enough. I don't need another another [person]'s feelings about around the club. So for me, this is the only way, there is no other way. The only way is protect myself."

• Amorim: Extra money from social media promotion 'not worth it'

  Amorim has no official account on X and the official Instagram page set up in his name has had no updates since 2020. He said he is missing out on extra income from social media endorsements and promotions but said it was a price worth paying to not have to witness all the abuse.

  He added: "Of course, I lose money in sponsors, in Instagram. I could earn a lot of money. But for me, the quality of life, the protection of my family the way I can live a normal life – because I guarantee you, I live a normal life – it is not worth it. Some more dollars or pounds is not worth it. So I protect myself, and no one can be tougher than me when we lose, and when we lose when we don't play well. So that is the only way. But it's normal nowadays. Is really normal to have that abuse. So for me it's the only way to survive in this world."

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  Amorim guarded about injury issues before West Ham

  Amorim revealed that two players were fresh injury doubts ahead of Thursday's game against West Ham, but would not reveal who they were. However, he confirmed that Matheus Cunha is back after missing the last two games with a knock sustained in training, while Benjamin Sesko and Harry Maguire are still out.

  "We have two doubts, I will not tell you today because it will tell you the way we are going to approach, but the rest of the squad is good," said the coach.

  West Ham are 17th in the Premier League and they will be without playmaker Lucas Paqueta after he was sent off for arguing with the referee in their last outing against Liverpool. The game will see Amorim come up against compatriot and new Hammers boss Nuno Espirito Santo, whose Nottingham Forest side beat United on two occasions last season.

  "I had no doubts that he would have success, no matter what the club," Amorim said of Nuno. "He is really experienced. He knows how to work with different with different squads. He understands really well the league, and that is a plus. He's really smart, preparing the games, understanding the environment of the game. So it's going to be a tough match."

  United earned a vital 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in their last game and will be desperate to make amends for their most recent home game, when they were beaten 1-0 by Everton despite the Toffees playing the majority of the game with 10 men.

Abject. It is, painfully, an accurate way of summing up Liverpool’s form this season. The Premier League champions will not retain their belt, not like this, not with such deep tactical cracks and incoherent players and non-existent belief in Arne Slot’s plan.

The most concerning part of the recent 3-0 defeat in Manchester against Pep Guardiola’s resurgent outfit is that Liverpool were outplayed across the park. Be it physical, mental or tactical metrics, Manchester City shone, and the Reds were blinded by their opponent’s superiority.

Jeremy Doku stood out, darting this way and that, scoring a stunning goal in the second half after breaking away from Ibrahima Konate. The Belgian winger completed seven of eight dribble attempts and created three chances, as per Sofascore.

Liverpool have got so many problems, and the recent wins over Aston Villa and Real Madrid provided only the veneer of a revival as City hit the Merseside club with a sobering reality check.

Among Slot’s biggest concerns is the enduring slump of Mohamed Salah. For so many years, the Egyptian has been an unstoppable force for Liverpool, but, aged 33 and at the front of a sinking ship, he is struggling to recover more than a flicker of his former greatness.

Mohamed Salah is becoming a problem

Will we see the best of Salah in a Liverpool shirt again? There’s every chance that the right winger expended incredible amounts of mental and physical energy driving his club to the league title last season, and across all competitions, he scored 34 goals and supplied 23 assists.

Almost three months into the new campaign, Slot’s second in the dugout, Salah has recorded eight goal involvements, but his general play and the accuracy of his shooting have paled in comparison to the many years behind him. Salah is not himself.

This is a worry, to be sure. Not just because Liverpool are playing without their talisman in his groove, but because Slot has shown a hesitance toward unleashing Federico Chiesa right from the start of last season, and that doesn’t look like it’s going to change any time soon.

How much longer can it go on like this? Man City reduced Liverpool’s superstar to half-chances and a role within the defensive press. How many times has Salah picked Pep apart? How often has he been the leading light against this arch-rival of modern times?

Mohamed Salah vs Man City
Competition	Apps	Goals (assists)
Premier League	19	9 (6)
Champions League	2	2 (1)
Community Shield	2	1 (1)
FA Cup	2	0 (0)
Carabao Cup	1	1 (0)
Data via Transfermarkt

There is, of course, the caveat to all this that Salah would be far better placed in a system of greater fluency. This has been anything but the case for the Anfield side this season.

But Father Time is not on the Premier League legend’s side, and, having penned a new two-year extension worth £400k per week in April, Salah has around 18 months to show that FSG have received more than bang for their buck one final time.

But there’s a very real possibility that Salah is past his prime, and that Liverpool need to find a successor.

An onerous task if ever there was one. However, Liverpool actually have a Kirkby prospect who has what it takes to swipe the icon’s shirt.

The Liverpool teen who can take Salah's #11

Slot needs to find a solution to Liverpool’s current woes, but let’s all take a breather, just for a moment. Liverpool have so much talent. Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz will come good. But, more excitingly, there’s a wealth of teenage talent soon to be at Slot’s disposal, with one prospect a cut above the rest.

Rio Ngumoha knew he was headed to the upper crust of the Premier League, and a youth system that has shown itself since Jurgen Klopp came along to be a hothouse for those immensely gifted young stars.

Chelsea’s loss was Liverpool’s gain. Ngumoha was poached from Cobham in 2024 and made his professional debut against Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup midway through his maiden year on Merseyside.

A left-sided winger with incredible speed and dribbling, the 17-year-old Ngumoha has the potential to become a superstar at Liverpool, with his physical, athletic and fierce playing style offering shades of that man Doku, Anfield villain last weekend.

You could say Ngumoha is preternaturally talented. After all, journalist Kieran Gill is among those to have singled him out as a “generational talent”, and he certainly illustrated his potential with an incredible strike on his Premier League debut, netting the winner against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park in August.

Since then, he has featured sporadically for the Redmen, playing seven games in all competitions but only starting in the Carabao Cup, among that youthful group who were brushed aside by Crystal Palace last month.

Ngumoha’s time will come. He is so fast, so sure of himself when on the ball. He is among the youngest goalscorers in Premier League history, and that goal is sure to be the first of many.

Youngest Scorers in Premier League History
#	Player	Age
1	James Vaughan	16 yrs, 8 months, 27 days
2	James Milner	16 yrs, 11 months, 22 days
3	Wayne Rooney	16 yrs, 11 months, 25 days
4	Rio Ngumoha	16 yrs, 11 months, 26 days
5	Cesc Fabregas	17 yrs, 3 months, 21 days

Time must be afforded to one so young. Take Doku. Criticised often at Man City for being endowed with such ferocity and fleet-footedness, but lacking end product and elite decision-making.

Doku is only 23, and his performance against Slot’s beleaguered lot last weekend was the display of a winger reaching new levels of maturity and technical understanding.

Ngumoha will only get better and better as the years go on, and while he can contribute this season, these foundational years could see him bloom at the end of next term, when Salah supposedly leaves, and he could take his shirt, stepping up as Liverpool’s new wide talisman.

Can Nghumoha reach those heights, take that #11 from Salah himself? You’ll have to stay tuned. But Ngumoha will make it easy to do that. Watching him play football is a treat, and he has the capacity to not just emulate a stylistic peer like Doku but become one of the very best in world football.

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