All posts by h79snht.top

Saha’s form at the top could be a worry for Titans even as Capitals try to fix their middle order

Sreshth Shah01-May-20236:03

Moody: Delhi Capitals will be Gujarat Titans’ party spoilers

Big picture – Tough challenge for Delhi Capitals
Is Tuesday night’s game a contest between the season’s best and worst teams? It’s not just the points table suggesting that.In key metrics, Gujarat Titans reign supreme while Delhi Capitals bring up the bottom. Their chasing records (100% v 20%), middle-order batting averages (37.8 v 16.6) and scoring rate in the last four overs (12.3 v 7.9) suggest the same. David Warner’s side have also lost the most wickets to spin, have the lowest run-rate against pacers, and are the only side with no batter having a 140+ strike-rate.But Capitals have produced better performances over the last fortnight, with only a close defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad robbing them of a hat-trick of wins. Their batting has started to click regularly and their spinners have been a rare positive.Titans look sturdy as an XI, with a robust middle-order supporting Shubman Gill. In Kolkata, they showed that Rashid Khan is not their lone bowling trump card, and like last season their Indian batters like Abhinav Manohar and Vijay Shankar are consistently delivering.Their only weaknesses at the moment are Wriddhiman Saha’s form and their 1 in 3 record batting first. It will be up to Capitals, who themselves are in a good space for a change, to take advantage of any opening they find. Their best chance will be for more players rallying around Axar Patel and Mitchell Marsh, and a better batting track than Delhi which shall suit their overseas-heavy top order.Form guide
Gujarat Titans WWWLW
Delhi Capitals LWWLL3:06

Moody: Don’t understand why Axar Patel bats so low

Team news – Mohit injury not serious
Mohit Sharma had jammed his fingers under the ball during the Kolkata Knight Riders game. While it looked serious at first, his return later in the game to take a catch was promising news for the Titans. There are no other injury concerns from either side.Impact Player strategyGujarat Titans
Saha’s form is worrying for Titans. At 18.9, his average is the worst among all IPL 2023 batters. If Titans chase, they could replace Saha after the fielding innings for a top-order batter like B Sai Sudharsan when batting second. If they bat first, they may be forced to stay with Saha since they’re constrained with replacing a pure batter for an extra bowler in the second innings. It is more likely that they’ll stick with the same combo.Titans XII: , 2 Wriddhiman Saha (wk) / Sai Sudharsan, 3 Abhinav Manohar, 4 Hardik Pandya (capt), 5 Vijay Shankar, 6 David Miller, 7 Rahul Tewatia, 8 Rashid Khan, 9 Josh Little, 10 Mohit Sharma, 11 Mohammed Shami, Delhi Capitals
Capitals could make a few changes depending on their assessment of the pitch. They could roll the dice with Prithvi Shaw but would not want to drop Phil Salt from the opener’s spot. He and/or Abishek Porel, could also come in place of Priyam Garg or Ripal Patel.Capitals XII: 1 David Warner (capt), 2 Phil Salt (wk), 3 Mitchell Marsh, 4 Manish Pandey, , 6 Priyam Garg, 7 Axar Patel, 8 Ripal Patel, 9 Anrich Nortje, 10 Kuldeep Yadav, , 12 Mukesh KumarStats that matter – Watch out for Warner v Titans pacers Capitals’ left-arm spinners have kept Hardik unusually quiet. He’s scored 14 in 16 against Kuldeep and 18 in 17 against Axar. Warner’s 107 runs against Shami are among the bowler’s worst numbers against a batter. But Shami has dismissed him twice in 10 games. Warner, in particular, enjoys facing Mohit, hitting him for 100 runs in 55 balls. That one-on-one strike-rate of 182 is among the worst for Mohit against any batter. At Ahmedabad, the average first innings score has been 192 but the average first-innings winning score is 207.Pitch and conditionsExpect a batting-friendly track. The ground dimensions could be a factor based on which pitch is used. It should be a dry evening.The big question

He had opted out of the domestic season-opening Duleep Trophy, which starts on June 28

PTI17-Jun-2023

Ishan Kishan was part of the squad for the WTC final•Associated Press

India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan and a few other contracted players will check into the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru next week for strength and conditioning related work ahead of the full tour against West Indies. India will play two Tests, three ODIs and five T20Is against West Indies starting July 12, for which Rohit Sharma’s team is slated to depart on July 3.Normally, when there is a gap between two international series, the centrally-contracted and targeted players, who are not a part of any domestic tournaments, are called at the NCA to have an update on their fitness status.With the Duleep Trophy scheduled to be held entirely in Bengaluru from June 28 and the final to be played from July 12-16, Kishan had opted out of the season-opening domestic red-ball tournament.Related

Shastri wants two left-handers in India's top six for the ODI World Cup

Rishabh Pant's recovery progressing faster than expected

India to begin next WTC cycle with two-match series in Caribbean

Duleep Trophy: Tilak, Rinku, Mukesh among players to watch out for

With East Zone taking on Central Zone in the first quarter-final at Alur in Bengaluru, the 24-year-old had the opportunity to play one game with the red ball before the Indian team’s departure for the Caribbean. The one-off game would have given Kishan a chance to push his case for selection in the Test team, especially when the incumbent KS Bharat is struggling to make a mark with the bat. But Kishan had opted out of the Duleep Trophy a couple of days ago.Kishan’s last competitive match was in the IPL for Mumbai Indians on May 26, and if he is not selected in the playing XI for Tests, his next game will be the ODI series opener against West Indies on July 27 at the Kensington Oval in Barbados.

The skipper struck her first fifty before the spin twins rocked Giants, who suffered their fourth successive loss

Valkerie Baynes03-Mar-2024

Meg Lanning found her touch as the innings progressed•PTI

Meg Lanning’s half-century and another class bowling display by Jess Jonassen propelled Delhi Capitals to the top of the WPL table and kept Gujarat Giants winless in Bengaluru on Sunday.Having won the toss and opted to bowl, Giants were ragged in the field, missing five chances as they sought their first win of the season. One of those was Lanning, and she made them pay with a 41-ball 55 despite Meghna Singh’s impressive four-wicket haul. Lanning moved past 9,000 T20 runs during the course of her innings, which was the stand-out for Capitals for whom Alice Capsey made a start and Annabel Sutherland played a neat cameo of 20 from 12.Related

'Weight has been lifted' – Lanning enjoying cricket after international retirement

Satghare comes in for Hemalatha to become the first concussion substitute in the WPL

Ashleigh Gardner threatened with a 31-ball 40 but when she fell to Jonassen, who backed up her 3 for 21 against RCB on Thursday with 3 for 22, Giants were left still searching for a first victory since their sixth match of WPL 2023. Radha Yadav claimed a valuable 3 for 20 for Capitals to put the result beyond any doubt.Jonassen gets the job doneTitas Sadhu, making her WPL debut after seven T20Is for India, opened the bowling in the absence of Marizanne Kapp and started with a maiden as Capitals launched their defence of 163 for 8. Shikha Pandey struck with her third ball, an absolute gem which swung in late and snuck through the gap between Laura Wolvaardt’s bat and pad to crash into the top of leg stump, removing the South Africa opener for a three-ball duck. Pandey could have had another moments later when she struck Beth Mooney on the pad in line with middle stump but Capitals errantly chose not to review the on-field reprieve.Phoebe Litchfield helped herself to 11 runs off Sadhu’s second over. Then three fours in four balls to Mooney and Litchfield off Pandey had Giants cruising in the fourth over. But Jonassen entered the attack and pinned Mooney on the front pad adjacent to the stumps and Giants had to try and rebuild. Jonassen struck again, however, when Litchfield spooned one straight to mid-off and the momentum swung firmly towards Capitals.Radha, at deep midwicket, put down a catch off Veda Krishnamurthy, on 6, but crucially Giants were well behind on 41 for 3 at the end of the powerplay. After seven overs, they had already faced 25 dot balls. Gardner cut loose with a 78m six and four off Arundhati Reddy so that at the halfway point of the innings Giants were 72 for 4, needing 92 more. Jonassen returned to the attack with Giants needing 60 from six overs and she all but ended their hopes, putting the ball on a length outside off-stump as Gardner advanced, swung and missed. Taniya Bhatia whipped off the bails with Gardner too far down the track and Giants too far behind.Meghna Singh became the first Indian fast bowler with a four-for in the WPL•BCCI

Meghna shines big-time for GiantsShafali Verma struck the first ball she faced, from Tanuja Kanwar, through square leg for four with impeccable timing and two balls later lofted a six back over the bowler’s head. To make matters worse for Giants, Kanwar dropped a return catch off Shafali at the end of the over, which cost 12 runs there and then, and who was to know how many more at that point. As it turned out, Shafali added just three more before Meghna had her comfortably caught by Wolvaardt at square leg. Lanning and Capsey settled into a rhythm and took Capitals to 51 for 1 by the end of the powerplay, but Meghna struck again with the crucial wicket of Capsey, who was in good form with scores of 75 and 46 heading into the match. Meghna ended Capsey’s latest innings on 27 with a tempter outside off stump, sliced to Kanwar at backward point, and she wasn’t done yet.Lanning lifts her sideThat sent Capitals into their shell as 19 deliveries came and went without a boundary. Lanning broke that by thumping debutant Tarannum Pathan over long-off for a maximum and from there she looked busy once more. Lanning should have been gone for 30 when she spooned a Mannat Kashyap delivery straight to mid-off, where Kathryn Bryce missed a sitter. Gardner had conceded 11 runs off her first over and her second went for 13 as Lanning moved within one clean strike of her fifty. She got there with an authoritative jab to the right of midwicket which was so well hit it evaded Gardner’s best efforts to stop it just inside the rope at deep midwicket. Another four over cover came off the next ball but it was Lanning’s anguish and Meghna’s joy when D Hemalatha moved to her left and held on at cover point to stop the Capitals skipper in full flow after her second half-century of the campaign.Jemimah Rodrigues laboured to 7 off 10 balls before Mannat Kashyap had her taken by Pathan at short third, but with Sutherland – in the side for Marizanne Kapp – and Jonassen at the crease, Capitals remained dangerous. Sutherland hit a monster 76m six off Bryce and, two balls later, Jonassen was let off by Hemalatha, who copped a blow to the forehead as the ball flew through her hands at deep midwicket and ended up needing a concussion substitute. Jonassen dispatched a Gardner full toss over the fence at deep square leg but was well caught behind by Mooney next ball. Kanwar bowled an excellent 17th over and was rewarded with the wicket of Sutherland, caught by Gardner at deep midwicket. Meghna juggled a catch at long-on to remove Arundhati Reddy and give Gardner her second, the look on the bowler’s face making her relief palpable. After Kashyap shelled one at extra cover, Meghna trapped Radha lbw with the last ball of the innings, to become the first Indian fast bowler to pick up a four-for in the WPL.

Mohammedan bundled Gazi for 40, edged past Sheikh Jamal but were no match for Abahani

Mohammad Isam06-Apr-2024

Anamul Haque celebrates his century•Abdul Alim

Key takeawaysBest batters – Anamul tons up, Mohobbot shines on debutParvez Hossain Emon remained the top run-getter despite three low scores. Meanwhile, his Prime Bank team-mate Tamim Iqbal breached the 400-run mark this week. Sheikh Jamal’s Saif Hassan, Abahani’s Anamul Haque and Brothers Union’s Abdul Mazid struck hundreds.Anamul struck his 15th List A century, an unbeaten 107, with seven fours and four sixes, spanning 118 balls, to help Abhani beat Gazi Group Cricketers by seven wickets. Gazi Tyres’ opener Mohobbot Hossen Roman struck 63 off 47 balls on List A debut against Rupganj Tigers at a strike rate of 134.04.Best bowlers – left-arm pacers ruleLeft-arm quicks Hider, Maruf Mridha and Ruyel Miah are now the top three wicket-takers in the DPL. Hider overtook Maruf with his seven-wicket haul to climb to the top of the tally, while Ruyel’s second five-wicket haul, against Gazi Tyres, earned him a spot among the top three.Best match – Saif’s resilience can’t take Sheikh Jamal over the lineBefore a defeat against arch-rivals Abahani and a big win against Gazi Tyres, Mohammedan started the week by beating Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club by five runs in Fatullah.Defending 200 runs, Mohammedan’s bowlers didn’t allow Sheikh Jamal to settle. Saif kept them going with a half-century but retired hurt after 33 overs – 60* at the time – due to cramps. He returned in the 44th over and remained 84* off 120 balls but couldn’t finish the job. Kamrul Islam Rabbi was the bowler who kept him down and successfully defended 14 runs in the last over.Points to ponderThere’s no stopping Abahani who crushed Mohammedan with 90 balls to spare. If they win the last two games of the first phase, it will be tough for the rest of the Super League teams to topple them.City Club finally won a game but there was no such luck for Rupganj Tigers who remain winless in eight games. After winning two games last week, Gazi Tyres got hammered this week: 84 all out against Gazi Group Cricketers and 40 all out against Mohammedan. The latter is the second lowest List-A total in Bangladesh.Players to watch – Saif HassanSaif’s all-round skills came to the fore this week. He made 115 and took 2 for 44 against Prime Bank, apart from his three-wicket haul against Legends of Rupganj, both in winning causes. Mahidul Islam Ankon is the only uncapped player among the top run-getters in this year’s DPL. The Mohammedan wicketkeeper-batter has struck six fifties in nine outings so far, and looks primed for some time in the Bangladesh A side in the coming months.

Potentially replacing the struggling Andre Onana, Manchester United are now reportedly eyeing a bargain deal to sign a former Newcastle United shot-stopper for Ruben Amorim this summer.

Man Utd targeting Onana replacements

Whilst there was a brief spell at the start of the season that Onana looked to have put any problems in the past, mistakes have since crept back into his game under Amorim, who must replace his goalkeeper. The former Inter Milan man must be part of a ruthless clear-out at Old Trafford, with several names already linked with a summer switch to Manchester United to act as a replacement.

Onana has struggled ever since arriving last season and found himself at the centre of criticism from the likes of Gary Neville following some disappointing displays.

Related Development: Man Utd hold positive talks with "strong" £68m star over move

He’d be an instant upgrade.

Posts ByTom Cunningham Apr 5, 2025

The Manchester United legend slammed the goalkeeper after he made a mistake against Aston Villa last season, saying: “That was a pathetic passage of play. McGinn’s delivery was awful and then Onana makes a mess of it. Onana is getting on my nerves, slowing the game down and then keeps giving it away. Catch it and stay in your box!”

If recent reports are anything to go by too, Manchester United have seen enough. Recent rumours have even indicated that the Red Devils are interested in bringing David de Gea back to the club in what would be a sensational deal. Of course, it was Onana who initially came in to replace the Spaniard two seasons ago.

Meanwhile, other names such as Mike Maignan have also threatened to steal the headlines. The AC Milan goalkeeper is arguably one of the best in his position and his reported price tag reflects that, sitting at an eye-watering £67m ahead of the summer.

Whether the Red Devils can afford such a deal is the big question. The reality is that they could be forced to turn their focus towards a bargain deal to replace Onana this summer.

Man Utd eyeing Freddie Woodman bargain

According to The Sun, Manchester United are now eyeing a bargain deal to sign Freddie Woodman from Preston North End this summer. The former Newcastle shot-stopper is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, which could allow those at Old Trafford to swoop in and land a free transfer.

The 28-year-old has been in excellent form in the Championship this season and may have done enough to earn a move back to the Premier League for the first time since leaving St James’ Park on a permanent deal in 2022. Having kept as many as 17 clean sheets in the current campaign, Woodman is far from the young goalkeeper who struggled to establish himself at Newcastle.

In recent years, Woodman has instead found himself at the centre of praise at Preston, including from Ryan Lowe. The former manager told reporters after the shot-stopper kept his 16th clean sheet of the 2022/23 campaign: “Freddie made some fantastic saves and that’s 16 clean sheets for him now, which is brilliant.

“He’s got a gashed eye and had three or four stitches at half-time, but there was no way we were going to get him off the pitch.”

Manchester United are thought to be readying a huge bid to sign a £270,000 per week star from Real Madrid.

Man Utd and INEOS must sell to buy ahead of Amorim’s first full season

It hasn’t been a campaign to remember for the Red Devils in 2024/25, although there is still the possibility of winning the Europa League.

However, INEOS and those behind the scenes at Old Trafford are preparing for Ruben Amorim’s first full season in charge, and in the summer transfer market, Man Utd may need to sell before they can splash the cash.

Related Man Utd now open to selling star to fund move for "world-class" £62m striker

The Red Devils could cash in on a first-team player, following a very disappointing performance against Nottingham Forest.

Posts 1 ByDominic Lund Apr 3, 2025

Reports have stated earlier this year that the club may axe 10 Man Utd players on more than £1.8m a week at Old Trafford, which include loanees Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho.

Napoli have also made an €80m (£66.9m) bid to sign Alejandro Garnacho from Man Utd, whereas the Red Devils could sell Kobbie Mainoo for more than £40m, with Real Madrid keen.

Man Utd’s next 5 fixtures

Date

Man Utd vs Man City

April 6

Lyon vs Man Utd

April 10

Newcastle vs Man Utd

April 13

Man Utd vs Lyon

April 17

Man Utd vs Wolves

April 20

Should the club sell a plethora of players, that should give them the funds to make some marquee signings, and by the looks of it, a current Galactico is of interest to Man Utd.

Man Utd ready £85m bid to sign Real Madrid star Valverde

According to reports out of Spain, Man Utd are preparing an offer of €100m (£85m) to sign Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde.

The Uruguayan is seen by those at the Red Devils as a ‘strategic move not only to strengthen the team in the short term but also to build a solid foundation for the future’.

Valverde moved to the Bernabeu back in 2016 as a teenager and has since gone on to become a first-team star, making more than 300 senior appearances for Madrid.

He’s turned out in a variety of positions this season such as a right-back, defensive midfielder and central midfielder, and was described by Carlo Ancelotti as “arguably the most complete player in football”.

“Fede is a complete and very important player. He can cover many positions, and he performs perfectly in all of them. It’s very difficult to find a right-back like him. For me, it’s challenging to decide his best position depending on the game. Sometimes we need him more as a full-back, and in others, as a holding midfielder.

“I make the decisions, but the player is always available. He never asks for anything. That is his strength, and that’s why I believe he’s arguably the most complete player in football. He could even play as a centre-back without any problem.”

Valued at a career-high €130m by Transfermarkt, Valverde also picks up around €320,000 per week (£270,000 per week) with the European giants, so Man Utd may have to break the bank to have any chance of signing the midfielder.

Fulham are now keen on signing a full-back who has a tempting release clause, but there is set to be competition for his signature from West Ham United, according to Sky Sports Germany.

Cottagers stepping up summer transfer plans

The Cottagers are on course to record another solid finish in the Premier League, under the helm of Marco Silva, and they have picked up some very impressive results along the way, most notably defeating champions elect Liverpool 3-2 earlier this month.

The only thing that may prevent Silva’s side from qualifying for Europe is a lack of consistency, having dropped points against the likes of Ipswich Town and West Ham United, while the 1-0 loss at AFC Bournemouth last time out could also be costly.

As such, Silva may feel some new additions are needed this summer, and targets have been identified in a number of positions, recently reigniting the interest in AC Milan forward Samuel Chukwueze, who was on the verge of a move to Craven Cottage last winter.

Related "Complete" target nears decision as Fulham battle against UCL club

It appears he’s made his choice…

Posts 1 ByTom Cunningham Apr 12, 2025

Panathinaikos striker Fotis Ioannadis has also been identified as a target, but there is a feeling the west Londoners could miss out, with Sporting CP also in the race for his signature.

Not only are Fulham looking to strengthen their attack, but they may also bring in a new left-back this summer, with a report from Sky Sports Germany revealing they have now joined the race for Werder Bremen defender Felix Agu.

The 25-year-old is being closely monitored by the Cottagers, having put in some impressive performances in the Bundesliga this season, but they are not the only English club in the picture.

West Ham are also keen on signing Agu, and the Premier League duo could be tempted by the appealing release clause of just €8m -€10m (£6.9m – £8.5m) included in his contract with the German club, which is set to expire at the end of May.

Fulham’s upcoming Premier League fixtures

Date

Chelsea (h)

April 20th

Southampton (a)

April 26th

Aston Villa (a)

May 3rd

Everton (h)

May 10th

Brentford (a)

May 18th

"Talented" Agu could excel in Premier League

There are clear signs the 25-year-old could now be ready to make the jump to the Premier League, having been lauded as “one of the best full-backs” in the Bundesliga by journalist Oma Akatugba last month.

The Werder Bremen star has made 17 appearances in the Bundesliga, displaying his attacking prowess by picking up three goals and one assist, and he ranks in the 94th percentile for non-penalty goals per 90 over the past year.

Silva already has a top-quality option at left-back in Antonee Robinson, but there has been speculation over the American’s future, and Agu’s ability on the front foot indicates he could be a like-for-like replacement.

Not only that, but the “talented” defender is also extremely versatile, having played at both left-back and right-back throughout his career, as well as further forward, so he could be a fantastic addition to the squad at just £6.9m – £8.5m, regardless of whether Robinson leaves.

Liverpool will be crowned Premier League champions if they avoid defeat against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon.

The momentum built up across Jurgen Klopp’s swansong season was expected to be derailed when Arne Slot, an unknown presence from Holland, took his place.

But FSG’s data-driven approach came up trumps, with more popular names such as Roberto De Zerbi, Luciano Spalletti, and Ernesto Valverde reported to have been ‘serious contenders’ for the hot seat by The Athletic.

Now, the data scientists and analysts will need to peer through Liverpool’s distinctive prism once again as a title-winning squad (not yet confirmed, but surely) look to defend their crown while challenging for the major honours which proved a stretch too far this year.

While fans are expecting strikers, left-backs, and centre-halves galore, there’s also the matter of the right side of Liverpool’s backline, with Trent Alexander-Arnold expected to sign for Real Madrid when his contract expires this summer.

The latest on Trent Alexander-Arnold

Fans have held onto hope, hopeless hope, that Alexander-Arnold will renew his Liverpool contract. But everything suggests he is on the cusp of joining Los Blancos at the start of a new era, with Carlo Ancelotti to depart in the coming weeks.

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the formalities are all that stand between the 26-year-old and a new chapter over in Spain, with reporters on Liverpool’s side echoing the claims, offering little in the way of optimism.

With Liverpool on the brink of winning the Premier League, perhaps the England international is waiting until all is said and done before accelerating his personal plans to the final stage.

But that stage is, sadly, set.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool Career by Competition

Competition

Apps

Goals

Assists

Premier League

255

18

65

Champions League

60

2

13

FA Cup

13

1

3

Carabao Cup

10

0

6

Europa League

5

0

2

Club World Cup

2

0

1

CL Qualifying

2

0

1

Community Shield

2

1

0

UEFA Super Cup

1

0

0

Stats via Transfermarkt

He’s won the lot, and he could win plenty more on Merseyside yet. But Trent’s head has been turned, and while Conor Bradley is an exciting young talent, Liverpool need to ensure they are well-stocked at right-back next year and beyond.

That’s why FSG are preparing to sign a talented young defender.

Liverpool advancing talks for Trent heir

As per Brazilian publication RTI Esporte – as translated by Sport Witness – Liverpool are one of the strongest teams pushing to sign right-back Wesley Franca, 21, this summer and have now made their first move.

Indeed, Wesley’s representatives have actually flown across the Atlantic and landed in England as they look to canvass their client’s qualities to FSG’s transfer team, with Flamengo hoping to earn around €35m (about £30m) from his sale.

Signing the rising star isn’t going to be a walk in the park, though, with both major clubs of a Manchester persuasion in the mix too.

What Wesley would bring to Anfield

Wesley has featured 124 times for Flamengo’s senior squad after graduating from the academy, scoring three goals and providing five assists for his teammates.

As with Klopp, Liverpool would be foolhardy to try and replace Alexander-Arnold with a B-grade version, but in Wesley, they would be signing a right-back with similar strengths, excelling in passing and crossing, while bringing his own distinctive style to the Anfield side.

Crisp, powerful and steely in defence, Wesley ranks among the top 9% of full-backs in divisions similar to the Brasileiro Serie A over the past year for pass completion, the top 18% for shot-creating actions, the top 21% for progressive carries, the top 12% for successful take-ons, the top 16% for ball recoveries and the top 12% for tackles and interceptions per 90.

This is quite the oversaturation of data, so let’s simplify it: talent scout Antonio Mango has lauded him for his “consistent and well-rounded” game, blending athleticism with natural intelligence and a stage presence that bespeaks a future on the Premier League pitch.

Such an energetic game with a skill at beating his man with the ball at his feet highlights a tenacious attitude that Slot would love to work with.

It would be remiss for the powers that be at Anfield to expect Wesley to replicate Alexander-Arnold’s sweeping creative skill set, but there’s nothing to suggest that he wouldn’t bring his own brand to the team, all the while providing consistent crosses into the box and support for Salah and co.

Looking at his opening performances in the Brazilian top flight this year, it’s not hard to see why he’s all the talk.

Wesley – Brazilian Serie A Stats (24/25)

Stats (* per game)

#

Matches (starts)

5 (5)

Goals

0

Assists

1

Touches*

76.6

Pass completion

87%

Key passes*

1.4

Crosses*

1.4

Dribbles*

1.6

Ball recoveries*

4.6

Tackles + interceptions*

3.4

Duels (won)*

6.8 (57%)

Stats via Sofascore

His strong start to the 2025 campaign highlights the quality that Liverpool would be weaving into their ranks, with Mango also gushing over the player’s “immense” performances right from the get-go.

FSG chiefs might feel that £30m is quite a steep figure to pay for a young defender plying their trade in South America, especially when there’s so much to do across various other positions.

But if sporting director Richard Hughes can succeed in whittling the price down, there’s every reason for Liverpool to be investing in this talented Brazilian, who recently earned his first two caps for the national team.

Given that Bradley has been in such fine fettle since breaking onto the scene, signing an up-and-comer such as Wesley could be the way to go for a Liverpool team looking to increase their depth.

With both players jockeying for the number one spot, it might even prove to elevate both stars to an even higher level.

Related Liverpool want world's "best player" in £77m deal who'd be Slot’s own Mane

Liverpool are planning to strengthen Arne Slot’s frontline in the transfer market this summer.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Apr 25, 2025

Arsenal have been in negotiations over signing an “exciting” player who reportedly prefers them to Premier League rivals Man United, and he also once agreed to join the Gunners before a move ultimately fell through.

Arsenal lay groundwork for summer transfers after disappointing 2024/2025

Manager Mikel Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta are looking ahead to the transfer window next month, which opens from June 1 to June 10 and then reopens from June 16 to September 1.

Related Arsenal and Liverpool ready to pay £50m for "quick" forward after PSG talks

The Gunners and Arne Slot’s side are contenders for his signature alongside France’s champions.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini May 8, 2025

Many players are set to depart the Emirates Stadium, with Kieran Tierney agreeing a pre-contract with Celtic in the January window ahead of re-signing for them in July and Jorginho most recently shaking hands on a move to Flamengo in Brazil.

Arsenal’s final Premier League games

Date

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

Southampton (away)

May 25th

While Arsenal are currently in talks to extend Thomas Partey’s deal, as his contract is due to expire on June 30, there is no guarantee the Ghanaian agrees to fresh terms, and he may even have to take a pay-cut to remain in north London (ESPN).

Nuno Tavares, Fabio Vieira, Albert Lokonga and Oleksandr Zinchenko could also leave Arsenal, while uncertainty surrounds the long-term future of Leandro Trossard as the Belgium international’s contract is due to expire next year (BBC).

Taking all of this into account, Berta could orchestrate a serious summer overhaul during his debut window at the club, with a new second-choice goalkeeper also on their agenda considering Neto will return to Bournemouth after his loan spell.

A top target for Arsenal in that respect remains Espanyol shot-stopper Joan Garcia.

The Spaniard agreed personal terms over a move to N5 last summer, as per reliable media sources like Fabrizio Romano, but a transfer didn’t materialise. Garcia instead remained at his current club, and he’s enjoyed another impressive campaign between the sticks.

However, a move for Garcia is viewed by many as a very likely outcome, with previous reports from Spain indicating that Arsenal are still in contention to sign Garcia who prefers joining them over Ruben Amorim’s United (Sport).

Arsenal hold talks over signing Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia

According to BBC journalist Sami Mokbel, a development has occurred in their pursuit of the 23-year-old.

It is now believed that Arsenal have held talks over signing Garcia, who appears more and more likely to be David Raya’s understudy for next season.

Mokbel doesn’t give any further information about how these discussions went, or what it would take to lure the keeper to England, but he’s known to have an affordable release clause.

Garcia could leave Espanyol for as little as £21 million, but his clause could rise to around £25 million if Arsenal leave it late. £25m will reportedly be the cost of his clause during the final 15 days of the summer window (Sport), so it’s a deal Berta will want to get done fairly early if he wishes to avoid a needless extra outlay.

The young keeper is gaining a fearsome reputation abroad as Spain’s most promising player in that position, and Football Anaylst Ben Mattinson recently lavished praise on the Espanyol starlet.

“An uber-athletic keeper with dominant cross claiming, composure on the ball, standing at 6’3” tall, García is an exciting keeper ready for a step-up,” said Mattinson on X.

“García is a keeper who excels at claiming crosses as he shows real bravery to protect his area. There’s a sense of ownership of the box where he confidently collects the ball. 16.1% of crosses stopped puts him in the top 1% of GK’s.”

Liverpool’s season may well be over, but that’s only because Arne Slot’s side have wrapped up the Premier League title with plenty of time to spare.

Anfield’s chief decision-makers are bound to be hard at work right now, perhaps finding their transfer plans accelerated after such dominance in the English top flight.

Of course, that’s not the only reason Liverpool’s season is done and dusted, if we’re being candid. The Merseysiders have no FA Cup or Champions League final to prepare for, having been dumped out of both competitions at premature stages.

This isn’t really to the detriment of Slot’s squad, merely a reflection of the unforeseen heights reached this season. Few expected Liverpool to go from strength to strength after Jurgen Klopp left last year, let alone win the league title.

Slot has been stringent in his team rotation, and will need to add depth this summer. Luckily, he’s had an absolute rock of a leader in Virgil van Dijk, unflappable, unmovable.

The importance of Van Dijk to Liverpool

The importance of Van Dijk. It really can’t be overstated how significant a part of Liverpool’s rise and rise he has been. Without this towering Dutchman, Klopp’s dynasty wouldn’t have scaled the mountain between good and greatness.

The art of spending wisely. Sure, Van Dijk cost Liverpool a world-record £75m fee, leaving Southampton on the South Coast in January 2018, but has there ever been a defender in that ballpark, and there are more, who have given their new employers the same bang for their buck?

Van Dijk took the captain’s armband from Jordan Henderson at the end of the 2022/23 season, but he’s been a leader ever since he arrived.

However, that level has been notched up since assuming the new weight of responsibility, for he led the resurgence last year, put Liverpool back in the Champions League and scored the winning goal in the Carabao Cup final. Now, he’s skippered his way toward a second Premier League title, with Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher saying, “he’s too good for the highest level” of football.

Tying the 33-year-old down to a new deal was always going to be imperative, and now he joins Mohamed Salah in devoting two more years of his prime to this wonderful club.

Maybe the final two years of his career at the highest level. Maybe, time works its hands onto every world-class player, and there will come a point when Carragher’s effusions no longer ring true.

Maybe Liverpool would be prudent to find and sign a successor this summer.

Liverpool add new centre-back to their shortlist

Liverpool need someone who’s capable of filling Van Dijk’s boots for years to come. Preferably, they would be a left-footed centre-half.

Transfer Focus

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

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Dean Huijsen is the talk of the town, but Liverpool might actually be ready to head down a different track and sign Nottingham Forest’s Murillo.

According to DaveOCKOP, 22-year-old Murillo is one of the shortlisted names ahead of the summer window, his blend of meaty athleticism and technical quality making him the perfect option for a team challenging at the top of the European pyramid each year.

However, he wouldn’t come cheap. It was suggested a few months back that Forest will demand £80m for the defender, with Arsenal, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain also considered suitors.

What Murillo would bring to Liverpool

Nuno Espirito Santo has worked wonders at Forest. He’s transformed the club from relegation stragglers to genuine Champions League contenders, with their fate hanging in the balance ahead of the final few matches of the season.

Forest were hit with a points deduction after breaching financial fair play (FFP) rules in the 2022/23 season. The windfall from securing a seat at Europe’s eminent table would ease their worries this summer, but FFP compliance will be a tricky slope to navigate in any case, and Liverpool could take advantage.

Certainly, Murillo still has progress to make in his professional journey, but that’s why Liverpool should act now, adding the Brazilian to a rich backline and allowing him to learn under Van Dijk’s wing before settling into an enhanced role.

Make no mistake, Murillo’s already got enough in his locker to make a marked improvement on Liverpool’s defence. Hailed for his “monstrous” performances by journalist Ryan Taylor, he’s menacing and unflinching in his duties.

The Tricky Trees star isn’t the finished article, but he’s already performing at a level that challenges Van Dijk for his throne.

Prem 24/25 – Virgil van Dijk vs Murillo

Stats (* per game)

Van Dijk

Murillo

Matches (starts)

35 (35)

34 (34)

Goals

3

2

Assists

1

0

Clean sheets

14

11

Touches*

90.5

54.9

Pass completion

92%

79%

Key passes*

0.3

0.4

Dribbles*

0.1

0.8

Ball recoveries*

3.1

3.9

Tackles + interceptions*

2.5

2.5

Clearances*

5.1

6.8

Aerial duels won (%)*

3.2 (71%)

1.3 (66%)

Stats via Sofascore

In fact, he’s been described as being “easily one of the best defenders in the league” by talent scout Jacek Kulig only a few months ago, not all that far away from Liverpool’s main man.

Murillo is energetic and creative too. While defending his goalkeeper serves as his principal aim, the £xxk-per-week talent has also garnered something of a reputation for his powerful surges forward, thus sparking creative opportunities for his forward-placed teammates.

FBref back it all up: across Europe’s top five leagues this season, Murillo ranks among the top 3% of positional peers for blocks and clearances, while also ranking among the top 2% for successful take-ons and the top 12% for shot-creating actions per 90.

You can see why Liverpool are so interested in striking a deal this summer, with Murillo ticking all the boxes.

6 foot even, he’s not the tallest of centre-back but Murillo uses his aerial prowess so well, and must be brought to Anfield this summer to begin the next chapter in his career, one building toward a point in which he succeeds Van Dijk as Liverpool star man at the back.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb May 7, 2025