Lionel Messi acknowledged that Inter Miami’s defensive lapses proved costly in their 2024 MLS first-round playoff loss to Atlanta United. Reflecting on that setback, the Miami superstar said the team has made progress under first-year head coach Javier Mascherano, as Miami opened the 2025 MLS playoffs with victory over Nashville SC.
AFP'We must be better'
Messi said the issues that impacted Miami in last year’s upset loss to Atlanta were tied to an "irregular" defense.
"There were moments where the team competed at a very high level, but it's also true that we were irregular, defensively, where we conceded a lot of goals, and that's something we still are lacking," he told Apple TV on Wednesday. "We must be better in that area if we really want to win the MLS Cup."
The Herons shipped six goals across the two-game series against Atlanta, only scoring four.
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Miami showed defensive improvement against Nashville at home in game 1 last week at Chase Stadium, but they did concede a goal to Hany Mukhtar in the dying minutes. Messi noted that improvement, saying, "I think this season, like last year, we've grown a lot."
Getty Images SportAdjusting to MLS playoffs
Unlike Europe, where Messi spent 19 years, the MLS Cup isn't decided by league play. The playoffs determine the champion. Messi admitted he's getting used to that reality, which is otherwise common across American sports.
"I think the playoffs are a completely different competition, where the games are different," he said. "The teams are much more careful and attentive to every detail as with any given situation you can be knocked out. But obviously we're prepared to fight and try to win it, what we all want."
In four MLS postseason appearances, Messi has three goals and two assists.
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Getty Images SportAll eyes on MLS Cup
Messi says Miami have what it takes to win MLS Cup.
"Yes, obviously yes, we can. It's not going to be easy," he said. "We have the experience from last year when we finished first in the regular season and then got knocked out in the first round."
Tottenham Hotspur are no longer led by long-serving former chairman Daniel Levy, who’s now departed Spurs after a mixed but very memorable 25-year tenure.
Levy, who helped to transform the Lilywhites from a mid-table Premier League side under Sir Alan Sugar into a financial powerhouse off the field, couldn’t do that much to turn around their on-pitch form.
Just two major trophies in his two-and-a-half-decade-long spell in charge highlight exactly why supporters staged recent protests over Levy and ENIC, demanding change in their thirst for success.
"ENICOUT" banneroutside Spurs
Tottenham are one of the most valuable football clubs in the world, and in that sense, Levy leaves N17 in a much more fit state than when he first arrived.
Real Madrid
£1.2 billion
Man City
£727 million
PSG
£700 million
Man United
£668 million
Bayern Munich
£664 million
FC Barcelona
£659.5 million
Arsenal
£621.5 million
Liverpool
£620 million
Tottenham Hotspur
£533 million
Chelsea
£474 million
via Deloitte Money League
However, criticism surrounding a lack of spending compared to elite rivals, not to mention some pretty comical moments as a result of questionable decision-making, perhaps explain why a change is needed in the boardroom.
Spurs’ infamous 2021 search for a new manager after sacking José Mourinho, which spanned a crazy 72 days, resulted in their hire of Nuno Espírito Santo, who was sacked just months later. Antonio Conte replaced the Portuguese, but he’s remembered just as badly for his insane post-match press conference against Southampton in 2023.
More recently, Tottenham’s repeated fumbles in the summer transfer market were pretty embarrassing. Despite agreeing deals for Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze, both moves fell through at the eleventh hour, forcing Levy to scramble for new signings in the final days, even if he had months to prepare beforehand.
While Levy wasn’t solely responsible for these mishaps, the 63-year-old had a “vice-like” grip on Tottenham’s day-to-day running, but that was eventually weakened by the involvement of Joe Lewis’ kids, who are growing in influence behind-the-scenes (Paul O’Keefe).
Eventually, Levy was informed by ENIC that he’d be stepping down from his role as chairman, and according to The Times, he wasn’t aware of this until just hours before the north Londoners made it official.
Now, a report by The Independent and journalist Miguel Delaney has shared how those within football have viewed this huge announcement.
How senior officials reacted to Daniel Levy exit from Tottenham
Delaney writes that many senior executives in football, presumably Levy’s Premier League counterparts, were “stunned” by the news of his resignation on Thursday evening.
Furthermore, it is reported that multiple sources heard of growing tension between Levy and ENIC owner Joe Lewis, that had been “bubbling away” for years beneath the surface.
The Lewis Family, in an official statement, are adamant that a “new era” has begun at Tottenham, but whether that is the promise of more silverware remains to be seen.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard’s scheduled flight to join the Norway national team was cancelled after he suffered a fresh knee injury against West Ham. The midfielder left the Emirates in a brace following another setback, leaving the Gunners concerned over his fitness ahead of crucial domestic and international fixtures.
Odegaard's Norway jet cancelled after injury
Odegaard was forced off in the first half of Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over West Ham after colliding knees with Crysencio Summerville. The 26-year-old attempted to continue twice before signalling he could no longer play, visibly frustrated as he left the pitch. He was later spotted with a brace on his knee, which has prompted Arsenal to cancel his private jet to Norway for international duty, as per .
Advertisement(C)Getty imagesOdegaard suffering from injury crisis this year
Odegaard had only recently returned from a shoulder problem and was eager to regain rhythm ahead of the October international break. Norway are set to face Israel in a vital World Cup qualifier next Saturday, with Odegaard’s availability now in serious doubt. The national team is awaiting updates from Arsenal’s medical staff before deciding whether to call up a replacement.
Getty Images SportArteta admitted that Odegaard injury doesn't look 'positive'
Mikel Arteta admitted after the game that the early signs “don’t look positive” for his skipper. “He’s not feeling great right now, and we’ll need to assess it properly before making any decisions,” the Arsenal boss said. The setback adds to a growing injury list for the Gunners and continues a worrying trend for Odegaard, who has been forced off in three straight Premier League home starts.
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Will Odegaard be able to return after the break?
Arsenal’s medical team will continue to assess the severity of Odegaard’s knee issue in the coming days. The Gunners will be desperate to avoid another lengthy absence for their captain, especially with key fixtures looming after the international break. If scans reveal any significant damage, Odegaard could be sidelined for several weeks.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have now made contact over a deal for a “fabulous” midfielder, who is wanted by a whole host of Premier League clubs.
Wolves looking to strengthen amid disappointing start
Wolves’ start to the new Premier League campaign has been far from ideal, losing 4-0 at home against Manchester City in their opening match, before falling short once again in a 1-0 defeat at AFC Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.
Vitor Pereira has since made it clear he still wants to make several new additions to the squad, with the manager confirming the club is currently working on a number of deals.
One position in which Pereira clearly remains keen on strengthening is central midfield, with a big offer recently being submitted for Barcelona’s Marc Casado, but the 21-year-old is not the only La Liga midfielder on the shortlist…
According to a report from AS (via Sport Witness), Wolves have now made contact over a deal for Getafe’s Christantus Uche, who is attracting widespread interest from the Premier League, with Sunderland, Burnley and Leeds United also keen.
The Spanish club are planning to cash-in on Uche this summer, and they are willing to sanction a departure for €20m (£17m), although the asking price could drop to €15m (£13m) prior to the September 1st transfer deadline.
Pereira's very own Neves: Wolves plotting £26m move for "total leader"
Wolverhampton Wanderers could win Vitor Pereira his own Ruben Neves by signing this £26m ace.
ByKelan Sarson Aug 21, 2025
The Old Gold are yet to table a bid for the midfielder, and it is unclear whether they have been in contact with his agents, Getafe, or both parties, but there is certainly interest on their behalf, and there are plenty of signs he could be a solid addition to Pereira’s squad…
"Fabulous" Uche could take Wolves' midfield to next level
It would be fair to say Jean-Ricner Bellegarde struggled against Bournemouth on Saturday, with the midfielder being substituted at half-time after making the error that led to Marcus Tavernier’s goal, while he’s also received criticism for some of his displays last season.
As such, it is little wonder that Pereira wants to bring in a new midfielder before the deadline, and the “fabulous” Getafe star could be a fantastic option, given that he is a well-rounded midfielder, capable of making an impact at both ends of the pitch.
Getafe's ChristantusUcheandGetafe's Omar Alderete in action with FC Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski
That is evidenced by the Nigerian’s performance across several key metrics over the past year, particularly impressing with his tackling ability.
Statistic
Average per 90 (past year)
Assists
0.25 (89th percentile)
Successful take-ons
1.27 (85th percentile)
Tackles
1.23 (92nd percentile)
Interceptions
0.36 (88th percentile)
At 22-years-old, Uche is at a good age to be a long-term success at Molineux, and his performances over the past year suggest a £17m price tag would be very fair, so it would be a real bonus if the asking price drops even further before the deadline.
Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Marseille was memorable for 18-year-old Franco Mastantuono, who made his Champions League debut and drew high praise from Federico Valverde. The midfielder called the Argentine wonderkid his 'little brother' and predicted he would score plenty of goals in the famous white shirt after joining from River Plate in the summer.
Mastantuono’s big night at the Bernabeu
After being left out of the weekend's game against Real Sociedad in La Liga, Mastantuono was handed a start on the European stage on Tuesday. He became the third-youngest foreign player to debut for Real Madrid earlier this season against Osasuna and followed that up by becoming the youngest player to start for the club in a Champions League game, breaking a record set by Endrick. The teenage-sensation played 63 minutes in the game as Madrid overturned Timothy Weah’s opener with two Kylian Mbappe penalties.
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Getty Images Sport
Valverde showers high praise on young Argentine
After the game, the Madrid star spoke highly of the young Argentine and opened up about his relationship with Mastantuono.
"I'm happy things are going well for him and happy to have a close friend from Argentina. It's good to share training sessions and conversations with him. He's like a little brother to me," the Uruguayan said. “I'm going to try to support him and tell him that he'll always have many more opportunities with this badge, that he'll have thousands of chances to score, that he'll score thousands of goals and win millions of titles. Let him continue enjoying what he plays at the Bernabeu, because not everyone can play there."
Mastantuono's rapid rise with club and country
Mastantuono joined Madrid from River Plate this summer on a six-year deal, where he had already established himself as a top prospect. On the international stage, he became the youngest player to debut for Argentina at 17 years and 296 days and made history by wearing the iconic No.10 shirt in Messi’s absence earlier this month.
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Mastantuono and Real Madrid prepare for Espanyol challenge
Los Blancos will return to La Liga action against Espanyol on September 20, and the Argentine is expected to feature again as Xabi Alonso continues to integrate him into the first team. Still only 18, the midfielder has already broken records with club and country, and with the manager's backing, Madrid fans believe they have found another star for the future.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca may have already signed several players this summer, but he is far from finished in the transfer market.
With more incomings than outgoings, there could be problems with a bloated squad next term. However, there is still a need to move out players such as Christopher Nkunku, Joao Felix, Axel Disasi and Raheem Sterling before the window closes.
Esperance Sportive de Tunis' Onuche Ogbelu in action with Chelsea's ChristopherNkunku
The rumour mill has been constant over the previous few weeks, with the Blues being linked with players right, left and centre.
Karim Adeyemi, Tyler Dibling and Malick Fofana have all been touted for a move to Stamford Bridge this summer as Maresca continues his charge of further bolstering his attacking options.
Alexander Isak was another who was mentioned following the Swedish striker looking for a way out of Newcastle, but this move would be extremely unlikely.
The most likely signing could well be that of Xavi Simons, as the Dutchman appears to be dreaming of joining the Blues, ahead of a potential move.
Splashing out a reported fee of around £56m could certainly be worth it in the long haul….
What Xavi Simons will bring to Chelsea
Simons has been used as an attacking midfielder throughout his career, but since joining RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023, the 22-year-old has tended to operate on the left flank.
With Chelsea having Cole Palmer, who is arguably one of the finest attacking midfielders in Europe, opportunities for Simons would likely come on the flank.
RB Leipzig'sXaviSimonsreacts after the match
Last season, Simons scored 11 goals and grabbed eight assists in all competitions, with nine of those goal contributions coming from the left wing.
When compared to his positional peers in the Bundesliga, however, he ranked highly for a number of key metrics.
Indeed, the Dutchman would rank in the top 6% for progressive passes (5.86) per 90, along with ranking in the top 15% for shot-creating actions (4.52), In the top 3% for through balls (0.96) and for carries into the final third (2.97) per 90, it is evident that Simons shone for the German side.
Combining this with a 20% goal conversion rate in the top flight, as well as creating 12 big chances while averaging two key passes per game, Simons would make a huge difference to the Chelsea side next season.
If a deal can be secured in the coming days for the youngster, Maresca would surely be happy with his attacking options ahead of the campaign starting in a few weeks.
Next on his list will be signing a defender or two in order to shore up the backline. Several names have been mentioned over the previous few weeks, but it looks as though the club have only one target in mind right now.
Jorrel Hato is that player. Could Maresca secure his signature in the next few days?
Chelsea edging closer to another exciting signing
The Blues have been keen on the Ajax starlet since before the window even opened, but it now looks as though they could be closing in on a move.
Fabrizio Romano provided an update on X regarding Chelsea’s pursuit of the player, saying that he has “informed the club about his desire to join Chelsea.”
This is good news for Maresca, and it will surely only be a matter of time before the club announces his signing.
The Dutch side will demand a fee of around £52m in order to sanction an exit, but given how much Chelsea have spent thus far, another £50m+ won’t hurt.
He has sparkled for Ajax since making his debut, and while Hato can operate either as a centre-back or left-back, Maresca will likely unleash him on the left.
If both Hato and Simons move to Stamford Bridge, it could form the basis of a potent combination down the left flank, that’s for sure.
Why Chelsea must sign Jorrel Hato
Hato is still only a teenager, having just turned 19 in March this year. He is nowhere near the finished article, but judging by his statistics from last term, the youngster has a wonderful future ahead of him.
Defensively, Hato was impressive in the Eredivisie. Not only did he win 52% of his total contested duels per game, but the defender also averaged 1.9 tackles per game and was dribbled past on just 0.3 occasions per match in the top flight.
Games played
11
33
31
Goals scored
0
1
2
Assists
0
2
6
Touches per game
57.4
94.8
67.2
Accurate passes per game
42.6 (91%)
72.8 (93%)
45.2 (90%)
Total duels won per game
3.1
5.5
4.1
Clean sheets
1
5
11
Talent scout Jacek Kulig hailed Hato last season for his “immense quality” while also saying that he is a “fantastic mix of complete full-back, playmaking full-back, and ball-playing centre-back” and this could work in Maresca’s favour.
With Simons on the left wing, Hato has all the qualities – as evidenced by Kulig – to form a decent partnership with his compatriot.
From an attacking perspective, Hato recorded six assists in the league last term, along with averaging 0.6 key passes and creating six big chances.
Furthermore, the teen even ranked in the top 6% for assists per 90 (0.21) when compared to his positional peers in the men’s next 14 competitions.
Add in the fact he ranks in the top 11% for touches in the opposition penalty area (2.33) per 90 and in the top 2% for through balls (0.17) per 90; Hato has all the attacking requirements to star on the left flank behind Simons. That’s for sure.
It would be an expensive signing for someone so young, but Maresca has grand plans for Hato, and he will go from strength to strength over the next few years.
Should the club sign both Hato and Simons, they will be a force to be reckoned with next season. There is no doubt about that.
The next few weeks will certainly be interesting indeed for the Chelsea faithful.
He's like Neto & Madueke: Chelsea eyeing £40m "nightmare" alongside Simons
Chelsea look to strike deal for Manchester United outcast
This summer is shaping up to be one of Arsenal’s best in a very long time.
It might sound hyperbolic, but it’s really not, as, following a slow start to the transfer window, the club have already officially announced four signings, including Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke.
Add to that the renewed contracts of Gabriel Magalhaes, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, plus the fact that Cristhian Mosquera is already reportedly out in Singapore, and it’s easy to see why some fans are getting very excited.
Arsenal manager MikelArteta
Moreover, while he’s not been announced yet, the club appear to have finally agreed a deal to sign Viktor Gyokeres, and based on reports, they’re also keen on someone who’d be his dream winger.
Arsenal target dream winger for Gyokeres
The most significant transfer saga involving Arsenal this summer has undoubtedly been about Gyokeres.
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At first, it looked like Benjamin Sesko was the club’s first-choice option to lead the line next season, but once RB Leipzig priced him out of a move, the North Londoners turned their full attention to the Swedish international.
Finally, after what had felt like weeks of stalemate between Sporting CP and the Gunners over the add-ons in the deal, Fabrizio Romano gave the transfer the ‘here we go’ treatment yesterday afternoon.
It’s a potentially game-changing addition to a team that needed a clinical number nine last season, and better yet, the club are now being linked with someone who could be the striker’s dream winger.
According to a recent report from The Athletic, Arsenal are interested in Anthony Gordon.
The report claims that the Newcastle United star is a player the Premier League runners-up currently ‘admire’, but that the futures of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard could determine whether that admiration develops.
In terms of how much the Englishman may cost, reports from earlier this summer claimed a fee of around £100m could be enough, and while that’s a lot of money, it might prove worth it to sign someone who could be Gyokeres’ dream winger.
Why Gordon would be a dream teammate for Gyokeres
So, to first determine which wingers would be dream teammates for Gyokeres, we need to take a moment to look at how the striker plays the game.
While Arteta and Co will surely be able to further develop the way in which the Swede plays, it’s crystal clear from both his heat map last season that he spends most of his time in and around the penalty area.
Moreover, when we take a look at his shot map in all competitions last season, it becomes even more apparent that he is a traditional number nine, a fox in the box, if you will.
So, to get the most out of him and maximise his strengths, the Gunners need a winger who is effective at getting the ball into dangerous areas, and based on some of his underlying numbers, Gordon fits the bill.
For example, FBref placed him in the top 7% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League last season for crosses into the penalty area and the top 15% for passes into the penalty area.
Anthony Gordon celebrates for Newcastle
Additionally, FBref ranked him in the top 1% for penalty kicks won and the top 3% for goal-creating actions the previous season, suggesting that the Englishman will create chances for his teammates, either through winning a foul or ingenious play.
Finally, you don’t just have to look at the underlying metrics to see the Liverpool-born “nightmare,” as he described himself, could be a real game-changer for the Gunners and Gyokeres, as his output also makes the case.
For example, since the start of the 23/24 campaign, he’s scored 21 goals and provided 23 assists in 90 appearances, totalling 6815 minutes.
In other words, that means the 24-year-old ace has averaged a goal involvement every 2.04 games, or every 154.88 minutes.
Gordon’s recent form
Season
23/24
24/25
Appearances
48
42
Minutes
3869′
2946′
Goals
12
9
Assists
16
7
Goal Involvements per Match
0.58
0.38
Minutes per Goal Involvement
138.17′
184.12′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
Ultimately, Gyokeres looks like he’ll be an incredible addition to this Arsenal squad, but if Arteta and Co want to get even more out of him, they’d do well to bring in Gordon as well.
He'd be Nwaneri 2.0: Arsenal agree fee to sign "technically gifted" star
Arsenal could sign their new Ethan Nwaneri this summer.
Glamorgan 247 for 9 (Douthwaite 55, Ingram 47, Root 46, Barnard 4-34) beat Warwickshire 208 (Burgess 85, McIlroy 3-42) by 39 runsDan Douthwaite turned into a matchwinner with both bat and ball as he guided Glamorgan into the Metro Bank One-Day Cup final at Trent Bridge next month with a 39-run victory over Warwickshire at Sophia Gardens.It was his lusty batting that first caught the eye as he hauled the home side through to a 50-over total of 247 for 9 after they had earlier been floundering at 44 for 4 in the 15th over. He hit four sixes – one out of the ground and into the River Taff – in his sparkling 55, hitting 16 off the final over from Oliver Hannon-Dalby.Prior to that Colin Ingram (47) and Billy Root (46) had steadied the innings. Then Douthwaite got into his bowling rhythm and removed Chris Benjamin and Kai Smith to catches at the wicket by Will Samile as he reduced the visitors to 62 for 6 in reply in the 21st over. They were eventually all out for 208.Timm van der Gugten, who had earlier scored 26 with the bat, picked up the wickets of Rob Yates (4) and Will Rhodes (4), while fellow paceman Jamie McIlroy got rid of the dangerous Ed Barnard (14) and Hamza Shaikh (8).Tight bowling and energetic fielding by the home side turned the screw on Warwickshire as the run-rate climbed to more than seven per over in the 26th over. The 100 came up in the 32nd over as the rate rose to more than eight per over.Michael Burgess was the only batter to provide some solid resistance in the middle order and he reached his half-century with a six off the spin of Ingram. He obviously enjoyed the experience as he hit the next two over the boundary for maximums.His seventh wicket stand with Jake Lintott reaped 87 runs and his 85 contained four sixes and six fours. His departure, caught at mid off by Douthwaite off the bowling of the returning McIlroy, left Warwickshire at 149 for 7 – still 99 short of their target with 11 overs to go.When Lintott was caught off a reverse sweep of the bowling of Ben Kellaway for 26 the game was up. There were a few big hits in defiance at the death – Michael Booth hit three sixes – but Warwickshire ended 40 runs short of the victory target.Warwickshire captain Barnard had no hesitation in asking Glamorgan to bat when he won the toss. Playing on the same Sophia Gardens wicket as used for the home side’s win last week over Yorkshire that earned them a straight semi-final tie, Barnard had obviously taken note of the help the pitch had given the seam bowlers in that match.It proved to be a good choice for the seam attack that he led. Opening the bowling and running straight through his allotted 10 overs, the visiting skipper ripped through Glamorgan’s top order and ended with 4 for 34 in his top-class spell.Three of his victims were caught in the slips by Rob Yates – Asa Tribe (13), Kiran Carlson (2) and Will Smale (13) – and he trapped Sam Northeast (8) lbw. That reduced the home side to 4 for 44 in the 15th over and he could have had a fifth wicket had Yates not put down an easy chance Colin Ingram in the 17th over.At that stage the Ingram had only scored 18 and he went on to notch 47 before he was fifth out, trapped lbw by Michael Rae. Ingram steadied what looked like being a sinking ship in tandem with Billy Root as they put on 46 for the fifth wicket.Building on his midweek half-century in the win over Yorkshire Vikings, Root five fours in his 46, sharing in invaluable stands of 55 with Ben Kellaway and then 22 with Douthwaite before his departure in the 40th over made it 167 for 7.At that stage Warwickshire must have been hoping to mop up the tail quite quickly, but Douthwaite, van der Gugten and Andy Gorvin had other ideas. Between them they conjured up 92 runs as they plundered 79 off the last 10 overs to set the visitors a target of 248.Douthwaite ended on 55 and thumped four enormous sixes and four fours as he took 15 and then 17 off the final two overs. That meant the Welsh side at least had some sort of total to defend – which they managed to do with a few overs to spare.
Leeds United are now strongly considering a bid for a “brilliant” midfielder, who could be in line to join alongside their move for Sean Longstaff this summer, according to a report.
Leeds stepping up pursuit of new midfielders
Leeds have now reached an agreement on personal terms with Newcastle United’s Longstaff, as revealed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, with the deal said to be edging closer to completion.
Widespread reports have suggested the Newcastle midfielder is free to leave his boyhood club this summer, with Eddie Howe sanctioning a departure, and a move to Elland Road appears to be an increasingly likely outcome.
However, Daniel Farke may not want to stop there, with some extra quality perhaps needed in the engine room if his side are to avoid relegation from the Premier League next season, and the Championship title-winners have now intensified their interest in a different midfielder.
That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states Leeds are now stepping up their interest in Shea Charles, with the Southampton midfielder catching the eye during a loan spell with Sheffield Wednesday last season.
The Whites tracked Charles’ performances during his loan spell with the Owls, and they were clearly impressed by what they saw, as a move is now being strongly considered, although it is unclear what sort of fee it would take to prise him away from the Saints.
Leeds United's Brenden Aaronson in action with Sheffield Wednesday'sSheaCharles
Will Still is also hoping to keep hold of the central midfielder beyond the summer, which could make it difficult for the Whites to get a deal for the £15m-rated maestro over the line.
Charles could be "brilliant" addition to Farke's squad
While the signing of Longstaff makes more sense, considering the 27-year-old is vastly experienced at Premier League level, the Southampton midfielder’s performances in the Championship indicate he could be capable of making the step-up to the top flight.
Not only has the 21-year-old hailed as “brilliant” by members of the media, but journalist Joe Crann believes he could go on to achieve big things in the game.
Perhaps most noteworthy is the Northern Irishman’s defensive ability, performing very well across some key metrics over the past year, when compared to other midfielders.
Shea Charles
Average per 90
Interceptions
1.46 (83rd percentile)
Tackles
2.68 (78th percentile)
Aerials won
1.54 (80th percentile)
However, having recorded five assists in the Championship last season, the former Sheffield Wednesday man is clearly a well-rounded midfielder, capable of contributing on the front foot.
Charles could be a solid signing for Leeds this summer, but Longstaff looks to be a more attainable target, given that Newcastle are more willing to sanction a departure.
This is going to be a big summer for Liverpool. Bigger, perhaps, than any stretch of off-season at Anfield since Phil Coutinho was sold to Barcelona for an exorbitant fee and Alisson and Virgil van Dijk were brought in as replacements.
FSG have a bit of a reputation for being frugal in the transfer market, but Liverpool are hardly averse to strengthening and know that they have chinks to cover if they are to successfully defend their Premier League title next season, challenge for the Champions League too.
But with Trent Alexander-Arnold off to Real Madrid, Andy Robertson declining, Darwin Nunez set to be sold after a disappointing three terms, Ibrahima Konate’s contract situation uncertain, and Ryan Gravenberch lacking competition at number six, it’s understandable that Arne Slot should demand investment.
That exhausting list isn’t actually exhaustive, though. Liverpool are always attentive to opportunities, and what’s bigger than Florian Wirtz’s desire to leave Bayer Leverkusen in search of a new challenge?
Liverpool's pursuit of Florian Wirtz
Former Leverkusen star Patrick Helmes remarked at the start of the season that Wirtz is “probably the best midfielder in the world.” He may well be right.
Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz
Wirtz, certainly, is one of the most exciting and entertaining playmakers in the business, having played an instrumental role in Xabi Alonso’s invincible domestic double last year and now finishing the current campaign with 31 goal involvements to his name.
Though he typically operates from a number ten berth, the Germany international is proven across a whole range of attacking positions, with his seasonal Bundesliga heatmap, sourced via Sofascore, denoting a left-leaning preference.
Florian Wirtz – Career Stats by Position (club & country)
Position
Apps
Goals
Assists
Attacking midfield
169
48
57
Left winger
21
4
5
Right winger
17
8
5
Centre-forward
15
7
7
Central midfield
5
0
3
Data via Transfermarkt
While Bayern Munich have the lead in the race for the attacking midfielder, Liverpool and Manchester City are both hot on his trail, as per The Athletic.
Who knows where he’ll end up, but given Die Werkself are looking to claim some £101m for his sale, Liverpool have lined up alternatives.
Liverpool eyeing marquee deal
Liverpool will lose Alexander-Arnold this summer, and, yes, it would be a shock if he didn’t sign for Real Madrid. However, Rodrygo may travel in the opposite direction, having been left disgruntled by his role at Los Blancos this year.
According to Football Insider, Liverpool are plotting to make their move for the Brazilian forward, who would cost FSG something in the region of £85m.
Arsenal are also named as suitors, but it’s said that Mikel Arteta’s side are deterred by Real Madrid’s financial demands, thus leaving the door open for Liverpool to make their move as the Gunners not wanting to pay the fee could give them an advantage in the race to sign him.
Scout Mick Brown is quoted as saying that the Reds are not happy with their current forward options and that they could make a move for the Brazilian if he becomes available this summer.
Why Rodrygo would be perfect for Liverpool
Only a few months ago, in March, Jude Bellingham claimed Rodrygo is “the most gifted player in the squad.”
There’s been something selfless about the versatile winger’s time at the Santiago Bernabeu, for he has never quite reached the reputation of his frontal peers yet has been one of the most important players under Carlo Ancelotti’s wing.
Across 267 appearances for Real, Rodrygo has notched 118 goal contributions, a very good return when considering he arrived at the club an 18-year-old in 2019, leaving his Brazilian homeland, leaving Santos.
It might not have been the best of seasons for the South American, but he’s still showcased his skills wonderfully. As per Sofascore, the £202k-per-week talent has still hit six goals and five assists from just 22 La Liga starts, averaging 1.6 dribbles and key passes per game while winning 56% of his ground duels.
Real Madrid rarely sell players they don’t want to, but Rodrygo’s situation is a little more complex: with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior both nailed down in their left and central berths, Liverpool’s target has been ferried off to the right, where he’s at his most ineffective.
Despite Rodrygo’s frustrations this season, deployed in his favoured left-sided position only 12 times (though scoring six goals and supplying six assists), he has played 50 games and still stands firm against Wirtz. He’s even been described as a “magician” by Statman Dave.
In balmier conditions, angled toward breeding positivity for the wideman, there’s no telling how far he could climb. Slot has something of a knack for getting the best out of bothered stars, and Rodrygo could be next, having been praised for being a “more mature player” than compatriot Vini by former Brazil boss Tite.
A man for the big moments, you’d be surprised if Rodrygo didn’t have a say in Liverpool’s efforts on the continental front going forward, should Slot win the race for his services.
It’s not just his clutch moments, though, with an underlying surety in his actions illustrating his world-class quality. As per FBref, the 24-year-old ranks among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion and for carries into the final third and the top 12% for passes attempted.
Rodrygo is fleet-footed, but he’s also inventive and crisp on the ball. Eager to get on it, his vicious blend of deadliness and dynamism suggests he would be a tailor-made addition to Slot’s project, especially if the Dutch coach is willing to unleash him from the left flank, as the player wishes but rarely receives in the Spanish capital.
Ultimately, either Rodrygo or Wirtz would have a significant impact on a flourishing Liverpool side. Wirtz might feel like the most favourable pick, but the £85m-rated star’s stunning career has merely lulled this year, and if Slot were to pick him back up from the Madrid wayside, he might just take his team to the next level.
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