Big Picture: The Warne-Muralidaran trophy is back

Australia’s Test series in Sri Lanka often seem to have a touch of the dramatic about them. Last time Australia were in Galle, Sri Lanka saw the greatest mass protests in the country’s history, while the teams battled out a 1-1 series. In 2016, Australia had nosedived spectacularly against spin, Rangana Herath gobbling up their top order en masse.Over the years there have been series-ending fielding collisions, such as in 1999 in Kandy when Jason Gillespie broke a leg and Steve Waugh broke a nose, Shane Warne triggering one of Sri Lanka’s most painful 90s collapses to clinch victory in a game Australia were losing, and Sri Lanka producing one of their most infamously dry surfaces in Galle in 2011. Where Sri Lanka have never won a Test in Australia, these teams tend to be more evenly matched in Sri Lanka.Related

• Smith says Australia need to 'be proactive' and find ways to score on Sri Lankan pitches

• 'Be brave': Australia consider mid-match flexibility to batting order

• Injured Nissanka likely to miss first Test between Sri Lanka and Australia

• Can Kamindu overcome fresh hurdles after a stellar 2024?

• Head to replace Konstas as opener against Sri Lanka

And so it shapes up again. Australia are coming off their big Border-Gavaskar Trophy win, of course. Through their 3-1 win in that series, they also booked their World Test Championship final spot. They are missing regular captain Pat Cummins, who is on paternity leave, but have a seasoned leader in Steven Smith.Sri Lanka had had a decent Test year in 2024, until the disappointing series in South Africa to finish it off. But they will feel as if their Test team is building to something – maybe mounting a more serious campaign in the next WTC cycle, in which they appear to have a relatively easy schedule.It will likely come down to spin in Galle. This surface doesn’t appear to be the dryest one the ground has turned out, and may stay together a little longer than usual, owing to January’s cooler weather. But it is likely to take substantial turn from day three onwards. Expect plenty of sweeping and reverse-sweeping, and catchers around the bat as the match wears on.

Form guide

Sri Lanka: LLWWW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Australia: WWWDLCaptain Steven Smith, senior spinner Nathan Lyon and selector Tony Dodemaide take a look at the pitch•Getty Images

In the spotlight: Nathan Lyon and Prabath Jayasuriya

A track that tends to start off dry, a sea breeze that helps sap what little moisture there is in the pitch, footmarks to bowl into from as early as day two sometimes – Galle is basically spin-bowling paradise. As such, how well your lead spinner goes in a Galle Test goes a long way to deciding the outcome.It is a track Nathan Lyon will know well. Not only did he get a five-wicket haul on debut here in 2011, he also took a match-winning 9 for 121 from the first game in 2022, when Australia last visited. He has 21 wickets from seven innings at this venue, with an average of 27.61. Expect this group of Sri Lanka’s batters to attempt to attack Lyon, particularly in the first innings. Sri Lanka’s easiest path to upsetting Australia’s bowling plan is to unsettle Lyon.Prabath Jayasuriya had also made his debut in Galle, and he has dominated as few spinners ever have at this venue. He’s got 71 wickets at an average of 21.78 at this venue, and the key to much of that success has been his devastating straight ball, as well as his control. With Sri Lanka’s remaining frontline spin options lacking in experience, the hosts will look to Jayasuriya to define the back half of these Tests.

Pitch and conditions: Some rain around

There’s a little unseasonal rain around in Galle, but rare is the Galle Test that even goes into the last couple of sessions, even if there are interruptions along the way. Dhananjaya de Silva said he expected the surface to be decent for batting to begin with. Temperatures are forecast to hover around 30 degrees celsius.Prabath Jayasuriya has an incredible record at Galle•AP

Team news: Who will be SL’s opener?

Australia have confirmed that Travis Head will open the innings, displacing Sam Konstas from that position. They are pondering their attack though, and could go in with as many as three spinners – Todd Murphy potentially joining Lyon and Matthew Kuhnemann. They will likely have Josh Inglis and Beau Webster – who bowls spin as well as seam – in the lower middle order.Australia (possible): 1 Usman Khawaja, 2 Travis Head, 3 Marnus Labuschagne, 4 Steven Smith (capt.), 5 Josh Inglis, 6 Beau Webster, 7 Alex Carey (wk), 8 Mitchell Starc, 9 Mathew Kuhnemann, 10 Nathan Lyon, 11 Scott Boland/ Todd MurphySri Lanka have a decision to make around their attack as well – whether their second seamer will be Vishwa Fernando or Lahiru Kumara. They also have to replace the injured Pathum Nissanka at the top of the order. Oshada Fernando is his likeliest replacement.Sri Lanka (possible) 1 Dimuth Karunaratne, 2 Oshada Fernando, 3 Dinesh Chandimal, 4 Angelo Mathews, 5 Kamindu Mendis, 6 Dhananjaya de Silva (capt.), 7 Kusal Mendis (wk), 8 Prabath Jayasuriya, 9 Nishan Peiris, 10 Asitha Fernando, 11 Lahiru Kumara/Vishwa Fernando

Stats and trivia: Smith 10,000 watch

• Steve Smith is one run away from completing 10,000 in Test cricket. He’d be the fourth Australia batter to the milestone, after Alan Border, Steve Waugh, and Ricky Ponting.
• Prabath Jayasuriya took 12 wickets for 177 in the one Test he’d played against Australia – on debut in Galle.
• All up, Australia have won three of the six Tests they’ve played in Galle, losing two and drawing one.

Rangers supporters have certainly enjoyed their Europa League nights in recent seasons and, well, their side appear destined to return to their favourite competition.

On a truly disastrous Tuesday night at Ibrox, the Light Blues were demolished by Club Brugge in the first leg of their Champions League play-off, three down inside 20 minutes, before Danilo’s goal from close range shortly after the interval reduced the deficit, but could not spark a full-scale comeback.

The Brazilian was leading the line due to an injury suffered by Cyriel Dessers, while Hamza Igamane was only deemed fit enough to come off the bench on the hour mark, given that he’s still recovering from an injury of his own.

Nevertheless, both Dessers and Igamane have been strongly linked with moves away throughout the summer, the Light Blues rejecting a bid from Lille for the latter as recently as earlier this week, so perhaps Russell Martin will need to strengthen his attack.

Rangers' need for attacking firepower

Danilo’s consolation goal against Club Brugge was, remarkably, his first in a Rangers shirt since the demolition of Celtic all the way back on 2 January.

In total, since arriving from Feyenoord for around £6m two summers ago, the Brazilian has scored just 13 goals in 56 outings for the club, sitting out a whopping 58 matches due to various injury problems.

Appearances

56

Starts

24

Apps of 15 mins or fewer

11

Matches not in the squad

58

Matches an unused sub

11

Goals

13

European goals

2

Minutes per goal

185

Assists

10

Thus, should Dessers and Igamane both be sold, Rangers cannot rely on Danilo, both in terms of quality but also his availability.

Thus, according to reports, via the Sun, Rangers are interested in signing young Villarreal striker Karl Etta Eyong.

Reports in Spain claim that Swansea City have had a loan offer rejected, while Leeds United and Levante, as well as Rangers, are also interested in signing the 21-year-old.

Transfer Focus

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

The Glasgow giants have already signed ten new players this summer, so could the centre-forward be the latest name added to that list?

What Karl Etta Eyong would bring to Rangers

Born in Cameroon, Etta Eyong began his senior career at Cádiz, primarily representing their B team, featuring only twice for the senior side, before swapping one Yellow Submarine for another last summer.

Well, fair to say, he caught the eye playing for Villarreal B in the Spanish third-tier, scoring 17 goals in 30 Primera Federación appearances, thereby the division’s second-highest scorer, behind only Club World Cup star Gonzalo García of Real Madrid.

As a result, he was rewarded with his senior debut in April before, in only his second substitute outing in La Liga, heading home a last-gasp winner against Girona at Montilivi that was key to his side securing Champions League qualification.

Now, following the sale of Thierno Barry, the 21-year-old started a La Liga match for the very first time last Friday night, again breaking the deadlock with a header as Villarreal beat newly-promoted Real Oviedo 2-0 at Estadio de la Cerámica.

Thus, he has been labelled both an “exciting talent​​​​​​​” and a “physical beast”, with writer Kai Watson describing him as a “powerful penalty box striker​​​​​​​”, impressed by his “determination​​​​​​​” and “anticipation” in the penalty area.

As all Spanish clubs continue to tighten the purse strings​​​​​​​, in an attempt to comply with La Liga’s Draconian squad cost limit regulations, Villarreal would surely be open to selling the youngster, whose estimated transfer value is around £5.6m.

Signing Etta Eyong would of course be a risk, as he’s certainly not proven himself consistently at a high level, but he could turn out to be an absolute bargain in the long run.

Hamza Igamane, for example, arrived from Botola Pro side AS Far 12 months ago for just £1.7m, and could now be sold for around £15m, which is exactly the type of recruitment Rangers need to be targeting if they’re going to compete with Celtic financially.

Danilo is offering very little as Rangers’ centre-forward, that we know. He’s the third choice centre-forward without any injuries, so if Etta Eyong did arrive and thrive in Glasgow, it would surely only be bad news for him.

Not Djiga: Rangers must axe star who "looks like he's hasn't kicked a ball"

As Rangers’ Champions League hopes went up in flames, beaten 3-1 by Club Brugge, a summer signing “looks like he’s hasn’t kicked a ball before”.

ByBen Gray Aug 20, 2025

U.S. international goalkeeper Matt Freese has agreed to a five-year extension with New York City Football Club, the team announced. The 27-year-old’s stock soared in 2025, as he rose from USMNT outsider to one of the standout performers in the Gold Cup – positioning Freese as the possible starter for the 2026 World Cup.

Getty Images SportNYCFC keep their biggest star

There were reports in January that Freese was gaining interest from German and Dutch clubs, though no bids came through. This move ensures the keeper will remain in New York for the foreseeable future. 

Freese is one of MLS's elite goalkeepers, with 84 saves and a 71.9 save percentage. He is also the most recognizable face on New York's roster.

He was the third goalkeeper in the January camp for Pochettino and didn't play in either game that month. In June, however, Freese took advantage of the fact that both the Columbus Crew's Patrick Schulte and the Colorado Rapids' Zack Steffen were ruled out due to injury.

He got his first cap in the U.S. 2-1 loss to Turkey in a pre-Gold Cup friendly. He hasn't looked back since, starting in every game for the USMNT during their run to the Gold Cup final, and then also starting against both South Korea and Japan in September friendlies. 

AdvertisementNYCFCRinging up the new stadium

NYCFC plans to open its highly anticipated new $780 million stadium in Queens, New York, in 2027. If the goalkeeper continues his trajectory, Etihad Park could feature the USMNT's No. 1 goalkeeper in its opener.

"It’s an exciting step for me to sign a long-term contract with New York City FC. The club has felt like my family, and the fans have taken me in and supported me so generously since the first day I joined,” Freese said in a statement. “It’s such an exciting time to play for New York City FC, from the League’s growth over the last decade to the club’s investment in a beautiful new home, Etihad Park."

He also said that his instant connection with manager Pascal Jansen played a role. 

"After meeting head coach Pascal Jansen in preseason and working with him for only one day, I immediately knew that extending my stay and learning under him was the right next step for my career and development," Freese said. “My extension shows a mutual trust and the belief that New York City has in me, and for that I’m both very grateful and excited.

"This contract extension will allow me to continue to dive into my career and development on the field and in the locker room. I’m looking forward to creating many more memories with the fans in the years to come.”

Imagn'The prime of his career'

NYCFC sporting director David Lee stressed it was a top priority to secure the future of Freese as he enters his prime. 

“Matt’s contributions in 2024, during which he was recognized as our club MVP, underlined his importance to the team," Lee said in a statement. "This season, he has continued his remarkable growth and elevated his game with key contributions to one of the best defensive records in the league.

"His consistency and composure earned him a well-deserved U.S. men’s national team call-up, reflecting his individual growth and the caliber of his performances for New York City. As Matt enters the prime of his career, we’re excited to see how he continues to develop and contribute to the successes for both club and country.”

Freese has a career-high seven clean sheets across 25 MLS appearances this season. NYCFC are tied for third in MLS for fewest goals conceded. 

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Marching to the playoffs

After locking in on Freese, NYCFC will now focus on the final stretch of the 2025 MLS Regular Season, with five matches remaining. It's a tricky road ahead for the team, as it faces Charlotte, Inter Miami, rivals New York Red Bulls, Philadelphia, and wrap up on Decision Day against the Seattle Sounders. 

The decision was referred to the TV umpire, who judged that the ball appeared to have touched the ground

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Jan-2025Steven Smith is “100%” certain he got his hand under the ball when he attempted to catch Virat Kohli at slip on the first day of the SCG Test, a decision that was referred to the TV umpire and eventually ruled not out.”No denying it whatsoever, 100%,” Smith told , former ICC umpire Simon Taufel said he could “certainly understand what the third umpire’s done there”.Washington Sundar walks off after being given out via DRS•Darrian Traynor/Getty Images”I think you described it very well when you said that depending upon which side of the fence you sit on you could probably build a case for either decision to be given,” Taufel said. “Listening to Joel Wilson’s language there, where he said the fingers were underneath the ball and then he’s seen it roll on to the ground, by his own language he is telling us that he believes he’s seeing that ball on the ground.”So, there are two things that the TV umpire here is looking for. One is fingers underneath the ball. He was satisfied there. But then he believes through those pictures that he’s clearly seen the ball on the ground. And here’s the challenge, slowing it right down with slow-mo. Play it at real speed and it looks pretty good.”I can certainly understand what the third umpire’s done there. He believes he’s seen the ball on the ground and called it way he’s seen it. Normally the ICC protocol on fair catches is if you see the fingers underneath the ball, that’s good to maintain a fair catch. But here’s the problem: the on-field umpire’s no longer have the soft signal and make the decision, it’s purely in the hands of the television umpire now.”Having survived that close call first ball, Kohli ground out 17 off 69 deliveries, without finding the boundary, before edging Boland to debutant Beau Webster at third slip.Later in the day the third umpire was again in focus when Washington Sundar was given caught down the leg side off Pat Cummins on review. After many replays, Wilson determined there was a spike on real-time snicko (RTS) and no gap between ball and glove, seemingly much to the displeasure of Washington who stood for a moment before walking very slow off the ground.It followed the incident at the MCG where Yashasvi Jaiswal was given out, also pulling down the leg side, when RTS did not register anything but the third umpire saw a clear deflection off the glove.”There is not much to say because technology is one part which as a cricketer, you can’t control,” Rishabh Pant said of the latest decision against Washington.”But I feel whatever decision we make on the field, it has to stay with the on-field umpire. That’s the only thing, unless it’s so conclusive to change the decision, I think we should stay with the on-field umpire. The rest is umpire’s decision, at the end of the day. I can’t challenge that every day but technology can be a little better, I guess.”

Australia’s captain will be further assessed ahead of the remaining T20Is and the Test

Andrew McGlashan20-Jan-2025

Australia captain Alyssa Healy is a significant doubt for the remainder of the Ashes series after she was ruled out of the first T20I with a “stress response” in her foot on the same side as the injury she sustained at last year’s T20 World CupIt meant that Australia were led by Tahlia McGrath in what became a convincing victory to retain the Ashes at the SCG while the top-order vacancy was filled by debutant Georgia Voll and Beth Mooney will keep wicket.”As you can imagine, she’s pretty flat,” Mooney said. “She doesn’t want to miss any games for Australia and unfortunately for her, she’s missed a few in the last few months. We’ll put our arm around her, wait and see what the [medical] staff say and what the prognosis is.”But, certainly, she’s a key member of our playing group both on and off the field and we know what impact she can have to the outcome of the results on field. So, we’ll be keeping a close eye on making sure she’s okay mentally, but also doing all the right things with [the sports science sports medicine staff] well.Australia also had to contend with allrounder Ashleigh Gardner being ruled out with a calf injury. She will be assessed again ahead of the second T20I in Canberra.Related

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Knight backs T20 'reset' to bring out England's best

England to go spin heavy while Alana King presses for T20 recall

The injury to Healy meant that Australia pushed back announcing their squad for the day-night Test at the MCG which had been due to be named during the T20I on Monday.”Alyssa has got a stress response in her foot,” head of high performance Shawn Flegler told Fox Cricket. “We’re going to try and get a little bit more information before we make a call on her. It’s a big call for Alyssa. Test captain as well. So we’ll wait and see on what we come up with over the next 24-48 hours.””We’ve got a selector meeting tomorrow morning. We’ll see what plays out. We’re not going to rush into it. There’s still a week or so before the Test matchAfter returning from the plantar fascia injury sustained at the World Cup, Healy had her WBBL cut short by a knee problem which also meant she played as a batter only in the ODIs against New Zealand in December having missed the earlier home series against India.She returned to keeping duties for the three ODIs against England with the matches taking place in six days. The schedule is also tight for the T20I series with games in Canberra on January 23 then Adelaide on January 25.Even if Healy is able to play a part in either of those, there will be major questions over whether she can sustain the workload of a Test match, especially as a wicketkeeper.Depending on the prognosis for Healy, her participation in the WPL and the T20I tour of New Zealand in late March could also be in doubt.

Austin FC and Nashville SC each booked their first U.S. Open Cup Final appearances on a dramatic semifinal night. In St. Paul, CJ Fodrey’s 120th-minute strike gave Austin a 2-1 extra-time win over Minnesota United, while in Nashville, Sam Surridge fired a hat trick to lead the Boys in Gold past Philadelphia Union 3-1 at GEODIS Park.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Making history

  Austin absorbed long stretches of Minnesota pressure – the hosts fired off 22 shots and found their equalizer through Joaquín Pereyra’s curling free kick in the 67th minute – yet Estévez’s side never lost composure. Brad Stuver’s late one-on-one save kept the dream alive before Fodrey’s decisive strike sealed a night that showcased both Austin’s defensive grit and its newfound knack for seizing the biggest moments.

  They will now meet Nashville SC, who also broke new ground by advancing to their first U.S. Open Cup Final. The Boys in Gold secured a 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union at GEODIS Park, powered by a hat trick from Golden Boot leader and MVP candidate Sam Surridge. While the club previously reached the Leagues Cup Final in 2023, this marks their first chance to lift a domestic trophy in front of their growing fanbase.

Advertisement

• Highlights from Austin's dramatic win

• Success story for player development

  Fodrey's recent success highlights a win for Austin FC's academy system. The 21-year-old forward has now scored two match-winners in his last three appearances across all competitions, demonstrating remarkable composure in pressure situations.

  In Nashville, the rise of Surridge continues as the former Nottingham Forest striker continues to state his case for MLS MVP and has brought the team to its second final.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Austin FC to face Nashville SC in U.S. Open Cup final

  Austin FC will host Nashville SC in the U.S. Open Cup Final at Q2 Stadium on Oct. 1.

  A victory for either side would represent the first major professional trophy in both club and city history. For Austin, it would be a landmark achievement for the city’s first top-flight franchise, while in Nashville, neither the NFL’s Titans nor the NHL’s Predators have ever captured a championship despite prior finals appearances. Beyond the silverware, the winner will also earn a berth in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup.

MatériaMais Notícias

O meia Gabriel Menino, do Palmeiras, teve a sua presença requerida na CPI da Manipulação de Resultados. Ele foi convocado por meio de um requerimento protocado pelo deputado federal Luciano Vieira (PL/RJ). Segundo o documento, o intuito é contribuir com os trabalhos da comissão. O Verdão, embora não se manifeste oficialmente, vai pedir a dispensa do jogador no depoimento, caso a convocação seja confirmada. A informação foi dada primeiramente pela ESPN e confirmada pelo LANCE!.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasElogiado no Palmeiras, Naves comenta atuação segura contra o Santos: ‘Momento especial na minha vida’Palmeiras22/05/2023PalmeirasPalmeiras se reapresenta e atualiza situação de Gustavo Gómez após choque de cabeça no clássicoPalmeiras22/05/2023Futebol LatinoCerro Porteño está pressionado para encarar o Palmeiras; confiraFutebol Latino22/05/2023

+ Gabriel Menino, do Palmeiras, vai à Justiça após insinuação de envolvimento em esquema de apostas

Vale destacar que Gabriel Menino não está entre os citados na Operação Penalidade Máxima 2, do Ministério Público de Goiás, que visa investigar a atuação de uma organização criminosa na manipulação de resultados de jogos de futebol, inclusive da Série A do Brasileirão.

Mesmo assim, o deputado federal Luciano Vieira (PL/RJ), pediu ao presidente da CPI, o deputado Julio Arcoverde (PP-PI), para convocar o atleta palmeirense “para prestar esclarecimento” sobre o tema. Confira o texto do requerimento:

continua após a publicidade

“Requeiro a Vossa Excelência, nos termo do art. 58, § 3º, da Constituição Federal, combinado com o art. 2º da Lei nº 1.579/1952 e com o art.36, II, do Regimento Interno da Câmara dos Deputados, seja convocado o senhor Gabriel Menino, jogador do Palmeiras, para prestar esclarecimento sobre fatos relacionados com a manipulação das partidas de jogos de futebol, objeto de investigação desta CPI.

A convocação do senhor Gabriel Menino visa colher informações que contribuirão substancialmente para o desenvolvimento dos trabalhos desta CPI”.

continua após a publicidade

+ CPI da Manipulação de Resultados é instalada; relator traça ao L! perspectivas para os próximos passos na Câmara

Consultado, o Palmeiras não vai se manifestar oficialmente sobre o assunto. No entanto, o LANCE! ouviu fontes do clube que mostraram indignação com o documento. Segundo a reportagem ouviu nos bastidores, o Verdão considera o pedido injustificável, uma vez que não há qualquer evidência de participação do Gabriel Menino em qualquer tipo de fraude – e vai solicitar à CPI que o atleta seja dispensado do depoimento, caso seja mesmo convocado.

A assessoria de imprensa do jogador também foi consultada sobre um possível posicionamento em relação ao caso. No entanto, neste momento não haverá uma declaração. O estafe de Menino vai aguardar o esclarecimento do departamento jurídico para se manifestar ou não sobre o tema.

Arne Slot has spoken to the media ahead of Liverpool’s curtain-raising Community Shield clash against Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon, and he has confirmed that he cannot rule out further summer signings.

The Anfield side won the Premier League at a canter last season, but who can claim that they have since rested on their laurels? Liverpool are intent on defending their throne and widening the scope of the Slot era, with further prizes certainly eyed.

Alexander Isak’s name has stolen the headlines for some time now, and understandably so. But there’s little question that the prow of the ship isn’t the only area in need of investment before the end of the transfer window.

Namely, Liverpool need a central defender, having shown their hand on that front way back in May, when they pushed to sign Bournemouth prodigy Dean Huijsen before the 20-year-old joined Real Madrid once his £50m release clause was activated.

Why Liverpool want a centre-back

Last month, Jarell Quansah was sold to Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth £35m. The English talent is highly regarded, but it didn’t quite work out under Slot’s wing last season, and cashing in (with a buyback clause inserted) was probably a prudent move.

Having said that, Joe Gomez has since sustained a minor Achilles injury; the blow won’t sideline the 28-year-old for an extended period, but it does highlight the fragility of Virgil van Dijk’s defensive line.

Van Dijk extended his Liverpool contract by two years before the end of last season, but the captain has now turned 34, and the inevitability of an athletic decline will begin to take a seat in Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes’ mind.

Then there’s Ibrahima Konate, who marks a pressure point himself. The France defender is into the final year of his £70k-per-week contract at Anfield, and with Real Madrid lurking, there is a growing sense of dread that he will follow Trent Alexander-Arnold’s footsteps and join the European nemeses on a Bosman.

In any case, Liverpool need to sign a centre-back this month.

Liverpool lining up new defender

According to Football Insider, Liverpool have learned that a bid in the region of £40m should be enough to convince Crystal Palace to sell Marc Guehi this summer.

Liverpool believe Guehi would be a fantastic addition to a backline looking rather thin, but since the 25-year-old has entered the final year of his contract, Hughes is unwilling to pay over the odds.

However, with Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur both interested too, the Reds might want to bite the bullet and lodge a first formal offer, lest Guehi end up elsewhere.

Why Liverpool want Marc Guehi

Guehi has been a pillar of strength and solidity for Crystal Palace over the past four years, joining the club from Chelsea for an £18m fee after graduating from their famed academy, though failing to get his foot through the first-team door.

He’s a “monster in defence”, as has been noted by Eagles reporter Bobby Manzi, but Guehi is also a fiercely underrated technician, with the passing game to make a real difference for Liverpool over the coming years.

As per FBref, he ranked among the top 9% of centre-halves across Europe’s top five leagues last term for goal contributions, the top 12% for shot-creating actions, the top 2% for through balls, and the top 20% for successful take-ons per 90.

His completeness even suggests that he would be the perfect partner for Van Dijk over the next few years, bringing energy and mobility to the backline, and a forward-thinking approach besides.

As you can see from the table, Guehi hardly looks out of place when his data is ranked alongside Van Dijk and Konate’s efforts last season, and that’s having starred for Crystal Palace, instead of title-winning Liverpool.

Curiously, the Three Lions star made fewer mistakes than both of his world-class positional peers, something that Slot and Liverpool’s data analysts have no doubt picked up.

It’s hardly surprising that journalist and scout Ben Mattinson had hailed Guehi as “England’s best player” following their EURO 2024 campaign, so commanding in defence and cultured on the ball.

Though Van Dijk is more precise in the duel (Konate is too), Guehi has the kind of multi-faceted defensive skill set that is so important for top-challenging teams in the modern age.

He captained Oliver Glasner’s side toward the FA Cup title last season, beating Manchester City in the final at Wembley, did he not?

By adding this profile to the mix, Slot would rest assured that Van Dijk has the perfect partner to continue plying his craft so superlatively, leading the team and organising, timing crunching challenges and steely headers when the situation demands it.

In an ideal world, Konate renews his contract and Liverpool attack the upcoming campaign with three of the Premier League’s finest centre-backs in their ranks.

Transfer Focus

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

The club’s Netherlands superstar remains the cream of the crop, but he’s not a spring chicken anymore, and bringing in another athletic and dynamic profile could prove the perfect recipe for Slot to achieve his lofty ambitions.

He's like Gerrard: Liverpool preparing formal offer for £120k-p/w "wizard"

Liverpool are looking to close several more transfer deals this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 8, 2025

It was not the return to Premier League action that West Ham United fans were hoping for on Saturday afternoon.

However, while Graham Potter’s side were trounced 3-0 by Sunderland, there were at least a couple of positives to take from the game, like El Hadji Malick Diouf’s first competitive game for the club.

The Senegalese international certainly wasn’t spectacular against the Black Cats, but he was still one of the Hammers’ better players on the day and showed enough to suggest he could be a key player.

For example, he played two key passes, took one shot on target, was successful in 100% of his dribbles and even made three clearances.

So, fans should be excited about reports linking the club with an up-and-coming player who could be a perfect teammate for Diouf.

Diouf’s game vs Sunderland

Minutes

97′

Touches

54

Expected Goals +Assists

0.23

Number of Sprints

10

Key Passes

2

Shots on Target

1

Dribbles (Successful)

1 (1)

Fouls Won

1

Clearances

3

All Stats via Sofascore

West Ham target a dream teammate for Diouf

With just under two weeks to go until the transfer window slams shut, West Ham are still being linked with several players who could help keep them out of a relegation scrap this season.

Transfer Focus

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One of those players touted for a move to the London Stadium has been AS Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini, who could be available for free and would bring an abundance of top-flight experience with him.

However, while the Italian international would be an excellent addition to the squad, it now looks like the Irons are closing in on another midfield ace, someone who’d be a perfect teammate for Diouf.

At least that is according to a recent report, which has claimed West Ham United are still very interested in Mateus Fernandes.

In fact, the report has revealed that the Hammers are now preparing an offer for the Southampton star, which, according to other stories this month, might have to be worth around £50m to get the South Coast side to sell.

However, while that is an enormous sum of money, Fernandes might just be worth it, especially as he could help get even more out of Diouf.

Why Fernandes would be perfect for Diouf

There are two primary ways that Fernandes could help get more out of Diouf this season, and the first is down to his offensive qualities.

For example, despite playing in a terrible Southampton team last season that was in real danger of taking Derby County’s most unwanted of records at one point, the Portuguese ace was still able to amass a pretty decent tally of three goals and six assists in 42 games.

What makes that more impressive is the fact that he was tasked with playing all over, from defensive to attacking midfield and even in wide midfield at points.

So, just imagine how much more effective he could be playing alongside considerably more talented players at the London Stadium – his output would shoot up.

At the same time, Diouf would now have a central midfielder to his right who is more than capable of progressing the ball and laying on chances for him, in turn boosting his own goal and assist tally.

However, the former Sporting CP star is also more than capable of doing the defensive work, which is the second reason he could help get more out of the former Slavia Prague star.

For example, FBref ranked the “exceptional” talent, as dubbed by Mattinson, in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for tackles in the defensive third, the top 2% for tackles plus interceptions and blocks, the top 4% for ball recoveries and more, all per 90.

With the Olhão-born monster able to do this in the middle of the park, Diouf may have more freedom to maraud forward and swing in a cross or take a shot on himself, thus bolstering the chance he gets himself an assist or goal.

Ultimately, Fernandes would be a great signing in his own right, but with the Senegalese international on the left, he could have an even more game-changing addition to this West Ham side.

Related West Ham lodge major enquiry for "magic" £21m maestro who's keen on PL move

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Posts ByDominic Lund Aug 18, 2025

Enzo Maresca mocked Manchester United as Chelsea boss bemoaned that Ruben Amorim's side have had an "entire week" to prepare for the Old Trafford showdown in the absence of Champions League commitments. The Italian couldn’t resist a jab in his press conference, insisting he’d rather have the chaos of Champions League football than a holiday week to prepare.

Blues' big summer hangover

Chelsea may have ended last season in style, qualifying for the Champions League, bagging the Conference League trophy, and lifting the Club World Cup, but that glory run is already coming at a price. The Blues’ start to the new campaign has been a mixed bag. Two wins, two draws, and a single defeat leave their early-season form teetering on the edge. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMaresca: Prefer the Champions League

When quizzed about United’s supposed advantage of a clear midweek schedule, Maresca didn’t hold back. 

“If you ask me, I prefer to play the Champions League game, no doubt," he said. "But at the same time, the reality is that they have one entire week to prepare the game. And we played a game two days ago, 48 hours ago. But again, I prefer to play the Champions League games." 

Maresca denies pressure

With Chelsea winless in their last two, Maresca was asked if Saturday’s showdown comes with added weight. His response? A firm dismissal. 

“Absolutely not," he began. "Personally, I have pressure on the game, that I want to try to win all the game. But it’s not because we didn’t win Brentford and we lost Bayern Munich away, that this game I feel more pressure.

“I always have pressure because we want to win all the games. And again, I think Bayern Munich away, PSG away and Barcelona away, probably they were the worst stadium to go and play the first game in. And we were there, we competed face-to-face. And we’ll see in the next one.”

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Getty Images SportAmorim's big test at Old Trafford

Saturday’s clash is dripping with narrative. Chelsea arrive battle-scarred but unbowed, while United come rested, hungry, and determined to make their mark under Amorim. The Portuguese, tasked with steadying the ship, will see the fixture as the perfect chance to deliver a statement win against a heavyweight rival. Only three points at home will save his skin after a 3-0 drubbing by Manchester City last weekend in the derby.