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Cristiano Ronaldo sent out a defiant message to his Al-Nassr colleagues after a disappointing draw against Al-Hilal on Friday.

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• Ronaldo failed to score in fourth straight game
• Al-Nassr held to a 1-1 draw by Al-Hilal
• Star attacker sent out a message

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Portugal legend's goal drought extended to four games as Al-Nassr were held to a 1-1 draw by Saudi champions Al-Hilal on Friday. Ronaldo missed a few chances as his club squandered an early lead and managed to secure just one point in the crucial Saudi Pro League clash. Talisca had handed Al-Nassr the lead in the first minute of the match but Sergej Milinkovic-Savic's 77th-minute header earned his team a point.

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  Ronaldo has experienced a sudden slump in form and missed a penalty in the club's last match against Al-Taawoun which saw Al-Nassr exiting the King Cup of Champions at the round of 16 stage. However, after the clash on Friday, the 39-year-old sent a strong message to his team-mates while thanking the fans for their support.

• WHAT CRISTIANO RONALDO SAID

  Taking to Instagram, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star shared some of the matchday photographs and wrote in the caption: "The battle is far from over. Thank you all for the support today!"

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  WHAT NEXT FOR AL-NASSR?

  Stefano Pioli's side, who are now winless in their last three matches across all competitions, will aim to get back to winning ways on Tuesday as they take on reigning Asian champions Al-Ain in an AFC Champions League group stage clash.

Despite scoring 85 goals in the Premier League last season, Eddie Howe is aiming to improve his Newcastle United forward line ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Alexander Isak finished the campaign as the Magpies’ top scorer, scoring on 21 occasions in the league, and finishing as the division’s third-highest scorer.

Anthony Gordon enjoyed his best campaign in a Newcastle shirt, achieving double figures in goals and assists for the first time in his career.

However, despite the duo’s respective successes last season, the club are looking to further bolster the attacking trio, with Miguel Almiron unable to replicate his form from the season prior.

Newcastle’s attempts to bolster the forward line

In recent days, Howe’s side have been credited with an interest in signing Bayern Munich forward Serge Gnabry.

There have been doubts about the 29-year-old’s future in Germany after the arrival of French forward Michael Olise, prompting rumours of a potential £40m exit from the Bundesliga side.

However, a report claimed that Gnabry had no interest in joining the Magpies this summer, with the forward wanting to stay and fight for his place in Munich.

The former Arsenal youngster would’ve undoubtedly provided added quality to Howe’s already potent attack, but it appears that he may have to explore other options if he is to improve his forward line.

The club have previously been linked with a move to sign one Premier League talent, with Howe and Newcastle needing to reignite the interest and test the waters over a possible move to Tyneside this summer.

How Gibbs-White compares to Gnabry

A few weeks ago, journalist Ignazio Genuardi claimed Newcastle are targeting Nottingham Forest attacking midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White during the summer transfer window, but Nuno Espírito Santo’s side are holding out for at least £50m.

He’s impressed since his £25m move to the Reds, registering 15 goals and assists last season, over three times more than Gnabry could muster during the same campaign.

Gibbs-White is a very versatile talent who can either feature as a number eight, ten, or even on either side of a three-man attack, with his tally of 80 progressive carries fitting perfectly into the hands of current Newcastle man Bruno Guimaraes, who has excelled with his ball-winning abilities.

The Brazilian won 53 tackles last season, before showcasing his excellent ball-playing abilities that saw him complete 1924 passes, at a completion rate of 85% – a figure that could allow Gibbs-White to cause carnage in the final third.

However, Gibbs-White, who’s been dubbed as a “gamechanger” by scout EBL, has also excelled defensively, winning nearly five times more tackles than Gnabry, whilst completing five times more interceptions than the German.

His versatility could be huge for Howe, with his side needing squad depth in multiple key areas, whilst also adding huge quality to the Magpies ranks.

Whilst it may be disappointing for the club to miss out on Gnabry, the Forest ace would be a potential upgrade, allowing Guimaraes to flourish further whilst also helping the club improve their chances of pushing for a Champions League spot.

Perfect for Guimaraes: Newcastle could land "truly remarkable" £51m ace

He’s one of the most exciting prospects in world football.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jul 13, 2024

Arsenal have been told by former Manchester United defender Paul Parker that selling Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham in the summer was a mistake.

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• Arsenal told they've made a mistake selling Smith Rowe
• Former Manchester United star Parker criticises Saka
• Arsenal currently struggling for form under Arteta

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Arsenal sold Smith-Rowe in the summer to Fulham for a reported figure of £34 million ($44m) as the attacking midfielder signed a five-year-deal at Craven Cottage. So far this season, Smith Rowe has enjoyed some excellent form under Marco Silva and has scored three goals and provided two assists in 11 games, with Fulham currently in seventh-place in the Premier League standings.

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  Arsenal, on the other hand, have been struggling to find the same form they have possessed over the last two seasons. The Gunners have struggled for control in midfield as chances have been hard to come by, and former Manchester United defender Parker has criticised Arsenal stars Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli as he told Arsenal they made a mistake by selling Smith Rowe. The Gunners are currently nine points behind leaders Liverpool.

• WHAT PARKER SAID

  Speaking to bettingexpert.com [via football365]: "I think players like him (Emile Smith-Rowe) are what Arsenal need more than Martinelli and Saka. Saka is a bit overrated and he always seems injured, especially if Arsenal is behind in a match.

  "Him and Odegaard together would have been a great duo, but again, I think it was the right decision for him to leave, and also for Arsenal at the time, even though things might have changed now. He is a brilliant player, but I don’t think Arsenal are regretting that they sold him. It’s always easy to say that they should have kept him because of the injuries, but he wanted more game time and he couldn’t get that at Arsenal.

  "But I think he is better than Martinelli, even though they are not similar players. He is just so good and the way he runs with the ball and the way the ball never leaves the grass. He is a wonderful player with a great future."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

  The Smith Rowe ship has already sailed and there is no time for Mikel Arteta to mull over Parker's words as he will prepare to lead Arsenal in their Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, November 23.

Aston Villa’s successful 2023/24 campaign was one of their most memorable in recent seasons. In their history, they have only finished higher than last season’s fourth place on six occasions, with only one of those coming in the Premier League era, in 1992/93 to be exact. The 1995/96 campaign was the only other time in the competition’s history they finished in the top four.

Last season, the Villans’ 68 points were enough to see them finish above Tottenham Hotspur and clinch the final Champions League spot. Unai Emery’s side finished two points ahead of the Lilywhites and had a better goal difference, meaning their spot amongst Europe’s elite was just about secure.

Their impressive campaign was largely thanks to Ollie Watkins. The England striker took home the Premier League’s playmaker award for his 13 assists, and he also scored 19 goals in 37 games in the top flight last season.

Villa have already made eight summer signings to help strengthen their squad for next season and become an established Champions League club. However, they have recently been linked with another player who could join the club and become a catalyst for success at Villa Park next season.

Villa target Bundesliga winger

The player in question here is Borussia Dortmund and Germany winger Karim Adeyemi. The 22-year-old has impressed at Signal Iduna Park in recent months and could depart the club this summer, with interest from elsewhere in Europe beginning to pick up.

According to a report from Simon Jones, a journalist for the Daily Mail, Villa are one of the sides who are interested in adding the exciting attacker to their squad. Jones explains the Villans are 'monitoring developments' on the winger’s future at the German giants this summer.

However, the Villans might not be the only side interested in signing the winger this summer. Jones notes that Premier League rivals Chelsea, and Italian giants Juventus, are also interested in acquiring his services. However, Adeyemi wants to play Champions League football next season, which immediately rules out the Blues.

In terms of a price, Dortmund are open to selling the winger for a fee of around £35m. That is a figure that is 'viewed as good value'. With that in mind, both Villa and Juventus, who are also interested in signing Jadon Sancho from Manchester United, could look to do a deal at that price.

Why Adeyemi would be a good signing

The 2023/24 season was not quite as fruitful in terms of sheer goal and assist numbers as Adeyemi would no doubt have wanted. The young winger scored just five goals and registered two assists in 35 games in all competitions, which included three goals and an assist in the Bundesliga and two goals and one assist in the Champions League.

Should Villa get this signing over the line, it would have shades of their signing of Leon Bailey back in 2021. The Jamaican winger made the move to Villa Park from Bayer Leverkusen for £25m, and although he took some time to settle into the club, has really found his feet under Emery. He scored ten goals and grabbed nine assists in 35 Premier League games last season.

The similarities between the two wingers are noticeable. Assuming Villa sign the 22-year-old this summer, he would join the club from a Bundesliga side, as the Jamaican did, and, like Bailey, favours his left foot.

Not only that, Adeyemi could be a perfect replacement for the recently departed Moussa Diaby. The Frenchman left Villa Park after one season at the club, joining Saudi side Al-Ittihad for a fee of around £50m.

Adeyemi and the former Villa winger have fairly similar profiles. They are both lightning-quick, direct wingers who love to drive at defenders. Last season, the Dortmund man clocked a higher speed than Diaby, a searing 36.3 km/h compared to the former Leverkusen winger’s top speed of 36.1 km/h, according to SpeedsDB.

With the ball at his feet, Adeyemi is fearless. He loves to run at defenders, using his burning pace to carry the ball past them. His stats on FBref also reflect this. Last season in the Bundesliga, the winger averaged 5.13 progressive carries and 2.66 carries into the penalty area per 90 minutes. These rank him in the top 12% and 5% of Bundesliga attacking midfielders and wingers respectively.

Football analyst Ben Mattinson described the winger as “unstoppable”, and it is clear to see why given his electric pace and confidence with the ball at his feet. Should he join Villa next season, they could add his deadly attacking threat to an already potent attack as they look to become an established Champions League side.

Forget Felix: Aston Villa offered "magical" star who has shades of Grealish

He is available on a free transfer

By
Joe Nuttall

Jul 25, 2024

Cruz Azul had a record-breaking season, but there are several Liga MX teams who could threaten for the title

With the play-in over, the Liguilla proper begins Wednesday with eight Liga MX teams trying to earn the Apertura crown.

The matchups are tasty, with top-seeded Cruz Azul having to head all the way to the northern border to start its playoff run, defending champion Club América limping into the playoffs as a No. 7 seed – only to see a Toluca team that beat them 4-0 earlier this month – Tigres facing the surprise team of the season Atlético San Luis, and Monterrey putting its season on the line against Mexico City Pumas.

GOAL US looks at keys to success, players to watch and bold predictions about which team will advance out of each two-legged series.

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  No. 1 Cruz Azul vs. No. 8 Club Tijuana

  Cruz Azul’s keys to success: Patience

  The ‘curse of the superlíder’ can weigh on teams, but Cruz Azul have every reason to trust their quality. This is a team that set the record for the most points in a 17-game season, boasting the league’s top-scoring attack and stingiest defense. Rested and ready, Cruz Azul must stay composed – even if the first leg gets tricky. Tijuana’s Estadio Caliente and its artificial turf present unique challenges, but Cruz Azul has the tools to navigate the series successfully.

  Player to watch: Carlos Rotondi

  There are plenty of players to pick from, but Rotondi may be the most outright fun to actually watch. He finished the regular season with seven goals and four assists, the left-footed attacker is feeling confident and creating scoring plays for himself and his teammates seemingly from nothing.

  Tijuana’s keys to success: Rotate and hope the depth holds up

  Juan Carlos Osorio has never been afraid to mix up his starting XI, but even if he weren’t a coach constantly questioned about his "rotations" he’d have to give his players a break. While they’ve all been at home, Tijuana will be playing a third game in seven days when it hosts the first leg of the series – done no favors by schedule-makers who could’ve put the home leg one day later. It then plays a fourth game in 10 days for the second leg. must get contributions from players who perhaps haven’t been key for most of the Apertura.

  Player to watch: Raul Zuñiga

  He cooled after a hot start to the season, but suddenly had a fire lit under him during the play-in round when the club needed it most. After scoring the second goal in what ultimately was a loss to América, he did himself one better with a match-opening double in a 3-0 win over Atlas. His fourth-minute finish shifted the tone and the 20th-minute one killed the game off before it even got going. Goals won’t be anywhere near that easy against Cruz Azul’s back line. If Xolos find them, though, Zuñiga likely will play a part.

  GOAL prediction: Cruz Azul isn’t bothered by any sort of curse, pressure, or challenge from Xolos and will win both legs to get through to the next round.

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  No. 2 Toluca vs. No. 7 Club América

  Toluca’s keys to success: Force pressure on the field and avoid pressure off

  Toluca are the higher seed, but Club América is the back-to-back champion and a team with fans throughout the entire continent. The style of play manager Renato Paiva has put into place takes advantage of the speed and hard work his players are willing to put in up top. It has been rewarded with one of the best attacks in the league. Putting Alexis Vega, Jesus Angulo, and Marcel Ruiz in the places on the field where they can do the most damage will help Toluca replicate a final-day blowout of América in the regular season.

  Player to watch: Paulinho

  While it may be a bit reductive to pick the league’s top scorer, the Portuguese striker undoubtedly has been a welcome addition not only to Toluca but to Liga MX. The perfect player to lead the line in Paiva’s attacking system, he bagged 13 goals this season to take the scoring crown. It’s still very early, and at 32 he almost certainly won’t make as much of an impact, but there are Andre-Pierre Gignac vibes to his arrival from Europe and his instant click with his club in Mexico.

  América’s keys to success: Stay alert at the back and defend better

  América shouldn’t have this many holes at the back and for the first two campaigns of the Andre Jardine era they didn’t. Yet, with the same manager, many of the same players, and Mexico’s No. 1 goalkeeper in Luis Malagón, the team has become leaky. It nearly cost it a playoff spot, both in the last-day game against Toluca and in the play-in game against Tijuana that América rallied to tie against 10 men and then won in a shootout. The defense has to be better, or the season will end.

  Player to watch: Alvaro Fidalgo

  The do-it-all midfielder has been tasked with, well, doing it all in recent weeks – with varying degrees of success. Despite the wear and tear, he provided a crucial assist in the play-in match that helped América reach this stage. However, much more control of the midfield will be needed if are to soar past Toluca and avoid another embarrassing defeat like the one at Estadio Nemesio Diez. It will be up to the Spaniard to step up and dictate the tempo in this pivotal match.

  GOAL prediction: The defending champions won’t go quietly, but their title defense ends here as Toluca are able to win the home leg by multiple goals after falling to América in the first leg. Look for goals in both games, too.

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  No. 3 Tigres vs. No. 6 Atlético San Luis

  Tigres’ keys to success: Understand the plan

  Because of injuries or technical decisions, manager Veljko Paunović hasn’t used the same starting XI a single time this season, but Tigres still put together a season that nearly netted the No. 2 seed. As the No. 3, they’re playing a motivated Atlético San Luis team. With star forward Andre-Pierre Gigantic and midfielder Rafael Carioca nursing injuries, it may be another set of matches in which Pauno puts different lineups on the field and trusts his players to gel.

  Player to watch: Juan Brunetta

  While Gignac should be fit to return after suffering an injury in the final match of the regular season, it’s been Argentine attacker Brunetta who has made things happen for Tigres this year. He can set up Gignac, so good for so long in the playoffs he’s earned the nickname , but he also combines well with Tigres’ other stars and has a ferocious shot he can unleash on his own as well.

  San Luis’ keys to success: Attack without fear.

  There’s nothing to lose here, and Domènec Torrent has been happy to push players into the attack and play in a positive way. Yes, Tigres can hit you going the other direction, but they might do that anyway with the quality they have.

  Player to watch: Sébastien Salles-Lamonge

  The Frenchman has showcased his versatility, playing in various positions, but he’s most noticeable near the edge of the area. Time and again this season, he’s unleashed shots that find the back of the net – earning him a spot on the highlight reels – or set up opportunities for teammates inside the box, often in ways that quietly go unnoticed.

  GOAL prediction: While the upstart Atlético San Luis will frustrate Tigres for an hour or so in the first leg, Tigres will be able to secure a draw in that contest and win back at the Volcan to set up a big-time semifinal showdown – either against one of the league’s historic or against crosstown rival Monterrey.

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  No. 4 Pumas vs. No. 5 Monterrey

  Pumas’ keys to success: Find some creativity up front, from Cesar Huerta, Guillermo Martinez, or Piero Quispe

  Things at the back have generally worked on their own, with just 13 goals conceded in 17 contests, but a lack of a killer instinct up front has made the defenders work over time. There are ballers in the team, but they have to show up if Pumas is going to get past a stacked Monterrey team.

  Player to watch: Julio Gonzalez

  That is, if Gonzalez is available. With a team as reliant on its defense as Pumas, the goalkeeper understandably steals a lot of the spotlight. But Gonzalez has missed the last several weeks because of a knee sprain and only now has recovered enough to return to training. If he’s not fit, Gil Alcala is a reliable backup, but getting a fit Gonzalez back in the starting lineup would be a huge boost for Pumas.

  Monterrey’s keys to success: Rely on the value and leadership of Sergio Canales

  In recent seasons, Monterrey has fallen short despite significant investments in overseas talent. That includes Spanish attacker Canales, along with Oliver Torres and Lucas Ocampos. While manager Martín Demichelis has occasionally succeeded in getting the squad to gel, there have also been times when one or two big-money players shine while others fade into the background. To advance past the first round, Monterrey must find a cohesive rhythm – and that often starts with Canales orchestrating the play.

  Player to watch: Victor Guzman

  While the Spanish trio will draw the eye (once Ocampos returns for the second leg after serving a red-card suspension), it’s at the back that Monterrey will need to be solid. Goalkeeper Esteban Andrade is out for the rest of the season, leaving longtime back-up Luis Alberto Cardenas as the likely starter for these key matches. With veteran Hector Moreno next to Guzman, it’s the 22-year-old’s chance to show he can be an enforcer worth continual call-ups to the national team.

  GOAL prediction: As should be expected from a No. 4 vs. No. 5, this is the series that seems to have the least between the two teams. Look for to ride a strong home match to a series win, though not holding the first tiebreaker could come back to haunt them. 

Everton have reportedly been dealt a significant setback in their efforts to sign an "exceptional" Premier League player in the summer transfer window.

Everton transfer news

The Blues are having a good summer to date, being linked with some exciting players, including Lyon and Republic of Ireland centre-back Jake O'Brien, who has reportedly agreed a deal with the Merseyside club.

The young defender would be Everton's fourth signing of the summer to date, coming in as the next arrival after Jesper Lindstrom, who has completed a season-long loan move to Goodison Park.

Elsewhere, the Blues are believed to be pushing ahead in their efforts to sign Chelsea striker Armando Broja, with a move away from west London feeling possible. That being said, the Albanian is reportedly "still waiting to see if AC Milan make a move in the final part of the transfer window", while Brentford "could also look to do business for him".

Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie is also wanted by Everton ahead of next season, perhaps being looked at as an ideal colleague for Lindstrom. He is out of favour at the Turin giants, following the arrival of Thiago Motta as manager, and could look for a return to the Premier League, having spent a spell on loan at Leeds United in 2022/23.

Everton dealt blow with "exceptional" target

According to a new claim from Football Insider, Aston Villa have submitted a loan offer for Everton target Kalvin Phillips, looking to offer him a way out of Manchester City for the 2024/25 season.

The 28-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Goodison Park as a replacement for Amadou Onana this summer, being seen as Sean Dyche's top target for that role, but they now face competition from a team with better finances and European football to offer.

Missing out on the £150,000-a-week Phillips would be a real blow for Dyche, even though the Englishman's stock has clearly dropped in the past couple of seasons, following taxing spells at City and West Ham.

The former Leeds hero has shown over the years what a force he can be in the middle of the park, though, becoming a regular for England at Euro 2020, while Pep Guardiola has lauded him, saying: "Kalvin is exceptional in many things. Why he doesn't play? Rodri is key for us."

Unfortunately, Villa can give Phillips Champions League football next season, and a hugely exciting project under Unai Emery, so it is easy to see his head being turned more by a move to the Midlands.

If Everton did manage to snap him up, though, it could prove to be a masterstroke, even though supporters are right to have certain reservations, given the manner in which Phillips has struggled to kick on since leaving Elland Road.

Everton make contact to sign £5m striker with same agent as Jordan Pickford

The striker could be on his way to Goodison Park.

By
Tom Coates

Jul 25, 2024

At 28, there is still plenty left in the tank, and his combination of technical quality and tenacity off the ball would make him a great option, having enjoyed a 91.5% pass completion rate in the Champions League last season.

Arne Slot refused to give away much on Caoimhin Kelleher's future after he stole the show during Liverpool's win over Real Madrid.

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• Kelleher has been outstanding in Alisson Becker's absence
• Saved Kylian Mbappe's penalty with the score at 1-0
• Future remains uncertain with Mamardashvili's impending arrival

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Kelleher has become a standout figure for Liverpool following his stellar performances as Alisson Becker’s understudy. The 26-year-old goalkeeper delivered a moment of brilliance during Liverpool's Champions League victory over Real Madrid, saving Kylian Mbappe’s penalty to preserve a narrow 1-0 lead. This critical intervention not only secured the Reds' perfect record in the competition but also highlighted Kelleher’s immense potential on the European stage.

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  However, the Irishman’s future remains uncertain, especially with Liverpool securing the services of Giorgi Mamardashvili, the Georgia international goalkeeper from Valencia, who is set to join next summer. This will leave the Reds with three quality keepers in the stable but Kelleher remains adamant that he sees himself as a starter and will not be restricted to a rotational role at Anfield. “I made it clear in the last few years I want to go be a number one and play week in, week out," he warned earlier in the campaign.

• WHAT SLOT SAID

  Nonetheless, Liverpool manager Slot maintained a measured approach when discussing Kelleher’s role within the team.

  “I'm expecting every player to want to be the No.1, not only the goalkeeper, it's up to the player if they accept their role,” Slot told reporters.

  "He's accepted his role from the start to now, when he plays and even when he didn't, it's too early to think about next season. I want every player to want to play every season. It would be wrong if he would have come to me and said, 'I like it that I'm on the bench today', it's normal, it's about the attitude if you don't play. That has been outstanding, from Lucho and Macca last Sunday, then they came in really strong, I saw the same with Dominik and Cody, they should have the eagerness to play but if they don't, they have to act in a normal way, and that is what they all do at the moment.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR KELLEHER?

  With Alisson gradually returning to fitness but not yet fully reintegrated into first-team training, Kelleher is expected to feature prominently in Liverpool’s pivotal match against Manchester City this Sunday. The fixture is set to be a defining moment in Liverpool’s season, as Slot’s side currently enjoys an eight-point lead over the reigning champions and a victory at Anfield would extend that gap, further consolidating Liverpool’s position at the top of the Premier League standings.

USMNT star Christian Pulisic has, after starring for AC Milan, been told that he would find it difficult to replace Mohamed Salah at Liverpool.

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• American left Chelsea in 2023
• Has caught the eye in Italy
• Reds may need another forward

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  There have been suggestions that the United States international is registering on the recruitment radar at Anfield as Egyptian talisman Salah sees his contract run down. If he were to hit free agency in the summer of 2025, then a suitable replacement would be required to fill his role on the right wing.

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  Pulisic has been deployed in that position by Serie A giants Milan, with the American posting personal bests on the goal front during his time in Italy. He does boast experience of life in England from a Champions League-winning stint at Chelsea, but has been warned that succeeding Salah on Merseyside will be an almost impossible task for whoever takes it on.

• WHAT HESKEY SAID

  Ex-Liverpool striker Emile Heskey – speaking in association with – told GOAL when asked if Pulisic would be a shrewd option for the Reds to explore: “A good option but not the same vein as Mo. Mo is obviously a winger that hugs the line and then starts drifting in. The numbers that Mo’s putting up, it’s very difficult to find someone who is going to match those numbers, regardless of what money you have in the bank and you can spend. Show me another player that’s matching those numbers and I’ll call you a liar!

  “The only one in the Premier League could be [Bryan] Mbeumo from Brentford. I quite like him, but he’s not putting up the numbers that Mo is. The reality is that if you are going to go and spend money on a like-for-like, there really isn’t one there. Pulisic is close, but I think he’s probably more of a 10 – more drifting in midfield than hugging the line as a winger.”

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  THE PULISIC APPEAL

  Signing Pulisic would be worth more to Liverpool than mere on-field ability, with the brand of ‘Captain America’ holding appeal to club owners. Quizzed on whether those factors could influence transfer calls, Heskey added: “Yeah, I think so. If you are talking about the brand element of it then 100 per cent – you are talking about one of the major stars in America, scoring goals for the national team. If you are looking at that then, yes. To really expand on the American market, where your owners are from, 100 per cent.

  “But if you are talking about like-for-like on the footballing side, he’s not quite that but would definitely be an asset. [Diogo] Jota has been injured a fair bit as well, so bringing someone in that can stay fit is important. He [Pulisic] wasn’t really that fit at Chelsea was he? He was injured quite a bit, so we don’t know what the issue was there. But he’s managed to keep himself very fit at AC Milan.”

Everton have reportedly entered the race to sign a "wonderful" Champions League winner, in what would be an eye-catching swoop for one key reason.

Everton transfer news

Transfer rumours surrounding the Blues are still emerging at a healthy rate, as Sean Dyche looks to have the most productive summer window possible, adding to the names who have already come in, from Jake O'Brien to Iliman Ndiaye.

Everton are believed to be in ongoing negotiations over a potential move for Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo, who may be known to supporters because of the short stint he had on loan at Liverpool in 2022/23 when he failed to make a single appearance in the Premier League.

The Merseysiders have also reportedly tabled an offer for Hellas Verona right-back Jackson Tchatchoua, with the 22-year-old someone who could add more youth in a position currently covered by the likes of Seamus Coleman and Ashley Young, along with Nathan Patterson.

There is the ongoing fight to sign Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, too, who could once again depart the Etihad on loan this summer, with Pep Guardiola having no plans for him. Some reports have suggested that Everton are leading the race to snap up the 28-year-old temporarily, but Aston Villa are acting as a threat to them.

Everton eyeing swoop for "wonderful" defender

According to a fresh update from Caught Offside, Everton are in the mix to sign former Liverpool centre-back Joel Matip this summer, with Fulham and Bayer Leverkusen also keen on snapping him up. The 32-year-old is a free agent after leaving Anfield at the end of last season, following eight hugely successful years at the Blues' local rivals.

This would be an audacious piece of business by Everton because of Matip's Liverpool past, with so few players throughout history representing both sides of Stanley Park. Whether the central defender would be willing to join the Blues is certainly up for debate, given his feelings for the Reds and fear of upsetting the fanbase, but he would be an astute signing for Dyche.

Granted, Matip has been known for his injury problems down the years, which limited him to 180 starts across eight seasons at Liverpool, but when fit, he is an excellent player who now has a wealth of experience, winning the Champions League, Premier League and many other trophies.

Jurgen Klopp couldn't have spoken more highly of him earlier this year, saying: "In all the years that I have been involved in football, I am not sure I have come across too many players who are more loved than Joel Matip.

"I’m not even sure it would be possible to say anything bad about him. A wonderful professional, a wonderful footballer and a wonderful human being – we have been blessed to have him with us for as long as we have and now all we can do is wish him well as he heads off in a new direction."

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The Toffees have been interested in the player for some time.

By
Tom Coates

Aug 5, 2024

If Everton could sign Matip on a free transfer, it could be an ideal piece of business, bringing him in as an experienced squad player who fills in from time to time, providing competition for Jarrad Branthwaite, James Tarkowski and O'Brien.

Glasgow Rangers picked up their first win of the 2024/25 Scottish Premiership campaign with a 2-1 win over Motherwell at Hampden Park on Saturday.

The Light Blues, who are temporarily playing away from Ibrox, dominated the game – with 68% possession and 19 efforts on goal – and came away with all three points in the end.

It was a much-needed performance and result after the drab 0-0 draw with Hearts on the opening day of the season, as Philippe Clement's side showed that they can consistently create chances in a game.

Cyriel Dessers opened the scoring for the Scottish giants but an unfortunate debut own goal from experienced central defender Robin Propper made it 1-1.

Summer signing Vaclav Cerny, who is on a season-long loan from Wolfsburg, secured the win with a stunning strike from the edge of the box, curling the ball into the far corner with his left foot.

Whilst it was a fairly impressive performance from Rangers and one that should give supporters more hope than they had after the opening day, there were some players who continued to struggle – including attacking midfielder Tom Lawrence.

Tom Lawrence's struggles for Rangers

The Wales international has benefitted from Todd Cantwell's continued absence from the team after his transfer request and Ianis Hagi being sent to play for the B team, as he has been the only senior number ten option.

Unfortunately, he has not made the most of the opportunities that the situation has provided him with, as the 30-year-old dud struggled again on Saturday.

Lawrence started in the attacking midfield role behind Dessers, with Scott Wright and Cerny either side of him, and was hauled off by Clement after just 56 minutes.

As you can see in the table above, the Welsh lightweight endured a difficult afternoon at Hampden with pretty much no impact in the final third, whilst he also lost the majority of his duels out of possession.

Lawrence has started all three of the club's games so far this season and is yet to provide a single goal or assist, with just one chance created in two starts in the Premiership.

His lack of impact at the top end of the pitch should not come as a huge surprise to Rangers or Clement, though, based on his form during the 2023/24 campaign.

The former Derby County playmaker ended the season with three goals and three assists in 32 matches in all competitions for the club, which shows that he did not provide a regular threat as either a scorer or a creator of goals.

With the transfer window still open until the end of the month, Rangers must dip into the market to sign a new attacking midfield option in order to ditch Lawrence from the starting XI.

Rangers interested in Premier League prodigy

In fact, the Light Blues were recently linked with an interest in signing a player in that position from a team in the Premier League this summer.

Football Scotland reported that the Gers are keen on pursuing a deal to snap up Chelsea's young attacking midfielder Leo Castledine on a season-long loan.

The outlet claimed that Rangers have already been in contact with Enzo Maresca's side to discuss a potential move for the academy talent before the window slams shut.

It was stated that a potential sticking point in negotiations, however, has been that the Scottish giants would like to have an option to make the deal permanent next summer, whilst the English giants would prefer it to be a straight loan and for him to return to Stamford Bridge next year.

Football Scotland added that Aberdeen have also registered an interest in the 18-year-old whiz, whilst clubs in the English Championship are eyeing up the Blues youngster.

This means that the Light Blues could face plenty of competition to land his signature, particularly if the other interested clubs are willing to do a straight loan, rather than one with an option-to-buy.

If Nils Koppen and Clement can get a deal over the line before the end of the window, though, then it could allow Lawrence to be ditched from the team.

Why Rangers should sign Leo Castledine

It would be a gamble by the Premiership giants, as the midfielder has only made one senior appearance in his career to date, but his form at academy level suggests that the potential is there for him to be a terrific addition to the side.

Rangers took a similar risk when they signed Malik Tillman on loan from Bayern Munich, after he had made seven first-team appearances, in the summer of 2022, and the USA international went on to plunder 12 goals and five assists in 43 matches for the club.

He is a prime example of why it can be beneficial to sign a player and give them their first chance of playing regular football at senior level, which is why Castledine could be an excellent addition.

The teenage sensation has racked up 102 appearances for Chelsea at U18 and U21 level combined over the years and contributed with 36 goals and 16 assists.

In the 2023/24 campaign, Castledine produced ten goals and nine assists in 18 Premier League 2 outings for his side's U21 team, which suggests that he has already outgrown academy football at the age of 18.

The teenage whiz, who was hailed as "sensationally intelligent" by U23 scout Antonio Mango, is a versatile midfielder, who can play as a number eight, out wide, and as a number ten, who can consistently contribute with goals and assists for his side.

It is now down to him to prove himself at first-team level on a consistent basis and Rangers, as they did for Tillman, could provide him with that platform to shine.

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By
Ross Kilvington

Aug 6, 2024

If he could then enjoy a breakthrough season of scoring and assisting goals on a regular basis, then Clement could easily drop the underperforming Lawrence back down to the bench.