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Newcastle United’s summer of transfer activity once again underlined the scale of ambition since the PIF takeover.

Deals for Jacob Ramsay, Malick Thiaw, Aaron Ramsdale and Anthony Elanga have complemented headline-grabbing signings such as Nick Woltemade for £69m and Yoane Wissa for £55m.

Alexander Isak’s £125m move to Liverpool left a sour taste, but the overall picture was one of a club continuing to spend at the very top of the market.

That has not always been the case on Tyneside.

Before Saudi investment changed the landscape, Newcastle were known for trimming squads and selling talent to make a profit.

Promising youngsters would be moved on for financial reasons or simply slip through the cracks, only to thrive elsewhere.

This summer’s spending spree serves as a reminder of how much things have changed, but also how much has been lost.

The departure of Elliot Anderson last year remains a striking example.

Newcastle did not want to lose the academy graduate, but Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) forced their hand.

Nottingham Forest seized the opportunity, and now the Northeast club must watch a homegrown talent flourish elsewhere – much like another striker once forced to leave before truly being given a chance at St James’ Park.

Anderson's rise away from Tyneside

Anderson’s move to Forest in 2024, part of a deal that saw Odysseas Vlachodimos move the other way, was emblematic of Newcastle’s recent financial gymnastics.

The midfielder represented pure profit under PSR calculations, a valuable asset when books needed balancing.

Jankuba Minteh was sold to Brighton in the same scramble, and even the sales of Isak and Anthony Gordon were considered.

At the time, it looked like a sacrifice of potential for compliance.

Yet Anderson has proven exactly why the club were so reluctant to lose him.

Last season, the 22-year-old made 37 league appearances for Forest, scoring twice and providing six assists. His form earned him a first senior England call-up, and he started against Andorra, winning the Player of the Match award.

The numbers underline his growing influence.

Last season, Anderson ranked in the 88th percentile for assists per 90 (0.19) and 77th percentile for shot-creating actions (3.07).

His ability to progress play was matched by tenacity in midfield.

He sat in the 88th percentile for tackles per 90 (3.07) and 87th percentile for clearances (2.40).

Analysts like Max Scott have even gone so far as to describe Anderson as having “a bit of Roy Keane, Paul Scholes and Zinedine Zidane” in his game.

It is difficult to see how he would have found the same opportunities had he remained at Newcastle.

Competing with Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton for minutes, he might have stagnated.

Instead, Forest have given him the platform to grow, and Newcastle are left to reflect on a talent that got away, not for the first time either.

Newcastle's homegrown striker regret

Anderson’s story draws inevitable comparisons to Ivan Toney, another player who slipped through Newcastle’s net.

Signed from Northampton Town in 2015 for around half a million, Toney struggled for first-team opportunities and was farmed out on loan before leaving permanently for Peterborough United in 2018.

From there, his career trajectory exploded. Toney scored 72 goals and provided 23 assists in 141 appearances for Brentford, firing them to Premier League promotion with a goal in the 2021 play-off final.

His 20-goal return in the 2022/23 season made him one of the division’s most reliable strikers, hailed as such by Thomas Frank who described him as a “monster”.

Recognition followed on the international stage. Toney made his England debut in 2023 and was part of the Euro 2024 squad, holding his nerve to score in the penalty shoot-out against Switzerland in the quarter-finals.

The numbers again tell the story of a rounded, top-level forward.

During the 2022/23 season, Toney ranked in the 72nd percentile among centre-forwards in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty goals (0.43 per 90), 70th percentile for progressive passes (2.41), and was outstanding aerially, sitting in the 91st percentile for aerials won (3.32 per 90).

His defensive contribution was underrated too, with strong numbers for interceptions and clearances.

Matches Played

33

Goals

20

Assists

4

Progressive Carries

14

Progressive Passes

79

In 2024, Toney completed a £40m move to Al-Ahli, where he scored 23 goals and registered four assists in the Saudi Pro League last season.

At 29, he remains a high-level striker whose career arc must leave Newcastle wondering what might have been.

The parallels between Anderson and Toney are plain to see.

Both left St James’ Park for very different reasons, but both have gone on to prove themselves at a high level.

Each departure highlights the fine margins between financial management and footballing vision.

Newcastle’s current owners are now spending freely, with marquee signings transforming the squad.

Yet history shows that some of the biggest success stories can be those who slipped away. In Anderson, Newcastle may once again have let a future England regular leave too soon.

PIF have already signed Newcastle's new Elliot Anderson and he's "terrific"

Eddie Howe will hope he has his own Elliot Anderson now at Newcastle United in this terrific talent.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 8, 2025

Arsenal have boasted the best defensive record in the Premier League during each of the last two seasons, with Frenchman William Saliba playing a massive role in their success.

The centre-back joined the Gunners back in 2019, before multiple loan spells in his homeland, having to wait until the summer of 2022 to make his first appearance in English football.

He’s since gone on to make 134 appearances for the club, having bags of time to make himself a legend in North London, still being just 24 years of age.

His partnership at the heart of the backline with Gabriel has played a massive part in Mikel Arteta’s ability to come within touching distance of ending their two-decade drought without a league title.

However, with the summer window rapidly coming towards its end, numerous other players are being targeted to aid their defensive unit for the 2025/26 season.

Arsenal pursuing a move for a new defender

This summer window has been a big one for Arsenal, already adding another option to the defensive unit, in the form of Spaniard Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia.

The 21-year-old joined in a £13m deal, penning a five-year contract, but he could also be joined at the Emirates Stadium by another young prospect in the coming days.

Palmeiras’ 19-year-old centre-back, Luis Benedetti, could be the latest to move to North London, after Brazilian journalist Diego Firmino confirmed the club’s interest in his signature.

He claims that Arteta’s side have been monitoring him over recent weeks, potentially preparing an offer in the region of £8.5m for the youngster’s services.

Firmino also states that the player could be tempted by a move to the Premier League, with his current employers demanding add-ons and a sell-on fee in any transfer.

Why Arsenal’s latest target could be Arteta’s next Saliba

Arsenal’s recruitment has been excellent over the last couple of years, undoubtedly playing a huge role in their ability to challenge for England’s Premier League title.

Saliba has been one example, arriving in North London as an unknown quantity to many, but it’s safe to say his tally of appearances to date highlights his importance to the Gunners.

At just 24, he has all the tools to continue his development under Arteta, hopefully able to add titles to his CV and become one of Europe’s leading talents in defensive areas.

However, if the club is to continue building and maintaining their efforts at the top of the table, they will need to carry on their impressive recruitment with a move for Benedetti.

At just 19, he has bags of time to continue his development, with a move to England helping him reach the next level and build on his impressive start to his career.

The Brazilian has made nine senior appearances for Palmeiras, but it’s been enough to demonstrate the talent he holds, leading to analyst Ben Mattinson labelling him as “aggressive”.

The teenager has managed to complete 93% of the passes he’s attempted in Brazil’s top-flight, able to offer a superb ball-playing option – just as Saliba has in recent years.

He’s also won 71% of the aerial battles he’s entered, subsequently allowing him to have an impact at both ends of the pitch – especially considering his 6”6 frame.

Whilst it’s still early days in his professional career, the signs are all positive for Benedetti, possessing two crucial components of being a centre-back in the modern-day.

£8.5m could prove to be an excellent piece of business by Arteta and the Gunners, potentially banking a small fortune should he continue on his current trajectory.

He could follow in Saliba’s footsteps in joining as an unknown quantity, the Brazilian would be able to learn from one of the best defenders in world football – arguably developing into another excellent piece of business by the hierarchy.

Arsenal could seal a better signing than Gyokeres & Eze in £100m sensation

Arsenal could land a better player than Eze & Gyokeres in sensational talent.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Aug 16, 2025

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers heard the Parkhead board come under fire from Hoops supporters and has made a transfer demand ahead of the deadline.

Celtic draw 0-0 in Champions League qualifier

It was a frustrating evening for all associated with Celtic on Wednesday evening, with the Hoops’ goalless draw against Kairat Almaty leaving them with work to do to qualify for the Champions League.

Much of the frustration was around Celtic’s transfer activity this summer, with the club spending just under £4m on seven new signings.

Benjamin Nygren

FC Nordsjaelland

£2m

Shin Yamada

Kawasaki Frontale

£1.5m

Hayato Inamura

Albirex Niigata

£250,000

Kieran Tierney

Arsenal

Free

Ross Doohan

Aberdeen

Free

Callum Osmand

Fulham

Undisclosed

Jahmai Simpson-Pusey

Man City

Loan

Talking after the game, Rodgers said: “I think it was pretty clear. You didn’t need to look into the future too far. You know these games are tough games and you want to have your best players in and have players in as quick as you can to tackle these sorts of situations.

“But listen, it is what it is and I just have to accept where it’s at and we’ll now get ready for Saturday and then the long haul on Sunday. “Then we’ll try and get through on Tuesday.”

As bad as Idah: Rodgers must now ruthlessly drop 5/10 Celtic man

This Celtic forward who was as bad as Adam Idah should be ruthlessly dropped to the bench.

ByDan Emery Aug 21, 2025 Rodgers responds to Celtic fans ‘sack the board’ chants and makes transfer demand

When asked about the fans reaction to the ‘sack the board’ chants, aimed at chief executive Michael Nicholson and chairman Peter Lawwell, Rodgers admitted that Celtic “need” signings before the deadline.

“I do know that, over many years, ‘sack the board’ normally means ‘sack the manager’. It’s normally the manager that goes when that starts to be sung. I can only really look at the players we have here, and the performance.

“We’ve known for a long time what we’ve needed as a squad, so I don’t want to go into that. Of course, at the end of the game, we’re having to shuffle things about to try and make it work.

“The players are out of position, but the players’ endeavour in the second half was really good. But at this level, it’s more than that. So hopefully we can show that.

“The boys are a great bunch of lads, they’re really honest. They’ve started the season well. Defensively, they’ve been strong. But tonight, offensively, we just couldn’t show those moments of quality to break through.

There have been reports that an agreement has been reached for Celtic to sign Michel-Ange Balikwisha from Royal Antwerp, although there are still internal issues to resolve.

Como sensation Nico Paz admits to watching Lionel Messi videos on YouTube as he attempts to “replicate” what the Inter Miami superstar is capable of. Paz is now an Argentina international team-mate of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, but continues to use his illustrious fellow countryman as a source of inspiration when it comes to enhancing his own game.

• From the Canary Islands to Messi team-mate

  Paz, who was born on the island of Tenerife and graduated out of the academy system at La Liga giants Real Madrid, has been in Italy since the summer of 2024. He helped Como to preserve their top-flight status during his debut campaign in Serie A.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Assist for Messi on Argentina debut

  International recognition came his way during that season, with an assist for Messi being recorded on his debut for the Albiceleste. Paz has started the 2025-26 campaign in positive fashion, registering two goals through four appearances.

• Joining Messi at the 2026 World Cup?

  The 21-year-old playmaker continues to be called upon by Argentina, taking his tally of caps to four, and will hope to form part of their World Cup title defence next summer. The expectation is that Messi will also grace that tournament despite questions being asked of his involvement.

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  How Paz takes lessons from Argentine GOAT

  Paz will have taken many more lessons from Messi by the time that competition rolls around, with endless hours being spent watching the Argentine GOAT in action. Paz told : "Playing alongside Messi, you can watch him and learn a lot from him. I always watch his videos on YouTube and want to learn as much as I can from him. Before every match, I watch his videos to see if I can replicate something."

كشف خالد سليمان، وكيل المدرب البلجيكي يانيك فيريرا، المدير الفني لنادي الزمالك موقف المدرب من تأخر جزء من الرواتب ومستحقات اللاعبين، كما أوضح حقيقة وصول عرض من بليجكا للمدرب.

يانيك فيريرا، يقود تدريب الزمالك منذ بداية الموسم الحالي، ويتصدر جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري برصيد 17 نقطة بعد مرور 8 جولات، إذا فاز في 5 وتعادل في 2 وخسر في لقاء.

وقال سليمان خلال تصريحات عبر قناة “إم بي سي مصر” لبرنامج “اللعيب”: “فيريرا ملتزم مع الزمالك ولا يوجد أي مشكلة بما يثار حول الأمور المادية”.

طالع | شوبير: يانيك فيريرا ارتكب كارثة قبل مواجهة الأهلي.. ويُهاجم إدارة الزمالك

وأضاف: “فيريرا حاليًا بكامل تركيزه قبل مباراة الأهلي، هو يستعد لها بشكل قوي، سعيد بالتجربة مع الزمالك ويرغب في تحقيق هدفه وهو تحقيق البطولات”.

وتابع: “بالنسبة للأمور المادية ومستحقات اللاعبين، هناك تواصل من الإدارة وجون إدوارد بخصوص هذا الشأن، ليس لي علاقة ولا لدي تعليق”.

وبشأن وصول عرض من بلجيكا لـ يانيك فيريرا، أوضح في ختام حديثه: “العروض تأتي لأي مدرب في العالم في أي وقت، هذا طبيعي ويحدث ولكن فيريرا ملتزم بالعقد مع الزمالك ويريد الاستمرار لتحقيق البطولات”. 

ومن المقرر أن يلتقي فريق الزمالك مع الأهلي يوم الإثنين المقبل 29 سبتمبر، في إطار قمة الجولة التاسعة من منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

New Barcelona signing Marcus Rashford once called a Real Madrid icon the best he’s ever played against ahead of Nou Camp legend Lionel Messi.

Marcus Rashford signs for Barcelona from Man Utd

The forward has officially competed a season-long loan move to the Nou Camp from Manchester United, with Barca also having the option to buy Rashford in 2026 for an initial £26m next summer.

Rashford becomes the first Englishman to sign for Barcelona since Gary Lineker, who did so back in 1986. Taking the number 14 shirt number with the Catalan giants, Rashford has been quick to praise current Barcelona star Lamine Yamal, calling the Ballon d’or contender “one of the leading players in the world”.

“He is a very special talent, and for me, I feel definitely last season, he is one of the leading players in the world, if not the best. Everyone wants to play with the best, and there is a lot of talent in this squad. I am happy and eager to play with them on the pitch. Maybe I can help them, and for sure, they can help me. It is going to be exciting.”

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Rashford will also come up against England teammates Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jude Bellingham in the El Clasico in 2025/26, with Barca looking to retain their La Liga title under Hansi Flick.

Games

426

Goals

138

Assists

77

Red cards

2

Trophies

6

Rashford calls Cristiano Ronaldo best he’s played against

Back in 2017 when talking to ESPN, relayed by Football 365, Rashford was asked for the best player he has played with or against.

Still just two years into his professional career, the attacker said Cristiano Ronaldo was the best he had came up against during his time at the Bernabeu. However, he also name-checked former Red Devils teammate Wayne Rooney, Barcelona legend Lionel Messi and Brazilian star Neymar.

Former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Brazil striker Ronaldo also got a mention from Rashford, highlighting his World Cup displays.

“Brazilian Ronaldo has had the biggest World Cup performances, I’d say. And his were among the most enjoyable to watch. There were a lot of top players who performed in the World Cup and went to another level.”

Tottenham Hotspur could undergo a serious squad revamp ahead of Thomas Frank’s first full campaign in charge of the Lilywhites, with a few intriguing names facing uncertain futures in north London.

Tottenham preparing bid for £30m colossus wanted by Napoli, Milan and Inter

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1

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 21, 2025

Their most high-profile departure of the summer window could well be club legend Son Heung-min, who’s about to enter the final 12 months of his contract, and he was initially set to leave on a free this year, before chairman Daniel Levy triggered the season-long extension clause in his contract.

Son is attracting serious interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League, and credible news outlets like The Telegraph suggest there is every likelihood that the season just gone may have been the South Korean’s last at Spurs.

Asian media sources claim Levy will demand around £50 million for the 32-year-old, as Tottenham’s chief looks to make as much money back off his sale as possible, but he may not be the only star player to depart before the beginning of 2025/2026.

Defender Cristian Romero, who played a key role for Spurs in their Europa League campaign, winning the tournament’s Player of the Season award, is a wanted man in Madrid.

Atlético boss Diego Simeone recently confirmed his interest in signing Romero, and if the La Liga side make a significant-enough offer, Spurs may well be forced to consider it given the Argentine has just two years left on his contract.

The likes of Manor Solomon and Bryan Gil appear nailed on to leave at this point, given both men spent 2024/2025 on loan elsewhere, and the former’s sale would count as pure profit in the eyes of PSR due to the fact he signed as a free agent.

Another player who joined Spurs two years ago, but hasn’t quite found a route into the first-team, is 21-year-old striker Alejo Veliz.

Tottenham in talks to sell Alejo Veliz after bid made

The Argentine has spent the last one and a half seasons on loan spells at Sevilla and Espanyol, but he hasn’t exactly set the world alight in that time – scoring just one La Liga goal.

For Tottenham, Veliz has made just eight Premier League appearances, scoring once in a 4-2 defeat against Brighton in 2023, and Levy could well decide to cut his losses.

According to South American news outlet Ole, via Sport Witness, Racing de Alma have made a bid to sign Veliz from Tottenham, reporting on Thursday night that it came in the last few hours.

Frank’s side are clear; they’ll only consider a permanent deal, not a loan, and Racing are attempting to oblige. They also want a significant sell-on clause inserted into the deal, with Racing currently “in full negotiations” to find an agreement, though there is no mention of whether their opening bid will be accepted.

Racing have apparently offered around £3.6 million for the forward, who’s been called a “phenomenon” by 1978 Argentine World Cup winner Daniel Bertoni, so Levy may have to take a loss on the £12 million they paid to sign Veliz from Rosario Central.

Newcastle United have the means to complete the signing of a Premier League superstar this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, and may even be able to whittle his £75m release clause down significantly.

The four positions Newcastle want to strengthen this summer

After a great season that saw the Magpies win the EFL Cup and end their long trophy drought, as well as get back into the Champions League, the summer window promises to be an exciting one at St James’ Park.

Speaking about Newcastle’s potential business in the coming weeks and months, Sky Sports‘ reliable reporter Keith Downie recently provided an update, saying: “Eddie Howe is looking for a new goalkeeper, a right-sided centre back, a right-winger and a forward who can play across the front. That’s the wish list if none of the big hitters were to leave. If a Bruno Guimaraes or an Anthony Gordon went, for example, then he’d need them replaced too.”

It remains to be seen who exactly Newcastle will bring in ahead of next season, but Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo has consistently been mentioned as a leading option on the right flank, but it appears he isn’t the only one on the agenda as the Cameroon star edges closer to joining Manchester United.

Newcastle "can afford" to sign Kudus

Speaking to Football Insider, O’Rourke claimed that Newcastle “can afford” £75m-rated West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus, seeing him as an alternative to Mbeumo, and they believe they can do a deal for less than his release fee.

“Newcastle can afford a deal for Kudus. As it stands, Bryan Mbeumo is their top target for that right-sided forward position. Kudus is on their list and has admirers within the Newcastle hierarchy, and is somebody they feel could come in and strengthen their attacking options.

“He obviously has that release clause of around £75million, but I don’t think many Premier League clubs will be willing to pay that. Due to West Ham’s situation, his suitors feel they can get him for a cheaper fee. They’ll definitely be willing to listen to offers for the Ghana international.”

Kudus stands out as an excellent option for Newcastle if they can’t get Mbeumo, even though the Brentford ace still stands out as the superior choice.

That said, if the Magpies end up signing the West Ham ace instead, he could excel at St James’, having been hailed by former teammate Aaron Cresswell when they first played together: “He’s a top, top talent and I think we haven’t seen the best of him yet.

“I won’t go near him in training because I know if I’m going to try to knock him off the ball I had better make sure he’s not looking and doesn’t see me coming. You just can’t get near him. He’s so strong, so quick, so sharp.”

Newcastle already sold Kudus & Mbeumo hybrid who can 'reach Mane's level'

Newcastle are pursuing Mohammed Kudus and Bryan Mbeumo this summer – but have they already sold an alternative?

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Robbie Walls

Jun 1, 2025

Ultimately, Mbeumo is the dream signing for Newcastle, having enjoyed such an impressive 2024/25 season, and he would be a superb upgrade on Jacob Murphy, possessing more consistency than Kudus over the past 12 months.

Fulham are the club pushing the hardest to sign an “outstanding” midfielder, with Marco Silva set to be backed in the summer transfer window, according to a report.

Cottagers set to back Silva amid uncertain future

Having been at Craven Cottage for just under four years, Silva is now among the longest-serving managers in the Premier League, but there is widespread interest in the Portuguese coach, with Juventus becoming the latest club to express an interest.

With Tottenham Hotspur and clubs from the Saudi Pro League also keen on the 47-year-old, it could be difficult for the board to retain his services, but they have now displayed a willingness to back the manager in the summer transfer window.

That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states Silva has been promised money to improve his squad, while also revealing the Cottagers have now set their sights on a new midfielder.

Fulham are said to be the club pushing the hardest to sign Mainz attacking midfielder Nadiem Amiri, who is set to leave the German club this summer, having attracted widespread interest from the Premier League.

New target: Fulham now ready to pounce for 23-goal striker available for £0

The Cottagers have joined the race for a forward, who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer.

ByDominic Lund Jun 3, 2025

Amiri has already turned down a move to Leeds United, while Crystal Palace have identified him as a potential target, but the west Londoners appear to be more determined to get a move over the line.

A deal would not break the bank either, with the 28-year-old expected to be allowed to leave for a fee of around £15m, and he could be brought in to replace Tom Cairney, amid interest from Wrexham, while fellow midfielder Harrison Reed is also set to depart.

"Outstanding" Amiri enjoyed impressive 2024-25 campaign

The Mainz star has been particularly impressive going forward as of late, picking up seven goals and five assists in 30 Bundesliga outings, and his displays at club level have led to a return to the German national side.

Upon selecting the central midfielder, manager Julian Nagelsmann said: “Nadiem is having an outstanding season. He’s a very good example of how you can take a step back to push your career forward.”

The German maestro had been uninvolved with his national side since 2020, but fought hard to regain his place, saying: “After I received a call from Julian Nagelsmann on Tuesday, I was in tears. It was my dream for so long to be able to play for the national team again. I worked hard, trying to improve every day”

Not only does Amiri have international experience, but he also has 10 Champions League appearances to his name, which could stand him in good stead to be a success at Craven Cottage, and a fee of £15m seems like a bargain for a player of his quality.

Liverpool’s victory over Leicester City on Sunday put Arne Slot within touching distance of the Premier League title.

The trophy’s plaque will be engraved with Liverpool’s name for the second time in its modern format, and no mistake. To fall now would be inconceivable.

Leicester put up a good fight but failed to prevent their relegation to the Championship, and there was one man who stepped up to force the three points in the Reds’ favour.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future is up in the air, and the scriptwriters will be delighted with their decision to make it him who scored the winning goal at the weekend.

Alexander-Arnold's big moment

Just 15 minutes from time, Leicester had succeeded in frustrating Liverpool and keeping it goalless at the King Power Stadium.

But then Slot brought Alexander-Arnold on, making his first appearance since being forced off with an ankle injury against PSG in early March.

A scramble in the box led to the Scouser in Liverpool’s team collecting from the left and curling a powerful strike past the Foxes defences. Chaos ensued.

But, the celebration felt charged with something deeper, a pure outpouring of emotion that maybe welled from Alexander-Arnold’s knowledge that such moments will be few and far between in a Liverpool jersey.

Real Madrid are confident that they will claim the Liverpool man’s signature when his contract expires this summer. And Trent’s celebration in hanging his shirt on the corner post felt, in a way, like he was hanging it up.

There’s no doubt all of a Liverpool persuasion want their vice-captain to stay, but it looks like Madrid’s inimitable pedigree at the top of the European game is going to hold sway here.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, Trent’s not the only high-profile Liverpool star set to depart this summer. There’s another whose fate appears sealed – if it wasn’t before – following Sunday’s events.

Big-money Liverpool star now looks finished

After three seasons, Darwin Nunez still hasn’t reached even the outer rim of the area he should be in at Liverpool, and Fabrizio Romano has been banging the same drum in recent months that he will indeed be sold this summer.

It’s a rueful scenario. Nunez is a likeable and hard-working player, joining Liverpool from Benfica in a club-record £85m deal in 2022 to much fanfare.

But, now aged 25, his development has been minimal, and it’s time for a change, with the Reds overreliant on Mohamed Salah’s incredible output to get them over the line this summer.

At the root of it, Nunez simply doesn’t play enough under Slot’s wing. He’s only started once in the Premier League since Boxing Day, with a seven-goal return across all competitions hardly aligning with the lofty figure paid for his services. Against Leicester, the £140k-per-week striker didn’t even make it off the bench.

But from his struggle, the fruits of something new could blossom.

Without Nunez’s sale, the signing of a big-money replacement at number nine is precluded. The £150m-rated Alexander Isak might be out of reach, but the market is rich with attacking potential and Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes know their way around an astute deal.

Liverpool, in other words, are in good hands, but must cash in on their record buy, cutting their losses as it were, if Slot is to really put his own stamp on his team and defend his title with confidence next season.

Is it a bit presumptuous to name Liverpool champions? Arsenal are still in the race, after all. But it would take the mother of all collapses for Anfield to fall now, consigning themselves to one of sports’ great mess-ups.

Liverpool will rejoice in having struck gold, one year after Jurgen Klopp decided to call it a day, but the struggles of Manchester City and Arsenal’s injury-rotten luck cannot be relied on next year, and neither can Nunez.

Across his first two Premier League campaigns, in Klopp’s system, the Uruguay international was all energy and impetus. He was a thorn in Liverpool’s opponents’ sides. But the clinical edge wasn’t there. It was decidedly lacking, in fact.

With Slot at the helm, he’s regressed further still, not so much profligate as profitless in even finding opportunities to strike on goal for the Premier League’s runaway leaders.

Though his defensive metrics are actually as good as they’ve ever been, this hardly compensates for Nunez’s lack of potency or indeed his declining output in ball-striking and creative pursuits.

Nunez has been an insoluble problem for two of the game’s finest contemporary managers, now, and there’s only one route out as he thrashes against the enclosing walls on Merseyside.

Nunez’s three-year stint at Liverpool hasn’t worked out. And yet, he won the Carabao Cup last season, registering 32 goal contributions in all competitions. He’s going to leave with a Premier League winner’s medal draped around his neck.

That two-goal cameo against Brentford in January, both goals struck in stoppage time.

A momentous result, one which allowed Slot’s side to capitalise on Arsenal’s shock defeat to West Ham United a day before and create significant space at the top of the table.

It was, in many ways, a watershed moment in the title battle, the first time rival resignation surfaced, Liverpool moving six points clear with a game in hand.

Perhaps, when we revisit this halycon era in the years to come, we will remember Nunez fondly, an erratic and mercurial talent who played his part through an important period.

But he has to be sold, having scarcely featured in the startling line-up under Slot’s wing this year. He has to be sold, paving the way for someone else to have a shot at centre-forward. Have a shot and score.

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By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 19, 2025