Barcelona have now reportedly made a whopping €55m (£46.2m) offer for Leeds United star Raphinha.
The Lowdown: Relegation release clause
The Whites are currently out of the bottom three but are still in serious danger of dropping back down to the Championship. Jesse Marsch’s side travel to Brentford on the final day, with Burnley currently a point behind with a game in hand.
[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-updates-3/” title=”Latest Leeds United updates!” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]
Should Leeds suffer relegation, star forward Raphinha will have a €25m (£21m) release clause activated. The Brazilian’s agent Deco has been in advanced talks with Barcelona since March over a five-year deal at the Nou Camp, and it looks as if the La Liga giants have now firmed up their interest with a formal offer.
The Latest: Formal offer made
Sport Witness relayed an update from UOL regarding Barcelona and Raphinha on Monday.
They claimed that the Catalan giants have now made an offer worth an initial €55m (£46.2m), with €10m (£8.4m) worth of performance add-ons included. The report added that Leeds have yet to respond to the offer, with all their focus on remaining in the Premier League.
The Verdict: Surprise
Should this report prove accurate, then Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers Enterprises have a big decision to make over the coming days.
If things go horribly wrong this weekend, then you’d expect that Raphinha will leave for around £21m and that Barcelona’s reported €55m offer will be withdrawn, so it’s certainly a surprise to see such an offer just days before the club’s fate is sealed one way or another.
It looks as if the La Liga club want to get a deal wrapped up as soon as possible and have made an offer more than double that of the player’s relegation release clause, which could be the best the Whites can get – should they bite the bullet and accept it now?
In other news: Leeds journalist claims ‘incredible’ Orta signing may now leave with Phillips and Raphinha this summer
Sunderland have been handed a big injury lift over Leon Dajaku’s fitness ahead of the League One play-off final…
What’s the talk?
According to the Sunderland Echo, the German winger is now back in training with the rest of the first-team squad, joining in with the group on Thursday.
The report claims that he has been out of action since March due to illness and went back to Germany for treatment in recent weeks. He has now recovered from his ailment and is back out on the pitch with just over a week to go until the final at Wembley.
Alex Neil will be delighted
This is a major boost for the Black Cats and one which will leave head coach Alex Neil delighted, as Dajaku has the potential to be a match-winner for Sunderland.
He has directly contributed to seven goals in 14 League One starts throughout an injury-plagued and illness-hit campaign. The forward has chipped in with four goals and three assists from out wide, which shows that he can have a big impact whenever he is fit to play.
In League One, he has registered seven shots on target and scored four goals, missing one ‘big chance’ in the process. This suggests that he has been clinical in front of goal when he has found himself with an opportunity to find the net, which is a useful attribute to have with the Black Cats facing a mammoth clash against Wycombe at Wembley next week.
Dajaku has also put his foot in and shown fight for Sunderland. He has made 1.4 tackles and interceptions per game, frequently tracking back and attempting to help out his defensive team-mates by winning the ball back off the opposition.
Promotion is on the line for both clubs and Neil will want as many of his players available as possible, including the German. Whilst the 21-year-old may not be fit enough to start, having been out of action since March, he can have a say in the game if he comes off the bench.
Therefore, the ex-Preston and Norwich boss will be delighted to have him back as an option heading into the clash with Wycombe. Dajaku has the potential to be a key player for the Black Cats, from the start or off the bench, and his return to training is a timely one for the Wearside club.
AND in other news, Neil must seal Sunderland swoop for “outstanding” 24 y/o machine who scores every other game…
A new transfer update has emerged surrounding the future of Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves, according to a Spanish source.
The Lowdown: Plenty of interest
The 25-year-old first joined the Premier League outfit from FC Porto in 2017, and has since gone on to make a total of 208 appearances for Bruno Lage’s side.
Neves’ contract with the Wanderers isn’t set to expire until 2024, but he has been linked with a move away from Molineux for most of this season, with the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, and Barcelona said to be the three main suitors interested in his services.
Making the switch to either the Gunners or the Red Devils would obviously mean staying in the top-flight, but the thought of a move to the Spanish giants is huge for any player, and following a new report, it seems as though we might just know where the 26-time international’s next destination is going to be.
The Latest: Neves’ dream
According to major Spanish outlet Sport (via TEAMtalk), it’s claimed that Neves would ‘rather opt’ for a move to the Blaugrana, with it being his lifelong ‘dream’ to wear the Barcelona shirt.
It was thought that a move to the Catalans would be the least likely option due to their current financial situation, but given the fact that the maestro is ‘keen’ on a transfer, it’s reported that Barca may want to do ‘all in their power’ to secure his signature in the summer.
The Verdict: Bags of potential
Making 32 outings in all competitions under Lage so far this season, the £36m-rated talisman has managed to score four goals and register two assists in what has been a difficult campaign for the Wanderers, as per Transfermarkt.
Neves has been dubbed an “outstanding” player by Wolves journalist Tim Spiers, and still has plenty to give wherever his next club might be, should he depart.
If the midfielder were to join Xavi’s outfit in the upcoming window, it would at least save the Molineux faithful from having to see him in a rival shirt twice a season, and presumably bank the club a huge fee to reinvest into the squad.
In other news… a journalist has backed Wolves to strengthen one key area this summer.
Sunderland have been hit with a huge injury setback over centre-forward Nathan Broadhead…
What’s the latest?
Black Cats manager Alex Neil has hinted at a worrying blow for the on-loan Welshman, who limped off in the win against Morecambe on Saturday.
The 40-year-old has claimed that Ross Stewart is currently the only number nine who is fit and available in the squad ahead of Sunderland’s big play-off clash with Sheffield Wednesday later this week.
The Examiner quote him as saying: “The worry we’ve got now is we’ve finished the game with no centre forward on the pitch, I brought Stewart off because I knew the scores elsewhere. He’s literally [our only striker].. I don’t need to say anything else do I?”
Supporters will be raging
The prospect of Broadhead being unavailable for the first leg against Wednesday will surely leave Sunderland fans raging, as it would be a major blow for the Wearsider’s promotion prospects.
He has been phenomenal for the Black Cats since joining on loan from Everton, proving himself to be a reliable goalscorer at this level. The 24-year-old netted the winner against Morecambe to seal a play-off spot and that was his 10th League One goal of the season, on just his 15th start.
His recent form for the club has been sensational, with 11 goals in his last 14 outings in all competitions. This shows that he has been red-hot in front of goal and that is why the fans, and indeed Neil, will be desperate for the 20-year-old to be fit for the play-offs.
Sunderland are set to battle for a place in the Championship and they will need their best players to be fit and available for selection to give themselves the best chance of reaching the second tier. Broadhead’s goalcoring record suggests that he is one of the club’s top talents, as he has the quality to be a game-changer at the top end of the pitch with his finishing ability.
Therefore, supporters will be raging with Neil’s claim that Stewart is the only fit striker in the squad ahead of their clash with Darren Moore’s team on Friday night. Hopefully it turns out to be merely a minor issue for the Everton loanee and he is able to feature but, for now, Sunderland fans will likely be very worried about his condition.
AND in other news, Cost £10m, left for nothing: Sunderland had a huge nightmare on £70k-p/w dud…
Journalist Joe Thomas was left amazed after Tom Davies made a ‘surprise’ return to the Everton matchday squad against Chelsea on Sunday.
The lowdown
The 23-year-old hasn’t featured for the Toffees since the goalless draw with Tottenham Hotspur almost six months ago. He sustained a knee injury in that game and then damaged his thigh the following month during his rehabilitation (via The Athletic).
Everton announced that it was a ‘high-grade’ injury which required surgery, and Davies himself said that he wouldn’t return until next season.
The Toffees left him out of their revised Premier League squad in January, only restoring him when Jean-Philippe Gbamin sealed a loan move to CSKA Moscow.
However, Davies was back on the nine-match Everton bench on Sunday, watching on from the sidelines as his team boosted their top-flight survival hopes with a 1-0 win over Chelsea.
Thomas, Everton correspondent for the Liverpool Echo, was left amazed by the presence of Davies in the matchday squad at the weekend, given the 23-year-old’s woes in recent months.
The journalist tweeted: “Incredible effort from Tom Davies to get back into Everton matchday squad ahead of expectations. A surprise spot on the bench for him today – his injury was deemed so severe he was not even registered in Premier League squad in January, only returning after Gbamin left on loan.”
The verdict
Davies’ return is a significant and unexpected boost for Frank Lampard and Everton.
He is an important squad player at Goodison Park, having featured in five of the Toffees’ seven Premier League matches prior to his injury in November.
To make his return all the more welcome, Everton were short of bodies in central midfield after Donny van de Beek (on loan from Manchester United) picked up a groin injury and Andre Gomes was also sidelined.
While most teams have played 34, or even 35, league matches, Everton still have five remaining, so there is still plenty of time for Davies to make a positive impact in the Toffees’ battle against relegation.
In other news, Dominic King hailed this man’s performance against Chelsea on Sunday
Arsenal suffered a devastating 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday lunchtime, surrendering their five-point lead atop the Premier League table in dramatic fashion.
Emiliano Buendia’s stoppage-time winner completed a remarkable comeback for Unai Emery’s side, dealing a significant blow to the Gunners’ title aspirations.
Matty Cash gave Villa a deserved first-half lead with a thunderous finish at the back post in the 36th minute, capitalizing on Arsenal’s struggles to contain the hosts’ energetic pressing.
The right-back’s half-volley from a deflected cross caught David Raya off guard, sending Villa Park into raptures and rewarding the home side’s dominant opening period.
Mikel Arteta responded decisively at the interval, introducing Leandro Trossard and Viktor Gyokeres for the ineffective Eberechi Eze and Mikel Merino.
Aston Villa now want to tempt Chelsea summer signing with surprise January move
It would be a head turner.
ByEmilio Galantini Dec 5, 2025
The Belgian substitute made an immediate impact just seven minutes into the second half, converting a rebound after Emiliano Martínez could only parry Bukayo Saka’s initial effort. Trossard’s poacher’s instinct at the back post hauled Arsenal level and appeared to shift momentum decisively in the visitors’ favour.
Arsenal dominated possession throughout the second period, creating numerous opportunities to snatch victory. Noni Madueke struck the side netting late on when well-positioned, while Declan Rice orchestrated attacks from deep despite struggling with the calf complaint that troubled him against Brentford midweek.
However, Villa refused to surrender tamely.
Emery’s tactical substitution proved inspired as Buendia replaced Matty Cash in the 85th minute, pushing the hosts into a more aggressive attacking shape with Lamare Bogarde dropping to right-back.
The Argentinian playmaker delivered the decisive intervention deep into stoppage time, reacting quickest to a loose ball inside Arsenal’s penalty area and firing home to secure all three points.
The defeat represents Arsenal’s second loss of the campaign and ends their 18-match unbeaten run across all competitions. More significantly, it allows Man City the opportunity to reduce the gap at the summit to just two points, should they defeat Sunderland later today.
Emiliano Martínez
7.8
Declan Rice
7.7
Matty Cash
7.5
Boubacar Kamara
7.5
Martin Odegaard
7.2
via WhoScored
For Villa, the victory extends their remarkable home form to just one defeat in their last 25 league matches at Villa Park, maintaining their challenge for Champions League qualification while sitting third in the table.
It also begs the question, are Emery’s men now genuine title contenders?
Stuart Pearce says Youri Tielemans stole the show against Arsenal
With that debate now set to rumble on, former England defender Stuart Pearce has picked out one Villa star to thank for an absolutely incredible afternoon for Emery in the Midlands.
Commenting on the game for talkSPORT, Pearce named his Player of the Match — £150,000-per-week midfielder Youri Tielemans.
The Belgian international apparently stole the show against Arsenal, with Pearce calling his display in the engine room ‘outstanding’.
Tielemans, who is out of contract in 2027, has just made a firm case to the Villa hierarchy when it comes to his long-term future.
The 28-year-old returned to full fitness fairly recently after missing six league games with a calf problem and was left out of the starting eleven for Villa’s thrilling 4-3 win at Brighton.
Emery’s decision to start Tielemans today was a masterful decision, and that performance will give the player huge confidence ahead of Villa’s trips to FC Basel and West Ham.
Arsenal summer signing Viktor Gyokeres has impressed since arriving from Sporting Lisbon in a deal which could rise to £64 million, but only in certain Premier League games.
Mikel Arteta’s long wait for a prolific striker was brought to an end by sporting director Andrea Berta in the Italian’s first window at the Emirates, and supporters eagerly awaited the Swede’s debut whilst expecting big things.
Gyokeres bagged an unbelievable 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting before his switch to north London – spearheading the Primeira Liga champions to a domestic double last season – and Arteta is hoping his new number nine can replicate those heroics on British shores.
Despite Arteta’s fondness for Benjamin Sesko, who Arsenal tried to sign in the summer of 2024 and in January, Berta reportedly swayed Arsenal chiefs into moving for Gyokeres instead (The Athletic).
Kepa Arrizabalaga
£5m
Martin Zubimendi
£60m
Christian Norgaard
£15m
Noni Madueke
£52m
Cristhian Mosquera
£13m
Viktor Gyokeres
£55m
Eberechi Eze
£67.5m
Piero Hincapie
Loan
Thus far, the signs have been fairly promising, but some criticism has surrounded Gyokeres’ lacklustre link-up play compared to the likes of Liverpool star Alexander Isak, who was also once a “dream” target for Arteta.
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville also believes that Gyokeres won’t be a big-game player for Arsenal, with the 27-year-old failing to make an impact against both Man United and Liverpool this season.
His goals so far have come in a 5-0 win over Leeds United, and most recently, the Gunners’ 3-0 dispatching of Ange Postecoglou’s Nottingham Forest last Saturday.
Troy Deeney tips Arsenal to replace Viktor Gyokeres with Kai Havertz
Once £280,000-per-week star Kai Havertz is back from injury, talkSPORT pundit Troy Deeney is convinced that Arteta will bench Gyokeres for the big games in favour of their versatile German.
Football is often reactionary at the best of times, and we believe that Gyokeres simply needs more time to settle in Europe’s most competitive division.
Viktor Gyokeres to deliver on big stage for Arsenal in time
The striker’s lack of impact against Man United and Liverpool is a concern, but that could simply be put down to Gyokeres finding his feet at brand-new club amid plenty of pressure to deliver.
At Sporting CP last season, the Swede produced 54 goals and 13 assists across competitions, thriving under the pressure of title races and European nights. His record shows he doesn’t just score against weaker opposition, either.
Gyokeres regularly delivered goals or assists in decisive matches, including against Porto and Benfica, where his work rate, strength, and ability to lead the line stood out.
His six goals in eight Champions League games for Sporting last season, including a stunning hat-trick against Man City, also work wonders to highlight that Gyokeres can indeed deliver on the biggest occasions.
Before the international break, Tottenham Hotspur’s fast start to the season was stunted at home to Bournemouth, who claimed a 1-0 win down N17.
But fears of that same plague of inconsistency have been pushed aside after an emphatic 3-0 victory over West Ham United at the London Stadium, shifting Spurs into second place in the Premier League ahead of Liverpool’s clash against Burnley on Sunday afternoon.
Three wins from four marks an impressive start to life for Thomas Frank, who replaced Ange Postecoglou in the summer after the Australian coach slumped with his side down to a 17th-place finish in the Premier League.
Even the Europa League triumph couldn’t save him, but in spite of all the upheaval – including the shocking exit of Daniel Levy – Tottenham are reshaping into a force to be reckoned with.
The exciting signing of Xavi Simons bears testament to that.
Xavi Simons' Spurs debut
Simons, 22, looked Chelsea-bound for much of the summer transfer window, but Tottenham ended up winning the race and now they boast one of the most exciting playmakers in the business.
Against West Ham, the Netherlands international impressed across his 71 minutes on the field, making the assist for Pape Matar Sarr’s opening goal after the interval, curling a corner in and over the rabble and onto the unmarked Senegalese’s head.
Then the Lilywhites’ task was made easier by Tomas Soucek’s red card after a reckless challenge on Joao Palhinha. Two more goals ensued, and while Simons didn’t land a debut strike for himself, he looked very much at home on the Premier League stage.
Finer displays will follow, but this was very promising indeed, especially when considering he was deployed out wide instead of his natural berth at number ten.
Simons has what it takes to effectively replace the injured James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, maybe even rivalling such stars as being Tottenham’s finest attacking midfielder since the days of Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen in their pomp.
Spurs' new version of Dele Alli
In January 2024, Tottenham beat off fierce competition from Barcelona to sign teenage midfielder Lucas Bergvall. In fact, all the pointers previously claimed the Sweden prospect would join La Blaugrana, but he was convinced by the Lilywhites project after a hijack.
An elite talent, Bergvall has since settled into life as a Tottenham senior, and he’s still only 19 years old. In this regard, he’s somewhat like the aforementioned Dele, and might even come to be Frank’s own version of the fallen England sensation.
Dele, now 29, is clubless after being released by Como in Serie A, but it’s not hard to remember those days of old when he played with such rarely-seen gusto, a true wonder-kid after joining Spurs from MK Dons in League One in 2015.
His first three seasons in the Premier League were beyond spectacular, and had he continued in that thread of form throughout his career, Dele would surely be hailed now in conversations similar to that of the division’s greatest.
23/24
0
0 (0)
22/23
2
0 (0)
21/22
10
1 (0)
20/21
15
0 (1)
19/20
25
8 (4)
18/19
25
5 (3)
17/18
36
9 (11)
16/17
37
18 (9)
15/16
33
10 (9)
Bergvall is not the same as Dele, but his athleticism and intelligence and movement and application all bespeak the skill set of a top-level talent.
And against West Ham, the Scandinavian’s goal-and-assist performance carried shades of Dele back in his heyday.
Cristian Romero arced an aerial pass through to Bergvall moments after Soucek’s red card, and the youngster’s success in timing his run and turning the ball beyond the hapless goalkeeper with a precise header underlined his Dele-esque performance.
Because, after all, such headed goals were staples of the Three Lions star’s skills when he was in his prime at Tottenham. Who remembers that performance against Chelsea back in 2017, for example?
But the similarities don’t stop there. Bergvall’s success at such an early age is bringing him into direct comparison with a young Dele, and it’s something Spurs can now use to deepen their connection with the fanbase as this new era gets up and running.
After all, at 19 years and 223 days old, Bergvall is Tottenham’s youngest scorer in the Premier League since… You guessed it, Dele, who was 19 years and 205 days old when he scored in a 3-1 win over Aston Villa in November 2015.
There’s no question that Tottenham landed one of Europe’s prized up-and-coming midfielders when beating Barcelona to his signature, and now, with Frank at the helm, there’s a sense that Bergvall is coming into his own.
He’s a European champion, and he’s now showcased his ability to produce a rounded display in the Premier League, with data from Sofascore revealing that he won five duels, made two tackles and created a key pass against struggling West Ham.
He also completed 100% of his dribbles, demonstrating a progressiveness that will help Tottenham to no end.
Football.london handed him an 8/10 match rating, drawing attention to his neat interplay and clever touches, as well as his intelligent involvement in the build-up to Tottenham’s third, when Van de Ven sealed three excellent points for the north Londoners.
Bergvall remains a young midfielder making his way in the Premier League, but already, he is so accomplished within Tottenham’s squad.
He has featured 50 times for the Londoners and is starting to show in Frank’s system an ability to stand out among his peers, something Dele did with such prodigious aplomb during the early days of his time in a Tottenham shirt.
He'll be Frank's own Bale: Spurs have hit gold on "phenomenal" £20m star
Tottenham Hotspur have unearthed themselves a new gem over the last couple of months.
Liverpool are in the final stages of wrapping up a deal for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, having already signed the Werkself’s electric right flanker Jeremie Frimpong after meeting his £29.5m release clause.
Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez should follow, with the two Premier League clubs engaged in advanced discussions for the Hungarian’s transfer this summer.
While bringing in a new centre-forward is also on the agenda, Liverpool may have to contend with one or two reluctant sales, most notably of which concerns Luis Diaz.
The latest on Luis Diaz
Diaz has been a key component of Liverpool’s Premier League triumph this season, scoring 17 goals and providing eight assists for the Reds across all competitions.
However, aged 28 and entering the penultimate year, it would make sense to cash in if a handsome offer were presented to FSG. With Barcelona and the Saudi Pro League’s Al Nassr both keen, this is something bound to be on sporting director Richard Hughes’ mind.
With a bid worth around €85m (£72m) being pieced together by Al Nassr, Liverpool could take the money and invest in a new star, especially with a world-class player in Wirtz already heading to Merseyside.
Liverpool forward Luis Diaz
Especially when there’s a rising talent who’s been linked with a move to Liverpool in recent months who might just be the perfect long-term investment.
Liverpool could sign Wirtz-esque Diaz replacement
While Cody Gakpo has nailed down the left-sided forward spot at Liverpool, Diaz’s departure would require a direct replacement being brought in, even if Liverpool secured a new centre-forward too.
That’s why FSG should consider increasing their interest in Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens, who has enjoyed a promising emergence in Bundesliga.
The 20-year-old has been hailed as a “very good finisher” by former Yellow Wall boss Nuri Sahin, also noted for being “incredible one-on-one”, and though he’s young, there’s enough there to suggest he could be the perfect Diaz heir.
He’s still got levels to scale, but Gittens has made an impressive start to life on the major stage, with his silky approach even leading data-driven site FBref to liken him to Wirtz.
24/25
48 (34)
12
5
23/24
34 (18)
2
8
22/23
20 (5)
3
1
21/22
4 (1)
0
0
Ranked among the top 15% of Bundesliga attacking midfielders and wingers in 2024/25 for goals scored, and the top 1% for both progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90, you can see he’s got some of the ball-carrying similarities of Wirtz, though Gittens is more of an out-and-out winger.
Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley even pronounced him “England’s best left-winger in 2024/25” earlier in the campaign, which is lofty praise indeed, given the calibre of competition he’s against.
Thomas Tuchel’s recently selected summer Three Lions squad perhaps doesn’t reflect that, but then Gittens is still in the fledgling phase of a promising career, having laid the foundations for something special.
Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Bynoe-Gittensin action with Lille's Bafode Diakite
As per Sofascore, Gittens averaged 4.9 successful duels per top-flight fixture this year too, showcasing a tenacious side to his game that could bear dividends in the Premier League.
The same could be said for Wirtz, who marries his absurd technical level with a combative underbelly. Given that the German has been profiled by FSG’s analysts and targeted in a club-record deal, Gittens might just fit the bill.
While he won’t be at the top of Liverpool’s shopping list, this could be a shrewd move to keep the champions firing on all cylinders over the coming years.
Just another Nunez: Liverpool add "outrageous" £67m forward to shortlist
Liverpool have turned their attention to a new target as they seek out a centre-forward.
Liverpool’s mastery in the transfer market must leave rivals hot under the collar. FSG have their drawbacks, criticised for their frugality, but who can reasonably rail against their formula?
Arne Slot, though, has exceeded expectations this season, winning the Premier League at a canter, somehow replacing the irreplaceable Jurgen Klopp.
Arne Slot and Virgil van Dijk for Liverpool
It’s frightening to think that Liverpool are now ramping up their transfer plans, rewarding Slot with a deep-pocketed transfer chest which has already led to the signing of Jeremie Frimpong, with his Bayer Leverkusen teammate Florian Wirtz lined up for a reported British-record €130m (about £110m) transfer.
With a deal for Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez also in the pipeline, Liverpool fans would be forgiven for indulging in fits of excitement: Slot and the powers that be are investing in a team ready to challenge at the highest European level for many years to come.
However, more is needed in attacking areas if the Reds are to do it all over again next year and keep Mohamed Salah, who turns 33 this month, on his A-game.
How Liverpool can keep Mo Salah firing
Last season, Liverpool won the Carabao Cup and restored their place in the Champions League after a wretched 2022/23 campaign, but failed to secure the biggest prizes.
Salah promised the Liverpool faithful he would put that right, and delivered on his promise by winning the Premier League under Slot’s wing, winning the clean sweep of individual prizes in the process.
It was, all in all, a rather good campaign for the Egyptian King, but there’s no question he was overburdened with responsibility at times, dragging his profligate teammates across the finish line.
Salah no doubt misses the seamless synergy that Jurgen Klopp pieced together when creating one of the Premier League’s greatest-ever frontlines, Salah joined by Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane in turning Liverpool back into a superpower over so many years.
Premier League
38
29
18
Champions League
9
3
4
Carabao Cup
5
2
1
Now, Liverpool must reward their legendary veteran with new partners in the final third who maintain clinical rates of scoring, of supplying. Whether Salah will secure teammates on the level of Firmino and Mane remains to be seen, but FSG are certainly acting with the intent of achieving just that.
Slot driving ambitious Liverpool deal
As per TEAMtalk, Liverpool are considering ‘a fresh approach’ for Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon this summer, who is valued at around £80m.
Contacts were established one year ago when Newcastle fretted over ways to circumvent PSR, having failed to qualify for Europe. Liverpool were drawn to the possibility of signing Gordon, but in the end, Eddie Howe’s side found alternative routes to go down.
Anthony Gordon
Now, though, it’s become clear that Anfield’s interest has remained intact, and while the former Everton star would not force his way out of St. James’ Park, a return to Merseyside to sign for his boyhood club would be a big temptation.
Why Anthony Gordon could replicate Mane at Liverpool
Liverpool released Gordon from their academy when he was only 11 years old, leaving him adrift until washing up at Goodison Park, where he made his name.
Anthony Gordon for Newcastle
Newcastle paid Everton a £45m fee to sign Gordon in January 2023, and this was before he made genuine headway. Now, it’s understandable that the Magpies would want to bank nearly double that figure, and if Diaz is sold, Liverpool might just be able to make it happen.
Hailed for his “unbelievable” 2023/24 campaign by teammate Bruno Guimaraes, Liverpool’s interest came after a campaign that saw Gordon post 28 goal contributions across all competitions, earning Newcastle’s Player of the Season.
Despite winning the Carabao Cup and restoring his club’s place in the Champions League, the current season hasn’t been so kind to the England international, with injuries and suspensions disrupting the second half of the term.
The 24-year-old remains one of the most talented wingers in the Premier League, though, having pronounced himself a “nightmare for anyone” he plays against.
With levels still to scale as he makes improvements, Gordon might just be Slot’s long-term solution on the left flank, maybe even becoming Liverpool’s new version of Sadio Mane, with blistering speed and a dynamic danger to his skill set.
Sadio Mane Liverpool graphic
Last August, pundit Jamie Carragher actually tipped the Three Lions man to serve as Mane’s heir over on Merseyside, claiming he could make a “frightening” impact.
A player of such physicality and athleticism with ostensibly sharper weaponry than Diaz could certainly make a positive impact, striking a stunning partnership with the evergreen Salah, who will remain at Liverpool for at least two more years.
And if Darwin Nunez is sold and replaced by Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, with Liverpool locked in battle with Chelsea for the French forward, Slot might even have his own version of Firmino to complete a deadly new strike-force.
How to define Bobby Firmino? The Brazil forward was the glue which held Klopp’s iconic front three together, effortlessly brilliant and commendably selfless.
Mane and Salah were the goal-getters, but Firmino made it all tick, and given that Ekitike would join Liverpool as an up-and-coming Bundesliga talent, the similarities are clear to see, as Firmino arrived from Hoffenheim a decade ago for £29m.
Ekitike, 22, is a good goalscorer, having scored 22 times for his club this term, but he’s also so much more. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 10% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues this season for assists and the top 6% for shot-creating actions per 90.
Such quality would give Gordon an inroad to a new level of goalscoring success, especially with Salah shaping into one of the game’s superlative wide playmakers in recent years.
Liverpool have enjoyed tremendous success in Slot’s newly-crafted system, but with such signings, they could reach even higher, giving Salah a new attacking partnership for the ages.
A new Mac Allister: Liverpool set sights on signing "dangerous" £35m star
Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing a star who could be Alexis Mac Allister 2.0.