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In February, Liverpool were slain in an FA Cup giant-killing by Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle.

Less than two weeks earlier, PSV Eindhoven ended Arne Slot’s flawless record in the Champions League at the Anfield helm, though it mattered not as the Reds still took the group phase crown.

What did the two defeats have in common? Rotation, and plenty of it. It’s ostensibly these games that have consigned many of Liverpool’s bit-part players to even ittier-bittier roles. Slot has enjoyed an incredible start to life in the hot seat, but an obstinance in making minimal alterations could be identified as a weakness of his to be sure.

With Federico Chiesa, an injury-prone forward who was basically discarded by Juventus, the only first-team arrival since August 2024, the Merseysiders need surgery this summer, not least because the three most influential stars are all entering the final few months of their contracts.

It’s been reported that Liverpool are to target new defenders in central and left-sided berths. However, Liverpool need to clean the slate up front.

Liverpool's problems up front

And there are problems.

Though each of Liverpool’s forwards have their qualities, Mohamed Salah, 32, is the only member whose goals and assists have rained down invariably throughout the course of the campaign.

Claims from derisive sections of social media that Salah is the problem are quite simply nonsensical. Yes, the 32-year-old flattered to deceive against both PSG and Newcastle, but he’s shouldered a hefty burden.

He’s been let down by his forward peers. Aside from the reliable Cody Gakpo, Liverpool’s frontline have toiled since the turn of the calendar year, with Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz particularly letting their team down with collective profligacy in front of goal.

Mohamed Salah

17 (17)

12

5

Cody Gakpo

13 (9)

5

1

Luis Diaz

18 (15)

1

2

Diogo Jota

14 (9)

2

1

Darwin Nunez

16 (4)

3

4

Federico Chiesa

5 (2)

2

1

The wear-and-tear of so many injuries over so many years are finally taking their toll on Jota, with the 28-year-old’s fitness troubles and new depletion of potency even leading Sky Germany to suggest he is among the potential sales this summer.

Should Jota follow Nunez – expected to leave – out of the door, Liverpool will need to move with conviction for a new centre-forward.

Chalkboard

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

But they might not need to sign a second, not when one of the most exciting young number nines is pushing for more opportunities to impress at Anfield.

Prolific teen could end Jota's Liverpool career

Liverpool have eked every ounce of quality from Jota, 28, but is the current campaign a sign he’s reached the end of his powers? Maybe it is time for FSG to launch a statement bid on an elite striker such as Alexander Isak.

Isak could become a genuine superstar on Merseyside, and while a deal for the Sweden star would cost in excess of £150m, Liverpool could find the perfect understudy in young Jayden Danns, who is already on the books.

Danns was handed a first-team debut by Jurgen Klopp last season, scoring a brace in the FA Cup for the injury-hit Reds against Southampton and making his mark in the Premier League and the Carabao Cup final, playing through extra-time and making a menace of himself, forcing two saves and completing a snaking dribble, as per Sofascore.

The 2024/25 campaign has perhaps not had the acceleratory effect that Danns would have hoped for. Injuries have limited him to just three games, albeit starting in the Champions League against PSV.

But the future is bright. Premier League-pushing Sunderland signed the 19-year-old on loan in the winter but fitness problems have kept him shackled in the infirmary, with it revealed last month that it’s unlikely he will make an appearance before the summer spells the end of the prospective move.

When Klopp left last summer, the different levels of Liverpool’s structure entered uncharted territory. What would become of ‘Klopp’s kids,’ an academy reaching new levels of productivity in the later years of the German’s tenure?

Well, Slot is a firm believer in giving talented players opportunities to impress, regardless of their age. With a background in academy coaching, Liverpool’s talent factory will see new names emerge onto the major stage in the years to come.

In Danns’ case, he’s already been given a chance to impress his new coach this season, firing true when called from the bench in the FA Cup against Accrington Stanley, marking his third Liverpool goal from just nine appearances as a professional.

When Jota’s at his best, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more clinical ball-striker. Last season, Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher even proclaimed the Portuguese to be “the best finisher” to have performed for Anfield’s crowd across the Premier League era. Bold claim, but Jota’s rate of scoring has typically been a thing to behold – just not under Slot’s management, it seems.

Danns might not yet have the record to boast a scoring ability beyond that of his Iberian teammate, but all three of his goals for the men’s team thus far have been taken with a certain verve and composure that many forwards cannot boast a natural grasp.

Nunez, regrettably, falls into that bracket. In fact, analyst Ben Mattinson actually described Danns as “a better finisher than Nunez” after his well-taken strike against Accrington in January.

A natural-born goalscorer with slick and clever movements, Danns is an instinctive player, one who could play a significant part in Liverpool’s football over the coming years.

Slot has already sought to hand the prospect a smattering of chances throughout the campaign despite his being sidelined for much of it. Maybe more waiting will have to ensue, but if Danns can produce a promising pre-season performance for the Reds, he might just find himself enjoying a role of greater importance next year, especially if the likes of Jota or Nunez are sold.

A "monster" Trent upgrade: Liverpool gearing up to sign £34m Madrid target

FSG are gearing up for a summer of change at Liverpool.

ByAngus Sinclair Mar 18, 2025

West Ham United are looking to pip Manchester United to the signing of a £25m defender after making an approach.

West Ham transfer rumours

The Irons haven’t had the season they would have been hoping for after splashing the cash in the summer under Julen Lopetegui. The Spaniard was dismissed at the beginning of 2025, with Graham Potter the new man in charge at the London Stadium.

Max Kilman

Wolves

€47.5m

Crysencio Summerville

Leeds United

€29.3m

Niclas Fullkrug

Borussia Dortmund

€27m

Luis Guilherme

Palmeiras

€23m

Mohamadou Kante

Paris FC

Undisclosed

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Man Utd

€18m

Wes Foderingham

Sheffield United

Free transfer

Guido Rodriguez

Real Betis

Free transfer

Jean-Clair Todibo

Nice

Loan transfer

Carlos Soler

PSG

Loan transfer

Evan Ferguson

Brighton

Loan transfer

The Hammers have 10 Premier League games remaining and are currently 16 points clear of safety and 16 points adrift of the top four.

As a result, attention behind the scenes is seemingly turning towards the summer transfer window ahead of Potter’s first full season in charge.

West Ham eyeing move for £42m "king of kings" with 19 goals this season

The Hammers have set their sights on a forward who has been prolific in front of goal this season.

ByDominic Lund Mar 10, 2025

A number of players have been linked with moves to West Ham in recent weeks and a marquee forward signing appears to be high on the to-do list after Evan Ferguson’s loan spell from Brighton comes to an end.

Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike is once again a target for West Ham, whereas preliminary contact has been made over a deal to sign Tammy Abraham.

As well as attacking additions, new signings at the back could also be needed, and a new name has now emerged on the Irons’ transfer radar.

West Ham make contact to sign £25m defender

According to reports in Italy, relayed by Sport Witness, West Ham have made an approach over a move to sign Genoa defender Koni de Winter.

The Hammers have ‘asked for information’ over a deal to sign the Belgium international, as have top-flight rivals Man Utd and Tottenham Hotspur.

Genoa have reportedly set a €30m (£25m) asking price as they look to make a profit on De Winter, who they only signed permanently from Juventus last year.

Serie A sides Napoli and Roma are also keen on the 22-year-old, who can play as a centre-back, right-back or defensive midfielder. De Winter came through the academy at Juventus and has been called “gifted” by U23 scout Antonio Mango in the past.

A move to West Ham could therefore be one to watch for De Winter, who may end up rivalling the likes of Max Kilman, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Jean-Clair Todibo, should he make his loan deal permanent under Potter.

“When you are put against a wall, you need to show character and you need to be brave enough, which I thought we weren’t”

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Jan-20242:26

Manjrekar: Indian batters found wanting temperamentally

Rohit Sharma feels India were not “brave enough” in their second innings and they “overall failed as a team” as they went down by 28 runs in Hyderabad.”When you are put against a wall, you need to show character and you need to be brave enough, which I thought we weren’t,” Rohit said on the official broadcast after India went 1-0 down in the five-Test series. “We wanted to take some chances… we didn’t take chances with the bat. But that can happen.”With India taking a massive 190-run first-innings lead, the idea that England would finish on the winning side was more than a bit far-fetched. However, Ollie Pope produced an epic 196 off 278 balls to take England to 420 in their second dig and gave them a 230-run lead, which proved just enough.Related

• Hartley's comeback embodies England's away win for the ages

• Where did India fall short in Hyderabad? Dravid points to the first innings

• India fall short in the Hyderabad sweep-stakes

• Stokes: 'Definitely our greatest triumph since I've been captain'

• Ollie Pope sweeps England out of deep trouble

Rohit said that Pope’s knock was “probably the best” he had seen in Indian conditions by an overseas batter, but felt that the target was by no means ungettable on a surface not doing too much.”You got to take your hat off and say ‘well played’ to Ollie Pope. That was some serious knock,” Rohit said. “Having gotten the lead of 190, we thought we were very much in the game, but then… exceptional batting, probably the best that I have seen in Indian conditions by an overseas batter.”Ollie Pope played a brilliant knock. I definitely thought 230 was gettable, there wasn’t too much in the pitch, but we didn’t bat well enough to get to the score.”This is only the third time overall – and the first time at home – that India have lost a Test match after securing a first-innings lead in excess of 100 runs. Was India’s bowling to blame for the loss in Hyderabad then?”I went and checked where we bowled [after the third day], and I thought we bowled in the right areas,” Rohit said. “When you finish the day, you analyse: what went well, what didn’t go well, and things like that. We went back and saw things; we spoke about [them] and I thought the bowlers executed the plan really well.”Hard to look at one or two things. Overall we failed as a team. I thought after the first innings of their batting and our batting I thought we were very much in the game. We didn’t bat well enough to get to that score [in the second innings].”Rohit also had praise for India’s lower-order batters, who hung around to give them hope late on the fourth day. India were at 119 for 7 in the 41st over and a swift end was on the horizon. But KS Bharat and R Ashwin strung a 57-run stand off 130 balls for the eighth wicket. Even Jasprit Bumrah and No. 11 Mohammed Siraj hung around for 37 balls, adding 25 runs, but could not take the game into the final day with Siraj falling in the last over of an extended day to give Tom Hartley his seventh wicket of the innings and spark celebrations in the England camp.”I wanted them to take the game to the fifth day; 20-30 runs anything is possible,” Rohit said. “The lower order fought really well, and showed the top order that you need to fight it out. It is the first game of the series. I hope the guys can learn from that.”

MatériaMais Notícias

da bwin： O técnico Mano Menezes começa a esboçar o Internacional para a temporada 2023 e deu pistas da formação inicial da equipe para o Campeonato Gaúcho.

No CT Parque Gigante, o treinador mostrou algumas novidades, entre elas, a presença de Wanderson no time titular. Ou seja, Pedro Henrique inicia no banco.

Na zaga, Gabriel Mercado está lesionado e deu espaço a Rodrigo Moledo, que irá formar dupla com Vitão, um dos principais do Colorado na temporada passada.

No meio-campo, Johnny foi o escolhido por Mano e saiu em vantagem. Para completar o setor, Mauricio e Alan Patrick foram os selecionados.

Calendário

A estreia do Internacional na temporada acontece no dia 21 de janeiro, quando encara o Juventude, no Beira-Rio, em jogo que marca a estreia do gauchão.

Confira a provável escalação: Keiller; Bustos, Vitão, Rodrigo Moledo e Renê; Johnny, Carlos de Pena, Mauricio, Alan Patrick e Wanderson; Alemão.

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Rashid Khan, who had been rested for the one-off Test in Mirpur last month, will return to captain Afghanistan in the two-match T20I series against Bangladesh. Rashid is also part of the ODI squad that will be led by Hashmatullah Shahidi.Mohammad Shahzad, who last played international cricket for Afghanistan at the 2021 T20 World Cup, was recalled to the T20I side that also included Mohammad Nabi and Najibullah Zadran. Hazratullah Zazai, who had been left out for the T20Is against Pakistan earlier this year, also returned to the squad.Related

• 'Quality of our spinners shone through' – Afghanistan coach Trott pleased after opening win

• Rashid back in Afghanistan squad for Bangladesh ODIs

Wafadar Momand, who is uncapped in T20I and ODI cricket, too found a place in the squad alongside Sediqullah Atal, who made his T20I debut against Pakistan in Sharjah in March. Naveen-ul-Haq, who has taken a break from ODI cricket, but is active in T20 cricket, will form the seam attack along with Fazalhaq Farooqi, Azmatullah Omarzai , Fareed Ahmad and Karim Janat. Rashid will be assisted by Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad in the spin attack.The two T20Is against Bangladesh will be played in Sylhet on July 14 and July 16.Afghanistan squad: Rashid Khan (capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Shahzad, Ibrahim Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Sediq Atal, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Wafadar Momand, Farid Ahmad, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

MatériaMais Notícias

da spicy bet： A cada dia que passa sem reforços, o torcedor do Palmeiras fica mais irritado com a falta de novos jogadores para o elenco. Mas quem estiver se sentindo assim, é melhor se preparar, pois essa angústia ainda deve durar alguns dias, talvez semanas. Isso porque o pensamento do clube é resolver os atletas que permanecerão com Abel Ferreira e somente depois partir para o mercado.

> Veja classificação e simulador do Paulistão-2023 clicando aqui

É bem verdade que Anderson Barros, diretor de futebol do Verdão, é considerado um profissional de atuação discreta no mercado, tanto é que várias negociações sob seu comando apenas foram descobertas quando anunciadas pelos canais oficiais do clube. Nesta janela não tem sido diferente. Foram poucas (ou nenhuma) as especulações de jogadores que poderiam reforçar o Alviverde.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFutebol NacionalPalmeiras estabelece valores milionários para negociar Wesley com o CruzeiroFutebol Nacional16/12/2022PalmeirasLeila diz que CBF não procurou Palmeiras por Abel e quer treinador por mais tempo: ‘Já treina uma seleção’Palmeiras16/12/2022PalmeirasOPINIÃO: Endrick se torna o maior embaixador da base do Palmeiras no mundoPalmeiras15/12/2022

da 888casino： Mas além dessa discrição na atuação no mercado, o Palmeiras não tem pressa para definir seus reforços, que não serão muitos, como Leila Pereira e Abel Ferreira já declararam publicamente. Sem esbanjar dinheiro e sabendo que os preços estarão inflacionados por conta da venda de Endrick, os dirigentes optam pela cautela para não errar nos investimentos quer serão feitos para 2023.

A prioridade do clube, neste momento, é definir as situações do elenco atual. Ou seja, quem fica, quem está nos planos, quem tem negociação para deixar o Verdão… Tudo isso para que na reapresentação do grupo, no dia 2 de janeiro, Abel Ferreira possa trabalhar com todos aqueles que irão permanecer para a próxima temporada, ou que as dúvidas sejam mínimas nesse sentido.

Wesley, por exemplo, está em negociações avançadas para defender o Cruzeiro em 2023. O atacante é um dos atletas que foram liberados em caso de boa proposta para o clube. Assim, a ideia é que essa transferência seja finalizada antes da reapresentação. Outros casos são tratados em sigilo pela diretoria, mas se assemelham ao do atacante, que não deve seguir no Verdão.

Uma situação que se arrasta há alguns meses é a renovação de contrato de Dudu. Apesar de ter vínculo até o fim de 2023, as partes gostariam de definir essa prorrogação com antecedência. No entanto, entraves no tempo de duração do contrato e cláusulas por performance impediram que as conversas avançassem para a assinatura. O departamento de futebol alviverde tem interesse que isso também seja resolvido antes do retorno para a Academia e entra na lista das “pendências”.

>Valor de Endrick entra no pódio: veja as 21 maiores vendas já feitas por clubes brasileiros

Portanto, o foco da diretoria e dos responsáveis pelo futebol neste momento é dar a Abel Ferreira o mínimo de arestas a serem aparadas na montagem do elenco para a próxima temporada. Dessa forma, a busca por reforços não é o primeiro plano por ora, mas está na lista de prioridades. O torcedor vai precisar esperar mais um pouco, mas deve ser recompensado muito em breve.

continua após a publicidade

Given India had a longish tail in Tarouba, they could consider bringing in Jaiswal for one of the wristspinners

Himanshu Agrawal05-Aug-2023

Big picture: Fearless approach sets the tone

In the first T20I on Thursday, there was a hint of the fearlessness and the freedom with which both West Indies and India batted. Despite losing both opening batters inside three balls of the fifth over, Nicholas Pooran pumped Yuzvendra Chahal for a four and a six off the next three deliveries. Next over, he deposited Axar Patel for a six and four.Fast forward to the run chase where India too lost both openers early. They were scoring at less than a run a ball two deliveries into the final over of the powerplay when debutant Tilak Varma pulled back-to-back sixes to show us just a glimpse of the future.Both teams are filled with eye-catching hitters and the T20 format offers the perfect stage to entertain only it was the bowlers who shone the brightest. India’s spinners did not let the odd boundary throw them off their plans and West Indies’ seamers used their change of pace to pull off a fine defence.The last time West Indies beat India in successive T20Is was in 2016. That only four runs separated the teams in Tarouba perhaps points towards a closely contested five-match series.

Form guide

West Indies WWLWL (Last five completed T20Is; most recent first)
India LWWLW

In the spotlight: Shepherd and Hardik

Romario Shepherd has faced just 185 balls across 13 innings in T20Is and sent 34 of them for a six or a four. That’s a balls per boundary ratio of 5.44, which fits a player who usually bats at No. 6 or lower. He has a strike rate of 205.88 in the last five overs in T20Is this year, the second-best for any batter to have faced at least 30 deliveries in that phase. While he managed just four from six balls on a used pitch against India, his two previous T20I knocks were an unbeaten 44 off 22 and another unbeaten 41 off 18 – both against South Africa in March 2023. If Shepherd can keep this form going, then he all but becomes a shoo-in ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup.Contrast that with Hardik Pandya’s recent form. When he first came into the side, he was a finisher. Now he seems to prefer batting up the order. But it’s not entirely working. Since the T20Is against New Zealand last November, India’s short-format captain strikes at only 106.31 in the middle overs, hitting just one out of the 95 balls he has faced for six. If that’s him biding his time for the death, then a strike rate of 119.23 doesn’t quite make the job well done territory. All but set to lead a refreshed and a much younger T20I side of India in the medium term, he will be keen to show the way before it gets too late.Romario Shepherd has been one of the fiercest strikers at the death•Associated Press

Team news: How do India shorten their tail?

West Indies wouldn’t want to tinker with a winning combination, especially since one more victory would take them close to a series win.West Indies (probable): 1 Brandon King, 2 Kyle Mayers, 3 Johnson Charles (wk), 4 Nicholas Pooran, 5 Shimron Hetmyer, 6 Rovman Powell (capt), 7 Jason Holder, 8 Romario Shepherd, 9 Akeal Hosein, 10 Alzarri Joseph, 11 Obed McCoyPlaying three spinners in Tarouba left India with four No. 11s. So even as they needed only 37 from the final 27 balls, once the last recognised batter – Axar- fell it became a tall ask, though Arshdeep Singh did give West Indies a scare. That might force India to play Yashasvi Jaiswal, the only spare batter in the squad, leading to a toss up between Kuldeep and Chahal.India (probable): 1 Shubman Gill, 2 Ishan Kishan (wk), 3 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 4 Suryakumar Yadav, 5 Tilak Varma, 6 Hardik Pandya (capt), 7 Sanju Samson, 8 Axar Patel, 9 Kuldeep Yadav/Yuzvendra Chahal, 10 Arshdeep Singh, 11 Mukesh Kumar

Pitch and conditions: Rain expected

Two of the last five T20Is at Providence Stadium in Guyana have been washed out. The scores batting first in the three completed games were 146, 157 and 163, with the chasing team winning twice. Going by that trend, prepare for more middling scores and more rain.

Stats and trivia

• With a minimum of 40 wickets while playing for Full Members in T20Is, only four have an average less than 15, and an economy rate under seven. Kuldeep is one of them.
• Kyle Mayers averages only 20.81 as opener in T20Is. That is the second-lowest for any West Indies batter to have opened at least 20 times in the format.
• West Indies and India had played a T20I at Providence in 2019 too. But no member from the visitors’ playing XI from that game is part of the squad for the ongoing T20I series.

Quotes

“This series will be decided on how the West Indian batters bat spin in those middle overs. If we bat spin good during the middle overs, then we have lot of batters and a lot of power in the back end… That makes left-handers – [Shimron] Hetmyer, [Nicholas] Pooran and Kyle Mayers – very important.”

“That’s his way of playing – he has a lot of attacking shots. He played really well despite being on debut, and despite the pressure of a run chase. There were some beautiful strokes, and he should back himself. I believe he will win a lot of matches for his side in the future.”

Allrounder stars with 2 for 46 and 56 off 35 balls in rain-ravaged fixture

ECB Reporters Network15-Jul-2023A Katie George-inspired Central Sparks chased down a 164 target in 19 overs at Headingley to maintain their excellent recent form and pile more misery on defending Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy champions Northern Diamonds, winning by five wickets.A rain-ravaged fixture was completed with two balls remaining following showers all day. Former England all-rounder George starred with 2 for 46 from seven overs of left-arm seam and then 56 off 35 balls.The Diamonds were in a healthy position on 223 for 4 from 34 of 37 scheduled overs, with rain taking the players from the field at 3.20pm after a delayed start.When play resumed at 4.45pm, the Sparks were set their target, which they reached amidst an entertaining finale thanks to George’s best 50-over score this summer – her first campaign with the Midlanders.The second-placed Sparks have now won the last four matches they’ve played – they were rained off at home to Western Storm last week, while the Diamonds have lost their last three to dent their title defence and drop out of the top three qualifying places.Diamonds captain Hollie Armitage accelerated into a fine 66 off 56 balls, while Bess Heath crashed an unbeaten 49 off 31. They shared 66 inside seven overs for the fourth wicket from 131 for 3 in the 26th over.Play finally started at 12.40pm, with the game reduced to 39 overs per side. Another brief shower following the start forced a 37 -overs contest.The Diamonds got off to a fluent but not blistering start as Lauren Winfield-Hill and Sterre Kalis shared 60 inside 12 overs.Winfield-Hill made 28, while Kalis made 36 less than 24 hours after representing the Netherlands in a T20 international against Thailand in Utrecht.Such was the tight turnaround that Kalis’s kit was stuck on a flight, and she was forced to use an old bat of hers and some borrowed kit from team-mates. But she played confidently as the Sparks erred in line and length.England fast bowler Issy Wong was the main culprit, regularly bowling full tosses which were despatched to the fence.The innings slowed up after the off-spin of Georgia Davis bowled Winfield-Hill and Kalis was caught behind off George’s left-arm seam to make it 83 for 2 after 15 overs.Emma Marlow later fell to a smart diving catch by Bethan Ellis at cover off George, leaving the score at 131 for 3 in the 26th over and paving the way for Armitage and Heath to really open up. Both hit sixes over long-on.Forty four runs came in three overs from 153 for 3 after 29, though Armitage, having reached her fifty in 51 balls, fell to a stunning diving catch by Erin Burns on the run from long-on off Davis. Only two more overs were possible in the Diamonds’ innings before rain.When play resumed, the Sparks started their chase well, reaching 40 without loss in the fifth over and helped by two lots of five wides.Australian Burns, promoted to open, was first to go when caught at mid-on off Jess Woolston’s seam.Katie Levick bowled a sweeping Abbey Freeborn shortly afterwards before George hit the leg-spinner for three fours in the 10th over – two wide of long-on – to take the score to 84 for 2.Eve Jones, for 26, then scooped Grace Hall’s slingy seam to short fine-leg in the next over, leaving the score at 89 for 3.But George, helped by former Diamond Ami Campbell, maintained the momentum to ensure the Sparks won for the fifth time in nine games.George reached 50 off 30 balls and took the target to nine off the last two overs. She shared 72 with fourth-wicket partner Campbell, who added 27.Both were bowled by Levick at the start of the last over to heighten nerves, but it was too little, too late. Charis Pavely hit the winning runs.

Quite simply, Liverpool have been a shambles in defence this season. Arne Slot’s side have a slew of problems, mounting by the matchweek, but the crux of it comes down to disorganised, error-strewn defending.

Five defeats from six Premier League games, nine losses from 12 in all competitions, successive Anfield defeats against Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven, seven goals shipped, this is a crisis for the Reds.

It beggars belief. And right at the struggling heart of it is Ibrahima Konate, whose future on Merseyside is very much up in the air.

Ibrahima Konate's Liverpool future

It really cannot be understated how dismal Konate has been throughout the 2025/26 campaign. He has been indescribably weak in key battles, his resolve far too brittle.

Errors have littered the France international’s campaign, and Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher even suggested that it has been a “sackable offence” on Slot’s part for continuing to field the 26-year-old after such consistent inconsistency.

It’s clear that the centre-back’s contractual conundrum, out of a deal next summer, has been weighing heavily on his mind, especially since Real Madrid have made their vested interest known over the past year.

However, the £70k-per-week defender has been so unconvincing that Los Blancos have ended their pursuit. Liverpool remain committed to renewing their struggling star’s deal, even with interest from further suitors sure to intensify come January.

There is surely a way back to the ascendancy for a player who served so confidently in a title-winning campaign, but with Virgil van Dijk getting old, it’s clear that FSG need to find new defenders regardless.

There’s no doubt that sporting director Richard Hughes will feel rueful after missing out on Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, a deal effectively in place on deadline day and the Three Lions star ready to complete his medical before the Eagles failed to source a replacement.

However, there is another who could end up succeeding Konate, though this Liverpool prospect has endured a tough start to his career at the club.

Liverpool have a teenage Konate upgrade

Liverpool’s dearth of defensive options this season have meant that Slot has been unable to drop Konate and bring in another. However, Giovanni Leoni was slated to be that man.

Leoni, 18, joined Liverpool from Serie A side Parma this summer in a £27m deal, Hughes drawn to his potential to become one of the best in the business. The Italian is powerful, dynamic and prodigiously talented on the ball, with his long and limber frame making him the perfect fit in the Premier League.

However, disaster struck on his debut in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup win over Southampton, when Leoni ruptured his ACL, sidelining him until the end of the season.

It was only one fixture – and against second-tier opponents at that – but Leoni showed a lot of promise for his new club, very much at place on the ball and winning four of five contested duels, including each of his three aerial battles.

It was the kind of display that proved Leoni is “one of the best young centre-backs in the world”, something noted by Liverpool reporter James Wathland as the fanbase chews on their frustration over losing such a shrewd defensive solution for the campaign.

Minutes played

81′

Touches

102

Accurate passes

88/91 (97%)

Possession lost

3x

Recoveries

3

Tackles won

0/1

Interceptions

3

Clearances

6

Ground duels

1/2

Aerial duels

3/3

Liverpool’s defenders are often tasked with initiating forward moves from the back, and while Leoni is not refined in this regard, there is undeniable promise that Slot and Liverpool’s coaching team will be developing even in the teenager’s period of convalescence.

Liverpool have a sensational defensive talent in their mix, and while fans won’t be able to witness him in action again until the latter months of 2026, they can rest assured that Leoni has what it takes to reach superstar status down the line.

This may be considered when Hughes and co weigh up Konate’s value and whether they should extend his time on Merseyside for his prime years.

Best signing since Szoboszlai: Liverpool lead race for "world-class" talent

Liverpool’s crisis has amplified noise around the need for new recruits at Anfield.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 29, 2025

The Mexican midfielder is not part of West Ham United’s plans and is set to leave during this transfer window.

Already played four seasons with AjaxMonaco will compete in the Champions LeagueCurrent market value is $29 millionFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

A few days ago, it was reported that Edson Álvarez is no longer in West Ham United’s plans, with the club now looking to move him on during this transfer window.

Multiple reports are now suggesting that Ajax – where the Mexican international played from 2019 to 2023 – are interested in bringing him back. Meanwhile, French side AS Monaco, set to compete in the upcoming Champions League, is also keen on signing the Mexico captain.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Álvarez lost prominence at the Hammers following the arrival of Graham Potter, making his potential departure an expected one. Borussia Dortmund had previously been linked with him as well, but it now appears as if he will be heading to either Ligue 1 or Eredivisie. 

In total, Álvarez played 73 matches for West Ham United, scoring twice. 

Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?

Edson's move to Ajax in 2019 remains the most expensive outgoing transfer in Liga MX history, with the Dutch club paying $15.6 million to América. Now, the midfielder is seeking a new opportunity to regain valuable minutes ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MEXICO NATIONAL TEAM?

Mexico will face Japan on Sept. 6 and South Korea on Sept. 9, with both friendlies taking place in the United States.