The teams have begun disbanding with immediate effect, with travel back home being arranged for foreign players
ESPNcricinfo staff09-May-2025
The PSL is not moving to the UAE anymore•PCB/PSL
The remainder of PSL 2025 has been postponed indefinitely. The PCB cited the “worsening of the situation” at the Pakistan-India border as the reason, saying the board had acted on advice from the Pakistan prime minister Shahbaz Sharif.The board said it had “sincere regard for the mental well-being of participating players and the sentiments of our foreign players, and we respect the concerns of their families who want to see them back home” and that was considered when making the decision.The development came less than 24 hours after the PCB had announced that the remaining eight games of the PSL would be played in the UAE, without specifying the dates or the venues, with the expectation that it would take about a week to resume.Overseas players as well as Pakistani players who currently hold visas to the UAE were scheduled to leave on Friday night, with the remaining visas being applied for over the weekend. That, however, has changed, and the teams have begun disbanding with immediate effect, with travel back home being arranged for foreign players.There is no word yet on when, or if, the remaining games will be played. The postponement came hours after the IPL was temporarily suspended owing to the tensions between the two countries.The PSL held an emergency meeting in Islamabad on Thursday, and involved the PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi meeting with foreign players, who overwhelmingly expressed a desire to relocate the league to the UAE.”The PCB recognises the efforts and support of its partners, franchises, participating players, broadcasters, sponsors, and organisers in having ensured the smooth conduct of the tournament thus far, however; cricket while being a unifying force and a source of joy, must take a respectful pause…” the PCB statement said.
Despite only winning one of their last six fixtures, Leeds United are in a strong position in the Premier League with double the points of 18th-place Burnley.
However, unless they get back to winning ways, they will be dragged into the relegation battle. Ahead of their clash with Tottenham, Daniel Farke spoke to the media about his team’s season and preparation for the game.
The conference came with bad news for Leeds fans, with confirmation that both Dan James and Wilfried Gnonto will be unavailable. Additionally, goalkeeper Lucas Perri is back in team training, but the game against Thomas Frank’s side comes too soon for him to be available. James is the more severe of the three injuries, with the Welshman expected to be out until after the November international break.
All three players will be big losses for Farke against Spurs. However, the Leeds boss seemed positive going into the game, due to players “stepping up when needed”. Another reason Farke may be happy is that he knows the fans will soon receive news that will bolster their spirits.
Leeds set to unveil new contract
Leeds are preparing to announce a new contract for 16-year-old talent Harry Gray. Gray is highly rated by the club and is currently developing well as a forward, having represented Leeds at youth level and once at senior level with a four-minute cameo against Stoke in the Championship. Gray has also impressed at national youth level, where he has represented the England Under-17s on five occasions, scoring once.
Journalist Graham Bailey revealed the news that Gray would imminently have a contract announcement: “Leeds are very excited with Harry Gray. His new deal is done. They’ll be announcing that next week. They are very excited by that internally, obviously.”
However, despite the new contract, it may be a while before Gray is seen in the senior team, and he almost certainly won’t face his brother Archie Gray when Leeds play Tottenham on Saturday.
Gray's route to the first team
Ahead of the season, The Athletics Beren Cross predicted Gray to be Leeds’ “breakout player”. Cross stated that Gray could start putting in performances this season despite his age and emulate strikers like Harry Kane and Michael Owen.
Despite the hype and positive contract news, Leeds fans will have to wait to see Gray’s Premier League debut, as, in his pre-match press conference, Farke confirmed that the 16-year-old was suffering a minor issue with his hip.
The other concern is that Gray plays up front and Leeds brought in two new strikers this summer, making him fourth in the pecking order behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Lukas Nmecha and Joel Piroe.
The good news for Gray is that none of these players have hit the season running, so if he continues to perform well in training and stay fit, Farke may try him up front at some stage in the season.
Even if Gray’s appearances are sporadic this season, at 16 years old, he has plenty of time ahead of him to develop and earn his place in the starting 11.
O meia Raphael Veiga, do Palmeiras, foi convocado mais uma vez para a Seleção Brasileira nesta sexta-feira (18), na lista que marcou a primeira convocação de Fernando Diniz no comando da Seleção Brasileira.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasCom cinco desfalques, Palmeiras encerra preparação para enfrentar o Cuiabá; veja provável timePalmeiras18/08/2023PalmeirasDa Pompéia para Kumasi, Palmeiras lança documentário emocionante sobre torcida do Verdão em GanaPalmeiras18/08/2023Futebol LatinoDeportivo Pereira quer embalar antes do PalmeirasFutebol Latino18/08/2023
+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui
Veiga foi o único jogador do Palmeiras lembrado por Diniz, enquanto Weverton e Rony, que fizeram parte da última lista, não foram convocados dessa vez.
Fernando Diniz conhece o futebol de Raphael Veiga há muito tempo e tem uma grande importância na carreira do atual camisa 23 do Verdão. Diniz comandou Veiga no Athletico-PR, em 2018, na primeira grande temporada de Raphael Veiga como profissional, quando ele acabou campeão da Copa Sul-Americana, como protagonista do Furacão.
continua após a publicidade
Raphael Veiga fará parte do grupo que irá disputar os dois primeiros jogos das eliminatórias para a Copa do Mundo de 2026, diante de Bolívia, no dia 8 de setembro, em Belém, e contra o Peru, quatro dias depois, em Lima.
+ Da Pompéia para Kumasi, Palmeiras lança documentário emocionante sobre torcida do Verdão em Gana
É previsto que o meia se apresente no dia 4 de setembro (segunda-feira) e retorne ao Verdão no dia 13. De acordo com a tabela do Brasileirão, ele não irá perder partidas.
علق طلعت يوسف مدرب الاتحاد السكندري الأسبق، على قرار ييس توروب المدير الفني لـ الأهلي مع لاعب الفريق خلال مباريات الفريق الأحمر.
قال طلعت يوسف في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة اون أي: “أنا مع الوسطية في كل شيء، اللاعب لا يجب أن ينفعل بشكل مبالغ فيه على زميله داخل الملعب، لأن الانفعال الزائد قد يؤثر على أداء بعض اللاعبين بالسلب”.
وأكمل: “وهناك أخرون قد يتقبلون التوجيه بانفعال محدود، فالأمر يعتمد على شخصية اللاعب وكيفية تعاملك معه كقائد داخل الملعب”.
طالع.. الخطيب يوضح سبب فشل الأهلي في كأس العالم للأندية.. وموقفه من تعيين ريبيرو والانسحاب أمام الزمالك
وأضاف: “بعض اللاعبين لو أخطأوا في هدف، الأفضل ألا تتحدث معهم لأنك قد تُخرجهم من أجواء المباراة تمامًا، بينما آخرون يحتاجون تعنيفًا بسيطًا”.
وأردف: “بالنسبة لياسر إبراهيم، لاحظت في الفترة الأخيرة مبالغة في هذه الانفعالات، وأنا دربته في سموحة وكان مختلفًا تمامًا، وكان من المقربين ليّ على المستوى الشخصي، لكنه في الأهلي تغيّر، خاصة بعد رحيل رامي ربيعة، ربما لشعوره بالمسؤولية كونه الأقدم في خط الدفاع”.
وأتم: “ياسر يحتاج لإعادة تقييم انفعالاته وتوجيهه لزملائه بهدوء أكثر، ولذلك أنا متفق تمامًا مع رؤية توروب في هذا الأمر”.
Gazi Group, Legends of Rupganj, Gulshan Cricket Club and Agrani Bank also progress
Mohammad Isam13-Apr-2025
Agrani Bank progressed despite being promoted from the lower division only this season•Remark Herlan Sports
Key takeawaysDespite having the same points as table-toppers Abahani Limited, but behind on net run rate, Mohammedan Sporting Club finished the first phase of the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League 2024-25 with a psychological edge. On Sunday, Mohammedan beat Abahani after nine years in the Dhaka derby, thus breaking an 11-match losing streak. Both Abahani and Mohammedan qualified for the tournament’s Super League phase, where the top six teams will play each other again to decide the champions.Gazi Group Cricketers (third) and Legends of Rupganj (sixth) also enter the next stage of the competition, along with Gulshan Cricket Club and Agrani Bank Cricket Club, who surprisingly progressed despite being promoted from the lower Dhaka First Division Cricket League only this season.Meanwhile, big spenders Prime Bank Cricket Club and Dhanmondi Sporting Club (formerly Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club) ended up having disappointing seasons, as they both failed to reach the Super League stage.Best battersAnamul Haque finished the first stage as the tournament’s highest run-getter, with 655 runs at an average of 72.77. He also finished as one of six batters to score two hundreds each. Mohammad Naim (618 runs at 61.80) and Parvez Hossain Emon (569 runs at 71.12) were impressive too and followed Anamul in the run charts. Shadman Islam, known more for his red-ball experience, was also among the top five run-getters.Best bowlersLeft-arm spinners Rakibul Hasan and Taijul Islam ended as joint-leading wicket-takers with 23 wickets each. Three bowlers were joint-second, including offspinner Mosaddek Hossain, and medium-pacers Shoriful Islam and Asaduzzaman Payel. Against Brothers Union, Shoriful picked up 6 for 40, which were the best bowling figures of the tournament.Best matchGulshan beat Dhanmondi by two wickets in a chase that went into the last over. Tailenders Moinul Islam and Nihaduzzaman took Gulshan to victory with two balls to spare after senior pro Naeem Islam’s half-century kept the 259-run chase afloat. Earlier in the game, Asaduzzaman and Mehedi Hasan took three wickets each to restrict Dhanmondi to 258 for 9 in 50 overs.Points to ponderWhile the top six teams enter the Super League, two of the bottom three sides – Partex Sporting Club, Brothers Union and Shinepukur Cricket Club – will be relegated. Partex finished with six points, and thus tenth among the 12 teams after beating Dhanmondi in their last match, but there have been some reported infighting in their setup.Meanwhile, Shinepukur, who ended at the bottom of the table, also have another problem to deal with, with the BCB investigating a controversial stumping during their match against Gulshan.Partex, Brothers Union and Shinepukur will play each other to decide which team continues in the tournament and which of the two will be relegated.Players to watchThree batters aged under 22 finished with more than 300 runs in the tournament: Brothers Union’s Mahfijul Islam (406 runs) and Aich Mollah (302 runs), and Partex captain Ahrar Amin (365). While Mahfijul made a century and three half-centuries, Mollah struck two fifties and Amin three.Among the young bowlers, Mahfuzur Rahman took 14 wickets for Abahani. Tofael Ahmed, meanwhile, was the most impressive among the pace-bowling allrounders, as he took ten wickets and scored 269 runs for Gazi Group.
Tottenham Hotspur were forced to settle for a point at the AMEX on Saturday when they were held to a 2-2 draw by Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League.
Thomas Frank’s side had beaten West Ham United and Villarreal in their last two matches without conceding a goal, but they were unable to add to those wins with a third successive victory.
A late own goal from Jan Paul van Hecke ensured that the Lilywhites did not come away from the match without anything to show for their efforts.
Despite it being a fairly disappointing result, as they were almost beaten and only picked up one point, there were some positive performances across the pitch.
One player who caught the eye with his display in the middle of the park was summer signing Joao Palhinha, who started in the number six position for Spurs.
It was his fourth start of the Premier League season since signing on loan from Bayern Munich, and it is already clear what kind of player the club have brought in.
Why Joao Palhinha is not the perfect player for Spurs
Palhinha is an out-and-out defensive midfielder. If you were told to list the attributes you would want in a pure defensive midfielder, he has all of them.
The Portugal international is tall, mobile, strong, wins tackles well, competes in the air, and covers gaps in midfield. All of the things that you would associate with a defensive-minded midfielder.
So far this season, per Sofascore, Palhinha has averaged 4.2 tackles and interceptions per game and won 65% of his ground duels and 54% of his aerial duels in the Premier League, which is evidence of his defensive strength in the middle of the park.
However, despite getting on the scoresheet against Manchester City, the former Fulham star does leave a bit to be desired with his use of the ball.
The best number six types in world football are not pure defensive midfielders, because they are expected to dictate play and be impactful in possession as part of a team that wants to win the biggest prizes.
Palhinha vs other DMs in their last full league seasons
Selected midfielders
Progressive passes per 90
Percentile rank vs CMs
Rodri (23/24 Premier League)
11.55
Top 1%
Vitinha (24/25 Ligue 1)
9.87
Top 2%
Frenkie de Jong (24/25 LaLiga)
9.45
Top 3%
Declan Rice (24/25 Premier League)
6.12
Top 17%
Ryan Gravenberch (24/25 Premier League)
5.16
Top 27%
Aurelien Tchouameni (24/25 LaLiga)
5.15
Top 33%
Joao Palhinha (24/25 Bundesliga)
3.94
Bottom 33%
Stats via FBref
As you can see in the table above, Palhinha falls well short as a progressive passer in comparison to some of the best defensive or deep-lying midfielders, whether they play as a number six or a number eight, across Europe.
This does not mean that the Portugal international is a bad player, by any means, but his lack of progressive play in possession may be why Bayern were willing to send him out on loan in the first place.
Palhinha may not be the perfect player, therefore, to deploy in matches when Spurs are expected to be the dominant force and need to break teams down, but may be ideal in the biggest games, like against Manchester City, when they need backs-against-the-wall defending.
Spurs did once have a promising young player, though, who had the potential to be a defensive monster like Palhinha, but with the progressive passing to make him the club’s own version of Declan Rice.
First Impressions
What did pundits and fans alike think about their new star signing when they arrived? Football FanCast’s ‘First Impressions’ series has everything you need.
Given what has happened to him in recent years, it may seem ridiculous to suggest, but Oliver Skipp could have been Tottenham’s own Rice in different circumstances.
Why Spurs may rue selling Oliver Skipp
The English number six came up through the youth ranks at Spurs and made a smattering of appearances for the first-team before going out on loan to Norwich City in the 2020/21 campaign.
Skipp played in 45 of Norwich’s 46 Championship matches that season, per Sofascore, and played a pivotal role in their promotion to the Premier League, winning the title in the process.
20/21 Championship
Oliver Skipp per 90
Percentile rank vs CMs
Passes attempted
59.32
Top 8%
Pass accuracy
87.6%
Top 1%
Progressive passes
4.86
Top 28%
Progressive carries
1.63
Top 29%
Passes into the final third
4.93
Top 16%
Tackles made
2.33
Top 19%
Shots blocked
0.49
Top 11%
Stats via FBref
As you can see in the table above, the England U21 international provided quality as both a progressive passer and carrier, whilst also excelling defensively with his ability to make tackles and blocks in his own third.
After that season with the Canaries, former Spurs striker Paul Stewart claimed that he could be as effective as Rice, who was at West Ham United at the time and ranked well above Palhinha in the earlier table for progressive passes for Arsenal last season.
The pundit stated: “You know what, I’d like to see him do what Declan Rice does. I think he’s got that in him and I think he showed that at Norwich. The plaudits that have come out of East Anglia have been massive about Oliver Skipp. I think he can go on and be as effective as Declan Rice at West Ham.”
Unfortunately, Skipp only started 37 Premier League matches in the next three seasons combined, fewer league starts than he managed in one season with Norwich, which meant that the midfielder was unable to really hit his stride in North London.
Ange Postecoglou opted to part ways with the English midfielder in the summer of 2024, selling him to Leicester City, and that is a decision that they should regret.
Skipp has failed to impress with the Foxes, having been thrown into a season that ended in his club being relegated from the Premier League, but things could have been so different for him.
It is all hypothetical now, but what if the defensive midfielder had been given a real run of games to show what he could do after returning from that superb loan spell with Norwich? Maybe he would have become the club’s own version of Rice in the number six position, as a player who could progress play as well as disrupt it.
Instead of cashing in on him, Spurs could have given him a chance to nail down a place in the side and get his confidence back. Now, playing in the Championship, it seems like his career is heading in the wrong direction.
He's outperforming Kudus: Spurs' star was offloaded by Postecoglou for £0
Tottenham Hotspur may have made a mistake in allowing one former talent to depart the club for free.
كشفت تقارير إعلامية اليوم الإثنين، عن ردة فعل غرفة ملابس وإدارة نادي ريال مدريد، عقب التصرفات المثيرة للجدل التي قام بها فينيسيوس جونيور خلال مواجهة الكلاسيكو الأخيرة أمام برشلونة بالدوري الإسباني.
واستطاع ريال مدريد أن يرد اعتباره وحقق الفوز على حساب غريمه التقليدي برشلونة بهدفين مقابل هدف واحد يوم أمس الأحد، في قمة منافسات الجولة العاشرة من بطولة الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى.
وشهدت هذه المباراة بعض الجدل حول فينيسيوس، بعدما اعترض الأخير وبشدة على استبداله في اللقاء لصالح رودريجو جوس في آخر 20 دقيقة من المواجهة.
وغضب فينيسيوس وبشدة من هذا التبديل حيث لم يقم بمصافحة مدرب ريال مدريد، تشابي ألونسو، وذهب اللاعب إلى خارج الملعب ثم عاد بعدها بدقائق إلى دكة البدلاء.
كما دخل فينيسيوس في نقاش حاد مع نجم نادي برشلونة، لامين يامال ، عقب نهاية المباراة ودخل أيضًا في بعض المناوشات مع بيدري ، لاعب خط وسط الفريق الكتالوني.
اقرأ أيضًا .. نجم برشلونة السابق منتقدًا يامال: تصريحاته منحت ريال مدريد دافعًا إضافيًا
وذكرت صحيفة موندو ديبورتيفو، أن غرفة ملابس ريال مدريد غاضبة حقًا مما فعله فينيسيوس من ردود فعل على استبداله في الكلاسيكو، حيث يعتبرون ما فعله الدولي البرازيلي سيئًا.
وأضاف المصدر، أنه على مستوى إدارة ريال مدريد، فإن الشعور هو الغضب كذلك مما فعله فينيسيوس في الكلاسيكو، بينما كل شيء يشير إلى معاقبة ابن الـ25 عامًا على سلوكه أثناء تبديله في مواجهة برشلونة.
وأوضح المصدر، أن عقد فينيسيوس سينتهي في عام 2027 المقبل، لكن ريال مدريد أجل بعض الشيء هذه المفاوضات إلى ما بعد نهاية الموسم.
من جهة أخرى، أفادت صحيفة ماركا أن إدارة ريال مدريد تتفهم غضب فينيسيوس، لكنهم يعتبرون ما فعله الدولي البرازيلي من رد فعل غير ضروري.
وقال مصدر مقرب من ريال مدريد لماركا: “لا يمكن لفينيسيوس أن يظهر ذلك، صحيح أن تشابي ربما أجرى التبديل مبكرًا، لكنه القائد الثالث ويجب أن يكون قدوة”.
وأوضح المصدر، أن ريال مدريد يقدر عودة فينيسيوس إلى التواجد سريعًا على مقاعد البدلاء، ويتمنى النادي الإسباني ألا يتكرر هذا السلوك مرة أخرى من اللاعب.
ولم يتحدث تشابي ألونسو مع فينيسيوس بعد الموقف الذي وقع، خاصة أن الفريق لديه إجازة يومي الإثنين والثلاثاء، وسيعود بعد ذلك للتدريبات من أجل مباراة فالنسيا يوم السبت المقبل.
The need for a new striker at Manchester United is there for all to see, with their lack of ability within the final third hugely evident throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
Ruben Amorim’s side only managed to find the back of the net on 44 occasions in their 38 Premier League outings, an average of just 1.15 goals per match.
Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes ended the season as the joint-top scorers, both registering eight goals, with no player in the squad registering double figures, highlighting the need for added reinforcements.
ManchesterUnited's Amad Diallocelebrates scores their second goal with Bruno Fernandes
Two centre-forward options, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, only managed seven league goals between them, with the former hugely touted with a move to Inter Milan this summer.
Given such form, it’s a surprise to no one to see the hierarchy prioritising a move for a player in such a department, with countless players already on their radar.
The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers this summer
Over the last couple of weeks, numerous names have been mentioned to fill the striker void at Old Trafford, but no deals have yet been agreed to bolster Amorim’s side.
The likes of Hugo Ekitiké, Moise Kean and Aleksandar Mitrovic have all been mentioned as potential summer signings for the Red Devils, but it appears that attention has been turned elsewhere.
Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen is the latest on their radar this summer, with the Napoli talisman expected to leave the Serie A outfit, according to United In Focus.
Their report claims that talks have already been held for the 26-year-old star over a move to Old Trafford, undoubtedly providing a superb option for the club after scoring 37 times on loan at Galatasaray in 2024/25.
It also states that after rejecting a move to Saudi Arabia, his priority is a switch to the Premier League, potentially seeing the Red Devils move to the front of the queue for his signature.
Why United’s latest target would be a better signing than Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres has been a player firmly on United’s radar over the last couple of months, unsurprisingly so given his previous stint under Amorim.
The Swede netted 54 goals in his 52 appearances across all competitions this campaign, undoubtedly being one of the hottest prospects in Europe, with Arsenal also in the race for his services.
It was reported earlier this week that the hierarchy have made contact with the 27-year-old’s representatives over a switch to the Premier League, with a £55m transfer fee mooted.
There’s no doubt that such a goalscoring record would improve the situation at the manager’s disposal, but he’s never showcased his talents in Europe’s top five leagues, posing a potential risk given his price tag.
Osimhen has managed to thrive in such a department, scoring 65 league goals in his five seasons as a first-team regular with Napoli – helping them claim the Scudetto back in 2022/23. He’s truly one of the great forwards, with European football expert Zach Lowy notably suggesting he is already “one of the best strikers of this century.”
Napoli star Victor Osimhen
When comparing their stats from the ongoing campaign, the Nigerian has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, further backing up why he’d be a better addition.
He may have registered fewer goals to date, but has notched a higher goal per shot on target rate, highlighting his clinical edge within the final third.
How Osimhen & Gyokeres compare in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)
Osimhen
Gyokeres
Games played
30
33
Goals & assists
31
46
Shots on target
2.2
2
Goals per shot on target
0.4
0.3
Aerials won
4.3
0.6
Aerial success rate
64%
30%
Take-on success
60%
27%
Stats via FBref
He’s also won more aerials and completed more take-ons, handing Amorim an all-round option that could take United to the next level throughout 2025/26.
Whilst either of the pair would hand the club the talisman they’ve been craving in recent months, it’s pivotal that, with such big money being spent, the right man arrives in the coming months.
From the stats produced and their previous experience in Europe, it’s evident that the Nigerian would be the better choice, pushing them in the right direction to try and return to their former glory.
Amorim's answer to Cherki: Man Utd to make huge bid for "phenomenal" star
Manchester United could be about to land a star who could be their Rayan Cherki.
Liverpool are not resting on their laurels after they won the Premier League in Arne Slot’s first season as the manager in the 2024/25 campaign.
The Dutch head coach arrived from Feyenoord last summer to replace Jurgen Klopp in the dugout at Anfield and clinched the top-flight trophy at the first time of asking.
Arne Slot and Virgil van Dijk for Liverpool
Despite that incredible achievement, Slot and his staff are looking to bolster the squad with reinforcements to achieve even more success, hopefully across multiple competitions, next season.
One star who is reportedly on the club’s radar is Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, who was recently the subject of a £105m bid by the Premier League champions, as per Sky Sports.
It now remains to be seen whether or not the Reds can get a deal over the line for the Germany international in the weeks to come during the summer transfer window.
Liverpool have, however, already completed and announced a move for Jeremie Frimpong from the Bundesliga club, and he may not be the only full-back to arrive at Anfield this summer.
What Jeremie Frimpong could bring to Liverpool
Firstly, the Reds have already found their replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has completed a transfer to Real Madrid on a permanent basis, in the form of Frimpong.
Liverpool reportedly paid a fairly modest fee of £29.5m, thanks to his release clause, to sign the Netherlands international, which makes him a fairly cost-effective replacement for Trent this summer.
Jeremie Frimpong
In terms of his style of play, Frimpong is a very front-footed and attack-minded ‘defender’ who will want to be on the last line and make runs to impact games from an offensive perspective.
The 24-year-old star primarily played as a wing-back for Leverkusen down the right and could push on very high and wide for Liverpool, which would suit Mohamed Salah well, as he likes to drift infield onto his favoured left foot to score and create goals.
Jeremie Frimpong’s form for Bayer Leverkusen (all comps)
Season
Appearances
Goals
Assists
24/25
48
5
9
23/24
47
14
10
22/23
48
9
10
21/22
34
2
8
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Frimpong delivered goals and assists at an impressive rate, for a wing-back, for the majority of his time with the German side, which shows that he could bring goals and assists to the Liverpool team next season.
This could also provide Salah with more room to work with, because opposition full-backs may have to pay extra close attention to Frimpong’s runs, possibly creating space for the winger to receive the ball with fewer defenders on him.
Frimpong, however, may not be the only full-back to arrive at Anfield in the coming weeks, as Liverpool are reportedly eyeing up a left-back from the Premier League.
Liverpool set to bid for Premier League defender
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Liverpool are interested in a deal to sign Bournemouth full-back Milos Kerkez during the summer transfer window.
The reporter claims that the Premier League champions are set to make a formal bid to sign the Hungary international in the coming days, as they look to bolster their options at left-back.
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Jacobs does not reveal how much the bid from Liverpool is set to be worth, but does claim that Bournemouth are looking for a fee of at least £40m to allow their star defender to move on from the Vitality Stadium.
The journalist also states that the 21-year-old Premier League star has ‘already agreed to the move’ to Anfield, which means that there would not be any issues on personal terms if the Reds were able to agree a deal with the Cherries in the coming days.
AFC Bournemouth's MilosKerkez
If Liverpool do wrap up a transfer to bring Kerkez over to Merseyside this summer, then it could be a repeat of their Sadio Mane masterclass back in 2016.
Why Milos Kerkez could be Sadio Mane 2.0
The club reportedly paid a fairly modest fee of £36m to sign the Senegal international from Southampton after the 2015/16 campaign, in which the forward had produced 11 goals and six assists to lead his side to European football.
Mane went on to score 120 goals and provide 46 assists in 269 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions during his career at Anfield, winning the Champions League and the Premier League during that time.
This shows that Liverpool hit the jackpot with the exciting attacker because they snapped up a star who was shining for a team punching above their weight in the Premier League, and he was able to adapt to a team that wanted to win trophies year-on-year.
Bournemouth finished ninth in the top-flight, just shy of a spot in Europe for next season, and Kerkez played a significant role in their achievement of finishing in the top half with his impressive performances in the left-back position for Andoni Iraola’s side.
24/25 Premier League
Milos Kerkez
Andy Robertson
Appearances
38
33
Goals
2
0
Assists
5
1
Big chances created
8
7
Tackles + interceptions per game
2.6
1.8
Dribbled past per game
0.4x
0.6x
Duel success rate
54%
48%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the Hungarian star outperformed Andy Robertson with his work in and out of possession during the Premier League season, by offering more as a scorer and a creator, whilst also being more effective defensively.
These statistics suggest that Kerkez has the quality to make an instant impact at Anfield as an upgrade on Slot’s current left-back option, which is another reason why he could be a repeat of Mane, who became an instant star with his goals and assists on the wing.
As Izzy Christiansen said in the clip above, the “machine” is only 21 and is not close to reaching his peak, which means that Liverpool would also be paying for the potential that he has to get even better.
Like Mane, who joined at the age of 24, Kerkez would arrive at Anfield with time on his side to be a key player for the Reds for many more years to come, which is yet another reason why he could be a fantastic signing after the Frimpong deal for the opposite flank.
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Liverpool have received a boost in their pursuit of a £84m striker, as he is now keen on a summer move to Anfield, according to a report.
Reds set sights on new striker
While Mohamed Salah may have received most of the plaudits, Jamie Carragher has asserted that the Reds having lots of different goalscorers is the reason they won the Premier League title, considering Arsenal have been more defensively solid.
However, the lack of a dependable centre-forward is a real concern for former Red Danny Murphy, who has claimed Arne Slot is no great admirer of Darwin Nunez, saying: “Slot obviously doesn’t fancy him.
“Slot has played a winger, Luis Diaz, ahead of him as a striker at times. That tells you everything you need to know.”
Murphy also states he would be “amazed” if Nunez remains at Anfield beyond the summer, and work has started on bringing in a potential replacement for the Uruguayan, with DaveOCKOP recently dropping a new update on Liverpool’s pursuit of Benjamin Sesko.
Sky Sports: Liverpool may sell "amazing" £50m player after transfer twist
He played in the 3-2 defeat away to Brighton on Monday night.
ByHenry Jackson May 20, 2025
The report states that Sesko is now interested in a move to Anfield this summer, with the Reds holding a serious interest, but a concrete offer may have to wait until after Nunez is offloaded, with Napoli and clubs from Saudi Arabia keen on the 25-year-old.
The Slovenian striker is attracting interest from across Europe, but a deal will not be cheap, with RB Leipzig looking to hold out for a fee of €100m (£84m), although there may be some leeway to negotiate a lower fee.
"Incredible" Sesko admired by Jürgen Klopp
Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is known to be a big admirer of the 21-year-old, stating he has “incredible potential” earlier this year, while also detailing that he is happy to have him at a Red Bull Group-owned club.
The forward certainly isn’t short of admirers, with former Leipzig technical director Christopher Vivell also adding: “Benjamin is a real goalscorer, who despite his 1.95m (6’4″) is mobile and technically strong. His abilities make him a special player with a special profile.”
The Reds are known to have a good business relationship with Leipzig, which they will be hoping they can use to their advantage in negotiations, as it is evident that Slot will need to bring in an upgrade on Nunez this summer.
Liverpool's DarwinNunezcelebrates after winning the Premier League
The former Benfica man has just five Premier League goals to his name this season, so it is exciting news that Sesko is now a serious target to replace the striker, alongside a number of other top forwards.