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It has been a frustrating start to the 2025/26 campaign for Celtic central midfielder Arne Engels, who has failed to kick on after his debut season at the club.

The Hoops signed him for a club-record fee of £11m from Augsburg last summer, creating excitement over the Belgian ace, and his first year at Parkhead was fairly impressive.

Engels delivered ten goals, including eight from the penalty spot, and 13 assists in 51 appearances in all competitions, per Transfermarkt, for the Scottish giants.

Unfortunately, his output at the top end of the pitch has fallen off in the current campaign, with no goals and one assist in 12 appearances for the Hoops.

Brendan Rodgers has only started the Belgium international in three of the club’s nine games in the Scottish Premiership and the Europa League this term, which shows that the manager has not put much trust in him because of his recent performances.

The 22-year-old star’s struggles this season are particularly frustrating when you consider that Reo Hatate has not been at his best in the middle of the park.

Why Celtic may need to replace Reo Hatate

Benjamin Nygren has locked down a position in midfield, with four goals in the Premiership, alongside the captain Callum McGregor, and Hatate has been the third starter in the midfield three.

The Japan international has started all five of his appearances in the Scottish top-flight, per Sofascore, but his performances have not quite reached the levels that he hit in the 2024/25 campaign.

Hatate has scored one goal, which came against Aberdeen in the Premiership in August, and has failed to register any assists for his teammates in ten outings in all competitions, per Transfermarkt.

The Japanese star, whose goal against Aberdeen in the clip above was stunning, has been unable to kick on after his impressive output at the top end of the pitch in the 2024/25 campaign.

Appearances

37

5

Goals

10

1

Minutes per goal

241

373

Key passes per game

1.2

0.6

Big chances created

14

0

Assists

4

0

As you can see in the table above, Hatate has not been as effective, as a scorer or a creator goals, in the middle of the park in the Premiership this season.

These statistics suggest that the 27-year-old star has not been at his best for the Hoops in midfield in the league, as he has struggled to influence matches in the way that he did last year.

This is why Rodgers may have to start thinking about how his midfield could look without Hatate in the team, unless the Japan international can turn his form around and get back to what he produced on a consistent basis in the 2024/25 campaign.

However, the aforementioned dip in form from Engels suggests that Celtic may have to look elsewhere for a replacement for Hatate, because the Belgian flop has not stepped up this season.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

Rodgers, as he did with Colby Donovan’s emergence, could turn to the B team to bring an academy talent into the first-team to compete for a spot in central midfield.

19-year-old academy star Francis Turley made his first-team debut for the Scottish giants as a substitute against St Mirren in the Premiership in August of last year, and he could emerge as Hatate’s replacement.

Why Francis Turley could be Reo Hatate's replacement at Celtic

If the Japan international is unable to recapture his best form in Glasgow and Engels cannot get back to his best in a Celtic shirt, there could be an opening for the teenage talent to break into the team.

The Northern Ireland U21 international clearly impressed enough to earn a senior bow last year against St Mirren, which shows that Rodgers is well aware of his talent and believes that he has the potential to be a future star for the Hoops.

Speaking after that game, the Celtic manager said: “He (Turley) was very, very good over the course of pre-season, he’s got a lot of work to do physically in his development, and that will come with both him working and natural maturation.

“But at 18 he’s got a great football brain, and that’s a nice reward for him and his family, and he can now keep pushing to get more appearances.”

Those comments show that Rodgers was impressed with the youngster’s performances at that point, which is why he should also be impressed by his form in the current campaign.

Appearances

10

10

Minutes played

728

900

Goals

1

2

Minutes per goal

728

450

Assists

0

2

Minutes per assist

N/A

450

Minutes per goal contribution

728

225

As you can see in the table above, Turley has scored two goals and provided two assists in ten appearances in the Lowland League for the B team this term, whilst Hatate only has one goal contribution in all competitions.

The 19-year-old starlet, who has scored seven goals in his last 57 matches at academy level (Transfermarkt), has shown that he can provide quality as an attacking threat from a central midfield position, which is what Engels and Hatate have struggled with of late.

Turley, poetically in this context, replaced Hatate to make his debut against St Mirren last year, and it could be the Japan international who loses his place in the side to make way for the teenager to establish himself in the senior team.

It is now down to Rodgers to provide the Northern Irish talent with an opportunity to shine in the first-team if Hatate and Engels both continue to struggle in the Premiership and in European competitions this season.

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Hopefully, Turley will be able to grasp his chance and make a name for himself at senior level for the Scottish giants if that opportunity does come his way.

Andy Gorvin’s two wickets in the penultimate over of the day leaves leaves Northants 49 for 3 and trailing by 190 runs

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay17-May-2025

Ben Kellaway scored 95•Getty Images

Four Glamorgan batters passed 50 to put the hosts in a dominant position for a three-day finish against Northamptonshire at Sophia Gardens.A 141-run partnership between in-form Ben Kellaway and Sam Northeast, scoring 95 and 67 respectively, asserted the lead for the hosts to go with Kiran Carlson’s 54 and Timm van der Gugten’s 61 either side of lunch in a ruthless performance to get the hosts to 424.Andy Gorvin took two wickets in the penultimate over of the day to rue Northants’ chances of a sustaining final 14 overs, leaving the visitors 49 for 3 and trailing by 190 runs.Glamorgan resumed on the morning of day two at 82 for 3, recovering from a wobble of three wickets for two runs the previous evening with Northeast and Carlson carrying on from their day one foundations. Carlson the stroke player of the two reached his 50 in no time, flicking a short ball from Julian Broad for 4, a rare loose delivery for the 3-fer taking bowler, rectifying his mistakes from day one.Carlson frustrated he couldn’t kick on however as he flicked a leg-stump directed delivery directly to square-leg who had been positioned there before the dismissal delivery.The 96-run partnership ending didn’t stop Glamorgan’s momentum however. Kellaway, on the back of three progressively improving career-best scores in three consecutive matches showed deft touch with late cuts off both seam and spin, combined with destructive hitting over long on to come close to catching his skipper up before lunch.A 134-run first session completed with a gritty third 50 of the season for Northeast assured Glamorgan’s dominance in the all-important first couple of hours.Northing would change after lunch unlike on day one. The hosts carrying on their fast-scoring momentum, Kellaway passing 50 with a quick single off loanee, Calvin Harrison, only introduced into the attack in the 58th over.Kellaway’s second consecutive century looked imminent, the only slight of giving his wicket away coming on 89 when Lewis McManus sparingly diving full stretched off a top-edged-hook, that until Harrison found one to rise on the youngster attempting to cut just short of his milestone.With Northeast falling shortly after for a frustrating season best, unable to kick on to three figures, it brought two new batters and seemingly momentum for Northants, still nothing changed.Chris Cooke and van der Gugten next to add a partnership just shy of 100 to the crease proved the pitch to be nullified for when the visitors would eventually get a chance to use it again. Cooke looked aggrieved to give his wicket away on 36 despite a valiant contribution and Northants continued to catch well when the chances did come to wrap up the Glamorgan innings before long, unfortunately the damage done.With a 239-run deficit heading into their second innings after winning the toss, Ricardo Vasconcelos went early. Just 14 overs to survive, James Harris in just his second over removing the opener. The Glamorgan veteran then allowed Luke Procter to settle and score freely until a double-change brought a mini-collapse before close, the Northants top order struggling once more, with the captain the exception.

علق ييس توروب مدرب فريق الكرة بالنادي الأهلي، على الفوز أمام منافسه الاتحاد السكندري، بهدفين لهدف في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما ضمن لقاءات الدوري المصري.

وقال توروب في المؤتمر الصحفي عقب اللقاء: “أشكر الجماهير على تحيتهم لي في مباراة اليوم، بالنسبة لي أول 45 أو 60 دقيقة كانت جيدة، ولكن بعد تقدمنا بهدفين منحنا المنافس الفرصة للعودة مرة أخرى، ونحتاج أن نطور الفريق وكل لاعب أيضًا”.

وتابع: “لست راضيًا عن الأداء وأحتاج العمل على تطوير الفريق، ولكن الهدف من كرة القدم دائمًا هو الفوز، نلعب مباراة كل 3 أيام وهذا يمثل ضغطًا كبيرًا علينا، نقوم بعمل استشفاء وبعدها نتدرب ونلعب ثم نعمل على تطوير الفريق واللاعبين ومعالجة الأخطاء”.

طالع| فيديو | زيزو يقود الأهلي لفوز صعب على الاتحاد السكندري وصدارة الدوري

وكشف: “هذه أول مرة أكون في استاد القاهرة، سعيد أنني المدير الفني للأهلي وسعيد أيضًا لتحقيق الفوز، وفخور جدًا بأنني جزء من كيان الأهلي”.

وبخصوص بصمته على الأداء، أكمل: “هذه ثاني مباراة لي مع الفريق، ولكن بالنسبة لي، التحكم في المباراة ومحاولة تضييق المساحات أعجبني أول 60 دقيقة في اللقاء، ولكن الباقي سنعمل عليه مرة أخرى”.

وأردف: “في كرة القدم الهجوم يقودك للفوز، لكن الدفاع الجيد يمنحك بطولات، مثلما يحتاج الفريق لإحراز أهداف يحتاج أيضًا أن يدافع جيدًا جدًا، الفريق بالنسبة لي وحدة واحدة، ليس حارس مرمى وحده أو خط دفاعه وحده، وقت الفوز نفوز سويًا وحال الخسارة نخسر جميعًا”.

وواصل: “أصعب شيء في كرة القدم هو تسجيل الأهداف، لدينا لاعبين مثلا زيزو وبن شرقي يستطيعان فعل هذا، ولا أظن أن كل اللاعبين نفذوا خطتي 100%، ولكني أمنحهم الفرصة دائمًا، هم نفذوا جزءًا كبيرًا من التعليمات”.

واختتم: “شاهدت مباريات كثيرة للأهلي وتعرفت على معظم اللاعبين وحاليًا أعقد معهم جلسات فردية من أجل معرفة شخصية كل لاعب وهذا مهم جدًا”.

Manchester City are already looking ahead to the January window and appear primed to commence talks with a prime target to strengthen their forward line.

Manchester City prepare to face Manchester United in derby clash

Despite their dominance in the fixture since 2010, Manchester City take on Manchester United this Sunday in a match that Pep Guardiola will be hoping to see a vast improvement from his side in following a poor Premier League start.

The Citizens’ opening day victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers delivered some early promise for supporters to work with, but back-to-back defeats against Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion have left the club in an unusual position of 13th.

In what could be a potential baptism of fire for Gianluigi Donnarumma, the Italy international has signalled his excitement to work under Guardiola and outlined his hopes to be a major part of future success at the Etihad Stadium.

“I think his history speaks for itself. The fact that he wanted me here is a reason to be proud of. It’s an indescribable emotion. Being coached by him I think is the best for a football player.

“I can’t wait to follow him and take to the pitch with him. I’m sure he will help me a lot and we will do great things together, this season as well as in the following years. As we said, it’s been an era of unbelievable success here.”

Looking ahead, January could be a big month at the club and Manchester City are reportedly plotting a mid-season move for Real Madrid attacker Rodrygo, though he isn’t the only high-profile star they are considering to add some inspiration to their forward line.

Manchester City preparing bid to sign Bradley Barcola

According to reports in Spain, Manchester City are set to commence talks as they prepare to bid for Bradley Barcola in January, who has been identified as a target due to uncertainty over Savinho’s future at the Sky Blues.

Establishing himself as a key figure at Paris Saint-Germain, the France international is said to be valued at around £87 million and has registered 27 goals and 31 assists in 107 appearances across all competitions.

The report states Guardiola thinks Barcola could be key in the second half of the season alongside Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Jeremy Doku.

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Dubbed “one of the best dribblers in Europe” by Luis Enrique, he has already put that to the test this campaign, evading his marker four times and creating six chances in Ligue 1, per Fotmob.

Guardiola sees the arrival of Barcola as a priority to strengthen his frontline, which already includes the likes of Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Oscar Bobb and his versatility on both flanks is something that he feels would offer balance in the long-term.

Manchester City have enacted a notable squad refresh this summer and being able to secure another talented star with a high level of pedrigree would be a statement to their competitors across Europe.

Tottenham Hotspur have opened talks to sign Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze, as widely reported, and Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has a price in mind.

Fabrizio Romano was among the reliable media outlets to confirm Spurs’ negotiations for Eze in a separate deal to their pursuit of Man City winger Savinho, with supporters now poised for a potentially exciting end to the transfer window.

“Understand Tottenham are also back in talks for Eberechi Eze in separate deal from Savinho,” wrote Romano on X.

“Spurs trying again for Eze while they work on Savinho, following Maddison injury and Son exit. Eze keen but deal depends on Palace as release clause expired.”

Interestingly, other reliable media sources differ with Romano about Eze’s £68 million release clause.

According to both talkSPORT and Standard Sport, the buy-out currently remains active and won’t expire until this Friday – potentially giving Levy and co a window of opportunity to trigger it and make Eze a Spurs player.

In a further bit of good news for Thomas Frank, who is in dire need of another creative attacking player after James Maddison’s ACL rupture, Eze is reportedly becoming open to joining Tottenham before the transfer deadline on September 1.

It is important to note that Frank’s side face stiff competition from north London rivals Arsenal, who have been in pursuit of the 27-year-old for well over a month after holding consistent talks with his representatives (Fabrizio Romano).

However, Arsenal currently have to make sales first (The Telegraph), and that may be stopping them from making a formal bid for Eze.

Their hesitancy could hand Spurs an advantage in the race for Eze, especially considering Levy and technical director Johan Lange were ready to splash £60 million on Nottingham Forest’s number 10, Morgan Gibbs-White, over a month ago.

The price Tottenham want to pay for Eberechi Eze

According to reliable journalist Ben Jacobs, Tottenham have a minimum valuation for the England international and an ideal price they’re willing to pay, as Levy looks to strike a deal quickly.

Taking to X, Jacobs reports that Levy wants to pay a similar fee to their deal for winger Mohammed Kudus – around £55 million.

That being said, Palace have been clear in their demands to sell their star attacking asset.

Given Tottenham’s glaring need for another forward option, after losing Son Heung-min to LAFC, Maddison to injury and being forced to deal with Dejan Kulusevski’s continued absence, it is imperative that Levy pulls no punches here.

Eze appears set to cost a similar price to what they were more than prepared to pay for Gibbs-White, so the Lilywhites clearly have the necessary funds to meet Palace’s valuation.

He’d be worth every penny, too, having averaged more shots, key passes and successful take-ons per 90 than any other Palace player in the Premier League last term – all whilst racking up 14 goals and a further 11 assists in all competitions.

Eze can also play on the left-wing when required, and you can make a serious case that he’s exactly who Frank is crying out for.

Liverpool have only gone and done it again! For the fifth game in a row, the relentless Reds managed to win a game that appeared destined to end in a draw by netting a late winner. This time, captain Virgil van Dijk was Liverpool's hero, heading home a 92nd-minute corner from Dominik Szoboszlai to earn his side a 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid at Anfield.

Arne Slot's side had initially looked set to claim a comfortable win in their Champions League opener, after scoring twice inside the opening six minutes through Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah. However, Marcos Llorente, who loves a goal against Liverpool, pulled one back for Atleti just before half-time and struck again with a deflected volley from outside the area with just nine minutes to go.

Liverpool weren't done, though. They never are these days, and Van Dijk sent the home fans wild with his late intervention to kick off Liverpool's bid for a seventh European Cup in the most dramatic fashion possible. Below, GOAL rates all of the Reds on show in a chaotic clash on Merseyside that ended with Atleti coach Diego Simeone being sent off!

AFPGoalkeeper & Defence

Alisson Becker (6/10):

The Brazilian was also rightly furious that Llorente's goal was allowed to stand – as Antoine Griezmann was standing right in front of him in an offside position. Nothing he could have done about the equaliser either, as it took a wicked deflection.

Jeremie Frimpong (6/10):

Recalled to the starting line-up after his recent injury lay-off and was typically lively down the right flank and really should have scored after being teed up by Wirtz only to completely miss his kick.

Ibrahima Konate (7/10):

An assured display from the France international, who has responded very well to Liverpool's failed attempt to sign Marc Guehi during the international break. Konate was his usual strong self in the air but also distributed the ball excellently.

Virgil van Dijk (9/10):

Liverpool's Captain Fantastic. The Dutchman was his usual dominant self in defence. He won everything in the air and was typically excellent on the ball. Then, when Liverpool needed another late winner, he stepped up to the mark.

Andy Robertson (7/10):

Got the nod at left-back ahead of struggling summer signing Milos Kerkez and did his chances of holding onto the spot no harm at all – even if he knew absolutely nothing about his goal.

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Ryan Gravenberch (8/10):

Slot's most important player was outstanding, particularly during the first half. Gravenberch effectively created the game's opening two goals, by winning the free-kick that led to the deadlock being broken and then putting Salah through to score.

Dominik Szoboszlai (7/10):

Another dynamic display from the multi-talented Hungarian, who did an excellent job controlling the game with Gravenberch. Szoboszlai's versatility, energy and dead-ball deliveries are such wonderful assets. 

Florian Wirtz (7/10):

Another step in the right direction for the £100 million man, who created more chances than any other player on the pitch (five) with his dribbling skills, deft touches and clever movement. So unlucky not to register at least one assist after putting the ball on a plate for both Frimpong and Salah.

Getty Images SportAttack

Mohamed Salah (8/10):

Perhaps buoyed by his crucial penalty at Burnley on Sunday, the Egyptian turned in his most effective performance of the season so far. Salah's role in the opener was fortuitous but his control and finish for Liverpool's second goal was pure class.

Alexander Isak (6/10):

A surprise starter given he wasn't even on the bench at Turf Moor but the Swede looked surprisingly sharp during his 57 minutes of action and already appears to be developing a good understanding with Wirtz.

Cody Gakpo (4/10):

A very flat performer from a player that started the season well. Make no mistake about it: Gakpo's starting spot is now under serious pressure with Isak now fit to play, given Ekitike is a legitimate option on the left wing.

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Hugo Ekitike (6/10):

Unlucky to be left out of the starting line-up for the Champions League opener but brought on just before the hour mark. Showed some good touches but missed a great chance to score in the dying seconds – even if Salah's cross came at an awkward height.

Alexis Mac Allister (5/10):

After picking up a knock at the weekend, the Argentine was unsurprisingly utilised as a second-half sub. Struggled to get up to speed, though, and it was his trailing leg that deflected Llorente's shot past Allison.

Conor Bradley (5/10):

Took over at right-back from Frimpong for the final 30 minutes but didn't offer the same attacking threat. Also booked after being beaten high up the field.

Rio Ngumoha (N/A):

Only introduced for the final 15 minutes.

Milos Kerkez (N/A):

Replaced Robertson not long before the full-time whistle.

Arne Slot (6/10):

A mixed bag for Slot. His team arguably played their best football of the season in the first half and had several chances to kill the game before conceding an unfortunate late leveller. If there's one criticism, though, it's that, for once, his substitutions didn't really work, with the decision to take off Wirtz particularly puzzling.

A week on from the start of the new Premier League season and Arsenal finally look ready for the challenge ahead.

It had been a slow pre-season for the Gunners but a 3-0 win over Bilbao has calmed the nerves, particularly after Viktor Gyokeres opened his account in the red and white.

A series of matches both on foreign soil and at the Emirates Stadium had left supporters feeling frustrated at a lack of change, but they got change on Saturday where the forward line certainly looked more potent.

Kai Havertz even got on the scoresheet, presenting Mikel Arteta with a dilemma over who to pick at centre forward next weekend when they face Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Before then, Arteta and Andrea Berta may hope to get another signing across the line.

Arsenal's transfer plans before September 1st

With Noni Madueke and Gyokeres signed, Arsenal have ticked off two of their biggest priorities this summer: sign some backup and competition for Bukayo Saka, and sign a new striker.

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However, there’s a lingering feeling that the Gunners need more in their forward line.

Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard went goalless through pre-season and question marks are being raised again about the quality of the options on the left-hand side of Arsenal’s attack.

As a result, Eberechi Eze’s name is once again doing the rounds and according to one report, a deal now looks closer than ever.

That’s according to Football Transfers who report this weekend that Eze is ‘closing in’ on a move to the Emirates.

Financial terms have already been agreed between Arsenal and Palace with Arteta’s side set to pay a total fee of £55m to Palace for the England star, with £30m set to come upfront. That’s lower than Eze’s reported £68m release clause.

Talks over the structure of the remainder of the instalments are ongoing but it’s not thought as though that will be a major sticking point.

Why Eze could be Arsenal's new Emile Smith Rowe

Let’s cast our minds back to the early years of Arteta’s reign in London. The years are 2021 and 2022 and it’s safe to say that it’s not entirely rose for the Spaniard.

However, Saka and Smith Rowe (you know how the song goes) came along and acted as the club’s saviours.

The latter may have only scored four senior goals in 2020/21 but came alive in 2021/22, scoring ten times in 33 league outings for the club.

A product of Hale End, he was adored by Arsenal fans and his crafty, clever skills won hearts from all corners of the Emirates.

We all know how it ended for the England international with his injury woes ultimately seeing him join Fulham last summer, but he certainly has similar attributes to Eze.

Not only can both players feature from the left wing, but they’re also excellent attacking midfielders who are capable of scoring goals. In 2024/25, Eze netted 14 in all competitions, with eight goals coming from 34 Premier League appearances.

To really rubberstamp the similarities, we’ve compared how Eze performed last season with Smith Rowe’s best term at Arsenal.

Smith Rowe (21/22) vs Eze (24/25)

Stat (per 90 mins)

Smith Rowe

Eze

Goals

0.47

0.28

Assists

0.09

0.28

Shots

1.88

3.47

Key passes

1.41

2.01

Progressive passes

3.99

3.37

Shot-creating actions

3.15

4.69

Progressive carries

3.05

2.40

Successful take-ons

1.50

2.33

Carries into final 3rd

2.07

1.67

Stats via FBref.

As far as the numbers are concerned, there are some notable differences during their peak seasons so far in English football.

Smith Rowe looked like the more prolific goalscorer while Eze, who is a “magician” in the words of Micah Richards, was more creative.

Ultimately, though, they share the same sort of style. They like to carry possession, beat their marker and influence play from similar zones in the final third of the pitch.

Smith Rowe captivated Arsenal fans with his running style and ability to glide past players. Eze shares that trait and would no doubt become a quick fan favourite if he traded Selhurst Park for the Emirates.

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Newcastle United aren’t giving up on their chase to sign an attacking reinforcement and are now reportedly set to take their next key step towards their top target.

Eddie Howe admits Newcastle "frustration"

The Magpies have faced an endless brick wall in pursuit of their top targets so far this summer – whether it’s been Joao Pedro, Bryan Mbeumo or Hugo Ekitike. Reports are now even suggesting that Manchester City could hijack their move to sign Burnley shot-stopper James Trafford. But Eddie Howe and everyone else involved at St James’ Park are not giving up on welcoming much-needed reinforcements just yet.

The Newcastle boss shared his thoughts on a frustrating summer recently, admitting that Newcastle were hoping to get any business done early but have simply been unable to get deals over the line.

All involved in Tyneside will be desperate not to miss out on any more targets and reports are now suggesting that they’re working to ensure that their striker problem is finally solved.

Newcastle expected to take key Wissa step

As reported by GiveMeSport, Newcastle are now expected to submit an improved offer to sign Yoane Wissa after Brentford rejected their opening bid worth around £25m. Whether that second bid, which will reportedly be worth £30m, is successful remains to be seen, but the striker has told the Bees he wants to leave.

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Having already lost Mbeumo, Brentford are reportedly demanding as much as £50m to sell Wissa this summer. Given that he has just one year left on his current deal and has already left the Bees’ pre-season camp amid transfer speculation, however, there could yet be room to negotiate that valuation.

Starts

34

34

Goals

19

23

Assists

4

6

Expected Goals

18.5

20.3

A player who former Brentford manager and new Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank described as “incredible” alongside Mbeumo last season, it’s clear to see why Newcastle want Wissa.

The Brentford star would provide immediate backup for Isak, who has already suffered an injury concern in pre-season, and could even partner the all-important Swede.

The Bangladesh senior men’s team is set to arrive in Lahore on August 13, four days before their scheduled arrival, for a two-Test series. The team will train for three days each at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium before the first Test in Rawalpindi from August 21.The players’ preparations had been disrupted as a result of the ongoing political unrest in Bangladesh. The overseas coaching staff of the team also couldn’t join the players at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka last week because of security concerns. BCB is currently following up with the coaches’ respective embassies for security clearances.The departure ahead of schedule came after an invitation from the PCB to the BCB to ensure the visiting players have “adequate and fair training opportunities” ahead of the Tests.Related

• Mushfiqur, Taskin back in Bangladesh Test squad for Pakistan series

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• Naseem back in Test squad, Shakeel named vice-captain for Bangladesh series

• Bangladesh in turmoil: how will cricket be impacted?

“Sports is not only about winning and losing, it’s also about [camaraderie],” Salman Naseer, PCB chief operating officer, said in a statement. “I remain confident that the extra training sessions in Lahore will allow the players to showcase their best skills and talent on the global stage.”The Bangladesh players have been training individually at the Shere Bangla under coach Shohel Islam for the last three days.”We thank the PCB for giving the Bangladesh cricket team the opportunity to have additional training in Pakistan,” BCB chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury said in a statement. “This will certainly help the players to [acclimatise] to the conditions and prepare better for the ICC World Test Championship series.”Bangladesh’s Test cricketers had a training camp in Chattogram that was disrupted because of the anti-government protests across the country last month. There have been political rallies inside the Shere Bangla premises, too.The BCB ended up managing to send the high-performance team to Australia, and the Bangladesh A team to Pakistan. The latter’s departure was delayed by a few days, and the team reached Islamabad on Saturday. Bangladesh A will play two four-day matches and three one-day matches in Pakistan, which will run alongside the senior team’s Test matches in Rawalpindi and Karachi. The Bangladesh squad for the Tests is expected to be announced on Sunday.

Rivals thought Liverpool would fall off a cliff when Jurgen Klopp packed up and left, but Arne Slot came and chased their wistful dreams right back from where they came.

Only 11 months after Klopp sang Slot’s name, Carabao Cup trophy in the bag but not much else (aside from qualification back into the Champions League after the misery of 2022/23), Anfield’s new Dutch boss returned the song, having won the Premier League and defied all expectations.

Slot’s proven himself, joining an exclusive club of managers who won the English top flight in their first year, and now he’s been entrusted to work with sporting director Richard Hughes and make sweeping changes in the transfer market.

Slot chased the doubters away, and with Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz joining from Bayer Leverkusen, Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez arriving soon and a new centre-forward soon to be targeted, there’s so much to be excited about if you’re of a Liverpool persuasion.

Of course, some outgoings are happening too, with the legend that is Andy Robertson mooted for a departure in the coming months.

Liverpool's left-back situation

Robertson, 31, is entering the final year of his £160k-per-week contract and sadly looked a weak link under Slot’s wing. It’s understandable: he’s been run into the ground across so many years of tireless service.

With a deal agreed to sign Kerkez, Robertson is going to be relegated to the backbench, and so with Atletico Madrid circling, it might be that FSG reluctantly let their stalwart go.

Kerkez might be young, but there’s no question that he’s already reached a degree of superiority over Liverpool’s veteran, whose athleticism and once unending batteries have ebbed back over the past year.

Milos Kerkez vs Andy Robertson (PL 24/25)
Stats (* per game)	Kerkez	Robertson
Matches (starts)	38 (38)	33 (29)
Goals	2	0
Assists	5	1
Touches*	59.6	64.5
Pass completion	80%	88%
Big chances created	8	7
Key passes*	1.0	1.2
Dribbles*	0.6	0.2
Ball recoveries*	4.4	3.2
Tackles + interceptions*	2.6	1.8
Clearances*	2.6	1.3
Duels (won)*	4.0 (54%)	1.8 (48%)
Data via Sofascore

If Robertson does leave, though, could Liverpool be selling themselves short? His back-up, Kostas Tsimikas, is on Leeds United’s radar, after all. Liverpool might need one more star on the left side of the backline, and the chosen target may just be the most exciting of the lot.

Liverpool consider another left-back

According to TEAMtalk, Ajax defender Jorrel Hato is interested in moving to Liverpool despite the efforts of Arsenal, who effectively have the lead in the race right now.

Hato, 19, has been a revelation in his homeland and has been priced at €50m (£43m), a valuation which Ajax are not willing to reduce this summer.

Further reports claim that Chelsea are also in the frame, and that Liverpool and the Blues have been informed by the player’s camp that the race is very much open at this stage.

What Jorrel Hato would bring to Liverpool

Liverpool are stocking up nicely with the 21-year-old Kerkez, aren’t they? So why does Slot want another left-sided defender in Hato? Well, the young Dutchman would provide that extra bit of depth on the flank, all the while fostering qualities as a central defender too.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig actually hailed Hato as “one of the most talented centre-backs in Europe in his generation” just a few years ago, during his formative phase. But despite this, the Netherlands star has played the past year of his professional career as principally a left-back, owing to his gas tank, tenacious attitude and dynamism, driving up and down the wing.

As per FBref, he ranked among the top 9% of full-backs across Europe last season for pass completion, the top 14% for tackles and interceptions combined and the top 15% for ball recoveries per 90.

Impressive stats, and useful to shine a light on the skill set that has seen a natural centre-half perform with such aplomb in a wide berth.

Jorell Hato – Ajax Stats by Position
Season	Apps	Goals	Assists
Left-back	89	4	8
Centre-back	70	3	3
Centre-midfield	1	0	0
Data via Transfermarkt

Hato and Kerkez are both rising defensive stars of immense potential, and choosing which one would be ‘better’ under Slot’s wing is effectively splitting hairs, but we’re hair splitters over here, and Ajax’s age-belying prospect is an absolute marvel.

Hailed for his “special” talents by scout Phil Costa, so skilled, so versatile, Hato could become one of the best in the world across multiple positions, and if that isn’t enough to send frissons of excitement through the Liverpool fanbase, what is?

It’s for this reason that he has been described as an “exceptional athlete” by analyst Ben Mattinson. When considering Hato’s quality across not one but two positions that Liverpool need to strengthen, you could argue he’s the more exciting man than Kerkez.

Certainly, there’s more thrill involved with the teenager than Robertson, who Jamie Carragher called “an absolute legend” in January, but a defender who has been “hanging on in every game.”

If, at the eleventh hour, Liverpool’s bid to sign Kerkez falls through, Hato would prove an excellent alternative; but, if all goes to plan and Hughes secures another excellent signing for the title-winning Reds, adding Hato to the mix would surely complete the set.

Slot's own Mane: Liverpool enter race to sign "unbelievable" £51m star

Liverpool are presented with a unique market opportunity to sign a talented youngster.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 16, 2025