Lauren Winfield-Hill maintained her remarkable Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy record with another commanding half-century to put Northern Diamonds back on track as they saw off Sunrisers by five wickets.The Diamonds opener passed 50 for the eighth time in her last 10 innings in the tournament to ensure the defending champions – defeated by Central Sparks on Saturday – responded with a comprehensive win at Chelmsford.Seam duo Lizzie Scott and Jessica Woolston laid the foundations with two wickets apiece before legspinner Katie Levick’s 3 for 23 ensured Sunrisers were bundled out for 157, despite Jodie Grewcock’s second half-century of the tournament.Winfield-Hill then top-scored with 51 from 43 balls and Bess Heath struck an unbeaten 32 from 25, as the visitors chased down their target with 21.3 overs to spare.Scott and Woolston, opening the attack after Diamonds had lost the toss and surprisingly been invited to bowl in overcast conditions, established control as they made the ball swing from the start. Woolston brought one back to uproot Cordelia Griffith’s off stump in her second over and then found movement in the opposite direction to clip the bails and pick up the prize scalp of Grace Scrivens for 11.Mady Villiers departed for a second-ball duck, clipping Scott to the diving Katherine Fraser at midwicket and, when Saskia Horley’s pull off Abi Glen flew straight to Hollie Armitage, Sunrisers were deep in the mire at 32 for 4.Grewcock and Jo Gardner dug in for a concerted rebuilding campaign during the middle overs, clawing their way back into the game with a spirited fifth-wicket partnership of 65. Gardner had just begun to open up, drilling Fraser back past the stumps for an isolated boundary, when she miscalculated a Chloe Tryon delivery and was bowled for 32 – after which Sunrisers’ innings hit the buffers again.Teenage left-hander Grewcock, having battled hard to complete her half-century from 91 balls, was then caught behind off the 93rd – the first of two wickets in three deliveries for Levick.Kate Coppack’s breezy unbeaten 16 at least hauled Sunrisers above the 150 mark before they were bowled out with four overs unused – but the total never looked like one they could defend with any degree of confidence.Winfield-Hill immediately set the tone for Diamonds’ response, slamming Coppack to the midwicket boundary twice inside the opening over as she and Sterre Kalis built a belligerent partnership of 53. Coppack’s luck seemed to be out, with Kalis edging her just over the stumps for four, and it was Sunrisers skipper Kelly Castle who eventually achieved the breakthrough, trapping the opener in front with a slower delivery.With Winfield-Hill striking the ball confidently and Armitage in no mood for caution, as she cracked Abtaha Maqsood to the rope three times in her first over, Diamonds appeared to be coasting towards their target.They were held up by Villiers, whose wily offbreaks brought her figures of 3 for 42 – the trio of victims including Winfield-Hill and Armitage, who until then had been highly effective against the slower bowlers in her knock of 30 from 32. However, Heath clubbed Villiers over long-on for the first six of the match – and then flayed the second off Eva Gray to seal Diamonds’ victory in style.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have made an offer to sign a “dangerous” striker for manager Vitor Pereira, according to a recent report.

Wolves set for a busy summer

The Midlands side look to have all but secured a place in next season’s Premier League after moving nine points clear of the relegation zone over the weekend. Pereira’s side are yet to officially confirm their safety, but given their current position, it is no surprise to see them turning their attention to plans for the summer.

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Signing a new defender may be a priority for the Premier League side in the summer, given their lack of depth in that area and the fact that Craig Dawson is coming to the end of his contract. It’s been reported that Wolves are monitoring defender Victor Gabriel, who currently plays for Brazilian side Internacional, and have not ruled out making an offer to sign the player.

As well as a defender, Wolves also appear to be in the market for a new striker, and in the past week, it has been claimed that Pereira’s side are preparing a £5 million bid to sign Riquelme Fillipi from Palmeiras.

Meanwhile, TEAMtalk have also reported that the Premier League side are considering an offer to bring Diogo Jota back to Molineux, as Liverpool could be open to offers in the summer.

Wolves make offer to sign a £29m striker this summer

But their list of potential new strikers doesn’t stop at Fillipi and Jota, as according to Ge Globo, relayed by Sport Witness, Wolves have made an offer to sign Corinthians striker Yuri Alberto.

Alberto’s agent, Andre Cury, has told Ge Globo that his client has already received offers from Wolves, West Ham, who were linked with the player back in January, Real Betis and from Italy.

“Our job is to take the proposal to the club,” Cury said.“We have already had offers from Wolverhampton, West Ham, from Betis, from Spain, from Italy.

“But the player is young; every player who is in South America thinks of playing in Europe, and with Yuri is no different. If there is a good opportunity that is good for him and for the club, we will talk.”

Yuri Alberto’s 2025 Paulista Serie A1 stats

Apps

13

Starts

9

Goals

5

Goals per game

0.4

Shots per game

1.9

Shots on target per game

0.8

Big chances missed

7

Goal conversion

20%

Big chances created

2

The 24-year-old originally joined the Brazilian side on loan in 2022 from Zenit St. Petersburg before moving to Corinthians on a permanent basis a year later. While Alberto, who is said to be valued at £29 million by Corinthians, struggled to make an impact at Zenit, he has been in sensational form for the Brazilian side, scoring 31 goals during the 2024 calendar year.

The forward, who has been dubbed “extremely dangerous” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, could be the latest Brazilian to join Wolves should he make the move after the recent purchases of Andre, Pedro Lima and Joao Gomes.

Mitchell Marsh has had a lean time with the bat while Josh Hazlewood has yet to make an appearance

Andrew McGlashan27-Apr-20235:15

How long a rope can Capitals afford for Marsh?

David Warner (Delhi Capitals)One of the major narratives from an Australian point of view has been Warner’s form and it has provided a curious situation. His strike-rate has come under significant scrutiny amid Capitals’ poor start to the competition, but he has consistently produced runs with four fifties. While conditions in the IPL could not be further removed from those that will confront him in the Tests, strike-rate will be less of a concern come June (notwithstanding Bazball). His most recent half-century, a 41-ball 57 against KKR, was much more fluent. Whatever happens over the next few it’s unlikely to be dull.Cameron Green (Mumbai Indians)Related

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After a somewhat uncertain start, Green has hit his stride – certainly with the bat – scoring back-to-back half-centuries against Sunrisers and Punjab Kings. The second of them came in defeat, but the first was part of a matchwinning all-rounder display. Ahead of the WTC final and Ashes the selectors will have an eye on his workload and the quick transition from T20 to Test cricket could yet provide challenges for a player who has not made that switch often.Mitchell Marsh (Delhi Capitals)After looking a million dollars in the ODI series against India, it’s been a lean time with the bat for Marsh which has contributed to Capitals’ early-season woes. He started with four single-digit scores either side of returning home for his wedding, but getting back into the fray with the ball has been a good sign and will have helped in him earning a recall for the Ashes.Glenn Maxwell reverse-sweeps Yuzvendra Chahal for a six•Associated PressGlenn Maxwell (Royal Challengers Bangalore)For someone who suffered what was not far off being a career-threatening injury late last year, the sight of Maxwell launching the ball to all parts has been a heartening story in this IPL. He is not yet back to 100% and continues to play through some pain, but has looked very much like his old self with the bat. Two of his half-centuries have come in defeat as the regular debate about a top-heavy RCB order is revived, but the 77 off 44 against Royals was a matchwinner.Marcus Stoinis (Lucknow Super Giants)Stoinis is putting together a handy tournament for LSG. He produced a brilliant 65 off 30 balls against RCB to conjure remarkable chase of 213 after they had been 23 for 3 and has chipped in elsewhere without quite matching that display. In the last couple of matches he has bowled for the first time in the season and with excellent results, playing a key role in a relatively low-scoring affair against Royals (where he was Player of the Match) and again proving effective against Titans.Tim David (Mumbai Indians)David has perhaps not hit the heights that he has become known for, but he has still produced some useful displays for Mumbai Indians. He and Green got them over the line in a tight chase against Capitals then David helped ice a substantial target against KKR which they made look relatively simple. He had a big part to play in the field against SRH where he claimed four catches, one short of the IPL record.Nathan Ellis has again produced some clutch displays•BCCINathan Ellis (Punjab Kings)Ellis has continued to enhancing his T20 reputation. He produced a Player of the Match performance against Royals with 4 for 30 in a high-scoring game, including the key wicket of Jos Buttler. Then in a contest against Mumbai Indians with over 400 runs, where he was brought in as the Impact Player, he got the better of Australia team-mate Green at a vital moment.Josh Hazlewood (Royal Challengers Bangalore)Hazlewood, whose Test career has hit the buffers over the last two years, has yet to make an appearance following his delayed arrival as he continued his recovery from the Achilles injury that ended his India tour. George Bailey, Australia’s chair of selectors, said that four-over spells in the IPL would be a good gradual return to action ahead of the Test matches although questions remain about whether he’ll be ready. He had an extensive bowl off his full run-up in a recent training session.And a few moreAmong the other Australians at the IPL, Jason Behrendorff has picked up eight wickets for Mumbai Indians although his economy rate has touched 10 an over. Matt Short, the BBL Player of the Tournament, hasn’t quite been able to hit his stride for Punjab Kings although a brace of 30s showed what he can produce. In a Royals outfit featuring R Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal, Adam Zampa has not found a regular starting spot and has played just twice – once as the Impact player. Matthew Wade, who is with defending champions Titans, and Daniel Sams (LSG) have yet to make an appearance.

Manchester United have reportedly made a big-money offer for one of Europe’s top players this season, according to a new report.

Man Utd extend unbeaten run with win at Leicester

Manchester United look to be finally turning the corner under Ruben Amorim. On Sunday, the Red Devils extended their unbeaten run in the Premier League to four games as they beat Leicester City – managed by former interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy – at the King Power Stadium.

Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho and captain Bruno Fernandes were on the scoresheet in a comprehensive 3-0 win that moved Amorim’s side back up into 13th place.

While hardly the run of the century, United’s recent form suggests they have finally begun to find themselves under Amorim after what had been poor start to life for the Portuguese boss at Old Trafford.

Sadly for United and Amorim, however, because of the international break, they will now be without a game for next month.

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Man United extended their unbeaten run to seven games with a thumping 3-0 win at Leicester.

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“It’s a shame we stop for the national teams when our confidence is at its biggest,” said Amorim after the win over Leicester. “It was clear today my players are at the limit. We are going to use this window to rest and recover, it will be good.”

On Hojlund, whose goal was his first in the top flight since December, the Portuguese added: “It’s really important for Rasmus. He’s doing the right things, helping the team, fighting for every ball. He scored a very good goal and I think he deserved it more than anybody.”

Man Utd make £58m bid for Raphinha

Regardless of their recent good form, United will still be wanting to reinforce in the summer if they want to meet their aim of returning to their former glory.

And according to a report from Spain, the Red Devils have already made their first move, having submitted a huge bid for Barcelona star Raphinha.

The Brazil international has scored 27 goals and produced 21 assists in 42 games this season – form that has put him firmly in the running for this year’s Ballon d’Or.

It is reported that Man Utd have tabled a €70 million (£58 million) for the 28-year-old winger, and that Amorim is keen on bringing the former Leeds United star to Old Trafford in the summer.

Back in November, Barcelona and Brazil legend Romario heaped praise on Raphinha, describing him as one of the best players in the world.

“Barca now have a great team. They’ve won some good games and played well. I think we’ll be champions again this year,” Romario told Mundo Deportivo, per Barca Blaugranes.

“Raphinha is one of the best players today,” he said. “He is one of the best in the world. He does very well with the Barca shirt and he is also doing very well with the Brazilian shirt. Raphinha is a pride for all Brazilians, he will give us very special things in football.”

Titans are through, Sunrisers and Capitals are out, the seven remaining teams are not out of the race yet

S Rajesh14-May-2023 • Updated on 16-May-2023

Chennai Super Kings

Super Kings’ loss to Kolkata Knight Riders means they are not yet assured of qualification, and even if they win their last game – away against Delhi Capitals – they might still not finish among the top two, though they will be assured of qualifying for the playoffs. If they lose to Capitals then Super Kings could be knocked out, as five teams can potentially finish on more than 15 points. However, if other results go their way, then Super Kings could finish second without adding to their tally.Mumbai Indians

After a slow start, Mumbai Indians have come into their own and seem to be peaking at the right time with four wins in their last five. Wins in their last two matches will guarantee them a top-two finish. If they lose one and finish on 16 then they will be depending on other results to qualify: they could go through without NRRs coming into play, or they could get embroiled in an NRR battle for the final spot with two other teams. If they lose both, though, then qualification hopes will be extremely slim: three teams would already be on 15 or more points, and Mumbai Indians could be fighting for the fourth slot with as many as four other teams and a poor NRR.Lucknow Super Giants

Super Giants need to win their last two matches to be assured of the qualifying. If they lose one, they can still qualify without depending on NRRs, if other results fall in place. However, there is also a possibility of four other teams apart from Titans – Super Kings, Mumbai, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Punjab Kings – all finishing on 16 or more points. If they lose both their matches, Super Giants will be eliminated.Royal Challengers Bangalore

Royal Challengers’ stunning win against Rajasthan Royals has lifted them to fifth on the table, and boosted their NRR from -0.345 to 0.166. As mentioned earlier, 16 could still be a crowded place on the table, but Royal Challengers will definitely be in the mix, especially given that their NRR is now better than that of Mumbai Indians and Kings, two other teams who could finish on 16. However, if Royal Challengers lose one of their two remaining games and stay on 14, then they will need several results to go their way to ensure that one spot is still available for a team on 14 points. If it comes to that, the NRR boost they got from their astonishing win against Royals could be the clincher.Rajasthan Royals

Royals’ brutal hammering at the hands of Royal Challengers has caused their NRR to plummet from an impressive 0.633 to 0.140. They could still qualify, though, if they beat Punjab Kings in their last game, and if other results fall in their favour. Their best chance is if Royal Challengers, Super Giants and Kings lose their last two, and if Sunrisers lose their last game, against Mumbai. Then, the fourth position will be a straight battle between Royals and Knight Riders, which Royals should win on NRR, even after the beating it has taken.Punjab Kings

Kings are one of five remaining teams that could finish on 16 or more points. That means they are very much in contention for a top-four finish, but they might need some help from other teams, as well as relatively big margins of victories: their NRR is currently lower than that of all the other teams who could finish on 16 or more points. If they lose a game, then they could be battling for one spot with as many as four teams. Their two remaining matches are at home, but in Dharamsala, not Mohali.Kolkata Knight Riders

Their victory against Super Kings keeps Knight Riders in the hunt, though there’s only a slim chance that they will finish among the top four with 14 points. For that to happen, they will have to win their last game – at home against Super Giants – and then hope that not more than three teams go beyond 14. One of the ways that could happen is if Super Giants lose their last two, and if Royal Challengers and Punjab Kings lose at least one of their remaining matches. Then, there could between two to four teams on 14 fighting for one spot, which will bring NRR into focus: Knight Riders’ is currently on -0.256, and they have only one game to improve that.

Didier Drogba’s legacy at Chelsea is the stuff of legend.

The Ivorian striker was the beating heart of the Blues’ golden era, a colossus who combined power, skill and an unparalleled ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most, most notably in the 2012 Champions League final, where his unforgettable performance helped the Blues lift the trophy for the first time.

A decade after his departure, Chelsea are still yearning for a successor capable of replicating his impact on and off the pitch.

The club has seen a revolving door of strikers in the post-Drogba era, and while some such as Diego Costa enjoyed solid careers at Stamford Bridge, no one has been able to fully step into the legendary striker’s shoes.

From young prodigies already making their mark in west London to established European stars, we look at five players we think have the potential to take up Drogba’s mantle at Stamford Bridge.

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By
Barney Lane

Feb 4, 2025

1

Nicolas Jackson

Chelsea

Nicolas Jackson, who Chelsea signed from Villarreal in the summer of 2023, has plenty in common with Drogba. His physical presence and work rate mirror that of Drogba’s, while his ability to link up the play is perhaps even better than the Ivorian’s. He also has great pace and clever movement.

However, where he comes up short when compared to Drogba is his finishing. Though he’s far improved this term under Enzo Maresca, he still wastes too many big chances, often needing two or three clear opportunities to get his name on the scoresheet.

Since moving to Chelsea, Jackson has scored 23 Premier League goals, but also missed a whopping 39 big chances in his short Blues career so far – exactly triple the amount Drogba missed since this was recorded by the Premier League.

That being said, Jackson is still just 23 years old, and minus his hit-and-miss finishing, his impressive performances at his peak suggest he’s capable of leading the line at Stamford Bridge for years to come. However, consistency and improved displays in front of goal will determine if he reaches Drogba’s heights.

2

Shim Mheuka

Chelsea

Shim Mheuka has rapidly ascended through Chelsea’s academy ranks since joining the club from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2022.

During the 2023/24 season, he regularly featured for the Under-18s despite still being a schoolboy, netting an impressive 12 goals in 20 appearances across all competitions, including a memorable outing at Stamford Bridge in the Under-18 Premier League national final against Manchester United.

Mheuka also played a pivotal role for England in the European Under-17 Championship last summer, scoring in their opening match against Spain. More recently, he marked his first call-up to the Under-19s in style, scoring against France and the Netherlands.

Now 17, Mheuka’s powerful frame, intelligent movement, and superb finishing abilities – all qualities Drogba showcased – have already caught the attention of Maresca, with the Italian handing him his first-team debut in a 3-1 win over Astana in the Conference League back in December.

There is no doubting that he has a bright future in west London, and given Drogba was 26 when he signed for Chelsea, there is plenty of time for Mheuka to prove he has what it takes to grow into a Drogba-esque talent.

3

Liam Delap

Ipswich Town

Liam Delap has been one of the Premier League’s best strikers this season. Big, strong and with a lethal eye for goal, the forward has scored 10 goals in the top flight for newly promoted Ipswich Town and has proven to be a real handful for some of the top flight’s best defenders.

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Already linked with a move to Chelsea, Maresca, who coached him as a youngster during his time in Manchester City’s youth ranks, is a big admirer.

“Liam is a fantastic player, and also for his age,” said Maresca back in December before Chelsea were beaten 2-0 by Ipswich, a game in which Delap scored the opening goal. “I think we spent one year together, and he scored 22 to 24 goals. He is a very good striker.

“England have many good players, many good strikers,” he added. “He’s working hard off the ball and on the ball, understands the game and can score goals. I think he can be an important player for England.” For Chelsea too, maybe?

4

Victor Osimhen

Galatasaray/Napoli

Victor Osimhen is perhaps the closest current player to Drogba in terms of style and impact.

The Nigerian forward’s scoring record at Napoli is certainly reminiscent of Drogba, not to mention continuing his streak in front of goal in a Galatasaray shirt, which is something the Ivorian did himself in between his Chelsea spells.

Osimhen came close to joining Chelsea in the summer, but the deal fell through prior to his loan switch to Istanbul.

Whilst there, he has again shown why he’s one of the deadliest strikers in world football, scoring 20 goals in 27 games, including two against Tottenham in the Europa League, which would already make him something of a Chelsea hero to some.

5

Benjamin Sesko

RB Leipzig

RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is one of Europe’s most exciting young strikers and has often been compared to Erling Haaland due to his physical attributes and playing style. Rather crucially, he has also been mentioned in the same breath as Chelsea star Drogba.

The Slovenian forward stands at 6 foot 4, making him a real handful for defenders when the ball is crossed into the box. Not only is he big, but he’s also a terrific header of the ball. Since moving to Leipzig in 2023, the 21-year-old has scored seven headed goals.

Drogba, meanwhile, found the net with his noggin 17 times for Chelsea in the Premier League.

Like Drogba, Sesko has the ability to score from long range, best showcased by his stunning strike against Werder Bremen in January, where he unleashed a powerful drive that nearly shattered the net from 25 yards out.

Reportedly already on Chelsea’s radar, a move to Stamford Bridge could give him the chance to develop into Chelsea’s next dominant striker, potentially following in Drogba’s footsteps.

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1

By
Barney Lane

Jan 27, 2025

Liverpool fell short in the Carabao Cup final. Arne Slot was left reeling after watching his squad crash out of the Champions League at Anfield just days before.

But Newcastle United were well worth their money and so too were Paris Saint-Germain, with this month’s shootout loss leaving Slot to remark: “The best game of football I’ve ever been involved in.”

It’s not all doom and gloom, though. Liverpool have exceeded expectations under new management this term in spite of a disappointing summer transfer window. Reserve attacker Federico Chiesa is the only man to have followed Slot through the door so far, and he’s yet to start in the Premier League.

After scoring a well-worked consolation in the Carabao Cup final, however, the Italian will be hoping for more chances to impress over the coming weeks as Liverpool look to seal the league title, 12 points clear at the top.

This would be a momentous success, but the Reds will hope to challenge for multiple honours next season. Thus, it’s paramount that high-quality signings are made this summer. But in order to do so, FSG are going to be looking to cash in on one or two stars.

Who Liverpool may sell this summer

Change is afoot. Some of Liverpool’s forwards have fallen by the wayside over the past several months, with Luis Diaz, for example, only scoring one goal for the Reds across all competitions in 2025 so far.

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Colombian, 28, may be among those sold this summer, especially since he is entering the penultimate year of his contract.

He’s not the only one. Diogo Jota’s startling regression in the final third has led to speculation concerning his future, while Darwin Nunez feels the most likely to part with Merseyside this summer after a winter deal to move to Saudi Arabia fell through.

These are all players whose sales could help toward a bid for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, confirmed by The Athletic to be a top target for the Reds, but there’s another who may be heading for the chop too.

He doesn’t want to leave, but this rising talent is struggling to earn the minutes he wants and probably deserves under Slot’s wing.

Liverpool receive bid for top talent at Anfield

Liverpool have got a busy summer up ahead, and while fans would generally subscribe to the sales of Nunez and the like were the recouped funds turned toward a striker of Isak’s ilk, there’s another whose sale would fan the flames of fans’ emotions were he to leave.

That man is Harvey Elliott. Spanish reports have revealed that the 21-year-old playmaker is attracting attention from Newcastle, who have already lodged a bid worth £50m.

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The report further states that although Elliott ‘remains an important player for Liverpool’, that type of money would be hard to refuse, thus giving the Reds a tricky decision to make regarding the player’s future on Merseyside.

The youngster’s future will allegedly be decided in the coming weeks, and Newcastle could be the destination that marks the next chapter in the young English talent’s career. Negotiations promise to be intense.

While Elliott is an exciting young player with so much potential, this could be an invaluable sum for FSG to collect as they prepare for a busy summer window.

Why Liverpool could sell Harvey Elliott

To call Elliott surplus to requirements would be an insult to his incredible ability. Former Reds youth coach Neil Critchley said that he’s capable of sparking “real bits of magic” on the ball and indeed this is something fans have been treated to over the past several years.

However, Slot has used him sparingly this season, seemingly preferring more industrious options in the middle of the park. Something not too dissimilar to Jurgen Klopp’s approach.

Rumours were rife in January, but Elliott issued an emphatic response. He was going nowhere. However, should Slot fail to give him the chances he needs to elevate his exciting career to the next level, a move away might be something that benefits all parties.

He’s got a lot about him. As per FBref, Elliott ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals, assists and shot-creating actions, the top 4% for progressive passes and the top 8% for progressive carries per 90.

There’s no doubt he’ll forge a successful career at one top-level club or another. Fans on the red streets of Liverpool would hate to see him go; Elliott has that deep-rooted prolificness that has come up trumps for Slot’s side on several occasions this term.

But the manager’s reluctance to give him top-flight minutes make a rather telling comment on his views toward him.

24/25

11 (0)

0

1

23/24

34 (11)

3

6

22/23

32 (18)

1

2

21/22

6 (4)

0

0

20/21*

0 (0)

0

0

19/20

2 (0)

0

0

Injuries have played their part this season, but Elliott clearly hasn’t won Slot over yet. In fairness, injuries also played a big part in the midfielder’s 2023/24 campaign, with Liverpool’s overload of setbacks allowing him to have more chances to impress.

Elliott’s forward-thinking style, his goalscoring sense, has actually seen FBref record Jude Bellingham has one of his most statistically comparable players. Not bad company to be keeping, ay.

Bellingham might be a somewhat contentious name at Anfield right now for his ostensible part in tempting Trent Alexander-Arnold into moving to the Spanish capital, but he is one of the finest talents England has produced in several generations, winning La Liga and the Champions League last term after moving to Madrid.

The 21-year-old has hit 59 goal involvements across 82 matches for Los Blancos and is considered the second-most-valuable player in world football by CIES Football Observatory, behind only Erling Haaland.

The £40k-per-week Elliott might not be in the same bracket as Bellingham, but the fact that he bears tactical similarities is a testament to his ability. For £50m, Liverpool would be ceding one of the most exciting young midfielders in Europe.

But, that said, it would also be a big payment for one of Slot’s fringe players – and it could make all the difference in creating a transfer window for the ages down Anfield Road.

Nunez 2.0: Liverpool plot bid for Isak alternative who's "the next Mbappe"

Liverpool are getting ready to sign a new top-level striker in the transfer market this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Mar 31, 2025

Liverpool have now decided to allow a “world-class” player to leave the club during the summer transfer window, according to a fresh claim.

Ins and outs at Liverpool this summer

After so many quiet windows at Anfield in recent years, this summer has the potential to be the busiest in a long time.

Arne Slot will require fresh faces added to his squad, with Liverpool in need of bolstering key areas, including left-back and centre-forward. Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez has been mentioned as a player the Reds have shown interest in, possibly seeing him as a front-runner alongside Newcastle United ace Alexander Isak.

Lyon star Rayan Cherki has also been linked with a move to Anfield in the coming months, with the Frenchman having six goals and nine assists to his name in 16 Ligue 1 starts this season. He also has eight assists in 10 Europa League outings, highlighting his creative quality.

There is still a huge amount of focus on the futures of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, with none of Liverpool’s legendary trio signing new deals yet.

They aren’t the only potential players who could leave, with Slot potentially not seeing a future for any of Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota or Darwin Nunez. Now, an exit rumour regarding another player has emerged.

"World-class" Liverpool player set to leave

According to a new update from Calciomercato [via Sport Witness], Liverpool could allow Federico Chiesa to leave at the end of the season.

The Italian has struggled to make an impression since signing from Juventus last summer, and a return to his homeland has been mooted. Napoli are thought to be keen on snapping up the £150,000-a-week winger, and they are thought to be in pole position to snap him up.

It simply hasn’t worked out for Chiesa, with Slot seemingly not considering him an important part of his plans, even though Alessandro Pierini has lauded him in the past, saying:

“He’s world-class. He has all the ability and desire of a great player. If he improves then he’ll be even better than his father [Enrico]. I have loads of respect for Enrico and all he has done to help Federico come on as a player until now.”

Chiesa has been limited to just 25 minutes of Premier League action in the 2024/25 season to date, spanning three separate cameos, and he has even struggled for playing time with other attacking players out of form in recent weeks.

Should the 27-year-old depart at the end of the campaign, he will be viewed as a cheap gamble that ultimately didn’t work out, but if he ends up staying put, the hope is that he can kick on and show Liverpool fans his quality.

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As things stand, though, a summer exit looks more likely than not, unless he enjoys an eye-catching couple of months in the title run-in.

Sunderland are likely to miss out on the boat of automatic promotion up to the Premier League, but Regis Le Bris’ first season at the Black Cats helm will still be seen as a success at this point in time.

The Wearside outfit are very much comfortable occupying a playoff spot in the Championship, with the Frenchman on course to steer his high flyers to their 20th league win of the season if Sunderland can get the better of Preston North End on their own patch.

To pick up another three points, Le Bris will know he needs his main marksman Wilson Isidor to be firing on all cylinders, with the 24-year-old a revelation up top.

Isidor's heroics for Sunderland this season

There would have been a worry in the air when Isidor initially entered the building on loan from Zenit St. Petersburg, with Sunderland falling victim to a number of goal-shy centre-forwards last campaign in the form of Nazariy Rusyn and Mason Burstow.

However, there didn’t need to be such concern over the Black Cats’ left-field buys this time around, with Isidor proving himself to be a reliable source of impressive strikes in the second tier since joining.

Sunderland even forked out £3m in the last transfer window to make Isidor’s stay permanent, with the Frenchman repaying his team’s faith with excellent goals such as the one against Leeds United in February.

During that clash, Sky Sports journalist Dougie Critchley referred to the 6 foot 1 attacker as a “one-man machine” for the ease at which he shrugged off Ethan Ampadu to then fire home.

In total, Isidor finds himself on 12 goals and two assists in Championship action, with a hope on the Frenchman’s end that he is Premier League-bound very soon.

But, the promotion candidates might well have saved themselves some hassle if they’d kept a firmer grip on their former striker who left the Stadium of Light in 2019 in premature fashion.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

Sunderland's "special" academy star now better than Isidor

It’s well known to many now that Sunderland have a reputation for producing some top-quality youngsters, with the current crop at Le Bris’ disposal boasting the likes of Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg, among other standout names.

But, it might be forgotten that Josh Maja’s first big break in the senior game came on Wearside, with the wide-eyed starlet an instant hit in the first team picture when given a shot.

Yet, as Sunderland are all too aware of when it comes to Bellingham and Co in the here and now, it’s hard to keep their best prospects around after they’ve exploded into life, with Maja’s electric return of 17 goals from 49 first team appearances piquing Bordeaux’s interest.

Bordeaux eventually won their man for £3.5m, and whilst the now 26-year-old’s playing days haven’t always been smooth sailing since exiting Sunderland owing to injury concerns, he is still very much a goal machine when at the peak of his powers. That has been seen this season when lining up for the Black Cats’ promotion foes in West Bromwich Albion.

Games played

26

33

Goals scored

12

12

Assists

2

2

Shots per 90

1.8

2.3

Scoring frequency

173 mins

207 mins

Big chances created

6

8

Big chances missed

10

16

Looking at the table above, Maja has been even more clinical than Isidor this season arguably, with fewer big chances missed and a faster goalscoring frequency than his Sunderland counterpart on display.

The “special” attacker – as he was labelled by Carlos Corberan earlier this campaign – is currently sidelined with another injury issue, but he might well end up firing the Baggies to promotion if he can recapture his form back at full fitness, with his deadliness in-front of goal reportedly making him a £15m target for some Premier League sides.

Ultimately, Sunderland will regret not being able to keep Maja around for longer, but Le Bris will just pray Isidor has enough in the tank to guide his team up to the top-flight over Tony Mowbray’s challengers.

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Of the players arriving into this Ashes riding the crest of England’s nu-wave, Harry Brook is probably at its very peak. Which explains the confidence he has in stating the faster Australia bowl, the quicker they will get sent to the boundary.”Obviously they might have a little bit of extra pace, but if they bowl quicker it tends to go to the boundary quicker,” he said, when asked about the arsenal of the visiting quicks. They will be the best and sharpest he has faced so far. And he doesn’t seem all that bothered by them at all.All to a man speak of belief and a love of being where they are and doing what they are doing. But few wear it as proudly as Brook. The 24-year-old has tangible proof of just how highly he is regarded in the England set-up.That the return of 2022’s Bazball totem Jonny Bairstow meant losing Ben Foakes, a reliable performer and certainly a superior wicketkeeper, was a testament to how the Yorkshire wunderkind has made the position his own. Seven caps in, 818 runs, four centuries, averaging 81.80 and striking at 99.03 – in a free-wheeling group, he is non-negotiable.Related

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“There was a lot of talk of me opening the batting – thank god I’m not doing that,” laughed Brook, perhaps remembering a 10-game stint for Yorkshire across 2018 and 2019 in which he averaged 14.94 at the top of the order.”I was never asked. It gives me a lot of confidence knowing that I’m going to be batting five and they back me batting there.”To have established himself so early and in such fashion – after picking up a T20 World Cup winners’ medal, he then toured Pakistan and New Zealand, scoring more runs in nine innings than any in Test history – speaks to a high base level of self-regard dovetailing with undoubted ability. The drive to get to this level has been evident throughout, and the enthusiasm to replicate the exploits of the England stars of 2005 – a fond series for him, albeit on DVD years after given he was six at the time – is clear. Some of his mates will be on hand in the Hollies, and will no doubt toast Brook’s Ashes debut repeatedly throughout the day.This Test, however, is the first with a sense of responsibility around Brook, even if the McCullum-Stokes ethos is geared towards quashing anything that promotes caution. That he feels part of it all is in some way an acceptance of those expectations.”It’s a dream come true to be involved in my first Ashes,” said Brook. “Growing up I was watching some of these players who are still playing, against the best in the world and the best Australians. I’m looking forward to it.”I feel like I’m more part of the team now. Obviously as a deputy you don’t quite feel like you’re meant to be there if you know what I mean. So to have been contributing and gain a few match-winning performances this winter has meant the world and I feel a big part of the team now.”Harry Brook launches a drive down the ground•Getty Images

That Bairstow is behind him offers him license to go even harder, if that is possible. And with Moeen Ali behind the keeper-batter, Brook is excited by the prospect of seeing how a blockbuster lower-middle-order can perform out in the middle.”It’s a long batting line-up, that’s for sure. There’s a lot of T20 experience in there and lads batting with the tail tend to go harder and hit as many runs in a short period of time. To have them boys batting at seven and eight is ridiculous really.”That Brook has never faced Australia – the match at last year’s World Cup was rained off – puts a little bit extra on this. There is no doubt he will be the subject of a lot of their attention. The numbers – what he’s posted and his age – have put a target on his back, and he will not be lost for people to talk to when batting as the visitors look to disrupt his flow.There is no doubt the man will be willing to go toe-to-toe and give a bit back. He is certainly aiming to carry on his domineering ways out in the middle, even against the best attack in the world right now. And especially against one of the modern era’s premiere off-spinners in Nathan Lyon.”If I get a good ball I’m going to try and survive against that good ball, and if he bowls me a bad ball I’ll try and hit it for four or six. So it’s not necessarily I’m going to come after him and try and hit every ball for six. I’m going to respect the bowler and whatever he bowls and if it is a bad ball I’ll try and hit it for six.”