The duo shared seven wickets between them to start the three-match women’s T20I series with a win
ESPNcricinfo staff24-Jun-2024A career-best bowling performance from Chamari Athapaththu and an incisive spell from offspinner Inoshi Priyadharshani set up Sri Lanka’s first win over West Indies in women’s T20Is since 2015.Athapaththu and Priyadharshani shared seven wickets, with the former finishing with 4 for 29, to restrict West Indies to 134 for 8. In reply, Sri Lanka romped home with four wickets and eight balls to spare to go 1-0 up in the three-match series.Hayley Matthews managed to see the early back of Athapaththu in the third over. However, Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama did not let Sri Lanka feel the nerve. They batted positively in stitching a 46-run stand for the second wicket with Gunaratne being the aggressor. She hit six fours in her 35-run knock, that included the reverse sweep as well.In a bid to attack legspinner Afy Fletcher, Gunaratne holed out to long-on, giving the tourists a slight opening. Samarawickrama then took charge even as Kavisha Dilhari was trapped in front by Karishma Ramharack. She used her feet to put the spinners off their lines and lengths and scored 35. But after she was cleaned up by Aaliyah Alleyne, Sri Lanka lost 3 for 20 to raise hopes for West Indies, who lost the ODI series 3-0. The experienced Nilakshika Silva then took the hosts home, staying unbeaten on 17.Earlier, West Indies received an injury scare for Stafanie Taylor after being asked to bat. She injured her leg while returning to her crease in the third over and had to be stretchered off, but then returned after the fall of the first wicket in the seventh over – when Athapaththu bowled Qiana Joseph.The Sri Lankan spinners, led by Priyadharshani, kept a lid on West Indies’ scoring throughout, highlighted by Matthews’ run-a-ball 30 being the top-score for them. Thanks to an enterprising 33-run partnership between Alleyne (26 off 22) and Fletcher (14 not out off 11) in just 23 balls, West Indies were able to score 35 runs off the last four overs to finish with a decent score.
With a new era on its way at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, The Friedkin Group and Everton are reportedly looking to sign fresh stars to match their new ground, which could yet see a £50m+ winger arrive.
Everton eyeing attacking reinforcements
It’s not the first time that the Toffees have been linked with attacking additions so far this summer and their plan of attack is clear. Looking to make a statement ahead of their first full season at the helm, Friedkin’s priority, based on recent rumours, is to add much-needed star power to David Moyes’ frontline.
That plan should come as no surprise, either. Whilst Everton improved their attacking numbers last season, they still lacked a consistent threat within their frontline even after Beto’s form picked up under Moyes. And with Dominic Calvert-Lewin still on course to leave the club as a free agent this summer, the Merseyside club must invest up front.
2024/25
42
2023/24
40
2022/23
34
The main factor behind their struggle is clear for all to see. Last season, although improved, was still not a campaign full of goals to savour and only the bottom three managed to score less than Everton.
That stat, alone, may have been enough to send Everton marching towards the transfer market with rumours coming thick and fast as to who could arrive this summer.
Already, names such as Jack Grealish have already threatened to steal the headlines in what would certainly be a statement move by Friedkin. The Premier League-winner is on his way out of Manchester City, having been left out of their Club World Cup squad, and Everton could take full advantage.
He’s not the only name on their radar, however. Reports are also indicating that those in Merseyside have also set their sights on the “king of Lisbon”.
Everton battling to sign Geny Catamo
If not Grealish, then Friedkin could spend big on a talented alternative. According to Caught Offside, Everton are now battling to sign Geny Catamo from Sporting Club this summer. They are reportedly joined by Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, Aston Villa and others in a hectic race to welcome the 24-year-old in the coming months, but the deal won’t come cheap.
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As reported, Catamo has a release clause worth as much as €60m (£51m) in Portugal and Sporting Club look likely to demand that in full if they are to sell their winger this summer. Of course, that verdict should not come as a surprise, given that the Everton target was dubbed the “King of Lisbon” by scout Jacek Kulig after he scored the winning goal against Benfica last year.
Whether Friedkin and Everton deem Catamo a player who is worth over £50m will be the big question in their pursuit. The winger himself, meanwhile, could yet decide to rescind his crown in Portugal this summer amid several interested parties.
Looking to get their summer business underway, Everton are now reportedly battling to sign a Premier League winner who would instantly become their highest earner.
Everton set to miss out on Liam Delap to Chelsea
Although the summer transfer window is yet to officially get underway, Everton have already reportedly been handed their first rejection courtesy of Liam Delap. The Toffees presented their project to the Ipswich Town star in an attempt to convince him that a step towards David Moyes’ side would suit this stage of his career rather than an instant jump into the Premier League’s top six. As right as that argument could prove to be, however, it was not enough to convince the talented striker.
Set to turn Everton and Manchester United down as well as others in favour of a move to Chelsea this summer, Delap’s decision will disappoint those in Merseyside who would have seen their frontline transformed.
Moyes even confirmed Everton’s interest in Delap earlier this month, telling reporters when asked about Delap: “He spoke to three or four clubs. He’s given us our opportunity to pitch our case. We’re probably a little bit behind the black ball but hopefully, you never know what happens.”
Now, however, the Toffees must turn to alternative options in pursuit of improving Moyes’ frontline this summer. And whilst names such as Gustavo Hamers have already been mentioned, Everton could first push to sign a Premier League-winning attacking addition when the transfer window swings open.
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It would be some statement from the Friedkin Group and one that could instantly ease Everton’s Delap woes.
Everton now looking to sign Jack Grealish from Man City
According to The Boot Room, Everton are now battling AC Milan and a host of other clubs to sign Jack Grealish this summer, with Manchester City willing to allow the attacking midfielder to leave on loan in the coming months. Alongside the Toffees and Milan, Aston Villa, Napoli, Newcastle and West Ham are also keen, as are clubs in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
The former Aston Villa star has won all there is to win at the Etihad, including three Premier League titles, but may look back on his spell at Manchester City with slight frustration, having never truly hit the heights that his £100m price tag suggested he could. Now, after being left out of Pep Guardiola’s squad on the final day of the Premier League season, an exit seems increasingly likely.
That said, even on loan, a deal to sign Grealish may not come cheap. If he completed a summer switch to Everton, for example, then he would instantly become their highest earner by some distance at £300,000-a-week.
Jack Grealish
£300,000
Jordan Pickford
£125,000
Idrissa Gueye
£120,000
James Tarkowski
£100,000
Michael Keane
£80,000
Earning over double what Pickford earns at Everton, the pressure would certainly be on Grealish to perform. In regards to how difficult a deal could be to complete, meanwhile, things are likely to be made that much easier by the fact that the Manchester City man is represented by the same CAA Stellar agency as Jordan Pickford.
Nottingham Forest are now making enquiries over a summer deal for an “underrated” forward, who is expected to have an asking price of around £20m, according to a report.
Nottingham Forest gearing up for European adventure
Having managed to qualify for a European competition for the first time since 1996, Forest may need to improve their squad depth in the upcoming transfer window, and they have now started to identify potential targets in a range of different positions.
Despite missing out on Champions League due to the 1-0 defeat against Chelsea on the final day, the Tricky Trees may still be in a strong position to attract quality players from some top clubs, courtesy of securing qualification for the Europa Conference League.
Target
Current club
Position
Taty Castellanos
Lazio
Striker
Jarell Quansah
Liverpool
Centre-back
Martin Baturina
Dinamo Zagreb
Attacking midfield
Luis Henrique
Marseille
Winger
Adrien Truffert
Rennes
Left-back
With Morgan Gibbs-White being heavily linked with a move away from the City Ground, however, it may be particularly important to bring in new attacking options, who are capable of providing goals and assists on a regular basis.
According to a report from GiveMeSport, Nottingham Forest have a new target in mind who could fit the bill in that regard, having now started to make enquiries about a potential summer deal for SC Freiburg forward Ritsu Doan.
Forest are now stepping up their pursuit of Doan, but there could be competition for his signature from Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt, with the Bundesliga sides known to be admirers.
SC Freiburg'sRitsuDoanin action with Bayern Munich's Serge Gnabry
Frankfurt are currently preparing an offer for the Freiburg star, so the Tricky Trees may have to move quickly if they are to secure his signature, with an offer in the region of £20m likely to be deemed acceptable by the forward’s current employers.
"Underrated" Doan impressing in the Bundesliga
The Japanese winger enjoyed an impressive 2024-25 campaign in Germany, picking up a combined 19 goals and assists in 36 matches in all competitions, during which time he also received praise from football talent scout Jacek Kulig.
Not only that, but the 26-year-old is also willing and able to pitch in defensively, ranking in the 92nd percentile for tackles per 90, and the 95th percentile for clearances over the past year, when compared to other wingers and attacking midfielders.
Nottingham Forest now "want to do" deal for "amazing" £50m Liverpool player
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As such, Doan could be a bargain signing for Nottingham Forest at just £20m this summer, at which point Nuno Espirito Santo may have to bring in at least one new winger, amid recent reports that Manchester United are now considering a move for Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Manchester United have endured the worst Premier League season in their history, finishing in 15th place and registering just 42 points – the lowest tally in such a division.
Ruben Amorim was appointed back in November, but has so far been unable to turnaround their fortunes, losing 17 of his 42 matches since taking the reins.
He’s only had one window to make his own mark on the first-team squad at Old Trafford, with Patrick Dorgu his only major investment to date – costing £30m from Italian side Lecce.
However, the 40-year-old will want to part ways with numerous players already on the books, enabling him to have the freedom and funds to make the changes he desires.
With the transfer window just around the corner, numerous players have already been linked with moves to join the Red Devils, potentially using any funds generated from multiple potential sales.
The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer
Over the last couple of weeks, Liam Delap has been United’s number one target for the centre-forward position as the hierarchy look to provide Amorim with the ammunition he needs.
However, it appears as though the manager is set to miss out on a deal for the 22-year-old, after it was confirmed that he prefers a move to fellow English side Chelsea this summer.
Ipswich Town'sLiamDelapreacts
Delap isn’t the only English star touted with a move to Old Trafford this summer, with Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze on their radar, according to American outlet ESPN.
Their report claims that the hierarchy have been looking at a potential deal for the 26-year-old attacking midfielder, who’s registered a total of 16 combined goals and assists in the Premier League this season.
It also states that it’s unclear whether the board can afford him unless they sell players currently at the club, with the Palace star currently boasting a £68m release clause in his contract.
Why United’s £68m target could be the perfect Bruno replacement
Over the last couple of days, club captain Bruno Fernandes has been largely touted with a move away from United, with Saudi Arabian clubs circling for his signature this summer.
Bruno Fernandes
The 30-year-old has been the shining light in the squad this season, registering 37 combined goals and assists across all competitions – helping the side reach the Europa League final.
The Portuguese international stated he wanted to stay at Old Trafford despite the defeat, but given the rumoured £700k-per-week contract on the table from Saudi, it would be a huge offer to turn down for the midfielder.
There’s no denying that it would be a huge loss, with it unthinkable where the club would be right now if it wasn’t for his key contributions within the final third.
However, given his age, it may prove to be the final time they can command such a fee for his services, potentially cashing in on him and using the funds to pursue a move for Eze.
Crystal Palace's EberechiEzecelebrates with the trophy after winning the FA Cup
When comparing their respective figures from the recent campaign, the Eagles star has matched or bettered Fernandes in multiple key areas, highlighting his ability to step up to the plate if needed.
Eze, who’s been labelled “sensational” by content creator Ollie Thomas, may have registered slightly fewer combined goals and assists, but has registered more shots on target – showcasing his impressive ability in such an area when having the chance to advance.
Games played
34
36
Goals & assists
16
18
Shots on target per 90
1
0.7
Progressive carries
2.4
2.3
Pass accuracy
76%
76%
% of tackles won
47%
40%
Take-on success
49%
41%
Fouls won
1.8
1.1
He’s also completed the same percentage of passes he’s attempted, whilst also completing more take-ons, thriving in chance creation with the ball at his feet.
The England international has also won more of the tackles he’s entered, handing Amorim the option to utilise him in a deeper-lying role should he need to in 2025/26.
Offloading Bruno would be a huge blow and something which would anger a lot of supporters – especially considering his impressive record at Old Trafford since his arrival back in 2020.
However, Eze would be a superb addition, with his stats showcasing that he’s capable of surpassing the level produced by the 30-year-old with the Red Devils – allowing for a new lease of life after such a dismal season.
Their own Wirtz: Man Utd make move for "incredible" £36m Bruno replacement
Man Utd may need to find a suitable replacement for Bruno Fernandes this summer
Everton have plenty of work to do this summer as David Moyes shapes his squad and he now looks to have made a key decision involving one of his experienced stars, per a report.
Everton set for a summer of considerable change
While the Toffees’ emotional move away from Goodison Park has been the main story this term, it is easy to forget that Everton have an abnormal amount of players in the ranks with uncertain futures.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Seamus Coleman and Ashley Young lead a host of stars who are set to see their contracts expire, while several loanees could also depart, leaving David Moyes with an uphill task to ensure he has adequate depth come 2025/26.
Everton manager David Moyes
Making early inroads, Everton have lined up Leeds United full-back Junior Firpo on a free transfer. Despite the Friedkin Group’s financial muscle, inexpensive deals will still be needed to balance the books in line with PSR regulations.
After too long in the doldrums of relegation battles, the Toffees find themselves heading towards a new dawn brimming with optimism about what the future could hold. Nevertheless, this summer will balance ruthlessness against sentimentality, potentially breeding some emotional goodbyes involving first-team regulars over recent years.
Everton players with uncertain futures ahead of the summer
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Contract expiring
Abdoulaye Doucoure
Contract expiring
Seamus Coleman
Contract expiring
Ashley Young
Contract expiring
Asmir Begovic
Contract expiring
Michael Keane
Contract expiring
Joao Virginia
Contract expiring
Idrissa Gana Gueye
Contract expiring
Orel Mangala
Loan expiring
Jesper Lindstrom
Loan expiring (option to buy)
Armando Broja
Loan expiring (option to buy)
Jack Harrison
Loan expiring
Carlos Alcaraz
Loan expiring (obligation under conditions)
Out of the stars mentioned, Calvert-Lewin feels like the most likely candidate to leave after a contract stand-off that has been a repeated point of contention among supporters. Now, the dominoes are starting to fall as Moyes wields the axe in a window that is set to provoke dramatic changes for all involved.
Everton set to cut ties with Ashley Young
According to Football Insider, Everton are set to part ways with veteran defender Ashley Young this summer due to Moyes’ decision that the 39-year-old isn’t going to be part of his plans at Bramley Moore. The former Manchester United man, who was labelled “outstanding” by Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa, has fallen out of favour as a starter at Goodison Park and now looks unlikely to be offered a new deal ahead of next season.
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Notching an impressive total of 93 goals for club and country, Young has registered two strikes and four assists in 68 appearances for Everton since arriving on a free transfer in 2023. Providing adequate cover across both full-back positions, the ex-Three Lions international has turned out to be a savvy piece of business during a time where the club had to work under heavy financial constraints.
Unfortunately, it appears Young and Everton are now at the end of the road with each other and look set to shake hands before moving in their respective directions.
Manchester United have a make-or-break summer under boss Ruben Amorim, needing to make the overhaul he desires to get the best out of his first-team squad.
The 40-year-old took the reins back in November from Erik ten Hag after he was sacked, looking to lead the side back up to the top of the Premier League table.
However, with just a handful of games to go, the Red Devils sit in the bottom half of the table, closer to the relegation zone than a place within the European spots.
Manchester United manager RubenAmorim
They could still secure a place in the Champions League next season should they win the Europa League, potentially having a final against fellow English side Tottenham Hotspur.
Regardless of whether they are in Europe again next season, Amorim will want new signings to improve their league standing and push for a top-four spot in 2025/26.
An update on United’s hunt for new additions this summer
Given the cost-cutting operation currently in place at United, it remains to be seen how much funds the manager will have at his disposal to make the signings he desires.
Whilst Matheus Cunha will remain the club’s number one option, Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres has once again emerged on their shortlist ahead of the summer.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokeres
The Swede has once again been subject to interest from the Red Devils, with talks already being held over a possible switch to see him reunite with his former boss.
However, further progress has already been made elsewhere in an attempt to secure the signature of Real Madrid’s star forward Rodrygo, with reports in Spain putting United firmly in the race for his services.
They’ve reported that the Red Devils have already submitted a €80m (£68m) offer for his services, but it remains to be seen whether the LaLiga giants will accept such a bid.
It also states that the Brazilian wants to stay in Madrid but could be tempted by a move to the Premier League, needing to make a decision whether or not he’s keen on the transfer.
Why United’s £68m target would be perfect with Bruno
Bruno Fernandes has been United’s shining light in attacking areas over the last few months, playing a pivotal role in their success in the Europa League – as seen on Thursday night.
The 30-year-old registered two goals in the win over Athletic Club in the first leg, handing them an advantage over the return leg at Old Trafford next week.
His subsequent double has taken him to a staggering 19 goals and 16 assists across all competitions, by far and away the highest of any player within the first-team squad.
However, such a tally could be bolstered even further next year should the club conduct a deal for Rodrygo, with the Brazilian having all the tools to thrive alongside Fernandes at Old Trafford.
The 24-year-old has registered 14 goals and nine assists for the LaLiga giants, a figure that would certainly see United increase their output within the final third.
Games played
30
Goals & assists
11
Pass accuracy
91%
Successful dribbles
2.3
Chances created
2.3
Tackles won
67%
Duels won
5.3
He’s also managed to complete 2.3 successful dribbles per 90, along with 2.3 chances created – potentially partnering the Portuguese international behind the strikers and providing endless opportunities.
Rodrygo, who’s been labelled “one of the best” by current boss Carlo Ancelotti, has also starred without the ball, winning 67% of the tackles he’s entered alongside 5.3 duels won per 90 – fitting perfectly into Amorim’s hard-working and relentless system.
Should the club pull off such a signing over the summer transfer window, it would be an excellent piece of business that would add needed quality to the forward line.
£68m may seem like another hefty fee forked out by the hierarchy, but given his age and his form, he’s only going to develop further, potentially being the Red Devils’ leading talisman for many years to come and leading them back to Premier League success.
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Manchester United took a huge step towards the Europa League final last night with a 3-0 win over Athletic Club.
Will Celtic secure a sixth treble in just nine seasons?
On Easter Sunday, the Celts swatted aside St Johnstone 5-0 at Hampden in the Scottish Cup semi-finals, with Callum McGregor breaking the deadlock and Daizen Maeda bagging a brace, while Adam Idah and Jota were also on target.
Thus, the Hoops will now face Aberdeen in the final on 24 May, also looking to secure a fourth consecutive Scottish Premiership title before then, requiring just a point against Dundee United at Tannadice on Saturday to become champions again.
While Brendan Rodgers’ team continue to dominate on the park, does he have his eye on a new winger in the transfer market?
Celtic seeking to sign a new winger
As reported by Alan Nixon of the Scottish Sun earlier this month, Celtic are ‘eyeing’ a move to sign Stoke City winger Million Manhoef.
The 22-year-old only joined the Potters as recently as January 2024 from Dutch side Vitesse for a reported fee of £3m, but journalist Graeme Bailey believes he is now valued at £10m by Stoke.
So, would this be a good move, and could Manhoef emulate those among Rodgers’ current attacking options?
Why Celtic could be targeting the next Kuhn
Earlier this season, as outlined by Michael Shearer of Breaking the Lines, Nicolas Kühn was ‘poised to become Celtic’s next great attacking player’, starring in the Champions League and unquestionably the best player in Scotland.
However, in more recent times, the German has not been impressing quite so much, as shown in the table below.
Appearances
25
20
Minutes
1,713
1,298
Goals
14
4
Minutes per goal
122
325
Assists
11
3
As the table outlines, Kühn’s form has fallen off a cliff since New Year’s Day, in fact, he’s scored just two goals in 19 outings since bagging a brace against St Mirren on 4 January.
Rodgers stated that Kühn has appeared in the “most games he’s ever played” in a campaign, attributing his drop in form to fatigue, while Robbie Hanratty of the National adds that Kühn hasn’t looked the same since suffering a ‘suspected broken nose’ against Rangers in early January.
Kühn arrived from Rapid Wien for a reported fee of £3m in January last year, now worth £25m, well, according to his agent anyway, with Celtic hoping Manhoef – who is also a diminutive, left-footed right-winger – would experience a similar leap in valuation should he move to Glasgow, so let’s assess how the duo compare.
Appearances
37
46
Minutes
2,524
3,011
Goals
7
18
Assists
4
14
Goals – xG
-2.8
+1.3
Shots on target %
36.8
41.8
Chances created
49
43
Shot-creating actions
103
24
Take-on success %
38%
42.5%
As the table outlines, Kühn does rank higher than Manhoef for the majority of statistics included, albeit this’ll be largely skewed by his performances during the first half of the season.
Also worth considering that, according to Global Football Rankings, the EFL Championship is the 11th strongest league in the world, with the Scottish Premiership ranked 42nd.
Celtic's Nicolas GerritKuhncelebrates scoring their third goal with Adam Idah
Manhoef, to give him credit, does compare favourably, hence why Jacek Kulig from Football Talent Scout labelled him “quality and versatile”, while Dean Jones told Give Me Sport that the Dutchman is “the sort of player that will get fans off their seats.”
Thus, this would appear to be a good deal for Celtic, and they could open negotiations very soon, considering Stoke City’s season will conclude on 3 May.
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Manchester United have been in contact with a “superstar” who Barcelona are looking to sign for free this summer.
Man Utd produce memorable Europa League comeback against Lyon
The Red Devils produced one of their best European comebacks in recent history on Thursday evening against Lyon, advancing to the semi-finals of the Europa League in the process.
Ruben Amorim’s side looked to be cruising to the last four before Lyon took the tie to extra time, and despite having 10-men, the Ligue 1 side then took a two-goal lead with just 10 minutes remaining.
However, goals from Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and a Harry Maguire winner in injury time sparked wild scenes at Old Trafford, with United running out 5-4 winners on the night and 7-6 victors on aggregate.
Man Utd will now take on Athletic Club in the last four, with Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt awaiting in the final in Bilbao at the end of May.
Talking after the dramatic win over Lyon, Amorim said: “I was watching again the ’99, the documentary [when we completed the Treble by beating Bayern Munich with two late goals in the Nou Camp], so to have some inspiration for this moment. But, was a great night. I think the team were tired and you feel it during the game, and then 4-2 with one more player and, in the end, you think it’s over. But here, it’s never over.
“We tried to put Harry Maguire [up there] because he’s the only guy that can score a goal with his headers. And then Kobbie Mainoo, he has a lack of pace in this moment because he had that injury and he stopped for a while, but he’s really good on short spaces, and then he has the ability to do that kind of goal. And then we try it, and sometimes it works, and today was a good day.”
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All of United’s focus now will be on winning the Europa League to guarantee Champions League football at Old Trafford for 2025/26, something which could help in regards to signing some top players over the summer.
Man Utd make contact to sign 25 y/o Barcelona target for free
One player who has been linked with a move to Man Utd is Lille striker Jonathan David. Out of contract at the end of the season, the Canada international looks set to find a new club over the summer, with Amorim recently demanding the Red Devils to pursue a move for the 25-year-old.
According to TBR Football, Barcelona are the most likely to sign David for free this summer, however, Man Utd have been in contact with the striker’s representatives recently.
Lille'sJonathanDavidcelebrates scoring their fourth goal
Dubbed a “superstar”, David is also being eyed up by Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool after another excellent season in front of goal.
A move to Barcelona remains David’s preferred destination, but by the looks of things, a move to Man Utd can’t be ruled out at this stage, especially with the Red Devils still having the chance of Champions League football next season after Thursday night’s rescue mission.
This has been a fantastic season for Liverpool and Arne Slot, now inches away from a Premier League title which may be delivered to Anfield’s doorstep as early as this weekend.
While this is unlikely (Liverpool would need to beat Leicester City away and hope that imperilled Ipswich Town earn three points at home against Arsenal), it’s a certainty at this stage that Liverpool will be the word etched into the trophy before the summer.
Sporting director Richard Hughes will no doubt have spent many months adding sheaf upon sheaf to his transfer plans, tasked with stocking Slot’s squad with new parts ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
Now that Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah’s contracts have been taken care of, rumours around who will replace the outgoing Darwin Nunez at number nine have been ramping up, but Liverpool need to strengthen across the park.
Bringing a new central defender carries every bit as much weight as signing a new striker.
Liverpool's pursuit of a centre-back
Liverpool are looking to strengthen across a range of positions this summer, and despite Van Dijk’s much-anticipated renewal, central defence is set to be chief among the list of priorities.
It seems Liverpool have already identified their favourite target, with recent reports claiming Liverpool are leading the tight-packed race to sign Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, who is enjoying an exemplary breakout year in the Premier League.
AFC Bournemouth's DeanHuijsenduring the warm up before the match
Huijsen might be young and largely untested at the highest level, but his specific skill set bespeaks a future role at the very forefront of the European game.
It’s no coincidence that so many of the continent’s top outfits are lining up to make their move.
Real Madrid have registered their interest but Huijsen is expected to snub the La Liga superstars in favour of staying in the Premier League, report Spanish sources.
This is quite the novelty. But it reinforces Liverpool’s position in the driving seat as Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes confer ahead of the transfer window.
Huijsen is a terrific talent with a big future ahead of him, but he would be joining a vastly talented Liverpool backline and there are no assurances that he’d fit right into the starting fold from the get-go.
Not with Slot’s current options so talented, so proven in this title-winning team. Liverpool need more, but they’ve already hit the jackpot on a star worth even more than the Premier League’s most exciting young centre-half.
Liverpool have hit gold on Klopp signing
Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah was fast-tracked to first-team significance last season after Joel Matip suffered a career-ending knee injury in December 2023.
He’s since become a mainstay in the wider squad, and though Slot hasn’t used the 22-year-old all that frequently this term, he’s still played his part and has attracted interest from Newcastle United, who would be willing to do business for a £30m figure – which is lower than Liverpool’s valuation.
Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah
Huijsen, with a £50m release clause, is worth more. However, Ibrahima Konate’s value is higher than it’s ever been following his part in Liverpool’s soon-to-be triumph.
Konate has been with Liverpool for four seasons now, joining from RB Leipzig after his £36m release clause was activated. Long regarded for his sinewy physique, formidable defending and sharp technical skills, injuries have always been the France international’s sticking point.
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He’s suffered from a bit of fitness bother this term, but Konate has never played more in the Premier League, hailed by analyst Josh Williams as a “monster at covering ground and dealing with one vs one situations.”
This is clear when peering at the data. As per Sofascore, Konate has won 65% of his duels in the top flight this year, keeping ten clean sheets and completing 90% of his passes.
Ibrahima Konate warming up for Liverpool
Huijsen is a great talent, but he’s not yet on the towering 25-year-old’s level. The Spain international, for example, has only won 56% of his Premier League duels, also completing 84% of his passes.
Heading toward his first league title, Konate has been a bona fide success on Merseyside, with Liverpool hitting the jackpot on the talented defender. However, given that he’s about to enter the final year of his contract, FSG will surely be concerned they may lose another member of their backline on a free, with Trent Alexander-Arnold set to join Real Madrid this summer.
Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are both known admirers of the French defender, but Liverpool won’t be letting him leave on the cheap this year, with Spanish sources claiming the Reds would refuse discussions if their €60m (£51m) price tag was not matched.
Given Konate’s just one year away from his deal expiring, this goes to show that Liverpool have got quite the defender in their mix.
There’s no question that Liverpool will hope to retain their monstrous defensive star’s services, especially now that Van Dijk’s future has been sorted and Konate’s fears allayed in that regard.
For now, we wait and see, but whichever way the pendulum swings this summer, Liverpool have hit the jackpot on Konate and will likely do the same on Huijsen, who could join Konate on Merseyside or even take his place in the coming months.
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