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Leeds United’s defensive troubles continued this week as Marcelo Bielsa’s senior outfit were thrashed by yet another one of the Premier League’s top dogs.

A six-goal thrashing by Liverpool sees the Whites’ worrying record extend to 38 goals conceded across their last 12 outings in all competitions, meaning they are leaking 3.2 goals per game.

An alarming figure indeed.

The 30th of November was the last time that the Yorkshiremen kept a clean sheet.

To Bielsa’s credit, he has been without some key figures in this run, mainly club captain Liam Cooper and midfield anchorman Kalvin Phillips. At Anfield, Robin Koch and Diego Llorente were also missing, leaving the Argentinian head coach with just one senior centre-back in Pascal Struijk.

However, there was one name on the bench that could prove to be an interesting solution and one that can save chairman Andrea Radrizzani millions of pounds in upcoming transfer windows.

In the absence of the aforementioned stars, it’s potentially damning on the manager that he did not name Charlie Cresswell in the starting XI as he has proven his worth in what limited game time he’s received.

His one start in the top-flight, a win over West Ham United in January, garnered some high praise indeed. Despite being a towering 6 foot 3, the 19-year-old gem was dubbed a ‘pass-master’ by Football Insider before pundit and ex-Leeds star Noel Whelan waxed lyrical about his ability.

“If some of those first-teamers aren’t performing, he’s waiting in the wings to take the opportunity,” he said. “It doesn’t matter how young he is. He’s shown that he can produce against some of the best in the Premier League.”

Podcaster and presenter Joe Wainman also backed the youngster to become a hit at Elland Road.

“That boy, for me, was unbelievable and I don’t think he should come out of the side. He’s a mainstay now, for me. I thought Cresswell was class, genuinely class,” he claimed after the match.

Perhaps it’s time to hand him that opportunity and in doing so, Bielsa could well unearth the club’s next Rio Ferdinand – one of the Whites’ most talented young centre-backs of yesteryear.

Just like the Manchester United legend, Cresswell is thought to have leadership qualities, as talked up by himself during an interview with the YEP.

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“I’m confident, I’m a leader, I like to play and I like to head it! There’s lots of players in the first team that I look up to, the likes of Coops, Bill, they lead by example and that is what I want to try and follow.”

A new central defensive option will be a priority in the summer, regardless of who is in charge and what division Leeds find themselves in but the 19-year-old academy graduate could be a bargain solution to their problems.

If trusted, he could save the Yorkshiremen a lot of money indeed.

AND in other news, Leeds liability’s struggles continue in Liverpool thrashing…

Patrick Boyland has now shared a double injury boost for Everton before they play Tottenham Hotspur away in the Premier League on Monday night.

The Lowdown: Points needed

Given their position in the top-flight table, the Goodison Park faithful really need to start getting some significant points on the board, and fast.

They have lost four out of their last five games in the division, and Spurs will not be an easy test, given their own hopes of qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

The Latest: Injury update

As shared by The Athletic journalist Boyland, Frank Lampard is ‘hopeful’ that Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be able to return to the team, as he eases his way back into training.

Andre Gomes has also trained and is now ‘available’ for selection, meaning that the former Derby County and Chelsea manager could welcome back two key members of his squad for the match.

The Verdict: Boost

It is certainly a boost for the Merseyside club to be able to recall both players to training, and potentially into the starting eleven against the Lilywhites.

When Calvert-Lewin is fully fit, he is a real asset to the side, emphasised by his three goals in the first three games of the Premier League season before unfortunately fracturing his toe.

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Gomes offers Lampard another handy option in the middle of the park, especially given the injuries to both Tom Davies and Fabian Delph, and so having both back will only bolster the squad.

In other news, find out what fresh injury blow the Toffees have now been dealt before THFC here!

According to reports out of Spain, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has issued a transfer demand as news emerges on Atletico Madrid star Marcos Llorente.

The Lowdown: Llorente pivotal over 2020/2021…

The 27-year-old was a pivotal player for manager Diego Simeone over 2020/2021 as Atletico sealed the La Liga title in dramatic fashion on the final day.

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Llorente was described as one of the ‘revelations’ of their league-clinching campaign with the midfielder notching a mightily impressive 12 goals and 11 assists over his 37 Spanish top flight appearances (Transfermarkt).

Hailed as an ‘incredible’ player and ‘world class’ by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, his impressive displays resulted in call-ups to the Spanish national team.

While he has played a less significant role this season, with Simeone often deploying him as a makeshift right-back, Reds boss Klopp has still been impressed enough by Llorente to issue a transfer demand.

The Latest: Liverpool eye Llorente move…

According to Spanish sources, Liverpool, and by extension owners Fenway Sports Group, have Atletico’s ace ‘on the agenda’ this summer after a personal transfer demand by Klopp.

It is believed the Reds want sign a player who ‘can occupy the most forward role’ and ‘reinforce’ the ‘interiors’ – coming after a ‘personal’ request by their manager.

Llorente, as a result, is Liverpool’s ‘new goal’ for the summer transfer window with his versatility coming as a major attraction.

The Verdict: Make a move…

Once valued at his €120 million (£101m) release clause in March 2021, the ace can be deployed in a variety of roles – defensive midfield, central midfield, attacking midfield, right midfield as a second striker and in the full-back role (Transfermarkt).

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Llorente put pen to paper on a new deal until 2027 in mid-August last year with it being unclear whether his £101m release clause is still valid.

However, if Liverpool get quoted a reasonable price for the player, he may well come as a shrewd option for Klopp going by his huge performances during Atletico’s title-winning campaign.

In other news: FSG also readying bid to sign ‘top level’ £67m man as opportunity opens for him to join Liverpool, find out more here.

Former Premier League Golden Boot winner Kevin Phillips believes that Leeds United colossus Kalvin Phillips could be temped by a move to Aston Villa in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Phillips on the move?

The 26-year-old has been one of the poster boys of the modern era at Elland Road, blossoming into arguably one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.

Given Phillips’ current stature in the game – he is England’s reigning Player of the Year – it could be that he looks for a new challenge at the end of the season.

He has been linked with a move away from his boyhood club already, and former Sunderland striker Phillips believes that the Leeds midfielder could be enticed away from Elland Road by Steven Gerrard and co.

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The Latest: Phillips could be tempted by Villa

Speaking to Football Insider, the 48-year-old claimed that he could see a move to Villa materialising for Leeds’ Phillips this summer, saying:

“He’s very capable of playing for those big six clubs, there’s no doubt about it. He’s a superb player but he’s struggled with injury this season – which could be a concern for any interested club.

“I think when he’s fully fit, he could slot into any of those top sides, and Leeds United are going to have a real battle on their hands to keep him around.

“The only saving grace is that he loves the club, and you’d think that he would want to help them stay in the Premier League. I think there’ll be bids flying in for him. There’s no surprise that Villa with Steven Gerrard are in for him.

“It could be a very tempting move for him. He’d be playing under one of the Premier League’s best midfielders.”

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The Verdict: Leeds must stay up to keep Phillips

For Leeds to have any realistic chance of keeping hold of Phillips beyond this season, they simply have to retain their Premier League status between now and May.

For all of his admirable loyalty to Leeds, he surely wouldn’t accept playing Championship football again, considering that he is arguably good enough to be playing for a Champions League club given reported interest from the likes of Liverpool.

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Should the Whites preserve their top-flight status, the possibility of Phillips staying put certainly shouldn’t be ruled out, but it would be hard to begrudge him a transfer elsewhere as he may look to kick on in his career.

In other news, Phil Hay has provided an injury update on one Leeds player. Find out who it is here.

As per Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, as shared by Sport Witness, there has been an update on Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Sporting CP’s star midfielder Matheus Nunes.

The Lowdown: Nunes in demand…

Spurs have been linked with a move for the 23-year-old who has been really impressing this season under manager Ruben Amorim.

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Nunes, standing out as one of Sporting’s most threatening players in Liga NOS, has completed more successful take-ons per 90 than any player in their squad (2.3) whilst attracting the second-most fouls on average (WhoScored).

Proving a real menace for defenders abroad, the young star has attracted interest from Tottenham and a host of Premier League sides, with managing director Fabio Paratici even sending officials to run the rule over him back in February (O Jogo via Sport Witness).

Now, O Jogo (via SW) bring an update as Spurs make pre-summer contact in the form of an approach.

The Latest: Tottenham contact made…

Indeed, according to their sources, the Lilywhites have ‘already enquired’ over Nunes, who has a €60 million (£50m) release clause in his contract running till 2026.

However, O Jogo claim that Sporting are willing to sell for less than that as they set a price of ‘at least €40m (£34m)’ for any interested club to sign Nunes.

The Verdict: Make the move?

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte has again suggested that the club need to match his ambition if the Italian is to remain in charge.

Bearing this in mind, signing a player of Nunes’ calibre could be a real statement of intent, especially considering Premier League champions Man City also have the bright number 8 on their list of targets.

Sky Blues boss Pep Guardiola has also lavished praise on Nunes following his side’s 5-0 demolition of Sporting in the Champions League last 16.

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The Spaniard even branded him ‘one of the best players in the world’, a huge statement by one of Europe’s most elite bosses.

As Sporting are willing to part with Nunes for less than his £50m clause, it appears Tottenham could have a real chance to make an ambitious move this summer.

In other news: Tottenham official travels to club as Conte now eyes ’emerging superstar’ with Son’s agent! Find out more here.

According to Italian news outlet Messaggero Veneto, Udinese forward Gerard Deulofeu is being targeted by West Ham ahead of a potential €20m (£16.6m) summer transfer.

The former Watford winger has had an exceptional season in Serie A, scoring nine goals in 25 appearances and setting up two more, as he has transitioned effectively into becoming a striker.

His versatility could be a key reason behind the east London club’s interest, due to Michail Antonio being the only natural striker at the club and the Spaniard’s ability to also operate as a left winger.

While Deulofeu’s career has seemingly been revived in Italy, this would be his fourth stint in England – and if his previous spells are anything to go by, could it be an unsuccessful signing from a West Ham perspective? Our writers give their verdicts below….

 Vijievan Jeevathayalan

“With just 20 goals in 127 games in his time in the Premier League, Deulofeu would be hugely underwhelming as a potential summer signing. The former Everton and Watford man showed flashes of his brilliance in England, but really struggled to deliver anywhere near the kind of consistent form that would suggest a third spell in the top flight would see him finally bring the goods.

“West Ham have taken several steps forward under David Moyes, and with a place in the Europa League quarter-finals already secured, and being well-placed in the Premier League for another impressive finish, the Hammers should be looking at real statement signings this summer. Deulofeu simply doesn’t fit the bill, and Moyes would be making a major howler to push through a move for the Spaniard. It’d quite frankly be a complete waste from GSB.”

James Thompson

“If West Ham were to make a move to bring Gerard Deulofeu back to the Premier League after his stints with Watford and Everton, this would be a really uninspiring move from GSB.

“Having scored just four goals in his previous season in England with Watford, it’s hard to see the Spaniard winning a battle against the likes of Said Benrahma, Jarrod Bowen, Pablo Fornals or Manuel Lanzini to become a regular first-team figure for David Moyes.

“With the summer transfer window in mind, if the Hammers are going to be in the market for another attacking player, Deulofeu should be nowhere near the top of their transfer target list.”

Daniel Emery

“It would be a surprising move from the Hammers given their wealth of options in the attacking midfield areas. Bowen, Vlasic, Benrahma, Fornals, Yarmolenko and Lanzini can all play in the positions behind the striker and I struggle to see where Deulofeu would fit in.

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“He predominantly plays off the right and his 10 goals and four assists since the start of last season do not suggest that he has the quality to displace Bowen, who has 16 goals and 15 assists in the same time, from that role.

“The Spaniard is not an upgrade on what they have and, at 28, is not an up-and-coming prospect who they can look to bed in over time. This deal is a must-avoid.”

In other news – Imagine him and Antonio: West Ham must land £18m-rated “weapon” likened to Beckham

It is not difficult to understand why Leeds United were heavily linked with a move for 19-year-old sensation Fabio Carvalho in the January transfer window.

Indeed, the £3.15m-rated attacking midfielder has been in breathtaking form over his 27 Championship appearances for Fulham this season, scoring seven goals, registering six assists and creating ten big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of two shots and making 1.9 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the teenager who Sky Sports analyst Nick Wright dubbed an “extraordinary talent” average an incredibly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.01, ranking him as Marco Silva’s ninth-best performer in the second tier of English football – playing a key role in the Cottagers’ all but confirmed return to the Premier League.

And, although Victor Orta did spend £26m on support striker Rodrigo back in August 2020, in truth, between Tyler Roberts and the Spain international, Leeds have lacked a truly creative attacking midfielder ever since the departure of Pablo Hernandez.

While it is true that the 36-year-old was probably past his best in 2020/21, being used sparingly by Marcelo Bielsa, the playmaker was influential for the Whites over his 36 appearances in the club’s Championship-winning campaign back in 2019/20.

Indeed, this season, the £270k-rated Spaniard scored nine goals, provided nine assists and created 13 big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 2.1 shots and making 2.3 passes per fixture.

These metrics saw the £19k-per-week midfielder who Phil Hay dubbed both a “demon” and “unreal” earn a quite remarkable seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.35, not only ranking him as Leeds’ best performer in the second tier but also as the third-best player in the division as a whole.

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As such, while a deal for Carvalho – who looks set to become available on a free transfer this summer – may be a difficult move for Orta to pull off, with Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund all being linked with the 19-year-old, it would nevertheless appear essential for the sporting director to do all he can to land the Fulham sensation at the end of the season – as the Portugal U21 international could well prove to become the next Hernandez at Elland Road.

AND in other news: Huge blow: Phil Hay drops 7-word behind the scenes Leeds update, Marsch will be gutted

Bruno Fernandes – Manchester United’s get out of jail free card.

How often, with the Red Devils seeking a moment of inspiration, a moment of magic, does the Portuguese genius pull a rabbit out of the hat, having come to the aid of a succession of managers in his almost six-year stay at Old Trafford.

As captain, the 31-year-old has managed to keep this sinking ship afloat in recent seasons, notably ending 2024/25 with 38 goals and assists in all competitions, having looked a man possessed under compatriot Ruben Amorim.

Even in a deep-lying role this time around under the ex-Sporting CP, Fernandes is still at the centre of everything good about this current United side – but for how much longer?

What Bruno Fernandes said about his Man Utd future

The United skipper produced one of his finest moments of the campaign in the 4-4 thriller with Bournemouth last week, rifling home a free-kick to drag the hosts back level in that topsy-turvy contest at the Theatre of Dreams.

Even while ultimately left to settle for a point, there was an air of positivity in the aftermath of that game, with Amorim appearing to have finally taken the handbrake off following a subtle switch to a 4-3-3 set-up.

As is the way in the modern Manchester United era, however, the balloon was burst somewhat soon after, with comments from Fernandes’ prior interview with Canal11 filtering through.

Having previously spoken openly about coming close to joining Saudi side Al Hilal over the summer, ahead of his 300th United appearance, the midfielder was far more explosive with his latest comments, accusing the club of wanting him to sell him, but lacking the “courage” to do so.

The £300k-per-week playmaker – who also hinted at having received offers to leave in 2024 – then flirted with the idea of winning titles in Spain, alongside revealing a possible desire to return to Italy, having previously played in Serie A with Udinese.

With just 18 months left on his contract, Fernandes’ future will be a major talking point now heading into 2026. If he does depart, a suitable replacement needs to be found.

Man Utd could turn to the new 'Keane & Scholes' to replace Fernandes

Even without the uncertainty over Fernandes, the midfield unit has been a real priority for INEOS regardless, with the club having been linked with a move for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba over the summer.

The suggestion is that the Seagulls star remains a target heading into the new year, although he has since been joined by England and Nottingham Forest sensation, Elliot Anderson, with the ex-Newcastle United man now attracting notable interest.

Valued at potentially somewhere in the region of £100m, the 22-year-old wouldn’t come cheap, although he could represent the perfect, long-term successor to Fernandes in that deeper midfield role.

His quality has been on show in the early months of this season, in particular, with Anderson appearing to nail down a starting role alongside Declan Rice at international level, ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

This is no safe and steady Jordan Henderson or Conor Gallagher style partner for Rice, however, with the Geordie superstar looking like a player of all-round brilliance, both in and out of possession.

Indeed, in the Premier League this season, the one-time Bristol Rovers loanee ranks in the top 4% of midfielders for progressive passes and the top 4% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref, highlighting how he can both pick out a pass, while also gliding his way up the pitch at will.

There is steel to match the silk, however, with the £100m man also ranking in the top 18% for tackles and the top 7% for blocks made, with those traits having been on the show as he dazzled in the 2-2 draw with United at the City Ground not too long ago.

Anderson vs Man Utd (01/11/25)

Stat

Record

Minutes

90

Touches

84

Pass accuracy

75%

Key passes

3

Possession lost

25

Dribbles

2/2

Tackles won

1/1

Recoveries

14

Total duels won

7/14

Stats via Sofascore

Comparisons to figures of the past might be cheap and unhelpful, but glowing reports are now flooding in regarding the discarded Newcastle man, with talkSPORT’s Max Scott even going as far as to suggest that he is “a bit of Roy Keane, Paul Scholes and Zinedine Zidane all rolled into one”.

Subscribe to our newsletter for Man Utd transfer insight Dig deeper—subscribe to the newsletter for expert analysis of Fernandes’ future, midfield succession plans and transfer targets like Elliot Anderson. The newsletter provides focused coverage breaking down contract implications, tactical fits and scouting rationale for Manchester United. Subscribe Subscribe to our newsletter for Man Utd transfer insight Dig deeper—subscribe to the newsletter for expert analysis of Fernandes’ future, midfield succession plans and transfer targets like Elliot Anderson. The newsletter provides focused coverage breaking down contract implications, tactical fits and scouting rationale for Manchester United.

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Whether he has the real match-winning, game-changing quality is another matter, although with United now boasting an array of forwards who have somewhat lifted the burden on Fernandes, there is no expectation for Anderson to directly fill the shoes of the Portuguese talisman.

Instead, the fleet-footed Englishman could provide greater balance and control in Amorim’s midfield department, with there only so long that the club can go on relying on agent of chaos, Fernandes, to bail them out of trouble.

Related He'd be unplayable with Cunha: "Unstoppable" PL star open to joining Man Utd

Manchester United’s hunt for new additions is on, heading into the January window.

Posts ByRobbie Walls

Sunderland showed a real squad togetherness away at Brighton and Hove Albion to collect a hard-fought point.

It wasn’t the prettiest display by any stretch of the imagination, as the Black Cats had to make do with a 0-0 stalemate on the South Coast.

But, with six figures in Regis Le Bris’ camp now out at the African Cup of Nations, it was still a positive sign that the Wearside battlers will continue to work hard for each other, even if their ranks are a little decimated.

In particular, Daniel Ballard stood out once more as a hard-to-break-down defensive presence, as the former Arsenal centre-back continues to impress this season for the Premier League newcomers.

Ballard's standout Premier League performances

In a summer of much change at the Stadium of Light in terms of incomings, Ballard has managed to stay put in Le Bris’ first team plans, having first joined the ranks during the 2022/23 season in the Championship.

Now, he looks every bit a Premier League-calibre defender, with a player of the match accolade even arriving his way at the close of the dull draw at the Amex, with Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley hailing him as Sunderland’s “star player” on the day.

The numbers back up all this wild praise, too, as the Northern Ireland international trudged off at the end of the even contest with a mammoth 16 duels and tackles won, alongside only misplacing five of his 46 passes as a calming influence in the heart of the rock-solid Black Cats defence.

He even had two on-target attempts at Bart Verbruggen’s well-protected goal, with Ballard standing out all season long as “one of the big characters on the pitch” as per ex-Manchester United defender Phil Jones, when scoring two goals – one of which came against his ex-employers in Arsenal – and also winning a resolute 6.3 duels per league clash.

He has made the jump up from the Championship to the Premier League look a breeze; therefore, with Le Bris hopeful that he has another Ballard on his hands in this equally combative figure, who could become an even more crucial part of the Frenchman’s team, with the ongoing AFCON.

Sunderland's new Ballard

Having forked out £162m on new recruits this summer, there will be some delight on Sunderland’s end, too, that a large portion of their promotion heroes have taken to the step-up with ease, over these flashy signings stealing all of the limelight.

With Reinildo out in Morocco with Mozambique for the next couple of weeks, Trai Hume has a real opportunity to show Le Bris that he is also a Ballard-type figure; being an energetic and reliable defender cut out for the bright lights of the Premier League.

Hume’s numbers vs Brighton

Stat

Hume

Minutes played

90

Touches

53

Accurate passes

21/25 (84%)

Key passes

1

Accurate crosses

1/1

Tackles won

5/7

Interceptions

1

Clearances

4

Blocked shots

0

Recoveries

5

Total duels won

10/16

Stats by Sofascore

He has been Sunderland’s main starter in the right back spot this season, having been a dependable face to rely on during the Black Cats’ playoff journey, but his importance to the cause will go up even more now, to rival Ballard’s status as one of the first names on the team sheet, as he put in an admirable shift in the left-back spot against the Seagulls, in Reinildo’s absence.

Indeed, the versatile 23-year-old very much lived up to his tag of being a “warrior” that was handed to him by his manager in the second tier, having won 15 tackles and duels to preserve Robin Roefs’ clean sheet.

Moreover, he also had flashes of attacking impetus, much like Ballard, with one shot and one key pass registered, with the ex-Lorient manager surely feeling less uneasy now about the ex-Atletico Madrid defender not being present, knowing he has a fan favourite in Hume who can step up when required.

Subscribe to our newsletter for deeper Sunderland insights Get the newsletter for in-depth Sunderland and Premier League player analysis, stat-driven breakdowns of defenders like Ballard and Hume, tactical takeaways and practical scouting notes to deepen your understanding of match performances. Subscribe Subscribe to our newsletter for deeper Sunderland insights Get the newsletter for in-depth Sunderland and Premier League player analysis, stat-driven breakdowns of defenders like Ballard and Hume, tactical takeaways and practical scouting notes to deepen your understanding of match performances.

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Only costing a remarkable £200k to obtain from Linfield in early 2022, it’s clear that the £45k-per-week full-back is a bargain that was purchased while Sunderland decayed in the Championship, which has now paid off, with Ballard also only costing a modest £2m, too, to win from the Gunners.

Le Bris will want improvements in the attacking department, with Nick Woltemade’s own goal the only strike Sunderland have been able to cheer across the last two games.

But, he won’t be displeased by the Black Cats’ defensive acumen, as Ballard and Hume aim to start more games together across the busy winter period to come, to steer their well-drilled team to plenty more well-fought points.

Related Fewer touches than Roefs & only 9 passes: Sunderland star must be dropped

Regis Le Bris could look to drop this Sunderland star after his uneventful display in their 0-0 Brighton and Hove Albion stalemate.

Posts ByKelan Sarson

With Liverpool announcing that Rafa Benitez is to leave the club, fans must be wondering how could things get any worse after their dismal Premier League campaign.

Unfortunately things may have to indeed get a bit worse for the club before they get better. Next season the competition will be even fiercer for the Champions League spots and the Premiership title, so Liverpool need to make sure that they get the right man in this summer to replace Benitez. A whole host of names are sure to be linked with the job and with be difficult to predict who will succeed Benitez at the club. One thing is for certain though; whoever comes in will be under immense pressure to deliver success right away.

There may be some problems when it comes to players as well, at 30-years-old Steven Gerrard may well feel that he has to move on from the club in order to win more titles. Fernando Torres may question his future and Yossi Benayoun is also heavily tipped to join Chelsea as a replacement for Joe Cole who is moving on.

Liverpool’s reported transfer budget next season is said to be a lowly £5m and if Gerrard, Torres and Benayoun do all depart Anfield then there is no way that will be enough to rebuild the squad. In fact even if they stayed they would probably still need far more money to challenge for the league.

However there is potential in the team and if Liverpool can get some investment in the summer which enables them to buy a few players then there is no reason that they cannot be competitive next season. But they must realise that if they don’t bring in the right man and add to the team, then they are in danger of falling behind Tottenham and Manchester City for the fourth Champions League spot.

The team finished second in the Premiership two seasons ago and the only major change to the squad has been the departure of Xabi Alonso. Therefore they do have a lot of capable players and last season looks to have been simply a loss of confidence by the players in the manager’s ability.

There is light at the end of the tunnel for Liverpool but it may take a while for them to reach it, whether or not they get new ownership in the summer is going to play on big part on how soon things will get better.

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