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Luis Diaz scored a goal of the season contender as Bayern Munich travelled to Union Berlin on Saturday afternoon. Bayern were looking to maintain their rampant winning form and follow up their midweek Champions League victory at PSG in their weekend trip to the capital. And Diaz, who joined from Liverpool over the summer, netted a sublime first half strike for Vincent Kompany's men.

Getty Images SportDiaz follows up PSG double with sensational strike

Diaz has endured a week of mixed emotions having bagged a brace at PSG in midweek. However, the Colombian's night in Paris was cut short owing to a dangerous challenge on Achraf Hakimi that resulted in his dismissal deep into first half injury time following a VAR review.

Nevertheless, the former Liverpool man was used from the outset by Vincent Kompany at Union Berlin on Saturday afternoon as Bayern looked to make it 10 successive wins to kick off the Bundesliga season.

However, Bayern found themselves behind in the first half through Danilho Doekhi, the towering centre-back on hand to bag his third league goal of the season. FC Hollywood responded through Diaz shortly before the break as he struck past Frederik Rønnow from an impossible angle.

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Diaz impressing in debut Bayern season

The goal was Diaz's sixth in the Bundesliga this season and the reaction of teammate Josip Stanisic spoke volumes about the quality of the 28-year-old's finish. Indeed, the 25-year-old, who was credited with the assist for the goal, ran to celebrate with Diaz with his hands on his head in shock at what he had just witness.

Diaz kept an admittedly poor Stanisic pass in play before touching the ball past Janik Haberer and finding the far corner from an incredibly tight angle.

The former Porto man has really caught the eye since moving to Bayern Munich over the summer, having also provided four assists for Vincent Kompany's men. All four assists have been for Harry Kane to score, with the former Premier League pair striking up a fine understanding for the Bavarian powerhouse.

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Getty Images SportBayern one of the favourites for the Champions League

Diaz will hope he can inspire Bayern to claim further domestic and European glory this season. Bayern have already won the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup as they beat VfB Stuttgart 2-1 back in August, with Diaz on hand to score what proved to be the winning goal.

Bayern are the outright favourites to win the Bundesliga and successfully defend their domestic crown having started the season in flying fashion. Kompany's side are also expected to challenge for the Champions League this season having won all four games so far, beating Chelsea, Pafos, Club Brugge and PSG in the process.

However, they face arguably their toughest test of the campaign when they travel to Arsenal in the next round of European fixtures following the international break. The Gunners, like Bayern, have won all four games Champions League matches so far, and sit top of the Premier League. Yet Diaz will have to sit out that match due to suspension following his dismissal against PSG.

Manchester United are now eyeing a “sensational” £52m Kobbie Mainoo replacement, having received the green light from Ruben Amorim.

Mainoo heading for the exit door amid Keane criticism

Amorim has been extremely reluctant to give Mainoo game time this season, but the Man United manager has the backing of Roy Keane, who recently suggested the midfielder hasn’t done enough in substitute appearances to force his way into contention.

Keane said: “He’s had opportunities recently and when he’s come on and got opportunities, he just looks a bit short for me. I wouldn’t be scratching my head thinking: why is he not in the team? I can see why he is not picking him at this moment in time.”

However, with an opportunity to play for England at the 2026 World Cup at stake, the 20-year-old cannot afford to sit on the bench for the entire season, and it has now been revealed that he is close to sealing a January exit.

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Napoli are now leading the race for the central midfielder, with the Italian club advancing in talks in recent days, and the academy graduate’s departure could exacerbate the need for Amorim to sign a new midfielder this winter.

As such, the United manager has now given a move for Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher the green light, according to a report from Football Insider, which states the former Chelsea man is being targeted as a direct replacement for Mainoo.

The Red Devils are closely monitoring Gallagher ahead of the January transfer window, as club chiefs believe he would be a better fit in Amorim’s system than Mainoo, but there may be competition for his signature.

Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur are also credited with an interest in the 25-year-old, although a deal could be expensive, considering he was recently valued at the £52m mark.

"Sensational" Gallagher could be solid Mainoo replacement

It would be sad to see Mainoo leave, given that the youngster progressed through the youth ranks, but Amorim clearly isn’t totally convinced by the Stockport-born ace, who has featured for just 118 minutes across six Premier League appearances this season.

In an ideal world, Man United would sign one of the best midfielders in the world to replace the starlet, but the Atletico Madrid maestro could be a solid option, given his previous exploits in the Premier League and battle-tested mentality.

During his time with Crystal Palace in the 2021-22 campaign, the Epsom-born midfielder displayed his attacking prowess, chipping in with eight goals and three assists in the top flight, while he is also solid defensively.

Indeed, Gallagher places in the 96th percentile for interceptions per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers, proving that he is a well-rounded midfielder.

Being the massive club they are, Arsenal have had some genuine world-class stars play for them over the years.

Most fans will go straight to the likes of Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Robert Pirès, but there is another who perhaps deserves more respect: Cesc Fàbregas.

The Spaniard certainly tarnished his reputation in the way he left and then joined Chelsea, but during his time in North London, he was utterly incredible, racking up a tally of 57 goals and 95 assists in 303 appearances.

Arsenal have had their fair share of unreal midfielders since, but there is one player in Mikel Arteta’s current squad who could be on his way to emulating Fabregas at his very best this season.

Ranking Arsenal's best midfielders since Fabregas

A name that springs to mind when thinking about some of the best offensive midfielders Arsenal have had since Fabregas left is Aaron Ramsey.

The Welsh international was never on the same level as the Spaniard, but there were points in his tenure at the club when he was near enough unplayable.

For example, in the 13/14 season, the Cardiff-born monster scored 16 goals and provided nine assists in 34 appearances, and while he left for free in 2019, he did so with three FA Cups to his name, and as something of an Emiratés icon.

Another icon of the Emirartes era and one who arguably was as talented as the Como manager, but supremely unlucky with injuries, was Santi Cazorla.

The 40-year-old magician joined the club for under £15m in the summer of 2012 and went on to score 29 goals and provide 44 assists in 180 games before leaving in 2018.

However, the numbers alone don’t do the Lugo de Llanera-born star justice, as, at his best, watching him play football was breathtaking. He could use both feet with ease, could spot a pass way before anyone else and had sensational close control.

The firm fan favourite is perhaps one of the best examples of a ‘what if’ player, as at his best, he could do whatever he wanted.

Finally, when it comes to superstar midfielders in the years after Fabregas, you cannot ignore Mesut Ozil.

Yes, his last couple of years at the club were nothing short of a disaster, but for a significant period of his time in North London, he had a fair chance of being the best ten in the Premier League.

Ozil’s Arsenal record
Appearances	254
Starts	237
Minutes	20816′
Goals	44
Assists	77
Goal Involvements per Match	0.47
Minutes per Goal Involvement	172.03′
Points per Game	1.89
All Stats via Transfermarkt

By the time he left the club, the former Real Madrid star had made 254 appearances, in which he scored 44 goals, provided 77 assists and won four FA Cups.

And now, it looks like one of Arteta’s signings could reach the levels Fabregas did this season.

The Arsenal star who could reach Fabregas levels

There is plenty of excitement around the potential of Ethan Nwaneri, and the arrival of Eberechi Eze has bolstered Arteta’s midfield options.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, in this instance, the player who could potentially reach the level of a prime Fabregas this season is Martin Odegaard.

Now, it’s undoubtedly true that last season was the Norwegian’s worst in an Arsenal shirt, and led many to consider whether he was good enough to lead the club.

However, it’s essential to remember that he suffered an ankle injury early on, and in the two previous campaigns, the “world-class” talent, as dubbed by ex-Arsenal star Paul Merson, was named the club’s Player of the Year.

Moreover, based on his performance in the last two games, he looks to be getting back to his very best, if not surpassing it.

For example, once he came off the bench against Newcastle United, his passing was perfect, and he got the ball to Declan Rice for him to cross to Mikel Merino for the equaliser.

Then, on Wednesday night, he started against Olympiacos and delivered what might be his most impressive performance in years, living up to the billing that he is “more complete than Bergkamp and Ozil” in the words of fellow Norwegian John Arne Riise.

The manager seemed to give him more license to roam, and so, instead of sticking to the right-hand side, he was popping up here, there and everywhere, and it was difficult to keep track of every brilliant pass through the Greek side’s backline he played.

While he did finally get his assist courtesy of a Bukayo Saka finish towards the end, on another night, he could have ended up with two or three.

Now, when you combine this renewed “sensational” passing ability, as one content creator put it, with the fact he’s being allowed to play more of a central midfield role and roam, it doesn’t feel absurd to suggest he could start putting in the sort of performances Fabregas once did at his prime.

Ultimately, there is still so much of the season to go, so if this is just the start of a fully fit Odegaard, then Arteta and Arsenal could have an incredible campaign with him pulling the strings in the middle of the park.

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1

By
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Oct 2, 2025

كشف المدير الفني السابق، ستيف بروس، موقفًا طريفًا وقع له عندما كان مدربًا لفريق ويجان، ويتعلق بالنجم المصري السابق، عمرو زكي، الذي احترف في صفوف النادي الإنجليزي.

وانضم عمرو زكي إلى ويجان، قادمًا من الزمالك، وذلك على سبيل الإعارة لمدة موسم واحد فقط، وهو موسم 2008/09.

وتواجد ستيف بروس في بودكاست مع بول سكولز، حيث تطرق للحديث عن العديد من الأمور، من بينها موقف طريف كان بسبب عمرو زكي، خلال فترة تواجده في ويجان.

وقال ستيف بروس: “كان لدينا لاعب يُدعى زكي في الفريق (عمرو زكي)، لاعب مصري، تتذكرونه؟ كان مثل الحصان، كان لدينا مباراة أمام ليفربول، وتأخر في الحضور، كان عليه التواجد يوم الثلاثاء ولكنه جاء يوم الجمعة”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. شقيق عمرو زكي يوضح حقيقة تدهور حالته الصحية.. وموعد ظهوره

وأضاف: “قلت له (أين كنت؟!)، أخبرني (أوه، زكي يحتاج إلى عطلة!)، قررت ألا يلعب المباراة (كنوع من معاقبته)، خرج من الغرفة، ولكنني فكرت مع نفسي (أوه، نحن لا نمتلك لاعبين كافيين، يبدو أنني سأغير موقفي)”.

وواصل: “جاء يوم المباراة واخترت التشكيل، ودفعت بـ عمرو زكي، بعد دقيقتين قطع الكرة من جيمي كاراجر وسجل هدفًا في الأنفيلد! ثم سجل هدفًا بركلة خلفية مزدوجة”.

واختتم ستيف بروس ضاحكًا:”لقد جاء لي بين الشوطين وقال لي (ألم أخبرك؟ زكي يحتاج إلى عطلة!)”.

Manchester United have now identified an “incredible” manager who’s won three league titles as a potential replacement for Ruben Amorim.

Amorim still under pressure despite Chelsea victory

Amorim managed to stave off some pressure by securing a 2-1 victory at home against Chelsea at the weekend, but there are still doubts over the 40-year-old’s future, given that his record as Man United boss leaves a lot to be desired.

Games

48

Wins

18

Draws

12

Losses

18

Points per match

1.38

Despite the victory over the Blues, the United boss also received criticism from Theo Walcott for some of his in-game decisions, with the former Arsenal winger saying: “The centre-halves… my centre-halves at Arsenal never got changed. Or at Arsenal now, centre-halves do not get changed. Do not change your back four.

“Wingers get changed, which is annoying. I always used to get subbed and thought, ‘Okay, I’ve done my job.’ It was generally the pattern. [But] centre-halves? Don’t change that. It’s too dangerous for me.”

On paper, the Red Devils have some very winnable games coming up next, taking on Brentford and Sunderland, but it remains to be seen how much longer Amorim can last in the job, given that he is still under intense scrutiny.

According to a report from Football Insider, the Man United hierarchy are now making preparations for life after Amorim, having identified Fulham’s Marco Silva as a potential replacement for the manager.

There have been suggestions that Silva could leave Fulham, given his concerns surrounding the ambition of the club, which could open the door for a move to Old Trafford, although he is not the only target.

Fellow Premier League managers, Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and AFC Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, make up the three-man shortlist, with INEOS making contingency plans in case results do not improve.

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Having been at Craven Cottage since July 2021, the Fulham boss is the third-longest serving manager in the Premier League, and he has done a stellar job in west London, guiding the club to promotion before consolidating them as a top-flight side.

During the 2023-24 season, the 48-year-old also received high praise from Stephen Warnock, who lauded him for the “incredible” work he’s done with the Cottagers.

Fulham is not the only club at which the Portuguese manager has been successful either, having won the Greek League with Olympiacos, and the Portuguese second division with GD Estoril Praia, alongside the Championship.

With three league titles to his name, Silva, who most commonly deploys a 4-2-3-1 formation, has arguably earned the chance to prove himself at a top club, so he would be an interesting option if United part ways with Amorim.

Jose Mourinho is open to the idea of taking over at Glasgow Rangers and is now on the lookout for his next managerial position after leaving Fenerbahce.

Mourinho departs Fenerbahce after Champions League exit

It has been confirmed that Mourinho has left Fenerbahce after 14 months in charge of the Turkish side. The iconic 62-year-old manager was sacked just six games into the 2025/26 season, with Fenerbahce failing to qualify for the Champions League after a qualifier defeat to Benfica.

A serial winner who has been in charge of huge European clubs in Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham and Roma during his career, it doesn’t appear as if Mourinho has any plans to retire just yet.

Jose Mourinho’s honours as a manager	Year won
FC Porto
Champions League	2004
UEFA Cup	2003
Liga Portugal	2003, 2004
Taça de Portugal	2003
Portuguese Super Cup	2003
Chelsea
Premier League	2005, 2006, 2015
FA Cup	2007
League Cup	2005, 2007, 2015
Community Shield	2005
Inter Milan
Champions League	2010
Serie A	2009, 2010
Coppa Italia	2010
Italian Super Cup	2008
Real Madrid
La Liga	2012
Copa del Rey	2011
Spanish Super Cup	2012
Manchester United
League Cup	2017
Community Shield	2016
AS Roma
Europa Conference League	2022

A move to Scotland has also been put to the ‘Special One’ in 2025, with Rangers going through more managerial struggles at this moment in time.

Mourinho actually faced Rangers in the 2024/25 Europa League Round of 16, with interim Gers manager Barry Ferguson getting the better of the Portuguese boss over two legs.

Jose Mourinho open to managing Rangers

Talking earlier in the year, Mourinho was asked if the possibility of asked of working in Scotland for Celtic or Rangers would interest him.

He was happy at Fenerbahce at the time but did admit he would be open to a move in the future, calling Rangers a “big club” with a “big fan base”.

Rangers currently have Russell Martin in charge at Ibrox, however, he has had a woeful start to life in Glasgow, with speculation surrounding his future after 10 games in charge.

The Gers also went out of the Champions League at the same stage as Fenerbahce, with Martin’s side humiliated by Club Brugge in a 9-1 aggregate defeat.

Mourinho is now available, so Rangers’ new owners the 49ers Enterprises may have the chance to offer him a move, should they part ways with Martin sooner rather than later.

Shreyas Iyer, who scored a match-winning 36-ball 59 in the first ODI against England in Nagpur, was originally meant to sit out the match. Iyer revealed this in a post-match interview with the broadcasters.India were without Virat Kohli, who was ruled out of the match with a swollen right knee, and they handed the opener Yashasvi Jaiswal an ODI debut. Rather than coming in for the injured Kohli, however, it has emerged that Jaiswal may have been part of India’s original line-up for the match, with Iyer, their regular No. 4, due to start the series on the bench.Iyer revealed that he only came to know he was playing via a late-night call from captain Rohit Sharma.”So, funny story,” Iyer said. “I was watching a movie last night, I thought I could extend my night, but then I got a call from skipper saying that you may play because Virat has got a swollen knee. And then [I] hurried back to my room, went off to sleep straightaway.”Related

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Asked about Jaiswal starting ahead of him, Iyer kept his answer diplomatic. “You know what you want me to say, but I’m going to keep it low-key and cherish this moment, the victory today.”Jaiswal’s addition necessitated a shuffle in India’s line-up, breaking up their regular opening partnership of Rohit and Shubman Gill, with Gill moving down to No. 3. It is as yet unclear who would have batted at No. 3 had Kohli also been available.Iyer has established himself as India’s ODI No. 4 over recent years, and was a vital member of their line-up during their run to the final of the 2023 World Cup, scoring 530 runs at an average of 66.25, with two hundreds including a 70-ball 105 in the semi-final against New Zealand. His strike rate of 113.24 was the best among India’s middle-order batters.The series against England is India’s last set of ODIs before the Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19. India are set to open their tournament with a match against Bangladesh on February 20.It’s not yet clear that India’s original top order for Thursday’s match indicates how they are looking to line up at the Champions Trophy. With Jaiswal uncapped, it is possible they may have been looking to give him game time in this series to keep him ready to play in case India lose one of their regular openers. Gill’s move to the middle order could have been aimed at testing him out in that role should the need arise to replace a middle-order batter. Jaiswal’s left-handedness could also be a factor: there is no left-hand batter in India’s first-choice top six from the World Cup.

Tottenham Hotspur have not had a summer to remember since Ange Postecoglou lifted the Europa League after beating Manchester United at the end of last season.

The Lilywhites have only brought in two new senior players to bolster the squad, on top of Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel signing permanently, as Joao Palhinha and Mohammed Kudus have both been snapped up, from Bayern Munich and West Ham United respectively.

Thomas Frank has, therefore, not had many reinforcements come through the door to bolster a squad that finished one place above the relegation zone in the Premier League in the 2024/25 campaign.

On top of the lack of recruits coming in, the new head coach has also lost James Maddison for the majority of next season after he suffered an ACL injury.

The England international is not the only player who is currently out injured, though, as Dejan Kulusevski is set to miss the first month of the new season after undergoing patella surgery.

Why Kulusevski's injury is a blow for Spurs

Whilst the Sweden international will not be out for anywhere near as long as Maddison will be, the left-footed star’s absence for the next four weeks or so will still be a blow for Frank.

The former Juventus winger is a quality operator on the wing and in the number ten position, which means that Spurs have lost a versatile, as well as a quality, option in the short term.

Kulusevski made 43 appearances in the Premier League and the Europa League combined last season, and showcased his ability on the ball in both competitions.

The 25-year-old magician has the quality to carve open opposition defences to create high-quality opportunities for his teammates on a regular basis, particularly in the Premier League.

Appearances

32

11

xG

4.23

0.87

Goals

7

1

Big chances created

9

2

Key passes per game

2.1

1.1

Assists

4

3

As you can see in the table above, Kulusevski created just over two chances per game on average for the team in the top-flight, but was only rewarded with four assists.

Meanwhile, no other Spurs player created more than 1.7 chances per game on average in the Premier League last season, which speaks to how important the Swedish star was as a creative force at the top end of the pitch.

That is why losing him to an injury is a blow for Frank heading into the opening month of the season, and also why the club need to be in the market for more attacking players.

Spurs place Ligue 1 star on their radar

Tottenham Hotspur fans should be pleased to read that the club are reportedly looking to bring in a player who could be a Kulusevski clone this summer.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to journalist Sebastien Vidal, Spurs have placed Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche on their radar as they look to bolster their squad before the end of the transfer window.

The reporter claims that the Europa League champions want to add more creativity to the group in the coming weeks because of the injury to Maddison, which will see him miss most of next season.

Vidal adds that Akliouche is viewed as a versatile and quality attacking option and that the club are monitoring his situation, but they have not submitted an official offer for his services as of yet.

It has previously been reported that Arsenal are also interested in the 23-year-old talent, who is valued at around £60m by Monaco, which shows that there could be some competition for his services.

Why Spurs should sign Akliouche

The Lilywhites should formalise their interest with an official bid for the French whiz because he could come in as a Kulusevski clone to ease the blow of losing him to injury, and to compete with the former Juventus man when he is fit.

Like the Swedish maestro, Akliouche is a versatile attacking player who can play centrally as a number ten or out wide on the right, drifting infield onto his favoured left foot.

As partially evidenced by his incredible overhead kick in the clip above, the £60m-rated star also brings outstanding technical quality at the top end of the pitch, much like Kulusevski does.

Akliouche, whose technical skills were hailed as “majestic” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, scored five goals and created a whopping 15 ‘big chances’ in 27 starts in Ligue 1 for Monaco last season, which means that he created six more ‘big chances’ than the Spurs man did in the Premier League.

Goals

5

Top 30%

Chances created

49

Top 10%

xA

7.85

Top 5%

Pass accuracy

84.9%

Top 20%

Successful dribbles

50

Top 9%

Assists

10

Top 5%

As you can see in the table above, the Spurs target was one of the most creative players in the French top-flight last season, as he ranked highly among his positional peers in a host of creative metrics.

These statistics suggest that Tottenham would be signing a player who can unlock opposition defences on a regular basis to create high-quality chances for the likes of Dominic Solanke, Kudus, Richarlison, and Tel to stick in the back of the net.

Akliouche appears to have the potential to fill the creative gap left by the injuries to Maddison and Kuluveski, whilst being a clone of the latter for Frank to call upon throughout the season.

When both are fit, Akliouche and Kulusevski could fight for the same position and push each other to improve in training, creating real competitions for places within the squad to ensure that there is no complacency in the XI.

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ByEthan Lamb Aug 9, 2025

It is now down to Spurs to act upon their interest by swooping in with an offer to sign the French talent before the end of the summer transfer window.

Liverpool have met a roadblock in their quest for greatness, and this one might prove insurmountable.

Time was when FSG were perceived as being misers, unwilling to fork out for the big targets that Jurgen Klopp wanted to advance his Anfield project.

But after this incredible summer of spending, who can argue against the Liverpool owners’ intent now?

Arne Slot won the Premier League in his first season at the club, finishing ten points ahead of second-placed Arsenal despite relaxing standards early, with the title wrapped up at the end of April.

But Liverpool’s rivals have also spent this summer, intent on dethroning the Reds. Though Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and the like have strengthened Slot’s first team and then some, there have also been several departures.

The latest of which looks set to be Darwin Nunez, who leaves Merseyside with a thick air of untapped promise.

Why Liverpool are selling Darwin Nunez

In all honesty, it doesn’t seem likely that sporting director Richard Hughes would cash in on Nunez and Luis Diaz, who joined Bayern Munich for £65.5m last week, without pre-established plans for some kind of dynamic attacking successor.

Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak is that man. The Athletic’s David Ornstein has revealed that “there’s a very good chance” Isak will leave St. James’ Park this summer, with “his preference being Liverpool.”

Though Liverpool have already signed Ekitike, Isak has proven himself at the highest level, and the Sweden striker could certainly cohabit with Liverpool’s mobile attacking recruit.

The fact of the matter is that Isak’s relationship with Newcastle and Eddie Howe is broken, albeit not irreparable. This is Liverpool’s time to swoop in and sign “the best striker in the Premier League”, as Isak has been named by Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher.

There are plenty of variables which could disrupt FSG’s marquee move, however, and not least of which is the Magpies’ £150m valuation of their number nine.

Liverpool begin plan for Isak alternative

According to L’Equipe, Liverpool are considering acting on their long-standing interest in Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola this summer, should a move for Isak fall through.

The left-sided Barcola would be seen as a direct Diaz replacement, and is renowned as one of the brightest talents in French football.

PSG do not want to sell the 22-year-old and have valued him at €100m (about £87m), though Liverpool clearly have the funds, having seen a £110m offer for Isak knocked back last week.

Why Liverpool want Bradley Barcola

Two years ago, Barcola left Lyon and signed for PSG in a €50m package including add-ons. Across the 2023/24 campaign, he started slowly, but came alive last term, notching 42 goal contributions across all competitions (including the Club World Cup).

Renowned for his blistering pace and ability to manipulate tight spaces with quick feet and balletic whirls, Barcola would be a credit to the Liverpool project, instrumental across the Ligue 1 side’s earth-shattering quadruple campaign, winning their maiden Champions League title along with all the goods in France.

Given that Barcola ranks so highly against his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues and is considered to be a statistically similar star to Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, as per FBref, it does feel like Liverpool could hit the jackpot if they complete a deal.

Analyst Ben Mattinson has even declared the Frenchman to be “one of the best left wingers in Europe”, having risen from prospect to prodigy since leaving Lyon for the Parisians.

Barcola’s one of those players best analysed through the eye test, because picking at his qualities through the data diminishes him. Even so, he chalked up quite the impressive return last season.

Most Goals + Assists from Top 5 League LWs (24/25 – all comps)

Player

Apps

Goals

Assists

G + A

Raphinha

57

34

25

59

Bradley Barcola

58

21

19

40

Vincius Junior

51

20

17

37

Cody Gakpo

49

18

7

25

Luis Diaz

50

17

8

25

All data via Transfermarkt

This blooming level of prolificness suggests Barcola could be the perfect Isak alternative, should Liverpool be forced into ending their interest in the 25-year-old.

Barcola might not be a centre-forward (though his dynamism lends itself to alternative roles across the frontline), but he would certainly arrive at Liverpool with the properties to replace Diaz, who Slot used as a makeshift number nine many times last term.

He’s fleet-footed, but there’s also the notion that he has more of a creative capacity than Diaz, and that could be used to establish him as a leading member of Slot’s Liverpool team.

Ekitike will need plenty of creative support as he attempts to find his feet in the English top flight, but then the France forward, 23, has been praised by football scout Jacek Kulig for his talents, the analyst saying, “he could definitely reach world-class striker levels.”

With this in mind, is it truly crucial that Liverpool complete a deal for Isak this summer? Liverpool, after all, have only Cody Gakpo as a senior option on the left wing now.

Rio Ngumoha is an incredible prospect, but he’s only 16 years old; chucking him into the deep end this season could derail the hype train.

Given that Gakpo is more of a goalscoring wide forward, focused on cutting inside and striking on goal, Barcola would provide Liverpool with the perfect contrasting foil, blending flair against economy of movement.

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Barcola is viewed as a “world-class player” by those in the FSG offices after all.

So is Isak, but then, Carragher said on The Overlap that he doesn’t “want Liverpool to spend £150m on Isak”, citing such a fee as Kylian Mbappe-level money.

Given that Barcola would be affordable for a much cheaper, though still hefty, figure, Liverpool might want to push ahead with a deal for the PSG man, whose signature might just prove the more fruitful of the two.

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Posts ByDan Emery Aug 7, 2025

West Indies broke a 13-match losing streak and topped Group B to set up a semi-final against New Zealand

Firdose Moonda15-Oct-2024West Indies pulled off the biggest heist of this T20 World Cup and qualified for the semi-finals, against all expectation, and knocked one of the favourites, England.Having last beaten England in 2018, West Indies broke a 13-match losing streak and topped Group B to set up a semi-final against New Zealand in Sharjah. That year was also the last time West Indies played in a semi-final of the T20 World Cup.This is only the second time England have missed out on the knockouts of a T20 World Cup after being eliminated in the group stage in 2010. After wins in their first three matches, they were confident of making the final four this time. Instead, it is South Africa who join West Indies, with England’s net run-rate leaving them third in the group.West Indies win was made all the more remarkable because they were without former captain and veteran batter Stafanie Taylor, who is struggling with a knee injury. In her absence, Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph, found form and wiped away the bulk of the 142-run target. Matthews, playing in her 100th T20I, scored her 14th half-century in the format while Joseph, who had a career-best of 34 before this game, scored a 38-run 52. The pair shared an opening stand of 102 inside 13 overs and West Indies were on their way. This is the sixth time West Indies have successfully chased a total of 140-plus, and the second time since their record chase of 213 against Australia last December.England may have thought they had enough after Nat Sciver-Brunt’s half-century but lacked contributions from the rest of the order. To add to their worries, Heather Knight retired with a calf-injury on 21, with the score on 80 for 3, which halted the momentum England regained after they slipped to 34 for 3 in the seventh over. Afy Fletcher and Deandra Dottin, bowling for the first time in the tournament, took four wickets between them and conceded 37 runs in seven overs, which gave West Indies an advantage they carried through the game.West Indies’ whirlwind start West Indies’ youngsters Zaida James and Ashmini Munisar spoke to ESPNcricinfo a few days ago about their commitment to building a new legacy for West Indies cricket and almost combined to start that today. James, recovered from a blow to the chin, tossed her second ball up to Maia Bouchier, who tossed it up to Munisar at cover point but she shelled a straightforward chance. Bouchier went on to hit the first boundary of the innings and England were up and away until Matthews brought herself on to bowl. Danni Wyatt-Hodge hit her behind point for four but when she tried that a second time, Dottin lunged forward to take a low catch and West Indies had a breakthrough. In the next over, Alice Capsey was run out for one, chancing Dottin’s arm at her peril, and immediately after the powerplay, Bouchier skied Afy Fletcher to Qiana Joseph at extra cover. England were 34 for 3 in the seventh over and stunned.Nat Sciver-Brunt’s fifty was in vain for England•ICC/Getty ImagesKnight and Nat: steady then surge Sciver-Brunt survived an lbw review when she was on 2 when Fletcher pitched it outside leg, and went on to open her boundary count with lap over Shemaime Campbelle and that got England going. Knight bisected the extra cover and mid-off fielder for two overs in succession to take England to fifty and beyond. The pair then brought out the sweeps and England were running away with it at 79 for 3 after 12 overs when injury struck. Knight had treatment during that over but then left the field with a calf concern. At the time, the partnership was worth 46 off 36 balls, which was the only stand of more than 30 in the innings. Sciver-Brunt watched Amy Jones hand Dotting a catch at backward point and Charlie Dean pick out Matthews at mid-off as the 17th over started. She played an almost lone hand in scoring 14 runs off the 18th over and 13 off the 20th to register her 14th T20I half-century and taking England over 140.Most runs in an over and the highest powerplay score It took until the final group stage match to see some proper aggression upfront and it came from the team with the reputation to hit big, but not always the results. Matthews, who has registered scores of 10, 8 and 34 in the tournament so far and has not been as much of a presence with the bat, hit Lauren Bell over long leg for six off the second ball. She went on to score fours through fine leg and mid-off and the first over cost Bell – the most expensive of the tournament so far. Matthew owned opening over and her and Joseph rode their luck to take charge of the rest of the powerplay but not without some nerves.Joseph got off the mark with a thick outside edge between backward point and short third that went for four, then hit Sciver-Brunt to deep mid-wicket, where the ball went through Sophia Dunkley’s hands for four more. She settled in the next over and hit Charlie Dean for six before taking on England’s trump card Sophie Ecclestone for back to back boundaries. West Indies were 67 without loss in the powerplay, the highest of the tournament so far.England’s drops add up Dunkley’s drop was the start of one of England’s worst fielding performances recently as they put down five catches. In the fifth over, Joseph was on 31 when she skied Sciver-Brunt into the night sky and though Alice Capsey settled herself underneath it at point, she tried to catch it reverse-cup and dropped it. Then, on 35 in the eighth over, Joseph hit Sarah Glenn to mid-wicket, where Bouchier ran to her left but let it slip through her fingers. The ball followed Bouchier for a little while after that, and she did not collect cleanly at mid-wicket when Campbelle called Dottin through for a run. Bouchier berated herself and England were falling apart. According to ESPNcricinfo’s ball-by-ball data, there have been 75 dropped catches in the group stage of the tournament, and England have been responsible for nine, the third most of any side.