Many people thought that Liverpool’s transition from life under Jurgen Klopp to their new era under Arne Slot would be a tough obstacle to navigate. However, that was not the case, given that the Reds stormed the Premier League in the Dutchman’s first season at the helm at Anfield.

In the end, it was a landslide victory for the Merseysiders, who finished on 84 points, ten points clear of second-place Arsenal. They also scored more goals than any other side, finding the back of the net 86 times throughout the course of the season.

In what was a memorable first campaign for Slot, there were some real standout players for the Reds.

Liverpool’s standout players in 24/25

Of course, the key to Liverpool winning the title last season was Mohamed Salah. The 33-year-old won the Golden Boot by some distance, scoring 29 times and assisting a further 18 in the 38 top-flight games.

In terms of attacking output, the now-departed Luis Diaz scored 13 times and assisted seven in the top flight, and Cody Gakpo bagged ten goals and set up five more.

Behind Salah, they were Liverpool’s most dangerous attackers.

Naturally, the Reds were strong at the back last season, with Alisson and Virgil van Dijk two key components to Slot’s title-winning success. However, Ibrahima Konate was “the best defender in the Premier League” according to former Chelsea and Arsenal centre-back William Gallas.

The 25-year-old, who signed for Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021, played 31 games in the top flight, forming a near-unbreachable partnership with Van Dijk. Konate even chipped in with one goal and two assists.

It was not just the likes of Salah, Gakpo and Konate who were the star men for Liverpool last season. One man in midfield really stood out, putting in consistently excellent performances week in, week out.

How Gravenberch's value has soared under Slot

Despite a transfer window in 2025 where Liverpool spent hundreds of millions of pounds, much of the squad that won the title last season was built by Klopp. Slot certainly landed on a formula that was able to secure the league with a squad that was, ultimately, not his.

One of those key players last term was Ajax academy graduate Ryan Gravenberch. The 23-year-old formed a hard-working midfield alongside the likes of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, sitting as a lone number six in front of the back four.

His importance to Slot’s side is clear to see when you look at the number of games he played last term. Gravenberch featured in 49 matches across competitions, with 37 of those games coming in the Premier League.

Described as a “special” midfielder by football scout Antonio Mango, the former Ajax star excels at carrying the ball through the lines. That is a self-professed skill of his, with the Dutchman explaining that when he can “break through the lines and open up in the play, I really enjoy that”, as the clip below shows.

His underlying numbers from last term show just how well-rounded the 23-year-old is as a number six.

For example, he averaged 14.4 forward passes and won 5.5 duels on average per 90 minutes, showing two different sides of him as a midfielder.

Gravenberch – 24/25 PL stats
Stat	Per 90	Season total
Forward passes	14.4	505
Take-ons completed	1.1	37
Duels won	5.3	184
Interceptions	1.8	60
Ball recoveries	5.5	193
Stats from Squawka

With all this in mind, it might not be a surprise to learn that Gravenberch’s value has shot up since Slot guided Liverpool to the title, as per Transfermarkt. When Klopp departed Anfield at the end of 2024, he was worth just £30m, having started just 21 games under the German the year prior.

Now, his value has risen by 116% under his countryman. The ex-Bayern Munich midfielder is valued at £65m, over double his value just over a year ago. That is a real testament to how well he has performed.

Slot winning the league with a Klopp-built squad at the first time of asking was certainly impressive, and Gravenberch is certainly a success story. His huge increase in value certainly shows that.

Signed for £5m, sold for 450% more: Liverpool hit gold with the original Wirtz

Liverpool’s original version of Wirtz was sold for a healthy profit.

By
Will Miller

Sep 9, 2025

أعرب محمد عبد الجليل، نجم الأهلي والزمالك، عن استيائه من تولي حلمي طولان منصب المدير الفني لمنتخب مصر الثاني وعضوية اللجنة الفنية في اتحاد الكرة.

وقال محمد عبد الجليل في تصريحات عبر برنامج “الكلاسيكو” على قناة “ON E”: “هل تضم اللجنة الفنية لاتحاد الكرة شخصًا لديه خبرة حقيقية في قطاع الناشئين أو عمل سابقًا في هذا المجال؟ دائمًا نجد من يسعى للظهور والأضواء واللقاءات والإعلام، بينما لا نجد من يعمل على الأساس”.

وأضاف:” الدنيا (بهدلة) والله لو كان هذا الاستثمار موجودًا في فترة محمد صلاح ومحمد النني مع المقاولون العرب، لما وصل الثنائي إلى ما وصل إليه في عالم كرة القدم (ولا لعبوا كورة)”.

وأضاف: “الكابتن حلمي طولان وعلي أبو جريشة وعبد الظاهر السقا، ومحمد عمر، جميعهم قامات كبيرة في كرة القدم المصرية، لكن السؤال توليت منصب في اللجنة الفنية لاتحاد الكرة لماذا تطمع في قيادة منتخب مصر المشارك في بطولة كأس العرب؟”.

واستكمل: “هناك العديد من المدربين الأكفاء مثل تامر مصطفى وعلي ماهر ومؤمن سليمان وخالد جلال، لماذا لم يتم منحهم الفرصة؟ وماذا سيحدث إذا فشل المنتخب خلال البطولة؟ من سيتحمل المسؤولية وقتها؟ هل سيحاسب أعضاء اللجنة أنفسهم؟”.

طالع.. شوبير يلمح إلى تفاوض الأهلي مع لاعب الزمالك.. ونصيحة لمجلس لبيب

وتابع: “في الظروف الطبيعية، لو لم يكن حلمي طولان ضمن اللجنة الفنية، لكنت أول من يرشحه لتولي قيادة المنتخب الأول، وليس المنتخب الثاني، لكن طالما تولى منصبًا داخل اللجنة، فمن الأفضل أن يبتعد عن تدريب أي منتخب، حتى وإن تعرض لضغوط، ولا مجال لتبرير ذلك بعبارات مثل أنا لا أتقاضى أموالًا”.

واستطرد: “لقد تم تشكيل جهاز فني دخل في خلافات مع المدير الفني للمنتخب الأول قبل انطلاق كأس العالم بأيام قليلة، وكأن الأمر طبيعي، هل رأينا يومًا وليد الركراكي يخرج لتحليل المباريات أو تقديم البرامج أثناء توليه مهامًا فنية؟ لدينا مشاكل كبيرة”.

واسترسل: “أصبح اللاعب المعتزل صحفيًا ومقدم برامج ومحللًا ورئيس مجلس إدارة وعضو اتحاد كرة، بل ومشرفًا على المنتخبات وحتى الحكام أصبح بعضهم إداريين وإعلاميين وتلك موضة جديدة، (خليك في تخصصك)”.

وأتم: “لكل مهنة أصحابها، نحن نعيش حالة من الخلط والفهلوة، من الطبيعي أن يعمل الصحفي في الإعلام ويقدم البرامج والبودكاست، فهذا مجاله، لكن أن يتولى مسؤوليات فنية أو يدير قطاعات كرة القدم، فهذا غير مقبول على الإطلاق”.

Of all the England players who were left out of Thomas Tuchel's squad for their October fixtures, Jude Bellingham's omission seemed the most confusing. The midfielder has been one of the Three Lions' main protagonists ever since breaking into the starting XI post-Euro 2020 heartbreak and has long been heralded as a key player for whichever team he's representing.

There was, at least, sound enough reasoning not to call upon Bellingham for this international window in particular. After Real Madrid's elimination from the Club World Cup in July, he decided to finally undergo surgery on a long-standing shoulder issue which had been of detriment to his performances all throughout 2024-25. This was expected to result in a period of three months on the sidelines, but such has been the superhuman aura about Bellingham in his short career thus far, he made his return in September, several weeks ahead of schedule.

Bellingham has played five times for Madrid this season, though those appearances have only seen him clock 126 minutes in total, while he has started just once – in their 5-2 defeat to city rivals Atletico. "He has not fully gathered rhythm yet at Real Madrid," Tuchel said at his squad announcement a fortnight ago. "He is back in the team. He hasn't finished one full match until now, he has only started one match, so he is in the period where he gets his rhythm, where he gets back to full strength."

That was, however, one of two reasons why Bellingham didn't make the cut on this occasion. The other ought to at least make the 22-year-old feel a little uncomfortable, but it serves as great news for positional rival and fellow West Midlands native, Morgan Rogers.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Challenge to England outcasts

  Tuchel's explanation that Bellingham needed more minutes in his legs again came as part of a wider point about why he called upon the same squad as in September (bar Bukayo Saka coming in for the injured Noni Madueke). The German also said: "Jude is a very special player, and for special players there can always be special rules. I get this. But for this camp we decided that we stick with our straightforward decision to invite the same team. That applies also then for Jude, he deserves always to be in camp."

  That seems fair enough, but Tuchel also laid down the gauntlet to the various other stars he either overlooked or ruled out for this camp. "We are not collecting the most talented players, we are trying to build a team. Teams win trophies, no-one else," was his headline message.

  "That's how it is in international football," the Three Lions' boss continued. "But the thing you are playing [back to me] is not what I am saying. You are playing the game that says: 'He (Tuchel) is saying the others who aren't in the team, you cannot build a team with them'. It's not like this. We built a team with the players who were available and they did so well so we go again with them. Nobody said we can't do the same with them. Or even better, or maybe the same level, with the others.

  "For this moment we stick with our choice and the radical statement is that we don't collect the most talented players. We collect the guys who have the glue and cohesion to be the best team. Because we need to arrive as the best team. We will arrive as underdogs at the World Cup because we haven't won it for decades and we will play against teams who have repeatedly won it during that time. So we have to arrive as a team or we will have no chance."

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• AFP
  

  Bellingham's role

  Bellingham's performances in the Tuchel era have been quietly positive, even if the perception is they have been mixed. In the German's first game in charge, a 2-0 win at home to Albania, Bellingham played as a No.10 who was afforded licence to roam, and he teed up debutant Myles Lewis-Skelly for the opening goal. A few days later in their 3-0 triumph over Latvia, Tuchel deployed Bellingham in a deeper role with the task of drifting towards the left to link up with winger Marcus Rashford, and though he was a net-positive in attack, the Madrid man had to be hooked when he risked picking up a second booking.

  Fast-forward to the June internationals, and Bellingham proved less than decisive in an underwhelming 1-0 triumph against Andorra in Barcelona. He was then dropped to the bench for the following 3-1 defeat against Senegal at the City Ground, coming on as a late substitute and seeing a goal ruled out after a VAR check for a foul in the build up.

  Not for the first nor last time, Tuchel then fanned the flames of controversy post-Senegal, claiming that Bellingham's visible on-pitch attitude could be construed as 'repulsive'. He said: "How we can have the best version of him [Bellingham] and the best acceptance that people understand what he is bringing to us, and that he is bringing a certain edge? Sometimes you see the rage, you see the hunger and the rage and the fire, and it comes out in a way that can be a bit repulsive, for example for my mother when she sits in front of the TV. In general we are very happy to have him. He is a special boy."

  Tuchel would go on to apologise for these comments and his careless choice of words in a second language, but the damage had been done and the soundbite was in the universe. There were already question marks over how he and a star player like Bellingham would get along.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Less is more

  Starting with that win against Latvia at Wembley back in March, Tuchel has sought to mould Rogers into more of a No.8, a traditional central midfielder who can get forward and drag the team into attack. He still gets into similar areas as at club level with Aston Villa, flitting between the lines and pulling into wide areas, but it's also clear that the England boss values Rogers' ability to drive from deep too.

  In that rare start together versus Latvia, Rogers completed only 33 passes out of 39 attempted across the full match, whereas Bellingham made 56 of his 60 in 67 minutes. Rogers also completed the most dribbles, seven out of eight, compared to Bellingham's tally of one out of two. Both took six shots.

  The upside of Rogers is he isn't a player who typically requires lots of touches, happy enough to drift and coast in order to make an impact out of nothing. In this sense, he is more of a Dele Alli 2.0 than Bellingham, whose evolving game has seen him demand a lot more of the ball and get involved as much as possible. Few would question if Rogers went 20 or 30 minutes without doing much, but the knives would be out for a bonafide superstar like Bellingham if they did the same.

  When Rogers has been in the thick of the action in an England shirt, he's delivered, most notably proving the catalyst in last month's 5-0 thrashing of Serbia in a hostile Belgrade atmosphere. Even in this excursion, Rogers made 22 of 27 passes and had only 40 touches in total despite playing the full 90. Tuchel had his new midfield talisman team up with winger Madueke and striker Harry Kane, playing the role to a tee and building a new set of relationships that the manager has openly craved. It's hard to tell whether a jack-of-all-trades like Bellingham would retain such similar positional discipline.

  When Tuchel was asked what he wants of his most advanced midfielder, he recently replied: "We want goal threat; team effort in pressing and high press; physicality; discipline in the position; being influential – everything." For now, Rogers ticks more of those boxes.

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  Club struggles

  While Rogers' stock as an England player has never been higher, the reverse must be said of his status at Villa. He romped to the 2024-25 PFA Young Player of the Year award, but has started the new season in questionable form for Unai Emery's side. In 10 games across all competitions for his club, Rogers is yet to score and has tallied only two assists to date.

  What seemed to be the nadir of Rogers' slump came during Villa's 1-0 win at home to Bologna in their Europa League opener, during which he was booed at points and received ironic cheers whenever he completed a pass. Given he only made 10 of the 24 he attempted (in the full 90 minutes), at least that wasn't too often, then.

  "The fans have to show their emotions. We have to accept it," Emery warned post-match. "They applaud us and sometimes not. We have to accept it. Morgan is young and needs time for experiences. I kept him on the field because I wanted his reaction, how he was accepting everything and he did it. He didn’t play well and wasn’t clinical in the attacking third to do the last assist, but I wanted to keep him because, firstly, he’s always doing his task. (He was) working for the team, but today he was not being clinical offensively. He needs to take experiences today, not playing every game well, the crowd not being happy with him and him getting his experiences and grow up through it."

  This is problem England and Tuchel could encounter further down the line if Rogers' Premier League and Europa League performances remain the subject of such ire. Villa's improved run of seven games without defeat and four wins on the spin suggests the worst of their struggles are behind them, while Rogers' two assists came in his last two matches.

Despite spending more than £400m in the summer transfer window, Liverpool are now reportedly preparing an aggressive approach to sign another impressive player ahead of Barcelona.

Wirtz knows what he's "capable of" after slow start

For all of Liverpool’s spending, it’s been the old guard maintaining their 100% record at times. Whilst Hugo Ekitike has found his feet right away, Florian Wirtz hasn’t registered a goal involvement since the Community Shield, Milos Kerkez has had weaknesses exposed and Alexander Isak is still getting back to full sharpness.

Out of all those players, Wirtz has arguably received the most criticism. The German become the Premier League’s most expensive player for a brief moment before Isak made his move, but has so far failed to match the physicality of English football.

Glimpses of quality began to emerge against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, but it wasn’t enough to keep his place as Arne Slot dropped his new signing for Alexis Mac Allister in the Merseyside derby. Wirtz, however, is far from worried – telling Sky Germany that he knows what he’s “capable of”.

In the meantime, Liverpool sit five points clear at the top of the Premier League with the only 100% record. If there’s any environment that will gift Wirtz the patience that he needs, it is Anfield and Arne Slot’s side who have remained perfect without his heavy influence.

Even after that slow start, Liverpool are not deterred. In fact, reports are now suggesting that they’re ready to spend big once again on a player who could even combine with Wirtz.

Liverpool planning aggressive Alvarez approach

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are now planning an aggressive approach to sign Julian Alvarez and are the best placed side to lure the Atletico Madrid star back to the Premier League ahead of Barcelona.

If Liverpool’s frontline looks dangerous now, then it will look an even greater threat with a player of Alvarez’s quality added. The Argentina international is already a Premier League winner from during his time at Manchester City and has since become Atletico’s leading star.

Appearances

57

Goals

29

Assists

8

With 37 goal involvements in his debut campaign for Atletico, Alvarez proved to be worth every penny of his £81m transfer fee and could soon find himself on the move once again.

Ballon d'Or 2025: Did Mohamed Salah deserve the award ahead of Ousmane Dembele?

European football awaits…

ByTom Cunningham Sep 23, 2025

Diego Simeone will, of course, be desperate to keep hold of his star man. The iconic manager was full of praise for the Liverpool target last season, telling reporters: “Julián is having a great season, we went looking for that player, we need that player, especially at times during the match against Sevilla and today [when] he took on the offensive role. We need those characteristics.”

Opener’s stand of 143 with Toby Albert gave visitors a shot at their 377 target before bad light intervened

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Gubbins batted into the final session for Hampshire•Getty Images

Hampshire 219 (Prest 44, Gubbins 43, Worrall 3-37) and 300 for 5 (Gubbins 117, Albert 78*, Clark 2-39) drew with Surrey 253 (Sibley 100*, Wheal 4-65) and 342 for 9 dec (Sibley 105, Smith 84, Pope 65) Nick Gubbins and Toby Albert were Hampshire’s heroes as they denied Surrey’s last day attempt to force a first victory of the new Rothesay County Championship season at the Kia Oval.Gubbins scored a five-hour 117 and Albert an equally defiant 78 not out as Hampshire, starting the day on 35 for 3 in their second innings in pursuit of a 377-run win target, finished on 300 for 5.Bad light actually had the final say, forcing the players from the field for what turned out to be the loss of four overs, when 10 overs were left and Hampshire were still 78 short of what would have been a remarkable triumph against the 2022, 2023 and 2024 champions.With just six overs left when the players returned, Jordan Clark sent down two balls – one of which was hit for a single by Albert – and then the players shook hands on the draw.In truth, however, and despite Tom Prest being unbeaten on 32 alongside Albert, it had seemed increasingly unlikely that Hampshire could have scored the remaining runs anyway against a testing Surrey seam attack in gloomy conditions and with the floodlights on.In 22.2 overs with the second new ball, Surrey had restricted Hampshire to 80 runs for the loss of Gubbins and run-scoring was difficult against a high-class pace quartet in which Matt Fisher and Clark were especially impressive.Earlier, it took Surrey almost an hour and a half to claim their only wicket of the morning session, Fletcha Middleton pinned leg-before by Matt Fisher after advancing steadily from his overnight 11 to 42.Middleton’s fourth wicket stand with Gubbins had been worth 74 and provided Hampshire with much-needed stability following the chaotic slide to 30 for 3 in the murk of the third evening, when Kemar Roach had removed opener Mark Stoneman and both nightwatchers, Brad Wheal and Sonny Baker, had fallen to Jordan Clark.Better was to come for Hampshire, with Albert – who had laboured through 27 balls for just one run before lunch, and was caught off a Roach no ball 17 deliveries in – joining Gubbins in a partnership that eventually realised 143 in 52 overs and which grew in authority during an afternoon session in which Surrey went wicketless.From 121 for 4 at lunch the fifth wicket pair combined watchfulness with sensible accumulation and the odd flash of aggression, such as when Gubbins went to 83 with a superb square cut four off Fisher and Albert reached 44 by reverse-sweeping Dan Lawrence’s off spin to the ropes.By tea Gubbins, three short of his hundred, and Albert, who had gone to his half-century from 111 balls, looked in total control as Hampshire contemplated the final session of the game at 216 for four, but with the second new ball due in two overs’ time.This was duly taken by Clark and Dan Worrall, although by then Gubbins had reached his 20th first-class century from 215 balls in what was a chanceless, superlative performance after coming in on a Clark hat-trick.Only 27 runs came from the first nine overs with the second new ball, with Clark particulary miserly, and then Fisher replacing Worrall at the Vauxhall End brought an almost immediate reward.Looking to whip a ball from around the wicket that appeared to keep a little lower than expected, Gubbins was trapped lbw after facing 247 balls and hitting 12 fours, perhaps the best of them a magnificent on drive off Worrall that took him to 114.

Sikandar Raza is back in Zimbabwe’s Test squad for their one-off four-day Test against England, which is set to be played in Nottingham from May 22 to 25. The allrounder returns after franchise T20 commitments led him to miss the Bulawayo Test against Ireland in February and the recently-concluded two-Test series in Bangladesh.Raza replaces Johnathan Campbell in the 15-man squad that toured Bangladesh, while Clive Madande returns from injury, replacing Nyasha Mayavo as back-up wicketkeeper to Tafadzwa Tsiga. With English conditions in mind, Zimbabwe have left out legspinner Vincent Masekesa – who picked up a five-wicket haul on debut in Chattogram – and strengthened their seam attack with the inclusion of Newman Nyamhuri.Related

• England to host Zimbabwe for one-off four-day Test in May 2025

• Zimbabwe to receive touring fee from ECB for 2025 visit

• Bethell 'destined for greatness' as IPL stint trumps Zimbabwe Test call-up

“In terms of performance, I expect us to play to a standard that can compete with one of the best teams in the world,” Zimbabwe head coach Justin Sammons said. “I really want to see the guys walking out there believing that they belong, embracing and enjoying the moment.”The Nottingham Test will be Zimbabwe’s first in England since 2003, and their first international game in any format in the country since 2004. Following the four-day Test, the Zimbabweans will also play a four-day game against the South Africans in Arundel from June 3 to 6.That match will serve as preparation for South Africa ahead of the World Test Championship final against Australia, which is set to be played at Lord’s from June 11 to 15.

Zimbabwe squad for four-day Test against England

Craig Ervine (capt), Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Trevor Gwandu, Clive Madande (wk), Wessly Madhevere, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Victor Nyauchi, Sikandar Raza, Tafadzwa Tsiga (wk), Nick Welch, Sean Williams.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras está cada vez mais longe de se reforçar nesta janela de transferências. A poucas horas do encerramento do período de inscrições para as oitavas de final da Libertadores, as negociações que pareciam ser os focos dos dirigentes palmeirenses esfriaram e caminham para um desfecho negativo. Isso porque o clube não avançou nas conversas com Aníbal Moreno, do Racing-ARG, e com Santiago Hezze, do Huracán-ARG.

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+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Se quiser que o suposto reforço atue pelo mata-mata da Liberta, o Verdão tem até este sábado (29) para entregar a lista final de inscritos para a Conmebol. Será permitido substituir até cinco nomes da listagem inicial de 50 atletas credenciados para a fase de grupos. Caso não consiga cumprir esse prazo, o Alviverde terá até quarta-feira (2) para contratar um jogador. Nesse caso, ele só poderia ser inscrito numa hipotética quartas de final.

+ Copo Stanley a partir de R$120,00. Bebida gelada nos 90′ de jogo do Verdão!

Assim, esta sexta-feira é um dia decisivo para fechar com um reforço, o que neste momento parece longe de ser concretizado. Durante esta semana, o Palmeiras chegou a ter dois atletas como alvo: Aníbal Moreno, do Racing-ARG, e Santiago Hezze, do Huracán-ARG. Ambos tiveram aval da comissão técnica e se encaixariam no perfil de “camisa 5” tão pedido para suprir a vaga deixada por Danilo no início deste ano.

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Por Aníbal, o Verdão chegou a fazer duas ofertas, sendo a última delas de 7,5 milhões de dólares (R$ 35,6 milhões na cotação atual). Ambas, porém, foram recusadas imediatamente pelo Racing, que quer 10 milhões de reais livres de impostos (R$ 47,4 milhões). Mesmo com o desejo do jogador em defender o Alviverde, o clube não fez mais movimentos para buscar um acordo com os dirigentes argentinos.

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Já em relação ao jovem Hezze, de 21 anos, as conversas iniciaram de forma otimista, com sinalizações positivas das partes envolvidas. O Palmeiras chegou a planejar uma oferta de 4 a 5 milhões de dólares (R$ 19 milhões a R$ 23,7 milhões) por 50% dos direitos do jogador. No entanto, essa proposta ainda não chegou na mesa do Huracán, que havia mostrado disposição para negociar nesses termos. A tendência é que ela nem chegue.

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Segundo fontes ouvidas pela reportagem, há uma certa preocupação em não errar nessa contratação. Por ser a única e altamente necessária, a intenção é ser o mais preciso possível para evitar que se repita o insucesso da grande maioria dos reforços de 2022. No momento, é bastante provável que o Alviverde feche a janela sem reforçar o elenco para 2023. Sem encontrar o equilíbrio entre custo-benefício e ser ou não um atleta pronto, o clube deverá passar “zerado” neste período de contratações.

Nottingham Forest star John Victor felt that his Brazil national team call-up was a "scam" as he initially did not believe that Carlo Ancelotti had included him in the Selecao squad for the October friendlies at the last moment after ex-Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson picked up a hamstring injury while playing for Fenerbahce in the Turkish Super Lig.

John Victor joined Forest from Botafogo

Victor left Brazilian giants Botafogo to sign for the Premier League side Nottingham Forest in the summer transfer window. So far in the 2025-26 campaign, the goalkeeper has made only one appearance for the English club, as he made his debut in the club's loss against Swansea City in the Carabao Cup third round last month. Victor was not expecting a national team call-up just two months after moving to England, but Ederson's hamstring injury prompted Ancelotti to include the 29-year-old at the last moment. 

Advertisement(C)Getty Images"I thought it was a prank call"

After linking up with the national team, Victor chatted with , where he said, "For me, it was a unique and wonderful feeling. I was on my way to the game and I got the news on the bus. I was shocked. I thought it was a prank call. I didn't have (Sérgio) Dimas's number, I had worked with him at Santos, and he was the one who sent the message. They asked for my passport and I said: 'Wow, could this be a scam?' 

"I don't know, the way the world is today… but then he said he was going to be called up, and I was really happy right then and there. I celebrated with Igor (Jesus) while we were going to the game against Newcastle. It was really cool."

Victor on cloud nine after maiden national team call-up

Victor further elaborated on the feeling of representing the national team, as he added: "It hasn't sunk in yet. I arrived here yesterday. Since I was called up, a lot of footage has been played of what I've been through and everything that's happened in my career, the ups and downs, the times I imagined the moment would come when I was still at Botafogo, in several preliminary call-ups. And it hasn't sunk in yet. I'm very happy, very content to be here. I just have to thank God a lot."

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Getty ImagesMan Utd and West Ham wanted Victor before Forest move

After an impressive season in Brazil, where he helped Botafogo win the league title, Victor was in demand in the summer transfer window. Premier League giants Manchester United and West Ham were keen on signing the custodian, with the Red Devils in search of Andre Onana's alternative at that time. The goalkeeper, however, decided to sign for Forest. As Brazil face Asian giants South Korea and Japan in friendly matches on October 10 and 14, respectively, Victor will hope that Carlo Ancelotti allows him to take the field for the Selecao for the first time in his career in one of the two matches.

It was Mehidy’s first five-for at home in nearly two-and-a-half years

Mohammad Isam21-Apr-2025Zimbabwe nosed ahead of Bangladesh after the second day’s play of the first Test in Sylhet with half-centuries from Brian Bennett and Sean Williams. Their lower order and tail also resisted to add 80 runs for the last four wickets that got them a lead of 82. They finished the day by breaking Bangladesh’s opening stand, and the hosts are still 25 runs behind.Bangladesh’s solace came in the form of Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s first five-wicket haul at home in nearly two-and-a-half years. He finished with 5 for 52 after speedster Nahid Rana picked up three wickets, including those of the openers. Zimbabwe strung together small partnerships after the opening stand of 69, often dominating periods of play.Bangladesh lost Shadman Islam in the evening for 4 in the fourth over, when a superb Blessing Muzarabani delivery had him edging to second slip. His opening partner Mahmudul Hasan Joy got a reprieve on 6 in the following over when wicketkeeper Nyasha Mayavo dropped a regulation chance to his right.Mahmudul finished the day unbeaten on 28, while Mominul Haque was on 15 when play was called off at 5.33pm.Rana earlier gave Bangladesh their first breakthrough when he banged in a bouncer towards Ben Curran’s chest. The left-hand opener only managed to tap it to short leg where Mominul completed the catch diving forward. It ended Zimbabwe’s impressive opening stand that lasted 16.5 overs.Rana then bowled a fuller delivery to get rid of Bennett, the other opener. Bennett was piercing the off-side field regularly, hitting eight of his ten boundaries in the range between backward point and cover. But when he looked to cut another ball square, it led to his downfall as he edged one behind on 57.Mehidy Hasan Miraz returned 5 for 52 but Zimbabwe still managed an 82-run lead•AFP/Getty ImagesHasan Mahmud joined in the act with a peach of an inswinger against No. 3 Nick Welch, who was bowled through the gate for 2. Captain Craig Ervine and Williams, Zimbabwe’s most experienced pair, steadied things for the next hour. They added 41 runs in 15 overs, before Rana had Ervine caught behind for 8.It was another short ball that reared up high on Ervine, who couldn’t get his bat out of the way. The ball brushed the face of his bat and he was caught behind by Jaker Ali. Williams forged another promising stand, this time with Wessly Madhevere, in the course of which Williams reached his fourth Test fifty. He did that in style too, sweeping Taijul Islam for a six and a four to reach the landmark.The 48-run partnership however ended when Madhevere played on to a Khaled Ahmed delivery, on 24. Williams too couldn’t kick on, mistiming a straight hit against Mehidy, caught by a tumbling Mahmudul running back from mid-off. Williams bent down in disbelief as he looked very well set, having scored 59 off 108 balls with the help of six fours and two sixes.Despite all their frontline batters back in the pavilion, Zimbabwe continued to fight. Mayavo made an enterprising 35 off 54 balls, including five fours, but he fell shortly after tea when Mehidy trapped him lbw. Wellington Masakadza played out 42 balls for his 6, and became Mehidy’s third victim, caught at cover.The tall pair of Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava then took on the Bangladesh bowlers in a 36-run ninth-wicket stand. Muzarabani struck two fours and a massive six, over long-on, during his 17 off 16. Ngarava was unbeaten on 28 off 44 balls, including a lovely straight hit for a six off Mehidy. The offspinner finished things off when he had Muzarabani stumped and Victor Nyauchi caught in the covers, to complete his five-for.

West Ham United boss Graham Potter is facing consistent reports that his job is under threat following a poor start to the season, with a report now claiming that ex-Hammers midfielder Gary O’Neil is among the favourites for a quartet of key reasons.

The contenders to succeed Graham Potter at West Ham

Potter has overseen one of the worst starts to a season by any West Ham manager in Premier League history.

The Irons have conceded more goals than any other side in the top flight so far, conceding at least three goals in all of their defeats thus far, with a surprise 3-0 win at Nottingham Forest prior to the September internationals coming as their only saving grace.

This, combined with uninspired overall performances and the fact Potter has recorded West Ham’s second-worst managerial percentage since the Premier League’s inception, has put the 50-year-old in a very precarious position.

9. Sam Allardyce

30.7%

10. Julen Lopetegui

30%

11. Gianfranco Zola

27.8%

12, Graham Potter

27.3%

13. Avram Grant

18.9%

via StatMuse

Some reports have claimed that Potter could even be sacked if West Ham suffer a defeat to Crystal Palace, but this remains to be seen.

It is, however, certain that David Sullivan and co are doing their due-diligence on potential replacements for the ex-Chelsea boss, and many interesting names have been mentioned by the press already.

Reliable sources indicate that West Ham have internally discussed Slaven Bilic, Nuno Espírito Santo and Sean Dyche as options (Ben Jacobs), with Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna allegedly visiting the London Stadium last weekend too (Wayne Veysey).

Right now, it is believed that Bilic could be in pole position for the potential West Ham job, as Sullivan favours re-hiring the Croatian who was in charge of the club from 2015 to 2017 (Ben Jacobs).

Bilic guided them to the Europa League play-offs with a seventh-placed finish in his first season, but couldn’t replicate those heroics before being sacked by Sullivan in favour of David Moyes.

That being said, West Ham could also turn to O’Neil, even if that may not be too popular with supporters.

According to reliable journalist Miguel Delaney of The Independent, the ex-Wolves boss is actually one of the major contenders, and because of four key aspects of his potential hire.

The four reasons why West Ham could appoint Gary O'Neil

The 42-year-old, who is very much still in his infancy when it comes to managerial careers, lost the infamous ‘El Sackico’ clash to former West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui last term, but didn’t actually lose his job until a defeat to Ipswich.

Now, West Ham could turn to their former midfielder to replace Potter, and Delaney has revealed exactly why.

Firstly, O’Neil is “highly respected” within Premier League circles for his work at Wolves and Bournemouth, due to his brilliant job managing serious difficulties at both sides.

Secondly, the tactician has impressed through his ability to develop younger players whilst also getting the best out of senior squad members. Thirdly, O’Neil is a free agent (perhaps the most obvious draw where Sullivan is concerned).

And lastly, his time at West Ham during O’Neil’s playing days serves as another draw, as a connection is already there.

The coach has been called an “interesting” option and potential upgrade on Potter by certain members of the media (Graeme Bailey), but his hire would still come as a major gamble.

O’Neil has never managed a club with the expectations of West Ham, nor has he come close to European qualification — a place the east Londoners are desperate to get back to following Moyes’ heroics in charge.

However, nobody expected Moyes to perform the wonders he did before things turned sour, so it also wouldn’t be wise to completely write him off either.