Manchester United could now beat Manchester City to the signature of a “world-class” player, who could be essential to their top six push, according to a reporter.
Man Utd in line for successful season if Amorim fixes one issue
Despite suffering a 1-0 defeat against title-hopefuls Arsenal in their Premier League opening match, there were plenty of positives to take for Man United, with a number of their attackers looking threatening, including new arrivals Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
However, it was an error at the opposite end of the pitch that ultimately ended up costing the Red Devils, with goalkeeper Altay Bayindir failing to deal with Declan Rice’s corner, which led to Riccardo Calafiori’s goal.
With Andre Onana injured, Bayindir was given the nod between the sticks against the Gunners, however, after failing to deliver, Ruben Amorim may now be even more determined to bring in a new goalkeeper before the September 1st deadline.
Taking to X, Jan Aage Fjortoft has now revealed that Man United could still win the race for Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who is also being targeted by rivals Manchester City.
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However, in order to make a deal for Donnarumma a possibility, the Red Devils will have to take swift action first and ship out at least one of their goalkeepers, which could prove to be challenging. The reporter describes the PSG shot-stopper as “world-class”, while also insisting Amorim needs to sign a new goalkeeper if his side are to stand any chance of finishing in the top six this season.
However, United may have to move swiftly, given that Man City recently opened club-to-club talks over a deal for the £212k-a-week goalkeeper.
Donnarumma could be major upgrade on Onana
It would be a real coup if Man United were able to sign the 2024-25 Champions League-winning goalkeeper, and there is every indication that he would be a major upgrade on Onana, having outperformed the Cameroonian on several key metrics over the past year.
Average per 90
Gianluigi Donnarumma
Andre Onana
Goals against
1.02
1.35
Save %
68.6%
68.5%
Clean sheet %
27%
21.7%
Crosses stopped %
6.4%
5.3%
Despite being willing to sanction a departure this summer, PSG boss Luis Enrique also holds the Italian in very high regard, saying: “Donnarumma is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, no doubt, and even better as a person.”
Gianluigi Donnarumma at Club World Cup final.
As such, it is exciting news that Man United could still beat their rivals to the 26-year-old’s signature, and a deal may not break the bank, with a potential transfer fee of £22m recently being touted.
Still seeking reinforcements as the Premier League campaign gets underway, West Ham United are now reportedly ready to step up their move to sign a Championship star.
Latest West Ham transfer news
It’s not been a summer full of headlines at the London Stadium, but the Hammers have still welcomed a number of solid additions. El Hadji Malick Diouf, Kyle-Walker Peters, Mads Hermansen and Callum Wilson have all arrived to hand Graham Potter a much-needed boost across the squad as he looks to turn what has been a difficult start at West Ham around.
With just two weeks left until the transfer window slams shut, though, there’s still work to be done. Potter’s side are arguably still short in a number of areas and, as such, targets like Aleix Garcia and Lorenzo Pellegrini could still arrive.
Garcia is a particularly interesting target. The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder spent time at Manchester City in the early stages of his career, before eventually working his way back to the top level to join Leverkusen last summer. Now, just one year on from that move, the midfielder has done enough to attract the interest of West Ham.
Of course, however, he’s not the only one on the Hammers’ reported radar. Harvey Elliott has been linked with a move away from Liverpool all summer long, and he remains without a move. Among those interested in the England U21 international, West Ham could yet look to complete a late swoop.
Harvey Elliott celebrates for Liverpool
The same can be said for another impressive talent, with those at the London Stadium now reportedly ready to increase their efforts in pursuit of his signature.
West Ham ready to step up El Khannouss move
According to GiveMeSport, West Ham are now ready to step up their move to sign Bilal El Khannouss this summer. The Leicester City star, who can leave for the value of his £22.5m release clause, has attracted interest from Leeds United, Crystal Palace and the Hammers in recent months, with the London club now seemingly prepared to battle their rivals for his signature.
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That said, it won’t be an easy deal to pull off. There are already reportedly concerns at West Ham that they won’t be in a strong enough position to turn El Khannouss’ head away from other clubs this month and there are reservations over their ability to even afford the deal.
Alas, what they should not be concerned about is the midfielder’s ability, given that Aaron Wan-Bissaka saw it first-hand when El-Khannouss scored and assisted in a 3-1 victory over West Ham last season. In a one-on-one battle against the Leicester man, Wan-Bissaka suffered a rare defeat.
Praised for that “great performance” by then-manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, El Khannouss left Wan-Bissaka guessing all game long in a decisive display which proved his Premier League quality.
There are plenty of reservations over their ability to get the deal done, but West Ham should push as far as they can to sign the Leicester star before the end of the month.
For the first time this transfer window, the transfer activity in through the door at Birmingham City seems to have slowed down.
After all, in the space of just a week recently, Birmingham had managed to welcome in the likes of Demarai Gray, Tommy Doyle, Kyogo Furuhashi, and many other star names to the camp, with some calm perhaps now needed to balance the books appropriately.
Still, when it comes to Chris Davies and Co., there might well be another sublime addition just waiting around the corner at any moment, with Birmingham not giving up all hope just yet that they can resign this midfield ace very soon, among other targets being chased after.
Birmingham still pursuing move for EFL ace
Reports do seem to suggest that the Blues will have to move on some bodies to be able to finance some more high-profile captures, especially if they want to be successful in landing Hwang Hee-Chan up top.
It was recently revealed that Birmingham had their eye on the Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker, but the £14m fee required to win his services – on top of his potential steep wage costs – has rendered this a deal that will be difficult to get over the line right now.
Kieran Dowell
There are more unwelcome obstacles in Birmingham’s way with other targets, too, with Kieran Dowell, who was expected to be surplus to requirements on his return to Rangers, now being utilised in pre-season under a fresh set of managerial ideas from Russell Martin.
A recent updated report from Birmingham Live does suggest that a permanent move could still be on the cards, with Davies once stating it would be “something we will have to look into” over arranging for the £16k-per-week star to come back to St. Andrew’s for good.
Whilst this has gone cold for the moment, Birmingham do have plenty of time on their hands to try and work out a deal, with Dowell perhaps a dream teammate for Kyogo to bounce off of as he grows accustomed to leading the line in the Championship.
Why Dowell could be a dream for Kyogo
Whilst the Japanese ace has proven himself to be a reliable goal machine in Scotland – as seen in his ridiculous tally of 85 strikes leading the line with venom for Celtic – he has never tested himself before in the challenging terrain of the EFL’s elite league.
Therefore, he could well be daunted by the prospect of having to be the Blues’ leading man here, particularly as he’s coming into Davies’ camp off the back of a barren spell in France with Rennes and the fact that he’s been purchased for a fee around the excessive £10m mark.
Dowell’s career Championship numbers
Stat
Dowell
Games played
123
Goals scored
26
Assists
12
Big chances created
25
Sourced by Transfermarkt/Sofascore
Those nerves would surely be quelled knowing he has the likes of such a reliable Championship playmaker in the form of Dowell by his side, with the second-tier veteran notching up a hefty 26 goals and 12 assists across his last 123 outings in the division. On top of that, 25 big chances have also been created, which will be music to the ears of a poacher-like forward in Kyogo.
At the height of his goalscoring powers at Celtic during the 2022/23 season, which saw him net a blistering 27 Scottish Premiership strikes, the potent 30-year-old would only need to average a mere 13.3 touches per league game to cause said widespread damage, meaning he should become even more prolific if he latches onto plenty of Dowell’s defence-splitting passes to come.
Rangers midfielder Kieran Dowell.
Whilst they used to be divided across enemy lines in Glasgow, both Dowell and Kyogo might well form a dream partnership in the West Midlands very soon, with Davies even going as far as to describe the 27-year-old as “high quality” last campaign when he popped up with four assists from just 17 League One starts.
He might well have only scratched the surface of what he’s capable of at St. Andrew’s with his promising loan stint, with the Championship more his bread and butter, as Birmingham aim to potentially bring him back to take their new division by storm.
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تحدث قائد ليفربول، فيرجيل فان دايك، بعدما قاد فريقه لفوز مثير على أتلتيكو مدريد في الدقائق الأخيرة، ببطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، ليلة الأربعاء.
والتقى ليفربول وأتلتيكو مدريد على ملعب “آنفيلد” في الجولة الأولى لمرحلة الدوري ببطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.
وكانت نتيجة المباراة تشير إلى تعادل إيجابي 2-2، وسجل فان دايك هدف فوز ليفربول في الدقيقة الثانية من الوقت المحتسب بدلاً من الضائع.
وقال فان دايك متحدثًا على قناة “TNT Sports”:”حاولنا وواصلنا الضغط من أجل تسجيل الهدف الثالث، لكننا استقبلنا هدف التعادل بعد كرة غيرت اتجاهها بشكل كبير وهذا لم يكن جيدًا”.
وأضاف: “ومع ذلك وجدنا طريقة للعودة، وكنا خطرين دائماً في الكرات الثابتة، يجب أن أقول إنهم كانوا عدوانيين للغاية، وأنا سعيد لأنني سجلت هدف الفوز”.
وأكد فان دايك: “إنهم فريق لا يستسلم أبدًا، ولديهم لاعبون أكفاء قادرون على معاقبتك إذا لم تكن حاضرًا في لحظة، وإذا تأخرت قليلًا، وهذا ما فعلوه عندما عاقبونا قبل نهاية الشوط الأول”.
اقرأ أيضًا | رجل مباراة ليفربول وأتلتيكو مدريد في دوري أبطال أوروبا
وأكمل: “بعد الاستراحة حاولنا تسجيل الهدف الثالث، لكنهم اكتسبوا بعض الثقة من هدفهم أيضًا، علينا أن نواصل القتال ونُظهر الصلابة التي اعتدنا إظهارها لسنوات، وكانت ليلة أوروبية رائعة أخرى هنا”.
وسُئل فان دايك هل يؤمن الفريق دائمًا بأنه سيجد طريقة، وأجاب: “أعتقد أننا أظهرنا مرارًا وتكرارًا أننا قادرون على تحقيق ذلك، كنت محظوظًا اليوم بتسجيل هدف الفوز، وسنمضي قدمًا”.
وبشأن أهداف ليفربول في الدقائق الأخيرة، علّق: “الأمر يتعلق بالإصرار، نحن لا نحب أن يحدث هذا كثيراً، نحن نفضل أن نسيطر على المباريات، لكننا نعمل على هذا الجانب، إنه عملية تحتاج إلى وقت، الهدف الأول كان من الممكن تفاديه، أما الهدف الثاني فكان فيه بعض الحظ لصالحهم”.
كشفت تقارير صحفية عالمية أن ليفربول لا ينوي إضاعة أي وقت في التعاقد مع خليفة النجم المصري الدولي محمد صلاح لحل محله في المستقبل.
ويستهدف آرني سلوت مدرب ليفربول وريتشارد هيوز المدير الرياضي للنادي، التعاقد مع صفقة في الخط الهجومي خلال سوق الانتقالات الشتوية في يناير.
وبحسب “فوتبول ترانسفيرز” فإن محمد صلاح أصبح على وشك الرحيل عن ليفربول الصيف المقبل على الرغم من توقيعه على عقد لمدة عامين مع الريدز مؤخراً.
ويبلغ الدولي المصري حالياً 33 عاماً ويأتي بعد موسم يمكن القول إنه الأفضل له في تاريخ الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز كما ساهم في تسجيل هدف وصنع تمريرة حاسمة حتى الآن.
اقرأ أيضاً.. رافا بينيتيز يختار الأفضل بين محمد صلاح وكريستيانو رونالدو
ومع ذلك فإن هناك إجماعاً في ليفربول أن النادي سيتخلى عن أسطورته محمد صلاح في المستقبل القريب وقد تم بالفعل اختيار خليفته في ملعب آنفيلد.
وقد تم تحديد ماليك فوفانا جناح ليون الفرنسي حيث يعد اللاعب الذي يمكنه تعويض رحيل النجم المصري محمد صلاح على المدى الطويل.
ويبدو أن ليفربول حريص على الضغط على الدولي البلجيكي في يناير، ويريد مسؤولو الريدز إتمام الصفقة الآن للاستفادة من إمكانيات اللاعب.
ويدرك ليفربول أن المنافسة على خدمات فوفانا صاحب الـ20 عاماً ستكون قوية، وقد ترددت شائعات عن اهتمام تشيلسي وآرسنال بخدماته خلال الصيف الماضي.
وكان فوفانا قد رفض في وقت سابق إمكانية اللعب في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز حيث قال: “فكرت في الانتقال لكني أعتقد أن اللعب كثيراً الآن أهم وهذا يجب أن يحدث في ليون”.
Newcastle United are active in the hunt for reinforcements and internal discussions are ongoing at St James’ Park over a potential move for an exciting attacker, according to a report.
Newcastle United discover opening Premier League fixtures
The Premier League fixture schedule has landed ahead of the new campaign, and it is fair to say Magpies fans will be salivating over the prospect of their side being back in competitive action.
Facing Aston Villa, Arsenal, and Liverpool within their first few matches won’t be easy, but there will be plenty of confidence within the camp that a strong platform can be built ahead of another enthralling season.
With a trip to Villa Park first up, intrigue will start to grow over potential activity in the North East over the next couple of months. Simon Jordan believes Newcastle’s position of relative strength should be more of a talking point as they gear up to go to battle in the top-flight.
He stated: “I think the answer to the question is where is there not an intriguing story? Look around the league. Look at all the teams that are in there. Look at Newcastle.
“Newcastle are now in the Champions League. They have got the spending restrictions probably back into play now and they can go again hard.”
Newcastle United manager EddieHowebefore the match
Joao Pedro has emerged as a key target for Newcastle in their mission to juggle domestic football and Champions League participation, with talks open over a move for the Brazil international.
Roma’s Evan Ndicka could join Howe’s revolution, but it appears that extending their pool of depth across the front four position has become the main priority for the Geordies if recent reports are anything to go by.
Newcastle discuss West Ham United man Mohammed Kudus
According to The Athletic, Newcastle have internally discussed a move for West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus amid uncertainty over his future at the London Stadium.
Previously, reports came to light detailing that Magpies owners PIF feel they can afford a swoop for Kudus as a cheaper alternative to Brentford star Bryan Mbuemo.
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The Ghana international has a release clause of around £75 million. However, it is widely acknowledged that he won’t move for as high a fee, and Newcastle appear to have taken encouragement due to the fact his name has been mentioned in the corridors of power.
Labelled “brilliant” by Graham Potter, Kudus registered five goals and four assists last campaign in 35 appearances across all competitions, which isn’t bad going given the Hammers endured a disappointing season.
Making his presence known in attack, the 24-year-old created 31 chances in the Premier League and fits the bill as a versatile attack-minded addition for Howe due to his ability to function on either flank or through the middle.
Newcastle’s targets are beginning to evolve this window and Kudus is now near the front of their mind amid his potential availability.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have now submitted an opening bid for a defender who “never puts a foot wrong”, but there could be competition from their Premier League rivals, according to a report.
Wolves looking to kick on under Pereira
Vitor Pereira’s arrival last season marked a change in fortunes for Wolves, with the manager overseeing a major improvement in results, which meant relegation fears were quashed way before the business end of the season.
Pereira has stated he wants to “do better” next season, however, which means some new arrivals may be needed this summer, particularly with Matheus Cunha on his way to Manchester United, and there have been suggestions Nelson Semedo could follow the forward to Old Trafford.
Quite rightly, the manager may also be keen to strengthen his backline this summer, given that the Old Gold conceded the most goals of any side not to be relegated from the Premier League last season.
Club
Final position
Goals conceded
Tottenham Hotspur
17th
65
Wolves
16th
69
Manchester United
15th
54
West Ham United
14th
62
According to a report from Italy (via Sport Witness), Wolves have now made an offer for Lazio defender Mario Gila, but there could be competition for his signature from their Premier League rivals, with Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion also keen.
Lazio’s failure to qualify for Europe could have a big impact on their summer transfer window, and there is now growing interest in Gila, with the Italian club looking to hold out for a fee of €50m (£42m) for his services.
However, the Old Gold only appear to be willing to fork out €35m (£29m) for the centre-back’s signature, so the two clubs remain some way apart at the moment, and he is thought to be keen on playing for a top club next season.
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ByRoss Kilvington May 25, 2025 Gila "never puts a foot wrong" in defence
Former Lazio sporting director Igli Tare was full of praise for the Spanish defender upon signing him from Real Madrid, saying: “He is fast, intelligent and never puts a foot wrong. He can become one of the top 3-4 defenders in the world and it wouldn’t surprise me if Real wanted him back.”
The Barcelona-born defender has since emerged as a key player for Lazio, making 32 Serie A appearances during the 2024/25 campaign, and CBS’ Matteo Bonetti believes he could be in line for a move to a top club due to his “unique” profile.
As such, Gila could be a real coup for Wolves, but given that European football will not be on offer next season, it would be a surprise to see him move to Molineux.
It was remarkably just over six years ago that Marcus Rashford enjoyed one of the greatest moments of his Manchester United career, with the Englishman rifling home from the penalty spot to send Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side into the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
The United academy graduate had been the undoing of Paris Saint-Germain with that last-gasp spot-kick, while he also netted again in the Parc des Princes during the 2020/21 campaign, to clinch another famous win for Solskjaer and co.
Something about the Ligue 1 side appears to bring the best out of the 27-year-old, it would seem, with the in-form forward having again been electric when facing off with the Parisien outfit – albeit this time in Aston Villa colours.
The Red Devils outcast put in a simply masterful display through the middle for Unai Emery’s side, having notably produced a breathtaking assist for Villa’s third of the night as the hosts flipped the encounter on its head. In truth, it was vintage Rashford.
Frustratingly for the Villans, they could not complete the comeback after bravely crashing out, while for those back in Manchester, such a fine individual display may have Ruben Amorim thinking twice over his decision to exile the £300k-per-week marksman.
But would a return to Old Trafford really be in the best interest of all parties this summer?
Why Rashford still needs to be sold this summer
As far as Rashford is concerned, the decision to make the move to Villa Park back in February could hardly have gone better, with the Midlands side also still in the mix for a top five finish in the Premier League, while having also reached the last four of the FA Cup.
The polarising sensation has been central to Emery’s plans in recent months, with the assist for Ezri Konsa last night taking his total tally to nine goal involvements in just 15 appearances since making the move. Jesse Lingard at West Ham United anyone?
Free from the shackles and the scrutiny of being a Manchester United player, Rashford has looked reborn in claret and blue, with Tuesday night seeing him create four big chances in total – more than any other player on the pitch.
That display backed up Emery’s decision to once again select his loan star ahead of compatriot, Ollie Watkins, in the centre-forward berth, with the Villans boasting attacking depth that Amorim can only dream of – not least with Joshua Zirkzee now sidelined with injury.
Speaking on Amazon Prime, United legend Wayne Rooney suggested that he would “love” to see Rashford back playing for the Red Devils next season, while also claiming that the player himself “wants” to be back at the Theatre of Dreams.
That said, it was only in December that the England international outlined his desire for a “new challenge” after being given the cold shoulder by Amorim, with it difficult to see any form of reconciliation occurring ahead of next season.
Indeed, having found his groove at Villa, why would Rashford risk enduring another stop-start campaign back at his parent club – not least considering three of the last four seasons have been rather underwhelming for him in a United shirt.
Rashford’s last five Man Utd seasons (all comps)
Season
Games
Goals
Assists
2024/25*
24
7
3
2023/24
43
8
6
2022/23
56
30
11
2021/22
32
5
2
2020/21
57
21
18
*Not including record at Villa
Stats via Transfermarkt
As for the club itself, the chance to rake in a £40m fee from Villa – a deal that would represent pure profit – is no doubt difficult to turn down, with it perhaps best for everyone that a permanent separation occurs this summer.
That said, even if Amorim and co do change their mind, at least they have only opted to loan out Rashford thus far, with the option of a homecoming still on the table. The same can’t be said for everyone that INEOS have let go…
Man Utd may have made a bigger mistake than Rashford
It appears to be a growing theme that players who have left Old Trafford have gone on to shine elsewhere, albeit with the club having largely been correct in moving those players on.
Indeed, in the case of Anthony Elanga, the Swedish speedster had scored just four goals in 55 games for United prior to departing for Nottingham Forest. David de Gea, meanwhile, was public enemy number one for his mistake in the FA Cup final, before being allowed to leave for nothing.
Equally, the likes of Antony and Jadon Sancho – now on loan at Real Betis and Chelsea – had hardly pulled up any trees following their £86m and £73m arrivals, respectively, with the pair netting just 24 goals between them in 179 games.
Antony’s Man Utd record vs selected wingers (past and present)
Player
Games
Goals
Assists
Total G/A
Antony
96
12
5
17
Anthony Elanga
55
4
4
8
Amad
57
12
10
22
Jadon Sancho
83
12
6
18
Alejandro Garnacho
135
25
20
45
Dan James
74
9
9
18
Angel Di Maria
34
4
12
16
Henrikh Mkhitaryan
63
13
11
24
Memphis Depay
53
7
6
13
Stats via Transfermarkt
Even Rashford had endured a miserable 18 months after scoring just 15 goals for United following the start of the 2023/24 campaign, with few of a Red Devils persuasion having contested with any of those exits at the time.
In the case of Scott McTominay, however, it may well be a different story, with the Scotland star having actually been one of Erik ten Hag’s key men last term, before sealing a £25m move to Napoli over the summer.
Inter Milan's Denzel Dumfries in action with Napoli's Scott McTominay
Indeed, the 28-year-old was the Dutchman’s rescue act having repeatedly delivered the goods in an attacking sense, with the rampaging midfielder – who notably netted a brace at the death against Brentford – ending the season with ten goals to his name in all competitions.
The joint third-highest scorer for United in the end in 2023/24, McTominay appeared to be thriving in an advanced midfield berth, albeit with the desire to meet PSR regulations – and the pursuit of fellow midfielder, Manuel Ugarte – leading to INEOS deciding to cash in.
Scott McTominay
Ten Hag has since admitted that he “didn’t want” to sell the 6 foot 4 giant, yet was almost “forced” into agreeing to the decision due to the club’s financial constraints.
As it is, McTominay has gone on to dazzle in Naples in 2024/25 to date, with the midfield “monster” – as hailed by analyst Ben Mattinson – notably netting twice last time out to keep Antonio Conte’s side in title contention.
Those latest strikes – both of which were assisted by Romelu Lukaku, no less – showcased just what the Lancaster-born hero is all about. Indeed, for his first of the night, McTominay charged from deep before curling home from outside the area. For his second, the ex-Red Devil expertly headed home after towering above the Empoli defence.
The emerging Naples sensation now has eight Serie A goals to his name this season, with only Bruno Fernandes able to match that tally for league goals back in Manchester.
McTominay is then picking up where he left off last term, with INEOS having made a rare move for United by selling a player who was actually in form – unlike the exiled Rashford.
With the Red Devils now in the midst of their worst-ever Premier League campaign, that bold call doesn’t appear to have aged well…
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Liverpool miss Roberto Firmino. The attacking maestro was one of the most unique Premier League stars in the business, so selfless and dynamic as he pulled Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane’s strings.
He won it all, the full gamut, but Firmino, now 33, left for the Saudi Pro League when his contract expired in 2023. Anfield’s frontline has never quite been the same.
His replacement, Darwin Nunez, 25, has failed to live up to the lofty price tag and appears set to depart himself this summer, so addressing the issue at number nine is now one of the most pressing concerns for FSG’s sporting director Richard Hughes.
Luckily, Liverpool have registered their interest in the perfect heir to Firmino’s one-time place in the line-up after a huge development.
Latest as Liverpool chase new forward
As per Football Insider, Liverpool are monitoring Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Brazil international is hoping for a change of scenery and is believed to have been identified by FSG as the perfect replacement for the outgoing Nunez.
Cunha has been transparent in his desire to leave Molineux for pastures new this summer, though it’s unlikely the Old Gold will allow him to leave for anything less than the £62.5m release clause inserted into his new contract, signed last month.
Transfer Focus
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That would place the in-demand star among the most expensive signings of the FSG era, behind only that of Darwin Nunez (£86m) and Virgil van Dijk (£75m), as well as ahead of Dominik Szoboszlai’s £60m capture.
Liverpool's new Firmino
The longing for Firmino in all his pomp has remained strong over the past several years. Nunez has hardly nailed down the number nine spot and indeed faces an exit in the coming months to close a largely disappointing stint on Merseyside.
But in Cunha, Liverpool could find a dynamic and multi-faceted new forward to restore their frontline to the top of its game. Salah can’t do it all alone, you see, and his haul of 32 this year actually accounts for 30% of his side’s goals in all competitions.
Cunha, who can play as a centre-forward or off the left flank, could certainly help such matters, having scored 15 goals and laid on four assists for relegation-threatened Wolves this term.
Below, we’ve put together a table comparing Cunha’s metrics in the Premier League this season against Firmino’s during the 2019/20 campaign, when Liverpool last won the top-flight title.
Goals scored
0.55
0.27
Assists
0.17
0.24
Total shots
3.61
2.98
Shot-creating actions
4.12
3.43
Progressive passes
4.70
3.34
Progressive carries
3.86
2.71
Successful take-ons
2.06
1.57
Ball recoveries
4.62
4.10
Tackles + interceptions
2.02
1.33
BBC Sport pundit Micah Richards said it best: “His football IQ is absolutely sensational. He’s the one who can unlock the doors. He finds the little pockets of space and makes the right decisions at the right times.”
Now you see the similarities, now you see that Cunha could be Cunha reborn on Merseyside. Both players encapsulate a range of areas that leave them a cut above the majority of their positional rivals.
Anfield has already been treated to Cunha’s expertise this term, the Brazilian scoring an absolute pearler in the anxiety-inducing meeting between the sides in February, Liverpool only just hanging on to their win.
It was a lovely goal, but the comparisons between Cunha and his countryman Firmino are found more accurately through shared silkiness on the ball, deft movements and sharp intelligence that merge together to create a truly special skill set.
Having also won 5.7 duels per game this year, as per Sofascore, and created 12 big chances for his teammates, the 25-year-old could be the next big thing at Anfield, playing centrally to feed the likes of Salah and Cody Gakpo while wreaking havoc himself.
An “incredible” player, as per former boss Gary O’Neil, Cunha won’t come cheap, but Liverpool could revive the spirit of Firmino with this signing, and FSG need to get it done.
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Records tumbled as Sri Lanka and South Africa played out 127 scoreless balls between them
Sampath Bandarupalli03-Jun-202477 – Sri Lanka’s total against South Africa in their Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 clash in New York is their lowest in men’s T20Is. Their previous lowest was 82 all out against India in 2016 in Vishakhapatnam.It is also the lowest total by any team against South Africa in men’s T20Is. The previous lowest was Afghanistan’s 80 all out during the 2010 T20 World Cup.7 – Runs conceded by Anrich Nortje on Monday, the fewest by a bowler completing their four-over quota in the Men’s T20 World Cup. The previous fewest was eight runs, by three bowlers – Ajantha Mendis (vs Zimbabwe in 2012), Mahmudullah (vs Afghanistan in 2014) and Wanindu Hasaranga (vs UAE in 2022).Related
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Nortje also conceded the fewest runs by a South Africa bowler in their four overs in a men’s T20I.3 – Hauls of four or more wickets for Nortje in T20 World Cups, the joint-most by any bowler at the tournament, alongside Saeed Ajmal and Shakib Al Hasan.4 for 7 – Nortje’s figures are the best for South Africa at the Men’s T20 World Cup, bettering his own record of 4 for 10 against Bangladesh in 2022.Nortje’s figures are also the best by any bowler against Sri Lanka in the men’s T20 World Cup and the third-best in all men’s T20Is against them.Most dots in a men’s T20 WC match•ESPNcricinfo Ltd20 – Dot balls bowled by Ottniel Baartman, the joint-most by a bowler in a Men’s T20 World Cup game. Kemar Roach bowled 20 dot balls against Ireland in 2010, while Ajantha Mendis did the same during his six-wicket haul against Zimbabwe in 2012. Baartman’s 20 dots are also the most for South Africa in a men’s T20I.1 – Nortje and Baartman became the first pair to concede less than ten runs apiece in an innings at the Men’s T20 World Cup (while bowling their full quota of four overs).Only twice before have a pair of bowlers from Full Member teams done this in men’s T20Is – Chris Mpofu and Ray Price for Zimbabwe against Canada in 2008, and Ajaz Patel and Rachin Ravindra for New Zealand against Bangladesh in 2021.11 – T20 World Cup matches played by Nortje, taking at least one in each. It is now the longest wicket-taking spree for any bowler in the Men’s T20 World Cup. Nortje bettered Ashish Nehra, who has taken at least one wicket in all ten T20 World Cup matches.4.42 – The scoring rate in this South Africa vs Sri Lanka match was the lowest for a Men’s T20 World Cup game (min: 150 balls). None of the previous 252 T20 World Cup matches lasting 25-plus overs finished with a run rate below five an over.127 – Dot balls played out on Monday were the most for a Men’s T20 World Cup match. The previous highest was 123 dots in the 2007 game between South Africa and India, and by Oman and Namibia during last night’s tie.Sri Lanka’s batters played out 72 of the 127 dots, the joint-most by a team in a Men’s T20 World Cup game, alongside Afghanistan against England in 2012.