Iyer said he made the decision despite the dew because of the trend of teams batting first winning
ESPNcricinfo staff15-Apr-2025
This is the first time Nortje is playing for a team other than DC in the IPL•NurPhoto via Getty Images
Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to bat against his former team, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Both the matches in Mullanpur this IPL so far have featured 200-plus targets and successful defences. Iyer said he made the decision despite the dew because of the trend of teams batting first winning.There were caps handed out on both sides. Anrich Nortje made his KKR debut replacing Moeen Ali. It was clear KKR wanted to go express pace against a side whose Indian batters have been doing well.In the absence of the injured Lockie Ferguson, PBKS handed out a debut to Xavier Bartlett, the Australia fast bowler, who can bat a little down the order. They also beefed up their batting with the introduction of Josh Inglis to go with their India-heavy batting. Marcus Stoinis was left out.Related
Ferguson all but out of IPL with 'pretty serious injury'
Ramandeep: 'Being picked by KKR has changed everything for me'
Hopes: Chahal 'struggling to get into the game at the moment'
PBKS are likely to bring in Yash Thakur when bowling in the second innings. KKR had Angkrish Raghuvanshi as the extra batter among their substitutes.This was expected to be an emotional match for Shreyas, who led KKR to the title last year, but wasn’t retained by the team, who were left scrambling for a captain by the end of the auction.Punjab Kings 1 Prabhsimran Singh (wk), 2 Priyansh Arya, 3 Shreyas Iyer (capt.), 4 Josh Inglis (wk), 5 Nehal Wadhera, 6 Shashank Singh, 7 Glenn Maxwell, 8 Marco Jansen, 9 Xavier Bartlett, 10 Yuzvendra Chahal, 11 Arshdeep SinghPBKS bench V Vyshak, Suryansh Shedge, Yash Thakur, Harpreet Brar, Pravin DubeyKolkata Knight Riders 1 Quinton de Kock (wk), 2 Sunil Narine, 3 Ajinkya Rahane (capt.), 4 Rinku Singh, 5 Venkatesh Iyer, 6 Andre Russell, 7 Ramandeep Singh, 8 Anrich Nortje, 9 Harshit Rana, 10 Vaibhav Arora, 11 Varun ChakravarthyKKR bench Manish Pandey, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Anukul Roy, Rovman Powell, Luvnith Sisodia
Aston Villa have been hindered this summer by the Premier League’s controversial Profit and Sustainability regulations, imposed prohibitively on Unai Emery’s plans this summer.
There’s no question that the focus is on returning to the Champions League and Emery crowning his era in the English Midlands with silverware, but that’s easier said than done.
Villa are into the Europa League, at least, having finished sixth last term, falling agonisingly short after a miserable and contentious loss at Old Trafford on the final day.
While the Premier League side have missed out on the bonanza that would have come through reprising their place in Europe’s elite competition, they have completed some shrewd signings, with Marco Bizot from Brest taking the number two spot between the sticks and the versatile Evann Guessand adding firepower across the frontline, having recently signed from OGC Nice.
Though another deal could yet be completed, it appears that much hinges on the future of Leon Bailey.
The latest on Leon Bailey's Villa future
The Athletic have confirmed that Bailey, 28, is in talks with Serie A giants Roma over a potential transfer away from Villa Park this summer.
Aston Villa'sLeonBaileyin action with Celtic's Greg Taylor
The Jamaican winger only started 14 times in the Premier League last season as he struggled against injuries, which punctuated his campaign.
However, he was electric the term before, racking up 19 goal contributions across the top-flight campaign, and it’s clear that more quality is needed to ensure that Emery has enough firepower to tackle multiple fronts once again this year.
And should Roma secure their quarry, it appears the Villans have already lined up the perfect replacement.
Villa join race for Bailey replacement
According to journalist Sebastien Vidal, Aston Villa are ready to join the race for Leicester City winger Abdul Fatawu, should Bailey complete his potential move to Roma in the coming weeks.
Leicester winger Abdul Fatawu
The 21-year-old Fatawu suffered an injury-hit 2024/25 season but managed to showcase his quality across the smattering of fixtures he appeared in.
Everton have also been reported to have a vested interest in the speedy winger, so Monchi and co will need to ramp up the gas if they hope to get this one over the line.
Why Emery wants Abdul Fatawu
Leicester signed Fatawu from Sporting Lisbon last summer after he played an instrumental role in achieving promotion from the Championship in 2023/24.
An athletic, pacy and combative winger, Fatawu has the perfect skill set for the Premier League, and given that he has burst onto the scene in the second tier, he could prove to be Villa’s next version of Morgan Rogers.
Morgan Rogers
The ice-cold attacking midfielder was one of Aston Villa’s biggest success stories from last season, notching 30 goal contributions across all competitions as he played a crucial role in making Emery’s system tick. The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell had described him as a “machine” of an attacking midfielder for his labours.
However, he’d previously completed 61 matches in the Championship, and it’s for this reason that Villa could repeat their own trick by signing Fatawu from the King Power Stadium this summer.
Remarked by talent scout Jacek Kulig to have been “simply unplayable” at times across the 2023/24 Championship season, it’s regrettable from a Leicester standpoint that Fatawu was cruelly ruled out for the lion’s share of last season, especially when he showed great promise across his few outings in ther Premier League.
In fact, even though Fatawu has struggled for fitness over the past 12 months, he still ranks among the top 4% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe for progressive carries, the top 1% for successful take-ons and the top 15 for tackles won per 90 too, via FBref.
Indeed, looking at the Ghanaian’s performances across the past two years, you begin to see why Emery is invested in striking a deal over the next couple of weeks, adding not just creativity to his side but also some muscle and energy to his right flank too.
Matches (starts)
40 (33)
11 (6)
Goals
6
0
Assists
13
2
Shots (on target)*
1.9 (0.4)
1.2 (0.5)
Pass completion
80%
68%
Big chances created
32
2
Key passes*
1.7
0.5
Dribbles*
2.3
2.6
Ball recoveries*
3.7
3.5
Tackles + interceptions*
2.0
2.3
Duels (won)*
6.1
7.6
And though he’s only played once in the Championship this season, Sofascore also record that the rising prospect completed six dribbles and won a whopping 12 duels, underscoring his one-of-a-kind physicality.
This level of completeness at such an early stage of his career emphasises a likeness to the 23-year-old Rogers, for the England international won 4.7 duels and made 1.2 tackles per game in the Premier League last season, as also recorded by Sofascore.
But with a potent attacking threat at the forefront of his game, it’s clear that Rogers could find himself mimicked by Fatawu, should the Ghanaian succeed in earning his big move after two years with Leicester which have shown potential but seen him spiral back into the Premier League after frustration last season.
Given that Rogers also created 16 big chances in the top flight last term, partnered with his preferred position existing in the centre or out on the left, there’s no reason why Fatawu and Rogers could not cohabit in Emery’s starting line-up over the coming years, each sharing similar skills but bearing their own tactical identity.
Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers in action with Brighton & Hove Albion'sIgorJulio
Whether Aston Villa manage to pull this one off remains to be seen, especially since Everton remain hopeful that they can strike a deal themselves.
But without a doubt, this is the kind of shrewd signing that could bear dividends in the long run, and if Bailey’s chapter in England truly is at an end, there are few better replacements currently on the market.
Emery's new Asensio: Aston Villa hold talks over signing £18m "wizard"
Aston Villa are looking to sign another attacker this summer
O Corinthians recebeu, nesta sexta-feira (23), o prêmio CONAFUT, de melhor departamento de futebol feminino do Brasil no ano de 2022. 70% dos votos vieram de um júri especializado, 20% dos participantes do evento e 10% de votação popular.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansAthletico-PR x Corinthians: onde assistir, prováveis escalações e desfalques do jogo pelo BrasileirãoCorinthians23/06/2023Fora de CampoPreço de banana? Torcedores do Corinthians ficam ‘irados’ com valor da venda de Mantuan para o ZenitFora de Campo23/06/2023CorinthiansSem Renato Augusto e com baixa no ataque, Corinthians fecha preparação para encarar o Athletico-PRCorinthians23/06/2023
+ Corinthians aproveita erros do Santos, e Ruan Oliveira se destaca em vitória; veja notas
Esta é a terceira vez que as Brabas garantem o prêmio CONAFUT, vencendo a categoria em 2018 e 2021. Cris Gambaré, diretora do futebol feminino do Timão, ressaltou o trabalho realizado no clube nesses últimos anos.
+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF
– O Corinthians é um case de sucesso no futebol feminino porque conseguiu ocupar o espaço correto. Foi dada essa oportunidade e soubemos fazer da melhor forma o que a equipe precisava em cada ano – disse Cris ao receber o prêmio da CONAFUT.
continua após a publicidade
A diretoria destacou que a meta do departamento é colocar o clube entre os cinco melhores do mundo.
– O melhor foco para seguir como referência é sempre buscar um objetivo a mais. E, claro, além de tudo isso, respeitar as atletas, a comissão técnica e o nosso próprio espaço – concluiu Cris.
+ Timão se afasta do Z4? Veja tabela e os próximos jogos do Brasileirão
Em 2022, as Brabas faturaram a Supercopa do Brasil, o Campeonato Brasileiro e a Copa Paulista.
Former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney has admitted he was worried for Ruben Amorim’s side after Chelsea were reduced to 10 men early on in Saturday’s clash at Old Trafford. The Red Devils went on to win 2-1 against the Blues, but Rooney has revealed he was concerned his former club would lose to the 10 men which would have brought even more pressure on Amorim.
Man Utd secure much-needed win
Amorim's side picked up a much-needed win on Saturday by beating Chelsea 2-1. The Blues suffered an early blow when goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was sent off after just four minutes, before goals Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro put the hosts in a commanding position. United looked set to cruise to victory but a red card for Casemiro and a late goal from Trevoh Chalobah meant Amorim's side ended up hanging on for a scrappy win.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportRooney reveals Man Utd fears
Rooney has now shared his thoughts on the game and admitted he feared for the Red Devils after Chelsea went a man down. He told : "Do you know what? I thought even with 11 men, I thought they started the game really well and caused Chelsea problems. And then when Chelsea went to 10 men, I was worried! I was thinking, it's just like United now to go and lose the game. And then I think that would have brought a whole lot of more pressure on the manager. But I thought they played really well first half and then second half, it's silly, it's naive from Casemiro. As soon as he got his yellow card, I was watching it in the BBC studios with Danny Murphy and I said that I'd take him off. He's going to get sent off. You just knew what was going to happen and it could have cost us in the end."
Man Utd's discipline impresses Rooney
Rooney also revealed how impressed he was with Manchester United's discipline after they had lost Casemiro. He added: "I think what I liked in the second half was the discipline from United, they defended well and kept the ball in front of them and Chelsea were poor. Chelsea were slow and moving the ball side to side but not really trying to penetrate. The only two crosses they put in the box is the one for the goal and one late on which caused another big chance but I think you have to praise Man United for in them conditions as well, they showed a lot of discipline and that's a huge win. Let’s just enjoy the three points!"
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Casemiro makes unwanted history for Man Utd
Casemiro's red card means he is the first Manchester United player to score and be sent off in the first half of a Premier League match, and the first overall in the competition since Emmanuel Adebayor for Spurs against Arsenal in November 2012.
Manchester United’s transfer window has already been a huge success, with Ruben Amorim making key additions to help him in his quest for success at Old Trafford.
He’s already landed Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, costing a staggering £62.5m but massively bolstering the number ten position within the first-team squad.
Bryan Mbeumo also made the move to join the Red Devils, also costing a pretty penny, with the hierarchy forking out a whopping £71m to lure him away from Brentford.
Whilst the pair have already set the club back over £130m this summer, they will offer that creative spark Amorim’s side have been missing, notching 35 combined Premier League goals between them last season.
However, their big-money window also looks set to continue with a couple of weeks remaining, targeting multiple talents who would further improve the club’s chance of success in the near future.
The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer
Benjamin Sesko looks to be United’s latest addition this summer, after the club made a £74m offer for the RB Leipzig striker in the last 24 hours – a figure that could be enough to land his signature.
Newcastle United have also submitted a bid for the Slovenian international, but the latest reports suggest that the player himself is favouring a move to Old Trafford over a switch to St James’ Park.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates their second goal scored by Lukas Klostermann
However, he’s not the only player currently in their sights, with Juventus star Douglas Luiz a player appearing on their radar, according to Football Insider.
Their report claims that the Red Devils have entered talks with the Serie A side over a move for the Brazilian, who’s been allowed to depart the club less than 12 months after joining.
It also states that West Ham United, Everton and Nottingham Forest are also in the race for his signature, leading to a loan with an obligation to buy being mooted for the 27-year-old.
Why United’s latest target would be perfect for Mbeumo & Cunha
Given United’s measly Premier League tally of just 44 goals last season, it’s evident that the side desperately needed added reinforcements in the final third – something which the hierarchy have evidently done this window.
The aforementioned duo of Cunha and Mbeumo’s tally of 35 goals would’ve equated to 80% of the side’s tally, highlighting the added threat the Red Devils will possess in 2025/26.
However, they will need ammunition if they are to succeed in their first season at the club, with Bruno Fernandes likely to be the main candidate based on the previous campaign.
The Portuguese international notched 18 assists across all competitions last season, but he could be joined by Luiz in his quest to provide his teammates with chances in the final third.
Whilst he only managed 27 appearances for the Old Lady last season, the former Aston Villa star still managed to thrive with the ball at his feet, making him an excellent deep-lying option in Amorim’s system.
Douglas Luiz in action for Juventus.
His talent on the ball could provide the likes of Cunha and Mbeumo with added chances for success in front of goal, whilst also being an excellent buy given his previous five-year spell at Aston Villa in England’s top-flight.
Luiz, who’s been labelled “world-class” by analyst Adam Gilks, registered an 87% pass completion rate, whilst making 2.6 key passes per 90 – ranking him within the top 1% of all players in Serie A last campaign.
Games played
19
Minutes played
516
Pass accuracy
87%
Progressive passes
6.1
Progressive carries
2.7
Key passes made
2.6
Passes into final third
3.2
Tackles won
1.4
% of tackles won
67%
Such tallies would be perfect for those ahead of him, with his figure of 6.1 progressive passes and 3.2 passes into the final third per 90 further highlighting his creative ability, which would massively aid the new additions in attacking areas.
Out of possession, the Brazilian has been just as impressive, winning 1.4 tackles per 90 at a success rate of 67%, handing the side the needed defensive talent at the heart of the side.
Any move for Luiz this summer would be an excellent piece of business, offering Amorim with the perfect box-to-box option in midfield, subsequently able to have the tools to impress at both ends of the pitch.
If he can carry his creativity over with him from Italy, he can help his fellow new additions to thrive during their first year in Manchester, which could allow the side to rise up the table throughout 2025/26.
The next Bruno: Man Utd readying bid for "outstanding" talent after Sesko
Manchester United’s activity this window is showing no signs after making their move for Benjamin Sesko.
So far, the Hoops have unveiled six new recruits, the most exciting of which is the returning hero Kieran Tierney, while Benjamin Nygren, Callum Osmund, Ross Doohan and Japanese duo Hayato Inamura and Shin Yamada have also arrived.
Nevertheless, speaking ahead of Thursday night’s pre-season friendly against Ajax in Como, manager Brendan Rodgers stated that he requires new players “for the present”, adding that “I want players in tomorrow, but I understand the market”, so could he be set to finally secure the signature of his number one target?
Celtic's search for attacking reinforcements
Following last mid-week’s friendly victory over Sporting CP in the Algarve, Rodgers said that he wants “to add [more] to our front line” because “we’ve lost a lot of goals”, following the departures of both Kyōgo Furuhashi and, more recently, Nicolas Kühn this year.
The table below underlines this point.
Daizen Maeda
43
Yes
Kyōgo Furuhashi
31
No
Adam Idah
29
Yes
Nicolas Kühn
24
No
Matt O’Riley
19
No
Reo Hatate
14
Yes
Callum McGregor
12
Yes
Arne Engels
10
Yes
Luis Palma
10
No
As the table outlines, three of Celtic’s top five scorers from the last two seasons have departed, very thankful that Daizen Maeda is still at the club, following his 33-goal haul last season, picking up pretty much every individual accolade going.
So now, could the Bhoys secure the signing of a long-term target reminiscent of the Japanese forward?
Daizen Maeda
Well, according to a report by The Daily Record, Celtic are set to step up their interest in Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha.
Fair to say, this has entered into saga territory, with the Hoops having been chasing the Belgian for weeks now, if not months, and Antwerp manager Stef Wils admitting publicly that Celtic’s offers so far ‘have been below’ his club’s valuation.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Just last week, speaking on Off The Underside, Anthony Joseph of Sky Sports stated that Balikwisha “would like to join Celtic”, with the winger valued at around £5m, despite being in the final year of his contract.
So, could this storyline finally be coming to an end, with Balikwisha ending up at Parkhead?
How Michel-Ange Balikwisha would improve Celtic
One of the reasons Celtic appear hesitant to sign Balikwisha is his injury record, missing significant periods of time in recent seasons due to a thigh issue.
Michel-Ange Balikwisha.
Nevertheless, his talent is clear for all to see, with analyst Will Glavin describing him as a “direct wide threat” who is “creative” and “technically sharp”, concluding that he would represent a “potential bargain”, given his contractual situation, and the fact Antwerp may be under pressure to sell, having failed to qualify for European competition.
Meantime, Ben Mattinson describes him as “two-footed” and “capable of beating a defender” both inside and out, which makes him so “unpredictable”.
So, let’s analyse how his statistics compare to those of Maeda.
Appearances
141
158
Minutes
10,089
11,213
Goals
29
62
Assists
17
28
Shots per 90
1.47
1.97
Shots on target %
42%
44.7%
Goals – xG
+3.9
+0.1
Big chances missed
16
60
Take-on success %
39%
37.8%
As the table outlines, Balikwisha and Maeda are stylistically very similar players, with both men comfortable operating off the left flank, or in a centre-forward berth.
The Japanese international does boast the better end product, scoring more goals, providing more assists and mustering more shots, but their similarities are most obvious when it comes to dribbling, the Belgian having the slight edge in that regard.
Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout supports this by praising the Antwerp attacker’s “pace and dribbling” ability.
Daizen Maeda
Meantime, Balikwisha is the more clinical finisher, hence why his goals – xG figure is better, while missing exponentially fewer Opta-defined big chances during the timeframe analysed.
Blair Meikle of the Herald documents how Maeda was Celtic’s most influential player last season, constantly delivering in big moments, but he cannot shoulder the attacking burden by himself, so Balikwisha would surely be an excellent addition, with a huge, season-defining Champions League play-off tie now less than four weeks away.
Better than Balikwisha: Celtic pursuing deal for "underrated" £5m star
Celtic could have identified a perfect alternative to Michel Ange Balikwisha…
An emphasis on investment remains at BlueCo’s Chelsea, but several learning curves have been passed and there’s a feeling that things are not so scattergun anymore.
With Enzo Maresca’s side preparing to take on the Paris Saint-Germain super-team in the Club World Cup final, the club will be permitted to take only the briefest sojourn before a reduced pre-season commences ahead of 2025/26.
There has already been a deluge of new arrivals for the west Londoners, who secured their place back in the Champions League and won the Conference League across Maresca’s first season at the helm.
Liam Delap and Joao Pedro have been poached from domestic rivals, while Jamie Gittens, 20, has finally completed his £51.5m transfer from Borussia Dortmund, having been hailed by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley as “England’s best left winger in 2024/25” before he plateaued over the closing months of the term.
Jamie Gittens in action for Borussia Dortmund.
The talented Estevao, Kendry Paez and Dario Essugo are all bound for Stamford Bridge too, but Chelsea still have a few more tricks up their sleeve.
The latest on Chelsea's summer transfer window
Noni Madueke has been granted permission to engage in the personal technicalities of his proposed transfer to Arsenal, with the Gunners having seen a £52m offer accepted.
The right winger is a talented player but hardly indispensable. And he’s not the only one the Blues are willing to offload in order to reshape in a superior fashion. Indeed, Nicolas Jackson may be sold, with Todd Boehly reportedly pricing the Senegalese striker at an eye-watering £100m amid interest from AC Milan.
Elsewhere, Chelsea have been mooted to make their move for Aston Villa’s dynamic attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers, something which Madueke’s departure would facilitate.
Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers
But Maresca seemingly wants some more competition out on the left, too, with Mykhaylo Mudryk in interminable purgatory and the likes of Christopher Nkunku, Raheem Sterling and Joao Felix all likely to leave this summer.
And that’s why Chelsea could make an approach for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Kaoru Mitoma, who, aged 28, is settled as one of the most underrated wingers in the Premier League.
That’s according to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, who has confirmed that Chelsea (and Arsenal) have considered making a move to sign the Japan international this summer.
Bayern Munich and Saudi Arabian suitors are also looking to get a deal done, and while there’s a sense that Mitoma’s entourage are drumming up interest to get a bumper new contract at the AMEX, the door is ajar for a summer switch, though Brighton would certainly need to lower their £80m asking price.
Why Chelsea want to sign Kaoru Mitoma
Mitoma joined Brighton from Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale and was instantly loaned out to Royal Union Saint-Gilloise in the Belgian Pro League, something which proved instrumental for his development as he polished his physical properties before being unleashed in the Premier League.
Brighton & Hove Albion's KaoruMitomain action with Fulham's Timothy Castagne
Now, he’s a seasoned veteran, having completed 108 appearances for the Seagulls across all competitions, scoring 24 goals and assisting 20 more.
His 37-goal involvement return in the Premier League, across 88 matches, is also nothing to be sniffed at. Mitoma isn’t the most prolific player, but he is immensely talented and endowed with the pace and intelligence to make a real difference.
Kaoru Mitoma
In fact, the 28-year-old ranked among the top 15% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the English top flight last term for non-penalty goals and the top 12% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref, which highlights the impact he could have in Chelsea’s first team.
Is there any proof that Gittens, so young and untested, could bring such an instant effect to Maresca’s squad? Indeed, cast your mind back to Jadon Sancho’s days at Dortmund, and you will find all the substance needed to form such a compelling argument.
Matches (starts)
36 (28)
32 (21)
Goals
10
8
Assists
4
3
Shots (on target)*
1.6 (0.8)
1.6 (0.8)
Big chances missed
12
4
Pass completion
81%
82%
Big chances created
8
6
Key passes*
1.0
0.7
Dribbles*
1.4
2.4
Ball recoveries*
2.8
2.0
Tackles + interceptions*
1.7
1.3
Duels won*
4.1
4.9
While Gittens is maybe a bit more active in the duel, and certainly has the makings of a clinical wideman, Mitoma is more complete in his performances, with BBC pundit Shay Given even claiming he’s “at the heart of everything positive” Brighton do in the Premier League.
There is also the pretty significant factor that Mitoma plies his trade in the Premier League, whereas Gittens has been cutting his teeth these past few years in the Bundesliga, a division of ostensibly lower quality.
The aforementioned Bailey has regarded Mitoma as “one of the Premier League’s best”, and it’s clear to see why. Though consistency might not be the Japanese’s strong suit, he has shown quality on England’s biggest stage that most wingers could only dream of, and even then, such ambitions would be hazy, ill-defined things.
While Gittens has the makings of something special, Chelsea would be wise to ease him into a position of seniority at Stamford Bridge. Signing Mitoma and allowing the pair to jockey for starting roles could prove a move that bears dividends for the success of Maresca’s project.
Chelsea manager EnzoMarescabefore the start of the second half
Chelsea will be raising the bar in the months to come. European nights will be freighted with the added expectation and intensity that the Champions League theatre brings. Mitoma is exactly the kind of player who could help the club tackle this issue and come up with a solution.
Bad news for Enzo Fernandez: Chelsea open first talks to sign £43m "animal"
Enzo Maresca is looking to sign a Spanish midfielder this summer
West Brom are showing an interest in completing the loan signing of a “sublime” Premier League player this summer, according to a new update.
West Brom eye signings ahead of Mason's first season
The Baggies will once again be among the favourites to seal a top six finish in the Championship next season, as is so often the case, with new manager Ryan Mason admitting he is excited about getting started at The Hawthorns.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to have been appointed Head Coach of West Bromwich Albion. This is a huge club with a fantastic infrastructure and an incredible fan base and I am excited about what we can achieve together. Having spoken at length to the board and those at the club I am convinced that Albion is the perfect place for me to be and I can’t wait to get started. I will bring with me a huge amount of enthusiasm, dedication and ambition and look forward to a positive future together at such a fantastic club.”
Tottenham Hotspur assistant coachRyanMasonduring training
Mason will know that some new signings will be needed this summer, though, in order to aid West Brom’s promotion push, with Rangers forward Tom Lawrence mentioned as an experienced option who has proven himself in the past in the Championship.
Nottingham Forest left-back Harry Toffolo has also emerged as a rumoured option for West Brom, following his departure from the City Ground, with the Englishman set to be a free agent. Now, another name has been thrown into the hat for the Baggies.
West Brom want to sign "sublime" Premier League ace
According to a new update from The Express & Star, West Brom are considering the loan signing of Bournemouth midfielder David Brooks in the summer window, having joined them for £11.5m seven years ago.
The report states that a lack of regular starts for the Cherries last season means that “a departure from the Vitality Stadium, if only on a short-term basis, is considered a possibility this summer.”
David Brooks
Brooks, who scored for Southampton at The Hawthorns in a 2-0 win last year, could be a brilliant addition for West Brom, even if it’s just on loan, with the 27-year-old a gifted footballer who has been highly-rated for years, being lauded by Eddie Howe back in 2018:
“He has played ever so well for us, he has got a creative flair, non-stop energy and he took his goals really well today. He is a player that can do a little bit of everything, he is very good offensively, is creative, turns well with the ball and is very intelligent. His first goal was sublime and his second was very clever because he was running at an angle and just directed it backwards behind him which was really impressive.”
Appearances
29
Starts
9
Minutes played
952
Goals
2
Assists
0
Shots per game
0.9
Key passes per game
0.7
Pass completion rate
82.2%
The fact that Brooks is struggling to be a key starter for Bournemouth means that a temporary move away could appeal to him, and he has the technical quality to be an influential performer for West Brom, helping inspire them to a return to the Premier League.
AC Milan have reportedly entered talks with Liverpool over the loan signing of a “world-class” attacking player in the summer transfer window.
Liverpool rebuff Barcelona approach for Luis Diaz
It has been a busy period for Luis Diaz off the field since the season ended, with doubts persisting over his future at Anfield amid a fresh approach from Barcelona – the Colombian reportedly dreams of playing for the Catalans despite his affinity for the Reds.
The La Liga giants have been rebuffed in their efforts, however, with Liverpool holding firm and saying he isn’t for sale, even though they aren’t planning on handing him a contract extension.
Liverpool winger Luis Diaz
Diaz himself hasn’t exactly poured cold water on a possible Reds exit this summer, though, discussing his future during international duty with Colombia.
“I’m very happy at Liverpool, I’ve always said so. They’ve welcomed me very well from day one. We’re currently in contact with Liverpool because we’re talking to clubs, and that’s normal given the transfer market that’s opening. We’re trying to work out what’s best for us. I’m just waiting to see what happens. If Liverpool gives us a good renewal or I still have the [two] years left with them, I’ll be happy and content there.”
Now, a new exit rumour regarding another Liverpool attacker has emerged, ahead of a summer of change in that area of the pitch.
AC Milan in talks over signing Liverpool forward
According to journalist Orazio Accomando [via Sport Witness], AC Milan are in talks with Liverpool over signing Federico Chiesa on loan this summer.
The 27-year-old is believed to be “open” to the idea of returning to his homeland, but on the flip side, the Reds don’t like the thought of him leaving on a temporary basis, potentially wanting to seal a permanent exit instead.
Liverpool's FedericoChiesaand Alexis Mac Allister
Chiesa has been disappointing for Liverpool since making a surprise move from Juventus last summer, with injuries not helping him in his efforts to impress Arne Slot.
Just one start came the £150,000-a-week winger’s way in the Premier League in the whole of 2024/25, and a total of only 104 minutes, so there is some sense in allowing him to move on.
That said, keeping hold of Chiesa would still be no bad thing, with the Italian a positive character in the dressing room who has so much ability, with Alessandro Pierini once heaping praise on him during Euro 2020.
“He’s world-class. He has all the ability and desire of a great player. If he improves then he’ll be even better than his father [Enrico]. I have loads of respect for Enrico and all he has done to help Federico come on as a player until now.”
FSG set to grant Liverpool record-breaking £250m+ summer transfer spree
Finance expert Kieran Maguire has shared an exciting update involving Liverpool and this summer transfer window.
ByBrett Worthington Jun 5, 2025
If the right permanent offer arrives for Chiesa, Liverpool may accept it, but a loan move doesn’t feel like the right choice, so they should retain him for one year if the desired interest doesn’t come.
The summer transfer window is fast approaching, and Liverpool are set to spend big as they prepare for Arne Slot’s second, Premier League title-defending season at the helm.
Of course, the top-flight trophy isn’t yet wrapped up, but the Reds need just two wins from their remaining six fixtures to put things beyond Arsenal’s reach.
Sporting director Richard Hughes has wrapped up Mohamed Salah’s new contract; captain Virgil van Dijk’s fresh deal is soon to follow. Now, focus can be turned to the upcoming transfer window, with Liverpool expecting flurries of activity through the summer months.
While signing a centre-forward, left-back and central defender are the priorities for the Reds, Slot would be wise not to neglect his midfield.
20/04/25
King Power Stadium
Leicester City
27/04/25
Anfield
Tottenham Hotspur
04/05/25
Stamford Bridge
Chelsea
11/05/25
Anfield
Arsenal
18/05/25
AMEX Stadium
Brighton & Hove Albion
25/05/25
Anfield
Crystal Palace
Liverpool’s midfielders have been immense through the 2024/25 campaign, but they aren’t infallible. There’s been a lack of bite and physicality at times of late that suggests a new addition to the engine room could go down a treat.
Why Slot shouldn't neglect Liverpool's midfield
When Liverpool fell from grace under Jurgen Klopp in 2022/23, the German manager knew he needed to repackage his side’s long-serving midfield.
Jordan Henderson was a first-standard leader but was starting to look a weak link from a technical standpoint, while Fabinho’s legs had gone after so many years serving as a world-class anchor at the heart of one of the highest-octane squads on the globe.
Jordan Henderson and Fabinho
Their replacements, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai, have been immense this season (and last) as Liverpool’s mainstays in the middle, but there’s no denying Liverpool have lacked a combative sheen and that extra bit of dynamism at times recently, namely being overrun by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and Newcastle United at Wembley.
Liverpool have won more duels than their opponents in just one of their past 11 matches across all competitions, denoting fatigue and a lack of sharpness that opponents are capitalising on.
Though packing quality across more needy areas will ultimately hold sway for Liverpool, there’s no question that a high-class midfielder would elevate an already immense team.
It’s something FSG are bearing in mind.
Liverpool lining up marquee midfielder
According to Italian outlet InterLive.it, Liverpool’s interested in signing Nicolo Barella this summer is said to be ‘serious’, with Inter Milan anticipating offers for their midfield linchpin after yet another standout campaign.
Nicolo Barella for Inter Milan vs Bayern Munich.
Now, Barella, 28 years old, is contracted to the San Siro until 2029 and thus Inter are in a commanding position regarding his future and have listed him at €100m (about £87m).
Liverpool’s interest is confirmed to be serious, however, and given the Serie A leaders are keen on Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa, a deal wouldn’t be out of question.
What Nicolo Barella would bring to Liverpool
Described as “the best Serie A midfielder of the 2020s” by journalist Zach Lowy, Barella has already won two Scudettos and two Coppa Italia titles with Inter Milan, joining from Cagliari in 2019.
Inter Milan's Nicolo Barella
Having featured 277 times for I Nerazzurri, Barella has scored 25 goals and supplied 59 assists. He’s not the most prolific of midfielders, but then that’s not really his jurisdiction.
With Simone Inzaghi’s side battling it out with Napoli for the Italian title, Barella has been the architect of his team’s challenge, averaging 1.9 key passes, 4.7 successful duels and 5.2 ball recoveries per game, as per Sofascore, illustrating his wide range of quality.
Of course, the Italian has also been immense in Inter’s quest for the Champions League trophy, with outlets stating that he delivered a career-defining performance at the Allianz Arena last week, taking a 2-1 lead over Bayern Munich back to the San Siro.
Talent of this level suggests that Liverpool could be getting their mitts on one of the most gifted midfielders in many years, one who could stand out above the current Anfield crop.
He might even prove to be Liverpool’s best midfielder since Fabinho.
douglas-luiz-fabinho-liverpool-opinion
For the uninitiated, Fabinho was absolutely spellbinding in his role as Klopp’s number six, so cultured and commanding as he held together a hard-grafting midfield that worked around the clock to facilitate the attacking successes of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Bobby Firmino.
Once hailed as “one of the best in the world” by Klopp, Fabinho truly was a core part of the most illustrious era in Liverpool’s modern history, joining from Monaco for roughly £40m in May 2018 and going on to play 219 times for the Reds before his legs finally failed him.
When in his pomp, the Brazilian was truly one of the most dominant forces out there, and now Barella could emulate him and become Liverpool’s new centrepiece, perhaps unlocking the next level in Slot’s existing options.
Tough-tackling, tenacious and iron-willed, Fabinho performed dutifully and blended his natural qualities with a sharpness of mind and quickness of reaction that differentiated him from his positional rivals.
The Italy international has the experience and the multi-skilled ability to be a real standout for Liverpool over the next several years, with his FBref data discussed above suggesting the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Pedri are among his most statistically similar players.
Such ball-playing specialists, maestros and conductors wrapped into one, would fit snugly into Slot’s system – just look at how Gravenberch has got on this term.
Italy'sMoiseKeancelebrates scoring their second goal with Italy's Nicolo Barella, Italy's Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Italy's Giacomo Raspadori
Barella, then, would fit right in. He’s a world-class player, dubbed a “genius” on the pitch by sports editor Mike Pielluci, and a trophy winner besides, and if Inter are willing to discuss deals containing the likes of Nunez and/or Chiesa, Liverpool might just sign their best midfielder since Fabinho.
Awful Trent repeat: Another Liverpool "superstar" is now wanted by Madrid
Liverpool need to make sure they keep their best players this summer.