Leeds United's attempts to secure an automatic promotion place in the Championship this season have left a little bit to be desired so far.

The Whites are seven points adrift of Ipswich Town in second place and four points behind Southampton in third, whilst they are a staggering 17 points off Leicester City in first.

Daniel Farke's side have only won two of their last six league matches and failed to score more than one goal in all four of the games they failed to win.

This suggests that the Yorkshire-based outfit have lacked a cutting edge at times and it has cost them in the race to secure a top two position in the division.

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They lost three games by one goal in that run and would have been in second place had they managed to turn those defeats into wins with two more goals in each match.

Latest Leeds transfer news

The Whites appear to have acknowledged their need for additional firepower as Fabrizio Romano has named them as one of the clubs in the race to secure the signing of Fabio Carvalho this month.

Leeds are said to be pushing to sign the talented attacking midfielder on loan until the end of the season, but they are not the only team in the running.

Fellow Championship high-flyers Southampton and Hull City are also trying to win the race to land his signature in January as they look to bolster their respective attacks.

However, Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers are also keen on the Liverpool starlet and this could make it a difficult deal for any of the second tier sides to complete.

Leeds could attempt to persuade Carvalho that a move to Elland Road is his best option to play regular football, which may not be available to him at a top-flight team.

Farke's reputation with young talent, particularly at Championship level, could also play a key role as the German tactician was pivotal in the development of James Maddison and Emiliano Buendia during his time at Norwich City.

Both of those players, albeit Buendia is currently out injured, have gone on to become impressive Premier League performers after shining in the second division as attacking midfielders or wide attackers for the now-Leeds boss at Carrow Road.

Leeds pushing to sign "special player" with contact made

Daniel Farke is keen to take him to Elland Road…

BySean Markus Clifford Jan 7, 2024

If Leeds and Farke can convince Carvalho to make the switch to Yorkshire then they could land a similar attacking talent to those two Championship superstars, whilst also landing the German boss' own version of Pablo Hernandez.

Marcelo Bielsa had the mercurial Spanish wizard at his disposal to carve open opposition defences on a regular basis in the club's last promotion to the top-flight and the Liverpool youngster has the potential to be a similar creative force from an attacking midfield or wide position

Pablo Hernandez's Championship form under Bielsa

The impressive magician played two seasons in the Championship for the Argentine head coach and caught the eye with his terrific contributions at the top end of the pitch.

Hernandez played 39 matches and started 37 during the 2018/19 campaign, which was Bielsa's first at Elland Road, and racked up 12 goals and 12 assists.

He also created 16 'big chances' for his teammates and this shows that the exciting whiz was a consistent creator who could open up opposition defences for his teammates.

The magical Spaniard followed that up with nine goals, nine assists, and 13 'big chances' created in 36 Championship appearances during the 2019/20 campaign, which ended in promotion to the Premier League.

He ranked within the top 4% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the division for xAG (Expected Assisted Goals) with 0.32 per 90, along with being in the top 1% for shot-creating actions (6.67) per 90.

Appearances

16

Goals

Zero

Assists

Two

Big chances created

One

Sofascore rating

6.75

As you can see in the table above, Hernandez was not able to translate his immense Championship form over to the Premier League the following year, as he entered the final throes of his playing career.

However, there is no doubt that the now-38-year-old was a sensational operator in the second tier with his ability to score goals and create chances from a number ten or wide position for the Whites, and Carvalho could follow in his footsteps at Elland Road.

The statistics that show why Leeds should sign Carvalho

The 21-year-old dynamo has struggled at the top level since Liverpool decided to sign him from Fulham in the summer of 2022 after his second tier exploits.

Carvalho made 13 appearances for the Reds in the Premier League throughout the 2022/23 campaign and contributed with two goals, zero assists, and zero 'big chances' created.

His inability to make the step up led to Jurgen Klopp making the decision to send him out on loan during the first half of the current term.

He spent time on loan with RB Leipzig in Germany but was not able to provide a single goal, assist, or 'big chance' created in nine Bundesliga matches.

However, his form for Fulham in the Championship, prior to his move to Anfield, suggests that the quality is there for him to be Farke's own version of Pablo Hernandez during the second half of this season.

Carvalho was instrumental in the Cottagers' promotion to the top-flight during the 2021/22 campaign as the young ace showcased his attacking capabilities.

The £41k-per-week ace, who was hailed as a "real gem" by talent scout Jacek Kulig that term, racked up ten goals and eight assists in 36 league outings for Fulham.

Chris Willock

1

Harry Wilson

2

Morgan Gibbs-White

3

Callum Robinson

4

Bobby Reid

5

This means that, like Hernandez did in the 2019/20 promotion campaign, Carvalho produced 18 direct goal contributions in those 36 matches – one every other game on average.

The former Fulham star also created 13 'big chances' for his teammates and ranked within the top 4% of attacking midfielders and forwards within the division for xAG (0.31) per 90.

These statistics suggest that the Reds youngster is a player who has the ability, having proven it at Championship level, to be a Hernandez-esque figure for Farke as both a scorer and a creator of goals from midfield, which is why Leeds must push hard to win the race for his signature.

Arsenal have established consistency like no other team in the Premier League over the past several years.

The Gunners have finished runners-up three years in a row, and while silverware continues to elude Mikel Arteta, he has fashioned his squad into a team of superstars, feared by all across Europe. Despite a recent blip, Arsenal remain top of the standings, their performances and stability creating the general opinion that they are the most complete side in the division, the favourites for the title.

However, while Manchester City and Aston Villa chase up to the Emirates side, Arteta will likely feel that injury troubles stand as his greatest adversary once again.

The latest Arsenal injury news

Once again, Arsenal find themselves on the top end, the wrong end, of the Premier League injury table, but Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta have made positive moves on the transfer front, and they have crafted a balanced squad capable of dealing with such setbacks.

Arsenal

9

5

Tottenham

8

7

Burnley

8

4

Crystal Palace

8

3

Bournemouth

7

2

Liverpool

6

6

As the table-toppers prepare to host Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League on Saturday evening, Arteta will be gritting his teeth amid a wave of setbacks, with key players like Declan Rice, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Leandro Trossard all ruled out or doubtful ahead of the top-meets-bottom clash.

However, the club have been boosted by the return of Gabriel Jesus, who made his first appearance of the season off the bench against Club Brugge in midweek, drawing plaudits for his silky and proactive display.

It had been nearly a year since the Brazilian had played for the Gunners in a professional capacity, having torn his ACL last year, and while there have been murmurings of late regarding Jesus’ potential departure from the Emirates Stadium, Arteta has poured cold water on such claims, instead urging the 28-year-old to kick on and become the main man.

Arsenal’s current injury crisis suggests he has a chance to do so, but Jesus may even work his way into the starting line-up over a star who is fresh and raring to go at number nine, having been likened to former Gunners goalscorer Olivier Giroud.

Arteta must drop the new Olivier Giroud

When Arsenal completed a £64m deal for Viktor Gyokeres this summer, it was felt that Arteta had finally solved an interminable problem at the spearhead, landing a 27-year-old striker who had scored 97 goals across just two seasons in Portugal with Sporting Lisbon.

But the powerhouse of a forward has found it difficult thus far. Too often he has drifted through games, struggling for service and fluency in the final third. He has scored six goals across 18 matches in all competitions, including four strikes in the Premier League.

The £200k-per-week striker has not hit the ground running since returning to England, but that’s not to say that he won’t rekindle the kind of form that has struck such fear into European defences over the past few years.

And with former stars such as Theo Walcott suggesting that Gyokeres has what it takes to emulate someone like Giroud, claiming the Sweden international is “similar” and “probably stronger” than the veteran Frenchman, who scored 105 goals and supplied 37 assists across 253 matches for the Gunners.

For now, though, Arteta might be wise to give Jesus a run in the side and withdraw Gyokeres from the starting line-up. He has left much to be desired so far this season and was branded with a 5/10 match rating by football.london in Brugge, missing a golden opportunity after Gabriel Martinelli’s whipped delivery and altogether flattering to deceive as the focal frontman.

As per Sofascore, he squandered two big chances, losing all three ground duels and taking only 12 touches, while losing possession on four occasions. That equates to having lost the ball every three touches.

Giroud, 39, only scored one goal from his first ten Premier League appearances in 2012/13, having joined Arsenal from Montpellier in Ligue 1.

With Merino capable as a moonlit centre-forward, demotion to the bench might not be a bad thing for Gyokeres as he looks to find his feet.

Giroud, after all, established a reputation as a high-scoring substitute in the Premier League, scoring 21 times. With Gyokeres, Arteta could repeat that trick.

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ByRobbie Walls 2 days ago

West Ham United are "now in talks" to sign an "exceptional" player for manager David Moyes, according to Sky Sports this morning.

Hammers yet to make January signing

Despite the club being linked with a new midfielder and attacking additions, West Ham are yet to do any business so far this month, but that could be about to change very soon.

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The Hammers' transfer plans have changed after injuries to the likes of star midfielder Lucas Paqueta and striker Michail Antonio, who recently suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee problem.

While star winger Jarrod Bowen could be back to face Sheffield United this weekend, Paqueta's long-term absence and Antonio's unreliability hand Moyes real squad conundrums.

West Ham's lack of depth behind their traditional eleven has been somewhat exposed, and Mohammed Kudus being at the Africa Cup of Nations with Ghana is also leaving Moyes pretty short of options – both in the middle of the park and further forward.

West Ham are being linked with a number of attacking stars, including the likes of Santiago Gimenez and Serhou Guirassy, but it's believed they have a serious interest in Man City outcast Kalvin Phillips for the midfield area.

West Ham enter negotiations to sign Phillips

West Ham are touted as contenders to sign the 28-year-old, who has found game time very difficult to come by under Pep Guardiola since joining City from Leeds in 2022.

Dropping a Friday update, Sky Sports have shared some breaking news "this morning", and they claim West Ham are "now in talks" to sign Phillips and offer him a way out of Eastlands.

"What we're hearing this morning, West Ham are now in talks with Manchester City over a move for Kalvin Phillips", said the broadcaster.

They add that the England international, lauded for his "creativity" by Paul Robinson to Football Insider, is being chased by a host of clubs both in Europe and abroad – but it's West Ham who are making the first moves.

Moyes has publicly expressed his admiration for Phillips before, so it is little surprise the Scotsman is attempting to take advantage of the player's dwindling City career.

"I'm a big admirer of Kalvin Phillips and have been for a long time," said Moyes in 2021.

"Every time I went to watch Leeds, and when I was out of work and they won the Championship, I was always thinking he looked a really influential player and a real prospect.

Shoulder injury – 2022/2023

18

Hamstring injury – 2021/2022

16

Calf injury – 2020/2021

6

Shoulder injury – 2020/2021

7

"I think he has stepped up really quickly, I think he got into the England squad when maybe other people were suggested in front of him but I think he's done well."

On a reported £135,000-per-week wage packet (Sky Sports), it will be interesting to see if West Ham manage to whittle down his salary and still sway him to east London.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca looks set for a busy summer indeed. He may be close to leading the Blues to their first trophy since 2021, but the Italian is already thinking ahead to next season.

There has been no shortage of big-name players being linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in recent weeks.

Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo is one trending target, with reports coming from Spain that the club would love to sign the Brazilian.

Hugo Ekitiké has emerged as another potential option to bolster Maresca’s frontline this summer. Journalist Simon Phillips claimed that Chelsea had been scouting the Frenchman ahead of the summer transfer window following his excellent campaign for Eintracht Frankfurt.

While the need for attacking players is obviously key for Maresca, especially if the club secures Champions League qualification for 2025/26, bringing in another centre-back or two is equally important.

Across all competitions this season, the club have conceded 57 goals, including 43 in the Premier League.

37

19

14

4

71

37

20

6

11

66

37

19

9

9

66

37

19

9

9

66

36

19

8

9

65

37

19

8

10

65

They will face tougher competition in Europe certainly, heightening the need for a defender capable of stepping up to the plate.

It looked as though they were frontrunners to sign Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, but that plan was scuppered recently…

Chelsea have missed out on Dean Huijsen

Following an excellent season for the Cherries, Huijsen certainly attracted attention from elsewhere, and it appeared as though he would be leaving the south coast sooner rather than later.

According to the Mail, Chelsea were targeting a swoop for the Spanish defender, with the report claiming fellow admirers Liverpool, believed that the Blues were leading the chase.

Recent developments, however, now mean that the youngster won’t be making the move to London this summer.

Real Madrid activated the £50m release clause in his contract in order to secure his services at the end of the season.

This is a big blow for Maresca, as capturing Huijsen, especially with clubs such as Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Liverpool showing interest, would have signalled a statement of intent.

Now, the Italian will have to turn to other defensive targets ahead of the transfer window opening on June 1. By that time, the Blues will know which European competition they will be playing in next season.

Could this allow the club to sign more high-profile players?

Chelsea keen to open talks with teenage defender

Maresa could turn to Premier League defenders Marc Guehi and Jarrad Branthwaite as potential alternatives this summer, according to Sky Sports.

It is likely both Crystal Palace and Everton will attempt to put Chelsea off by placing huge price tags on their prized assets. If so, the Blues could well turn to the continent for another centre-back.

According to TEAMtalk, with Huijsen now unavailable, Chelsea are reportedly keen on opening talks with Ajax defender Jorrel Hato.

The 19-year-old is a sought-after player, with the likes of AC Milan, Liverpool and Arsenal all showing interest in prising him away from the Netherlands.

Ajax have set an asking price in the region of €45m-€50m (£38m-£42m), meaning if the Blues were to sign him, he would be cheaper than Huijsen.

The report claims that talks are set to begin soon between the Premier League side and Hato. If so, Maresca will be looking to get this deal over the line as quickly as possible.

Why Chelsea must sign Jorrel Hato

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig is used to waxing lyrical about young talent, but his praise for Hato back in 2023 proves just how highly-rated he really was.

“17 years of age. De Toekomst’s Finest. One of the most talented CBs of his generation in Europe.” Said Kulig and the youngster has gone from strength to strength since.

Player

Year joined

Hakim Ziyech

2020

Daishwan Redan

2017

Juan Familia-Castillo

2016

Per Weihrauch

2006

Moubarak Boussoufa

2002

Jesper Gronkjaer

2001

Mario Melchiot

1999

Despite only turning 19 in March, the Ajax sensation has already racked up 111 competitive appearances for the club, registering 13 goal contributions in that time.

Although the club collapsed over the final few games, allowing PSV Eindhoven to steal the Eredivisie title away from them, Hato enjoyed a wonderful campaign.

His 90% pass accuracy in the top flight was third-best in the squad, behind only Youri Baas and Josip Sutalo, while he ranked first for tackles (1.9), fifth for interceptions (0.7) and third for clearances (2) per game for Ajax.

He also won 4.1 total duels per game – a success rate of 52% – while recovering 4.2 balls per game in the Eredivisie this term.

These performances led Kulig to hail him for his “immense quality” and for having an “excellent season” for the Dutch club.

Huijsen may be on his way to Madrid, but is there a case for Hato to perhaps turn out to be the better long-term prospect for Chelsea?

Why Jorrel Hato can be a better signing than Dean Huijsen

While Huijsen is a superb centre-back, Hato offers positional flexibility which could see him thrive under Maresca.

Not only is he an excellent ball-playing centre-back, but Hato is also just as comfortable at full-back, particularly on the left side of the defence.

Domestically this season, the Dutch youngster has registered eight goal contributions for Ajax, along with recording 0.45 goal-creating actions, winning 36 tackles, making 33 carries into the final third and taking 413 touches in the final third.

Compare these statistics to Huijsen, however, and it is clear who could fit into Maresca’s style better.

The Spaniard has recorded four goal contributions for the Cherries this term, while he also recorded 0.12 goal-creating actions, wins 26 tackles, made 29 carries into the final third and has taken only 137 touches in the opposition’s final third in the top flight.

Hato’s ball-playing ability in advancing out of his own half could give Chelsea a new dimension next season.

Huijsen may have been flavour of the month for a while, but for a cheaper transfer fee, Maresca could sign a defender who has the potential to be even better.

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ByDan Emery May 18, 2025

It must be difficult not to get carried away if you’re a Birmingham City fan at present.

After all, £10m was recently splurged out on Kyogo Furuhashi to boost an already potent forward line, on top of the fact that pre-season action kicked into gear with a bang as the new-look Blues confidently beat Spanish titans Sevilla 3-1.

Any naysayers doubting Birmingham ahead of the upcoming Championship campaign might well have been silenced after this impressive victory, with more new signings now being tipped to join the exciting St. Andrew’s rollercoaster before pre-season is up.

Birmingham now targeting move for Premier League star

Despite a barrage of fresh signings entering the building, only Phil Neumann out of all the summer buys would be unleashed from the get-go against Sevilla, as Davies dripfeeds minutes to his whole camp before the second tier comes into view.

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

Taichi Hara could soon be another option the Blues boss tests out across the remaining pre-season fixtures, with reports suggesting that Birmingham have added the Japanese gem to their shortlist after he has impressed out in the J1 League with Kyoto Sanga.

Alongside him, Birmingham could tap into the Asian market even more by snapping up Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker Hwang Hee-Chan.

Indeed, a development from South Korean journalist Han June has suggested that the newly promoted side views the Old Gold number 11 as a main target due to his top-flight experience in England.

This might well result in Birmingham pulling off another ambitious swoop like the Kyogo deal, with both players in question hailing from Asia, but both well-known and exciting entities when plying their trade in some demanding divisions up and down the United Kingdom.

Why Hwang could be Kyogo 2.0

Whilst Hwang has fallen down the Molineux pecking order since Vitor Pereira’s arrival on the scene, his goalscoring record at the very top for Wolves at his prime will be enough to convince Blues fans that this is a worthwhile capture to chase after.

22 Premier League goals have come his way since he moved to the West Midlands for £14m, with 12 of those being fired home across the 23/24 season, leading to then Old Gold boss Gary O’Neil hailing the South Korean marksman as “excellent” for his clinical nature in front of goal.

On top of that, his goalscoring expertise also stretches out to a standout spell leading the line for Austrian side RB Salzburg, with a bumper 45 strikes collected, with three of those goals even coming in the illustrious Champions League.

Kyogo is well-versed in what it takes to be a goalscoring menace at this intimidating level, too, with three of his mammoth 151 career strikes falling on Europe’s grandest stage.

CF

168

61

35

LW

45

9

4

RW

32

5

3

AM

8

0

0

CF

177

105

29

LW

99

31

22

SS

11

2

1

RW

11

3

1

But, as can be seen looking at the table above, they both won’t just be vying to steal the striker limelight off Jay Stansfield or Alfie May, with Hwang and Kyogo more than comfortable sneaking out to the left wing if needed, alongside also slotting nicely into Davies’ 4-2-3-1 system as a presence just behind by the main striker.

Hwang wasn’t just labelled as a talent who has “got everything” by ex-Arsenal great Ian Wright by fluke, with the 29-year-old a real standout purchase for the Blues if it goes through.

There are some hurdles for Birmingham to overcome in terms of fee and wage costs, but if Birmingham wants to accelerate to that next level quickly, it might well be worth throwing the necessary cash at Hwang, much like they did when forking out £10m for Kyogo.

Birmingham City could sign "special" star who'd be Kyogo's dream winger

Birmingham City could soon win a dream attacking partner for Kyogo Furuhashi by securing a deal for this special forward.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 13, 2025

Liverpool’s interest in Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has been confirmed by Fabrizio Romano and the whole gang of transfer reporters. While there is a long way to go, the chances of adding the Sweden star to Arne Slot’s ranks has become a more realistic thought.

With Newcastle pushing to sign Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, another top target at Anfield, we’re likely set for an interesting saga that could see the stars head in a number of different directions, if they move at all.

Whether Liverpool sign Ekitike or Isak this summer (if either of them, of course), remains to be seen at this stage, but there’s little question that Slot’s system would improve with such a frontman bagged to replace Darwin Nunez, who has been heavily linked with a move away, Napoli and Al Hilal both keen.

However, with Florian Wirtz already signed for a British-record £116m fee, a sale to go along with that of Nunez could help offset any financial imbalances.

And Luis Diaz fits the bill in that regard, with suitors hungry to secure the winger’s signature.

Why Liverpool could sell Luis Diaz

Liverpool owe much to Diaz’s performances over the past year, the versatile forward posting 17 goals and eight assists across all competitions, sometimes filling in at number nine as Nunez toiled.

Liverpool’s stance is that they will not be selling their Colombian forward, but then this is the same with Newcastle’s stance toward Isak’s future. Food for thought.

After seeing an opening bid reject, Bayern Munich, Sky Germany report, are planning to return with an improved offer for Diaz, who wants to leave Anfield, and if this falls into a ballpark Liverpool consider acceptable, things may well start to gather apace.

Diaz is a valued member of Liverpool’s squad, crucial in the Premier League triumph. However, aged 28 and with two years left on his deal, cashing in for the right place wouldn’t be the most egregious course of action for Hughes to take.

Indeed, given FSG’s position that they will only sell on their financial terms, the means to redirect the transfer cannon toward another marquee move for Slot might come to fruition.

Liverpool showing strong interest in superstar replacement

As per reports from Spain, Liverpool are showing ‘strong’ interest in Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, who might leave the Santiago Bernabeu this summer after falling down the pecking order in Xabi Alonso’s fledgling system.

Arsenal are also keen on the Brazil international and are probably considered favourites at this stage, having been reported to be leading the race earlier this month.

Valued at £78m, the 24-year-old Rodrygo’s signature would be a hard one to attain, but if Liverpool sell Diaz, they might just find the stars align for a staggering signing.

What Rodrygo would bring to Liverpool

Rodrygo might be coming off the back of a campaign that has left plenty to be desired, but he’s also one of the most talented wide forwards in the business, with his former teammate Luka Modric even calling him a “world-class superstar”.

However, Rodrygo longs for a role on the left, something that is proving impossible with Real Madrid, for Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe both have priority in that regard.

With Los Blancos open to the player’s sale this summer, the chances of his switch to the Premier League grow stronger and stronger, and Liverpool must ensure it is they who win the race, should Diaz go.

Indeed, the £207k-per-week talent actually scored six goals and laid on six assists when playing on the left flank last season, even though he only made 12 of his 54 appearances from the position.

This makes the interesting comment that Rodrygo, four years Diaz’s junior, could actually prove to be an upgrade on a man who played so vital a part in Liverpool’s celebrations this year.

League Stats 24/25 – Rodrygo vs Luis Diaz
Stats (* per game)	Rodrygo	Diaz
Matches (starts)	30 (22)	36 (28)
Goals	6	13
Assists	5	5
Shots (on target)*	1.8 (0.7)	2.0 (0.8)
Big chances missed	1	11
Pass completion	91%	86%
Big chances created	5	8
Key passes*	1.6	1.6
Dribbles*	1.6	1.5
Tackles + interceptions*	1.1	1.3
Duels won*	3.8	3.8
Stats via Sofascore

The data above gives you an illustration of the calibre of forward that Rodrygo. Indeed, in spite of spending the lion’s share of the 2024/25 La Liga season out of position, he’s still managed to maintain a level to be admired.

Just imagine how high he could rise under Slot’s wing on the left flank of a super-charged Liverpool frontline.

Furthermore, Liverpool need not fret over losing some of their big-game firepower. Rodrygo is one for the grand stage, with his record in the Champions League quite the thing.

Diaz is defined by more than his winged feet and electric movements. The Colombia international is clever, intuitive, crisp. His passing, in particular, aligns with the measured take Slot has on build-up play, knowing when to be creative and when to promote steady progression.

All good stuff, but Real’s wantaway forward does it better. As per FBref, the Brazilian ranked among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for pass completion and the top 12% for passes attempted per 90.

With Rodrygo playing a role of greater importance, entrusted by Slot to grow into the ‘superstar’ he has already been touted as, there’s every chance that Diaz’s prospective departure this summer could come to be a positive thing.

He’s been a wonderful part of Liverpool’s latest chapter, but Diaz could fetch a pretty penny this summer, and if that is redirected toward Rodrygo, who’s to say that the Premier League champions would be worse off?

Wirtz's dream CF: Hughes in talks to sign £63m "monster" for Liverpool

Isak and Ekitike aren’t the only high-level strikers Liverpool have their eye on.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 15, 2025

Leeds United have now been provided with an injury update on a key player, who manager Daniel Farke has previously described as “unbelievable”.

Leeds already struggling on the injury front

With three games played of the new Premier League season, Leeds are likely to be happy with the start they’ve made, having collected four points and kept clean sheets in both of their games at Elland Road.

That is despite the fact two first-team players have already suffered injury setbacks, namely Ao Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu, who are set to spend a little while longer on the treatment table due to MCL issues.

Losing Tanaka will be particularly frustrating for the manager, as the midfielder made a fantastic start to the campaign, being voted Player of the Match for his performance in the 1-0 victory against Everton.

With the international break now upon us, the most important thing for Farke will be all his players returning to Elland Road unscathed, but there has already been a cause for concern.

As reported by the BBC’s Adam Pope, Joe Rodon has withdrawn from the Wales squad ahead of their matches against Kazakhstan and Canada, but thankfully it is not thought to be a major issue.

Pope added: “I’m told it’s not serious & he should be ok to face Fulham.”

It has since been widely reported that concussion protocols meant Rodon couldn’t be called up for his national side, which will no doubt be frustrating for the 54-time international, but it is a boost for Leeds that he should be fit for the trip to Fulham on September 13th.

"Unbelievable" Rodon has made impressive start to the campaign

Getting a positive result at the Emirates Stadium was always going to be a tall order, and the Whites struggled as expected, but otherwise they have made a promising start to the new campaign, and the Welsh defender has looked impressive.

The 27-year-old has started all three games, most recently putting in a solid display to keep Newcastle United at bay, with a point against a Champions League side certainly not to be sniffed at.

Statistic	Number completed
Duels won	4
Clearances	3
Interceptions	2
Passes completed	44/49 (90%)

Farke has also made it clear just how highly he rates the defender, who is widely reported to pocket £40k-a-week, saying: “He has unbelievable pace and it is good when we have to defend that high in the field, it helps.

“He brings also aerial threat into our game, we have many smaller, not the tallest players, (it’s) also important for us in terms of set-pieces he is strong in duals and build up passes in his technique.”

As such, the Leeds boss will be grateful Rodon’s injury is likely nothing to be worried about, ahead of their trip to Craven Cottage in just over one week.

أعلن نادي نيس الفرنسي قائمة الفريق المختارة من المدير الفني فرانك هايس، للمباراة أمام رين بمنافسات بطولة الدوري الفرنسي.

ويلتقي نيس ورين مساء اليوم الجمعة ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري الفرنسي لموسم 2024-2025.

وشهدت قائمة نيس عودة المصري محمد عبد المنعم بعد غياب دام أربعة مباريات بسبب المرض.

وغاب عبد المنعم عن مباريات نيس أمام لوهافر ومونبيليه بالدوري الفرنسي، وسانت جيلواز في الدوري الأوروبي، ويو إس سي كورت في كأس فرنسا.

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ويحتل نيس المركز السادس في ترتيب الدوري الفرنسي برصيد 24 نقطة، خلال 15 مباراة حقق خلالها 6 انتصارات، و6 تعادلات، وتعرض لـ 3 هزائم.

وتنطلق مباراة نيس ورين في تمام العاشرة مساء اليوم الجمعة، بتوقيت مصر، الحادية عشر بتوقيت السعودية.

كشف فرناندو سانتوس، المدير الفني السابق لمنتخب البرتغال، عن متابعته للكرة المصرية منذ فترة طويلة، مشيرًا إلى أن مانويل جوزيه يعد أفضل مدرب برتغالي عمل في مصر.

وقال سانتوس في تصريحات عبر برنامج رقم 10 المذاع على الفضائية الأولى: “كنت أتابع مانويل جوزيه وكارلوس كيروش لأنني كنت أتوقع أنني سأكون في مصر يومًا ما لتدريب فريق”.

بشكتاش يعلن إقالة فرناندو سانتوس من تدريب الفريق

وأضاف: “جوزيه كان عنيدًا ومخضرمًا، وحقق نجاحات كبيرة، وكان الأفضل في مصر من وجهة نظري”.

وعن بطولة كأس العالم للأندية، تابع سانتوس: “البطولة مهمة جدًا، ومشاركة 32 فريقًا قرار مناسب ويزيد الحماس”.

وأشار: “الأهلي في مجموعة قوية تضم أربعة فرق كبيرة، وأي مواجهة ستكون صعبة، ولا يمكن توقع الفائز لأن الأمر يعتمد على الحظوظ”.

وتابع: “بالميراس هو أصعب فريق يواجه الأهلي، لكنه فريق قوي وصعب التغلب عليه إفريقيًا، ونحن في أوروبا نسمع دائمًا عن الأهلي ونشاهد فريقًا بشخصية قوية في مبارياته”.

واختتم سانتوس تصريحاته قائلاً: “تلقيت عروضًا للتدريب في مصر بعد رحيلي عن تدريب منتخب البرتغال، وسأدرس الخيارات المتاحة”.

لا جديد يذكر ولا قديم يعاد، لا يزال اللاعب والمهاجم آرون بوبيندزا يفتعل المشاكل في كل فريق يذهب إليه وآخرها رابيد بوخارست المنافس في الدوري الروماني.

وانتقل بوبيندزا إلى رابيد بوخارست في الصيف الماضي بعد أزمة كبيرة للغاية مع الزمالك، حيث أعلن الأخير عن ضم اللاعب ولكن الجابوني لم يحضر إلى القاهرة.

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ونفى بوبيندزا في تصريحات صحفية في رومانيا أنه قد وقع أي عقود مع الزمالك وأن موقفه صحيح، لكن القلعة البيضاء قررت أن تقدم شكوى ضد اللاعب أمام الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم “فيفا”.

المفاجأة، هي من خلال صحيفة “GSP” الرومانية التي تتابع معسكر رابيد بوخارست في دبي، وأكدت أن اللاعب لم يحضر التدريبات وسيرحل عن الفريق وهناك فريقين يتنافسان على ضمه.

وبحسب التقرير أن اللاعب يتدعي الإصابة في الكاحل في محاولة للضغط على رابيد من أجل الرحيل، حيث أغرته العروض التركية من ناديي سيفاسبور وبودروم.