Category Uncategorized

Harry Kane has reacted to speculation regarding transfers back to the Premier League or over to MLS, with the Bayern Munich striker prepared to have an “honest conversation” about his future in Germany. The England captain admits to being in no rush to leave his current surroundings, but has hinted at another new challenge being taken on at some point.

GettyStunning record: Kane's goal numbers for club & country

Prolific frontman Kane stepped out of his comfort zone in 2023 when severing career-long ties with Tottenham. He walked away from north London as Spurs’ all-time leading goalscorer, while also becoming the greatest marksman that the England men’s national team has ever seen. His record-shattering tally for the Three Lions has been taken to 74 and counting.

Stunning standards have been maintained at Bayern, with 103 goals being recorded through 106 appearances in all competitions. Kane has been able to lift his much-publicised trophy curse, becoming a Bundesliga title winner in 2024-25. It is now being suggested that a clause in his contract could be triggered next summer if a potential suitor is prepared to pay £57 million ($77m). At that point, there will be just 12 months left to run on his deal at the Allianz Arena.

AdvertisementPremier League or MLS: Kane talks transfer plans

A retracing of steps to English football has been speculated on, while a switch to MLS has also been mooted for a man who has never shied away from the fact that he would like to try his luck as a kicker in the NFL once a career hitting the back of the net comes to a close.

Kane is, however, prepared to put all of those plans on hold for now as he feels settled in Munich. Asked again about moves to England or the United States, Kane said: “I think MLS is too early for sure, the way I feel right now, the way I am playing right now. MLS would be something later in my career when I am thinking about the last couple of years or so. In terms of staying there [at Bayern] longer, I could definitely see that.

“I spoke openly after one of the recent games a couple of weeks ago that I have not had those conversations with Bayern yet, but if they were to arise I would be willing to talk and have an honest conversation. Obviously it depends on how the next year or so goes, what we achieve together. Right now, I would say we are in a fantastic moment and I am not thinking about anything else.

“In terms of the Premier League, I don’t know. If you had asked me when I first left to go to Bayern, I would have said for sure I would come back. Now I have been there a couple of years I would say probably say that has gone down a little bit, not so much, but I wouldn’t say I would never go back. What I have learnt in my career is that different opportunities and different timings happen and things fall in place. Going back to my first point, with Bayern right now, I am fully all in with Bayern.”

GettySettled in Germany: Contract extension remains possible

Kane went on to say: “If there was a conversation about extending then we will see, but I have still got this season and another season. It is not like I am in my last year, it is not like there is any panic in that sense. I am calm, I love the manager at Bayern, I think he is fantastic and, as always in my career, as long we are improving and I am improving, then I am happy to see what we can achieve.

“If there is going to be an extension it has to work for everyone and it has to have a clear vision on where we see the club. As I say, the manager is a big part of that, the players are a big part of that. Personally I don’t want to rush into anything, the conversation I am sure will be one we have and then we will go from there.

“I am extremely happy there, my wife and kids are happy to stay and as you get older that a big part of any decision you make. But, as always, you never know what is around the corner. I am not going to put my eggs in any basket. I am going to enjoy what I am doing and right now that is at Bayern Munich, definitely for this season and probably next season that is going to be the way.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Kane targets: More silverware & World Cup bid

Former Spurs boss Harry Redknapp told GOAL in 2024 when asked if Kane may be tempted to chase the American dream: “He could do. Money is not going to be the key for him any more. But a big pay day at the end of his career to America and Miami, go and play for [David] Beckham’s team or somewhere, doesn’t sound too shabby does it? It sounds like quite a good idea.”

Playing alongside Lionel Messi in Miami, or potentially replacing him when the Argentine GOAT leaves South Florida, would not appear to form part of Kane’s immediate plans. He is focused on chasing down more silverware with Bayern, while also playing his way towards the 2026 World Cup with England.

MatériaMais Notícias

Além da ascensão recente no âmbito esportivo onde o Coritiba emendou duas vitórias no Campeonato Brasileiro e já vê a saída da zona de rebaixamento a uma rodada de distância (tem três pontos a menos do que o Bahia, atual 16° colocado), o clube também trabalha para evoluir no aspecto estrutural.

Nesta semana, o Coxa anunciou a aplicação de R$ 1 milhão com o intuito de modernizar os tratamentos em seu departamento médico com a aquisição de novos equipamentos.

RelacionadasAmérica MineiroVÍDEO: veja os melhores momentos do jogo Coritiba e América-MG, pelo BrasileirãoAmérica Mineiro08/07/2023BrasileirãoBrasileirão: De virada, Coritiba vence o América-MG e deixa a lanternaBrasileirão08/07/2023Futebol LatinoNo Bolívar, Bruno Sávio corre risco de pegar ‘gancho’ pesadoFutebol Latino10/07/2023

O investimento em questão foi viabilizado graças a recente aquisição feita pela Treecorp Investimento da Sociedade Anônima do Futebol (SAF) do Coritiba. A Treecorp concretizou a compra de 90% da SAF do Coxa e conta com capital para a associação de, aproximadamente, R$ 1,1 bilhão em um período de dez anos.

A movimentação foi elogiada pelo CEO do clube, Carlos Amodeo, entendendo que isso trará um ganho importante no aspecto de preparação física e consequente ganho técnico diante das melhores condições para tratamento de contusões no plantel.

>Olho no Brasileirão! Assine o Prime Video e acompanhe todos os jogos do seu time do coração!

– É fundamental investirmos em tecnologia e equipamentos para acelerar a recuperação de lesões e potencializar a performance dos nossos atletas – afirmou o gestor.

While Chelsea have made more than their fair share of transfer mistakes over the last few years, they’ve also signed several outrageously talented players.

However, while Moises Caciedo, Enzo Fernández and Pedro Neto are all examples of great signings, there is one player who stands head and shoulders above the rest: Cole Palmer.

The England international joined the Blues from Manchester City in the summer of 2023, and since then has amassed a sensational tally of 72 goal involvements in 98 games for the club.

Therefore, the Stamford Bridge faithful should be very excited about reports linking them to someone who could become their next Palmer.

Chelsea target their new Palmer

While their draw to Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon has put a bit of a dampener on things, Chelsea have had a brilliant summer in terms of transfers so far.

Transfer Focus

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

The board have been able to get rid of a host of players who weren’t at the level required, while also bringing in a handful of young and hungry talents who could develop into superstars, like Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Jorrel Hato.

Yet, with just under two weeks to go until the window slams shut, the West Londoners are still keen to add to their squad, and are now moving for someone who could be the next Palmer.

At least that is according to a recent report from Caught Offside, which claims Chelsea are very interested in signing Rico Lewis.

In fact, the report goes further than that and reveals that the Blues have already made contact with City about a deal for the youngster this summer.

It’s not clear how much the Englishman would cost, but the report has also revealed that Nottingham Forest have already made an offer of around €30m for the youngster, which is about £26m.

While it will likely be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line this summer, Lewis has shown enough in his short career that Chelsea should do what they can to get him, especially as he could be another Palmer.

Why Lewis would be another Palmer

The first thing to say is that, yes, Lewis and Palmer play in entirely different positions on the pitch, and, as a result, play the game in different ways.

However, that doesn’t mean the former couldn’t be a new version of the latter, as the comparison isn’t really about their position on the pitch.

Instead, if this transfer were to happen, it would be another example of City willingly selling one of their young and exciting academy graduates to the Blues.

Not only that, but one who has likely got a future in the senior England setup, as he’s already won five caps for the side at just 20 years old.

In fact, not only would Pep Guardiola and Co be allowing another talented player to move to Stamford Bridge, but they could be letting a genuine superstar in the making move to a rival.

We say this as, when you take a look under the hood, at the right-back’s underlying numbers, they are sensational.

For example, FBref rank the Bury-born gem in the top 1% of full-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for pass completion, the top 4% for through balls, the top 7% for carries, the top 2% for progressive passes, the top 9% for passes into the final third and more, all per 90.

Pass Completion %

91.9%

Top 1%

Passes Completed

59.83

Top 4%

Pass Completion % (Long)

65.2%

Top 4%

Through Balls

0.24

Top 4%

Passes Received

53.11

Top 6%

Carries

43.58

Top 7%

Progressive Passes

6.03

Top 8%

Live-ball Passes

58.86

Top 8%

Passes into Final Third

4.88

Top 9%

Total Carrying Distance

219.04

Top 10%

Touches (Att 3rd)

24.21

Top 11%

In other words, the “exceptional” talent, as dubbed by Guardiola, is showing serious signs that he could be a world-class player in time, much like there would have been signs that Palmer was something special before his move two years ago.

Ultimately, even if the final fee ends up substantial, Chelsea should do what they can to sign Lewis this summer, as he could be an unmissable market opportunity.

Fewer touches than Sanchez: 5/10 Chelsea star was even worse than Palmer

Chelsea were held to a disappointing draw by Crystal Palace in their opening game of the Premier League.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 17, 2025

Manchester United were saved from football boot chaos by a Liverpool fan after several players saw their Champions League luggage go missing.

Red Devils in European footballPreparations far from idealForced to buy boots & shin padsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Marc Skinner’s side were in Norway for the third qualifying round of the 2025-26 Women’s Champions League. They ended up suffering a shock 1-0 defeat to Brann in that contest, with pre-match preparations proving to be far from ideal.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

During the Red Devils’ trip to the city of Bergen, a bag containing players’ boots went missing. That forced those left without suitable footwear to visit a local sports shop and stock up – with shin pads also failing to make it from Manchester to Scandinavia.

WHAT NAALSUND SAID

United midfielder Lisa Naalsund, who is from Bergen, told : "Some shoes went missing. We haven’t quite figured out where they are yet. It was just before we left for the stadium, so it was a bit chaotic. It’s not ideal for anyone to have to play with new shoes. We’d rather avoid that happening."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images/GOALDID YOU KNOW?

Andre Gullord, who owns Torshov Sport, came to the rescue. He is a Liverpool fan and enjoyed a surprising boost to his daily sales figures due to the issues being endured by arch-rivals. Gullord told : "They bought about 13 to 15 pairs of football boots and 20 pairs of shin pads. The boots had firm-ground studs instead of metal studs. The latter are typically used on soft, wet surfaces – like the conditions in Bergen on Thursday night.

"Two members of staff arrived around 16:30. They just said that they needed some shoes because they haven’t got some luggage. I think it was very weird because all the football players in Norway take their football boots in their hand luggage.

"They bought the top models, Nike’s Mercurial vapor and Adidas predators. They cost between £230 and £250. Football shoes are expensive in Norway. Shin pads cost around £25 to £30.

"We were surprised when they came into the shop, particularly one of the biggest clubs in the whole world to buy football boots. We just sell football boots to local players. It was very cool."

He added: "When David Beckham was around 17 to 18 years old, playing for Manchester United, he was in a football school over here with Brian McClair. I was working in the shop and he had lost his boots when he came here as well. I think I was the only person who has sold football shoes to David Beckham. He bought a pair of Adidas Copa Mundial from me, the most famous Adidas boot."

India fast bowler contradicts Australian batters comments from press conference

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Dec-20245:02

Head: ‘Disappointed with my reaction but also going to stand up for myself’

India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has claimed that it was Travis Head who “abused” him first during their altercation on the second day of the Adelaide Test.”It was a great battle going on [with Head] and he batted really well,” Siraj told Star Sports Hindi before the third day’s play. “When you get hit for a six on a good ball, it fires you up differently. And when I bowled him, I just celebrated and he abused me and you saw that on TV too. I only celebrated at the start, I didn’t say anything to him. What he said in the press conference wasn’t right, it’s a lie that he said ‘well bowled’ to me. It’s there for everyone to see that that’s not what he said to me.”We respect everyone, it’s not like we disrespect other players. I respect everybody because cricket is a gentleman’s game, but what he did wasn’t right. I didn’t like it at all.”By the end of the Test on Sunday, however, both captains and the players sought to play down and move on from the incident, with Siraj and Head seen embracing at the end of the game.The incident had occurred when Siraj bowled Head for 140, a ball after getting hit for six, and celebrated animatedly. There was a send-off from the bowler and some words said by Head, which weren’t very clear on the broadcast.Head had said in the press conference after the second day that he had jokingly said “well bowled” to Siraj after his dismissal. “It probably [went] a little bit far, that’s why I’m disappointed in the reaction I gave back but I’m also going to stand up for myself. Like to think in our team we wouldn’t do that. [It’s] not the way I’d like to play the game and feel like my team-mates are the same. If I see that, I probably call it out, which I did.”Speaking to SEN radio before the third day’s play, Head said: “No one really wants to see that in the game. I feel like both teams can probably represent themselves a little bit better and respect each a little bit more in those situations, and we move on.”India captain Rohit Sharma played down the incident at the press conference after the game. “I was standing at the slips, I don’t know what was exchanged but two competitive teams are going at each other. These things happen,” he said. “Travis was batting well, obviously our plan was to get him out. And on the other side, Travis wanted to try and put our bowlers under pressure. And we got the wicket, he celebrated it. There were obviously a few words changed within the two of them. I exactly don’t know what was said because my job is not just to look at that one incident, I am focused on the overall picture or the overall Test match. But again, I don’t think we can look too much into that. When India and Australia always play, these things happen and these are now just part of the game.”Rohit, however, said it was his job to back Siraj’s aggression. “Yeah, I mean he likes to get into the battle, as simple as that. It gives him success. And as a captain it’s my job to back that aggression. Obviously there is a fine line between that. We don’t want to cross anything that can bring dispute into the game. But obviously having a word or two with the opposition is not a bad thing and he likes it. And that’s what gets him going. In the past we have seen so many cricketers who like that battle and Siraj is definitely one of them. But again like I said, there is a thin line between getting aggressive and getting too aggressive and crossing that line. Obviously as a captain it is also my responsibility to make sure that we don’t cross the line. But yeah, a word or two here and there I don’t think makes a huge difference.”Australia captain Pat Cummins said he was happy with his team’s behaviour. “Look, it’s heated. It’s a big series. You know, it’s been packed crowds all the days. So there’s a lot riding on it. Yeah, I think the umpire stepped in pretty quickly and that was the end of it … To be honest, you know, they [India] can do whatever they want. More worried about our boys. And like always, I thought our boys’ behaviour was excellent this week. Like it seems to be every week. So happy with them.”

It’s been a jam-packed summer for Chelsea so far this year.

On top of making it through to the knockout rounds of the Club World Cup, the Blues have already been very active in the transfer window.

Enzo Maresca’s side have bought in a number of young talents to bolster the squad ahead of their return to the Champions League next season, with perhaps the most exciting so far being Liam Delap.

However, in exciting news, the club appear close to securing the services of another young star who could be an even bigger talent than the former Ipswich Town star.

Chelsea target young talents

So far this summer, Chelsea seem to be continuing their habit of targeting young, up-and-coming talents, with names like Nico Williams and Alejandro Garnacho linked with them over the last few weeks.

Transfer Focus

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

However, with the former now looking set to join Barcelona and the latter not exactly the most popular candidate, thanks to how things appear to have ended at Manchester United, the Blues have also looked at a host of other youngsters.

Fortunately, the West Londoners now appear to be closing in on one of those prospects, someone who’s arguably a bigger talent than Delap: Jamie Gittens.

Yes, according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are still pursuing the Borussia Dortmund star.

In fact, the Italian journalist has revealed that an “agreement is getting closer” as the two sides continue their talks over the player in the US.

A price is not mentioned in the update, but according to other reports from this week, it looks increasingly likely that the Englishman will cost around £55m.

It might be a lot of money for a 20-year-old, but based on his ability and potential, it could be worth it, especially as he might be a bigger talent than Delap.

How Gittens compares to Delap

So, the first thing to say is that both youngsters look destined for brilliant careers at the very top of the game, but if we had to come down on who we think is just about the bigger talent, it would be Gittens, and there are a few reasons why.

The first is that, while the former Ipswich Town gem was honing his skills in the Championship last season, the Dortmund prospect was making a name for himself in the Bundesliga and even made seven appearances in the Champions League, despite being just 19 years old.

Moreover, this season, when both players were competing in one of Europe’s top five leagues alongside other competitions, the 20-year-old prospect was, in fact, more effective for the German outfit than the 22-year-old was for the Tractor Boys.

For example, the “explosive” Reading-born winger, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, scored 12 goals and provided five assists in 49 appearances, totalling 2,803 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal or assist every 164.88 minutes.

In contrast, the Winchester-born poacher scored 12 goals and provided two assists in 40 appearances, totalling 2,670 minutes, for the Suffolk side this year, which comes out to a goal involvement every 190.71 minutes.

Finally, when we examine their underlying numbers, it becomes impossible to ignore just how much better the talented winger fares than his potential new teammate.

For example, not only does he do better in the most critical attacking metrics, like non-penalty goals plus assists and key passes, but also tackles, blocks and interceptions, so he can be trusted to contribute to the dirty work while also impacting play at the sharp end of the pitch.

Non-Penalty G+As

0.56

0.42

Progressive Passes

2.13

1.04

Progressive Carries

5.74

2.12

Shots

2.64

2.29

Shots on Target

1.22

1.01

Expected Assists

0.21

0.05

Passing Accuracy

76.5%

61.3%

Key Passes

1.07

0.73

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.22

0.21

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.20

0.00

Shot-Creating Actions

3.70

2.15

Goal-Creating Actions

0.51

0.24

Tackles

1.57

0.38

Tackles Won

0.96

0.28

Blocks

0.81

0.28

Interceptions

0.51

0.07

Clearances

0.20

0.97

Successful Take-Ons

3.91

1.39

Carries into the Final Third

2.84

1.60

Carries into the Penalty Area

3.20

1.04

Ultimately, both Delap and Gittens will be excellent players for Chelsea, but as things stand, the latter appears to be a more promising talent than the 22-year-old striker.

Alongside Gittens: Chelsea ready bid for £51m "legend" who's Caicedo 2.0

Chelsea – as ever – are likely to spend big this summer on new additions…

ByRobbie Walls Jun 26, 2025

The four-day squad has Matthew Breetzke from the current Test tour to West Indies, while Dewald Brevis is in both squads

Firdose Moonda01-Aug-2024Discarded Test captain Neil Brand, who led a second-string South African side in New Zealand in February, has been tasked with leading a South Africa A side against Sri Lanka A next month. Brand will take charge of a home series that includes two four-day matches aimed at preparing players considered to be on the fringes of the national side to make the step up. The red-ball matches are preceded by three one-day games, with Test wicket-keeper Kyle Verreynne in charge of the white-ball squad.South Africa’s fifty-over playing group also includes David Bedingham, who scored a Test century in New Zealand under Brand, Tony de Zorzi, who made his ODI debut last year and Tristan Luus, who played at the Under-19 World Cup. The four-day squad also has Matthew Breetzke from the current Test tour to West Indies. Dewald Brevis, the breakout star from the 2022 under-19 World Cup, is in both squads.Interestingly, the number of black African players in the squads far exceeds the national target of two players per XI (on average over the course of a season) with six black African players in the one-day squad and four in the Test squad. Allrounder Mihlali Mpongwana, who is currently captaining a South African Emerging squad in Zimbabwe, is in both squads along with Lutho Sipamla, the bowler who has been capped 17 times across all formats internationally but has struggled with recent injuries. In the four-day squad, batters Tshepang Dithole and Sinethemba Qeshile are included while in the one-day squad batters Andile Mokgakane and Andile Simelane are joined by allrounder Andile Phehlukwayo.The selection indicates a clear focus on Cricket South Africa’s aims to develop more black African batting talent as they plan for the home ODI World Cup in 2027. There were no black African batters at the recent T20 World Cup and only Temba Bavuma plays regularly in ODIs. CSA’s recently concluded Diversity, Equality and Inclusion conference placed an emphasis on ensuring there is enough black African talent at provincial level for the national coaches to select, after white-ball coach Rob Walter asked for the domestic set-up to “up the ante,” when it comes to advancing transformation.The series is set to run from August 31 to September 18. Walter and Test coach Shukri Conrad selected the two squads. Conrad will oversee the entire tour, with Walter involved with the national team on trips to West Indies and the UAE. All three one-day games will be played in Potchefstroom and the four-day matches in Kimberley and Benoni. South Africa A one-day squad: Kyle Verreynne (capt), David Bedingham, Eathan Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Dayyaan Galiem, Tristan Luus, Mihlali Mpongwana, Andile Mogakane, Senuran Muthusamy , Andile Phehlukwayo, Andile Simelane, Lutho Sipamla, Codi Yusuf South Africa A four-day squad: Neil Brand (capt), Marques Ackerman, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Tshepang Dithole, Jean du Plessis, Patrick Kruger, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Mihlali Mpongwana, Migael Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile, Lutho Sipamla, Prenelan Subrayen, Beyers Swanepoel, Codi Yusuf

Celtic are preparing for the 2025/26 season after another successful year under Brendan Rodgers, with the Hoops lifting another Scottish Premiership title.

Their dominance in Scotland is showing no signs of slowing up, and something those at Parkhead have done well in recent years is making a number of shrewd signings.

They have also cashed in on a plethora of Celtic Park stars at the right times, making profits on the likes of Matt O’Riley, Kyogo Furuhashi and Jota, with the latter of the three since returning.

Matt O’Riley

Brighton

£25m

2024

Jota

Al-Ittihad

£25m

2023

Kieran Tierney

Arsenal

£25m

2019

Moussa Dembele

Lyon

£19.7m

2018

Odsonne Edouard

Crystal Palace

£14m

2021

But who could be in line to leave Celtic this summer? Grok, the AI tool on X, has predicted five players the Hoops will cash in on ahead of 25/26, and if they are correct, Celtic will receive more than £50m.

£20m+ spent as "next Neymar" joins: AI predicts 5 players Celtic will sign

The Hoops could back Brendan Rodgers this summer.

ByCharlie Smith Jun 14, 2025 AI predicts 5 players Celtic will sell this summer 1 Reo Hatate (£25m)

The first player Grok has predicted to leave Parkhead is midfielder Reo Hatate, who they say has been a ‘standout performer’ for Celtic.

Signed for just under £1.5m in 2022, Hatate could generate a huge profit and has been backed to exit for up to £25m.

AI adds that Hatate’s ‘versatility, work rate, and technical ability make him a prime candidate for a big move’.

2 Cameron Carter-Vickers (£15m)

Centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers has been heavily linked with a move away this summer, so it isn’t a shock that AI believes an exit could happen.

Purchased for an initial £6m from Tottenham back in 2022, Carter-Vickers has made Celtic Park his home following plenty of loan spells earlier in his career but is now wanted by multiple clubs in England.

Grok says that £15m could be enough for Celtic to sell, basing that off the club’s previous defensive sales, such as when Virgil van Dijk joined Southampton and Kristoffer Ajer moved to Brentford.

3 Daizen Maeda (£12m)

After Kyogo Furuhashi left Celtic at the beginning of 2025, Daizen Maeda featured in a more central role in the latter stages of the season and ended the campaign with 33 goals in all competitions.

As a result, the Japan international has been linked with a move to the Premier League as he enters the final two years of his current Parkhead contract.

It is stated that following Furuhashi’s exit, ‘Maeda could be next if Celtic look to refresh their attacking options’, with a £12m fee mooted.

4 Gustaf Lagerbielke (£3m)

After spending the 24/25 season on loan at FC Twente, Gustaf Lagerbielke is looking to leave Celtic this summer, so it’s no surprise that he is on AI’s list.

Games

10

Goals

1

Red cards

1

Minutes played

576

The Sweden international hasn’t lived up to expectations at Parkhead and is among several fringe players who ‘don’t fit into Rodgers’ long-term plans’.

If a permanent sale materialises, Grok feels a transfer could be worth up to £3m, around the fee they paid Elfsborg back in 2023.

5 Hyeok-kyu Kwon (£1m)

Another player who looks surplus to requirements is midfielder Hyeok-kyu Kwon, who has had loan spells at Scottish Premiership sides St Mirren and Hibernian since moving to Celtic Park.

Yet to make a competitive appearance for the Hoops, the 24-year-old is still under contract until 2028, but the club are open to offers for Kwon.

Grok says a fee worth just £1m could be enough for Celtic to sell the midfielder.

Liverpool are riding the crest of a towering wave right now. Not only has Arne Slot won the Premier League in his first season since replacing Jurgen Klopp in the dugout, but he’s done so without overseeing any meaningful first-team investment.

And while Liverpool have proven themselves in their current iteration, FSG are of the opinion that they should strengthen while they are on top, moving swiftly to secure different signings before the 2024/25 campaign has even concluded.

Anfield will celebrate the top-flight title this weekend after tomorrow’s fixture against Crystal Palace is wrapped up, marking the end of the season, but the fans will have an extra decibel in their cheer, for sure.

Indeed, Jeremie Frimpong has completed his medical ahead of his slated transfer, replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back, while Milos Kerkez is also in advanced talks with sporting director Richard Hughes, viewed as Andy Robertson’s long-term heir.

However, it’s the staggering signing of Florian Wirtz (not yet finalised) that will prove to be Hughes’ magnum opus, for the Bayer Leverkusen playmaker is truly a “generational talent,” as claimed by sports media professional Cristian Nyari.

The latest on Florian Wirtz to Liverpool

There was a point, not too long ago, when the fight for Wirtz appeared a two-horse race between Bayern Munich and Manchester City. Now, City have dropped out and the Bundesliga champions’ senior officials have ceded defeat in the race for the sought-after sensation.

Oh, this stems from Liverpool’s success. Many reports, corroborated by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, have revealed over the past day or two that FSG have convinced the 22-year-old Wirtz to make the move to Merseyside this summer, ending his illustrious career beginnings with the Werkself.

Though Leverkusen value their prized possession at around €150m (£126m), FSG will hope to structure the package in an astute fashion, thus leaving room to make another signing this summer – important given the need for a new centre-forward.

Liverpool are moving with the intent and confidence of champions, likely sealing three priority targets before the shops have even been unshuttered, but it’s important that Slot still promotes academy talent.

In a way, both Wirtz and Frimpong have combined to replace Alexander-Arnold, but fans would love nothing more than to see another homegrown prospect break onto the scene and prosper.

Well, they might just have such an up-and-comer in the works, one who could prove a homemade version of the elite playmaker.

Liverpool are brewing a homemade Wirtz

Liverpool don’t always produce superstars, but sometimes, one-in-a-kind talents emerge from the Merseyside floor to send waves across English football.

And while Slot will be keeping a close eye on the likes of Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha, perhaps the two creams of the development squad’s crop, another has gone well under the radar in Trent Kone-Doherty.

Still only 18, Kone-Doherty has gone through the gears within Liverpool’s youth system since being signed in 2022, leaving Derry City in his Irish homeland.

He’s described himself as being “fearless” on the pitch, something that is clear when watching his long striding gait, his slick turns and artful skills.

Liverpool

1

–

–

Liverpool U21

33

5

1

Liverpool UEFA U19

12

6

2

Liverpool U18

29

19

4

Kone-Doherty is not just a showman, though, but also provides a clinical edge at the top end of the pitch, from a wide or central berth.

This term, having been promoted to the U21s, his potency has taken a hit, but it’s been a fundamental point in the player’s development, making his senior bow during Liverpool’s bitter FA Cup defeat against Plymouth Argyle in February, only featuring for 14 minutes but making a positive impression as he completed his one attempted dribble and finding the mark with one arcing cross, as per Sofascore.

He’s also earned rave reviews for his performances on the continental stage, with former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor hailing the teenager’s “absolutely magnificent” goal against Girona after the English side had gone a man down, praising his movement, strength, and intelligence.

Though Kone-Doherty typically operates from a wider berth than Wirtz, his unique blend of skill, strength, and sharpness suggests he could become a homegrown version of the German ten, demonstrating a natural goalscoring sense but also an eye for a neat pass which could play into Slot’s creative ambitions.

Slot, furthermore, has already shown a willingness to hand the Republic of Ireland U19 star his chance on the major stage, also placing him on the substitutes’ bench for the Reds’ 3-2 Champions League defeat against PSV Eindhoven in January.

Former U18s coach Marc Bridge-Wilkinson has also praised Kone-Doherty’s ability to go past bigger and stronger opponents with a breeze, owing to his clever approach to his football.

This, of course, is the bread and butter of Wirtz’s football. As per FBref, the Leverkusen superstar ranks among the top 6% of Bundesliga attacking midfielders and wingers for shot-creating actions, the top 5% for progressive passes and progressive carries, and the top 3% for successful take-ons per 90.

All this highlights a technical quality of peerless scope, but also an athletic underbelly that charges his efforts. This is further revealed by his average of 5.2 successful duels per league game this term, as per Sofascore.

Though Kone-Doherty’s attacking quality centres more on his goalscoring than Wirtz, who knows where the back of the net is but is better known for his fountain of creativity that wells up whenever he’s in the danger area, he could enjoy a similar rise to the fore as a sort of hybrid between the left wing and a more central attacking position.

Both players bear a positional fluidity which, in Kone-Doherty’s case, could prove a trump card in standing out above the rest, capable across numerous areas.

And if he can translate his clinical shooting, bagging 19 goals from 29 games for the U18s, into life in Slot’s squad, the Dutch head coach might just find he has another Wirtz breaking through the ranks.

Better than Wirtz: Liverpool believe they can sign "the best ST in Europe"

Liverpool are making staggering moves ahead of the summer transfer market.

1 ByAngus Sinclair May 24, 2025

Liverpool are reportedly at risk of losing an off-field “genius” this summer, amid claims that a Saudi Pro League club are interested in snapping him up.

A busy summer awaits at Liverpool

After some relatively quiet summers in recent years, under both Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot, this upcoming transfer window has the potential to be the busiest in a long time at Anfield, with lots of funds set to come the Reds’ way.

Jeremie Frimpong is believed to be closing in on a move to Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen, filling the upcoming void that will be left by Trent Alexander-Arnold, not to mention also being able to thrive as a right-winger.

Meanwhile, the Reds are said to have held talks with Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez over a summer switch, with the Hungarian seen as the leading option to be Andy Robertson’s long-term successor on Merseyside.

There are also expected to be plenty of summer exits alongside Alexander-Arnold, with doubts over the futures of players all over the pitch, from Jarell Quansah to Darwin Nunez. It is going to be a busy period for the likes of Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes behind the scenes, but now a major update has dropped regarding the former.

Liverpool at risk of losing "genius" Edwards after Saudi approach

According to a worrying update from Give Me Sport journalist Ben Jacobs, Liverpool CEO of Football Edwards is wanted by Saudi club Al-Ahli, as they look to steal him away from the Reds this summer.

The report claims that the transfer guru has been “approached” by them to “discuss a senior role” there, adding that they “hold a firm desire to try and appoint Edwards, even though he is relatively new to his current job” at Anfield, having previously been sporting director there. Edwards isn’t actively looking to leave Merseyside, however, he “does see appeal in speaking to clubs wishing to overhaul their sporting department”.

Losing Edwards would be an undoubted blow for Liverpool and FSG, considering his reputation in the game, being considered as one of the best sporting directors of his generation, masterminding the signings of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, among others.

Virgil van Dijk

2018

£75m

Mohamed Salah

2017

£37m

Sadio Mane

2016

£34m

Alisson

2018

£67m

Andy Robertson

2017

£10m

Fabinho

2018

£39m

Gini Wijnaldum

2016

£25m

Joel Matip

2016

Free

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

2017

£35m

Takumi Minamino

2020

£7.25m

His influence hasn’t been lost on former Reds CEO Peter Moore, who has said of him: “Analytical genius. The ability to look at data and then look at the players. This is why I bring up the Dave Fallows and the Barry Hunters, it’s one thing looking at data but you need boots on the ground and eyes on the pitch.”

Hopefully, Edwards will feel that he is still new to his CEO role and has plenty more to achieve at Liverpool, but the financial lure of the Saudi Pro League is obvious.

Not just Quansah: Liverpool must axe 6/10 flop who was "so funny to watch"

Liverpool were defeated by Brighton in the Premier League.

ByAngus Sinclair May 20, 2025

It would be a step in the wrong direction if he did decide to once again leave Liverpool for a new challenge, at a time when things are going so smoothly both on and off the pitch.