O sistema defensivo do São Paulo pode ser uma das grandes peças-chave para o Tricolor buscar sua classificação na Copa do Brasil. Com a vantagem de um gol, marcado por Rafinha, o Tricolor enfrenta o Palmeiras nesta quinta-feira (13) no duelo de volta das quartas de final da Copa do Brasil.
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Mesmo com escalações diferentes, e até mesmo com mais alternativas, como visto contra o Bragantino, o São Paulo tem apresentado bons números defensivos. Nos últimos quatro jogos (contra Tigre, Fluminense, Palmeiras e Bragantino), o Tricolor não sofreu nenhum gol.
Para se classificar no tempo normal, o São Paulo precisa segurar um placar de 0 a 0 ou garantir a vitória no jogo de volta, que será realizado no Allianz Parque. Se o São Paulo perder por até 1 a 0 ou empatar no placar agregado, a decisão será definida nos pênaltis.
+ Veja tabela e as próximas rodadas do Brasileirão
ATUAÇÕES: Zagueiro da base se destaca em empate do São Paulo no Brasileirão
No entanto, o São Paulo apresenta bons números quando joga na casa do rival, incluindo seu desempenho defensivo. O Tricolor não sofreu gols no estádio palmeirense nos últimos dois jogos disputados lá – um pelo Campeonato Brasileiro e o mais recente pelo Campeonato Paulista. No confronto pelo Brasileirão, as equipes se enfrentaram na 32ª rodada e o jogo terminou em um empate sem gols. No campeonato estadual, também houve um empate sem gols durante a fase de grupos do torneio.
Após o empate, o técnico Dorival Júnior destacou a solidez defensiva do São Paulo. O treinador ressaltou que a sequência de jogos sem sofrer gols é resultado de um ‘trabalho coletivo’.
Para os tricolores apaixonados: produtos a partir de R$39,90 na FutFanatics!
– É um trabalho coletivo. Não adianta ter uma última linha sem sofrer gols se não tiver a participação do meio-campo e ataque. O que é importante é que o São Paulo tem lutado muito em cada partida, cada problema que surja estamos procurando soluções internas mesmo e isso tem elevado a confiança de todos. Todo mundo tem jogado, tem participado – disse.
Com exceção do jogo deste final de semana, espera-se que o São Paulo mantenha a mesma estrutura defensiva vista nos últimos jogos, com Rafael no gol. Na zaga, é muito provável que Arboleda seja escalado, especialmente porque foi poupado no jogo em Bragança. Caso Alan Franco não se recupere a tempo, Diego Costa é a opção mais provável. Nas laterais, Dorival deve manter Rafinha e Caio
Giants will also want to turn their poor record against MI around as the WPL moves to Mumbai
Shashank Kishore09-Mar-20255:45
How can Mumbai stop the Deandra Dottin threat?
Who’s playingMumbai Indians (MI) vs Gujarat Giants (GG) Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai, 7.30pm ISTWhat to expect: Top spot up for grabsRCB’s loss to UP Warriorz on Saturday night may have smoothened the passage into the playoffs for both MI and GG, but there’s still an extra edge to this contest as the top spot is still not booked.Giants have to win to entertain thoughts of finishing at No. 1. Mumbai have a game in hand and can get there even if they lose on Monday, but it would then mean a three-way tie should they beat RCB. They would want to avoid this logjam, having been in a similar position last year and then going down to RCB in the Eliminator.Related
The rise and roar of Kashvee Gautam
Mooney confident Gujarat Giants can challenge for WPL playoffs
GG are on a bull run, having won more games (three) over the past week than they did all of last season. But there’s one thing they haven’t done yet: beat MI, who have a 5-0 record against them in the tournament’s short history. If that wasn’t pressure enough, they now face the challenge of playing Harmanpreet Kaur’s MI in Mumbai, at the Brabourne Stadium, where they are yet to lose a single game.They have been the most explosive side in the middle-overs, courtesy Ash Gardner and new (old) signing Deandra Dottin. But MI have the best economy (6.6 runs an over) and average (17.9) in this phase. This battle will form the crux of the contest.The return to form of Harleen Deol, instrumental in GG’s stunning chase of 178 the other night against Delhi Capitals, bodes well. Kashvee Gautam’s all-round prowess and Beth Mooney’s unshackling at the top make them look more dangerous.MI look equally strong but have changed their batting combinations because of Yastika Bhatia’s prolonged lean run. In their previous game, Amelia Kerr was promoted to open with Hayley Mathews. It remains to be seen if this will be their plan at the back end too. If it is, it could mean a bigger batting responsibility for S Sajana and Amanjot Kaur in the middle order.Yastika Bhatia has been in poor batting form•WPLForm guideMumbai Indians WLWWW Gujarat Giants WWWLLTeam NewsD Hemalatha’s poor run at the top of the order may force a change for GG. Simran Shaikh, who plays for Mumbai in domestic cricket, could get a look-in to inject some lower-order firepower.Gujarat Giants (probable): 1 Beth Mooney (wk), 2 Phoebe Lichfield, 3 Harleen Deol, 4 Ash Gardner (capt), 5 Deandra Dottin, 6 Simran Shaikh, 7 Kashvee Gautam, 8 Bharti Fulmali, 9 Tanuja Kanwar, 10 Meghna Singh, 11 Priya MishraMumbai have no reason to tinker with their XI.Mumbai Indians (probable): 1 Hayley Matthews, 2 Amelia Kerr, 3 Nat Sciver-Brunt, 4 Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), 5 Amanjot Kaur, 6 Yastika Bhatia (wk), 7 G Kamalini, 8 S Sajana, 9 Sanskriti Gupta, 9 10 Shabnim Ismail, 11 Parunika SisodiaKashvee Gautam has been a revelation this season•BCCIPlayers to watch: Hayley Matthews and Kashvee GautamHayley Matthews started poorly – not having crossed 20 in her first three games – but is slowly beginning to show the sparks of positivity she brings to her batting, especially up front in the powerplay, where she has made two half-centuries in her last three innings. Matthews’ return to form prevents more headaches at the top of the order for the Mumbai team management, especially with Bhatia struggling.Seam-bowling allrounders offer the kind of balance Harmanpreet Kaur has been yearning for as India captain. With Pooja Vastrakar suffering from a stress fracture, Kashvee Gautam’s performances with bat and ball for GG might have put her in national contention in a World Cup year. She’s easily one of the breakout stars of WPL 2025, and is leading the wickets’ chart for GG at this stage. Can she help them make their maiden final?Stats that matter Nat Sciver-Brunt, the season’s second-highest run-getter, loves playing at Brabourne Stadium, having scored 196 runs and got out only once in four outings at this venue in the WPL. GG have the most wickets (13) among all teams in the powerplay this season. Gardner’s 17 sixes are the most by a batter this season. There is no MI batter in the top five. MI’s economy of 8.6 is the highest in the powerplay this season. They have also picked up the joint-highest wickets (9) in this phase.
Noman Ali and Sajid Khan put on a spin-bowling masterclass on a surface they found to their tastes, taking nine of the ten wickets to skittle West Indies out for 137 in less than a session. Either side of that, Pakistan fared better with the bat, putting up 230 in the first innings despite a collapse after Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan’s 141-run stand was broken.But they pulled away from the visitors in the final session with a commanding second-innings show with the bat. That was spearheaded by their captain Shan Masood, whose half-century drove Pakistan’s lead to 202 with seven wickets still in hand. The dominant story of a day when 19 wickets fell, though, came in the middle session, where West Indies had little answer to Noman and Sajid, who bowled all but 14 deliveries of their innings.Sajid started the dismantling in just his second over when he dismissed Mikyle Louis and Keacy Carty off successive balls, even as Carty fell thanks to a superb slip catch from Mohammad Hurraira. By the end of his third over, Sajid had four wickets as West Indies floundered, unable to either defend or attack against an unerringly accurate spin duo.Noman joined the fun, getting drift and turn to clip the edge of Justin Greaves’ off stump. It was the first of five wickets for the left-armer, who was beginning to get huge rip off the barely formed footmarks.As the innings proceeded, West Indies began to adopt a more bellicose outlook, trying to swindle some runs along the way. But there was limited success as multiple batters dragged it on to their stumps, before the final two partnerships flourished. Gudakesh Motie and Jomel Warrican began to play belligerent shots, with Warrican utilising the back of the bat while playing the reverse sweeps a handful of times.Shan Masood was adept against spin bowling•AFP/Getty Images
From 66 for 8 at one stage, West Indies added 71 for the last two wickets. After Motie and Warrican had a partnership of 25, it was only during the last-wicket stand between Warrican and Jayden Seales when West Indies dominated the spinners. Both batters connected cleanly as they hit the spinners over cow corner for multiple sixes.That forced Pakistan into bringing on Abrar Ahmed for the first time. Eventually, Abrar did end the partnership, but only after the pair had plundered 46 runs off 21 balls. Seales failed to pick up a googly and miscued it straight up, as Rizwan took the catch and ended the punchy counterattack.If West Indies thought that their collapse against spin meant they too would be among the wickets in the final session, Masood and Hurraira soon disabused them off that notion. Seales, whose pace and seam movement had made him the surprise pick of the bowlers on the first day, reprised his potent threat but without the wickets that would reflect this in the scorecard.Masood, meanwhile, was proactive in his use of the feet, and adept against spin bowling, eager to attack and expand the lead even further before the day was done. Some untidiness crept into the bowling; there were 12 byes as the spin became as tricky to handle for the bowlers as it was for the batters. But Warrican was dangerous with the one that carried on with the arm, and got both his wickets that way – Hurraira at first, before Babar Azam played for the spin and found himself rapped in front of middle.West Indies were unfortunate not to snare Kamran Ghulam too when a miscued sweep struck him on the arm as he got down low. The umpire raised the finger, although HawkEye, incongruously, projected the ball to be rising well above the stumps.Jomel Warrican took three wickets in the first innings, before hitting 31* with the bat•PCB
As if to compensate, West Indies were gifted the wicket of Masood. He called for a run and didn’t quite realise that Ghulam was well down the pitch in response, and found himself stranded in the middle of the pitch. Thus, Masood was left with little chance of getting to the non-striker’s end, before Warrican whipped the bails off.Earlier, during the morning session, West Indies took four wickets for 13 runs to trigger a Pakistan collapse. That started by breaking the stand between Shakeel and Rizwan, leaving West Indies two wickets away from wrapping the hosts up. Shakeel and Rizwan had begun with the same authority with which they had ended the first day. But once Kevin Sinclair snared Shakeel 16 short of what would have been his fifth Test hundred, Pakistan’s resistance melted away.Only a punchy rearguard partnership between Sajid and Khurram Shahzad prevented West Indies from running through the innings even sooner, but Pakistan were still bowled out for 230 on the stroke of lunch.West Indies had begun the day by sticking to disciplined and tight lines, at one point conceding six runs in seven overs as Seales and Warrican locked in. But neither batter offered up chances during this time, and when Pakistan negotiated the first hour without loss, West Indies were in danger of being shut out of the game.Saud Shakeel fell 16 short of what would have been his fifth Test hundred•AFP/Getty Images
But the first ball after drinks brought joy for West Indies. Sinclair lured Shakeel forward before getting the ball to grip, and then taking his edge. As if it had been forgotten, the pitch suddenly began to remind everyone how hostile it could be to batters against quality spin, as the ball hissed and spat off the surface.Salman Ali Agha was deceived in the flight from Warrican to drag on before Pakistan imploded. A bizarre mix-up between Rizwan and Noman saw the former turn his back on Noman to leave him unsuccessfully scrambling to return to the non-striker’s end. But an attempted reverse sweep off the next delivery ended Rizwan’s own innings, as a sharp review from West Indies finished Rizwan’s innings on 71.It was only an entertaining stand from Sajid and Shahzad that saw a few more runs flow for Pakistan, before the innings petered out. Sajid launched Sinclair over cow corner for six amid a little flurry as Pakistan added 25 quickfire runs. But Warrican returned to fold the innings, making short work of both, as West Indies took the last six wickets for 43 runs in a session of two halves. It was a harbinger for the rest of the day, when the wicket-taking continued unabated.
A couple of years ago, Kobbie Mainoo was seen as the latest talent to emerge out of the Manchester United academy, potentially cementing his place in the first-team squad.
The excitement around his performance was understandable, especially after he popped up with key goals, including a late winner against Wolves, before scoring in the FA Cup final back in 2023/24.
However, last year was an injury-hit campaign for the youngster, only making 25 appearances in the Premier League, with just 19 of which coming from a starting position.
Mainoo has also had to face competition from the likes of Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro for the starting role, but has rapidly dropped down Ruben Amorim’s pecking order at Old Trafford.
Things could be about to get a lot worse for the 20-year-old in the months ahead, especially considering the hierarchy are targeting added reinforcements in such an area in the coming weeks.
The latest on United’s hunt for a new midfielder
A new name has entered the mix for United over the last couple of days, with Stuttgart talent Angelo Stiller a player the Red Devils are considering, according to recent reports.
The German, who made 47 appearances across all competitions last season, could be available for around £50m this summer – a potential bargain if they don’t land one other target.
Angelo Stiller for Stuttgart
Another player has been firmly in their sights over the last few weeks, with Crystal Palace talent Adam Wharton one option the club are considering, according to one report.
They claim that Amorim’s side have made an approach for the 21-year-old, who helped the Eagles win the FA Cup and Community Shield under Oliver Glasner.
It’s also been confirmed that the player has been valued at around £100m this summer, a potential hefty fee, given he’s only made 36 appearances in England’s top-flight.
Why United’s latest target is a bigger talent than Baleba
It’s no secret that United have been pursuing a move for Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba this summer, even holding talks to land the 21-year-old.
At one stage, it appeared as though a move for the Cameroonian was rapidly progressing, with the player himself open to a switch to move to Old Trafford before the September 1st deadline.
However, a deal has somewhat evaporated over the last couple of days, leading to the Red Devils accepting the Seagulls’ stance that the youngster is not for sale this summer.
As a result, the hierarchy have had to look down other avenues, leading to the recent rumours to land German star Stiller after his rapid rise in the Bundesliga in recent months.
Whilst he would be a superb addition, a move for Wharton must now be the priority, potentially being an expensive pickup, but one that would be worth every penny if he carries on his current trajectory.
In his short career, he’s already picked up two more trophies than Baleba, getting a taste for success – something which the Red Devils desperately need in the near future.
When comparing their respective stats from the recent campaign, the Englishman managed to massively outperform the Cameroonian in key areas – showcasing why he’d be a bigger talent for Amorim’s side.
Games played
20
34
Goals & assists
2
4
Progressive passes
7.6
3.9
Key passes made
1.8
0.7
Passes into final third
5.3
3.6
Interceptions made
1.6
1.5
Clearances made
1.9
1.4
Carries into final third
1.6
1.5
Recoveries made
7.1
6.6
Wharton, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by HLTCO, notched more passes into the final third and more key passes completed – having the tools to provide the players ahead of him with chances in front of goal.
He also made more recoveries per 90 and registered more interceptions per 90, outperforming Baleba in such an area – highlighting the defensive quality he possesses.
Given the similarities in the fees touted for the aforementioned duo, either player would be an expensive addition – further showcasing the ambition shown by the board this summer.
The nature of the money involved makes it pivotal that the club make the right decision about whom to sign, with Wharton showcasing that he would be a better addition ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Crystal Palace's AdamWhartonin action with Ipswich Town's Julio Enciso
It would be extremely harsh on Mainoo, with any deal massively disrupting his progress in the side, but unfortunately, the world of football is a cutthroat industry, with the academy graduate needing to try and force himself back into the manager’s plans.
He's perfect for Bruno: Man Utd to make bid for "complete" £42m sensation
Manchester United’s summer of transfer activity looks set to continue once more before deadline day.
It’s been an absolutely frantic last 48 hours at Tottenham, and that isn’t just concerning their dramatic move for Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White after confirming the arrival of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham.
Tottenham talks held with £50m star amid Gibbs-White chase, Frank's a fan
Spurs have discussed another potential deal.
ByEmilio Galantini Jul 10, 2025
Spurs announced Kudus’ signing in a deal worth £55 million on Thursday evening, with the versatile Ghanaian becoming the first player to swap West Ham for the Lilywhites since Scott Parker in 2011.
The 24-year-old has already promised to excite supporters on the field when speaking in his first interview as a Tottenham player, and there was a real expectation that Gibbs-White would immediately follow Kudus to N17.
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
Tottenham talks for the England international accelerated rapidly on Thursday, with reliable media sources reporting that the 25-year-old was all set to join Thomas Frank’s side and a medical had been scheduled for Friday (Fabrizio Romano).
However, in an absolutely stunning turn of events, Forest put a stop to the deal and are considering legal action against Spurs, over what they perceive to be an illegal approach for their star forward.
While Gibbs-White’s move could still happen, with the expectation being that Forest can’t completely block it, this transfer will at the very least be delayed, as first reported by Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett.
With Tottenham now braced for a legal saga surrounding their potential deal for Gibbs-White, the club do remain in the market for other transfer targets, and they still maintain a serious interest in Brentford striker Yoane Wissa.
Yoane Wissa pushing to leave Brentford amid Tottenham interest
Reports earlier this week claimed that Tottenham have made contact with Wissa’s representatives, with talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook now sharing an update on the situation.
Crook states that Wissa is keen to reunite with Frank at Spurs, and the Congolese centre-forward is now “pushing” for an exit from the Gtech Community Stadium as he seeks a high-profile move.
The 28-year-old is currently in his prime and in the form of his life, having netted 20 goals in all competitions last season, and this has motivated Brentford chiefs to slap a £50 million price tag on his head.
Brentford have already lost a few key men this summer, including Frank, with Christian Norgaard joining Arsenal and Man United still locked in talks over a deal for Bryan Mbeumo.
The Bees will likely dig their heels in when it comes to letting yet another “exceptional player” leave, but Wissa would come as an excellent potential replacement for Richarlison, who’s reportedly attracting interest from Brazil.
Manchester United are in a race with Liverpool to sign an “outstanding” £30 million midfielder, according to a new report.
Man Utd make contact for Martinez as INEOS ramp up summer plans
As the transfer window hits the midway point of July, the Red Devils will be disappointed that they have just got one senior signing through the door. The next arrival at Old Trafford appears likely to be Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, despite the fact that the Premier League giants are struggling to agree a fee with the London side.
Man Utd now in formal talks with Aston Villa to sign "world-class" £40m ace
Man Utd have finally begun official talks.
ByBrett Worthington Jul 16, 2025
After that, United are still in the market to strengthen their midfield and forward line, and despite Andre Onana still being at the club, they could now be targeting a new goalkeeper. That is because, according to journalist Gaston Edul, United are in talks with Aston Villa over signing Emiliano Martinez.
Emiliano Martinez in action for Argentina.
The Red Devils are said to have advanced their interest in the Argentina goalkeeper but have yet to make a formal offer, with the Villans looking to get around £40 million for their shot-stopper, while United are hoping they can agree a deal in the region of £33 million.
Interest in Martinez comes as questions about the form and fitness of Onana have come into focus. The Cameroon international had a very turbulent 2024/25, and he could be missing at the start of the 2025/26 season after picking up a hamstring injury.
Man Utd join race for Wolves star Andre
As the Red Devils begin talks to sign Martinez, according to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, relayed by TEAMtalk, Man United have registered their interest in signing Andre from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The report states that as well as United, arch-rivals Liverpool are also interested in signing the Brazilian and, like United, have approached Wolves to make their interest known. It goes on to add that even though Wolves only signed Andre last summer, they would be willing to sell should they receive a fee of £30 million.
The 24-year-old, who has been dubbed “outstanding” by former Wolves player Andy Thompson, joined the Midlands side for a fee of £21 million last summer, meaning the Premier League side would be making a small return should he leave for £30 million in this transfer window.
Apps
33
Starts
31
Passing accuracy per game
37.7 (93%)
Touches
52.2
Big chances created
1
Key passes per game
0.5
Interceptions per game
1.1
Tackles per game
2.8
Clearances per game
0.9
Andre, who has been capped 12 times by Brazil, played 33 times for Wolves in the Premier League last season, 31 of which he started. The midfielder operated at the base of Wolves’ midfield, and his potential arrival at Old Trafford would likely see him replace Casemiro, who looks set to stay at United but may not feature regularly.
Andre is under contract until 2029, so Wolves are under no pressure to sell the midfielder, which makes the reported asking price somewhat of a question mark.
Newcastle United have now enquired about signing a Champions League winner, as they battle two other clubs for his signature this summer.
Newcastle eyeing move for World Cup finalist
The Magpies are being linked with possible new signings on a daily basis, with Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani the latest attacker to be mentioned as an option, and discussions already underway.
Alexander Isak’s future at St James’ Park doesn’t feel completely secure currently, amid rumoured interest from Premier League rivals Liverpool, but even if the Swede stays, more competition is needed. Muani could be ideal in that respect, having scored nine goals in 31 caps for France, also appearing in the 2022 World Cup final against Argentina.
Randal Kolo Muani celebrates scoring for Juventus at the Club World Cup.
Manchester City ace Jack Grealish has also been backed to join Newcastle this summer, with former scout Mick Brown talking up a move to St James’ Park.
“Newcastle are still keeping a close eye on Jack Grealish. There’s been a lot of talk about Everton, but I think they’re still very much in the mix. Of course, they’re not the only club interested because everybody knows about Jack’s qualities and what he can bring to the side when he’s at his best.”
Newcastle enquire about signing Grealish
Now, according to an interesting development from Give Me Sport, Newcastle have “enquired” about Grealish, having been linked with him in recent days, as mentioned.
While Everton and Napoli are also mentioned as potential suitors for the winger, he “wants to see if there are any other takers for his talent”, as he looks to make sure he is part of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad at the 2026 World Cup. He also wants to play Champions League football next season, something PIF can offer, after winning the competition with Man City in 2023.
Manchester City's JackGrealishduring the warm up before the match
This summer feels like the right time for the £300,000-a-week Grealish to depart City and enjoy a new challenge, with his performances there going flat and playing time coming at far more of a premium in recent times.
The 29-year-old wasn’t even included in Pep Guardiola’s squad for the current Club World Cup, so the writing appears to be on the wall for him.
He's an Isak clone: Newcastle start discussions to sign £50m "superstar"
Newcastle have enquired about signing their next Alexander Isak.
1 ByRoss Kilvington Jun 23, 2025
Opinion may be split on whether Grealish would be the right choice for Newcastle, with some perhaps feeling that his best days are behind him, but it is also easy to see him flourishing in fresh surroundings.
David Moyes once called him the “best player in the Premier League”, such was the level of his performances, and Guardiola lauded him during pre-season last summer.
“What I’ve seen so far here, one week in the pre-season on tour, I loved it. I don’t care how he performs, it’s every session his commitment and his trying, against Barcelona he made five or six shots, he was aggressive with the ball, that’s all, after that his quality will do the rest.”
Jack Grealish’s trophy wins at Man City
Season
Champions League
2022/23
Premier League
2023/24
Premier League
2022/23
Premier League
2021/22
FA Cup
2022/23
Club World Cup
2023/24
UEFA Super Cup
2023/24
A tally of just 17 goals in 157 appearances for City doesn’t reflect too well on Grealish, but if Newcastle could have the swaggering Aston Villa version of him, forever taking risks on the ball and lighting up games, he could be an extremely popular figure at the club.
Though Liverpool have exceeded expectations by winning the Premier League in Arne Slot’s first season, FSG chiefs will know that football is a fickle game, and pre-season projections will now rank Liverpool among the favourites for the 2025/26 term.
Well, sporting director Richard Hughes certainly isn’t resting on his laurels, having acted promptly to close on full-backs Jeremie Frimpong, whose transfer has been sealed, and Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, the reps of whom are engaged in advancing talks with the Anfield side.
Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong
Trent Alexander-Arnold is officially a Real Madrid player, leaving his boyhood club to join Jude Bellingham as a key part of Xabi Alonso’s Los Blancos revolution.
Thus, reinforcing the wide flanks was necessary, but Alexander-Arnold takes more than just positional value with him to sunny Spain. Indeed, the Three Lions superstar is one of the most creative players of his generation, with Jamie Carragher once remarking, “It’s like having Kevin De Bruyne playing at right-back.”
Most Assists in Premier League History (defenders)
Rank
Player
Apps
Assists
1)
Trent Alexander-Arnold
259
64
2)
Andy Robertson
308
60
3)
Leighton Baines
420
53
4)
Graeme Le Saux
327
44
5)
Kieran Trippier
204
38
Stats via Premier League
Liverpool need a new leading playmaker, and boy, have they picked out a good one.
Why Liverpool are signing Florian Wirtz
Simply: Wirtz is one of the best attacking midfielders in the world, posting 122 goal contributions across 197 senior Leverkusen appearances.
His labours in his homeland have even seen him awarded back-to-back Bundesliga Player of the Year awards, having helped his team toward an invincible title triumph in 2023/24.
Having beaten off Bayern Munich and Manchester City in the race to secure the 22-year-old’s services, reputable sources such as Fabrizio Romano have confirmed completion is on the horizon.
Make no mistake, this is a significant coup for the Anfield side, even though Wirtz is expected to cost around £110m, all told. He will dynamise and revolutionise Liverpool’s attack, reorienting the creative hub to a more conventional berth besides.
Below are a series of ways in which Slot could field Liverpool’s frontline next season, with Wirtz in the mix. However, uncertainty reigns over Luis Diaz’s future, with Saudi side Al Nassr making the Colombian a top target ahead of the summer transfer window. Barcelona also have a long-standing interest.
WirtzWhere Wirtz could feature for Liverpool
If the 28-year-old Diaz does leave, Liverpool would want to consider bringing in a replacement, with one rumoured target potentially even superseding Wirtz as FSG’s most exciting signing.
Liverpool could sign a bigger talent than Wirtz
Liverpool’s Premier League success has been an incredible thing, but it doesn’t mean Slot has led a flawless team to the title this term. Indeed, the Reds have been frustrated by forwards Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota, both of whom are expendable.
Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota converse on the bench
Earlier this month, GIVEMESPORT revealed that Real Madrid’s Rodrygo could be within FSG’s reach amid the Brazilian’s consternation from being overshadowed by teammates like Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe and Bellingham.
Real Madrid would rather not part with their dynamic forward, of course, and have set a lofty £84m asking price which FSG will likely need to whittle down, should they lodge an official proposal.
Though Rodrygo isn’t an out-and-out striker, he is a “world-class finisher,” as per reporter Kyle Bonn, with an elite winning mentality forged in the Santiago Bernabeu furnaces.
At face value, it looks like the 24-year-old has endured something of a difficult season for Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid. Indeed, the Brazil star scored just 13 times across 50 matches in all competitions, assisting ten goals too.
However, as you will see below, he’s proven invariably effective when unleashed from his favoured left flank, maximising his goalscoring quality.
Rodrygo – Real Madrid Stats by Position (24/25)
Position
Apps
Goals
Assists
Right winger
29
7
4
Left winger
12
6
6
Centre-forward
8
–
–
Stats via Transfermarkt
Though Wirtz tends to drift over to the left side, he’s more of a ten, placed behind the central striker to promote creativity. As per FBref, he ranked among the top 5% of positional peers in the Bundesliga this season for progressive passes and the top 4% for shot-creating actions per 90.
Rodrygo, fleet-footed and ferocious, would blast up and down the flanks, hopefully utilised from the left to enrich his goalscoring qualities.
His limited action this term, starting only 22 times in La Liga, as per Sofascore, hasn’t withdrawn from Rodrygo a sense of place among the modern greats, having missed only one big chance in Spain’s top flight, scoring six goals.
Furthermore, he averaged 1.6 dribbles per game and won 56% of his ground duels, speaking of a combativeness that could see him dovetail right into the Premier League, known for its rigorous nature, steely members.
Wirtz is a marquee signing for Liverpool, and that’s a fact, but there’s a case to be made that in Rodrygo, Slot would find an even brighter star. Not to the descredit of the German’s giddy talent, but the South American is something special, all right.
His versatility, deadly goalscoring ability and immense physicality all combine to suggest this is a player worth throwing the kitchen sink at. If Diaz goes, it could become a tangible prospect, and just imagine the chaos Wirtz and Rodrygo could inflict side by side.
There would be a certain degree of poetic justice to Liverpool bringing Rodrygo into their fold this summer, especially if Slot allowed him to play off the left flank, something he has yearned for but to little avail in the Spanish capital.
It would require the sale of Diaz, sure, but Liverpool could strike gold with this one, bagging an even bigger talent than Wirtz to aid their quest for unprecedented levels of sustained glory in Slot’s still-building project.
Another Suarez situation: Liverpool expect bid for "world-class" £72m star
Liverpool may have to contend with the sales of a few stars this summer.
Fulham have now identified a £5 million manager who is destined for “big things” as a candidate to replace Marco Silva should he leave, according to a recent report.
Latest on Marco Silva's future at Fulham
It has been another impressive campaign for the Cottagers in the Premier League, as they have a really good chance of finishing in the top 10 and potentially even sealing a place in a European competition for next season.
Fulham and Silva could sign £30,000-p/w full-back instead of Walker-Peters
Fulham now have their eye on another defender who could be signed instead of Kyle Walker-Peters.
ByBrett Worthington May 1, 2025
Given how well Fulham have done ever since Silva arrived at Craven Cottage, it may not come as a surprise to supporters to see him linked with a new job. The future of Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou is very much up in the air, as reports have suggested that the Australian could still be sacked even if Spurs win the Europa League. Silva is said to have an £8 million release clause in his Fulham contract that expires in 2026, and is now a frontrunner to replace Postecoglou.
Fulham managerMarcoSilvabefore the match
But it is not just Spurs who are chasing Silva; in fact, the reason he could leave Craven Cottage is for a move to Saudi Arabia. It’s been reported that Al Hilal have set their sights on Silva as they look for a new manager before the Club World Cup starts in June, and there are even claims that Silva has agreed to leave Fulham and make the move to the Saudi Pro League.
Fulham eyeing Danny Rohl
The Cottagers are wasting no time in looking at candidates to replace the former Everton manager. According to Sky Sports German reporter Philipp Hinze, Fulham are interested in appointing Danny Rohl as manager should Silva leave Craven Cottage.
Hinze states that it looks likely Rohl will be leaving Sheffield Wednesday after another campaign of the German keeping the Owls in England’s second tier despite financial difficulties.
Rohl does have an exit clause in his contract, and it’s been reported that it is worth £5 million. That figure doesn’t seem to have put off interested parties, as both Fulham and Crystal Palace are keeping an eye on his situation given talk of their managers possibly leaving.
However, they are not the only teams from England interested in the 36-year-old, as Leicester City and Southampton are also admirers of Rohl as they prepare for life back in the Championship. Hinze does also state that there is interest from the Bundesliga in Rohl, but as things stand, interest is ‘hotter’ from England.
Danny Rohl’s Sheffield Wednesday record
Games
89
Won
34
Drawn
19
Lost
36
Points
121
Points per game
1.36
Rohl, who has been dubbed as being destined for “big things” as a manager by Rob Staton, has limited experience in management, as Wednesday was his first managerial role. Should Fulham decide he is the man to replace Silva it would be a gamble, given he has never managed in the Premier League.
Leeds United could look to replace two of their players they don’t believe are good enough to be playing in the Premier League this summer, according to a new report.
Leeds take huge step towards Championship promotion
Leeds took a huge step towards automatic promotion from the Championship over the weekend as they beat Preston North End 2-1 at Elland Road. All three goals on the day were scored within a frenetic first 13 minutes, with Manor Solomon opening the scoring within just four minutes.
Preston then leveled just two minutes later through Kaine Kesler-Hayden, before Jayden Bogle completed the scoring when he bundled Solomon’s cross into the net.
The win ensured Leeds stay top of the Championship, ahead of second-placed Burnley on goal difference, and with just four games to go, within nine points of a guaranteed return to the Premier League.
Speaking after the win over Preston, Leeds boss Daniel Farke said: “Pretty good after an exhausting week. A priceless three points for us. Could have made our life easier. Must have been our highest xG this season – should have scored six or seven.”
“We were on it today, the fire was burning. We kept going and started really well and scored a really good second goal. It’s crucial we returned to good defensive behaviour. We were spirited but cool in the head.”
Leeds could soon replace Bamford and Piroe
According to a new report from Football Insider, Leeds are already looking ahead to next season, and more specifically the summer transfer market.
The publication reports that the Whites are “prioritising signing a striker this summer” because they don’t believe their current options, Joel Piroe and Patrick Bamford, are of Premier League-quality.
Piroe has 15 goals in 42 Championship games this season, while Bamford has failed to find the net at all in 13 games.
Championship Top Scorers 2024/25
Player
Club
Goals
Borja Sainz
Norwich City
17
Joel Piroe
Leeds United
15
Josh Sargent
Norwich City
14
Josh Brownhill
Burnley
13
Dan James
Leeds United
12
Josh Maja
West Bromwich Albion
12
Football Insider claims that – despite him being the Championship’s second-top scorer this season – Leeds doubt whether Piroe can make the step-up to Premier League, while Bamford can’t be relied upon by Farke due to his injury history, with the pair on a combined £85,000-a-week at Elland Road.
Youngster Mateo Joseph, meanwhile, has bagged just three goals all term. As a result, Leeds and the 49ers Enterprises’ top priority this summer will be to sign a top-class striker.
As a potential replacement for Piroe and Bamford, former Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson, speaking to Football Insider, recently urged Leeds to go out and buy former Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham from AS Roma.
“Somebody like him who can lead the line, play as an out-and-out striker and gets you the goals,” Robinson said. “He’s proven in Serie A and proven in the Premier League, he’s a player that understands the league and has done well previously there.”