Jordan Neill and Stephen Doheny have been named replacements for the series starting on Wednesday
ESPNcricinfo staff20-May-2025
File photo: Curtis Campher has fractured a finger•ICC/Getty
Ireland have been dealt a double blow with injuries to fast bowler Craig Young and fast-bowling allrounder Curtis Campher ruling them out of the ODIs against West Indies starting on May 21 in Dublin.While Young sustained a hamstring injury and has been replaced by Jordan Neill, Campher fractured a finger while batting in the nets and has been replaced by wicketkeeper-batter Stephen Doheny.Young picked up the injury last week while playing in an Inter-Provincial Cup match for North West Warriors against Leinster Lightning in Oak Hill. He could not complete his ninth over and finished with figures of 8.5-1.49-1, even as he struck with the wicket of Barry McCarthy with the last ball he bowled. The 47th over of the innings was then completed by Scott MacBeth.Campher’s injury was a lot more recent; he fractured a finger while batting in the nets on Monday. The injuries add to Ireland’s concerns as Mark Adair is already out of the ODI series to recover from a knee injury before he plays the following T20Is.”It’s not ideal when you lose a player to injury just prior to a series, but unfortunately, both Young and Campher join a bit of a lengthy list on the rehabilitation table,” Andrew White, the national selector, said on Monday. “Most pertinently, our seam attack is heavily impacted with Mark Adair, Graham Hume, Craig Young, Fionn Hand and Curtis Campher all out.”This series will be a real test of our depth, and instead of bemoaning what we won’t have, my view is that these absences provide a real opportunity for some of our up-and-coming talent to play at home against a world-class opposition.”Captain Paul Stirling was of the view that the injuries would give the newer faces more games than they had expected.”Yeah, look it’s unfortunate that injuries happen in sport and I think you’ve got to look at the positive side of this that there’s going to be a few new faces around probably getting a look slightly earlier than we had considered,” Stirling said on Tuesday. “Ultimately, getting more games of cricket into a number of different cricketers is going to help us in the long run.”Doheny last played ODIs against South Africa in the UAE last October and has 11 ODIs and three T20Is under his belt. He comes into the squad soon after a century last week in the domestic 50-over competition for Munster Reds against Northern Knights. He had played for Ireland A in the one-day tri-series against Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A before that last month.Neill, the 19-year-old batter, is the fourth uncapped player to join the Ireland squad after Cade Carmichael, the top-order batter, and seamers Thomas Mayes and Liam McCarthy.All three ODIs will be played in Dublin on May 21, 23 and 25 before the three T20Is in Bready on June 12, 14 and 15.
Following Giovanni Leoni’s injury against Southampton, Liverpool are reportedly determined to sign a £40m+ La Liga defender ahead of rival interest from Real Madrid in 2026.
Leoni suffers ACL injury blow
On a night that Liverpool were forced to win late on once again, this time against Southampton in the Carabao Cup, Leoni’s injury stole a fair share of the headlines.
The young defender was stretchered off in the 81st minute courtesy of what appeared to be a knee injury and whilst Arne Slot admitted that a scan was needed to determine the extent of that injury, the worst-case scenario has now been confirmed by Fabrizio Romano.
Slot had told reporters: “Normally these things don’t happen in five to 10 minutes, and you have to wait for tomorrow to see how he comes in and then maybe do an MRI scan to know more about how serious it is.
“Normally the emotions of a player tell you a lot. I saw during the weekend a player in the Dutch Eredivisie who went out completely in tears – Ruben van Bommel, by the way, of PSV – and a day later it proved to be that it was right.”
Injury expert Physio Scout revealed in detail the likely recovery time for the different levels of knee injury, with the defender now unlikely to feature much this season.
With the young Italian seemingly out for the season, Liverpool are rumoured to be back in the transfer market in search of a swift replacement after failing to land Marc Guehi on deadline day.
Liverpool racing Real Madrid to sign Tarrega
According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are now determined to beat Real Madrid to Cesar Tarrega in 2026. The 23-year-old has enjoyed a rapid rise at Valencia, who have set their price at €50m (£44m), and is reportedly seen as someone that could become a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk at Anfield.
Meanwhile, in the immediate future, the Valencia star would provide ample cover for the injured Leoni. If the Reds keep their foothold in all four competitions, then Slot will need an additional option at centre-back, especially given the added injury history of Joe Gomez.
League stats 24/25
Tarrega
Leoni
Minutes
3,026
1,199
Progressive Passes Per 90
3.35
1.58
Tackles Won Per 90
1.10
0.45
Ball Recoveries Per 90
3.10
2.56
Five years older than Leoni, Tarrega’s added experience was reflected in his numbers compared to the teenager last season. And it is that added experience which should make him a viable option for those at Anfield.
Slot not happy: Liverpool boss calls out "stupid" £200,000-a-week Anfield star
The Reds manager wasn’t impressed.
ByCharlie Smith Sep 24, 2025
The fact that they came within hours of signing Guehi in the summer shows that Liverpool are willing to sign another defender and if it’s not Guehi then it may well be Tarrega in 2026.
قيم فيرجيل فان دايك قائد ليفربول سوق انتقالات فريقه خلال الصيف الماضي، حيث قام الريدز بتغييرات جذرية في قائمته بالدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.
وتعاقد ليفربول مع تسعة لاعبين أساسيين وقاموا ببيع عشرة لاعبين من الفريق الأول، في سوق انتقالات قياسية في ملعب أنفيلد.
وأنفق ليفربول 415 مليون جنيه إسترليني على صفقات جديدة، بينما حصل على 187 مليون جنيه إسترليني من مبيعات اللاعبين ليصل إنفاقه إلى 228 مليون جنيه إسترليني.
وتعاقد ليفربول مع لاعبين مثل ألكسندر إيزاك وفلوريان فيرتز وهوجو إيكتيكي، وقد أدت هذه الصفقات لرفع التوقعات بأن فريق آرني سلوت سيكون أقوى هذا الموسم.
أقرأ أيضاً.. لاعب ليفربول: محمد صلاح أفضل من كريستيانو رونالدو
وقال فان دايك في تصريحات لصحيفة “ليفربول إيكو” :”أعتقد أن النادي قام بعمل رائع فيما يتعلق بالصفقات التي قمنا بها، لكنها ليست صفقات حقيقية”.
وأضاف: “من الواضح أننا خسرنا الكثير من اللاعبين والذين يمتلكون جودة عالية كانت بالغة الأهمية خلال السنوات القليلة الماضية”.
وواصل المدافع الهولندي الدولي: “لويس دياز وداروين نونيز وجاريل كوانساه وهارفي إليوت، هؤلاء لاعبين يمتلكون جودة كبيرة قمنا ببيعهم”.
وأكد حول صفقات ليفربول: “كان علينا استهداف هؤلاء اللاعبين بلاعبين يمتلكون جودة عالية ونعلم أن سوق الانتقالات صعبة هذه الأيام لكن النادي نجح في التعاقد مع هؤلاء اللاعبين ببراعة”.
وأكمل فان دايك :”حان وقت العمل وبناء فريق قوي جداً على أرض الملعب للمنافسة في جميع البطولات التي نشارك فيها، هذا هو هدفنا”.
وأتم عن تحقيق لقب الدوري الإنجليزي مرة أخرى: “الاحتفاظ باللقب بعد الفوز به أمر صعب للغاية، لم نتمكن من تحقيقه بعد فوزنا به في المرة الأخيرة عام 2020، مانشستر سيتي نجح لكن الأمر صعب للغاية”.
وحدد فان دايك أهم شيء في ليفربول: “ثقافة النادي، هناك قيم في النادي يجب على الجميع الالتزام بها، العمل الجاد وتقديم ذلك للجماهير حول العالم ونأمل أن نحقق النجاح، الجودة موجودة لكن الضمانات ليست كذلك، لذا علينا العمل من أجلها كل يوم، وقبل كل شيء لتحقيقها في المباريات”.
وقال فان دايك أيضاً: “منذ انضمامي للنادي منذ اليوم الأول الذي توليت فيه المسؤولية مع كلوب وهندرسون، أردت الاستمرار في نشر هذه القيم، هكذا يجب أن نواصل حتى بعد رحيلي، هذه القيم هي مفتاح وبداية نجاحنا”.
واختتم المدافع الهولندي تصريحاته: “أن نكون أكبر نادي في إنجلترا هذا هو هدفنا بالتأكيد، نحن كلاعبين أيضاً، نحب أن نكون أبطالاً ونبقى في الصدارة”.
Mark Robinson has left his role as Warwickshire’s first-team coach after the club conducted a restructure of coaching and support staff. He will be replaced in the role by former Warwickshire batter Ian Westwood.Robinson was appointed in early 2021 and went on to lead Warwickshire to the County Championship title in his first season. They finished eighth in 2022, avoiding relegation on the final day, and then seventh last year, winning just once in the Championship. They also lost at the quarter-final stage of the Blast four seasons running.Warwickshire’s chief executive, Stuart Cain, said there had been disappointment at the recent performance of the men’s teams but the club wanted to avoid “a kneejerk response” to last season. Following a high-performance review, a number of changes have been made to the coaching structure, in part to reflect the advent of a professional women’s team and the continued integration of Birmingham Phoenix.Related
Warwickshire appoint Manchester City's James Thomas as performance director
Larsen to step down as Warwickshire performance director
Beau Webster to prepare for WTC final with Warwickshire stint
Hasan Ali agrees Warwickshire return for 2025
Vishwa Fernando signs for Warwickshire on short-term Championship deal
In addition to Westwood overseeing the first team, Tony Frost has been appointed head of cricket operations after the retirement of Keith Cook, while Simon Kerrigan will become 2nd XI coach as well as offering spin bowling support. Stuart Barnes remains as bowling coach, with the club seeking a new batting coach.Laura Macleod will continue as head of high performance for Bears Women, working alongside Ali Maiden, recently appointed head coach of both Bears Women and Birmingham Phoenix.With Warwickshire retaining 51% majority ownership of Phoenix following the ECB’s Hundred equity sale, those teams will also be integrated into the new structure from 2026. Warwickshire are also in the process of appointing a new performance director after the departure of Gavin Larsen before Christmas.”It’s no secret we’ve been disappointed in our men’s performance in recent years,” Cain said. “We also wanted to proactively address the biggest changes the game has seen in a decade with the long-overdue formation of a professional Bears Women’s team and the integration of Birmingham Phoenix into our elite set-up.”It was important not to make a kneejerk response to last season. We allowed time for a thorough analysis of our high performance structure and worked with the club’s cricket audit committee and board to create a new approach that recognises the need for improvement and also addresses the challenges created by moving from managing one professional team to four, playing four different formats of cricket.”Robbo has worked hard for the Bears since joining in 2021 and we shouldn’t underestimate his achievement in winning the County Championship in his first season. He is a quality coach and will be an asset to any club.”However, considering recent performances and feedback from the review, we felt it was time for change. Ian Westwood is a Bear through-and-through. He understands our history, culture, and DNA. He is competitive, structured and a quality leader having previously been club captain and 2nd XI coach. He understands how to win red-ball matches as well as the demands of white ball, having most recently coached at Sharjah Warriors in the ILT20.”The new head of cricket operations role means we have somebody focused on running the machine, making sure everything from hotels and kit through to wickets and the indoor centre are set up to support the players and ensure there are no distractions or frustrations. Frosty will take over from the retiring Keith Cook who has given such incredible service to the club for more than 50 years.”We’re confident this new structure gives us the skills, resources and focus needed for the men’s and women’s teams to put themselves in a position to win domestic tournaments, as well as develop local talent from the many diverse communities that surround Edgbaston.”Robinson, who previously coached England Women and Sussex, pointed to the 2021 Championship success as well as the recent elevation of Jacob Bethell and Dan Mousley to full England duty as highlights during his time in charge.He said: “There are many things we’ve celebrated during my time as a Bear, and things we know could have gone better. Winning the Championship was a huge highlight, as was overseeing our T20 team from one that was struggling to qualify to one that topped the group three years running.”Losing the quarter-final last year hurt badly but I’m sure it won’t be long before the boys take that next step to silverware.”Seeing two Academy boys, Bethell and Mousley, go from regular Bears players to making their England debuts made everyone, myself included, very proud.”Lastly, thank you to the supporters who are the most important part of the club for your support. I know it will only be a matter of time before you get the success you deserve.”
Edgbaston hotel plan approved
Warwickshire also confirmed on Thursday that they have received planning permission from Birmingham City Council for a £42 million redevelopment at Edgbaston that will include a new on-site hotel. Work is expected to begin in September and be completed ahead of the 2027 men’s Ashes Test.The proposals will see the existing Raglan and Priory Stands on the northwest side of the ground redesigned to include a 146-bed Radisson Red hotel with rooftop terrace, pitch-view rooms with balconies, and other rooms that can be converted into hospitality boxes during games. The new stand, which will see a slight increase in capacity, will also feature a concourse with enhanced food and drink options, and improved facilities for disabled spectators.Craig Flindall, Edgbaston’s strategy director, said: “We’re grateful to Birmingham City Council for approving the plans and for sharing our vision to bring increased economic and social benefits to the region through international sport.”Cricket will always stay at the heart of our thinking. But it’s important we develop a stadium that operates all year round, supporting new jobs in this part of the city and creates wider community opportunities.”We are creating a mixed-use destination that will combine elite sport, conferencing and events and residential and hotel accommodation with community facilities that will improve education, employment and social cohesion in the area.”
Celtic are reportedly closing in on making their first addition to their ranks on the flanks with the signing of Belgian star Michel-Ange Balikwisha this week.
Sky Sports reports that a fee of £5m has been agreed between the two clubs and that a medical will take place later this week before the move is rubber-stamped and made official.
Michel-Ange Balikwisha in action for Royal Antwerp.
Brendan Rodgers made it clear earlier this month that he wants the board to bolster his attack with more signings before the window slams shut at the start of next month.
The Hoops boss said: “The squad will hopefully look again different come the end of the window. I think it’s very clear. We need to improve in the front end of the pitch. The attacking department has always, and always will be, the strengths of my teams. We’ve lost important players in that area, and we need to replace players in that area.”
Nicolas Kuhn left to join Como earlier this summer and Jota is due to be out until the turn of the year with an ACL injury, though, which means that Celtic may need more signings than just Balikwisha.
One other option they have been linked with in the attacking midfield positions is Go Ahead Eagles forward Jakob Breum, who could bolster their options out wide.
What Jakob Breum could bring to Celtic
The Denmark U21 international would be an interesting signing for the Hoops, if they are still keen on him, because he is not a typical out-and-out wide player.
Per Transfermarkt, 23 of his 29 starts in the 2024/25 campaign came as an attacking midfielder, with the other six on the left wing. This suggests that his best role in a Rodgers system may be as one of the central midfielders ahead of Callum McGregor, rather than as an out-and-out winger.
Benjamin Nygren
Benjamin Nygren, for example, played wide and centrally during his time in Denmark, but has mainly operated as a central midfielder, tasked with scoring and creating goals in central areas, since his move to Parkhead.
Therefore, Breum could arrive at Parkhead as a player who is more likely to impact games as one of the three in midfield than as an out-and-out winger as a replacement for Daizen Maeda, James Forrest, or Hyun-jun Yang.
Appearances
26
xG
6.27
Goals
10
Big chances created
6
Key passes per game
1.6
Assists
5
As you can see in the table above, the Danish attacker performed well as a number ten for Go Ahead Eagles as an efficient finisher who also offered decent creativity at times.
However, Celtic seem to need more of an out-and-out right winger, with Balikwisha coming in on the left, than a number ten option to play over Reo Hatate or Nygren.
It should not be a surprise, therefore, to learn that the Scottish Premiership giants are reportedly looking to bring a natural right winger to the club.
Celtic set to bid for Dutch star
According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Celtic are preparing to submit an offer to sign Feyenoord forward Calvin Stengs before the end of the summer transfer window.
Speaking on Football Insider’s podcast, the reporter said: “Stengs is a player that has emerged on Celtic’s radar – he had a difficult season for Feyenoord, a few injury problems, so that may be a concern for Celtic. He’s into the final two years of his contract with Feyenoord, so could be available for a cut-price fee this summer.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
“Celtic are looking at that, seeing there could be real potential to land a former Dutch international for a relatively small fee with a bid imminent.”
O’Rourke has not revealed how much it would take to snap the Feyenoord star up, but it was reported earlier this month that a fee of around £5m could be enough to get a deal done.
It now remains to be seen whether or not this “imminent” bid from the Hoops will be enough to convince the Dutch side to part ways with the left-footed star before the deadline.
Why Celtic should sign Calvin Stengs
The Premiership champions should do everything in their power to ensure that their bid is enough to secure a deal for Stengs because he could be a much-needed addition to the team.
As aforementioned, Celtic do not need a player of Breum’s profile as much as they need a right winger, due to the current make-up of the squad, which is why the Feyenoord ace could be an even better signing for the Hoops this summer.
The 26-year-old dynamo, who scored against Celtic in the Champions League in 2023, could come in as the best option on the right flank ahead of Forrest and Yang, whilst Breum would just be one of a number of decent options in the attacking midfield roles.
Stengs missed 35 games through injury in the 2024/25 campaign, per Transfermarkt, which meant that he was unable to showcase the best of his abilities at the top end of the park last season.
However, the right-sided attacker’s form in the Eredivisie during the 2023/24 campaign, when he was fit for the majority of the season, suggests that he has the quality to be a terrific signing for Celtic.
Appearances
29
xG
5.22
Goals
6
Big chances created
13
xA
8.59
Key passes per game
2.5
Assists
12
As you can see in the table above, Stengs was directly involved in 18 goals, more than Breum’s 15 in the Eredivisie last term, in 29 games for Feyenoord.
The Netherlands international, who was described as a “flamboyant” winger by talent scout Jacek Kulig, is a winger who can provide a huge threat as a creator whilst also finishing chances at an efficient rate.
Celtic manager BrendanRodgersbefore the match
Yang and Forrest have scored six goals between them in the Premiership since the start of last season, which speaks to their lack of output in the final third, and that is why it is important for the Hoops to bring in a right-sided attacker before the window closes.
Stengs appears to be a player who suits what Celtic need, positionally and quality-wise, and could be a much better signing than Breum, due to his superior numbers in the Eredivisie and his better fit within the current squad.
Nygren repeat: Celtic agree personal terms to sign "creative" forward
Celtic are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign a star who could be a Benjamin Nygren repeat.
Hobart Hurricanes have called up 13-year-old Mia Barwick to their squad for the T20 Spring Challenge to replace Heather Graham who has traveled to the T20 World Cup after Tayla Vlaeminck’s tournament-ending injury.Barwick is a pace bowler who has impressed in the Cricket Tasmania Premier League and has been involved in the Under-16 and Under-19 Female National Championships.She carried the drinks against Perth Scorchers on Monday and has a chance to feature in the closing stages of the new early-season competition which is acting as preparation to the WBBL.”At only 13 years of age, the Hobart Hurricanes are proud to see a Cricket Tasmania pathways athlete given exposure to the professional game early on in Barwick’s career,” Hurricanes said.With leading Australia players involved at the T20 World Cup and WBBL overseas players yet to join, the T20 Spring Challenge has seen opportunities for a number of young players to come into the squads.At Sydney Sixers, 15-year-old allrounder Caoimhe Bray has made her mark following an impressive outing for Australia Under-19s earlier in the month. Bray took 2 for 19 on debut against ACT before claiming the wicket of Laura Harris when facing Brisbane Heat, the day after Harris had flayed a 46-ball centuryThe Spring Challenge was introduced to make up for the reduction of games in the WBBL which will be played across a 40-game regular season. It had initially been envisaged as a state competition but pressure from New South Wales and Victoria led it to being aligned with WBBL clubs.
Hardik Pandya climbed four places up to No. 3 among T20I allrounders after contributing in India’s win against Bangladesh
ESPNcricinfo staff09-Oct-2024
Arshdeep Singh took 3 for 14 in the first T20I against Bangladesh•BCCI
India’s left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh has risen to joint-eighth among bowlers in the latest update to the T20I rankings. This comes on the back of his Player-of-the-Match performance of 3 for 14 in the first T20I against Bangladesh in Gwalior on Sunday. Arshdeep went up by eight places and is level with South Africa’s Anrich Nortje in the top 10. He also achieved his career-best rating points tally – 642.Arshdeep’s team-mate Hardik Pandya, meanwhile, moved up four places to No. 3 among T20I allrounders. After sharing the new ball with Arshdeep and bagging 1 for 26 in four overs against Bangladesh, Pandya smashed an unbeaten 39 off just 16 deliveries. Thirty-two of those runs came in boundaries as India finished the 128-run chase with 49 balls to spare. The win gave India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.While the bowlers’ rankings continue to be led by legspinner Adil Rashid, his England team-mate Liam Livingstone and Nepal’s Dipendra Singh Airee form the top two on the T20I allrounders’ charts.Full rankings tables
Click here for the full team rankings
Click here for the full player rankings
Ireland trio gain in ODI rankingsIreland beat South Africa by 69 runs to wrap up the ODI series with a consolation win, and batter Curtis Campher, who scored 34 in the win, climbed up two places to No. 62 among batters.Seamers Craig Young and Graham Hume were beneficiaries too, although Ireland lost the series 2-1. Young’s seven wickets in three games – including 3 for 40 in the win – helped him rise 12 spots to No. 44, while Hume, who also bagged 3 for 29 in the third ODI against South Africa, jumped 23 places up to No. 47.
Newcastle United have been put through the wringer this summer, having missed out on key attacking targets in Liam Delap, Bryan Mbeumo, Joao Pedro and now Hugo Ekitike.
However, context is important, and in the latter’s case, Liverpool have moved ahead with a bumper deal after Eddie Howe and co stood firm on their stance that Alexander Isak is not for sale.
Ekitike, valued at €100m (£85m), has handed in a transfer request at Eintracht Frankfurt as he edges closer to Anfield. Thus, Newcastle have turned their attention to Brentford’s Yoane Wissa.
However, the Magpies may be foiled once again with that one.
Newcastle lining up Ekitike alternatives
On Friday afternoon, Manchester United finally achieved a breakthrough in their long pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo, with a £71m fee agreed between the Premier League clubs.
This transfer may run counter to Newcastle’s ambitions regarding Wissa, for the Bees have already lost Thomas Frank and their captain Christian Norgaard, and thus will be loath to part with their central striker too.
Thus, Newcastle need – once again – an alternative.
Well, according to Sport BILD, Howe has lined up Napoli’s Victor Osimhen as an ambitious alternative, with the free-scoring marksman said to be one of the players who is on the Magpies’ ‘radar’.
Galatasaray's VictorOsimhenis picture wearing a protective face mask
While the £64m-rated Osimhen is the centre of talks between Napoli and Galatasaray, with whom he spent the 2024/25 season on loan, the allure of the Premier League could work in the Toon’s favour.
Why Newcastle want Victor Osimhen
Osimhen is one of the most feared and famous centre-forwards currently competing in Europe. The end of an unhappy marriage with Napoli led to his loan move to Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Lig, but who can say he hasn’t made good use of the cards dealt?
The prolific star’s meaty haul does suggest that he’s got every bit the clinical nature of Isak, with Statman Dave even commenting that he’s “the best striker on the market” right now.
With Isak’s long-term future a debatable thing, there’s a chance that Osimhen could prove to be not just a fitting replacement but an incredible upgrade. Indeed, his goalscoring consistency can be viewed across a number of years and a number of countries.
24/25 – Galatasaray
41
37
8
23/24 – Napoli
32
17
4
22/23 – Napoli
39
31
5
21/22 – Napoli
32
18
6
20/21 – Napoli
30
10
3
A title winner who is more than just a goalscoring focal point, Osimhen could be the perfect man to add another layer to this incredible Newcastle side.
Isak, a world-class striker, scored 27 goals across 42 matches last season. Osimhen, meanwhile, bagged 37 times over 41 games. Though the Nigerian competed in a division of inferior quality to the Premier League, he scored six goals across seven matches in the Europa League, including a brace in a 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
Moreover, Isak’s six Champions League outings in 2023/24 yielded just the one goal, and no assists either. Conversely, Osimhen’s prolificness in the European theatre is underscored further by his record of nine goals and an assist across 17 Champions League fixtures.
And Osimhen could even emulate his positional peer in regard to movement and intelligence. As per FBref, he ranked among the top 4% of strikers across Europe last season for shot-creating actions and the top 18% for progressive carries per 90.
Ultimately, Newcastle have scored a winner by keeping hold of Isak, and in Osimhen, they could land a new number nine to challenge him for that first-choice spot, certainly proving an upgrade on the young Ekitike.
He’s Lewis Miley 2.0: Newcastle agree terms to sign "exciting" sensation
Newcastle are looking to strengthen for the present and the future
AC Milan have reportedly entered talks with Liverpool over the loan signing of a “world-class” attacking player in the summer transfer window.
Liverpool rebuff Barcelona approach for Luis Diaz
It has been a busy period for Luis Diaz off the field since the season ended, with doubts persisting over his future at Anfield amid a fresh approach from Barcelona – the Colombian reportedly dreams of playing for the Catalans despite his affinity for the Reds.
The La Liga giants have been rebuffed in their efforts, however, with Liverpool holding firm and saying he isn’t for sale, even though they aren’t planning on handing him a contract extension.
Liverpool winger Luis Diaz
Diaz himself hasn’t exactly poured cold water on a possible Reds exit this summer, though, discussing his future during international duty with Colombia.
“I’m very happy at Liverpool, I’ve always said so. They’ve welcomed me very well from day one. We’re currently in contact with Liverpool because we’re talking to clubs, and that’s normal given the transfer market that’s opening. We’re trying to work out what’s best for us. I’m just waiting to see what happens. If Liverpool gives us a good renewal or I still have the [two] years left with them, I’ll be happy and content there.”
Now, a new exit rumour regarding another Liverpool attacker has emerged, ahead of a summer of change in that area of the pitch.
AC Milan in talks over signing Liverpool forward
According to journalist Orazio Accomando [via Sport Witness], AC Milan are in talks with Liverpool over signing Federico Chiesa on loan this summer.
The 27-year-old is believed to be “open” to the idea of returning to his homeland, but on the flip side, the Reds don’t like the thought of him leaving on a temporary basis, potentially wanting to seal a permanent exit instead.
Liverpool's FedericoChiesaand Alexis Mac Allister
Chiesa has been disappointing for Liverpool since making a surprise move from Juventus last summer, with injuries not helping him in his efforts to impress Arne Slot.
Just one start came the £150,000-a-week winger’s way in the Premier League in the whole of 2024/25, and a total of only 104 minutes, so there is some sense in allowing him to move on.
That said, keeping hold of Chiesa would still be no bad thing, with the Italian a positive character in the dressing room who has so much ability, with Alessandro Pierini once heaping praise on him during Euro 2020.
“He’s world-class. He has all the ability and desire of a great player. If he improves then he’ll be even better than his father [Enrico]. I have loads of respect for Enrico and all he has done to help Federico come on as a player until now.”
FSG set to grant Liverpool record-breaking £250m+ summer transfer spree
Finance expert Kieran Maguire has shared an exciting update involving Liverpool and this summer transfer window.
By
Brett Worthington
Jun 5, 2025
If the right permanent offer arrives for Chiesa, Liverpool may accept it, but a loan move doesn’t feel like the right choice, so they should retain him for one year if the desired interest doesn’t come.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery will be hoping that missing out on Champions League qualification won’t alter his transfer plans this summer.
The Midlands side will play in the Europa League next season, a competition in which they have a great chance of winning. But will this prospect attract the players Emery wants?
Aston Villa manager UnaiEmeryduring a lap of honour
Marcus Rashford returned to Manchester United after the end of his loan spell with Villa. He is valued at £40m by the Red Devils, but with Barcelona interested, Emery might miss out.
Could he perhaps make a move for one of his teammates instead?
Aston Villa transfer news
Bringing Rashford back to Villa Park would be a popular move by the manager, especially given how well the Englishman performed at the club.
Rashford
It now looks unlikely that he will return, but Emery doesn’t appear to be disheartened, as he eyes a move for Alejandro Garnacho instead.
According to Caught Offside, Villa are exploring a move for the Argentinian sensation this summer in a bid to improve their squad.
The youngster has been told he could leave Old Trafford this summer, although Bayer Leverkusen are keen on signing him. The Bundesliga side are, however, looking for a loan deal, while United would prefer a permanent exit.
It would be a major coup if Emery could lure the player to the Midlands, especially with how highly-rated he is. Much will depend on the fee demanded by Ruben Amorim, as the Midlands club will need to stay within the profit and sustainability regulations.
Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho
If he does join, Garnacho could be a better signing than Rashford.
Why Aston Villa must sign Alejandro Garnacho
During his six-month loan spell, Rashford scored four goals and grabbed six assists for Villa, but he missed the final five games of the season due to a hamstring injury.
Throughout the 2024/25 season, Garnacho registered 21 goal contributions – 11 goals and ten assists – for Man Utd. Due to Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, however, he doesn’t fit into his plans.
Comparing Rashford and Garnacho in the PL this season
Metric
Rashford
Garnacho
Goals
6
6
Assists
3
2
Big chances created
8
4
Key passes per game
1.1
1
Successful dribbles per game
0.7
0.7
Shots per game
1.4
2.3
Stats via Sofascore
At the start of last season, Statman Dave heaped praise on the South American starlet, saying he was “generational” and the future looked bright indeed for him at Old Trafford.
Given the fact that he is much younger and holds a higher ceiling for development than Rashford, there is no doubt he would be a much better signing, especially for the long term.
This argument begins to hold more weight when comparing the two players over the 2024/25 season from a domestic point of view.
Garnacho not only registered more shots per 90 (3.44 vs 2.15) than Rashford, but he also recorded more shot-creating actions (86 vs 56), more touches in the attacking penalty area (176 vs 64) and more successful take-ons (26 vs 18).
On this evidence, prioritising the signing of Garnacho rather than that of Rashford should be key for Emery heading into the summer window.
He could thrive if played in the correct system, no doubt about that.
Aston Villa exploring deal for £70m "superstar" with more G/A than Rashford
The Villans have set their sights on a forward, who regularly provided goals and assists throughout the 2024/25 campaign.