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This also confirms that Bangladesh’s tour of Pakistan will not stick to its original schedule

Danyal Rasool13-May-2025PSL 2025 will resume on May 17, with the final on May 25. The announcement confirms the league will end a week after it was originally scheduled to.The four remaining group games will take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Ground, with the playoffs and final in Lahore. Aside from one afternoon game in Rawalpindi – between Multan Sultans and Quetta Gladiators on 18 May, all fixtures take place at night, with evening games starting at 7:30pm local time.”HBL PSL X picks up from where it left off,” he wrote in the post,” PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced on X (formerly Twitter). “6 teams, 0 fear. Get ready for 8 thrilling matches starting 17th May, leading up to the Grand Final on 25th May. Best of luck to all the teams!”The league, which was postponed due to increasing cross-border tensions with India, has eight games left and the PCB, as well as several franchises, have been eager to conclude the season as early as possible.Related

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PSL 2025 FAQs – what the six teams need to do in the final stretch

Hesson named as Pakistan's white-ball head coach

BCB in 'active discussions' with PCB over upcoming Pakistan tour

The PSL held meetings with the franchises on Monday to discuss specific dates and venues. The most pressing issue is the availability of overseas players, with ESPNcricinfo understanding a significant number are unlikely to return. The asymmetry of player availability may also impact squads, with some franchises more confident about overseas players rejoining than others. To mitigate that, PCB has also considered a replacement draft to make up the numbers.This also confirms that Bangladesh’s tour of Pakistan will not stick to its original schedule. The final of the PSL takes place on the day Bangladesh were to play their first T20I against Pakistan, in Faisalabad. BCB has said it is in “active and ongoing discussions” about the tour.

Daniel Levy may be gone, but that’s not set to stop Tottenham Hotspur from planning their January business and they’re now reportedly expected to make a fresh move to sign an attacking star.

What next for Tottenham after Daniel Levy

For better or worse, it’s the end of an era at Tottenham. Levy has departed his role as chairman after almost 25 years to steal the headlines and leave the North London club heading into a new era. Whether he left of his own accord or was asked to step down is a debate for another day, but there’s no denying that Spurs now have the chance to start afresh.

But what next for Spurs? For almost 25 years, Levy was their man. Now, they must welcome a new face of ambition that many accused the former chairman of lacking.

In his place is Peter Charrington. The director of ENIC and former CEO of Private Bank will be joined by chief executive Vinai Vinkatesham, who will take on the day-to-day running of the club.

It is a change aimed at long-term success and one which could even feature a major transfer as soon as January if reports are anything to go by.

Tottenham expected to make Fofana move

According to Caught Offside, Tottenham are expected to make a January move to sign Malick Fofana after failing to reach an agreement with Lyon for his signature late on in the summer transfer window. The winger will reportedly be available for around €50m (£43m) this winter, with the likes of Inter Milan also keen to secure his signature.

Dubbed “magnificent” by scout Jacek Kulig, it should come as no surprise that there’s been so much interest in Fofana in the last six months. He has been one of the stars of the show in an often struggling Lyon side, who are only just finding their feet again in the current campaign.

Tottenham dealt Xavi Simons worry as "concern" arises for Thomas Frank

Spurs’ new playmaker is expected to dazzle in England.

5

By
Emilio Galantini

Sep 5, 2025

With one goal and one assist in three games in the current campaign too, it doesn’t look as though the 20-year-old is going to slow down anytime soon.

While both Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers were victorious with England over the international break when facing off against Andorra and Serbia, the Three Lions duo will now be desperate for Aston Villa to kick into gear back in Premier League action.

After all, Unai Emery’s men remain winless in the hustle and bustle of the top-flight from their opening three clashes, with a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace last time out souring the mood even more at Villa Park before the break started.

Emery and Co. haven’t been served up the easiest fixture up next, either, as the out-of-form side now has the tough task of trying to thwart ex-star Jack Grealish, who has hit the ground running with some style, pulling on his new Everton blue.

Why Villa will need to stop Grealish

Grealish has been instrumental to all of Everton’s early-season successes to date, having been recognised by the Premier League after claiming the Player of the Month award for August.

Minus the Toffees’ opening weekend defeat to Leeds, the three-time Premier League winner has been key to David Moyes’ collecting two wins so far, with a sublime four assists coming his way against Brighton and Hove Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

There might be some real regret on Villa’s end now that they didn’t try to capture their former boy wonder on a loan deal themselves, but if they are to stand a chance at sealing a result at the Hill Dickinson Stadium – away from rueing their decisions in the transfer market – they will have to keep the skilful playmaker quiet.

This will, of course, be easier said than done, with Villa also having to shackle the likes of Iliman Ndiaye and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to try and pick up a positive result, with the Everton attackers noticeably thriving, while the forwards at Emery’s disposal routinely fluff their lines.

However, Villa could well spark into life if they gift this new signing a chance to impress on Merseyside, with Emery potentially stumbling upon his own Grealish by starting this exciting midfield talent.

Emery's very own Jack Grealish

Villa’s transfer window was a largely frustrating event.

Thankfully, neither Watkins nor Rogers would desert the building, but the Villans did have to say goodbye to homegrown ace Jacob Ramsey, who has now moved on to Newcastle United, owing to PSR-related issues needing to be resolved.

The mood in the West Midlands was lifted somewhat by both Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott joining the building on deadline day, with Elliott perhaps in line for a starting spot against the Toffees to be Emery’s own iteration of Grealish.

After all, it goes without saying that the versatile 22-year-old would be enthused by the prospect of making his debut against Everton, having faced off against the Toffees numerous times for Arne Slot’s Reds in some fiercely contested Merseyside Derbys.

AM

60

5 + 4

RW

38

4 + 3

CM

36

4 + 14

LW

7

1 + 0

Elliott – who could sign on a £35m deal next summer – might not be given the nod to start in his preferred central role, however, with both Youri Tielemans and John McGinn solid performers here last time out, even as Villa crashed to a 3-0 loss.

Instead, with Donyell Malen visibly struggling against the Eagles on the right wing – having only registered ten accurate passes and one successful dribble – this could be the spot handed to the England U21 regular, considering Elliott has lined up on this flank 38 times across his career to date.

Emery might well be taking direct inspiration from Moyes here, with the Scotsman placing Grealish down the left wing himself and getting insane results out of him, despite the 39-time England international often being deployed centrally as a number ten when still in the West Midlands.

With Elliott also being branded as an “outrageous” talent when collecting 35 goal contributions at Anfield by scout Jacek Kulig, it does feel as if a change of scenery could get even more out of the reserve Reds figure, particularly if he is starting week in week out, like Grealish is now experiencing.

Villa needs to get out of their slump quickly, with alterations such as bringing in their new number nine, perhaps working wonders in catching Everton off-guard on their own patch.

Kamara 2.0: Aston Villa sold a star who has a "higher ceiling" than Luiz

Aston Villa may wish they’d kept hold of one midfield talent who could even exceed Douglas Luiz

ByJoe Nuttall Sep 11, 2025

After agreeing a deal to sign Douglas Luiz, Nottingham Forest have now reportedly joined the race with Borussia Dortmund to sign a young Chelsea talent.

Nottingham Forest agree deal to sign Douglas Luiz

It’s been a hectic week or so at the City Ground. James McAtee, Arnaud Kalimuendo and Omari Hutchinson have all arrived, whilst Luiz is now reportedly on his way from Juventus. According to Fabrizio Romano, Nottingham Forest have now agreed a deal worth €30m (£26m) to sign the Brazilian midfielder, who is planning to travel to the Midlands as soon as possible to complete his move.

Evangelos Mariniakis has acted swiftly and ruthlessly in the transfer market ever since Nuno Espirito Santo aired complaints that his squad were not ready for the Premier League campaign.

The Nottingham Forest boss told reporters before the Greek owner returned to the market: “Dealing with doubts is the worst thing you can have in football. We have doubts, who is going to be [here], when are they [new signings] going to come? All these things create doubts.

“Not only me but in the club. What we want is game-by-game to have as many options as possible. Europe will come after, and for sure it will be better, but for now until that happens it is a major concern.”

With three signings sealed and another on his way since those complaints, Espirito Santo’s concerns have well and truly been put to rest. But Marinakus is not done. Reports are now emerging that he’s set his sights on signing a Chelsea gem this month.

Nottingham Forest join Chukwuemeka race

According to The Daily Mail, Nottingham Forest have now joined the race to sign Carney Chukwuemeka from Chelsea this summer. The midfielder has already been the subject of an offer from Borussia Dortmund, only for Chelsea to reject the German club’s proposal to leave the door ajar for Forest to make their move.

More exciting than McAtee: Nottingham Forest in talks to sign £30m star

Nottingham Forest could secure a signing that’s even more exciting than James McAtee.

By
Kelan Sarson

Aug 18, 2025

After spending last year on loan at Dortmund, the Bundesliga giants are keen to welcome Chukwuemeka back for another year. Chelsea, however, are only willing to entertain permanent offers.

Earning praise from scout Jacek Kulig for a “fantastic” Dortmund debut, Chukwuemeka is certainly capable of playing at the top level when given the opportunity. Whether Forest hand him that opportunity and meet Chelsea’s demands remains to be seen, however.

The arrival of Luiz should solve any immediate midfield problems, but the 21-year-old may well represent a young talent that Forest chiefs believe can eventually step into Espirito Santo’s side as a long-term option.

He remains suspended from bowling in top-flight cricket with Bangladesh’s selection for the Champions Trophy imminent

Mohammad Isam12-Jan-2025Shakib Al Hasan has failed a test of his bowling action for the second time after being suspended from bowling in top-flight domestic and international cricket. This latest independent re-assessment of his action took place at the Sri Ramachandra Centre for Sports Science in Chennai last month.Shakib’s suspension will remain in place, as a result. “Consequently, the player’s existing suspension from bowling in international cricket following the initial independent assessment at the testing centre of Loughborough University in the UK, also remains in place,” the BCB said in a statement on Saturday. “A successful reassessment is required for the bowling suspension to be lifted.Related

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Shakib suspended from bowling in all top-level cricket

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“While Shakib is currently unable to bowl, he is eligible to continue playing as a batsman in all forms of domestic and international cricket.”Shakib had failed his first test at the UK’s Loughborough University late last year, after he was reported for a suspect action during an English county match in September. This prompted the ECB’s action to suspend him, and, in accordance with clause 11.3 of the ICC’s regulations for illegal bowling actions, his suspension was automatically recognised and enforced by the ICC in international cricket and by all national cricket federations in their respective domestic competitions.The continued suspension is likely to have an impact on Bangladesh’s squad for the Champions Trophy in February-March, although BCB president Faruque Ahmed said on January 3 that he desired Shakib back in the team. It was also reported recently that Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto gave his nod to the BCB regarding Shakib’s ODI return. The BCB has announced it will announce the Bangladesh squad on Sunday noon.Shakib has been out of international cricket since the two-match Test tour of India in September-October 2024. Following that tour, he could not travel back to Bangladesh in the face of student protests. Shakib had been a member of parliament in the Awami League government, which fell from power on August 5, in the face of a student-led revolution in Bangladesh.Shakib last played for Bangladesh in the two Tests against India, and his last ODI came during the 2023 World Cup.

Jeffrey Vandersay and Dilshan Madushanka come in for three-match series, while Chamika Karunaratne and Akila Dananjaya miss out

Madushka Balasuriya18-Oct-2024Uncapped fast-bowling allrounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe is in line for his ODI debut after being included in place of Chamika Karunaratne in Sri Lanka’s 16-man squad to face West Indies, while legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay has been brought in for offspinner Akila Dananjaya.Karunaratne’s exclusion confirms the notion that he has simply fallen out of favour with the new selection and coaching regime. He last turned out for a game for Sri Lanka in the 2023 ODI World Cup despite being part of several squads since.But his downward trajectory has coincided with Wickramasinghe’s rise following impressive showings with the bat in July’s Lanka Premier League. He played in the first game of the T20I series against West Indies before increasingly spin-friendly surfaces meant Dunith Wellalage was preferred over him.SL vs WI, men’s ODI series

Oct 20 – 1st ODI
Oct 23 – 2nd ODI
Oct 26 – 3rd ODI

Mohamed Shiraz, who was a late inclusion in the squad to face India – as one of the replacements for the injured pair of Matheesha Pathirana and Dilshan Madushanka – retains his place, though Madushanka is also back after having missed the T20I series against West Indies. However, Pathirana, who had played all three T20Is against West Indies, misses out. Asitha Fernando rounds out the pace options.On the spin-bowling front, a strong attack will be led by Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga, with Vandersay and Wellalage providing options.Sri Lanka’s batting remains unchanged. Skipper Charith Asalanka heads a formidable unit containing the likes of Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Nishan Madushka.The three-match series will start on October 20. All three games will be played in Pallekele.Sri Lanka ODI squad for the series against West IndiesCharith Asalanka (capt), Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Nishan Madushka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Mohamed Shiraz

Ishan Kishan will not be charged with dissent despite an on-field argument with an umpire on the fourth day in Mackay after India A were unhappy with the ball being changed.Before the first ball of the final day, umpire Shawn Craig told the Indian players the ball was changed because it was scratched, which raised the spectre of ball tampering, but a Cricket Australia statement later said it was due to “deterioration”.”You scratch it, we change the ball. No more discussion, let’s play,” Craig was heard saying over the stump microphones.That led to a heated exchange with Kishan who replied: “So we are going to play with this ball…that’s a very stupid decision.”Craig responded: “Excuse me, you’ll be on report for dissent. That’s inappropriate behaviour. Because of your actions we changed the ball.”Under the CA playing conditions, umpires are able to change the ball without awarding a five-run penalty, which is part of the laws and playing conditions for altering the condition of the ball, if there is uncertainty over how the damage occurred.CA playing condition 41.3.4 reads: “If the umpires together suspect, but are not certain, that the condition of the ball has been unfairly changed, or that its condition is inconsistent with the use it has received, the umpires may: Change the ball forthwith. The umpires shall choose a replacement ball for one of similar wear and of the same brand as the ball in use prior to the contravention; Bowler’s end umpire shall issue the captain with a first and final warning.”Three hours after the match finished, CA issued a statement saying the ball had been changed because of “deterioration” despite what was heard over the stump microphones on the coverage.”The ball used in the fourth innings of the match was changed due to deterioration,” a CA spokesperson said. “Both teams’ captain and manager were informed of the decision prior to the start of play. No further action is being taken.”Kishan will also escape any punishment despite his exchange with Craig.Australia A captain Nathan McSweeney was at the crease when play resumed but was involved in what went on.”I was at the striker’s end when the umpires said they’d changed the ball, I’m not sure what quite for, I didn’t notice any change in the ball personally,” he said.Kishan is not part of India’s Test squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and neither is India A captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. However, from the XI which featured for the first game Abhimanyu Easwaran, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Prasidh Krishna will stay on for the Test series.The scenes at the start of play added unexpected drama to the closing stages of the first four-day game which saw McSweeney make a strong claim for a place in Australia’s Test squad as he finished unbeaten on 88 in the chase. He added an unbroken fourth-wicket stand of 141 with Beau Webster who also produced a very controlled innings.Once India A didn’t make early breakthroughs on the final morning they started to go through the motions with Sai Sudharsan sending down six overs of rather friendly spin.

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be making some serious moves in the transfer market this summer, splashing the cash during Thomas Frank’s first window at the helm.

The Dane has been tasked with the challenge of making the Lilywhites consistent title challengers in the years ahead, with the ambition shown by the board backing such a vision.

They have already completed the £55m signing of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United, with other big-money additions expected between now and the start of the season.

Morgan Gibbs-White has been another huge name touted with a big transfer to North London, even triggering the Nottingham Forest star’s £60m release clause in his contract.

Despite triggering such a clause, the Reds have blocked such a transfer from taking place, leading to multiple other Premier League forwards emerging on the Lilywhites’ shortlist.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new signings this summer

Tyler Dibling has once again appeared on Spurs’ radar this window, potentially being a shrewd addition given Southampton’s relegation from England’s top-flight.

However, despite dropping into the Championship, the Saints are currently demanding £55m to part ways with the teenager during the current transfer window.

Another name has emerged as a possible option for Frank this summer, in the form of Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook.

The journalist confirmed that the 28-year-old wants a move to join the Lilywhites this summer, once again linking up with Frank after scoring 19 league goals under the Dane last season.

He also states that the DR Congo international would be prepared to reject interest from Newcastle United in favour of a move across the capital, with a £50m transfer fee mooted.

Why Spurs’ £50m target could be their answer to Gyokeres

Viktor Gyokeres has been one of the most in-demand talents throughout the current transfer window, unsurprisingly so given his staggering goalscoring record at Sporting CP.

The Swedish international managed to net 54 goals in just 52 outings across all competitions last campaign, taking his tally of goals in Portugal to a whopping 97 in just 102 outings.

As a result of such form, the 27-year-old has been valued at £70m this summer, leading to strong interest from Manchester United, but he now looks set for a move to North London rivals Arsenal.

Such a deal will undoubtedly improve Mikel Arteta’s side in 2025/26, but questions have been asked around Gyokeres’ ability to impress in England’s top flight.

However, Frank’s side have the opportunity to land their own version of the Swede in a deal for Wissa, possessing a similar playstyle in being able to operate off the shoulder of the defender and handing the side that poacher instinct in front of goal.

When comparing the pair’s stats from the recent campaign, the DR Congo star managed to outperform him in multiple areas, handing the side an added threat within the final third.

Wissa, who’s been labelled “sensational” by Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam, may have notched fewer goals last season, but did post a better goal per shot on target rate – showcasing he’s more clinical with the chances that fall his way in the final third.

Games played

35

33

Goals & assists

23

46

Goals per shot on target

0.5

0.4

Pass accuracy

77%

71%

Passes into final third

1.4

0.5

Progressive passes

2.2

2.1

Take-on success

46%

45%

Aerials won

52%

50%

His goalscoring ability is one thing, but the Brentford star has also demonstrated his creativity, completing more passes into the final third per 90, along with a higher pass completion rate – handing others around him the chance to improve their tallies.

Despite his lack of height, Wissa has showcased he’s a better aerial option than Gyokeres, winning more of the battles he’s entered, subsequently handing Frank’s side an excellent all-round option within attacking areas.

Whilst £50m may appear a hefty fee for a 28-year-old forward, it could prove to be excellent business for a player who’s about to enter his prime years – potentially getting even better in the near future.

If he can carry over his form across the capital to North London, it would be a sensational addition and one that could push the club closer to their goal of battling for league titles.

Better move than Gibbs-White: Spurs make approach for "imperious" £22m star

Tottenham Hotspur are now making serious moves throughout the current transfer window.

2 ByEthan Lamb Jul 16, 2025

Will Chelsea make any more signings ahead of the Club World Cup?

Last week, the Blues unveiled Liam Delap as their new signing, paying Ipswich his £30m release clause.

Now, Chelsea have until 7pm (BST) on Tuesday 10th June to register any more signings ahead of the Club World Cup, with their opening fixture against Los Angeles FC taking place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta the following Monday.

So, before then, will Enzo Maresca have another new centre-forward at his disposal?

Chelsea chasing another striker

The Blues are looking to significantly improve their forward line this summer with mooted interest in Frankurt forward Hugo Ekitike.

Transfer Focus

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

Further reports have suggested that a deal could be on the cards for Jamie Gittens too, with the club having held talks with his club side, Borussia Dortmund, ahead of a possible move. However, there are more targets on the horizon for BlueCo.

Indeed, according to TEAMtalk, Chelsea are targeting a move for Brighton & Hove Albion forward João Pedro, with Newcastle United also interested.

Fabrizio Romano claims that the Brazilian is ‘expected to leave Brighton’ this summer, after not featuring in any of the Seagulls’ final five Premier League fixtures this season, the first three due to suspension, before being left out of two matchday squads by manager Fabian Hürzeler following a training ground ‘altercation’ with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke.

Reports in Spain claim that the Albion value their star striker at around £70m, with Football.London noting that Chelsea are willing to pay around £50m, so some sort of compromise will have to be made if Pedro is going to feature stateside this summer.

How Pedro and Delap could function together at Chelsea

Having only just signed Delap, pointedly presenting him with the number nine shirt too, it may seem peculiar that Chelsea are targeting another attacker.

Nevertheless, with Christopher Nkunku on his way out this summer, Matt Law of the Telegraph believes they are in the market for a versatile forward, but is Pedro actually a bigger talent than his potential future teammate?

Let’s try and answer that question.

As the table outlines, Delap is much of a penalty box presence, emphasised by the fact he registered more shots, a higher proportion of which hit the target, while also taking almost half the number of touches on a per 90 basis.

Pedro meantime, is a significantly more well-rounded forward, underlined by his higher number of chances created, passes completed and touches per 90 statistics.

Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard has hailed his “really magical” quality on the ball, while Adrian Clarke of the Premier League labelled him ‘hardworking, creative, and calm in front’, praising his ‘deft pieces of link play’ and believing he has started to show ‘a poacher’s instinct’ this season too.

Meantime, Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout notes that Pedro ‘is capable of playing anywhere across the attack’, while Liam Tharme of the Athletic outlines how he is adept at ‘dropping deep to link play’.

Thus, this all suggests that Delap and Pedro could function in a team together, with the former holding his position in the penalty area, while the latter drops deep to link play alongside Chelsea’s abundance of other high-quality attackers.

Thus, he would surely be an excellent addition for the Blues, even if getting this deal over the line by Tuesday appears unlikely at this stage.

Shades of Hazard: Chelsea to make £59m bid for "generational" star

Chelsea could be about to land themselves a star who can follow in the footsteps of Eden Hazard at Stamford Bridge.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 7, 2025

Liverpool have ridden into the summer transfer window on the crest of a wave, having won the Premier League under Arne Slot in the first term since Jurgen Klopp packed his bags and left.

And who can say the Reds have since been resting on their laurels? Liverpool might have lost Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, but they swiftly replaced him with Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, then maintaining their line of communication with the German side to agree a deal for Florian Wirtz, which could rise to a British-record £116m.

With Milos Kerkez looking set to arrive from Bournemouth in the coming weeks, Liverpool will likely complete the lion’s share of their business nice and early, although one of the most pressing concerns, bringing in a new striker, will continue to hang over Anfield’s summer for the time being.

That’s because Slot’s title winners cannot advance on that front until the future of Darwin Nunez has been sorted out.

Darwin Nunez's Liverpool future

When Liverpool signed Nunez from Benfica for an initial £64m fee in 2022, they purchased one of the most talented young centre-forwards in Europe.

But the Uruguay star’s confidence and spark have eroded away against the unrelenting tide of Premier League football, swallowed and spat out by the intensity of Liverpool’s and the English game. This season, under Slot’s wing, he’s only scored seven goals, starting just one top-flight fixture since December.

Silky and stylish, Nunez was supposed to emulate his countryman Luis Suarez and former Liverpool sensation Fernando Torres in becoming one of the meanest goalscorers on the block, but it hasn’t worked out, and Slot is instead searching for a new focal frontman who could produce performances on the level of someone like El Nino.

However, it hasn’t worked out for him, and with suitors from Italy and the Saudi Pro League sniffing around, it’s probably for the best that the maverick moves on.

After all, Liverpool have already held talks with their dream successor.

Liverpool chasing new striker

As per Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool have been locked in talks with Eintracht Frankfurt for the transfer of Hugo Ekitike, and have been told his price tag is €100m (£84m).

However, FSG feel they have a fantastic chance to secure the 22-year-old striker’s signature despite rival interest from Chelsea and Manchester United, which suggests that they are confident that they can win the race for his services.

Though sporting director Richard Hughes needs to finalise Nunez’s departure before a concerted effort can be made to sign Ekitike, who is said to be aware of the situation.

What Hugo Ekitike would bring to Liverpool

Ekitike might not be the finished article, but he’s already established himself as one of the most talented forwards in the game, with analyst Ben Mattinson even hailing him as “one of the best strikers out there.”

Might it be that Slot could secure his own version of Torres in Frankfurt’s dynamic striker? Liverpool’s iconic marksman was an incredible ball-striking talent, but his intelligence, sharpness and off-the-ball movement all combined to leave the likes of Steven Gerrard marvelling at his quality, the skipper even once saying he was the “best striker in the world.”

At Liverpool, the Spaniard scored 81 goals and supplied 19 assists across 142 appearances, so it’s a pretty high bar that Ekitike is going to have to reach for, but then he, too, is more than just a goalscorer, described by journalist Graeme Bailey as being “the new Mbappe.”

Ekitike has what it takes, just look at the underlying data. As per FBref, he ranked among the top 6% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues last season for shot-creating actions, the top 4% for progressive carries and successful take-ons, and the top 19% for ball recoveries per 90.

And that’s without even addressing his return across the 2024/25 campaign: over 48 appearances in all competitions, the former Paris Saint-Germain prospect scored 22 goals and supplied 12 assists. Clearly, he will be grateful for his move to Frankfurt.

Moreover, his 15-goal return in the Bundesliga surpassed that of any other player across Europe’s top five leagues aged 22 or younger.

His step-by-step progress appears to have borne dividends, and Ekitike is showing no sign of letting up. In a Liverpool team consisting of superstars like Mohamed Salah and Wirtz, there’s no telling how impressive the French forward could be next season.

Ekitike should take this leap, joining a Liverpool side who are in need of a high-class number nine. He might be young, but there’s already a lot of talk about this man being one of the brightest stars of his generation.

And let’s not forget, Liverpool signed Torres from Atletico Madrid when he was still in relative professional infancy, joining aged 23 in a deal worth £20m. This was back in July 2007, mind, so such a figure was considered a pretty penny indeed.

Clearly, Liverpool could hit the jackpot by sealing a deal for Ekitke, who has also been courted by the club’s divisional rivals but is surely tempted by moving to a team with such a high ceiling, Slot and Hughes bringing together a variety of different styles in a melting pot that could breed sustained success at the top of the European ladder.

Transfer Focus

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

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Sure, Ekitike’s finishing could do with a bit of work, but he’s already established himself as a talented forward, earning acclaim for his complete performances, which would align perfectly with Liverpool’s wider vision.

If Nunez is sold in the coming weeks or months, and Liverpool bank a healthy sum for their flagging forward, if FSG can redirect the transfer cannon toward the Bundesliga’s Frankfurt, we could be in for some exciting seasons ahead on Merseyside.

Related Perfect for Isak: Liverpool told £75m bid for PL star will be accepted

Liverpool may need to sign a new left-sided forward this summer.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Jun 14, 2025