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Liverpool are battling one of their Premier League rivals for the signing of an "amazing" attacking maestro, according to a fresh transfer update.

Liverpool transfer latest

The January transfer window will offer the Reds the opportunity to make further additions to their squad, should Jurgen Klopp feel the need to bolster his options. Liverpool are looking primed for a potential Premier League title race, with Saturday's 2-0 win at home to Everton in the Merseyside derby another step in the right direction, and a few extra sprinklings of brilliance could make them even more formidable.

The Reds, and by extension owners FSG, have been linked with a number of players recently, from Jamal Musiala to Manu Kone, both of which represent exciting pieces of Liverpool transfer news, and although the latter could be a great addition, it would be a surprise if the midfield was focused on over other areas of the pitch.

With Mohamed Salah on Africa Cup of Nations duty early next year, it could be that Klopp also eyes up another attacker to bring in, especially if there is the threat of the Egyptian departing Anfield at the end of the season. A new update suggests that Liverpool are looking to Serie A for a possible signing.

Liverpool eyeing Nico Gonzalez

According to a fresh claim from Calciomercato [via Sport Witness] Nico Gonzalez to Liverpool is a transfer that could come to fruition, with the Fiorentina winger seen as a strong option by the Reds. The 25-year-old is believed to be a "popular target" with a number of English clubs, with Chelsea mentioned in the report as one of those interested in him. Liverpool have also sent scouts to watch him in action on "several occasions", further adding fuel to the fire, with Fiorentina possibly wanting around €60m (£52m) for his services.

Gonzalez has grown into a formidable player at Fiorentina since arriving at the club from VfB Stuttgart back in 2021, proving to be a regular supplier of end product in the final third and being called "amazing" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

When you look at Gonzalez's stats, they highlight his consistency, with 29 goals coming his way in 92 appearances, and 16 assists also registered. Five goals in six Serie A starts have already been netted this season, with the Argentine predominantly taking up a right-sided attacking role.

Liverpool could see the Fiorentina ace as a good backup for Salah, and someone who can immediately fill in for him when he heads off to AFCON duty in January. As mentioned above, it may be that the Reds are lining him up as the legendary attacker's long-term replacement on Merseyside.

Dribbling

Could be better defensively

Finishing

Can hold onto the ball

Aerial duels

Injuries

Being the successor to Salah is going to be an almost impossible job for whoever does become that man at some point in the future, but Gonzalez has the attributes to suit Klopp's style of play, combining quick feet, strong finishing a good work ethic out of possession. At 25, you could say he is also coming into his prime, meaning he could be an intriguing addition to the Klopp 2.0 era that is currently happening at Anfield.

ScorecardResearchers have often concluded that different drinks can cause worse hangovers: in terms of spirits at least, the darker the drink, the more severe the effects. If such studies are correct, it can only be surmised (none too seriously) that Worcestershire’s Blast-winning squad must have had their fair share of jet-black shots at Birmingham’s infamous Walkabout bar on Saturday night, as they found themselves on the receiving end of a career-best effort from Jamie Porter on a day which appeared to condemn them to relegation.Plenty of questions have been asked of the end-of-season pitches around the country since the return of red-ball cricket, but there were few demons in this Chelmsford wicket. Instead, after a season of glorious defeats, what ifs and nearlys, Worcestershire’s batsmen folded meekly against an attack that nagged and probed in the morning session.The Finals Day aftermath rarely affects teams quite this badly. Even the victorious Northants sides of 2013 and 2016 bounced back from their fabled Birmingham nights out with scores of 500+ in their next Championship game. Soul II Soul would have provided an apt backdrop to their batting display; after the ethereal, otherworldly feel to their magnificent triumph at Edgbaston, this was a case of back to life, back to reality.After Tom Fell had his middle stump uprooted to the fourth ball of the day, Worcestershire found themselves four wickets down before three overs had been bowled. Sandwiched between two more orthodox dismissals – Daryl Mitchell’s edge behind and Porter plucking out Alex Milton’s off stump – was a mix-up of unbelievable magnitude.Joe Clarke, facing the first ball of what is expected to be one of his final innings for the county ahead of his move to Nottinghamshire, skipped down the track and flicked Porter through midwicket. Tom Westley gave chase, and threw to the non-striker’s end, by which point Clarke had completed his third run; Ollie Westbury, however, had only managed a second. With both stranded at the bowler’s end, Porter’s wild hurl towards fine leg nearly saw the easiest of chances blown, but Adam Wheater recovered to complete the most comical of run-outs. It had to be seen again to be believed, and by 5pm, some 40,000 had watched the clip on Essex’s Twitter feed – who needs the Hundred with this sort of entertainment readily available?Ben Cox, Saturday’s hero, and Ed Barnard both followed before Porter’s opening spell was up; Worcestershire were reeling at 32 for 6, and it took a stand of 28 between Clarke and Wayne Parnell – a teetotaller – to stop things getting too embarrassing.Jamie Porter bowls for Essex•Getty Images

Porter soon returned to complete a seven-wicket haul that proved his international credentials – though his timing could hardly have been worse. Moments before the final wicket fell, England selector James Taylor walked into the press box after a morning of meetings ahead of the ODI squad’s release tomorrow: “have I missed much?” he asked.Porter would let nobody down if picked this winter, but it may prove a blessing in disguise for him if he is left out of the Test tour to Sri Lanka.Fast bowlers played no meaningful role in South Africa’s series there, and a debut at home next summer must be a more enticing prospect for the most archetypal of English seam bowlers.In the end, Taylor spent most of his time watching a classy innings from Murali Vijay, India’s discarded opener. A pair of lofted drives off Ben Twohig for six and four were the shots of his innings, but Vijay’s foot movement and timing throughout his 85 were those of a completely different player to the man dropped after a pair at Lord’s. With Cheteshwar Pujara, Ishant Sharma and R Ashwin all extolling the virtues of county cricket in the past year, it seems that reports of its terminal decline are premature.Tom Westley continued his return to form with a fifth score of 40+ in his past seven innings with a battling knock, and Worcestershire never looked like applying much pressure or turning the screw in the evening session despite Barnard’s battling, Stakhanovite spell.Essex go into tomorrow with a healthy lead, and their hopes of a top three – or even two – finish firmly alive; for Worcestershire, the outlook is bleak.

Indian think-tank feels an extra day of training at Edgbaston, the venue for the first Test, will help the intensity of the players

Nagraj Gollapudi25-Jul-2018India coach Ravi Shastri has made it clear that there was no ulterior motive behind reducing his side’s warm-up match against Essex to a three-day game. In a brief interaction with the Indian media, his first on the UK tour, Shastri said the only reason behind dropping one day from the originally scheduled four-day match was to get to Birmingham and let the players switch to Test-match mode a day earlier.ESPNcricinfo had reported that the Indian think-tank felt that gaining an extra day of training at Edgbaston, the venue for the first Test of the five-match series, would help the intensity of the players. Shastri confirmed it was indeed so. “(We are) getting in there, into the Test match venue, because it wouldn’t have served the purpose here (Chelmsford),” Shastri said. “Instead of an extra day here, I think an extra day (of training) there would be more valuable. More familiarity with the venue and the conditions where you are playing the first Test. We had an opportunity to practise three days in Birmingham, which was the Test match venue. If we had played four days here we would have lost that one day there because of travel.”The decision to make the fixture into a three-day match was taken over the last two days. Shastri said the prerogative of whether to play a “two-day game, three-day game, four-day game, lies entirely” with the visiting team. Shastri also said the team management spoke to the Essex management about the tickets sold before making a final decision. “We were ready to even play a two-day game and use that one day (third) for full day of practice here, the centre pitch. But when they explained about the tickets we said fine we’ll play a three-day game. And travel on Saturday to be able to practise on Sunday.”Shastri rubbished a media report that suggested the reason India had decided to cut down on a day’s play was because they were not happy with the practice pitches at Chelmsford. The Indian players trained there for nearly four hours, including both spinners and fast bowlers bowling on different pitches, all of which were green. “Nothing wrong (with the practice pitches). There was no complaint from the Indian management about anything. On this entire trip, you will never see an Indian team giving excuses as regards to conditions or the pitch. Our challenge is to beat them. We take pride in performing wherever we go. We want to be the best travelling side in the word. So the last person who will make a complaint will be this Indian team.”Despite the toasty conditions, the challenges that are likely to confront the Indian batsmen for the rest of the summer arrived early on at Chelmsford. After Virat Kohli won the toss, India elected to bat on a pitch that was green and seaming. They lost Shikhar Dhawan and Cheteshwar Pujara in the first three overs, and then lost their vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane an hour later. All three batsmen edged and were caught behind.Shastri revealed that when the groundsman asked him on Tuesday whether India would be okay with the grass cover, he said it should be retained. “The pitch, good. The groundsman told me there was enough grass on, do you want the grass to be taken off? I said absolutely not. It is your prerogative. What you give, we play. I said leave it. There was grass there, so don’t take anything off.”

Malik Tillman scored a special goal for PSV in their top-of-the-table clash with Feyenoord, as the USMNT star displayed both quick feet and composure.

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• Playmaker impressing in the Netherlands
• Impact made in the final third
• More to come from him with club & country

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 21-year-old playmaker has enjoyed a productive loan spell in Eindhoven during the 2023-24 campaign. He severed ties with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich once again last summer in a bid to find the regular game time that his ongoing development needs.

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  He has found that in the Netherlands, having previously caught the eye in Scotland with Rangers, and is showing that he can be a useful option for club and country. That point was further highlighted when dancing through the Feyenoord defence.

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  There appeared to be little on as Tillman collected a ball flicked in his direction 35 yards from goal. His first touch was sublime, as he delivered a cheeky nutmeg, and he was suddenly clean through. Tillman held his nerve, with two defenders closing in, to prod into the bottom corner.

Captain Hamid Shah struck 37 off 78 balls on a difficult pitch and also picked up a couple of wickets to seal a 33-run victory

Peter Della Penna in Kuala Lumpur02-May-2018
Captain Hamid Shah roars after Denmark clinches victory•Peter Della Penna

Denmark captain Hamid Shah stood out with both bat and ball as his team defended 179 to remain unbeaten and hand Malaysia their first defeat of the WCL Division Four. He struck 37 off 78 balls, anchoring the innings after they chose to bat on a difficult pitch and also picked up a couple of wickets to seal a 33-run victory at UKM-YSD Oval in Bangi.The timing of those breakthroughs were very crucial. Malaysia were 39 runs away from winning the game, and with nine overs still left, the required rate wasn’t really a challenge. However, they were six down, Hamid made it seven, breaking a feisty 53-run partnership between Suharril Fetri and Muhamad Syahadat and paved the way to a stunning victory. The last four Malaysian wickets fell for only five runs.Hamid was also an important contributor with the bat. building on a good start provided by opener Zameer Khan’s 44 off 72 balls even as the Malaysian bowlers made good use of a surface that had plenty of cracks. With boundaries hard to come by – there were only 11 in the entire 49 overs that Denmark batted – he ran aggressively throughout his innings and was very nearly run out on several occasions.Denmark were 108 for 3 in the 33rd over when left-arm spinner Pavandeep Singh rallied Malaysia back into the match by inducing Hamid into a drive that was caught at cover. He then trapped Rizwan Mahmood lbw and induced another ill-advised drive, this time from Taranjit Bharaj, to finish with 3 for 24 from his 10 overs.Momentum swung back Denmark’s way thanks to a brilliant late cameo by Mads Henriksen, who swatted a series of boundaries over the leg side as he raced to 32 off 28 balls taking the score to 170 on a pitch where 160 looked par. Denmark were eventually bowled out in the 49th over with new-ball bowler Muhammad Wafiq wiping out the tail with his 3 for 32.Malaysia’s chase got off to a disastrous start when captain Anwar Arudin was run out off the second ball trying to run off a misfield at midwicket. After Bashir Shah struck another key blow to remove Ahmed Faiz, Suhan Alagaratnam and Shafiq Sharif teamed up for a 40-run partnership for the fourth wicket.But just as Malaysia were pulling away, debutant left-arm spinner Nicolaj Laegsgaard beat Alagaratnam’s back foot prod to bowl the middle-order star for 26. Offspinner Saif Ahmad had Sharif caught at mid-off and suddenly the score was 88 for 6 with Denmark in firm possession of the game. They had to weather unexpected resistance assault from the tail but now are looking at a scenario where a win over Uganda on Thursday will clinch them promotion with a match to spare in the group stage.

Liverpool came so close to Premier League glory during the 2013/14 season, embarking on their best campaign in years, only to be unstuck by a poor collapse over the final few weeks.

Despite this, the future looked promising. Players such as Philippe Coutinho, Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling had all shone under Brendan Rodgers, and although they sold Luis Suárez to Barcelona for a fee of £75m, the Northern Irishman was aiming to kick on and lead his team to glory.

With the mercurial Uruguayan gone, Rodgers looked to spend the vast fortune obtained from his sale in the transfer market.

He spent big on the likes of Mario Balotelli, Adam Lallana, Lazar Markovic and Dejan Lovren, and it didn’t take long for the Anfield side to unravel as they struggled both domestically and in the Champions League, where they returned following a four-year absence.

There was another name who arrived at Merseyside that summer who looked like he had a bright future – Alberto Moreno.

How much did Liverpool sign Alberto Moreno for?

For what seemed like a bargain at just £12m, the talented Spaniard arrived on Merseyside towards the end of that transfer window with the opportunity to become the first-choice left-back at the club and aged just 22, Moreno looked like he would be a long term star for the Reds.

Rodgers lavished praise upon him once he arrived, saying: "He has got huge potential.

"We needed a left-sided player. We monitored him for a while and when we felt we got the value and the worth, we were able to clinch the deal.

"He's a really exciting young player. When you watch him, he's very attack-minded, very quick and he serves the ball really well.

"At 22, he's hungry to succeed. He has got improvements to make but he's one of the players we've brought in this summer who is ready to play straight away.”

High praise indeed and the future certainly looked bright for a youngster who was beginning to make his mark at international level, having made three appearances for Spain prior to moving to England.

The move simply didn’t work out, however, as Liverpool failed to bring the best out of Moreno, and he subsequently went on to rinse them of a vast sum of money during his time at the club.

How much did Alberto Moreno earn at Liverpool?

During his five-season spell at Anfield, the Spaniard earned a total of £16.9m in wages with his weekly wage ranging from £48k-per-week during his first season, to £73k-per-week during his final campaign.

Judging by his performances and relative lack of success at the Reds, his signing is looked back upon as a big failure and a case of what might’ve been for the defender who spent 250 weeks in England.

Indeed, across his five years in England, Moreno drained the club of £29m across several years, combining both his transfer fee in 2014 with the cost of his wages during that time period.

It was yet again another case of poor transfer business by Rodgers the summer after they had come so close to Premier League glory.

Did Alberto Moreno deserve to earn that much at Liverpool?

The left-back made 41 appearances for the club across his first season, scoring two goals and grabbing an assist, although he was criticised by ESPN journalist James Tyler, who said he was “dreadful” towards the end of that campaign.

Six assists and a goal were registered during the 2015/16 season as Moreno made 50 appearances, and it looked as though he had the trust placed in him by Klopp during the embryonic stages of his tenure at the club.

He helped Liverpool reach the Europa League final, where they were defeated by his former side Sevilla, but with a new era on the horizon, Moreno looked set to play a big part in the Reds challenge for glory in the coming years.

It proved to be a false dawn however, as the Spaniard started just twice in the Premier League during Klopp’s first full season in charge, failing to rank in the top ten across the squad for accurate passes per game, successful dribbles per game or tackles per match.

The next two seasons saw him fail to kick on and attain a regular spot on the starting XI, making just 18 league appearances during 2017/18 and 2018/19, and ranking outside the top ten in the squad for overall Sofascore rating, indicating that when he did get a rare opportunity, Moreno failed to really grab it with both hands.

The former Sevilla defender did win a Champions League winners medal, yet he made just one appearance during the whole tournament and failed to emerge from the bench in the final.

In total, his 141 appearances meant he cost the best part of £205k per game, while his meagre goal tally of three ensures he cost the Anfield side £9m for every time he found the net.

Where is Alberto Moreno now?

Upon his release from Liverpool following that triumph in Madrid, Moreno returned to his homeland, joining La Liga side Villarreal on a free transfer that summer.

The left-back has been given a lifeline by the Spanish club, making 93 appearances across his four years while also scoring six times and registering seven assists, certainly better numbers than when he was in England.

Moreno also won another Europa League title, helping his side defeat Manchester United in the final back in 2021.

It didn’t work out at Liverpool for the player who looked like he could be the next big talent to emerge from Spain nine years ago.

Perhaps it was the right player at the wrong time, yet Moreno didn’t really hit the ground running at Anfield and although signs looked promising once Klopp arrived, the signing of Andy Robertson put bed to him claiming a regular spot in the starting XI.

Rodgers did make some terrible signings as manager between 2012 and 2015, but Moreno is sadly up there as one of the worst when you consider the finances.

Klopp has made far fewer mistakes in the transfer market than his predecessor and this not only has helped their bank balance, but also performances on the field, with the club returning to prominence for the first time since the 1980s under the enigmatic former Borussia Dortmund manager.

Kevin De Bruyne, the Belgian football maestro, embarked on his professional journey with remarkable promise. Born on June 28, 1991, he swiftly rose through the ranks at KRC Genk in his homeland. His prodigious talent and vision caught the eye, earning him a senior debut at the tender age of 17.

De Bruyne's transition to Europe's elite leagues was seamless. He moved to Chelsea in 2012, where his prowess as a creative midfielder flourished. Despite limited playing time, he showcased his potential, prompting a move to VfL Wolfsburg in 2014. This transition was pivotal, as he solidified his reputation with exceptional performances, amassing 20 goals and 37 assists across two seasons.

His subsequent transfer to Manchester City in 2015 for a club-record fee elevated his career to new heights. De Bruyne's contributions have been staggering—delivering pinpoint passes, notching crucial goals and orchestrating play with finesse. He has won all there is to win in England, while also breaking records for assists in a single season.

A testament to his excellence, De Bruyne's early career underscores his journey from a precocious talent to a football virtuoso, leaving an indelible mark on the sport's history.

Kevin De Bruyne at Genk

Kevin De Bruyne's formative years at KRC Genk laid the foundation for his illustrious football career. Emerging through the club's youth ranks, he swiftly found his way into the first team, making his debut in May 2009. His exceptional vision, passing accuracy and creativity were evident from the outset.

During his time at Genk, De Bruyne played a pivotal role in their Belgian Pro League victory in the 2010/2011 season, showcasing his ability to influence matches at a young age. His standout performances led to him being named the league's Young Professional Footballer of the Year.

In his final season with Genk, De Bruyne's impact was even more pronounced, tallying 8 goals and 20 assists across all competitions. These impressive numbers underscored his versatility and knack for decisive contributions. His exceptional displays at Genk caught the attention of top European clubs, ultimately leading to his move to Chelsea in 2012.

De Bruyne's tenure at Genk not only garnered trophies and individual recognition but also acted as a stepping stone for his transformation into one of the world's best midfielders.

De Bruyne's Honours at Genk

Belgian Pro League (1)

2010/2011

Belgian Cup (1)

2008/2009

Belgian Super Cup (1)

2011

Kevin De Bruyne at Chelsea

Kevin De Bruyne's time at Chelsea, spanning from 2012 to 2014, marked his introduction to top-flight English football. Despite limited appearances, his impact was notable, showcasing glimpses of his creative prowess. With nine appearances and two assists in his debut season, he revealed his potential. However, it was his move to VfL Wolfsburg, after scoring 10 goals in 34 appearances during a loan spell with Werder Bremen, that truly propelled his career.

This phase prepared him for his return to the Premier League, where he would later flourish with Manchester City. De Bruyne's Chelsea stint hinted at his future brilliance, laying the groundwork for his transformation into one of football's most formidable midfield architects.

Kevin De Bruyne at Werder Bremen

The Belgian joined Werder Bremen on loan in July 2012 and it didn't take long for him to make his mark on the Bundesliga.

The midfielder scored his first goal in September and went on to heavily impress over the course of the 2012/2013 campaign, scoring 10 goals and providing a further 10 assists in 34 appearances before returning to Chelsea.

Kevin De Bruyne at Wolfsburg

Kevin De Bruyne's tenure at VfL Wolfsburg, from 2014 to 2015, was a transformative phase that showcased his exceptional talents on the European stage.

Joining in January 2014 for £18m, the Belgian built on his fantastic campaign with Werder Bremen immediately. In the 2014/2015 Bundesliga season, he recorded an astonishing 16 goals and 28 assists in 51 first-team appearances, solidifying his reputation as one of Europe's most prominent playmakers. This extraordinary output earned him the Bundesliga's Player of the Season award.

De Bruyne's remarkable vision, pinpoint passing, and ability to dictate the tempo of matches were central to Wolfsburg's success during his tenure. His contributions propelled the team to a second-place finish in the Bundesliga. Notably, he was instrumental in Wolfsburg's DFB-Pokal victory, a triumph that further highlighted his impact.

The Belgian midfielder's performances at Wolfsburg did not just elevate his own stature; they also attracted the attention of Europe's top clubs. His incredible display prompted Manchester City to secure his signature in 2015 for a then-club record fee of £55m.

De Bruyne's career at Wolfsburg was a pivotal time, solidifying his reputation as a world-class midfielder and laying the foundation for his subsequent successes at Manchester City. His time in Germany demonstrated his ability to dominate matches, create opportunities and influence outcomes, showcasing his journey from a talented prospect to a footballing maestro on the global stage.

De Bruyne's Honours at Wolfsburg

DFB-Pokal (1)

2014/2015

DFL-Supercup (1)

2015

Kevin De Bruyne at Manchester City

Kevin De Bruyne's spell at Manchester City, which began in 2015, has been a masterclass in football brilliance, cementing his legacy as one of the world's finest midfielders.

Arriving from VfL Wolfsburg, De Bruyne's impact on the Premier League and European football as a whole has been nothing short of monumental.

Upon joining Manchester City, De Bruyne's ability to orchestrate play, create opportunities and deliver precise passes immediately shone through. His first season saw him record an impressive 16 goals and 13 assists in all competitions, immediately justifying the huge fee Man City paid for him. However, it was in the subsequent seasons that he truly solidified his status as a midfield maestro.

The 2017/2018 campaign was a standout year for De Bruyne. His 16 assists and eight goals in the Premier League played a pivotal role in Manchester City's record-breaking title win under Pep Guardiola, as they amassed an unprecedented 100 points. De Bruyne's vision, range of passing and set-piece expertise were unmatched, with his ability to split defences becoming a trademark.

In the 2019/2020 season, De Bruyne's prowess reached even higher heights. His 20 assists in the Premier League equalled the record for the most assists in a single season, a feat that showcased his unrivalled playmaking ability. He also contributed with 16 goals in all competitions, further underlining his versatility and impact. This remarkable season saw Manchester City secure another Premier League title and reach the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

De Bruyne's influence extends beyond the domestic stage. In the Champions League, his performances have been pivotal in Manchester City's journey to the final stages of the competition. His ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure matches and his knack for delivering decisive passes on the big stage makes him an invaluable asset.

Records and milestones have become synonymous with De Bruyne's Manchester City career. He became the fastest player to reach 50 assists in Premier League history, a feat that speaks to his consistent impact over time. De Bruyne's role as a leader is equally important; he was named Manchester City's captain in the summer of 2023, reflecting his influence both on and off the pitch.

The attacking midfielder played a vital role in Manchester City's historic treble – Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League – in the 2022/2023 season.

Beyond the numbers, De Bruyne's ability to influence games transcends statistics. His vision enables him to anticipate the game, making him a prime catalyst for Manchester City's attacking play. His long-range strikes are renowned, showcasing his capability to score from various positions. Equally comfortable with both feet, he maintains an element of unpredictability that keeps defenders on edge.

Despite injuries occasionally disrupting his rhythm, especially recently, De Bruyne's impact has remained unparalleled. His performance levels have not only maintained but also improved, a testament to his work ethic and determination to continuously evolve his game. His understanding of space, timing of passes, and ability to read the flow of a match make him a conductor of Manchester City's footballing symphony.

Off the field, De Bruyne's professionalism and dedication set an example for aspiring players. His humility and team-oriented mindset contribute to the harmonious dynamics within the squad, enhancing Manchester City's overall success.

By the end of the 2022/2023 season, De Bruyne's record for Man City stood at an incredible 96 goals and 152 assists in 356 first-team appearances.

De Bruyne's Honours at Manchester City

Premier League (5)

2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023

FA Cup (2)

2018/2019, 2022/2023

EFL Cup (5)

2015/2016, 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2020/2021

FA Community Shield (1)

2019

UEFA Champions League (1)

2022/2023

Kevin De Bruyne with Belgium

Kevin De Bruyne's journey with the Belgium national team has mirrored his club career, marked by exceptional contributions, leadership and a role as a driving force. Since his international debut in 2010, he has been a linchpin in Belgium's midfield.

De Bruyne's impact on the national team is evident through his participation in major tournaments. He played a pivotal role in Belgium's third-place finish at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where his vision and creativity were instrumental. His performances earned him a spot in the tournament's All-Star Team.

His statistics with the national team underline his significance. De Bruyne's ability to dictate play and contribute goals is highlighted by his impressive assist tally. He consistently ranks among the top assist providers in major international tournaments, showcasing his ability to unlock defences and create goal-scoring opportunities – to date, his record for Belgium is 26 goals and 49 assists in 99 appearances.

His leadership qualities have also come to the fore. As one of the team's senior players, De Bruyne's experience and on-field intelligence make him a natural leader, and he was named Belgium captain in 2023. His dedication to the team's success is evident through his performances, where he seamlessly transitions between orchestrating attacks and tracking back to support defensively.

De Bruyne's milestones with the national team include becoming Belgium's all-time top assist provider, a testament to his role in shaping the team's attacking identity. His performances have helped Belgium attain high FIFA rankings and establish themselves as contenders on the international stage.

Injury setbacks have occasionally interrupted his international campaign, but De Bruyne's resolve and determination to represent his country remain unwavering. His dedication to both club and country demonstrates his commitment to the sport and his desire to contribute to his team's success at every level.

Kevin De Bruyne's Personal Accolades & Records

Kevin De Bruyne's illustrious career is adorned with an array of personal records and prestigious awards. His remarkable journey has seen him etch his name in football history.

In 2015, De Bruyne set a then-club record transfer fee when he joined Manchester City for £55m. His time at the club has been marked by record-breaking achievements, including becoming the fastest player to reach 50 Premier League assists, a feat achieved in just 123 appearances.

The 2017/2018 season was particularly remarkable, as he registered 16 assists in the Premier League, aiding Manchester City's title triumph with an unprecedented 100 points. In the 2019-2020 season, he equalled the record for the most assists in a single Premier League campaign with 20 assists.

De Bruyne's individual brilliance has not gone unnoticed, though. He has received numerous awards, including the PFA Players' Player of the Year in the 2019/2020 season. He has also earned a spot in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year multiple times.

His influence extends to the international stage. De Bruyne played a key role in Belgium's third-place finish at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, earning a spot in the tournament's All-Star Team. He holds the record for the most assists in a European Championship qualifying campaign, underlining his playmaking prowess for his national team.

These records and awards highlight De Bruyne's consistent excellence, his ability to shape matches and his role as a game-changer both for Manchester City and Belgium.

His legacy as a footballing icon is built on these remarkable achievements that have left an indelible mark on the sport.

De Bruyne's Personal Honours

Bundesliga Young Player of the Year (1)

2012/2013

Bundesliga Player of the Year (1)

2014/2015

Bundesliga Team of the Year (1)

2014/2015

Bundesliga Top Assist Provider (1)

2014/2015

UEFA Europa League Squad of the Season (1)

2014/2015

Germany Footballer of the Year (1)

2015

Belgian Sportsman of the Year (1)

2015

Best Belgian Player Abroad (2)

2015, 2016

Manchester City Player of the Season (4)

2015/2016, 2017/2018, 2019/2020, 2021/2022

Manchester City Goal of the Season (1)

2019/2020

FIFA FIFPro World XI (3)

2020, 2021, 2022

UEFA Team of the Year (3)

2017, 2019, 2020

PFA Premier League Team of the Year (4)

2017/2018, 2019/2020, 2020/2021, 2021/2022

Premier League Playmaker of the Season (3)

2017/2018, 2019/2020, 2022/2023

UEFA Champions League Team of the Season (6)

2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023

FIFA World Cup Dream Team (1)

2018

Premier League Player of the Season (2)

2019/2020, 2021/2022

PFA Players' Player of the Year (2)

2019/2020, 2020/2021

UEFA Champions League Midfielder of the Season (1)

2019/2020

Celtic are "interested" in signing Newcastle United's forgotten man this summer as the Hoops' search for a winger continues, Italian journalist Rudy Galetti has told GIVEMESPORT.

Is Ryan Fraser joining Celtic?

It's been an interesting transfer window for Brendan Rodgers' side so far this summer.

There have been plenty of positives for the Glasgow giants as they've secured the signature of players like Maik Nawrocki, Odin Thiago Holm and several other impressive players whilst convincing star players like Kyogo Furuhasi and Daizen Maeda to sign new deals.

That said, the departure of the dynamic winger and fan favourite Jota to Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad came as a serious blow to the team, and while the £25m fee that the Hoops received certainly softened that blow, it was still far from the ideal way for Rodgers to start his second tenure as manager.

With a glaring hole on the leftwing, signing a replacement for the 24-year-old became imperative, and with less than three weeks before the window slams shut, The Bhoys are running out of time to find a replacement.

One player that could be the solution to Rodgers' woes is former Bournemouth star and current Scotland international Fraser.

The 5 foot 4 dynamo, who has the same agent as Federico Valverde, has reportedly been frozen out of the Newcastle team and stripped of his squad number after a bitter falling out with manager Eddie Howe in March of this year, per Football Scotland.

While the £63,000-a-week man might have burnt his bridges with the Magpies, he certainly has the ability required to make an impact north of the border and could make for a brilliant addition to the left wing of Celtic's attack.

And according to journalist Rudy Galetti, a move back to Scotland could be on the cards.

What did Journalist Rudy Galetti say about Ryan Fraser to Celtic?

Galetti confirmed that the Hoops are indeed interested in the Scottish international, and his lack of game time in the Premier League could influence his decision.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: "Celtic are interested in Ryan Fraser from Newcastle. That has been confirmed.

"They are looking for a winger. The Scottish player, who doesn't play a central role for the Magpies, is one of the preferred names and profiles."

How old is Ryan Fraser?

Born February 24th, 1994, in Aberdeen, Scotland, the 29-year-old has undoubtedly struggled for game time on Tyneside over the last 12 months, starting just three league games last season.

That's not to say that he wouldn't be an excellent signing for Celtic; however, as when his managers have given him the minutes, he's been a consistently decent top-flight-level footballer.

In his 128 Premier League starts across his whole career, he has scored 18 goals and provided 31 assists. On top of that, he has averaged a match rating of 6.67 across his entire professional playing career, which shows remarkable consistency from the Scotsman, per WhoScored.

Described as "excellent" for his national team performances by Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, if Rodgers can get this deal over the line and coax the best out of Fraser once more, this could be an outstanding piece of business from the Scottish champions.

Journalist Santi Aouna has shared a promising update on West Ham United and their attempts to sign Montpellier striker Elye Wahi.

Who will West Ham sign?

The east Londoners are moving for transfer targets with around a fortnight left of the summer window, coming after they sealed deals for both Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse.

Alvarez wears the number 19 shirt at West Ham following his £35 million move from Ajax, while Ward-Prowse's arrival gifts David Moyes some real set piece threat and top flight experience.

However, following the departures of some high-profile names like England star Declan Rice and Italy striker Gianluca Scamacca, West Ham need to bolster their ranks with more quality.

Lucas Paqueta, after just one year at the London Stadium, could also leave for last season's treble-winners Man City – with the Brazilian already agreeing personal terms.

Journalist Dean Jones, commenting on West Ham's transfer business and links to Chelsea midfielder Trevoh Chalobah, has tipped the club to make as many as five new signings this month.

Read the latest West Ham transfer news HERE…

"It feels like a good opportunity West Ham could take advantage of," said Jones to GiveMeSport.

"I think he [Chalobah] could actually survive at Chelsea, just about, but I also think he has bigger aspirations than that, and I’ve heard he has been open to listening to new opportunities.

"We’re looking at a massive month ahead for the Hammers, they will sign five players and have to find a way to make this all add up so they have a much stronger squad."

Scamacca's departure in particular leaves Moyes with few striking options and reports have even suggested that Michail Antonio could make a move to Saudi Arabia.

In light of this, West Ham have been linked with a plethora of strikers to fill the void left by Scamacca, a list which has included prestigious names like Eintracht Frankfurt star Randal Kolo Muani and Arsenal's Folarin Balogun.

Wahi has also been mentioned by sections of the press, with Foot Mercato's Aouna now providing an update on their links to the Frenchman.

Taking to X, the reporter claims West Ham are "in talks" to sign the in-form striker, who is "attracted" by the look of their project.

Nothing else is added beyond that point, but it the Hammers have apparently opened a dialogue with Montpellier over potentially signing their star man.

How good is Elye Wahi?

The young forward racked up 19 goals and five assists in 33 French top flight appearances last season, potentially turning West Ham's head in their chase for a Scamacca replacement.

Wahi has also been praised by members of the press, like journalist Andrés Onrubia Ramos, who called the player a "real beast" who should "explode".

"Elye Wahi (2003). If he manages to polish the definition, we are facing a striker who is going to exceed ten goals per season," said Ramos on X.

"A real beast in space that, in addition, associatively also leaves interesting things. It should definitely explode."

The attacker is a promising one to have burst onto the scene over these last 12 months, and reports claim he is a man in demand this summer.

أعرب ياسين لبحيري، لاعب وسط نهضة بركان المغربي، عن ثقته بقدرة فريقه على تحقيق الفوز في نهائي كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية، عندما يواجه الزمالك.

وأكد لبحيري في تصريحات لصحيفة “المنتخب” المغربية، أنّ جميع لاعبي نهضة بركان يطمحون لِإنهاء الموسم الرياضي الحالي بلقب قاري، تحت إشراف المدرب التونسي معين الشعباني، الذي أثنى على كفاءته وقدرته على خلق فريق تنافسي.

وعن حظوظ نهضة بركان في النهائي، قال لبحيري: “الحظوظ متوازية مع الزمالك، الذي يعتبر واحدا من أكبر الأندية العربية والإفريقية، لاسيما وأنه يملك تاريخًا حافلًا مع الألقاب في مصر وبالقارة السمراء”.

وأضاف: “سنبذل قصارى جهدنا لتقديم أفضل أداء، ونؤكد للجميع أنّ نهضة بركان فريق مجتهد ومن الأندية المحترمة التي باتت لها مرجعية في القارة الإفريقية، الفريق ذاع صيته بعد التتويج بالألقاب، وجعل العديد من اللاعبين داخل وخارج المغرب يتمنون اللعب بقميصه”.

طالع أيضًا | قائد نهضة بركان السابق يشيد بثنائي الزمالك ويُصرح: نمتلك لاعبين شباب ومدرب خبير

وحول تأثير انسحاب اتحاد الجزائر من البطولة على حماس لاعبي نهضة بركان، قال لبحيري: “انسحاب اتحاد الجزائر زاد حماسنا بالتأكيد، نشعر بالأسف لِما حدث مع جيراننا، الذين حاولوا حشر أنفهم في أمور لا تخصهم، وظلموا لاعبي الاتحاد الذين كانوا يطمحون للعب كرة القدم، وفريقهم سيتعرض لعقوبات من الاتحاد الإفريقي”.

وأكد لبحيري أنّ معنويات لاعبي نهضة بركان عالية، وأنّهم مستعدون لمواجهة الأبيض بقوة: “لا يجب الاستهانة بالزمالك، لأنه يمتلك لاعبين مميزين، ومواجهته ستكون حارقة، لكنّنا نؤمن بقدراتنا وسنضحي أكثر من أجل إسعاد جمهورنا الذي ظلّ يساندنا طيلة مسارنا في البطولة”.

وعن المدرب معين الشعباني، قال لبحيري: “الشعباني مدرب متفهم وقريب جدًا من لاعبيه. يملك شخصية قوية تنعكس بالإيجاب على أداء الفريق، أتمنى له التوفيق كي يتوج معنا بلقب كأس الكاف”.

وأشار لبحيري إلى أنّ استمرار الشعباني مع نهضة بركان لأطول مدة ممكنة سيجعله قادرًا على كسب تحديات صعبة، وتحقيق المزيد من الألقاب للفريق.

وختامًا، يُؤكّد لبحيري على عزم نهضة بركان على تحقيق الفوز في نهائي كأس الكونفدرالية، وإسعاد جمهوره، مُثنياً على كفاءة المدرب معين الشعباني ودوره في نجاحات الفريق. موعد مباراة الزمالك ونهضة بركان في ذهاب نهائي كأس الكونفدرالية

ومن المقرر أن يلتقي الفريقان في تمام الساعة العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة يوم الأحد الموافق 12 مايو الجاري، في المغرب.