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Nick Hockley has announced he will step down as Cricket Australia chief executive in March 2025 after five years in the job.Hockley, who has worked in the Australian game in various positions for 13 years, initially came into the role in an interim capacity early in the Covid-19 pandemic after Kevin Roberts resigned following unrest at CA’s initial handling of crisis which included a mass stand down of staff.He was appointed full time in May 2021 having helped the game navigate the 2020-21 season amid border closures which included successfully hosting the Test series against India that ensured the game was able to survive financially.”This was a difficult decision, however following what promises to be a blockbuster summer and with our five-year strategic plan well progressed, this is the right time to pursue another challenge, while giving the Board plenty of time to find its next CEO to build on the strong foundations now in place,” Hockley said.”This is not the time for goodbyes, as I remain completely focussed on the season ahead and supporting the Board on succession and a smooth transition.”Hockley’s final season in charge of CA will again see India visit, this time for a five-Test series, as well as the hosting of the Women’s Ashes in January.Alongside the pandemic, the major challenges on Hockley’s watch included an associated stand-off with broadcaster Channel Seven who pushed for a discount. Relationships were later repaired to an extent that Seven has remained a long-term broadcast partner, although the new seven-year deal signed with them and Foxtel in 2023 did not produce a significant uplift in value.However, he was able to oversee a much smoother MoU agreement compared to 2017 which included large pay increases in the women’s game.Hockley had to contend with the controversial departure of Tim Paine as Test captain on the eve of the 2021-22 Ashes, although the transition to Pat Cummins eventually proved smooth and successful, and an ugly split with head coach Justin Langer.Hockley also attempted to have David Warner’s lifetime leadership ban overturned although that fell apart in late 2022 when Warner angrily withdrew his case amid pressure from an independent panel to relive what happened at Newlands in 2018.He has been in charge during a period of significant on-field success which has included the men’s and women’s teams winning T20 and ODI World Cups plus the men claiming last year’s World Test Championship and the women gold in the Commonwealth Games. Significantly, in 2022 the men’s team also toured Pakistan for the first time since 1998.One of the major projects he has led in recent years has been the implementation of CA’s Multicultural Action Plan which aims to improve participation and attendance among the South Asian communities.”As CEO, Nick navigated the sport through a period of unprecedented challenge during the pandemic and has delivered significant growth and stability,” CA chair Mike Baird said. “Under Nick’s leadership, several major deals are now in place – many for the next seven years – and the game is set up for continued success.”As Nick says, his full focus is on delivering another successful summer for our fans, players, broadcasters, partners and the whole of Australian Cricket and there will be time to celebrate his legacy and achievements when he steps down from the role next year.”Prior to his hasty elevation into the top CA role, Hockley had been chief executive of the 2020 T20 Women’s World Cup committee that had staged the record-breaking tournament in Australia. Before that, he had worked on the 2015 Men’s World Cup, having also previously been involved in the London Olympics.CA will search globally for Hockley’s successor although Todd Greenberg, the current CEO of the Australia Cricketers’ Association, will likely be a frontrunner if he is interested in the job.

Far more eyes are on Thomas Frank now that he’s accepted the Tottenham job to replace Ange Postecoglou, and he’s under more pressure than ever before to deliver results after the club’s European heroics last season.

Tottenham set to back Thomas Frank this summer

Frank’s debut campaign in the Spurs dugout will also be his first ever season managing in the Champions League, so the 51-year-old will need all the help he can get this summer from chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange.

Tottenham preparing bid for £30m colossus wanted by Napoli, Milan and Inter

Spurs could scupper Antonio Conte in the race for his signature.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 21, 2025

Their qualification for Europe’s most elite contest next term is huge for Frank’s side when it comes to recruitment, with Tottenham set to benefit from a significant financial windfall and being a more appealing destination for the continent’s top players.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

The Lilywhites have already moved to back Frank with his first signing of the window, sealing a cut-price permanent deal for Mathys Tel to the tune of £30 million, with Japanese defensive starlet Kota Takai also joining Spurs in a £5 million deal from Kawasaki Frontale.

Levy will fork out what is a record fee for a Japanese player from the J-League, and what’s more, the 20-year-old is also expected to be a first-team player next campaign. Tottenham are hoping that Takai can follow in the footsteps of Lucas Bergvall, Pape Sarr, Archie Gray and Destiny Udogie to stake his claim among Frank’s crop of exciting young players who are vital to the senior squad.

According to recent reports, Takai could also be followed through the N17 door by ex-Tottenham defender Kyle Walker-Peters – who’s set to leave Southampton as a free agent in just five days.

The 28-year-old has enjoyed an excellent career overall since departing Spurs for St. Mary’s in 2020, making over 200 appearances for the Saints after initially joining them for just £12 million.

Tottenham think they're favourites to re-sign Kyle Walker-Peters

Frank is currently stocked with full-back options, but Tottenham’s need to fill their ‘club-trained’ Champions League quota has prompted transfer chiefs to consider re-signing the right-back on a free (Alasdair Gold).

According to an update from GiveMeSport, Fulham and Crystal Palace have reached out to his representatives as well, but despite interest from London rivals, Tottenham believe they’re in pole position to strike a deal for Walker-Peters.

Echoing other reports, GMS state that the Englishman still wants to rejoin Spurs as a free agent and make a return to his boyhood club, so this could be a very good option for the north Londoners to make up ground on their European quota.

Walker-Peters was one of the shining lights in an otherwise dismal Southampton side who dropped straight back down to the Championship, and at zero transfer cost, it’s a relatively risk-free move.

Manchester City are already lining up a few transfer targets ahead of the summer transfer window opening on June 1.

Florian Wirtz and Morgan Gibbs-White have both been earmarked as potential replacements for the departing Kevin De Bruyne.

That being said, City will have to splash the cash if they wish to land either, as the German is valued at £129m while Nottingham Forest are demanding £100m for their star player.

However, the Citizens are also looking to strengthen at the back.

Man City's search for a defender

Elsewhere, Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez is also reportedly emerging as a player Pep Guardiola wants to have at his disposal.

He isn’t the only full-back on City’s radar, however, as a current Serie A star could be on the move to England.

Transfer Focus

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

In January, the Etihad side were keeping a close watch on Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso, yet no move materialised back then.

Fast-forward a few months and Guardiola is keen to follow through on this initial interest when the transfer window opens, according to the Sun, who state that City still want to acquire him this summer.

Juventus appears to be closing in on a replacement for the Italian full-back, which could boost City’s pursuit of the player this summer.

A fee of around €60m (£50m) will be demanded by the Old Lady, one that is certainly affordable for the Manchester side.

While Kerkez would be an ideal long-term option at left-back, Cambiaso has much more experienced and has even enjoyed a better season from a statistical point of view than the Hungarian…

Why Andrea Cambiaso would be a better signing than Milos Kerkez

Kerkez has enjoyed a wonderful campaign for the Cherries throughout 2024/25, and it is perhaps no surprise the likes of City and Liverpool are looking to test their resolve with an offer.

Since joining from Genoa in 2022, Cambiaso has gone about his business steadily, but offers qualities at both ends of the pitch.

Games

30

29 (29)

Goals

2

2

Assists

1

5

Touches

61.2

59.1

Pass completion

92%

80%

Key passes

1.0

1.0

Dribbles

0.8

0.6

Ball recoveries

3.6

4.5

Tackles + interceptions

1.9

2.6

Clearances

0.6

2.8

Duels (won)

3.1 (52%)

4.1 (53%)

There isn’t much between the two City targets, especially regarding attacking metrics, but the Italian does come out on top in a fair few.

Indeed, when assessing data supplied via FBRef, he has registered more shots per 90 (0.63 vs 0.51), shot-creating actions per 90 (3.41 vs 2.26), successful take-ons (25 vs 20) and more goal-creating actions (0.31 vs 0.27) than the Hungarian left-back this season domestically.

Furthermore, the Juventus star has registered a higher pass completion percentage (89.5% vs 75.2%) while winning a higher percentage of aerial duels (37.5% vs 35.2%) per 90 than the Bournemouth youngster.

He was even dubbed “world-class” by European football expert Zach Lowy last season and he could be the ideal fit for Guardiola at City.

Another bonus is his ability to play either on the right or left side of the defence, giving the manager plenty of flexibility when choosing his side. That’s something that the Cherries defender cannot offer. He is solely a left-back.

Kerkez will no doubt go on to have an excellent future in the game, that there is no doubt, but at the current time, Cambiaso could very well be the best signing for the club as they head into a new era next season.

Man City have struck gold on "exceptional" gem worth more than Kerkez

City have hit the jackpot on a current academy graduate who is starring under Guardiola.

ByRoss Kilvington Apr 26, 2025

Manchester City are now ready to make a move for a £80m forward, having identified him as a priority target for the summer transfer window, according to a report.

City's summer transfer plans taking shape

Man City have fallen short of their usual lofty standards in the 2024-25 campaign, but they still have an opportunity to make a success out of the campaign, with an FA Cup triumph still on the cards, while they remain in a strong position to qualify for the Champions League.

That said, it is clear Pep Guardiola is planning a rebuild this summer, having identified targets in a number of positions, including goalkeeper, with Ederson in line to be replaced, and FC Porto shot-stopper Diogo Costa has now agreed to move to the Etihad Stadium.

In terms of defensive targets, Lazio centre-back Mario Gila has recently emerged as an option, while the Blues have also set their sights on Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali in central midfield, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz may replace the outgoing Kevin De Bruyne.

Man City now looking to sign ex-Real Madrid defender in £30m+ transfer

City’s defence has been a huge problem this season.

ByBarney Lane Apr 22, 2025

According to a report from Spain, Man City are also keen to strengthen out wide, and they are now ready to make a move for Barcelona’s Raphinha, having identified the Brazilian as a priority target for the summer transfer window.

The 28-year-old is viewed as the ideal addition to Guardiola’s side at left-wing, given the level of his performances this season, but there may be competition for his signature, with Chelsea and Al-Hilal also in the picture.

The left-winger has made it clear he wants to stay at the Camp Nou, but Barcelona could be willing to listen to significant offers, given their difficult financial situation, and previous reports have detailed £80m could be enough to get a deal done.

Raphinha impressing for club and country

The Barcelona star’s performances this season have landed him firmly in Ballon d’Or contention, picking up a remarkable 30 goals and 23 assists in 49 matches in all competitions.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

La Liga

31

15

11

Champions League

12

12

7

Copa del Rey

4

1

4

Supercopa

2

2

1

Not only that, but the Brazil international has received praise for his performances at international level from Romario, who said: “Raphinha is one of the best players today. He is one of the best in the world. He does very well with the Barca shirt and he is also doing very well with the Brazilian shirt. Raphinha is a pride for all Brazilians, he will give us very special things in football.”

Raphinha could be a fantastic signing for City this summer, having clearly performed at a world-class level this season, but Barcelona are likely to be determined to keep hold of the forward, given his importance to the side.

Arne Slot’s achievement of winning the Premier League in his first season as Liverpool manager is nothing short of sensational, offering a seamless transition after taking over from Jürgen Klopp.

The Dutchman has led the side to the title with four games to spare, losing just two games in the process, highlighting the excellent job he’s done at the helm.

Such an achievement has secured the Reds’ 20th top-division league title, putting them level with Manchester United in terms of being the most successful side in English football history.

Undoubtedly, after tasting success in his first season, the 46-year-old will want to make it back-to-back in 2025/26, hopefully having the chance to make the necessary changes to his squad this summer.

Multiple areas of the pitch are in need of investment, with foundations already put in place by the hierarchy for potential incomings over the next few months.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new signings

A striker has been on the club’s radar over the last few weeks, as Slot looks to add firepower to the frontline in place of Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez, who could both depart this summer.

Benjamin Sesko is the latest player touted with a move to Anfield, with the Reds needing to trigger his £55m release clause if they are to secure a deal for his services.

He’s been named as a potential alternative to Alexander Isak, who looks unlikely to swap Tyneside for Merseyside, with Newcastle United demanding £150m for his signature.

Alongside Sesko, Slot could make another Bundesliga addition in the form of Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman, that’s if recent reports are to be believed.

According to CaughtOffside, the Reds are set to make an offer for the 28-year-old in the coming months, with his current employers valuing him at £35m.

It also states that Vincent Kompany’s are willing to let the Frenchman depart during the off-season, with Coman himself considering his own future at the Allianz Arena.

Why Coman could be Slot’s next Gravenberch

Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch joined Liverpool in the summer of 2023 from Bayern Munich, looking to provide key depth in the middle of the park for former boss Klopp.

However, he struggled to break into the side, making just 12 Premier League starts, unable to dislodge Alexis Mac Allister from the role, with Wataru Endo even preferred to the Dutchman.

Slot’s arrival has transformed the 22-year-old’s career at Anfield, starting every single league game to date, and cementing his place alongside the Argentine.

Such a deal has proven to be a huge success for the club, with Gravenberch a key reason in their title triumph – offering a consistent presence in the side during a year of transition.

The manager could land his next version of the star in the form of Coman this summer, arriving as a fringe player from Bayern and looking to become a hit under his guidance on Merseyside.

The winger, who’s been previously labelled “one of the best players in the world” by Oliver Kahn, has struggled for game time this season, making just 12 league starts – unable to force his way into Kompany’s plans.

However, despite his limited minutes in 2024/25, he’s still managed to impress, producing numerous key figures that would bolster the Reds’ attacking department.

Games started

12

Goals & assists

9

Pass accuracy

89%

Shots on target

1.3

Chances created

2.4

Successful dribbles

3.1

Touches in opposition box

6.3

He’s still managed to register nine combined goals and assists to date, whilst registering 1.3 shots on target per 90, showcasing his threat with the ball at his feet.

Such a threat is further seen by his tally of 2.4 chances created and 3.1 successful dribbles per 90 – having the tools to further aid the likes of Mohamed Salah in forward areas.

Such a deal would certainly aid the club’s chances of replicating their success in the years to come, having the opportunity to cement themselves as the country’s best ever team.

£35m for a player of his experience and quality is a bargain in today’s market, enabling them to sign a versatile option who could easily replicate the achievements set by former teammate Gravenberch.

A big Diaz upgrade: Liverpool make approach to sign future "£100m" star

Liverpool could be about to make a move for a sensation who could replace Luis Diaz.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 30, 2025

In the absence of Harmanpreet and Ismail, the Mumbai Indians allrounder steered the ship well to take down RCB

Ashish Pant03-Mar-20242:15

Takeaways: Win toss, win games? Contrasting days for Devine and Sciver-Brunt

Regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur still not fit? Frontline fast bowler Shabnim Ismail also not available? A packed stadium rooting for the home team? No problem said Nat-Sciver Brunt as she marshalled the Mumbai Indians side with aplomb, silencing the M Chinnaswamy crowd, and on the way seeing her side catapult to the top of the WPL 2024 points table.Long before Amelia Kerr caressed a Georgia Wareham delivery through point to ace Mumbai’s 132-run chase in 15.1 overs, Sciver-Brunt had laid the foundation for the win, through her captaincy and all-round play.Right from the toss which Mumbai won and elected to field, Sciver-Brunt barely put a foot wrong. It couldn’t have been easy. With two of the most prominent names missing from the playing XI, she had a tough initiation to WPL captaincy against UP Warriorz, with Mumbai going down by seven wickets.Related

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Bhatia, Sciver-Brunt and Kerr seal clinical chase for Mumbai

Sciver-Brunt didn’t have a lot of time to reflect on the loss – just two days – and with Harmanpreet and Ismail still missing, back she was at the helm. This time though, she looked much more settled and in control from the get-go. Most of the surfaces so far in the WPL have shown a tendency to get better to bat on as the night progresses. Sciver-Brunt knew wickets would be key, so off she went ringing in the changes, in the hopes of preventing the batters from getting into rhythm.Mumbai employed four different bowlers in the first six overs. There were mostly just one-over spells with no one getting more than two at any point in the game. And the plan worked. Issy Wong sent back Smriti Mandhana in the third over with Sciver-Brunt taking a smart catch back-peddling from extra cover. The captain herself trapped S Meghana with an excellent bouncer and by the time the powerplay was done, RCB had already lost three wickets with their run rate below six an over.Barring Ellyse Perry (44) and to an extent Wareham (27), none of the RCB batters looked settled at any stage. And the credit for that should go to how well Sciver-Brunt shuffled the bowlers around and the bowlers themselves for responding to her tactics. She later returned to end the Perry-Wareham stand as well, finishing with 2 for 27 off her four overs as RCB were restricted to 131 for 6.2:38

Amelia Kerr: Nat’s been amazing in ‘incredible’ Harmanpreet’s absence

“You don’t want to bowl too many in a row apart from at the start of the game when a bowler might be swinging it, you don’t want to get lined up too much,” Sciver-Brunt said after the match. “We reviewed the game [that they lost to UP Warriorz] really the other day and put some things right today. That was a pretty complete performance from our side today and we are pretty happy in the camp.”Wong also echoed her captain’s statement about how continuous changes in bowling disrupt a batter’s rhythm.”I feel it is easier as a bowler because you never really get a chance for someone to line you up,” Wong said. “Especially in this short format, we’ve seen people bowl really good first overs, come back and bowl again and it is easier to get lined up having bowled two in a row. I think that definitely helps us bowlers, the batters don’t necessarily have that continuity.”With job done with the ball, it was now time for Sciver-Brunt the batter to shine. She came in at the fall of Yastika Bhatia’s wicket, with Mumbai already off to a flyer. Sciver-Brunt got off the mark with a cheeky reverse paddle past short third before square-driving Sophie Devine past point as Mumbai raced to 60 for 1 in their powerplay.Thereon, it was more about taking her side as close to the finishing line as possible for Sciver-Brunt. She found an ally in Kerr, who found boundaries at regular intervals while the captain was happy to turn the strike over. The duo added 49 off 35 balls for the third wicket and by the time Sciver-Brunt fell for 27, victory was only 14 runs away.Kerr, who finished the chase and ended up with an unbeaten 24-ball 40, was effusive in praise of the way Sciver-Brunt led Mumbai in Harmanpreet’s absence.”Nat has been amazing. Obviously, Harman has been an incredible leader for Mumbai. For Nat to step up the way she has, has been outstanding,” Kerr said. “She has captained England before in games and she has got a great way about it. She is very level and calm and has a good cricket brain.”I thought tonight was exceptional as well. It’s been great. We are obviously looking to having Harman back too. She is key for Mumbai, but Nat has done a great job and I think that is the beauty of this team is that everything is so seamless, and we just get on with it.”Sciver-Brunt was the fulcrum behind Mumbai’s title win in WPL 2023, with runs and wickets aplenty. Now, armed with the added responsibility of being stand-in captain, she remains undeterred. She might not be in as flawless a form as she was last season, but her presence and cricketing smarts will be essential in Mumbai’s quest to add another silverware to their cabinet.

de Kock has sounded a warning before the playoffs whereas Rinku is gone for now

Sidharth Monga19-May-20223:08

Shastri: The way de Kock played spin was fabulous to watch

Quinton de Kock does not quite have the poker face. Poker face suggests some kind of effort put in to stay neutral and emotionless. Poker face suggests the person is enjoying being there. de Kock is effortless in almost not wanting to be there. It almost feels like having to deal with the rest of the world is, to him, the price he must pay to do what he loves: play cricket.Which is why the show of emotion on reaching the century was rare. He went down on his knees, almost as if in a , and then sort of didn’t know whether to kiss the ground or touch his forehead on it but even there the helmet was in the way. It was just a spontaneous release, the awkward execution evidence that he is not used to any show of emotion.Lucknow Super Giants assistant coach Vijay Dahiya let us in on the possible reason behind that release. It turns out de Kock has been telling Dahiya for the last two-three matches that he has never felt “this good”. “How come I am not scoring runs then?” Dahiya paraphrased de Kock’s conversations with him. “One thing is for sure, the day I get in, a very long innings is due.”Related

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de Kock confirmed that at the post-match presentation. “It was just a bit of frustration that came out,” de Kock told . “The last couple of games, just the way I have been getting out. Obviously I have been feeling very good and nothing has been coming off it. So it was nice to come out and the feeling of actually having done it. Just a bit of a release. I was trying to keep it in but when I let go it just happened.”It was an innings with the de Kock hallmarks but with some initial caution that perhaps had to do with collective nerves around the team still waiting to confirm its progress into the playoffs. Once he started going, though, de Kock didn’t hold back, which is how he is known to play. No match-ups, no seeing off bowlers.The very long innings came but not at the cost of momentum. He could have easily taken it easy against the spinners but he went after them, even Sunil Narine whom nobody goes after these days, despite holding an average record against spin in the IPL. He strikes at 116.37 against spin in the IPL, but here he took 51 off 28 balls from them, including a reverse-swept six off Narine.In the end, though, we got back the de Kock we know: hardly any emotion except perhaps not wanting to be there now that the last ball had been bowled. Another man, though, would have never wanted the night to end. He brought his side desperately close to stay alive – even if for the time being – in the season. In the season that he finally went from being the specialist substitute fielder to a batter everybody is taking note of.Kolkata Knight Riders’ final moments in another inconsistent IPL season will be that of Rinku Singh fighting to save the last night and fight the break of dawn that will come to take him away. Year after year he had been on TV running after balls without getting a chance to actually play. It appeared he would go down as a piece of trivia around Knight Riders’ gamesmanship, the specialist fielder who was a great replacement for a slow bowler who was done with his quota but not good enough to actually get a decent run in the XI.It was a huge ask, but Sunil Narine and Rinku Singh weren’t about to give up•BCCIThis season was no different to begin with. It was only in their eighth match that Knight Riders brought Rinku in. They had lost four matches out of seven by then. They hardly had a middle order to speak of. It looked like a punt.Rinku didn’t immediately set the world alight, but equally apparent was this was no specialist fielder. On the morning of the third match, Rinku doodled “50” on his hand and drew a heart underneath it. In the evening he scored an unbeaten 42 off 23 to help beat Rajasthan Royals. There is a video on Knight Riders’ Twitter handle of coach Brendon McCullum using Nitish Rana as an interpreter when talking to Rinku but there is more that Rinku has communicated to McCullum without actually needing words.”Before the first game that he played, I was lucky enough to spend a little bit of time with him,” McCullum told the Knight Riders website. “He knew for his own self-worth and his own career, he needed to make a statement in this competition. He was able to do it in the first game. He’s such a great team man, a wonderful human being and the real vibe and culture of the group is set by Rinku. His older brother and Nitish Rana as well were out there with him and I think that gave him great confidence. Some players just deserve to have things go their way and Rinku is one of them.”On Wednesday night, in Knight Riders’ last league game, Rinku made that statement. The bigger batters had come and gone, and they still needed 61 off 20 balls to give themselves a chance to hope for some other results to go their way and get them a playoff spot. Nobody knows more than Rinku about that fight for hope. He hit Avesh Khan and Jason Holder for a six each before going four, six and six against Marcus Stoinis in the last over. He wanted to have more of this season, one more chance to show what he is made of because who knows what happens next season.In the ultimate irony, having brought his side to needing three off two balls, Rinku was denied by a sensational fielding effort from Evin Lewis, who has hardly had anything else to do all season.”Good things happen to good people,” McCullum said in his last press conference as Knight Riders coach before he joins with England as their Test coach. “Rinku is just an incredible story. A man who has been around IPL now for five years. He has sat on the sidelines for so long, he has worked so hard, he gives to the team every single day that he has been around. He has had to wait for his opportunity, he got it late in this tournament, and gee he has taken it. He plays the game for all the right reasons. All the reasons that I love as a coach, and as a fan of cricket. He is a guy you really want to do well.”Except that the scorecard doesn’t have space for all this. de Kock is guaranteed a playoffs spot, and a warning has been sounded: he has never felt this good. Rinku is gone for now. As is McCullum.

Liverpool are now ready to accelerate talks to sign a key defensive addition, who could put an end to Ibrahima Konate’s struggles.

Romano shares update on Slot's Liverpool future

It’s been a disastrous season for Liverpool so far. The defending champions have seen their crown go from gold to paper in a matter of 12 Premier League games. Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Anfield against Nottingham Forest turned a blip into a crisis and questions are now being asked of Arne Slot.

The Dutchman, for the first time in his Liverpool career, is under pressure to turn his side’s form around. According to Fabrizio Romano on his YouTube channel, however, the Reds are not searching for another manager just yet, even if everyone involved at the club is well aware that the current results cannot go on.

The news will come as a relief for Slot, who clearly has plenty of credit left in the bank after winning the Premier League title in his first season at the club.

There is still no denying that the Red must turn a corner sooner rather than later, though. They currently sit 12th and are on course for one of the worst title defences in Premier League history.

Having spent big in the summer, breaking their transfer record twice, those at Anfield could turn towards the January window to make further, much-needed additions.

Names such as Marc Guehi have continued to steal the headlines on that front, but reports are now claiming that Liverpool are ready to accelerate their talks to sign Goncalo Inacio.

Liverpool ready to accelerate Inacio talks

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are ready to accelerate their move to sign Inacio from Sporting CP in 2026. The impressive central defender has a release clause worth €80m (£70m) in Portugal, but that looks unlikely to be enough to fend off the interest of those at Anfield.

Xabi Alonso makes decision about Liverpool role if he is sacked by Real Madrid

The Spaniard is also under pressure in Spain.

1 ByTom Cunningham Nov 26, 2025

By signing Inacio, Liverpool would also have the chance to rub salt in the wounds of Ruben Amorim. The Manchester United boss was a big fan of the centre-back at Sporting, telling reporters: “Gonçalo is perfect for the way we play. He can defend aggressively, step up to win the ball, and then start an attack with one pass. His ability to do both phases so well is rare.

“I’ve said it before—Gonçalo has everything to play at the highest level. His technique, his vision, his bravery. He’s brilliant, and he’s still improving every day.”

Minutes

990

976

Progressive Passes

98

45

Successful Aerial Duels

24

42

Ball Recoveries

69

30

It’s also worth noting how impressive Inacio has been compared to Konate this season. If the Frenchman does leave as a free agent next summer, then Inacio would provide Liverpool with the perfect upgrade.

Liverpool launch move to sign "perfect" right-back ahead of Arsenal

Mohamed Salah’s name has dominated the headlines at Liverpool for so many years, but never as intensely, and as negatively, as in recent days.

The Egypt international’s incendiary interview after Arne Slot’s side blew their advantage and drew at Leeds United has torn at fraying fabric and left Liverpool in dangerous and unknown territory.

The iconic forward, an all-time great on Merseyside and in the Premier League, is facing the very real possibility of leaving Liverpool in January. There is a good chance he has played his last game for the club.

This is a painful situation, to be sure, but Salah is ageing and ostensibly past his prime.

Slot does, however, need to get a tune out of the club’s expensive summer signings, with Florian Wirtz’s struggles a stark representation of the dysfunctional tactical set-up.

Why Wirtz has struggled under Slot

It’s fair to say Wirtz has not been good enough this season, far below the standard expected when Liverpool signed the German midfielder for a £116m fee. It’s also fair to say he’s walked into a burning building, making it difficult to shine against the backdrop of the flames.

It is clear that when Liverpool signed Wirtz this summer, they had landed one of the most talented playmakers in the world. It was also clear that Slot planned to reorient Liverpool’s creative supply line after Trent Alexander-Arnold left for Real Madrid.

So many variables have been at play this season, but there is no excuse for the toothless, spineless performances that Liverpool have laboured through this season. Slot has to take responsibility, and he has to get more out of Wirtz, who won the Bundesliga Player of the Year in 2023/24 after steering Bayer Leverkusen to an invincible title.

Wirtz has what it takes to succeed. Claims that he lacks physicality are simply untrue. Moreover, he ranks among the top 6% of positional peers in the Premier League for progressive passes and shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref, so he needs just a little nudge in the right direction, with an uptick from Liverpool’s wider system too.

Liverpool need results, and they need them quickly.

Liverpool lining up Slot replacement

According to Anfield Index, FSG chiefs Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes have held talks with Como manager Cesc Fabregas as they continue to weigh up Slot’s future.

Fabregas, 38, is one of the brightest young coaches in the world, and he’s enjoyed a stunning start to life in Serie A, his Como side sixth in the standings.

The Spaniard’s expansive, free-flowing brand of football is not too dissimilar from Slot’s own vision, and this suggests he could dovetail into Liverpool’s first team, taking the reins at the season’s midpoint and restoring balance and confidence.

He may also be the perfect coach to give rise to Wirtz’s latent quality.

Why Liverpool should appoint Fabregas

Fabregas is a young and talented coach, but some would understandably have reservations over his youth and inexperience. However, were FSG to make the appointment, they would no doubt reference Arsenal’s meteoric rise under Mikel Arteta’s wing as a yardstick which they could follow.

Fabregas knows the Premier League, having featured 350 times in the division as a player, having scored 50 goals and supplied 117 assists across stints with Arsenal and Chelsea.

Moreover, Fabregas knows a thing or two about playmaking in the Premier League, lauded as a world-class “maestro” by former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho during his trophy-laden spell at Stamford Bridge.

Truly, he was a “genius” of a footballer, as claimed by former boss Antonio Conte, and he has translated that wealth of footballing knowledge to the coaching scene, with Como playing some slick attacking football this season while maintaining a steely defensive line, for the most part. In the words of one notable analyst on X, he’s “football’s next elite manager.”

This foundation could be perfect for Wirtz, who shares certain tactical tendencies with the rising managerial star. Look at Nico Paz, for example, who has been immense this season ahead of his much-anticipated return to Real Madrid.

Paz, 21, is one of the hottest creative talents in the business, and he has been in fine fettle for Como this season, posting five goals and five assists apiece across 15 matches in all competitions this term.

Like Wirtz, he’s as naturally gifted as they come, but he has also been tasked with defensive responsibilities that have given him a coating of completeness that Fabregas’ tactics would play into Wirtz’s own game.

One thing’s for certain, Liverpool have crumbled under Slot’s wing. After that blistering start at the beginning of last season, the Reds have slowly tapered off, shipping so many goals and losing so many games.

Arne Slot at Liverpool (2024 vs 2025)
2024	#	2025
27	Games	52
23	Wins	26
3	Draws	10
1	Losses	16
2.66	PPG	1.69
73	Goals scored	91
27	Goals conceded	69
Data via Transfermarkt

Liverpool have a whole host of problems that have shown little sign of abating this season, but among the most egregious issues are the woes of Wirtz and Alexander Isak, who look shells of their former selves.

This cannot continue. Changes are needed. While FSG will continue to persist with Slot for the time being, given that Hughes has held preliminary talks with Fabregas (and who knows who else?), we can be sure that the plug will be pulled if improvements are not seen quickly.

Fabregas, with fresh and innovative ideas, could be the shrewd solution.

Sell him before Salah & Konate: FSG must bin Liverpool's "major issue"

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1

By
Angus Sinclair

6 days ago

Sunderland fans have waited an awfully long time to see their beloved team face off against Newcastle United again in the Premier League at the Stadium of Light.

Indeed, it’s been ten long years since the Black Cats last did battle with the Magpies in the Tyne-Wear Derby on their own patch in the league, with the Wearside hosts running out as slim 1-0 victors.

Regis Le Bris would gladly take another nervy win like that right now, with Jermain Defoe the hero on the day that guided Sunderland away from their ongoing relegation troubles, with that vital strike.

Remembering Defoe's Derby Day heroics

Of course, Sunderland will feel disheartened if they come up short against their sworn enemy from Tyneside, but it’s not as make-or-break as other ties have been in recent memory between the two fierce rivals.

With six league wins already notched up this season, Le Bris and Co. are nowhere near the bottom three positions in the challenging division. But, back in April 2015, the Black Cats just about had their heads above water when facing off against John Carver’s Toon.

Thankfully, Defoe had packed his shooting boots for the tense game, with this stunning volley ending up being the difference-maker, which handed Sunderland their first win in nine league clashes, and placed the ex-Tottenham Hotspur striker firmly in the Stadium of Light good books.

Amazingly, the diminutive centre-forward would never come unstuck against Newcastle when donning Sunderland red and white, with a memorable 3-0 win also collected in 2016, while another goal in the eventful Derby would fall his way in a 1-1 draw at St James’ Park.

With Defoe further noted as loving the burden of scoring the goals to keep his team afloat, it will be intriguing to see in the here and now whether any stars will come to the surface for Le Bris who are willing to take the pressurised clash by the scruff of its neck.

One attacker could well be itching for a start to prove himself in this regard, having once been labelled as a “goal machine” by scout Jacek Kulig.

The "goal machine" who can Le Bris' answer to Defoe

Amazingly, Dick Advocaat had only occupied the Stadium of Light dug-out for two games when Defoe produced that moment of magic.

Le Bris also enters into the unknown later on today, having never overseen such a fierce and intense showdown, with a Defoe-style figure perhaps what he needs, too, to get one over on Eddie Howe’s tricky visitors, in the form of Brian Brobbey.

After all, the Dutchman has already chipped in with a memorable goal on Wearside, himself, when he powerfully got the better of David Raya late on in November to hand his new side a deserved share of the points against table-topping Arsenal.

With a further goal and assist also coming his way this season, despite just one limited Premier League start, he could be just what the doctor ordered for Sunderland in attempting to unnerve Howe and Co later on, with main striker option Wilson Isidor also deep in a six-game barren patch in front of goal in league action.

Dropping Isidor for Brobbey to lead the line might well prove to be an inspired switch, therefore, with the 23-year-old’s exposure to more game time perhaps catapulting him to reach Defoe’s insane Premier League numbers.

To date, Brobbey already has a stunning 144 goals next to his name playing for Ajax at senior level and youth level, alongside his glimpses of brilliance in England, with Defoe bowing out from his long-established Premier League career with a venomous 163 top-flight efforts.

Ajax (senior team)

163

56 + 24

Ajax U19s

41

37 + 7

Ajax U21s

34

17 + 5

Ajax U17s

25

26 + 6

RB Leipzig

14

0 + 3

Sunderland

10

2 + 1

Ajax Youth League

8

5 + 0

Sunderland U21s

1

1 + 0

Further noted as being a “natural born killer” in front of goal by Kulig, Brobbey will be chomping at the bit to be thrown in for just his second Premier League start of the season.

A bolt from the blue strike from the Amsterdam-born menace could see him be instantly held in the same high esteem as Defoe before him.

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