أعلن الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم “فيفا”، عن مشوار الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي بيراميدز، في كأس إنتركونتيننتال، حتى المباراة النهائية.
وسيشارك بيراميدز في بطولة كأس إنتركونتيننتال، التي من المقرر إقامتها نهاية العام الحالي، بمشاركة الأندية أبطال القارات.
طالع| موعد مباراة بيراميدز وأوكلاند سيتي في كأس إنتركونتيننتال مشوار بيراميدز في كأس إنتركونتيننتال
وبحسب فيفا، تقام مباراة بيراميدز وأوكلاند سيتي في التاسعة مساء يوم 14 سبتمبر المقبل، بتوقيت القاهرة والسعودية على استاد الدفاع الجوي بالقاهرة.
وتابع فيفا: “سيواجه الفائز منهما الأهلي السعودي في جدة بتاريخ 23 سبتمبر، لتحديد بطل كأس إفريقيا-آسيا-المحيط الهادئ”.
وستقام المواجهة بمدينة جدة بتاريخ 23 سبتمبر 2025 في تمام الساعة التاسعة بتوقيت مكة والقاهرة، علماً أن الفائز سيُتوج بكأس إفريقيا-آسيا-المحيط الهادئ، كما سيحجز مقعده في الدور التالي.
وبعدها ستقام ثلاث مباريات أخرى، بما فيها نهائي كأس القارات للأندية 2025، خلال شهر ديسمبر 2025.
وتبدأ الثلاث مباريات بموقعة ديربي الأمريكتين، المقررة يوم الأربعاء 10 ديسمبر 2025، بين كروز أزول المكسيكي، الفائز بنسخة 2025 من مسابقة كأس أبطال أمريكا الشمالية والوسطى والكاريبي، وبطل أمريكا الجنوبية لهذا العام نادي فلامنجو البرازيلي. موعد مباراة نصف نهائي كأس إنتركونتيننتال 2025
ستقام يوم السبت 13 ديسمبر 2025 مواجهة بين الفائزين في المباراتين 2 و3 للتنافس على كأس التحدي وحجز بطاقة التأهل للنهائي. موعد نهائي كأس إنتركونتيننتال 2025
الفائز في المباراة 4، سيواجه نادي باريس سان جيرمان، الفائز بدوري أبطال أوروبا 2024-2025، يوم الأربعاء 17 ديسمبر 2025 في نهائي كأس القارات للأندية 2025، على أن يتم الإعلان عن مكان تنظيم المباريات 3 و4 و5 في وقت لاحق.
Tottenham Hotspur have taken a risk this summer in sacking Ange Postecoglou, especially after the Aussie ended their 17-year wait for any form of silverware.
The responsibility has subsequently fallen into the hands of Thomas Frank, who was appointed as the new boss on a three-year contract, with the hierarchy forking out £10m for his signature from Brentford.
The Dane will likely be under huge pressure to make a fast start to his tenure, needing to get results on the board and help the club rise up the Premier League table.
Their lowly league standing was what subsequently cost Ange his job in North London, with Frank wanting to avoid such a repeat, which could see his job on the line in the near future.
However, if he is to have the best possible chance of replicating the Aussie, he will need additions, with owner Daniel Levy needing to provide him with the options he craves.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new signings this summer
Xavi Simons is a star who has set Europe alight this season, registering 11 goals for RB Leipzig this season, with Spurs open to making a move for his signature this window.
He’s not the only player in their sights, with Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo also under consideration ahead of a potential deal over the coming weeks.
Antoine Semenyo scores for Bournemouth
However, another name has emerged on their shortlist in recent times, with Brighton and Hove Albion talisman Joao Pedro a firm target for Frank, according to Spurs Web.
They claim that internal talks have been held in North London over a deal for the Brazilian forward, who’s set to leave the AMEX after scoring 10 Premier League goals this season.
It also states that the 23-year-old could be available for around £70m this summer, but face tough competition from Newcastle United and Chelsea for his signature.
Why Spurs’ £70m target could become Frank’s next Mbeumo
During Frank’s reign as Brentford boss, he took the club from the Championship and made them an established top-flight outfit, developing many talents in the process.
Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo celebrates after the match
Forward Bryan Mbeumo is just one example, joining from French side Troyes back in 2019, before developing into a leading Premier League star in recent months.
The Cameroonian international managed to score 20 times for the Bees in 2024/25, the most he’s registered in a single season, leading to interest from the Lilywhites and Manchester United.
It appears as though he will move to Old Trafford this window after informing Frank’s side that he’s only interested in a switch to join the Red Devils this window.
Such a decision could see Pedro become a key option for the club in the transfer window, potentially being the Dane’s new version of Mbeumo in North London.
Brighton forward Joao Pedro
The Brazilian has been labelled a similar player to the 25-year-old by FBref, managing to outperform him in numerous key areas throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
Pedro, who’s been labelled “world-class” by journalist Ryan Adsett, has posted a better goal and assist per 90 record, handing Frank the added attacking threat he will need in North London.
How Pedro compares to Mbeumo in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Pedro
Mbeumo
Games played
27
38
Goals & assists
16
27
Goals & assists (per 90)
0.74
0.71
Pass accuracy
73%
66%
Passes into final third
1.9
1.6
Take-ons completed
1.4
1.3
Fouls won
2.1
1.1
Aerials won
49%
31%
Stats via FBref
Alongside his goalscoring record, the Brighton star has also completed more passes into the final third and registered a better pass accuracy rate – able to hand out chances to those around him in the final third.
He’s also won more aerial battles and completed a higher tally of take-ons, handing an all-round and versatile option to the manager in his quest for success with the Lilywhites.
£70m may appear to be a hefty price tag for the Brazilian, but it’s a competitive fee for a player who’s been just as impressive as Mbeumo this campaign.
If he can replicate such talents for the Lilywhites next season, he has all the tools to become a fan favourite and play a huge part in the new era at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
A better signing than Mbeumo: Spurs plot move for "world-class" £76m star
Tottenham Hotspur are making moves to land a star who would be a better addition than Bryan Mbeumo.
Corteen-Coleman, MacDonald-Gay take command in death overs to edge a tight semi-final
ECB Reporters Network22-Jun-2024
Sophia Dunkley set the tempo for South East Stars•Getty Images
South East Stars 162 for 5 (Dunkley 49) beat Southern Vipers 157 for 9 (Dean 43, Corteen-Coleman 2-23) by five runsSouth East Stars held their nerve to win the chance to take on The Blaze in the final of the Charlotte Edwards Cup, beating holders Southern Vipers by five runs in a gripping semi-final that went down to the last over.Although seven wickets down, Vipers fancied that their experience would carry them through after needing 21 from the last three overs but two fine overs from Tilly Corteen-Coleman and Ryana MacDonald-Gay left them with a requirement of 10 off the final over, the key moment coming when Charlie Dean (43 from 29 balls) was run out off Tash Farrant’s second ball of that over.Sophia Dunkley (49 off 34) and Georgia Redmayne (39 off 38) had earlier shared a second-wicket stand of 74 to give the Stars a strong platform after losing skipper Bryony Smith earlier before Paige Scholfield cracked an unbeaten 34 off 22 balls to post 162 for five.Danni Wyatt struck 34 from 17 to get Vipers off to a flying start in reply but Corteen-Coleman (two for 23), Dani Gregory (two for 25) in particular bowled superbly to give Stars the edge.Having opted to bowl first, the Vipers dealt the Stars a big blow in the fourth over when Bryony Smith hauled Dean over the midwicket boundary for her second six but skewed the next delivery into the hands of extra cover, but the Stars made a bright start nonetheless, with Dunkley assuming the lead role and Redmayne offering solid support.They turned 48 for one after six overs to 92 for one after 12, giving themselves a platform to set the defending champions a testing chase.Vipers were concerned enough to turn to left-arm spinner Linsey Smith in mid-innings rather than keep her back for the death. It paid off, a flighted turning ball combined with some nifty glovework behind the stumps sending Dunkley on her way one short of a half-century. Freya Davies bowled Emma Jones in the next over to leave the Stars 109 for three with 34 balls remaining.Scholfield’s clean hitting advanced the total by 36 in three overs and though they were checked by a couple of good death overs by Charli Knott and Davies, Vipers knew they would need to bat well to win.Needing a tad over eight an over, Vipers scored at nines in the powerplay, although at a cost of two important wickets. England’s Maia Bouchier fell for two, bowled behind her legs to add to the growing list of big scalps acquired by 16-year-old left-arm spinner Corteen-Coleman. Australian all-rounder Knott hit 21 as she and Wyatt plundered 48 from 29 balls but the last ball of the opening six saw her bowled by Smith sweeping.An even bigger blow for the Vipers came as Wyatt, looking in ruthless mood and picking up her second six in the same over, hit Gregory’s leg spin down the throat of deep mid-wicket.At 84 for three at the halfway point, Vipers were still well in the chase but lost another wicket in an eventful 11th over that saw skipper Georgia Adams caught off a no-ball and dropped off a legitimate delivery before Freya Kemp was stumped as Gregory claimed a second success.When Adams then became another victim of Redmayne’s sharp hands behind the stumps off some more clever bowling by Corteen-Coleman, the balance was tilting in the Stars’ favour, an impression that was strengthened when Smith had Georgia Elwiss leg before and Rhianna Southby was run out by a brilliant throw by MacDonald-Gay running in from deep midwicket.Dean now held the key. She eased the pressure by hoisting Smith over the long-on boundary but a five-run final over from Corteen-Coleman left Vipers needing 16 from the last two overs, which became 10 from six balls after MacDonald-Gay’s last over restricted them to six singles.The decisive blow came with five balls left as Dean, at the bowler’s end after taking a single off Farrant, as non-striker, committed to running whatever Smith did at the other end but was left hopelessly out of her ground as Farrant picked up the ball in her follow through and turned to break the stumps, Vipers ultimately finishing six short of their target.
Far removed from the days of Sir Alex Ferguson’s hairdryer treatment or Brian Clough’s no-nonsense approach, players have all the power in modern football.
Teams who hover around the bottom half of the Premier League have felt the full force of player power since the rise of the ‘big six’, with the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Matheus Cunha and Kalvin Phillips moving within the top flight for huge fees in recent years.
Leeds United have dealt with their fair share of star players leaving for pastures new, including Ballon d’Or candidate Raphinha and academy starlet Archie Gray.
Leeds' record departures
Leeds’ largest ever sales
Signed for – fee
10. Chris Wood
Burnley – £14m
9. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Atletico Madrid – £14.5m
8. Luis Sinisterra
Bournemouth – £20m
7. Tyler Adams
Bournemouth – £23m
6. Crysencio Summerville
West Ham United – £25m
5. Rio Ferdinand
Manchester United – £30m
4. Archie Gray
Tottenham Hotspur – £40m
3. Georginio Rutter
Brighton – £40m
2. Kalvin Phillips
Manchester City – £42m
1. Raphinha
Barcelona – £50m
Despite Leeds’ status as a huge club with a rich history, some players are just destined for greater things, as Pascal Struijk revealed just how good Raphinha was right from the off at Elland Road: “I knew for sure that he would be able to play with a top team.
“You look at his goals and assists, which he did for us as well. When you go to a big team, it’s about how you react when you make a move like that and I always believed in his ability, I had no doubts.
“My first impression of him was, ‘this guy’s got quality’. Sometimes you have players and you see them on the pitch and you think, he’s got that bit extra. When you see him doing it in the Prem, the talent speaks for itself.”
The Brazilian left Yorkshire on good terms after scoring in the game that secured the Whites’ Premier League status for another year, but not everyone on the list above can say the same.
I was as good as Gerrard and Rooney at youth level, but only scored 3 goals for Leeds
Things didn’t really work out at Elland Road.
ByCharlie Smith Jun 5, 2025 Ferdinand: 'I was a nightmare to make Leeds sell me'
Rio Ferdinand was perhaps the most controversial transfer of his time, leaving Leeds to join arch-rivals Manchester United in 2002, going on to win six Premier League titles under Fergie as one of the greatest centre-backs of all time.
And while it may be of little surprise to the Elland Road faithful who have never forgiven the legendary England defender, he told talkSPORT this week that he refused to leave then-chairman Peter Ridsdale’s office, imploring Leeds not to haggle on their price.
That’s not to say Leeds were hard done by from a financial point of view however. Accounting for inflation, Ferdinand would be the second most expensive Premier League transfer of all time, coming in at around £200m in today’s terms.
Considering Southampton only received £75m for Van Dijk, widely regarded as the world’s best current centre-back, when he joined Liverpool in 2018, Ferdinand certainly cost the Red Devils a pretty penny.
However, his attitude towards his former employers only soured relations further after what was already a controversial move, taking advantage of the club’s financial difficulties as they plummeted to the third tier of English football.
Being a Leeds United supporter has certainly been somewhat of a rollercoaster over the last couple of years, with the club always in the middle of some form of drama on or off the pitch.
From big-money departures to Wembley defeats and title victories, the fans have truly been through it all, with another new chapter appearing on the horizon in the coming months.
After promotion from the Championship back to the Premier League, it hands the Whites a fresh opportunity to create new history and cement themselves as one of England’s greats.
Leeds United manager DanielFarkebefore the match
They will face a huge task to beat the drop, given the gap between the two divisions, but after their ninth-placed finish back in their previous return to the top flight is evidence that they can defy the odds.
If they are to break the mould, investment is needed, but it’s also pivotal that players who are not required are moved on to provide boss Daniel Farke with added funds to make changes.
The latest on Leeds players who could leave Elland Road this summer
Striker Patrick Bamford has failed to deliver throughout 2024/25, not scoring a single goal across all competitions, leading to rumours about his future in Yorkshire.
He’s been linked with a move to newly promoted Championship side Wrexham, which could lead to a permanent move away, looking to cash in given the fact he has just one year left on his current deal.
The 31-year-old won’t be the last player to depart Elland Road this window, with full-back Junior Firpo also touted with an exit, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
He confirmed that the Dominican international has been approached by his former side, Real Betis, over a return to the LaLiga outfit, with his contract set to expire in just over two weeks.
The Whites have made an offer to extend his stay in Yorkshire, but as of yet, no agreement has been reached, with the defender looking more likely to leave given the time remaining on his deal.
Why Leeds’ £60k-p/w star could be a repeat of Summerville
Crysencio Summerville captured the hearts of the Leeds fanbase during his spell at Elland Road, producing numerous moments of magic after breaking into the first team setup.
Leeds winger Crysencio Summerville
His first major moment came back in October 2022, coming off the bench to score the winner against Liverpool at Anfield – in a game which was undoubtedly the highlight of the 2022/23 campaign.
The Dutchman would become a key member of the side after relegation to the Championship, scoring 20 times and registering nine assists, but it wasn’t enough as the club lost in the play-off final against Southampton.
He would subsequently depart and join West Ham United in a £25m deal last summer, banking a huge profit but losing one of their shining lights in the process.
Whilst Firpo would be leaving for nothing, it could see a repeat of a deal for Summerville, with both players moving on after impressive years in the second tier, with the defender notching 14 goal contributions this season.
Leeds United's JuniorFirpoin action with Bristol City's Max Bird
The defender, who also earns £60k-per-week, has matched the Dutchman in struggling in the top flight previously in Yorkshire, leading to many fans previously voicing their displeasure over his performances, with such a move freeing up money off the wage bill.
The winger has struggled with injuries since his subsequent move to the top tier, starting just seven league games this season, with the deal now favouring the Whites despite the disappointment at the time.
Junior Firpo’s stats for Leeds in the Championship (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
32
Goals & assists
14
Pass accuracy
83%
Chances created
1.7
Touches in opposition box
4.1
Duels won
6.3
Tackle success rate
52%
Stats via FotMob
Such a deal allowed for Manor Solomon to move to the club, handing Farke an added talent whilst banking good money, something which could replicate itself with Firpo this summer.
Understandably, given his form at Elland Road, no fan would want to lose the defender, with continuity crucial if the side are to beat the drop throughout 2025/26.
However, if the full-back doesn’t want to stay, it would be best to part ways this month and make a move for a player who could fill the void in Yorkshire.
Should he struggle to make an impact away from the club like Summerville, it would be a good decision to allow him to depart, putting trust in the hierarchy to recruit a suitable replacement in the coming months.
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Football might have stopped for a few months, but the powers that be at Arsenal can’t afford to take a break.
The transfer window is here, and with it, the Gunners have the chance to close the gap between Premier League rivals Liverpool.
However, while the impending signing of Martin Zubimendi is undoubtedly exciting, Mikel Arteta and Co need to add some attacking stardust to the team, as the Reds look intent on bringing the incredible Florian Wirtz to Anfield in the coming weeks.
Bayer Leverkusen's FlorianWirtz
Fortunately, recent reports have linked the North Londoners with another international superstar who has won comparisons to the German monster and could, therefore, be their answer to him.
Arsenal transfer news
Before we get to the superstar in question, it’s worth looking at some other exciting attackers who have been touted for a move to Arsenal in recent weeks, like Rafael Leao and Ademola Lookman.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The former could cost up to a staggering £145m thanks to a release clause in his contract, but with a tally of 12 goals and 13 assists in 50 games this season, he’d undoubtedly improve the Gunners’ frontline.
Lookman, on the other hand, would cost far less at around £55m but has actually been even more impressive than the Portuguese international this season, racking up a haul of 20 goals and seven assists in 40 games for Atalanta.
Ademola Lookman for Atalanta
Yet, to match a signing like Wirtz, Arteta and Co need someone of comparable significance in the eyes of football fans, someone like Rodrygo.
Yes, according to a recent report from Spanish outlet AS, Arsenal have maintained their intense interest in the Real Madrid superstar.
In fact, the report claims that alongside other suitors like Manchester City and Chelsea, the Gunners are now ‘moving’ for the talented winger, who is awaiting a conversation with new manager Xabi Alonso to determine his future at the club.
The report does not mention a potential price, but according to other stories last month, the former Santos star could be available for around £85m.
It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Rodrygo’s immense ability and stature in the game, this is a transfer Arsenal should fight for, especially as he’s won comparisons with Wirtz.
Why Rodrygo could be Arsenal's answer to Wirtz
So, before we go into the other reasons why Rodrygo could be Arsenal’s answer to Wirtz this summer, it’s important to examine this comparison to the German and where it even comes from.
In this instance, it stems from FBref, which looks at players in similar positions in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, before creating a list of the ten most comparable players.
By doing this, it has been concluded that the Bayer Leverkusen star is the seventh most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Real ace across the last 365 days.
Rodrygo & Wirtz
Statistic per 90
Rodrygo
Wirtz
Progressive Carries
5.28
5.02
Progressive Passes Received
11.8
11.8
Goals per Shot
0.11
0.11
Key Passes
2.29
2.18
Crosses
3.79
3.87
Aerial Duels Won
0.33
0.34
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season
The best way to see how this is worked out is by taking a look at the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, including but not limited to progressive carries, goals per shot, key passes, crosses, aerial duels won and more, all per 90.
However, besides having some undeniably statistical similarities to the Bundesliga winner, the “terrifyingly good” Brazilian, as dubbed by journalist Sam Tighe, would also be moving to one of next season’s Premier League challengers.
Moreover, as the 24-year-old would be moving to the Emirates from Los Blancos, it would have a similar project-defining feel and be just as much of a statement as the Merseysides signing the Pulheim-born gem.
Ultimately, while it wouldn’t be cheap, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Rodrygo this summer, as it would be an unmistakable signal to their title rivals that they are not planning on going anywhere anytime soon.
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The sensational talent would be a real needle-mover for Arsenal.
Birmingham City really were in a league of their own at the summit of League One.
Chris Davies’ men blew away all of their competition with a mammoth 34 wins being picked up across 46 clashes, leading to the Blues ending the memorable campaign with a record-breaking 111 points next to their name.
The attack regularly stole the headlines as Jay Stansfield and Alfie May terrorised many a League One defence, but Birmingham also finished the season with the meanest defence when shipping just 34 strikes.
Still, Davies and Co will know the Championship will be a far trickier level when it comes to collecting clean sheets galore, with reported target Harry Darling one potential defensive purchase the Blues could now make heading into next campaign.
Birmingham's pursuit of Darling
The newly crowned champions of the third tier could end up landing Darling on a free transfer with his future at Swansea City remaining on shaky ground.
Undoubtedly, the 25-year-old could settle in nicely to his new environment at St. Andrew’s as a confident and composed performer out from the back, away from the brute forces already at Davies’ disposal in Christoph Klarer and Krystian Bielik.
Indeed, Darling would close out his impressive individual season with the Swans by chipping in with five league goals and three assists, on top of also averaging an unerring 53.9 accurate passes per league clash.
But, Birmingham could well land themselves a better signing than the in-demand centre-back by opting to go for this more experienced figure instead, who already knows the lay of the land in the West Midlands.
Harry Darling for Swansea City.
Exceptional target could be better than Darling for Birmingham
Davies won’t want to make wholesale changes for the sake of it, knowing full well his runaway League One leaders should be able to acclimatise back to the Championship smoothly.
Therefore, instead of signing Darling, the Blues could go all in to snap up former loanee Ben Davies on a permanent deal, with GIVEMESPORT revealing that this could soon be a deal that goes ahead, albeit after his parent side, Rangers, have appointed a new manager.
Darling might well be fresh off a stylish season with the Swans, but Davies is already very firmly in the hearts of Birmingham supporters for his battling performances that saw the Blues coast to the League One title.
Moreover, there’s no guarantee that the 25-year-old would be able to come in and complement the likes of Klarer and Bielik immediately. Whereas, with a season already done alongside the Austrian and the ex-Derby County man, it’s safe to say Davies knows all the quirks of their respective games and how he is able to slot in alongside them to form an imposing back-line.
Davies’ league numbers (24/25) vs Klarer’s vs Bielik’s
Stat (* = per game)
Davies
Klarer
Bielik
Games played
35
43
32
Goals scored
1
1
1
Assists
1
3
0
Touches*
88.6
91.8
72.4
Accurate passes*
67.9 (88%)
68.4 (88%)
52.3 (88%)
Ball recoveries*
3.3
3.5
4.1
Clearances*
6.2
5.6
3.3
Total duels won*
6.3
7.5
5.8
Clean sheets
20
18
6
Stats by Sofascore
Looking at the table above, it’s no great shock to realise that Birmingham had the sternest defence in the division, with Davies picking up 20 clean sheets across 35 league clashes. Moreover, the 29-year-old’s gleaming average of nearly 70 accurate passes per game even betters Darling’s high amount.
With 151 career games already under his belt in the Championship too, it does feel like a no-brainer of a decision to make to bring back the “exceptional” defender, as he was lauded by his manager last season, over adding Darling into the camp.
Davies has already shown he’s more than ready for a return to the second tier by bossing League One, meaning a permanent deal will surely be struck up soon.
Birmingham could sign their next Redmond with move for "outstanding" star
Birmingham City could sign an updated version of Nathan Redmond with this outstanding attacker.
Super-agent Pini Zahavi is keen for one of his illustrious clients to join Arsenal after previous transfer talks, with there being a preference for him to make an Emirates Stadium move if he does choose a Premier League switch.
Arsenal set to seal Martin Zubimendi deal
On Saturday morning, some extremely significant news broke from the Emirates Stadium, courtesy of the ever-reliable Fabrizio Romano.
World's "second-best" player expected to join Arsenal with groundwork done
He’d be quite the signing for Arteta.
ByEmilio Galantini May 9, 2025
After months of advanced talks, which first came to light in January (The Mail), Romano has now confirmed that Arsenal are set to sign Zubimendi from Real Sociedad and will trigger his £51 million release clause – giving his signature ‘here we go’ to the deal.
Arsenal’s final Premier League games
Date
Liverpool (away)
May 11th
Newcastle United (home)
May 18th
Southampton (away)
May 25th
The Spain international has pledged to sign a long-term contract in north London, one year after Zubimendi rejected a move to Liverpool, and he is now set to become Andrea Berta’s first signing as new sporting director.
Zubimendi’s capture is an undoubted boost for Mikel Arteta, and he will come in as a direct replacement for Jorginho after the Italy international agreed pre-contract terms on a summer move to Flamengo.
With Zubimendi’s arrival seemingly wrapped up, attention turns to who could follow the 26-year-old to N5.
Arsenal are considering the possibility of signing an alternative to Bukayo Saka on the right-hand side, and they remain linked with a move for Bayern Munich star Leroy Sané.
Pini Zahavi keen on Leroy Sané joining Arsenal
The £244,000-per-week forward recently switched agents, employing Zahavi, and that has apparently thrown a spanner in the works of a potential new contract at Bayern.
It has provided some hope Arsenal can strike a free deal for Sane, with Bundesliga insider Christian Falk suggesting Zahavi is keen for his client to end up there if they opt for a Premier League transfer.
Zahavi has a preference for Sane joining Arsenal over Newcastle, as per Falk, if fresh terms with Bayern cannot be agreed.
“Pini is on the prowl. Zahavi is checking out clubs in England and there are a few,” said Falk on the Bayern Insider podcast.
“The player’s previous management had already negotiated with Arsenal, but now there’s a club that actually had its eye on Kingsley Coman, but now a player who plays a similar position, and the club is in the north.
“So, Newcastle is among the candidates being checked out. Leroy Sané actually wants to play in the Champions League, that’s his goal, that’s his aspiration.
“Newcastle is being discounted a bit, they also have great potential, of course, always with the sponsors, but I’d say if things don’t work out at Bayern, the clear focus is on England. Preferably towards London, but Newcastle is also a good alternative.”
Amid a sea of red celebration at Anfield on Sunday, the cameras panned for a moment on Liverpool head coach Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes, locked in conversation.
Have the conversations relating to improvements already begun? What, indeed, do these discussions pertain to? Are Liverpool now focusing on the additions which will surely rain down on this incredible Reds squad, which has been so dominant in the Premier League yet clearly needs reinforcing across a range of positions?
With Darwin Nunez expected to leave at the end of the season, much has been made of Liverpool’s conundrum at number nine. Alexander Isak would be a golden ticket toward the next level in Slot’s project, but Newcastle United will demand north of £150m for their talisman. It might not happen, sadly.
A robust midfield could do with another part, and Andy Robertson’s waning influence and athleticism has seen Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez placed at the top of the shopping list, report The Times.
Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have renewed their contracts but Hughes will no doubt be thinking about signing understudies who could bloom into superstars down the line.
Then there’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose resolution to a protracted saga feels right around the corner.
The latest on Alexander-Arnold's future
No one can dispute Alexander-Arnold’s passion as he capered around after Liverpool defeated Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, sealing the Premier League title for the second time in his career.
However, it’s also becoming increasingly difficult to argue that the 26-year-old will be playing his football in a Liverpool shirt next season, now on the eve of free agency.
Salah and Van Dijk have committed the final few years of their primes to Anfield, but Alexander-Arnold has stayed radio silent with Real Madrid working tooth and nail to bring him to La Liga.
Reds supporters have attempted to theorise scenarios in which Trent is staying, flashes of hopeless hope, however, with those such as Fabrizio Romano revealing that a deal is all but done, it seems this is one pill that the club will have to swallow during an momentous achievement.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool Career by Competition
Competition
Apps
Goals
Assists
Premier League
255
18
66
Champions League
60
2
13
FA Cup
13
1
3
Carabao Cup
10
0
6
Europa League
5
0
2
Club World Cup
2
0
1
CL Qualifying
2
0
1
Community Shield
2
1
0
UEFA Super Cup
1
0
0
Stats via Transfermarkt
However, it’s frankly unlikely that Romano is simply acting as a mouthpiece for Los Blancos. The esteemed transfer journalist has repeatedly stressed that the England international’s Bosman move is in the final stages, with all parties confident that a deal will be struck.
Moreover, the word on the street is that Liverpool are scouring the market for a successor; Conor Bradley is an exciting talent but he missed out with injury once again on Sunday and cannot, surely, be Slot’s only real option next term.
Liverpool right-back Conor Bradley
With that in mind, Liverpool appear to be aiming for the stars.
Liverpool chasing exciting Trent replacement
According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are among clubs interested in signing Jules Kounde and are being kept informed on his situation at Barcelona, though Chelsea appear to have the lead at this stage.
The Frenchman, who scored the winning goal in Saturday’s hotly-contested Clasico Copa del Rey final, is about to enter the penultimate year of his contract at Camp Nou, and his future is up in the air.
Barcelona's Jules Kounde
With Liverpool potentially in need of a high-class right-back, this could be a dream deal for Slot’s side, though Kounde wouldn’t come cheap, with Chelsea reportedly willing to offer €80m (£68m).
What Jules Kounde would add to Slot's squad
Barcelona signed Kounde from Sevilla for a reported £42m fee in 2022, beating Chelsea to the France international’s signature.
FC Barcelona's JulesKoundein action
He’s since amassed 140 appearances for La Blaugrana, scoring seven goals and providing 18 assists for his teammates. A regular dynamo, Kounde is versatile, balanced and robust in his performances, having actually been described as “one of the best defenders in the world” by his former boss Xavi.
This season, for example, he ranks among the top 11% of full-backs in La Liga for pass completion, the top 3% for passes attempted and the top 7% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.
Such metrics highlight, clearly, the ball-playing ability that Slot would make fantastic use of. He differs from Alexander-Arnold, but you can see that his passing game would still add a dimension to and enrich Liverpool’s defence.
Barcelona'sJulesKoundecelebrates scoring their second goal with Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and teammates
Though the 26-year-old has only supplied three assists across 29 league fixtures under Hansi Flick this term, it’s clear this is a more stylistic choice, indeed completing 89% of his passes, as per Sofascore, working tirelessly toward promoting build-up play, funnelling the ball into the danger areas, where the likes of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha can wreak havoc.
That’s not to say he’s averse to his playmaking duties, of course. See below.
They can be a tad frustrating at times, but you can’t deny FSG know their stuff. Replacing Klopp was an impossible task, and so they opted not to.
Slot is cut from a different cloth. His tactical expertise aligns in some lanes with the German’s, but he’s a different character, cooler, more businesslike. Fist pumps after exhilarating victories, there are not.
In the same way, Liverpool simply won’t succeed in replacing a one-of-a-kind star such as Alexander-Arnold. Kounde is different, but bears some similarities.
Liverpool'sTrentAlexander-Arnoldwalks off the pitch
Kounde’s “enormous potential” was sounded out by talent scout Jacek Kulig before he got his big Barcelona move, and the defender has proved ever since that he has the capacity for greatness.
It’s exactly what Liverpool need at right-back, and if the finances are there, he should be signed this summer.
Liverpool's incredible title winner is now as undroppable as Mac Allister
Liverpool’s stars shined as they thrashed Spurs to seal the Premier League title at Anfield.
Liverpool are on the march towards their second title of the Premier League era and Arne Slot is now willing to sweep aside rivals to secure the signature of an elite young talent at Anfield, per reports.
Liverpool aim for exciting summer with league title in sight
Despite a battling display from Everton in midweek, Liverpool prevailed against their rivals in a must-win clash to tick off another important milestone on their journey to becoming champions.
Arsenal may be lingering in the distance, but it would take a monumental collapse for the Reds to avoid taking the crown off a Manchester City side that is beginning a major transition under Pep Guardiola.
Liverpool's Arne Slot and Luis Diaz
Arne Slot won’t want to pass up the opportunity of tempting high-calibre individuals to join him at Anfield, so it doesn’t come as a surprise to hear that Liverpool are keen to bring in Atalanta’s Ederson this summer for a fee in the region of £51 million.
Furthermore, the Reds are set to intensify talks regarding Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo to strengthen their backline, which appears to be a key point of contention amid Virgil van Dijk’s ongoing contract wrangle.
Mohamed Salah hasn’t signed a new deal, while heavy rumours linking Trent Alexander-Arnold with a Real Madrid switch have left a slightly bitter taste as Liverpool cross their final hurdles of the season.
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Planning in advance appears to be the modus operandi at Liverpool. The Premier League elite will be desperate to position themselves with a chance of claiming the league crown next season, and Slot needs to be on his guard to forego any sign of complacency.
Now, Liverpool have set their sights on a potential star of the future who is also attracting interest from several other clubs ahead of the summer window.
Liverpool position themselves for Vasco Da Gama talent Rayan Vitor
According to TBR, Liverpool are in the hunt for Vasco Da Gama star Rayan Vitor, who is also attracting interest from Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Becoming a long-term target, the 18-year-old has been on the radar at Anfield since he was 16 and was labelled a similar player to former Brazil star Adriano by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig.
Rayan Vitor statistics in 2025
Shots
3
Shots on target
2
Pass accuracy
69.2%
Duels won
6
Possession won in final third
3
Heralded for his “powerful” nature by ex-Vasco Da Gama coach Rafael Paiva, Rayan has registered five goals and one assist in 47 appearances for Vasco Da Gama’s senior side and is also a current Brazil Under-20 international.
Unlikely to immediately become a first-team fixture at Liverpool, the winger is deemed likely to move on this summer and would be afforded grace as a slow burner while he continues to develop physically and tactically.
Nevertheless, bringing the versatile talent to Anfield would be a statement of intent as Slot aims to build a dynasty on Merseyside over the next few years.