Na sala de imprensa do Centro de Treinamento Alcides Santos, o lateral-esquerdo argentino Gonzalo Escobar disse, em sua entrevista coletiva de apresentação oficial no Fortaleza, quais foram os elementos primordiais para que ele deixasse o Ibiza-ESP e rumasse ao Leão do Pici.
Para ele, pontos como a estrutura dada pelo Tricolor, poder trabalhar em um grupo que tem outros argentinos (Brítez, Lucero, Pochettino, Silvio Romero e o técnico Juan Pablo Vojvoda) e a chance de disputar o Campeonato Brasileiro tiveram peso considerável na sua decisão.
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>Assista aos jogos do seu clube do coração com aquela gelada! Copo Stanley a partir de R$ 120,00
– Antes de tudo, foi importante a estrutura do clube, por estar em crescimento, Vojvoda é exigente, trabalha muito bem, é um grupo unido e de humildade. Tem muitos argentinos, então era mais tranquilo vir sabendo que eles sabem falar comigo. Eu me sinto muito bem, darei 100% de mim. Estava analisando várias propostas, mas quando apareceu o Fortaleza, eu pensei no Brasileirão, um desafio grande para mim, melhor liga sul-americana, eu acho.
Desde o último dia 11 de julho, Escobar tem a sua situação documental devidamente regularizada em relação ao Boletim Informativo Diário (BID) da CBF.
Desta forma, cabe a comissão do Fortaleza determinar quando acontecerá sua estreia, sendo a próxima oportunidade o jogo do próximo sábado (22), contra o Palmeiras, pelo Campeonato Brasileiro. A partida em questão, marcada para às 16h (de Brasília), acontecerá no Allianz Parque.
Sam Konstas has left Sri Lanka ahead of Australia’s second Test in Galle to play Sheffield Shield for NSW
AAP and ESPNCricinfo staff04-Feb-2025Sam Konstas’ Sri Lanka tour is officially over with the teenage star returning to Australia to play Sheffield Shield cricket for New South Wales.Despite an impressive first two Tests, Konstas was replaced at the top of the batting order by the more experienced Travis Head in last week’s series opener in Galle.With Head making a speedy half-century to set the tone for Australia’s big win, Konstas was set to miss selection again for the second match beginning Thursday.Related
Travis Head expects Sam Konstas to open in WTC final
Head to replace Konstas as opener against Sri Lanka
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Konstas trained with the team at their main session in Galle on Tuesday before packing his bags to fly back to Australia in the evening, Cricket Australia confirmed.Australia selectors determined the 19-year-old would be better served lining up for NSW against Queensland on Saturday at the Gabba – a Test venue at which he has never played – than watching from the sidelines in Galle. The selectors value players getting experience at home Test venues. It was part of the reason Nathan McSweeney got the nod at the start of the Border-Gavaskar series, as Konstas has not played at either the Gabba or Adelaide Oval.Australia will have adequate concussion substitutes in Konstas’ absence, with 15 remaining in the squad as well as development player Tanveer Sangha.The tour was Konstas’ first with the Australian squad to the subcontinent, but he previously attended development camps in Chennai and Sri Lanka.He may have an additional opportunity to hone his skills against spin with an Australia A tour of India in the works for later in 2025.After his famous start to life as a Test player, the Sri Lanka tour may have shaped as underwhelming for Konstas, who missed selection and was then struck down by a stomach bug.But Head said Konstas would have learnt from the touring experience.”Sam’s a big part of where we’re going, there’s no doubt about it,” Head said. “Disappointed that he missed out on the first Test but great for him to be here, great for him to be experiencing conditions.”Head expected Konstas would return to the top of the batting order when Australia travelled to England for the World Test Championship Final against South Africa in June.”Most likely I’ll go back in the middle order and Sam will open,” Head said.
O Palmeiras entra em campo neste sábado, às 18h30, para enfrentar o Bragantino, no Allianz Parque. O jogo pode valer a volta do Verdão para a liderança do Brasileirão enquanto espera o resultado do Botafogo. No entanto, a partida pode significar mais alguns feitos históricos para esse time de Abel Ferreira. Caso vença o jogo, o Alviverde estabelecerá dois recordes importantes em sua arena: de vitórias e de invencibilidade.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasDudu ainda vê margem de melhora para o Palmeiras e exalta ambiente no clube: ‘Amo estar aqui’ Palmeiras12/05/2023PalmeirasTem lugar no time? Abel Ferreira participa de atividade em treino do Palmeiras; veja fotosPalmeiras12/05/2023PalmeirasCom mudanças, Palmeiras finaliza preparação para enfrentar o Bragantino; veja provável timePalmeiras12/05/2023
+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui
Ao bater o Massa Bruta neste sábado, o Palmeiras pode atingir o recorde isolado de vitórias consecutivas na história do Allianz Parque, inaugurado em 2014. Atualmente, com dez triunfos seguidos (desde 9 de fevereiro deste ano), já igualou a antiga melhor marca isolada, registrada entre janeiro e abril de 2022. Ou seja, dois feitos históricos na Era Abel Ferreira.
Com uma vitória sobre o Bragantino, o Verdão também pode alcançar a maior série invicta da história da arena. O retrospecto atual é de 27 jogos sem derrota (21 vitórias e seis empates) desde julho de 2022 e está a um do recorde de 28 jogos alcançado entre agosto de 2016 e junho de 2017 (21 vitórias e sete empates). Naquele período, o Alviverde conquistou o Campeonato Brasileiro de 2016.
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Neste ano, o Palmeiras está invicto no Allianz Parque e, por enquanto, registra o melhor aproveitamento da história, com 88,8% de aproveitamento (dez vitórias e dois empates em 12 jogos) contra 82,8% de 2022.
O Verdão é o time da Série A com melhor campanha como mandante nesta temporada (aproveitamento de 90,47%, seguido pelo Athletico-PR, com 89,74%). Pelo Campeonato Brasileiro, tem 100% de aproveitamento em casa, com três vitórias em três jogos, todos no Allianz Parque. A última derrota em casa pela competição foi em julho de 2022, para o Furacão.
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+ Palmeiras x Bragantino: onde assistir, prováveis escalações e desfalques
Vale lembrar que, dos últimos 106 jogos, independentemente do adversário, do campeonato ou do mando de campo, o Palmeiras só perdeu nove, somando 70 vitórias e 27 empates. Foram apenas três derrotas nas 42 partidas mais recentes (Internacional, na última rodada do Brasileiro 2022, com o título já garantido; Água Santa, no jogo de ida da final do Paulista 2023; e Bolívar-BOL, pela Libertadores 2023).
O Alviverde é o vice-líder do Brasileirão com 13 pontos em cinco rodadas. Com três pontos de diferença para o terceiro colocado, o Verdão somente perde a segunda posição caso seja ultrapassado no saldo de gols. Já para ser líder, será preciso vencer e torcer para um tropeço do Botafogo, que atualmente está no topo da tabela. Os cariocas enfrentam o Goiás, fora de casa, neste domingo, às 18h30.
John Cena is one of the most recognisable names in the world, whether it be for his wrestling or acting.
A WWE icon, Cena is set to retire from the sports entertainment business at the end of 2025, more than 23 years on from making his Smackdown debut. The American has had 17 separate WWE championship reigns, more than any other wrestler in the history of the business.
WWE Champion
14
WWE World Heavyweight Champion
3
WWE United States Championship
5
WWE Tag Team Championship
4
Money in the Bank winner
2012
Royal Rumble winner
2008, 2013
Due to his status, he has regularly been at the centre of numerous interviews away from the ring throughout his career, being asked questions not focused on wrestling.
Previously, when speaking to the BBC, Cena was quizzed on all things football, from his favourite player and Premier League team, to what role he would like if he was involved in the sport.
John Cena names Ronaldo the football 'GOAT'
When asked who his favourite player was, Cena chose Cristiano Ronaldo over Lionel Messi. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star is still going strong in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr and is showing no signs of slowing up in front of goal.
Ronaldo, who was won five Ballon d’Or awards, holds the record for the most international appearances and international goals with Portugal.
John Cena names favourite Premier League team
When asked who his preferred team is in England, Cena name-checked Tottenham Hotspur, citing a time when he visited White Hart Lane back in 2008 during a tour of the UK with the WWE.
With Spurs seemingly Cena’s favourite team and Ronaldo his best-ever player, Cena was then asked where he would play if he was a footballer. Instead of giving a position, the wrestling star fancied himself on the sidelines.
“If I were to play myself, I would be on the bench because I have watched a few games, and it is a lot of running – I don’t run very well, or very far. I could maybe go in goal but there is a lot of pressure on the goalie, because the net is so big and the goalies are so small, so it is tough to block the shots. So, I think being an inspirational coach might be my best role.”
Liverpool’s attempts to sign an “incredible” player in the summer transfer window have now collapsed, according to a new update.
New Liverpool kit and squad numbers confirmed
The Reds are edging closer to beginning the defence of their Premier League title, starting with a home clash against a dangerous Bournemouth side on August 15th.
Liverpool will do so in their new Adidas kit, having officially started a 10-year deal with them on Friday, following a stint being sponsored by Nike. Supporters are clearly excited about the strip, getting to see their heroes donning it in the coming weeks.
Not only that, but the Reds’ squad numbers for the 2025/26 season have also been confirmed, with star signing Florian Wirtz being given the legendary No.7 shirt worn by the likes of Kevin Keegan, Kenny Dalglish and Luis Suarez, as well as the recently departed Luis Diaz.
Liverpool’s club shop have made a lovely gesture by including the late Diogo Jota in the squad list, too, following his tragic passing last month, as Arne Slot and his players prepare for an emotional campaign without the Portuguese attacker.
Liverpool's move for "incredible" defender collapses
Away from kit news, transfer updates continue to arrive, with The Boot Room claiming that Liverpool’s potential move for Nantes centre-back Nathan Zeze has collapsed.
FSG were willing to pay the £21.5m asking price to sign the defender as a replacement for Jarell Quansah, but he has accepted a huge offer with Saudi based Neom Sports Club instead.
Journalist Graeme Bailey shed further light on the situation, saying: “Neom are making waves following their promotion, but this deal has caught many in Europe by surprise. He is a player on the brink of the France senior squad, who could have moved to England or Spain, but he has opted for Saudi. Although not huge in terms of finances, this is a very big deal for the Saudi Pro League.”
Nathan Zeze in action for Nantes
A new centre-back is needed for Liverpool this summer, with Quansah’s move to Leverkusen leaving Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez as the only genuine options, with the latter pair plagued by injuries during their respective careers.
Zeze could have been a strong young addition, with the 20-year-old pushing to be a fixture in France’s senior setup, but Neom have proved to be too good to turn down in a financial sense.
Bigger mistake than Diaz: Liverpool ready to sell Slot's "monster" for £47m
Liverpool sold Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich, and now face the exit of another star player.
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Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi has always felt like the ideal centre-back signing for Liverpool this summer, though, and they should continue to pursue him.
كشف الإعلامي أحمد شوبير، عن تطورات جديدة تخص أزمة أرض نادي الزمالك في مدينة السادس من أكتوبر.
وتتواصل المفاوضات في الوقت الحالي بين مسئولي الزمالك ووزارة الإسكان من أجل استعادة الأرض بعد سحبها.
طالع.. خاص | سبب استبعاد شيكو بانزا من مباريات الزمالك
وقال شوبير، عبر برنامجه الإذاعي: “من محادثة مع مسؤول مهم داخل مجلس إدارة نادي الزمالك عن تطورات أزمة سحب أرض أكتوبر، قال لي بالنص ننتظر انفراجة في الأسبوع المقبل، قلت له بناء على كلامك السابق، أنا قلت هذا الكلام من قبل”.
وتابع: “قال لي والله بناء على الكلام المقال لنا فنحن ننتظر انفراجة كبيرة الأسبوع المقبل، وقدمنا كل الأدلة والمستندات التي تدعم موقفنا”.
وأكد شوبير نقلًا عن المسئول في الزمالك، على عدم وجود أي مشاريع بشأن بناء تجمع سكني “كومباوند” على الأرض أو فندق على الإطلاق”.
واختتم: “الاستثمارات التي تم الاتفاق عليها كانت على 15% فقط من الأرض، لكن لا يزال هناك تباعد في وجهات النظر بين إدارة الزمالك والمسؤولين بشأن الاتفاق على الاستثمارات”.
For all of Andre Onana’s errors last season – having made three of them leading to a goal in the Premier League – it was arguably at the other end of the pitch where Manchester United’s problems lay in 2024/25.
Indeed, the Red Devils ended the campaign having just scored 44 top-flight goals, with rivals – and champions – Liverpool having reached almost double that tally (86) on their way to title glory.
Such woes were notably epitomised in Erik ten Hag’s final game, with the Old Trafford side slipping to a 2-1 defeat to West Ham United on the road, as Diogo Dalot inexplicably missed an open goal for the profligate visitors.
Things didn’t exactly improve even amid Ruben Amorim’s arrival, with United looking particularly limp in the 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final, having failed to convert any of their three ‘big chances’.
The dream squad Man Utd could build: £152m trio & "mini-Salah" all sign
It’s not just the starting XI that is in need of a rebuild at Manchester United…
ByRobbie Walls Jul 6, 2025
With pre-season now underway and the new campaign looming, the question remains just where the goals will come from for Amorim’s side in 2025/26 – well, AI tool ChatGPT has the answers…
Defenders
Desperate times called for desperate measures in 2024/25, with Amorim repeatedly resorting to deploying Harry Maguire as a makeshift striker, having notably stated after the win over Lyon that the 32-year-old centre-back is “the only guy that can score a goal with his head”.
Of course, the Englishman had come up trumps at the death against the Ligue 1 side, having also produced further heroics throughout the campaign, namely away to Porto in the Europa League and at home to Leicester City in the FA Cup.
With the forwards toiling, up stepped Maguire and his defensive colleagues to deliver the goods when needed, with the injury-hit Lisandro Martinez scoring a vital winner away at Fulham, having also scored a stunning opener in the 2-2 draw at Anfield back in January. Leny Yoro, meanwhile got off the mark away to Lyon in the quarter-final first-leg.
With Matthijs de Ligt also an aerial threat at 6 foot 4, the Red Devils do at least have a set-piece presence to fall back on, although more will be needed from those on the flanks, with Patrick Dorgu still yet to open his account for the club.
The suggestion from ChatGPT is that the young Dane will chip in next term, alongside both Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw, albeit with no player from the defensive unit expected to exceed four goals in all competitions in 2025/26.
Predicted goals:
Centre-backs – Matthijs de Ligt (3-4 goals), Harry Maguire (2-3), Lisandro Martinez (2-3), Leny Yoro (1-2), Ayden Heaven (0-2)
Full-backs – Diogo Dalot (2-3), Luke Shaw (1-2), Patrick Dorgu (1-2), Noussair Mazraoui (1-2)
Midfielders
The man who led the way for both goals and assists last season, Bruno Fernandes will likely have another vital role to play next season, having shunned Saudi interest to stay put in Manchester.
Man Utd – 2024/25 squad stats
Player
Goals & Assists
Goals
Assists
Bruno Fernandes
39
19
20
Alejandro Garnacho
21
11
10
Amad Diallo
20
11
9
Rasmus Hojlund
14
10
5
Joshua Zirkzee
10
7
3
Marcus Rashford
10
7
3
Christian Eriksen
10
5
5
Casemiro
8
5
3
Diogo Dalot
8
3
5
Manuel Ugarte
8
2
6
Stats via Transfermarkt
With attacking additions – outside of Matheus Cunha – likely to be prioritised in the coming weeks, the Portuguese playmaker may find himself operating in a deep-lying role in 2025/26, ensuring his goal return could be limited somewhat.
2023 arrival, Mason Mount, will be expected to pick up the slack, with ChatGPT suggesting that he could chip in with seven to nine goals, having scored three goals at the tail-end of another injury-impacted 2024/25 campaign.
That included a stunning brace at home to Athletic Club to secure United’s progression to the Europa League semi-final, with the club’s number seven needing to build on such a display ahead of a potentially pivotal third season at Old Trafford.
Elsewhere in the midfield ranks, ChatGPT believes that Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro could all contribute a handful of goals apiece, most likely “via set-pieces or late runs”.
Predicted goals:
Midfielders – Bruno Fernandes (10-12 goals), Mason Mount (7-9), Kobbie Mainoo (2-4), Manuel Ugarte (2-4), Casemiro (2-4)
Forwards
There is set to be much upheaval in this department, with the aforementioned Cunha already joining on a £62.5m deal from Wolverhampton Wanderers, while numerous outgoings are likely to occur in the form of Rashford, Garnacho, Sancho and Antony.
22-year-old Dane, Rasmus Hojlund, appears in line to follow that quartet, albeit with journalist Fabrizio Romano outlining his desire to stay put for a third season in English football. According to ChatGPT, that scenario could see the £64m signing improve upon his ten-goal return from last season and actually finish as the club’s top scorer, as he did back in 2023/24.
Rasmus Hojlund
As for Cunha, the Brazilian – who scored 15 league goals in 2024/25 – will hopefully pick up where he left off last time out, with United’s new number ten thus far the only major arrival to Amorim’s first-team ranks.
With further additions not factored in, the onus may be on Joshua Zirkzee and Amad to step up to the mark, with the pair both tipped to at least reach double figures for next season.
As for teenage sensation Chido Obi, ChatGPT believes that he will be afforded 10-15 competitive outings next season, ensuring his goal return will be minimal.
سقط منتخب السودان في فخ الخسارة أمام نظيره السنغالي، بهدفين نظيفين، في اللقاء الذي جمع بينهما اليوم الجمعة، ضمن منافسات تصفيات إفريقيا المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم 2026.
واستضاف ملعب عبد الله واد مباراة السنغال والسودان في الجولة السابعة للمجموعة الأولى من التصفيات الإفريقية المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم 2026.
طالع | ترتيب مجموعة الجزائر في تصفيات كأس العالم بعد الفوز على بوتسوانا
وتقدم المنتخب السنغالي بالهدف الأول في الدقيقة الرابعة عشر عن طريق كاليدو كوليبالي، في حين أحرز الهدف الثاني لأسود التيرانجا اللاعب باب ماتار سار في الدقيقة 41.
وارتفع رصيد منتخب السنغال إلى 15 نقطة، في المركز الثاني، بفارق نقطة واحدة عن المتصدر منتخب الكونغو الديمقراطية، ويليه منتخب السودان في المركز الثالث برصيد 12 نقطة. ترتيب مجموعة السودان في تصفيات كأس العالم 2026
Babar was reappointed before T20 World Cup and said he had not thought about his future in the role
ESPNcricinfo staff16-Jun-20241:42
Rapid Fire Review: Imad, Amir’s Pakistan chapters ‘written and closed’
Under-fire Babar Azam’s future as the captain of Pakistan’s white-ball teams remains uncertain. In the wake of their early exit, Babar has come under pressure despite having just reassumed captaincy, but he said he was going to make any call only after meeting and reviewing the World Cup with the decision-makers at the PCB.”When I gave up the captaincy [in 2023], I thought that I shouldn’t be doing it now, that’s why I left it and I announced it myself,” Babar said. “Then when they gave it back to me, it was the decision of the PCB. When I go back, we will discuss all that has happened here. And if I have to leave the captaincy, I will announce it openly. I will not hide behind anything. Whatever happens will happen in the open. But for now, I have not thought about it. It is eventually PCB’s decision.”Babar was asked if he took the responsibility for the early exit as the captain. “I told you that we did not lose this because of one particular person,” Babar said. “We win and lose as a team. You are pointing out that [I am] the captain, but I cannot play in every player’s place. There are 11 players, and each of them has a role. That’s why they came here to play the World Cup. I think we have not been able to play well as a team. We have to settle down and accept that we didn’t play well as a team.Related
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“We accept that we didn’t play according to the expectations. The kind of team we had, the experience we had, we haven’t been able to deliver at different times. As a player and as a captain, I am not going to single [anyone] out. The fault lies with all 15. We will sit and review. As a captain, my responsibility is to give my feedback to the decision-makers.”Babar was again asked who should be held responsible: captain, coach or selectors. “You can’t put the blame on one person,” Babar said. “We didn’t play well as a team. We did well in patches. Everybody is disappointed. We are as disappointed as the fans. It is not one individual’s fault.”
Liverpool have come a long way over the past ten years. A decade ago, Jurgen Klopp had replaced Brendan Rodgers in the dugout and lost the Europa League final to Sevilla, but one year prior, all hope was lost.
However, the German boss led Liverpool to new levels of success, winning the Premier League, the Champions League, the FA Cup, more. More fundamentally, he restored Anfield’s status as a European superpower and left the club in a fantastic position for his eventual successor, Arne Slot, to continue his work.
Slot, in his first season as the Reds’ head coach, has won the English top-flight at a canter, and FSG are now rewarding him by backing him in the summer transfer market.
Jeremie Frimpong is officially a Red, and Milos Kerkez is closing on a move to Merseyside to shore up the left side of Slot’s backline.
Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz andJeremieFrimpongapplaud fans with teammates after the match
However, the advancing deal for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz is surely the most exciting of the lot, right?
Liverpool set to break transfer record
Liverpool are set to break not just their own but the British transfer record with the signing of German playmaker Wirtz, who is regarded as one of the most talented players in world football.
Liverpool have already launched a series of approaches for the 22-year-old, the latest of which totalled £105m. However, Sky Sports report that the German outfit are holding out for £120m, which would indeed see him overtake Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo as England’s record incoming transfer.
Stamford Bridge welcomed Caicedo from Brighton & Hove Albion in August 2023 for a whopping £115m fee, despite Liverpool reaching an agreement with the Seagulls only days before.
It was a big blow, one which led to ridicule when FSG instead opted to sign Wataru Endo as a stop-gap option at number six.
However, who got the last laugh? Endo thrived as Liverpool defeated the Blues in last year’s Carabao Cup final, and is now a Premier League champion. Moreover, Ryan Gravenberch has emerged as one of the best midfielders in the world, winning the 2024/25 Premier League Player of the Year.
The Reds could well be set to go head-to-head with the west Londoners on the transfer front again this summer…
Liverpool planning Chelsea hijack
According to Caught Offside, Chelsea aren’t just planning to stock up with the signing of Hugo Ekitike, but also Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens, having made a £55m bid for the English talent.
That said, though, a host of further suitors are also interested, and Liverpool are indeed in the mix, along with Arsenal, Manchester City and Bayern Munich.
The suggestion is that the Anfield side – alongside City – could make their own effort to bring him back to England, ensuring a potential hijack is on the cards.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
With Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo both being linked with a transfer away from Anfield this summer, Gittens could be the perfect rising talent to complete Slot’s frontline, allowing Liverpool to score some revenge on Chelsea in the process.
Why Liverpool should sign Jamie Gittens
Gittens, principally a left-sided forward, is only 20 years old but already has amassed 107 senior showings for Dortmund, scoring 17 goals and providing 14 assists.
Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Bynoe-Gittensin action with Lille's Bafode Diakite
This was also his most prolific term yet, notching 12 goals and five further assists from 48 games, though admittedly, the lion’s share of Gittens’ success came from the opening months.
Still, he’s young, and inconsistency is to be expected. Gittens was oh-so impressive at that point, though, with Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley even going as far as to claim he’s been “England’s best left winger in 2024/25”.
Furthermore, he’s received praise for his “special” Champions League campaign from Fabrizio Romano. Liverpool wouldn’t want to let such a talent strengthen rivals like Chelsea, now, would they?
Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Bynoe-Gittens in action
The Caicedo misery has been offset and then some by Liverpool’s success over the past few years, but it stung with venom back during the 2023 transfer window.
And given Gittens has the potential to become one of the best in the business, Liverpool would do well to bring him in now, before his stock rises over in west London.
11 goal contributions from just 21 starts in the Bundesliga this year isn’t exactly a bad haul, especially when he’s so persistent and combative with his duelling, his defensive involvement.
Matches (starts)
32 (21)
Goals
8
Assists
3
Shots (on target)*
1.6 (0.8)
Big chances missed
4
Pass completion
82%
Big chances created
6
Dribbles*
2.4
Tackles + interceptions*
1.3
Duels (won)*
4.9 (53%)
Gittens might have tapered off a bit toward the closing stages of the 2024/25 season, but the underlying data drawn across the year still made an interesting comment on his quality and potential, especially since he converted eight chances and missed just four.
This suggests the prospect has a natural-born killer instinct in front of goal, especially important as Mohamed Salah approaches the autumn years of his Premier League career.
As per FBref, he already ranks among the top 15% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues for goals scored, the top 9% for progressive carries and the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90.
Already one of the best ball-carrying specialists in the business, FBref have even linked him, through tactical comparison, to the likes of Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams and Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo, both of whom have been linked with Liverpool in recent months.
This simply adds another layer to the argument: Gittens offers the perfect style of play for the left wing, and FSG must throw the kitchen sink at foiling Chelsea’s effort.
Chelsea's JadonSanchocelebrates scoring their third goal
With such naturally fleet feet too, Gittens is the real deal, and given Chelsea have opted against signing Manchester United’s Jadon Sancho on a permanent deal, this could be the perfect way to exact their vengeance.
Caicedo might have rejected Liverpool two years ago, but then revenge is a dish best served cold, is it not?
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Liverpool could be set to make a move to land a star who could become their own Dean Huijsen.