Ipswich Town are interested in signing a proven goalscorer as a potential replacement for star striker Liam Delap.

Delap a wanted man with Ipswich Town in relegation zone

The Tractor Boys’ long-awaited return to the Premier League has been tough for Kieran McKenna and co, despite those at Portman Road splashing the cash in both the summer and winter transfer windows.

Plenty of new faces have arrived, however, Ipswich are currently in the relegation zone alongside promoted sides Leicester City and Southampton. An immediate return to the Championship is on the cards, however, one Ipswich player who could stay in the Premier League is Delap.

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Signed from Manchester City in the summer, the 22-year-old has scored 10 top-flight goals and registered two assists in 27 games. He’s been heavily linked with the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea in recent days, with Ipswich wanting £60m for their star attacker.

Pundit Paul Robinson has made a claim on Delap’s future, should Ipswich go down, saying: “Ipswich will do very well to hold on to him. If they don’t survive in the Premier League, you can’t see his future being there.

“He is a pest. He is a nuisance. He is always there on the shoulders of the centre-backs. He is making runs in the channels. He is always available. When it looks like he isn’t going to win the ball, he puts his body in between the player and the ball, somehow managing to win a free-kick or something for his team. He is a top, top player.”

A new talisman will be needed if Ipswich go down and cash in on Delap, and it looks as if they have their eye on one potential target.

Ipswich Town keen on free signing as possible Delap replacement

Talking to Sunderland AFC News, reporter Graeme Bailey said that Ipswich want to sign Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland, viewing him as a ‘some sort of Delap replacement’.

“He is a free transfer… Ipswich clearly see him as some sort of Liam Delap replacement, but Sunderland do like him to – would they want him if they get promoted? Perhaps not but impossible to say.

“But it is not just Sunderland or Ipswich that want him, a number of clubs are talking to him and are going to give him some options. Shankland I am told has a desire to play in England, so let’s see if he gets his wish.”

Hearts

128

63

21

Ayr United

74

63

24

Dundee United

74

40

9

St Mirren

55

14

7

Queen’s Park

43

14

2

Beerschot VA

28

5

4

Greenock Morton

18

4

1

Aberdeen

17

0

1

Dunfermline Athletic

14

7

0

Scotland

14

3

1

Shankland who has scored 213 career goals in total, is on course to be available on a free transfer when his Hearts contract expires at the end of May.

The 29-year-old has played the majority of his career in Scotland, aside from a short spell in Belgium with Beerschot, and a move south to Portman Road could be on the cards.

Real Madrid are planning a crucial Tuesday meeting as they attempt to thwart one player’s potential move to Arsenal, with Galacticos president Florentino Perez seeing him as a “key” part of the La Liga side’s plans.

Mikel Arteta makes Arsenal summer transfer admission

Mikel Arteta has admitted that Arsenal are set for a “big” first summer transfer window under new sporting director Andrea Berta, which will come as a very encouraging statement for Gunners supporters following another failed Premier League title bid.

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Arteta says that the north Londoners will aim to bolster the depth of their squad, and also admits that he’s excited by the arrival of Berta, who officially joins Arsenal to replace Edu Gaspar after 12 successful years at Atlético Madrid.

“It’s going to be a big transfer window for us, we are very excited about it”, said Arteta on Arsenal’s summer transfer plans.

“We need to increase the depth of the squad but, as well, you want to increase certain qualities and skills that we need to now go to the next step”.

On Berta, the Spaniard praised him as a “very impressive” transfer chief and called him a major addition to Arsenal, while explaining that the 53-year-old has a very “clear vision”.

“Straight away the words that come out are always winning, improving and demanding, and he’s a person, very honest, very straightforward with a very clear vision of what he wants to do,” said Arteta on Berta.

Fulham (home)

Today

Everton (away)

April 5th

Brentford (home)

April 12th

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

April 26th

“He was so willing to join us, which is a very positive thing as well because he had many other possibilities, and he chose to come to us. Now it’s about us giving him the support and the understanding of the situation and context straight away, and for him to start to do what he’s already done for many, many years at the highest level, which has been very impressive.”

One of Berta’s first orders of business, according to various reports, will be to wrap up a pre-summer deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

Arsenal have been in advanced talks to sign Zubimendi since January, but other elite sides like Real Madrid pose a threat to Arteta’s hopes of finalising a move for the Spain international, who’d help to fill the void left by exit-bound midfield duo Thomas Partey and Jorginho.

While Arsenal are tipped as favourites to sign Zubimendi, the pull of Real could come as a worry for Berta, and Defensa Central now claim they’re looking to scupper the director’s hopes imminently.

Real Madrid plan "decisive meeting" to hijack Arsenal deal for Zubimendi

As per the Spanish news outlet, Real are planning a “decisive meeting” to sign Zubimendi today, and wish to finalise his signing ahead of Arsenal, as their club president Perez views him as a “key” summer signing and replacement for Toni Kroos.

The Galacticos play Sociedad in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final this evening, and Real chiefs view this as an ideal opportunity to advance in talks over a deal for the midfield star.

Real are also convinced that they need to move fast if they wish to stop the “world-class” 26-year-old from joining Arsenal, as per this report. However, while Arsenal are prepared to pay his £50m release clause (Fabrizio Romano), Defensa believe that Carlo Ancelotti’s side will attempt to negotiate around it.

The Spanish champions wish to ascertain whether they can pay it in installments or offer a player to lower Zubimendi’s price, and it is unclear if Sociedad would entertain this.

He hit a boundary off every delivery to steer Netherlands to a miraculous win

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Jun-2023

Logan van Beek walloped Jason Holder for three fours and as many sixes•ICC via Getty Images

0.1, Holder to van Beek, FOUR runsWhat a start for Netherlands! Low full toss fired into off stump from around the wicket. Van Beek sits deep in his crease, gets enough power on his shot and shovels it through deep midwicket for four!0.2, Holder to van Beek, SIX runsClears the fence comfortably! Another low full toss outside off stump. Van Beek sits back to give himself enough leverage and absolutely clatters it over the long-on fence!0.3, Holder to van Beek, FOUR runsFour more! Short and wide outside off stump. Van Beek hops up onto his toes, gets on top of the bounce and smears it past deep midwicket. 14 off the over already!0.4, Holder to van Beek, SIX runsClean as a whistle! Right in the slot outside off stump. Van Beek plants his front foot, swings through the line and wallops it over the wide-long-on fence. Such clean ball striking, under such pressure – wow!Looks like the ball has taken so much of a pounding that it needs to be replaced0.5, Holder to van Beek, SIX runsThat is into the trees! Watch that ball sail! Another slot ball outside off stump and van Beek now seems to have gotten into the bowler’s head. Another free swing and it goes miles over the deep-midwicket fence!0.6, Holder to van Beek, FOUR runsFour to end the Super Over! Short and outside off stump. The ball seems to be ballooning over the batter’s head until… van Beek leaps into the air like a salmon and mousses it past deep midwicket!Phew, 30 runs came off that over. Holder, who has bowled so many overs under pressure, just could not handle van Beek. Edwards did not even have to face a ball and the West Indies will need something truly special to get past the line now.

MatériaMais Notícias

É dia de jogo no Estádio Nilton Santos. O Botafogo entra em campo às 21h deste sábado para enfrentar o Atlético-GO pela 22ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. A equipe comandada por Luís Castro busca se recuperar na competição e deixar a irregularidade para trás.

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+Botafogo fecha com Lucas Perri e conversa por liberação imediata com o São Paulo

O LANCE! pontua cinco fatores para ficar de olho no Alvinegro na partida.

Carlos Eduardo: sem Lucas Fernandes, suspenso pelo terceiro cartão amarelo, o Botafogo terá uma ausência sentida – ele vinha liderando a equipe nas ações com bola nos últimos jogos. É uma chance para o camisa 33 ter o protagonismo de liderar o meio-campo e assumir a responsabilidade.

>>> Assine o Premiere no Prime Video e acompanhe todas as emoções do seu clube no Brasileirão<<<

Resultados: o Botafogo ainda não venceu no segundo turno do Brasileirão. O jogo deste sábado é, mais uma vez, uma oportunidade de virar a chave para um resultado positivo. O Alvinegro é um dos piores mandantes da competição e tem tido dificuldade de se impor dentro dos próprios domínios.

Marlon Freitas: já fechado com o Botafogo para o ano que vem, o volante é um dos destaques do Atlético-GO e deverá estar em campo pelo Dragão. Será uma “amostra grátis” para o torcedor do que o atleta pode oferecer.

+Botafogo x Atlético-GO: prováveis escalações, desfalques e onde assistir ao jogo pelo Brasileirão

Meio-campo: Luís Oyama, Patrick de Paula ou Del Piage? Três opções que oferecem diferentes alternativas dentro de campo para Luís Castro visando a lacuna deixada por Lucas Fernandes.

Luís Henrique: o camisa 99 teve muita dificuldade atuando no lado direito do ataque contra o Ceará. Ponta esquerda por natureza, ele foi deslocado para que Jeffinho também pudesse ser titular. É possível que Luís retorne novamente para a direita contra o Dragão. A ver como funcionará as dinâmicas das jogadas.

Holder, Joseph, Paul and Hosein ran through Nepal despite a poor fielding display by West Indies

Danyal Rasool22-Jun-2023Centuries from Shai Hope and Nicholas Pooran saw West Indies post 339 and demolish Nepal by 101 runs to shore up their Super Six hopes. After early wobbles, Hope and Pooran combined for a 216-run partnership for the fourth wicket, scoring 132 and 115 respectively as West Indies registered the highest score of the tournament. Nepal were never in the chase despite extensive sloppiness in the field from West Indies, and wickets for Jason Holder, Keemo Paul and Akeal Hosein helped them bowl Nepal out for 238.Nepal won the toss and Rohit Paudel elected to field first, a trend that has seen most sides be successful in these qualifiers. It seemed to pay off immediately with his side enjoying the better of the first ten overs. Karan KC and Gulshan Jha removed Kyle Mayers and Johnson Charles within the first five overs to leave them two wickets down for nine. Sandeep Lamichhane – much improved from the first two games, also got his first wicket of the tournament when he cleaned up Brandon King with a googly shortly after.That brought Pooran and Hope together, but a costly drop when Pooran had just scored three by keeper Aasif Sheikh would prove to be a real sliding doors moment. Pooran smacked one six each off Lalit Rajbanshi and Lamichhane immediately after as West Indies began to move through the gears, and Hope joined in on the aggression. He would soon bring up his half-century, before Pooran reached his at a much quicker clip off 51 balls. By now, West Indies were 162 for three with a third of the innings set to go, beautifully set up for the finish.Related

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It was a platform they took advantage of, with Pooran throwing caution to the wind thereafter as Hope played second-fiddle, willing to be a spectator to the fireworks. Jha was tonked for 15 in an over and Karan for 12, and it even appeared as if Pooran might beat Hope to three figures. In the end, they both got there in the 40th over, Hope easing to it with a brace while Pooran carved a boundary behind point to bring his up in 81 balls.West Indies had a free rein in the final ten overs, through which they’d contribute 98, helped by cameos from Rovman Powell and Holder, giving Nepal 340 to get their first points on the board.Shai Hope celebrates his 15th ODI century•ICC via Getty ImagesIt was an overwhelming ask, and Nepal almost seemed to treat the target as a suggestion rather than a goal. Early wickets for Joseph and Holder didn’t help as Nepal went back into their shell. But they continued to lose wickets as the run rate climbed, despite the profligacy of the West Indian fielding, which bordered on the uninterested at times. There were at least seven catches put down all innings, as well as a number of misfields that could be put down to lackadaisical efforts.But, true to West Indies form, it was interspersed with moments of divine brilliance in the field. A catch on the boundary by Keacy Carty was the pick of the lot, leaping over the rope before coming back in to complete a perfectly executed catch to dismiss Kushal Malla. A sharp grab by Roston Chase sent Dipendra Airee packing too, and by now, Nepal had long been nudged out of the contest, tottering on the brink of a colossal defeat at 128 for six.Aarif Sheikh hung around with the lower order, scoring a spirited half-century to ensure his side put up a respectable total. Nepal crossed 200 and ensured they took the game to the final over thanks to Karan, who played his shots as West Indies went through the motions. It was a successful effort, of sorts, to delay an outcome that had been obvious for at least a couple of hours, as West Indies shook hands on their second successive win.

The USMNT Transfer Notebook tracks American player movements, with latest developments for those in the U.S. national team pool

Less than a week from the start of the CONCACAF Gold Cup and just days out from the FIFA Club World Cup, the transfer rumor mill is heating up. For the USMNT, it’s a pivotal summer. Manager Mauricio Pochettino is looking to rebound from a disappointing Nations League campaign, while his players aim to solidify their place in the squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

For some, that means securing a move this summer to continue their development. For others, it’s about staying put and maintaining strong form at the club level. The stakes are high — a misstep could derail momentum, while the right decision might bring them one step closer to next summer’s roster.

Josh Sargent is someone between a rock and a hard place. Pochettino elected not to select him for the Gold Cup after a rather disastrous performance in the Nations League, but for Norwich City across the 2024-25 season, he was nothing short of brilliant. Now, he appears to be one of the most coveted U.S. internationals, with transfer interest from the Premier League and a top-six Serie A side. If both options arise, though, what's the best choice for him?

Domestically, Orlando City SC's 20-year-old fullback Alex Freeman, who earned his first cap with the USMNT on Saturday in a 2-1 loss to Turkey, is also the subject of interest from Italy. Meanwhile, the Crew's Max Arfsten – who also started against Turkey – has been linked with a move to France, with Columbus having reportedly already turned down a substantial offer for him.

Then, a bombshell Monday evening revealed that Matt Turner has reportedly agreed to move to Ligue 1 side Lyon, departing Nottingham Forest. Is it a good transfer? Perhaps, but there is a major issue that needs to be resolved before anything can be determined.

Others, like Paxten Aaronson, Antonee Robinson, and Johnny Cardoso, are also subject to potential moves this summer, but have seen little movement over the past week.

GOAL tracks all of the American player movements in the USMNT Transfer Notebook, a recurring feature covering the latest developments for those in the U.S. national team pool.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty Images SportJosh Sargent's big summer

After missing out on the Gold Cup squad, it quickly became apparent that Sargent needs to improve if he wants to make the World Cup squad next year. As talented as he is, he has not scored internationally since 2019 – a streak extending nearly six years – and Pochettino made a statement with his exclusion this summer.

As a result, it's expected that Sargent leaves Norwich City, and teams are already on notice.

Newly promoted side Leeds United are reportedly interested in his services, per SkySports. If the were to add Sargent to their ranks, he would join fellow American Brenden Aaronson in the squad, while being the fourth U.S. international to sign for the club in the past five years, along with Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie. It would be a risky move, but ownership has stated they're willing to do what it takes to become a regular in England's top division.

Sargent is also reportedly the subject of interest from Serie A side Roma, where he would play Europa League soccer on top of joining a top team in Italy.

Working under a manager like Gian Piero Gasperini has to be enticing for a player, especially a striker, too. He turned Italian national team forward Mateo Retegui into a star at Atalanta, while bringing them back into Serie A contention.

For Sargent, it comes down to what he believes is the best fit – but on paper – if an opportunity at Roma were to arise, it would be hard to see him pass.

AdvertisementImagnTurner's next move

Well, it's been one hell of a journey for Matt Turner so far – so it might as well continue.

Reports surfaced Monday evening that he has reportedly agreed a deal to sign with Ligue 1 giants Lyon, where he would be the No. 1 goalkeeper for the 2025-26 season, assuming their transfer plans play out correctly. What's key there, though, is everything playing out the way Lyon intends.

Current No. 1 Lucas Perri is expected to depart Lyon this summer, with reports indicating his imminent departure. However, until he officially leaves the club, it remains a high-risk move for Turner. The 30-year-old simply cannot afford to be a backup for another season after a struggle-filled 2024-25 campaign. He needs starting-caliber minutes at a top club no matter what.

If Perri does depart, it feels like a brilliant move. Lyon made a terrific 2024-25 Europa League run and is competing in the competition once again next season. It would give Turner his first taste of European football at that level, while testing him against some of the world's best. He would also link up with Tanner Tessmann at the club, adding another American combo in Europe to the USMNT pool.

Getty ImagesMusah heading to Naples?

Another surprise move could come between two Serie A rivals, with AC Milan’s Yunus Musah reportedly drawing interest from Italian champions Napoli.

Musah’s potential has never been in question — he’s been considered one to watch for several years — but he’s struggled with inconsistency since joining the Rossoneri nearly two years ago. Some of that stems from instability at the club, where he’s played under three different managers and could soon be working with a fourth in Max Allegri — if a transfer doesn’t materialize.

It will be interesting to see where Musah might fit on a Napoli side whose midfield duo of Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour helped lead them to the title. The competition for minutes will be real, but not insurmountable — and for a still-developing player, a move to a more stable environment could be just what he needs after a turbulent year at Milan. It also certainly helps for his national team chances that he would be playing Champions League football if the move goes through.

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GettyFreeman's European interest

Alex Freeman is a name that USMNT fans are just beginning to know, but his rise has been so fast, it's catching the eyes of Europe, too. The Orlando City defender is reportedly catching the eyes of multiple clubs in Serie A, the English Championship, and recently promoted ones in the English Premier League.

All three of Burnley, Sunderland, and Leeds United were promoted this past campaign. Per reports, Orlando declined an opening $2.2M bid from Serie A side Parma – but they're expected to return with a second bid. Parma's ownership is American, led by the Krause Group.

Son of NFL Super Bowl champion Antonio, Alex has started 14 games for Orlando this MLS season, and is one of the league's brightest young stars.

A potential breakout candidate for the U.S. during the Gold Cup, the 20-year-old fullback is expected to fill the gap of Sergino Dest on the roster – and if he does impress, it could lead to a big summer move.

Guillermo Ochoa returns to the national team while Henry Martín and Hirving Lozano are ruled out due to injury

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• Ramón Juárez and Jeremy Márquez among the players left out
• Mexico will defend the Gold Cup title won in 2023
• opens the tournament on June 14 vs. the Dominican Republic

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Javier Aguirre has announced Mexico’s final 26-man roster for the Gold Cup, where will look to defend their 2023 title and claim their 10th championship under the tournament’s new format.

  The squad includes key veterans such as Edson Álvarez, Raúl Jiménez, and Santiago Giménez, as well as the return of Guillermo Ochoa, who was not part of the recent Nations League campaign. Ochoa, currently playing for AVS in Portugal, is aiming to appear in his sixth World Cup, and this call-up keeps him firmly in the mix.

  Notably, Aguirre’s list excludes players from Pachuca and Monterrey, as FIFA has prioritized the Club World Cup — also being held in the United States this summer — which both clubs will participate in.

  On the injury front, Hirving Lozano and Henry Martín were ruled out on Wednesday due to physical issues, joining Jesús Angulo, who had previously been ruled out.

  The players left out of the final roster are Emilio Lara, Juan Sánchez Purata, Gilberto Sepúlveda, Ramón Juárez, and Jeremy Márquez. However, all five will still travel with the team for the upcoming friendlies against Switzerland (Saturday) and Turkey (Tuesday), as Aguirre wants to continue evaluating them.

  After those matches, they will part ways with the squad.

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• AFP
  

  THE SQUAD IN FULL

  Position	Player	Club
  Goalkeeper	Luis Ángel Malagón	Club América
  	Raúl Rangel	Chivas
  	Guillermo Ochoa	AVS
  Defender	Jorge Sánchez	Cruz Azul
  	Julián Araujo	Bournemouth
  	César Montes	Lokomotiv Moscow
  	Israel Reyes	Club América
  	Jesús Orozco	Cruz Azul
  	Johan Vásquez	Genoa
  	Mateo Chávez	AZ Alkmaar
  	Jesús Gallardo	Toluca
  Midfielder	Edson Álvarez	West Ham
  	Erik Lira	Cruz Azul
  	Luis Chávez	Dynamo Moscow
  	Marcel Ruiz	Toluca
  	Carlos Rodríguez	Cruz Azul
  	Gilberto Mora	Tijuana
  	Orbelín Pineda	AEK Athens
  Forward	César Huerta	Anderlecht
  	Efraín Álvarez	Chivas
  	Alexis Vega	Toluca
  	Roberto Alvarado	Chivas
  	Santiago Giménez	AC Milan
  	Raúl Jiménez	Fulham
  	Ángel Sepúlveda	Cruz Azul
  	Julián Quiñones	Al-Qadisiyah

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT ROBERTO ALVARADO SAID

  “Obviously, I always try to do things the right way. Being here is a huge opportunity – many players would love to be in this position,” said the Chivas midfielder, who has made 49 appearances for and won the Gold Cup in both 2019 and 2023. “You have to make the most of the moment, show the football you play at your club, and bring it to the service of your teammates.”

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR MEXICO NATIONAL TEAM?

  Mexico will face Switzerland on Saturday in Utah, followed by a match against Turkey on June 10 in North Carolina. will then kick off their Gold Cup campaign on June 14 against the Dominican Republic at SoFi Stadium.

MatériaMais Notícias

Reserva na classificação do Corinthians à semifinal da Copa do Brasil, o zagueiro Raul Gustavo foi bastante participativo no banco de reservas. Jogando junto durante todo os 90 minutos, o defensor, inclusive, recebeu um cartão amarelo durante a comemoração do primeiro dos quatro gols corintianos, marcados por Gil.

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+ Renato Augusto “garçom”, e Yuri Alberto faz três em classificação do Corinthians

Logo após a partida, Raul usou uma conta nas redes sociais para criticar a decisão do árbitro carioca Bruno Arleu de Araújo.

– Tá f…, comemorar gol agora toma amarelo. É brincadeira, viu. Mas Deus é Fiel – escreveu o atleta corintiano, que na sequência também exaltou Gil.

– Falei que tinha gol seu hoje, meu Paixão. Te amo! – postou o camisa 34 do Timão.

+ Confira a tabela da Copa do Brasil e simule os próximos jogos

Nesta quinta-feira (18), Raul Gustavo voltou a criticar o cartão recebido pela arbitragem. O jogador postou uma foto da comemoração com Gil e classificou a punição como o ‘cartão mais 171 que já viu’. Ele voltou a exaltar o carinho pelo companheiro de zaga.

– Essa foi a hora do cartão mais 171 que já vi, kk. Mas não importa, fiquei feliz demais, por você, pretão (em referência a Gil.). O importante é que deu nós. Aqui é Corinthians – publicou Raul.

De acordo com a súmula da partida, o motivo da punição à Raul Gustavo foi pelo fato dele ter invadido o campo de jogo durante a comemoração.

Além de Raul Gustavo, Yuri Alberto também foi punido com um cartão amarelo por conta da comemoração de um dos gols. Ao ir às redes e anotar o segundo tento corintiano, que era o primeiro dele com a camisa do clube, o centroavante foi até uma das escadas que levam ao gol norte abraçar os torcedores.

اتخذ الإسباني تشابي ألونسو، المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد، عدة قرارات بعد الهزيمة المؤسفة أمام باريس سان جيرمان والخروج من بطولة كأس العالم للأندية.

وخسر ريال مدريد برباعية نظيفة أمام باريس سان جيرمان في المباراة التي جمعتهما مساء أمس، الأربعاء، ضمن منافسات نصف نهائي كأس العالم للأندية 2025.

ولم يظهر ريال مدريد أمام باريس سان جيرمان بالمستوى المعهود الذي قدمه طوال البطولة، وكان الفريق بمستوى مزري للغاية وخاصةً خط الدفاع الذي ارتكب أخطاء فردية فادحة.

وفقًا لصحيفة “ماركا”، فإن إدارة ريال مدريد ستدعم تشابي ألونسو في قراراته لكنه سيتحدث أولًا مع اللاعبين على أهمية اللعب الجماعي وأهمية روح الفريق وتماسكه وخدمة المجموعة على حساب اللعب الفردي الذي ظهر في المباراة وخاصةً من جانب فينيسيوس جونيور وكيليان مبابي.

اقرأ أيضًا | لا مكافآت ولا تتويج.. ريال مدريد يدفع ثمن الانهيار أمام باريس سان جيرمان

وبحسب الصحيفة الإسبانية، فهناك قلقًا شديدًا من المستوى الذي ظهر به فينيسيوس جونيور في البطولة، هو ليس الوحيد الذي ظهر بمستوى سيء لكنه واحد من أهم لاعبي الفريق ودائمًا تسليط الضوء يكون عليه، والإدارة تريد معرفة ما يدور في ذهن اللاعب الفترة الحالية خاصةً وأن عملية تجديد عقده لم تُشكل مشكلة على الإطلاق.

مبابي أيضًا يثير القلق، ألونسو واضح في أن الفريق يجب أن يعمل بشكل جيد، وأن الجميع يجب أن يكون خلف الكرة ومعدلات الجري تزداد والقتال على استرجاع الكرة، وهذا لم يحدث ضد باريس سان جيرمان.

لم يحالف الحظ مبابي، في كأس العالم وخاصةً أمام فريقه السابق، كان من الواضح أنه بعيد عن مستواه، لكن التراخي الذي أظهره في الدفاع كان مثيرًا للقلق، ألونسو كان غاضبًا بسب عدم قيام مبابي وفينيسيوس بالضغط الجيد على دفاعات باريس سان جيرمان، كما أنهم لم يظهرا بالمستوى الجماعي المطلوب الذي طلبه المدرب الإسباني.

إدارة ريال مدريد أعطت الضوء الأخضر لـ تشابي ألونسو، في حال قرر الاستغناء عن أي لاعب لا يفيد المجموعة، مؤكدين أن فترة الانتقالات الصيفية ستنتهي في سبتمبر المقبل، وأنه ما زال هناك الكثير من الوقت لمناقشة مستقبل أي لاعب يرغب في الاعتماد على نفسه فقط.

Two things are true: Liverpool have exceeded expectations this season and are heading toward the Premier League title in Arne Slot’s first season; Liverpool need to make sweeping changes in the transfer market this summer.

Mohamed Salah has posted 32 goals and 22 assists across all competitions as the Anfield side prepare to defend their 12-point lead at the top of the table after the March international break, the final of such sojourns this term.

But Liverpool’s frontline, deadly as it may be, is lopsided, imbalanced by an absence of potency through the likes of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota.

Mohamed Salah

17 (17)

12

5

Cody Gakpo

13 (9)

5

1

Luis Diaz

18 (15)

1

2

Diogo Jota

14 (9)

2

1

Darwin Nunez

16 (4)

3

4

Federico Chiesa

5 (2)

2

1

All three have largely flattered to deceive since Christmas; all three have been suggested as potential departures in a summer fire sale.

Slot, after all, has only welcomed Federico Chiesa through the gates since settling into Jurgen Klopp’s seat last summer, and the forthcoming market is expected to be a busy one.

FSG will no doubt have noticed the recent rumours linking Martin Zubimendi with a move away from Real Sociedad. It doesn’t look like that move will conclude on Merseyside.

The latest interest in Martin Zubimendi

Last summer, Liverpool went all in for Zubimendi but failed to convince him to leave the Basque Country. Instead of assessing alternative options, FSG decided that the Reds could make do with their existing options.

This was met with derision from rivals and anguish from Liverpool’s fanbase, but hindsight has revealed a method in the madness, for Slot’s side are firm favourites for the Premier League title.

Now, Arsenal are preparing to sign the Spain international in the summer, something that no doubt stings but perhaps isn’t actually the most crushing of blows for those of a Reds persuasion.

Indeed, Liverpool have a healthy crop of midfielders, and while there is a need for greater depth, you could stake the claim that Zubimendi wouldn’t actually see that much action, based on the evidence of the campaign as a whole.

The starting trio are all worth more than the Spaniard, but there’s another member of Slot’s brood who is actually more valuable than him too.

Liverpool have hit the jackpot on "relentless" midfielder

Losing Klopp after so many illustrious years was always going to be a bitter pill to swallow as Liverpool stepped out into the unknown, but Slot’s vision was inculcated into the first-team squad very quickly, one player, in particular, loving the new gaffer from the get-go.

That man, you may guess, is Curtis Jones, who waxed lyrical about Slot’s tactical prowess before the campaign kicked off.

Jones’ start to the season helped Liverpool considerably in dominating matches and setting the pace for the title charge, always one step ahead of the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

It meant Klopp’s departure and the failure to convince Zubimendi to jump ship were quickly forgotten blemishes.

While Zubimendi’s seemingly destined for a date with the Gunners, Liverpool won’t feel the weight of the Spaniard’s rejection too keenly, not when their current crop are supercharging a Premier League title drive.

Jones isn’t always in the starting lineup, but he’s an invaluable part of the team, so committed and fitting as an extra part. His valuation reflects his worth in Slot’s eyes, for sure.

Zubimendi might have a lofty release clause in the £50m ballpark, but Jones may be an even more valuable midfielder in the current market.

By CIES Football Observatory’s reckoning, he is indeed. CIES describe themselves as ‘the world leader in the scientific evaluation of professional players’ transfer values.’ They clearly know their ABCs, so having projected Liverpool’s Scouse-born midfielder to currently have a £68m price tag, it’s clear Jones is making real headway with Slot at the helm.

An underrated player, sure, but Jones gives his teams something distinctive in the middle of the park. He’s industrious and energetic while also boasting a first-class short-passing game.

The data certainly backs that point up. As per FBref, Jones ranks among the top 1% of midfielders in the Premier League this season for pass completion, the top 3% for passes attempted and the top 16% for both progressive passes and tackles per 90.

And while Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister make up the central core of Liverpool’s midfield, Jones has still been a major part of his boyhood club’s success, featuring 24 times in the top flight, starting 13 fixtures and posting three goals and three assists apiece.

If anything, Jones’ struggle to play from the outset invariably is more a reflection of Liverpool’s abundant quality than an indication he’s flattering to deceive.

Tuchel clearly subscribes to the same notion as Slot, with Lee Carsley also handing Jones his England debut back in November 2024. The centre-midfielder got himself on the scoresheet, and it was a fine goal at that.

Jones also started the opening fixture of Tuchel’s tenure, with the 2-0 victory over Albania a routine result, but one that saw respected journalist Henry Winter hail Jones for being “relentless in his pressing.”

He’s a fine player, born on Liverpool-red soil and undoubtedly envisaging a one-club career. Who knows, but one thing’s for certain: Liverpool have hit the jackpot on their homemade talent, whose talents have seen him be placed in a more lucrative bracket than a coveted phenom in Zubimendi.

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