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

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

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

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

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

Why Wirtz has struggled under Slot

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

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

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

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

Liverpool need results, and they need them quickly.

Liverpool lining up Slot replacement

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

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

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

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

Why Liverpool should appoint Fabregas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

27

Games

52

23

Wins

26

3

Draws

10

1

Losses

16

2.66

PPG

1.69

73

Goals scored

91

27

Goals conceded

69

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

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

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

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

Liverpool have collapsed this season, and some tough decisions need to be made.

1 ByAngus Sinclair 3 days ago

The international break is finally coming to an end this weekend, and Arsenal can continue their Premier League title charge.

Mikel Arteta’s side are four points clear at the top, and play host to North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon.

However, as seems to be the case every gameweek this season, a fresh injury has just made the Gunners’ job all the more difficult.

On top of being without most of their attacking players, Arsenal will have to make do without Gabriel Magalhães in the derby, although Arteta might have an ideal replacement.

The latest on Gabriel's injury

Plenty of Arsenal fans turned up at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon hoping to see Gabriel earn another senior cap for Brazil against Senegal, which he did.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, instead of seeing one of their best players put on a defensive clinic, they saw him being taken off the pitch holding his groin in the 64th minute.

After the game, Carlo Ancelotti didn’t sound optimistic, telling reporters that he and the staff were “really sorry for this” and that things didn’t look good for the defender.

Unfortunately, he has since been proven right, as The Athletic’s David Ornstein later reported that, following initial tests by the club, the 27-year-old is expected to miss up to two months of action.

While every injury poses a problem for the club, the absence of the former LOSC Lille gem is a huge one, as he has been in incredible form this season and has arguably been the best player.

For example, he’s been vital to the Gunners’ superb defensive record, but has also been a clutch player in the opposition’s penalty area, racking up a tally of two goals and three assists in just 17 games so far.

However, while the impact of Gabriel’s absence from the side that take on Spurs at the weekend will be massive, Arteta does have someone in the side who might be the ideal replacement.

Arsenal's ideal Gabriel replacement

The main reason Arsenal fans should still feel confident heading into Sunday’s game is that Arteta has other quality defenders he can start in Gabriel’s place, like Cristhian Mosquera.

Now, some fans might argue for Riccardo Calafiori to be moved into the back two, or for Piero Hincapie to start in place of the Brazilian.

However, the Italian has been unreal at left-back, and while the Ecuadorian could be a great backup, the only game he’s started this season was the League Cup clash against Brighton & Hove Albion, so it’s unclear how he’d react to a heated derby.

Furthermore, while he’s young, the former Valencia gem has already proven that he can step in and thrive in the most intense of atmospheres for the club.

For example, when William Saliba had to come off just five minutes into the game against Liverpool, Arteta turned to the young Spaniard during his 85-odd minutes, you’d have been forgiven for thinking the Frenchman was still on the pitch.

Then, instead of going with someone else, the manager stuck with the Alicante-born monster and was rewarded with an incredibly dominant display against Nottingham Forest.

Moreover, despite being 21 years old, the 6 foot 3 titan already had plenty of top-flight experience before his move to North London.

Between his debut for Valencia in the 21/22 season and his exit in the summer, the intimidating centre-back made 90 first-team appearances, totalling 7399 minutes, which helps explain why last year one analyst argued that “he is on his way to becoming one of the best centre-backs in the world.”

Finally, while the right-footed ace has the silky passing ability of Saliba, he also has that fiery old-school passion that Gabriel has and, in the words of analyst Ben Mattinson, “thrives in ground duels.”

Ultimately, losing Gabriel to injury is far from ideal, but Mosquera’s defensive ability and passion could help minimise the damage for Arsenal.

A Saka & Madueke hybrid: £70m "monster" wants to sign for Arsenal in 2026

The Champions League speedster would be an excellent addition to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Nov 19, 2025

When Celtic return to action on 22 November for a rare Saturday night extravaganza against St Mirren, who will be sat in the away dugout in Paisley?

Well, interim manager Martin O’Neill has done a pretty good job since being parachuted in following Brendan Rodgers’ shock resignation, winning both Premiership matches 4-0, with goals from Johnny Kenny, Kieran Tierney, Daizen Maeda and Arne Engels downing Kilmarnock on Sunday.

​​​​​​Now, as we head into an international break, the Celtic board are surely intensifying their search for a permanent head coach, with last Thursday’s 3-1 Europa League hammering at the hands of Midtjylland perhaps underlining O’Neill’s shortcomings.

So, which of the leading candidates for the Parkhead hot seat should they prioritise appointing?

What Wilfried Nancy would bring to Celtic

In recent days, the surprise, left-field candidate who has emerged for the Celtic job is Wilfried Nancy.

The 48-year-old’s entire coaching career, to date, has come in North America, his first managerial role coming in 2021, succeeding Thierry Henry as CF Montréal head coach.

With the Impact, who are one of the lowest spending teams in Major League Soccer, Nancy miraculously led them to second in the Eastern Conference in 2022, thereby third in the overall standings, having also won the Canadian Championship the year before.

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However, he has seriously made a name for himself since joining Columbus Crew.

Since swapping Québec for Ohio, Nancy has enjoyed huge success in charge of the Black and Gold, winning MLS Cup in his first season and then Leagues Cup in 2024, also leading the Crew to their first-ever CONCACAF Champions Cup Final, ousting two Mexican juggernauts en route, ultimately beaten 3-0 by Pachuca in the final.

At the weekend, Columbus’ 2025 campaign came to an end, dumped out of the MLS play-offs by Hell is Real rivals FC Cincinnati, which may mean Nancy is more available now than he would have been a week ago.

This though should not denigrate what Nancy has achieved in Columbus.

Joe Lowery believes he is the most talented coach in MLS history, describing the Crew’s “patient possession” play as “so much fun to watch”, but does this mean the Frenchman would succeed in Glasgow?

Well, the step from Major League Soccer to top-level European football is massive.

Other coaches such as Gerhard Struber, Jaap Stam, Raphaël Wicky, Bob Bradley and Patrick Vieira, who have made the jump, have often struggled to make their mark at the top level, meaning it is impossible to tell if the 2024 coach of the year would fare any better.

So, who knows, appointing Nancy would certainly be a massive risk, so is there another manager already operating at the top level in Europe the Celts should chase first?

Who should be Celtic's first choice to replace Martin O'Neill

Given the current economic climate in European football, it is increasingly difficult for clubs outside Europe’s big five leagues to compete, a reality Celtic supporters experience every season, despite the fact their side have won 13 of the last 14 Premiership titles.

Well, a club who have continued to punch above their weight are Bodø/Glimt, hence why, as reported by Sky Sports, Celtic’s managerial shortlist features Kjetil Knutsen, with the report outlining that he still remains among their lengthy list of targets.

The 57-year-old has been in charge of the Yellow Horde since 2018, when they were still a second-tier outfit, but has transformed them into Norway’s dominant force.

Bodø/Glimt, who had never won the league before, have picked up four of the last five Eliteserien titles, including setting the league’s single-season points record of 81.

With two matches remaining of this campaign, which concludes on 30 November, they are second, one point below Viking, who are seeking their first title since 1991, but the race will go down to the wire.

This domestic domination has given Bødo/Glimt a platform on which to shine in Europe, which is where their most eye-catching results have come.

Bodø/Glimt European record 21/22-present

Season

Competition

Outcome

2021/22

Conference League

Quarter-finals

2022/23

Europa League

Group stages

2023/24

Conference League

Knockout stages

2024/25

Europa League

Semi-finals

2025/26

Champions League

League phase

Info via Transfermarkt

As the table documents, Bodø/Glimt have been European regulars over the last five seasons, most notably reaching the Conference League quarter-finals and last season’s Europa League semi-finals, before qualifying for the Champions League proper for the first time ever earlier this year, smashing Sturm Graz in the play-off round.

These are performances Celtic can only dream of, considering the Hoops have not won a European knockout tie since 2004, one of their numerous defeats coming at the hands of Bodø/Glimt in February 2022, Knutsen’s team demolishing Postecoglou’s side 5-1 on aggregate.

The Norwegian champions have also enjoyed noteworthy victories over Roma, Beşiktaş​​​​​​​, Crvena zvezda, Porto, Olympiacos and Lazio, while they have lost only seven of their last 38 European home matches, winning 29 of them, making Aspmyra the fortress that Celtic Park yearns to become once more.

Looking at Knutsen specifically, across his 351 matches in charge, he has always deployed an attacking 4-3-3, with width provided by adventurous full-backs, allowing wingers, including current star Jens Petter Hauge, to drift inside and score goals.

Former Norway international Jan Åge Fjørtoft praised Knutsen’s “clear philosophy” and “attractive” style of play, forecasting that he is destined to land one of the biggest jobs in European football.

So, as Celtic aspire to be as competitive on the continent as Bodø/Glimt have become, Knutsen would be a statement appointment, surely one an entire divided fan base could get behind.

Nancy has his own credentials, but it is Knutsen who might just be the ideal pick.

Related 117 touches, 96% passing: Celtic star just had his best game all season

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Posts ByBen Gray Nov 9, 2025

Harvey Barnes is open to switching his international allegiance from England to Scotland. The Newcastle United winger was capped for the Three Lions in 2020, however, he remains eligible for Steve Clarke's World Cup qualifiers through his Scottish grandparents. Barnes sole England appearance came in a friendly against Wales, meaning he can represent the Tartan Army under FIFA rules.

• Barnes' on-and-off flirtation with Scotland

  The 27-year-old has flirted with Scottish football for the past few years, prompting Clark to pursue talks with the winger in the early days of his tenure. 

  While the former Leicester City winger has enjoyed successful spells since his international debut, he has been unable to carve out a place in Gareth Southgate or Thomas Tuchel's squad. Barnes represented England 14 times at youth level; his sole senior cap came in a 14-minute cameo against Wales in October 2020. 

  With Scotland qualifying for their first World Cup in 28 years, the idea of Barnes switching allegiances was put to him once again. While he admitted he hasn't given it much thought, Barnes refused to close the door on playing in front of the Tartan Army.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Scotland switch is 'not off the table'

  Barnes was speaking to earlier this week. When asked if he had ruled out changing his international allegiance, Barnes said: "No, no, of course it's not [off the table].

  "I've obviously played for England and I know the eligibility side's still there. So, it's hard to say either way but there's been no real chats or any sort of progression in that sense."

  That non-committal answer will do little to prompt Scotland boss Clarke to go banging down Barnes' door. The former West Brom and Reading manager last spoke on Barnes eligibility in 2023, where he revealed he had made comment with the player to discuss his international future. 

  He said: "I am not going to say I haven't spoken to Harvey, because I have. But that was a long time ago. I haven't heard from him since. The next phone call won't be from me."

• Barnes could become first man to switch allegiance from England to Scotland

  If Barnes does decide to switch his allegiance from Wembley to Hampden, he would be the first men's player to appear for Scotland after earning a senior England cap. 

  Former Everton and Manchester City goalkeeper Sandy MacIver chose to represent Scotland after appearing in a friendly for the Lionesses in 2021. Now turning out in the NWSL for the Washington Spirit, MacIver has made five appearances for Scotland since making her debut in 2023.

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• What would Barnes bring to Scotland?

  Scottish football is riding an unbelievable high in the aftermath of their scintillating 4-2 win over Denmark earlier this week. That famous win secured Clarke's side a spot in next summer's World Cup; competition for spots in his final squad will be fierce as proud Scottish players fight for the rare opportunity to represent their country on the biggest stage.

  The wide men were highly influential in the crucial qualifying victory, with Ben Gannon-Doak setting up Scott McTominay's overhead kick, and Kyle McClean sending Hampden Park into raptures with his last minute effort from the halfway line. Captain John McGinn typically operates from the left flank for Clarke's side, meaning starting options for Barnes could be be limited; especially when you consider the manager's loyalty to his squad. The starting XI against Denmark held more than 600 caps between them. Would those battle-hardened veterans of this side be happy to lose their spot to a player that has flirted with the idea of joining them for the best part of five years? 

  However, the Newcastle winger could be an attractive squad option. The 27-year-old has been a consistent Premier League operator since making his debut for Leicester City back in the 2017-18 season. With four goals and two assists in limited game time for the Magpies this season, the Scottish FA may well pursue Barnes one last time, to help their heroic side fire on all cylinders in North America next summer. 

Devine first top-scored with 40 and then picked up 4 for 25 to down Renegades

AAP02-Dec-2025A devastating all-round performance from captain Sophie Devine powered Perth Scorchers to a crucial 30-run win against Melbourne Renegades at the WACA in Perth.After top-scoring with a breezy 40 off 28 in Scorchers’ 184 for 5, Devine backed it up with the ball by snaring 4 for 25 as Renegades limped to 9-154. The Renegades’ chase started on the wrong foot at 2 for 2, then 34 for 4, ensuring they were already out of contention and Scorchers would celebrate in front of their home crowd.To win, the reigning champions would have needed to pull off the joint third-highest run chase in the history of the tournament.After the early carnage, wicketkeeper Nicole Faltum (28) and Georgia Wareham (43) attempted to steady the Renegades. But their 55-run stand ended as Faltum and Wareham both fell to star Scorchers spinner Alana King. Devine, who recently ended her glorious ODI career for New Zealand, showed she is still a major weapon in T20s, 19 years after making her international debut.It was the 36-year-old’s second fourth-wicket haul in the WBBL, falling short of her best figures (5 for 41).Sophie Devine top-scored for Perth Scorchers with 40 off 28 balls•Getty ImagesEarlier, Devine combined for a 69-run stand with Maddy Darke (36) to put the pressure on the Renegades’ stacked bowling attack. King made an important cameo at the end, whacking 22 from eight balls to take Scorchers into territory Renegades would struggle to chase down.The result led to the Scorchers jumping from sixth into third on the points table, with just one match remaining. Renegades, meanwhile, slumped to sixth position.If they are to be any chance of backing up last year’s title triumph, Renegades will need to defeat the in-form Sydney Sixers in their final match of the tournament on Friday. Scorchers should be able to book a finals spot, with their last match against the struggling Brisbane Heat back in Perth on Saturday night.

Liverpool now look a million miles off the likes of Arsenal, sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League.

Only last season, Arne Slot’s runaway Reds finished ten points clear of Mikel Arteta’s Gunners, having won a mammoth 25 clashes along the way to lifting the title.

Now, with an abysmal six defeats next to their name from 12 Premier League clashes, and 20 goals already leaked, the out-of-sorts giants are already 11 points behind the North Londoners, who swept Tottenham Hotspur aside 4-1, on the same weekend Liverpool crashed out to a 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest.

Thankfully, despite Liverpool suffering their worst start to a season since 2014, and Gary Neville chipping in by labelling the current state of affairs as “unacceptable”, the January transfer window opens soon, which could see the Reds spend wildly again to try and get their atrocious campaign back on track.

Liverpool preparing to spend big again

Just one look at the list above gives you a flavour as to how much Liverpool splashed out in the summer, with Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike all joining the building for an eye-watering combined total of £294m.

While these deals haven’t exactly gone to plan so far, that doesn’t mean more lavish spending won’t do the trick in an attempt to turn out Liverpool’s depressing fortunes, with sources from Spain now alleging that Slot and Co could be willing to drop an earth-shuddering £177m on the services of Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise.

Liverpool have also been tipped to move for the likes of Juventus attacker Kenan Yildiz and Premier League man of the moment Antoine Semenyo to freshen up their attacking ranks, but a new emerging report from Spain also suggests that their central midfield spots might well be given a major facelift, if they can pick up Paris St Germain ace Joao Neves.

Indeed, the report states that the faltering titans have an ‘intense interest’ in adding Neves to their squad after a breakout season in Ligue 1, with a battle for his services perhaps defining a busy January window to come.

It’s further revealed that Liverpool are preparing an offer close to £140m in an effort to persuade Luis Enrique’s men to part ways.

How Neves is a big upgrade on Mac Allister

Liverpool could win themselves a major upgrade on a declining Alexis Mac Allister if the ex-Benfica midfielder does choose to leave the comforts of France behind for a shot in the Premier League.

Unfortunately, the Argentine has looked seriously off the pace this season during Liverpool’s well-publicised struggles.

It’s been a significant fall from grace for the World Cup winner, who managed to bag five goals and collect five assists last season in league action to help Slot pick up the Premier League title in a crazy first campaign at the helm.

Now, however, the waning 26-year-old has an unconvincing zero goals and two assists from 11 league outings this season, leading to one analyst labelling him as a “huge disappointment”, with his once-feared ability to dictate play now nowhere to be found.

Games played

11

7

Goals scored

0

5

Assists

2

0

Shots*

1.3

1.9

Touches*

47.2

67.6

Accurate passes*

31.5 (86%)

55.3 (94%)

Ball recoveries*

2.9

3.1

Total duels won*

2.5 (44%)

2.9 (57%)

While the former Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder continues to decline, Neves has followed up his outrageous tally of three goals and eight assists from last season with five goals already this campaign, as the 21-year-old continues to live up to his billing as being “one of the best midfielders in the world” by European football content creator, Alex Brice.

On top of being a clinical and classy finisher of chances, Neves also blows his competition out of the water in terms of his pass accuracy with an unerring 94% average in tact, alongside also offering up more ball recoveries at 3.1 per Ligue 1 game, which should stand him in good stead to be an energetic partner to Ryan Gravenberch.

A major plus to his game, though, is his ability to fire home chances – as seen in his unbelievable hat-trick earlier this season – with Mac Allister also well-known to fire home a memorable strike or two during his Liverpool peak.

But, it’s his overall package that makes him such a “complete” talent, as he has been labelled by his ex-trainer in Luis Castro, who even said that number 87 can play in “any championship in the world” and “shine”, with Liverpool having to put their money where their mouth is to prove him right.

Of course, between now and January coming into view, Mac Allister might well pick up form again, as could his entire team, as they potentially climb far beyond their current mid-table slump.

But, with Curtis Jones the only real other figure Slot can fall back on in the defensive midfield ranks – away from the South American and Gravenberch – dropping £140m on Neves could be a fantastic, if costly, investment to make, as the big spenders hope the Portuguese superstar can enter the starting XI and push his new team back into the top positions in the tough division.

Semenyo alternative: Liverpool preparing £177m bid to sign their new Diaz

Liverpool are gearing up to open their purse once again this winter.

4 ByAngus Sinclair Nov 24, 2025

Karim Adeyemi has reportedly made his choice between Manchester United and Arsenal as the Borussia Dortmund star is tipped to leave the Bundesliga next summer. The 23-year-old, whose contract runs until 2027, has stalled on extension talks with Dortmund and has privately accepted that a fresh challenge awaits him.

United’s hopes fade despite early contact

According to United have been tracking Adeyemi closely for months, even speaking to his agent Jorge Mendes to gauge his appetite for a Premier League switch. But optimism quickly evaporated once it became clear that the forward favours Arsenal’s project. Moreover, the German club have set a £75 million ($98m) valuation, significantly higher than what United were prepared to pay, and Adeyemi has already told intermediaries that a move to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal is his first choice. His preference leaves United searching for alternatives and further highlights the challenge Amorim faces in persuading top-tier forwards to join a rebuilding side.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWeapons scandal looms Over Adeyemi

Adeyemi issued a public apology following a €450,000 fine for possessing prohibited weapons, a knuckleduster and a taser, which he had received unknowingly as part of an online “mystery box”.

In a candid Instagram statement, he explained: "You have probably seen the headlines about me in the last few days. It is not easy for me to talk about this. At the beginning of 2024, out of carelessness and without really thinking about what I was doing, I ordered a so-called ‘mystery box’ on the internet. It contained items that are not permitted under weapons legislation. Many months later, the package was delivered and ended up unopened at the police station.

"Nevertheless, it was a huge mistake. One that I am very sorry about, that cost me dearly and that I deeply regret. I know that I am in the public eye and have a role model function. I did not live up to that. That is precisely why it hurts me all the more that I acted so recklessly. I have learned more from this than I can put into words. And I promise you that I will avoid such mistakes in the future. Thank you to everyone who still trusts and supports me."

No penalty imposed by Dortmund

The case could have resulted in up to three years in prison under German weapons law, or ten if brass knuckles were involved, but Adeyemi escaped with a financial penalty. The fine was calculated based on his income, leaving him with an entry in the federal register but not a criminal record.

Dortmund have opted against further sanctions. Manager Niko Kovac made that clear: "It is no reason for me to ban him for the next few weeks. I am not his father, but his coach. People should put things into proper perspective. Everything has now been said about it. The focus is clearly on the Bundesliga. He will get our full support for that.”

Managing director Lars Ricken also defended the player’s character, emphasising his remorse and their belief in his promise to avoid future lapses.

"We naturally took the matter very seriously and have since been able to speak with Karim Adeyemi at length and clearly about his behaviour," Ricken told Sky Sport. "He deeply regrets his mistake. However, it must also be taken into account that he had to pay a hefty fine, no one was harmed, and the player continues to be considered to have no criminal record. Karim Adeyemi has firmly promised us that he will not make such a mistake again. We trust him to keep his word."

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Getty Images SportGerman federation also weighs in

DFB sporting director Rudi Voller admitted to being blindsided by the situation but urged perspective: "Yes, of course we didn't know [about Adeyemi illegally possessing weapons]. The day after the game in Luxembourg, Lars Ricken called me and told me. He didn't know everything either. Then Julian [Nagelsmann] and I grabbed Karim. We wanted to hear his side of the story. He then tried to explain it to us, more or less.

“We still have the feeling that the lad is developing exceptionally well in the national team. We also live a bit in a time of outrage culture here in Germany…Everyone is always quick to complain, not that I want to sugarcoat it. It's naive or stupid, no matter what you call it."

With contract renewal talks effectively dead, Dortmund now expect a summer sale, and hope the £75m price tag will hold. Arsenal believe he could be a long-term solution for their wide forward positions, especially with Mikel Arteta keen to add pace and penetration to his attack. For United, frustration is familiar. They have pushed hard to identify a forward who can grow alongside Rasmus Hojlund, yet Adeyemi has chosen the red of London instead of Manchester.

In a high-pressure situation, with every chance that the execution could go awry, Avesh Khan backed himself to nail yorker after inch-perfect yorker to win LSG the game

Sidharth Monga19-Apr-20251:57

Boucher: It was a fantastic last over from Avesh

In a twist of fate, the protagonists of the only tied match in IPL 2025 found themselves in near-identical situations against two other teams on the same day, only two days removed from the thriller they played out.On Wednesday night, when Mitchell Starc started the final over, Rajasthan Royals (RR) needed nine runs to win. Two specialist batters, Shimron Hetmyer and Dhruv Jurel, were at the wicket. With the ball reversing a touch, Starc went on to nail his yorkers, forced a tie, and then won the Super Over, thanks in part to some helter-skelter running between the wickets featuring Hetmyer and Jurel both in regulation and in extra time.Late Sunday evening, Starc again found himself bowling the last over with Gujarat Titans (GT) needing ten runs to win. He missed the first yorker narrowly, and Rahul Tewatia flicked him over midwicket for a six. The next yorker was accurate, but it took the inside edge past short fine to end the game in two balls. Starc doesn’t need reminding, but within three days, cricket made apparent its fickle nature.Related

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Ice-man Avesh holds his nerve as LSG edge past RR in last-over classic

14-year old Vaibhav Suryavanshi kicks off IPL career with first-ball six

Jurel and Hetmyer would have hoped for a change in fortunes of equal proportions when confronted with the eerie requirement of nine runs in the last over for a second straight match. Yet again, they came up against a bowler who likes going for the yorker. You can hardly ever nail them all, but Avesh Khan did just enough to leave RR heartbroken once again. When Hetmyer did manufacture a powerful flick to a near yorker, he found to perfection the one fielder at short fine. This was a bluff ball on the stumps; the field was set deep on the off side, and this would certainly have been four had Hetmyer hit it even six feet either side.Avesh continued to only try the yorker, and managed to prevail in the end. Even for him, it was a twist of fate on the same night. His night began with getting smacked for a six by a 14-year-old kid the first time he bowled to him. His first over went for 13. Then they kept his three overs for the last five. With only 46 required off these five overs, it was largely on Avesh to make sure he got to bowl all three of his remaining overs.To those who bemoan the low number of yorkers attempted by bowlers, the 16th over is a great explanation. Avesh tried six yorkers, nailed two, missed two narrowly, and missed two others a little more than narrowly. He went for 13. When he began the 18th over, RR needed just 25 with eight wickets in hand.3:09

Rayudu: RR panicked under pressure

It should not come as a surprise that Avesh stuck with the yorker. Since 2021, only Jasprit Bumrah, with 137, has nailed more yorkers than Avesh’s 126 in the IPL. Even Bumrah tends to trust the yorker less at the death. Avesh has executed 88 yorkers at the death in the same period, Bumrah only 76.Here’s why bowlers don’t try yorkers as often as some of the followers of the game would like them to. Assuming nobody means to bowl a half-volley or a full toss, and that those lengths are attempted yorkers, Avesh gets only one in four right overall, and 30% of his attempts at the death. For Bumrah, these numbers are 30% overall and 33% at the death. And when you miss the yorker, you end up bowling the two most hittable lengths.Then again, there are yorkers, and there are . The quality of hitting and the fielding restrictions that allow only four fielders on the boundary make the line of the yorker crucial too. Famously, in the final of IPL 2023, Mohit Sharma got almost every yorker right with the wet ball, brought it down to ten off two, missed the first and then went too straight with the last one.Avesh Khan is pumped after flattening Yashasvi Jaiswal’s poles•BCCITo Avesh, it is simple. He said after the match that he is clear about the line he wants to bowl, one that corresponds with his field. But if the batter started moving around, he looked to go to the base of the middle stump. That’s exactly what happened, and brought him the three wickets of the three best batters in the RR line-up. Yashasvi Jaiswal backed away, and was bowled. Riyan Parag looked to ramp, and was lbw. Hetmyer saw the field for the wide yorker, shuffled across, still managed to time the flick, but Avesh had luck on his side on the day.”I only focus on the execution at the time,” Avesh said. “When we watch from the outside, even us, we feel the tension; but when I am playing, I never feel that tension that I will go for a six or a four. I just focus on the execution: just back 100% whatever ball I have decided to bowl. Mostly it is the yorker, even if it is 15 required or 20 required. I back myself on the yorker, and that is very important in the IPL.”When you focus completely on the match, you focus only where you want to bowl. Not that you want to get the wicket this ball or you want to make the batter defend or you want to bowl a dot ball. The moment I saw him [Hetmyer] shuffle to off, I bowled the stump line, and luckily it went to hand because he was the only fielder there.”This is valuable wisdom that can only come from someone who has done this job regularly in high-pressure situations for long enough to understand that you can’t let the results define you because they don’t always correspond to your planning and execution in this format.

Manchester United have now reportedly held internal talks about signing a Premier League midfielder who will be cheaper than Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson.

Man Utd prioritising Anderson move

Anderson has quickly become the most sought-after midfield talent in the Premier League. The Nottingham Forest star has forced his way into Thomas Tuchel’s best England side and put himself on the radar of Liverpool, Manchester City and those at Old Trafford.

In terms of the physical profile that thrives in the Premier League these days, he ticks several important boxes. They are, as things stand, boxes that Man United’s current options struggle to meet, which makes it no surprise that the Red Devils have reportedly identified Anderson as their top transfer priority.

A deal to sign Anderson will not come cheap, however. Some reports have claimed that he will cost clubs as much as £100m to sign in the summer. Whether United have the spending power to match the likes of City as a result is the question that those around Old Trafford will now be asking themselves.

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It’s clear that Ruben Amorim is seeking reinforcements too, having laughed off suggestions that Kobbie Mainoo could solve some of Man United’s problems. The United boss said when asked about the midfielder: “I see it. I just want to win, I try to put the players, I don’t look who it is, I don’t care about that, I’m just trying to put the best players on the pitch.”

As the Premier League’s top clubs chase Anderson and Forest set their price, however, United may have no choice but to turn towards Mainoo or cheaper alternatives in the market like Joao Gomes.

Man Utd hold internal talks about Joao Gomes

According to the Daily Mail, Man United have now held internal talks about signing Gomes to fix their midfield problems in 2026. The Wolverhampton Wanderers man will be cheaper than Anderson at a reported £44m and it will be interesting to see if the price drops if the Midlands club drop down to the Championship this season.

PL stats 25/26

Gomes

Anderson

Minutes

1,099

1,260

Progressive Passes

64

119

Tackles Won

22

22

Ball Recoveries

73

115

Gomes may be a fair bit cheaper than Anderson, but the quality drop off is there for all to see. The Brazilian has by no means endured a poor season on a personal front even as Wolves have struggled. Alas, Anderson has blown him away in comparison both on and off the ball.

Dubbed a “super talent” by former Wolves boss Gary O’Neil, it’s not a major surprise that Gomes has found himself on United’s radar. He ticks the box for Premier League experience for a bargain price tag, but he is ultimately not on the same level as the likes of Adam Wharton and Anderson.

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Manchester United are now in pole position to complete the signing of Ajax youngster Jorthy Mokio, as they look to find a long-term replacement for the ageing Casemiro and exiled Kobbie Mainoo.

The futures of both Casemiro and Mainoo are key talking points at Old Trafford currently, with the Brazilian’s current contract expiring at the end of this season, at which point he will be 34 years of age.

In fairness, the Real Madrid legend has shown improved form this season, but Fabrizio Romano has claimed that a new deal is unlikely, especially on his current £350,000 wages, which make him United’s highest-paid player.

“Casemiro is working hard and is becoming once again in his career a crucial player for the manager. So, in this moment, he is really important for Ruben Amorim, but there will be a conversation about his contract because at the moment, the numbers of his contract, salary is way too high for Manchester United to extend that.

“Or they find a solution on the contract, and this is Casemiro and for Harry Maguire, or the player could leave on a free.

It looks increasingly likely that a replacement for Casemiro will need to be found next summer, especially with Ruben Amorim seemingly not fancying Mainoo in the role.

Man Utd "leading the chase" for Mokio

According to Caught Offside‘s Mark Brus, Manchester United are the front-runners to sign Mokio from Ajax, with the 17-year-old considered a prodigious talent at the heart of midfield.

“Manchester United are leading the chase for Jorthy Mokio. They are already working on a project that could offer Mokio guaranteed minutes and a clear development path.”

Mokio is a huge talent with so much to offer in the coming years, proving to be the latest great youngster to emerge from Ajax’s famous academy recently, and he should be the type of profile United are looking for in a player.

The defensive midfielder has already made 29 appearances for the Eredivisie giants, highlighting his maturity at such a young age, while scout Jacek Kulig has described him as a “special” player.

Mokio has also now been capped once at senior level by Belgium, and will hope to see his star rise further at next summer’s World Cup, but United should be looking to seal a deal for him before them, before the competition increases further for his signature.

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