Ibrahima Konate was fiercely defended by Liverpool head coach Arne Slot amid his rising errors at the back as the Reds look to end their losing run. The French centre-back was shaky against Crystal Palace, gifting two gilt-edged chances in a disastrous first half and picking up a booking in the process. A similar story unfolded at Galatasaray on Tuesday, where his hesitant defending and loose touches under pressure left fans biting their nails.
Konate's rough patch
Against Galatasaray, Konate's struggles were compounded by a costly pass that set Victor Osimhen free, forcing goalkeeper Alisson Becker into a desperate sprint. The Brazilian hurt his hamstring in the process and now faces an extended spell on the sidelines, adding to Liverpool’s mounting defensive headaches.
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Not at ease with the ball at his feet
Konate’s acknowledged weakness on the ball has long been an area of concern. While the Reds continue to work on improving this aspect of his game, the spotlight is firmly on the Frenchman as Liverpool try to halt a worrying slide. Even going forward, Konate has been frustrated. From corners in both matches, he sent headers wide that should have been hammered home.
Slot refuses to panic
"If you are losing a game of football, it doesn’t help if you lose the ball a few times very easily," Slot said at a press conference on Friday. "Ibou has been one of them, but definitely not the only one. Against Galatasaray, apart from the penalty, maybe they got three or four other moments, all from us losing simple balls without any pressure, which happened to him once in the Palace game and once against Galatasaray.
"If you lose there is so much focus on that moment and, all of a sudden, 90 minutes have been very poor. That’s not the way I analyse a game when I watch it back. I see what we did well and what we did wrong. In the last two games, it has been obvious and clear we have made a few errors, not only him, but also others we are not used to. If you do things that people are not used to then normally the manager gets criticised."
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Worrying record for Slot
Liverpool's record this season tells a worrying story: only two clean sheets in ten games and four in 21 since a 1-0 win against Paris Saint-Germain back in March. Contrast that with four clean sheets in the first six games of last term, and it’s clear Liverpool’s defensive issues run deeper than any one player. It remains to be seen if Slot chooses to stick to Konate against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge or tries out Joe Gomez.
Arsenal are a club that have been utterly transformed over the last five years or so.
Mikel Arteta has taken a side that were spiralling down into mid-table mediocrity and has helped craft one of the best teams in Europe, let alone the Premier League.
While his philosophy and tactics have played a significant role in the North Londoners’ rejuvenation, so have the signings they’ve made.
Arsenal manager MikelArtetacelebrates after the match
Under previous Sporting Director Edu Gaspar and Andrea Berta today, the Gunners have become far more effective at identifying and signing brilliant players in the transfer market.
However, Arsenal still have a problem selling stars, and have seen more than their fair share leave for nothing, including an international who could be described as being Arteta’s own Alexander Isak.
Arsenals players who left for nothing
There were signs of improvement with the likes of Eddie Nketiah, Emile Smith Rowe and Aaron Ramsdale all leaving for decent money last summer, but in the previous four or five years, Arsenal have had too many players leave for nothing.
Where Are They Now
Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.
For example, perhaps the most exciting signing the club have ever made, the player whose arrival promised the ushering in of a triumphant period for the club that never arrived, Mesut Özil, ended up leaving for nothing.
The German superstar famously agreed to a bumper £350k-per-week contract renewal in January 2018, and it was pretty much downhill from that moment until he left for Fenerbahçe three years later.
Another big-money signing who left for free was Nicolas Pepe.
The Ivorian was a better player for the Gunners than people gave him credit for, racking up 48 goal involvements in 112 games, but he could never live up to his £75m price tag and, after several middling loans, had his contract terminated by mutual consent.
Going further back, to Unai Emery’s time at the club, and Aaron Ramsey’s exit was another disaster from a financial perspective.
After 369 games for the club, in which he scored 64 goals, provided 60 assists and played a significant role in several FA Cup triumphs, the Welsh legend left the Gunners to join Italian giants Juventus.
With all that said, none of these stars could realistically be compared to Liverpool’s new superstar Isak, which isn’t the case for another ace who left for nothing under Arteta’s watch.
The Arsenal star who was Arteta's Isak
Since taking the job at Arsenal, Arteta has overseen the exits of some notable players, including the aforementioned Ozil, but perhaps the most controversial one was Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The Gabonese international was the club captain for part of the Spaniard’s tenure, but following a drop in form and his late arrival for a North London derby in March 2021, the writing was on the wall for his Gunners career.
The former Borussia Dortmund star was eventually let go for nothing in January 2022, and while he endured a lacklustre year and a half with Barcelona and Chelsea, he quickly found his form in the south of France.
In one season with Marseille, the Laval-born monster scored 30 goals and provided 11 assists in 51 appearances, which was enough to earn him a big-money move to the Saudi Pro League.
The 36-year-old was able to amass an impressive tally of 24 goal involvements in 36 games for Al-Qadsiah last season, but has now returned to Marseille, where he is already outperforming Viktor Gyokeres, producing three goal involvements in three games.
Aubameyang’s recent form
Season
23/24
24/25
24/25
Appearances
51
36
3
Minutes
4005′
3196′
186′
Goals
30
21
2
Assists
11
3
1
Goal Involvements per Match
0.80
0.66
1.00
Minutes per Goal Involvement
97.68′
133.16”
62′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
With all of that said, then, what was it about Auba that meant we could describe him as being like Arteta’s Isak in the past?
Well, the first reason is that, prior to going off the boil somewhat, the “world-class” striker, as dubbed by Behdad Eghbali, was a lean, mean goalscoring machine for the manager.
For example, in the 19/20 season, he racked up a sensational haul of 29 goals and three assists in 44 appearances, totalling 3725 minutes.
That comes out to an outrageous average of a goal involvement every 1.37 games, or every 116.40 minutes.
Moreover, like the former Newcastle United star, he’s a lanky striker but undeniably elegant centre-forward, who was capable of a plethora of finishes, but was particularly adept at coming in from out wide and slotting home.
In fact, like the Swede, he may be a striker first, but he has spent a considerable amount of time in his career playing out wide on the wings.
Finally, just as the Reds’ new star helped his former side with the League cup, the former Gunners star played a crucial role in Arteta lifting the FA Cup in his first season as manager.
Ultimately, while there were valid reasons for getting rid of Aubameyang, we can’t help but wonder how useful he’d be in this Arsenal squad, as he clearly still has an excellent ability to put the ball in the back of the net.
He's "England's future LB": Arsenal sold Hale End's own Hincapie last year
The promising full-back looked brilliant in Arsenal’s academy.
Steven Smith has retired from ODI cricket effective immediately following Australia’s semi-final loss at the Champions Trophy. He will continue to be available for Tests and T20Is.Smith, 35, informed his team-mates immediately after the loss to India in Dubai on Tuesday that he had played his last ODI match, meaning he will not be part of Australia’s team for the 2027 ODI World Cup despite standing in as captain for the Champions Trophy in Pat Cummins’ absence.”It has been a great ride and I have loved every minute of it,” Smith said in a statement. “There have been so many amazing times and wonderful memories. Winning two World Cups was a great highlight along with the many fantastic team-mates who shared the journey.Related
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“Now is a great opportunity for people to start preparing for the 2027 World Cup so it feels like the right time to make way.”Test cricket remains a priority and I am really looking forward to the World Test Championship final, the West Indies in the winter and then England at home. I feel I still have a lot to contribute on that stage.”Smith has long said that he was a series-by-series proposition in every format as questions have been posed to him in recent years about when he would retire from international cricket.Having referenced the Ashes later this year, he would appear committed for at least another home summer, but what happens beyond that remains to be seen. There is the prospect of away series against India and England in 2027.He is not currently in Australia’s T20I plans after being left out of the 2024 T20 World Cup squad, but has stated that he would like to represent Australia at the 2028 Olympic Games in T20 cricket and remains available for selection if called upon.
Smith retires from ODIs as one of Australia’s best-ever batters in the format despite being 12th on the all-time run-scorers’ list for Australia. Only five players have scored more than his 12 ODI centuries and only David Warner has a better average among those five.Smith was an integral part of two ODI World Cup victories in 2015 and 2023. In 2015, he made five consecutive fifty-plus scores including 105 in the semi-final win over India and 56 not out in the final against New Zealand at the MCG, where he also hit the winning runs.He was named in the ICC men’s ODI team of the year in 2015 and was Australia’s ODI player of the year in 2014-15 and 2020-21, the last a year in which he plundered three centuries including back-to-back 62-ball masterclasses at the SCG against India in the space of three days.Smith led Australia in 64 ODIs from 2015 to 2025. Only Ricky Ponting, Allan Border, Steve Waugh, Mark Taylor and Michael Clarke have led Australia on more occasions, although Smith was the only one not to lead his country in a World Cup.ESPNcricinfo Ltd
Chair of selectors George Bailey paid tribute to Smith following his retirement.”We fully understand and support Steve’s decision to retire from One Day International cricket,” Bailey said. “Steve has said on many occasions he is approaching the remainder of his playing career on a series-by-series basis, a position which hasn’t changed and one Cricket Australia supports.”His record as a batter across 170 games is exemplary and to leave the format as a two-time World Cup winner cements his legacy as one of the great Australian ODI players. From an NSP [national selection panel] standpoint, Steve remains fully committed to Test cricket and is an integral member of and leader within that team.”New CA chief executive Todd Greenberg acknowledged Smith’s contribution to Australia’s ODI team over a 16-year career. “Congratulations to Steve on an amazing One-Day International career during which he has made a vast contribution to Australia’s performances in the 50-over format.”Australia’s next ODIs are scheduled to be a series against South Africa in August. Smith has committed to play for Welsh Fire in the Hundred at the same time, and his 50-over retirement should enable him to play more franchise cricket as he approaches the end of his career.
Takes on role with immediate effect after success with Sunrisers and London Spirit
ESPNcricinfo staff11-Dec-2024Marc Broom has been appointed as Middlesex’s first full-time Women’s Head Coach.Broom takes on the role having most recently worked as Assistant Head Coach for Sunrisers from 2022 to 2024, which ended with Sunrisers lifting the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy in the final year of the Elite Women’s regionalised structure.Having represented Middlesex age-groups from Under-11 to Under-19, and as a second XI player for two seasons, Broom began his coaching career at Eastcote Cricket Club over two decades ago, where he remained actively involved over many years, in numerous coaching roles and as Director of Cricket between 2018 and 2022.He has previously coached the Hillingdon borough squad, was Lead Coach of Middlesex’s U12s County Age Group, was Middlesex’s South regional pathway lead, and was the fielding and wicket-keeping lead for the Middlesex Academy – working with the Club’s Elite Player Group.He began working with the Men’s professional squad in 2020 alongside Nic Pothas and then under Richard Johnson and Rory Coutts as the Club’s fielding and wicket-keeping Coach, before joining Sunrisers in 2022 as Assistant Head Coach.He has also worked with London Spirit Women as Assistant Coach and Fielding/Wicket-keeping lead, including during their successful Women’s Hundred campaign in 2024.”I am genuinely honoured, privileged and excited to have the opportunity to be a part of the new phase of Middlesex Women’s cricket as Head Coach,” Broom said.”It’s a fantastic time to be involved in Women’s cricket and the game is developing so quickly in all areas, and to have the responsibility of supporting the talented group of players through what is going to be a challenging but ultimately rewarding journey is one I’m going to relish!”The last three years with the Sunrisers have been unbelievable, and I’ve learned so much from both the coaching staff and players, especially Andy Tennant whose knowledge and experience as Head Coach have highlighted the processes needed to achieve the success possible.”I can’t wait to get going and seeing where this team can go and what they can achieve”.Alan Coleman, Middlesex’s Director of Cricket, added: “We are absolutely delighted that Mark has accepted our offer to become our new Women’s Head Coach. He stood out from an extremely high-quality list of candidates who applied for the role, and we are delighted to be working with him moving forwards.”This is an incredibly exciting time for the Women’s game, and whilst Middlesex begin the journey as a Tier Two side, we are already taking the first steps to securing Tier One status at the earliest opportunity, and Marc’s appointment is a significant step towards us getting there.”The experience Marc gained with Sunrisers, with whom he has been on the same journey that Middlesex Women are now embarking on, will prove invaluable to us, as we look to professionalise the Women’s set-up here at Middlesex.”He has a proven track record as a Coach at all levels and joins us fresh from having lifted two major trophies in the Women’s game in 2024. We are excited about what Marc will bring to the role and wish him every success with the Women’s playing group.”
Ajaz and Phillips combined for nine wickets to defend 146 despite Pant’s 64 off 57
Sidharth Monga03-Nov-20241:40
Is this the greatest Test upset of the 21st century?
New Zealand withstood the sublime genius of Rishabh Pant to enter uncharted territory: a whitewash of India in India in a series of three Tests or more. Ajaz Patel and Glenn Phillips combined for nine wickets to defend 146 despite Pant’s 64 off 57 that took them from 29 for 5 to 106 for 6. Ajaz ended up with an 11-wicket haul, becoming the most successful visiting bowler at a single Indian ground.Apart from poor batting, of course, India were also left looking at a contentious DRS call from the third umpire Paul Reiffel. Pant had all the momentum with India taking six singles and two boundaries in the first two overs after lunch, but New Zealand managed to get a decision overturned in what appeared a desperate review. Pant had padded up to Ajaz after being beaten in the air, was given not-out on a bat-pad catch, the third umpire on first viewing seemed to be ruling that the murmur of UltraEdge came from the bat on the pad. Eventually, though, a possible deflection after the sound signature convinced the third umpire to overrule the on-field call.Related
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Take nothing away from Ajaz, though. Born in Mumbai, representing New Zealand, having taken an all-10 on his previous trip, Ajaz was having an ordinary series when he came into the final Test. Even though he found his groove post lunch on day two, taking five wickets in the first innings, even though he had taken three early wickets in the second innings, he was playing a different Test against Pant.At the moment of the Pant wicket, Ajaz had bowled 167 balls to rest of India for 112 runs and nine wickets, but 41 balls to Pant had gone for 75 runs. Pant was in the middle of an audacious effort that defied the treacherous conditions, asked for by the team management and duly delivered to them.The problem with batting on such tracks is the vast margin for errors bowlers have. Even if you bowl a rank long hop, you can protect the boundaries with in-out fields because the ball comes off the pitch at varying pace. Pant’s genius lay in still managing to manipulate shots enough to beat the deep fielders. A swivel almost onto the stumps to hit squarer. A collapse onto the knee to sweep finer. Almost always sweeping himself off his feet to impart that extra bit of power. All this while maintaining an 84% control rate at lunch.When Pant was not on strike, though, Ajaz was unplayable. Ever since lunch on day two, he bowled perfect lengths and carried it into the second innings. He bowled on a good length, drawing forward-defence from the batters without letting them reach the pitch of the ball.Rishabh Pant wasn’t happy with the review that sent him back•BCCIShubman Gill left one alone without covering the line of off, leaving himself open to the vagaries of the pitch. The ball didn’t turn, and took the off stump out. Virat Kohli was a sitting duck as he defended and edged into the big mitts of Dary Mitchell at slip. Ravindra Jadeja, who earlier completed his third career 10-wicket match haul and added 42 with Pant, finally got one that turned too much and was caught at bat-pad. Only Sarfaraz Khan’s wicket was a gift because of the gremlins in the minds. His two-ball innings consisted of two premeditated sweeps to what were otherwise boundary balls. One a single, and the other a full toss helped straight into deep midwicket’s welcoming hands.The openers fell to Matt Henry and Phillips. Rohit Sharma seemed like he wanted to get ahead of New Zealand while the roller’s effect was still fresh after New Zealand refused to get the pitch rolled as their last wicket added three runs to the overnight lead of 143. Two boundaries came, but the third attempt was to a ball not short enough, and Phillips caught the top-edged pull at midwicket.Phillips, who has far exceeded expectations as the second spinner of the side, continued the good work by not bowling any bad balls, and was duly rewarded by trapping Yashasvi Jaiswal lbw on the forward-defence.Pant, though, was playing a different game. His first thought was a boundary, then running, and then defence. He opened his account with a flat six back over Ajaz’s head. That forced Ajaz to bowl quicker and shorter to him, getting India a set of two bye boundaries. His reverse-sweeping got rid of short fine leg, and benefitted him when he top-edged a sweep precisely there.After losing Jadeja, he found the boundary two times in the last two overs before lunch to bring up his fifty and leave India hopeful of a miracle. Post lunch, New Zealand sat back. Six singles in the first over. Two fours in the second. Then came the desperate review, which turned it around for New Zealand again.Tom Blundell found something to celebrate with a superb catch off the R Ashwin glove on the reverse-sweep. Phillips found a moment to celebrate all the hard work when he bowled Akash Deep through the gate. Fittingly, Ajaz ended it all as Washington Sundar tried to slog him with not many options left.
Crystal Palace have now made an approach over a deal for an “amazing” defender, journalist Mike McGrath has revealed.
Crystal Palace set sights on Guehi replacement
Marc Guehi will forever be remembered for being the first captain to lead Palace to a major trophy, but with two Premier League clubs battling it out for his services, it is looking increasingly likely that the Englishman could be heading for the exit door sooner rather than later.
Newcastle United and Liverpool are keen on the defender, who could be available for around £60m, and the centre-back’s departure could be a real blow for Oliver Glasner, considering he was among the Eagles’ most consistent performers in the Premier League last season.
Crystal Palace’s best performers 24/25
Average rating (WhoScored)
Daniel Munoz
7.11
Eberechi Eze
7.09
Trevoh Chalobah
6.92
Maxence Lacroix
6.88
Marc Guehi
6.81
Amid doubts over Guehi’s future, the Eagles have started identifying potential replacements, and Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande has emerged as a major target, having tabled a bid for the Ivorian.
However, in a report for The Telegraph, McGrath has revealed there is another option from much closer to home, with Crystal Palace submitting an enquiry over a potential loan deal for Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong.
Palace have a history of doing deals with their London rivals, and Acheampong is now of interest, although only on a loan deal, with the reported asking price of £35m perhaps deemed to be too high.
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ByDominic Lund Jul 8, 2025
Only one loan is allowed from a Premier League rival, and the defender has been identified as the perfect addition to Glasner’s squad, given that he is versatile, with the defender comfortable playing at both centre-back and right-back.
"Amazing" Acheampong could be fantastic signing for Crystal Palace
The 19-year-old is still in the early days of his career, but he is clearly very highly-rated in west London, having been praised by Enzo Maresca after impressing in the Europa Conference League last season.
Maresca said: “The one that I fell in love with [tonight] is Josh Acheampong, because potentially he can be a fantastic player for this club, and for football in general”.
Teammate Tosin Adarabioyo has been left similarly impressed by his fellow defender, saying: “Josh has absolutely everything to be a top, top defender. He’s quick, he’s strong, he’s amazing on the ball, and he has a lot of confidence which I love to see in a young defender.”
The teenager is still inexperienced at first-team level, having made just 14 appearances for Chelsea, but he is clearly very talented, and Palace have a good history of signing young defenders on loan from their London rivals.
Chalobah impressed Glasner during his brief spell with the Eagles last season, prior to being recalled, and the manager will be hoping that Acheampong can have a similar impact at Selhurst Park, should the Blues be open to a loan deal.
Manchester United’s hunt for new attacking options this summer has been ongoing before the window even opened, with the department in desperate need of investment.
Matheus Cunha may have been the first forward to move to Old Trafford during the off-season, but his £62.5m transfer isn’t expected to be the last ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
The club’s tally of 44 goals in their 38 matches highlights the need for added reinforcements in such an area, but any signings would likely cost a pretty penny.
Rasmus Hojlund appears to be allowed to leave this summer with Napoli and Inter Milan circulating, but it’s unclear how much the Dane could command after scoring just four goals in their league last season.
Any funds generated will likely help Ruben Amorim in his quest to land new attacking talent, with numerous players already touted with a summer switch to Old Trafford.
The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer
Roony Bardghji is a player who has emerged on United’s shortlist over recent days, but they appear to have missed out on the Swedish youngster after a deal was agreed between Copenhagen and Spanish giants Barcelona.
Jean-Philippe Mateta is another name mentioned with a switch to Old Trafford this summer, but the Frenchman is seen as a backup option to other targets despite netting 14 Premier League goals this season.
However, the same can’t be said for Brentford attacker Bryan Mbeumo, with a deal seemingly heading in the right direction, according to talkSPORT’s latest update.
They claim that the Red Devils have made a second offer in the region of £60m for the 25-year-old, who scored 20 league goals for Brentford throughout 2024/25.
It also states that talks have accelerated with the attacker, who’s already agreed personal terms over a move to join Amorim’s side, but it doesn’t mention if the latest offer is expected to be accepted.
Why United’s £60m target would be a better signing than Nkunku
Despite the latest bid to sign Mbeumo this window, United have entered the race to sign Chelsea outcast Christopher Nkunku, looking as one of the main sides in the running for his signature.
It’s been reported that the Red Devils have approached the 27-year-old’s representatives over a move to join the club after starting just nine league games this season.
The player himself is said to be keen on a move away from Stamford Bridge, after failing to nail down a regular starting role following his £52m move to the Blues two years ago.
Nkunku is a versatile option, being able to operate in either the number ten position or as a centre forward, potentially handing Amorim the depth he craves in attacking areas.
However, it’s unclear how much Enzo Maresca’s side would demand for his signature, with Mbeumo a massively better option when comparing their respective figures from 2024/25.
The Brentford star has massively outperformed the French talent in numerous key areas, highlighting why he’d be a better choice for the Red Devils in the coming weeks.
Mbeumo, who’s been labelled “sensational” by Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam, has massively outscored Nkunku and registered a higher goal per shot on target rate, subsequently demonstrating his clinical edge in front of goal.
How Mbeumo compares to Nkunku in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Mbeumo
Nkunku
Games played
38
27
Goals & assists
27
5
Shot on target accuracy
45%
44%
Goals per shot on target
0.4
0.2
Progressive carries
3.4
1.6
Progressive passes
3.7
2.4
Key passes
1.9
1.3
Take-on success
47%
37%
Carries into final third
1.8
1.5
Stats via FBref
He’s also registered more progressive passes and more key passes per 90, having the creative ability to provide the other talents around him with added opportunities – undoubtedly aiding Amorim’s quest for the added threat he’s been hunting for.
The Cameroonian’s dominance is further reflected in his take-on success and carries into the final third, able to get himself into key areas which has bolstered his respective tallies.
Whilst £60m may appear to be a hefty investment in a player who’s off the back of one impressive season, the chance to play alongside more top-level talents will certainly help him sustain such success.
Nkunku would provide an experienced option within the final third, but if the club have to choose one option between the pair, it’s evident that Mbeumo would be the option to improve the club’s chances of success in the future.
A better move than Ekitike: Man Utd preparing bid for "top-class" £44m ST
Manchester United appear top be making more moves for a striker ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Sunderland’s summer transfer window has been choppy so far, with both Jobe Bellingham and Tommy Watson deserting the Black Cats after the ecstasy of promotion.
It hasn’t been all doom and gloom for Regis Le Bris and Co, however, as Enzo Le Fee has at least put pen to paper on a permanent Wearside stay to bolster the midfield areas.
Still, the Frenchman will want more and more new signings to enter the Stadium of Light in their unlikely bid to survive in the Premier League.
The former Lorient boss will surely be prioritising some defensive additions to help his team navigate the frightening step-up in quality, with a new, imposing target now reportedly on their agenda.
Sunderland interested in former Leeds colossus
As per a report from French outlet Jeunes Footeux, Sunderland are interested in landing former Leeds United centre-back Charlie Cresswell this summer, off the back of his impressive stint out in Ligue 1 with Toulouse.
It’s stated that Le Bris wants young, solid players who are already seasoned at the highest level, with Cresswell ticking those boxes for sure, considering he was also in and around the senior picture at Elland Road during the Whites’ brief stays in the Premier League.
Charlie Cresswell for Leeds United
Japhet Tanganga s also very much on the Black Cats’ radar as they look to add in some new defensive bodies here and there, with the Millwall brute perhaps gaining somewhat of an advantage when you glance at his modest £1.2m valuation.
But, if Sunderland are willing to pay a few million on top of Tanganga’s price-tag, they could win themselves an upgrade on the ex-Tottenham Hotspur youth product in Cresswell, with the 22-year-old no doubt champing at the bit to return to England to prove himself further.
Why Cresswell would be an upgrade on Tanganga
Cresswell has settled into life in the top division in France swimmingly, meaning he could be ready to take the plunge back into the English game with the newly promoted Black Cats.
This season for Toulouse, Cresswell would chip in with four strikes when putting his lofty 6-foot-3 frame to effective use, alongside also coming away from his 31 appearances in Ligue 1 with a respectable tally of nine clean sheets.
Charlie Cresswell in action for England Under-21's.
Tanganga did end up with 14 clean sheets of his own in the Championship, but he was present for nine more games at the heart of defence for the Lions than Cresswell was for Carles Martínez Novell’s men, away from falling short of the 22-year-old’s goal total by one.
Regardless, Cresswell has actually shown off his strengths as a no-nonsense centre-back option at the Den himself away from Tanganga’s standout campaign, with the table below further backing up why he might be worth the extra cash at around the £8m ballpark, as per Transfermarkt.
Games played
28
31
Goals scored
4
3
Assists
2
1
Touches*
53.5
63.3
Accurate passes*
28.1 (71%)
41.2 (83%)
Total duels won*
7.6
4.9
Clean sheets
5
9
Indeed, the table proves that Cresswell can battle it out in England, away from just his spells in the Leeds senior mix, with a ridiculous 7.6 duels won on average during his breakout 22/23 campaign in South East London. To add context, Tanganga only won 5.8 last season, on the contrary.
Moreover, with a full Ligue 1 season now under his belt which saw him collect nine clean sheets – which is two more than his former Spurs counterpart ever managed in North London in the elite division – Sunderland could now direct all their focus on attempting to land the Preston-born youngster, over winning a cut-price deal for Tanganga.
Currently out with England at the U21s Euros, where he’s rubbing shoulders with the likes of Premier League regulars Harvey Elliott and Elliot Anderson, the “outstanding” star – as he’s been glowing labelled in the past by Leeds content creator Joe Wainman – will believe the time is right for him to make this next move.
Sunderland will be hopeful he can be one key part of the puzzle that secures survival.
Sunderland plot move for "amazing" £15m+ star who scored 19 goals in 24/25
The Black Cats are eyeing reinforcements through the middle…
Everton have now joined the race to sign an “elite” defender, who is attracting widespread interest from the Premier League ahead of the summer transfer window, according to a report.
Toffees go out on a high at Goodison
May 18th, 2025 marked the end of an era, with the Toffees playing their last-ever match at Goodison Park before the move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and they managed to go out in style, securing a 2-0 win over Southampton courtesy of an Iliman Ndiaye brace.
With Wolverhampton Wanderers losing 4-2 against Crystal Palace on Tuesday night, the Merseysiders are now confirmed to have finished 13th in the Premier League, which is quite a turnaround, given that a relegation battle was on the cards at one stage.
However, David Moyes will know that new recruitments are necessary if his side are to kick on further up the table next season, and the manager is keen to bolster his centre-back options, despite his side having one of the best defensive records in the league this season.
Club
Goals conceded
Arsenal
33
Liverpool
40
Chelsea
43
Manchester City
44
Everton
44
That is according to a report from Ouest-France (via Get Football News France), which states Everton are now interested in a move for Nantes defender Nathan Zeze, who is attracting plenty of interest from a number of English clubs ahead of the summer.
Aston Villa and AFC Bournemouth are also named as potential suitors for Zeze, with the Cherries already having a €20m (£17m) bid knocked back, which suggests an offer in excess of that figure will be needed to get a deal over the line.
It remains to be seen whether the Toffees choose to hijack their Premier League rivals, but it appears as though the 19-year-old’s time at Nantes is coming to an end, with the French club said to have no hope of retaining his services beyond the summer.
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ByAngus Sinclair May 20, 2025 "Elite" Zeze impressing in Ligue 1
Hailed as being an “elite” young player by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Frenchman was an important figure for Nantes when fit last season, making 18 Ligue 1 appearances, and he has proven himself to be adept defensively.
The teenager is particularly impressive at winning back possession, ranking in the 92nd percentile for tackles per 90 over the past year, while also placing in the 94th percentile for clearances and 78th for interceptions, compared to other centre-backs.
Nantes' Nathan Zeze.
As mentioned, Everton’s defensive showings have not been a cause for concern this season, but it would make sense to bring in a new young centre-back this summer, given that Michael Keane’s contract is set to come to an end.
As such, Zeze could be a good signing for Everton, at which point the move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium will mark the beginning of an exciting new era for the Toffees.
Looking to put their champions status to instant use, Liverpool are now reportedly set to submit a concrete proposal to sign a serial winner who is available at a bargain price this summer.
Liverpool just getting started with big summer ahead
It was Mohamed Salah’s words which sparked motivation after last season’s third-place finish and those words now have a place in Anfield history after Liverpool went on to achieve exactly what he promised.
The Egyptian took to social media last season to say: “We know that trophies are what count and we will do everything possible to make that happen next season. Our fas deserve it and we will fight like hell.”
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Fast-forward less than 12 months and Liverpool did, in fact, fight like hell and they did, in fact, become champions once again. The Egyptian King more than lived up to his promise, enduring his own historic season to make sure that his side are back where many believe they belong. But he’s not done there.
Salah once again took to social media this week to reiterate that his focus is already on repeated success next season, albeit whilst taking time to celebrate Liverpool’s 20th league title.
FSG could yet share that sentiment too, with recent rumours suggesting that Liverpool could be in for a summer of spending. The likes of Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike are just two players who have already been linked with a move to Anfield this summer and now the Reds are reportedly preparing a concrete offer for a serial winner.
Liverpool preparing Coman proposal
According to Caught Offside, Liverpool are now preparing a concrete proposal to sign Kingsley Coman from Bayern Munich this summer. The Premier League champions are reportedly frontrunners for his signature in a deal that would cost them just €40m (£34m) in the coming months.
The Frenchman has won it all throughout his career, from the Champions League, to several Bundesliga titles as well as league titles in both France and Italy. Now, at 28 years old, he could attempt to add another to his set by joining Liverpool and helping them to make it two from two under Arne Slot.
Whilst Coman has struggled for starts in the Bundesliga this season, he may get a starting role at Liverpool if Luis Diaz does leave the club this summer, which is a rumoured possibility. It’s then that his task would be to replicate or improve on the South American’s success within Slot’s front three.
League stats 24/25 (via FBref)
Kingsley Coman
Luis Diaz
Starts
12
26
Goals
5
12
Assists
4
5
Key Passes per 90
2.38
2.19
Once dubbed “brilliant” by former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann, the numbers show that there’s still a talented player in Coman, who has simply been denied key game time at times this season.