Tag Futebol

SA and Victoria will compete for the Dean Jones Trophy after the tournament was renamed earlier this season

AAP28-Feb-2025

Nathan McSweeney was a 12-year-old Queenslander when his recently-adopted South Australia last won the domestic one-day cricket competition.McSweeney remembers watching on television when SA captured the trophy in 2011-12 amid drama. Scores in the final against Tasmania were tied but SA was deemed the winner as they finished above the Tasmanians during the preliminary rounds.Related

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South Australia haven’t won the one-day trophy since. But McSweeney hopes to end the state’s drought when hosting Victoria at Adelaide Oval on Saturday for the freshly-named Dean Jones Trophy.”We all know that it has been a long time since we have been able to win something,” McSweeney told reporters on Friday. “So it would be special if we could do it. Our preparation this week has been elite so hopefully it translates to some good performances.”SA also hold top position with two rounds remaining in the Sheffield Shield. The state hasn’t won the four-day competition since 1995-96.”We haven’t had the success we would have like over the last few years,” McSweeney said. “But at the start of the year, this is exactly where we wanted to be, so everyone is super excited.”And hopefully our best cricket is to come. We have got an obviously very important game tomorrow and hopefully a couple more shield games to finish the year.”In the one-day competition, both SA and Victoria won four games, with McSweeney’s side banking three bonus point triumphs to secure hosting rights.The states met only once, when ex-Victorian Mackenzie Harvey blasted an unbeaten 136 to lead SA to victory. Harvey, who shifted to Adelaide when cut from Victoria’s contracted player list at the end of last season, went on to top the run-scorer’s list in the tournament, with 311 at an average of 62.20.”He has been elite for us,” McSweeney said of the 24-year-old. “He is batting beautifully, knows the bowlers really well being from Victoria – hopefully he has got another good knock in him.”The cup competition was this season re-named the Dean Jones Trophy after the batting legend who died in 2020.”Dean Jones obviously played a lot for Victoria and did so much for Victorian cricket,” Victorian captain Will Sutherland said. “It is sad that Dean has passed away but I am sure a lot of the boys, and I, had a little bit to do with him – a superstar. And it just makes it extra special that it is named after him.”The player of the final will be awarded the Michael Bevan medal for the first time. South Australia allrounder Liam Scott was named the tournament’s player of the year earlier this week.One-Day Cup final squdsSouth Australia Nathan McSweeney (capt), Jordan Buckingham, Brendan Doggett, Daniel Drew, Mackenzie Harvey, Jake Lehmann, Ben Manenti, Nathan McAndrew, Harry Nielsen, Lloyd Pope, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott, Henry ThorntonVictoria Will Sutherland (capt), Scott Boland, Harry Dixon, Sam Elliott, Peter Handscomb, Sam Harper, Marcus Harris, Campbell Kellaway, Todd Murphy, Fergus O’Neill, Ollie Peake, Tom Rogers, Peter Siddle

Tottenham Hotspur are entering the final stretch of the transfer window with clear objectives to reinforce their squad for a Champions League campaign.

After a season in which they finished 17th in the Premier League but won the Europa League, Thomas Frank’s squad shows both signs of promise and areas of weakness.

The departure of key players and a long-term injury to creative midfielder James Maddison have left the North London side actively seeking reinforcements.

Fan favourite Son Heung-Min left for LAFC after a decade at the club, leaving a void on the left flank.

Spurs have already invested heavily this summer, bringing in Mohamed Kudus from West Ham for £60m, while also attempting high-profile moves for Eberechi Eze, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Nico Paz.

Many of these deals have either been blocked, hijacked, or are yet to materialise.

How Spurs can overcome Paz and Eze blow

Spurs’ task now is to add the final pieces to ensure that Thomas Frank can field a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.

The search for a top-class left-sided attacker has been ongoing, as the manager looks for a player who can combine creativity, pace, and direct goal threat.

This is particularly important as Spurs look to blend their new arrivals with established squad members like Richarlison, who has started the season in fine form, and new midfield additions.

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Well, according to TBR Football, Tottenham are now quietly confident about completing a deal for 21-year-old Brazilian winger Savinho following further negotiations with Manchester City.

The player, described by Paul Merson as a “superstar,” missed City’s first two Premier League matches due to injury, including Spurs’ 2-0 victory over Pep Guardiola’s side.

While Guardiola remains keen to keep the attacker, City could be persuaded to sell should Tottenham present a significant offer. It’s widely reported that he could be available for around £60m.

The potential move would not only strengthen the left flank but also allow the player to form a strong partnership with Brazilian striker Richarlison, creating an attacking duo with complementary qualities.

Why Spurs need Savinho

The 21-year-old Brazilian fits perfectly into Frank’s tactical plans.

Spurs require a player capable of driving at defences, delivering creative passes, and contributing in front of goal. His statistical profile underlines these qualities.

Matches Played

29

Starts

21

Goals

1

Assists

8

Progressive Carries

137

Progressive Passes

67

According to FBref, he ranks in the 88th percentile compared to positionally similar players in Europe for assists per 90 (0.32), 85th percentile for shot-creating actions per 90 (4.93), and is in the 97th percentile for progressive carries per 90 (6.51).

Additionally, he wins 93% of his take-ons and ranks in the 96th percentile for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 minutes (7.74).

These numbers highlight a winger who can both create and finish chances while also progressing the ball into dangerous areas consistently.

His combination with Richarlison, who ranks in the 80th percentile for goals per 90 (0.63) and shots per 90 (3.16), along with strong involvement in attack and pressing, provides Spurs with a dual-threat on the left and central attacking positions.

Richarlison’s high percentile for touches in the attacking penalty area (84th) and carries into the final third (86th) also demonstrates that the partnership could generate significant attacking synergy.

The tactical benefit is clear. Spurs have lost their previous high-impact winger in Son and require someone who can carry the ball, break defensive lines, and maintain width while combining with central forwards.

Savinho’s style mirrors players like Vinícius Jr. and Lamine Yamal in terms of directness and creative output, while also providing a physical presence capable of sustaining pressing patterns in Frank’s system.

Moreover, the player’s desire for consistent first-team football, particularly with the World Cup approaching, increases the likelihood of a motivated and focused contribution.

This addresses a concern Guardiola has at City, where competition for starting spots in Brazil’s national team could be limited without regular club minutes.

The signing would also offer Spurs tactical flexibility.

With Maghnes Akliouche as an alternative, Frank could rotate formations and exploit different strengths on the left.

Savinho’s pace, dribbling, and combination play allow him to operate effectively in a 4-3-3, as part of a front three, or even in an inside-left role, making him a versatile weapon in high-stakes matches.

From a long-term perspective, investing in a 21-year-old winger with high-ceiling potential aligns with Spurs’ recruitment model of combining experienced talent with young, high-value acquisitions.

His market value of £60m, coupled with Premier League experience gained through his 29 appearances last season for Manchester City, including ten assists, makes him a player capable of making an immediate impact while offering future resale potential.

If Tottenham secure the deal, the Brazilian could form a highly effective partnership with Richarlison, perhaps one of the early winners from Frank’s short reign so far.

The statistical overlap of progressive carries, touches in the attacking penalty area, and shot-creating actions suggests that the duo could complement each other in movement, finishing, and chance creation.

In addition, Savinho’s comfort on the ball and direct style would help bridge the gap between midfield creativity and forward execution, a key aspect missing since Son’s departure.

The potential acquisition also sends a message to Spurs fans and rivals alike. After missing out on Eze, Gibbs-White, and other high-profile targets, completing a deal for Savinho signals that Tottenham remain serious in the market, willing to invest and act decisively to bolster their Champions League squad.

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New Dembele: Spurs make move to sign "one of the best playmakers in Europe"

Spurs are looking to finalise one or two big moves before the deadline closes.

1 ByMatt Dawson Aug 25, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

A Secretaria de Esportes de São Paulo de São Paulo e a Federação Paulista de Futebol planejam realizar a primeira edição da Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior ainda em 2023. O projeto nasceu na pasta ligada à prefeitura paulistana e foi levado pelo secretário de esportes e lazer Cacá Vianna à FPF, que acenou positivamente quanto à possibilidade de promover o campeonato.

– A gente começou esse trabalho no ano passado. O futebol feminino tem crescido muito, e quando eu cheguei na Secretaria a gente apresentou essa proposta de criar um campeonato. Já tivemos as peneiras no sub-15 e sub-17, que foram feitas no Centro Esportivo Manchester, que é da prefeitura, em parceria com a Federação Paulista de Futebol, e desde o ano passado, quando eu apresentei essa proposta para a equipe que compõe Federação de começar com um campeonato pequeno, mas dando a possibilidade de São Paulo sair na frente e ter a possibilidade de fazer a primeira Copa São Paulo de Júnior Feminina – disse o secretário com exclusividade ao LANCE! durante o Sports Summit, feira de esportes que acontece no pavilhão de eventos do estádio do Pacaembú, em São Paulo, entre os dias 25 e 27 de abril.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFora de CampoJoão Guilherme relembra episódio que um torcedor tentou invadir a cabine de transmissãoFora de Campo25/04/2023Futebol NacionalQuanto ganham os clubes que se classificam para as oitavas de final da Copa do Brasil? Veja valoresFutebol Nacional25/04/2023Mais EsportesVôlei de praia: tricampeã mundial, Talita completa 200 competições internacionaisMais Esportes25/04/2023

+Brasil campeão do Sul-Americano sub-17: confira quem é quem entre os nomes da Seleção Brasileira

A iniciativa também é uma forma da capital paulista demonstrar apoio à CBF na candidatura para ser sede da Copa do Mundo feminino em 2027. Haverá a concorrência europeia, na tríplice candidatura que envolve Alemanha, Bélgica e Holanda, da América do Norte, com Estados Unidos e México em parceria, e também da África do Sul, representando o continente africano. Neste ano, o Mundial acontece na Austrália e Nova Zelândia, entre os meses de julho e agosto.

– Lógico que não terão 132 equipes, como acontece no masculino, mas a gente vai dar o pontapé inicial até vislumbrar São Paulo disputar a Copa do Mundo de Futebol Femininio em 2027, que é uma grande importância também para o Brasil, não só para São Paulo. A gente vai entrar na briga , junto com a CBF, para que São Paulo mais uma vez puxe a discussão do fortalecimento do futebol feminino no Brasil – salientou Cacá.

De acordo com o secretário municipal de esportes de São Paulo, a Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior na categoria feminina tem a sinalização de adesão de algumas equipes profissionais, como Corinthians, Ferroviária, Grêmio, Internacional e São Paulo. No entanto, a confirmação dependerá de um calendário que possibilite a participação dessas equipes.

– Tem que aguardar o calendário do Campeonato Brasileiro. A gente precisa ver os locais, porque esses jogos terão torcidas. Não dá para jogar em um campo sem arquibancada, estrutura. É isso que precisamos organizar. E a Federação (Paulista de Futebol) tem uma logística importante nesse sentido – destacou o secretário.

O próximo passo para que o projeto avance será o alinhamento com o Poder Executivo de São Paulo. Reuniões entre os representantes da secretaria municipal de esporte e da Federação Paulista de Futebol com o prefeito da capital paulista, Ricardo Nunes, já estão agendadas, enquanto as entidades realizam estudos para adequar o evento com os espaços de calendários que os clubes e locais de partidas possuem.

A Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior é disputada desde 1969 – com ausências somente em 1987 e 2021. A competição chegou a 53 edições em 2023.

continua após a publicidade

Without a doubt, Liverpool have enjoyed an incredible summer transfer window, with FSG spending like never before to establish Arne Slot’s dynasty.

The Dutch coach replaced Jurgen Klopp and won the Premier League last season, and he did so having welcomed only Federico Chiesa to Anfield for a £12.5m fee. Well, Chiesa only started one league game all season and is expected to depart in the coming weeks.

However, the Italian’s not the only one facing the exit doors this summer.

Liverpool's transfer plans

As Liverpool kicked off their pre-season tour with a 4-2 defeat to AC Milan, they could not call upon Luis Diaz or Darwin Nunez, with the respective forwards set to be sold.

While Liverpool have already spent £79m on forward Hugo Ekitike this summer (breaking the British transfer record to reel Florian Wirtz over too), there’s more to come.

We all know that Alexander Isak is on Liverpool’s radar, having informed Newcastle United of his desire to explore a transfer to Anfield. He did not travel with the Toon for their pre-season tour.

However, talkSPORT have now revealed that Liverpool have ‘signalled their willingness’ to pay for the Sweden international, who has rejected the Magpies’ proposals of a new contract. That comes amid rival interest from Al Hilal, albeit with Saudi Arabian officials believing that he ‘wants to join Liverpool’.

If Liverpool want Isak, they will likely have to break the British record once again, forking out some £130m.

Why Liverpool still want Alexander Isak

This would be a truly remarkable transfer. And it’s beginning to look more and more probable.

Isak, 25, joined Newcastle from Real Sociedad for £63m in 2022, and he’s now renowned as one of the deadliest goalscorers in the world, hailed by Sweden coach Jon Dahl Tomasson for being “the most complete striker” in the Premier League.

While Liverpool’s acquisition of Ekitike might make it feel like this signing would be redundant, this isn’t the case. The respective forwards are both technically sound, but bring different things to the table and could actually become an unstoppable partnership.

Ekitike, 23, is principally a central striker but is known for his pace and power, capable across a range of positional roles. As per FBref, he ranked among the top 10% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues last year for assists, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, and the top 4% for progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90.

Utilising these attributes, Ekitike could bring out the best in Isak, allowing him to focus more on his incredible goalscoring. There’s no question that the United man surpasses his prospective teammate in ball-striking.

24/25

42 (41)

27

6

23/24

40 (36)

25

2

22/23

27 (18)

10

3

The £120k-per-week Sweden native, moreover, has the wealth of Premier League experience, which could prove vital for Ekitike’s development.

With both players in Slot’s system, the coach can manage workloads and utilise the respective strengths of both to the greater effect of his ambitious Liverpool team. The sum is greater than the individual parts, after all.

Given that both strikers are so dynamic, there’s no reason why they couldn’t cohabit at the front of the ship for Liverpool, especially if Nunez is sold in the coming weeks.

Bigger loss than Diaz or Nunez: Barcelona charge into race for £70k-p/w Liverpool star

The Reds could lose a key man.

ByTom Cunningham Jul 26, 2025

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta still has his eyes on an array of exciting attacking talents, amid the club’s widely reported pursuit of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze and after their £50 million deal for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.

Arsenal star in talks to leave the Emirates; it could free room for Rodrygo

Rodrygo could be on his way to Arsenal this summer.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 14, 2025

Mikel Arteta’s side have made a serious statement of intent with their deals so far, having also signed Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, with Arsenal appearing determined to bridge the gap between themselves and Premier League champions Liverpool.

Madueke passed his Arsenal medical on Monday morning, and the England international will soon be joined by Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera. The Spaniard has flown to England today as he begins his own medical with Arsenal, according to Sky Sports, after the Gunners reached an agreement to sign him for around £17 million, including add-ons (Fabrizio Romano).

Meanwhile, Arsenal are also finalising a potential £64 million deal for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, with Arteta on the verge of finally seeing a prolific number nine join his side after what seems like years of waiting (The Athletic). The north Londoners are apparently hopeful they can fully close this deal in time for their pre-season tour of Asia, with Arsenal flying out to Singapore on Saturday.

After Gyokeres and Mosquera, there are many reports that Arsenal remain in ongoing talks with Eze.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£75m

Arsenal held positive discussions with the England international’s representatives recently (ESPN), and according to trusted transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, they’re still in contact as they maintain their pursuit of his signature.

Now, as per another reliable reporter, talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs, Arsenal are set to approach Palace over a deal for Eze, with club-to-club talks set to get underway after two-week-long negotiations on the player’s side.

Arsenal hold "genuine" Rafael Leao interest with Eberechi Eze

Arsenal apparently plan to speak with Palace as early as this week, and he’s viewed by Arteta’s side as a possible central attacking signing.

Their deal for Madueke will not impact their move for the 27-year-old, who scored 14 goals and registered 11 assists in all competitions last season. They think of Madueke as a separate signing capable of playing both on the left and competing with Bukayo Saka on the right-hand side, with Jacobs even suggesting that they’re still keen on more left-wing options.

Writing for talkSPORT, Jacobs reports that Arsenal hold a “genuine” interest in AC Milan star Rafael Leao as one target on a star-studded three-man shortlist.

Leao has a £152 million release clause written into his contract, which is active from July 5 to July 15 of every year before his deal runs out in 2028, but Arsenal are very unlikely to trigger that considering both the expense and how it expires today.

The Portugal international is one of Milan’s star players, scoring 12 goals and racking up a further 13 assists over his latest season at the San Siro. However, a potential move for Leao hinges on either Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli leaving the Emirates, which is no surprise considering they’ve just signed Madueke.

Bringing in another big-name left-winger would be yet another showcase of real ambition from Berta, but questions will surely be asked about how it could disrupt the dressing room – as Arteta may struggle to hand out adequate game time.

This has been a testing first window as Arsenal Sporting Director for Andrea Berta so far. Then again, it was never going to be easy was it?

The Gunners desperately need a new striker and the footballing world knows that. RB Leipzig and Sporting are trying to milk Arsenal for all Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres are worth.

The Londoners have reportedly held talks to sign both players but at this moment in time, a deal doesn’t look too forthcoming.

Still, Arsenal are active and Berta is working his socks off to ensure that Mikel Arteta’s side are ready for that opening weekend’s encounter against Manchester United.

The arrival of Martin Zubimendi will certainly help.

Arsenal’s pursuit of new midfielders

The Gunners are set to confirm the arrival of Zubimendi from Real Sociedad any day now.

The Spaniard was first linked with the club back in January when it was revealed that Arsenal were ready to trigger the midfielder’s release clause.

Fast forward several months and a deal is now on the verge of completion with it reported that he was in London over the weekend to tie up the formalities of his switch to the Emirates Stadium.

Zubimendi isn’t the only midfielder Arsenal have been tracking.

Indeed, according to TBR Football, they are ‘trying’ to sign PSG’s highly talented teenager, Warren Zaire-Emery.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

They understand that the Gunners started talks with the Champions League winners last week regarding a move.

However, any deal looks incredibly unlikely with the Ligue 1 side informing Arsenal that the 19-year-old is not for sale.

They note that if a switch did happen, Berta and Co would need to come armed with a ‘significant’ offer.

What makes Zaire-Emery so special

With Jorginho having exited the Emirates on a free transfer and Thomas Partey’s Arsenal adventure potentially set to come to a conclusion, Arteta needs more midfielders.

Zubimendi certainly ticks one box. European football expert, Sid Lowe, has previously noted that the 26-year-old “is just about as good a deep-lying midfielder there is in Europe, apart from maybe Rodri”.

So, wouldn’t it be rather special if he were partnered alongside Zaire-Emery?

The PSG sensation may be young but the fact of the matter is that he’s rather special. The teenager’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has already described him as “one of the best midfielders in the world” while data analyst Ben Mattinson notes that he is an “Mbappe at Monaco level of talent”, largely thanks to his blend of skills.

Arsenal have enjoyed the talents of some of the best young players in Europe throughout the years, none more so in the current day than Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Yet, Zaire-Emery reminds us of a certain Cesc Fabregas.

The Spaniard was younger than the French superstar when he moved to London, just 16, but his impact in the Premier League quickly helped him to showcase why he was one of the best young players in world football.

He eventually left Arsenal behind having scored 57 and assisted 95 in 303 outings. Named captain of the club when he was just 21, making him the youngest skipper in their history, there have been few better midfielders to grace Highbury and the Emirates over the last 20 years.

In short, he was a generational talent, an assist machine, someone who oozed class and could pass through the lines like very players on the planet.

Zaire-Emery, a player generating the same level of hype Fabregas was as a teenager, is cut from a similar cloth. He notably made his Champions League debut at the age of just 17, and since then, he’s gone from strength to strength.

Compared to midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues, he ranks in the top 3% for pass success rate, the top 9% for passes made and the best 10% for switches, a ball that travels more than 40 yards the width of the pitch.

What those numbers rubberstamp is the comparison to Fabregas, one of the best passers of the modern era.

While PSG’s teen superstar doesn’t quite possess the same rate of assists just yet – producing just two last season – his ability as a deep-lying playmaker certainly evokes memories of Fabregas in the latter stages of his career.

As for his development as a youngster, it certainly has hallmarks of the way the Spaniard burst onto the scene all those years ago.

Rodrygo upgrade: Arsenal make approach for "one of the best LWs in Europe"

The incredible Champions League winner would be a Rodrygo upgrade for Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 23, 2025

Chelsea’s second signing of the summer is through the door. Last week, the Blues completed a deal for Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, activating his relegation release clause and bringing him to Stamford Bridge, beating the likes of Manchester United in the race for his signature.

Now, signing number two is also in the building for Enzo Maresca and his squad. Centre-back Mamadou Sarr has made the move to West London from their sister club, Strasbourg, who were one of the standout clubs in Ligue 1 last summer. The defender has signed with the club for eight years and could be in line to play in the Club World Cup.

Sarr might not be the only defender Chelsea sign this summer. They are already linked with another centre-back.

Chelsea’s next centre-back target

So, it seems clear that Maresca is intent on strengthening at the back this summer. After the addition of Sarr, the Blues seem likely to pursue another defender, although they might not be in before the pre-Club World Cup deadline on Tuesday.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to a report from Caught Offside, Chelsea are set to make a move for Ajax and Netherlands international Jorrel Hato. They have reportedly ‘had contacts with Ajax in the last few days’ regarding a potential move for the Dutch talent.

Despite the contact and willingness to get a deal done, they will face stiff competition from Premier League rivals. Hato has ‘long been on the radars of both Arsenal and Liverpool’, with Newcastle United also showing interest.

They have all ‘asked for information on the player’ ahead of a potential summer move, which could cost as much as £42.3m.

Why Hato would be a good signing

Football scout Antonio Mango summed up just how good Hato is by describing him as “one of the best young talents in football”. Indeed, that is the kind of impression the 19-year-old has made during his short career so far.

Last season was a strong campaign by the talented young defender. He amassed 50 appearances for Ajax in all competitions, mainly playing as a left-back, but also slotting in at centre-back, a position in which he equally excels. He managed three goals and six assists in total.

To put into perspective the kind of player Chelsea are looking to sign, Hato was Ajax’s youngest ever captain back in November 2023, at the age of just 17. He has now skippered his boyhood club three times, showing incredible leadership at such a young age.

Hato might even be a better signing for Chelsea than their new defender Sarr. The 19-year-old France under-20 international is certainly an exciting addition, and impressed for Strasbourg under Liam Rosenior last season.

The youngster played 28 games in all competitions, with all but one of those appearances coming in Ligue 1. It was certainly a successful season for the new Blues defender, who helped keep ten clean sheets in the top flight of France as his side qualified for the Conference League.

However, Hato managed to keep more clean sheets in an Ajax shirt than Sarr managed for Strasbourg under Rosenior. The Dutchman played his part in 14 clean sheets in the Eredivisie last term.

When looking at the underlying data on FBref from Hato and Sarr’s campaigns in 2024/25, there are further numbers which suggest the Ajax star is a better player than the new Chelsea man. For example, Hato averaged 2.78 tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes, compared to 2.39 each game for Sarr.

Progressive passes

4.17

1.98

Tackles and interceptions

2.78

2.36

Blocks

1.22

0.99

Ball recoveries

4.51

3.73

Aerial duels won

1.77

1.14

It seems as though, for a talent perhaps better than Sarr, £42.3m is a steal for Hato. He has all the tools needed to make it to the very top, and the fact that he has already captained Ajax at such a young age is even more of a reason to sign him.

With the Blues looking to bolster at the back, this is a fantastic option for Maresca’s side, which can definitely add quality and potential to their defensive options.

Chelsea contact £80m ex-Man City starlet who'd join with Jamie Gittens

The west Londoners are looking to sign multiple attackers.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 10, 2025

Have you ever seen a Premier League season end in quite such fashion? After Liverpool dispatched Tottenham Hotspur at the beginning of the month, they were crowned champions, romping home to the title at a canter. No one was ever going to stop them, not even Ibiza. They partied hard between games, deservedly so, too.

They had to wait what felt like an age to actually get their hands on the trophy, though, but they lifted it aloft last Sunday in front of their own supporters for the first time in nearly 40 years.

The Reds may well have won the Premier League in 2019/20, but that ill-fated Covid-19 season meant that no fans were actually inside the ground to see Jordan Henderson get his mits on English football’s biggest piece of silverware.

So, there was understandably quite the party at Anfield over the weekend as Virgil van Dijk, leader supreme, danced for joy as he threw the red-ribonned trophy into the air.

Such an astonishing season, Arne Slot’s first at the helm, lest we forget, begs a question. Where do these Liverpool players stand among the pantheon of Merseyside greats?

Which Liverpool players have become legends of Anfield

A year ago, Jurgen Klopp waved farewell to Anfield a bonafide Liverpool legend. Yet, is legacy may well now be surpassed by Slot who has managed the unthinkable in his first campaign in England.

For winning the league alone, the Dutchman will now stand among the greatest Liverpool managers of all time.

He’s also helped to successfully cement Mo Salah’s legacy as an icon, a player surely worthy of a statue in Liverpool once his playing days come to an end.

Across a simply staggering campaign, the rampant Egyptian scored 34 goals in 52 games, posting 23 assists as well.

In the league, he netted 29 in 38 and also supplied 18 assists. He was two of Thierry Henry’s assist record but he did tie the record for the highest number of goals and assists in a single Premier League campaign.

1. Mo Salah (2024/25)

38

29

18

2. Andy Cole (1993/94)

40

34

23

3. Alan Shearer (1994/95)

42

34

13

4. Erling Haaland (2022/23)

35

36

8

5. Thierry Henry (2002/03)

37

24

20

6. Mo Salah (2017/18)

36

32

10

7. Luis Suarez (2013/14)

33

31

11

He is a certified legend, as too is captain Van Dijk. The pair of them signed new contracts a few months ago to cement their status as legends. Trent Alexander-Arnold may well have been up there too had he rejected advances from Real Madrid. Sadly, we all know how that story ended.

Is there anyone else up there? Well, Alisson is certainly a modern-day great, now up to 298 appearances for Liverpool and hailed as “the greatest goalkeeper in Premier League history alongside Peter Schmeichel,” by Jamie Carragher.

That trio of players will certainly not be forgotten in a hurry, but whether they’ve matched the legacy of a certain Steven Gerrard remains to be seen.

How Liverpool struck gold on Steven Gerrard

The term ‘generational’ is often thrown about a bit too regularly in modern football but it’s safe to say that Gerrard, as far as English talents go, was generational.

He’s one of the best we’ve ever seen in the Premier League but how did he get there?

Well, it all started in November 1998, when aged 18 years, five months and 30 days, he made his Premier League debut for the Reds in a 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers.

Managed by Gerard Houllier at the time, it was rather poetic that perhaps the best player he ever managed shared a name.

It was the Frenchman who saw Gerrard’s obvious talent, notably handing him the Liverpool captaincy just five years later in 2003.

The rest, as they say, is history. Gerrard, capped a remarkable 114 times for England, would go on to feature 710 times for Liverpool. That places him third on the club’s all-time record appearance makers behind Carragher (737) and Ian Callaghan (855).

He never lifted the Premier League like Salah and Co, but he did win the Champions League on two occasions and among many other domestic honours, lifted the FA Cup twice. Who could forget that screamer in the final against West Ham? It was a bullet of a strike, something the midfielder became famed for during his illustrious career.

However, it could have been different for the now 44-year-old. Remember when Chelsea came calling? How could we forget?

In 2004, during the European Championships, Gerrard was distracted by transfer speculation. “Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson talked me up before the tournament, so I knew they fancied signing me,” he once noted.

It was Mourinho and Chelsea who followed up on that interest, reportedly tabling a British record bid for the iconic England international. Gerrard even allegedly handed in a transfer request.

Unlike Trent, a move to another of Europe’s biggest clubs never happened. The Liverpool academy graduate stayed at Anfield and became a legend, one of the greatest we’ve seen in this country.

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He was heralded left, right and centre, but perhaps most notably by the great Brazilian, Pele.

Speaking just months after the 2006 FA Cup final win over the Hammers, Pele said: “The fans, they look only for forwards, always a forward. Somebody who scores. Sometimes you have a player like Gerrard. For me, for the last five years Gerrard has been the best player in the world. He is a midfielder, he plays very good. People didn’t mention Gerrard, now they mention Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Messi because they are forwards.”

Fine words indeed from perhaps the greatest of all time. It’s safe to say Liverpool struck gold on Gerrard. They must be forever thankful that he didn’t head to Chelsea all those years ago.

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Glasgow Rangers face arguably their most important summer in recent memory. Barry Ferguson’s interim spell will finish at the end of the season, which means that the Ibrox side will be looking for a permanent manager.

The news story which has dominated the previous few weeks was whether or not the 49ers Enterprises would finalise their proposed takeover of the club heading into the summer.

The latest on Rangers' prospective takeover by the 49ers

An update given by the Scottish Sun a few days ago stated that Andrew Cavenagh and the San Francisco 49ers have secured the required shares to complete their takeover at Rangers.

The American consortium has acquired 51% of the Gers and is expected to complete the multimillion-pound deal by the end of next month.

Firstly, they will have to bring in a new manager to the club, especially with pre-season looming on the horizon.

After several poor managerial decisions, this next one has to be spot on, otherwise the Gers will continue to see Celtic motor away, hoovering up all the Champions League cash and winning title after title.

A couple of names have been linked with a move to Glasgow, but one stands out among the others, especially with his history…

Will Rangers really appoint Jose Mourinho?

Three Premier Leagues, two Champions Leagues, a La Liga title, two UEFA Cups/Europa League crowns. The list of Jose Mourinho’s achievements in the game are second to very few.

The truth is, he has won just a single trophy since the start of the 2017/18 campaign, and that was the Conference League with AS Roma in May 2022.

He showed plenty of respect when Rangers knocked Fenerbahçe out of the Europa League at the last-16 stage in March, even coming into the dressing room to offer congratulations and wish the squad well going forwards.

Mourinho has always preferred a defensive style of play, and given what the Ibrox support have been witness to in recent years, this won’t exactly be music to their ears, that’s for sure.

Of course, it may lead to more success domestically, but going for a manager who is keen on attacking football and has a proper philosophy would be the ideal appointment for the long-term future.

Mourinho rarely hangs around longer than three seasons, but this team requires a manager who is in it for the long haul. Someone who can build a dynasty that will challenge Celtic over the coming years.

Could Gerrard do it again?

Steven Gerrard now open to a Rangers return

According to TEAMtalk, the Light Blues are after a high-profile manager to take the reins ahead of the 2025/26 season, which means a return for Gerrard is on the cards.

The report goes on to state that the former manager of the Gers would be very open to a return to the club that he managed between 2018 and 2021, winning a single Premiership title during that spell.

His departure in November 2021 was arguably due to the fact that he wasn’t properly backed that summer, having led Rangers to their first domestic title in a decade, yet things would be better this time around.

Gerrard isn’t the only big name that has been mentioned with regard to the job, either. TEAMtalk understands that the aforementioned Mourinho is another manager who would be open to a move to Glasgow, although this would be more difficult to get over the line.

2021/22

22

41

1.86

2020/21

56

141

2.52

2019/20

54

110

2.17

2018/19

60

115

1.9

He has a contract with Fener until 2026, which means the Ibrox side would have to pay substantial compensation to lure him away. His wages would also be an issue.

Mourinho may be the headline name, but his style and combustible nature might not go down too well with the Gers faithful.

Why Rangers return for Gerrard makes sense

Gerrard may have failed at his previous two jobs with Al-Ettifaq and Aston Villa since leaving Glasgow in 2021, but his appointment could mirror that of Celtic bringing Brendan Rodgers back to the club.

The former Liverpool captain may have taken a few years to achieve success at Rangers, but those were spent building a team which could go toe-to-toe with their domestic rivals.

Throughout his three-year spell with the club, Gerrard won seven of his 12 games against Celtic, losing just four. Two of those came during his first season when his squad was arguably at its weakest.

A lack of success against the Parkhead outfit is why the fans turned on managers such as Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Michael Beale and finally Phillipe Clement. Gerrard certainly wouldn’t be fazed by Rodgers’ side, that much is certain.

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His preferred system is a 4-3-3, which worked wonders for him, especially during the title-winning 2020/21 campaign.

Alfredo Morelos was often flanked by Ryan Kent on the left and Joe Aribo or Ianis Hagi on the right. Steven Davis and Glen Kamara operated at the heart of the midfield and provided superb defensive support.

Add in the likes of Connor Goldson and Filip Helander at the centre of the defence and Allan McGregor in goal, it was perhaps no wonder the club conceded just 13 goals throughout the entire campaign in the league.

This sort of formation would work wonders with the current squad, especially as Gerrard would hopefully get free rein in the transfer market to bring in his own transfer targets ahead of next season.

Much will depend on other managers who may become linked and show interest in the role over the next few weeks, but at this moment in time, Gerrard is the one who stands out.

He knows the club, knows how to beat Celtic on a regular basis and more importantly, knows how to win a league championship.

These three factors could prove to be a massive advantage when it comes to staking his claim for a return to the Glasgow side. Will it happen? Only time will tell.

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