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As everyone expected it to be, this summer has been nothing short of a whirlwind for Chelsea.

Alongside their incredible performances at the Club World Cup, which they are a game away from winning, the Blues have been as busy as ever in the transfer window.

The likes of Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens have all joined Enzo Maresca’s side before preseason has even begun, and it looks like they might want to add one more forward to the mix in Hugo Ekitiké.

The French dynamo has been linked with the West Londoners for quite some time this summer, and it looks like the club might be making another sale to free up funds for his £85m price tag, and no, it’s not Noni Madueke.

Why Chelsea want Ekitike

It might sound rather simplistic, and it probably is, but it’s undeniable that one of, if not the main reason Chelsea want to sign Ekitike this summer is his output.

Transfer Focus

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

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For example, in 48 appearances last season, totalling 3644 minutes, the former Paris Saint-Germain prospect scored a mammoth 22 goals and provided 12 assists to boot.

That means the 23-year-old averaged a goal involvement every 1.41 games, or every 107.17 minutes, which is the sort of productivity that could fire Maresca’s men up the table.

Ekitiké in 24/25

Appearances

48

Minutes

3644′

Goals

22

Assists

12

Goal Involvements per Match

0.70

Minutes per Goal Involvement

107.17

All Stats via Transfermarkt

On top of his brilliant ability to score and assist goals, the “next Mbappé,” as journalist Graeme Bailey once dubbed him, also has some impressive underlying numbers to his name.

For example, FBref ranks him in the top 4% of forwards in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive carries and successful take-ons, all per 90.

Overall, Ekitike looks to be a complete and seriously dangerous forward who’d undoubtedly improve Chelsea, but due to his massive price tag, the club might have to make some sales before signing him.

Fortunately, that seems to be what they are doing, as, alongside Madueke, one of their attackers is nearing the exit.

The Chelsea star set to leave

The big exit story regarding Chelsea over the last week or so has undoubtedly been that of Madueke’s.

After all, it is yet another example of Arsenal buying a player the club do not mind losing, and for a massive fee of around £52m.

However, while the Englishman has understandably caught all the headlines, he’s not the only attacker who looks set to leave.

At least, not according to a recent report from Portugal that has claimed João Félix is nearing a return to his former club Benfica.

The report has revealed that following positive talks with the player and his camp, the Liga Nos giants are working on a deal to bring him back to Lisbon on a permanent deal.

The final price the Blues will receive for the player is being kept under wraps per the story, but some reports suggest it could be around €20m – £17m.

Although that isn’t a lot, removing his £130k-per-week wages will help the signing of new talents like Ekitkie.

Felix’s 24/25

Club

Chelsea

AC Milan

Appearances

20

21

Goals

7

3

Assists

2

1

Goal Involvements per Match

0.45

0.19

All Stats via Transfermarkt

The former Atlético Madrid ace only joined the West Londoners for £45m last summer, but following an underwhelming first half of the campaign in which he produced nine goal involvements in 20 games – four of which came in the Conference League – he was sent to AC Milan on loan.

Unfortunately, the Viseu-born ace struggled to make much of an impact at the San Siro as well, and ended his stint there with just four goal involvements in 21 games.

Ultimately, it is a shame that it hasn’t worked out for the Portuguese international, but this deal feels like the right move for all parties involved.

He gets the chance to reignite his career, Benfica get their hands on someone who could still be special, and Chelsea can recover some money to spend elsewhere.

Related More dispensable than Madueke: Chelsea star agrees personal terms to leave

It would be great business for Chelsea.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 10, 2025

There’s been a lack of activity in the transfer market so far this summer from Newcastle United, but fans shouldn’t worry; Eddie Howe’s side are looking to make several signings.

Having qualified for the Champions League on the final day of the Premier League season, the Magpies faithful will expect the squad to be rewarded for their Herculean efforts, winning the Carabao Cup too.

But sporting director Paul Mitchell stands down at the end of the month, and frustrations are already reaching boiling point for some given transfer targets like Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo appear to be headed elsewhere.

Mbeumo scored 20 goals across 38 top-flight fixtures, earning praise from Thomas Frank for his “unplayable” attacking performances.

However, with Mbeumo seemingly out of reach, Newcastle are turning their attention elsewhere, and might have found an exciting option perhaps not yet discussed by the biggest channels.

Newcastle enter race for Mbeumo alternative

As per Caught Offside, Newcastle are in the running for versatile RB Leipzig forward Antonio Nusa, though they are joined in their interest by a host of clubs, including Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea.

Valued at €45m (£38m), the 20-year-old has only been playing in Germany for a year but has made good progress, showcasing his range of attacking qualities. Thus, he could be snapped up before his stock rises higher still.

While there haven’t been any official proposals from the suitors yet, bids may materialise quickly, so Newcastle might be wise to act now and bring a top talent to St. James’ Park – one who might even outgrow Mbeumo in the future.

What Antonio Nusa would bring to Newcastle

Hailed as a “future icon” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Nusa has impressed across his maiden campaign in Germany, scoring five goals and supplying seven assists across 36 appearances.

The Norwegian talent has yet to find the kind of goalscoring form that has defined Mbeumo’s time in the Premier League, but there’s more to his skill set than that.

In the Champions League, particularly, he impressed. As per FBref, Nusa ranked among the top 4% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s elite competition for shot-creating actions, the top 7% for progressive carries and the top 5% for successful take-ons per 90.

There’s a long road ahead for Nusa if he wishes to prove himself as a better signing than Mbeumo in the future, but his underlying data certainly suggests he has what it takes.

Matches (starts)

25 (16)

38 (38)

Goals

3

20

Assists

3

7

Shots (on target)*

1.0 (0.3)

2.2 (1.1)

Big chances missed

1

9

Pass completion

78%

74%

Key passes*

0.8

1.8

Big chances created

6

17

Dribbles*

1.6

1.4

Ball recoveries*

3.1

4.1

Tackles + interceptions*

1.5

1.7

Duels won*

4.1

4.7

Nusa is still very young – five years Mbeumo’s junior, in fact – but you can already see a combativeness and efficiency in his ball-carrying that suggests he too could sustain complete performances in the Premier League.

Moreover, the Norway international might not have converted that many chances, but he only missed one big chance in the Bundesliga last term, highlighting an underlying clinical edge that Howe could harness over the coming years, using the player’s pace and power to get him into dangerous positions.

Mbeumo will cost a pretty penny to prise from Brentford this summer, and given the strength of Newcastle’s existing frontline, adding an up-and-coming talent who can challenge for places might just be the winning formula for Howe’s side, as they step back onto the continent’s biggest stage.

Mbeumo & Pedro hybrid: Newcastle confident of signing "dangerous" £55m star

Newcastle are looking for a versatile forward

1 ByJoe Nuttall Jun 13, 2025

Arsenal have now made contact with the entourage of an “incredible” striker, who they are now seriously considering making a move for in the summer, according to a report.

Gunners stepping up striker pursuit

Mikel Arteta’s side have been heavily criticised for not signing a striker last summer or during the January transfer window, with Gary Neville describing the decision as a “mystery” earlier in the campaign.

Since then, the Gunners’ hopes of winning any silverware this season have gone up in smoke, with Paris Saint-Germain’s 3-1 aggregate victory in the Champions League semi-final sealing their fate.

As such, you would think that Arteta will finally bite the bullet and sign a top striker this summer, and recent developments indicate the Spaniard is going to do exactly that, with the north Londoners now advancing in talks to sign Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres.

There has since been another update on the pursuit of more of a left-field target, with a report from Spain revealing Arsenal are now seriously considering a move for Botafogo striker Igor Jesus, who is also being targeted by West Ham United and Aston Villa.

Jesus is protected by a €100m (£84m) release clause in his contract, but the Brazilian side are believed to be willing to sanction a departure for a lower fee, and such is the Gunners’ level of interest, they have now made contact with his entourage.

The Brazilian is now among the north Londoners’ priority targets, despite the deal for Gyokeres edging closer to completion, with the striker’s performances since signing for Botafogo putting him in the shop window.

Arsenal receive "major" Viktor Gyokeres update amid Sporting deal-breaker

The Sporting CP star is a top target for Andrea Berta.

ByEmilio Galantini May 17, 2025 Jesus could be "incredible" signing for Arsenal

Journalist Zach Lowy branded the Botafogo forward as “incredible” back in December, having started 2024 with some impressive performances in the UAE, before forcing his way into the set-up of the Brazil national side after catching the eye in his home country.

The Cuiaba-born marksman led Botafogo to a league title triumph in 2024, and he has since started the new season in solid fashion, picking up three goals and one assist in eight Brazilian Serie A outings.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Liga Portugal

33

39

8

Champions League

8

6

0

Taca de Portugal

6

4

3

Allianz Cup

3

4

0

Supertaca

1

0

2

That said, Jesus’ lack of experience in Europe means it would be a risk for Arsenal to sign the South American this summer, and a move for Gyokeres could make more sense, especially considering the Swede’s fantastic record in front of goal this season, netting 53 goals across all competitions.

Fulham have submitted a “very important” bid for a 24-year-old goalkeeper ahead of this summer, according to a claim made by the player’s agent.

Doubts over Marco Silva's future as Fulham prepare for summer window

Marco Silva will know the importance of freshening up his squad in the summer transfer window, in order to take them up another level and look to secure a European finish in 2025/26. It isn’t definite that he will still be in charge of the Cottagers when the new campaign arrives, however, amid rumours of him going to Tottenham or the Middle East.

Tony Khan has spoken glowingly about his manager, perhaps hoping to convince the Portuguese to stay put: “Marco is a huge, huge asset to Fulham Football Club. He is such an amazing person and he is so important to the football club. Marco has a great relationship with my father and myself, and we really love Marco and we want him to stay at Fulham Football Club forever.”

Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl has been linked with replacing Silva, with the 36-year-old German highly thought of as an exciting young coach, and increasingly likely to leave the Owls in the near future. Southampton also thought to be keen on appointing him, though, following their doomed Premier League campaign.

Fulham make "very important" offer for Paraguayan goalkeeper

Now, a new transfer rumour has emerged, with Fulham tabling a “very important” offer for San Lorenzo goalkeeper Orlando Gill, according to his agent, Mariano Zelaya: “Bologna and Genoa are interested. There’s also a very important offer from the Premier League [Fulham], and there’s also an offer from Brazilian football.”

Gill is a relative unknown to the average football fan, plying his trade in Argentina and still awaiting his first cap for Paraguay at international level. The 24-year-old is a good ‘keeper, though, with Leeds United strongly linked with a move for the 6 foot 5 stopper, as they look to boost their squad ahead of their return to the Premier League.

There is no guarantee that Fulham or the Whites will be able to get their man, however, with Zelaya stressing that he may not leave San Lorenzo this summer:

“What I always tell Orlando is to take it slow. He’s at a big club, which gave him the opportunity and visibility. I want him to stay until the end of the year because he’s fighting to be part of the national team. Where a player builds his career is crucial. You have to be very careful where he plays and with which manager. If a player tells me ‘I want to make history with the national team,’ then the responsibility is huge. Today, Orlando has San Lorenzo and his national team on his mind. We’ll work through our options slowly.”

Fulham make move to sign 28 y/o midfielder who could be available for £0

Fulham are looking to beat Premier League opposition to sign a player on a free transfer.

ByBrett Worthington May 8, 2025

If a move to Craven Cottage does materialise, the Paraguayan could prove to be a strong backup option to Bernd Leno, who has started all 36 league games this season.

Everton boss David Moyes will no doubt have one eye on the summer transfer window as the 2024/25 campaign reaches the last knockings.

Though a deep-rooted defensive understanding remained, Everton were almost formless in the final days of Sean Dyche’s tenure, rudderless.

But a now snapped nine-match unbeaten run in the league and some signs of exciting attacking play, togetherness, highlight the turning of a corner, threaded together by the uplifting completion of The Friedkin Group’s takeover from erstwhile chairman Farhad Moshiri.

With a lionised figure back in the dugout, the club’s identity has been restored. However, not every player has proved themselves worthy of a place at Bramley Moore next season. Some ties need to be cut.

The Everton players who need to go

You could field a starting line-up and leave four men on the bench, with the number of Everton players approaching the end of their contracts.

Some are more expendable than others. For example, centre-back Michael Keane, who reportedly earns £80k per week, is being shown the exit, having featured nominally in recent seasons and impressed less still. Replacements are already being lined up.

Abdoulaye Doucoure still plays an important part, but he’s Everton’s highest-paid player and, aged 32, is no longer justifying his keep.

The likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Idrissa Gueye could still be key figures under Moyes’ wing next season, with Gueye, who has been in fine fettle, touted for a renewal, but there are two other mainstays who have to be swiftly sold.

1.

Idrissa Gueye

119

2.

Daniel Munoz

109

3.

Noussair Mazraoui

100

4.

Moises Caicedo

97

5.

Joao Gomes

95

Everton's misfiring duo are now finished

Neither of the players in question is a permanent resident at Everton, but Jesper Lindstrom, on loan from Napoli, and Leeds United’s Jack Harrison have both played regular roles at the club this season.

However, Everton have been a tad blunt in attack and both players have been culpable of poor showings in front of goal, both directly and as more creative outlets.

Combined, the disappointing duo make up £140k of Everton’s weekly wage bill, with Harrison earning £90k per week, Lindstrom £50k.

Given that Harrison has just one goal and one assist apiece in the Premier League this term, across 28 appearances, while Lindstrom has yet to break his duck in England’s top flight, it’s hard to say either has coated themselves in glory, or even sufficiency.

This isn’t to completely discredit their value. Both wingers are industrious and have performed dutifully across the campaign. Both have shown signs of improvement since Moyes replaced Dyche.

But Everton are stepping into a new era, need shinier parts. With Dwight McNeil fit once again, you could argue that the ball specialist and Iliman Ndiaye both deserve starting berths, with one shifting onto the right flank.

Given that Doucoure or Charly Alcaraz will want to play centrally, and indeed Everton will invest further in attacking midfielders during the summer, the respective loanees may well be staring down the barrel on Merseyside.

Moyes is prepared to be ruthless this summer, but getting rid of Harrison and Lindstrom after such underwhelming campaigns would hardly be a brazen move.

With McNeil fit again, the loanees might find themselves further into the sliding morass as their final hour beckons.

Not just DCL: Everton's £55k-p/w "warrior" is finished & won't start again

Everton are set to undergo a series of changes in the transfer market this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 21, 2025

U.S. Soccer has appointed Dan Helfrich, former Chair and CEO of Deloitte Consulting LLP, as its next Chief Operating Officer, effective Jan. 1, 2026. Helfrich will report to CEO and Secretary General JT Batson and oversee the federation’s day-to-day operations. His hiring comes shortly after his retirement from Deloitte in December 2025.

Getty Images SportExperienced leader

In announcing the hire, U.S. Soccer said Helfrich will oversee implementation of the federation’s strategic plan, known as In Service to Soccer, using the sort of operational rigor he applied at Deloitte. Helfrich arrives with nearly three decades of leadership experience guiding large, complex organizations – most recently leading a consulting practice of roughly 85,000 people and $20 billion in revenue – and will bring that scale to the federation’s commercial, competition and development operations.

 “U.S. Soccer has more than doubled in the last few years – and we know there is more work to do to reach our ambitious goals,” Batson said in a press release. “Dan brings a rare combination of deep operational expertise, curiosity, and a lifelong passion for the game. His leadership and commitment to excellence will help us move faster, work smarter, and continue building the foundation for soccer’s next chapter in the U.S.” 

AdvertisementHelfrich outlines vision for growth

Following his appointment as U.S. Soccer’s new Chief Operating Officer, Helfrich spoke about embracing the opportunity to help guide the federation during a transformative era for the sport in the United States. Emphasizing his lifelong connection to soccer, Helfrich described the moment as the right time to commit fully to the game’s nationwide development, outlining a mission centered on strengthening all 27 national teams.

 “Soccer has been a defining part of my life for more than 40 years, as a player, fan, broadcaster, volunteer, and parent,” Helfrich said in a press release. “And now is the right time for me to focus my career here during this pivotal time for the sport in our country. I’m inspired by U.S. Soccer’s mission and excited to partner with JT, our staff, and our members to strengthen the game and ensure soccer is accessible to everyone, everywhere, for generations to come.

“This means delivering results on the field through our 27 national teams while also making sure every player, coach, referee, and fan feels a deep connection to U.S. Soccer and their role in achieving our shared mission.” 

Deep roots in soccer

Prior to becoming Deloitte Consulting Chair and CEO, Helfrich held key executive roles, including Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer and leader of Deloitte’s Government and Public Services practice.

Beyond his corporate career, he actively supports youth development through board and advisory roles with organizations such as Grassroots Soccer, Street Soccer USA, and the Positive Coaching Alliance. He has also captained Georgetown’s men’s soccer team and earned Academic All-American honors. Since 2005, Helfrich has also contributed as a play-by-play broadcaster for Georgetown Soccer, calling over 250 matches.

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What comes next for Helfrich and U.S. Soccer

Helfrich will relocate to Atlanta and begin integrating with U.S. Soccer’s executive team in January, charged with converting strategic plans into measurable programs and outcomes. Early priorities are likely to include operational readiness for post-World Cup growth, rolling out Next Gen Committee recommendations where applicable, and strengthening systems that support player pathways and competition delivery.

Bayern Munich chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen had words of encouragement for Vincent Kompany and his players following the Bavarians' 3-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday. Dreesen admitted that it was better for Bayern to lose now than "sometime in the knockout phase." He also had words of assurance for Kompany, adding that "we're happy to be together with you".

Arsenal bring blistering Bayern down to earth

Bayern tasted defeat for the first time this season at the hands of Arsenal in a Champions League encounter at the Emirates on Wednesday. Young star Lennart Karl scored the only goal – an equaliser in response to Jurrien Timber's 22nd-minute opener – for Bayern, before Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli effectively put the tie to bed by scoring their goals in the space of eight second half minutes. 

It brought an end to Bayern's 18-game unbeaten streak since the 2025-26 season began, during which they won 17 games and drew once. They even broke AC Milan's 33-year-old record of 13 consecutive wins at the start of the season, going on to win the opening 16 games this campaign.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportBayern CEO encourages 'fantastic team' to continue making fans happy

In the aftermath of the game, Bayern CEO Dreesen shared a heartfelt speech at a banquet in London, expressing gratitude for how far the team has come and encouraging Kompany and Co. to keep their heads high.

"I did a little Googling, some dark memories, and [the last defeat] was exactly 144 days ago in the quarter-final match against Paris Saint-Germain at the Club World Cup," he began. "And of course, in the last 18 competitive matches, which we haven't lost, with 17 wins and one draw, we've gotten used to winning. And so, naturally, it's hard to accept something like that.

"Of course, we played a first half, I think, on equal terms. We saw a fantastic equaliser in that three-man combination between Josh [Kimmich] and Serge [Gnabry], and then Lennart with the finish. That was fantastic. We could perhaps have had a few more chances, but in the second half we were certainly the weaker team. And that's part of the game, and you have to acknowledge it. And that's why you have to give Arsenal credit; we deserved to lose in the second half, and that's why Arsenal rightly won. And that has to be accepted. So, congratulations to Arsenal at this point."

Dreesen also admitted that it's better for Bayern to lose now than when it matters the most.

"Some people said today, better now than sometime in the knockout phase. And there's definitely something to that," he conceded. "We've had a wonderful journey with you, dear team, so far in these 18 games, and we've been thrilled by your play, most recently in Paris. And that's what we should perhaps keep in mind going forward, because you're a fantastic team, you play outstanding football, inspiring football, and that's what makes us happy, what makes the fans happy, and that's what will last. And so, a day like today is just an interim step.

"We might be a little downcast today, but ultimately we know what we have in you. We trust you, you're a top team and you know it, and that's a good thing. So, dear Vincent, it's a shame today, but we're happy to be together with you and we're looking forward to the next game on Saturday against St. Pauli."

Kompany not making any 'excuses' after being humbled by Arsenal

It was the Gunners' first win over Die Roten after 10 years. Much of the build-up to the game focused on Arsenal and Bayern being the top two strongest teams in Europe at the moment. However, Mikel Arteta's side now remain the only team in the Champions League to register five wins out of five this season, firmly establishing themselves as one of the favourites to lift the trophy come May 30. 

As for Bayern, the defeat exposed major chinks in their armour. For a team that is supremely loaded in attack, thanks to the presence of world-class names such as Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and Luis Diaz. 

"I don't like excuses," Kompany told reporters, accepting that Bayern were second-best all evening. "We've lost now, and let's be honest: Arsenal were better today, and we have to fix that from Saturday onwards.

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Getty Images SportBayern turn focus to St. Pauli

Bayern will be eager to ensure the loss to Arsenal reflects a one-off lapse rather than a trend that could unravel their form in the coming weeks. They hold a healthy six-point lead atop the Bundesliga table and will have a chance to extend it on Saturday, when they host St. Paul at the Allianz Arena.

Liverpool splashed the big bucks and then some over the summer, hopeful of retaining their Premier League title in style.

However, the majority of the whopping £415m spent now looks as if it has gone down the drain, with both Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak remaining goalless, despite costing a combined £225m to bring to Anfield.

Arne Slot thankfully has the January transfer window coming into view now to try and turn around his side’s lacklustre campaign, with Liverpool all the way down in eighth position at the moment, as Manchester United are even ahead of the Reds on goal difference.

Liverpool planning to spend big again

You would think that the Merseyside giants might be more cautious in the transfer department after such a wild summer spending spree.

However, reports suggest that the underwhelming reigning champions could go all out to try and win Michael Olise from Bayern Munich for an astronomical £177m fee.

Moreover, one of the best players in the top-flight this term in the shape of Antoine Semenyo is reportedly also on their radar as they try to upgrade on an attack that looks short on confidence, even with Mohamed Salah starting week in, week out.

On top of flashy recruits being rumoured to join the Anfield ranks in attack, an update from Liverpool-based writer DaveOCKOP has also revealed that the Reds are holding initial talks with Crystal Palace over midfield star Adam Wharton.

Transfer Focus

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

It is stated that the move is more likely for the summer of 2026 than the upcoming January window, but never say never when it comes to Liverpool’s ambition in this department, with it also being revealed back in September that the English international’s preference – if he were to leave the Eagles behind – was a switch to Slot and Co.

Having just made his first start for the Three Lions during this international break, the sky really does appear to be the limit for Wharton currently, with a mammoth £100m price tag also above his head.

How Wharton can become Slot's own Gerrard

As Slot looks to reshape his midfield in 2026, he could find a new beating heart at the centre of his team in the form of Wharton, much like a certain Steven Gerrard was back in the day.

By the close of his distinguished career at the very top, Gerrard was showered with some immense praise, with Gabriel Agbonlahor notably once describing him as the best midfielder in Premier League history, even ahead of Kevin De Bruyne.

Indeed, away from bagging a stunning 186 goals and picking up 155 assists for his boyhood club, the well-rounded servant also closed out his long-standing career on Merseyside with a Champions League title.

As Liverpool’s website affectionately put it when Gerrard hung up his boots, the Englishman was a revered “gladiator” for his boyhood side.

Of course, it would be crazy to expect Wharton to be as impactful from minute one of his own Anfield journey, but in time, he could be Gerrard 2.0, displaying a similar level of composure and ball manipulation from midfield.

Games played

16

20

9

Goals scored

0

0

0

Assists

3

2

0

Touches*

49.6

45.7

43.9

Accurate passes*

28.5 (81%)

26.7 (79%)

25.2 (78%)

Key passes*

1.3

1.3

1.6

Big chances created

5

5

5

Tackles*

3.0

1.7

1.3

Ball recoveries*

4.8

5.1

4.0

Total duels won*

4.9

3.2

3.2

The data above displays Wharton’s similar well-roundedness from the middle of the park, which is very much like the Liverpool great, with the 21-year-old only getting better with time, as he becomes more and more used to the demands of the Premier League.

Unfortunately, he hasn’t quite uncovered a goalscoring mojo in the top-flight yet, like Gerrard, but with the likes of Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai next to him if he takes on this huge Anfield opportunity, there is a possibility that he enhances his varied game to that next level.

Hailed as a “genius” at a very early age at Blackburn Rovers by ex-boss Tony Mowbray, and now an “incredible” star by former Selhurst Park teammate Eberechi Eze, it does feel as if a big move soon awaits Wharton.

If all clicks into place for the 21-year-old at Liverpool, he might well be the second coming of Gerrard; a powerful English midfield technician who has all of the tools to be a Three Lions mainstay for years to come.

It will take some big bucks to land his services, but if Slot can win a new legend in the process, it’s a bold investment that’s definitely worth making.

New Trent: Liverpool star is "one of the most underrated players in England"

Slot could find a shrewd solution to Liverpool’s problems in this talent.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 17, 2025

Patriots have lost six of their last eight matches and are in fifth position, while Knight Riders have extended their lead at the top

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Sep-2025Kieron Pollard and Nicholas Pooran’s whirlwind half-centuries helped Trinbago Knight Riders extend their dominance at the top of the points table with a 12-run win against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in Tarouba on Monday.Sent in, Knight Riders found themselves in early trouble, reduced to 27 for 2 in the fifth over and then 78 for 3 in the 11th. But Pollard and Pooran launched a massive counterattack, adding 90 runs in 8.1 overs to take them to 179 for 6. Patriots started the chase strongly, but soon withered away with seamer Nathan Edward picking up 3 for 30 in 3.2 overs and Mohammad Amir returning 2 for 29.

POLLY POWERRR!!!

Kieron Pollard raises yet another CPL fifty! #CPL25 #CricketPlayedLouder#BiggestPartyInSport #TKRvSKNP #RepublicBank pic.twitter.com/huJek5r4cL

— CPL T20 (@CPL) September 1, 2025