Peter Crouch crying laughing about what he's heard on 6 ft 6 Newcastle star

Former England striker Peter Crouch has spotted a striking similarity to his playing days after Newcastle sealed the signings of Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa.

Newcastle finally end striker saga

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has finally landed long-term target Wissa after losing Alexander Isak to Liverpool on a dramatic final day of the summer transfer window.

Brentford’s 28-year-old DR Congo international, who was born in France, has joined the Magpies for an undisclosed fee, which is understood could eventually amount to £55million, and will wear the club’s famous number nine shirt.

Wissa’s efforts to force his way out of Brentford have not differed too starkly from the tactics employed by Isak in engineering his move, but one way or the other that Magpies now have their new look strike partnership.

Indeed, his addition to an attacking pool already boosted by the signing of Germany international Nick Woltemade, who arrived at the weekend, gives Howe plenty of options for new systems and formations, though fans will have to endure an international break before they see their new faces in action.

“I’m really happy to be here and to sign for one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League,” Wissa said as he posed for pictures on Monday in Alan Shearer’s iconic number nine shirt.

“I’m very, very excited to put on the black and white shirt. I’ve got dreams, I’ve got faith, and now I will do my best to make it all happen. I can’t wait to get started.”

Woltemade and Wissa anointed the new Crouch and Defoe

Newcastle targeted Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike earlier in the summer and the plan was to use the Frenchman in a front two with Isak, but whether or not Howe is intent on doing the same with Woltemade and Wissa remains to be seen.

One thing is for sure though, the pair bring plenty of complementary traits to the table, with Woltemade’s massive 6 foot 6 frame sure to be a focal point for the likes of Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga to aim at, while Wissa’s industriousness and ability to be in the right place at the right time was evident in his partnerships with both Bryan Mbeumo and Ivan Toney.

And Crouch, who formed an iconic partnership with Jermain Defoe, has reacted on X to the suggestion that the Newcastle pair could be the next generation’s little and large duo.

Standing at 6 foot 7, Crouch is slightly taller than the 6 foot 6 Woltemade, but like Crouch the Germany international is known for having the old cliche of ‘good feet for a big man’.

Wissa is two inches taller than the 5 foot 7 Defoe, but if he can replicate the goalscoring record of the former Tottenham and Sunderland legend, who is the tenth best Premier League goalscorer of all time with 156, there won’t be anyone on Tyneside complaining about his transfer fee.

'I believe in the strength of our group' – RCD Mallorca co-owner and former USMNT star Stu Holden confident in club turnaround after early struggles in La Liga

Mallorca turned heads last season as the resourceful club finished 10th in La Liga after contending for European places. That momentum hasn't carried over early in the 2025-26 season as Los Bermellones sit in the relegation zone at 19th. Stu Holden, part of a high-profile North American ownership group, expects things will turn around.

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    'This is going to be a big season for us'

    Mallorca had a difficult start to the season, opening against La Liga champions Barcelona before taking on Celta Vigo, Real Madrid and promoted Espanyol, who are off to a surprising start. Outside of a 3-0 loss to Barça, the club drew with Celta and had one-goal losses in the other matches.

    Holden, the former USMNT star who co-owns Mallorca with Suns minority owner Andy Kohlberg, Basketball Hall of Famer Steve Nash and NBA title-winning coach Steve Kerr, pointed to that stretch in stressing that better times are ahead.

    "We’ve had a tough start," Holden told GOAL. "La Liga is relentless. You don’t get free matches, so I’m excited to see how this team comes together amid early adversity. I believe in the strength of our group and leaders, and in a coach [Jagoba Arrasate], who has set a strong tone from the beginning."

    Holden, who starred for the Houston Dynamo and Bolton before retiring due to injury, said the club is entering a new phase. Several veteran players, such as Canada international Cyle Larin, have moved on via loan, and the club recruited promising young players such as former Barcelona youth academy products Pablo Torre and Jan Virgili.

    Both have made at least two appearances for Mallorca, and growing pains are to be expected. But Holden says the transition was necessary.

    "This is going to be a big season for us," he said. "What you can feel is a squad transition where a number of these players who have been with us and have been such great leaders and stewards for the club and have been there with us through the third division, second division, and first division. Last season was our first season with our new coach, Jagoba Arrasate, and he's a terrific coach. 

    "There's a ton of optimism about the squad that we are building. We've got exciting young talents that have come from Barcelona. So we're trying to blend the experience with a youthful group and pull together a team in a very short period." 

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    Overcoming adversity

    Not all of the players on Mallorca have handled that transition well. Dani Rodriguez, who has been with the club since 2018 and was captain at the start of the season, publicly blasted the team following a 2-1 loss to Real Madrid on Aug. 30. He had a critical post on social media after Virgili was given the start ahead of the 37-year-old midfielder, who made 259 appearances for the club.

    Rodriguez did not make an appearance in that match despite his family traveling to Madrid to watch him play.  

    "It pains me that a player who just arrived, with just one training session, has the opportunity to play ahead of teammates who have spent years defending this jersey with sweat and dedication," he wrote. 

    Sporting Director Pablo Ortells stripped Rodriguez of his captaincy and suspended him without pay for the Espanyol match. Holden credited Ortells and Arrasate for their handling of the situation. 

    "It’s no secret we had the Dani Rodríguez situation, who has been a really great player for us over the years," Holden said. "But he spoke out after being left on the bench. The club acted strongly, and he accepted his fine and punishment. It's going to be up to him to reintegrate into the coach and prove to his team and his teammates that he can contribute again this season. But it was an important moment for us at a club to set a tone in a moment of difficulty on the field, to show that we are together." 

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    'Trust the process'

    With another challenging match ahead in Atletico Madrid – and potentially facing an American star in Johnny Cardoso – Holden said he hopes Mallorca's fan base will rally behind the team.

    "My hope is the fans get behind us against Atletico," Holden said. "We need a good result to lay a marker and give the team confidence. But I have full faith in our coach, the squad, and our sporting director Pablo Ortells, who has built a group with real potential."

    Holden, who remembers the team's time in the third division, stressed this is a club that can navigate past difficult times. 

    "Since 2016, we’ve faced many moments of adversity. This is another one – and it’s a time to trust the process and the foundations we’ve laid. I believe things will turn around," he said. 

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  • Looking ahead

    Following their match against Atleti, Mallorca get a slight reprieve against fellow strugglers in Real Sociedad midweek before taking on Alaves on Sept. 27. 

Romano: Arsenal contact £43m forward's agents, they've also met with Barcelona

Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on Arsenal and sporting director Andrea Berta’s transfer plans, after manager Mikel Arteta was handed the major boost of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres’ imminent arrival.

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ByBarney Lane Jul 23, 2025

Gyokeres, according to The Independent, will fly out to Singapore for his medical as he looks to play some part in their pre-season tour of Asia, with Arsenal finally reaching a full breakthrough to sign the 27-year-old earlier this week.

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

£140m

Gyokeres is poised to join Arsenal in a deal worth £64 million, including add-ons, with a full verbal agreement now struck between all parties as Arteta prepares to welcome the prolific number nine to his squad.

Given Arsenal’s struggles to break teams down last season, Gyokeres has the potential to be a title-winning signing, and people who’ve worked with the Sweden international simply cannot find enough superlatives to describe him.

“He really was incredible,” said Adi Viveash, who coached and mentored Gyokeres at Coventry City, to Sky Sports.

Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their third goal to complete his hat-trick

“His power, taking the ball and running with it, bursting through gaps, linking the play, being very good in both boxes set-piece-wise – which wasn’t a strength of his, but he became certainly very good at defensive set-pieces with me through front post defending.”

“If you give Vik half a pitch in behind with a high line and you get the line wrong, you’re never going to catch him. He’s going to keep making the run in behind so you’re wearing down opposition.”

After Gyokeres, who’ll also be joined by defender Cristhian Mosquera in Singapore, the plan for Arsenal is to prioritise a central attacking midfielder (Ben Jacobs).

Arsenal are seriously interested in Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze, as they have been for weeks, but more and more noise is surrounding an alternative to the England international in RB Leipzig sensation Xavi Simons.

Arsenal contact Xavi Simons camp amid Barcelona meeting

According to Romano, Arsenal are guaranteed to have made contact with Simons’ camp, with Chelsea also seriously contending for the 22-year-old’s signature as they plan transfer talks with Leipzig this week.

La Liga champions Barcelona, led by their sporting director Deco, also held a meeting with the Netherlands forward’s representatives recently, but a move to the Camp Nou is seen as unlikely for this window and more one for the future.

Right now, it appears Chelsea are the current favourites for Simons. However, Arsenal remain “attentive” to his situation and a north London switch hasn’t been entirely ruled out yet, meaning he’s still one to watch.

Leipzig only signed the player from PSG permanently in January for an initial £43 million, with Simons now preparing to leave the Bundesliga side after spending some significant time there on loan previously.

Called a “difference maker” by ex-Leipzig boss Marco Rose, Simons has racked up an impressive tally of 21 goals and 23 assists during his time in Germany, but the Premier League could now beckon for him.

Interestingly, journalist Buchi Laba is convinced that Simons would be a “better” Arsenal signing than Eze.

أحمد حسن: أزمة منتظرة بين بيراميدز ومنتخب مصر الثاني.. واتحاد الكرة يلجأ لـ فيفا

انتقد أحمد حسن، مدير منتخب مصر الثاني، الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم “فيفا” بسبب تحديد مواعيد البطولات في مختلف المسابقات التي ينظمها.

وقال أحمد حسن، في برنامج “الكابتن” على قناة “dmc”: “فيفا لديه مشكلة في المواعيد، وبدأ يتم عرض هذا الموضوع على رئيس الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم المهندس هاني أبو ريدة”.

طالع بالمواعيد | منتخب مصر الثاني يواجه المغرب والبحرين في معسكر أكتوبر

وتابع: “لدينا البطولة العربية المشارك فيها المنتخب المصري الثاني في قطر من يوم 1 إلى يوم 18، إن شاء الله هناك معسكر في شهر 10 في الأجندة القادمة سيكون هناك لقائين أمام المغرب والبحرين”.

وأضاف: “أكيد نهنئ نادي بيراميدز على فوزه أمام أهلي جدة واستكماله بطولة إنتركونتيننتال إن شاء الله حتى المباراة النهائية، هذه منافسة مشروعة”.

وكشف: “هناك أزمة بسبب تعارض مواعيد البطولة العربية للمنتخبات، المقامة في قطر من 1 إلى 18 ديسمبر، مع بطولة إنتركونتيننتال التي يشارك فيها نادي بيراميدز، حيث يخوض نصف النهائي يوم 13 والنهائي يوم 17 ديسمبر، أيضًا في قطر، وكلا البطولتين تحت رعاية فيفا”.

وواصل: “هذا التعارض يثير تساؤلات حول موقف لاعبي بيراميدز المنضمين للمنتخب، هل يستمرون مع المنتخب أم يعودون للنادي؟ وهو ما يضع الجهاز الفني للمنتخب في موقف صعب”.

وأردف: “بدأ الاتحاد المصري برئاسة هاني أبو ريدة، في التحرك لمخاطبة فيفا، بطلب استثناء يسمح بزيادة عدد لاعبي المنتخب من 23 إلى 28 لاعبًا، تحسبًا لغياب لاعبي بيراميدز وإتاحة بدائل مناسبة، سنرى ما سيحدث وفي انتظار رد الفيفا”.

Their answer to Isak: Man Utd close to agreeing fee to sign £60m "monster"

After six long and arduous weeks of trying, it looks as though Manchester United are finally set to announce their second landmark signing of the summer.

Matheus Cunha arrived rather swiftly at the start of the window but since then it’s not been plain sailing for Jason Wilcox and Co. However, a breakthrough in negotiations was reached with Brentford a few days ago to seal the signing of Bryan Mbeumo for a fee of around £71m.

Fabrizio Romano reported on Sunday that the winger had arrived at Carrington to complete the formalities of a move to Old Trafford.

Yet, United aren’t done there with a new centre-forward being earmarked by the recruitment team.

Man United's pursuit of a new striker

With Rasmus Hojlund scoring just four league goals in 2024/25, it’s abundantly clear that Ruben Amorim needed more firepower.

Mbeumo and Cunha will certainly provide that but they’re not out-and-out centre-forwards.

Transfer Focus

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

Nicolas Jackson is, however, and reports this weekend suggest that the club has held talks with the player’s agent over a potential move. Considering his hit-and-miss form at Chelsea, this isn’t one that is likely to excite Man United supporters.

Viktor Gyokeres’ name will, though. It’s been widely expected that the Swede will move to Arsenal this summer but with Amorim at the wheel, United have stood a chance of securing a player who played so well under the Portuguese at Sporting.

Well, it’s still a move that could come to fruition with reports from Portugal this weekend reporting some exciting news as far as United fans are concerned.

It suggests that with Arsenal’s move stalling, the Red Devils have leapt into the race again and are said to be ‘very close’ to reaching an agreement on a fee for the attacker.

Geny Catamo celebrating with Viktor Gyokeres at Sporting.

It’s alleged that United are willing to pay just over €70m (£60m) to bring the player back to England.

Despite all of that, Romano has made it clear that the striker is still giving his priority to Arsenal.

Why Viktor Gyokeres could be Man United's answer to Alexander Isak

Alexander Isak’s name has been a hot topic this week with Liverpool laying down a statement of intent.

Indeed, The Athletic’s David Ornstein suggested that the Premier League winners were ready to do a deal at around £120m, but Newcastle United insist that he will not be going anywhere this summer.

That’s understandable considering just how good he was in 2024/25. The Swede found the net on 27 occasions in all competitions and scored 23 in the league, only second to Mo Salah.

In short, he was really rather impressive, showcasing exactly why some, including analyst Raj Chohan, think that he is “the best striker in the world.”

Well, if a player with 27 goals is up there as the best, so is Gyokeres. Described as “the best finisher in the world” by analyst Spencer Mossman and as a “monster” by journalist Alex Turk, there are not many better at hitting the net with such regularity as Isak’s fellow countryman.

Once of Coventry City and Brighton, Gyokeres has done it before in England, but it’s in Lisbon, Portugal, where he’s really found his footing.

On the way to winning the Portuguese league title last season, he scored 39 league goals in 33 games and beat the goalkeeper on 54 occasions in 52 outings across all competitions. That backed up a scintillating 2023/24 term in which the Sweden international bagged 43 in 50.

Like Isak, he’s incredibly prolific, and they do share some similar traits, notably in their ability to carry the ball long distances and run the channels.

Gyokeres vs Isak in 2024/25 (league only)

Stat (per 90 mins)

Gyokeres

Isak

Goals

1.25

0.75

Assists

0.22

0.20

Shots on target

2.12

1.34

Key passes

1.96

1.34

Progressive passes

2.18

2.88

Successful take-ons

1.92

1.37

Progressive carries

4.26

2.71

Aerials won

1.15

0.85

Stats via FBRef.

Signing a player with little experience of the Premier League is always a risk, but with United simply needing more firepower, if they could hijack Arsenal’s move for Gyokeres, it would be a serious statement of intent.

Long have they needed their answer to someone like Isak, a pure out-and-out goalscorer, a powerhouse forward. In Gyokeres, they’d surely find that.

Better signing than Mbeumo: Man Utd in talks to land "exceptional" £60m ace

Manchester United’s huge activity within the transfer market looks set to continue despite a deal for Bryan Mbeumo.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 20, 2025

فيديو | فيرتز يقود ألمانيا لتصحيح المسار بثلاثية ضد أيرلندا الشمالية في تصفيات كأس العالم

نجح منتخب ألمانيا في مصالحة جماهيره بالفوز ضد أيرلندا الشمالية بثلاثة أهداف لهدف واحد، خلال اللقاء الذي جمع بينهما ضمن منافسات الجولة الثانية من تصفيات أوروبا المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026.

وكان سيرجي جنابري قد افتتح التسجيل لصالح منتخب ألمانيا في الدقيقة السابعة، قبل أن يتعادل إيساك في الدقيقة 34 لأيرلندا الشمالية، وانتهى الشوط الأول بالتعادل الإيجابي بين المنتخبين بهدف لمثله.

وفي الشوط الثاني نجح منتخب المانشافت أن يسجل هدفين متتاليين، جاء الهدف الثاني عن طريق نديم آميري في الدقيقة 69 وفي الدقيقة 72 يحرز لاعب ليفربول فلوريان فيرتز الهدف الثالث من ركلة حرة رائعة.

اقرأ أيضاً.. بـ3 غرز.. هالاند يتعرض لحادث قوي قبل مباراة النرويج ومولدوفا

وكان يوليان ناجيلسمان قد بدأ لقاء اليوم بتشكيل مكون من: أوليفر باومان، أنتوني روديجير، أنتون، روبن كوخ، لويلينج، جوشوا كيميتش، باسكال جروس، روم، سيرجي جنابري، فلوريان فيرتز ، نيك فولتمايد.

وأجرى ناجيلسمان عدة تغييرات بدخول جوناثان تاه وليون جوريتزكا وماكسيمليان بيير ونديم آميري بدلاً من روديجير وجروس وسيرجي جنابري ونيك فولتمايد.

وكان منتخب ألمانيا قد تعرض لخسارة مفاجئة في المباراة السابقة بهدفين نظيفين، قبل أن يحقق أول ثلاث نقاط عن المجموعة الأولى ليصعد للمركز الثالث برصيد ثلاث نقاط وبذلك يحقق المانشافت أول انتصاراته بعد تعثره في آخر أربع مباريات.

Fabrizio Romano: £60m+ star wants to join Arsenal over Man Utd this summer

Arsenal find themselves in the midst of their most important transfer windows for years and could now beat Manchester United to a statement addition, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Arsenal pushing to sign an elite striker

Make no mistake, Mikel Arteta faces the biggest transfer window of his reign in charge of the Gunners as his side bid to become Premier League champions after pushing their rivals all the way in recent times.

Without doubt, bringing a striker in at the Emirates that is capable of producing defining moments is the Spaniard’s central priority. However, Jack Wilshere doesn’t believe signing a number nine alone will solve all the Gunners’ problems.

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Of course, injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus hampered Arsenal’s title charge last term. Nevertheless, Arteta is crying out for an old-school centre-forward to take his side to the next level.

Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has emerged as a central target for the Gunners. Arteta is personally keen to sign him, but finances may hinder the signing of the Brazil international, who could form a statement pursuit for the club alongside their efforts to land RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

Why Arsenal need a new striker this summer

Kai Havertz

Appearances – 36 Goals – 15

Gabriel Jesus

Appearances – 27 Goals – 7

Bolstering other areas will also be in the pipeline for Arsenal, though it can’t be emphasised enough how important a striker is to their tilt at claiming the Premier League title.

Now, reports have emerged suggesting they could have an advantage in the race for one of Europe’s most prolific marksmen.

Romano: Arsenal hold advantage in race to sign Viktor Gyokeres

Taking to social media platform X, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Sporting Clube de Portugal star Viktor Gyokeres would favour a move to Arsenal over Manchester United this summer.

The Sweden international is still firmly on the radar despite the Gunners’ advances to sign Sesko, and the Red Devils now feel it is ‘unlikely’ they will bring the former Coventry City star to Old Trafford.

Commended for his “fantastic” development by Niko Kovac, the Stockholm-born man registered an incredible 54 goals and 13 assists in 52 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25.

Viktor Gyokeres doing his trademark celebration.

Giving his ‘priority’ to the Gunners, Gyokeres, valued at £67 million, is now in clear sight for Arsenal as they desperately search for an elite striker to become the missing piece of the jigsaw under Arteta. Moving forward, it appears they have a good chance of pushing a deal over the line.

Wagner discussing shock Birmingham move to sign "superb" Aston Villa gem

Turning their attention away from a historic League One season and towards the summer transfer window, Birmingham City and Tom Wagner are now reportedly eyeing the chance to sign an Aston Villa gem.

Wagner wants to rekindle Aston Villa rivalry

Whilst attempting to swoop in and sign one of Unai Emery’s most impressive young talents, Wagner has made it no secret that he’s hoping to see Birmingham reignite their rivalry with the Villans in the near future. Back in the Championship and one step away from their rivals in the Premier League, the Blues chief is seemingly desperate to bridge that gap and commence a true battle.

Wagner told reporters earlier this month: “It’s absolutely a top objective. It’s the right rivalry for Birmingham, the right derby for English football, and the right way for each club to achieve its highest potential is by rekindling a rivalry that’s been dormant for too long. When I speak to the true fans on both sides of that rivalry, I get the same reaction, which is that they’d love to see it.”

He's a Dowell upgrade: Birmingham make offer to sign "unplayable" EFL star

Birmingham City are attempting to sign a star who would be an upgrade on Kieran Dowell.

ByDan Emery May 28, 2025

Unlike many clubs in the past, Birmingham won’t just be looking to survive in the Championship at the first time of asking. Alongside Wrexham, they’ll have their sights on causing a few upsets and pushing beyond the dropzone and perhaps even mid-table mediocrity if they get their summer business right.

That is the big unanswered question, of course. Just who could Birmingham sign this summer fresh from League One promotion? A number of names have already been mentioned, from Kwame Poku all the way to Torino’s Che Adams who played for the club between 2016 and 2019.

Torino'sCheAdams

Meanwhile, Birmingham may not be afraid to steal some headlines by signing a rival star when the summer transfer window swings open in what would make an immediate statement.

Birmingham eyeing Louie Barry deal

According to GiveMeSport, Wagner and Birmingham have held internal talks about signing Louie Barry from Aston Villa this summer. The young winger will be allowed to leave the Villans on loan in the coming months after having his spell at Hull City cut short courtesy of injury last time out, and a move to St. Andrew’s could yet become an unexpected opportunity.

Although his loan spell at Hull ended in frustration, Barry’s form at Stockport County during the first-half of the season initially caught the eye enough to earn a move into the Championship. Scoring 16 goals in 28 games for the League One side, the 21-year-old earned the praise of football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who described his form as “superb” in December.

Following what turned into a mixed season, Barry has a decision to make in the coming months. If his League One numbers are anything to go by, then the Villa gem could now be ready for the Championship and potentially Birmingham this summer.

Liverpool in fresh contact with agent of £204,000-a-week Real Madrid star

Liverpool have made new contact with the agents of a “world-class” player ahead of a potential summer move, an exciting new transfer rumour has claimed.

A huge summer awaits at Liverpool

The Reds may be the new Premier League champions, but there are still flaws within the squad that Arne Slot will want to address this summer. New full-backs will be needed, for example, with Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving and Andy Robertson arguably past his best, and a centre forward also looks to be required.

Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez has been linked with a move to Liverpool, with the Argentine seen as an upgrade on Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez, both of whom have struggled to make their mark this season.

Meanwhile, Kevin De Bruyne has been linked with a shock move to the Reds from Manchester City, having confirmed that he will leave the Etihad at the end of the current campaign. West Ham forward Mohammed Kudus is another rumoured option for Liverpool when the summer window arrives, with Arsenal also believed to be interested. Now, one of the most well-known attacking players in Europe has been linked with a switch to Anfield, though.

Liverpool make contact with "world-class" Real Madrid star Rodrygo

According to The Boot Room, Liverpool have “spoken” to the representatives of Real Madrid forward Rodrygo over a summer move to Anfield, as have Manchester City and Arsenal.

These are fresh discussions, having only happened in “recent weeks”, with previous reports earlier in the year also saying that contact had been made.

The idea of Rodrygo playing for Liverpool is mouthwatering, considering he is a world-renowned star who still has so much of his career ahead of him. The 24-year-old has 68 goals and 50 assists for Madrid, which is no mean feat, while Luka Modric has called him a “world-class” footballer.

If Liverpool managed to entice him to the club ahead of next season, it could feel like one of the biggest transfer coups in their recent history, and the Brazil international may well be considered the natural long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah on the right flank.

Rodrygo can also be a threat from the left-hand side, however, so he could even arrive as an immediate upgrade to Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz, amid doubts over the latter’s future with the Reds.

It remains to be seen if Rodrygo sees his future away from Madrid, however, at a time when there are so many superstars at the club, and always a great chance of winning major silverware every season. The report states that he is “not happy” but will “assess” things in the summer when the managerial situation at the Bernabeu is cleared up.

Huge Nunez upgrade: Liverpool plot big move for "the best CF in the world"

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ByAngus Sinclair May 9, 2025

Liverpool are a major attraction in their own right, and could easily only go from strength to strength under Slot, so the £204,000-a-week Rodrygo’s head will hopefully be turned by a move to Merseyside.

Liverpool now ready to sell player Slot's "delighted" with after £50m+ bid

Liverpool are now thought to be willing to sell a first-team member who has “delighted” Arne Slot in 2025 despite the manager’s admiration for the player.

Liverpool eyeing new signings to replace Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk and Salah

The Reds look set for a hectic transfer window this summer, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah all yet to pen contract extensions.

It looks likely that Alexander-Arnold will depart for Real Madrid, and there are question marks over Van Dijk and Salah respective futures. As a result, Liverpool have been on the search for potential replacements for the star trio.

Liverpool now racing Real Madrid for £42m "beast" who Jurgen Klopp loves

The Reds are interested in signing a new centre-back, who is also a target for the La Liga giants.

ByDominic Lund Apr 2, 2025

Slot has already held talks over a move to sign Bayer Leverkusen full-back Jeremie Frimpong, whereas Nico Schlotterbeck of Borussia Dortmund may replace Van Dijk and Real Madrid’s Rodrygo is identified as a replacement for Salah.

However, there could be more Anfield exits on the cards ahead of the 2025/26 season, with Liverpool open to selling one player in particular.

Liverpool ready to sell Harvey Elliott after £50m+ Newcastle offer

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Liverpool look ready to sell Harvey Elliott this summer, amid interest from Newcastle United.

It is believed that the Reds are ‘willing to cash in in order to bolster what is already a significant transfer kitty’, whereas Elliott himself ‘may have to accept he will need to find a new club if determined to be a regular starter’.

Liverpool player Harvey Elliott

This comes after claims of a £50m+ offer being submitted by Newcastle for Elliott, and TEAMtalk suggest the Magpies and Eddie Howe are indeed keen. Slot admitted at the beginning of the year that he was “delighted” with the midfielder’s display from the bench back in January against Brentford.

“I was delighted by his performance when he came on. It’s so nice for me, for us as a team, that I have players that can impact the game on the bench as well.”

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Slot praised Elliott again just last month, days after his winner at PSG by helping Liverpool defeat Southampton at Anfield.

“He came in 15 minutes before the end again and showed how important he is for this team and the others as well. He trains really, he does this and – I said it many times about Wata and I can say the same about Harvey – he hardly gets any playing time but he keeps on going and then when your moment comes, you can finally show your quality.

“And that is the biggest compliment I can give him, but also the biggest compliment is what he brings to the team is that he just keeps on going because I have experienced more than enough players who are in the same position as him or Wata and they start to do less and less and when you do play them you (journalists) probably don’t ask me why I don’t play them.”

However, despite Slot’s high thoughts on Elliott, it looks as if he could be on the way out of Anfield relatively soon going off the recent transfer update.

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