Liverpool manager Arne Slot is reportedly preparing to sanction a quintet of sales this summer.
Rumours are circulating that several senior players might be bidding farewell to Anfield as Slot sets out to reshape his Liverpool team.
3
Slot is reportedly looking to reshape the Liverpool squad this summerCredit: Getty
While Liverpool’s strong performance in the Premier League has fueled optimism, Slot is reportedly assessing the squad’s composition as they look toward next season.
Contract situations surrounding star players Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Virgil van Dijk have already become focal points in the ongoing transfer discussions.
According to reports from Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool are anticipating an active summer transfer window, with both potential departures and new signings on the horizon.
Kelleher’s need for more first-team opportunities has been widely discussed.
With Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili swapping Valencia for Liverpool in the summer, Kelleher’s future at the club seems increasingly uncertain.
Chiesa, who joined Liverpool just last summer, has faced challenges finding consistent playing time.
Reports indicate he may be seeking a move to procure more regular football, as he grapples with form and fitness that have limited his Premier League appearances.
His last top-flight outing was a fleeting appearance against Ipswich in January, and since the FA Cup defeat to Plymouth, he has remained on the sidelines.
Endo has experienced a muted role under Slot, with his last full 90-minute performance taking place against Wolves at the end of last season, although he has often joined the fray off the bench.
3
Elliott’s celebration sparked speculation about transfer rumoursCredit: Getty
But this diminished role has sparked speculation regarding his future.
Elliott’s situation is more complex as he has publicly affirmed his unwavering loyalty to Liverpool.
He said back in January: “I think it’s pretty clear, to be honest.
“I’m not leaving. I said it in an interview the other day, this is my team. This is my club.
“I’m a massive fan and we’re in a great position so far this season.”
Elliott added he ‘didn’t really see’ much of the speculation surrounding his future and had only learned of it through his friends.
3
Jota has spent the past five years at AnfieldCredit: Getty
“[Speculation is] always going to happen in January and especially after being out for a long time and not really playing as much as I’d want to,” he said.
“But, you know, that’s football.”
Diogo Jota is also rumored to not feature in Slot’s future plans; after making his initial return from a two-month injury he suffered in December, he has managed to score four goals.
Jota started in Liverpool’s first leg against Paris Saint-Germain last week, which they won 1-0, and the 28-year-old will be hoping to start again this evening in the second leg.
“It’s been a difficult season for me,” Jota admitted.
“I had a few complications throughout the season. These last few months are the ones that matter the most when you decide things.
Arne Slot answers whether Liverpool have already won the Premier League title after a dominant display against Manchester City
“I don’t feel I am at my best at the moment. But certainly, by playing I will get there.
“And I always try to do my best no matter what. You never know [how long it takes]. It’s football, I don’t play alone.
“It is not an individual sport so there are a lot of things you can’t control yourself, but one thing you can control is to give your best and that’s always what I do on the pitch.”
The extent of Slot’s movements regarding player departures will become clearer as the summer transfer window unfolds.
His desire to build upon the legacy left by Jurgen Klopp may indeed necessitate significant changes to the squad.
Liverpool face Paris Saint-Germain this evening at Anfield, with kick-off set for 8pm.
Liverpool’s quest for a quadruple came to a crashing halt on Sunday (Monday AEDT) as they were dumped out of the FA Cup with a 1-0 defeat by Championship strugglers Plymouth.
Get all the latest football news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!
Ryan Hardie scored the only goal from the penalty spot as Arne Slot was made to pay for resting his star names as he suffered just a fourth defeat in 38 games as Liverpool boss.
Plymouth sit rock bottom of the English second tier, but have now taken two Premier League scalps on their way into round five after winning at Brentford in round three.
“We all came here today with a dream and we have done it,” said Hardie. Slot made 10 changes from the side that thrashed Tottenham 4-0 on Thursday to reach the League Cup final.
Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo were among those left completely out the squad, but Liverpool still started with Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa in attack.
Yet, the Reds’ fringe players did little to make their case for more playing time as they succumbed to one of the FA Cup’s great shocks.
Plymouth’s Scottish striker Ryan Hardie (C) celebrates scoring the opening goal from the penalty spot against Liverpool.Source: AFP
“We were not having a very good day. A result like this is the outcome,” said Slot.
“I can’t say the boys didn’t fight, both teams barely created a chance and then it was a penalty. In a game like this, it is up to one moment. That moment was for them and they deserve it.”
Hardie kept his cool to drill home the penalty after Harvey Elliott handled Darko Gyabi’s flick on 53 minutes.
Ryan Hardie of Plymouth Argyle scores his team’s shock winner.Source: Getty Images
Moments later it needed a fine save from Caoimhin Kelleher to deny Hardie a second.
Slot threw on Darwin Nunez to add more firepower to the forward line, but Plymouth stood strong thanks to a pair of stunning late saves from Connor Hazard.
Jota’s strike that was headed for the top corner was clawed away by the Northern Ireland international before he tipped over Nunez’s header deep into nine minutes of stoppage time.
“I’m speechless, and normally they tell me I’m eloquent! It’s a big moment, day for us,” said Plymouth boss Miron Muslic, who replaced the sacked Wayne Rooney last month.
“It’s a magical day for us. I told the lads in the locker room to enjoy it.”
Ryan Hardie celebrates with his son.Source: AFP
SLOT SHOCK
Liverpool boss Arne Slot said his side’s shock FA Cup exit to second-tier Plymouth was a setback after a near flawless start to his reign in charge.
The Reds had been on course for a quadruple of trophies before they travelled to Argyle, who sit bottom of the Championship, but came unstuck at Home Park as Slot paid a heavy price for making wholesale changes.
The Dutchman retained only goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher from the side that thrashed Tottenham 4-0 on Thursday to reach the League Cup final and left Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk out of his a squad entirely.
The Premier League leaders should still have had enough to progress as Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa started up front, while Darwin Nunez was introduced in a bid rescue the game in the second half.
“We were not having a very good day. A result like this is the outcome,” said Slot.
“It hurts everyone that is involved with Liverpool – fans, me players. We were all wanting to be in this competition for as long as possible and when you go out in the second possible game, that’s a setback.”
The game was decided by Ryan Hardie’s penalty eight minutes into the second half after Harvey Elliott handled inside the box.
Diogo Jota and Nunez forced Conor Hazard into late saves but Plymouth held out for one of the great all-time FA Cup upsets.
“I can’t say the boys didn’t fight, both teams barely created a chance and then it was a penalty. In a game like this, it is up to one moment. That moment was for them and they deserve it,” added Slot.
“I think they were able to do better but it’s a system and a way of playing which is hard to create against. I wasn’t surprised. When we had the ball they were really aggressive.
“Not easy to create especially if a team has not played together all the time. It hurts everyone. We were all wanting to be in this competition for as long as possible.
“They kept on fighting until the last second, it wasn’t a work rate problem but they couldn’t find chances. We have to be more creative.”
Arne Slot speaks to the media losing to Plymouth.Source: AFP
NACHOS AND FANTA
Plymouth’s “boring” boss Miron Muslic celebrated his side’s stunning FA Cup humiliation of Liverpool by “eating some nachos and drinking a Fanta”.
Ryan Hardie’s second-half penalty gave the Championship’s bottom club an astonishing 1-0 victory over the Premier League leaders at Home Park on Sunday.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot named a reserve team for the fourth round tie, resting stars including Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
Plymouth took full advantage to end Liverpool’s quadruple bid with one of the FA Cup’s more memorable giant-killings.
But the low-key Muslic opted against celebrating with alcohol. “Normally I’m very good in my words and eloquent, but I’m a little bit speechless,” said Muslic, who succeeded the sacked Wayne Rooney as Pilgrims manager in January.
“It’s a day for Argyle, a day for Plymouth, a day for the ‘Green Army’. They deserve it and I want them to give it celebrations their all.
“I will go home and re-watch the game, eat some Nachos and drink a Fanta. It’s very boring for me.”
Masterminding a famous victory over Liverpool while fighting to haul Plymouth off the bottom of the Championship was no hardship for Muslic, who was a refugee from war-torn Bosnia as a child.
Muslic was forced to move to Austria aged nine, escaping his home town of Bihac after it fell under siege by Serbian forces in 1992.
Plymouth’s Bosnian-born Austrian head coach Miron Muslic soaks up victory.Source: AFP
“I’m very emotional because I realised the task and the opponent. It’s the biggest moment so far in my coaching career, no doubt, because it’s the FA Cup and Liverpool,” he said.
“But the biggest moment will be staying up in the Championship. This is my goal, this is what I have in my mind and my soul.”
Plymouth had already beaten Premier League side Brentford in the third round, but their victory against West Brom last weekend was their first in the league since November.
They subdued Liverpool’s understudies with a gritty display before snatching the lead when Hardie converted from the spot after Harvey Elliott handled Darko Gyabi’s overhead kick.
Plymouth fans celebrate their shock win over Liverpool.Source: AFP
Plymouth had to withstand nine minutes of stoppage-time during which Conor Hazard made superb saves to deny Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez.
“We knew we would have a lot of moments to defend and it was a huge task to keep them away from the goal,” Muslic said.
“I watched them a couple of nights ago against Tottenham and the wave of Liverpool was unstoppable.
“Liverpool made changes but I said to the players there was nothing to be afraid of, nothing to lose and everything to win.
“We played like this and we have added another part in the history of Argyle that nobody can take away from us.”
Manchester City have already spent north of $150m AUD on talent, and there’s one more player set to arrive to push that figure close to $300m AUD.
Meanwhile, Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs are desperate to add depth to their injury-ravaged squad and Ruben Amorim’s United revolution is just getting started.
Read below for all the latest January transfer news!
TOTTENHAM
Done deals
Antonin Kinsky — Slavia Prague to Spurs ($31m AUD)
Yang Min-hyeok — Gangwon FC to Spurs ($7.9m AUD)
Rumoured deals
Tyler Dibling — Southampton to Spurs (more than $49m AUD)
Liam Delap — Ipswich Town to Spurs ($79m AUD)
Milan Skriniar — PSG to Spurs (N/A)
Thomas Kristensen — Udinese to Spurs (N/A)
Jack Grealish — Manchester City to Spurs (N/A)
Analysis: It’s been a horror campaign thus far for Spurs, and Ange Postecoglou desperately needs to reinforce his squad who currently sit in 15th after 22 games. Big name stars like Christian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Rodrigo Bentancur and Guglielmo Vicario have all been sidelined due to injury, forcing Tottenham to field a weakened side during a tough period for the Australian manager. Throw in a fresh injury to star striker Dominic Solanke, who is set for an extended sideline stint, and Spurs desperately need to recruit in January in both attack and defence. Yang Min-hyeok arrives at the club, but the young South Korean was signed previously, while Antonin Kinsky has hit the ground running since arrived from Slavia Prague, rounding out the club’s two done deals. Ipswich Town revelation Liam Delap is reportedly one target of Postecoglou, with the 21-year-old enjoying an impressive debut Premier League campaign. However, it’s unlikely Ipswich will be willing to part with their talisman in the midst of a relegation battle, but regardless Spurs could table and offer too good to refuse according to TeamTalk, which could be around $79m AUD. Elsewhere, Southampton star Tyler Dibling has also attracted interest from Tottenham, with Sky Sports reporting the 18-year-old is hot property and has many suitors. What complicates matters is the winger is sidelined for six weeks with an ankle injury, meaning a move in January might not make sense for potential clubs. RB Leipzig have reportedly offered $49m AUD to pry him away from the Premier League, but Southampton reportedly want a significantly higher offer before they consider letting him depart. Jack Grealish is another interesting figure who could be on the move, with Tottenham reportedly keeping tabs on the Manchester City attacker who is weighing up his future under Pep Guardiola according to Football London. In defence, two names have come up as potential targets, with Milan Skriniar and Thomas Kristensen on Postecoglou’s radar. According to TBR Football, Skriniar is also being targeted by Galatasaray, having been made available for transfer by the PSG board. Kristensen, meanwhile, has been impressive in the Serie A for Udinese this season, with the Daily Mail reporting Juventus are also in discussions to recruit the Danish defender.
Ange ‘on thin ice’ after 3-2 loss | 03:26
LIVERPOOL
Done deals
N/A
Rumoured deals
Martin Zubimendi — Real Sociedad to Liverpool (N/A)
Takefusa Kubo — Real Sociedad to Liverpool (N/A)
Analysis: Liverpool are sitting pretty atop the Premier League ladder, and Arne Slot has a big job on his hands to lift the trophy in his debut season. But beyond that, the Dutch manager’s transfer priority could be retaining the club’s big-name stars as the Merseyside outfit remain largely quiet in the January transfer window. Liverpool have been linked with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who is currently hot property and is Arsenal’s No.1 transfer target. He looks to be heading to North London, with a deal reportedly in place for the summer. Elsewhere, according to TeamTalk, Liverpool bosses have their own on another Soceidad star, with Takefusa Kubo the club’s top target as a successor to Mo Salah. The club are reportedly willing to allow three players to depart in a swap deal, with Harvey Elliott, Wataru Endo and Federico Chiesa named as those on the chopping block, with Kubo having an $118m AUD release clause in his deal. Salah’s future remains up in the air, with his current contract running out at the season’s end, and Saudi club Al Hilal circling the Egyptian star. Salah has once again been one of the Premier League’s best players, but Slot is facing the real possibility of losing the prodigious winger in June if they club can’t sort out his new deal. Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s contract also expire, with the latter having been linked with a move to Real Madrid to join fellow English gun Jude Bellingham.
ARSENAL
Done deals
N/A
Rumoured deals
Martin Zubimendi — Real Sociedad to Arsenal (N/A)
Matheus Cunha — Wolverhampton to Arsenal (N/A)
Evan Ferguson — Brighton to Arsenal (N/A)
Benjamin Sesko — RB Leipzig to Arsenal ($118m AUD)
Dusan Vlahovic — Juventus to Arsenal (N/A)
Analysis: It’s been widely reported Mikel Arteta has won the race to sign midfielder Martin Zubimendi, but he won’t serve as a quick fix for the Gunners. The Spaniard is set to land in North London in the summer, meaning Arsenal are still on the lookout for recruits. Arsenal are desperate for a striker, with Kai Havertz failing to fire up front this season and a sheer lack of goals being to blame for the club’s lacking form. Matheus Cunha has emerged as a potential target, with the Brazilian having put together a strong season for Wolves, scoring 10 goals and assisting four more so far. According to Sky Sports, Arsenal powerbrokers are reportedly considering a loan with an option to buy, with the club having already used both of their domestic loan slots. However, Wolves won’t let him go without a fight, with the club battling to stay in the Premier League, currently sitting in 17th place. Another striker option looms as Brighton’s Evan Ferguson, who according to The Sun, could be on the move to Arsenal on loan. The 20-year-old has been hit with a string if injuries in recent seasons, but he has a breakthrough year in 2022 with the Seagulls. RB Leipzig target man Benjamin Sesko has also been linked with a move to Arsenal, having already said “yes” to a move to the North London club if a deal can be struck between the two parties, according to The Daily Mirror. The 21-year-old reportedly made a handshake agreement with his club to make a move in the summer for $118m AUD, but Arsenal reportedly want to secure a deal early.
Elsewhere, Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic has also been linked with a move away from the Serie A, with PSG star Randal Kolo Muano set to join the Italian club on a loan deal. But overall, Arteta hinted the Gunners would be bringing in reinforcements after his side’s draw against Aston Villa, saying: “When you look at the performances, I don’t know how many teams are playing at this level in the league. But when you look at the bench, you would probably say we are very short.”
CHELSEA
Done deals
N/A
Rumoured deals
Alejandro Garnacho — Manchester United to Chelsea ($99m AUD)
Mamadou Sarr — Strasbourg to Chelsea ($23.5m AUD)
Dusan Vlahovic — Juventus to Chelsea ($118m AUD)
Jamie Gittens — Dortmund to Chelsea (N/A)
Liam Delap — Ipswich Town to Chelsea (N/A)
Analysis: Enzo Maresca is hopeful of adding some strike power to his outfit, with Chelsea pushing to compete with Liverpool for the Premier League title this season. In an interesting move, the London club are considering recruiting out-of-favour United winger Alejandro Garnacho, with his agent reportedly spotted at Stamford Bridge in recent days according to The Mirror. Manchester United officials reportedly want $99m AUD to make a deal happen, with the Red Devils hopeful of cashing in on the winger whose transfer fee would be pure profit under PSR rules. The rising star has also fallen out of favour under new boss Ruben Amorim, with Serie A club Napoli also interested in his services. Ipswich Town rising star Liam Delap was reportedly on Chelsea’s transfer shortlist, however no moves have been made to recruit him from the club fighting relegation. Elsewhere, Dusan Vlahovic shapes as Chelsea’s most likely striker recruit, with the club having already held talks with Juventus with Renota Veiga potentially departing the Premier League for the Serie A. Vlahovic has been valued at $118m AUD, with Veiga potentially included in the deal to reduce the fee according to ESPN. The Serbian’s current contract expires at the end of the 2026 season, scoring seven goals and assisting one more in his 17 appearances for Juventus this year. However, he’s also scored four times in five games in the Champions League. Mamadou Sarr will also reportedly join Chelsea for a fee of around $23.5m AUD, with the 19-year-old making his move in the summer according to the BBC. Elsewhere, Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens has also emerged as a potential candidate to make the move to London.
Blues snap winless run at home | 02:05
MANCHESTER CITY
Done deals
Vitor Reis — Palmeiras to Manchester City ($58m AUD)
Abdukodir Khusanov — Lens to Manchester City ($67m AUD)
Claudio Echeverri — River Plate to Manchester City ($30m AUD)
Rumoured deals
Omar Marmoush — Frankfurt to Manchester City ($125m AUD)
Douglas Luiz — Juventus to Manchester City (N/A)
Andrea Cambiaso — Juventus to Manchester City ($132m AUD)
Analysis: Pep Guardiola has taken action already in the January window, signing three players in Vitor Reis, Abdukodir Khusanov and Claudio Echeverri. Manchester City have endured their toughest period yet under the Spaniard, and in the hopes of surging back to the top of the Premier League, and winning a fifth straight title, Guardiola has hit the market and he’s showing no signs of slowing down with striker Erling Haaland also putting pen to paper on a contract extension. Khusanov and Reis’s arrivals are set to offset the loss of wing back Kyle Walker, whose loan deal to AC Milan is almost complete. According to ESPN, attacker Omar Marmoush is set to join Manchester City for a whopping $125m AUD. The 25-year-old reportedly was undergoing a medical exam on Tuesday ahead of his imminent signing. Marmoush has been impressive in the Bundesliga, with the Egyptian scoring four goals and assisting two more in six Europa League appearances this season. Douglas Luiz is also reportedly being eyed for a potential return to the City club, with a loan deal being considered for the midfielder who was sold to Aston Villa in 2019. According to Sky Sports, a move for Luiz being considered over a push to recruit Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes. Luiz is reportedly expected to depart Juventus, but it remains to be seen where he will land. Elsewhere, Andrea Cambiaso has been named as a potential target for City, with the club in the early stages of a move to recruit the 24-year-old full back. The Italian giants reportedly value the defender at around $132m AUD.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Done deals
N/A
Rumoured deals
Patrick Dorgu — Lecce to Manchester United ($66.5m AUD)
Victor Osimhen — Galatasaray to Manchester United ($125m AUD)
Miloš Kerkez — Bournemouth to Manchester United (N/A)
Nuno Mendes — PSG to Manchester United (N/A)
Bryan Mbeumo — Brentford to Manchester United (N/A)
Matheus Cuhna — Wolverhampton to Manchester United (N/A)
Analysis: Ruben Amorim is in his first transfer window as United’s manager, already making his stance on two of the club’s biggest stars clear. Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford are set to depart Manchester, and the Portuguese boss is on the lookout for replacements. Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu is shaping as a player set to land in Old Trafford, with United bosses reportedly holding talks with Lecce’s director of football according to The Guardian. The Serie A club are reportedly seeking around $66.5m AUD for the wing back/winger who could fit perfectly into Amorim’s unusual three at the back system. Dorgu could fill the hole left by Garnacho, but can only play on both sides of the field in defence if needed. Milos Kerkez and Nuno Mendes are also reportedly on Amorim’s list of flank defenders, with the United boss making that position a focal point in his January transfer window. Elsewhere, United have been linked with a pair of strikers, with Victor Osimhen the biggest name listed in their rumoured targets. The Nigerian marksman is currently on loan at Turkish club Galatasaray, and is parent club Napoli are reportedly willing to offload the striker for a cut price. Garnacho’s move looks to be the linchpin in any deal for Osimhen, with Napoli officials hoping United bosses lower their asking price for the rising winger, while their own valuation for Osimhen sits at $125m AUD according to Naples publication Il Matino. The Nigerian’s arrival could solve what has been a striker crisis in recent seasons at Old Trafford, with Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Kirzkee failing to lock down the position. Brenford’s Bryan Mbuemo has also reportedly been included in United’s striker shortlist alongside Wolves’ Matheus Cuhna.
Ryan move set to force Aussie shuffle | 05:36
THE REST
Done deals
Jaden Philogene — Aston Villa to Ipswich Town ($39m AUD)
Donyell Malen — Dortmund to Aston Villa ($39m AUD)
Emmanuel Agbadou — Stde de Reims to Wolverhampton ($32.7m AUD)
Julio Soler — Lanus to Bournemouth ($13m AUD)
Diego Gomez — Inter Miami to Brighton ($21.6m AUD)
Andres Garcia — Levante to Aston Villa ($11.8m AUD
Matai Akinmboni — DC United to Bournemouth ($2.9m AUD)
Romain Esse — Milwall to Crystal Palace (undisclosed)
Woyo Coulibaly — Parma to Leicester City ($3.7m AUD)
Welington — Sao Paulo to Southampton (undisclosed)
Joachim Kayi Sanda — Valenciennes to Southampton (undisclosed)
Biggest rumoured deals
Matheus Cuhna — Wolverhampton to Nottingham Forest
Jhon Duran — Aston Villa to West Ham
Analysis: Arguably the biggest move outside the big six has come from West Ham, who have reportedly bid a whopping $112m AUD to sign Villa striker Jhon Duran according to The Athletic. However, that bid is reportedly set to be rejected, having recently extended the contract of the Colombian international until 2030. It’s the second time West Ham have bidded for Duran’s services. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest are flying high in third place on the ladder and are hoping to continue their run by making Wolves striker Matheus Cuhna their top target according to Daily Mail. Forest are reportedly preparing to make a competitive bid for the Brazilian, who has scored 10 goals so far this campaign. The City Ground club have also previously had a $43m AUD bid for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa turned down, before turning their attention elsewhere.
Slot’s only other activity in terms of incomings was an arrangement that will see Giorgi Mamardashvili arrive in 2025.
Joining for £10million rising to £12.5m, Chiesa’s transfer was similarly labelled as opportunistic for a winger now hampered by injuries.
According to reports in France, the deal hasn’t worked out and the player is already looking for a way out of Merseyside this winter.
Foot Mercato claim Chiesa is looking to reignite his career with a loan move back to Italy in order to gain some much-needed playing time.
Napoli are said to be the favourites to land the Euro 2020 winner but face competition from Inter Milan and his old club Fiorentina.
His wages will likely prove a sticking point in negotiations, with all three clubs needing Liverpool to cover part of his salary.
The outlet adds that Chiesa has been convinced by Italy head coach Luciano Spalletti that returning to Serie A would help him regain confidence and match fitness – with doubts over his spot in the national team.
His chances of hitting the ground running at Liverpool were hindered by his lack of pre-season after being shown the door by Juventus.
5
Chiesa has only played one minute in the Champions League and featured in one Premier League match
5
The winger was put on a specialized training programme after joiningCredit: AFP
Chiesa managed just 78 minutes across three Liverpool appearances – most of which were in the Carabao Cup – before yet another injury.
He did not play at all between September 25 and December 18 and was put on a specialized training programme to get him up to speed.
During this period, doubts over the forward’s long-term future first emerged but were emphatically dismissed by Liverpool boss Slot.
When asked about Chiesa’s future in October, Slot said: “[Parting ways with Chiesa] hasn’t gone through my mind at all. First and foremost is that he gets fit again and then we can see where he is.
“He missed pre-season [with Liverpool] and in pre-season [with Juventus] he was on low-intensity sessions as he had to train with three or four players separate from the group.
“Going from then to a high-intensity league, to a high-intensity playing style is difficult in general for every player, but especially if you had a pre-season like this.”
5
Chiesa was one of the most sought-after young stars at FiorentinaCredit: Getty
5
Chiesa was a thorn in England’s side in the Euro 2020 finalCredit: AFP
Chiesa finally made his comeback appearance during the 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Southampton before Christmas.
The Italy international was introduced at half-time at St Mary’s and completed the rest of the quarter-final victory.
On Chiesa’s performance on his return Slot added: “I saw ups and downs. I saw some really good moments and I saw some moments where I felt like, ‘OK, you can do better than this’.
“For me, that’s completely normal if a player’s been out for so long, plays his first game in five or six months probably (three months).”
New Liverpool signing Federico Chiesa reveals he has celebration of iconic Anfield goal scored by his father Enrico Chiesea framed in their family home
However, he has not figured in either of Liverpool’s two Premier League games since then.
Chiesa was absent from the 6-3 win at Tottenham due to illness while he was an unused substitute for Boxing Day’s triumph over Leicester.
Chiesa is set to make his Liverpool debut this weekendCredit: Getty
He will be hoping to make the perfect start under Arne Slot and scoring in front of the Anfield crowd would give him exactly that.
It would also mean Chiesa writes his name in the history books as part of an exclusive club.
The forward would become only the third player to follow their father in scoring a goal at the iconic ground after Erling Haaland and Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Chiesa’s dad, Enrico, found the net for Italy while playing at Euro ‘96, sweeping home at the Anfield Road end to equalise against the Czech Republic.
And that was a special moment for the Chiesa family as they have a picture framed in their home of the goal Enrico scored.
Upon the completion of Chiesa Jnr’s Liverpool transfer, he admitted he didn’t even realise it was at the home of his new club.
“I know this goal, I know this,” Chiesa said when he was shown the clip. “He didn’t tell me he scored this at Anfield.
“He didn’t tell me about this because usually when we speak about the Euros he doesn’t want to speak about it because I say I won it and he has not won it so…
“We have a picture of him celebrating after he scored that goal but honestly I didn’t know it was at Anfield so this is a great memory for my family, for my father, so I think he’s very happy for me to join Liverpool.”
The 2023-24 summer transfer window has drawn to a close, with some clubs nailing their business while others have fallen well short of the mark as financial regulations heavily influence the Premier League’s spending habits.
Unlike windows of the past, where the Premier League attracted some of the biggest names in Europe, this year has felt a little different, with clubs focused more on ensuring safer financial practice as opposed to nailing their big money signings.
We saw less deals akin to the ones that brought Erling Haaland to Manchester City and Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea in recent seasons, and more like Elliot Anderson’s to Nottingham Forest and Conor Gallagher’s to Atletico Madrid: transfers done to appease accountants more than managers.
Watch selected NRL, AFL, SSN games plus every F1 qualifying session and race live in 4K on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial today.
‘It’s not like I am Harry Potter’ | 00:22
The strict Premier League crackdown on its Profit and Sustainability rules in recent seasons, exemplified by Everton and Forest’s respective points deductions, appear to have frightened clubs.
This was highlighted in the 10 days preceding the June 30 accounting deadline when six clubs – Forest, Newcastle, Chelsea, Everton, Aston Villa and Leicester – sold 15 players for a grand total of £323 million ($631.8 million AUD) in a late attempt to meet PSR requirements.
According to a report from The Athletic, those 15 deals accounted for 16% of the Premier League’s spending this window, with some of those clubs enacting creative accounting to ensure their books comply and a costly points deduction is avoided.
Though this did not slow Premier League spending, with 14 clubs parting with over $150 million on players during the window, but did create a strange spending environment that will surely become a mainstay in the coming seasons.
Changed spending conditions have coincided with changing spending habits, which have been on show throughout the window and go in part to explaining the business of some sides.
The average age of the league’s 10 most expensive signings this season is 23.3 years old, highlighting how clubs are targeting younger players with high potential and resale value, as opposed to proven products in the prime of their careers.
Foxsports.com.au rates every Premier League team’s summer dealings in our Transfer Report Card!
Arsenal
Biggest signing: Riccardo Calafiori ($81.3m from Bologna)
Total spend: $186.5 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Emile Smith Rowe ($65.8m to Fulham)
Total income: $161.4 million (AUD)
Having finished second last season, Mikel Arteta’s side needed a strong transfer window to strengthen their side and solidify their title push. They did just that.
Riccardo Calafiori arrives after a strong season with Bologna and a good Euros campaign with Italy to strengthen one of Arsenal’s problem areas last season – left back, with the Italian’s ability to seamlessly invert into midfield key to Arteta’s tactical shape. Mikel Merino provides midfield strength, and allows Arsenal to push Declan Rice into a deeper role whenever required, while the move to permanently sign David Raya, and sell Aaron Ramsdale, cleared up one of the biggest clouds over the club’s 2023-24 season.
Raheem Sterling’s deadline day arrival from Chelsea is a great move, providing cover on both wings as well as title-winning experience. If Arteta can get the Englishman to perform at his best, like he did when the pair were at Manchester City, it’ll provide Arsenal with an additional goal scoring threat this season and afford Bukayo Saka a chance to rest his legs after an intense year.
Fighting off interest in Leandro Trossard from the Saudi Pro League is shrewd too given the Belgian’s impact off the bench and versatility, which will come in handy given Gabriel Jesus’ recent injury record.
Crucially in modern football the sales of Emlie Smith-Rowe and Eddie Nketiah, which will appear as pure profit on the club’s books, ensure they remain compliant with the Premier League’s strict PSR rules.
Where some feel Arsenal’s window missed the mark is their failure to bring a world class No.9 in, with Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney but avoided for various reasons. Arteta has faith in Kai Havertz, who scored eight goals in 13 games as striker last season, with Trossard, Jesus and Sterling as cover.
Grade: B+
Arsenal’s Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori challenges for the ball with Brighton’s Paraguayan attacker Julio Enciso during a English Premier League match between the Emirates Stadium.Source: AFP
Aston Villa
Biggest signing: Amadou Onana ($96.8m from Everton)
Total spend: $295.8 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Moussa Diaby ($97.7m to Al-Itthad)
Total income: $271.2 million (AUD)
Villa were dealt a massive blow this window in losing Moussa Diaby and Douglas Luiz, two of their strongest performers last season.
The club signed Belgian holding midfielder Amadou Onana from Everton, with the 23-year-old already hitting the ground running by scoring twice in his first three games. Onana adds size, power and strong ball-winning skills to Villa’s midfield, though lacks the passing range and set-piece threat of Luiz.
Not to worry Villa fans, given the club already possesses Youri Tielemans, one of the Premier League’s strongest passers and a set piece specialist to rival the best of them.
Ian Maatsen, who was key in Dortmund’s run to last season’s Champions League final, gives good depth at left back, though there are concerns about the drop off between right back Matty Cash and his understudy, particularly with injuries in central defence not allowing Ezri Konsa to shuffle across.
Diaby’s loss is massive, even if the Frenchman’s performances tailed off at the end of last season, but Unai Emery already has the pieces to compensate for his departure.
Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barenechea, both signed from Juventus as part of the deal to send Luiz the other way, are young and unproven but could become integral cogs in the Villa machine once they return from their respective loans.
Villa haven’t just signed Ross Barkley is an underrated piece of business. The former Chelsea man provides Emery with experience and brilliant midfield cover following an impressive Premier League season with Luton Town.
Omari Kellyman, Tim Iroegbunam and Cameron Archer’s sales will go towards balancing the club’s books, even if the latter was re-signed from Sheffield United before being sold to Southampton, while Philippe Coutinho’s loan move to Vasco da Gama lightens the club’s wage bill.
Grade: B
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 17: New signing Ian Maatsen acknowledges Aston Villa fans after the team’s victory against West Ham United FC (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Bournemouth
Biggest signing: Evanilson ($61.3m from Porto)
Total spend: $172.3 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Dominic Solanke ($106m to Tottenham Hotspur)
Total income: $110.3 million (AUD)
There was no more important player to Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth side last season than striker Dominic Solanke, who finished the campaign with 19 goals and three assists.
Brazilian striker Evanilson joins for a club-record fee having scored 13 Portuguese league goals last season for 3rd placed Porto.
An unknown quantity in England, Evanilson has all the makings of a well-rounded striker and joins a side that had more shot creating actions last season than Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, though it will be hard for the striker to have link up play as exceptional as Solanke.
First-choice goalkeeper Neto joins Arsenal on loan, with Kepa arriving from Chelsea to replace the Brazilian, marking a significant downgrade in the club’s goalkeeping ranks. The Spaniard is a gamble for Iraola’s side given his failure to set the Premier League alight, weak shot stopping and shortcomings when competing for crosses.
19-year-old Spanish-Dutch defender Dean Huijsen has all the makings of a serious transfer coup, with multi-Premier League winning manager Jose Mourinho once describing the centre back as “one of the highest-quality prospects in European football at this age level.”
Grade: C-
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – AUGUST 25: AFC Bournemouth’s Evanilson during the club’s Premier League match against Newcastle United. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Brentford
Biggest signing: Igor Thiago ($58m from Club Brugge)
Total spend: $169.5 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Ivan Toney ($77.4m to Al-Ahli)
Total income: $129.7 million (AUD)
Sometimes a transfer window is less about what you gain and more about what you lose.
In letting Ivan Toney walk, Brentford offloaded a player who evidently did not want to be at the club for some time, at a significant fee that allowed them to invest in the future of their club by bringing several talented youngsters in, such as Fabio Carvalho, Sepp van den Berg and Gustavo Nunes.
Not only does Toney’s transfer have significant financial benefits for the Bees, but it should also create a harmonised Brentford squad this season.
Igor Thiago was signed as Toney’s replacement after 29 goals in the Belgian league last season but is currently sidelined with a knee injury. Bryan Mbeumo and Yoanne Wissa have led Frank’s line brilliantly to begin the season, with the club’s ability to hold on the latter arguably their most important piece of business.
Keep an eye on teenage left back Jayden Meghoma, viewed by many good judges as one of England’s brightest young prospects. Injuries could pave the way for the flyer to break into Thomas Frank’s side at left back at some point this season.
Grade: B
Brighton
Biggest signing: Georginio Rutter ($77.4m from Leeds United)
Total spend: $381.2 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Deniz Undav ($49.7m to VFB Stuttgart)
Total income: $90.4 million (AUD)
Only Chelsea spent more money than Brighton, which comes as a surprise given the South Coast club’s highly successful ‘moneyball’ style tactics in recent years.
Those tactics are still at play, with the club not splashing huge cash on a big name signing this summer. Instead, they’ve picked up several highly promising footballers who add to 31-year-old coach Fabian Hurzeler’s squad.
Georginio Rutter, Matt O’Riley, Mats Wieffer, Ferdi Kadioglu and Brajan Gruda all have the makings of quintessential Brighton signings and will no doubt be sold for triple their purchase price in 18 months.
Over the opening three games of the season, fresh faced winger Yankuba Minteh has been incredibly impressive, playing with little fear and plenty of creativity and drive, frightening opposition left backs with his relentless attack.
Billy Gilmour’s deadline day move to Napoli weakens the club’s holding midfield stocks, which took a hit earlier in the window with Pascal Gross’ departure to Dortmund. Hurzeler has said as much in recent days, noting the club “don’t have enough players at (No.) six.”
Grade: B
Right winger Yankuba Minteh during Brighton’s Premier League win against Everton. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Chelsea
Biggest signing: Pedro Neto ($104.6m from Wolves)
Total spend: $400.6 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Conor Gallagher ($65.9m to Atletico Madrid)
Total income: $303 million (AUD)
Deep breath in. And another. 11 players arrived at Stamford Bridge over the summer, bloating Enzo Maresca’s first team squad out to a whopping 30, with a further 12 out on loan.
“You want to ask about where Joao Felix is going to play, I’ve got another question – where’s he going to get changed at the training ground?” Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher questioned.
“How are all these players in one dressing room? How are you putting on a training session?”
The Conor Gallagher and Raheem Sterling sagas were sour, and typified the current Chelsea regimes cold, and seemingly senseless, approach to business, but the deals to offload Ian Maatsen, Romelu Lukaku, Lewis Hall and Omari Hutchinson were savvy moves that will go towards balancing the club’s books.
In amongst the madness of moving on Sterling and Gallagher, uncertainty around Trevoh Chalobah’s future, the lack of resolution around Ben Chilwell’s situation, and signing three left wingers, there is some small semblance of method.
Chelsea have made their intentions clear with their business; they are backing Maresca in the market and signing players whose profile fits his needs.
There is little risk to the Jadon Sancho deal, while Joao Felix’s signing could be viewed differently if the Portuguese star hits the heights expected of him when he burst onto the scene six years ago.
And yet, despite these faint glimmers of hope there is still the overwhelming sense of restlessness at the Bridge, not only given the way the club has conducted business this summer, and the enormous squad size, but also given the club spent more money than any other Premier League side while failing to address their widely perceived problem area: striker.
Toney and Osimhen were both on the table, though moves for either failed to materialise, with finances key to this. A lack of depth in holding midfield remains a concern for Maresca with Romeo Lavia’s injury history meaning the club are a Moises Caicedo injury away from a near unpluggable hole in their midfield.
Grade: B-
New signing Jadon Sancho is presented to the Chelsea fans before his side’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Crystal Palace
Biggest signing: Eddie Nketiah ($48.3m from Arsenal)
Total spend: $130.7 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Michael Olise ($87m to Bayern Munich)
Total income: $174 million (AUD)
Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace shocked the Premier League at the back end of last season, winning six of their last seven from 14th to 10th.
The pre-season expectation was for them to build on this, even with Michael Olise’s big money move to Bayern Munich removing one of the stars of last season from the fold.
Joachim Andersen left for Fulham not long after, and things could’ve gone from bad to worse if Newcastle’s aggressive pursuit of captain Marc Guehi paid off.
It didn’t, and Palace’s defence was stronger for it. Trevoh Chalobah arrived on loan from Chelsea, while the promising French Maxence Lacroix joined from Wolfsburg, further strengthening Glasner’s backline.
Japanese international Daicha Kamada and Senegalese winger Ismaila Sarr strengthen his frontline, so too does the signing of Eddie Nketiah – who just feels like a Crystal Palace player.
While they’re yet to reap the rewards on the field, Palace have had one of the better windows in the Premier League, defined not so much by who they brought in as much as who they didn’t lose – Guehi, Eberechi Eze and Adam Wharton.
Grade: B+
Everton
Biggest signing: Jake O’Brien ($33m from Lyon)
Total spend: $83 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Amadou Onana ($96.8m to Aston Villa)
Total income: $133.6 million (AUD)
Much like Palace, Everton’s best bit of business in the summer window was not allowing their most important defensive cog to leave the club.
That Jarrad Branthwaite remained at Everton is a massive win for Sean Dyche, even if the defender has missed the opening games of the season through injury.
The 22-year-old was ranked sixth for clearances and seventh for interceptions last season and was a key reason behind Everton keeping 13 clean sheets, second only to Arsenal.
However, the Toffees lost Amadou Onana to Everton, denting their midfield stocks for perhaps the most important Premier League campaign in the club’s recent memory.
Iliman Ndiaye, Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom headline a suite of creative signings that have their work cut out for them in trying to inspire a side that scored just 40 goals last season.
There’s no doubting Everton have made some smart additions. Whether they’ll be what’s needed to keep them away from the relegation fight is a question only time has the answer for.
Grade: D+
Amadou Onana traded Everton for Aston Villa this transfer window. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Fulham
Biggest signing: Emile Smith Rowe ($65.8m from Arsenal)
Total spend: $173.7 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Joao Palhinha ($81.9m to Bayern Munich)
Total income: $112.9 million (AUD)
One of the smaller Premier League clubs who executed a smart summer window that leaves their squad stronger this year than when it ended last season.
Of course Joao Palhinha’s departure to Bayern Munich leaves a massive hole in Marco Silva’s midfield – no player made more than his 152 tackles last season. Not signing a replacement may come back to bite them, though Harrison Reed, Sasa Lukic and new signing Sander Berge are more than capable in that role.
At the back Joachim Andersen rejoins from Palace, softening Tosin Adarabioyo’s departure, while Jorge Cuenca offers Silva an additional left footed centre back following Tim Ream’s departure.
In attack, Fulham’s have invested plenty in Emile Smith Rowe, a brilliant attacking talent who’s been stifled by injuries and falling out of Mikel Arteta’s favour in recent years. The winger/attacking midfielder has hit the ground running, scoring in Fulham’s 2-1 win over Leicester City, and could be viewed as a bargain in coming seasons if he can match, or exceed, the 10 goals he scored for the Gunners in 2021-22.
Reiss Nelson provides depth out wide following Willian’s departure for Olympiakos and could potentially push Alex Iwobi into a central midfield role he excelled at for Everton a few seasons ago.
While their business hasn’t set the world alight, it’s quietly done what it’s needed to do: make up for their outgoings and strengthen where possible.
Grade: B-
Fulham attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe joined the club this summer for $65.8 million from Arsenal. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Ipswich Town
Biggest signing: Omari Hutchinson ($42.6m from Chelsea)
Total spend: $205 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: George Edmundon (loan to Middlesbrough)
Total income: N/A
Only two players contributed more than Omari Hutchinson’s 16 goals in Ipswich’s promotion campaign last season. A deal to bring the England youth international back to the club is massive towards their bid to stay up, with the attacking midfielder showing lots of promise in the season’s opening games.
Jack Clarke, Jacob Greaves and Liam Delap all have the potential to be great signings, especially for the price tag they were collected at, and could all benefit from Kieran McKenna’s brilliant management, while signing last season’s Championship top scorer Sammie Szmodics for just over $17 million is smart business.
This quartet are good enough to cut it in the Premier League, but also have the added benefit that, in the event of relegation, Ipswich can extract a high resale value or utilise their talents to earn promotion back to the top flight.
The deal to bring Kalvin Phillips on loan from Manchester City has rocks or diamonds potential. At his best Phillips is a brilliant defensive midfielder with an exceptional passing range and wonderful ability to bait and beat opposition presses. At his worst he is injury riddled, just ask Manchester City, and error-laden, just ask West Ham.
Ipswich will be praying he’s more of the former, especially considering the 28-year-old’s experience keeping freshly promoted sides in the Premier League.
Grade: C
Omari Hutchinson during Ipswich’s Premier League match against Liverpool FC. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Leicester City
Biggest signing: Bilal El Khannouss ($38.7m from Genk)
Total spend: $153.2 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall ($58.1m to Chelsea)
Total income: $58.1 million (AUD)
A few seasons ago the Foxes had a reputation as one of the savviest market operators in Europe. Deals for N’Golo Kante, Riyad Mahrez, Youri Tielemans, Wilfred Ndidi, Wesley Fofana and Ricardo Pereira were struck with little interjection from other clubs and to great benefit for Leicester.
Relegation zapped that reputation. And while it will be hard to replicate their previous market success there are at least several positives to take from Leicester’s transfer window.
Bilal El Khannouss arrives from Genk as the Belgian league’s Young Player of the Season and an Olympic Bronze medallist who was involved in nine goals last season. The Moroccan’s stats may fail to flatter, but he’s a highly technical and intelligent footballer who glides across the park and could provide some necessary creative spark.
That creative spark takes on greater importance without Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, the attacking lynchpin around which the club won promotion last season. Dewsbury-Hall’s move to join Enzo Maresca is the club’s only major outgoing – a big plus in their bid to keep their top-flight status intact.
Dewsbury-Hall’s is also major for Leicester given the fee he collected will register as pure profit on the clubs’ books, an important factor given they had significant financial restraints throughout the window.
Elsewhere, Oliver Skipp is a reliable Premier League footballer signed at a good price, while making Abdul Fatawu’s loan permanent is savvy too. Both will be crucial for Steve Cooper this season.
Where their window fell short is really strengthening at striker, especially considering Jamie Vardy’s age and recent injury history and the departure of Kelechi Iheanacho to Sevilla.
Odsonne Edouard has Premier League experience, and was once a prolific goalscorer at Celtic, yet found the net just 21 times in his 103 Palace games. Given the importance of reliable goalscoring in staving off relegation.
Grade: C
Liverpool
Biggest signing: Federico Chiesa ($19.4m from Juventus)
Total spend: $19.4 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Fabio Carvalho ($43.7m to Brentford)
Total income: $102.6 million (AUD)
This summer always loomed as the end of an era at Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp’s time at the club had drawn to a close, with Dutchman Arne Slot taking the reins of Anfield.
Immense change was expected, with new personnel viewed as a guarantee in order to assist Slot’s transition in the Liverpool managerial role.
Yet, for much of the window Liverpool were the only club in Europe’s top five leagues to have not signed a single player. That was until Giori Mamardashvili was signed from Valencia before being immediately loaned back to Spain, while a bargain move for Federico Chiesa is as risky as it is promising given the Italian’s recent injury history.
Their lack of market activity has not significantly impacted Liverpool, who have begun the season brilliantly.
Even more impressive is the club’s failure to panic once Martin Zubimendi informed them he would remain at Real Sociedad. The Spaniard, who impressed in the Euro final, was billed as the No.6 the Reds desperately needed, with many doubting who would be shoehorned into the role in his place.
Enter Ryan Gravenberch, who has done so seamlessly, bringing a unique profile into the defensive midfield role and justifying Liverpool’s lack of panic in the market.
Fabio Carvalho, Sepp van den Berg and Bobby Clark all left for good deals given their experience, while Stefan Bajcetic’s loan to RB Salzburg will be beneficial to the club in the coming seasons.
Thiago retired and Joel Matip was released, with the club opting not to dip into the market to replace the experienced Cameroonian centre half. A move for Frenchman Castello Lukeba never materialised, meaning the club only have four recognised central defenders, which could prove their Achilles heel down the line.
Liverpool great Jamie Carragher believes the club “are still short – not in terms of numbers but maybe in terms of quality – at centre-back and in holding midfield,” though credited them for not panic buying, which rarely ever works.
Grade: C+
(FILES) Liverpool new signing Federico Chiesa celebrates scoring a goal for Juventus. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO / AFP)Source: AFP
Manchester City
Biggest signing: Ilkay Gundogan (Free from FC Barcelona)
Total spend: $40.7 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Julian Alvarez ($125m to Atletico Madrid)
Total income: $264.6 million (AUD)
When Julian Alvarez traded Manchester for the warmth of Madrid and the intensity of Diego Simeone, there was a sense that this may be the season City finally trips up.
At times filling in for both Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne, the Argentine World Cup winner played the fifth most minutes for Pep in the Premier League last season, scoring 11 and creating eight.
Where exactly would City find a player capable of filling in for both their striker and chief creator? The answer, it seems, had been hiding in plain sight.
Released from the final two years of his Barcelona contract, former City captain Ilkay Gundogan has been deployed as a false nine many times for Guardiola but is naturally a brilliant creative midfielder. There is arguably no better Alvarez replacement in world football.
The German headlines a quiet summer of incomings for City, which includes tricky Brazilian winger Savinho – who joined from Girona and has already shown what a delight he is with the ball at his feet. Both are smart additions that boost an already exceptional squad.
Even still, City enter the campaign without a recognised back up striker on their books.
For any other side this would be deeply concerning. For City, it’s a problem, given Haaland’s relatively good injury record, without yet being a major issue, yet.
Pep noted as much, stating the club’s choice not to replace Alvarez could be a “problem” that may turn into a “mistake” but believes the club have enough players in house who can fill in for Haaland, including Gundogan, Phil Foden and youngsters James McAtee and Oscar Bobb.
Where City were smart this window is their ability to offload unwanted, but talented, academy products for strong fees that allow them to clean their books.
Liam Delap, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Tommy Doyle all permanently moved away from the Etihad. Offloading Joao Cancelo’s contract from the club’s books can also not be understated.
Grade: B-
lkay Gundogan re-joined Manchester City from FC Barcelona on a free transfer this summer. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Manchester United
Biggest signing: Lenny Yoro ($101.4m from LOSC Lille)
Total spend: $354.4 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Scott McTominay ($49.9m to Napoli)
Total income: $164.5 million (AUD)
As has been the case for the last decade, it’s incredibly hard to get a read on whether or not United’s transfer window has been good.
On paper they’ve brought in good players. Lenny Yoro has massive wraps on him and may just be the best centre back at his age group, Joshua Zirkzee is a unicorn of a striker as capable of dropping deep and creative as many attacking midfielders, and Manuel Ugarte appears the kind of no-nonsense midfield anchor they’ve been crying out for.
Matthijs De Ligt was once Europe’s finest young centre half but has failed to impress at two of the continent’s biggest clubs. He arrives with a major question mark. While at just over $25 million, Noussair Mazraoui has all the makings of a bargain.
And yet there is an element of groundhog day about this window. United have had good windows in the past. Remember 2021, When the club signed Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo? Or 2022, when Casemiro, Antony and Lisandro Martinez arrived at Old Trafford? Or last year, when Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund joined?
All of these windows were rightly perceived as great windows on face value of the signings. And the same can be said for this window. All of United’s deals look good on paper, but that matters for very little if the club’s form doesn’t turn around.
Where United, and their restructured footballing ownership, deserve credit is offloading Mason Greenwood to Marseille, clearing the club of the winger’s baggage. Allowing Aaron Wan-Bissaka to move to West Ham is also smart given he doesn’t fit the profile of an Erik Ten Hag fullback.
At nearly $50 million, the club would have been foolish to reject Napoli’s offer for Scott McTominay, though his passion and versatility could well be missed dearly.
Grade: B-
Manchester United’s new signings (L to R) Matthijs De Ligt, Leny Yoro (using crutches due to a metatarsal injury), Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui acknowledge the fans prior to United’s clash with Fulham. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Newcastle United
Biggest signing: Lewis Hall ($54.6 million from Chelsea – loan move made permanent)
Total spend: $74.2 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Elliot Anderson ($68.3 million to Nottingham Forest)
Total income: $132.8 million (AUD)
Arguably no Premier League club had their hands tied behind their back by financial constraints more than Newcastle United.
Manager Eddie Howe described it as “challenging,” before sharing his hopes the club’s minimal business helps them strengthen in future windows.
Out went Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh, both of whom would have pushed for a place in Howe’s squad, and potentially starting XI, with Anderson’s move to Forest facilitated purely for financial reasons.
The club’s financial constraints meant they were limited in their ability to dip into the transfer market, with Lewis Hall’s loan move being made permanent and William Osula’s signing the only two the club splashed cash on.
Lloyd Kelly adds much-needed defensive depth, and will be a valuable squad player once everyone is fit, but is hardly a signing to set the world alight.
It would be harsh to judge Newcastle’s incomings too severely due to the club’s financial constraints, though questions need to be asked about their failed pursuit of Palace centre back Marc Guehi, as well as their inability to offload Kieran Trippier – who begins the season as Howe’s right back deputy.
Clearly the money was there, just not used in ways that strengthen the players at Howe’s disposal. What did strengthen Howe’s side was keeping Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak, which is about the only commendable business Newcastle conducted.
At best, Newcastle will reflect on this window as one that boosted their squad and brought in two fine young talents. At worst, it will be seen as a failure that failed to achieve anything other than balance the club’s books.
Grade: D+
Nottingham Forest
Biggest signing: Elliot Anderson ($68.3 million from Newcastle United)
Total spend: $175 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Moussa Niakhate ($52.8 million to Lyon)
Total income: $88.9 million (AUD)
Dare we say it… did Forest have a strong transfer window?
Considering the club have had an even more scattergun approach to transfers in recent years than even Chelsea, their activity was measured, geared towards strengthening Nuno’s squad as opposed to signing as many players as possible.
Elliot Anderson is a wonderful footballer, Nikola Milenkovic has been impressive in recent seasons for Fiorentina, Jota Silva has massive wraps as an elusive winger with goal scoring nous, while James Ward-Prowse’s loan adds depth, experience and set piece threat to Nuno’s midfield.
Murillo, Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga remain at the City ground, highlighting how their astute incomings came without expensive outgoings.
Given the club targeted seven goalkeepers throughout last season, and current No.1 Matz Sels had the lowest save percentage (57.4%) of all 25 goalkeepers in the Premier League last season, not bringing in a new goalkeeper is the one glaring negative against Forest’s window.
The club lagged in their attempt to sign Aaron Ramsdale, who joined Southampton instead, saw their advances for Neto knocked back, missed out on Sam Johnstone to Wolves, failed in their attempt to bring French international Brice Samba back to the club and were unwilling to meet Liverpool’s valuation for Ireland international Caoimhim Kelleher.
Another clear area the club were attempting to strengthen but failed to do is up front, with their pursuits of Eddie Nketiah, Yoane Wissa, Omar Marmoush, Evanilson and Santiago Gimenez all ending in nothing.
While this is disappointing for Forest fans, their manager reportedly has no qualms with Sels as first choice keeper, while New Zealand international Chris Wood has begun the season in red-hot scoring form.
What isn’t disappointing for Forest fans is the fact their club didn’t panic buy when missing out on their targets and instead stuck the course with what they had and trusted Nuno to get the best out of them.
Grade: B-
Elliot Anderson joined Nottingham Forest from Newcastle just before the June 30 PSR deadline. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Southampton
Biggest signing: Aaron Ramsdale ($35.2 million from Arsenal)
Total spend: $205.4 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Carlos Alcaraz ($29.7 million to Flamengo)
Total income: $82.5 million (AUD)
For much of the window, Southampton seemed to sign players with one eye on remaining in the Premier League and another on gaining promotion in the event they’re relegated this season.
Given last season’s promoted contingent – Burnley, Luton Town and Sheffield United – all went straight back down at the end of 2023-24, this business approach is as smart as it is sad.
Aaron Ramsdale’s signing late in the window shows the hunger is there for Russell Martin’s side. He headlines a savvy window for the Saints, who also made Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Flynn Downes’ loan moves permanent, while Ben Brereton-Diaz should add goals.
Goals will be a problem for Southampton this season given Adam Armstrong’s never scored more than two Premier League goals in a single season, and Brereton-Diaz has the potential to provide a threat upfront after scoring six times in 14 Premier League games on loan at Sheffield United last season.
There is hope Cameron Archer can blossom into a reliable Premier League striker, which is why the Saints paid Villa $29 million for his services, even if he’s scored more than 10 goals in a season once in his career.
At the very least, should Southampton fail to find the goals they’ll need to survive, their signings this window have a high enough ceiling to serve them well in the coming years.
Grade: C-
Ange bullish wins will come soon | 00:25
Tottenham Hotspur
Biggest signing: Dominic Solanke ($107m from Bournemouth)
Total spend: $234.8 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Oliver Skipp ($39 million to Leicester City)
Total income: $114.6 million (AUD)
12 months after Harry Kane moved to Bayern Munich, Spurs have finally landed on their replacement for the England captain.
In Dominic Solanke, Ange Postecoglou has a striker moulded similarly to Kane as you can get on the market. A career-high 19 goal haul last season is the headline figure for the former Bournemouth man, but his link up play and ability to drag opponents out of position and bring teammates into play is among the best in Europe.
An early injury setback following a disappointing debut has soured the early weeks of Solanke’s time at Spurs but Postecoglou has made it no secret that he feels the 26-year-old will succeed at the club.
“He is a presence and scores different types of goals. I think the way we play suits him,” the Spurs coach said.
Elsewhere, the club brought in Archie Gray, Wilson Odobert and Lucas Bergvall in, all three of whom are fine young footballers with the potential to grow into exceptional players around which Spurs’ side can be constructed.
18-year-old Gray in particular marks a significant transfer coup, with the 2023-24 Championship Young Player of the Season already a fine holding midfielder, and capable right back, who was highly-rated by former Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa.
Last season, Gray led Leeds in tackles, was ranked third in tackles and won possession back more often than just about anyone at the club.
Away from new signings, Spurs were able to offload several high-wage, low performance players, namely Tanguy Nbombele, and find new homes for footballers who don’t suit Postecoglou’s style, such as Eric Dier, Emerson Royal and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
For his part, the Australian described the club’s activity as a “real positive” but noted there were shortcomings with their activity.
“We know there’s still some areas where I look at squad management and we can improve. Again, it’s got to be the right person, the right player and right person,” Postecoglou said, before hinting at potential reinforcements joining the club in January.
One area the club are undoubtedly assessing depth options for is defence. Last season, Spurs’ campaign was derailed by injuries and suspensions to Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie.
At present, Spurs have just four centre backs on their books, with one of those being Ben Davies – who began his career at left back. Depth in this area is a must if Spurs are to blossom in the coming seasons, with a potential January defensive signing on the cards, one in a similar mould to Radu Dragusin.
Grade: B
Spurs record signing Dominic Solanke joined Spurs from Bournemouth during the summer window for $107 million. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
West Ham
Biggest signing: Max Kilman ($78.2 million from Wolves)
Total spend: $247.5 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Flynn Downes ($35.2 million to Southampton)
Total income: $81 million (AUD)
It’s almost impossible to ignore West Ham’s business and suggest the club aren’t the winners of this year’s summer transfer window.
And the fact they’re the winners is not because they’ve signed a lot of players (nine). If that were the case Chelsea would’ve won by many country miles.
No, it’s the type of players the Hammers have brought in. Good players, with a clear place in the squad, that add value to Julen Lopetegui’s side while coming at largely affordable prices.
Picking up Max Kilman from Wolves is such astute business; only three players made more clearances last season and only four won a higher percentage of their tackles.
He is one of several defence reinforcements joining the Hammers, alongside Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who’s defensive excellence compensates for his offensive limitations, and Jean-Clair Todibo, who joins on a loan with an obligation to buy.
Given the two-time French international was on the radar of many clubs, including Manchester United, West Ham’s ability to sign him represents a significant transfer coup.
Last season’s Championship Player of the Season Crysencio Summerville bolsters an already stacked attack line. The Dutchman’s importance could grow depending on the outcome of an FA investigation into Lucas Paqueta’s potential betting breaches.
Spanish international Carlos Soler and Argentinian midfielder Guido Rodriguez provide depth to Lopetegui’s midfield too, especially with James Ward-Prowse’s loan to Forest.
West Ham’s smart signings have been counteracted with necessary outgoings, including Said Benrahma, Thilo Kehrer, Maxwel Cornet and Nayef Aguerd, all of whom had rather forgettable spells with the Hammers.
Grade: A+
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Biggest signing: Andre ($41 million from Fluminese)
Total spend: $120.3 million (AUD)
Biggest exit: Pedro Neto ($104.6m to Chelsea)
Total income: $192 million (AUD)
Club captain, gone.
Best player, gone.
Fair to say, it hasn’t been the best window for Gary O’Neil’s Wolves. Max Kilman left for West Ham and Pedro Neto for Chelsea, significantly weakening the manager’s defensive and creative options.
“Those guys, we need to replace them,” O’Neil told Sky Sports. That they didn’t could prove damning for the club, even if they have faith in the in-house options they have to make up for their two big losses.
Andre, signed from Fluminese, shapes as smart business, with the ball-winning midfielder a wild success in his homeland. He adds to a strong midfield contingent at the club.
Tommy Doyle’s return is positive after he impressed on loan last season, with Jorgen Strand Larsen has already shown his immense presence up top.
Sam Johnstone is a fine goalkeeper, but is he better than Jose Sa? While question marks remain about the rest of the clubs’ signings, many of whom have high ceilings while lacking Premier League experience.
Speaking to Sky Sports, O’Neil indicated earlier in the window that the club needed to look at bringing in players capable of helping them win now.
“Recruitment has been asset-driven and we are hopeful that we can balance that slightly, to get some that are Premier League ready,” he said.
For the large part the club didn’t, and if their start to the season is anything to go by that strategy will do more short term harm than long-term good.
Federico Chiesa may have already endeared himself to Liverpool fans regardless of whether his proposed move to Anfield materialises.
talkSPORT understands the Reds are exploring a move for the Juventus and Italy forward before deadline day on Friday.
1
Chiesa has been associated with Juve for four years, joining them in 2022 after two years on loan from FiorentinaCredit: Getty
Juve are open to selling the 26-year-old who is in the final year of his contract with the Serie A giants.
The Euro 2020 winner could be available for as little as £10million which could encourage Liverpool to go through with the late swoop.
Comments he made in May 2022 suggest he’ll have a high approval rating in the Kop having expressed his admiration for Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.
During a Serie A match between Juventus and Lazio, a match where Chiesa was sat in the stands, the player was asked who he’d prefer to have in his midfield out of Gerrard, Lampard and Scholes.
After taking time to think about the age old debate, Chiesa responded: “Stevie G.”
Chiesa was part of the Italy side that won Euro 2020, joining Juventus from Fiorentina a year later after spending two years on loan with the Old Lady.
He suffered an ACL injury in 2022, which ruled him out of action for ten months.
At Juventus, Chiesa has won two Coppa Italias and a Supercoppa Italiana.
Chiesa is the son of former Italy, Sampdoria, Parma, Fiorentina and Lazio forward Enrico Chiesa.
The Reds are yet to make a signing this summer, although they are on the verge of announcing the acquisition of Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Mamardashvili will join for a fee of around £30million, however, he will be loaned back to Valencia for the rest of the season before linking up with his Liverpool teammates next summer.
Liverpool are fourth in the Premier League having won their first two league matches under new manager Arne Slot.
JOIN THE DUGOUT
Have your say on all things talkSPORT by joining ‘The DUGOUT’ – our new listener panel.
We’re all about diving deep into your perspectives, and making sure talkSPORT is the absolute best it can be. Your voice matters, and we want to hear it!
Pitch your game-changing ideas, and join in with fun surveys, polls, and locker-room discussions.
Just by joining, you’ll enter a prize draw to win one of four £50 Amazon vouchers, with another prize draw entry for every survey you complete after that
To join the ‘The DUGOUT’ panel, please click here.
European champions Italy won the right to defend their title at Euro 2024 after a 0-0 draw on Tuesday (AEDT) with Ukraine in Leverkusen secured qualification for next year’s finals in Germany.
The final score belied the true nature of the match, with Italy’s high-octane attack and Ukraine’s counterattacking threat creating several chances for both teams.
Ukraine had a late penalty appeal turned down, despite Italy midfielder Bryan Cristante looking to have made contact with Mykhailo Mudryk’s foot in injury time.
The result means Italy, who failed to qualify for both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups either side of their Euro 2020 triumph, avoid another embarrassing tournament miss.
Ukraine, forced to take the fixture to Germany due to the ongoing conflict with Russia, can still qualify, but will need to navigate the play-offs in March 2024.
Italy travelled to Leverkusen knowing they would progress by avoiding defeat, while Ukraine knew only a win would suffice.
Mudryk was lively down the left for Ukraine and crafted a number of half-chances early, with his side denied by poor finishing.
Italy’s dominance of possession started to tell after half an hour, Federico Chiesa sliding a smooth pass across the face of goal which eluded a desperate Davide Frattesi.
Italy continued to attack early in the second half but as the game wore on the increasingly nervous Italians sat back, allowing Ukraine more space up front.
Mudryk was always a threat and appeared to have been brought down in the box after contact from Cristante, but the referee waved his team’s desperate pleas for a spot-kick away.
Mudryk thought he earned Ukraine a late penalty. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
England narrowly avoided an embarrassing defeat against North Macedonia as they wrapped up a place among the top seeds at Euro 2024 with a 1-1 draw in Skopje.
Gareth Southgate’s side trailed to Enis Bardhi’s first-half strike before Jani Atanasov’s own goal gifted the visitors their second-half equaliser at the Tose Proeski Arena.
Having finished as Group C winners with six victories and two draws, England will be in the first pot of Euro 2024 seeds alongside Germany, Portugal, France, Spain and Belgium.
That should increase their chances of landing a favourable group when the draw for next year’s tournament in Germany is made on December 2.
The initial signs were promising for England as Declan Rice smashed a fierce drive against the post from 20 yards.
The ineffective Ollie Watkins, deputising for rested England striker Harry Kane, headed wide when he should have hit the target.
For all their territorial dominance, England were fortunate not to concede a penalty when Harry Maguire stumbled and clearly shoved Elif Elmas.
Referee Filip Glova waved play on and VAR upheld his decision to North Macedonia’s intense frustration.
If that was a debatable call, North Macedonia’s luck quickly turned as they benefitted from an equally dubious decision in the 41st minute.
North Macedonia went ahead after a contentious penalty was awarded. (Photo by Robert ATANASOVSKI / AFP)Source: AFP
When Rico Lewis jumped to head the ball away from Bojan Miovski, the England left-back’s outstretched arm caught the striker in the head, sending him sprawling in the area.
It looked like accidental contact by Lewis and a theatrical fall from Miovski, yet Glova awarded a penalty after checking the pitchside monitor.
Jordan Pickford dived to his left to save Bardhi’s spot-kick, but the Macedonian alertly pounced on the rebound to fire home from close range.
As Southgate’s frustration mounted, England thought they had equalised two minutes after halftime.
Jack Grealish bundled in Bukayo Saka’s cross, but the goal was correctly disallowed by VAR for offside against the Manchester City winger.
Against opponents throwing themselves into tackles with abandon, England had to dig deep before finally getting back on level terms in the 59th minute.
Kane had just come off the bench seconds earlier when he challenged for Phil Foden’s corner, forcing Atanasov to divert the ball into his own net.
Newcastle are plotting a spectacular double deal for Federico Chiesa and Theo Hernandez.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, no official offers has been made with both players being monitored.
3
Chiesa has emerged as a transfer target for Newcastle UnitedCredit: Getty
3
Hernandez is also being linked as Newcastle look to fill the left-back spotCredit: Getty
Chiesa joined current club Juventus back in 2020 and proved himself as one of the top players in Serie A.
Unfortunately a serious cruciate ligament injury saw the winger ruled out for a lengthy spell, with the 25-year-old being eased back into the first team fold this term.
Despite only starting six Serie A games this term, Chiesa did manage two goals and five assists along the way.
As for Hernandez, the AC Milan full-back is a key player at the San Siro having made 44 appearances for the Champions League semi-finalists.
Atletico Madrid are also keen on a move, meaning that Newcastle would face significant competition for the France international’s signature.
However one advantage that Newcastle could hold is the progress being made in the negotiations to sign Sandro Tonali.
3
It comes as Newcastle close in on another signing from AC Milan, Tonali
A teammate of Hernandez at AC Milan, the Italian midfielder is reportedly closing in on a £60million move to St James’ Park.
