Jamie Carragher is just ‘making noise’ in regards to his comments on Cole Palmer and his long-term contract at Chelsea.
That’s the view of talkSPORT’s Simon Jordan, who suggests there would have been some thought involved with such a lengthy deal.
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Palmer has a contract at Chelsea that runs until 2033Credit: Getty
Palmer has eight years remaining on his contract at Chelsea following his £42.5million move from Manchester City in 2023.
He has become one of the best talents in the Premier League with 60 goal contributions in 78 appearances across all competitions.
However, Carragher has raised concerns over potential frustration from Palmer with his teammates at Chelsea amid their poor form.
Carragher likened the situation to his fellow Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard on The Overlap Fan Debate when he said: “He was so much better than everybody else, it was like he was frustrated.”
He also criticised the length of Palmer’s contract and how difficult it would be for him to leave, potentially for a Champions League club.
But talkSPORT’s Jordan has dismissed Carragher observations, with the former Crystal Palace owner insisting players ‘are not stupid’.
When addressing how Palmer could have a problem leaving Chelsea on White and Jordan, he said: “Don’t sign the contract in the first place.
“I’m sure there’s plenty of people around Cole Palmer that would’ve been able to give him the right advice, given the fact that he had already signed a relatively long-term contract with Chelsea, and all they’ve done is extend it by a few more years.”
“So is he being critical of Palmer’s people for signing it?” asked Jim White, and Jordan said: “I think Jamie’s making noise for noise sake.
“Ultimately, players want to sign long-term contracts that are predominantly based upon, perhaps preserving some value for the club.
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Carragher has criticised the length of Palmer’s deal at ChelseaCredit: Getty
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But Jordan believes he is just ‘making noise’Credit: talkSPORT
“There may well be a whole raft of things [such as a clause], but I think it’s just noise.
“Players are not stupid, and my word, certainly the people around them that see the opportunity as a result of their careers.
“Agents aren’t going to be encouraging Cole Palmer to sign long-term contracts with Chelsea, because agents are going to make their money by moving him somewhere else.
“So the fact he’s got an agent and he’s signed a long-term contract might give you some indication that people have thought about this moderately carefully.
“Most people would’ve said, ‘Why did you leave Man City?’ He’s landed at Chelsea. The question was, has he outgrown Chelsea? Well no, he can’t have done because he’s signed a long-term contract.”
“They meant outgrown as in his capabilities, his levels,” Danny Murphy said, but Jordan replied: “Well it depends where you think he can play, and which club would want to buy him.”
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Palmer has found it tough of late but is still one of the best players in the leagueCredit: Getty
“He could play anywhere, play [for] any team in the world,” insisted Murphy in response.
Palmer signed a seven-year contract with the option of a further 12 months when he first joined Chelsea from City.
After an incredible debut season in which he 25 goals and assisted 15 others, he signed a two-year extension at Stamford Bridge until 2033.
The 22-year-old is therefore a long-term asset for Chelsea and any clubs interested in a transfer would likely have to pay huge money.
Palmer is the Blues’ joint-top goalscorer with Christopher Nkunku on 14 goals this season but has struggled throughout 2025.
He hasn’t scored since Chelsea’s 2-2 draw against Bournemouth in January, with no goals or assists coming in his last ten appearances.
Martin Keown reacts to Cole Palmer’s poor form and believes it is down to key Chelsea star being out injured
The attacking midfielder missed the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday with a muscle injury and his withdrawn from the England squad.
Chelsea are fourth in the Premier League and in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Conference League, where they will face Legia Warsaw.
Terry was in town to promote the revamped FIFA Club World Cup, which begins on June 14 and will be held across the United States.
A new-look trophy as well as an increase to a 32-team field are among the biggest changes to the tournament.
However, more teams means more games at a time when there are already worries over player welfare in terms of too much football.
Terry completely understood the concerns and proposed a solution but also pointed out that since his retirement, he dearly misses playing.
If anything, he wished he played more.
“This is an opportunity that financially is mega for every club involved, let alone if you go on and win it,” Terry said.
“To participate, it’s big financials.
“I think we have to be careful in terms of player welfare and stuff like that because being ex-players, we have to support that.
“Can there be a break mid-season, I think there should be. You played two, three games a week around the Christmas period and it’s really busy.
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This year’s Club World Cup is the first under its new-look formatCredit: FIFA
“Then in February, March, April, you play Saturday, Saturday, Saturday. You could easily just throw a couple of games in there as well.
“But I think in terms of players, like for me, six years retired, I’d love to still be playing. I’d love to go back and say, ‘I wish I had 60, 65 games a season.’”
Terry also felt managers can play more of a role when it comes to easing the workload of their players.
However, the Chelsea great believed the onus should always be on the players to keep their bodies in tip-top shape, especially at the top level.
“I think the most I ever get off after a season was probably three weeks,” Terry said.
“Now, because Chelsea was in the finals of Champions Leagues or later stages, FA Cup, which is the last game of the season, you’re kind of getting two-and-a-half, three weeks off at a maximum. At the top level, that’s what you’re used to. So we’re not asking anything different of what our generation have done or what the top sides have done.
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Several players across the Premier League have picked up injuries amid concerns over too many gamesCredit: Getty
“I think that when you’re a top player, you’re expected to be able to be robust, you’ve got to look after yourself.
“I could quite still easily play three games a week. Ninety minutes at the top, top level. Maybe not at the top level, but if I’m in my prime like these guys are, you can go and churn out those games.
“I think the struggle for me is, when you play Saturday to Saturday and the manager says, ‘No days off, we’re in Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,’ because maybe you’re under a bit of pressure from the owners, you can’t give players days off, I think the players and managers at the football clubs have a responsibility to really look at the winter break or give players days off throughout the season.”
Current Chelsea side
After two seasons away from the Champions League, Chelsea are firmly in the hunt to return to Europe’s premier club competition.
Enzo Maresca‘s side sit fourth in the Premier League, although just five points separate the Blues from 10th-placed Bournemouth.
A large part of Chelsea’s success this season is down to superstar midfielder Cole Palmer, who has 14 goals and six assists in the league this season.
John Terry names the surprise Chelsea star who won bleep test ‘by a mile’
But Terry, who is often in the building at Cobham as a part-time coach with Chelsea’s academy, revealed Palmer offers far more than just his ability with the ball.
“He’s quite quick,” Terry said.
“I was at Chelsea the other day, and they were doing a bleep test.
“He won it by a mile. He was cruising, like people were dropping out. He was there right to the end.
“In terms of fitness levels and the power, he looks quite skinny, but very strong.
“Takes the ball on the half-turn really quick as well. Like, impossible to play against.”
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Palmer may have silky skills but boasts an underrated engineCredit: Getty
Terry added the game ‘seems to be too easy’ for Palmer at times and hailed his partnership with Blues striker Nicolas Jackson.
“He strolls through games a little bit, but he’s so far ahead of everyone else in terms of the way he sees the game,” Terry said.
“He always plays that forward pass.
“He’s never looking for the simple one. I think him and [Nicolas] Jackson have a really good relationship as well.
“Nico likes to play on people’s shoulders, which a lot of strikers don’t do nowadays as well. But he’s just been phenomenal.
“When you go to these games at the Bridge you can’t help but just watch and follow him. The ball’s at the other end of the pitch, and you’re just watching his movement.
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Terry is a big fan of the partnership between Palmer and JacksonCredit: Getty
“He’s always on the half-turn, getting in little pockets.
“(Gianfranco) Zola used to find himself in areas that he didn’t even know existed. He’s the same as well, but he turns and wants to drive at people and play forward, which I think is the key to it.”
Former teammates and managers
Having enjoyed a playing career that spanned two decades, Terry has shared the pitch with some incredible teammates.
The majority of them have since hung up the boots, some of which have allowed themselves to, deservedly, enjoy retirement after years of keeping themselves in peak physical condition.
There are also others who have remained in top shape, one of which is former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel.
In fact, Terry believes Obi Mikel, now 37, is in such good nick he could easily still play at the top level.
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Mikel was a key cog in Chelsea’s midfield for a decadeCredit: Getty
“He was brilliant,” Terry said.
“To have him in front of me playing was brilliant. He covered so much ground.
“I still play in ex-Legends games now and stuff and he can still play. He could still play in the Premier League today. He had it all didn’t he?
“Those holding midfielders like Makelele get recognised. There’s certain players in that role that don’t get the credit they deserve. And Obi was one of them.”
Mikel was brought to Chelsea in 2006 when Jose Mourinho was in charge at Stamford Bridge.
Mourinho, who famously declared himself ‘The Special One’ when he first moved to Chelsea in 2004, arrived with plenty of hype having just won the Champions League with Porto.
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Terry was left in awe of Mourinho’s work ethic when he first arrived in 2004Credit: Getty Images – Getty
It didn’t take long for Mourinho to leave Terry with a lasting impression.
Commenting on what it was like to work under the Portuguese boss, Terry said: “To get a first impression when he first arrived, the detail and the level of training.
“I used to pride myself for getting in very early, I went in at 8:15am and he’s already out there putting the cones on the pitches, setting up the pitch, that was his standards every day.
“His standards were incredible and every had to abide by it, but seeing him work, on the pitch it was incredible, his detail in the pre-match games and the tactics of the opposition and how we were going to break teams down…
“And also a lot of the time, he focused on us, which I’d not really had as a player, so he understood, we had a really good bunch of players.
“But a phenomenal manager, a phenomenal person and man to work with and certainly was never scared to say what he thought that’s for sure.”
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Mourinho brought plenty of success to Stamford Bridge across his two stintsCredit: GETTY
Terry continued: “He was the best I ever worked with, in terms of management, his tactics, the whole package.”
Under Mourinho, Chelsea won six trophies in the space of just three years before he departed in September 2007.
Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge in June 2013 and helped the Blues to another Premier League title and a League Cup.
However, his exit in December 2015 came amid an alarming form slump.
As for what went wrong in his second stint, Terry felt there was simply too big of a disconnect with Mourinho’s methods and the changing demands of the new generation of players at the squad.
“A lot of people said he was different the second time,” Mourinho said.
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Mourinho’s second spell at Chelsea didn’t quite go to planCredit: Getty
“I think the big difference when he came back was players were different. In that first era, 2004/05, he could have said to me, Lamps, Didier or anyone who was in the squad, ‘You’re being rubbish, you need to be better.’
“That second time around, players were different. That generation, the players were starting to go the other way where they didn’t like being told what they were bad at, they wanted a pat on the back all the time.
“So in terms of him, I don’t think he was different. I think the group was different, and I think he was very much still, ‘This is how I coach, this is how I manage, I’ve been very successful this way, why would I change.’ And also, I agree with him.”
What’s he doing now?
When Terry stepped away from his role as an assistant manager at Aston Villa in July 2021, he did so with the hopes of taking up a managerial role elsewhere, but it has not eventuated
Terry did make a brief return to a Premier League dugout when Dean Smith brought him on as an assistant at Leicester City in April 2023.
But since then, Terry hasn’t been an overly visible presence in Premier League circles.
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Terry became an assistant under Smith at Villa in 2018 and departed in 2021Credit: AFP via Getty
However, the Blues great wouldn’t have it any other way as he gets more time to play golf, padel and be with his family.
He still harbours aspirations of being the Chelsea manager, but has accepted that ‘dream’ is unlikely to transpire.
“I had to leave Aston Villa for personal reasons, for family reasons and stuff. But I loved my time there,” Terry said.
“I love coaching and after three years, I was ready to be a manager, so I came away and reset with the family.
“Then I had a couple of interviews and it was quite disappointing. In every interview I came away from they said ‘you have no experience as a number one’.
“I’m like, okay, how do I get that? I’m keen to get in, I want to go in and it needs to be the right team, but didn’t get my opportunity.
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Terry is fond of the fairways ever since his retirement from football in 2018Credit: Getty
“I’ve stepped back and I’m part-time in the Academy at Chelsea. I love doing it and I love being around the boys and supporting them.
“In terms of my life at the minute, I’m playing a load of golf and summer’s just about to come now. I’m playing padel. I’m fit, I’m healthy, I’m with my wife, with my family, enjoying life a little bit.
“We make big sacrifices as players, you don’t see the kids on their birthdays and all things like that.
“Picking the kids up from school and dropping them off or dropping them to their friend’s house and stuff like that means everything to me.
“I think the longer I leave it, the less likely it is to happen.
“I still have a dream, I’d love to go in at Chelsea one day. Does that happen without me doing the other levels? No, it probably doesn’t. So, realistically, it’s not going to happen for me.
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Terry remains involved as a coach within Chelsea’s academy set-upCredit: Getty
“I’m comfortable with that, I’m happy, I’ve done all my badges, I’m ready. So if anything does ever come up and it’s the right opportunity, I’ll go in.”
Jack Grealish
Terry was fortunate enough to have a front row seat to the rise of Villa’s most successful academy product, Jack Grealish.
The pair played together during the 2017/18 Championship season before Terry helped coach Grealish when he returned the following campaign as part of Smith’s coaching staff.
Under Smith, Grealish blossomed into one of the best attacking talents in the Premier League.
Grealish would terrorise defenders with his mazy dribbles across the park and defence-splitting passes.
His rise culminated in a £100million move to Manchester City in August 2021 as he sought to win trophies.
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Grealish and Terry could not get Villa promoted during the 2017/18 season
Although he’s done just that, it’s come at the cost of valuable playing time.
Now 29, Grealish is struggling to break into Pep Guardiola’s starting line-up and is at real risk of missing out on making the England squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
It’s why Terry believes Grealish must contemplate a summer exit if he is to feature at the World Cup and needs to play for a manager who will give him the licence to roam across the park.
“Knowing Jack, he’s not the type of player that wants to be sitting on the bench, I don’t think it’s good for him.
“I think he’s at his best when he’s playing week in, week out, when he’s dominating – he’s one of those players that kind of takes it on the back foot.
“Gets at defenders, drives the the team up the pitch, drives the team forward, so I think for him, he needs to start playing.
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Grealish’s attacking numbers this season are not what’s expected from a £100m player
“He needs to look at his options, because Man City have not been great this year and he’s still not getting a look-in.
“So from his side, I’d be a little bit worried and go, ‘I need to get out,’ because England means the world to him.
“And I have to say, all eyes are on Jack always, it’s difficult, he’s a young boy with a lot of pressure on his shoulders.
“I’ve never seen anyone work so hard at a football club when I was at Villa, I’ve got a real insight into that as well and how much football means to him in general.”
Terry added: “I think it will be good for him to weigh up his options. I’m not saying to leave Man City, because they’re one of the top teams in the world.
“But I think he needs to ask questions, ‘Am I going to be part of this in the future?,’ but Jack is an unbelievable talent, and I think he’s at his best when he’s got the freedom, and I think he needs a manager to give him the license to go and be Jack Grealish.”
John Terry was speaking on Chelsea and the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. Watch every game from the FIFA Club World Cup on DAZN for free.Sign up today.
Mauricio Pochettino made an honest reflection of his stint as Chelsea manager as he joined talkSPORT for an exclusive interview.
The Argentine boss admits his season in charge can only be deemed ‘unsuccessful’, but insists he left Chelsea in a better place than he found it in before handing the reins over to Enzo Maresca.
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Pochettino insists the Chelsea he left was in a much better position than the club he joinedCredit: Getty
Pochettino signed a two-year deal with the option for a third as he became the second permanent managerial appointment of the Todd Boehly era in May 2023.
The former Spurs boss was tasked with lifting the west London club out of the mire following a dismal 12th place finish and stabilising things behind the scenes after an unsettled season which saw four different coaches in the dugout – Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Bruno Saltor and Frank Lampard.
In many ways, that’s exactly what he did. While after a number of transfer windows of staggering spending a sixth place finish was still a disappointment, it was clear there was a vast improvement on and off the pitch.
The club was back in European football and it appeared Pochettino was building a solid base for his fresh young squad.
However, the manager and club decided to part ways just one season into his two-year agreement and Pochettino’s exit was confirmed just two days after the final game of the campaign.
Pochettino – who has since been appointed head coach of the United States national team – departed Stamford Bridge with a record of 26 wins, 11 draws and 14 defeats in 51 games in the Blues hotseat.
In comparison, Maresca’s record since his arrival as the new Chelsea manager in the summer stands at 25 wins, seven draws and 11 defeats in 43 matches – with the club currently fourth in the Premier League table.
Poch looked back on his Chelsea stint and kept the door open for a possible return to London… with SpursCredit: talkSPORT
“In the way that we arrived and moved forward, the project and the team with all the circumstances. When you start to see all the circumstances, I think it was a good season for us. It was a good year.
“I think to change the dynamic and to put the team again in a position to play in Europe and to finish in the top ten after the season before where Chelsea finished 12th.
“I think we managed to change the atmosphere. We changed it to be optimistic and to be positive. You know, the season before things were not so good.
“I think that was good, but for different reasons. In the end we split, but I think things always happen because of the best for both sides.
“But I’m happy with the experience and happy to learn a lot because I think we learned a lot also being in Chelsea.
“I am very grateful to have the opportunity to be there. We left the team in a different position than when we arrived.”
Chelsea great John Terry is ‘jealous’ of fellow ex-Blues skipper Cesar Azpilicueta for winning the one trophy he never could.
Terry won just about everything there was to win throughout his 19 years at Stamford Bridge as a player.
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Terry’s trophy cabinet has one notable absenceCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The 44-year-old’s trophy haul included five Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups, the Champions League and the Europa League.
Yet there’s a glaring absence in Terry’s trophy cabinet: the FIFA Club World Cup.
Chelsea‘s Champions League triumph in 2012 booked them a spot at the Club World Cup that same year.
However, they were on the wrong side of an all-time upset as Brazilian side Corinthians beat the Blues 1-0 in the final.
Corinthians’ victory remains the only Club World Cup victory from a non-European team since 2007.
Chelsea would return to the Club World Cup final in 2021 thanks to their win over Manchester City in the Champions League final earlier that year.
The Blues went one better in the final that year as they overcame Palmeiras 2-1 in an extra-time thriller, meaning they could officially call themselves the best in the world.
Azpilicueta, Chelsea’s skipper at the time, had the honour of lifting the trophy in Abu Dhabi.
Terry was long retired by the time Chelsea won the Club World Cup, but it didn’t stop him from watching the celebrations with a serious sense of envy.
“I’ve never won this trophy,” Terry said on talkSPORT Breakfast.
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The ex-Blues skipper appeared on talkSPORT to talk all things Club World CupCredit: talkSPORT
“Cesar Azpilicueta went on to win this when he was a player and I’m jealous of that.
“As a player you want to be able to say you’ve won every trophy possible, and this fits into that category. It’s going to be a great event.
“Also as a player at the back end of your career you want to say ‘I’ve played in that and I’ve played against the very best.’
“This is probably going to be the first time in the world where you can say every team available that is the best is going to be there.
“Once it kicks off, players are going to want to win it.”
Perhaps Terry will grow envious of incumbent Blues skipper Reece James as Chelsea will compete in this year’s Club World Cup, which has undergone a major revamp.
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Azipilicueta helped Chelsea to win their first Club World Cup in 2021Credit: Getty
The west London outfit are one of 32 teams set to descend on the United States and will begin their journey in Group D alongside Brazilian side Flamengo, Tunisia’s Esperance de Tunis and Mexican club Leon.
Participation in this year’s Club World Cup is also set to provide Chelsea and all others competing with a major financial boost, as the winner is set to receive in excess of $100million.
Chelsea’s first game will be against Leon at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on June 16.
The Blues’ clash against Flamengo will also hold extra significance for the Brazilian side’s manager, Filipe Luis, given he spent a season at Stamford Bridge in 2014.
The ex-Chelsea defender has started well, winning the Rio de Janeiro State Championship, Supercopa do Brasil and Copa do Brasil as coach.
“It’s special because I know a lot of the people at Chelsea, it’s a club that really welcomed me,” he said when asked about the prospect of playing his former side.
“The fans gave me a warm welcome and were fantastic with me, as well as the club staff, and I have a lot of friends there.”
Liverpool could be set for a summer of upheaval as three of their key players’ futures remain up in the air.
The Reds are in pole position to lift the Premier League title, but they may well have to start planning for life without Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold heading into next season.
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Liverpool could be without their three most influential players next termCredit: Getty
There have been growing fears that all three stars could leave Anfield in the summer, when their current contracts set to expire.
As yet, little progress appears to have been made on new deals for the trio, and club legend Robbie Fowler believes it is highly unlikely that each of the iconic figures will stay at Liverpool.
Appearing on talkSPORT’s White and Jordan the day after the Reds’ Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle, the former striker hinted at a busy summer ahead on Merseyside.
“From a Liverpool fan point of view, you’re mega disappointed if any of them don’t sign,” Fowler said.
“I don’t think the three of them will, if I’m being totally honest. But it’s going to be one of those things with Liverpool now.
“Certainly after the performance yesterday from some of the players when they’d see him, I think Arne Slot knows that he’s maybe going to have a big summer planned because he’ll probably want to bring his own players in.
“So regardless of those players staying or going, you know that there’s going to be a few incomings anyway. So if it’s those players, so be it.”
With some huge departures potentially on the cards in the coming months, here is how Liverpool could line up next campaign without Salah, Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk.
Goalkeeper Alisson is almost certain to remain first choice between the sticks, having established himself as one of the world’s best in his position.
Milos Kerkez has started all of Bournemouth’s Premier League games this seasonCredit: Getty
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Marc Guehi’s form at Crystal Palace has seen him become a regular in the England squadCredit: Getty
Left-back is the first position where fans could see movement, with Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez heavily linked with a move to Anfield.
talkSPORT previously confirmed the Hungarian is on Liverpool’s radar, with a transfer meaning that mainstay full-back Andy Robertson would have to make way for him.
With captain Van Dijk’s future hanging in the balance, having admitted he has ‘no idea‘ if he will be staying or leaving, discussions will surely be taking place over who will partner Ibrahima Konate at centre-back next term.
One player who could fill the Dutchman’s shoes is Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.
According to the Mirror, the Reds are leading the race to sign the England international, who would prefer a move to the north west ahead of other potential suitors Newcastle and Chelsea.
Meanwhile, should Alexander-Arnold decide on pastures new, with Real Madrid the likely destination, head coach Slot will have to plan for life without the playmaking right-back.
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Alexander-Arnold may have played his last game for Liverpool, with injury potentially ruling him out until the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
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Conor Bradley has made 50 appearances in all competitions for LiverpoolCredit: Getty
But he may already have a ready-made successor here, with Conor Bradley previously proving himself a more than capable replacement.
The Northern Irishman has established himself as an important squad player since his emergence under Jurgen Klopp, including starting in last year’s Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea.
But the league leaders may have to bolster their engine room back-up options, with Harvey Elliott and Wataru Endo both being highlighted as players who could move on in the summer.
Moving into the front line, the potential departure of talisman Salah will have a huge impact on how the league leaders shape up.
While the ‘Egyptian King’ has starred from the right hand side, the Reds have no shortage of attacking firepower out wide, namely in the shape of regular starters Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz.
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Alexander Isak’s goal against Liverpool sealed Newcastle’s recent League Cup winCredit: Getty
This could prompt the Reds to deploy the pair on either wing, and instead look to replace the loss of Salah’s huge goalscoring threat by signing a new striker.
Darwin Nunez has been inconsistent leading the line, while injuries have prevented Diogo Jota from a consistent run in the role.
The Swede has ranked among the Premier League’s top scorers since his move to England in 2022, and currently sits third in the goalscoring charts this term, behind Erling Haaland and Salah.
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Here is how Liverpool could line-up at the beginning of next season
Next season The Premier League will be provided match balls by Puma, a decision that is likely to be an unpopular one with Mikel Arteta.
Puma will be partnered with the English top flight for the next six seasons.
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Puma were previously Arsenal’s kit sponsors from 2014 to 2019 coinciding with Arteta’s playing days at the clubCredit: Getty
Nike’s 25-year association with the league is coming to an end this campaign marked by the re-release of the classic T90 Aerow I, which was previously used between 2004 and 2006.
From 2021/22 Puma manufactured balls for all English Football League competitions including the Carabao Cup, Championship, League One, League Two and EFL Trophy.
Arsenal boss Arteta has already aired his views about the Puma balls earlier this season, bizarrely laying the blame for their Carabao Cup exit.
Following a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in January Arteta commented on the Puma balls, saying: “I think we kicked a lot of the balls over the bar and it’s tricky that this ball flies a lot.
“It’s just different, it’s just very different to the Premier League ball, and you have to adapt to that because it flies different.
“When you touch it, the grip is very different as well, so you have to adapt to that.”
In response The EFL said the ball had passed all the required Fifa tests.
It was a very wasteful shooting performance proven by only three shots being on target from a total of 23.
However, clubs were provided with Carabao Cup balls for training prior to their games in the competition.
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Isak haunted the Arsenal defence that night showing the home fans what their club missed out onCredit: Getty
Arteta will have to ensure his players get plenty of shooting practice ahead of the 2025/26 season but what that match demonstrated was Arsenal’s need for forwards, especially a striker.
The same game where Anthony Gordon and previous Arsenal target Alexander Isak scored to take the lead in the first leg.
In recent transfer windows the Gunners have been linked with RB Leipzig centre forward Benjamin Sesko.
Speaking on the new matchball deal Arne Freundt, Puma’s chief executive, said: “The agreement with the Premier League, the most-watched football league in the world, is an important step in Puma’s brand elevation strategy.
William Gallas laughs at Mikel Arteta question and claims he will NOT lead Arsenal to Premier League glory
“We look forward to bringing our performance technology to the forefront of the game and connecting with the many fans worldwide.
“With Puma’s ball at the centre of attention during every match in this incredible league, we will create unforgettable moments for players and fans alike.”
Richard Masters, the Premier League’s chief executive, said: “Puma has a proud history of involvement in football over many years and we look forward to seeing the new ball used at all our matches from this summer onwards.”
West Ham star Lucas Paqueta faces years on the sidelines should he be found guilty of spot-fixing by the FA.
The Brazilian has been accused of picking up four deliberate yellow cards, with each offence carrying a six-month to lifetime ban.
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Paqueta’s four yellow cards could see him issued with a lifetime football banCredit: Rex
Former Reading defender Kynan Isaac was hit with a ten-year ban in 2022 for his part in spot-fixing following his yellow card in an FA Cup tie against Shrewsbury.
Paqueta‘s four bookings against Leicester, Aston Villa, Leeds and Bournemouth in the last two seasons are being investigated by the FA – which they claim ‘one or more persons’ benefited from financially.
The 26-year-old, who first came under the FA’s spotlight in August 2023 for breaching betting rules, has denied any wrongdoing in an impassioned social media post.
Following his FA charge, his four bookings have been doing the rounds on social media.
FA statement on Paqueta charges
West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of FA Rules E5 and F3.
“The player has been charged with four breaches of FA Rule E5.1 in relation to his conduct in the club’s Premier League fixtures against Leicester City on 12 November 2022; Aston Villa on 12 March 2023; Leeds United on 21 May 2023; and AFC Bournemouth on 12 August 2023.
It’s alleged that he directly sought to influence the progress, conduct, or any other aspect of, or occurrence in these matches by intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market in order for one or more persons to profit from betting.
Lucas Paqueta has also been charged with two breaches of FA Rule F3 in respect of alleged failures to comply pursuant to FA Rule F2.
The player has until 03 June 2024 to provide a response to these charges subject to any request for an extension to this deadline.
The first came against the Foxes in the 2022/23 season at the London Stadium, where he wiped out Boubakary Soumare, before immediately clattering into Dennis Praet on the hour mark.
In March 2023, the former Lyon star was then cautioned for a poor challenge from behind on Villa skipper John McGinn.
And in the penultimate Premier League clash against Leeds last campaign, he was shown a yellow for pulling back Dutch forward Crysencio Summerville in the 65th minute.
His booking in the opening match at Bournemouth this term is the last of the four, with Paqueta receiving a yellow for handball in stoppage time.
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Paqueta’s yellow for this lunge on Soumare is being looked at by the FACredit: Getty
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As is this late tackle from behind on Scotland international McGinnCredit: Rex
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The FA are also investigating this booking after he held back Summerville
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Paqueta’s handball at the Vitality Stadium is the last of his offences that are being investigatedCredit: Sly Sports
His FA charge is set to scupper any potential move to Manchester City, who were interested in activating his £85million release clause this summer.
talkSPORT presenter and ex-Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor has been left stunned by what the severity of Paqueta’s ban could be.
Alex Crook announces West Ham star Lucas Paqueta has been charged by the FA for breaching betting rules
“They’re clever the FA, they’ll be looking at it so many times and being like, ‘Hmm, that’s not a natural booking,’ especially if they find out he’s had bets on, and friends of his had.
“It’s not looking good, is it? How long has it been? It’s been close to a year [since FA launched investigation], hasn’t it?
“So they’ve taken that long, and we’re hearing this now, it doesn’t look good for him at all.”
West Ham star Lucas Paqueta faces years on the sidelines should he be found guilty of spot-fixing by the FA.
The Brazilian has been accused of picking up four deliberate yellow cards, with each offence carrying a six-month to lifetime ban.
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Paqueta’s four yellow cards could see him issued with a lifetime football banCredit: Rex
Former Reading defender Kynan Isaac was hit with a ten-year ban in 2022 for his part in spot-fixing following his yellow card in an FA Cup tie against Shrewsbury.
Paqueta‘s four bookings against Leicester, Aston Villa, Leeds and Bournemouth in the last two seasons are being investigated by the FA – which they claim ‘one or more persons’ benefited from financially.
The 26-year-old, who first came under the FA’s spotlight in August 2023 for breaching betting rules, has denied any wrongdoing in an impassioned social media post.
Following his FA charge, his four bookings have been doing the rounds on social media.
FA statement on Paqueta charges
West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of FA Rules E5 and F3.
“The player has been charged with four breaches of FA Rule E5.1 in relation to his conduct in the club’s Premier League fixtures against Leicester City on 12 November 2022; Aston Villa on 12 March 2023; Leeds United on 21 May 2023; and AFC Bournemouth on 12 August 2023.
It’s alleged that he directly sought to influence the progress, conduct, or any other aspect of, or occurrence in these matches by intentionally seeking to receive a card from the referee for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market in order for one or more persons to profit from betting.
Lucas Paqueta has also been charged with two breaches of FA Rule F3 in respect of alleged failures to comply pursuant to FA Rule F2.
The player has until 03 June 2024 to provide a response to these charges subject to any request for an extension to this deadline.
The first came against the Foxes in the 2022/23 season at the London Stadium, where he wiped out Boubakary Soumare, before immediately clattering into Dennis Praet on the hour mark.
In March 2023, the former Lyon star was then cautioned for a poor challenge from behind on Villa skipper John McGinn.
And in the penultimate Premier League clash against Leeds last campaign, he was shown a yellow for pulling back Dutch forward Crysencio Summerville in the 65th minute.
His booking in the opening match at Bournemouth this term is the last of the four, with Paqueta receiving a yellow for handball in stoppage time.
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Paqueta’s yellow for this lunge on Soumare is being looked at by the FACredit: Getty
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As is this late tackle from behind on Scotland international McGinnCredit: Rex
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The FA are also investigating this booking after he held back Summerville
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Paqueta’s handball at the Vitality Stadium is the last of his offences that are being investigatedCredit: Sly Sports
His FA charge is set to scupper any potential move to Manchester City, who were interested in activating his £85million release clause this summer.
talkSPORT presenter and ex-Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor has been left stunned by what the severity of Paqueta’s ban could be.
Alex Crook announces West Ham star Lucas Paqueta has been charged by the FA for breaching betting rules
“They’re clever the FA, they’ll be looking at it so many times and being like, ‘Hmm, that’s not a natural booking,’ especially if they find out he’s had bets on, and friends of his had.
“It’s not looking good, is it? How long has it been? It’s been close to a year [since FA launched investigation], hasn’t it?
“So they’ve taken that long, and we’re hearing this now, it doesn’t look good for him at all.”
