Liverpool boss Arne Slot must lament that yet another international break has taken hold of football, putting his team’s sensational start to the season on pause once more.

The Reds’ sole defeat of the campaign arrived after the September pause, a shocker at home against Nottingham Forest. However, the outfit’s fluency has since hardened, and the Anfield masses are reaching fever pitch as their club sits atop the Premier League and Champions League tables.

It’s a good chance for certain stars to make further gains after showing promise of late. Curtis Jones scored a fine backheel on his England debut, while Ibrahima Konate kept a clean sheet for France. Further south, Alexis Mac Allister didn’t enjoy his finest hour for Argentina.

How Liverpool players got on for their countries

England scored a much-needed Nations League victory over Greece, who recently defeated them at Wembley, as they look to claw their way back into the top level of the competition. Jones excelled for Lee Carsley’s penultimate line-up and will hope for regular call-ups hereafter.

Jones’ growth in recent weeks is an exciting thing for those of a Liverpool persuasion, not least because he’s so distinctive in the middle of the park, with high-level and many-faceted technical qualities.

France may have toiled against Israel, drawing 0-0 with Kylian Mbappe still AWOL, but Konate made a big impression at the rearguard, winning all eight of his combined duels and tackles.

Minutes played

90′

Clean sheet

1

Touches

85

Shots (on target)

3 (0)

Accurate passes

69 /75 (92%)

Tackles

3

Interceptions

2

Ground duels (won)

3 (3)

Aerial duels (won)

2 (2)

Conversely, Mac Allister struggled and was unable to inspire the World Cup and the Copa America champions Argentina to victory against Paraguay, with a poor performance that resulted in a 2-1 loss. Anonymous, he managed just 22 touches.

All players of high quality, and Konate and Jones were both first-class for their countries. However, neither reached the same level as Caoimhin Kelleher, who was brilliant as the Republic of Ireland defeated Finland in the Nations League.

Caoimhin Kelleher was the pick of the bunch

It’s amazing that Liverpool have a backup shot-stopper of Kelleher’s ability. He has played second fiddle at Anfield since rising from the youth ranks, but his presence has been indispensable, for Alisson rarely completes a campaign without picking up an issue or two.

Virgil van Dijk even went as far as to pronounce him “world-class” such is the level of his quality. It will be painful to watch him go when that inevitable day comes.

Yesterday evening, it was crucial that Ireland defeated Finland, for they have now preserved their B-tier status in the Nations League, relegating the Finnish down to C. The hosts were on top throughout, but Kelleher still saved four shots, as per Sofascore, en route to a well-earned clean sheet – with one a penalty kick.

Writing in their post-match ratings, RTE revealed that Kelleher was deserving of a 9/10 score after his redoubtable display after being handed the Player of the Match award. His ‘superb’ spot-kick save was complemented by three more denials that reinforced his steel-strong grip on the number one spot for his nation.

If only Alisson Becker didn’t also ply his trade for Liverpool – well, from Kelleher’s point of view, anyway. And moreover, given that Richard Hughes acted prudently to sign Valencia goalkeeper Giorgio Mamardashvili back in August in a deal worth £29m, set to arrive on English shores next summer, Kelleher’s Merseyside days appear numbered.

He’s one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League and he’s not even first choice. We of Liverpool Red simply cannot begrudge the 25-year-old for wanting to seek out his fortune and continue his rise. But, without question, FSG must demand a pretty penny for his sale.

Liverpool must ask for "obscene" money

Liverpool’s decision to sign Mamardashvili was a good one, but it does indeed spell the end for Kelleher. So long, then, you brilliant shot-saving superstar. Both Carabao Cup triumphs under Jurgen Klopp owe plenty to your performances – and the 2022 FA Cup victory too.

LFC podcaster Graeme Kelly remarked after Ireland’s victory: “The amount of money we should be asking if Kelleher moves on is obscene. Absolute elite keeper.”

It’s a sentiment that no doubt echoes through the Anfield halls, right the way through to the boardroom, where Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards shuffle pieces like stooped-over chess players.

This summer, interest was there, but nothing concrete enough to convince the Reds to part ways. Liverpool were looking to claim £35m for the keeper, and despite intrigue from the likes of Celtic and Nottingham Forest – among others – it was ultimately nothing doing.

Of course, the Irishman is playing out the penultimate year of his £10k-per-week Liverpool contract and has no desire to pen fresh terms. We know this. Slot knows this. Hughes definitely knows this.

Will Liverpool manage to claim as significant a fee in 2025, or perhaps even something larger? Kelleher’s skill set suggests that it wouldn’t be out of the question, but with the last chance to cash in fast approaching, the Liverpool bosses might need to harness every ounce of their business savvy to get it done.

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نجح فريق بيراميدز في التقدم على نظيره الأهلي في اللقاء الجاري الآن، بينمهما ضمن منافسات مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

ويلتقي الأهلي مع بيراميدز، في إطار مواجهات الجولة الثانية للمرحلة النهائية من عمر منافسات بطولة الدوري.

طالع.. فيديو | يحيى عطية الله يغادر مباراة الأهلي وبيراميدز بالدموع 

بيراميدز يتصدر جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري الممتاز، برصيد 43 نقطة، بينما الأهلي في المركز الثاني برصيد 39 نقطة.

وجاء الهدف في الدقيقة 85 من عمر المباراة عن طريق محمد الشيبي بتسديدة قوية سكنت شباك محمد الشناوي حارس الأهلي. هدف بيراميدز الأول أمام الأهلي

Manchester United have now joined the race to sign a star in the making who has already caught the attentions of Chelsea this year, with Ruben Amorim personally having recommended the signing.

Manchester United change transfer policy

There has been significant change at Old Trafford since Sir Jim Ratcliffe took charge of the Premier League giants at the start of 2024. A whole new club hierarchy has been established, with Jason Wilcox and Dan Ashworth poached from Southampton and Newcastle United respectively to take charge of transfer policy, while Omar Berrada arrived from Manchester City to take up the CEO role.

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The overhaul has also seen a change in the transfer policy itself, with the Red Devils now opting to sign younger players with higher potential rather than pre-established world-class stars, as they did under Erik ten Hag with the addition of Casemiro.

Though they signed five players for a combined £190m over the summer, only Noussair Mazraoui was over the age of 25, emphasising the shift in policy at the club.

Manchester United’s summer signings

Player

Age

Leny Yoro

18

Joshua Zirkzee

23

Manuel Ugarte

23

Matthijs de Ligt

25

Noussair Mazraoui

26

Though the change is yet to bear fruit, there is a long-term belief that targeting younger players will be a more successful operating model for the club, summed up by Ratcliffe explaining in March that “I would rather sign the next Mbappé rather than spend a fortune buying success.”

Now, he could be set to throw his hat in the ring for a star at the other end of the pitch.

Amorim wants Manchester United to sign Portuguese talent

Reports from Spain claim that Ruben Amorim has personally recommended Manchester United join the race to sign Benfica talent Tomas Araujo.

The defender is well known to Premier League clubs; Crystal Palace saw a summer offer rejected for his services, while Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Chelsea are “in love” with the Portuguese defender, who they were willing to bid for in the summer only for Benfica to inform them that he wasn’t for sale.

“Chelsea were considering to bring in a new centre-back. For example, a player they are in love with is Tomas Araujo at Benfica.”

“They were considering a move for him, but then nothing happened because Benfica were not selling an important player a few days before the end of the transfer window.”

Now, the report claims that Manchester United have joined the race for his services, but he won’t come cheap, with the report adding that “any deal for Araújo is estimated to be in the region of €50m” (£41m).

This could yet be higher, with Araujo having a €100m (£83m) release clause in his £9k-a-week deal in Portugal, while Benfica are unlikely to sell midway through the season.

With the futures of Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof all unclear beyond this summer, United will likely be back in the market for another defender soon, and could do far worse than Araujo.

He was dubbed “potentially one of the best CBs” by football scouting account DanielScouting on X, who added: “He’s a technical maestro. His turns, dribbling, manipulation, & passing make you think he’s a CM,” and claimed he was already an “elite player”.

Able to play across the defence, he could be an excellent signing and a future superstar, but is more likely to be one for the summer.

The Saudi Pro League continues to offer vast money to players, but who could be moving there during the January transfer window?

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has come to the fore in modern football, giving players staggering wages and tempting them away from the European game.

The likes of Neymar, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino are just a few of the big names who have headed to the Middle East in recent years, receiving big paydays in the process.

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To some fans, joining the SPL is a sign of players accepting they are past their best, or simply taking the money instead of having the ambition to play at the highest level possible.

With the January transfer window fast approaching, here are seven players we believe could move to the Saudi Pro League.

1 Casemiro Manchester United

Casemiro has been one of the leading defensive midfielders in Europe for many years now, but there is no question that his influence is starting to wane.

The Brazilian no longer has the ability to cover ground like he used to, and while Manchester United will hope that Ruben Amorim can get more out of him than Erik ten Hag did, cashing in on him in January could make sense.

Casemiro has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, in what he could see as the final payday of his career, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see him depart United midway through the season.

2 Miguel Almiron Newcastle United

Newcastle United continue to search for right-sided attacking options ahead of the January window, suggesting that they are not happy with their current options in that position.

One of those options is Miguel Almiron, who has always been a willing performer for the Magpies, but has lacked the elite level of end product to be seen as a genuine force.

Should Newcastle sign a right-winger in January, it could pave the way for Almiron to seal a move to Saudi Arabia, with a move to Al-Shabab mooted earlier this year. At 30 years of age, the Paraguayan could see this as a great chance to earn huge money during the autumn of his career.

3 Paulo Dybala Roma

Paulo Dybala has enjoyed a fantastic career, even though he arguably hasn’t quite kicked on and reached the heights some expected during his younger years.

Still at Roma and now 31, the Argentinian is one of many players to be linked with a Saudi move, and it is easy to envisage him deciding to move there in January.

Dybala may feel that he has achieved all he can in the European game, and given the fact that he isn’t getting any younger, he may look at the bigger picture and feel that a stint in the Saudi Pro League makes sense financially, even though he rejected a move there during the summer.

4 Antony Manchester United

When Antony joined United from Ajax for £85m in the summer of 2022, big things were expected.

Things haven’t panned out that way, with the Brazilian almost becoming a figure of ridicule because of his lack of end product in wide attacking areas.

For now, Antony has been linked with a switch to the Saudi Pro League, and while he turned down the chance in the summer, his lack of playing time at Old Trafford could sway his thinking in January.

5 Kevin De Bruyne Manchester City

Kevin De Bruyne has been one of the greatest players in the history of the Premier League, with his creativity almost unmatched in the 32 years of the competition.

However, the Belgian is now showing signs of being injury-prone and past his absolute peak, which has naturally led to him being backed to join the Saudi Pro League.

De Bruyne will likely reject the idea of it and stay put at Manchester City until the end of the season at least, potentially inspiring them to title glory once again upon his return, but a switch to Saudi Arabia in the future can’t be completely ruled out.

6 Son Heung-min Tottenham Hotspur

Son Heung-min has been a magnificent servant for Tottenham Hotspur over so many years, proving to be one of the Premier League’s leading attacking players.

Now 32, time is potentially beginning to catch up with the South Korean, with some of his performances not as electric as they once were.

In truth, it would be a surprise if Son opted to leave Spurs and move to the Saudi Pro League in January, but the idea of it happening isn’t unthinkable, and he has been linked in the recent past.

It feels less likely than some of the players mentioned above, but money still talks and the winger may want one last huge payday in his career.

7 Mohamed Salah Liverpool

Of all the players on this list, Mohamed Salah leaving for Saudi Arabia midway through the campaign would come as the biggest shock.

That’s despite the Liverpool legend being out of contract at the end of the season, with the Reds desperately trying to tie him down to a new deal – though he is yet to agree an extension at Anfield.

Al-Ittihad saw a reported £150m offer for Salah rejected last year, and the Saudi Pro League would see him as a poster boy for the division, given his worldwide fame.

To see the 32-year-old depart in January when Liverpool are in the middle of a thrilling Premier League title battle doesn’t bear thinking about, and would be a strange decision by the player himself.

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MatériaMais Notícias

Philipe Sampaio foi apresentado pelo Botafogo na tarde desta quinta-feira no Estádio Nilton Santos. Primeiro reforço da “Era John Textor” do Alvinegro, o zagueiro falou, em entrevista coletiva, que o projeto foi fundamental para a escolha pelo Glorioso – ele tinha proposta de outros dois clubes da Europa.

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–Muito feliz de estar aqui, de vestir a camisa de um dos grandes clubes do Brasil. As negociações aconteceram de forma natural, quando eu soube do interesse do Botafogo comentei com a minha família e disse que queria ir. Fui apresentado ao projeto e é uma coisa que me fascina. Venho me preparando para isso, gosto de sair da zona de conforto, esse é mais um projeto ao longo prazo, mas a nossa ideia é vir acrescentar e trabalhar num só sentido – afirmou.

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Será a primeira oportunidade de Philipe em nível profissional no futebol brasileiro. Com passagem pela base do Santos, o zagueiro foi negociado com o Boavista-POR ainda jovem.

–O trabalho de scout é importante para dar oportunidade a esses jogadores que estão há muito tempo fora do país (Brasil). Eu já vinha trabalhando há muito tempo por essa oportunidade, não cheguei aqui à toa, os números estão aí. Fico feliz por ser a primeira contratação, é uma responsabilidade grande em chegar para esse projeto – comentou.

Quanto a estreia, Sampaio vinha atuando de forma regular pelo Guingamp, da França, mas vem de um período parado no curto prazo por ter resolvido as questões burocráticas da negociação. Ele afirmou que precisará de um tempo de adaptação.

–Vinha jogando, faltava o último terço do campeonato (Francês). Estou parado há duas semanas e poucos dias porque começaram as negociações e mudança de país. Vou conversar, me colocar à disposição quando eu estiver bem. Estou tendo um pouco de dificuldade com o calor, faz tempo que eu não sentia esse calor. Quando estiver me sentindo bem fico à disposição para ajudar – explicou.

MAIS DECLARAÇÕES DE PHILIPE SAMPAIO

Retorno ao Brasil
​– Passei por três países diferentes, venho mais maduro e preparado psicologicamente e taticamente, as outras ligas me deram isso. Venho preparado para aprender e trazer um pouco da minha experiência de fora. É comunicar, estar perto dos companheiros.

Oportunidade
​​– Acredito que não só o Brasil mas todo o mundo passa por esse período de pandemia, ansiedade, mas a gente tem que dar valor ao nosso país. Como dono de um projeto social o que eu quero proporcionar para as crianças é que elas possam ter a mesma oportunidade que eu tive, sair de uma comunidade e um dia jogar uma Série A.

Joel Carli
​– Dar os parabéns para ele, jogador estrangeiro com mais jogos pelo clube, muito mérito. Meu intuito é aprender com ele também, é experiente, tem toques de líder e eu me vejo assim também. Gosto de liderar, aprender e eu gosto de aprender com os mais velhos. Não tem disputa, venho para acrescentar e dar mais qualidade ao elenco.

Luís Castro
–Conheço o Luís Castro dos trabalhos que ele fez em Portugal, joguei a maior parte da minha carreira lá. Não tive contato com ele. Se ele vier, acredito que será bem-vindo e esperamos o que seja melhor para o Botafogo.

Ascensão dos técnicos portugueses
​– É a primeira vez que eu vou jogar no Brasil, aqui tem muita qualidade e pessoas qualificadas. Em Portugal eles têm as prioridades, disciplina e a cultura que envolvem o país. Eles estudam e trabalham como outros. Eles (treinadores portugueses) estão em ascensão, é preciso dar os parabéns. Mas acredito que o Brasil também tem muitas pessoas capacitadas.

Gabigol
​– Sobre o Gabigol é mais um companheiro que eu respeito. A gente se conhece por ter jogado na base do Santos, respeito ele mas nunca tive mais contato. Estou interessado em defender as cores do Botafogo.

It’s safe to say that Chelsea possesses one of the very best attacking departments in the Premier League, all thanks to the investment from owner Todd Boehly.

It’s handed current boss Enzo Maresca with all the tools to try and make his first season at Stamford Bridge one to remember after his appointment from Leicester City.

Cole Palmer is undoubtedly the biggest asset in his attacking unit, with the England international already registering 12 combined goals and assists in his first 11 league outings – looking to be worth every penny of his £40m transfer fee.

The other options consist of fellow big-money additions Mykhailo Mudryk, João Félix, Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson and Pedro Neto – with the latter registering his first Premier League strike in the recent meeting with London rivals Arsenal.

However, one other forward-thinking player could be edging closer to the exit door after a lack of minutes during the new campaign.

Christopher Nkunku could be on the way out of Chelsea

French forward Christopher Nkunku arrived at Chelsea last summer after the club activated his £52m release clause in his RB Leipzig contract – joining the club with high expectations after his 23-goal season in the Bundesliga.

However, injuries massively halted his progress during his maiden campaign in England, suffering a serious knee injury that ruled him out for the vast majority of 2023/24.

The 26-year-old has since recovered to be a part of Maresca’s side this season but has mainly been utilised as an impact player in the league – having to settle for starts in various cup competitions.

He’s only played 155 minutes of Premier League football but has managed ten goals in all competitions, with six of his efforts coming in the Europa Conference League.

However, according to French outlet L’Equipe, the attacker is growing more frustrated with his lack of minutes, prompting an enquiry over a potential move to join Manchester United in January.

It’s unclear whether the club would sanction any deal, or if it would be on a temporary or permanent basis, but they may allow him to move to Old Trafford should they secure a deal for an in-demand talent.

Chelsea could make a move for £83m talent

It’s no secret that Chelsea have been pursuing a move for a new number nine over the last couple of transfer windows, in an attempt to add depth and further improve Maresca’s attacking options.

Various names have been touted, but one has never seemed to quite go away – that being in the form of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres.

The Sweden international has bagged 66 goals in his 68 appearances under new United boss Ruben Amorim, attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal as well as the Blues.

However, the latest update surrounding the striker’s future could play into the hands of Chelsea, with Sporting’s president confirming that if any side pays his £83m release clause and he wants to leave then he will leave the Liga Portugal outfit.

His goalscoring record in Portugal has led to comparisons to Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, with the pair undoubtedly two of the very best finishers in world football at present.

The duo have constantly topped their respective division’s goalscoring charts over the past couple of years, with former Dutch international Rafael van der Vaart claiming that Gyokeres is actually “a better version of Haaland”.

It may seem a crazy statement to make, but when comparing the duo’s respective stats from the Champions League this season, Gyokeres does appear to have the edge on the Norweigan in numerous key attacking areas.

Whilst it would be yet another huge investment from Boehly to secure his services, it would allow his club to have that focal point that they have been craving.

The Swede is one of the most in-form strikers on the planet, with either a January or summer move for the 26-year-old massively boosting the Blues’ title-challenging credentials over the next couple of years.

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The English batter has cited “bubble fatigue and mental well-being” as reasons for withdrawal from the tournament

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Mar-2022

Kolkata Knight Riders have signed up Aaron Finch, Australia’s white-ball captain, as replacement for Alex Hales, who has withdrawn from IPL 2022 citing “bubble fatigue and his mental well-being”, a franchise statement on Friday evening said. A statement from the IPL said that Finch would be joining Knight Riders at INR 1.5 crore (USD 196,000 approx.).Venky Mysore, the CEO and MD of Knight Riders, said, “We respect Alex Hales’ decision of choosing family and mental well-being over his participation in the upcoming season of the IPL. Bubble-life isn’t easy, and a number of players around the world have shared their views on this topic. We will miss having him in the Galaxy of Knights this season, but we wish him all the best.”We are delighted to welcome Aaron Finch, the T20 World Cup-winning captain, to the Knight Riders family. He is excited about joining the rest of the KKR squad in Mumbai and we look forward to benefiting from his vast experience.”English top-order batter Hales, who was signed by Knight Riders for his base price of INR 1.5 crore at the latest auction, held last month in Bengaluru, joined his countrymate Jason Roy, who was a part of Gujarat Titans, in opting out of the tournament for similar reasons. Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz has replaced Roy at Titans, one of two new IPL teams.