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Glasgow Celtic have made some brilliant signings during their history, with the Hoops dominating Scottish football, especially in the modern era.

The likes of Henrik Larsson and Stylian Petrov made the move to Parkhead in the late 1990s and became club legends, whereas more recently, Premier League title-winning goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel decided to head to Scotland in a transfer that caught the eye.

Some high-profile names have played in green and white, however, plenty of other iconic stars almost made the move to Glasgow down the years in cases of what could have been at Celtic Park.

Lionel Messi names the top fans between Celtic and Rangers, calls them "the best"

The Argentine icon has played at both Parkhead and Ibrox.

ByCharlie Smith Aug 15, 2025 10 stars who Celtic almost signed 10 David Ginola

After starring for Paris Saint-Germain in the 1990s, David Ginola was a man in demand in the UK, with Celtic battling numerous Premier League clubs for his signature in 1995.

However, the skilful winger chose to join Newcastle over the Hoops, admitting he turned down the chance to head to Celtic Park. Talking back in 2016, Ginola said:

9 Didier Drogba

Striker Didier Drogba would go on to become a Chelsea and Premier League icon after moving to the UK in 2004, however, by the sounds of things, he could have done so sooner with Celtic.

Former Celtic defender Momo Sylla played with Drogba at Le Mans and admitted that the centre-forward asked about a move to Glasgow in the early 2000s.

A case of what could have been for the Hoops, who at the time had the likes of Chris Sutton and John Hartson leading the line.

8 Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Another forward on Celtic’s radar in the early 2000s was Zlatan Ibrahimovic, although the club would land a Swedish star in Larsson.

Former SFA Chief Gordon Smith recommended Ibrahimovic to Martin O’Neill in 2001 when he was still a teenager, however, the Hoops stuttered which allowed Ajax to sign him for £7m from Malmo.

Games

3

Wins

2

Losses

1

Goals

0

7 Alessandro Del Piero

After spending close to 20 years as a Juventus player, Alessandro Del Piero was on the search for a new club at the age of 37 in 2012.

The Italian icon had an offer from Celtic on the table, however, instead of remaining in Europe, Del Piero would head to Australian with Sydney FC, scoring a goal every there game in just under 50 appearances.

6 Hernan Crespo

Another world-class attacker who could have ended his career in Scotland with Celtic was Hernan Crespo. The Argentine played and scored goals for the likes of Lazio, Chelsea, AC Milan and Inter Milan.

Celtic wanted to secure Crespo’s services in January 2010 when Tony Mowbray was in charge, however, he snubbed the Hoops and returned to Parma.

5 Rivaldo

Five years on from winning the Ballon d’Or in 1999, Brazil legend Rivaldo was on the search for a new club after leaving AC Milan.

The forward was 32 and heading into the twilight years of his career, and instead of tabling a contract offer, Celtic and O’Neill instead offered Rivaldo a trial. The Brazilian was left puzzled and instead signed for Greek giants Olympiacos.

4 Olivier Giroud

Continuing the long list of forwards who almost moved to Scotland is Olivier Giroud, who netted an impressive 21 goals in the 2009/10 season while with Ligue 2 side Tours.

Celtic and Mowbray wanted to sign him as a result, but he chose Montpellier instead and would go on to become France’s all-time record goalscorer.

3 Sol Campbell

In what would be his final move as a player in 2010, legendary English centre-back Sol Campbell could have moved to Scotland.

In fact, the former Arsenal and Tottenham defender was even given a tour of the city centre and Celtic’s Lennoxtown training base ahead of linking up with Neil Lennon’s side.

However, he would turn down the transfer at the last minute and sign for Newcastle, where he was released a year later.

2 Alfredo Di Stefano

Way back in the 1960s, Celtic almost shocked Europe by signing Real Madrid icon Alfredo Di Stefano.

The Argentine attacker scored more than 200 goals at the Bernabeu and was into the final years of his career when leaving Madrid in 1964.

Celtic manager Jimmy McGrory flew over to Spain with defender John Cushley, who acted as an interpreter, looking to lure Di Stefano to Glasgow. However, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner decided to remain in Spain with Espanyol.

1 Ivan de la Pena

Rounding off the list of stars Celtic could have signed is former Barcelona midfielder Ivan de la Pena.

Starring under Bobby Robson at the Nou Camp, De la Pena was of interest to the Hoops and O’Neill in 2003, with the Spaniard evening training with Celtic before returning to Espanyol.

Aston Villa have now been approached over the signing of a “dominant” defender, who they have tracked for quite some time, according to a report.

Villa keen on new defender after signing Guessand

After selling Jhon Duran in the January transfer window, Villa were a little light on options in the striker department, but Unai Emery now has both Ollie Watkins and Evann Guessand to choose from at centre-forward, with the ex-OGC Nice man arriving for £30m.

Consequently, Emery now want to turn his attentions to strengthening at the opposite end of the pitch, especially considering Pau Torres is attracting interest from elsewhere, with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr recently being named as potential suitors.

It could be wise to cash-in on Torres this summer, given that the Villans are well-known to be treading a fine line when it comes to PSR, and Saudi teams are arguably more willing to pay over the odds, with Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez recently joining Al-Hilal for up to £56.6m.

Aston Villa make approach to sign £22m attacker, may submit bid within days

The Villans have now made contact over a deal for an “incredible” player.

ByDominic Lund Aug 10, 2025

Should Aston Villa sell the 28-year-old, it may be a smart move to bring in a younger centre-back, with greater re-sell value, and they have now been approached over the potential signing of Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez.

That is according to a report from The Boot Room, which states Villa are being kept informed about Ordonez, alongside a whole host of their Premier League rivals, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur also named as potential suitors.

Emery’s side have been in contact over the highly-rated young defender for the past 12 months, but he is now closing in on a move to Marseille, which means they will need to move swiftly to hijack a deal, and it may take a bid of around €33m (£28m).

"Dominant" Ordonez could be fantastic signing for Villa

At just 21-years-old, the Brugge centre-back is still in the infancy of his career, but football talent scout Jacek Kulig believes he could go on to achieve great things, having likened the youngster to Real Madrid star Antonio Rüdiger.

Kulig describes the Ecuadorian as a “dominant” defender, which suggests he is strong in duels, but the starlet is also forward-thinking and very comfortable in possession of the ball, which is crucial for a modern-day centre-back.

Statistic

Average per 90 (past year)

Passes attempted

66.15 (87th percentile)

Pass completion %

91.6% (95th percentile)

Progressive passes

5.31 (94th percentile)

Despite his age, the Ecuador international already has a plethora of experience at first-team level, making 84 appearances for Club Brugge, including 12 in the Champions League last season, which suggests he may now be ready to test himself in the Premier League.

As such, it would certainly be exciting if Aston Villa were to pursue a late move for Ordonez, but they would have to move swiftly, given that Marseille are closing in on a deal.

Former captain Michael Clarke has been inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of FameClarke, 43, accepted the honour on Thursday, nearly a decade after he closed the chapter on his remarkable playing career. He is the 64th inductee, with two further members to be named this season.Making his first-class debut for New South Wales at 17, Clarke captained Australia to victory in the 2015 ODI World Cup and led the side across 47 of his 115 Tests.Overall, Clarke scored 8643 Test runs, putting him sixth on Australia’s all-time list, and 7981 in ODIs where he stands fourth. His tally of 28 Test centuries also leaves puts him sixth on that list.Having impressed early in his ODI career – he wasn’t dismissed in his first three innings – Clarke burst onto the Test scene during Australia’s 2004 tour of India, crowned the player of the match in Bengaluru after scoring 151 on debut.After being dropped in late 2005, Clarke returned a even more formidable player. He became the sixth Australian to score a Test triple-century after posting an unbeaten 329 against India at the SCG in the 2011-12 series.He followed up his SCG performance with a double century in the fourth Test against India, before notching two further double centuries against South Africa the following season.Other standout innings included the 151 against South Africa at Cape Town in 2011 (from a total of 284) in the game Australia were later dismissed for 47, his 161 at the same venue in 2014 when he defied a broken shoulder to set up a victory that would take Australia to No. 1 in the world and the hugely emotional 128 against India at Adelaide in 2014 shortly after the death of the Phillip Hughes in what would prove his final home Test.Michael Clarke was prolific in the period from 2012 to 2014•Getty Images

It had been in 2011, after England won the Ashes 3-1 in Australia, that Clarke succeeded Ricky Ponting as captain. At his peak, he was ranked the best batter in the world. He was also at the helm for the Ashes whitewash in 2013-14 and retired at the end of the lost 2015 campaign in England.”To be able to sit along so many wonderful players, idols, role models growing up as a kid and looking up to is something I’m honoured by,” Clarke said. “Retirement does a lot of things to you. Through stages of watching cricket now, you miss parts.”When you play at the highest level, people talk about your international career but for me, it started at six years of age. I retired at 34 so it was my life. It’s still a part of my life.”Cricket – it’s probably so similar to life in general. You walk out and make 100 and then lift the bat, and then you walk out to field, field in slip and drop a catch second ball of the game.”Australian Cricket Hall of Fame chairman Peter King praised Clarke as a player who “defined his generation”.”Michael’s extraordinary first-class playing career started at just 17 at the SCG – the place where many of his highlights occurred, including a Test triple century against India in 2012,” King said.”Michael’s career will forever be remembered fondly by the Australian public and his standing held alongside those at the upper echelon of our game.”Clarke also proved capable as a left-arm spinner. It was his spell of 3 for 5 in 1.5 overs in 2008 against India that helped Australia retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and extend their winning streak to a record-equaling 16 Tests. In his debut series against India he had also taken 6 for 9 in Mumbai.

علق الألماني ماتياس يايسله، مدرب فريق الأهلي السعودي، على خسارة كأس إفريقيا وآسيا والمحيط الهادئ بنتيجة 1ـ3 أمام بيراميدز، في لقاء أقيم ضمن بطولة كأس إنتركونتيننتال.

والتقى بيراميدز مع نظيره الأهلي السعودي، على ملعب الإنماء (الجوهرة المشعة) بمدينة جدة، ضمن منافسات دور ربع النهائي من بطولة كأس الإنتركونتيننتال.

وقال يايسله، في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة الرياضية السعودية: “خسارة صعبة ولنكن صريحين، لا نستحق الفوز، وارتكبنا أخطاء كثيرة، ولا يجب أن يكون الوضع هكذا، ونحن محبطون”.

طالع|موعد مباراة بيراميدز القادمة في كأس إنتركونتيننتال بعد الفوز على الأهلي السعودي

وأضاف: “الهدفان الثاني والثالث جاءا من كرتين طوليتين لم يتعامل معهما الدفاع بصورة صحيحة، ولكن هذه هي كرة القدم عندما ترتكب أخطاءً تستقبل الأهداف في مرماك، وبيراميدز استحق هذا الفوز”.

وتابع: “لدينا مدافعين أقوياء في الكرات الطويلة وأثبتوا ذلك في الموسمين الماضيين، وما حدث أمر صعب عليّ، ولكن هذه كرة القدم، سنعالج الأخطاء في المستقبل، ولا ألوم اللاعبين، لكن يجب تجنب مثل هذه الأخطاء، ما نحتاجه هو التركيز، وفي كرة القدم تحدث أحيانا أمورًا سخيفة خارجة عن الإرادة، وسنصبح أفضل”.

وعن إشراك الجناح البرازيلي ويندرسون جالينو أساسيا، رغم الشكوك حول جاهزيته، واستبداله بعد نصف ساعة فقط، قال المدرب: “كان واضحًا أن جالينو يستطيع المشاركة، ولم أدفع به إلا بعد التشاور مع الجهاز الطبي، لكن ما حدث في الملعب شيء مختلف”.

وأشار: “فريقنا قوي وقادر على الخروج من هذا الوضع الصعب في قادم الأيام، وسنعمل على تحسين الأمور، وأعتذر للجماهير، كانت تستحق نتيجة أفضل خاصة في مناسبة اليوم الوطني”.

وبفوز بيراميدز على الأهلي السعودي، يحقق الفريق السماوي لقب بطولة كأس القارات الثلاث، ليتأهل إلى الدور المقبل “نصف النهائي”، ويلعب على لقب كأس التحدي، في انتظار مواجهة الفائز من موقعة ديربي الأمريكتين.

Leeds United have now held direct “conversations” with an “unplayable” striker over a potential summer move to Elland Road, journalist Graeme Bailey has revealed.

Leeds eyeing new striker after Nmecha

The 49ers Enterprises and Leeds have already added one centre-forward to their ranks this summer, having sealed the signing of Lukas Nmecha on a free transfer, but they remain keen on bringing in another striker, with the 49ers ready to splash the cash.

That is despite the fact Daniel Farke already has Joel Piroe and Patrick Bamford on the books, with the former finishing as the Championship’s top scorer last season, picking up a total of 19 goals and seven assists in 46 outings.

Bamford, on the other hand, has entered the final 12 months of his contract, with the striker also previously admitting he would consider making a move to the MLS one day, saying: “It is something that I would be open to, yeah. We [Bamford and his family] just don’t know when yet.”

Alongside Longstaff: Leeds now strongly considering bid for £15m midfielder

The Whites are stepping up their pursuit of another “brilliant” central midfielder.

By
Dominic Lund

Jul 9, 2025

As such, it would make sense for the Whites to bring another striker through the door, and they have now made an approach to sign another former England international for free, according to Bailey.

Speaking to Leeds United News, the journalist confirmed that direct talks have been held with former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, saying: “Leeds have had conversations with Dom Calvert-Lewin.

“He’s considering his options and Leeds are certainly one of them, there has been talks. Callum Wilson as well, but Leeds have held talks for Calvert-Lewin but he’s not close to signing or anything like that.”

As the centre-forward is now without a club after leaving Everton, he will be available on a free transfer this summer, although his wage demands could be high, having raked in a whopping £100k-a-week at Goodison Park.

"Unplayable" Calvert-Lewin is Premier League proven

With Leeds looking to avoid the drop in their first season back in the top flight, it makes sense to bring in players who are proven in the Premier League, and the ex-Everton striker certainly fits the bill in that regard.

The 28-year-old has amassed a total of 57 goals and 18 assists in the Premier League, with his most prolific season coming in 2020/21, netting 16 times in 33 games. During his senior career, Calvert-Lewin has scored 89 goals for club and country.

Pundit Tony Cascarino has also singled out the Englishman for high praise, describing him as “unplayable”, while also adding: “His leap is phenomenal, the best in the Premier League and he leads the line well, holding up the ball and running channels.”

That said, Calvert-Lewin is well-known to have struggled with injuries throughout his career, so it would be a risk for Leeds to make a move, especially with Bamford already on the books, with the 31-year-old also well-known to be extremely injury-prone.

Central District

Central Hinds’ captain Natalie Dodd has opted out of the annual domestic contracting process for the forthcoming season as she is expecting her first child later this year. Dodd, a top-order batter and wicketkeeper, was the 2021 and 2023 Hinds Player of the Year and has been a vital cog in the side since moving to Central Districts from Northern Districts in 2018. Under her leadership, Hinds won the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, New Zealand women’s premier domestic one-day tournament, in 2018-19, with Dodd ending the competition as its highest run-getter.They are coming off a good 2023-24 season, where Hinds made it to the Super Smash final in the summer, and took a mid-table finish from a weather-affected one-day campaign.”As a team and as an association, first and foremost we’re obviously thrilled for Natalie and her husband at this special time in their lives,” Central Districts high-performance manager Dave Meiring said. “We completely support Natalie’s decision to focus on family this summer, and it now presents an opportunity for others to put everything they have learned from her into practice on the field.”She isn’t retiring but, for now, it will be a case of several players stepping up to perform her usual roles.”Seam bowler Anna Gaging will join her identical twin sister Kate Gaging after being awarded a Central Hinds contract for the first time. Like her sister, the 23-year-old Anna also debuted as a teen in the 2020-21 season, and now has five caps across the two formats that Hinds play. She took her maiden four-wicket haul against Northern Districts in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield earlier this year.Anna is the only new name on the initial list of 12 players contracted for the 2024-25 season, with one name to be added later this month to fill the 13th and final spot in the group.The captain hasn’t been announced so far, but of the squad named, New Zealand international Hannah Rowe has previously led the team.Last year’s trio of fresh young faces on the contracts’ list – pace bowler Aniela Apperley, batter Emma McLeod and spin-bowling allrounder Flora Devonshire – have all retained their spots.Contracted players: Aniela Apperley, Georgia Atkinson, Ocean Bartlett, Flora Devonshire, Anna Gaging, Kate Gaging, Claudia Green, Mikaela Greig, Ashtuti Kumar, Emma McLeod, Thamsyn Newton, Kerry Tomlinson

Canterbury

Allrounder Kate Anderson has rejoined the domestic list for Canterbury after missing out on an NZC central contract for 2024-25. Spin-bowling allrounder Harriet Graham earned her first domestic contract after being a part of the wider squad in recent seasons, even though she played only three matches last season in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield.”We’re committed to developing our young talent and ensuring they have the support and guidance needed to thrive at this level,” head coach Rhys Morgan said. “The experience our senior players bring will be invaluable in helping our younger players grow and contribute to the team’s success.”Contracted players: Kate Anderson, Sarah Asmussen, Missy Banks, Natalie Cox, Jodie Dean, Harriet Graham, Abigail Hotton, Laura Hughes, Frankie Mackay, Izzy Sharp, Jess Simmons, Gabby Sullivan

Auckland

Legspinner Rishika Jaswal and batter Cate Pedersen have joined the list after both debuted for Auckland last season, while batter Anika Todd has been awarded a contract for the first time after rising through Auckland’s pathway system. Pedersen first represented Central Hinds before turning out in both formats for Auckland last season.Allrounder Skye Bowden and Anna Browning are the notable names missing from the list. Bowden, after six years with Auckland Hearts, has joined Northern Districts, though she won’t be domestically contracted. She was Auckland’s leading wicket-taker in last year’s Super Smash, with ten wickets at an average of 12.2. Browning has moved to Otago ahead of the 2024-25 season.Contracted players: Olivia Anderson, Bella Armstrong, Elizabeth Buchanan, Prue Catton, Amie Hucker, Bree Illing, Kate Irwin, Rishika Jaswal, Cate Pedersen, Josie Penfold, Saachi Shahri, Anika ToddBernadine Bezuidenhout has returned to the contracts’ list after announcing her retirement from international cricket in May•Getty Images

Northern Districts

Allrounder Marina Lamplough has earned her first domestic contract. Lamplough, who has previously represented Otago domestically and Hong Kong internationally, made the move to Northern Districts at the start of the 2022-23 season and featured in all ten of the Super Smash matches last summer, taking six wickets at an average of 10.6.Pace-bowling allrounder Jesse Prasad is another new face. She made the move to Northern Districts last season after being with Auckland for four years. She featured ten times across formats for Northern Districts in the 2023-24 season.Wicketkeeper-batter Bernadine Bezuidenhout also returned to the list after announcing her retirement from international cricket in May.Contracted players: Bernadine Bezuidenhout, Caitlin Gurrey, Eve Wolland, Holly Topp, Jess Watkin, Jesse Prasad, Kayley Knight, Marama Downes, Marina Lamplough, Nensi Patel, Shriya Naidu, Tash Wakelin

Wellington

Wellington Under-19 captain Rachael Bryant has earned her first contract. The offspinner led the side to the national Under-19 tournament title during the 2022-23 season and made her Wellington Blaze debut a few months later against Central Hinds in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield.Contracted players: Antonia Hamilton, Caitlin King, Hannah Francis, Jess McFadyen, Kate Chandler, Leigh Kasperek, Tash Codyre, Nicole Baird, Phoenix Williams, Rachel Bryant, Rebecca Burns, Xara Jetly

Otago

Fast bowler Louisa Kotkamp and allrounder Harriet Cuttance have been offered their first domestic contracts.Kotkamp featured five times for New Zealand at the Under-19 World Cup in South Africa last year and made her domestic debut for Otago in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, against Northern Districts. in February. A product of the Otago pathway system, Cuttance made her domestic debut in the 2022 Hallyburton Johnstone Shield final against Wellington Blaze.Auckland pathway product Anna Browning has moved to Otago. The former New Zealand Under-19 opener had played 24 matches for Auckland over the past two seasons. She was also a key role in New Zealand’s campaign at the 2023 Under-19 World Cup where they reached the semi-finals.Contracted players: Emma Black, Caitlin Blakely, Anna Browning, Harriet Cuttance, Chloe Deerness, Olivia Gain, Bella James, Louisa Kotkamp, Felicity Robertson, Molly Loe, PJ Watkins, Saffron Wilson

Could it be the end? Is it over? For Trent Boult, at least, it is.”Speaking on behalf of myself, this will be my last T20 World Cup,” Boult told the media after taking a tone-setting 2 for 7 in what was essentially a dead rubber against Uganda.In T20 World Cup matches all told, his returns are excellent. He has 32 wickets in 17 outings, and an economy rate of 6.07, the second-best among the tournament’s top ten all-time wicket-takers.Boult, now 34, has anyway only been a sporadic presence in New Zealand international sides since he was released from his central contract almost two years ago. If this is his last T20 World Cup, it may follow that the world has seen the last of him in ODI World Cups as well – the next T20 World Cup is set for 2026, but the next ODI World Cup is scheduled only for the year after that.Although New Zealand have not made the Super Eight of this ongoing tournament, Boult still has one final T20 World Cup match remaining, against Papua New Guinea on Monday.Trent Boult has 32 wickets in T20 World Cups and an economy rate of 6.07•ICC/Getty Images

Confirmation that Boult will not play another T20 World Cup brings into sharp focus the future of what is now an ageing New Zealand team. In this squad, only three players will be under 30 years of age by the time the team returns home (Mark Chapman has a birthday over the next few days).It is natural to question whether this is the beginning of a transition period for New Zealand, particularly after they failed to progress out of their group. New Zealand had made the semi-finals of every ODI and T20 World Cup since 2015.Boult and Tim Southee had played significant roles in the majority of those campaigns. After this game – in which they bowled unchanged through the powerplay to leave Uganda 9 fo 3, and finished with combined figures of 5 for 11 in eight overs – Boult spoke as if he felt there would be limited opportunities for the two to play together in the future.”I look at the partnership with Tim with very fond memories,” he said. “We bowled a lot of overs together. I know the partnership very well, and obviously he’s a very good friend on and off the ground. It was nice to wind back the clock a little bit and see a bit of swing bowling at the top. Some great memories, and hopefully a couple more still to come.”Earlier in the tournament, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson had also been asked whether he saw this tournament as the end of a generation, to which he replied: “No, I think there’s still guys that will be here for some time.”But at the very least, New Zealand will soon have to find a replacement for one of their greatest-ever quicks.

Manchester City’s deal to sign an “incredible” star is now advancing following positive talks, and he can’t wait to seal a move to the Etihad Stadium, according to a report.

Man City planning to move swiftly in the transfer market

Man City’s season ended on May 25th, with a 2-0 victory at Fulham securing qualification for next season’s Champions League, but this year it is a very quick turnaround, as they return to action on June 18th, taking on Wydad Casablanca in the new-look Club World Cup.

As such, chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has confirmed that City are looking to get new signings through the door as soon as possible.

With the transfer window now open for an initial 10 days, in order to allow teams to register players for the Club World Cup, Pep Guardiola’s side are looking to get a deal done for an attacking midfielder, with Kevin De Bruyne seemingly heading to Napoli.

That is according to a report from GiveMeSport, which states productive discussions have now been held over a deal for Lyon’s Rayan Cherki, which means the move could be wrapped up in a matter of days.

Man City extensively scouting £100m+ star alongside Ait-Nouri transfer

The Citizens are making some statement moves as they look to reclaim the Premier League title.

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 2, 2025

Cherki can’t wait to seal a move to the Etihad Stadium, and the deal is now edging closer to completion, with Lyon looking to hold out for a fee of £35m.

City are hoping to complete the move prior to flying out to the United States for the Club World Cup, and they are also confident about striking an agreement for AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders.

"Incredible" Cherki could be ideal De Bruyne heir

Florian Wirtz was heavily linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium, but there were concerns about the total package amounting to around £253m all-in, so signing the Lyon star could be a savvy move, as it would free up funds to strengthen other areas of the squad.

Not only that, but there are plenty of signs the Frenchman could be an ideal heir for De Bruyne, most notably ranking in the 99th percentile for assists and shot-creating actions per 90 over the past year, when compared to other attacking midfielders.

At 21-years-old, the “incredible” starlet is at a good age to be a long-term success at the Etihad Stadium, and his attacking numbers for Lyon this season are arguably already approaching world-class level.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Ligue 1

30

8

11

Europa League

12

4

8

Coupe de France

2

0

1

Cherki could be a fantastic signing at just £35m, and it is promising news that a deal could be wrapped up before City jet out for the Club World Cup.

Somewhere in Germany, in a Red Bull Group office complex, Jurgen Klopp perhaps unleashed a few fist bumps when Liverpool thrashed Tottenham Hotspur to seal the Premier League trophy.

Klopp’s self-defined “heavy metal football” left with him at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, replaced by something smoother and cooler in the form of Arne Slot.

Both approaches have borne dividends for Liverpool, Klopp creating a dynasty before his successor took the reins and won the Premier League in his first year in the dugout.

Slot has dealt with adversity this term and emerged on top, but now must contend with the loss of Liverpool’s focal creative source, Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Why losing Alexander-Arnold is such a big blow

Alexander-Arnold has been at Liverpool for two decades, moving up and up through the youth floors before knocking on Klopp’s door in the early years of his tenure.

He’s now one of the driving forces behind a sustained period of success at Anfield. Liverpool are a team of many parts, but Trent has been one of the most important cogs in the system, with his peerless passing and eagle-eyed vision making so many opponents pay over the years.

Having won the full gamut, the 26-year-old will depart a fundamental part in putting the Reds back on their perch. He’s played 352 matches for Liverpool, scoring 23 goals and laying on 92 assists.

Real Madrid are the expected destination, and Liverpool now need to find a way to replace their chief playmaker’s output. As per FBref, the Three Lions star ranks among the top 1% of full-backs across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for progressive passes and the top 5% for shot-creating actions per 90.

1

Trent Alexander-Arnold

64

2

Andy Robertson

59

3

Leighton Baines

53

4

Graeme Le Saux

44

5

Kieran Trippier

38

Alexander-Arnold’s one-of-a-kind talent is not something that Liverpool can replicate at right-back. Bradley is an exciting player, but he’s not Trent.

However, Liverpool aren’t against sourcing a new means of elite creativity, having found an interesting solution in another area of the pitch.

Liverpool make proposal for Premier League legend

As per Italian reporter Gianluca Di Marzio, Liverpool have made a surprise contractual offer for Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, whose deal at the Etihad expires at the end of the season.

While Napoli are also pushing, Liverpool have a financial advantage over the Serie A’s first-placed side and could blow them out of the water, should they continue to insist upon a pre-contract arrangement.

De Bruyne, a boyhood Liverpool fan, turned 33 this year and has been frustrated by injuries in recent seasons, but still retains an artistry to his creative approach, which is among the finest Europe has seen.

Why Liverpool should sign Kevin De Bruyne

De Bruyne may not know where he’s going to end up but he has made it clear that he’s still got mileage in the engine and isn’t against winding up at another Premier League club.

It’s been quite the career in English football for the Belgian, who fell by the wayside as a Chelsea prospect before finding a new home in Belgium and then finding his feet and then some at Manchester City, joining from Wolfsburg in a £55m deal in 2015.

He’s one of the most accomplished and decorated Premier League players of his generation, even described as “one of the greatest midfielders ever” by his manager Pep Guardiola.

De Bruyne might be approaching the twilight years of his career, but he’s certainly still got it. FBref have recorded that he ranks among the top 7% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues and the top 3% for passes attempted, progressive passes and shot-creating actions per 90.

Now, why would Liverpool want to pursue an ageing attacking midfielder such as De Bruyne? After all, Slot already wields the energy of Dominik Szoboszlai, Harvey Elliott’s natural spark.

Well, the answer is obvious. Liverpool need signings, and they need quite a few. Left-back, centre-back. Ryan Gravenberch could do with some competition at number six, and Darwin Nunez certainly needs replacing at the front of the ship.

Sporting director Richard Hughes has got some juggling to do, all right, and bringing De Bruyne over to Liverpool could be a fantastic, stop-gap sort of way to plug a hole and retain the giddy support levels that Alexander-Arnold will be taking with him over to the Santiago Bernabeu.

De Bruyne still has the requisite quality in his locker. As per Sofascore, he’s created 14 big chances in the league this year, despite starting only 17 times. Moreover, he’s averaging over two key passes per game.

This all adds substance to the argument for his arrival. De Bruyne has scored six goals and provided eight assists in all competitions this season, with ten of those 14 contributions coming since the start of the calendar year.

Alexander-Arnold might be leaving, but Liverpool will endure. With surgery required across a range of areas for the Reds, this would be the perfect way to add some new creativity, some Alexander-Arnold levels of creativity to Slot’s team and help him relocate Liverpool’s playmaking hub to a more conventional area in the middle of the park.

For Anfield simply won’t succeed in finding another player like Trent on the right side of the backline.

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ByEthan Lamb May 8, 2025

While most fans dislike the international break, it was probably a welcome distraction for the Ipswich Town faithful.

Kieran McKenna’s side have played some great football at points this season but have lost their last five games in all competitions and sit in 18th place in the Premier League with just 17 points to their name.

Yet, while it’ll be a Herculean task, there is still a faint chance that the Tractor Boys could overturn the nine-point advantage Wolverhampton Wanderers have over them in 17th.

Ipswich’s recent results

Competition

Opponent

Result

Premier League

Palace

1-0 (Loss)

Premier League

Forest

4-2 (Loss)

FA Cup

Forest

1-1 (5-4 Loss on Pens)

Premier League

Man Utd

3-2 (Loss)

Premier League

Spurs

4-1 (Loss)

However, to do that, McKenna’s men need to start picking up wins, including tonight away at Bournemouth. To give his side the best chance of doing so, he should unleash Ipswich’s answer to Milos Kerkez.

Ipswich's record vs Bournemouth

Since their first encounter in September 1936, Ipswich have played Bournemouth 39 times in all competitions, winning 14, drawing 13, and losing 12.

However, while their overall record against the Cherries makes for sweet reading, the Tractor Boys have not fared so well in recent encounters.

In fact, four of their last five matches have ended in a draw, with their most recent being an away win for the south coast side earlier this season.

It was a particularly painful result for the hosts. A 21st-minute goal from Conor Chaplain gave them the lead, which they held onto until Enes Unal came off the bench to score an equaliser in the 87th minute and snatch away the chance for a first home win of the season.

Then, as if that wasn’t demoralising enough, another substitute, Dango Ouattara, ended up scoring the winner in the 95th minute.

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So, it would probably be fair to say that the Blues will be out for revenge tonight, and to make sure his side have the best chance of getting it, McKenna should unleash his answer to Kerkez.

Ipswich's answer to Kerkez

There are a few dangermen that Ipswich have to be aware of tonight, including the obvious, like Justin Kluivert, Antoine Semenyo, and Evanilson. On top of that, Kerkez is also someone who can’t be allowed to roam freely.

The Hungarian left-back has been one of the most exciting full-backs in the Premier League this season, racking up a tally of two goals and six assists in 29 games, which has been enough to catch the eye of top sides like Liverpool.

However, while the 21-year-old is undoubtedly someone the team will have to monitor at all times, McKenna has his own version of the ace he can unleash in Leif Davis.

The former Leeds United ace might not be getting the same level of attention from other clubs and fans, but over the last few years, he has proven himself to be a sensational attacking full-back.

For example, since moving to Portman Road, the incredible “animal,” as former manager Scott Parker dubbed him, has racked up a brilliant haul of six goals and 38 assists in 118 appearances, which works out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.68 games.

Davis’ Ipswich record

Season

22/23

23/24

24/25

Appearances

46

44

28

Goals

3

2

1

Assists

14

21

3

Goal Involvements per Match

0.36

0.52

0.14

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Moreover, despite playing in a newly promoted team, he’s scored one goal and provided three assists in 28 games this term, which is seriously good going.

Finally, in addition to his output, the £25k-per-week ace has some impressive underlying numbers as well, with FBref placing him in the top 4% of full-backs in the Premier League for key passes, the top 7% for shot-creating actions, the top 10% for crosses, and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, Ipswich are undoubtedly going into this game as big underdogs, but with talents like Davis in the side, there is every chance they can snatch all three points and kickstart their great escape.

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