Liverpool, it’s probably fair to say, are the team to beat in the Premier League this season. Nine points claimed from nine points available, last year’s champions haven’t played that well so far, and yet stand at the top of the pile as the September international break takes centre stage.

Arne Slot has worked wonders on Merseyside, nurturing the seeds of Jurgen Klopp’s later days in the Anfield dugout and winning the league title in his first year at the helm. Liverpool were not afforded a shot at the title by most pundits, but lift the trophy they did.

And he did it without any real first-team investment. Liverpool missed out on Martin Zubimendi, for example, but Slot fashioned Ryan Gravenberch into a world-class six.

This summer spun a different tale, however, with Liverpool’s ambitions knowing no bounds. Twice the Reds broke the British transfer record through deals for Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.

However, the signing of Hugo Ekitike was also completed, and though he cost a pretty penny, the young forward has what it takes to become a superstar at the club.

Hugo Ekitike's rise in value

Make no mistake, Ekitike has been considered a top talent from his early days as a pro. Having been developed through his formative years with French club Reims, the 23-year-old earned a big move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, signing for the Ligue 1 giants in a total €35m (about £30m) package.

Newcastle waged transfer war against Liverpool this summer, but the recent months weren’t the root of the Magpies’ interest in the young Frenchman, having agreed a deal to sign him way back when before PSG came along.

Ekitike’s efforts as a youngster with the Parisians proved fruitless, and he left for Eintracht Frankfurt after featuring just 33 times, scoring four goals. His £14m switch to the Bundesliga after an initial loan period underscored that blot on the copybook, albeit one which proved instrumental for his growth in hindsight.

Frankfurt promised him a platform to foster his immense abilities, and there he grew into the player he is today, and player who, excitingly for the Reds, remains the unfinished product.

Three goals and an assist from Ekitike’s first four outings with Liverpool bespeak his potential, and perhaps add a layer of tension for Isak, who knows his place at number nine is not secure.

Already, the France international appears to have been worth the money, FSG having fought to beat off competition from Newcastle and more this summer, signing Ekitike for an initial £69m fee, which may rise to £79m.

He’s the real deal, and evidence that Liverpool are willing to pay the big bucks for up-and-coming talents if they deem them standing beneath a high ceiling.

The same could be said for Anthony Gordon, who was targeted last summer in a bumper move. However, peer down a different timeline and you might find the Three Lions star a one-club man at Liverpool.

Liverpool must regret losing Anthony Gordon

Gordon made his name on Merseyside, but he did it in blue. The 23-year-old winger completed 78 appearances for Everton, scoring seven goals, after graduating from their Finch Farm academy, but he only found a home on that patch after previously cutting his teeth with Liverpool.

Indeed, a boyhood Red, Gordon was released from Liverpool’s youth system when he was 11 years old, very much a victim of the ruthless nature of youth football. Even so, Liverpool chiefs must kick themselves for having let that one slip through their fingers.

Sold by Everton to Newcastle for £45m after forcing his way out of Goodison Park, Gordon has since grown into one of the Premier League’s most prominent wide forwards, hailed as a “relentless machine” by journalist Sripad.

Named Newcastle’s Player of the Year for 2023/24, Gordon posted 21 goal contributions across the league campaign and demonstrated such fluidity and tenacity, a beacon throughout a tough, injury-riddled period for the Toon.

He’s described himself as “a nightmare for anyone” he comes up against, and while Gordon struggled to recapture his remarkable early form last year, he still contributed toward triumph in the Carabao Cup and steered United back into the Champions League.

Left winger

124

26

29

Right winger

53

8

8

Attacking midfield

21

13

2

Centre-forward

18

5

1

Liverpool’s data analysts rarely miss the mark, and so clearly Gordon has something about him, indeed coming close to signing the 24-year-old in 2024 as Newcastle looked to avoid PSR punishment. They found alternative ways to circumvent the financial restrictions, and Gordon stayed put.

Still, Liverpool were eager to pay, seemingly undeterred by his lofty price tag. In fact, recent reports from the past few months suggest that FSG have considered making their move this summer, with a £100m fee attached to the interest.

Such a figure places Gordon above Liverpool’s new superstar Ekitike, though some might comment that ‘Premier League tax’ has played a part in inflating Gordon’s price tag.

Ekitike has the tools to make real progress at Liverpool, developing over the next few years into a superstar. Positionally different, it’s something that the Reds envisaged for Gordon not too long ago.

Though the recent emergence of 17-year-old prodigy Rio Ngumoha has eased Liverpool’s need to find a left winger to compete with Gakpo, it’s likely that Gordon could have played a crucial role in the club’s success, had FSG succeeded in bringing him over from Tyneside last summer.

Alas, it wasn’t to be, and if the Reds wish to revisit their intrigue down the line, they will probably have to fork out an even heftier fee than was paid for Ekitike in July.

It could have all been so much easier if Gordon had been allowed to develop within Liverpool’s academy.

Forget Leoni: Liverpool already have a Guehi upgrade in Slot's "monster"

Liverpool missed out on Guehi, one of their top summer transfer targets, on deadline day.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 5, 2025

New boys – like Arya – Suryansh Shedge and Musheer Khan also come in for praise from the Punjab Kings head coach

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Mar-2025

Punjab Kings (PBKS) head coach Ricky Ponting is impressed with the young batters in his IPL 2025 squad, singling out opener Priyansh Arya, finisher (and medium-pace bowler) Suryansh Shedge, and 19-year-old batting allrounder Musheer Khan as the ones he is expecting good things from.”Priyansh Arya, I think, is a very special potential opening batsman for us going forward in the tournament,” Ponting said at an event in New Chandigarh. “Depending on which way we go with our overseas make-up, he’s very exciting.”Left-hand batter Arya had first attracted attention when he thumped six sixes in an over in the Delhi Premier League. At the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024-25, he scored 325 runs, with a century, at an average of 40.62 and a strike rate of 176.63. Arya is one of three opening batters in PBKS’ squad, the others being Prabhsimran Singh and Josh Inglis.Related

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Like Arya, Shedge also had a successful SMAT last season. He had the highest strike rate (251.92) for any batter to have faced at least 50 balls in the tournament, with his cameos helping Mumbai successfully hunt down 230 (against Andhra) and 222 (against Vidarbha). Musheer, meanwhile, will be back in action after September 2024, when he suffered injuries in a car accident.”Suryansh Shedge is also someone who has been very impressive in our training so far,” Ponting said. “When I talk about energy and fun, another player that I am impressed with is Musheer Khan. He’s brought a lot to the group already. He has got an infectious attitude, and around the training ground and around the team so far, he’s been someone that I’ve really enjoyed working with.”PBKS, who had finished ninth last season and have never won the IPL title, start their campaign this season against Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad on March 25. Apart from having a new head coach in Ponting, PBKS also have a new captain in Shreyas Iyer. They had last made the IPL playoffs back in 2014, which is also the only time they got to the final.

Newcastle United’s search for attacking reinforcements has defined their summer window, with Eddie Howe desperate to reshape his forward line before the transfer deadline.

The long-running uncertainty surrounding Alexander Isak has complicated matters, while Callum Wilson’s departure to West Ham has also forced the club into action.

The Magpies have already secured one marquee addition up front, with German striker Nick Woltemade set to arrive from Stuttgart in a club-record £69m deal.

The 23-year-old, who impressed at the U21 Euros, is viewed internally as the direct replacement for wantaway forward Isak.

The Swedish international has refused to reintegrate into Howe’s squad after Liverpool made an approach earlier in the summer.

Woltemade’s arrival marks a significant step forward for Newcastle’s recruitment drive, but the club are not finished yet.

Howe and his staff want a second new attacker before the window closes – and another target continues to make headlines as he pushes for a move to Tyneside.

Newcastle ready for next striker swoop

According to Ben Jacobs, Brentford forward Yoane Wissa has made his desire to move to St James’ Park clear and is actively “pushing to join Newcastle” after the Magpies had their most recent bid – £35m plus £5m in add-ons – rejected.

The lure of playing Champions League football is said to play a central role in the forward’s thinking.

Brentford are holding firm on their reported £50m valuation, but Newcastle are expected to return with an improved offer.

At 28 years old, Wissa does not fit the usual recruitment profile favoured by the club’s hierarchy, who typically target players aged 24 or under.

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However, his Premier League track record makes him an attractive option.

Last season he scored 19 goals and registered five assists in just 35 appearances.

Newcastle view Woltemade as the long-term successor to Isak, but Wissa is seen as the ideal replacement for Wilson, who has struggled with injuries over the past two campaigns.

The prospect of pairing the Bundesliga forward with the Brentford star excites Howe’s staff, who may feel the duo would represent a clear upgrade on Wilson and Isak.

Newcastle could be set to upgrade on Wilson & Isak

From a tactical standpoint, the potential combination of Woltemade and Wissa offers Newcastle something they lacked last season – consistency and availability.

Injuries to Isak and Wilson meant the pair missed 38 games between them in 2024/25, leaving Howe short of reliable attacking options.

By contrast, Woltemade and Wissa missed only seven matches combined, underlining their durability across demanding domestic campaigns.

The German striker brings physical presence at 1.98m, aerial dominance, and the ability to link play with intelligent hold-up work.

His Bundesliga return of 12 goals in 28 appearances last season demonstrates his effectiveness, but his underlying numbers point to even greater potential.

According to FBref, Woltemade averages 4.38 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes – more than double Wissa’s 2.13 – and completed 26.1 carries per 90, highlighting his tendency to drop deeper and progress the ball.

Wissa, by contrast, offers ruthless penalty-box instincts and movement in behind. He contributed 23 goal involvements in 25 league appearances last season, placing him among the most efficient forwards in the division.

While his shot-on-target percentage of 45.6% was slightly lower than Woltemade’s 50%, his ability to get into scoring positions consistently is a key asset.

His 1.27 shots on target per 90 closely matches the German’s 1.28.

In terms of progressive metrics, Woltemade edges it again, with 2.89 progressive passes per 90 compared to Wissa’s 2.07 and a passing distance of 58.8 metres against 49.9.

But Wissa makes up ground defensively, averaging more tackles (0.68 per 90) and matching the younger striker’s pressing intensity.

For Howe, the blend of attributes is what makes the partnership appealing.

Woltemade can act as the focal point – a target man capable of holding defenders and bringing teammates into play – while Wissa thrives as a secondary striker or inside forward, exploiting space with his acceleration and sharp finishing.

Together, they could provide Newcastle with a frontline as effective as any in the Premier League.

Stats – 2024/25

Matches Played

35

28

Goals

19

12

Assists

4

2

Progressive Carries

60

31

Progressive Passes

67

52

The only concern is Wissa’s age profile and potential absence due to the Africa Cup of Nations in early 2026.

At 28, he does not represent a long-term investment in the same way as Woltemade, and his participation in AFCON could leave Newcastle short during a critical period of the season.

That said, the contrast in availability compared to Wilson and Isak last season suggests he would still significantly boost squad reliability.

Newcastle have already strengthened across other positions – adding Jacob Ramsey, Anthony Elanga, Malick Thiaw and Aaron Ramsdale – but the club’s ability to truly challenge on all fronts depends on securing the necessary firepower.

Without a recognised striker, they struggled to convert chances in their opening fixtures against Aston Villa and Liverpool, with makeshift options failing to deliver in front of goal.

The pursuit of Wissa, therefore, is about more than depth. It represents Newcastle’s determination to build a balanced and reliable forward line for both domestic and European campaigns.

With Woltemade already in the building and the Brentford forward still pushing to make the switch, Howe could soon have the attacking options he needs to move on from the uncertainty of the Isak era.

Not Woltemade: Big-money Wilson upgrade has said yes to joining Newcastle

Newcastle could be closing in on the signing of a new striker at St James’ Park.

ByWill Miller Aug 28, 2025

Pochettino promised this roster would offer a clearer vision into his World Cup thoughts, with a 60-man roster winnowed to 26

During the September window, Mauricio Pochettino offered a glimpse into what this month's camp would look like. It would be less experimental, he said. It would also likely be more European-based. Having expanded the player pool by giving opportunities to as many contenders as possible, it was time to start tightening.

In truth, it was time to really start looking ahead.

On Thursday, Pochettino announced his latest squad, a 26-man list including most of the heavy-hitters. Only 11 are holdovers from last month's camp, showing just how much has changed. Several absences are due to injury. One is due to paternity leave. Much of the squad, though, is made up of players being welcomed back in for one reason or another.

From big names such as Weston McKennie to less familiar ones such as James Sands, this team is, by and large, made up of talented players with points to prove. More than anything, though, it's a team that makes sense.

Pochettino promised that this month would offer a clearer vision into his World Cup thoughts and, by and large, it does. What was once a 60-player pool has been winnowed down. This camp, then, will narrow it even further as those in the team, and those out of it, fight for those World Cup spots.

GOAL breaks down the winners and losers from the USMNT squad.

GettyWINNER: Antonee Robinson

He's finally back, and that's good news not just for Robinson, but for the USMNT as a whole.

This will be Robinson's first camp of 2025, believe it or not, as injuries have essentially derailed his calendar year with the USMNT. Throughout that span, the U.S. was repeatedly confronted with a fact that, in truth, everyone already knew: there is no replacement for the Fulham star. Other players have stepped in capably, and Max Arfsten has been turned into a decent backup, but Robinson is in a class of his own.

The only real negative is that, because of injury, Sergino Dest is out on the other side, so we won't get a proper look at what this three-back system could look like with the two primary wingbacks. Maybe next month. But in the meantime, the USMNT will be glad to welcome back Robinson, who remains an integral a piece to this team.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportLOSERS: The injured bunch

With time dwindling before a World Cup, every camp seems all the more important. So, for those not on the squad, this is quite obviously a missed opportunity, whether you're a player on the fringes or one in the starting XI.

It would have been very nice to see how Dest played in this system with Robinson on the other side. His PSV teammate, Ricardo Pepi, meanwhile, is also dealing with injury issues that are, for the moment, preventing him from pushing Folarin Balogun for that spot as the USMNT's starting striker.

In the midfield, Johnny Cardoso is dealing with an injury, and no player needs a good international performance more than the newly-signed Atletico Madrid man, who has had few opportunities with the World Cup coming. And then there's Gio Reyna. There's no guarantee he'd have been here even if he was fully fit, due to his lack of minutes but, again, the clock is ticking.

There aren't many chances remaining for players to prove that they belong next summer. For several players in the pool, this one will pass them by due to unfortunate timing.

Getty Images SportLOSER: Joe Scally

Speaking of fullbacks, there's one big absence in that spot: Joe Scally. His exclusion comes after a wild performance in the Bundesliga, one in which he provided two assists in a chaotic 6-4 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt. 

At least for the moment, it seems that Alex Freeman is in pole position for that backup spot on the right side. The reasons why are fairly clear. Freeman, at his core, is an attacking fullback, more of a like-for-like replacement for an injured Dest. Tim Weah, too, is an option in the right-wingback spot, having played there fairly regularly on the club level in recent years.

As a result, Scally is the odd man out at the moment. Despite his assists this weekend, he's more defensive by nature. He does provide versatility in that he can play on either side or as part of a back three. But with the squad expanded to 26 players, there's room to take more specialists than Swiss army knives. At the moment, it seems that fact is keeping Scally out of the team.

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Getty ImagesWINNER: Patrick Agyemang

He's seemingly settled in at Derby County, even if he's waiting for that first goal. Now, Patrick Agyemang is back with the USMNT, offering some indication of where he remains in the overall pool.

The now-former Charlotte FC striker has two assists already for his new Championship club and has offered glimpses into the skillset that convinced both Pochettino and Derby of his overall talent. After missing the September camp due to injury, Agyemang will be competing with Balogun and Haji Wright for minutes at the top of the USMNT attack.

Striker, of course, is a unique position, one that depends on form more than anywhere else on the field. You have to be in the mix, though, to make that form count, and Agyemang remains right there.

AB de Villiers feels Patidar’s biggest challenge will be “insecurity, stepping into the big boots of captains like Faf and Kohli”

Shashank Kishore18-Mar-20252:39

Captaincy a test for both Patidar and RCB

Virat Kohli has thrown his weight behind new Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar, whom he thinks will “lead you guys for a long time.” Patidar, one of RCB’s three retentions ahead of last November’s mega-auction, was unveiled as Faf du Plessis’ successor last month.”He [Patidar] is an amazing talent,” Kohli said at RCB Unbox, an event to unveil the team’s 2025 roster in Bengaluru on Monday. “He is a great player, we all know that, but he has got a great head on his shoulders, and he will do a great job for this amazing franchise and take the team forward. He has got everything that’s required.”Patidar, who was initially spoken to for the role after IPL 2024, is a new captain. As a precursor to his RCB job, Patidar was handed the captaincy at Madhya Pradesh, and he led the team to the final of the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy late last year. Patidar’s own contribution during the campaign was stellar – 428 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 186.08. His 27 sixes were the second-most in the tournament.Related

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Patidar, who walked onto the dais amid deafening noise spoke of drawing inspiration from the superstars of the past. “Legends like Virat , AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle have played for RCB. I grew up watching them. From the start, I have loved the franchise a lot. I am happy that I got a new role to lead one of the biggest teams in T20 cricket.”De Villiers, whom Patidar had the opportunity to play with during his maiden season in 2021 as an uncapped player, believes captaincy could be a double-edged sword for the 31-year-old. He also hopes Patidar will be able to develop his own style, and not try and emulate past captains like Kohli or du Plessis.”Patidar’s biggest challenge will be insecurity, stepping into the big boots of captains like Faf and Virat,” de Villiers said during a media session organised by . “Having Virat around and constantly almost doubting yourself – ‘Am I doing the right thing? What would Virat do?’ So that I think will be his biggest obstacle. Use the experience of Virat, use the experience of [head coach] Andy Flower, but always stay true to who you are.”

Quick recap of the biggest, baddest pre-season catch up with the best fans in the world.

This is Johnnie Walker presents #RCBUnbox in under 150 seconds. #PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB pic.twitter.com/9BexAyIYwp

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) March 18, 2025