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Manchester City are looking to make their mark once the January transfer window rolls around, and Pep Guardiola now has his eyes set on a statement signing.

Manchester City icon Bernardo Silva wanted by Benfica

Few players in Manchester City’s history could lay claim to the trophy haul or talent that Bernardo Silva has at his disposal. However, the Portugal international is at the centre of an intriguing storm involving his former club Benfica.

With the Primeira Liga giants set for their presidential elections next month, high-profile candidate Noronha Lopes has confirmed that there is a ‘contract waiting’ for the 31-year-old to sign should he win be installed at Estadio Da Luz.

“Yes, I confirm that there is a contract waiting for Bernardo Silva. And I really want to bring him already in January. He personifies everything I want for Benfica: identity, a winning culture, and he is a great Benfiquista. And I can guarantee you that we will not stop here.”

Enjoying a magnificent nine-year spell at the Premier League heavyweights, Silva has notched an impressive 72 goals and 73 assists in 410 appearances, though he may well be set for a new challenge if reports are to be believed.

Regardless, Manchester City have Real Madrid star Rodrygo on their list of potential January reinforcements, emphasising that Guardiola is determined to alter his forward line.

Now, the Citizens could be set to step up their search for a replacement should Silva call time on his heroics at the Etihad, per recent developments.

Manchester City want to sign Fermin Lopez in January

According to reports in Spain, Manchester City boss Guardiola has a personal wish to sign Barcelona star Fermin Lopez if Silva does take up the option to return to Lisbon during the January window.

Citing his ability to feature either in central midfield or as a left winger, Guardiola is a big fan of the Spain international, who has produced a return of 11 goals and 19 assists in 90 appearances for the reigning La Liga champions.

Five similar players to Fermin Lopez (FBRef)

Serge Gnabry

Bayern Munich

Dani Olmo

Barcelona

Christian Pulisic

AC Milan

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Paris Saint-Germain

Michael Olise

Bayern Munich

Labelled “fantastic” by national boss Luis de la Fuente, Lopez is said to be valued at around the £69 million mark and was previously targeted by Liverpool during the summer transfer window.

Nevertheless, the fact that his contract runs until 2029 at Barcelona could be a source of frustration for Manchester City, who are likely to make a decision on their financial outlook regarding a deal nearer the time. He even shares the same CAA Stellar agency as five Etihad stars, including summer signings James Trafford and Rayan Ait-Nouri.

Even with the window closed, the Citizens are already plotting some serious moves, and it will be intriguing to see whether they can pull off such an exciting capture.

Watford have raised eyebrows after releasing a post-match dressing-room video of manager Paulo Pezzolano delivering an emotional yet awkward speech to his players. Despite their 2-1 win over Hull City, the manager's intense tone and cryptic comments to a dejected-looking dressing room left many fans baffled and questioning the message behind the footage.

• Watford release video of Pezzolano's bizarre team talk

  Watford shared behind-the-scenes footage of Pezzolano addressing his squad after their second league win of the season. In the video, the Uruguayan manager praised his players’ first-half display but also stressed the importance of character, daily hard work, and unity. However, his remarks – including claims that "you have a lot of problems" and "I am not here to make friends" – struck an odd note with supporters.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Fans voice their displeasure with Pezzolano's words

  Watford fan @FroomyWFC said: "What a strange video to release. Just an angry, clueless man, you can almost feel the players wondering what is going on! It all feels wrong. Very strange situation."

  @DanHarvey74 added: "If this is an attempt to get fans behind this man you are as delusional as he is. That is not a happy dressing room even after a win, have seen more upbeat funerals. Just find this guy deeply uninspiring and this video only reaffirms that."

  @alexde_la_salle wrote: "The 'I’m not here to make friends' is such a dangerous line. It’s so unnecessarily aggressive"

  @ThomasJDesign concluded: "The previous manager was quite literally their friend. Now they have someone saying 'I'm not here to make friends..with anyone.' Now imagine when you were 18-21 y/o, must be hard to know where you stand and what the right way to act is. This is the dressing room after a win too"

• Pezzolano video creates division rather than unity in fans

  Pezzolano, who arrived at Vicarage Road in May, has endured an underpar start to life in the Championship. Though the video was intended to inspire and bring the fans behind the Uruguayan manager, it has clearly not had the intended effect.

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  Watford face a big test against Portsmouth next

  The Hornets currently sit 16th in the Championship with eight points from seven games. While the win over Hull offered brief relief, the reaction to the dressing-room video suggests supporters remain unconvinced by Pezzolano’s leadership.

Durbar Rajshahi’s overseas players are effectively stranded in their team hotel in Dhaka after the franchise continued to miss payment deadlines. The team owner and management haven’t responded to the players’ calls for updates as they await tickets for flights back home. When this report was filed, the players were still in Dhaka.Rajshahi were eliminated from the Bangladesh Premier Leauge (BPL) on Saturday when Khulna Tigers beat Dhaka Capitals on the last day of the league stage.Mohammad Haris (Pakistan), Aftab Alam (Afghanistan), Mark Deyal (West Indies), Ryan Burl (Zimbabwe) and Miguel Cummins (West Indies) are all waiting for some portion of their payments due. A couple of them have been paid 25%, while some haven’t been paid at all. Furthermore, the players haven’t received daily allowance for the last 11 days.Related

• BPL crisis: Rajshahi dues to be cleared by February 10, sports ministry says

• BPL gets a boost from arrival of eliminated ILT20 players

• Shaun Tait keeps it simple to find success with Chittagong Kings

• Rajshahi promise to pay local players after training boycott

• Rajshahi's overseas players sit out Sunday's game over non-payment of dues

Rajshahi have been dogged by financial problems from the start of this BPL. Anamul Haque said that the local players hadn’t received any payments prior to the start of the tournament as they are usually played 25% before the tournament starts. They boycotted a training session in Chattogram last month, while the overseas players boycotted a match. Burl and Haris eventually made themselves available to play and helped them stay in contention for a playoff finish, but they fell short on net run rate.Rajshahi owner Shafique Rahman got into trouble with the team hotel in Chattogram after failing to pay them on time. Photos of security personnel sitting outside his room went viral, while Rahman’s car was seized by the hotel authorities. Later, when the Rajshahi team returned to Dhaka, they were forced to check out of one hotel due to payment issues.Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, member-secretary of BPL’s governing council, said that the BCB didn’t vet the Rajshahi franchise properly when they were taken on board last year. “I think we didn’t judge the franchises properly. I think we didn’t verify their experience and financial strength. It has now put us in a difficult situation.”On Saturday, Bangladesh’s sports adviser Asif Mahmud said that he spoke to Rahman, warning him of the consequences.”I spoke to the Rajshahi owner, who assured us that he will clear the payments,” Mahmud said. “I have told him clearly that if he fails to do so, we will take legal steps. No more discussions. Our fact-finding committee will be looking into how this team came to be.”

Manchester City have been dealt a huge blow just days before the Manchester derby after Omar Marmoush was spotted in a leg brace and on crutches following a knee injury sustained on international duty. The 25-year-old forward, a January signing who has quickly become a favourite under Pep Guardiola, suffered the problem in Egypt’s World Cup qualifier against Burkina Faso on Tuesday.

Marmoush blow ahead of the Manchester derbyGuardiola juggling a massive injury crisisCity’s squad stretched before United clashFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Marmoush hobbled off and was later seen wearing his national team hoodie with his right leg strapped, sparking fears he could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The Egyptian FA released a statement confirming that he has sustained a knee ligament bruising at a minimum during the eighth round of qualifiers.

AdvertisementAFPWHAT EGYPT FA & MAN CITY SAID

The Egyptian FA statement said: "Dr Mohamed Abou El-Ela, the doctor of Egypt’s national football team, confirmed that Omar Marmoush sustained a knee ligament bruise during today’s match against Burkina Faso in the eighth round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The player will undergo scans upon his arrival in Cairo on Wednesday morning."

Later on Wednesday, City issued their own update: "Manchester City FC can confirm that Omar Marmoush has sustained a knee injury whilst on international duty with Egypt. The City striker suffered the injury in the early stages of Egypt’s World Cup qualifying match with Burkina Faso on Tuesday evening. Initial results on a scan performed in Egypt indicate he will not be available for the Manchester derby on Sunday, and he will now return to Manchester for more assessment and to begin his rehabilitation. Everyone at City wishes Omar a speedy recovery."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The timing could hardly be worse for Guardiola. His squad is already stretched thin, and the injury list reads more like a starting XI than a fitness report. Rayan Cherki is sidelined for at least two months with a thigh tear, while Kalvin Phillips remains a long-term absentee after Achilles surgery. Defenders Josko Gvardiol, Abdukodir Khusanov and John Stones are all battling to be fit, with Stones pulling out of the England camp due to a muscle issue. Phil Foden and Savinho both missed City’s defeat to Brighton before the break and are racing against time to return. Guardiola could be without nine senior players for Sunday's Manchester derby, a nightmare scenario as United look to exploit City’s weakened ranks.

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City, hampered by injuries, are desperate to avoid dropping further points in the title race after suffering two successive losses against Wolves and Tottenham. Whereas United, buoyed by the win against Burnley, will sense weakness and look to take advantage.

Arsenal have already seen a few big names depart the club this summer, but more squad members face Mikel Arteta’s swinging axe before deadline day on September 1.

Arsenal could also terminate 23-year-old's contract after Takehiro Tomiyasu

He’s ready to accept an offer to leave.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 16, 2025

The Gunners could have a completely different look to them by the time they face Man United in their first Premier League game of the season next month, with Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera joining the club this summer.

Madueke put pen to paper on his contract to become a new Arsenal player on Wednesday (Fabrizio Romano), while Mosquera is set to sign his own long-term deal with Arteta’s side this week too.

The five new arrivals replace Jorginho, Thomas Partey, Kieran Tierney, Marquinhos, Nuno Tavares and Takehiro Tomiyasu, who’ve all departed N5 for pastures new, with more surplus players in line to follow them.

According to The Athletic, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Fabio Vieira and Oleksandr Zinchenko could all leave Arsenal, with uncertainty also surrounding both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.

It is a similar case for winger Reiss Nelson, who spent half of last season on loan at Fulham before it was cut short by a hamstring injury.

The 25-year-old has been hailed by Arteta in previous campaigns, but given the abundance of quality wingers in their squad, not to mention Arsenal’s ongoing pursuit of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, there is simply no space for Nelson.

“We think the potential is there and we think we’ve seen something in Reiss that is special,” said Arteta about Nelson in 2023.

“He’s been a part of our academy system and now he’s going to have an opportunity. He’s been out for almost three months with an injury, he’s back now, he’s fully fit, and he’s ready to play. He just needs minutes now.

“His attitude and the way he’s matured and evolved over the past year or so has been really impressive, I think everybody is talking about it, and now he needs to do it on the pitch.”

Fulham in talks to re-sign Reiss Nelson from Arsenal

Now, according to BBC journalist Sami Mokbel, it appears Fulham are ready to make Nelson their first deal of the summer.

Fulham have entered talks with Arsenal over re-signing Nelson, again on loan, and all parties are working towards finding a solution which would allow the Englishman to return to Craven Cottage for another spell.

Nelson has been on a succession of loan moves away from Arsenal since making his senior debut all the way back in 2017.

Over the last eight years, he’s donned the jerseys of Hoffenheim, Feyenoord and Fulham whilst failing to work his way into becoming a regular starter for his boyhood club – despite Arteta’s praise and some key moments in flashes.

Now is surely the time to try and seal a permanent exit for him, with Nelson’s contract also expiring in just two years.

Liverpool have been quite the busy shoppers this summer. But then we knew this would be the case, with Arne Slot having established himself as Jurgen Klopp’s successor with minimal investment last season, only signing Juventus’ Federico Chiesa for a £12.5m fee.

Chiesa’s first Premier League start came against Brighton & Hove Albion in May. It was the penultimate game of the season, and he lasted only an hour.

Now, the Italian forward, wracked by injuries and consequent struggles for form and fluency last year, is set to leave. It’s a sad thing, since he’s talented and popular both in the dressing room and with the fanbase, but the 27-year-old must act wisely, following his career ambitions.

Mohamed Salah, then, will continue to dominate on the right flank, but Jeremie Frimpong adds depth and Ben Doak may too, although the young Scot has been linked with a move away after his loan spell with Middlesbrough last term.

Chiesa can also play centrally, but with Liverpool now on the brink of finalising the signing of Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, there’s cause for optimism, all right.

Liverpool seal deal for Hugo Ekitike

All that remains is the official announcement. Liverpool have got their man. Ekitike is regarded as one of the most talented young strikers in the world and could lead the Anfield line for many years to come.

While Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak was (still is?) the club’s top target at number nine, the Magpies are seeking something significant, in the £130m ballpark, to part ways with their talisman.

Ekitike is undeveloped, but there’s so much to like. With silky and speedy running, combining with an instinctive sharpness, he has been likened by data-driven site FBref as one of Isak’s most comparable players.

It’s a fantastic deal, and no mistake. However, Liverpool aren’t done yet, and they are preparing to make their move for what could prove to be an even better signing.

Liverpool prepare bid for Premier League star

As per Football Insider, Liverpool are preparing to make their move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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Prevailing interest from Real Madrid in Ibrahima Konate, who has entered the final year of his contract, is thought to have raised the urgency for sporting director Richard Hughes.

The report states that the Premier League champions are looking increasingly likely to make a £45m offer for the England international this summer.

Guehi, 25, is also just one year away from free agency, and with no plans to extend his stay at Selhurst Park, Liverpool will be confident that they can get a deal done this summer.

How Marc Guehi could improve Liverpool

Liverpool know that losing Konate would be a blow. It would be a bitter pill to swallow, for the Frenchman is one of the best defenders in the world.

But so is Guehi; many just don’t know it yet. Although saying that, he’s not unaccomplished. Hailed as “England’s best centre-back” by one analyst, the Three Lions star did captain Palace to last year’s FA Cup title, beating Manchester City in the final.

While signing a striker such as Ekitike marks important business for the Reds, it might actually be that Guehi would mark better business, for, regardless of the outcome of Konate’s situation, Liverpool have spent frugally on their central defence in recent years.

With Jarell Quansah having been sold to Bayer Leverkusen for £35m, you might even say that landing a player like Guehi is a necessity, especially when considering the cut-price fee that he is available for.

Considering that Tottenham Hotspur tried to prise him away from south London only in January, offering a £70m fee, this could go down as a blinder.

Did Newcastle United not fail with four offers one year ago, the last of which totalled £65m? Circumstances dictate financial parameters in football, but this would undoubtedly prove a fantastic deal for Liverpool, snapping up a defender approaching the prime of their career for a shrewd figure.

Described as a “monster in defence” by reporter Bobby Manzi, Guehi is the real deal, having come into his own last year. Certainly, his complete and commanding Premier League performances suggest he has what it takes to thrive at Liverpool as they chase down another title.

Marc Guehi in the Premier League (24/25)

Stats (* per game)

#

Matches (starts)

34 (34)

Goals

3

Assists

2

Clean sheets

11

Touches*

64.9

Pass completion

84%

Key passes*

0.5

Dribbles*

0.4

Ball recoveries*

4.3

Tackles + interceptions*

2.6

Clearances*

4.6

Duels (won)*

4.9 (59%)

Errors made

2

Data via Sofascore

And not just any defender. While Ekitike is a talented and up-and-coming sensation, Guehi is already there, and he’s proven in the Premier League besides, which is a big thing. Long is the list of prospects alighting in England’s top flight with a weight of expectation only to fall flat.

We’re not advocating for Ekitike’s demise; far from it. Talent scout Jacek Kulig claims that the Frenchman “could definitely reach world-class striker levels”, and that’s certainly the vision of FSG and Slot.

However, this hopefully sheds some light on the masterful deal that Hughes and co could pull off by signing Guehi, who, having featured prominently for England and in the Premier League, could play a starring role in Slot’s machinations, looking to dominate for years to come.

And he knows how to pass, too. As per FBref, Guehi ranked among the top 17% of centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues last season for assists and the top 13% for shot-creating actions per 90.

Oliver Glasner’s high-intensity, transitional style of football has instilled in Guehi an angle toward the ball-playing side of the central defensive game. Slot, then, would find in the titan a style which matches his own brand at Liverpool.

With other clubs also keen, Liverpool need to get this one over the line pronto.

Related Their own Zubimendi: Liverpool favourites to sign "generational" £100m CM

Liverpool are reportedly favourites to sign one of the Premier League’s best young midfielders.

Posts 1 ByMatt Dawson Jul 21, 2025

Stokes dismissed off final ball of day to dent Durham’s hopes of defendable lead

ECB Reporters Network01-Jul-2024

Nathan Smith kept Worcestershire’s hopes alive•Getty Images

Fantastic four-wicket returns from Tom Taylor and Nathan Smith gave Worcestershire a fighting chance in a rain-affected second day of their Vitality County Championship clash with Durham.The pair had the ball on a string at the Seat Unique Riverside and picked up key wickets, but 40 from Colin Ackermann helped Durham build their lead to 226 after finishing day two on 148 for nine.With plenty of rain around, there was no play at Chester-le-Street until just after one o’clock and the visitors took two wickets in a seven-over spell before being forced off by the weather once again.Wickets continued to fall in the evening session, but Ackermann adapted to the conditions and helped his side build a challenging lead.Smith, who is yet to be capped at international level for New Zealand, has been a fantastic addition to the Pears’ team, with the overseas star adding to the two second innings wickets he took late on in a chaotic day one, finishing with figures of four for 52.Meanwhile, Taylor picked up four for 46 including the vital wicket of England captain Ben Stokes with the last ball of the day.Durham resumed on 33 for three after the start was delayed by more than two hours due to rain.Nightwatchmen Matthew Potts and Peter Siddle resumed on nought and two respectively after the late spurt of wickets on day one.Potts, who has received a recall to the England Test squad for the West Indies series, looked to be positive and kept the scoreboard ticking over.The first wicket of the day fell in the fourth over of the day when Taylor bowled Siddle for three with a brilliant piece of bowling. Potts whipped a probing ball from Smith off his pads for four, a shot that any top order batter would be proud of, but he was soon back in the pavilion for 18 as Smith took two of his stumps out the ground.The rain then returned and there was a lengthy delay before Ackermann and Bedingham, who was accompanied by runner Scott Borthwick due to a hamstring niggle, returned to the crease.The pitch continued to offer plenty of assistance to the bowlers after the second rain delay, with the exceptional Smith getting the ball talking. Despite his injury, Bedingham crunched a lovely cover drive to the boundary, which got him off the mark.After a positive start to his innings, South African international Bedingham pulled a short ball from Smith straight to the hands of Amar Virdi on the legside boundary for 17.Ackermann continued to bat sensibly along with Ollie Robinson as they added to Durham’s lead.Robinson was then dismissed for nine in a similar fashion to Bedingham after he pulled a Ben Allison ball to Matthew Waite at fine leg.That brought England captain Stokes to the crease, with the all-rounder putting in a dogged performance with the bat, but he also showed his boundary-hitting capabilities as he pulled an Allison ball for six.Taylor got his third wicket of the innings, with Ackermann edging behind for a resilient 40 late on.Stokes departed with the last ball of the day for 26 as Taylor bowled him with one that kept low, however the hosts have a lead of 226 heading into day three on a challenging pitch.

Chris Wright, the veteran Leicestershire seamer, has confirmed that he has been serving a nine-month suspension for an anti-doping violation after testing positive for a trace amount of a banned substance.Wright has not featured for Leicestershire all season, despite signing a new contract with the club last year after pulling out of a move to Sussex. It had been reported that his absence was due to a failed drugs test and the 38-year-old has now released a statement through the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) admitting that he “returned the adverse result” in October.While it was accepted by the Cricket Regulator and the National Anti-Doping Agency that he had not intentionally taken the substance, Ostarine, which is not performance-enhancing and came from a contaminated food supplement, Wright was unable to avoid a ban. The PCA said it would be lobbying the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to review its stance on trace amounts of banned substances ingested via contamination.Wright has now returned to training and will be available to play for his county from July 19, due to the backdated nature of his suspension.Related

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“I was shocked to find out that I had tested positive for trace amounts of a banned substance on a single occasion back in October 2023,” Wright said. “I had been using a fruit supplement at the time, purchased from a well-known manufacturer, which had no sports performance-enhancing capability. I disclosed this fully on my doping control form before I provided a sample, as required, that returned the adverse result.”I was extremely fortunate that with the help of scientific experts, I was able to identify that the supplement was contaminated with Ostarine, a synthetic substance that ought not be in any food product in the UK, and the Cricket Regulator accepted this. There has been no explanation from the supplement manufacturer as to how that came to be and, as the independent panel’s decision in my case shows, I did not intend to take such substance, nor could I have even known the supplement was contaminated with it.”The panel found that I bore no significant fault and I am pleased this matter has been resolved so that I can resume playing soon, after what has been an extremely difficult and trying time for me and my family. I am back in training and looking forward to my full return.”I would like to thank the PCA for their support during the period of my suspension as this matter was resolved. Their help, support and guidance has been invaluable. I would also like to thank Leicestershire CCC, in particular Claude Henderson and Alfonso Thomas, for their support during this difficult period. They have been extremely patient and supportive during the whole process and have been keen to get me back playing as soon as possible. Lastly, I want to thank my family. Their love and positivity has helped me immensely during what has also been a really challenging time for them. I will always be grateful.”Ian Thomas, PCA managing director of member services, said the players’ union was concerned at the lack of a threshold for cases “when it is clear there is no intent or scientific evidence to show athletes have genuinely taken banned substances” and would work with the World Players’ Association to argue for a change in WADA’s rules.”We are pleased Chris is now back in training and able to continue his career from July 19,” Thomas said. “Sadly, Chris has been victim of a contamination case. It acts as a reminder to all our members of the danger of supplement usage. This could have prematurely ended Chris’ professional playing career.”The stress on Chris and his family’s lives has been extreme since he was suspended in October 2023 and the PCA has worked closely with him and his legal team, in particular Craig Harris, to achieve the best possible outcome and ultimately, save his career.”The PCA is extremely concerned at the lack of thresholds of banned substances, such as Ostarine in this case, providing a positive test, when it is clear there is no intent or scientific evidence to show athletes have genuinely taken banned substances. We are extremely concerned that these substances remain a risk when contaminating supplement or food produce.”The PCA is working with the World Players’ Association in lobbying WADA for a full review on this.”WADA play a vital role in ensuring a clean sport with zero tolerance to performance-enhancing drug usage. However, it is not fair or reasonable to place innocent athletes on suspensions and lengthy bans, when a trace amount of a substance confirms athletes are victims of contamination.”

West Indies 130 for 1 (82*) beat United States of America 128 (Gous 29, Chase 3-19, Russell 3-31) by nine wicketsFor much of T20 World Cup 2024, USA haven’t looked out of place against any side, but West Indies were a class apart against them. A brilliant bowling performance from the spinners spearheaded by Roston Chase was followed up by a chase that was sledgehammer-like in its brutality. Shai Hope crunched an unbeaten 82 off 39 balls, smashing eight sixes along the way as Nicholas Pooran helped him finish the game off with 55 balls and nine wickets to spare.By the end, the contest looked like the first real mismatch USA have been on the wrong side of as they ran out of ideas bowling to Hope, who until now had only played one match all tournament. He would reach his half-century in just 26 balls – the fastest in T20 World Cup history for West Indies – before only speeding up after Jonathan Charles holed out. Pooran and Hope unleashed fire and fury towards the end as the game hurtled to an early finish, plundering the last 53 runs in just 14 deliveries.The game was set up, though, by a disciplined bowling performance led by the wily old hand of Chase. Not by any means West Indies’ most glamorous spinner, Chase didn’t even get to bat against England in the previous game. He showed his all-round value with a statement performance, though, ripping through the USA’s middle order and breaking the back of the innings.Akeal Hosein had played his customary role upfront, squeezing USA in the powerplay, while Andre Russell’s three wickets helped the hosts continue to shackle USA whenever they tried to get a partnership going. The extra bounce Alzarri Joseph generated to dismiss Andries Gous just as he was beginning to whir into full gear ended up being the sliding doors moment for USA, who, in truth, were never close to competitive from that moment on. West Indies, meanwhile, are back with a bang.

Gous’ brief resistance

It seems a long time ago, but for a short while in the second half of the powerplay in the first innings, it looked as if Gous – now the second-highest scorer of this tournament – had turned the tide on West Indies. Halfway through, it was West Indies’ powerplay, having conceded just 13 in the first three overs. But Gous, who nearly took USA home against South Africa with an unbeaten 80 off 47, stormed to a flier once more, punishing the length deliveries of Joseph to help plunder 35 off the final three of the powerplay.It helped USA put on 48 in the first six – their second-highest powerplay score at this World Cup. But with large parts of the middle order misfiring since their early couple of wins, USA needed Gous to press on as he did in the previous game. So when he holed out off Joseph after a bright 16-ball 29, trouble brewed for the co-hosts.

Chase leads the West Indies rally

Roston Chase picked consecutive wickets in the 14th over•ICC/Getty Images

West Indies did not allow USA to post a big score and take the game deep; they were chasing net run rate as well as points in Barbados. Once Joseph had cleared Gous from the path, Chase and Gudakesh Motie had free rein to run rings round the rest. A bit of extra turn did for Nitish Kumar, but it was the Chase show from there.Aaron Jones had just walloped a 101m six, but it didn’t stop Chase bravely flighting the first ball of the spell up to him on the stumps. Jones missed and Chase cleaned him up, but it was the double-strike in his third over that truly crippled USA. Corey Anderson’s desperate run with the bat continued when he was trapped on the back pad plumb in front, before slowing the next one right up, duping Harmeet Singh into lobbing it up straight to point. Chase was wisely bowled out in one four-over spell, with figures of 3 for 19 not flattering him in the slightest.

It’s Hope that kills USA off

There were calls for Hope to be included in West Indies’ starting line-up right from the start. Instead, it’s Brandon King’s injury that paved the way for him to come in, and leaving him out suddenly feels even more perplexing. He lit up his home ground with a sizzling display, ensuring West Indies got ahead of the rate early, and from thereon the contest turned into a run-rate salvage operation.No bowler was spared the brutality of his raw power, and when a heave over mid-off cleared the rope, he brought up a scintillating half-century. But Hope wasn’t fading away; if anything he kicked it up a notch, smashing the hapless Milind Kumar for three consecutive sixes in the ninth over, priming West Indies to the sort of run-rate boosting win they so badly needed.

Liverpool’s title success may have been unexpected at the start of the campaign, but it highlights the excellent work done by Arne Slot in his first year at the helm.

The Dutchman has created a seamless transition after taking the reins from the departing Jürgen Klopp, claiming the club’s second-ever Premier League title.

Whilst they’ve failed to win any of their last three outings after claiming the trophy, the hard work in the early stages has allowed them to enjoy the last few weeks of the season.

However, with just one game left in 2024/25, attention will now undoubtedly switch towards the transfer market, with key additions needed in multiple areas to aid the manager in replicating the success.

The manager has already wasted no time in strengthening his squad, with Jeremie Frimpong edging ever closer to a switch to Anfield, potentially being joined by various other stars in the coming months.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new signings

Alexander Isak has been a name constantly touted with a switch to Liverpool this summer, understandably so given his record of 23 goals in 33 league outings this campaign.

However, such a player comes at a premium, with Eddie Howe’s side demanding a fee in the region of £150m to part ways with their star attacker during the off-season.

Such a figure could lead the hierarchy to different targets ahead of the summer, with work already being done to land RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, according to DAVEOCKOP.

The report states that the Reds have been in talks with the Bundesliga outfit over a move for the Slovenian international, who currently has a £84m release clause in his contract.

It also claims that the 21-year-old would be open to a move to Merseyside, but no formal approach has yet been made despite the keen interest in his signature.

Why Liverpool’s £84m target could be Slot’s own Firmino

Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino was an unknown quantity to many Liverpool supporters before his switch from Hoffenheim back in 2015, but it didn’t take long for him to adhere himself to the fanbase.

The Reds forked out £28m for his services, a fee that proved to be a bargain given his stint at Anfield, registering over 100 goals in his 362 appearances.

He often operated in a false nine position, with his best campaign coming in 2017/18, when he registered 27 goals and 16 assists in his 54 appearances across all competitions.

However, he departed in the summer of 2023 on a free transfer, joining Saudi side Al Ahli, with the Reds desperately missing a centre-forward of his calibre since his move away from Merseyside.

That could all be about to change this window, with Slot able to replicate such a move if they land the services of Sesko – following suit of Firmino in joining the club from a Bundesliga outfit.

If he manages to get anywhere near close to the levels produced by the Brazilian for the Reds, he would be one hell of an addition, already showcasing his talents despite his tender age with Leipzig this campaign.

The 21-year-old, who’s been labelled a “monster” by talent scout Antonio Mango, has registered 21 goals in all competitions this season, with four of which coming in the Champions League – highlighting his ability to thrive at the top level.

Arnaud Kalimuendo

Stade Rennais

33

17

Hugo Ekitiké

Eintracht Frankfurt

33

15

Emanuel Emegha

Strasbourg

27

14

Benjamin Sesko

RB Leipzig

33

13

Mika Biereth

Monaco

16

13

Liam Delap

Ipswich Town

36

12

Thierno Barry

Villarreal

34

11

Joao Pedro

Brighton

27

10

His underlying stats have been just as impressive, registering 1.2 shots on target per 90 and a dribble success rate of 55%, handing Slot an excellent all-round option in the final third.

Sesko has also won 57% of the aerial duels he’s entered, handing the side the focal point they’ve often lacked despite their success throughout 2024/25.

It’s likely that the club would be able to negotiate a deal below his £84m clause, with the youngster having all the tools to develop further and become a leading player for the side for many years to come.

If the Reds are to take the next step under Slot and maintain their first-season success, additions will need to be perfect, with the Slovenian offering the manager a sensational option in forward areas.

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ByAngus Sinclair May 20, 2025