Liverpool look more and more unlikely by the game that they will retain the Premier League title.

Of course, collecting the top-flight trophy two seasons on the trot is a difficult feat even when you’re all guns blazing.

But, it’s definitely made more tricky when you assess how quickly the wheels are falling off Arne Slot’s title defence right now.

The Reds are already up to five defeats in league action this season, with newly promoted Sunderland only on two losses, in stark contrast.

Slot was also significantly backed in the summer, with the summer transfer business at Anfield no doubt catching the eye, when you consider a jaw-dropping £415m was splashed out by the Merseyside giants.

The likes of Alexander Isak and Milos Kerkez have really struggled to get going, having cost a substantial £165m alone to get through the door.

But, there is one high-profile name that is in very real danger of becoming Slot’s own Naby Keita. Yes, things really do look that bad at the moment.

The numbers behind Keita's Liverpool disaster

When Keita arrived at Anfield in 2018, there was a lot of fanfare surrounding his high-profile signing.

After all, Jurgen Klopp boldly announcde that the Guinean was the “best player in the league” in the Bundesliga when leaving behind RB Leipzig for a shot in England for a whopping a whopping £48m.

In Klopp’s defence, Keita had collected 16 goals and assists combined across all competitions for Leipzig during his swansong campaign and the former Reds number 8 did score some beautifully taken goals during his stint on Merseyside, as can be seen watching the entertaining highlight reel above.

But, with all the hype that had surrounded the capture at the time, it would have been Keita’s constant in-and-out presence in the treatment room that would have irritated Liverpool fans the most, with a staggering 122 games missed through injury for club and country across his five seasons in England.

In the end, he was let go at the expiry of his contract with Werder Bremen, with just 11 goals and seven assists to shout about.

Slot will pray he doesn’t have another Keita-like situation unfolding right now as Liverpool struggle for consistency, with another mega-money signing at risk of fading into the background.

Liverpool's Naby Keita repeat

The failed signing of Keita still stands as Liverpool’s eighth most expensive signing of all time.

Thankfully, above the hot-and-cold 30-year-old’s name in the rankings are the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alisson, and Virgil Van Dijk, who are all figures Slot knows he can rely on.

Unfortunately, the same is yet to be applied to Florian Wirtz, who comes in as the Reds’ second most expensive capture at an astronomical £115m fee.

The German’s arrival from Bayer Leverkusen met with the same Keita-level hysteria, having been dubbed a “generational” talent by sports media professional Christian Nyari just last season.

With 57 goals and 65 assists under his belt for Leverkusen, it can be rationalised as to why Liverpool blew such a large chunk of their budget on Wirtz instantly coming good.

Indeed, Reds journalist Bence Boscak pleaded in the summer that Slot and Co needed to land his signature “whatever” the price may be.

Games played

16

Minutes played

1119 mins

Goals scored

0

Assists

3

Yet, much like they found out with Keita, blistering form in the Bundesliga doesn’t necessarily mean they will instantly hit the ground running on English shores, with Wirtz still yet to collect a single goal or assist in Premier League action.

Wirtz was particularly ineffective last time out as Liverpool were reminded of how far they’ve fallen in such a short space of time against Manchester City, with an unmemorable 39 touches of the ball seeing the German fail to amass one single key pass.

It’s even clearer from the graphic above how much the number 7 has been “struggling” – as journalist Mark Ogden has noted – in his new surroundings, with both his take-on success percentage rate and duels being won per ninety minutes success rate taking a significant hit.

Analyst Darnish Iqbal has even branded the deal as a “disaster”, with it not being a stretch to state that it is Liverpool’s biggest disappointment in the transfer window since Keita joined way back in 2018. Perhaps the Reds should avoid the Bundesliga for now?

Wirtz, hopefully, won’t fall victim to Keita’s same fate in leaving for cheap though, with glimmers of his quality here and there – as seen in the playmaker amassing five key passes against Real Madrid – meaning Liverpool will hold onto him for the time being, praying he hits his Leverkusen heights on a consistent basis down the line.

Not Wirtz or Isak: Liverpool's "nervous wreck" at risk of becoming Nunez 2.0

Liverpool have fallen by the wayside under Arne Slot’s leadership this season.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 12, 2025

The Mets have some tough decisions ahead of them if they manage to fight their way into the playoffs.

Former staff ace Kodai Senga opened the season on fire, but may not even make the postseason roster.

In his first 14 starts this season, the 32-year-old was outstanding. He posted a 7–3 record with a 1.39 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, with 74 strikeouts and 33 walks in 77 2/3 innings. Since then, he's been a mess.

After 13 excellent starts to open 2025, a hamstring injury suffered in June sidelined Senga for a month. He threw four shutout innings after returning on July 21, then fell off a cliff. Since then, he's made eight starts and has gone 0–3 with a 6.56 ERA, a 1.71 WHIP, and 35 strikeouts against 22 walks in 35 2/3 innings.

The Mets optioned him to Triple A Syracuse on September 5 to work through his control issues. In his lone start for the Mets' minor league affiliate, he allowed one run on three hits over six innings, striking out eight and, crucially, walking none.

The Mets are currently fighting for the final National League wild card spot and, if they get in, will have to decide whether or not to include Senga on the postseason roster. Manager Carlos Mendoza addressed that potential dilemma on Thursday.

"I think we'll have the conversation and we'll take the 13 guys that we feel are going to give us the best chance to win baseball games in October," Mendoza said "I think the biggest thing for him [is] to go out there today and have a good performance. And then we have decisions there."

Some excellent manager-speak by Mendoza there. Top-notch stuff.

Senga was so good early in the year that his awful stretch only raised his season ERA to 3.02. He was the Mets' ace for the first half of the season and is now on the outside looking in on a playoff rotation spot.

علّق دومينيك سوبوسلاي، لاعب فريق ليفربول، على تعادلهم المخيب في مباراة اليوم مع فريق ليدز يونايتد، في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، موسم 2025/26.

واستضاف ملعب “إيلاند رود” مباراة ليفربول وليدز يونايتد، في الجولة الخامسة عشر من الدوري الإنجليزي، حيث تعادلا بثلاثة أهداف لمثلها (لمطالعة التفاصيل من هنا).

وقال سوبوسلاي، في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “بي بي سي” العالمية: “لا أعرف ماذا حدث بعدما تقدمنا 2-0، أعتقد أننا ظننا أن المباراة انتهت، لقد حرصنا منذ البداية على أن تكون هذه المباراة من النوع الذي لا يُستهان فيه بالفريق، ربما اكتسب الخصم زخمًا بعد ركلة الجزاء، عدنا بردة فعل جيدة، لكننا استقبلنا هدفًا من ركلة ثابتة، وهذه ليست الطريقة الأمثل.”.

وحول ما إذا كانت مسألة ثقة، قال: “لا أعرف، ربما أنت محق، لكن بعد التعادل 2-2 أظهرنا رد فعل رائع وأظهرنا عقليتنا، كنا نعلم أننا أخطأنا بتركهم يعودون إلى التعادل 2-2، لكن ليس لدي ما أقوله عن النتيجة”.

وفيما يخص مدى تأثير هذه السلسلة السيئة على غرفة الملابس، قال المجري: “ما في غرفة الملابس يبقى فيها، وليس للجمهور، علينا إدارة الأمر وإيجاد حلول، يمكنني دائمًا طرح الفرصة يوم الثلاثاء أو في عطلة نهاية الأسبوع، ولكن هناك أيضًا أوقات يجب أن نراجع فيها أنفسنا، علينا العودة إلى المنزل والتفكير فيما إذا كنا قد بذلنا قصارى جهدنا، وإذا كانت الإجابة بنعم، فسنواصل العمل وسيأتي الزخم”.

وعندما سُئل عما إذا كان الفريق البطل لا يزال موجودًا، قال: “إنه سؤال جيد، من الصعب التحدث عن ذلك، في العام الماضي توجنا أبطالًا، والآن لا أعرف حتى مركزنا الحالي، جميع الفرق تؤدي بشكل جيد، كل فريق يريد الفوز على الأبطال، وكنا نعرف ذلك قبل الموسم أيضًا”.

واختتم: “علينا إيجاد حلول وإظهار ردود أفعالنا، وعلى الجميع تحمل المسؤولية، ليس دائمًا اللاعبين القدامى أو اللاعبين المخضرمين، الجميع، على الجميع النزول إلى الملعب وإظهار استعدادهم للقتال من أجل هذا الشعار”.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras tem jogo contra o Cuiabá neste domingo (5), pela quinta rodada do Brasileirão. A bola vai rolar a partir das 18h30 (de Brasília), na Arena Pantanal (Mato Grosso), com transmissão do Premiere.

continua após a publicidade

➡️ Tudo sobre o Verdão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Palmeiras

➡️ Aposte R$ 100 no Lance! Betting e receba R$ 216 se Palmeiras e Cuiabá balançarem as redes!

Confira todas as informações que você precisa saber sobre o confronto entre Palmeiras e Cuiabá (onde assistir, horário, escalações e local).

✅ FICHA TÉCNICA
CUIABÁ X PALMEIRAS
BRASILEIRÃO – 5ª RODADA

🗓️ Data e horário: domingo, 5 de maio de 2024, às 18h30 (de Brasília)
📍 Local: Arena Pantanal, no Mato Grosso (MT)
📺 Onde assistir: Premiere
🟨 Árbitro: Bruno Arleu de Araújo
🚩 Assistentes: Thiago Henrique Neto Correa Farinha e Luiz Cláudio Regazone
🖥️ VAR: Charly Wendy Straub Deretti 

➡️ A maior cobertura do futebol brasileiro. Aproveite 30 dias grátis e assine o Premiere para assistir ao Verdão!

⚽ PROVÁVEIS ESCALAÇÕES

CUIABÁ (Técnico: Petit)
Walter; Matheus Alexandre, Gabriel, Bruno Alves, Alan Empereur e Ramon; Derik Lacerda, Fernando Sobral, Denílson e Clayson; Isidro Pitta.

continua após a publicidade

PALMEIRAS (Técnico: Abel Ferreira)
Weverton, Mayke, Gustavo Gómez, Murilo e Piquerez; Aníbal Moreno, Zé Rafael (Richard Ríos) e Raphael Veiga; Estêvão, Endrick e Flaco López.

Tudo sobre

Onde assistirPalmeiras

Memphis Depay’s season has taken another difficult turn as the Netherlands forward is ruled out for Corinthians with a knee sprain, suffering his sixth injury of the year. With many days already lost to physical setbacks in 2025, Depay’s availability once again becomes a concern at a crucial moment in the Brasileirao run-in and ahead of the Copa do Brasil semi-finals.

• Another setback for Depay as injuries pile up

  Depay missed Corinthians' match against Cruzeiro after sustaining a knee sprain, another frustrating addition to a season filled with interruptions. The injury occurred during the derby against Sao Paulo, where Depay came off the bench due to earlier travel fatigue after Netherlands duty, yet still produced a brilliant goal in the 3-1 victory.

  Imaging tests later revealed bone edema in the knee, but the club has not offered a timeline for his return. With only four Brasileirao games remaining and the Copa do Brasil semi-finals beginning on December 10, his absence is a significant blow. This marks Depay’s sixth physical issue of 2025, extending his total days sidelined to 73 and raising renewed concerns about his fitness stability during a demanding campaign.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Depay's year defined by repeated physical problems

  Depay’s season has been disrupted by a string of muscle and joint injuries that have prevented him from gaining rhythm. Two long layoffs came from right-thigh strains, 21 days in August and another 25 between September and October. Earlier in the year, he suffered a sprained right ankle, a foot trauma, and another ankle trauma, costing him an additional 27 days combined.

  Now the latest knee issue adds to a worrying pattern. While not as severe as his past ACL tear from 2019, the recurrence of lower-body injuries underscores the strain on an attacker who thrives on explosiveness. The club’s medical staff is handling the situation with caution, especially given his workload with both Corinthians and the Dutch national team. This careful approach is necessary, but it also means Corinthians must once again adapt without one of their most experienced forwards.

• Mixed season for Depay amid injuries

  The timing of the injury is particularly frustrating because Depay was beginning to find consistency after facing criticism earlier in the year for a limited goal return. His strike in the derby was his tenth of the season, reaffirming his influence when fit and placing him among the club’s most successful foreign scorers with 17 goals in 60 matches.

  He now stands alongside Mauro Boselli with 17 in 72 games and behind names such as Angel Romero with 66 goals, Paolo Guerrero with 54 goals, and Carlos Tevez with 46 goals. This milestone reflects his impact despite an injury-ridden spell. However, the inconsistency in availability has prevented him from fully anchoring Corinthians’ attack. 

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Corinthians push forward despite challenges

  To compensate Depay's absence, coach Dorival Junior is expected to rely on youngster Gui Negao alongside Yuri Alberto, with Rodrigo Garro back from suspension, as the team looks to maintain their momentum.

  Corinthians' season has been strong across competitions. They secured the Campeonato Paulista, ending a six-year title drought, and produced impressive performances in the Brasileirao, including a crucial win over Sao Paulo and a nine-match turnaround that lifted them from 19th to the top seven.

  For Depay, the priority now is recovery once again. His influence is unquestioned, but the recurring injuries are shaping a season defined by false starts. The forward is likely to miss Corinthians' next league game against Botafogo on November 30.

Rangers’ wait for a first victory in this season’s Europa League goes on.

Prior to Thursday night, the Gers had lost seven successive European matches for the very first time and, while that streak has come to an end, they did not claim a much-needed victory, held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Braga.

James Tavernier broke the deadlock from the penalty spot, equaling Ally McCoist’s tally of 21 European goals for the club, chasing down Alfredo Morelos’ all-time record of 29.

This looked like being the decisive goal on the night, especially when Rodrigo Zalazar was sent off for gently headbutting Nicolas Raskin, only for Gabri Martínez to equalise for the ten-men Arsenalists soon after.

The match would end ten vs ten, Mohamed Diomandé rather softly shown a second yellow card by referee Allard Lindhout in injury time, as Rangers were booed off once again.

So, after five Europa League matches, the Light Blues have just one point on the board, probably needing to win their final three fixtures, against Ferencváros, Ludogorets Razgrad and Porto to avoid an ignominious early elimination, having finished all the way up in eighth in last year’s league phase.

This was only new manager Danny Röhl’s eighth match in charge, and he certainly has a tough job on his hands, so which summer recruits underlined why they cannot be trusted by the German coach during this latest poor result?

Nasser Djiga's poor Rangers form

With both John Souttar and Derek Cornelius suffering long-term injuries on international duty last week, Danny Röhl has no choice but to keep picking Emmanuel Fernandez and Nasser Djiga at centre-back, even though the latter once again let him down.

The Burkinabé international has, fair to say, not impressed since joining on loan from Wolves in the summer, very much at fault for Braga’s equaliser on Thursday, completely misjudging a ball into the box and allowing Martínez to slot the ball past Jack Butland.

Speaking during TNT Sports post-match coverage, former Celtic defender Johan Mjällby asserted that he would expect better from a 12 year old.

This though is not Djiga’s first high-profile error.

He was sent off on his home Premiership debut against Dundee before, later that month, running in the complete opposite direction as Romeo Vermant broke the deadlock just three minutes into the Champions League play-off tie, the first of nine goals Club Brugge would bag across the two legs.

Also speaking during commentary on TNT Sports on Thursday, when asked which position Rangers most urgently need to improve in the January transfer window, McCoist quickly answered centre-back, with Djiga clearly not at the required level, but which other summer recruit did not impress against Braga?

Rangers flop struggles again vs Braga

On Monday, Rangers confirmed that chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell had both been sacked, the pair widely blamed by supporters for the clubs, how shall we put this diplomatically, puzzling summer recruitment?

The most bewildering of their 13 new signings was the arrival of Youssef Chermiti for £8m, potentially rising to £10m with add-ons, making him the club’s most expensive signing of the post-liquidation era, having scored a grand total of, let’s count them up here, zero goals in two seasons at Everton.

The Portuguese under-21 international has got off the mark north of the border, on target during a 3-1 win over Kilmarnock, Röhl’s first Premiership match in charge, and the German coach has shown Chermiti plenty of faith thus far, making him a regular starter.

However, that could soon change, with the table below underlining that he did not impress against Braga.

Chermiti’s stats vs Braga

Stats

Chermiti

Match rank

Shots on target

Zero

10th

Shots off target

1

1st

Shots blocked

2

1st

Expected goals

0.09

8th

Attempted dribbles

4

5th

Successful dribbles

Zero

10th

Accurate passes

11

21st

Key passes

Zero

10th

Duels contested

15

3rd

Duels won

6

9th

Possession lost

18

4th

Touches

39

16th

SofaScore rating

5.9

28th

Stats via SofaScore

The table emphasises Chermiti’s difficult night.

He was successful with none of his four attempted dribbles, completed just 11 passes and lost six of the 15 duels he contested, as well as turning over possession on 18 occasions from 39 touches – essentially losing the ball every 2.2 touches.

Unlike at the back, Röhl does have options for his forward line.

Danilo and Djeidi Gassama were chosen to complete the front three on Thursday, with Oliver Antman, Theo Aasgaard and Bojan Miovski all introduced as substitutes, while Mikey Moore is nursing a knock.

Thus, while Chermiti continues to offer very little, he surely should be left on the bench for Sunday’s clash with Falkirk.

Related Rangers' £3.5m "colossus" can become the new Connor Goldson under Rohl

As Danny Röhl searches for his best Rangers starting XI, could his “colossus” in defence become the club’s new Connor Goldson, starting against Braga?

Posts ByBen Gray Nov 27, 2025

Both teams suffered heavy defeats in their opening games of the World Cup

Srinidhi Ramanujam05-Oct-20252:24

A case for Annerie Dercksen’s return?

Big picture – Who will bounce back?New Zealand and South Africa meet for the first time since they contested the 2024 T20 World Cup final in October last year, under rather different circumstances. Both teams began their Women’s World Cup campaigns with heavy defeats and there’s little to choose between them as they face off in Indore on Monday.New Zealand’s 89-run defeat to Australia laid bare familiar concerns with the bat; they crumbled in a chase of 327 despite a century from Sophie Devine. Since the start of 2024, they have lost ten of 15 ODIs – a result of their inconsistency with both bat and ball. To add to their challenges, they entered this World Cup without playing a single ODI in the six months leading up to it.While there have been individual performances, the batting unit will be eager to click collectively. New Zealand have scored 250-plus only twice since 2024. In the bowling department, they have a mix of youth and experience with Lea Tahuhu, the Kerr sisters – Jess and Amelia – along with Bree Illing and Eden Carson, forming a unit capable of making a difference.South Africa had a disastrous start against England in Guwahati, where they were bowled out for 69. They will look for a reset in Indore. They remain a top-heavy side, with Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, and Marizanne Kapp scoring the bulk of their runs. But their last two ODI defeats – including a 115 all out against Pakistan – have been due to severe batting collapses. A third in a row will be difficult to come back from in this tournament.Form guideNew Zealand LWWLL (last five completed matches)
South Africa LLWWWSophie Devine made a hundred against Australia•Getty ImagesIn the spotlight – Brits and BatesTazmin Brits has hit peak form in 2025. In ten ODIs this year, she has scored four centuries and one half-century, averaging 81 at a strike rate of 93.91. Known for her power game, Brits has made noticeable improvements against spin. With the in-form Laura Wolvaardt at the other end, the pair forms a strong right-hand opening combination capable of dictating terms. If they get going, South Africa could get the platform they’ve lacked in recent ODIs.Suzie Bates will make her 350th international appearance for New Zealand on Monday – a landmark in the women’s game. The veteran remains a key presence in a top order featuring Georgia Plimmer and Amelia Kerr. Although she fell for a duck against Australia, Bates has scored three half-centuries in her last seven ODI innings. As New Zealand aim for their first win of the tournament, Bates will be eager to mark the occasion with a defining innings.Team newsSouth Africa may reconsider their XI after leaving out allrounder Annerie Dercksen – one of four batters to make a century for them since the start of 2024 – for Anneke Bosch, who has neither been a regular nor scored a fifty since December 2023.South Africa:1 Laura Wolvaardt (capt), 2 Tazmin Brits, 3 Sune Luus, 4 Marizanne Kapp, 5 Anneke Bosch/Annerie Dercksen, 6 Sinalo Jafta (wk), 7 Chloe Tryon, 8 Nadine de Klerk, 9 Masabata Klaas, 10 Ayabonga Khaka, 11 Nonkululeko MlabaLeft-arm spinner Flora Devonshire was ruled out of the World Cup with an injury to her bowling hand and seamer Hannah Rowe was named her replacement. However, New Zealand are unlikely to change the side for their second match in Indore.New Zealand: 1 Suzie Bates, 2 Georgia Plimmer, 3 Amelia Kerr, 4 Sophie Devine (capt), 5 Brooke Halliday, 6 Maddy Green, 7 Isabella Graze (wk), 8 Jess Kerr, 9 Lea Tahuhu, 10 Eden Carson, 11 Bree IllingPitch and conditionsIndore rolled out a flat track for the opening game and Australia piled on 326 batting first. A different surface will be used for the second match, but weather could be a factor. It rained heavily the day after the first game there and conditions are expected to be overcast with hazy sunshine. As Suzie Bates put it, “It’s all about who adapts the best tomorrow because it is a different wicket, and it can play differently.”Stats and trivia Suzie Bates, the third highest run-scorer in women’s ODIs, is 104 short of 6000 Marizanne Kapp is two away from breaking into the top five wicket-takers in women’s ODIs. She has 169 scalps from 154 matches.Wolvaardt and Brits have scored nine ODI hundreds between them since 2024.New Zealand have not scored a 300 in ODIs since the start of 2024.Quotes”Yeah, I think it’s a huge advantage. It’s not only playing in the same conditions, but not having to travel after that game.”
“For us as a batting unit is to just literally just knuckle down and just bat. Don’t think too much about the outcome. Just take it one ball at a time.”

Newcastle United need some fresh ideas. This much is clear after a turbulent start to the season that has left Eddie Howe searching for answers, his side 14th in the Premier League after 11 matches.

There are internal solutions available to the esteemed English coach, but there’s no question that he views St. James’ Park academy graduate Elliot Anderson as being the missing cog in the machine.

The Magpies reluctantly sold Anderson to Nottingham Forest for around £35m in 2024 to avoid PSR ramifications falling on their head. But now, the 23-year-old is flying, and his boyhood club want him back.

The latest on Newcastle's interest in Elliot Anderson

It is understood that Newcastle and Manchester United are the most likely clubs to do battle for Anderson’s signature next summer. Word on the street, however, is that Forest are set to demand a figure in excess of £100m.

Elliot Anderson – PL record for Forest
Stats (*per game)	24/25	25/26
Matches (starts)	37 (33)	11 (11)
Goals	2	1
Assists	6	1
Touches*	54.2	94.4
Accurate passes*	28.7 (82%)	62.1 (87%)
Chances created*	1.0	1.4
Dribbles*	1.0	1.3
Ball recoveries*	5.6	8.4
Tackles + interceptions*	2.5	3.5
Duels (won)*	6.5 (52%)	7.5 (55%)
Data via Sofascore

That might be an exorbitant asking price, but we can see why the City Ground side would be so reluctant to part with their man. Anderson has grown into a world-beater of a midfielder, and he is emerging as the most likely candidate to partner Declan Rice in England’s midfield at the 2026 World Cup over the pond.

Let’s keep our fingers crossed, but with the Tricky Trees likely to prove difficult negotiators, don’t hold your breath.

However, it might be pleasing to note that PIF have been busy at the academy level, reinforcing the youth team with top talents capable of finding a way into Howe’s outfit.

And there’s one who might actually prove a bigger talent than Anderson, once given an opportunity to make his mark.

Newcastle have a bigger talent than Anderson

There has been a concerted effort toward raising Newcastle’s youth system over the past few years. And it is working, with prospects such as Vakhtang Salia added to the fold.

Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich all fancied Dinamo Tbilisi’s talented forward this year, but it is a testament to Newcastle’s development that they won the race, enticing the youngster with a clear pathway toward the first team.

A versatile forward, Salia can play on either flank or in a central striking berth. In Ukraine, he scored eight goals and provided four assists across 57 matches for Dinamo’s seniors.

Salia only turned 18 in August, and it was then that his move to Tyneside was green-lit. However, it’s been a rocky start on English shores for the man who has been likened to Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal. He hasn’t played for United yet, injured early in his new start.

Journalist Graeme Bailey has described him as “one of the best teenage prospects in the world”, and with the right care and attention over the coming years, there is every reason that Salia could be fashioned into a superstar, so naturally gifted and with a physicality on the ball that suggests he could adapt to the brutality of the Premier League.

It is frustrating that Salia should have been disrupted in this way so early into his Newcastle career, but this will teach him about adversity, and in this, he could rival Anderson, who has weathered storms of his own before emerging as a superstar at the City Ground.

Woltemade will love him: Newcastle targeting a "top 5 manager in the world"

Newcastle are in dire straits in the Premier League at the moment.

By
Angus Sinclair

Nov 19, 2025

Rasooli and Mujeeb got Afghanistan to 143, but Saif’s six-laden 64* wrapped the chase in 18 overs

Mohammad Isam05-Oct-2025

File photo: Saif Hassan smashed seven sixes in his knock of 64*•Getty Images

Bangladesh clean swept Afghanistan 3-0 in the T20I series in Sharjah, as they successfully followed a chasing template in all three matches. Saif Hassan continued his good form with an unbeaten 38-ball 64 that powered Bangladesh to a six-wicket win in the third T20I.Afghanistan once again fell well short after being sent in to bat first. They had an ordinary powerplay, followed by an even worse middle overs. Only a late burst from Darwish Rasooli and No. 10 Mujeeb Ur Rahman got them to 143 for 9 in 20 overs.Tanzid Hasan got Bangladesh off to a quick start before Saif took over with his big-hitting. He struck seven sixes and two fours, including several swings, flicks and sweeps on his way to his fourth T20I fifty. Bangladesh did lose a couple of wickets in the middle, but Nurul Hasan struck the winning runs to wrap up victory with two overs to spare.Tanzid provides early fireworksAzmatullah Omarzai provided Afghanistan with the early wicket of Parvez Hossain, when the left-hand batter skied him in the fifth over. Parvez looked good in the early exchanges, striking a four and a six in his innings of 14. But when he tried to loft Omarzai, he was caught at mid-off.Saif started with a six later in the same over, before Tanzid crashed two fours in a row off Rashid Khan in the seventh over.Darwish Rasooli’s innings of 32 propelled Afghanistan•ACB

Tanzid then belted Mujeeb for a six over long-on, before Rasooli dropped a sitter off Tanzid’s top edge in the 11th over. But thankfully, for Abdollah Ahmadzai, who was the bowler, Tanzid top-edged his next delivery, a slower one, to mid-off. But Tanzid’s run-a-ball 33, and his 55-run second-wicket stand with Saif, had given Bangladesh a good base in their 144-run chase.Saif slays, Jaker flailsLike earlier in the series, Bangladesh, though, fell into the pattern of getting into panic mode after a good partnership. Captain Jaker Ali survived two lbw appeals in three balls against Rashid. Both times the ball pitched outside leg stump. Saif then laid into Ahmadzai with a 92-metre six in a 22-run over that should have made life comfortable for Bangladesh.Instead, with just 35 runs to get in 38 balls, Jaker fell to Mujeeb. Jaker took a second review in his 11-ball stay, but this time it didn’t save him. Mujeeb then had Shamim Hossain bowled for a golden duck to make things a little interesting.Saif, meanwhile, cleverly played out Rashid’s last over, the 15th of the innings, with forward-defensive shots, even as it meant giving away a maiden. It didn’t put much pressure on Bangladesh, however, although he made up for it by striking debutant Bashir Ahmad for two sixes in the 16th over. Saif reached his fourth fifty with the second six in the over, a slog sweep that went for 95 meters.Nurul, at the other end, remained not out on 10, including hitting the match-winning runs, a six off Ahmadzai, who had an evening to forget in Sharjah. Nurul thus ended unbeaten in all three matches of the T20I series.Mohammad Saifuddin got three wickets•Afghanistan Cricket Board

Saifuddin leads Bangladesh’s chargeBangladesh’s bowlers continued their dominance in the powerplay in this T20I series. Afghanistan were 39 for 3 after six overs, with Shoriful Islam once again giving Bangladesh an early breakthrough. He removed Ibrahim Zadran in the third over, before Shamim took a screamer at cover to dismiss Rahmanullah Gurbaz off Nasum Ahmed in the fourth over.Wafiullah Tarakhil’s wicket in the sixth over rounded off Afghanistan’s struggle in the powerplay. Sediqullah Atal looked good during his 23-ball 28, before Mohammad Saifuddin had him caught at deep point in the 11th over. Omarzai then skied Rishad Hossain for 3, before Mohammad Nabi and Rashid fell cheaply, and in successive overs.Bangladesh dominated with the ball till the 15th over, and with Afghanistan at 106 for 8, they might have expected to take the last two wickets rather quickly.Rasooli, Mujeeb salvage some prideBangladesh almost had the ninth wicket in the 17th over when umpire Ahmed Shah Pakteen adjudged Mujeeb lbw, only for a review to save Mujeeb. Rasooli struck Rishad for a four and six later in the over, before Mujeeb got two fours off Shoriful in the 18th over. Rasooli, who scored 29, fell trying to slash Saifuddin, thus giving the latter his third wicket, and ending a 34-run ninth-wicket stand.New batter Bashir then survived a caught-behind chance, with the ball having dropped an inch in front of wicketkeeper Jaker. Mujeeb struck one more four to take Afghanistan past 140, thus giving their bowlers something to aim at.

Liverpool know that things need to improve when club football returns this weekend.

The final international break of the calendar year has offered a welcome reprieve for Arne Slot and co following the dour 3-0 defeat at Manchester City, stunting any hopes of short-lived growth and condemning the champions to five defeats from six Premier League matches.

Concerning stuff, to be sure. Liverpool were outthought and outfought, a common theme that must not be given another through line over the winter months, with the Reds sat in eighth place and already such a far cry away from table-topping Arsenal.

Despite the record-breaking summer of spending, Liverpool need some more attacking inspiration from out wide.

It was a mistake not to directly replace Luis Diaz after his £66.5m move to Bayern Munich, but sporting director Richard Hughes is now looking to rectify that.

Liverpool chasing Semenyo upgrade

It has emerged this week that Bournemouth talisman Antoine Semenyo has a £65m release clause. The versatile Ghanaian forward’s buyout option will diminish further at the end of the campaign.

Liverpool are among the frontrunners for his signature, though Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have also been credited with an interest.

Competition will be thick, and according to Spanish sources, Liverpool have earmarked an alternative who might actually prove an upgrade on Semenyo in Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior.

It is claimed that, with the 25-year-old currently in the penultimate year of his Los Blancos contract and without a renewal in sight, suitors such as Liverpool smell blood, with the Reds believed to be willing to submit an £88m offer to prise him away from Spain.

Vinicius Jr is one of the finest forwards in the world, and he would certainly be worth chasing over Semenyo, even at a more expensive outlay.

How Vinicius Junior compares to Semenyo in 2025/26

Semenyo is a special athlete, and he has been one of the Premier League’s most dangerous players under Andoni Iraola’s wing at Bournemouth this season.

However, Vinicius Jr is among the finest in the world, and the murmurs of discontent at Real Madrid suggest a transfer to a club such as Liverpool might not be as far-fetched as it might seem.

Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti said that his protege is “unstoppable” when on his A-game, and with 111 goals and 87 assists across 338 senior showings with Real Madrid, this certainly looks to be the case.

This is a man who is made for the big moments, having scored in two successful Champions League finals at Madrid.

He is a cut above someone like Semenyo, who is endowed with such athleticism and pace and power across both wings, but lacks the proof of elite-level performances that Vini has been producing since he burst onto the scene as a teenager.

It would not be unfair to say that Real Madrid’s mercurial winger has been out of sorts this season, and yet he has still maintained a level that would be considered top-notch for most other players.

Matches (starts)

11 (11)

12 (10)

Goals

6

5

Assists

3

4

Shots (on target)*

2.1 (1.3)

2.8 (1.3)

Big chances missed

5

5

Accurate passes

19.8 (77%)

28.4 (82%)

Chances created*

1.0

2.3

Succ. dribbles*

1.9

2.5

Tackles*

1.6

1.3

Duels won*

6.5

6.0

This is Vinicius Jr we are talking about. This is a player that Liverpool knows well.

Described as “the best player in the world” by his Real teammate Jude Bellingham, the South American would light the Premier League up and offer a new dimension to Slot’s Liverpool team.

Semenyo would also be a fine addition, but Vinicius Jr is quite simply on another level.

Bad for Wirtz: Liverpool plan serious bid to sign future big-money superstar

Liverpool are looking for ways to add creativity to Arne Slot’s team.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 18, 2025