All posts by z3u9t.icu

Leeds United are now keen on signing an “unplayable” forward, who could be brought in as an alternative to Feyenoord’s Igor Paixao, according to a report.

Farke looking to sign new winger

With Leeds looking to avoid relegation in their first season back in the Premier League, they are vying to sign a new winger that would guarantee goals, and Paixao has emerged as a major target over the past few days.

The Whites are said to be chasing the Brazilian winger, who performed remarkably well in the Netherlands last season, while also proving himself in the Champions League.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Eredivisie

34

16

14

Champions League

11

2

5

Given the level of the forward’s performances last season, however, there is widespread interest in his signature, with the likes of AS Roma, Atalanta and Marseille also being named as potential suitors this summer.

Consequently, it could be difficult for Daniel Farke’s side to get a deal over the line, but the Feyenoord star is not the only option on the shortlist.

Indeed, according to a report from Leeds Live, Leeds are expected to make further additions to their squad this summer, and Tottenham Hotspur’s Manor Solomon could be among them, given that he remains well-liked by Farke.

Paixao would love him: Leeds in talks to sign £18m Joseph upgrade

Leeds United are reportedly in talks to sign a star who transfer target Igor Paixao would love.

ByDan Emery Jul 22, 2025

Solomon has expressed a desire to remain at Tottenham and prove himself to Thomas Frank upon returning from injury, but Spurs may choose to cash-in before the end of the summer transfer window, opening the door for a move to Elland Road.

As such, a move may not be in the offing anytime soon, with Frank also expected to take a look at the former Leeds loan star when he recovers from a minor calf injury, in order to make a decision over his future.

"Unplayable" Solomon ready to test himself in the Premier League

The Israeli was one of the driving forces behind the Whites’ promotion to the Premier League last season, collecting 10 goals and 12 assists in 39 Championship games, with former Leeds boss Neil Redfearn lauding him after an impressive performance against Hull City.

Redfearn said: “I thought Manor Solomon was probably the man of the match to be honest. He’s got a quality that is better than this level, you can obviously see that. Initially in the first 20 minutes it was like tackling smoke. He was unplayable at times.”

With Tottenham setting an asking price of £20m back in May, a deal for the 25-year-old could be on the expensive side, but he is clearly ready to make the step-up to the top flight.

However, Paixao could also be an attainable target for Leeds this summer, with widespread reports suggesting Marseille’s pursuit of the forward is at a standstill, and given his performances in the Champions League last season, he could be the preferable option.

Continuing their chase for a shot-stopper, West Ham United are now reportedly plotting a move to sign an alternative option to Botafogo’s John Victor this summer.

Callum Wilson: West Ham move a "great opportunity"

Of course, before the Hammers have got the chance to solve their goalkeeper problem, they’ve welcomed a much-needed attacking reinforcement in the form of Callum Wilson. The experienced Premier League striker has arrived in a bargain deal after leaving Newcastle United as a free agent earlier this summer.

Delighted to have completed a move to the London Stadium, Wilson told West Ham’s official website: “I’ve spoken with Michail, and he only mentioned positive things about the Club, said it’s a great opportunity, and yeah I think I’m looking forward to meeting the other players.

“I’ve been in the England squad with James Ward-Prowse before and you play against these guys week in week out, so I’m guessing they’ll have a different opinion of me when they meet me in the dressing room as opposed to when you come up against an opposition player.

“On the pitch, you obviously have to put away the smile and be a little bit more serious, a little bit more aggressive, so yeah it’d be nice to actually be friends with the guys rather than in opposition!”

Whilst there will be some concerns about his injury record, West Ham will be more aware than most just how clinical the 33-year-old can be in front of goal, given that he’s scored 12 goals against them throughout his career.

Now set to benefit from his goalscoring prowess, the Hammers can tick one of their top priorities off the list and turn towards a man to prevent the goals at the other end. And although they’ve already reportedly submitted an offer to sign Botafogo’s Victor, those at the London Stadium still seemingly have one other option in mind.

West Ham considering Viktor Johansson move

According to Swedish newspaper Sportsbladet, as relayed by Sport Witness, West Ham are now plotting a move to sign Viktor Johansson from Stoke City this summer. The Championship side reportedly value their shot-stopper at more than €8m (£7m) as they aim to at least make some profit from one of their key players.

Starts

46

25

Save Percentage

71.8%

64.3%

Saves per 90

3.28

3.07

Clean Sheets

14

5

In terms of being good enough to compete with Areola and potentially take his place, there should be no concerns about Johansson’s ability. Simply put, if West Ham fail in their pursuit of Victor, then signing the Stoke City goalkeeper would be their next best option.

Described as “ambitious” by former Stoke boss Narcis Pelach, Johansson could realise that ambition with a move to West Ham this summer. As the Hammers continue to chase a fresh shot-stopper, the Swede could find himself in a battle to join the London club against Victor.

If anything summed up how this summer has shaped up for Newcastle then it would be their opening game of the new Premier League season.

It’s been no secret that the Toon have missed out on a number of high-profile targets from Bryan Mbeumo and Joao Pedro to Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko.

It’s been quite spectacular really, but with no Alexander Isak in their squad for the time being, a 0-0 draw with ten-man Aston Villa really was no surprise.

To suggest Eddie Howe’s men were toothless would be harsh but truth be told, any team in world football would miss a player of Isak’s calibre.

So, with seemingly no end in sight to this drawn-out saga, the Magpies must press on and finally secure the services of a replacement.

Newcastle's plans to replace Isak

The most prominent rumour of the last few weeks concerns Yoane Wissa. Newcastle have earmarked the Brentford centre forward as their favourite target but a number of issues have held up the deal.

Having already sold Mbeumo to Manchester United, the Bees have understandably been reluctant to sanction Wissa’s exit. However, with a move for Bournemouth’s Dango Outtara now in their sights, it’s widely expected that it will free up the room for Brentford’s star striker to depart.

Transfer Focus

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

The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope expects to see a breakthrough this week but he’s not the only attacker on their radar.

Hope also suggests that Howe and Co have been given encouragement to sign Goncalo Ramos from PSG in the remaining weeks of the window.

Both spritely attackers, Newcastle could also look at further bolstering out wide.

That’s according to reports from Spain over the weekend that reveal the decision makers at St James’ Park are preparing a club-record £69m bid to sign Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth.

Newcastle are willing to offer Semenyo a large contract to join and would guarantee a position in the squad of real prominence, something that gives them confidence a deal can be agreed before the September 1st deadline.

What Semenyo would bring to Newcastle United

Newcastle need goals if Isak does indeed depart Tyneside in the upcoming weeks. Wissa and Ramos would provide them with firepower to a degree, but they’re certainly not the out-and-out replacement Howe and Co have been crying out for when lining up options like Ekitike and Sesko.

Still, Wissa, in particular, would be an excellent capture, having scored 19 goals in the Premier League last time out.

Ramos, on the other hand, might need a longer period of adaptation but he did still find the net on ten occasions in 22 Ligue 1 matches for PSG. In all competitions, he beat the goalkeeper 19 times.

Signing both would certainly go some way to replacing Isak but they’d need a supply line and in Semenyo, they’d find a quite brilliant foil.

Indeed, over the last year, the former Sunderland man has showcased himself to be one of the best wingers in the division.

During 2024/25, no player took more shots (125) in the entire Premier League. Also picking up seven assists in 2024/25, the Cherries sensation was bettered by just seven players for shot-creating actions throughout last season and there were some truly elite names on that list too.

1. Cole Palmer

202

2. Bruno Fernandes

193

3. Mo Salah

169

4. Enzo Fernandez

147

5. Bryan Mbeumo

144

6. Eberechi Eze

135

7. Bruno Guimaraes

133

8. Antoine Semenyo

132

He’s a menace, a constant threat, a nuisance to any backline. Semenyo demonstrated that on the opening night of the new campaign last Friday, putting racist abuse aside to score two stunning goals.

On the night, the Ghana international was a constant threat to the Liverpool backline, notably turning Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate inside and out for his second strike.

Picking up the ball inside his own half, the forward darted through the centre of the pitch in a way that was reminiscent to that Hatem Ben Arfa goal against Bolton all those years ago, before burying the ball past Alisson.

It proved why Semenyo is such an explosive talent. Capable of going either way on both feet, data analyst Ben Mattinson is a big fan, describing the 25-year-old as a “maverick”, highlighting that he is “unpredictable on the ball, a workhorse off the ball” and a “duel monster.”

Put it simply, but the Bournemouth star has it all and is only going from strength to strength in Cherries colours.

The winger may not be a direct Isak replacement but he’s certainly capable of picking up the Swede’s talismanic status.

He may not have scored as many as Ramos and Wissa last term either – Semenyo bagged 13 – but his explosive nature, Premier League experience and extra creativity certainly make him one of the most exciting names Newcastle have had an interest in.

Shades of Ekitike: Newcastle given "encouragement" to sign £56m striker

Newcastle United are still interested in securing a £56m deal for this striker who is similar to Hugo Ekitike.

ByKelan Sarson Aug 18, 2025

West Ham United have now opened talks over a deal to sign a playmaker, who has the same agent as summer signing Kyle Walker-Peters.

West Ham looking to bolster attack with Paqueta's future uncertain

Karren Brady has previously made it clear that West Ham have no plans to sanction Lucas Paqueta’s departure this summer, saying: “I think he wants to stay and we definitely want him to stay. So the thing is, he’ll be staying.”

However, there have since been widespread suggestions that the Brazilian could be on the move, with the Hammers reportedly willing to consider offers of £60m, amid interest from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.

Cashing-in on Paqueta would be a gamble, given that there is no natural replacement for the 27-year-old in the squad, and Graham Potter is already light on options, having lost Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham earlier this summer.

As such, amid the uncertainty surrounding the Brazil international’s future, West Ham have now stepped up their pursuit of a new attacking midfielder, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

Taking to X, Plettenberg stated that West Ham are now in ongoing “talks” over a deal to sign Werder Bremen midfielder Romano Schmid, who is also being targeted by Lille and a number of other unnamed clubs.

The Hammers are “exploring a deal” for Schmid before deadline day, and reports from elsewhere indicate that a move would not break the bank, with Werder Bremen thought to be holding out for around £13m.

West Ham now suddenly serious contenders to sign "exceptional" £25m maestro

Graham Potter is looking to improve his squad, after an extremely disappointing start to the season.

1 ByDominic Lund Aug 26, 2025

Interestingly, the 25-year-old is represented by the same agents as Walker-Peters, CAA Base, which suggests a deal could be possible, given that they helped orchestrate the right-back’s move to the London Stadium earlier this summer.

"Super" Schmid could relieve burden on Bowen

West Ham are clearly in need of new attackers, regardless of whether Paqueta leaves, given that they are clearly overreliant on Jarrod Bowen, with the 28-year-old either scoring or assisting half of their 46 Premier League goals last season.

Schmid, who has been described as “talented” by Frank Baumann, could relieve the burden on Bowen, having performed well for Werden Bremen last season, chipping in with 11 goal contributions across all competitions.

Competition

Appearances

Goal contributions

Bundesliga

32

10

DFB-Pokal

3

1

The Austrian has also established himself at international level, scoring his first goal for his country in his side’s 3-2 victory over the Netherlands at Euro 2024, before going on to impress in the UEFA Nations League.

That said, while Schmid could be an exciting addition to Potter’s squad, it is vital to keep hold of Paqueta, given that the West Ham star has already proven himself at Premier League level, and it would be a real blow to lose another key player to Spurs.

Crystal Palace have now made an approach to sign an “incredible” defender, who is being targeted as a replacement for Marc Guehi.

Palace working on replacement for Eze and Guehi

It has been a difficult summer for Palace on the transfer front, with talisman Eberechi Eze leaving to join Arsenal, but it appears as though they have already secured a replacement, with Fabrizio Romano dropping some exciting news on Tuesday evening.

That said, Palace may still have some work to do before the deadline, given that Marc Guehi’s future remains up in the air, with the captain still expected to join Liverpool, although Manchester City were also recently named as potential suitors.

There has been talk about Man City’s Manuel Akanji heading to Selhurst Park, but the Eagles have also now made an approach for more of a left-field target.

That is according to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), which states Crystal Palace have made an approach to sign Juventus defender Lloyd Kelly, who is being targeted as a replacement for Guehi.

He's like Eze & Wharton: Big-money star keen on moving to Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace could seal a sensational late move by signing this £42m star.

ByKelan Sarson Aug 25, 2025

Oliver Glasner’s side have lodged an enquiry over Kelly, alongside Premier League rivals Sunderland, and there is a feeling that a deal could be possible, with the Italian club currently working on a deal to sign Paris Saint-Germain’s Lucas Beraldo as a replacement.

Having failed to adapt to life in Italy since making a £20m move from Newcastle United, the 26-year-old could well be on the move this summer, considering Beraldo joining Juventus is deemed ‘very possible’.

"Incredible" Kelly needs to leave Juventus this summer

It would be fair to say the Bristol-born defender failed to adapt to life in Italy last season, making just 12 Serie A appearances throughout the campaign, but he has proven himself in the Premier League in the past.

Indeed, the former AFC Bournemouth man was particularly impressive during his time with the Cherries, with ex-Bournemouth manager Gary O’Neil once praising him for a solid display in a 1-0 win against Liverpool.

O’Neil said: “I thought Lloyd was incredible. I think he had a 12-week ankle injury followed by a six-week calf injury. Didn’t have much time in between, and then came back today having not trained much, to play left back against one of the best wingers in the world.

“I thought he showed everything, the potential he has to be a top defender.”

If Kelly is to fulfill that potential, however, he needs to receive consistent game time, so a move to Palace could suit all parties, although the Juventus defender clearly isn’t currently on Guehi’s level, given that he is yet to be capped by England.

Mohamed Salah has started the 2025/26 Premier League campaign with a goal and an assist across three fixtures. The Egyptian King has played a starring role in Liverpool’s perfect start to their title defence, claiming nine points from nine.

Jurgen Klopp’s illustrious tenure ended with a Carabao Cup title and restored qualification to the Champions League, but for a superstar like Salah, it was another year without one of the game’s biggest prizes.

He made a promise, and he kept that promise. Salah scored 34 goals and provided 23 assists for Liverpool across all competitions last season, a paragon of perfection in Arne Slot’s team, breaking the record for goal involvements in a 38-match Premier League season.

Alan Shearer

441

260

Harry Kane

320

213

Wayne Rooney

491

208

Mohamed Salah

304

187

Andy Cole

414

187

Salah is not just a Liverpool legend, but one of the greatest forwards to have ever plied their craft within the English game. However, all good things must come to an end, and Salah turned 33 in June.

The £400k-per-week forward is contracted to Anfield until the end of the 2026/27 season, but whether he can maintain his jaw-dropping output remains to be seen.

However, FSG will rest easy with the knowledge that they have redefined Liverpool’s frontline this summer and eased their veteran hero’s burden.

On transfer deadline day, Liverpool signed Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for a British record £125m fee. Isak is one of the best strikers in the world, and he joins Hugo Ekitike in having made the move to Merseyside this summer.

While sporting director Richard Hughes made the call to sell Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, who played crucial roles in winning the league last term, the recent months of spending suggest Liverpool have gone from strength to strength, and that’s without even talking about Florian Wirtz, who is anticipated to grow into one of the best players in the world under Slot’s wing.

Salah has so much robust quality to work with this season, but the fact remains that Hughes and co will need to start considering the future on Liverpool’s attacking right flank.

Liverpool's top target to replace Salah

It’s not going to come as a surprise that Liverpool have already started planning for the future. Such is FSG’s way. There is a reason Liverpool’s model is so envied: years of painstaking progress and thriftiness culminating in the summer window we have just witnessed.

And while the new contract awarded to Salah in April was provided with the belief that he would continue to play a focal role at Liverpool this season and next, it’s likely that his output will begin to dwindle as he reaches the autumn of his Premier League career.

And with that in mind, it might be worth heeding rumours that Liverpool have registered their interest in Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise nice and early.

According to Liverpool correspondent Lewis Steele, Olise has been earmarked by the Reds’ hierarchy as they compile a succession plan, with the France international believed to be right at the top of the shortlist.

Olise only joined Bayern from Crystal Palace for a £47.5m fee one year ago, but he has carried his immense form from London over to the Bundesliga.

Now considered by those at Bayern to have a value closer to £100m, Liverpool would have to break the bank once again to seal this marquee signing, but then they have shown a newfound willingness to make such a payment of late.

What Olise would bring to Liverpool

Olise scored 20 goals and set up 23 further strikes for Bayern Munich last season, instrumental in reclaiming the Bundesliga title from Bayer Leverkusen. His 43 goal involvements were far ahead of Isak’s own return of 33 goals and assists.

This term, the 23-year-old has so far scored four goals from as many matches for Die Roten.

Having previously turned the English scene over with Crystal Palace, leading talent scout Jacek Kulig to hail him as “one of the Premier League’s best players”, Olise has proven himself across various plains and would surely prove a stunning Salah heir.

Looking at how Olise compares to Salah over the past 12 months, the Les Bleus star’s advantage in terms of physicality and underlying athleticism is underscored through the metrics.

This is only natural, of course, for Salah is getting on and has tweaked his game to retain his first-class output.

Goals scored

0.53

0.65

Assists

0.45

0.43

Shots taken

3.54

3.08

Shot-creating actions

6.31

4.11

Touches (att pen)

6.18

8.91

Progressive passes

7.37

3.87

Progressive carries

4.67

4.00

Successful take-ons

2.67

1.33

Ball recoveries

4.20

2.84

Tackles + interceptions

1.64

0.73

But Liverpool could go up a gear with Olise in the mix, more dynamic and electric up top. Of course, having signed Isak, this should be the case already, but Bayern’s new hero could prove a different demon.

His ridiculous success as an Eagle suggests that he could potentially even outperform Isak in Liverpool’s first team, shining like Salah as a winger whose skill stretches beyond simply world-class.

A few years back, pundit Micah Richards predicted that Olise is “going to be a superstar”, and it’s fair to say that he was on the money with that one.

Olise’s sheer range from his right-winged berth suggests he could add a new kind of quality to Liverpool’s frontline, providing a balanced output that would be reminiscent of Salah in his prime while adding so much to the build-up and fluency of Slot’s outfit as a whole.

Isak scored 27 goals for Newcastle last season, and there can be no doubt that Liverpool have signed one of the most formidable number nines out there.

However, Olise simply has so many instruments from which to work on opponents that he might just turn out to be the cream of the crop in Liverpool’s extraordinary frontline.

Bellingham repeat: Real Madrid eyeing move to sign Liverpool's top target

The Spanish giants could deal the Reds another blow…

ByTom Cunningham Sep 4, 2025

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson has dropped an important injury claim regarding one of his teammates ahead of the Champions League clash with Atlético Madrid.

Van Dik excited about "fantastic" Isak

The Premier League champions won 1-0 at Burnley on Sunday afternoon, being frustrated for large periods but winning it through a last-gasp Mohamed Salah penalty.

Liverpool could have done with new signing Alexander Isak’s ruthlessness at times, and speaking after the game, captain Virgil van Dijk waxed lyrical over the Swede, having trained with him last week.

“Very good! Listen, he is going to be very important for the football club. Obviously he is a fantastic player and he has to realise that this is another step up, there’s more things to be asked from him on and off the pitch, but I’m not worried whatsoever.

“He is going to do pretty well, like the other new boys as well. It’s time for him now to get as fit as possible as quickly as possible and be important with goals, with link-up play – like Hugo [Ekitike] is already as well. It’s good to have competition. We have to push each other to be successful and I’m confident that will be the case.”

Alisson drops injury update regarding teammate

Speaking to ESPN after the Burnley game [via Sport Witness], Alisson claimed that Alexis Mac Allister should be fine after being on the end of a bad tackle at Turf Moor, suggesting he should be fit for Liverpool’s visit of Atlético Madrid on Wednesday, also praising the Reds’ new signings.

“He’s a very strong man. Nothing’s wrong with him, he was just in a bit of pain. I think he’s fine.

“All the players who left were important. Lucho, Darwin, they all made a difference for us with goals or their playing, fighting, defending. They had good energy, and we miss them. The ones who arrived are stars, they’re doing very well with their contributions, they have a lot of quality. It’s clear we want to improve because we need to; we have many competitions to play.”

Mac Allister hasn’t quite got going this season, having been injured at one point, and he was off the pace at Burnley, perhaps due to his exploits for Argentina during the international break.

That said, the 26-year-old still has a strong claim for being Liverpool’s most important midfielder, with his blend of quality, work rate, intelligence and leadership making him one of the first names on the team sheet.

It will be interesting to see if Arne Slot starts Mac Allister against Atlético, though, perhaps deciding to give him a breather, partnering Ryan Gravenberch with Dominik Szoboszlai.

Big-money Liverpool star is now in danger of becoming Slot's new Nunez

Arne Slot will already be concerned that this expensive Liverpool attacker is turning into his next Darwin Nunez.

2 ByKelan Sarson Sep 15, 2025

That would then allow Mac Allister to be fresh for Saturday’s Merseyside derby clash with Everton at Anfield, which is the more important game at this stage of the season.

Newly promoted Leeds United continued their excellent form, avoiding defeat for the second time in as many games in the Premier League. They backed up last week’s 3-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers with a 2-2 draw against high-flying Bournemouth.

It was a disappointing start for the Whites, who went a goal down in the 26th minute thanks to Antoine Semenyo. The Ghanian winger scored a fantastic low free kick to give the away side the lead at Elland Road.

Leeds, however, responded perfectly. Firstly, Joe Rodon found the back of the net, heading home a cross from Sean Longstaff 11 minutes after conceding. The Newcastle United academy star got himself on the scoresheet the other side of half-time. He met a loose ball on the half-volley and fired it home just inside the penalty area, to put Leeds ahead.

Just when it seemed like Daniel Farke’s side would hold on for all three points, 19-year-old Eli Junior Kroupi equalised for the Cherries in stoppage time. He also scored a sweetly-struck volley, getting on the end of a flick on in the penalty box after his side won a deep free kick.

Being so close to victory and ending up with just one point no doubt stung Leeds, but it was still a strong performance with some good showings. Longstaff was a real standout.

Why Sean Longstaff was the star man against Bournemouth

There was, in many ways, a lot of pressure on Longtsaff’s shoulders. He moved to Elland Road from St James’ Park with plenty of Premier League experience, and Saturday afternoon’s performance in front of the Leeds faithful feels like a real statement showing.

It was a fantastic performance from the midfielder. Partnered with Ethan Ampadu and Anton Stach, he had the chance to get forwards and look to affect the game in advanced areas. With his goal and assist, it is fair to say he did just that. His strike, a fantastic volley, was one of great skill and technique.

What really stood out about the 27-year-old’s performance at Elland Road was the sheer number of chances he created. Longstaff played seven key passes and created one big chance. Off the ball, he was superb, winning 10 from 13 duels.

The Yorkshire Post journalist Leon Wobschall was full of praise for the new Leeds man. He gave Longstaff a 9/10 for his efforts, describing his afternoon’s work as a “stellar all-round midfield performance.”

However, Longstaff was not the only standout player, with another of Daniel Farke’s players performing particularly well.

The Leeds star who is completely undroppable

It was so close to being the perfect day for Leeds. The Whites were ruthless in attack, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin a good focal point, and also defended resiliently. One of those defensive players made a huge impression.

Keeping Semenyo and his fellow attacker quiet from open play was never going to be easy. However, Leeds right-back Jayden Bogle dealt with the Cherries’ creative players in impressive fashion and should now be considered completely undroppable.

The defender was up and down the right flank, creating one chance. But it was defensively that he really stood out. Bogle won five out of six tackles and seven out of nine ground duels, locking down that right-hand side.

Touches

46

Pass accuracy

79%

Ground duels won

7/9

Tackles won

5/6

Clearances

3

Interceptions

2

Key passes

1

Wobschall was certainly left impressed with the 25-year-old’s day at the office. He gave him a 7/10 for the work he put in, and said Bogle “should have been happy with his afternoon”, given how well he defended.

After a performance like that, it is hard to see how Farke drops Bogle from the starting lineup. He certainly made a significant impact in their point against a strong Bournemouth side, and has surely made himself undroppable.

It was an encouraging performance from Bogle. To keep an attacker as deadly as Semenyo quite like he did is no mean feat. He has surely made that right-back spot his own after a showing as strong as that.

Leeds struck gold on "indispensable" star who's now worth more than Stach

This Leeds star was one of Farke’s best signings

ByJoe Nuttall Sep 25, 2025

Liverpool’s quality has been such across the past decade that blips are met with dismay across the red half of Merseyside. Anfield and its supporters, quite simply, are used to winning.

Ten years ago, Liverpool appointed Jurgen Klopp following Brendan Rodgers’ dismissal. Ten years ago, everything changed. Now, the Reds are considered among the most ferocious and feared in Europe; beating Liverpool is a trophy in itself.

But Arne Slot has work to do, with Liverpool having lost three in a row, including successive league outings in the final moments.

Superstar signings such as Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz have yet to hit their stride on Merseyside, and there’s no denying there are tactical balances from head to toe. This is all grist for the mill of negativity, but Liverpool are sure to click into gear soon.

However, not all problems can be fixed so simply. For example, Mohamed Salah has been one of the most disappointing stars so far,

Liverpool preparing for Salah departure

Salah is of an age that poor form is viewed through the lens of the inevitable decline, which claims footballers into their thirties. But this is short-sighted.

Only last season, the 33-year-old scored 34 goals and laid on 23 assists across all competitions, broke the Premier League record for goal involvements in a 38-game season (47).

There’s no denying the Egyptian has been poor this term, anonymous for large sections of games and enduring his slowest start to a Liverpool campaign with three goals and assists apiece from ten matches. But he is still Salah, and Liverpool’s problems reach every area of the field.

While the long-serving superstar is expected to find a purple patch once again this term, there’s no denying he is getting older, and Liverpool need to find themselves a successor.

Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo has been earmarked as the man for the job.

According to Spanish sources, the in-form Premier League star is right at the top of Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes’ shopping list as he plans for the future, though competition is sure to be thick.

The Ghana international is valued at £75m and Bournemouth resisted an effort from Tottenham this summer. He has since signed a new contract at the Vitality, running until 2029, so the Cherries’ position is strong.

Why Liverpool want Antoine Semenyo

Liverpool’s chaotic season opener was a sign of things to come, winning 4-3 against Bournemouth. Semenyo bagged a brace and played with incredible quality and composure.

Now seven matches deep into the league campaign, Semenyo has scored six times all told and provided three assists too. This is a remarkable return; this is Salah-like territory.

Indeed, while Salah is well below his best, there’s a sense that even if the £400k-per-week star was on his A-game, he might not be on the same level as Bournemouth’s main man, whose efforts thus far have even led one Premier League analyst to suggest he is “one of the best players in the world”.

Matches (starts)

7 (7)

7 (7)

Goals

2

6

Assists

2

3

Shots (on target)*

1.7 (0.7)

2.4 (1.3)

Touches*

42.1

50.0

Pass completion

74%

75%

Chances created*

1.7

1.4

Dribbles*

0.1

2.1

Ball recoveries*

3.4

5.6

Tackles*

0.0

1.7

Duels won*

1.4

6.7

It is, quite frankly, a staggering drop-off, with Semenyo outstripping the legendary winger across every area in the Premier League this season. The Ghanaian has been sharper in attack, more intelligent on the ball and far more combative and engaged in the build-up.

Salah remains one of the deadliest forwards in English football history, though, and his two-goal haul so far this season has lifted him above Andy Cole and into fourth place in the all-time scoring charts.

But with Federico Chiesa and Jeremie Frimpong stood as Salah’s back-up options on the attacking right flank this term, it’s very clear that a high-level replacement would be needed.

It might be worth drawing attention to the fact that Semenyo is of an age with a 25-year-old version of Salah, a version who waved goodbye to a career in Italy and signed for Klopp’s Liverpool in a £34m deal.

And the signs, to be sure, are promising. While the data pool is shallow, statistical site FBref have crunched the data to reveal Semenyo ranks not only among the best for output in the English top flight this season, but among the top 10% for ball recoveries and the top 3% for aerial battles won per 90.

There is little to suggest he would not be a star at Liverpool. Two-footed and dynamic, the £75k-per-week talent feels very Liverpool-esque, with a hunger for success at the highest level and a fearsome, high-octane take on the game.

Last season, Semenyo scored 11 goals and posted six assists in the Premier League. This gave him praise from many and it provided Bournemouth with a £70m bid from Spurs to chew on. Now, he is levels higher. Imagine the heights he could hit in Slot’s Liverpool squad.

In April, Salah penned new terms at Liverpool. The greatest player in the Anfield side’s recent chapter will play his football in red until the end of next season. But what if Salah fails to reclaim his one-time level? Can Slot afford such a weak link dominating his frontline for much time to come?

With Semenyo added to the fold, there’s a sense Liverpool would have all they need to come together and hit that vein of form which would carry them to titles and sustained success.

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Arsenal have gone from strength to strength under Mikel Arteta’s management, and there’s a sense that this year is as good as any as they look to win their first top-flight title in two decades.

Seven matches into the Premier League campaign, the Gunners set the pace, 16 points claimed from 21 possible. Liverpool trail by a single point after successive defeats.

New technical director Andrea Berta has succeeded in bringing over some exciting summer signings, and in particular, Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze have caught the eye.

But the £60m striker, Viktor Gyokeres, leaves something to be desired, having arrived to much fanfare after hitting incredible prolific heights in Portugal with two-in-a-row league champions Sporting Lisbon.

Viktor Gyokeres' Arsenal career so far

Gyokeres, at the very least, knows where the back of the net is. However, his performances across the opening weeks of the campaign haven’t been all that serviceable,

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville has described him as a “battering ram” who could “beat up smaller teams”, but there’s a sense he might have work to do when pitted against those of an ostensibly higher technical level.

The 27-year-old’s frustrations aren’t limited to the domestic front, though, having blanked across his first two forays into the Champions League as an Arsenal player. During these fixtures against Athletic Bilbao and Olympiakos, he has missed three big chances (data courtesy of Sofascore).

It is also surely worth stressing that we are only two months into the campaign. There is plenty of time for this powerful goalscorer to continue to adapt to life as a high-profile Premier League marksman.

As Neville has alluded to, the contrast between “misfit” Gyokeres and the more technically smooth attacking teammates around him is not necessarily a bad thing, but he will need to sharpen his overall link-up play.

Gyokeres, after all, has the talent to become the Gunners’ finest centre-forward in many years, though whether he would take the cake when peering back at positional rivals over the past ten years or so is questionable.

Indeed, there’s a veteran striker who, having once led the line at the Emirates, has started the season even stronger than Arteta’s new focal frontman.

The former Arsenal ST outperforming Gyokeres

Gyokeres isn’t exactly a spring chicken, but then Arsenal have signed strikers of a more mature status in the past – and to an emphatic effect at that.

Just take a look at Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who arrived from Borussia Dortmund for £56m in January 2018 and scored 92 goals across just 163 matches for the Gunners, assisting 21 strikes too.

The Gabonese goalscorer might have left the club somewhat unceremoniously, but he left his mark on Arteta’s reign, having manufactured the Spaniard’s sole slice of silverware, notching four goals in the late stages of the 2019/20 FA Cup.

Indeed, with Arteta only months into his tenure at the Emirates helm, Aubameyang rose to the occasion in the semi-final at Wembley and scored a brace to down Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

Despite arriving at the season’s midpoint in 2019/20, Aubameyang hit the ground running in the Premier League, lashing home ten goals from 13 matches before hitting consecutive 22-goal campaigns in the English top flight.

He was 28 when he first arrived at the north London outfit, and has led a storied career in the years since leaving. In fact, plying his trade for Marseille this term, the now 36-year-old Aubameyang has posted four goals and three assists from seven games in all competitions this year.

Quite remarkably, he’s outperforming a positional rival in Gyokeres, who is nearly nine years his junior and plundered 97 goals across two campaigns in Portugal, including a hat-trick over Man City in the Champions League last year.

When looking at Arsenal’s top goalscorers in the Premier League, year by year, since Aubameyang last played a successful season at the club, it’s clear to see that supporters and critics have been on the money when noting a lack of quality in the final third has been hamstringing an otherwise top-level attacking team.

25/26

Viktor Gyokeres

3

24/25

Kai Havertz

9

23/24

Bukayo Saka

16

22/23

Martin Odegaard

15

21/22

Bukayo Saka

11

20/21

Alexandre Lacazette

13

19/20

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

22

With three goals from his first seven Premier League appearances, it hasn’t been an abject start by any stretch. But Gyokeres has left something to be desired with his performances, for sure, having missed four big chances and averaged under six passes per game at a completion rate of 56%.

Three goals may be under the belt in the English top flight, but Gyokeres still needs to find another gear if he is to rival and surpass Aubameyang as the club’s finest centre-forward in so many years.

Whether he crosses that 22-goal threshold this term is open to question, but Arteta will no doubt expect more from his expensive summer signing, especially when looking at Aubameyang, and how he is still utilising his movement and positioning to score goals with a consistency and ferocity that belies his age.

Sky Sports journalist Dougie Critchley has marvelled at how “one the best finishers of the last 15 years” is still striking true on the big stage.

And given that Aubameyang is still outperforming the Swede for Marseille this season, the argument lingers concerning Gyokeres’ suitability for a side looking every bit the title-challenging force that they have been expected to perform as over the past few years.

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