Tag Futebol

Ruben Amorim says Andre Onana's omission from Manchester United's squad to face Arsenal is down to the team's "balance" rather than injury.

Onana left out of Man Utd squadAmorim rubbishes injury reportsSelection call down to team "balance"Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Goalkeeper Onana and striker Rasmus Hojlund did not even make the bench for United's Premier League opener against Arsenal on Sunday. After reports emerged that the Cameroon international was still recovering from a hamstring injury, head coach Amorim says the 29-year-old's absence was not down to any fitness problems. Instead, Altay Bayindir is in between the sticks for the Red Devils.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT AMORIM SAID

When asked about Hojlund and Onana not being in the matchday squad, he told Sky Sports before the game: "It's an option. We try to choose the best players for each game. Next week is a different life and in this week we chose this way."

Pressed further on Onana's absence, he added: "No, no [not an injury]. He [Onana] will recover but the guys did so well in pre-season so I need to balance that."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Amorim has dropped Onana in the past off the back of poor form but the ex-Inter Milan man has had an injury-hit pre-season, which has not helped his cause for the 2025/26 campaign. The Portuguese has previously given his backing to Onana but this omission may be a sign that he is not entirely happy with the stopper and that Bayindir could be first choice going forward. Or, they could be in the market for a new number one, something that was on the cards after making a loan approach for Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez.

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR ONANA?

After United lock horns with Arsenal, Amorim's team travels to Fulham in their next Premier League fixture on August 24. If Onana is not included in that match as well, speculation will only increase that he will be nearing an Old Trafford exit.

FSG’s transfer ethos – getting their work done nice and early – often leaves Liverpool somewhat in the corner of the room while rivals party late into the market, enjoying the thrill of Fabrizio Romano and the rest’s transfer updates.

There are worse problems to have, it must be said. And the real success is found on the field. Liverpool are on the verge of signing Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez, having already added Jeremie Frimpong.

Now, it’s time to sign a centre-forward, for Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota left plenty to be desired as Arne Slot’s focal frontmen last season, actually paling in comparison to Liverpool’s wider forward.

Liverpool’s Forwards in the Premier League (24/25)
Player	Apps (starts)	Goals	Assists
Mohamed Salah	38 (38)	29	18
Luis Diaz	36 (28)	13	7
Cody Gakpo	35 (23)	10	5
Diogo Jota	26 (14)	6	4
Darwin Nunez	30 (8)	5	3
Federico Chiesa	6 (1)	0	0
Data via Sofascore

Luis Diaz was even called into play as a makeshift number nine for much of the campaign, his false-nine-type qualities proving invaluable for the Reds as they marched toward the Premier League title.

Who, then, to sign? Targets like Hugo Ekitike, Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen would all do a job, but Alexander Isak is the cream of the crop, and sporting director Richard Hughes would rake in the plaudits if he got that one over the line.

The latest on Alexander Isak to Liverpool

It’s pretty clear Liverpool will sign a striker this summer. However, who that player might be is less certain. Liverpool can dream, though, and signing Isak would be an incredible way to cap off a wonderful summer.

As per transfer insider Ben Jacobs for GIVEMESPORT, Liverpool are prepared to break the British transfer record to sign Isak this summer, with Newcastle United valuing their striker at over £150m.

The “unstoppable” Isak, hailed by pundit Ally McCoist as “the best out-and-out forward in the league”, was outscored only by Mohamed Salah in the Premier League last season, his 23-goal return illustrating his elite ability.

However, Newcastle’s position on their talisman’s unavailability has been absolute (insofar as any stance can be absolute in the transfer market). Liverpool can dream, and it appears they will try, but don’t hold your breath.

Luckily, Liverpool are one of the most astute transfer operators, and they’ve already lined up the perfect alternative.

Liverpool line up Isak alternative

As per TEAMtalk, Liverpool have sounded out a potential move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez this summer, and while the La Liga side would be looking for an unrealistic £160m figure, Anfield hold a trump card.

Indeed, Diego Simeone is interested in bringing Nunez to the Wanda Metropolitano this summer, and previous reports even suggest personal terms have been agreed for around a month. As a result, TEAMtalk suggest that a swap deal is an avenue they are exploring this summer.

This would no doubt be a difficult one to get over the line, but Liverpool’s interest is long-standing and the Argentina forward would be perfect for Slot’s system.

Why Julian Alvarez would be perfect

Alvarez had been tracked by Liverpool during his time at Manchester City, where he scored 36 goals and laid on 19 assists across two trophy-laden campaigns, earning an £81.5m transfer to Atletico Madrid last summer.

His first term in Spain was his finest yet, posting 29 goals and seven assists across 55 matches, blending newfound potency with his robust and dynamic attacking style. Making a direct comment on his exploits in Spain, journalist Roy Nemer even described the player as “the best forward in the world.”

As per FBref, he ranked among the top 6% of strikers across Europe last year for passes attempted, shot-creating actions and progressive carries, the top 8% for progressive passes and the top 12% for successful take-ons per 90.

Already something of a nomad, the 25-year-old has demonstrated continual development and would now prove the perfect alternative to Isak, who is actually considered by the data-driven site as being one of Alvarez’s most comparable players.

Julian Alvarez – Career Stats by Club/Nation
Club/nation	Apps	Goals	Assists
River Plate	122	54	31
Manchester City	103	36	19
Atletico Madrid	53	29	6
Argentina	44	12	33
Data via Transfermarkt

Liverpool need a new goalscorer to perch at the front of their ship, but they also need a centre-forward who will play with flair and bring the attacking players together.

One of the Merseysiders’ attacking staples is that when the frontline clicks, they perform in concert, effectively unplayable. Isak aligns perfectly in this regard, but Alvarez too could dovetail into Slot’s set-up and provide a higher level of goalscoring threat while using his technical skills and off-the-ball intelligence to open up a new dimension.

Isak’s completeness is echoed by Alvarez, but the roots of the South American’s style are shaped by a natural quality in front of goal. As per Sofascore, he only missed seven big chances in La Liga last season, scoring 17 goals and creating nine big chances too.

And this isn’t a simple anomaly. Across his two campaigns in the Premier League, the 2022 World Cup winner scored 20 goals from 44 starts, only missing 14 big chances.

It’s pretty clear he’d prove an upgrade on Nunez, and while Isak is FSG’s first-choice pick, Alvarez might just be the perfect fallback if ambitious efforts to bring Isak over from St. James’ Park don’t pull through.

The winds of change are blowing at Anfield, all right, but there’s more still to come for the Premier League champions, who are packaging a proven squad with exciting additions who might just solidify Slot’s early success, shaping it into a dynasty.

Huijsen was better: How Spanish media rated Trent's first game post-Liverpool

Trent Alexander-Arnold made his debut for Real Madrid in the Club World Cup.

By
Matt Dawson

Jun 19, 2025

Bayern Munich are set to tie two players down to new contracts, with extensions for Dayot Upamecano and rising star Lennart Karl close to completion.

Upamecano and Karl close to new Bayern contractsCentre-back states his intention to stayContract extensions expected to be completed imminentlyFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Bayern are close to securing contract extensions for two key players: centre-back Upamecano and attacking prospect Karl. Negotiations with Upamecano have been ongoing for months, with both the player and Bayern hierarchy keen to finalise an agreement that would see him remain beyond his current deal, which is set to expire in June 2026. Meanwhile, talks with 17-year-old Karl are at an advanced stage with Bayern “very confident” of securing his signature for the long term following his impressive form in youth and first-team pre-season matches.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT WAS SAID?

Sporting director Max Eberl confirmed following the 4-0 friendly win against Tottenham Hotspur, saying: “It’s definitely a goal that we want to extend,” referencing their intent over Upamecano during a recent mixed zone. 

Upamecano himself reiterated after the friendly win: “I’m happy here,” noting ongoing discussions between his agent, Eberl and sporting director Christoph Freund. Eberl further : “It’s looking very good,” highlighting Bayern’s optimism around the 17-year-old’s extension.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Upamecano’s extension would represent another strong statement from Bayern as they continue to lock down their core squad, having already secured Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies to long-term deals this year. Under Vincent Kompany, Upamecano was a regular in the starting XI until his season was cut short by injury. Karl, meanwhile, has been prolific in scoring and assisting goals at youth level and made an impact in pre-season matches, notably scoring against Tottenham, after making an appearance at the Club World Cup.

Getty Images SportWHAT'S NEXT?

Bayern expect to finalise Upamecano’s extension within weeks, although exact salary terms remain under negotiation, with agreement anticipated to extend to at least 2029. Karl’s renewal could be announced before the end of the week, potentially running through to 2028. The pair are set to play a role in Bayern’s upcoming domestic and European fixtures as the Bundesliga champions prepare for another title challenge.

Chelsea remain unmoved in Joao Felix negotiations, holding firm on their demands as Benfica push for a symbolic return ahead of the Eusebio Cup.

• Chelsea want €54m same as what they paid Atletico
• Benfica offer €27m for 50% of Felix’s rights
• Rui Costa wants the deal done before the Eusebio Cup

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Chelsea have placed a €54 million (£46m/$62m) valuation on Joao Felix, exactly what they paid Atletico Madrid last year as talks intensify with Benfica over a potential return for the 25-year-old. According to , the Eagles have offered €27m (£23m/$31m) for 50 per cent of Felix’s rights, which would be enough to see Chelsea comply with profit and sustainability rules (PSR), but the London club are demanding an extra €13m (£11m/$15m) to guarantee a further percentage in the future. That would take the total fee to €40m (£35m/$47m) which is too high for Benfica.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Benfica president Rui Costa is eager to sign Felix in time for the Eusebio Cup clash against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce. He is personally involved in talks alongside agent Jorge Mendes and hopes to give fans a symbolic reunion with the forward. The Portuguese star has already agreed to lower his wages to make the deal happen, and there’s optimism within Benfica’s camp that a resolution can be reached soon given no other clubs are in for him.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Felix played under current Benfica manager Bruno Lage during the club’s 2018-19 title-winning campaign which was also the breakout season that earned him a €126m (£107m/$144m) move to Los Rojiblancos. The potential reunion adds emotional and sporting value to Benfica’s pursuit.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Talks are expected to continue at pace over the coming hours. The Eagles hope to close the deal before Saturday's Eusebio Cup.

Sunderland will be all too aware of how challenging the Premier League can be, having been relegated four times from the intimidating division since its 1992 rebrand.

The Black Cats will be up against it too when you consider how poorly the newly promoted sides have done in recent memory, with the last six teams to go up triumphantly sinking straight back down with a whimper.

Regis Le Bris, of course, will have other plans as he embarks on his first-ever season in England’s well-known top-flight, but signings galore will need to take place to give the Frenchman and his wide-eyed team a fighting chance at survival.

One dream incoming would have been the amazing return of Amad Diallo to the Stadium of Light, but with his Old Trafford career finally now taking flight, it looks like an unlikely route to explore.

Amad's fan favourite status at Sunderland

Rumours have already begun to circulate that the entertaining Ivorian could be on the Sunderland shopping list, with this deal perhaps even bolder than the Black Cats’ reported attempts to tempt former star Jordan Henderson back to home turf.

A potential reunion will always catch the eye of Sunderland supporters just for how impactful Amad’s first stint at the club was, with his heroics from down the right wing clinching playoff football for Tony Mowbray’s men during the 2022/23 campaign.

They would eventually slip up at the semi-final stages, but nobody could knock the 22-year-old’s efforts during the near-miss season, with Amad picking up a hefty 14 goals and four assists across 42 appearances.

Since then, he has been able to firm up his Manchester United starting spot under Ruben Amorim, scoring 11 goals this season, so a stunning move back to Wearside would surely be a tall order to pull off.

But, Le Bris might well be able to win Sunderland’s next version of the spellbinding 22-year-old if another move comes to fruition.

Sunderland could sign their new Amad

It will be all about striking a fine balance between picking up signings by the bucket load and ensuring the star performers from their promotion heroics are given a fair chance up a level.

As per a new report from GIVEMESPORT, the Black Cats could be about to bolster their attacking arsenal even more away from the likes of Romaine Mundle and Wilson Isidor with the addition of Kwame Poku. Indeed, the Mackems are just one of 26 clubs who are looking to seal the winger’s signature on a free transfer after his contract with Peterborough United came to a close.

The concern on Sunderland’s end, however, will be whether Poku can make that gigantic leap up from League One to the Premier League look seamless.

But, as was the case with Amad, he had never really been exposed to the ins and outs of the English game before his Stadium of Light loan experience – minus one or two United senior chances – with the rest now history as he tears up the Premier League for the Red Devils.

The “unplayable” Ghanaian – as he was hyperbolically labelled by Peterborough United boss Darren Ferguson last season – could well take the top-flight by storm too if given time to impress, with Poku’s trickery, flair and ability to finish off a chance at League One level making him very similar to Amad at his Black Cats peak and shows off a player ready for an increase in quality.

To rubber stamp that comparison, you only need to look at their dribbling numbers from the 2024/25 campaign with EFL hotshot, Poku, averaging 1.9 dribbles per match to Amad’s 1.6. Their eel-like ability on the ball is almost uncanny.

Games played

147

Goals scored

30

Assists

30

Trophies

2x

L1 Player of the Month

2x

LT Team of the Season

1x

Unfortunately for Le Bris and Co, they were unable to get the very best out of Amad over a long period of time, but with Poku – who is fresh off tallying up an insane 21 goal contributions from only 29 clashes last season – he will have so much more to give the cause permanently, considering he is only 23 and will be surrounded by some top-notch teammates equally eager to succeed up a division.

He might not instantly hit the ground running, but if there’s one location that should be able to get the optimum out of him eventually, it’s Sunderland with the likes of Chris Rigg, Jobe Bellingham and Amad all blossoming here so early into their playing days.

His value's soared 3,868%: Sunderland have struck gold on their new Clarke

Sunderland have hit the jackpot with this star who could be their next Jack Clarke.

ByDan Emery May 28, 2025

Some states would be without big names if the IPL is slotted in later this year

Andrew McGlashan28-May-2020+ donates Cricket Australia contracted playerAlex Carey (South Australia/Delhi Capitals) +Australia’s limited-overs wicketkeeper has previously spoken about the challenge of building his red-ball game with ODI and T20 duty often keeping him out of the Sheffield Shield. Depending on the length of any IPL overlap with the Australian season, he could again miss a significant chunk of games, especially if the Shield season is also reduced due to Covid-19-related cuts. From South Australia’s point of view, they would lose a senior figure at a time when they are looking to rebuild under a new head coach who is yet to be named.Nathan Coulter-Nile (TBC/Mumbai Indians)Less than a year after being in the World Cup squad, Coulter-Nile dropped off the CA contract list and that is likely to signal the end of his international career. It has also been reported that he is set to miss the Western Australia list but may sign up for another state. Else he could well see his future as being in T20 leagues.Pat Cummins (New South Wales/Kolkata Knight Riders) +One of four New South Wales players with IPL contracts who the state is used to not seeing due to their international commitments. Cummins, who set a record as the most expensive overseas player with a US$2.2 million deal, played one Shield match before the Test season last year and it could be something similar in 2020-21 if the IPL does find a home in October.Josh Hazlewood during a one-day outing for New South Wales•Getty ImagesAaron Finch (Victoria/Royal Challengers Bangalore) +As ODI and T20I captain, Finch is another whose international duties can limit appearances for Victoria but although his brief Test career is behind him, he would no doubt be an asset to their top order when available.Josh Hazlewood (New South Wales/Chennai Super Kings) +Unlike Cummins, he is not part of Australia’s T20I set-up so he would potentially be available a little more for New South Wales outside of Test duty but is now back in the ODI team. Last season he played two Shield matches before the series against Pakistan and New ZealandMitchell Marsh (Western Australia/Sunrisers Hyderabad) +Marsh is eager to restate his credentials to be Australia’s Test allrounder after missing the first half of last season having broken his hand punching the dressing room wall and then earning a recall to the limited-overs side, which meant he only made one Shield appearance. Having regained his CA contract last month, Marsh is one of four Western Australia players with an IPL deal.Josh Philippe began the season with a rapid half-century•Getty ImagesGlenn Maxwell (Victoria/Kings XI Punjab) +One of the gun T20 players in the world, Maxwell’s chances of forcing his way back into Test contention are probably gone but he remains a player who can add plenty of value to Victoria’s four-day side when available and would be a lock for the Marsh Cup.Josh Philippe (Western Australia/Royal Challengers Bangalore)One of the rising stars in Australian cricket, it is T20s where Philippe has really caught the attention and had a superb 2019-2020 Big Bash as he helped the Sydney Sixers to the title. He also played five Shield matches last season and was settling into a middle-order role in the second half of the campaign.Kane Richardson (South Australia/Royal Challengers Bangalore) +Not a regular in South Australia’s Shield team – he has played taken just two first-class wickets in three games over the last two seasons – amid selection, injury and Australia limited-overs duty but he would be part of the Marsh Cup side.Steven Smith (New South Wales/Rajasthan Royals) +New South Wales enjoyed having Smith around for the early part of last season as he scored two hundreds in three matches to help put them on course for their eventual title. But they also have a batting order that knows how to manage without big names.David Warner celebrates his century•Getty ImagesBilly Stanlake (Queensland/Sunrisers Hyderabad)Stanlake’s chances of being part of the T20 World Cup squad appeared to have drifted away after he dropped out of the side following the early-season matches against Sri Lanka and Pakistan last year then endured a poor Big Bash for the Adelaide Strikers. The four Shield matches he played last year represent half his career total although eight wickets at 38.62 showed he remained a work in progress.Marcus Stoinis (Western Australia/Delhi Captials)Stoinis lost his CA contract last month despite a record-breaking Big Bash for the Melbourne Stars and faces a challenge to resurrect his international career. He has spoken of the desire to push for a Test slot – he was briefly part of the squad in the 2018-19 season – but a batting average of 30.61 and bowling return of 34.50 in eight matches last season did not hammer down the door. If he and Marsh are both at the IPL, there could be a lot on Cameron Green’s plate in the allrounder role for Western Australia if he is allowed to bowl again.Andrew Tye (Western Australia/Rajasthan Royals)Very much a white-ball specialist having not played a first-class game since 2018, Tye had a truncated 2019-2020 season after suffering an elbow injury which meant he did not play after October and missed the entire BBL. Was part of Western Australia’s Marsh Cup side before injury struck.David Warner (New South Wales/Sunrisers Hyderabad) +Like Smith, Warner had an impact for New South Wales during his brief Shield appearances last season with a crucial century at the Gabba to set up an opening victory. But once again, New South Wales may not see much of him.Other Australians at the IPLChris Green (Kolkata Knight Riders), Chris Lynn (Mumbai Indians) and Shane Watson (Chennai Super Kings) were also due to be involved in the Shield tournament but they do not have state contracts. Green and Lynn have BBL deals – with Sydney Thunder and Brisbane Heat respectively – while Watson no longer plays in Australian domestic cricket.

Glasgow Rangers have already confirmed that Barry Ferguson’s time as interim manager of the Ibrox club came to an end after the Scottish Premiership season concluded.

The Light Blues were held to a 2-2 draw at Easter Road on the final day of the league season, as Rangers cemented their second-placed finish behind their city rivals.

Ferguson’s interim spell ended with six wins, five draws, and four defeats in 15 matches in all competitions, which was far from impressive on paper for the inexperienced Scottish coach.

It has now been confirmed that he will not be in contention for the job on a full-time basis, as the Gers are now looking elsewhere for a permanent successor to Philippe Clement, who was relieved of his duties in February.

There have already been plenty of interesting names linked with the vacant managerial position at Ibrox, ranging from British coaches, foreign coaches with British experience, and left-field coaches with no experience in British football.

One of the names who has been mentioned alongside the Rangers job in recent weeks is Real Madrid assistant first-team coach Davide Ancelotti, the son of Carlo Ancelotti.

Why Rangers should avoid Davide Ancelotti

There have been some contradicting reports on the club’s interest in the Italian tactician of late, with talk of an offer from the Gers and then a report saying that was false and that he wants to join his father with the Brazil national team for a year.

Whether he is a serious candidate for the job or not, the 49ers and Kevin Thelwell should look elsewhere in their search for a new head coach because of the job facing the next manager ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Rangers have finished second in the Premiership in each of the last four seasons, watching their city rivals lift the trophy each year, and need a head coach who can bring success back to Ibrox.

Whilst Ancelotti is an exciting prospect, because he has yet to manage at first-team level and is full of untapped potential, the fact that he is an unknown quantity as a manager also counts against him for this particular job.

Real Madrid (Assistant manager)

Carlo Ancelotti

233

Everton (Assistant manager)

Carlo Ancelotti

67

Napoli (Assistant manager)

Carlo Ancelotti

73

Bayern Munich (Assistant manager)

Carlo Ancelotti

60

Real Madrid (Fitness coach)

Carlo Ancelotti

119

PSG (Fitness coach)

Carlo Ancelotti

77

The 35-year-old coach, as shown by his career path above, has not been a first-team manager to date, as he has only worked as part of his father’s coaching staff, as either a fitness coach or as an assistant manager.

Whilst there is a lot of brilliant experience in some of the best leagues in Europe at some of the biggest clubs in the world there, Ancelotti has not proven himself as the main man and that is why Rangers, in their current situation, should look elsewhere.

Rangers want to appoint new manager this week

As per a fresh report from the Daily Mail, Rangers are looking to appoint a more experienced manager as they are set to hold talks with English boss Steven Gerrard.

The report claims that the club are planning to hold talks with the Liverpool legend within the next 48 hours to discuss a potential return to Ibrox, having left the job to join Aston Villa back in 2021.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

It states that Gerrard, who is currently without a club, is currently the frontrunner to land the role, and that Rangers want to have a deal wrapped up by the end of this week if possible.

All going well, the English manager could be holding up a Gers scarf for the second time before next Monday, although there is no mention of how interested he is in making a return to Glasgow.

With this news in mind, the club must convince Gerrard to return to Ibrox before the end of the week during these talks that are due to take place within the next 48 hours because he would make supporters forget about wanting Ancelotti.

Why Gerrard would make Rangers forget Ancelotti

As aforementioned, the Real Madrid assistant manager would arrive at Ibrox as a huge gamble by the club, given his lack of senior managerial experience, but that would not be the case with Gerrard.

In fact, the English head coach may be the safest possible appointment for Rangers to make, given that he is the only Gers manager who has won the Premiership in the last decade.

The former England international lost more games than he won at Aston Villa (19 vs 13) and Al Ettifaq (20 vs 19) after moving on from Ibrox in 2021, but there is no mocking his record during his time in Scottish football.

After being given time to build a squad in the 2018/19 and 2019/20 campaigns, Gerrard won the Premiership title in the 2020/21 season with 32 wins and zero losses in the top-flight, an achievement that was described as “unbelievable” by journalist Leanne Prescott.

Matches

38

12

Wins

32

8

Draws

6

3

Defeats

0

1

Points

102

27

Points per game

2.68

2.25

League position

1st (Champions)

1st

As you can see in the table above, the 4-3-3 manager only lost one of his last 50 matches in charge of the club, and left the team at the top of the table before Giovanni van Bronckhorst failed to follow up with another title success.

Gerrard, once dubbed “amazing” by Glen Johnson, has proven that he can deliver a successful style of football at Ibrox, given his incredible record across his last 50 games and the title that he won in the 2020/21 campaign.

Rangers have failed to win the Premiership in the last four seasons, and they need a head coach who can bring the title back to Ibrox next term. So, who better than the only man to have done it in the last decade? That is why appointing Gerrard could make fans forget about the exciting potential of bringing Ancelotti in for his first managerial job.

Not just Butland: Rangers flop may have played his last game at Ibrox

Several Rangers players wont be at the club next season after the 2-2 draw with Hibs.

ByRoss Kilvington May 17, 2025

Fulham are still in the hunt for continental qualification under Marco Silva and could look to swat aside some of their Premier League competitors to land a talented defender, per reports.

Fulham keep their European hopes alive at Southampton

The race for European football in the English top-flight is gripping, if not complicated, but Fulham still find themselves in the hunt for some form of reward for another fine season at Craven Cottage.

Indeed, they left it late at Southampton, courtesy of Ryan Sessegnon’s last-minute effort, which sealed a 2-1 victory on the South Coast to condemn the home side to another unfortunate defeat.

Four matches remain for the Cottagers, who may still gain a place in the Europa League or Europa Conference League, subject to many complex permutations that supporters will be spending their spare hours breaking down.

Either way, Fulham are a club on the up under Silva and could be set for another exciting summer in West London with arrivals on the horizon.

Setting a marker of their ambition, Joao Palhinha could be on his way back to Craven Cottage from Bayern Munich after struggling to break into the first-team picture in Germany under Vincent Kompany.

Burnley want to sign Fulham ace who previously won promotion under Parker

Burnley are now looking to sign a player who has worked with their manager before.

ByBrett Worthington Apr 24, 2025

Kyle Walker-Peters could arrive at Fulham on a free transfer when his contract expires at Southampton at the end of this campaign, which would be another smart piece of business at Craven Cottage to add further squad depth ahead of 2025/26.

Now, Silva’s men are in a position to challenge their Premier League competitors for the signature of an Italy international, per recent developments.

Fulham position themselves to sign Juventus defender Nicolo Savona

According to TBR, Fulham have made contact with Juventus regarding Nicola Savona as they look to strike a deal to bring the versatile defender to Craven Cottage.

Bournemouth, Everton and West Ham United are also in the mix to sign the Italian, who can play at right-back, centre-back, left-back and further up on the flank if needed.

Nicolo Savona statistics in 2024/25 – Serie A

Chances created

15

Successful crosses

11

Tackles won

13

Duels won

49

Recoveries

61

Dribbled past

11

Called up by Italy but so far not capped, Savona has registered two goals and a solitary assist in 33 appearances this campaign as Juventus look to cement Champions League qualification.

Manchester City made advances over a move for the defender in January in their attempts to replace long-serving star Kyle Walker, though nothing came to fruition and he is now back on the market.

Juventus made the mistake of parting ways with Dean Huijsen last summer, and the Spain international has since gone on to be a revelation at Bournemouth.

Unsurprisingly, Fulham are now a fixture in the race to sign Savona and there is optimism he could follow a similar path should he swap Serie A for the Premier League.

“That’s why you pay big money to big-game players,” Tom Moody says of Starc’s second-ball wicket of Travis Head

ESPNcricinfo staff21-May-20241:33

‘That’s why you pay big money for big-game players’

Mitchell Starc has had a patchy IPL 2024, but he brought his experience and nous of playing in “some big games and big occasions” when it mattered by running through the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) top order in Qualifier 1 in Ahmedabad.Starc bowled three overs in the powerplay and sent back Travis Head off the second ball of the game, and Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shahbaz Ahmed, the last two off consecutive balls in the fifth over.”I guess I have played a fair bit of cricket so I have been fortunate enough to play in some big games and some big occasions,” Starc said between innings on the official broadcast after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) had stopped SRH for 159. “Nine months ago [in the ODI World Cup final] we were here in front of a full stadium. It was nice to get the team off to a good start that we needed [today].Related

Starc shows the way as KKR blow away Sunrisers to march into IPL final

Russell, the Ultimate Fighter who knows just how good he is

“We know the powerplay wickets are very important. The way Sunrisers take on the powerplay, they have sort of matched us throughout the season in terms of getting off to good starts. It was great to get powerplay wickets and I think our bowling group was fantastic throughout.”Starc got the ball to seam from the outset and struck with his second ball, castling his Australia team-mate Head with one that shaped back in sharply. Vaibhav Arora then sent back Abhishek Sharma for 3 as SRH lost their big-hitting openers inside two overs. Starc bowled his third over inside the powerplay and first removed Reddy with a short-of-a-length ball that the batter skied with an attempted pull, and then hit Shahbaz’s middle pole off the inside edge.But Head’s wicket was one that Starc enjoyed the most, and one he wants to keep in his “back pocket”.”I might keep that one in the back pocket for when he starts to give me some niggle and I have to pull it out on him,” Starc said. “He’s been phenomenal through the tournament. But we knew he was going to be a big wicket.”Obviously Abhishek for them at the top as well. That partnership has been key for them, so to get both of them pretty cheap was great and we got set on our way today.”After the match, and after Starc had won the Player-of-the-Match award, Ravi Shastri brought up the fact that Starc had pulled his length back a bit in the early overs. “Yeah, spot on. Particularly with the way Trav and Abhishek have been playing throughout the series, they like the width [and to] free their arms,” Starc said. “So if we can get that ball swinging and keep it in line with the stumps and bowl a really hard length, which we really did in the powerplay, and that really got into their middle order…”Starc’s delivery to remove Head left Tom Moody impressed as well. “Class from Starc. We know that he has had a difficult three-quarters of the tournament, but that’s why you pay big money to big-game players,” he said on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut show.On asked about the conditions, Starc conceded there was dew, which started to appear about halfway through the SRH innings. He said he expected the surface to get better to bat on in the second innings.”There is certainly dew now. It started to pick up through probably halfway through our innings. The wicket has got a bit skiddier. There is some swing. Our spinners found a way to be effective and take wickets,” Starc said. “The wicket is going to get a little bit better just with the dew and the bit of skid but in turn, it is also going to swing a little bit.”