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The restructured selection committee for the Pakistan men’s side has been pared down further, with Mohammad Yousuf announcing his resignation from the role. Yousuf, who was one of five remaining voting members on the committee, said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that he was quitting for “personal reasons”.”Serving this incredible team has been a profound privilege, and I am proud to have contributed to the growth and success of Pakistan cricket,” Yousuf said. “I have immense faith in the talent and spirit of our players, and wish our team all the best as they continue to strive for greatness.”Shortly after, a PCB statement thanked Yousuf for his services, saying he had “voluntarily stepped down…to focus on other key responsibilities within the cricket board”. Yousuf remains a batting coach at the PCB’s National High Performance Centre.Related

• PCB restructures selection committee by picking Aleem Dar, Aaqib, Azhar

• Aamer Jamal returns for first Test against England

• Wahab and Razzaq sacked from PCB selection committee

Comings and goings in Pakistan’s selectorial setup are not new but it has become especially volatile over the past few months. Wahab Riaz was appointed chief selector late last year, overseeing series defeats against Australia and New Zealand, and a dramatic row with Haris Rauf that saw the fast bowler’s central contract ripped up and then restored a few weeks later.In March, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced a new selection committee with seven members and no chief selector. But after Pakistan’s disastrous first-round exit at the T20 World Cup in June, Wahab and Abdul Razzaq were sacked by the PCB and not replaced, whittling the committee’s voting members down to the captains and coaches, and Asad Shafiq and Yousuf. Yousuf’s departure, with no word on whether he will be replaced, means Shafiq is the only voting member outside of the captains and coaches still part of the selection committee.The committee’s next task will involve the announcement of the squad for the remainder of Pakistan’s Test series against England, having made public the squad for the first Test in Multan, which begins on October 7.

With the arrival of Florian Wirtz this summer, Liverpool’s lengthy midfield rebuild finally feels complete.

Ahead of Jurgen Klopp’s final campaign at Anfield, he saw the likes of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho head to Saudi Arabia, with Thiago Alcantara leaving on a free transfer.

Huge investment was made to bolster the midfield and even if they did miss out on the likes of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia who both headed to Chelsea, Liverpool have been no worse for it.

Indeed, the trio of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai, all bought in the summer of 2023, played a decisive factor in the Reds’ title triumph just a few months ago.

Mac Allister and Gravenberch were particularly strong last term, with the former nominated for the Premier League’s Player of the Season gong and the latter nominated for Young Player, an award he fought off the competition to win.

Still, despite the arrival of Wirtz, perhaps Arne Slot and Co are not content just yet.

Liverpool looking at signing another midfielder

It’s unlikely the Merseysiders will welcome too many more players to Anfield this summer with a colossal amount of business already complete or on the verge of being completed.

Wirtz arrived in a mega £116m deal, making him British football’s record transfer, while Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez has also penned terms. Next on the agenda is Hugo Ekitike, set to sign from Eintracht Frankfurt and possibly also Crystal Palace star, Marc Guehi.

Liverpool’s raid of Palace may not stop there with any of Selhurst Park’s star players taking their fancy.

Indeed, according to reports via The Mirror, they are interested in signing midfielder Adam Wharton.

Transfer Focus

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

However, they are set to have to wait until next year with Wharton deciding to stay in London for another season amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

That said, Liverpool are in fact in pole position to sign the England international in a year’s time. They may, however, have to shell out a fee of £100m to bring him to the north west.

Why Adam Wharton could be Liverpool's very own Martin Zubimendi

A year ago, it looked like for all the world that Martin Zubimendi would be donning the red of Liverpool.

The Spaniard had held talks about moving to the Premier League but ultimately, a deal failed to come to fruition. It was a blow, admittedly, and to see him head to Arsenal this summer will have been a bitter pill to swallow.

Liverpool did a lot of work on signing the Spaniard, but so did the Gunners, who wrapped a deal worth around £60m a few weeks ago.

Zubimendi is one of the finest around, described by Spain manager Luis de la Fuente as “one of the best midfielders in the world” while European football expert, Sid Lowe, has noted that he “is just about as good a deep-lying midfielder there is in Europe, apart from maybe Rodri.”

So, Arsenal have strengthened well by bringing the 26-year-old to the Emirates Stadium, but Wharton is cut from a similar cloth.

A “generational talent” in the words of former Sky Sports employee Matthew Stanger, Wharton has actually already been compared to Zubimendi by analyst Raj Chohan. Writing for Premier League Panel, he suggested that as a “press-resistant passer” he is the type of player who should be playing next to Declan Rice in England’s midfield.

Considering Arsenal have picked a similar profile in the form of Zubimendi to sit next to him in 2025/26 and beyond, there’s a lot of rhyme and reason behind Chohan’s argument here.

Aged just 21, Wharton has the world at his feet and his ability to not just break up the play but dictate the tempo of a game from a deep-lying position doesn’t just evoke memories of Zubimendi but also the aforementioned Rodri.

Indeed, Manchester City reportedly earmarked both players as their ‘perfect’ Rodri replacement when the Spaniard suffered his ACL injury last season.

Pass success %

76%

84%

Key passes

1.78

0.58

Progressive passes

7.33

5.93

Tackles won

0.96

1.12

Interceptions

1.37

1.34

Blocks

0.75

1.28

Progressive carries

0.96

1.16

Ball recoveries

6.99

4.26

Analysing the data, we can see where the similarities lie, notably in the fact that they get through the same degree of defensive work across tackles and interceptions.

While Zubimendi is perhaps crisper with his passing, Wharton is actually better when it comes to recovering the ball and creating opportunities to score for his teammates.

Of course, the Spaniard has been impressing over a longer time span, but by bringing the Eagles sensation to Anfield, whether it be this summer or next, they’d find their own version of Zubimendi, perhaps with a little more creativity and drive in the final third.

He's better than Ekitike: Liverpool chasing "monster" £60m Isak alternative

Liverpool are looking to sign a new number nine in the summer transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 15, 2025

The Hill Dickinson Stadium will begin life in the Premier League by playing host to Brighton & Hove Albion, one week after Everton’s season opener away to newly-promoted Leeds United.

David Moyes deserves all the plaudits for his remarkable work on Merseyside this year, replacing Sean Dyche in January and taking a weary 16th-place outfit, one point above the drop zone, up and up towards 13th, some 23 points above relegated Leicester City.

The shift has been profound, but now Moyes must sustain and indeed advance his progress in a new setting, retaining the magic and feeling that Goodison Park and its crowd instilled through to the pitch.

So much uncertainty. More than a measure of anxiety. However, tenfold that amount in regard to the excitement of a new age. Of course, Everton need signings to make it happen, with a striker right at the top of the wish list.

Everton chasing new striker

As per Spanish outlet AS, Everton are interested in striking a deal for Corinthians striker Yuri Alberto, although it must be said that Atletico Madrid are also in the race and have actually established contacts with the Brasileiro Serie A side.

Thankfully, Alberto isn’t the La Liga side’s priority, and if the Toffees put in the groundwork over the coming weeks, they might find themselves stealing ahead.

Valued at €20m (about £17m), Everton are joined by Roma – also owned by the Friedkin Group – in their bid for the Brazilian, as they line up a swoop for the striker.

What Yuri Alberto would bring to Everton

Described as “clinical” by South American football expert Nathan Joyes, the club could strike gold by winning the race to sign Alberto, who at 24 is finally ready to settle on the European stage and improve a Toffees team looking to progress toward the upper echelon of Premier League football.

Everton like a Brazilian forward, having reaped the rewards of signing Richarlison from Watford way back when, but they have probably missed the 28-year-old’s fiery personality and dynamism after selling him to Tottenham Hotspur for £60m in 2022.

As per FBref, Alberto ranks among the top 10% of forwards during this year’s Serie A season for goals scored per 90, as well as pass completion and aerial duel success rate. His roundedness and dominance as a focal point suggest he could be the man Everton are looking for to front their project.

2025

35

13

1

2024

57

31

7

2023

63

15

9

2022

44

18

6

2021

55

19

4

Alberto knows his way around a finish, make no mistake. The mobile and determined striker would add a bit of flair to Moyes’ side, raising the threat levels in front of goal, moreover.

There’s no doubt that he’d prove an upgrade on the Dominic Calvert-Lewin we’ve come to know over the past couple of years, but maybe he could be the manager’s own version of Richarlison too.

Though Iliman Ndiaye has restored the thrill factor for the Blues, Richarlison’s tenacity and hunger gave Everton something special and distinctive across four consistent seasons, wrapping up his time at the club with 53 goals and 15 assists across 152 appearances.

Once tipped by Carlo Ancelotti to become “one of the top strikers in Europe”, Richarlison’s time at Tottenham has left plenty to be desired.

Still, his Brazilian tenacity has remained a core part of his skill set, and now Alberto could emulate that quality under Moyes’ wing, having been described by talent scout Jacek Kulig to be a “complete forward” with a “powerful, athletic” build.

Richarlison, physically imposing, good with his head and endowed with a natural prolificness, might have been linked with a return to Merseyside in recent months, but Everton have entered a new chapter and would instead be better off pursuing a fresh and younger face.

Still, Alberto can become the club’s next version of their South American maverick.

Their best attacker since Lukaku: Everton lead race for £50m star on loan

Everton are in the market for another maverick attacker

ByJoe Nuttall Jun 18, 2025

Manchester United are making their mark in the transfer window and could now turn their attention to a prolific marksman with plenty of history in the English top-flight, per reports.

Manchester United set to rejuvenate their blunt forward line

Following a miserable campaign that Ruben Amorim will be glad to see the back of heading into the summer window, Manchester United’s need for attacking reinforcements is more evident than ever.

Rasmus Hojlund’s well-documented inconsistencies have become an unwelcome subplot in conversations at Old Trafford. The Denmark international scored ten times in 52 matches in 2024/25 and appeared to be a player struggling for confidence throughout.

Reports in Italy suggest Inter Milan could offer Hojlund an escape route to turn around his fortunes. However, the Champions League finalists are said to be holding out for a bargain price before committing fully to a pursuit.

Joshua Zirkzee had some impressive moments and began to settle into handling the expectations needed to thrive at Manchester United. Still, seven goals in 49 appearances is another fairly unconvincing return, albeit he isn’t a conventional centre-forward.

Matheus Cunha arriving from Wolverhampton Wanderers is a major bonus for the Red Devils in the forward areas. His 15 strikes across the Premier League campaign all came from open play, and they could also be boosted by a deal for Bryan Mbeumo, who would prefer a move to Old Trafford over his other suitors.

Nevertheless, they will need support to fill both the creative and goalscoring brief at Old Trafford, which could be hampered further if Bruno Fernandes opts for a big-money £100 million move to Al Hilal.

The club captain choosing to depart would leave a bitter taste in the mouth, though his exit could provide the cash flow needed to sanction an exciting swoop for one of Amorim’s newest reported targets.

Manchester United consider surprise move for Aleksandar Mitrovic

According to talkSPORT, Manchester United are considering a surprise swoop for Al Hilal forward Aleksandar Mitrovic after he was told he will be allowed to leave the Saudi Pro League outfit, provided they can sort a replacement before the Club World Cup.

Fulham and West Ham United have also put their hat in the ring following the Serbia international’s tally of 68 goals in 79 games since completing a £50 million move to the Gulf Region from Craven Cottage back in 2023.

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Posts ByKelan Sarson Jun 1, 2025

Available for £40 million, Mitrovic would be willing to take a pay cut from his £400,000 per week wages to seal a return to English shores before the window closes.

Unfortunately, Manchester United will need to filter players out before pushing forward in their efforts to sign the former Newcastle United man, a scenario that is likely imperative to soliciting a deal.

Either way, Mitrovic has scored 38 Premier League goals and has made over 100 appearances at the top level and his experience could be vital in Amorim’s hunt to restore the Red Devils at the top of the English pyramid.

All eyes may be on tomorrow evening, amid Manchester United’s bid to book their place in the Europa League final, although in the long-term, it is the summer transfer window that could prove make or break for the Ruben Amorim regime.

The United hierarchy will need to strike a balance between handing the Portuguese the appropriate tools for his specialised 3-4-3 system, albeit while avoiding a repeat of Erik ten Hag’s tenure, in which far too many of the Dutchman’s transfer dealings were manager-led.

While the move for Noussair Mazraoui ranks among the more successful of the club’s captures in recent times, you really do have to look back to Bruno Fernandes’ arrival in 2020 to see an overwhelmingly positive deal done at Old Trafford.

As club legend Gary Neville stated late last year, the playmaker is the “only” player in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era to have lived up to expectations, with far too many high-profile moves having gone awry.

The INEOS era needs to begin to improve upon this wretched recent record, with perhaps United’s lowest ebb having come prior to the takeover, in the form of Wout Weghorst’s shock addition.

Wout Weghorst's record at Man Utd

For all the complications and controversy surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s second spell at Old Trafford – not least the striker’s explosive bombshell interview with Piers Morgan – it still represented a significant, shock downgrade to have replaced the free-scoring icon with that man Weghorst.

With Ronaldo departing on acrimonious terms, ahead of the 2022 World Cup, Ten Hag and co were forced to dip into the market for a new striker in January, particularly amid Anthony Martial’s continued injury woes.

Options in the winter window were unsurprisingly limited, with the Premier League side ultimately forced to settle on plucking Weghorst from his loan spell at Besiktas, having scored just two goals the year prior for Burnley.

While the towering Netherlands international was brutally mocked as the ‘worst player’ to have played for Manchester United, in the verdict of controversial broadcaster Richard Keys, he did enjoy the odd bright moment, having notably provided the assist for Marcus Rashford’s strike in the Carabao Cup final victory over Newcastle United.

Deployed in almost a number ten berth at times, the experienced marksman also came close to netting on the break in the 2-2 draw with Barcelona at Camp Nou, having at least shown signs of life despite his obvious limitations.

Those limitations, however, were exposed by his meagre return of just two goals and only three assists in 31 games in all competitions during his six-month stint in Manchester, having almost broken down in tears after clinching a long-awaited Old Trafford goal against Real Betis.

For a player of whom many expected little, Weghorst at least popped up with a few moments to cherish. The reverse looks to be true of one of those among Amorim’s current crop.

The Man Utd star in danger of looking worse than Weghorst

On the striker front, question marks continue to surround both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee. That said, in the case of Hojlund, the young Dane did at least finish last season as United’s top scorer in all competitions, while Zirkzee, meanwhile, has scored seven times in an injury-curtailed debut campaign at the club.

Both men – as would be hoped considering their respective £64m and £36.5m transfer fees – have easily eclipsed the five goal involvements that Weghorst chalked up, although the same can’t be said of the man who arrived alongside Hojlund in 2023, Mason Mount.

Signed from rivals Chelsea on a £55m deal that summer, having had just a year left to run on his existing contract at Stamford Bridge, the Englishman initially looked like something of a coup, with Ten Hag having won the race for his signature ahead of both Arsenal and Liverpool.

A player who had provided a match-winning assist in the 2021 Champions League final, alongside notably reaching double figures for both goals and assists in the Premier League in 2021/22, Mount arrived in Manchester with real pedigree. As Ten Hag stated at the time, he is “a quality player”.

Sadly for all concerned, the marquee move has proven a real disaster to date, with the versatile midfielder the latest to seemingly be struck down by the club’s infamous number seven curse.

Whether he has simply been weighed down by taking on such an iconic jersey at the Theatre of Dreams, things really haven’t got going for Mount thus far, with the £250k-per-week asset having been repeatedly hampered by injury over the last two seasons.

Even when he has featured, the former Derby County loanee has hardly looked like nailing down a regular role for himself, with the 3-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao showcasing a case in point.

Introduced off the bench with United hoping to see things out in comfortable fashion, Mount put in an erratic and over-eager performance in the closing stages, picking up a needless yellow card, while losing the ball on seven occasions from just 23 touches.

That was, to his credit, followed up by a goal against Brentford to open the scoring at the weekend, although even that strike cannot mask his grim overall return, having now scored just twice and contributed only one assist in 41 games to date – two fewer goals and assists than Weghorst, albeit having played nine more games.

Mount – Man Utd record (all comps)
Competition	Games	Goals	Assists
Premier League	27	2	0
EFL Cup	2	0	1
FA Cup	2	0	0
Europa League	7	0	0
Champions League	2	0	0
Community Shield	1	0	0
Total	41	2	0
Stats via Transfermarkt

While it may seem harsh to compare Mount to Weghorst, considering the latter’s status as a striker, the former has largely operated as a number ten in the Amorim regime, albeit with little success. As previously mentioned, Weghorst also operated in that role under Ten Hag.

Considering the sizeable nature of Mount’s price tag too – the tenth highest in United’s history, as per Transfermarkt – it is difficult to view his capture as anything but a flop, with time running out to make his mark before the season is at an end.

Amorim, it would seem, still has ample faith in a player he described as a “proper footballer”, although with the likes of Matheus Cunha looking set to arrive this summer – amid reports that Mount could himself be on his way – the competition in the side is only set to increase.

Hopefully, for both his and United’s sake, the Cobham academy graduate can play a vital role in clinching Europa League glory…

Worse than Bayindir: 2/10 flop must now never start for Man Utd again

Manchester United suffered their 16th league defeat of the season, losing 4-3 to Brentford.

2

By
Matt Dawson

May 4, 2025

Everton are on the up once again, with David Moyes transforming the club since replacing Sean Dyche in January.

There’s plenty of work to be done over the coming months. The Friedkin Group are willing to hand the manager ample funds to make some impactful signings ahead of the new campaign.

While forwards are clearly required after another year of inconsistencies in the final third, Everton will need to get rid of some existing options first.

15th

Man United

42

15=

West Ham

42

17th

Everton

39

18th

Ipswich

35

19th

Leicester

31

20th

Southampton

25

The future of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, approaching free agency, is up in the air, and the same could be said for loanee Jack Harrison, who should be cut loose at the end of the term.

Jack Harrison's Everton future

Harrison, 28, might be versatile and industrious, but all of an Everton persuasion will have been frustrated by his output at Goodison Park, especially this season.

Across 36 outings in all competitions, Harrison has scored just one goal and provided only one assist.

Moyes and Everton’s Director of Football, Angus Kinnear, may value the Leeds United man’s commitment and tenacity, but so much has been left to be desired this term.

Still, Moyes likes the player’s attitude and appears open to signing him permanently after the final fixtures of the term are dealt with.

However, Everton’s right side has lacked substance and potency this year, and right-back Nathan Patterson may well follow Harrison out the door.

Everton must sell Nathan Patterson

Everton signed Patterson from Rangers in a deal worth £16m back in January 2022. He was 20 years old and highly sought-after, but over three years later his value has actually diminished.

Transfermarkt record that Patterson bears a market value of just shy of £13m right now, having only started 12 Premier League fixtures since the beginning of last season due to incessant injury bother.

Harrison’s is marginally higher at £13.5m, but this does serve to underscore the depths to which Patterson has sunk, with his recent performances doing little to convince detractors that he’s got what it takes to earn a successful starting role in Moyes’ system.

The Royal Blue podcasters had already agreed that “Dyche doesn’t fancy him” before Moyes’ arrival, and it doesn’t look like the change in manager has raised his level, only afforded playing time in recent weeks because of James Tarkowski’s season-ending injury.

Given that club captain Seamus Coleman, 36, is slated to renew his contract and, furthermore, that Jake O’Brien has been so formidable in a moonlit right-back berth since January, it’s hard to envisage Patterson having a good shot at hitting the heights once touted.

Indeed, as per Sofascore, he’s struggled with his crosses in the top flight, connecting with only 36% of his efforts, while also losing over half of his contested duels.

Coleman will play a part that transcends that of a mere player. He will use his experience and leadership to guide the team forward in something of a hybrid role.

But nonetheless, it’s not a revelation that bodes well for Patterson, who has flattered to deceive when fielded this year, and admittedly, his chances have been few and far between.

Given that this young talent is worth less than Harrison, it might be time for Everton to cash in and make their move for a new, more reliable right-back.

Amazing Delap alternative: Everton in the race for "phenomenal" £40m star

Everton are looking to sign a new striker for David Moyes this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 15, 2025

At some point this week, Liverpool could be crowned champions of the Premier League, should Arsenal lose at home against Crystal Palace on Wednesday evening or Anfield claim three points against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Of course, neither juncture could turn the Reds toward the title, but there’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that the Redmen’s romp toward the finish line has turned into a procession.

The Premier League is lauded by many as the toughest, most competitive and most prevalently entertaining division in the world, and while some would claim that the top flight has lulled this term, Liverpool have capitalised emphatically to defy pre-season predictions and move Arne Slot within touching distance of the crown in his first year.

It’s quite the feat, especially since he entered an outfit dealing with three contractual conundrums which have itched at Liverpool’s campaign all year long.

Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah have penned extensions, but there’s been radio silence from Trent Alexander-Arnold.

However, noise from the media suggests that his move to Real Madrid on a free transfer is a matter of when, not if.

What Liverpool will miss when Alexander-Arnold leaves

Alexander-Arnold scored the winner against Leicester City at the weekend, and his celebration felt like a farewell of sorts, hanging his shirt on the corner flag.

While the most optimistic Liverpool supporters are holding onto hope that the 26-year-old will pen a new deal with his boyhood club, Fabrizio Romano and the rest have confirmed that Trent’s camp and Los Blancos are working toward an agreement on a summer move.

He will be missed. Not only is the emotional connection strong, but Alexander-Arnold is one of the most distinctive players in the game.

The unique advantage that the right-back offers, sparking attacking play with such frightening consistency from an unconventional ball-playing position, has helped Liverpool maintain their place as the Premier League’s most creative team for the past five seasons.

Most Big Chances Created in the Premier League (past 5 years)

Season

1st-place Team(s)

Stat

*24/25

Liverpool

97

23/24

Liverpool

102

22/23

Liverpool & Man City

103

21/22

Liverpool

97

20/21

Liverpool

82

Data via Premier League

Conor Bradley may well get the nod as Slot’s first choice at right-back next season, but Liverpool are going to need to replace Alexander-Arnold’s ball-playing genius somehow.

Liverpool lining up potential Trent replacement

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Liverpool could make a move for two full-backs, namely Jeremie Frimpong of Bayer Leverkusen and Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina.

Yet, could Slot replace Trent’s creativity from a different area of the pitch instead?

Transfer Focus

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

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Well, according to Spanish sources, Liverpool are ready to compete with Manchester United for the signing of Xavi Simons this summer, with the RB Leipzig magician now said to be a ‘top target’ for the Reds.

A transfer fee might prove a sticking point, though, with the Germans looking to bank around €100m (£87m) for the 21-year-old this summer, just one year after buying him from Paris Saint-Germain for a €50m (£43m) fee.

However, if sporting director Richard Hughes can move discussions into a more agreeable zone, this could be a stunning capture for Liverpool.

What Xavi Simons would bring to Liverpool

Don’t worry, we’re not suggesting Simons could take Alexander-Arnold’s berth at full-back. However, the little Dutchman is one of the most exciting attacking midfielders in the business, and he’s still got plenty of development left to complete.

However, the Netherlands international does have a similar sort of ball-playing strength that could be utilised and unleashed to preserve Liverpool’s slick offensive play, maybe even unlocking a new dimension.

Xavi Simons – Bundesliga Stats 24/25

Stats (* per game)

#

Matches (starts)

21 (21)

Goals

9

Assists

5

Pass completion

84%

Big chances created

10

Key passes*

2.2

Dribbles*

1.3

Ball recoveries*

5.1

Tackles + interceptions*

1.5

Duels won*

4.4

Data via Sofascore

He’s a complete midfielder, capable of shifting into flanking positions too. Simons’ 2.2 key pass average this term actually stands taller than Alexander-Arnold’s 1.9 average, further evidence that he has what it takes to thrive at Anfield.

But to emphasise it more clearly, the Dutchman ranks among the top 13% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for passes attempted, the top 19% for shot-creating actions, the top 10% for progressive passes and the top 7% for ball recoveries per 90, as per FBref.

There’s a reason Simons is shaping up to be such a hot commodity with his talent for picking at the seams of opposition defences, something Liverpool could make good use of, especially if Alexander-Arnold leaves.

Simons’ playmaking superiority over the Liverpool man may in part be down to positional placement but it doesn’t detract from his being a high-level “game-changer” with his passing and flair, as has been said by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

It’s exactly the kind of quality that Liverpool will need. Trent has scored 23 goals and racked up 90 assists across his 350 career appearances as a Liverpool player, described as a “genius” by reporter Neil Jones.

Simons may still be young, but his 41 goal involvements across 72 Leipzig games, partnered with the underlying creative metrics that speak in his favour, do suggest that Slot could make good use of his countryman’s qualities, transferring Liverpool’s playmaking hub to a more central area.

It’s possible that Liverpool have accelerated their plans to sign Simons due to the growing sense that Alexander-Arnold is going to leave the club this summer. Maybe, tacitly, those in FSG’s head offices already know the outcome.

With plans already being drawn up for a new centre-forward, it might be worthwhile to sign such a player to sit in behind, jockeying with Dominik Szoboszlai for a regular starting berth and enhancing the overall fluency of the Anfield side.

In any case, it might be good for Slot to steer the creative heartbeat toward the middle of the park, with Simons, who has been described as a “superstar” in the making by analyst Ben Mattinson, capable of anchoring Liverpool’s inventiveness behind the frontline, reorienting toward a more conventional well of supplementation.

Truth is, though, it’s far simpler: the Dutchman is a brilliant young player, one who could do really well in Slot’s Liverpool team.

Related As big a blow as Trent: Liverpool will rue selling "world-class" star

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair Apr 22, 2025

The Tamil Nadu batter talks about his first India tour, in South Africa, his time at Surrey, and playing with his role model, Washington Sundar

Deivarayan Muthu and Alagappan Muthu15-Dec-2023B Sai Sudharsan’s stellar run across formats in the past two years culminated in a maiden India call-up for the upcoming ODI series in South Africa. He has already won the County Championship, Deodhar Trophy, Irani Cup and the Tamil Nadu Premier League this year, and was a runner-up in the IPL. After helping Tamil Nadu into the 50-over Vijay Hazare knockouts and before flying to South Africa, the 22-year-old batter spoke about his strong form, improvement against express pace, and takeaways from his stint at Surrey.What was the reaction to your maiden India call-up?
I was on the [Tamil Nadu] physio’s table in Mumbai when I came to know about both the India and India A call-up for the South Africa tour. I was delighted. Firstly, I called my parents and told them [the selectors] have named me in the India squad for the ODIs. A few days before, I was asked about my passport details, so I had a hint that I might be in the India A squad. I called my brother, who is in Australia, and shared the news with him. He didn’t show the excitement too much in his face, but it was a very special feeling for him. He helped me a lot in my cricket, and I miss him a lot.You have been scoring consistently across formats in the past two years. Did you expect this India call-up?
I didn’t really expect it. First of all, I was with the Tamil Nadu team at the Vijay Hazare Trophy. I was focused on that preparation and planning, but I’m really happy for it.You’re arguably the best player of spin in the Tamil Nadu team. R Ashwin has spoken about your strengths against spin. But how did you level up against pace?
I still feel I need to work on more areas as a batter. I’ve been exposed to some conditions and to some speeds. I feel my experience and exposure have helped me to evolve against fast bowling. Three years ago, I didn’t face a lot of pace bowling in the nets. When I started playing the Syed Mushtaq Ali [Trophy] and the IPL, I got the exposure to play against a lot of fast bowlers who bowl at express speeds. I started to face a lot of side-arm during training. I got used to it and it helped me evolve as a batter. When I’m in Chennai, the side-arm throwers get it up to high speeds. When they’re bowling side-arm, it actually appears a lot quicker than what is on the field, so I feel that has helped me to adapt when I’m not with Tamil Nadu or Gujarat Titans.

Wow Sai sudarshan wow!
Genuinely happy for a kid who has been chasing excellence and not left any stone unturned.
Totally thrilled . Well done #TeamIndia

— Ashwin (@ashwinravi99) November 30, 2023