All posts by n8rngtd.top

Are Bangladesh’s batsmen poor players of legspin because the country doesn’t produce enough legspinners? Mohammad Isam explores

Mohammad Isam05-Nov-2019Among the few things Bangladesh didn’t do well during their seven-wicket win over India in Delhi was to handle Yuzvendra Chahal. The legspinner finished with 1 for 24 from four overs, but as long as he was bowling, the Bangladesh batsmen couldn’t quite settle down.Chahal removed Mohammad Naim in his first over when the left-hand batsman skied a catch to long-on. Mushfiqur Rahim and Soumya Sarkar both survived close calls in his second over before Krunal Pandya dropped Mushfiqur in Chahal’s third. Although they got two fours in his last over, it was clear that Chahal had then in his spin.He will certainly feature prominently in team meetings in Rajkot and Nagpur, but Bangladesh’s problems against legspin isn’t limited to Chahal. Last month, Rashid Khan dictated the course of the one-off Test in Chattogram with his 11-wicket haul. Apart from two matches in the last 12 months, Rashid has been a constant thorn in Bangladesh’s side, having taken 33 wickets at an average of 12.87 since 2016. Legspinners like Yasir Shah, Adil Rashid and Devendra Bishoo have also troubled Bangladesh in the last five years, often proving the difference between the two sides. Bangladesh even succumbed to newcomer Brandon Mavuta last year, when he took a four-wicket haul in Zimbabwe’s historic Test win.

Most team officials and coaches in domestic cricket pick multiple left-arm spinners in their line-ups, and explicitly discourage kids from bowling offspin and legspin

Legspin has always been a missing link for Bangladesh in their step-by-step development as an international cricket team. A major part of the problem is the lack of legspinners within the system, which prevents them from having the right kind of practice against this type of bowler. The struggle only becomes apparent to the outside world when the likes of Rashid, Yasir and Chahal expose them at the highest level.Back home, people in positions of power and authority are aware of the issue. Last year, chief selector Minhajul Abedin was so desperate to promote a legspinner that he got the aptly named Minhajul Abedin Afridi in for a tour game against Zimbabwe. The young legspinner managed to break into the Chattogram first-class side this year.Aminul Islam, who took two wickets against India in Delhi, is being touted for big things but he is actually a batsman. He has hardly bowled enough in domestic cricket but because of a mandate by the BCB to promote legspinners, Aminul was pushed into the senior side prematurely.[L to R] Najmul Hossain, Aminul Islam and Mohammad Naib, the new boys in the T20I squad•BCBChahal, who saw Aminul bowl for the first time, somehow felt that this was an experienced domestic campaigner. “He [Aminul] did well in Bangladesh domestic cricket,” Chahal said in Rajkot ahead of the second T20I. “He must have played 40-50 matches in the first-class level. He bowled very well. I think he bowled three overs, and took two crucial wickets.”In reality, Aminul has only played a single first-class game, a handful of List A matches and the Sunday T20I was only his fourth T20 game.The clamour for legspin has also forced the BCB into strange decisions like sacking two coaches for not deploying legspinners in their XIs after a diktat to that effect. The BCB has also decided that each BPL side for the 2019-20 tournament must play a legspinner, local or foreign, in every game. Shakib Al Hasan had criticised this decision.One of the main reasons for Shakib’s displeasure was the way Jubair Hossain, a promising legspinner, was treated in Bangladesh cricket. After Chandika Hathurusingha had plucked him out of the nets for a berth in Bangladesh A and then the senior side in 2014, Jubair bowled pretty well against Zimbabwe that year. Hathurusingha was so adamant to pick him in the 2015 World Cup squad that he got into a quarrel with chief selector Faruque Ahmed.Rashid Khan catches up with Bangladeshi legspinner Jubair Hossain•BCBJubair went on to take Virat Kohli’s wicket in the 2015 one-off Test in Fatullah, but while he was being taken seriously in the Bangladesh team, first-class and Premier League club sides ignored him completely. The Bangladesh domestic scene is heavily influenced by the ideals of one-day cricket, where a bowler is only as good as his economy rate. For this reason, most team officials and coaches pick multiple left-arm spinners in their line-ups, and explicitly discourage kids from bowling offspin and legspin.This culture has affected the national team’s development, and with more and more legspinners in bowling attacks around the world, Bangladesh became susceptible to this style of bowling. In the last five years, some of Bangladesh’s top batsmen like Mushfiqur (18 times), Mahmudullah (13) and Tamim Iqbal (11) have been dismissed frequently by Rashid, Adil Rashid, Yasir, Bishoo and Mavuta. Mushfiqur averages 22.44 against legspinners, while Shakib, and surprisingly Imrul Kayes, have 40-plus averages, as well as a low rate of dismissals.Now, even if it is a bit late and part of a desperate move, Bangladesh’s batsmen will have the chance to face a lot more legspin in the nets and in competitive matches too, going by the looks of things in the NCL, the domestic first-class competition.The emergence of Aminul will also provide another way outside of mere video footage to combat top-drawer legspinners. At this stage, Bangladesh’s batsmen are focused on playing legspinners conservatively. So survival will be key against Chahal in the remaining two matches. If they can overcome him in this series, their next target, just in time for the T20 World Cup in 2020, should be to attack legspinners.

Ipswich Town have their eyes on a “fast” new forward to replace Liam Delap, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Ipswich Town could lose Delap for £30m if relegated

The Tractor Boys suffered a damaging Premier League defeat last time out to relegation rivals Wolves at Portman Road, a result that leaves them 12 points from safety.

Delap was once again on the scoresheet, netting his 12th top-flight goal of the campaign, and he has been a real shining light under Kieran McKenna after signing from Manchester City last summer.

However, with Ipswich on course for an immediate return to the Championship, Delap could remain in the Premier League with a number of clubs keen on his services.

He has a release clause of £40m in his current Ipswich contract, however, that will drop to just £30m should the Tractor Boys go down.

Therefore, Ipswich may soon be on the search for an attacking addition to replace Delap, and there have been claims that Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland could be that man. Now, Romano has named a new potential target ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Ipswich Town eyeing move for Sheffield United forward Ryan One

According to Romano, Ipswich Town have been keeping an eye on Sheffield United forward Ryan One this season, with the teenager on the club’s shortlist to replace Delap.

“Understand Ipswich Town have been monitoring Ryan One’s performances at Sheffield United. He’s one of the names on the shortlist if Liam Delap leaves the club in the summer.”

One, who stands at 6ft 2, made the move to the Blades from Scottish side Hamilton back in 2023. The 18-year-old can play as a striker or as a winger and has represented Scotland at youth level. He’s made 11 appearances in the Championship and scored his first senior goal against Bristol City last year.

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder praised the club for bringing One to Bramall Lane, saying earlier in the campaign: “It’s a great spot by (then-head of recruitment) Paul Mitchell and the board needs appreciating for spending a couple of quid on a real unknown player.

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Kieran McKenna might have his next Leif Davis style defender on his hands at Ipswich Town.

By
Kelan Sarson

Apr 10, 2025

“It’s important we nurture players through our academy. That’s something I’ve been delighted with, the young players coming in, the way we’ve changed our style as well.”

One has also previously been dubbed as “fast” and a “craftsman” by scout and academy coach Ioannis Kyrapoglou, and by the looks of things, a move to Portman Road could be one to keep an eye on.

While Barry Ferguson remains in charge of Rangers for now, he’s highly unlikely to keep the job beyond the summer.

Last time out, the Gers were dumped out of the Europa League, battling to a goalless draw with Athletic Club Bilbao at Ibrox, before being beaten 2-0 at San Mamés last Thursday.

So, to conclude the campaign, the Light Blues have very little to play for, but have all five post-split Premiership fixtures to fulfill, starting with Saturday’s trip to St Mirren, all but mathematically guaranteed to finish second, 15 points adrift champions-elect Celtic and 13 points clear of Hibs.

Thus, attention has already started to turn towards plans for the summer, so could “one of the best managers” in football history be occupying the Ibrox dugout by the time their season commences with a Champions League qualifier in late-July?

The latest on Rangers' 49ers takeover

As reported by Sahil Jaidka of Sky Sports News on Wednesday, Rangers have confirmed they are in “productive conversations” with an American-based consortium who are planning to take over the club, thereby “injecting additional capital”.

Back in March, Lawrie Anne Brown and Sahil Jaidka also reported that Paraag Marathe, who is president of the investment arm of 49ers Enterprises, is the person spearheading this takeover, ‘aiming to acquire’ 51% of the shares at a minimum.

Ewan Paton of the National notes that, after posting losses of £17.2m last year, an unsustainably high figure, investment is badly needed.

Meantime, Michael Grant of The Times believes that the fact Kevin Thelwell has recently been appointed as head of football operations, arriving from Everton, suggests the 49ers have already started making behind-the-scenes decisions.

Speaking on the Scottish Football Show, Rangers supporter Findlay Marks expects the new owners will want to make a ‘statement appointment’ when it comes to the manager, so are they going to go after one of the most successful managers of all-time?

Rangers' first choice managerial target

According to a report from TEAMTalk late last week, José Mourinho is amongst the front-runners to become the new Rangers manager, with the piece claiming he ‘would be interested’ in taking over.

Well, last month, ahead of Fenerbahçe’s Europa League tie at Ibrox, Mourinho more than intimated that he’d be open to managing one of Glasgow’s big two in the future, adding the Premiership “is a league of passion. Passion in football is everything”.

His current club Fenerbahçe were dumped out of the Europa League by Rangers on penalties, and are staring down the barrel of a trophyless season, ousted in the Türkiye Kupası quarter-finals while currently second in the Süper Lig, five points adrift of Galatasaray with only six games remaining.

The Yellow Canaries appointed Mourinho in a desperate attempt to win their first title since 2014, but appear set to fall just short once again, having been runners-up six times in the last decade.

Nevertheless, fair to say, the 62-year-old has a pretty impressive CV, as the table below outlines.

The trophies speak for themselves: two Champions Leagues, league titles in four different countries and, after getting his hands on the Conference League in charge of Roma, he got a tattoo to commemorate the fact he’d won all three major UEFA competitions.

While he was at Tottenham, Son Heung-min described him as “one of the best managers in the world”, while Oisín Doherty of Breaking the Lines believes he was the ‘most dominant manager in world football’ for over a decade.

Manager Focus

Of course, as outlined by Barney Ronay of the Guardian, some of Mourinho’s tactics are outdated, meaning he is past his best, but he would certainly represent a major coup for Rangers and would be box office for all of us who love Scottish football.

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He would represent the perfect upgrade on Ferguson, no doubt about that.

Dream XI Mourinho could build at Rangers: No Tavernier & £8.5m star signs

Mourinho could build a solid starting XI should he take the Rangers job

1

By
Ross Kilvington

Apr 22, 2025

Liverpool are set for an exciting summer after they become Premier League champions and Arne Slot’s men are now confident they can beat Manchester United to the signing of an exciting star, per reports.

Liverpool's summer transfer plans accelerate

The Reds are nearing a second league title of the modern era and could even put the seal on a triumph of enormous significance this weekend, should a victory over Leicester City be accompanied by Arsenal losing out at Ipswich Town.

Arne Slot has become a hero at Anfield, and Liverpool supporters will be desperate for the Dutchman to earn backing in the summer transfer window, which may see significant changes to his squad as they scale up for next season.

Eyeing further goals from the engine room, the Reds have positioned themselves to sign Athletic Club’s Oihan Sancet amid his £68 million release clause at San Mames.

Similarly, Ajax defender Jorrel Hato has been identified as a Liverpool target. The Netherlands international has been tracked by Arsenal for a number of years, and news that they have rival interest for his signature hasn’t gone down well in North London.

At this point, the summer transfer window is beginning to take shape, and so many names are on the horizon as clubs begin to set out their stall.

Liverpool eye back-up goalkeeper who's statistically similar to Andre Onana

Liverpool already have one new keeper arriving this summer, but they have their eye on another arrival.

By
Brett Worthington

Apr 18, 2025

Aiming to defend their status as impending Premier League champions, Liverpool will likely face fierce competition from divisional competitors to land players with an X factor that could threaten their title charge next term.

Nevertheless, Slot’s men look to have counteracted this suggestion and retain confidence they can beat some of their arch rivals to sign a talented striker, per recent developments.

Liverpool confident they can beat rivals to Hugo Ekitike signature

According to Football Insider, Liverpool are confident they can win the race to sign Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt despite Manchester United and Newcastle United being firmly in the mix to sign the France Under-21 international.

The outlet claim the Reds will need to stump up a fee of £80 million to land his services. Previously, talks have been held between Slot’s men and Ekitike’s representatives over a potential move.

Labelled “superb” by scout Jacek Kulig, the 22-year-old has registered 21 goals and nine assists in 43 appearances this campaign across all competitions, catching the attention of elite clubs from the continent.

Evaluating his situation, Eintracht Frankfurt’s elimination from the Europa League at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur may hasten his potential exit, albeit they are still in contention for Champions League qualification via the Bundesliga.

Now, the onus is on Liverpool to put forward a proposal that he cannot refuse as they search for a number nine to spearhead their attack for years to come.

Chelsea didn’t blow Everton away last time out in the Premier League but the 1-0 win on home soil was still crucial in the Blues’ bid to pick up a Champions League spot come the end of May.

Enzo Maresca’s men are flimsily holding onto fifth position in the current league standings, with Nottingham Forest only below the West Londoners on goal difference, meaning more wins need to be clinched across their last four clashes to possibly dine at Europe’s elite table.

Sealing a place in the esteemed Champions League would also enable Chelsea to attract some top stars through the door this approaching transfer window, with the Blues still insistent they can get one statement deal over the line to enhance their defensive options.

Chelsea remain in contact for "unbelievable" star

Much of the chatter from a defensive point of view in recent weeks when it comes to Chelsea has concerned Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.

Yet, the Blues may not be content with just strengthening the centre of their backline with a new full-back being lined up.

Transfer Focus

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

Indeed, as per a report journalist Graeme Bailey, Chelsea remain in constant contact surrounding a deal for Barcelona’s star man at the back in Jules Kounde and would allegedly ‘love’ to sign him this summer.

The report further elaborates that Kounde’s future in Spain is up in the air, meaning Barca could soon cash in on the in-demand defender who has admirers in the form of Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool.

Fresh off scoring a late winner for Hansi Flick’s men in the Copa Del Rey final versus Real Madrid, the hope will be that the “unbelievable” 26-year-old – as he’s been described by his manager this season – can be the classiest right-back figure to grace the Stamford Bridge turf since Cesar Azpilicueta’s celebrated stint.

How Kounde could be Chelsea's best right-back in years

It’s clear from Maresca’s last team selection against the Toffees that a new, fresh right-back body is a priority, with Moises Caicedo the preferred option here over his regular midfield duties.

Therefore, everyone at Chelsea will be praying that Kounde’s potential arrival on the scene can be as impactful as Azpilicueta’s was back in 2012 when he left Olympique de Marseille behind for good.

Indeed, the current Atletico Madrid veteran went on to cement himself as a modern day great whilst at the Blues, with two Premier League title triumphs and one Champions League success major highlights of his lengthy 508-game stay.

Away from Chelsea’s trophy cabinet filling up with the 35-year-old a trusted member of the team, the Spaniard would also chip in with 17 goals and 51 assists as a constantly expansive and forward-thinking outlet down the right, with the new Blues target also unafraid to maraud forward for his side, away from completing his routine defensive duties.

Since the former club captain left London behind, it’s safe to say Chelsea have struggled to replace him with Malo Gusto exciting but raw and Reece James spending more time on the treatment table than he has on the grass.

As a result, Kounde would be a brilliant asset and one who can provide the goods in both penalty boxes too, having managed to amass a mightily impressive 12 goal contributions as an explosive option, with five of those coming across 32 La Liga clashes as Barca aim to become champions come the close of May.

With that in mind, the £51m-rated France international would be able to offer everything James can when he’s fully fit by offering goals and assists galore from defence.

Before any signings enter the building, however, Chelsea will need to be calm and composed in their hunt for a top-five finish in the Premier League, whilst their coveted target aims to sensationally pick up yet another trophy in the Champions League at Barca.

Better than Madueke: Chelsea now in talks to sign "England's best winger"

Chelsea are looking to sign one of Europe’s most talented young wingers this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 28, 2025

Everton have been born again under the wing of David Moyes, and the exciting part is the Scottish coach is only just getting started.

Sure, recent results have been a little patchy, but Everton have come on leaps and bounds since Sean Dyche was replaced in January, just as solid in defence while more at ease in their forward play, working coherently and fluidly. Beto’s firing once again, and the Toffees as a whole have found a long-lost level of attacking intent.

But there’s only so much that can be done without signings. Indeed, Everton need to invest in the transfer market this summer, especially with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Armando Broja both slated to leave when their contracts expire next month.

Everton chasing new striker

While Everton would love to get their hands on Liam Delap, the £30m-rated Ipswich striker is giving priority to Manchester United, and it’s a race that Moyes may not win with interest from the Toffees reported just a few weeks ago.

Transfer Focus

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

Instead, The Friedkin Group may head down a shrewder path and target Brighton & Hove Albion’s Evan Ferguson, 20, who has endured a difficult loan spell at West Ham United this season.

The rumoured price was thought to be £40m when he joined the Hammers this winter, but that should be lower now.

According to GIVEMESPORT, the Republic of Ireland international could be one option this summer to complete Moyes’ frontal ranks.

Why Evan Ferguson could flourish at Bramley Moore

Ferguson has only started once in the Premier League for West Ham, and he was hooked at half-time at that. Still, once regarded as a “phenomenal” finishing ability by James Milner, the up-and-comer has merely suffered a blip in a promising rise to the fore.

Football is a fickle game, and it’s important to remember that while players ebb away, they can bounce right back in a warmer climate.

West Ham hasn’t exactly been a breeding ground for positivity this season, but Everton are building something with Moyes at the helm and he could help coax Ferguson back toward the ascendancy that carried him through his maiden years in the Premier League.

His goalscoring prowess won’t go away, and while there are other areas of his game that need work, Moyes could get the best out of him, for sure.

Of course, his one-goal campaign pales in comparison to Delap’s, with the 22-year-old scoring 12 goals from 35 Premier League outings for his relegated side, missing just ten big chances, as per Sofascore.

But Ferguson has demonstrated his ability before. For Brighton, across the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons, the teenage prodigy scored 12 goals and missed only nine big chances, with his powerful performances at the front of the ship leading to a great fanfare.

Such fanfare, actually, that Brighton slapped a £100m price tag on him, with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur lurking.

Delap might be the talk of the town right now, but Ferguson has proven himself a big-money talent in the past, with the raw properties to become something special.

Given that Everton could be able to engineer an affordable deal and have Beto firing on all cylinders, this could be an astute piece of business indeed, one which might just bear dividends.

He'd be Moyes' next Cahill: Everton plot move for "incredible" EFL star

Everton could be about to land a player who could follow in the footsteps of a former fan-favourite.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 15, 2025

Alexander Isak is a striker who has been a key target for Liverpool over recent months, with the Swede certainly likely to be on their radar once again this summer.

The 25-year-old has been a clinical option in the Premier League this campaign, registering 23 goals in his 33 appearances, offering Eddie Howe’s side a key presence in their quest for Champions League football.

He’s also starred against the Reds throughout 2024/25, scoring what proved to be the winning goal against Arne Slot’s side in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.

However, if the Merseyside outfit were to make a move and land the talisman during the off-season, they would have to fork out a pretty penny, with the Magpies demanding £150m for his signature.

Such a figure would likely price the club out of a potential deal, leading to potential alternatives in the market, with numerous players already on their list ahead of the upcoming window.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for a new striker this summer

RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko has emerged on Liverpool’s shortlist over the last couple of days, with the Slovenian catching the eye with his tally of 21 goals in his 45 outings.

It was reported earlier this week that the club were ready to enter talks to land the 21-year-old, seeing him as an option to improve the players currently at his disposal.

However, he’s not the only Bundesliga attacker in the sights ahead of the upcoming window, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitiké the latest name mentioned for a move to Anfield, according to French outlet RMC Sport.

The report states that the Reds have already made an approach for the 22-year-old, who’s registered 22 goals and 12 assists throughout 2024/25 in all competitions.

It also claims that he’s allowed to leave the German outfit during the upcoming window if anyone matches the €100m (£84m) valuation they’ve placed on his head.

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

A striker is evidently a priority for Liverpool this summer, as seen by the recent targets, but it’s pivotal that the hierarchy land the right option for Slot.

In the past, they’ve spent heavily on a talisman, as seen with the signing of Darwin Núñez back in 2022, with the Uruguayan costing a club-record £85m.

However, it’s safe to say the move to Anfield has been a disappointment, registering just 40 goals in his 142 appearances on Merseyside – with just seven of which coming this campaign.

Such form has led to links away from Anfield this summer, which will undoubtedly result in a hefty loss on the fee paid for his signature, but could pave the way for a new centre-forward.

From the recent names mentioned, Ekitike would be a better signing than Sesko, outperforming him in numerous key areas when comparing their respective stats.

The Frenchman would also be the club’s own Isak, being comparable to the Swede by FBref and matching or bettering the figures produced by the Newcastle star in numerous key areas.

Ekitike, who’s been labelled a “monster” by one analyst, has registered more shots and more shots on target per 90 – highlighting the constant threat he poses in attacking areas.

He’s also registered more shot-creating actions and completed more take-ons per 90, handing Slot a complete option in attacking areas, bolstering their chances of retaining their title.

The Frankfurt star has completed more passes and competed more progressive carries, subsequently able to aid other attackers when getting into the final third.

It would be another huge investment from the board, but it’s one that could play a huge part if they are successful once again in the years ahead.

Whilst Isak would be many fans’ main option this summer, Ekitike has proved that he’s capable of being an excellent talisman and possibly the Reds’ own version of the star.

Dream Wirtz alternative: Liverpool plot move for "generational" £34m star

Liverpool can forget about a move for Florian Wirtz, with another name entering the mix this week.

1

By
Ethan Lamb

May 22, 2025

Arsenal are reportedly set to kickstart a significant squad overhaul over the course of this summer transfer window, as Mikel Arteta attempts to build a Premier League-winning team after missing out on this year’s crown to Liverpool.

Andrea Berta set for busy summer at Arsenal

La Liga expert and respected journalist Guillem Balague has already shared what supporters can expect from new sporting director Andrea Berta, with the Italian already hard at work to back Arteta in the transfer market.

£50m star could now reject Arsenal move and sign new deal after talks

He also snubbed an exit last summer.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 4, 2025

Berta has held extensive talks over a move for Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres, and met with RB Leipzig director Marcel Schafer in London to discuss the prospect of a deal for Benjamin Sesko, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg.

Arsenal are working to discover the conditions of deals for Sesko and Gyokeres before deciding which striker to prioritise, according to the BBC, but Berta is believed to have other key items on his agenda this summer as well.

While Martin Zubimendi’s signing is proving more complicated than first thought, with the Spain international now denying he’s set for an imminent Arsenal move, it is also rumoured that the Gunners are actively pursuing a new wide player.

“He’s been described to me by one of the decision makers, one of the ones that decided to bring him in, that he’s experienced, he’s a hard worker, and he’s very brave,” said Balague about Berta to TNT Sports.

“But basically, he’s going to have to be creative as well. Arsenal are not here with the intention of spending £200 or £300 million. They just want to be creative with what they’ve got and what they bring in.

“They’re going to have to create three or four players that go straight into the line-up. I would say a left winger, centre-forward and holding midfielder. Mikel Arteta said it’s the biggest transfer window for a long while and having Berta next to him as a partnership will definitely help.”

Jorginho set for Flamengo medical after leaving Arsenal

A new centre midfielder, which could still be Zubimendi, is especially vital considering Jorginho is leaving the Emirates, with Arsenal announcing his departure today via their retained list.

The Italy international has agreed a pre-contract deal to join Brazilian side Flamengo, and has been in talks to terminate his Arsenal contract earlier than June 30 so he can feature for his new team at the Club World Cup.

That is apparently done and dusted, with GE Globo reporting that Jorginho is set for a medical on Friday ahead of signing a three-year contract at Flamengo.

With the 33-year-old leaving, it makes the arrival of Zubimendi and a potential contract extension for Thomas Partey all the more important, otherwise Arteta risks being left very short in that area.

“I know him a lot, so for me it is nice to play with him, he knows me well,” said Kai Havertz about Jorginho in 2024.

“It makes life easy for me, he is a world-class player.”

We don’t know exactly when, but in the near future, Liverpool could welcome three stunning acquisitions to Arne Slot’s title-winning squad.

The defensive flanks will be restored through deals for Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez and Dutch speedster Jeremie Frimpong, while Florian Wirtz is on the verge of becoming Anfield’s record signing, looking likely to join Frimpong in moving from Bayer Leverkusen.

The Premier League champions have scarcely strengthened at all across the past three transfer windows, making their 20th top-flight title all the more sweet, but it has been tainted with some poignancy, with Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving next month.

Trent's emotional goodbye

Alexander-Arnold has been criticised on social media for his supposed lack of emotion in the build-up to his show-stopping finale at Anfield on Sunday, but the 26-year-old has never really been one to wear his heart on his sleeve.

However, who could say he was not freighted with ruefulness after Liverpool drew with Palace to wrap up the title, then finally lifted the league trophy in front of their fans?

The vice-captain will relinquish his position next month when he joins Real Madrid on a free transfer, his £180k-per-week contract set to expire.

At the end of the day, Alexander-Arnold’s rise from the academy has been synonymous with the period of sustained success across nearly a decade.

He made his professional debut, under Klopp’s wing, in the League Cup, starting during a 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the fourth round.

Alexander-Arnold has since swept up the lot with his boyhood club, leaving the Premier League with more assists than any other defender in the division’s history. He’s won it twice, and indeed departs with a gold medal around his neck.

Trent’s glittering Liverpool legacy is incontrovertible, set in stone. However, it’s been dulled just a bit by his actions.

Indeed, there’s been a certain slyness to the way he’s ducked interviews across the year, his abject performance against Manchester United, his pointed celebration at West Ham United, retorting to fans questioning his love for the club.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Had he shown more candour from the beginning, the whole fiasco might have been avoided. Alexander-Arnold, for sure, could have taken a leaf from Caoimhin Kelleher’s book, for the shot-stopper should also leave this summer but will do so having given his all and with transparency.

Liverpool must part ways with Kelleher

Out of contract at the end of next season, it looks like Kelleher is going to leave Liverpool this summer, having clearly expressed his desire to take a more senior role to “be a number one”.

Aged 26, the Republic of Ireland international has featured 67 times for Liverpool’s first team, with his efforts as Alisson Becker’s deputy leading skipper Virgil van Dijk to hail him as a “world-class” player.

Alisson is widely considered to be one of the greatest goalkeepers of his generation, but his biggest weakness has been his inability to tread water on the fitness front.

In truth, the fact Kelleher has enjoyed such regularity of action across his years as a Liverpool player underscores why Slot needs a steady number two to challenge Alisson for that top spot between the sticks.

Kelleher has performed the role incredibly well, with Jurgen Klopp even declaring him “the best number two in the world” after winning the Carabao Cup against Chelsea in February 2024.

Rising through the academy ranks after joining way back in 2015, leaving Ringmahon Rovers in his Irish homeland, Kelleher has now completed, instrumental in winning, notably, two League Cup titles and more besides.

However, he wants first-team football this summer and Liverpool cannot offer him that. He must be sold, with recent reports suggesting the likes of Aston Villa are interested in making their move as Emi Martinez prepares to leave for pastures new.

With FSG having acted pre-emptively last summer, agreeing a £29m fee with Valencia for Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, 24, there simply isn’t room for Kelleher anymore.

As per FBref, Kelleher ranks among the top 1% of goalkeepers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for clean sheet percentage (50%), but only among the top 38% for save percentage, making a comment on the strength of Liverpool’s backline.

He’s still a good goalkeeper, one with the potential to achieve greatness, but he pales in comparison to Alisson, and that’s not to his discredit.

Valencia’s star in front of the net, however, has been cherry-picked due to his potential to reach Alisson’s level. Indeed, having been described as an “absolute monster” of a shot-stopper with a commanding presence by Spanish journalist Paco Polit, capable of making “impossible saves.”

He proved his worth and then some during EURO 2024, a veritable wall for a Georgia side whose success in reaching the quarter-finals after beating Portugal led to him being awarded the Best Goalkeeper accolade, and deservedly so.

Already believed to be “one of the best shot-stoppers in Europe” by hawk-eyed talent scout Jacek Kulig, Liverpool might be onto a winner with this one, and it’s understandable that Kelleher should be allowed to search for a new chapter in his career, FSG playing a long game which might just see fans nodding their heads in appreciation of their owners’ shrewdness down the line.

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By
Angus Sinclair

May 26, 2025