Talks held: Celtic make first move to sign 16-goal forward ahead of Rangers

Celtic have reportedly held talks to sign an in-demand teenage attacker who is set to leave his current club this summer.

Celtic transfer speculation

The Hoops and Brendan Rodgers are yet to make a summer signing following a Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup triumph last season, although the Northern Irishman did admit back in February the club could look to be braver with their signings, presumably starting this summer.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers applauds the fans.

“I would go with supporters thinking we could maybe be a little bit braver in terms of bringing in another level of player. But that’s up to me to try and fix that over the course of my time here. You look at the strategy here and you have to be careful because in some ways it has worked. You bring in players for a minimal fee and then they go out and make the club a lot of money.

Celtic could sign "crazy" Idah alternative in biggest deal since Jota

The Hoops are reportedly interested in signing the talented young centre-forward.

1

By
Dan Emery

Jun 23, 2024

“What I want to hopefully balance in my time here is that we can still do that, because it is an important part of the modern game. But we also want to be brave enough to hang our hat on a ready-made player.”

That ‘another level of player’ Rodgers is talking about signing could be a big-money deal for Croatia international Dominik Livakovic. The Hoops are after a new first choice ’keeper following Joe Hart’s retirement and have reportedly submitted a big £7.6m bid for his services to Fenerbahce.

Alongside a goalkeeper, a new winger and striker are also wanted at Parkhead. In regards to specific attacking targets, the likes of Panathinaikos’ Fotis Ioannidis, Motherwell’s Theo Bair and last season’s loanee Adam Idah have all been linked with moves to Glasgow.

Now, a much younger attacking target has emerged on the radar at Celtic Park.

Celtic hold talks for teenage striker

According to The Secret Scout on X, Celtic are one of six clubs who have held talks to sign forward Ajay Matthews, who is set to leave Middlesbrough this summer.

Alongside the Hoops, rivals Rangers have also been in discussions, alongside four Premier League clubs who are also hoping to win the race for Matthews’ services. Impressively, Matthews scored 16 goals in 17 starts for Middlesbrough’s youth side last season, and it looks as if a number of clubs are aware of his talent and are looking to seal a cut-price deal as a result.

The 18-year-old may not be too far from first-team football, should he carry on his prolific form in front of goal at youth level, and who knows, we could see him turning out under Rodgers in years to come, should Celtic win the race for his services this summer.

Mason Crane commits to Hampshire until end of 2022 season

Legspinner proves enduring worth with key wickets in truncated 2020 summer

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Oct-2020Mason Crane has extended his contract with Hampshire, and will remain at the Ageas Bowl at least until the end of 2022.Crane, who played his only Test to date at Sydney in the final match of the 2017-18 Ashes, demonstrated his enduring importance to Hampshire in a truncated 2020 season, claiming nine wickets at 22 in this year’s Vitality Blast, as well as 14 wickets at 13.57 in the Bob Willis Trophy.”I’m very happy to commit to a new extension here at Hampshire,” Crane said. “I’m looking forward to what the future brings for us as a team and can’t wait to continue to improve and contribute to the club’s success over the coming years.”Crane, 23, made his first-team debut as an 18-year-old in 2015, and picked up 66 wickets in 34 matches across all formats in his first two seasons.A further 49 wickets in 2017 earned him an England T20I debut against South Africa, ahead of his Ashes call-up, and though a stress fracture of the back interrupted his development in 2018, he returned to action in time to play a key role in Hampshire’s Royal London Cup triumph, as well as their run to a second consecutive final the following summer.”Mason is a key member of our squad and his contributions with the ball this season have been excellent,” Giles White, Hampshire’s director of cricket, said. “We’re delighted with his progress and the fact that he’s committed his future to Hampshire. He will be an important player for us moving forward.”

Victor Mpitsang replaces Linda Zondi as South Africa selection chief

Mpitsang, the former medium pacer, will start in his new position on November 2

Firdose Moonda21-Oct-2020

Victor Mpitsang said he was ‘itching to get started’ in his new job•Cricket South Africa

Victor Mpitsang, the former South Africa medium pacer, has been appointed CSA’s convenor of selectors, replacing Linda Zondi. He will start work on a full-time basis on November 2.Mpitsang’s first assignment is likely to be to select a men’s white-ball squad to play England. The series will start on November 27*, and will be the first international cricket in South Africa since March. He will also be responsible for choosing a new men’s Test captain, after Faf du Plessis stepped down in January.At that time, Zondi was in the post as an independent selector, working alongside director of cricket Graeme Smith, head coach Mark Boucher and limited-overs captain Quinton de Kock. South Africa have not had a full selection panel since the 2019 World Cup. Instead, they have since sought to restructure the committee into a single office, with the convener responsible for selection of the men’s, women’s and Under-19 national sides, and for working with the high-performance structures.The position was advertised last year and interviews were held in September, with candidates including Lions selector Patrick Moroney and former national selector Hussein Manack. Zondi was not among those shortlisted for consideration. Mpitsang, who was the convener of selectors for this year’s Under-19 World Cup squad, which placed eighth, was chosen for his knowledge of the system at all levels.”The role for the National Convenor of Selectors is an incredibly important one, which is why the process of appointing the eventual candidate has taken so long,” Smith said in a statement. “We needed to be certain that we have left the role in the safest hands possible and Victor’s credentials speak for themselves. He has made it his business to know the ins and outs of cricket after his playing days, from KFC Mini-Cricket, all the way to the senior Proteas men’s and women’s teams. His experience as a coach in our various development programmes means that he has the kind of knowledge and context that was crucial in our chosen candidate.”Mpitsang, 40, played two ODIs in 1999, and retired from the game in his early 30s after a first-class career spanning 103 matches, in which he picked up 245 wickets at an average of 29.80. He also played 100 List A games and 23 T20s, in which he picked up 88 and 15 wickets respectively. Since hanging up his boots, he was worked as a commentator and coach, including as a bowling coach for the South African Under-19 side.”It’s an honour to be called up for this role,” he said. “For the last eight years since my retirement, I have consciously looked to learn as much as I can about this game and I have put in many hours gaining that knowledge and experience. I’m really looking forward to this next chapter and all that it brings. The Proteas teams are a vital part of the cricket eco-system and there are areas that need our immediate attention, which I’m itching to get started on.”Mptisang’s appointment completed the full staff complement that will work under Smith and the raft of changes at CSA since December last year. Boucher was appointment in December, with Enoch Nkwe, Charl Langeveldt and Justin Ontong as his support staff, Hilton Moreeng was reappointed as national women’s coach in July, and in September, Neil McKenzie was put in charge of all batting structures, Malibongwe Maketa given the reins at the national academy, and Shukri Conrad named Under-19 coach.At the administrative level, CSA are still without a permanent CEO, almost 11 months after Thabang Moroe was suspended. He has since been fired and the organisation has a second acting CEO at the helm. They also do not have an elected board president, after Chris Nenzani resigned in August and the September 5 AGM was postponed. And they remain at loggerheads with the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), who have demanded that the board and executive step down while an investigation is held into CSA’s affairs. CSA have six days to respond to convince South Africa’s sports minister Nathi Mthethwa, who last week made public his intention to intervene in the organisation following their refusal to comply with SASCOC.

Tudo azul! Botafogo vence o Vila Nova e se aproxima do G4 da Série B

MatériaMais Notícias

Na estreia do uniforme do Botafogo em homenagem ao Rio de Janeiro, uma vitória com a cara da Cidade Maravilhosa: com muito sol, alegria e um pouco de preocupação. Na manhã deste domingo, o Alvinegro superou o Vila Nova por 3 a 2, em jogo válido pela 20ª rodada da Série B do Brasileirão. Chay, Rafael Navarro e Diego Gonçalves fizeram para o Glorioso e Clayson e Rafael Donato diminuíram para os goianos.

Com o resultado, o Botafogo já enxerga o G4 do Campeonato Brasileiro de perto. O Glorioso chegou aos 32 pontos e subiu para a 5ª posição, apenas um atrás do Avaí, primeiro time na zona da próxima Série A. O Vila Nova segue com 19 pontos e é o primeiro time na zona de rebaixamento, em 17º.

O Botafogo volta aos gramados na próxima sexta-feira, em uma partida direta na luta pelo G4 contra o Coritiba, às 21h30, no Couto Pereira. O Vila Nova já tem um compromisso na próxima quarta-feira, dia 25: mede forças com o Avaí no Estádio OBA.

EU VI O CHAY!
Não demorou muito para o Botafogo construir uma vantagem: logo aos três minutos, Pedro Castro chegou à linha de fundo sem marcação após boa troca de passes e cruzou na medida para Chay. O camisa 14 cabeceou, a bola na trave e voltou no goleiro Georgemy antes de balançar as redes. O árbitro assinalou gol para o meia do Alvinegro.

DOMÍNIO ABSOLUTO!
Se o Vila Nova pretendia ir para cima e buscar o empate com a desvantagem precoce, todos os planos foram por água abaixo. O Botafogo criou domínios no meio-campo e chegava ao campo de ataque com alguma facilidade.

O Alvinegro dobrou a vantagem quando Carli, após lançamento, encontrou Hugo, o lateral ganhou da marcação na velocidade e cruzou para Rafael Navarro se adiantar à defesa e, de carrinho, marcar o gol.

VIROU GOLEADA
Com três substituições durante o intervalo, o Vila Nova voltou para o segundo tempo melhor e pressionando o Botafogo em busca de um gol. No pior momento do Alvinegro na partida, contudo, o time conseguiu uma vantagem tranquila diante da individualidade.

Em uma jogada de linha de fundo, Diego Gonçalves deixou Rafael Donato para trás e foi derrubado dentro da área. Na cobrança, o próprio camisa 11 bateu e fez 3 a 0 para o Botafogo.

HÁ ESPERANÇA?
O Vila Nova não desistiu. Mesmo com uma desvantagem considerável no placar, o time continuou em cima. Minutos depois do gol do Botafogo, os visitantes chegaram e diminuíram o placar. Em jogada pelo lado esquerdo, um cruzamento desviou na defesa do Botafogo, “matou” Diego Loureiro e sobrou na boa para Clayson apenas completar para o fundo das redes.

Já nos acréscimos, o time goiano intensificou ainda mais a pressão. Após cobrança de escanteio, Rafael Donato subiu mais que a defesa e, de cabeça, fez o segundo gol do Vila, colocando pressão no Alvinegro. O Vila ensaiou uma pressão e chegou a colocar uma bola na trave, em chute de fora de Dudu de fora da área.

FICHA TÉCNICA
Botafogo x Vila Nova

Data/Hora: 22/08/21, às 11h
​Local: Estádio Nilton Santos
​Árbitro: Denis da Silva Ribeiro Serafim (AL)
Assistentes: Esdras Mariano de Lima Albuquerque e Brigida Cirilo Ferreira (AL)
VAR: Pablo Ramon Gonçalves Pinheiro (RN)
Gramado: Regular
Cartões amarelos: Kanu e Rafael Moura (BOT)
Cartões vermelhos: –

Gols: Chay (1-0, 3’/1ºT); Rafael Navarro (2-0, 21’/1ºT); Diego Gonçalves (3-0, 12’/2ºT); Clayton (3-1, 20’/2ºT); Rafael Donato (3-2, 46’/2ºT)

BOTAFOGO: Diego Loureiro; Daniel Borges, Kanu, Carli (Gilvan 42’/2ºT), Hugo (Jonathan Silva 25’/2ºT); Pedro Castro, Barreto; Marco Antônio, Chay (Matheus Frizzo 25’/2ºT), Diego Gonçalves (Warley 17’/2ºT); Rafael Navarro (Rafael Moura 17’/2ºT). Técnico: Luís Fernando Flores.

VILA NOVA: Georgemy; Lucas Mazetti, Renato, Xandão (Kelvin/Intervalo), Rafael Donato, Bruno Collaço; Dudu, Moacir (Pedro Bambu 35’/2ºT), Renan Mota (Arthur Rezende/Intervalo); Alesson (Cardoso 35’/2ºT), Alan Grafite (Clayton/Intervalo). Técnico: Hemerson Maria.

Andre Russell wasn't unhappy with me – Dinesh Karthik on IPL 2019 spat

“If I didn’t have a great relationship with him, I think it could have spiralled into something nasty,” captain says of star allrounder

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Jul-2020Andre Russell, man of the tournament in IPL 2019, had criticised the “decision making” of his franchise Kolkata Knight Riders midway through the tournament, when losses for the team were piling up. That criticism had come on the back of Russell having suggested a week earlier that he wouldn’t mind moving up the order given his devastating form, saying: “To go out there and chasing 14-15 per over, it’s not the best way you want to start as a batsman.”KKR captain Dinesh Karthik had copped the blame for Russell batting lower down, but he said on Sunday that Russell was a “heart on sleeve” kind of player, and that they both shared an excellent equation which prevented a sour situation from turning ugly.”I think he’s one of those guys who wears his heart on his sleeve. It’s up to you how you take it,” Karthik said on the . “If you want to take it offensively, the mistake is on your part. If you want to take it constructively, which is how I looked at it… we had a conversation over it. Man to man, we discussed it. He wasn’t unhappy with me, he wasn’t happy that the team wasn’t winning. That is the bottom line.”ALSO READ: Andre Russell questions KKR’s decision-makingKarthik said that there was a gulf between the meaning Russell had intended to convey with his words and how they were perceived.”Whatever he said, I completely respected it. I think he got a taste of the Indian media then as well,” Karthik said. “Because what can be said and what comes out can be two different things. The tone of what you say to what comes out can be very different when it comes in print. He realised (that) and was a little apologetic as well. But at the end of the day, I have a great relationship with him. That makes the difference. If I didn’t have a great relationship with him, I think it could have spiralled into something nasty. Because I have an honest relationship, I can go straight up to him and say, ‘Russ, I don’t think what you said is right, because the way it has come out is not great, so what are we going do?’ And he said, ‘No, skip. This is how I felt about it, not how it’s come out.’ So there itself half the battle is over because what he said to what people are reading are two different things.”Karthik said that the duo had worked out the issues Russell had while explaining his own rationale, and had met his star allrounder “halfway”.”As a leader, I think having different opinions and dealing with it is one of the most important things,” Karthik said. “You need to be able to stand up and have a conversation, sometimes a hard conversation.”

Man Utd pushing for Ben Chilwell transfer as Chelsea consider taking Jadon Sancho on loan

Manchester United have reportedly 'stepped up' talks over a potential Ben Chilwell transfer, while Chelsea are considering a Jadon Sancho loan deal.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Chilwell not in Chelsea's plans
  • Man Utd step up talks to sign him
  • Blues consider Sancho loan move
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    According to The Independent, there is a possibility Chilwell and Sancho could do a loan swap this season. The report adds this would be separate from a potential deal for Raheem Sterling, another Blues player who is surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge and has been linked with the Red Devils.

  • Advertisement

  • Getty/GOAL

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Chilwell is not wanted by Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca and it appears United manager Erik ten Hag would be okay with a Sancho exit before the transfer window shuts later this week. The Red Devils have had injury issues at left-back with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, so cover there may be a shrewd move. The Blues are not short on widemen, so a Sancho move seems a questionable choice. But if both teams want to get these players off their books, a deal is there to be done.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Chilwell joined Chelsea from Leicester City in 2020 for a fee in the region of £45 million ($59.4m) and has since gone onto play 106 times, scoring nine goals in the process. Sancho, on the other hand, has scored just 12 goals and bagged six assists in 83 matches for United since signing from Borussia Dortmund three years ago for £73m ($96m).

  • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

  • Getty Images Sport

    WHAT NEXT?

    Ahead of the Friday night transfer deadline, it remains to be seen if either Chilwell or Sancho – who spent the second half of last season on loan at Dortmund after falling out with Ten Hag – will stay put in the coming days.

Report: Chelsea owner Todd Boehly plots four signings in same position

Chelsea have identified a new problem area, and have shortlisted four players to fill it this summer, according to the latest reports.

Pochettino poses problem

Mauricio Pochettino finally seems to have had enough of being the fall guy at Stamford Bridge, and took aim at his own players after the heavy thrashing by Arsenal in midweek. His side were torn apart 5-0 in the Premier League by the title-challenging Gunners, and the Argentine admitted that his side gave up, having ended the game in a back five with veteran Thiago Silva having to be sent on to stem the tide.

"It's not difficult to explain," said Pochettino after the game. "Everyone saw we didn't compete from the beginning of the game. After we conceded the team was so soft. I'm so disappointed with the start because we're supposed to have full energy and compete better.

"We were talking at half-time to start in a different way. But we did not. When we conceded the third goal the team gave up. It was tough on them. The team showed a lack of capacity to resist – that is what is the problem."

PFA Awards 2024: The favourites to win Young Player of the Year award

FFC takes a look at the six players in the running to win the PFA Young Player of the Year award for the 2023/24 season.

ByLuke Randall Aug 19, 2024

The defeat has led to yet more speculation about the future of the Argentine, who has won just two more games than he has lost in the Premier League this season, and even an unprecedented injury crisis does little to mask his failings to date.

Though Poch is unpopular among the fanbase, he seemingly still has the backing of the board, and they are ready to continue on their march to burn through money in west London, with a winger a priority.

Two set to leave as four targeted

Now, respected Chelsea journalist Simon Phillips has shared his insight into Chelsea's summer planning, and it appears to revolve around the wide areas. Writing on his substack, Phillips reveals that two wingers are free to leave, while the club have identified four potential fresh targets to help get the Blues back on track next season.

Chelsea's wide options

Player

Contract until

Raheem Sterling

2027

Noni Madueke

2030

Mykhailo Mudryk

2031

Omari Hutchinson

2025

On the more audacious end of their transfer planning, one of those that the Blues hold an interest in is West Ham United attacker Jarrod Bowen, who has enjoyed another fine season under David Moyes.

However, that is described as "unlikely", with West Ham set to finish above Chelsea for the second consecutive season and Bowen having penned a new contract earlier in the season tying him to the London Stadium until 2030.

With financial fair play concerns to battle, it seems unlikely Chelsea would be even able to put together an offer West Ham would consider for their talismanic figure.

Meanwhile, they have previously shown an interest in Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise, and triggered his £35m release clause last summer only for the Frenchman to turn them down. 12 months on, it is reported that his release clause now stands at £65m, which has seen the Blues drop their interest in the young star, who himself is keen to move to a Champions League club if he leaves Selhurst Park.

Another player Chelsea have been linked with in recent weeks is Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams, with the 21-year-old having a £43m release clause in his contract in Spain.

It seems as though once more, the Blues owners are ready to try and spend their way out of trouble this summer.

Ainda em recuperação, Miranda realiza trabalhos de fisioterapia durante treino do São Paulo

MatériaMais Notícias

Nesta sexta-feira (25), o zagueiro Miranda voltou aos gramados durante o treino do São Paulo para realizar atividades de fisioterapia. O atleta está na fase final de sua recuperação após sofrer um estiramento na coxa esquerda e pode reintegrar o elenco em breve.

QUAL DESFALQUE FEZ MAIS FALTA AO SÃO PAULO? VOTE NA NOSSA ENQUETE!

RelacionadasSão PauloRecuperado de lesão muscular, Luan treina com o elenco do São PauloSão Paulo25/06/2021São PauloApós exames, Gabriel Sara não tem fratura no pé, mas deve ser desfalque do São Paulo contra o CearáSão Paulo24/06/2021São PauloContratação mais cara do São Paulo para a temporada, Orejuela vive momento ruim no TricolorSão Paulo24/06/2021

CONFIRA A TABELA ATUALIZADA E SIMULE OS JOGOS DO BRASILEIRÃO DE 2021!

Embora não tenha voltado a treinar com o restante do elenco, o capitão correu pelo gramado, indicando estar em fase de transição no tratamento, próximo ao fim da recuperação.

Miranda se lesionou na derrota por 1 a 0 contra o Atlético Mineiro, fora de casa, no dia 13 de junho, pela terceira rodada do Brasileirão. Desde então, o zagueiro é desfalque do time, que vem sofrendo no setor defensivo.

Desde sua lesão, o Tricolor entrou em campo três vezes, tomando cinco gols, uma média de 2,5 gols por jogo. Sem Miranda, o São Paulo empatou em 1 a 1 com a Chapecoense, perdeu por 2 a 0 para o Santos e empatou em 2 a 2 com o Cuiabá.

Em sua ausência, Crespo chegou a improvisar o lateral Reinaldo para montar a linha de defesa.

Ainda em recuperação, Miranda não deve ficar à disposição do treinador para a próxima rodada. O Tricolor volta aos gramados no próximo domingo (27), para enfrentar o Ceará, no Castelão, às 20h30, pela sétima rodada do Brasileirão.

Com três empates e três derrotas, o São Paulo teve um começo ruim na competição e espera conseguir sua primeira vitória contra o Ceará, para dar início a uma recuperação na tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro.

Ratcliffe lines up £40m Man Utd signing who’d make Fernandes unstoppable

There’s no two ways about it: Bruno Fernandes has been the best Manchester United signing since the Sir Alex Ferguson era.

The Portuguese magnifico has been absolutely instrumental ever since his debut, scoring 74 goals and providing 62 assists in 226 appearances.

Bruno Fernandes

For a midfielder, those numbers are simply incredible, but he’s not quite been as impressive this season in relation to his standards, scoring ten goals and supplying nine assists in 41 games.

With that in mind, there is a potential midfield summer signing that could make Fernandes unstoppable once again.

Man Utd’s quest for a new midfielder

According to a recent report from FootballTransfers, Man United have made Joao Gomes a “concrete” target.

The Brazilian ace plays for Wolverhampton Wanderers, who are only willing to let him go for a minimum of £40m, but that fee could rise.

Joao Gomes for Wolves

Although the Red Devils are keen on signing the midfielder, they’re not the only club keeping an eye on Gomes, with Arsenal also interested.

It seems that a move away from the Midlands is a likely outcome for the number eight, but how could he supercharge the United captain if he were to join?

Man Utd in pole position to sign "brilliant" McTominay upgrade

The Man United target has scored more goals than Bruno Fernandes this season.

ByTom Lever Apr 10, 2024 Why Gomes can make Fernandes unstoppable

Gomes has been fantastic in his first full season in the Premier League, starring in the Wolves midfield over his 27 league appearances.

The 23-year-old has proven to be a consistent and reliable performer who seems to thrive the most when playing against the very best in the league.

In truth, Gomes has been right at the centre of Wolves’ vast improvement, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe will hope that he can have a similar impact on his United side.

Flamengo’s former ace has the exact profile that’s been missing at Old Trafford this season, with the likes of Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, and Scott McTominay unable to provide what Gomes inevitably would.

Gomes vs Liverpool

Stats

Gomes

Touches

54

Pass accuracy

88%

Key passes

2

Tackles

6

Interceptions

2

Duels won

7

Via Sofascore

Nonetheless, as displayed in the table above showcasing his statistics against Liverpool earlier this season, Gomes is the definition of a tenacious defensive midfielder.

Despite being 5 foot 9, the warrior covers every inch of the field and is an extremely dominant player, especially off the ball, as highlighted by his incredible six tackles, seven duels won, and two interceptions. He simply loves to get stuck in, notably ranking in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe's top five leagues for tackles over the last year.

This defensive security would without doubt make Fernandes far more dangerous, as it would somewhat provide a safety blanket behind his creativity, allowing the number eight to venture forward more often and simply take more risks.

A double pivot of Kobbie Mainoo and Gomes would also help United control more matches, both with and without the ball, with the Wolves star having relatively solid ball retention, as highlighted by his pass accuracy, in turn, giving the Portuguese artist more of the ball to work his magic.

Furthermore, Gomes also has the ability to influence actions in the final third, as shown by his two key passes in that game against Liverpool. Football analyst Ben Mattinson aptly refers to the fact that he has the ability to be a “box crasher” as well.

Overall, the well-rounded defensive midfielder could solve plenty of the problems United have had to face this season, and signing Gomes simply seems like a no-brainer.

Fabrizio Romano: Liverpool have “agreement” with chief to join with Edwards

Liverpool have an "agreement" in place with a key figure to join Michael Edwards after he agreed a return to the club, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Michael Edwards agrees Liverpool return

The Reds may be facing the nightmare of losing Jurgen Klopp at the end of the season, in a decision that few people saw coming, but there is now positive news for supporters to celebrate.

On Monday, it was reported that Edwards has agreed to return to Liverpool in a new role, having shone as sporting director alongside Klopp for a number of years, gaining a reputation as one of the best in the business in his job.

Club "rubbing their hands together" at Liverpool's interest in their star

He has been hailed as a “Rolls-Royce” of a footballer.

By
Henry Jackson

Mar 12, 2024

The Guardian's Andy Hunter has said that the Englishman will "head the club's football operations", enjoying even more responsibilities than before, showing how highly owners FSG rate him. Meanwhile, The Telegraph's Chris Bascombe has provided more on the re-hiring of Edwards, saying in his report:

“Luring Edwards back to Liverpool is a coup for FSG, and ends a prolonged period of negotiation led by John W. Henry and Michael Gordon. Gordon, another vital component moving forward who remains in charge of club strategy, was determined to bring Edwards back and considered it of paramount importance given the huge void that will be left by Klopp."

Edwards will no doubt be keen to get to work as quickly as possible, ahead of what could be such a busy period surrounding Klopp's exit, and it looks as though he is focusing on one primary job to begin with.

Liverpool have another "agreement" alongside Edwards

According to Romano on X, Liverpool have an "agreement" to bring in Richard Hughes as the club's new sporting director, with the transfer ace currently in that role at Bournemouth until the summer:

The return of Edwards is such fantastic news for anyone of a Liverpool persuasion, considering the esteem he was held in first time around, proving to be a transfer wizard who is credited with being the brains behind so many signings, from Mohamed Salah to Sadio Mane. For example, he convinced Klopp that the Reds should sign Salah instead of Julian Brandt in the summer of 2017, even though the Liverpool boss was keen to snap up the latter, seeing him as the better option.

10 of Michael Edwards' best Liverpool signings

Year

Cost

Virgil van Dijk

2018

£75m

Mohamed Salah

2017

£37m

Sadio Mane

2016

£34m

Alisson

2018

£67m

Andy Robertson

2017

£10m

Fabinho

2018

£39m

Gini Wijnaldum

2016

£25m

Joel Matip

2016

Free

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

2017

£35m

Takumi Minamino

2020

£7.25m

The fact that Edwards has pinpointed Hughes as his ideal sporting director to come in with him says so much about his own ability, with the former Portsmouth midfielder impressing on the south coast, and Bournemouth owner Bill Foley has called him "outstanding".

When it comes to both incomings and outgoings, the 44-year-old has been the brains behind some great pieces of business for the Cherries, including Nathan Ake, Dominic Solanke and Callum Wilson, with Solanke proving to be a masterstroke of a signing from Liverpool in 2019.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus