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Liverpool could ‘have the edge’ over Barcelona for the summer signing of Leeds United winger Raphinha, according to finance expert Dr. Dan Plumley.

The Lowdown: Raphinha on the move

The Brazilian has been an impressive performer for the Whites over the past couple of seasons, scoring 17 goals and chipping in with 12 assists.

Raphinha could well move on ahead of the start of next season, though, as he perhaps looks for a fresh challenge leading up to this winter’s World Cup.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for the 25-year-old in the past but they aren’t alone in showing an interest, with Barcelona arguably the favourites to sign him.

The Latest: Liverpool given hope over Raphinha

Speaking to Football Insider, Plumley claimed that the Reds could have an advantage over the La Liga giants in a financial sense, with journalist Pete O’Rourke having recently claimed that an offer of £60m could be enough to persuade Leeds to sell.

The finance expert stated:

“Barcelona need to be careful. They have to be selective with the players that they do want. Liverpool have the edge, you would imagine, if they are keen on Raphinha.

“The reason Barcelona are in that situation is to the league restrictions on wages. They have a soft salary cap. That is where the league tell the clubs what they can spend each year on transfers and wages.

“It is linked to financial indicators around revenue, debt and liabilities. It is also around performance in the previous year.

“The league that set the figure and the clubs have to conform. That is why Barcelona can’t register those players.

“When you compare Barcelona and Liverpool, all things considered Liverpool have the edge from a negotiation point of view. They are in a better position.”

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The Verdict: Is Raphinha required?

Raphinha is undoubtedly a fantastic player – he has been hailed as a ‘magician’ by Leeds team-mate Dan James – and he looks set to have a big future ahead of him wherever he goes.

Whether or not Liverpool need him this summer is up for debate, though, with Darwin Nunez coming in and Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino also representing great attacking options.

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The only way that a move for Raphinha may be needed is if Salah moves into a central role, allowing the Leeds star to take up his right-sided berth – but then what would that mean for Diaz and Nunez?

Barcelona feels like the Brazil international’s most likely option, with Xavi arguably more in need of attacking reinforcements at the moment than Jurgen Klopp.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has dropped a key Liverpool transfer update. Read more here.

A big Glasgow Rangers twist has emerged over the Ibrox club’s pursuit of a striker heading into the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Record, ‘club sources’ have denied an imminent swoop for Mateo Cassierra is coming for Rangers.

The report claims that the £8m-rated gem will not be arriving at Ibrox any time soon as there is no deal in place for him to join, despite the player speaking about a potential move to Glasgow.

He was recently quoted as saying: “Personally, the priority is to be in Europe. I’ve been abroad for five years, in different countries and leagues. But as I say, we are in time to rest and now nothing can be ruled out”.

“There was also talk about Rangers. The coach (van Bronckhorst) knows me. There are possibilities.

“River is something that has been talked about a lot at the end of last week. But I don’t know anything, a week ago we finished and the possibilities have to be seen.”

Supporters will be gutted

Gers supporters will be gutted by this news as it does not bode well for the chances of the Premiership side landing the Colombian forward this summer.

Although they have not completely ruled out a future move for the attacker, the club sources have rejected the idea that he is an imminent target. This will give other teams, including River Plate, an opportunity to snap him up whilst the Light Blues decide what they want to do.

Fans will be frustrated if Rangers do miss out on a deal for the 25-year-old as his statistics from the 2021/22 campaign suggest that he would be a terrific addition to Gio van Bronckhorst’s squad.

In the Russian Premier Liga, Cassierra produced 14 goals and four assists in 22 matches for Sochi, averaging a superb SofaScore rating of 7.29.

His goal record immediately stands out but his creativity from a number nine position is also very impressive. He managed to create four ‘big chances’ and provided 1.4 key passes per game as he showed that he can excel as a playmaker whilst also being a predator in the opposition’s box.

This means that he would be a double threat at the top end of the pitch for Rangers with his ability to both score and create goals. Therefore, the fans will be gutted to learn that – despite his comments – the club are not closing in on the striker.

AND in other news, Big setback: Rangers dealt hammer blow that’ll leave van Bronckhorst fuming…

For a side that has now won it all under Jurgen Klopp in the last seven years or so, Liverpool haven’t actually spent ludicrous amounts of money in one transaction very often, instead opting for options outside of the box, and, in the end, more successful and cheaper players.

And that transfer genius has, in many ways, been one of the greatest keys to their success. That, and the unrelenting conductor behind it all, Jurgen Klopp.

A certain former Aston Villa striker, aside, every player listed below has failed to flop when bought for big money. Of course, that’s not to say every player has been a great revelation, with the jury still up on Naby Keita, for example, but those listed have, at the very least, played a big part in the club’s history.

Some said that Liverpool overpaid for the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane when they first joined the club, only to be proven wrong months later. The fact is, the recruitment team at Liverpool rarely makes mistakes. Each player signed is brought in to fit Klopp’s system to perfection because, simply put, anything beneath perfection is rarely good enough at Anfield these days.

The Reds have already secured one summer signing ahead of next season, with Fulham’s teenage sensation, Fabio Carvahlo, joining for £7.7m. If the 19-year-old follows in the footsteps of previous summer signings in the red half of Merseyside, then Liverpool fans are in for a treat.

As revealed by TransferMarkt, here are the top 10 most expensive Liverpool transfers of all time.

10) Roberto Firmino – £36.9m (Hoffenheim, 2016)

When Roberto Firmino joined Liverpool under Brendan Rodgers in the summer of 2016, not many knew what to expect. And, in truth, the Brazilian only really started to hit the heights at Anfield when Jurgen Klopp arrived, and introduced the false nine role to the system.

Firmino fit the role like a glove, and hasn’t looked back since. The £36.9m fee looks like a bargain nowadays.

9) Sadio Mane – £37m (Southampton, 2016)

Arguably the first player to reach new heights under Klopp, Sadio Mane rose to stardom in the 16/17 season, and has kept improving year on year, cementing his Liverpool legacy.

Now a legend of the club with countless honours to his name, Mane looks likely to depart Liverpool this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano, after scoring 120 goals in 269 appearances.

8) Mohamed Salah – £37.8m (AS Roma, 2017)

The final of the famous front three on this list, Mohamed Salah is arguably the best of the lot. When signed for £37.8m from Roma in 2017, many believed that Liverpool had overpaid for the winger. A record-breaking 32-goal Premier League season later, however, and the Reds looked like genius’.

When the Egyptian king does depart, whenever that turns out to be, he will go down as one of the greatest players in the Klopp era.

7) Diogo Jota – £40.23m (Wolves, 2020)

Another player many believed that Liverpool overpaid for, Diogo Jota’s success at Liverpool occasionally goes under the radar. The Portugal forward has become a serial goalscorer at Anfield. In 2021/2022, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man managed 21 goals in all competitions.

It speaks volumes that, whilst Salah and Mane were away at AFCON, Liverpool didn’t struggle for goals with Jota at the fore.

6) Fabinho – £40.5m (AS Monaco, 2018)

Fabinho is one of few names on this list that many actually expected to succeed when signed. He was tipped as the missing piece in many ways and has gone on to become a vital player under Klopp – picking up the ‘lighthouse’ nickname.

Signed alongside Alisson Becker in 2018, the summer of his arrival will go down as one of the most important in Liverpool’s modern-day history.

5) Christian Benteke – £41.85m (Aston Villa, 2015)

Christian Benteke getting a place on this list is proof that not everyone is perfect, especially Liverpool’s recruitment team before Klopp. The big Belgian forward never stood a chance in Klopp’s heavy metal system and was quickly sold to Crystal Palace for £27m.

Benteke did, at the very least, leave the club with a stunning overhead kick against Manchester United to boast about. But, the acrobatics aside, he had a year to forget.

4) Luis Diaz – £42.3m (Porto, 2022)

The latest success story (so far), Luis Diaz arrived in Liverpool in January 2022, before going on to transform the Reds’ season. When he arrived, Liverpool were 14 points behind Manchester City, and looked set for an underwhelming season.

The Colombian’s impact took the title race to the final day, however, as Liverpool narrowly missed out by a point to Man City. Diaz also became the first Colombian to start a Champions League final, in which he was on the losing side against Real Madrid.

£42.3m looks an absolute bargain.

3) Naby Keita – £54m (RB Leipzig, 2018)

This is a difficult one. Can we call Naby Keita a success? Based on the trophies he’s won, yes. But, based on his injury record and general impact, it’d have to be a no. In the 2021/2022 season, he looked like the player that Liverpool hoped to have bought in 2018 for the first time.

Yet, is it too little too late?

When fit, Keita is one of Klopp’s best midfielders, as proven in 21/22. And, if he can stay fit for the majority of what could be left of his time at Anfield, then he could go down as a success story.

For now, however, 116 appearances in four seasons just simply isn’t enough.

2) Alisson Becker – £56.25m (AS Roma, 2018)

When Loris Karius dropped the ball (quite literally), against Real Madrid to cost Liverpool the 2018 Champions League final, it was one mistake too many for Klopp and his ambitions, which needed a new goalkeeper.

So in came Alisson Becker – a goalkeeper that will go down as one of the best that the Premier League has ever seen, come the end of his career. With two Premier League Golden Gloves to his name, and even one goal, it’s fair to say that the £56.25m fee paid in 2018 has been more than justified.

1) Virgil van Dijk – £76.19m (Southampton, 2018)

Topping the list, as some may have predicted, is Virgil van Dijk. And, of course, like the majority in this top 10, many believed that Liverpool overpaid for the Dutchman. As cool as ever, however, Van Dijk quickly proved his doubters wrong.

Now classed as one of the best defenders that the Premier League has seen, Van Dijk may just go down as the greatest signing in Liverpool history. He completely transformed Klopp’s side from nearly-men to serial winners.

It would come as little surprise if Liverpool splash the cash once more this summer, and with great success, too. At the moment, everything the Reds touch seems to turn to gold. And that’s a major credit to Klopp and his coaching staff.

Whether the summer is used towards building for the future or for the season ahead, fully expect Liverpool to push Manchester City all the way in the Premier League title race once more.

Competing with a City side led by Erling Haaland will be difficult, but the Reds will no doubt have their own transfer strategy in mind this summer.

Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has shared doubts that Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson is worth the £40m price tag amid strong interest from Newcastle United.

What’s the story?

Speaking to Football Insider, Kenny admitted that the former Sheffield United loanee has been “unfortunate” but isn’t worth £40m, saying:

“He had two amazing seasons at Sheffield United where I watched a lot of him.

“He was unfortunate to go back to Man United and have the luck that he has had. De Gea has been unbelievable and then Henderson had COVID which doesn’t help.

“The fee I have seen batted about for Henderson is £40million and that is a lot for a player who hasn’t really played this season.

“But he comes with the English tax, doesn’t he? Also, you are paying for the potential so it depends on what they want to do.

“Is the goalkeeper position an area Newcastle really need to strengthen? I think they want to do that everywhere but I wouldn’t be paying £40million. I’m really not sure about that to be honest.”

The Manchester Evening News claimed earlier this week that the goalkeeper is still looking to secure a move to the North-East having played just three games for Manchester United this season.

Newcastle must complete Henderson swoop

Despite comments from Kenny, Newcastle supporters should still be excited regarding what Henderson could provide the Magpies.

Since returning from his two-year spell at Bramall Lane, the 25-year-old has endured a mixed two seasons at Manchester United.

The 2020/21 campaign saw the shot-stopper make 26 appearances with 13 coming in the Premier League.

However, interim boss Ralf Rangnick has regularly stuck with first-choice David De Gea this term with the Spaniard having a strong season despite his side’s struggles, seriously limiting Henderson’s chances.

Although £40m is a colossal transfer fee for someone who has hardly played all season, money doesn’t seem to be an issue for the Toon Army with the deep pockets of PIF.

It would arguably be harsh on Martin Dubravka who has been largely impressive in between the sticks for the Magpies since joining from Sparta Prague, initially on loan, in 2018.

The Slovakian has kept 37 clean sheets in 130 appearances for Newcastle with the vast majority of his tenure seeing his side struggle in the bottom half of the table.

At 25 though, Henderson could provide Eddie Howe’s side with a long-term solution and could be the first choice at St. James’ Park for seasons to come.

That would certainly justify spending £40m on a goalkeeper that, if he is to join Newcastle, supporters will surely love.

AND in other news: Enquiry made: Newcastle eyeing swoop for “clever” £40m monster, imagine him and ASM…

Reliable journalist Roberto Rojas has revealed that Everton are among a number of clubs who are now ‘interested’ in signing Miguel Almiron this summer.

The Lowdown: Out of favour

The 28-year-old has been largely out of favour at Newcastle this season, having played the full 90 minutes on just five occasions in total (Transfermarkt).

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It is expected that the Magpies will bring in a handful of quality signings after their January spending spree, which may leave fringe players like Almiron out in the cold and likely to be moved on.

The Latest: Everton interest in Almiron

Taking to Twitter, Rojas has revealed that Everton are one of four teams who would be ‘interested’ in signing the Paraguay international, should he be made available for transfer.

The reporter stated: “Sources tell me that Miguel Almiron is highly praised by Eddie Howe & the #NUFC brass but would also like to play a huge part at the club next season.

“Everton, Fulham, Sevilla & Napoli are among the clubs interested in the Paraguay international should a transfer be needed.”

The Verdict: Sign him

If Newcastle are willing to let Almiron go, then the Toffees could get a good deal for him, especially with only two years left on his contract at St James’ Park.

Once dubbed ‘magnificent’ by Magpies legend Alan Shearer, the Paraguay international does possess abundant technical qualities, as demonstrated by his delightful effort against Crystal Palace which won April’s Premier League Goal of the Month award.

He has ample experience of playing in the Premier League, so he should be able to settle in fairly quickly on Merseyside should he end up making the move to Frank Lampard’s side.

In other news, Everton are now ‘front of the queue’ to sign this player

Phil Hay has dropped an update on the future of Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

What’s the talk?

Speaking on a recent episode of The Phil Hay Show, the titular journalist revealed that, despite the 26-year-old’s recent claim that he would like to remain at Elland Road, should Manchester City act upon their reported interest in the England international, he could see the Whites academy graduate leaving LS11 in the summer transfer window.

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Regarding Phillips’ future at Leeds, Hay said: “I think Manchester City are the team to watch with him because they do like him. Fernandinho has obviously come to the end of the line and they’ll be after a defensive midfielder. The fact that they have money and the fact that they like Phillips tells you that could happen.”

Supporters will be gutted

Considering just how crucial a part of the Leeds side Phillips has been since their promotion to the Premier League back in 2020, in addition to the midfielder’s comments suggesting he would be happy to stay at Elland Road this summer, should the 26-year-old go on to join Pep Guardiola’s side in the coming months, it would certainly be an outcome that will leave the Whites faithful gutted.

Indeed, over his 29 top-flight appearances in 2020/21, the £45m-rated talent was undoubtedly Marcelo Bielsa’s standout performer, making an average of 1.6 interceptions, 2.6 tackles, 1.7 clearances and winning 5.3 duels – at a success rate of 52% – per game.

The £38k-per-week midfielder also impressed going forwards, scoring one goal, registering two assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 1.2 key passes, 4.7 long balls and completing 41 passes per fixture.

These returns saw the 19-time capped international average a simply breathtaking SofaScore match rating of 7.21, not only ranking him as the Whites’ best player in the division but also as the ninth-best midfielder in the Premier League as a whole.

And, while a hamstring injury severely hampered Phillips’ game time in the 2021/22 campaign, the 26-year-old still managed to impress over his 20 league outings, providing one assist and creating one big chance, as well as making an average of 1.2 interceptions, 2.7 tackles, 38.9 passes and winning 4.8 duels per game.

As such, while it would appear extremely likely that Jesse Marsch would be handed a large sum of money to work with in the summer transfer window if Phillips were to move onto pasture new, it is nevertheless clear to see that the loss of a player as talented as the Leeds-born star would come as a gutting blow to everyone involved with the Whites.

AND in other news: “From what I’m told..”: Phil Hay drops Leeds transfer claim, supporters surely buzzing

Kusal Perera – originally unsold – forces his way into the list, which also has Hasaranga and Pathirana among other expected names

Madushka Balasuriya21-Jul-20241. Andre Fletcher (Kandy Falcons)This season hasn’t been short of opening talent, with the likes of Dinesh Chandimal, Pathum Nissanka and Alex Hales all making strong cases, but it’s Fletcher’s consistency which has seen him win out. His 321 runs across ten innings have included three fifties and three further scores of 20 or more, all at a healthy strike rate of 158. His 22 sixes meanwhile are comfortably the most by a player this LPL.2. Kusal Perera (Dambulla Sixers)It was quite the surprise when Perera went unsold at the LPL auction, but when Dambulla’s ownership changed post-auction – there is a proviso that such an eventuality allows new owners to bring in new talent – he was among the first names on the wishlist. A duck in his first game proved to be a red herring, as next time out he struck an unbeaten 102 off 52 balls. One thing Perera has shown is that when he gets going it takes a lot to stop him. His strike rate of 169 is the best among the tournament’s top-ten run-scorers.Related

• Riling up Rilee – how Rajapaksa scrap added fuel to Rossouw fire

• Who is the Lanka Premier League actually for?

3. Tim Seifert (Galle Marvels)Galle have proven to be the team to beat this season, and the 29-year-old Seifert’s form has been one of the primary reasons why. While his strike rate of 136.29 is lower than other batters on this list, it’s his ability to see an innings through that has proved so invaluable. Thrice he’s remained unbeaten, despite coming in at No. 3 – two of them were during a chase while the other was a 63-ball 104. Seifert’s reliability has given those around him the freedom to bat without fear.4. Avishka Fernando (Jaffna Kings)Avishka is not only the highest run-scorer this season, he is now the all-time highest run-scorer in the LPL. But while in previous years he’s done the damage at the top of the order, this year he’s been rejigged to a pivotal middle-order role at No. 4 – and taken to it like a duck to water. Striking well above his career strike rate, he’s scored five fifties across ten innings, showing a particular liking to pace. Only his propensity to get dismissed by spinners taking the ball away from him has held him back thus far.5. Kamindu Mendis (Kandy Falcons)Kamindu, who debuted for Sri Lanka in 2018, had been biding his time on the fringes for a while. It was this year, though, that he finally found his way into the national side consistently, and he has now carried that form into the LPL. Comfortable against both pace and spin, and striking at above 150, his middle-order exploits have invariably coincided with Kandy’s better batting performances. Add to this his handy ambidextrous spin, and you have a very unique utility player.ESPNcricinfo Ltd6. Isuru Udana (Galle Marvels)When Galle bumped up Udana’s base price of US$ 30,000 to US$ 100,000, despite being the only franchise to bid for him, the first reaction from many was disbelief. This was a 36 year-old fast bowler who hadn’t turned out for Sri Lanka since 2021. But perhaps they knew something the rest of us didn’t, as Udana rolled back the years. His adept variations have grabbed 14 wickets – many at the death – while with the bat, in four innings he struck two fifties – one, a 72 off 38 that nearly resulted in a miraculous come-from-behind win.7. Wanindu Hasaranga (Kandy Falcons)While not quite the needle-moving all-round masterclass of last season, when he was both the highest run-getter and the highest wicket-taker, Hasaranga has nevertheless impressed. His bowling was challenged this year by the more batter-friendly surfaces in Dambulla and Kandy but he managed to still prove effective, even if nine of his 15 wickets came across four games in the more spin-friendly tracks in Colombo. With the bat he was less consistent, only once – in a back-to-the-wall 65 off 32 – did he manage to scale the heady heights he is capable of.8. Shadab Khan (Colombo Strikers)Shadab had a torrid 2024 leading up to the LPL. In ten T20Is he picked up just one wicket (didn’t bowl thrice) at a dismal economy rate of 10.3, while with the bat his nine innings had brought about just two knocks of any substance. But this season in the LPL, while his batting still hasn’t been at its best, Shadab has been a legspinner reborn, topping the charts for wickets while keeping runs in check. He has taken three four-fors, including a hat-trick – and he might have had another too if not for the most suspect of DRS ball projections. He has utilised his pace, trajectory and variations expertly. Pakistan, you’re welcome.From bowling with the new ball to starring in a Super Over, Maheesh Theekshana’s done it all•SLC9. Maheesh Theekshana (Galle Marvels)Theekshana hasn’t summited the wicket-taking charts, nor has he been the most economical, but of all bowlers to have played as many games as him this season (nine), he’s the only one to have bowled his full allotment of overs. That not only speaks to how essential he has been, but also his versatility – regardless of game state, you can always call on Theekshana. Openers off to a flyer? Throw the ball to Theekshana. Power Blast over? Theekshana’s got one in the bag. Need to defend eight off the final over and then bowl the Super Over that follows? You get the picture.10. Binura Fernando (Colombo Strikers)Binura’s career used to be one of ifs and bu… actually, it was just one big if – if he hadn’t had so many injuries. Now it has become a career of whens. When will he get a consistent run with the national side? When will we all stop sleeping on him? The numbers, after all, speak for themselves: 13 wickets at an economy rate of 6.81 across nine LPL games, bowling primarily in the powerplay and at the death. Despite never really clocking above 130kph, batters regularly struggle to get him away due to his clever variations in length and pace. And if you’re worried about his fitness, he ended the season playing four games across five days. It’s time to wake up to Binura Fernando.11. Matheesha Pathirana (Colombo Strikers)Pathirana is the polar opposite of Binura, all action, all hype, all X-factor. No one is sleeping on him. And season long, he’s been all business. Fifteen wickets at an economy rate of 8.33 is great output – especially for the LPL’s record signing – but the way he has been utilised by Colombo should be the blueprint for any side he’s a part of. On several occasions he has bowled his four overs in one spell, after the 11th over or so. While his yorker is as devastating as ever, he looks to be adding more strings to his death bowling bow. His accuracy is also steadily improving.

Ibrahima Konate has revealed that a final decision on his future at Liverpool will be made soon amid strong interest from Real Madrid. The French centre-back has entered the final part of his five-year contract with the English champions that he signed in 2021. The Reds are yet to agree a new deal with the defender, with only weeks left before he can initiate pre-contract talks with foreign clubs.

• Defender's five-year spell at Liverpool so far

  Konate joined Liverpool in 2021 from RB Leipzig when Jurgen Klopp was still their manager. The French defender slowly established himself as a key figure in the Reds' backline, first under Klopp and then under Arne Slot. He played a key role in helping the Merseyside club win their record-equalling 20th English top-flight title last season. He has regularly featured for the club at the heart of their defence alongside Virgil van Dijk.

  Despite being a key member of Slot's side, Konate is yet to commit his future to the club beyond 2026, while the Merseyside giants are also yet to offer a new deal to the player. The Frenchman can formally hold pre-contract talks with clubs outside England from January. Real Madrid continue to remain interested in the player and want to convince him not to sign a new deal and then join them as a free agent next summer. Madrid are also joined by Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, who are also in search of a quality centre-back option. 

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  Konate to decide on his future soon

  Ahead of France's dead-rubber World Cup qualifying game against Azerbaijan in Baku on Sunday, Konate addressed questions on his future as he told reporters: "My agents continue to discuss with Liverpool. I hope my decision will be made very soon so I can announce it."

  The defender rubbished rumours which claimed that Liverpool have already approached with a new contract, as he added: "I don’t know where that’s coming from."

• Madrid using Mbappe to convince Konate

  In a chat with , Konate also revealed that he gets constant phone calls from his France team-mate and captain Kylian Mbappe, as he said that the 26-year-old Real Madrid star "calls me every two hours to sign for Real Madrid." Mbappe is determined to convince the Reds defender to join him at the Spanish capital next summer. 

  There is no urgency in the Madrid camp when it comes to Konate's transfer, as Liverpool have only a few weeks to convince the player and make him sign a new deal before he starts to negotiate new offers. The La Liga side would want Konate to reject a new contract offer from the Premier League champions and then join them in the summer for free, quite similar to the way they landed Trent Alexander-Arnold this season.

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  Liverpool are not dependent on Konate

  Earlier this month, Reds legend and pundit Jamie Carragher claimed that while he would love to see Konate stay back and continue at Anfield, if he leaves for Madrid next summer, the Merseyside club won't miss the centre-back much. 

  Carragher told the : "I’d like him [Konate] to stay but if he doesn’t stay, Liverpool will sign someone else. Liverpool won’t fall apart if Konate leaves. He's not Virgil van Dijk. He's a good centre-back who you hope will sign, but if he doesn’t want to sign, Liverpool will be absolutely fine. He's a very good centre-back, he's a title winner at Liverpool, he's played in the Champions League final against Real Madrid. He's obviously a quality centre-back. It's not poor management [if he goes for free]. You can't physically make somebody sign a contract. Then it's your decision, do you keep him to the length of his contract or do you sell him?"

The Cleveland Guardians' 2024 season was inching closer to ending during Game 4 of the ALDS vs. the Detroit Tigers on Thursday, until pinch hitter David Fry entered in the seventh inning.

Fry entered the game for Kyle Manzardo in the seventh inning, and it paid off for the Guardians. During Fry's first at-bat, he fired off a 382-foot two-run home run to give Cleveland a 4–3 lead. It was exactly the spark they needed.

Fry's clutch homer was the first go-ahead pinch hit home run in franchise history, and it couldn't have come at a better time.

Fry's heroics didn't stop there. During his next at-bat in the ninth inning, he laid down a sacrifice bunt in order to bring shortstop Brayan Rocchio home to score. His bunt traveled just far enough to give Rocchio a shot to score at the plate. This put the Guardians up 5–3 heading into the bottom of the ninth inning.

Fry spoke with TNT after the game and was pretty excited to have the bunt work out in their favor.

"The only bunt I've had this year was a double play, so I didn't think I was going to do it again, but they told me to. Luckily it worked," Fry said.

The Tigers scored one run in the ninth as they attempted to mount a late comeback, but the Guardians held on and won to force a Game 5 on Saturday.

It was arguably the biggest game of Fry's career. He was called up to MLB during the 2023 season, and this is his first postseason appearance. He made quite a mark.

Tottenham Hotspur are finding their feet in the Premier League this season and there is a swell of internal belief surrounding one of their most promising stars.

Tottenham's resilience leaves Frank delighted

Over the years, external narratives involving Spurs have questioned their mentality to grind out results when the pressure is on, but Thomas Frank appears to be in a position to reverse that trend.

Speaking after Tottenham’s hard-fought 2-1 victory over Leeds United last weekend, the Danish boss made it clear that his side have the dig needed to secure momentous victories even in testing circumstances.

He stated: “I think if you want to build any successful team you need mentality and character and cohesion and togetherness. No matter if you play like Inter or Barcelona or whatever style of play, you need that willingness to do everything to win, and I think we are building that more and more in the team.”

Of course, stiffer tests are to come and Frank’s men will need to show they have the mettle to claim a regular stream of points. Regardless, one loss in seven Premier League fixtures is a marked improvement on last term.

Ambition inside the building will lead that charge, and Spurs’ reported move for Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is a sign that they aren’t willing to settle for just being part of the chasing pack.

Agbonlahor says Frank should be worried about Tottenham star who gives "zero"

The pundit claims he can’t be relied upon.

By
Emilio Galantini

Oct 4, 2025

Putting that aside, Frank will need to focus on the talent he has at his disposal for now, even if the January window offers an opportunity to add new faces to his collective.

Listening to that advice, the Spurs manager now believes he has a player that can rival some of the world’s best in his position over the coming years.

Frank makes exciting Archie Gray prediction

Profiling his role, Frank believes Archie Gray could one day be as good as Declan Rice or Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, and has urged the former Leeds United man to take his game to the next level under his stewardship.

He stated: “I see him as a midfielder who can play six or eight. That is his position and these days midfielders need to be more complete.

“You need to be a little bit of a six, a little bit of eight and 10 and two of the best in the world right now are probably Rodri and Declan Rice. They can do a little bit of everything. I see Archie, and they are big names to compare him to, but I see he has got the same potential.”

Making 51 appearances for a club of Tottenham’s standing at 19 years of age is a commendable achievement, though it remains to be seen if the England Under-21 international can one day rival two of the Premier League’s most established midfielders.