Inter Miami will be without Luis Suarez for Saturday’s decisive Game 3 against Nashville SC after MLS denied the striker’s suspension appeal. Head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed the decision on Friday, noting Suarez had sought to overturn the one-match ban ahead of the series finale, with a semifinal berth on the line.
Our reporters pick their key takeaways from the 2025 tournament
ESPNcricinfo staff04-Nov-20252:47
Moonda: ‘India’s World Cup win worthy of being turned into a movie’
There’s a new world orderMove over Australia, it’s India’s time. Don’t pretend you didn’t hear, or even utter a groan every time Australia were mentioned during this tournament: “Ugh, not them again!” Until… last Thursday night in Navi Mumbai when Harmanpreet Kaur and her team declared they’d had enough, this was their house and the Australians were just renting it on a short-term lease.Evicting them in the semi-final proved both harder and easier than expected. It took the innings of a lifetime from Jemimah Rodrigues to seal India’s place in the title match. Australia were culpable too, their bowlers struggling to cut through a batting line-up that had found its mojo and their fielders struck by a rare case of the fumbles (interspersed with some outright brilliance).As if to highlight what that victory meant, an emotional Harmanpreet gave way to a more familiar, business-like one for the final. The way she nonchalantly tossed the ball up to herself and caught it at the end of Sunday’s comfortable win over South Africa then stalked around calmly marshalling her team for celebrations gave an air of “job done”.For the first time, there is a team other than Australia, England or New Zealand on the trophy. Can India add their name alongside those three and West Indies on the T20 version next year? – The India team lifts a long-awaited World Cup trophy•ICC/Getty ImagesSouth Africa, your time will comeSouth Africa have made three successive women’s finals – two at the T20 World Cup and now their first at an ODI tournament – and these achievements are part of the bigger picture across their whole cricketing ecosystem. South Africa are the only country to make the knockouts of every tournament across men’s, women’s and under-19 cricket since February 2023, and they’ve also made six finals. Their conversion rate, though, is cause for concern with only one trophy (the World Test Championship mace) in the cabinet.Still, for a women’s set-up that only professionalised a dozen years ago and who are under a coach that has only been in charge for ten months, this was an unexpectedly good result. It showed depth and development from players who will form the core of their future: from Nadine de Klerk’s coming of age finishes with the bat to Nonkululeko Mlaba ending as their leading wicket-taker for a second successive tournament. In the ever-resilient spirit of a nation that backs itself to go again, South Africa will know the best is yet to come. Closing the gapThis World Cup hinted at a shifting balance in the women’s game. If India’s win over Australia in the semi-final signalled a new era, Bangladesh and Pakistan’s spirited campaigns underlined how quickly the gap is closing. Bangladesh pushed South Africa deep into the final overs, and nearly stunned England. Pakistan, meanwhile, had Australia struggling with the bat before Beth Mooney’s rescue act and looked set to topple England before rain intervened.These sides impressed with their disciplined bowling attacks – Bangladesh’s spinners and Pakistan’s seamers often dictating terms – but their batting still lacks the consistency and composure needed to finish games against top-tier opposition. Stronger infrastructure and sustained investment will be central to their rise. Add to that India’s World Cup triumph, which could well be the spark that drives these subcontinent teams to believe they too can dominate in the future. – Related
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First the wickets, then the runsThis World Cup started with a few collapses and the trend spread across to the flatter pitches, which were mostly rolled out in Indore and Vishakhapatnam early on. Guwahati and Colombo, meanwhile, saw lower scores as the tracks were slower and had more purchase for the spinners. The first 21 games of this tournament featured only three 300-plus scores before Navi Mumbai came into the picture, where the average total batting first in the league stage was 271, while Guwahati had the lowest of 186.By the time it was curtains for this World Cup, the 133 sixes smashed were the most in a single edition, going past the 111 in 2017 and well ahead of the 52 in 2022. As another sign of the game progressing towards bigger scores overall, this World Cup also had an average scoring rate of 5.14, again comfortably the highest in an edition, overtaking 4.69 in 2017. – Smriti Mandhana gets plenty of support from the home crowd•ICC/Getty ImagesThe Navi Mumbai buzzDY Patil Stadium attracts some genuine women’s cricket fans – the Bucket Hat Cult, a group of young people who enhance the cricket-watching experience from the stands in India’s matches with their customised chants for each player, being a prime example. India’s semi-final against Australia (34,651) and final against South Africa (39,555) were well-attended there, but so were some of the league games: India vs Bangladesh (25,965, a record for a league game in any Women’s World Cup, ODI or T20I) and India vs New Zealand (25,166, the previous record).In Guwahati and Indore, the spectators probably did not know what to expect, given the lack of women’s internationals and WPL games there. Holding the World Cup in these cities was, in part, to spread the game, and due to the unavailability of some regular grounds like the M Chinnaswamy (not in use since the stampede earlier this year), Chepauk (relaying the outfield) and Eden Gardens (renovation). The monsoon would have been a threat to earlier league games being staged at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.The Navi Mumbai leg showed how regular exposure to a product generates enough buzz to develop interest, which can be capitalised on at a World Cup. A lesson would be to build on India’s victory and schedule more matches at tier II and tier III venues, instead of directly using them at a showpiece event. – Sophie Devine celebrates a wicket with Suzie Bates•ICC/Getty ImagesWhere to for New Zealand?As holders of the T20 World Cup and with a farewell to their long-serving captain Sophie Devine at her last ODI World Cup, New Zealand had plenty to inspire them but still failed to ignite the event. They put on a series of middling performances, with only one win in the end, and though rain affected their tournament adversely, they will be concerned with the lack of contributions from their younger players. Devine was their leading run-scorer and Lea Tahuhu their best bowler, which leaves the question of where their next generation will come from and how quickly they can make the step up.Similarly West Indies, who were absent at this event after failing to qualify, will wonder how they can find their way back. With Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh improving, an eight-team field leaves little room for the Caribbean team unless there are major improvements, so it’s just as well the 2029 edition will include ten teams. There are no guarantees, however, and their challenge, like that of the subcontinental teams mentioned, is the lack of financial support their women’s cricket receives. Add to that the complicated logistics of arranging training camps and monitoring the domestic game across different islands and their task is enormous. –
Former England batter joins third county of career after leaving Yorkshire by mutual consent
ESPNcricinfo staff26-Nov-2025Dawid Malan, the former England batter, will play for Gloucestershire in the Vitality Blast in 2026 and 2027, after joining the club on a two-year deal.Malan, 38, was last week released by Yorkshire by mutual consent, having captained the side in 2025 and finished as the club’s leading run-scorer in the Blast in both 2023 and 2024. Previously he had represented Middlesex for 13 seasons until 2019, where he helped win the title in 2008.Malan retired from England duty after the ODI World Cup in India in 2023. However, in the course of his international career, he scored eight hundreds across all three formats, and rose to become the No.1-ranked T20I player in the world, as well as the fastest player in history to reach 1,000 T20I runs, achieving the milestone in just 24 innings.He played a role in England’s T20 World Cup victory in Australia in 2022, but missed the final through injury, and featured on each of England’s last two Ashes tours, making 140 at Perth in the 2017-18 campaign. He remains an influential performer on the T20 franchise circuit, having won the Bangladesh Premier League with Fortune Barishal earlier this year, and he is currently playing in Nepal.Gloucestershire won the T20 Blast in 2024, and with Malan having previously worked with Jon Lewis, the new director of cricket, and Mark Alleyne, the head coach, during his time with England, he was looking forward to getting started with his new club.”Gloucestershire are a team with real ambition to challenge for the T20 Blast next season, and I am pleased and excited to be joining the club,” Malan said.Related
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“You only have to speak to Jon Lewis and Mark Alleyne to understand the scale of their ambition. They are putting together a strong squad, and I am eager to contribute.””I have worked with both of them in the England set-up – they are positive, professional people – and it will be great to join them and the players, and to help Gloucestershire challenge for titles.”Lewis, who took up his new role earlier this year after parting ways with the England women’s team, said: “Players of this calibre are rarely available in the domestic game, so when we became aware that Dawid might be available to come to Bristol, we moved quickly because we knew he’d be a fantastic addition to our T20 squad.””I know Dawid well from my time with the England Men’s team and I’m confident he’ll be a great fit for our dressing room. He’s a good person, an excellent professional and someone who will be brilliant to have around the place.””His record speaks for itself. He was the leading T20 run-scorer for Yorkshire in the North Group last year and, as many supporters will know, has previously been the world’s number one-ranked T20 batter. Bringing someone with that level of quality, experience and global pedigree into our Vitality Blast squad is a huge coup for Gloucestershire.””We’re excited to see him play a major role in what we hope will be a successful season at the Seat Unique Stadium.”
Three players from CSK make it. Find out who else is there on the list
Omkar Mankame28-May-20252:36
Moody: Brevis and Noor will be central to CSK’s plans next season
After going unsold at the auction, Brevis returned to the league as an injury replacement for Gurjapneet Singh. The 22-year-old was part of the MI set-up in 2022 and 2024 and had played a key role in MI Cape Town’s (MICT) maiden SA20 win earlier this year, scoring 38 off 18 balls in the final.At CSK, Brevis made the most of his opportunities. He scored at least 32 in five of his six innings, with the only exception being a first-ball duck against RCB, where he failed to review an lbw decision. His impact can best be illustrated by the fact that he struck 17 sixes during his stint – the second most by a CSK batter this season.Urvil Patel struck at 212.50 this season•BCCI
The timing of the IPL 2025 mega auction – held before the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25 – meant teams missed out on some of the in-form domestic players. One of them was Gujarat’s Urvil, who topped the sixes charts, with 29 in six innings and also holds the record for the joint second-fastest T20 century.Drafted in as a replacement for Vansh Bedi, Urvil made an immediate impression, dispatching the second ball he faced in the IPL for a six. His 31 off 11 balls helped set up CSK’s first successful 180-plus chase in over six years. He featured in just three innings – one of which ended in a two-ball duck – but he showed glimpses of the aggressive style that could make him a key power-hitter in the seasons to come.2:53
Kumble: Dubey beating batters with pace, not just turn
Despite an early exit from the IPL, SRH may have unearthed a long-term prospect in Dubey. The 22-year-old left-arm spinner impressed in his first two appearances, with figures of 1 for 44 and 1 for 20, before delivering a standout performance in SRH’s final match of the season – returning 3 for 34 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). His dismissal of Andre Russell, who walked off even before the umpire raised the finger, was the highlight of his spell.SRH had backed Zeeshan Ansari as their frontline spinner after Adam Zampa’s injury, but Dubey’s performances suggest he could push for a more prominent role next season.Corbin Bosch contributed with the bat, ball and in the field for Mumbai Indians•BCCI
Picked as a replacement for fellow South African Lizaad Williams, Bosch joined MI after playing a key role in MICT’s SA20 title run, where he finished as their joint-third-highest wicket-taker.Bosch featured in only three matches this IPL season but made useful contributions. With the bat, he chipped in with 20 off ten balls and 27 off 22 – both timely efforts in tight situations. With the ball, his most economical performance came against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), when he returned 1 for 26 in four overs.Shardul Thakur picked 13 wickets in ten innings for LSG•AFP/Getty Images
After eight consecutive IPL seasons, Shardul went unsold at the 2025 auction. He was preparing for a county stint with Essex when LSG called him up as a replacement for the injured Mohsin Khan.Shardul made an immediate impact, taking six wickets in his first two games, including a match-winning 4 for 34 against SRH. However, he couldn’t sustain that form and was left out of the XI – or XII – in subsequent matches.Mustafizur Rahman reminded the IPL of his worth•BCCI
Delhi Capitals (DC) signed Mustafizur as a replacement for Jake Fraser-McGurk once IPL 2025 resumed post suspension. His best performance came in DC’s final league game against PBKS in Jaipur, where he dismissed Priyansh Arya, Shashank Singh, and Marco Jansen.However, since he was brought in as a temporary replacement, Mustafizur will not be eligible for retention by DC ahead of IPL 2026, in line with the revised replacement regulations.
How RCB silenced the crowd at a ground and against a team they’ve historically struggled
Alagappan Muthu29-Mar-20251:32
Rapid Fire Review: Is this RCB’s season?
For a little while on Friday, Josh Hazlewood held all the power and he had the good sense to use it indiscriminately. He produced two wickets and nine dots with his first 12 balls.For a little while, a little earlier, Rajat Patidar held all the power and he had the good sense to use it indiscriminately. He gave up all of his stumps to one of India’s best spin bowlers and did not care one bit. He had lined up Ravindra Jadeja. He felt in no danger whatsoever. That inside out cover drive went to the boundary like it was racing to meet an appointment.For a little while, a little later, Virat Kohli held all the power and he had the good sense to use it indiscriminately. He was walking over to his mark at long-on and a whole host of people – many of them wearing yellow – were going crazy for him. When he looked up, waved, touched his heart and raised his hand in a thumbs up, a crowd that is famously partisan started chanting his name.Related
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All of this happened at a ground and against a team that Royal Challengers Bengaluru have historically struggled. But by the end of the night, they conquered both the place and the opposition. They recorded the biggest win, in terms of runs, by a visiting team against Chennai Super Kings at MA Chidambaram stadium.Fast bowlers have had to stomach all manner of evils as T20 cricket has progressed, to the point that they have been forced to admit that for their own survival they had to give up the very thing that makes them so special. Their speed. Their ego. Their gravitational pull.The new ball, though, reminds them that they matter. And Hazlewood is so good with it. Seven of his 16 wickets at the 2023 ODI World Cup were the result of his work within the first 10 overs, including a peak performance in the semi-final where his first spell – 6-1-12-2 – left South Africa – a side that scored over 400 earlier in the tournament – at 28 for 4. By then, he was pushing through on adrenaline. At the start of this IPL, he said he was feeling fresh. In Chennai, he was pure fire. His dismissal of Ruturaj Gaikwad left CSK at 8 for 2 chasing 198. The entire ground was drowning in silence. Kohli, and one billion people, slumped the last time an Australian fast bowler did that. Here he (literally), and eight million people (figuratively), leapt on top of Hazlewood and took a piggy back ride.Josh Hazlewood gave RCB a cracking start with the ball•Associated PressThe war cry that always goes up at the Chinnaswamy stadium had found its way across the border. “Arr-Cee-Bee! Arr-Cee-Bee.” The enemy had breached the gates. Chepauk had fallen. And the worse was to come. When DRS revealed the spike on Deepak Hooda’s edge, several pockets of RCB fans celebrated it with not screams or claps but with something deeply synonymous with the CSK fan base – whistles.RCB have waited for 17 years to win against this team in this place and they were very aware of it.”Yeah, it was actually at breakfast,” Phil Salt, their newest member, said at the post-match press conference. “Some sort of an article came up on my phone, and it was all the things that have happened since RCB beat CSK here. [We had] a pretty light-hearted conversation. There wasn’t too much in it. But yeah, it’s a good win.”To beat the champions in their home ground, and then come here, which is a very, very tough place to come and get a win, we’re really happy with the fact that we’re sitting two games, four points, obviously with a boost in the net run rate as well. But we’re very aware of how good a side CSK are, especially at home, so we’re pleased.”It is not easy to spot a captain’s influence on a T20 game. But it is possible to spot what it does to their own game. In Patidar’s case, the extra responsibility is bringing the best out of him. In three previous matches at Chepauk, he had made only nine runs. He made nearly six times as many from just tonight – though did have the benefit of being dropped on 17.Patidar’s presence through much of the RCB innings prevented R Ashwin and Jadeja from finishing their full quota of overs. They bowled just five, and were taken for 59 runs. The dressing room was in awe of their leader.”I think he’s brilliant in all areas, if I’m being honest with you,” Salt said, “I think the batting is right up there with the best around. I’ve not seen anybody hit spin the way that he can. Obviously, he rode his luck a little bit tonight, but that’s the game. You get that in patches.”And then you come to his captaincy, and he’s a cool head and very calm under pressure. He’s got very good cricket brain. He thinks about the game very deeply. As I’ve already said, the way that he spun the bowlers around tonight to make sure that we’re keeping the pressure on at all times. There’s not much more you can ask for. There’s a reason he’s got a [Player] of the Match trophy as well.”RCB had done such a number on CSK at Chepauk that when the living embodiment of both this place and this team finally made his way out at No. 9, he took strike with a slip and short leg crowding him. At the end of the match, his coach felt compelled to get up close and personal with the pitch, a member of the ground staff in tow. Stephen Fleming’s next stop was the press conference. He left it in a huff with echoes of “Arr-Cee-Bee! Arr-Cee-Bee!” still ringing in the air.
Dawid Malan, Zak Crawley set hosts on way to 193 for 5, the highest score of the men’s tournament since 2023
ECB Media15-Aug-2025Northern Superchargers 193 for 5 (Malan 58, Crawley 45) beat Birmingham Phoenix 157 for 9 (Bethell 48, Livingstone 46*, Potts 3-26, Lawes 2-23, Rashid 2-26, Duffy 2-31) by 36 runsAn absorbing game in front of a capacity Leeds crowd finally went the way of Harry Brook’s Superchargers, who claimed top spot outright in the men’s Hundred following another scintillating batting performance against Birmingham Phoenix.In pursuit of the Superchargers’ 193 for 5 – the highest score in the men’s tournament since the 2023 season – a magnificent partnership of 80 in just 42 balls between Phoenix’s Liam Livingstone and Jacob Bethell briefly threatened to upset the odds, but the brilliance of Adil Rashid, who removed Bethell caught-and-bowled with 87 still needed from 38 balls, ultimately swung the momentum back to the home team.Livingstone kept swinging after Bethell’s departure but Rashid’s guile was too much for the Phoenix hitters. In a game dominated by the bat, on a flat pitch with a lightning fast outfield, it was the great legspinner who once again proved to be the difference, outfoxing Livingstone with his 17th delivery to settle the contest.The Phoenix top order again failed to fire, with three wickets falling in the powerplay – two of them to the excellent Matthew Potts, who finished up with three. Phoenix now face an uphill task to qualify for the latter stages of the competition.With the bat, the Superchargers’ superb top four were yet again irrepressible. Zak Crawley and Dawid Malan continued their fruitful opening partnership, adding 67 in 31 balls – Crawley was particularly savage on anything wide, racking up six fours and two sixes in his 23-ball stay – before Michael Pepper and then Brook took centre stage.Brook opened his account with an outrageous scoop for six off his first ball, and finished with 31 from just 14 deliveries as the home side added 40 in the last 20 balls.With three wins in four, Andrew Flintoff’s team are emerging as one of the teams to beat in this year’s tournament.Rashid, named the Meerkat Match Hero, said: “I thought we played exceptionally well. We put a great score on the board, which allowed us bowlers to go out there and attack to take wickets. We’ve got world class players all the way through and great firepower in the middle order.”I know their batters are going to come hard at me, so I need to be unpredictable and mix it up. It’s useful for me because I’ve bowled to a lot of these boys in the nets, so I know their strengths and weaknesses as well, which all plays a part. You’re always learning every day, and hopefully I’ll keep learning until the day comes when I hang up the boots.”
South Australia captain Nathan McSweeney top-scored to put his side in position to push for victory on the final day of the Sheffield Shield clash against Western Australia.McSweeney and Henry Hunt combined for an 88-run stand for the second wicket as the hosts chase a second consecutive Shield win.Related
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The defending Shield champions were bowled out for 333 at Adelaide Oval in the pink-ball day-night clash and at stumps on day three the visitors were 85 for 2, still trailing by 60 runs.South Australia paceman Jordan Buckingham was a menace under lights and took the key wicket of opener Cameron Bancroft for 41.Hunt continued an impressive season that has returned 385 runs at an average of 42. He was trapped in front by a ball that seamed in from Cameron Gannon who was rewarded for attacking the stumps.McSweeney, who scored a century against WA earlier in the season, was the rock who kept the innings together.Western Australia offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli continued the form that has him vying with Todd Murphy to be the next in line when Test star Nathan Lyon retires.Rocchiccioli has a penchant for breaking partnerships by dismissing the key men in the opposition and it was no different when he cleaned up McSweeney with a ripper. The South Australia captain went back to a vicious offspinner that also skidded through with added pace.Extra bounce and spin from Rocchiccioli had earlier accounted for Jason Sangha.He has 17 wickets for the summer after claiming 38 last season.It was that form which won Rocchiccioli a place in the Australia A side for the India A tour to Lucknow where he took six wickets in three innings in September.
Liverpool are in advanced talks to sign a 19-year-old speedster who’s even quicker than Mohamed Salah, according to reports.
When Salah finally ended any rumours by signing a two-year contract extension at Liverpool last season, it looked as though that would be that. Anfield’s Egyptian King looked destined to steal the headlines for at least another couple of years and perhaps even retire in Merseyside.
Things haven’t gone quite as smooth sailing since that new deal, however. Having been dropped by Arne Slot in Liverpool’s victory over West Ham United, serious questions have been asked about Salah’s place in Liverpool’s best side as they look to return to their most clinical form. And, as such, rumours surrounding his future have once again emerged.
This time last season, Salah was arguably the best player in the world. He was leading Liverpool’s shock title charge. One year on, though, he’s arguably becoming more disposable at Anfield than ever before.
Slot will be hoping that a recent blip is not the beginning of a steep decline, but it is something that Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes are already preparing for.
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By
Tom Cunningham
Dec 2, 2025
The Anfield chiefs already smashed their transfer record twice in the summer to reshape their attack around Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz. Whilst neither have been at their best quite as yet, their arrivals were sign of things to come.
Now, ahead of 2026, Liverpool are reportedly in pole position to sign Yan Diomande and add to their frontline once again.
According to Sky Sports’ Sacha Tavolieri, Liverpool are now in advanced talks to sign Diomande, forcing Barcelona to retreat in the race to sign the RB Leipzig winger.
Battling alongside Tottenham, the Reds could land their next top speedster in the new year. To put into context just how quick Diomande is, the Leipzig star has clocked a top speed of 35.98 KM/H in the Bundesliga season, which betters Salah’s 33.7 KM/H speed in the Premier League this time last year.
What’s more, only Oliver Burke has recorded a quicker speed than Diomande this season, showcasing exactly why he’s found himself on Liverpool’s radar.
As Leipzig’s managing director, Marcel Schafer, reiterated though, the winger is not just all about speed. The 19-year-old star is also a fine finisher with four goals so far this season and is an excellent dribbler.
In pole position for his signature, Liverpool should push on and secure Diomande’s arrival when 2026 arrives.
Real Madrid have now informed Liverpool about their final decision on Ibrahima Konate as 2026 approaches.
Arne Slot reveals "conversation" with Liverpool hierarchy
Arne Slot’s dream Anfield move commenced with a Premier League title in his debut season, but since then he’s endured the ultimate nightmare. The Reds are in historically bad form, losing nine of their last 12 games in all competitions, and serious questions are beginning to be asked about the Dutchman’s tenure.
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Liverpool have never been a sacking club, but recent reports have dropped names like Ange Postecoglou and Andoni Iraola as the pressure continues to grow on Slot. Whether Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes decide to pull the trigger on either of those names remains to be seen, however.
Slot’s had his say on the matter, revealing conversations with Liverpool’s hierarchy and telling his squad to “fight on” in the face of their disastrous run.
Up next, the Premier League champions travel to West Ham United in desperate need of three points. It is simply a must-win game for Slot, who will only have the backing of the club’s hierarchy for so long.
Ahead of their trip to the London Stadium, fixing their defensive issues should be Liverpool’s priority – starting with solving Konate’s form just days after he’s been informed about Real Madrid’s final transfer decision.
Real Madrid inform Liverpool about final Konate decision
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Real Madrid have now told Liverpool that they have no interest in signing Konate, despite rumours that they were set to pursue the Frenchman at the end of his contract next summer.
The Reds looked destined for a Trent Alexander-Arnold repeat, but Konate has seemingly played himself out of a move to the Bernabeu next summer – leaving the ball firmly in Liverpool’s court.
Whether both parties can now strike an agreement over a new contract is the big question. Konate’s recent form has left him in a weaker negotiating position, but there’s no doubt that he’s an important member of Slot’s backline at his best.
Dubbed “tremendous” by former Manchester City star Micah Richards last season, the Frenchman simply has to get back to his best if Liverpool are to turn their torrid run of form around.
He’s one of just two fully fit central defenders, with Joe Gomez not yet ready to step in, so has no choice but to play himself into form – especially if he’s after a pay rise up from his current £70,000-a-week deal.
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Manchester United hold “concrete interest” in signing Scott McTominay, with the midfielder also being targeted by Barcelona, and Napoli’s stance on sanctioning a move has now been revealed.
Man United have set out to sign a new central midfielder in 2026, and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson has now emerged as a major target, having registered their interest in signing the England international earlier this week.
With Anderson becoming as an important player for both club and country, however, it is likely to take a huge bid to get a deal over the line, and Forest are set to hold out for a fee of around £100m – £120m.
It remains to be seen whether the Red Devils would be willing to smash their existing transfer record to sign the 23-year-old, but if INEOS deem the deal to be too expensive, there could be a much more affordable alternative option.
Man Utd now hold "concrete interest" in Scott McTominay
Indeed, Anderson is not the only British midfielder being targeted by Man United, with a Caught Offside source revealing they hold “concrete interest” in signing Napoli star McTominay, with the Scot really kicking on since leaving Old Trafford.
It could take a bid of at least €50m (£44m) to tempt the Italian club into a sale, although it is also feasible they will be unwilling to sanction a departure at all, having not even set an asking price, given the midfielder’s importance to Antonio Conte’s side.
The 28-year-old is happy at the Italian club, meaning it is unlikely he will agitate for a move, but there is certainly no shortage of top clubs lining up to get a deal done, with Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United also being named as potential suitors.
Lauded as “sensational” by broadcaster David Tanner, the Scotland international has taken his career to the next level since making the move to the Serie A, playing a major role in Napoli winning the 2024-25 league title.
The Lancaster-born midfielder had the most prolific season of his career in front of goal, finding the back of the net 12 times in 34 games, while also providing six assists, and the United academy graduate already has two Champions League goals to his name this season.
That said, it could perhaps be viewed as a step backwards to re-sign their former player, given that he never managed to reach similar heights during his time at Old Trafford, regularly receiving criticism for his performances.
As such, Ruben Amorim may be better off focusing on alternative targets, and there is certainly no shortage of exciting options, with the likes of Anderson, Carlos Baleba, Javi Guerra and Alex Scott all on the shortlist.
How much Man Utd are ready to spend on Carlos Baleba with talks now open How much Man Utd are ready to spend on Carlos Baleba with new talks now open
What a signing he could be for the Red Devils.
ByHenry Jackson Nov 4, 2025