Liverpool are believed to be eyeing a prolific international striker as a replacement for Darwin Nunez at the end of the season, according to a fresh update.
Liverpool transfer news
The Reds are likely to have a quiet January transfer window, with Arne Slot seemingly content with the squad at his disposal, but that hasn’t stopped players from being linked with moves to Anfield.
Finding a long-term successor to Mohamed Salah is going to be an almost impossible job, given the Egyptian’s world-class brilliance, and Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo has been mentioned as an option, as well as Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo. Newcastle United are also thought to be interested in the pair, though.
Liverpool’s midfield may have excelled this season, but they are still reportedly keen on signing Nottingham Forest ace Morgan Gibbs-White, as they look to provide even more competition for the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott in attacking areas.
In terms of players who could leave in the near future, Federico Chiesa has been backed to seal a quickfire Anfield exit, having only arrived from Juventus last summer. Things haven’t worked out for the Italian yet this season, but that said, seeing him depart this month would still be a surprise, weakening the Reds’ squad in the process.
Liverpool keen on signing "magical" striker
According to a report from Spain, Liverpool are eyeing the signing of Lille star Jonathan David this summer, seeing him as a replacement for Nunez.
The current Reds striker is reportedly on AC Milan’s radar ahead of a potential switch at the end of the season, and the Merseysiders seemingly view David as both an upgrade and a “long-term investment”, with Slot a fan of his versatility and goal-scoring ability.
David could be a fantastic signing by Liverpool, considering he is arguably one of Europe’s most potent attacking players currently, shining for both club and country and is on course to be available for free in the summer.
The 24-year-old has scored a highly impressive 31 goals in 59 caps at international level for Canada, while this season, he has netted 11 times in 12 Ligue 1 starts. Not only that, but he has also been lauded for the “magical” campaign he is enjoying by Alexandre Gangue-Ruzic.
With Nunez now in his third season at Liverpool and still flattering to deceive, there are genuine doubts over whether he will ever be good enough for this Reds side under Slot, in terms of his finishing and general all-round game.
Appearances
15
Starts
12
Minutes played
1180
Goals
11
Assists
1
Shots per game
2.3
Key passes per game
0.5
Man of the Match awards
3
In David, they could have a perfect upgrade, with the Canadian potentially keen on testing himself at one of the biggest clubs in the world, so a cheap transfer could be ideal for all parties.
Since Chelsea’s new owners took over in 2022, one thing that has been at the forefront of their business is bringing down the wage bill and applying a much more structured approach within that department. This has been done to great effect in their few years in charge.
In the 2022/23 season, the Blues had seven earners making over £200k- per-week, not including players out on loan such as Romelu Lukaku, who also had huge wages. Their total gross wages per week were at around £4.3m at that point in time.
Reece James
£250,000
Ben Chilwell
£200,000
Wesley Fofana
£200,000
Christopher Nkunku
£195,000
Enzo Fernández
£180,000
Marc Cucurella
£175,000
Raheem Sterling
£162,500
Pedro Neto
£160,000
Moises Caicedo
£150,000
Cole Palmer
£130,000
Fast-forward to the 2024/25 season, Chelsea have managed to slash that to £3,297,500 per week, taking over £1m off of their weekly wage bill. This is whilst taking into consideration that players like Ben Chilwell and Raheem Sterling (out on loan) are still at the club, despite the directors’ efforts to move them on in the summer.
Whilst some of the clubs’ top players such as Moises Caicedo and Cole Palmer are earning £150k and below per week, the Chelsea directors will be looking to ship out the last few high earners that do not start for the club, and that could continue with some exits this month.
Players who could leave Chelsea this month
Two main players who are high earners at the club but need to be moved on are Sterling and Chilwell. Whilst Sterling is currently on loan with Arsenal, he is unlikely to be recalled, therefore his future will be assessed and dealt with in the summer.
However, Chilwell is one who could leave the club this month, having only played once this season for the Blues, coming from the bench against Barrow in the EFL Cup for a 45-minute cameo. The 28-year-old still has plenty of suitors, such as West Ham United but his high wages could prove to be a stumbling block.
Barrow's Dean Campbell in action with Chelsea's BenChilwell
Another Chelsea star who could be on their way out this month is Axel Disasi, who was only signed in the summer 2023 window, joining the club from Monaco for a fee of around £38.8m. Since arriving, the 26-year-old has made 60 appearances for the club, scoring five times, providing two assists and totalling 4,961 minutes played.
The Frenchman was a regular starter for Mauricio Pochettino but has found himself on the bench under new manager, Enzo Maresca, with a difference in style not really suiting the defender. Last campaign, Chelsea would defend their own box more often and the centre-backs had less on-ball responsibility when building out from the back.
Under Maresca, Chelsea shape up in a 4-2-3-1/4-3-3, shifting into a 3-2-5 on the ball, with the back three having the responsibility to circulate possession and find line-breaking passes into the midfield and forward players. They are also expected to defend higher up in a man-to-man fashion, further away from their own box, which doesn’t suit Disasi’s playing style.
One last player that could leave this month is Carney Chukwuemeka, who was also signed under the new ownership in their first window in charge, joining from Aston Villa for a fee of around £20m. The 21-year-old has only managed only five appearances so far this season.
Chelsea's Carney Chukwuemeka in action
The talent levels of Chukwuemeka are clear, which is why a loan could be the best move in order for him to show that with consistent minutes before Chelsea make their final decision on whether to sell him permanently or give him more of a chance in the first-team.
But, there’s one more who simply needs to leave Stamford Bridge for the good of his own career…
Why Christopher Nkunku should leave Chelsea
One of the main links that has been emerging in the past week is around Nkunku’s future at the club, who is now being linked with a move to Bayern Munich. The player is said to be keen on a move to Germany, as he is looking to play more minutes.
The 27-year-old has been slammed for “moaning” by Jamie O’Hara this season, being left out of the starting XI in the place of Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer. Despite Nkunku’s impressive goal record, scoring 13 goals already this campaign in 28 appearances, many of his contributions have come in the UEFA Conference League, largely seen as weaker opposition, which has inflated his output.
Goals
0.87
0.53
Assists
0.29
0.23
xG
0.95
0.63
xAG
0.26
0.15
Progressive Carries
2.18
2.22
Progressive Passes
3.45
1.40
Shots Total
3.19
3.33
Goals/Shot
0.23
0.16
Key Passes
1.61
1.11
Shot-Creating Actions
4.14
3.16
Aerial Duels Won
1.03
0.58
The £52m forward has found himself playing as a back-up striker in Maresca’s system, being kept out of his favoured attacking midfield position by Palmer and Joao Felix. When comparing Nkunku (as a striker to Jackson, you can see both want to contribute in build-up, dropping deep to link play.
This has often meant that when Maresca feels the need to change the rhythm of the game with substitutions, he is unable to do so as both of his striker options offer similar attributes to the team. With Nkunku being a back-up in both areas, it would be considered smart business to move him on and replace him with another striker, one that offers something different to the squad personnel.
One player that has been mentioned in the Nkunku to Bayern Munich deal is Mathys Tel, but much like Jackson, he offers similar traits in regards to contributing in all phases. One other name that could offer slightly more box presence and more of a bully profile, is Liam Delap, but moving Nkunku on will be a big part of any business Chelsea can do at the top end of the pitch this window.
A dream for Palmer: Chelsea make approach to sign Premier League "beast"
Chelsea can further unlock Cole Palmer by signing an in-form Premier League star.
Manchester United have taken two steps back. Again. Southampton were beaten last week but unconvincingly; however, Brighton & Hove Albion have since claimed three points at Old Trafford to keep the Red Devils mired in 13th place.
Sunday’s dismal defeat prompted Ruben Amorim to rather brazenly claim that this is “maybe the worst team in Man United history.”
However, the Portuguese’s words carry truth, and INEOS need to address the glaring issues by making one or two mid-season signings.
Man United in talks to sign Serie A star
On Monday morning, The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealed that Manchester United are locked in talks with Lecce for versatile left-back Patrick Dorgu, 20.
Amorim wants reinforcements this month as he seeks to shape the struggling Man United squad to his design, namely that of a fluid 3-4-3 system.
However, Dorgu only recently penned a new contract with his Serie A side and would come with the caveat of inexperience both on the professional and Premier League stage.
That’s why the distinguished outfit should turn to Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Rayan Ait-Nouri, with Caught Offside even revealing that the dynamic defender is also on United’s radar after PSG closed the door on Nuno Mendes’ potential sale.
Said to be United’s ‘top target’ in that position, Ait-Nouri wouldn’t come cheap at a reported €60m (£51m) but he’s got a wealth of experience in the English top flight and an ept skill set concerning Amorim’s vision.
Why Rayan Ait-Nouri would be perfect for Amorim
Dorgu is a raw talent and would certainly bring energy and a fresh dimension to the Man United backline, positionally pliable and surely able to wreak havoc on the wing, in front of the three-man backline.
But Ait-Nouri might be the better pick, himself featuring regularly in a higher-up position for Wolves, suggesting a seamless switch to Amorim’s system.
Left midfield
12
2
3
Left-back
8
2
2
Centre-back
2
0
0
The Algerian’s qualities, his multi-faceted approach to football, even led Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley to hail him as “one of the best Premier League players” last year, something he’s taken with him into the current campaign despite the turbulence that has seen Gary O’Neil receive the boot and be replaced by Vitor Pereira.
Indeed, Ait-Nouri has averaged 5.6 duels, 1.6 dribbles and 2.4 tackles per top-flight game this term, as per Sofascore, with his eight goal contributions across 20 appearances suggesting that he has the attacking impetus to dynamise Man United’s team and then some.
Rayan Ait Nouri
FBref have recorded the 23-year-old’s most eye-catching metrics across the 2024/25 Premier League season too, with the Wolves star ranking among the top 3% of full-backs for goals, the top 5% for assists and the top 3% for successful take-ons per 90.
Such statistics perfectly illustrate the player’s ability in the final third, in itself the product of his electric, surging runs. Dorgu is also a powerful and athletic defender, but does he have the same technical capacity, the same completeness?
Ait-Nouri would prove instant results at The Theatre of Dreams, and United, without question, cannot afford to languish for any longer. They need Ait-Nouri added to the ranks.
Better than Gittens: Man Utd eyeing up move for "unbelievable" PL star
Manchester United could now snap up this sensational attacker instead of Jamie Gittens.
A new report has claimed that a “brilliant” Everton player has been offered to a Champions League-playing club, with his time at Goodison Park potentially nearing its conclusion.
Everton thump Spurs in stunning first half at Goodison
The Blues secured one of their most impressive victories of the season on Sunday afternoon, winning 3-2 at home to Tottenham in the Premier League. In truth, the scoreline was kind to the visitors, with David Moyes’ side cruising into a 3-0 lead by half-time.
This was such an important result for Everton, who have once again been dragged into a relegation scrap, and the hope is that it acts as a catalyst for them to kick on in the coming months. New signings could also be a massive boost in that respect, and the Merseysiders continue to be linked with additions.
One report has stated that the Blues are set to hold talks with Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell over a loan move to Goodison in the January transfer window, having found his playing time at Stamford Bridge extremely limited this season. Armando Broja’s possible exit this month could free up the loan spot for them to bring the England international in.
Another Chelsea player, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, has also been backed to seal a switch to the club this month, as he also looks for a new challenge, having failed to be a part of Enzo Maresca’s plans this season. The 26-year-old could add much-needed guile in midfield.
"Brilliant" Everton player offered to huge club
According to a fresh update from Gazzetta dello Sport [via Sport Witness], Everton striker Beto has been offered to European giants AC Milan by his agents, with the report quite cynically suggesting the player and his representatives’ attempts to leave have become “child-like”.
The 26-year-old has been continually linked with a move away from the club this month, and now the Italian side need to weigh up whether they want to sign him or not. As it stands, they are not overly keen, with Torino still the front-runners.
Wherever the £50,000-a-week Beto heads this month, it makes sense for his time at Everton to reach a natural conclusion, having never fully convinced the masses since joining from Udinese in the summer of 2023.
The striker has only scored eight goals in 53 appearances for the Blues, but that’s not to say he’s been all bad, with Theo Walcott hailing him after a late equaliser at home to Fulham earlier this season.
“Beto was just a bit of a different player for Bassey and Diop to deal with. He was putting himself in the right areas and causing Fulham’s backline a different problem. He picked up some good positions and there was some relief for him when he did get his goal. It was brilliant to see.”
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ByConnor Holden Jan 19, 2025
Beto has never fully been up to speed with the pace of the Premier League, though, and with Dominic Calvert-Lewin getting back to scoring ways against Spurs, the hope is that he can kick on and once again be a key attacking figure for Everton. An upgrade on the departing forward also needs to come in this month, however, in order to keep squad depth good in that area.
Glasgow Rangers striker Hamza Igamane has been one of the few bright lights of a rather underwhelming season.
The Moroccan arrived at Ibrox with plenty of raised eyebrows among the supporters, yet his performances on the pitch proved all the doubters wrong.
Hamza Igamane
Due to his excellent form in January, Igamane was awarded the Scottish Premiership Player of the Month award recently, having netted five goals throughout the month, including an impressive hat-trick against Hibs.
Philippe Clement has a special talent on his hands. The question is, how long will he remain a Rangers player?
Hamza Igamane's future at Rangers
The 22-year-old scored against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League just before Christmas as the Gers secured a point against the North Londoners. Following the game, there were reports that scouts from Everton had travelled to watch the striker in action.
The Toffees weren’t the only team beginning to show interest in the Moroccan sensation, however, as West Ham United, Bournemouth, Brentford, Fulham and Newcastle United had all watched Igamane in action.
Rumours have persisted throughout the January transfer window, but it appears that only a mind-boggling offer will be enough to convince Clement to sell before the deadline on Monday.
Igamane won’t be at Ibrox for long though, especially if he maintains his current level of performance until the end of the campaign.
Hamza Igamane’s season in numbers
A return of 13 goals in 28 matches is certainly impressive, especially given the fact he hadn’t played senior football outside of Africa until his move to Scotland last summer.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect is just how well Igamane has performed in Europe. Many didn’t expect him to be given much of a chance during the first few months of the season, but four goals in the Europa League demonstrate how effective the former AS FAR centre-forward has been in the final third.
Metric
Premiership
Europa League
Goals
9
4
Assists
1
1
Shots per game
3
1.8
Scoring frequency (minutes)
128
91
Big chances created
5
1
When compared to his positional peers in Europe’s secondary competition, Igamane currently ranks in the top 2% for non-penalty goals (1.01), the top 5% for successful take-ons (2.53) and in the top 13% for shot-creating actions across the tournament this season so far.
No wonder clubs such as Everton are taking interest in the youngster, who, if he carries on like this, will have an extraordinarily bright future in football. No doubt about that.
It may prove to be difficult for the Light Blues to keep him at the club beyond this summer, especially with Premier League clubs sniffing around him.
Signing a potential replacement this month might be stretching things, especially as there are several areas which require strengthening first, but another centre-forward must surely be signed this summer.
It looks as though the manager is looking at options already, as the Ibrox side have been linked with a former international striker…
Rangers could land dream Igamane replacement
As reported earlier this week by journalist Alan Nixon, Rangers are monitoring the situation of Nottingham Forest centre-forward Emmanuel Dennis, who is seeking to end his nightmare spell at the club.
Championship clubs Watford and Sheffield Wednesday are also showing interest in the Nigerian international striker, but the Gers could well have the upper hand, especially with the chance to play in Europe and challenge for trophies.
Dennis hasn’t been named in a single matchday squad this term by manager Nuno Espirito Santo, with his last appearance for the club coming way back in May 2023.
Could Dennis be an ideal replacement for Igamane? It remains to be seen whether Clement is seeking a move before the window closes, or if he will wait until the summer transfer window.
Why Emmanuel Dennis would be a good signing for Rangers
The £40k-per-week striker might not have made an impact this season for Forest, but there is no doubting that with the right club, he could shine.
Indeed, he began to showcase his talents back in 2018, scoring twice for Club Brugge during a 2-2 draw against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Following these displays for the Belgian side, Dennis ended up joining Watford for a fee in the region of just £3.6m and it turned out to be a wonderful piece of transfer business by the club.
A return of ten Premier League goals and six assists may not have been enough to keep the Vicarage Road side in the top flight, but his performances caught the eye of Forest, who splurged £20m to bring him to the club in August 2022.
The move didn’t work out, however, scoring just twice in the Premier League during the 2022/23 campaign. Manager Steve Cooper did lavish plenty of praise on the 27-year-old upon his arrival, saying:
Loan spells with Basaksehir and Watford last season produced just four goals in total, but it is evident that escaping his current situation at Forest would allow him to play regularly again.
Igamane should remain at Rangers until the summer at least, but the more goals he scores, the harder it will be for Clement to keep him at Ibrox.
The Gers must be wary of past mistakes in the transfer market. Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos were two prized assets at the club and could have been sold for millions.
The board allowed both of their contracts to run down, however, meaning the pair left for nothing in May 2023. The same cannot happen concerning Igamane. Clement must get the best deal possible for the player.
Transfer Focus
If so, then signing Dennis as a replacement could be a wise move indeed, especially judging by his supreme talents in front of goal.
The next couple of days could be very interesting at Ibrox. Expect at least another signing heading through the doors before the window closes.
Let’s just hope Igamane isn’t going the other way.
Shades of Gazza: Rangers battling to land "dynamic" £3.5k-p/w star
Rangers are fighting it out to sign a former Liverpool midfielder.
Glasgow Rangers chiefs Nils Koppen and Philippe Clement only dipped into the market to make one imminent addition to the side in the January transfer window.
The Light Blues bosses decided that they needed to bolster their options at the heart of the defence and opted to complete a deal to bring Rafael Fernandes in on loan from Lille until the end of the season.
Unfortunately, the 22-year-old gem made his full debut on a hugely disappointing day for the club, as they lost 1-0 to Championship side Queen’s Park at Ibrox.
It was not down to his performance, however, as the Portuguese talent was not at fault for the goal or one of the players tasked with breaking down the opposition’s defence.
Rangers' centre-back pursuit in January
Fernandes, though, was not the only central defender who was linked with a move to Ibrox during the recent January transfer window, as the Gers seemingly considered a number of options.
Multiple UK-based options were linked with Rangers. Norwich City centre-back Grant Hanley was touted with a return to the club he spent time in the academy at, only to end up signing for Birmingham City instead.
It was also claimed that the Gers board were keen to seal a swoop for Manchester United’s veteran centre-back Jonny Evans, but he remained at Old Trafford.
Further afield, Rangers reportedly made a bid to bring Niko Katic back to Ibrox from FC Zurich, only for him to end up signing for Plymouth Argyle in the English Championship.
Where Are They Now
Katic, who made 59 appearances for the Light Blues, was sold to Zurich by former Gers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst in the summer of 2022 and that is a decision that the club must now regret.
Why Rangers should regret selling Niko Katic
The Scottish giants must regret selling the Bosnia international for several reasons. Firstly, they were reportedly interested in bringing him back to the club last month, which suggests that it was a mistake to get rid of him in the first place.
Nikola Katic
They need cover in the centre-back position and, perhaps, keeping Katic at Ibrox would have meant that they had the required depth in that area of the pitch.
Also, the 28-year-old star’s performance against Liverpool in the FA Cup for Plymouth last weekend shows that he is also a top-quality centre-back who could have been starring for Rangers right now.
Arne Slot selected a Reds front three that included reported £49m signing Luis Diaz, £45m signing Diogo Jota, and £12.5m signing Federico Chiesa – £106.5m worth of talent.
Minutes
90
Goals conceded
0
Clearances
17
Blocks
3
Duels won
5/6
As you can see in the table above, though, Katic dominated those Liverpool attackers throughout the match to keep a clean sheet and progress through to the next round of the FA Cup.
These statistics show that the Plymouth star has the quality to step up and be a defensive “mountain”, as he was once described by Steven Gerrard, when his team needs him.
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Therefore, Rangers should regret selling Katic back in 2022 as they have gone on to miss him, given their interest in the defender last month, and he is now thriving in England with his new club.
Still looking to replace John Eustace, who controversially chose to take the Derby County job, Blackburn Rovers are reportedly set to hold talks with a former Premier League manager this week.
Blackburn seeking Eustace replacement
Whilst Eustace was suffering a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Queens Park Rangers on his Derby debut, Blackburn were rubbing salt in his wounds by simply picking up where they left off – securing a 2-0 victory over Plymouth Argyle.
The credit for that result deserves to go the way of David Lowe, who has stepped up to take interim charge and continued Blackburn’s push to finish inside the Championship’s top six.
Whilst it’s certainly not a case of no Eustace no party for Blackburn, they’re still in need of a replacement and that search has already seen various names mentioned, including Lowe’s.
The interim boss has undeniably made a solid first impression and may well be considered a candidate should those at Ewood Park fail to land a former Premier League manager.
Blackburn learn compensation fee to appoint 44 y/o as Eustace's replacement
Blackburn could be close to finding a replacement for John Eustace.
ByBrett Worthington Feb 16, 2025
According to the Lancashire Telegraph, Blackburn are now set to hold talks with Gary O’Neil this week. The manager was sacked by Wolverhampton Wanderers back in December and has been out of work ever since, perhaps leaving the door ajar for a Championship move.
Going from Eustace to O’Neil would certainly be quite the move. The former Wolves and Bournemouth boss is a manager of Premier League quality and guided those in the Midlands into the top half at his best. Now, by stepping down to the Championship, he could take a historic club back to the top flight at long last.
In a crucial week for their managerial search, Blackburn should go all out to secure O’Neil’s signature.
"Great" O'Neil would be impressive coup
By appointing O’Neil, not only would Blackburn be taking a key step towards promotion but they’d also be preparing for life in the Premier League. The former Portsmouth player kept Bournemouth up when not many, if any expected him to do so then took Wolves back into the top half before ultimately struggling in the current campaign amid a lack of reinforcements and a frustrating list of injury concerns.
Previously praised by Jamie Carragher for the “great” job he did at Bournemouth, O’Neil could arrive at a Blackburn side ready to earn a place in the play-offs. Sat as high as fifth and inside the top six by four points, those in Lancashire have 13 games to keep hold of their place and grab their chance to eventually set a date at Wembley come May.
It won’t be a routine job and following Eustace will take some doing, but a former Premier League manager should be more than capable of creating history. Blackburn belong in the Premier League and many will say the same for O’Neil to create a match made in heaven as talks commence this week.
Looking to sharpen what has been a blunt frontline at times this season, Everton are now reportedly plotting a summer swoop to sign a talented Ligue 1 winger for David Moyes.
Everton transfer news
With Moyes back in charge, the Toffees have looked rejuvenated at times and are finally moving beyond the concerns of potential relegation and back towards the Premier League’s top half. It’s progress that The Friedkin Group needed and progress that the Toffees are making every week in their final season at Goodison Park.
Of course, it’s not just their new ownership which is signifying a new era for the Merseyside club. Bidding farewell to Goodison Park at the end of the season, Everton will commence the start of a new chapter at the new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium, which has already hosted a test match between their academy and Wigan Athletic.
With a state-of-the-art stadium may well come fresh faces, too, with Friedkin looking to pick up where they left off in the January transfer window following the arrival of Carlos Alcaraz.
Everton's Carlos Alcaraz celebrates scoring their second goal with Everton'sJackHarrison
According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, having sent their scouts, Everton are now plotting a summer swoop to sign Luis Henrique from Marseille, but face competition from Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United.
The Brazilian has found his best form in France to earn Premier League interest and could yet have an important decision to make when the summer arrives. There’s no doubt that he would sharpen Moyes’ frontline ahead of the manager’s first full season in charge of Everton in over a decade.
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He’d be one of the best players in David Moyes’ current Everton side.
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Whether the Toffees can fend off the competition of both Newcastle and Forest remains to be seen, but Henrique would certainly be an impressive coup.
"Sensational" Henrique could replace Harrison
If Everton want to match their top-half ambitions, signing an upgrade on the likes of Jack Harrison should be their first move this summer. And Henrique would offer them exactly that. Given how successful their last signing from Marseille was, the Toffees should push on and secure a potential repeat of their Iliman Ndiaye deal.
Starts
20
13
Goals
7
4
Assists
0
0
Key passes
34
16
The numbers speak for themselves and paint the picture of what has been a disappointing spell for Harrison. Henrique, meanwhile, is on the rise and a player Everton should have on their wishlist this summer.
At just 23 years old, the winger’s potential is ever-increasing with Everton potentially taking full advantage. Dubbed “sensational” by U23 scout Antonio Mango earlier this season, Henrique is undeniably one to watch this summer.
When the transfer window swings open, Friedkin could continue their solid start by handing Moyes some much-needed fresh faces in pursuit of taking the club back where they belong. In turn, that could spell the end for Harrison in Merseyside once and for all after two loan spells at Everton.
Liverpool enjoyed a much-needed rest last weekend, sitting out as FA ties were contested after battling through a gruelling run of five Premier League games in just 15 days.
Arne Slot’s side endured, claimed 11 points from 15. It’s seen Liverpool stretch their dominant lead over second-place Arsenal to 13 points, albeit with the Gunners holding a game in hand.
Jurgen Klopp has done the rounds on social media after stressing the Reds will be fine “and maybe even more” on the recently-released ‘Doubters to Believers’ Amazon documentary, a portent that rings true given Slot’s side have gone from strength to strength in 2024/25.
Though contractual concerns rumble like thunder in the background, the Merseysiders are hardly playing like a squad affected by the noise. Indeed, while there’s plenty of football still to play, Liverpool are presently chasing down a treble.
The stumbling blocks for Liverpool's treble-chasing side
Anfield would reject any notion that their title charge has turned into a procession with a quarter of the Premier League season still to be played, but it would take an almighty collapse for Liverpool to cede top spot to injury-hit Arsenal.
Having emerged from ostensibly the toughest run of fixtures the second half of the campaign has to offer, Liverpool are expected by most to lift the title come May, but if they wish to compete on the other illustrious front, a juggling act will be required and wits must be about these Redmen.
Indeed, March is upon us and Liverpool are preparing for a gripping two-legged Champions League contest against Paris Saint-Germain, who are undefeated at the top of Ligue 1.
PSG might have lost Kylian Mbappe last summer but look a coherent and balanced outfit, with Ousmane Dembele unshackled and in the form of his career, 26 goals from 33 matches this season.
The road to the final is laden with potential foes such as Arsenal and, unfortunately, Real Madrid, so it won’t be easy and proper treble-winning talk is premature at this stage. Hitches abound.
However, Liverpool are within touching distance of retaining the Carabao Cup, having reached the final after blitzing past Tottenham Hotspur last month. Newcastle United await.
Expect a better version of Eddie Howe’s side than the one that meekly lost at Anfield last week. For one thing, Alexander Isak won’t be sidelined.
That said, Anthony Gordon will be after getting himself sent off in the Magpies’ FA Cup defeat against Brighton last weekend. It’s a big blow for United, who lose their 2023/24 Player of the Year and fierce attacking outlet, once a member of Liverpool’s academy.
Liverpool were actually interested in signing Gordon last summer but were ultimately deterred by Newcastle’s £75m asking price, who managed to circumvent PSR issues through less damaging means.
Though Slot needs every member to be on their a-game to beat Newcastle and challenge across the other fronts, change will be afoot at the end of the season.
In fact, there’s a member of Liverpool’s frontline who must be sold this summer – and he’s worth even more than that man Gordon.
Liverpool must sell big-money star
Klopp left Liverpool in an enviable position when departing at the end of the 2023/24 campaign. Slot has inherited an elite-level squad. However, crucially, he’s made it his own.
Whatever the club achieves in the coming months, Slot is here to stay and will want to place his stamp onto the team with impactful signings, and that means FSG must prepare to cash in on several lucrative stars.
Top scorers in the Premier League, the Anfield side are loving life, but while Liverpool’s frontline is a thing to be feared, there’s no question the output has been disproportionate since things kicked off in August.
In particular, Darwin Nunez has been disappointing and must now be sold.
Mohamed Salah
39 (37)
30
22
Cody Gakpo
38 (25)
16
5
Luis Diaz
38 (28)
13
4
Diogo Jota
25 (15)
8
3
Darwin Nunez
36 (16)
6
5
Federico Chiesa
10 (3)
1
2
With only six goals scored across all competitions this season, the 25-year-old is looking likely to be playing out the final few months of his Liverpool career, with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano even saying “Nunez’s exit in the summer is a concrete possibility.”
Klopp oversaw Liverpool’s club-record purchase of the Uruguayan in 2022, bringing him in from Benfica in a deal rising to £85m, but it hasn’t worked out at all.
Wasteful and out of sync in the frontline. Nunez has only scored 24 goals across the entirety of his Premier League career, missing a whopping 51 big chances. Moreover, his lack of fluency in possession has alienated him from Slot’s reckoning, completing an average of 5.4 passes per game in 2024/25 at a success rate of 69%.
Liverpool's Darwin Nunez and MohamedSalahcelebrate after the match
Harking back to Gordon, a talented young forward worth £75m, the fact that Nunez is still worth more than him bears testament to his natural ability but also underlines the gravity of the misfire. This should be a centre-forward at the top of their game.
According to CIES Football Observatory, the world’s leading football statisticians, the Uruguayan is valued at £82m, and given Al-Nassr were in talks to sign him in January for £70m, it doesn’t feel ludicrous that such a move could be engineered by Richard Hughes this summer.
He’s a committed player, well-liked in the Liverpool sphere, but this would be too good to turn down.
Nunez has huffed and puffed, but it hasn’t happened at Anfield. Liverpool never really experienced that enigmatic attacking machine who posted 34 goals from 41 matches in his last term at Benfica, scoring twice against Klopp’s side, and with his stock still high, it makes perfect sense to cash in.
While he’s capable of “incredible” moments, as pundit Michael Owen noted when he bagged a stunning late brace to win at Brentford in January, such high points have been few and far between.
Liverpool have been linked with an ambitious move for Newcastle’s Isak, who Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher called “the best striker in the Premier League” back in December, but without such a sale, FSG simply don’t have the minerals to pull something like that off.
Luckily, Nunez is slated for a sale, and with the riches of the Saudi Pro League shaping up to be a landing pad for Slot’s soon-to-be-jettisoned number nine, it could be a harsh move to spark further growth at Liverpool.
Such a chain of events may even see Slot’s team become even better next season.
Slot's "special" 19-year-old superstar could end Nunez's Liverpool career
Liverpool can cut Nunez minutes next season by unleashing their “special” star
Liverpool are now keen on signing an “incredible” forward, who has been identified as the ideal replacement for Luis Diaz, and they could hold a major advantage over Barcelona in the race for his signature, according to a report.
Diaz's Liverpool future in doubt
Diaz has been a regular starter for the Reds this season, and the winger has been impressive in front of goal, scoring 13 goals in 39 games in all competitions. However, his future is in doubt beyond the end of the campaign.
The 28-year-old is out of contract in 2027, and he has now started to attract interest from Chelsea and Barcelona, but the Merseyside club are not willing to let him go on the cheap, and would be looking to receive a fee of at least £67m.
Slot has told Liverpool he wants £50m target to replace "fantastic" player
Arne Slot isn’t messing about when it comes to Liverpool’s transfer priorities.
BySean Markus Clifford Mar 6, 2025
Arne Slot’s side have now started to look at potential replacements for the former FC Porto man, and a report from Spain has revealed AC Milan’s Rafael Leao has emerged as a target, with the winger viewed as the ideal Diaz heir.
Leao’s versatility, in being able to play on both wings and through the middle, makes him an attractive option for the Reds, and he has regularly provided goals and assists for Milan this season.
AC Milan's RafaelLeaobefore the match
As such, Liverpool believe the Portugal international could fit perfectly into Slot’s system, but there may be stiff competition for his signature, given that Barcelona are also known to be interested.
However, the Premier League leaders are in a far stronger position than Barca financially, which will give them an advantage in the transfer battle.
"Incredible" Leao could be the perfect Diaz replacement
Of course, Slot will be hoping Diaz opts to remain at Anfield in the summer, given the major role the forward has played in the Premier League title push, and the impact he’s made ever since arriving from Porto.
Luis Diaz
Apps (all comps)
Goals
Assists
2021-22
26
6
5
2022-23
21
5
3
2023-24
51
13
5
2024-25
39
13
4
The Colombia international’s attacking output indicates he is developing year-on-year, but if he decides to move on this summer, Leao could be an excellent replacement.
Lauded as “incredible” by Fabrizio Romano, the Milan star has been his side’s most consistent performer in the Serie A this term, picking up six goals and six assists, with four goal contributions in his last five games.
With Darwin Núñez’s future in doubt, Slot may also want to bring in a forward capable of playing at striker, and the former Lille man fits the bill in that regard, amassing 23 goals and seven assists when fielded at centre-forward.
The only potential stumbling block could be the huge price tag, with recent reports revealing Milan could look to hold out for £83m, and his stock will only continue to rise if his performances stay at their current level.