Nicolas Jackson has sent a message to Chelsea for the first time since completing his loan move to Bayern Munich on deadline day. Bayern agreed a deal with the Blues for the Senegalese striker to join on an initial season-long loan with an obligation to buy next summer for £56 million (€64.5m/$76m). Jackson was linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge after falling out of favour under Enzo Maresca.
Jackson sent a message to Chelsea
Completed deadline day loan move to Bayern
Fell out of favour under Maresca
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Jackson's move was initially in jeopardy after the Blues told Bayern they could not proceed with the transfer after Liam Delap suffered a hamstring injury in their 2-0 Premier League victory over Fulham on August 30. The striker and his agent, who had already reached Munich for a medical, were adamant about completing the switch. Chelsea eventually recalled Marc Guiu from his loan spell at Sunderland, which allowed the Senegal international to sign for the Bundesliga giants.
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WHAT JACKSON SAID
Jackson has now spoken about his former club, as he told , "[There were] very strong emotions, but not for the reasons you might think. I was simply very happy to sign for one of the biggest clubs in the world, to discover another league and other great players.
"At the same time, I was a little sad to leave Chelsea, my teammates, and the fans. I experienced so many strong emotions there: we won the Conference League and the Club World Cup. Now I’m 100 per cent focused on my new project and I can’t wait to experience the incredible atmosphere at the Allianz Arena."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The 24-year-old further claimed that he does not hold any grudge against former boss Enzo Maresca, as he added: "Football is full of cycles. Sometimes things don’t go as they should, and that’s part of the game. I respect Maresca. I learned a lot from him. He has his own ideas and style. I just needed something different at this stage of my career. I have no regrets, just gratitude for my time at Chelsea."
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WHAT NEXT FOR JACKSON?
The ex-Chelsea star could make his debut for Bayern Munich on September 13 as the German champions take on Hamburger SV in a Bundesliga clash.
It has been a year of emotional homecomings at Celtic in 2025, with the Scottish champions having notably welcomed wing wizard, Jota, back into the fold in January, following a grim 18 months for the Portuguese sensation.
While the 26-year-old’s subsequent injury blow has somewhat overshadowed his £8m return, the hope will be that he can be revived under Brendan Rodgers next season, when he is fit and firing again.
The popular wideman has been a welcome addition back into Rodgers’ ranks, although it is Kieran Tierney’s Parkhead return that is arguably the greater story, with the Scotland star sealing a free transfer switch from Arsenal – six years on from his £25m exit from the Glasgow giants.
Although an injury-hit spell in north London has sparked doubts over whether the 27-year-old can flourish back at his boyhood club, his prior record for the Premiership outfit is more than enough reason for encouragement, having notably registered 37 assists in 170 games during his first spell on the books.
The sight of the rampaging full-back bombing up and down the left flank again in green and white will be a real delight, with Tierney seemingly desperate to be a success once again, having “sacrificed” financially in order to come back to Celtic, according to his manager.
A fit and in-form version of the Scotsman could then prove to be a significant acquisition for Rodgers and co this summer. That said, an even bigger coup could be on the cards…
Latest Celtic transfer news
With Nicolas Kuhn bringing an end to his year-and-a-half stint in Scottish football, in order to join Serie A side Como, the need for reinforcements in the forward ranks has only been heightened – not least with Kyogo Furuhashi having also departed in January.
With Swedish winger Benjamin Nygren already in the door, recent reports have suggested that the 23-year-old could be followed by Shin Yamada and Michel-Ange Balikwisha, albeit with other options still on the table.
Indeed, according to reports, Rodgers is keen on overseeing another high-profile reunion, this time with Tierney’s former teammate, Odsonne Edouard, with Celtic said to be ‘monitoring his situation closely’.
The Frenchman – who left Parkhead to join Crystal Palace on a £14m deal in 2021 – appears to be up for grabs this summer having been ‘put on the market’ by the Eagles, after spending the previous campaign on loan at Leicester City.
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While that temporary stint proved desperately disappointing as the 27-year-old failed to score and made just six appearances for the Foxes, a move back to Glasgow might well be just the solution.
Why Celtic could seal a bigger coup than Tierney
Six months on from having allowed Kyogo to depart for Stade Rennais on a £10m deal, such a switch still has supporters scratching their heads, with the Japanese marksman having shunned the chance to enjoy Champions League knockout stage action, in favour of joining a struggling Ligue 1 side.
Now, the 30-year-old is in England’s second tier at Birmingham City.
As for Celtic, ample time has passed and a suitable replacement has still not been lined up, with Rodgers currently left with Adam Idah – who scored 20 goals last season – and Johnny Kenny as his only senior options through the middle.
It is for that reason that managing to bring Edouard back into the fold could be such an attractive prospect, with the Palace outcast having at one stage looked like the “best striker since Larsson” at Celtic Park, in the words of Martin O’Neill:
Also described as “magnificent” and an “unbelievable player” by former boss, Neil Lennon, Edouard dazzled following his switch from Paris Saint-Germain on an initial loan deal in the summer of 2017, before signing permanently a year later for £9m.
Former Celtic forward Odsonne Edouard
Over the next few years, the 6 foot 2 marksman chalked up 87 goals in just 179 games in all competitions for the Hoops, alongside providing a further 37 assists. For comparison, Kyogo racked up 85 goals and just 19 assists in 165 games for the club.
Such a record emphasises why Edouard would be a worthy investment this summer, even amid his recent woes, having still registered a respectable, albeit unspectacular return of 21 goals in 103 games at Selhurst Park.
Edouard’s final full Premiership season – 2020/21
Stat (*per game)
Record
Games (starts)
31 (28)
Goals
18
Minutes per goal
130min
Big chances missed
12
Goal conversion
16%
Assists
4
Big chances created
9
Key passes*
1.2
Pass accuracy*
80%
Stats via Sofascore
Like Tierney, a fresh start is needed for the striker, and if he can recapture the form he showcased during his first spell, then Rodgers would surely be on to a winner.
Yes, the signing of a cult hero like Tierney is a joyous sight, but it is the figures at the top end of the pitch who truly make the difference, with few having been quite so successful in a Celtic shirt in recent times as Edouard.
Wanyama 2.0: Celtic place "creative" £5m star at the top of their wishlist
Celtic could repeat their Victor Wanyama masterclass by signing this star from the Pro League.
The legspinner went through Victoria’s resistance in dramatic style late on the final day
AAP04-Nov-2024
Lloyd Pope was the hero for South Australia on the final day•Getty Images
Lloyd Pope spun South Australia to their first Sheffield Shield victory over Victoria in nine years, claiming six wickets to seal victory with 16 minutes to spare.In a thrilling and somewhat controversial finish at Adelaide Oval, Pope took 6 for 74 to have Victoria all out for 207 in pursuit of an unlikely target of 346.Pope took four wickets in 13 minutes to win the match, after Victoria looked likely to claim a draw with four wickets in hand and 30 minutes left before stumps.Related
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The win marked South Australia’s first win over Victoria since 2015-16, with the two teams having played 18 games since then.But the finish was not without drama, with Victoria’s Campbell Kellaway given out at bat-pad among the flurry of late wickets. Kellaway appeared bewildered by the call, with replays suggesting the ball may have come flush off the pad and not hit his bat on the way to the fielder.From there it appeared inevitable that Pope would take South Australia to victory, before he wrapped up the match by trapping Cameron McClure lbw attempting to leave the ball.Pope’s figures made for just the third five-wicket haul of his Sheffield Shield career, and his first in four years after bursting on to the scene as a cult hero in the 2017 Under-19 World Cup.Pope had always looked the most threatening of South Australia’s bowlers on a deteriorating day-four wicket. The legspinner was the only bowler to threaten Victoria’s batters in the opening session, with Ashley Chandrasinghe and Kellaway well set.Henry Thornton eventually got the breakthrough in the middle session when he had Chandrasinghe caught at slip with a fast-rising ball. And while Thornton also removed Tom Rogers shortly after, it was always Pope who looked the most likely to take charge of the game.He had Peter Handscomb superbly caught by player-of-the-match Ben Manenti at first slip for 8, then drew Sam Harper’s back foot out of his crease to have him stumped for 5.And after Mitchell Perry chewed up 80 balls in a 25-over partnership with Kellaway, it was Pope who got the crucial wicket in the final hour.The 24-year-old spun a ball back from outside the left-hander’s off stump, bowling Perry for 9 as the No. 8 went back to cut. Kellaway’s wicket came in Pope’s next over, before he had Peter Siddle caught at slip to leave Victoria nine wickets down.And when No. 11 McClure offered no shot to a ball that went straight on, Pope had ensured South Australia would stay second on the ladder with a rare win over their old rivals.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has been honoured by Willem II, with the Dutch club naming their youth academy’s main stand after him.
Van Dijk honoured by Willem II academyLiverpool defender attended unveilingStand at Sportpark Prinsenhoeve renamedFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Van Dijk returned to his former team Willem II to receive a special honour, as the youth academy’s main stand at Sportpark Prinsenhoeve was officially renamed the "Virgil van Dijk Tribune". The Liverpool captain, who spent over a decade in the club’s academy before becoming one of the world’s best defenders, attended the unveiling ceremony in Tilburg. The tribute also coincided with the launch of the Virgil’s Legacy Trophy, an international youth tournament founded by Van Dijk, which will bring 16 youth teams from around the world to Tilburg.
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The 34-year-old has become a global icon as Liverpool’s skipper, winning the Premier League and Champions League while also signing a new contract until 2027. Yet his journey began in Willem II’s academy, and the Dutch club wanted to immortalise his contribution both to their history and to the inspiration of future generations. The move underlines Willem II’s ongoing bond with one of their most successful products, while also strengthening youth development in the region through the tournament.
WHAT VAN DIJK SAID
Van Dijk expressed his gratitude and reflected on his deep connection with Willem II, calling the tribute one of the most meaningful moments of his career: “It makes me incredibly proud that the stand at the youth academy is named after me. Willem II played an important role in my life and in my development as a young player. That this is now being recognised in this way means a great deal to me and my family. It’s a very special tribute, and I appreciate the warmth and connection I still feel with the club.”
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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?
The Virgil van Dijk Stand will officially open this weekend alongside the first edition of the Virgil’s Legacy Trophy. With 300 youth players and 16 international teams taking part, the tournament is set to become a major fixture in Tilburg’s football calendar further cementing Van Dijk’s legacy at Willem II.
Celtic are beginning to circle for key targets and could now be set to be embroiled in a high-profile chase for a prolific goalscorer, according to reports.
Celtic's striker question yet to throw up a definitive answer
Brendan Rodgers has made it crystal clear that Celtic want several options across their forward line after Kyogo Furuhashi’s departure. Meanwhile, Nicolas Kuhn moving to Como has left room for more goals to come into the side over the coming weeks.
Addressing their striker situation, the Irishman admitted Shin Yamada’s arrival from Kawasaki Frontale is just the tip of the iceberg, as he stated: “He’ll have a medical over the next couple of days and we’ll have a look at him. We’ve lost a lot of goals, so we need to replace that. Hopefully, this can be one of a number of players we can bring in that aspect.
“He’s got intensity and workrate. It’s something the scouts have seen. In terms of the club, we will bring in players to develop and players for now. Even though he’s a bit older, he’s probably one that can give us that intensity and pressure.”
Intriguingly, Rodgers has seemed to confirm the suspicion that Celtic are operating two different transfer strategies this window. On one hand, the Bhoys appear like they are trying to get ahead of the curve with ‘club’ signings, while arrivals such as Kieran Tierney come in with more of a personal touch from the manager.
Odsonne Edouard is another reported target that may fall into the latter category, albeit it is hard to envisage the Scottish Premiership champions matching his Premier League-level wages.
Balikwisha will love him: Celtic exploring deal to sign "exciting" star
Celtic could land a dream signing alongside Michel-Ange Balikwisha by landing this star.
ByDan Emery Jul 17, 2025
With Celtic clearly in the market for another leading light in attack, recent developments may point supporters in the direction of their latest pursuit.
Celtic see bid rejected for Louis Munteanu
According to reports from iAMsport.ro, Celtic have seen an opening bid of £6.9 million turned down for CFR Cluj forward Louis Munteanu, with their owner Ioan Varga said to be holding out for a fee of £15.6 million.
Meanwhile, Ligue 1 clubs Rennes, Lille and Nice are also monitoring his situation at the Dr. Constantin Rădulescu Stadium.
Louis Munteanu at the UEFA EURO Under-21 Championships (Fotmob)
Goals
1
Shots
5
Shots on target
2
Successful passes
31
Duels won
11
Earning his stripes last term, Munteanu registered 25 goals and three assists in 42 appearances across all competitions, and he kicked off the new campaign with a goal in Europa League qualifying against Paksi FC earlier this month.
Making his presence known, the 23-year-old is a clinical finisher with a track record of delivering at a high standard. However, it remains to be seen whether Celtic will bow to his lofty valuation or whether alternative targets will be pursued.
David Warner has been named Sydney Thunder captain for this season’s BBL after his leadership ban was overturned last month.Cricket Australia’s Code of Conduct Commission ruled that Warner’s ban, which was handed down after the Newlands ball-tampering scandal in 2018 and prevented him holding any leadership position in Australian cricket, should no longer be in place. It opened up the route for Warner to captain Thunder with him available for the entire season.Related
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Warner's leadership ban overturned by Cricket Australia
“Quite clearly that was the last piece of that puzzle for me, and now it’s about coming out and sharing my knowledge of the game,” Warner said on being able to move on from the leadership ban. “Forever, that was probably going to be on my CV as well. You don’t want to look back when you go for a job interview and have ‘banned for life from a leadership perspective’ on your CV. That’s something that I’ll be able to now share with my girls moving forward that I’m able to actually be a leader.”After a failed attempt to overturn the ban in 2022, amid calls for the hearing to be public, Warner admitted he thought his chance had gone”I think two years ago that was probably me done,” he said. “I thought I probably wouldn’t revisit that. I didn’t even know if I was going to come back and play Big Bash”I was at that stage I was playing a Test match series [in 2022]..it could have easily been done prior to the series started but that’s why I withdrew it and I wanted to revisit that now,” he said. “It’s all done and dusted. I’m not playing for the Australian cricket team anymore and we don’t have to put the team in the spotlight.”Trent Copeland, the Thunder general manager who had been heavily involved in the appeal process, said it would help Warner cement a legacy at the club.”This is a huge moment for David and for our club,” he said. “It’s not only about his career; it’s about the legacy he’s creating, especially for his family and the next generation of players.”For the fans in Western Sydney who’ve long recognised David as a Thunder legend, it’s a special moment to now see him as their captain. This captaincy is about more than cricket; it’s about community, legacy, and helping our younger players gain the skills they need to succeed.”Warner has previously led Thunder once back in 2011 when he made an unbeaten 102 against Melbourne Stars. He has been appointed ahead of Chris Green who was captain last season when the team finished bottom.”I want to compliment the way Greeny led from the front,” Warner said. “He’s an exceptional talent with fantastic leadership qualities. Jason Sangha, too, before his injury. I gained great insight from both, and I know they’re guys I can lean on this season.”Speaking when the ban was lifted, Copeland said it was about more than Warner being able to lead a cricket team again.”This is far bigger than a cricket captaincy role. It’s leadership in a lifelong context,” he said. “This was about him, his daughters in particular, the legacy he wants to leave for his family. This is about Davey, his family and ultimately in our belief what is right at this point in time.”If that’s a lifelong ban, it’s still over him when he’s 50, 60. It just would never go away. It [what happened in 2018] may not ever go away, but I think at least this gives it a shot.”In their judgement, the review panel noted “the respectful and contrite tone of his [Warner’s] responses, as well as the content impressed the Review Panel and led it to the unanimous view that he was sincere and genuine in acknowledging responsibility for the conduct and in his statement that he had extreme remorse for his conduct.”Since his CA ban, Warner has captained teams in the BPL, IPL, and ILT20. The last time he led an Australian team was when he captained the T20I side against New Zealand in 2018.Thunder begin their BBL campaign against Adelaide Strikers in Canberra on December 17 before facing Sydney Sixers in the first derby clash at the Showground on December 21.
An “unbelievable” Liverpool star has now reached an agreement over a big money move to a new club.
Players who could leave Liverpool this summer
It has been a huge summer of change at Anfield, with new signings Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong adding a huge amount of quality to Arne Slot’s squad.
That said, the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luis Diaz and Jarell Quansah have left the club, and there could be more current Liverpool players who follow them out of the exit door before the new Premier League season gets underway.
Darwin Nunez appears to be the most likely next person to leave Liverpool in the coming days and weeks, with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal the favourites to snap him up. There are also doubts surrounding the future of Kostas Tsmikas, while Tyler Morton is set to join Lyon.
Meanwhile, there is no guarantee that Harvey Elliott will still be a Reds player come the end of the summer transfer window, as he looks for more playing time at a new club.
"Unbelievable" Liverpool ace close to exit
Now, according to Rudy Galetti on X, Liverpool striker Nunez has reached an agreement to join Al-Hilal, and the Uruguayan has “given the green light” to the move for a “significant” amount of money. The deal is edging closer, but there is still the small matter of agreeing a fee, with talks between the clubs ongoing.
This feels like a good outcome for Liverpool, with the £140,000-a-week Nunez not at the level required to be a genuinely strong option for them moving forward. The 26-year-old has now been a Reds player for three years, but there have only been sporadic moments of quality, such as Ally McCoist hailing his assist for Elliott against Paris Saint-Germain last season.
“Unbelievable football from Darwin Nunez, because nine times out of ten he hits this. He doesn’t, he takes the right option. Watch Nunez, usually he pulls the trigger there, it looks a simple pass and it is but it’s there to hit first time, that’s the secret of it.”
Appearances
143
Goals
40
Assists
26
If Liverpool can get a deal over the line for Alexander Isak, and have Ekitike as another great option, Nunez’s exit is unlikely to affect them much, with all due respect to a popular player Anfield.
His finishing is as unpredictable as it was when he joined Liverpool, and his link-up play can also flatter to deceive – he will depart as a likeable player who ultimately didn’t come close to living up to the hype.
نجح فريق الأهلي السعودي في تسجيل هدف التعادل في شباك نظيره بيراميدز، في المباراة المقامة بينهما الآن، في إطار منافسات بطولة كأس الإنتركونتيننتال.
ويستقبل الأهلي السعودي نظيره بيراميدز، على ملعب الإنماء (الجوهرة المشعة) بمدينة جدة، ضمن منافسات دور ربع النهائي من بطولة كأس الإنتركونتيننتال وأيضًا المنافسة على لقب بطولة كأس القارات الثلاث.
طالع|فيديو | مايلي يسجل هدف بيراميدز الأول أمام الأهلي السعودي
وسجل إيفان توني الهدف الأول للأهلي السعودي في الدقيقة 45 من عمر اللقاء من ركلة جزاء، لتصبح النتيجة 1-1.
وكان فيستون مايلي سجل الهدف الأول لبيراميدز في الدقيقة 21 من عمر اللقاء من تسديدة قوية من على حدود منطقة الـ18، بعد تمريرة رائعة من بلاتي توريه، ليمنح بيراميدز الأفضلية في اللقاء حتى الآن.
وكان بيراميدز، قد تأهل لمواجهة الأهلي السعودي، بعدما حقق الفوز على أوكلاند سيتي النيوزيلندي بنتجة 3-0، في المباراة التي أقيمت بالقاهرة ضمن مواجهات الدور التمهيدي الأول لبطولة كأس الإنتركونتيننتال. هدف الأهلي السعودي الأول أمام بيراميدز
NZC said they will be announcing a permanent captain for the white-ball team in the home summer
ESPNcricinfo staff22-Oct-2024Mitchell Santner has been named New Zealand’s interim captain for the upcoming white-ball tour of Sri Lanka, NZC confirmed on Tuesday. Santner will lead a 15-man squad that includes maiden call-ups to bowling allrounder Nathan Smith and wicketkeeper-batter Mitchell Hay to face Sri Lanka in two T20Is and three ODIs next month. NZC also confirmed that a decision on the team’s long-term ODI and T20I captain will be taken later in the summer.Smith, 25, was recently named the NZC’s Men’s Domestic Player of the Year at the New Zealand Cricket Awards in March, before earning his first central contract last month. Smith had claimed 24 wickets across all domestic white-ball competitions for Wellington last season, including career-best figures of 4 for 5 against Otago in the Super Smash. Hay, who made his New Zealand A debut last year, was crowned Canterbury’s Male Player of the Year back in April.Lockie Ferguson, meanwhile, will spearhead the pace attack, comprising Smith, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, and Josh Clarkson. Tim Robinson earns his second call-up after excelling on his maiden international tour to Pakistan in April.ESPNcricinfo LtdMichael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips are the spin-bowling allrounders in the squad, alongside Santner, while Dean Foxcroft can also offer some handy offspin. Legspinner Ish Sodhi is the most experienced T20I player in the squad, with 117 appearances.Glenn Phillips, Will Young and Henry Nicholls provide the batting reinforcements, with Nicholls coming off an impressive Ford Trophy campaign last summer where he scored 301 runs in six games at 75.25.Related
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Six members of the New Zealand Test squad in India have been included, and will relocate straight to Sri Lanka at the conclusion of the third Test in Mumbai. The New Zealand-based players, however, will depart for Sri Lanka on November 4 ahead of the first T20I in Dambulla on November 9. Bracewell will join the white-ball squad from New Zealand, following his return home from India this week for the birth of his second child.Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Southee and Kane Williamson were not considered for selection as they prioritised the upcoming three-Test series against England, starting in Christchurch on November 28.”This [Sri Lanka] tour is the beginning of the build-up towards the ICC Champions Trophy in February 2025 and we also have an eye towards the 2027 ODI World Cup,” chief selector Sam Wells said.”Building depth is of critical importance due to the demands of the international schedule and the need to peak for pinnacle events.”For that reason it’s particularly exciting to include a number of players that we believe represent the future of the Blackcaps.”Head coach Gary Stead will lead the group alongside bowling coach Jacob Oram. Former England international James Foster, meanwhile, will rejoin New Zealand as their batting coach, as full-time batting coach Luke Ronchi heads home to focus on the start of the New Zealand home summer.New Zealand T20I and ODI squad:Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay (wk), Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Will YoungSri Lanka vs New Zealand series schedule Nov 9, 1st T20I, Dambulla Nov 10, 2nd T20I, Dambulla Nov 13, 1st ODI, Dambulla Nov 17, 2nd ODI, Pallekelle Nov 19, 3rd ODI, Pallekelle
FSG have been unusually trigger-happy in the summer transfer market, but Liverpool’s owners are actually just conducting themselves with well-considered ambition.
This is no scattergun spending approach from the Reds, who won the Premier League last season after spending virtually nothing after Jurgen Klopp closed his illustrious chapter at Anfield.
Arne Slot rewarded this city for their patience and acceptance by winning the club their record-equalling 20th league title, and now he has been repaid with sweeping changes across the summer, setting up the foundations of a sustained period of success.
Liverpool manager ArneSlotcelebrates after winning the Premier League
However, while there have been some incredible signings, and while the Anfield side still chase Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, several stars have ventured away for new challenges.
Luis Diaz is one such player.
Why Liverpool sold Luis Diaz
Though Diaz’s Liverpool career has its ebbs and flows, there’s no denying his electric-paced, mazy-dribbling game added much to Klopp and then Slot’s projects.
Luis Diaz
But the 28-year-old has signed for Bayern Munich for £65.5m this summer despite having two years left on his contract. Common ground could not be found between Liverpool and the Colombian, and so he goes for pastures new.
The fact Liverpool attempted to extend Diaz’s contract highlights the desire to keep him on board, but terms could not be agreed upon.
There’s been a lot of change at Liverpool this summer, and the South American’s stability and consistency could have been a real helper as Slot looks to repeat a trick.
Alas, he’s been sold, but FSG cannot allow the same to happen with Ibrahima Konate, whose footballing future is very much uncertain.
Liverpool must keep Ibrahima Konate
Liverpool signed Konate from RB Leipzig four years ago, in May 2021, paying his £36m release clause to reel him over to Merseyside.
Ibrahima Konate warming up for Liverpool
Injuries have been a common and frustrating theme for the Frenchman through his Premier League career, but there’s no question that he’s from the top drawer, hailed by analyst Josh Williams as a “monster at covering ground and dealing with one vs one situations.”
How curious that Konate’s most fruitful season in the Premier League should align with Liverpool’s one title triumph across his time in England.
24/25
31 (30)
1
2
11
23/24
22 (17)
–
–
5
22/23
18 (17)
–
–
7
21/22
11 (11)
–
–
4
And now, aged 26, the France international is approaching the prime of his career at a time when Virgil van Dijk stands on the autumn of his own period at the top.
He’s now featured 132 times for Liverpool, and the recent season of relatively few injury blows bespeak his athletic maturity, something that Slot has managed to raise across the board.
Having entered the final year of his £70k-per-week contract, alarm bells are surely ringing in the FSG offices, especially when the likes of Fabrizio Romano reported way back in October 2024 that negotiations over a renewal were going smoothly.
Things are uncertain at present. This wasn’t supposed to be the case. What has caused such drastic change in the intervening period? Real Madrid, of course, who want to link him back up with Trent Alexander-Arnold as the Xabi Alonso era shapes up.
According to Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Florentino Perez hopes to emulate his club’s deal for Trent by landing Konate on a free transfer in 2026, but a fast-track of plans isn’t out of the question, with Liverpool said to be open to cashing in this summer for a €55m (about £47m) fee.
Liverpool's IbrahimaKonatecelebrates after winning the Premier League
This cannot come to pass. In fact, Liverpool would find that they would suffer a bigger blow than losing Diaz, were they to part with Konate now.
Though the imposing Frenchman is partnered with Van Dijk, the skipper won’t be around forever, and Liverpool’s decision to have sold Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen for £35m earlier in the window only highlights the desperate need for change.
Marc Guehi is wanted on Merseyside, actually in his final year at Crystal Palace. The England international is in a similar boat to Konate, but there’s surely a future at Liverpool where the two centre-backs cohabit, for there is a dearth of depth at the rearguard in Slot’s team despite the heavy spending over the past few months.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehi
There’s also no telling whether Guehi would manage to rise to the occasion and play with the steely gusto of Konate, who completed 90% of his passes and won 71% of his aerial battles in the Premier League last year, as per Sofascore.
Given that the 6 foot Guehi’s aerial dominance is a weakness, replacing Konate with him ahead of Van Dijk’s swansong might be to the detriment of Liverpool’s aerial strength (Guehi won just 54% of his aerial battles last season).
Liverpool’s second-best central defender has been a terrific servant, and when considering that he earns comparatively little at £70k per week, it’s understandable that he should be expecting to be paid his dues, especially when Van Dijk pockets way more at £400k per week.
Ultimately, Liverpool know that they need to throw the kitchen sink at getting the Les Bleus talent’s new deal over the line, for losing him could be a blow that rocks the boat too hard, unlike that of Diaz, with the overload of attacking signings likely to offset his departure.
It’s bad news for Rio: Liverpool discuss move for "electric" £43m Diaz heir
Liverpool will now get ready to sign a winger after Luis Diaz signed for Bayern Munich.