Latest news with #PaulScholes
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Paul Scholes Claims Liverpool Have a Major ‘Issue' Ahead of 2025-26 Season
Liverpool Warned Over Title Challenge by Paul Scholes as Arne Slot Gears up for New Season Liverpool are on the brink of another historic campaign under Arne Slot, with the chance to secure a record-breaking 21st Premier League title. After matching Manchester United's tally in his first season at Anfield, Slot now faces the task of keeping his side at the summit while fending off resurgent rivals. The Dutchman has already shown his credentials by guiding Liverpool to the title last term, and sporting director Richard Hughes has backed him with significant summer investment. The standout signing so far has been Florian Wirtz, who arrived for a club-record fee and is expected to become a central figure in the Reds' attacking plans. Paul Scholes Identifies Defensive Weakness While optimism is high, former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has expressed concern over Liverpool's squad depth in defence. Speaking on The Overlap, Scholes admitted, '[You] can't look past Liverpool, I don't think. But I still think they need a new centre-half. If one of them gets injured, that could be an issue.' Those comments come as Liverpool prepare for the Community Shield clash against Crystal Palace with only Ibrahima Konate fully fit among their senior central defenders. Jarrel Quansah has been sold to Bayer Leverkusen, Joe Gomez is sidelined through injury, and Trey Nyoni's brief experiment as a makeshift centre-back ended prematurely after he was forced off against Athletic Bilbao. Central Defence Remains a Major Concern Liverpool's backline issues echo the 2020–21 campaign, when an injury crisis forced Jordan Henderson and Fabinho into defensive roles, and the season ended with Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips as the regular pairing. Slot will be keen to avoid a repeat, but with the clock ticking towards the 1 September transfer deadline, the need for reinforcements is pressing. Virgil van Dijk remains a commanding presence, but at 34, his minutes will need careful management. Konate's fitness record has been inconsistent, and his contract situation adds uncertainty, with talks ongoing to extend a deal that expires next summer. Striking Balance in Recruitment While supporters are excited by the prospect of adding Alexander Isak to a dynamic new attack, defensive recruitment cannot be overlooked. The Premier League title race can be unforgiving, and without adequate cover in central defence, even a short-term injury could derail Slot's ambitions. With the season about to begin, Liverpool have the quality to go all the way again, but as Paul Scholes has pointed out, their ability to keep the trophy at Anfield may depend on one more key signing before the window closes.
Metro
7 days ago
- Sport
- Metro
Paul Scholes says England star would be 'absolutely perfect' signing for Liverpo
Paul Scholes says Marc Guehi would be an 'absolutely perfect' signing for Liverpool and a deal in the region of £50million would 'probably be worth it' this summer. Liverpool have brought in six new additions across a busy transfer window, eager to strike while the iron is hot following their Premier League title triumph. But the Merseyside giants are determined to further strengthen before the transfer deadline and are pursuing a move for Newcastle's star man Alexander Isak, arguably the form striker in English football. While Liverpool's opening offer for Isak was rejected out of hand, a follow-up bid is expected in due course, with Newcastle thought to be holding out for an eye-watering fee in the region of £150m. Arne Slot is also keen to recruit a left-sided centre-back and Crystal Palace's Guehi has been a player of interest at Anfield for the last 12 months. In The Mixer: Exclusive analysis, FPL tips and transfer talk sent straight to your inbox every week – click here and sign up before Friday to make sure you don't miss the first edition. Reports this week claimed Liverpool were Guehi's 'preferred option' – ahead of Newcastle – and the Eagles could be prepared to do business should they receive an offer of between £40-50m. The 25-year-old England international is out of contract at Selhurst Park in 2026, meaning Palace must decide whether to sell now or risk losing their captain on a free transfer in a year's time. 'You [Jamie Carragher] mentioned at the start of last year a left-sided centre-half. Palace fans won't be happy, but I think Guehi is absolutely perfect for it,' Manchester United legend Scholes said on The Overlap's latest Fan Debate. 'Yeah, [I think they will sign a centre-back], but it's just what kind of quality you're talking about. 'Are you going to spend £50m on a player who is in the last year of his contract? But looking at Guehi, he looks probably worth it to me.' Guehi has established himself as one of the most highly regarded and sought-after defenders in Premier League football since leaving boyhood side Chelsea for Palace in 2021. A series of strong performances at Euro 2024 only enhanced Guehi's reputation and the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Newcastle and Liverpool were all credited with an interest following last summer's tournament. However, Palace managed to fend off their Premier League rivals to keep hold of Guehi and handed the centre-half the captain's armband ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. Guehi went on to write himself into Palace history last season as he became the first player to captain the club to FA Cup glory, with Oliver Glasner's men stunning Manchester City in the final. More Trending But facing the media ahead of Palace's famous win at Wembley, Guehi refused to provide any assurances over his future with the Eagles. 'I think the most important thing is just always doing the best that I can for this football club. I come in every day and I try to be the same,' Guehi told reporters. 'I try to work hard. And you know, this football club has given me a lot. I'm still under contract at this football club, so my focus is always at this football club. 'So, you know, for me, the most important is just doing the best I can and seeing where the future holds.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Liverpool agree transfer fee to sell Darwin Nunez to Al-Hilal MORE: European giants eye Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho as contingency plans MORE: Paul Scholes questions whether Mikel Arteta really wanted Arsenal summer signing
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Paul Scholes questions whether Mikel Arteta REALLY wanted Viktor Gyokeres as his first-choice signing as Jamie Carragher identifies Man United target who Arsenal boss may have preferred over £64m new man
Paul Scholes has questioned whether Arsenal 's new marquee £64million striker Viktor Gyokeres was Mikel Arteta 's first choice, challenging whether his style of play will suit the Gunners. The north London side ended their lengthy search for a new frontman at the end of July when, following weeks of arduous negotiations with Sporting Lisbon, Gyokeres arrived at the Emirates Stadium. The Swede, who netted an incredulous 97 goals in 102 games while in Portugal, will don the number 14 shirt for the Gunners, famously worn by legend Thierry Henry during his initial eight-year stint at the club. Gyokeres was given his first run out by Arteta in Arsenal's pre-season defeat to north London rivals Tottenham last week, but the striker struggled to make much of an impact in a brief cameo as he gets used to his new surroundings. Upon signing the 27-year-old - once Coventry City's main man - Arteta expressed that he was 'absolutely delighted' that the Swede was now a Gunner. However, Manchester United legend Scholes is not convinced that Gyokeres was the Spaniard's preferred choice. Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, brought to you by Sky Bet, Scholes said: '[Arsenal needed a] Centre forward, I just wonder if you've chosen the right one. 'Because there was a lot of um-ing and ah-ing about it, I wondered if Mikel Arteta really wanted him, as the main one he wants? I'm not too sure, and he's got him now. 'He's had a really strange career path - Brighton, Coventry, and then he's gone to Sporting Lisbon, and his goal record is absolutely brilliant – you can't take that away from him. 'If there's any team that he could go to and create chances, then it should be Arsenal, and it should be a really good match.' Last season, Gyokeres scored at a quite ridiculous rate of nearly one goal per game, banging in 52 strikes in 54 appearances in all competitions for Sporting, including a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League. Nevertheless, Scholes is yet to be convinced that the striker, who has never made a Premier League appearance despite previously playing for Brighton, will suit Arsenal's possession-based style of play. 'The only thing I'd say against Gyokeres really is that with Sporting Lisbon, he's probably playing on the counter-attack a lot, in Europe especially,' he added. 'You think of Arsenal, they have the ball an awful lot, is he going to be clever enough to make these runs in behind – a lot of him that you see, he's sprinting from the halfway line almost, you can't keep up with him, he's ramming people, he's quick and he's smashing the ball in. 'Is he going to be that clever striker – we know Isak can do that. Can Gyokeres do that?' Whistleblowers, brought to you by the Mail and Wickes TradePro - is football's most original new podcast - lifting the lid on the parts of the game no one else talks about Liverpool legend and Sky Sports' big cheese, Jamie Carragher, also weighed in on the debate. The former England defender shares a similar view to Scholes on Gyokeres, citing an article that inferred Arsenal's new sporting director, Andrea Berta, was the driving force behind the signing. Carragher, speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, brought to you by Sky Bet, said: 'What I thought was really interesting was James [McNicholas] from The Athletic did a piece when the signing was done, and he insinuated in the column that he wrote that he was more of a sporting director signing. 'The club were in for [Benjamin] Sesko for probably six months, and the new sporting director [changed direction] – I thought it was an interesting piece, as well as how that will affect Arteta going forward.'
Daily Mail
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Love Island star Ayo Odukoya is seen with his new girlfriend who has a VERY famous England football icon as a father after confirming their romance
Love Island star Ayo Odukoya has been pictured with his new girlfriend who he first confirmed his romance with on Instagram this month. The reality personality, 26, is dating the daughter of a footballing legend and the two have now shared glimpses of each other on social media. Alicia Scholes, 24, is the child of Manchester United icon Paul Scholes, 50, and his wife Clair Froggatt. They also share sons Arron, 25, and Aiden, 20. Ayo and Alicia were seen outside a Manchester coffee shop this week waiting for a taxi to collect them, wearing sports casual ensembles. The influencer was wearing a black T-shirt with grey shorts, adding black Birkenstocks and white socks. Alicia, who plays for London Pulse in the Netball Super League and represents England at international level, wore a white vest and shorts. Alicia Scholes, 24, is the child of Manchester United icon Paul Scholes, 50, and his wife Clair Froggatt. They also share sons Arron, 25, and Aiden, 20 Ayo was rumoured to be appearing on the next series of Love Island: All Stars, but it seems his plans have now changed as he is settled with Alicia. Ayo split from his show girlfriend Jess Spencer shortly after series 11 ended in 2024. He was rumoured to have moved on with Alicia after eagled-eyes fans noticed her soft launching him on Instagram. Alicia shared a series of snaps, including one showing the back of a man's head, and another of her holding hands with someone wearing a black hoodie. Fans were quick to point out that Ayo owns an identical hoodie, seen on his social media account, and that the man's distinct goatee resembles Ayo's. Alicia, who boasts 100k followers on Instagram, also works as an influencer. At the end of 2024, Jessica confirmed she had split from Ayo. The stunner fell in love with the hunk during this summer's series and through things were seemingly going well between them, they were yet to make things official. Ayo swapped out of his trainers and into his Birkenstocks as he carried them in his arms However, Jess recently revealed the couple had secretly split when responding to a fan on TikTok questioning why they were not officially boyfriend and girlfriend. Commenting on a video of Jess showcasing her outfit, the follower said: 'Girl he needs to ask you yesterday.' However Jess, who recently shut down cheating rumours, confirmed they were no more as she responded: ''Girl' says who?? The internet?? 'He doesn't need to ask me anything because we're not together. Let it go.' Jess hit back at rumours she had cheated on Ayo, after he had removed all traces of her on his Instagram. Jess clapped back at a troll on Snapchat who wrote: 'Cheater, you don't deserve Ayo.' Furious at the accusation, she responded: 'These apps are full of absolute idiots. Where do you get your information from?' He was rumoured to have moved on with Alicia after eagled-eyes fans noticed her soft launching him on Instagram Fans were quick to point out that Ayo owns an identical hoodie, seen on his social media account, and that the man's distinct goatee resembles Ayo's Ayo and Jess bagged fourth place in the villa, after she made a shock arrival during Casa Amor. During the final episode, Ayo declared his love for Jess, saying: 'I am obsessed with you.. I know we say 'Love you' in passing, but the reality of it is that I do love you.' Though the former couple didn't make an official announcement on the split, Ayo made the news clear on his social media as he removed all pictures of the fashion stylist. He also edited a caption he wrote after leaving the Love Island villa in which he deleted any reference to Jess. Jess has since moved on with TOWIE star Roman Hackett's cousin Braydon. Braydon appeared in five episodes of TOWIE between 2021 and 2022, including the last Christmas special. Outside of his reality TV appearances, he works in fashion as the founder of Blhack London and the creative director of luxury swimwear brand Lewis James.
The Sun
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Love Island's Ayo pictured with new girlfriend for first time – and she's got a very famous England football legend dad
LOVE Island star Ayo Odukoya has been pictured with his new girlfriend Alicia Scholes for the first time after previously 'hard launching' her on Instagram earlier this month. The lovebirds have been spotted outside a coffee shop in Manchester yesterday while waiting for an Uber, dressed head to toe in sporty attires. 7 7 The reality star, 26, who had previously sparked rumours of an All Stars appearance, was seen wearing a black t-shirt and grey shorts with white socks and a pair of casual black Birkenstocks. Meanwhile, Alicia, 24, sat on a pavement in a baggy white vest with black shorts and some casual brown shoes. She wore her hair in a ponytail as the two both appeared busy on their phones while they waited for their ride home. Alicia is the only daughter of former footballer Paul Scholes, 50, and his wife Clair Froggatt. She currently plays for London Pulse in the Netball Super League and represents England at international level. Not only that but the blonde beauty is also an influencer, amassing over 100k followers on Instagram. Paul played for Manchester United for his entire professional playing career, scoring over 150 goals in more than 700 appearances between 1993 and 2013. The sports star is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time and was renowned for his technical skills, accurate passing and powerful shooting from a long range. Earlier this month, Ayo took his and Alicia's relationship to the next level by going Instagram official. He uploaded a series of snaps of the stunning beauty posing while wearing a black dress. In the pictures, Alicia looks off to the side before another photo appears of just the pair's shoes side by side. The loved-up duo first sparked up romance rumours in June when Alicia shared a series of pictures including one showing the back of a man's head, and another of her holding hands with someone wearing a black hoodie. Fans were quick to point out that Ayo owns an identical hoodie, seen on his own profile, and that the man's distinct goatee closely resembled Ayo's. Ayo shot to fame on series 11 of Love Island last year and walked in as one of the original boys in the starting line-up. He immediately struck up a connection with Mimii Ngulube before being involved in a love triangle when Uma Jammeh walked into the villa. Ayo then met Jess Spencer in Casa Amor and the pair ended up making it to the final and ending their experience in fourth place. However, the two only lasted two months outside of the villa and called time on their relationship in October 2024. Jess is now dating TOWIE star Roman Hackett's brother Braydon Hackett and the pair have been going strong since December last year. 7 7 7
