Latest news with #PremierLeague-proven
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Brentford target Liverpool player to fill key position this summer
Caoimhin Kelleher Transfer Links Highlight Liverpool's Summer of Change Kelleher's Time at Liverpool Nears its Conclusion As Liverpool bask in the glow of a 20th league title, attentions are already turning to what promises to be a pivotal summer. Several members of the title-winning squad are expected to move on, including long-serving second-choice goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. Photo: IMAGO According to TBR Football, Brentford are targeting the 26-year-old Irishman as a replacement for Mark Flekken, who is reportedly keen to reunite with Erik ten Hag at Bayer Leverkusen. With Flekken's departure likely to create a vacancy, Brentford's interest in Kelleher could pave the way for a long-anticipated exit from Anfield. Advertisement Kelleher, out of contract in 2026, is valued at around £40 million. Liverpool are aware that failing to sell him soon risks losing him for nothing – an outcome that simply doesn't align with the club's shrewd financial planning. Brentford's Opening and Kelleher's Ambition Despite strong performances during cup runs and spells deputising for Alisson, Kelleher's path to becoming Liverpool's No.1 has always been obstructed. That road became even more congested with the recent addition of Giorgi Mamardashvili. Photo: IMAGO Kelleher made his feelings known during Liverpool's title celebrations. 'I'm ready to be a No.1,' he said, repeating a sentiment he has carried for more than a year. Advertisement Brentford would provide an attractive platform. With Flekken set to move on, the Gtech Community Stadium could offer regular football and the sort of responsibility Kelleher craves. Brentford's Contingency Options Kelleher is not the only name on Brentford's shortlist. TBR Football note that James Trafford, Joan Garcia (Espanyol), Guillaume Restes (Toulouse), Yahia Fofana (Angers) and Zion Suzuki (Parma) are all under consideration. Yet Kelleher offers a Premier League-proven solution. A goalkeeper who's saved penalties in finals, held his nerve at Wembley and shown he can handle pressure. Liverpool would prefer to cash in now rather than risk losing him for nothing. A Respected Exit Regardless of where he ends up, Kelleher's legacy at Liverpool is secure. He's been more than a capable back-up – he's been an architect of key victories in cup competitions and part of a golden era under Jurgen Klopp. Photo: IMAGO As the club transitions under Arne Slot, Kelleher's departure would represent both a personal evolution and a club recalibration. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis Kelleher leaving feels bittersweet. There's pride in seeing an academy graduate thrive, but also frustration that circumstances never quite aligned for him to claim the No.1 shirt. Advertisement Supporters have long admired his composure and agility. 'He's been brilliant when called upon,' is a common refrain. But it's also recognised that his career deserves to flourish beyond cameos and Carabao Cup nights. With Alisson still one of the world's best and Mamardashvili newly arrived, it's no longer tenable to keep Kelleher on the bench. Most Reds would rather see him playing regularly elsewhere than stagnating at Anfield. Brentford would be a good fit. Progressive, tactically intelligent and with a style of play that suits a ball-playing goalkeeper. Kelleher's distribution and calmness could flourish in such a setting. Slot's arrival signals a fresh chapter and, in many ways, Kelleher's exit would be part of that renewal. The £40 million fee, if met, would help fund further squad building – possibly in midfield or wide areas where Liverpool need added depth. Ultimately, Kelleher's exit should be viewed with respect and optimism. A move would be a reward for his patience and professionalism – and a rare win-win for player and club alike.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Arsenal monitoring Brighton winger with Bayern pushing for quick deal
Arsenal's pursuit of attacking reinforcements this summer continues to evolve, with Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma now under serious consideration. While much of the recent attention has focused on Real Madrid's Rodrygo, whose wage demands remain a significant obstacle, Arsenal appear to be broadening their scope in search of greater flexibility in wide areas. Florian Plettenberg reports that Mitoma is among the names added to Arsenal's shortlist as they reshape their front line. The Japan international has impressed at Brighton with his direct running and incisive movement, earning admirers across Europe. But Arsenal may need to move quickly if they are to stand any chance. 🚨🆕 Not only are FC Bayern interested in Kaoru #Mitoma — Arsenal have also added him to their list for the summer! Andrea Berta and his team are assessing various profiles/candidates for the wing. Mitoma is one of them. Rodrygo is considered the dream signing, but a potential… — Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) May 25, 2025 Bayern Munich have already taken the initiative. Plettenberg notes that the Bundesliga champions have intensified their interest in Mitoma after missing out on Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz, who looks set for a record-breaking switch to Liverpool. Max Eberl and Christoph Freund, Bayern's directors of sport, held discussions with Mitoma's representatives earlier this week. Encouragingly for Bayern, they discovered the winger would be open to a move to Germany. Mitoma is understood to be available for around €50m (£42m), a fee that offers value for a 28-year-old with Premier League pedigree and Champions League ambitions. Arsenal, for all their interest, are not currently in the lead. The Gunners' plans appear focused on creating greater unpredictability in the final third. While a striker remains a priority for many fans, the technical staff seem equally determined to bring in a top-level winger capable of operating across the frontline. Mitoma would represent a different profile to Rodrygo, but his ability to play on either flank and beat defenders in tight areas makes him an attractive option. Whether Arsenal make a formal move may depend on developments in Bavaria. Arsenal's interest in AC Milan's Rafael Leao also persists. Bayern have made contact there too, raising the possibility of a transfer triangle between the two European heavyweights and their wide-forward targets. Plettenberg concludes that 'Rafael Leao is someone else Bayern have been in contact for. Similarly, the AC Milan winger is on Arsenal's radar, so there could be a scenario where the Gunners sign one and Bayern sign the other.' Should Milan soften their valuation, Leao might yet emerge as the more expensive but marquee acquisition. For now, Mitoma remains a viable and Premier League-proven alternative.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Manchester United are 'keen' to sign Joao Pedro
Manchester United are interested in signing Brighton and Hove Albion forward Joao Pedro this summer, according to a report. Sky Sports' senior reporter Rob Dorsett reveals the Red Devils are 'keen' on the Brazilian international after an impressive season at the Amex Stadium. Advertisement The 23-year-old attacker, who can operate in multiple positions throughout the front line, has scored 16 goals in all competitions for the Seagulls. He has also provided six assists. Pedro stand 6'0 with good link-up play and mobility, while retaining strong technical ability and a nose for a goal. But it's his versatility – having played as an attacking midfielder, a striker, or a winger throughout his career – which is likely to be the driving factor in United's interest. Head coach Ruben Amorim is targeting reinforcements in the number ten and number nine positions after watching his side struggle going forward all season. Advertisement Pedro would offer the former Sporting manager a Premier League-proven option with a track record of goals in both positions. However, United face competition for the Brazilian from rivals Chelsea and Liverpool who Dorsett reveals are both interested in a move this summer. The Sky Sports reporter suggests a fee in excess of £50 million will be needed to win the race but contends 'no bids [have been made] for the player so far'. Tweet: '#Cfc interested in #bhafc Joao Pedro, and the Brazilian is keen to talk to Chelsea if the two clubs can agree a fee for him. Other clubs including #lfc and #mufc also keen. No bids for the player so far, fee likely to be £50m+.' Advertisement There has undoubtedly been a shift in recruitment at Old Trafford towards players with Premier League experience. The club's two primary targets – Matheus Cunha (Wolves) and Liam Delap (Ipswich Town) – have been joined by interest in Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford) and Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth). The fact that the Reds are now 'keen' on a Brighton forward underscores this focus domestically, rather than towards the continent as United often have looked in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era. Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images Follow us on Bluesky: @
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Wataru Endo starts at Stamford Bridge, receives Guard of Honour from Chelsea trio who rejected Liverpool
Liverpool's Wataru Endo celebrates with Liverpool's Harvey Elliott after winning the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur and clinching the Premier League title at Anfield in Liverpool, England, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Jon Super) A Guard of Honour and a Starting Spot Liverpool's trip to Stamford Bridge on May 4, 2025, carried little weight in terms of stakes, the title had already been secured with four games to spare. But for Wataru Endo, it was a moment rich with symbolism. Named in the starting lineup for the first time in the Premier League this season, The 31-year-old was one of six changes made by manager Arne Slot, with rotation expected after securing the title with four games to spare. While the changes included fresh opportunities for players like Jarell Quansah, Kostas Tsimikas, Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones, and Diogo Jota, it was Endo's inclusion that caught fans' attention most. The Japanese midfielder was not only part of a completely restructured midfield trio, but also received a guard of honour from Chelsea , a moment full of irony and satisfaction for Liverpool fans. Standing on either side of him were Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, two players who famously rejected Liverpool in the summer of 2023 to join Chelsea instead. The fact that Endo, who was signed only after those pursuits failed, now walked past them as a Premier League champion was not lost on supporters. Fans Embrace the 'Poetic Justice' Reactions from Liverpool fans online were unanimous in tone: this was poetic justice. Caicedo and Lavia had been seen as top midfield targets for Liverpool two years ago. Both snubbed the Reds, opting for Stamford Bridge where they signed long-term contracts with high expectations. Enzo Fernandez, another Chelsea midfielder often touted as a Liverpool 'miss', also featured in the Chelsea XI. But Liverpool's Plan C, Wataru Endo, has quietly written a different story. Signed for £16 million from Stuttgart, the veteran was never meant to be the headline act in the club's midfield rebuild. Liverpool had targeted younger, Premier League-proven talents with potential resale value and high ceilings. Endo, then 30 and captain of a Bundesliga relegation battler, did not fit that mould. And yet, while Lavia has managed just 11 starts in two injury-hit seasons, and Caicedo's performances have come under constant scrutiny, Endo has gone on to play a key role in a title-winning campaign and earn cult hero status among fans as as Liverpool's famed 'finisher'. Slot's Rotation Signals Trust in Squad Depth Arne Slot's selection choices also highlighted his intent to keep the squad fresh and motivated in the closing stages of the season. For the first time in a league match, none of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, or Dominik Szoboszlai started in midfield. Slot turned instead to a trio of Endo, Elliott, and Jones, rewarding squad players with meaningful minutes in a low-stakes but symbolically rich fixture. With Alisson still chasing his 10th clean sheet of the season, and Salah pursuing a Premier League goal contribution record, the game also carried individual significance. Mohamed Salah lined up alongside Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota in attack, needing two more goal contributions to break the single-season record of 48. From Backup Plan to Title Winner Endo's journey from Stuttgart captain to title-winning starter at Liverpool is emblematic of how plans can change and still succeed. After the failures to sign Caicedo and Lavia, his arrival seemed a stopgap. But his calm presence, reliability, and tactical intelligence have proven invaluable. Slot's decision to start him in such a symbolically charged game – and to do so alongside the very players who once turned down Liverpool – capped off an unlikely but deeply satisfying narrative arc. For Wataru Endo, applauded onto the pitch by those who once seemed destined for his place, Sunday wasn't just another start. It was vindication.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Not Cunha or Delap: Sky Sports confirm ‘concrete talks' have taken place between Utd and 64 G/A tornado
Not Cunha or Delap: Sky Sports confirm 'concrete talks' have taken place between Utd and 64 G/A tornado While Matheus Cunha and Liam Delap remain firmly cemented atop Manchester United's shortlist this summer, that's not to say there aren't other targets being pursued behind the scenes. Plenty of the Old Trafford faithful had grown resigned to missing out on Viktor Gyokeres due to his desire to play Champions League football next season, which, of course, the Red Devils can only offer if they reign victorious in the Europa League come May 21. Advertisement Yet, with a two-legged semi-final on the way and a potential final awaiting against either Tottenham Hotspur or Bodø/Glimt, United are undoubtedly one of the major favourites to get their hands on the trophy for the second time in their history, simultaneously booking their spot among Europe's elite next term. Why Gyokeres is one of the most sought-after stars of the summer One look at the Sporting Lisbon talisman's numbers makes it no surprise he's such a major talking point heading into the transfer window. An unfathomable 52 goals and 12 assists in 48 appearances have established Gyokeres as one of the most clinical centre-forwards in world football. With multiple clubs set to enter the market in search of a world-class No.9, he's likely to receive numerous approaches when he signs off in 2024/2025. Who else is in the race? In terms of the suitors, the 26-year-old could potentially choose from, all of Arsenal, Chelsea, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain have emerged as candidates to seal his signature – as well as the Red Devils. Advertisement Premier League-proven Delap is thought to be INEOS' first-choice to rival Rasmus Hojlund for the starting spot up front, but United aren't down and out in their pursuit of Gyokeres just yet. Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg claims that while there's 'no agreement' in place between him and the Reds, 'concrete talks' have taken place and Ruben Amorim is 'very keen on him'. The ex-Coventry City star played 68 matches under Amorim in Lisbon, scoring 66 goals and assisting a further 19. More Stories / Latest News Not Cunha or Delap: Sky Sports confirm 'concrete talks' have taken place between Utd and 64 G/A tornado Advertisement Apr 30 2025, 7:18 Journo: Utd can have a 'realistic chance' at beating Arsenal and Chelsea to Gyokeres' signature – here's how Apr 30 2025, 6:30 Amorim warned there's one 'erratic' United star whom Athletic Bilbao will 'look to exploit' on Thursday Apr 29 2025, 14:00
