Liverpool star Mohamed Salah is climbed the ratings list, but Lionel Messi is nowhere to be seen in the top batch of stars in the game

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EA Sports FC 26 will soon be splashed across screens all over the world, with the latest edition of the popular football video game being launched worldwide to fans on September 26, 2025. 

Get FC26 for 29% off nowShop now

One of the most fascinating and controversial aspects of the game is the player rating system, with keen gamers and even the players themselves arguing the toss over whether their ratings are true to reality.

The first batch of player ratings has been revealed – GOAL brings you the top-rated players on EA Sports FC 26.

Read more EA Sports FC 26 newsComplete guide to EA Sports FC 26Full list of new ICONS in EA Sports FC 26EA Sports FC 26 stadiums listGetty Images SportMohamed Salah | OVR: 91 | POS: RM | LiverpoolAdvertisementGetty ImagesKylian Mbappe | OVR: 91 | POS: ST | Real MadridGetty ImagesOusmane Dembele | OVR: 90 | POS: ST | PSGENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyRodri | OVR: 90 | POS: CDM | Manchester City

MatériaMais Notícias

Quem esteve no Allianz Parque, na última quarta-feira (7), para assistir ao duelo entre Palmeiras e Barcelona-EQU, pela Libertadores, pode se sentir um privilegiado. O placar de 4 a 2 a favor do Verdão foi construído com uma virada histórica depois de estar perdendo por 2 a 0 no primeiro tempo. Tudo isso com um enorme apoio das arquibancadas, que jogaram junto com o time durante todo o tempo. Cada um desses torcedores que estiveram na arena saíram com a certeza de que esse é o time da virada, do amor, da América e da história.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasVÍDEO: Piquerez analisa virada do Palmeiras na Libertadores e projeta clássico diante do São PauloPalmeiras08/06/2023PalmeirasVÍDEO: Veja os melhores lances da vitória de virada do Palmeiras sobre o Barcelona-EQU pela LibertadoresPalmeiras08/06/2023PalmeirasVeiga revela conversa no intervalo e destaca ‘atmosfera’ da torcida do Palmeiras para virada na LibertadoresPalmeiras08/06/2023

+ Veja tabela e classificação da Libertadores-2023 clicando aqui

É verdade que a atuação da equipe do Verdão no primeiro tempo esteve bem longe do que se espera. Aparentemente com uma marcha mais lenta e com muitos erros de tomada de decisão, o Alviverde até teve oportunidades, mas muito mais dificuldades, que começaram nas saídas de bola. Tanto é que o primeiro gol do Barcelona teve origem em um passe errado de Zé Rafael e o segundo surgiu depois de passe errado de Mayke. Ambas jogadas teoricamente fáceis de serem resolvidas, mas que tiveram problemas na execução.

No entanto, entre o primeiro e o segundo gols, e depois do segundo gol, o Palmeiras criou muitas chances para descontar ou até empatar o placar. Ainda que o torcedor estivesse vendo uma atuação atípica da equipe em termos de erros defensivos, tudo levava a crer que uma mudança no cenário do jogo aconteceria a qualquer momento. A confiança do palmeirense é tão grande nesse time, que até uma derrota por 2 a 0 não é sinônimo de tragédia, mas sim de reação. E O estádio virou um inferno para os visitantes na segunda etapa da partida.

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Em 12 minutos após o intervalo, o Verdão já havia empatado a partida e criado inúmeras chances de marcar. No placar estava mostrando 2 a 2, mas a verdade é que já poderia estar 4 a 2/5 a 2/6 a 2… A vitória de virada era iminente, ela já tinha deixado de ser provável no primeiro gol, marcado por Gómez. Dali em diante com o Allianz Parque em peso cantando “time da virada, time do amor”, não havia adversário que pudesse parar o ímpeto palmeirense, e não seria o caso do Barcelona, por mais valente que ele tenha se mostrado.

+ Veja os melhores lances da virada do Palmeiras sobre o Barcelona do Equador

Do outro lado estava o Palmeiras, que é o melhor time da América com uma margem bem grande para o segundo colocado, mas bem grande mesmo. Não há outra equipe com tanta consistência, com tanta imposição, que coloque tanto medo e que seja capaz de fazer o que foi feito na noite da última quarta-feira (7). Pode até perder, pode até escorregar, vacilar, ser eliminado em um mata-mata, ser surpreendido por um esquema desconfortável do adversário, mas é muito raro. São mais de 30 jogos de invencibilidade em casa e apenas três derrotas no ano de 2023.

continua após a publicidade

Com toda essa atmosfera, com essa pressão, com essa imposição, foi questão de tempo até Artur fazer o gol da virada do Palmeiras, que acontece com 24 minutos da segunda etapa. Ou seja, em menos de 25 minutos, o Verdão pulverizou a enorme vantagem que o Barcelona-EQU suou para conseguir no primeiro tempo. Os equatorianos ainda assustaram em uma ou duas bolas, mas o mais provável ali era mais um gol do Alviverde, que acabou saindo dos pés de Endrick para fechar a vitória por “apenas” 4 a 2. Era para ter sido cinco, seis, sete, oito….

+ Artur celebra virada do Palmeiras na Libertadores e brinca: ‘Parece fácil, né?’

Seja você “anti”, seja você torcedor de um rival, seja você “invejoso”, seja você um desafeto de Abel Ferreira, mas não seja negacionista. O que Palmeiras faz no futebol brasileiro e sul-americano é algo histórico, não apenas pelos números e pelos resultados, mas pelo que se vê dentro de campo. Pode não ser o futebol mais brilhante, mas sem dúvidas é o mais consistente e eficiente. A comparação com o futebol mundial fica mais difícil pela falta de confrontos, mas certamente faria um bom papel nesse cenário também. Enquanto isso, o Verdão fica mesmo sendo o time da virada, do amor, da América e da história. Qual vai ser a próxima epopeia contada por Abel e seus comandados?

No person inside Old Trafford would have been more relieved than Ruben Amorim when Bruno Fernandes scored the winning goal for Manchester United against Burnley on Saturday.

The United captain smashed the ball into the bottom corner from the penalty spot after VAR helped to award a penalty for a pull on Amad Diallo in the box.

It was a huge win for the club and for Amorim after the loss to League Two Grimsby on penalties in the League Cup earlier in the week, possibly putting any talk about the manager’s future on hold until after the international break.

The BBC reported before the clash with Burnley that the Portuguese boss has the backing of the board, but another poor result before the break could have put pressure on them to make a call.

Man Utd make offer for Premier League star

The win over Burnley has ensured that Amorim’s future is safe for now and that means that he now has an opportunity to add more signings to his squad on deadline day to bolster his chances of turning things around.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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According to the Mirror, Manchester United are pursuing a last-minute move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez as a possible alternative to Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens.

The report claims that the Red Devils are set to submit an official offer of £40m in an attempt to sign the World Cup-winning shot-stopper before the deadline.

It reveals that Amorim does not trust Altay Bayindir or Andre Onana to be his number one this season, which is why the club feel that they have to make a short-term move to bring Martinez to Old Trafford.

The Mirror does not state whether or not £40m will be enough to tempt Villa into cashing in on him, but it does claim that the Villans are open to his exit because of his age.

Why Emi Martinez could save Ruben Amorim's job

It is fair to say that goalkeeper has been a problem position for Manchester United in recent seasons, and in recent weeks, with Altay and Onana both struggling.

Onana made errors for both of Grimsby’s goals and conceded 12 penalties in the loss to the League Two outfit, whilst Altay made a very high-profile error for Arsenal’s winning goal on the opening day.

These mistakes have been costly and resulted in losses that have put Amorim into the difficult position he has found himself in, which is why signing a top-quality goalkeeper like Martinez could save his job.

Emi Martinez (Premier League)

23/24

24/25

Appearances

34

37

Sofascore rating

7.10

7.07

Save percentage

66%

69%

Clean sheets

8

8

Goals prevented

+4.57

+1.16

Error led to goal

2

1

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Argentina international has consistently been a top-quality shot-stopper for Aston Villa, preventing almost seven more goals than expected in the last two seasons.

Onana, meanwhile, only prevented 0.53 goals and made three errors that led to goals in the 2024/25 Premier League campaign for the Red Devils, which suggests that Martinez would come in as a big upgrade on him.

This is why the Villa star, who was hailed as “unbelievable” by Nigel Spink, could save Amorim’s job by coming through the door to be a huge presence between the sticks for United.

Having Martinez in goal could lead to fewer losses and more wins because, put simply, he makes higher quality saves than Onana and Altay and does not make as many errors that lead to goals.

Related Lost the ball 15x: Man Utd's 8/10 ace is already looking like another Bruno

Bruno Fernandes’ last-gasp penalty secured a valuable win for Manchester United at home to Burnley…

Posts 1 ByRobbie Walls Aug 30, 2025

This is why the Villa star could save Amorim’s job because the improved results that his signing could lead to may take the pressure off the Portuguese boss and fire United up the table.

At one stage, Mumbai were 124 for 6 in pursuit of 406, but eventually fell only 80 runs short of the target

Shashank Kishore21-Feb-2025

Shardul Thakur’s fighting half-century wasn’t enough for another Mumbai rearguard as the defending champions lost the Ranji Trophy semi-final to Vidarbha, last year’s finalists, in an absorbing contest that went into the final session of the final day in Nagpur.Leading Vidarbha’s run to the final – they’ve won two of three Ranji finals previously – against Kerala was left-arm spin-bowling allrounder Harsh Dubey, who picked up his seventh five-wicket haul of the season to take his wickets tally to 66. He’s now just two short of Bihar left-arm spinner Ashutosh Aman’s record for most wickets in a Ranji season.Victory on the final day seemed a mere formality when Mumbai lost Shivam Dube and Suryakumar Yadav early, as they quickly slipped to 124 for 6. Dube played outside the line of a sharp in-ducker and was bowled by Yash Thakur, while Suryakumar saw one from Dubey jump on to him to lob a catch to the slips.But from the depths of a crisis, Shardul rose to the occasion like he has a number of times this season. Typically aggressive, and batting with a sense of freedom and purpose, he quickly whittled down the runs during the course of a century stand with Shams Mulani.At one point, halfway into the second session, Vidarbha’s left-arm spinners even switched to a defensive line by bowling outside leg to Shardul to try and frustrate him into either slogging or stepping out against spread-out fields. Vidarbha missed a run-out opportunity to dismiss Shardul on 48 when Akshay Wadkar, their captain and wicketkeeper, failed to collect a throw cleanly from fine leg.Vidarbha appeared to wobble briefly, but it was at that point that Mumbai gifted them a wicket in the form of the set Mulani when Shardul attempted to steal a single to square leg. Mulani, who hesitated briefly, was well short of the crease despite the dive as Danish Malewar’s one-handed pick-up and throw with one stump to aim at hit the bulls eye to break a 103-run stand.Shardul then began to open up and look at boundary attempts, sensing the possibility of being stranded, but was out to a superb delivery from Yash. He was caught on the hop to a short-of-a-length delivery that cut back in to breach his defence and hit the stumps.Mumbai’s last-wicket pair of Mohit Awasthi and Royston Dias had some fun in putting together a quickfire 52-run stand to bring the requirement down to less than three figures, before an audacious reverse sweep from Awasthi had him lbw as Dubey celebrated his fifth to seal victory.

Chelsea have now received a response after submitting a £43m offer for a defender who’s “as good as Van Dijk and Saliba”, according to a report.

Blues looking to strengthen at centre-back

Although his side were unable to pick up all three points against Crystal Palace on Sunday, Enzo Maresca will be pleased that his side managed to keep a clean sheet, with the centre-back partnership of Josh Acheampong and Trevoh Chalobah holding firm.

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The duo made a combined 17 defensive actions to keep Palace at bay, with both players also showcasing their ability in possession of the ball, averaging pass-completion rates of over 90%.

However, there may be some doubts over whether the Blues’ defence is good enough to mount a serious Premier League title challenge, with Acheampong still only 19-years-old, while Chalobah remains relatively inexperienced at the top level.

Their own Eze: £61m superstar now "only wants" to sign for Chelsea

The incredible international could be an Eze-like signing for Chelsea and Enzo Maresca.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 18, 2025

With Levi Colwill also sidelined for the foreseeable future due to an ACL injury, it would make sense to get another centre-back through the door, and an offer has been made for a Serie A defender.

That is according to a report from Gazzetta, which states Chelsea have tabled a €50m (£43m) bid for Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni, which was ‘politely declined’ by the Italian.

The Blues are not the only Premier League club to have expressed an interest in Bastoni, with Newcastle United also coming forward over a potential deal, but the defender remains focused on Inter’s upcoming campaign.

That said, another approach from one of the interested English clubs isn’t ruled out, suggesting that a deal could still be possible later in the window.

Bastoni could be on Van Dijk and Saliba's level

The 26-year-old is held in very high regard by presenter and analyst Nieve Petruzziello, who claimed he was “as good as Van Dijk and Saliba” last season.

The Italy international is also extremely comfortable in possession of the ball, as showcased by his passing and dribbling ability, which has regularly been on display over the course of the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Passes attempted

80.63 (94th percentile)

Progressive passes

5.49 (92nd percentile)

Progressive carries

1.99 (98th percentile)

The Inter star’s passing ability, coupled with the fact he is used to playing in a back three, could make him an ideal addition to Maresca’s squad, given that the Chelsea boss often implements a three-at-the-back system.

As such, it is disappointing the Blues’ opening offer was rejected, but a move later in the window has not been ruled out, and it could be worth submitting an improved bid for the centre-back.

Newcastle United’s search for a new striker has intensified as the transfer window enters its decisive stages.

The club are locked in a complex situation involving Alexander Isak, who has made it clear he has no intention of reintegrating into Eddie Howe’s squad.

The Swede has not featured in either of Newcastle’s opening Premier League fixtures and has refused to train, citing broken promises and a desire for change.

Without a recognised number nine, the Magpies have looked blunt in attack.

Against Aston Villa and Liverpool, Newcastle created opportunities but lacked a clinical edge, with makeshift forward Anthony Gordon even seeing red in the latter fixture.

That dismissal leaves William Osula as the only available striker, underlining the urgency of the situation.

Newcastle line up move for new striker target

Eddie Howe’s men have moved for several targets already this summer.

Bids for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen have been rejected, while they’re also now tracking Atletico Madrid’s Alexander Sorloth.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

With Liverpool circling around Isak, the club have turned to the continent for solutions.

According to reports in Italy, via Sport Witness, intermediaries are attempting to engineer a deal between Newcastle United and AS Roma for Ukrainian striker Artem Dovbyk.

The Magpies are said to have proposed a dry loan, though Roma are holding firm: they want either a permanent sale or guarantees that a deal will eventually be made permanent.

Villarreal are also interested in the forward. The Spanish side, having agreed a £26m deal to sell winger Yeremy Pino to Crystal Palace, have the funds available to pursue Dovbyk, though they too have only offered a loan arrangement.

Roma are demanding around €30m (£25m) for the 28-year-old, who joined from Girona last summer.

Why Dovbyk could be a better fit than Sørloth

Dovbyk scored 12 goals and registered three assists in 32 Serie A appearances during his debut season in Italy, following on from a remarkable final campaign in Spain where he fired Girona into the Champions League with 24 goals and eight assists.

The Ukrainian international has 36 caps and 11 goals for his country and has drawn praise from some high-profile figures.

Former Manchester City, Liverpool and Italy forward Mario Balotelli recently remarked: “In terms of style, I would say he is similar to Haaland.”

With Isak unwilling to return and Callum Wilson having left for West Ham after his contract expired, the Magpies are short of options.

Dovbyk is now seen as one of the most viable replacements to fill the void and give Howe the focal point his system demands.

The arrival of a new number nine at St James’ Park has been a pressing issue for months, and much of the conversation has centred on whether Newcastle should prioritise Dovbyk or another prominent target: Sørloth.

Sørloth, who enjoyed a prolific campaign with Atlético Madrid last season, netted 20 goals and supplied two assists across 35 La Liga appearances.

The 29-year-old Norwegian stands taller than Dovbyk’s 1.89 at 1.95m and has extensive international experience, with 63 caps and 24 goals for his country.

His form in Spain has reignited his reputation following a disappointing spell in the Premier League with Crystal Palace, where he failed to score in 16 appearances.

By comparison, Dovbyk is slightly younger at 28 and has demonstrated consistency in two of Europe’s top leagues.

His record for Girona marked him out as one of the most lethal strikers in La Liga, and his transition to Serie A saw him continue to contribute regularly.

For Newcastle, that track record of adaptation could be crucial in the Premier League. A statistical comparison between the two highlights the differences in their playing styles.

Matches Played

35

32

Goals

20

12

Assists

2

2

Progressive Carries

32

24

Progressive Passes

31

16

Sørloth’s numbers showcase his volume shooting and ability to dominate games as a target man.

According to FBref, he registered 4.48 shots per 90 last season with Atlético compared to Dovbyk’s 2.27, and scored 19 non-penalty goals compared to Dovbyk’s ten.

His shooting accuracy was also higher, with 51.3% of attempts hitting the target against Dovbyk’s 41%.

However, Dovbyk edges his rival in other areas. He is more efficient in possession, completing 74.1% of his passes compared to Sørloth’s 63.8%, and averages more shot-creating actions per 90 (1.94 to 1.73).

He is also less reliant on sheer volume, with his ten non-penalty goals last season coming from an expected goals figure of 10.3 – suggesting he converts chances at the rate they are expected, without overperforming.

Sørloth, by contrast, scored 19 from 16.0 expected goals, hinting at a potentially unsustainable level of finishing.

Stylistically, Dovbyk offers Newcastle a profile closer to Isak’s. He can link play, operate as a focal point, and combine technical quality with aerial presence. Sørloth, meanwhile, provides sheer firepower.

His 22 goal involvements outweigh Dovbyk’s 14, but his reliance on high shooting volume may raise concerns about sustainability in a league where space is harder to find.

For Newcastle, the decision could come down to balance. They require not just goals, but a striker who complements their pressing game and fluid attacking style. Dovbyk’s blend of technical skill, physicality, and adaptability suggests he may be the more suitable long-term option, particularly if Isak departs for Liverpool.

Gordon upgrade: Al-Rumayyan in talks to sign £65m "nuisance" for Newcastle

Newcastle are approaching crunch time in their drawn-out bid to sign a striker this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 26, 2025

The international break has been and gone (until next month), and Newcastle United are primed to get their season up and running after an opening stretch that was disruptive to put it mildly.

Alexander Isak’s new life at Liverpool has begun, but Eddie Howe and co managed to pull through and equip their Magpies with firepower enough to challenge at the upper rung of the Premier League and in the Champions League too.

Two points and two goals from three top-flight fixtures to start the season underscore Howe’s task, and he will need to win against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday afternoon without the suspended Anthony Gordon.

Joelinton is understood to have recovered from a fitness issue, but new recruits Jacob Ramsey and Yoane Wissa are sidelined for the foreseeable, the latter of which presents something of a conundrum after being welcomed as Isak’s direct replacement.

Wissa and Nick Woltemade, who joined from Stuttgart for a club-record £69m fee, are sure to contest for a place at number nine across the campaign, each meting out their differing skills on opponents throughout, and though Wissa would surely have started against Wolves, his injury means Woltemade is slung into the deep-end from the outset.

Why Howe must start Woltemade

Woltemade’s ceiling is high, but he has untapped potential, and Howe would likely want to ease him through the rigmarole of Premier League integration.

Wissa, on the other hand, scored 19 times for Brentford in the English top flight last season, leading Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam to hail his “absolutely sensational” finishing. However, the forward’s recent injury will propel Woltemade into the spotlight.

Having signed from Brentford for £55m on transfer deadline day, Wissa provides the Toon with the clinical goal threat withdrawn upon Isak’s sale. However, supporters will have to wait for a taste of his sharp attacking skills.

Given that Newcastle have blanked twice already this term and simply have to beat Wolves at St. James’ Park, Woltemade will need to be at the races as he leads a squad lacking both Wissa and Gordon’s qualities.

Now, the job involves finding the right conditions for Woltemade to succeed at number nine, and Howe might want to unleash right winger Jacob Murphy to achieve this, with the veteran’s wide spread of talents perfect for a striker such as him.

How Jacob Murphy could get Woltemade firing

Murphy would admit that for the lion’s share of his Premier League career he has been something of a journeyman, competent and industrious but rarely standing out.

However, he has become a star under Howe’s tutelage, hailed by correspondent Scott Wilson as being an “unsung hero”, having featured 139 times for the Englishman, the fourth-highest of any player across his reign on Tyneside.

And last season, Murphy came alive off the right flank, combining deliciously with Isak to form an unlikely and deadly partnership, bagging nine goals and assisting 14 more. Ten times did the duo directly come together to breach opposition defences.

Alexander Isak

27 (6)

33

Jacob Murphy

9 (14)

23

Anthony Gordon

9 (7)

16

Harvey Barnes

9 (5)

14

Bruno Guimaraes

5 (8)

13

Bringing this back to Woltemade, Isak might wear Red now, but Newcastle’s new attacking recruit could form a neat connection of his own with the experienced English winger, not just a talented goalscorer but also ranking among the top 5% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 5% for successful take-ons, the top 15% for progressive passes and the top 18% for ball recoveries per 90.

The 23-year-old scored 12 times in the Bundesliga last season, starting only 17 matches, and that budding clinical edge could be served well by a partner in Murphy, who could also feed into the German’s dynamic range of underlying qualities.

Murphy’s intelligence underpins his style of play, and he will have no qualms about maintaining a provider approach to best serve Newcastle’s new centre-forward, whose clinical shooting and crispness on the ball last season led FBref to draw Isak as one of his most comparable players.

Less mobile than the 25-year-old, Woltemade is still one of the most technically proficient young strikers in the business, and he has a knack for the kind of smooth link-up play that will enhance Howe’s interchanging attacking system.

Moreover, he actually had a higher conversion rate than Wissa last season and was more accurate with his overall shot-taking, and this all comes together to present an “absolutely ridiculous” skill set, as has been noted by journalist Zach Lowy.

What Woltemade needs, now that he is expected to be hauled onto the centre stage immediately, is a reliable dance partner to guide him through the nerve-wracking opening moments. Wolves’ resilient and well-drilled defensive shape will seek to restrict the towering talisman, but Howe’s is a well-oiled team too, and Murphy knows the ropes better than most.

Murphy’s starting berth would come at the expense of either that of Anthony Elanga or Harvey Barnes, but both are compelling options from the bench, and this merely speaks at the strength in depth at Newcastle, even with Isak gone and Gordon and Wissa unavailable.

Wolves have suffered a pretty dour start to the season themselves and will be desperate to strike a blow on Tyneside, but Newcastle have an underlying current of coherence and quality that shoots from left to right in Howe’s system, and the scratchy noises from a turbulent summer transfer window have now abated, and Newcastle are ready, and Woltemade is ready, and Murphy will help him score.

Newcastle brewing Isak-level star in 18-year-old who's "similar to Mbappe"

Eddie Howe could develop Newcastle’s next Alexander Isak at St James’ Park.

ByWill Miller Sep 12, 2025

And so we reach the end of the summer transfer window. Three days out and Liverpool still lack a few parts to reorient them as the well-oiled super-squad that won the Premier League under Arne Slot last season.

But they are getting there. Liverpool have dramatically clawed three points from Bournemouth and Newcastle United in their opening fixtures of the campaign, scoring late both times to deflate their opponents after commendable comebacks.

Spirited though Slot’s adversaries were, such results outlined Liverpool’s defensive fragility and tactical imbalance, and there is hope that a late-window deal will be finalised for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, adding the depth and skill at the rear to smooth out the wrinkles.

Liverpool have conceded six goals across their opening three fixtures of the term, two in each game. Each time they have let their lead slip away, albeit recovering in both league outings.

Guehi, one of Anfield’s main targets throughout the course of August, is anticipated to sign for the Reds before Monday’s transfer deadline, having entered the final year of his contract with Crystal Palace.

The persisting uncertainty around Ibrahima Konate’s future at Liverpool demands such an acquisition, and some of a Reds persuasion might suggest that therein lies the crux of the club’s biggest issues.

However, Liverpool are not limited to one player or one position as the window enters this final stretch, with a certain someone seemingly edging closer to Merseyside themself.

Liverpool getting closer to late-stage deal

When Liverpool sold Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, they did so with the knowledge that they had won the race for an exciting new forward in Hugo Ekitike, beating off competition from Newcastle United for the Frenchman’s signature.

FSG’s efforts have proved fruitful, even at this early stage. Ekitike has scored three goals and laid on one assist across his first three games at Liverpool, with Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher hailing him for his “brilliant start” to life in Slot’s system.

However, Liverpool want more.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

And perhaps they will get their wish. According to Caught Offside, Liverpool have submitted an official proposal for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, with the Magpies’ stance thought to have relaxed, having found a breakthrough in their bid for a striker,

The report suggests that there is now a growing confidence at Anfield that a deal can be struck ahead of Monday’s deadline. Isak, for his part, has been desperate to leave the Toon following what he has described as “broken promises”.

Indeed, a deal has been agreed for Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade, opening the door for Isak’s departure. Newcastle have already rejected a £110m offer at the start of August, but there seems to be encouragement as the window winds down.

Though Newcastle want to receive £150m for their talisman, Liverpool are aware that this is a one-horse race, and are ready to pay a figure in the region of £130m.

What Alexander Isak would bring to Liverpool

There’s no mistake, elements of Liverpool’s protracted summer pursuit of Isak have been somewhat unsavoury, not least the striker’s breakdown in relations with those at St. James’ Park.

But Liverpool won’t care a jot, not if they manage to guide the deal over the line in the coming days.

Isak joined Newcastle for a club-record £63m fee in 2022, and he has since established himself as one of the most dangerous and complete strikers in the world.

Remarked by journalist Sid Lowe to have long held “the potential to be very special”, Isak has proved as much over the past few years in England.

Given the nature of how the saga has transpired, Liverpool might find themselves signing their own version of Philippe Coutinho, for the Brazilian playmaker left Liverpool for a record-breaking figure back in December 2017, having previously handed in a transfer request as he sought to push a move through to Barcelona.

Many expected Liverpool fall by the wayside after Klopp lost his prized gem, but the Merseysiders only went from strength to strength, and though this deal would be the inverse, Liverpool welcoming their own version instead of parting ways, Isak’s quality and proven Premier League experience suggest he could make a lasting impact on Slot’s side, combining with and challenging Ekitike over the coming years.

Coutinho, to be sure, was on another level during that early iteration of Klopp’s Liverpool, and while the Reds initially rejected his request to leave for pastures new, it goes to show that once a player has their heart set on a new home, it’s often futile to try and keep them against their will – just ask Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Matches (starts)

14 (13)

Goals

7

Assists

6

Shots (on target)*

3.9 (1.2)

Pass completion

79%

Key passes*

2.9

Dribbles*

2.8

Tackles*

1.2

Duels won*

5.6

Newcastle, for what it’s worth, will adapt without their star striker, but Liverpool will only raise their level even higher with a completed deal for the Scandinavian talent, who has actually been hailed as being “the best striker in the world” by analyst Raj Chohan, owing to his wide range of qualities, a scope that is wider than the expectation of a focal frontman.

Data from statistics-led platform FBref reveals that Isak, who scored 27 goals for Newcastle last season, also ranks among the top 11% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for progressive passes, the top 8% for progressive carries and the top 20% for shot-creating actions per 90.

Like Coutinho in his pomp, Isak is a wonderful and multi-faceted player. Given everything involved in this gripping and, at times, exhausting transfer saga, he may well prove to be Liverpool’s own version of the one-time superstar midfielder.

Better deal than Isak: Liverpool planning D-Day bid for £76m "superstar"

Liverpool need to sign another forward before the transfer window closes on Monday.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 28, 2025

Manchester City are in a position of rude financial health, albeit Pep Guardiola has now received a record-breaking offer for one of his prize assets at the Etihad Stadium.

Erling Haaland urges Man City teammates to embrace change

The Premier League is a competition marked by eras and Manchester City are definitely going through a period of transition on that front after losing the likes of Ederson, Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan during the summer window.

New faces such as Omar Marmoush, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Rayan Cherki have entered the fold, and Erling Haaland has urged his new teammates to create their own version of history as the Citizens look to challenge Liverpool and Arsenal among others for the title.

“A lot of important people left so new people have to come in and make a difference and people that have been here for years like me have to take more responsibility.

“I have to guide the team, I have to help the new ones to come in as quick as possible, because it’s not easy to come into a new country and perform straight away. We need to help each other. We need to understand that the past is the past and we’re not the same team anymore. We have to use it in a positive way.”

While academy starlets like Stephen Mfuni may force their way into the Manchester City first-team hoping to follow the example of Rico Lewis, who recently signed a contract extension, responsibility lies on the shoulders of big-money arrivals to adapt after a summer of change.

However, recent developments suggest that alterations to Guardiola’s side may not be done there as his side respond to a surprise offer for one of their key stars.

Man City receive record-breaking Phil Foden offer

According to reports in Spain, Manchester City have received an offer worth over £112 million from Al-Nassr for Phil Foden, who may also be presented with an ‘astronomical’ contract proposal as the Saudi Pro League side look to make a statement.

Fortunately for supporters, Guardiola views the England international as an ‘untouchable’ and key part of his project, making a transfer to the Middle East for the Stockport native something that won’t be entertained by Etihad chiefs.

Guardiola now wants Man City to sign "fantastic" £69m star to replace Silva

Pep Guardiola personally wants him to sign…

BySean Markus Clifford Sep 13, 2025

Despite the Citizens’ willingness to retain Foden, he does only have two years left on his current contract, something that will need to be clarified before other clubs begin to test the waters.

Even after a disappointing 2024/25 campaign where he still managed to claim 13 goals and seven assists in 49 appearances, Guardiola’s stance on him is emblematic of what he believes Manchester City should represent, signifying that the homegrown hero won’t be going anywhere for the time being.

There was a fair bit of overnight rain in Kolkata, the venue for the IPL 2025 opener between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), but around mid-day, the sun made an appearance to raise hopes of an uninterrupted game. The forecast, though, is for overcast conditions to remain for most of the day and for occasional showers throughout the day, including during match time.A bulletin from the Indian Met Department on Friday had said an “orange alert” had been issued for the region – Gangetic West Bengal.Kolkata has been hit by spells of persistent – though not heavy – rain in the lead up to the season opener with rain cutting short both teams’ training sessions on Friday. Earlier in the week, a KKR intra-squad practice match was washed out after only one innings. Light rain had hit the city on Wednesday and Thursday too, although both teams completed their training sessions then.The KKR vs RCB fixture is scheduled for a 7pm toss and a 7.30pm start. The league stage of the IPL allows for an extra hour of time extension, which means a five-overs-a-side game must end by midnight. In case of a no-result, the two will share one point each.After the game at Eden Gardens, defending champions KKR travel to Guwahati to face Rajasthan Royals (RR) on March 26, while RCB fly to Chennai to face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 28.An opening ceremony has also been planned before the toss.