Tottenham Hotspur secured a hard-earned point against title-chasing Liverpool on Saturday evening with the Champions League finalists needing a deflected goal to salvage a draw at Anfield.
Heung-min Son opened the scoring for Spurs in the 11th minute after Ryan Sessegnon squared the ball across the face of goal for the South Korean to slot home his 20th goal of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign.
The 29-year-old was among the Lilywhites’ standout performers in Merseyside, hardly a surprise given there have been few better than him this season.
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However, some of his teammates certainly fought for the cause and arguably, Eric Dier was one of the names to steal the show against the 2020 champions.
The English colossus was a big part of why the north Londoners held on amid a barrage of late attacks from the home outfit.
He registered a whopping match-high 11 clearances, on top of a further three blocks and two interceptions with the latter two figures only being beaten by one other player in the match, as per SofaScore.
It’s no wonder he was described as “very impressive” by The Athletic’s Charlie Eccleshare at full-time. The praise didn’t stop there as much of the local press waxed lyrical about his performance.
The Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick wrote in his post-match ratings column: ‘An imperious display in the heart of the back three. Superb in the air and led Spurs’ brave approach to playing out [from the back].’
Indeed, just three of the Reds’ 22 shots were on target and they failed to convert any of their 11 corners, further proving the £18m-rated titan was an absolute rock at the back for Conte.
Elsewhere on the pitch, he was equally adept with the ball at his feet, averaging an 83% passing accuracy despite attempting seven long balls. Dier also won three of his five duels (60%).
Once lauded as “sensational” by former Spurs midfielder Jermaine Jenas, Dier was certainly an absolute animal up at Anfield this weekend. Those sorts of performances could well put him back in Three Lions’ reckoning before the winter’s World Cup in Qatar.
AND in other news, Conte could land his own Jorginho in Spurs swoop for “extraordinary” £45m-rated titan…
Liverpool midfielder James Milner could sign a new one-year deal at the club and Jurgen Klopp wants it to happen, according to reliable journalist Neil Jones.
The Lowdown: Milner a great servant
The 36-year-old has been a wonderful servant for the Reds since arriving in the summer of 2015, putting his experience and versatility to good use.
Milner has made 285 appearances for Liverpool in total and he is a much-loved figure who is renowned as an enormous influence in the dressing room, with Klopp comparing him to Luka Modric after Saturday’s 1-0 win away to Newcastle United in terms of still performing to a high level at the age of 36.
The English midfielder’s current deal expires at the end of this season, but a new update suggests that he could extend his stay at Anfield.
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The Latest: One more year?
Taking to Twitter as he shared a corresponding article for Goal, Jones claimed that a new one-year contract would appeal to both Milner and Klopp, suggesting that it will get signed. He outlined:
“Klopp wants Milner to stay and has made that clear. Milner wants to stay even though he knows he’s, at best, fifth choice. One more year?”
The Verdict: No-brainer for Liverpool
While Milner is no longer a regular starter for Liverpool, his mere presence at the club is most welcome given his aforementioned influence, and he showed with a stellar performance against Newcastle on Saturday that he remains a very handy squad player.
Retaining his services for another year makes perfect sense, with his fitness levels far superior to most players his age and his leadership still a massive part of the dressing room.
It feels like a no-brainer for all parties unless Milner wants to be a regular starter elsewhere, but given Liverpool’s current greatness, why would he want to go anywhere else?
In other news, a pundit has dropped a worrying Liverpool claim. Read more here.
Tottenham Hotspur, and by extension their transfer chief Fabio Paratici, have sent a club official to Roma as news emerges on transfer target Nicolo Zaniolo.
The Lowdown: Conte loves him…
Spurs head coach Antonio Conte, according to reports, is a big fan of the playmaker and really wants to see him make a move to the Premier League.
Indeed, a report by Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness) shared news that the 52-year-old ‘really likes’ Zaniolo and would ‘really like him’ as a part of his Tottenham team.
Links to the 22-year-old have been fairly consistent, going as far back as the Mauricio Pochettino era, with yet another report now surfacing this week.
The Latest: Tottenham official travelling…
La Gazzetta dello Sport, as shared by Sport Witness, claim that a Lilywhites official has been sent to run the rule over Spurs’ long-time target tonight as Roma take on Leicester City in the Europa Conference League.
The Tottenham scout will be watching over his performance as Paratici continue to keep close tabs on Zaniolo.
The Verdict: Make a move?
Calciomercato.it recently reported that Roma value their Italy international at around €70 million (£58m), a heavy price, with Juventus, AC Milan, Sevilla and Atletico Madrid also courting the attacker.
His recovery from a shattering ACL injury, which caused him to miss the whole of 2020/2021, has been quite remarkable as he now begins to find form again.
Ex-Liverpool and Juventus midfielder Moussa Sissoko, recently calling Zaniolo an ‘excellent’ player, is certainly an admirer, with the starlet even earning comparisons to Steven Gerrard in past seasons.
As Paratici sends a club official to keep watch, it will be interesting to see how he fares in the Spurs audition.
In other news: Source: Tottenham edge closer to ‘top signing’, he really wants to join Conte! Find out more here.
Thomas Frank’s position as Tottenham Hotspur manager is under scrutiny following the 4-1 North London derby defeat against Arsenal.
Tottenham’s humiliating defeat at the Emirates Stadium was arguably the low point of the Frank era so far, hardly laying a glove on their bitter rivals, with their only goal coming from a piece of Richarlison magic and just 0.07 expected goals (xG) recorded by the visitors.
Spurs have fallen to ninth in the Premier League table, but they are still within touching distance of the Champions League places, despite picking up just one point in their last three games.
It is the manner of the loss that will be particularly concerning, however, with Frank’s side once again looking extremely poor going forward, having also struggled to create any opportunities in the 1-0 home defeat against Chelsea.
As such, the manager is undoubtedly under pressure, and there has now been a new update on his future in north London.
Tottenham players concerned by Frank's tactics and lineups
In a report for The Telegraph, journalist Matt Law has revealed the Tottenham hierarchy are determined to give the Dane time to put things right, despite the disappointing loss against the Gunners, but some players have two very worrying concerns.
Indeed, some members of the squad believe the 52-year-old has been focusing on the opposition too much, instead of concentrating on the strengths of his own players, with sources around Spurs also of the belief he has chopped and changed his forward line too much.
Only Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea have rotated their starting XI more often than the Lilywhites this season, which is named as one of the reasons for the inconsistent results, but Frank seemingly remains safe in his job for the time being.
Games
19
Wins
8
Draws
5
Losses
6
Points per game
1.53
It would be a little early to relieve the manager from his duties, given that Spurs are within touching distance of the play-offs, but the negative approach has to be called into question.
When asked whether he was surprised by Tottenham’s defensive approach, Leandro Trossard said: “Yeah, maybe a bit. Because as I said, it’s still Spurs. But we have been facing a back five a lot of times this season, so we’re kind of used to it.”
It is understandable not to play an extremely high line away against Arsenal, given that they have the joint-best attacking record in the Premier League, but the lack of attacking threat is inexcusable.
It is a short turnaround for Tottenham, who face another tough test away against reigning Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night.
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Looking ahead to 2026, Everton have reportedly joined the race to sign a former Real Madrid defender alongside a number of Premier League rivals.
David Moyed "thrilled" with Crystal Palace win
Without a win in four games in all competitions and heading into the Hill Dickinson to host a Crystal Palace side without a defeat in 19 games, Everton looked destined for an uphill battle on Sunday. The Eagles had just defeated the Premier League champions in Liverpool and were after another Merseyside scalp – taking the lead through Daniel Munoz.
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From there, it seemed as though Everton were set to hand Palace the 20-game unbeaten run that they were after, only for the Hill Dickinson to get its most dramatic moment yet.
After equalising through Iliman Ndiaye in the final 15 minutes, the stage was set for someone to become a hero and that someone was Jack Grealish. The Manchester City loanee was perfectly placed to benefit from Munoz’s clearance and simply deflected home to hand his side a 93rd-minute winner.
David Moyes, like every Everton fan inside the Hill Dickinson, was left “thrilled” by his side’s dramatic comeback – telling reporters: “I’m thrilled with the three points, thrilled with the result.
“Mixed emotions on the performance. Not very good at all in the first half and could have been three down, but kept defending, kept stuck at it, showed a bit of resilience.
“I’ve been waiting on a late goal here. Aston Villa was 0-0, we couldn’t quite get the winner against West Ham, so I was hoping we’d get one of them. Thankfully, we got it today.”
Having sealed the three points, Moyes’ side now sit as high as eighth in the Premier League and providing an early marker to become shock contenders for a European place – something that should boost their transfer ambitions.
Everton join race to sign Mario Gila
According to The Boot Room, Everton have joined the race to sign Mario Gila from Lazio in 2026. The former Real Madrid defender has attracted interest from all around the Premier League, with Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth all joining Everton in the battle to secure his signature.
It’s no real surprise that interest is rising in the 25-year-old, who has been one of few bright sparks in Maurizio Sarri’s struggling Lazio side.
Former Lazio sporting director Igli Tare was also full of praise for the Spanish defender after signing him from Real Madrid, saying: “He is fast, intelligent and never puts a foot wrong. He can become one of the top 3-4 defenders in the world and it wouldn’t surprise me if Real wanted him back.”
Considering concerns that Jarrad Branthwaite could still leave Everton, Gila wouldn’t exactly be a bad signing to welcome in 2026. The Spaniard is at the peak of his powers and already has impressive experience under his belt.
It would be yet another ambitious move from The Friedkin Group, who’d be signing a former Real Madrid gem ahead of their rivals.
Dominic Solanke has struggled to match the demands placed upon him at Tottenham Hotspur after joining in a big-money transfer back in the summer of 2024.
The Englishman cost a club-record £65m from AFC Bournemouth a little over 12 months ago, but he’s failed to put a regular run together within the first team squad.
He’s made 49 appearances in his two years in North London, only two of which have come in 2025/26, with his outings only totalling a dismal 31 minutes.
Solanke may have netted 16 times across all competitions last campaign, but ultimately, such a record is way below what was expected upon his big-money transfer to join the Lilywhites.
However, the fanbase could have a reason to be excited, with the prospect of the players who Solanke replaced potentially being teed up for a return to the club in the near future.
The latest on Kane’s potential return to Spurs
Club-record goalscorer Harry Kane left Spurs in an £82m deal back in the summer of 2023, joining German giants Bayern Munich in an attempt to win trophies.
It’s safe to say he’s been a success in the Bundesliga, scoring 98 times in his 103 appearances for the club – catapulting Vincent Kompany’s side to the title last season.
However, the 32-year-old could be set for a dream return to his boyhood club in the near future, with the Lilywhites having first priority if he is to move back to the Premier League.
Such news has led to current boss Frank stating that he would welcome the talisman back to North London with open arms – but cast doubt that such a move would happen anytime soon.
Kane is likely to have a release clause worth £56.7m becoming active in the summer of 2026, further generating excitement among the fanbase – understandably so given his tally of 280 goals for the club.
However, regardless of whether he does rejoin the Lilywhites in the near future, the club already have another talent in their ranks who could emulate his success in the capital.
The Spurs star who could be the new Harry Kane
In an attempt to battle for Premier League glory, Spurs have shifted their recruitment focus over the last couple of years, subsequently targeting young talent over recent years.
Lucas Bergvall is just one example of such a talent, joining in a £8.5m deal from Swedish side Djurgarden back in the summer of 2024, subsequently having an immediate impact despite his tender age.
The 19-year-old has since racked up over 50 appearances across all competitions, starring in key moments and arguably being one of Frank’s most important players in the 2025/26 campaign to date.
However, they’ve already got another impressive youngster lined up, with Irish striker Mason Melia set to join the club from St Patrick’s Athletic in the January transfer window.
The 18-year-old has already made a name for himself in his homeland, scoring 12 times and registering three assists in his 30 league outings during this calendar year.
His latest showing against Cork City saw him bag two goals in just 64 minutes, now currently sitting as the division’s second top goalscorer despite his tender age.
Padraig Amond (37)
13
Mason Melia (18)
12
Moses Dyer (28)
10
Owen Elding (19)
10
Michael Duffy (31)
9
Liam Boyce (34)
8
Rory Gaffney (35)
8
Ademipo Odubeko (22)
7
Such form has seen him even be included in the Ireland U21 squad over recent times, subsequently scoring twice in as many appearances – already starring against players multiple years above his age group.
Melia himself spoke glowingly about Kane upon his agreement to join the Lilywhites, stating that the Englishman was a player he looks up to in his career.
The teenager, who’s been labelled “relentless” by analyst Ben Mattinson, is currently averaging 0.5 goals or assists per 90 in Ireland, a simply remarkable feat given his teenage years.
His tally of 1.5 shots on target per 90 further demonstrates the clinical edge he possesses when in front of goal, potentially being a key first-team member in North London for many years to come.
It’s unclear upon his transfer in January whether Melia will be a first-team player or originally link up with the academy – but it’s clear he is a talent who does possess huge amounts of potential. As noted by talent scout Jacek Kulig, he is the “Irish Harry Kane”.
If he can make the same impact as Kane in North London, he will certainly go down as one of the best talents in their history – but he could also link up with the Englishman if he returns to join Frank’s side in the near future.
The best since Kane: Spurs talent could steal the #10 shirt from Maddison
Tottenham Hotspur may already have a star who could be Thomas Frank’s new number ten.
Glasgow Rangers officially confirmed the first signing of the Russell Martin era last week when they unveiled Max Aarons as their latest arrival.
The right-back has joined on a season-long loan from Bournemouth to bolster the manager’s options at right-back, becoming the second signing of the summer after Lyall Cameron, who agreed to join in January.
Although Martin has never managed him before, the former England U21 international is a player the manager knows well from their time together as players at Norwich City in England.
The boss told the Rangers website: “Max is a player who I have always kept a keen eye on since he was emerging through the youth ranks while I was coming to the end of my time at Norwich as a player. He is a wonderfully talented player who is hungry to develop, improve and help deliver success for his side.”
Norwich defender Max Aarons.
The English full-back is now looking to kick on and get back to his best on the pitch after a difficult couple of years since moving on from Norwich in 2023.
Why Max Aarons is a risky signing for Rangers
On the one hand, this is a relatively low-risk signing for the Light Blues in the sense that he is only on loan for the season and they do not have an obligation to make it permanent next summer.
This means that the Gers will not have wasted millions of pounds on a long-term deal if Aarons ends up struggling and failing to make the grade in Glasgow.
On the other hand, it is a risky signing for Martin through the lens of next season, because the way the last two years have gone for the defender suggests that there are no guarantees that he will be a success.
Aarons has missed 17 matches through injury and only played 31 times in all competitions since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, including nine appearances this term.
This shows that Rangers have brought in a full-back who has not played much football in the last two years, whilst suffering through injuries, and his last two successful seasons, with Norwich, came in the 2018/19 and 2020/21 campaigns.
Starts
41
45
Goals
2
2
Big chances created
6
5
Assists
6
2
Clean sheets
11
17
Tackles + interceptions per game
2.7
1.6
Duel success rate
58%
53%
As you can see in the table above, Aarons showed his quality in and out of possession at right-back for the Canaries in those two title-winning seasons in the Championship, but it has been years since that success.
This is why the 25-year-old gem is a risky signing with next season in mind, despite having the potential to be a key player, given how long it has been since his last successful campaign.
Rangers in talks to sign English defender
Rangers, however, are also eyeing up another defender from England who would arrive with less risk attached and be a better signing for Martin.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to the Daily Record, talks are still ongoing between the Scottish Premiership giants and Championship side Leicester City over a deal for Conor Coady.
The report claims that Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises have invested £20m to bolster the club’s budget for the summer transfer window, yet it remains to be seen how much of that budget will be eaten up by a move for the former England international.
Coady’s current contract at the King Power is due to expire in the summer of 2026, and the ongoing talks suggest that the Foxes will not allow him to leave on a free transfer earlier than expected, which means that the Gers will have to pay a fee for his services.
It now remains to be seen whether or not the Ibrox side will be able to reach an agreement with Leicester to bring the centre-back to Glasgow this summer.
Why Conor Coady would be a better signing than Max Aarons
If Rangers can get a deal over the line for Coady in the coming days or weeks then they will land an even better signing than Aarons for the defence.
As aforementioned, it has been several years since the former Norwich starlet enjoyed a successful season on the pitch, as he has been a bit-part player for Bournemouth, and on loan at Valencia, in the last two years.
Coady, however, played 22 times in the Premier League for Leicester last season and helped the Foxes to secure the Championship title in the previous term.
In the 2023/24 campaign, the veteran central defender showcased his impressive quality in possession in a ball-dominant Enzo Maresca side in the second tier in England, which speaks to his suitability for a possession-oriented Martin style of play.
Passes completed
84.99
Top 5%
Pass accuracy
93%
Top 1%
Progressive passes
7.20
Top 1%
Passes into the final third
7.20
Top 2%
xAG
0.05
Top 16%
Progressive passing distance
556 yards
Top 3%
Through balls
0.26
Top 2%
As you can see in the table above, the 32-year-old titan was one of the best centre-backs in the league, if not the best, at progressing the ball through the thirds to build up attacks for his team.
These statistics suggest that Coady, who was lauded as an “immaculate professional” by ex-manager Sean Dyche, would be the perfect fit for Martin’s style of play, as he can ensure that dominating possession does not involve constant sideways and backwards passing, with his progressive play at the back.
These performances were also in the 2023/24 campaign, which means that he has demonstrable success on the pitch in a recent season, unlike Aarons, whilst the centre-back also completed 91% of his passes in the Premier League for the Foxes last season, which suggests that he would not be as risky of a signing.
At the age of 32, Coady would arrive as an experienced and proven performer who could hit the ground running on and off the pitch as a leader for the Light Blues, which is another reason why he could be an even better signing than Aarons.
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The former Wolverhampton Wanderers captain has quality on and off the ball, fits the style of play, has recent success on the pitch, and brings leadership qualities, and all these attributes come together to explain why this could be a good move for the club.
Aston Villa are now one to watch in the race for an “unbelievable” player, with Unai Emery considered a big admirer, according to a report.
Emery may have to reshape Villa squad this summer
There have been widespread reports suggesting that Emiliano Martinez may leave Villa before the start of the new campaign, and the goalkeeper is not the only player who could move on, with Youri Tielemans recently admitting his future is up in the air.
Speaking on international duty, the Belgian said: “There’s nothing definitive or ruled out about whether I’ll stay or leave. But I feel good at Aston Villa; I feel a lot of confidence from the club and the manager.”
As such, Unai Emery could be tasked with bringing in a new central midfielder this summer, while the manager may also have to bolster his attacking options, given that Marcus Rashford’s loan spell at Villa Park has now come to an end.
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Rashford featured at both centre-forward and left-wing during his time with the Villans, who have now made an approach for FC Porto striker Samu Aghehowa, while they are also one to watch in the race for Manchester City winger Jack Grealish.
That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which has revealed that Emery is a big admirer of Grealish, with the manager in the belief the Englishman would add some creativity to his forward line, but there may be competition for the former Villa man.
Manchester City's JackGrealishduring the warm up before the match
Everton are now ready to hold talks over a deal for the left-winger, although the Toffees would only be able to orchestrate a loan deal, and Man City would have to be willing to pay a large amount of his huge £300k-a-week wages.
Newcastle United and Napoli are also in the race for the 29-year-old, with City willing to sanction a departure on the right terms this summer.
"Unbelievable" Grealish could reignite career back at Villa
Villa Park was, of course, the place where the Birmingham-born forward made a name for himself, but while he played a key role in Man City’s historic treble in the 2022-23 season, the England international’s career has stalled in recent times.
The City ace picked up just two goal contributions in the Premier League last season, having arguably regressed since the two seasons he spent in the top flight with his boyhood club.
Season
PL appearances
Goals
Assists
2019-20
36
8
6
2020-21
26
6
12
While he has failed to deliver for City in recent times, Villa fans will be well-aware the winger can be a top player on his day, given his previous exploits, and he has been lauded as “unbelievable” by Pep Guardiola.
Heading back to Villa Park would surely be of great appeal to Grealish, given that European football is set to be on offer next season, and the move could reignite his career.
Tottenham Hotspur’s summer recruitment drive hasn’t quite got off the ground yet, mainly due to uncertainty surrounding Ange Postecoglou and his long-term future, but that hasn’t stopped some transfer plans being made.
Tottenham transfer plans after vital Europa League triumph
While Postecoglou is set to learn his fate as soon as this week, according to ESPN and other reliable media sources, technical director Johan Lange, chairman Daniel Levy and the incoming Fabio Paratici will be debating ways to improve the Spurs squad regardless of who is in charge next season.
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Their triumph in the Europa League final has opened many doors for Spurs, with the Lilywhites set to compete in next season’s Champions League as one major positive of their victory against Man United in Bilbao.
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
The greater transfer market pull and financial windfall that comes with competing in Europe’s most prestigious competition will undoubtedly assist Levy when it comes to bolstering the team this summer, with Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge reporting that Spurs want to strengthen the entire squad in all areas bar goalkeeper.
“Spurs don’t have to sell to buy, with Champions League qualification huge for the club,” said Bridge.
“All areas, apart from the goalkeeping department, will be looked at. Midfield and forward would be the priority if Cristian Romero stays.”
Dejan Kulusevski’s lengthy injury lay-off, combined with uncertainty surrounding the long-term futures of Richarlison and even Mathys Tel, means a new attacking player or two could be highly likely at Spurs.
Tottenham are considering the sale of Richarlison after another season marred by injury for the Brazilian, while there are some reports that Tel could return to Bayern Munich if Spurs make significant progress on a deal for Leroy Sane.
Sane has been heavily linked with a move to N17 in the last week, with the Bayern winger out of contract at the end of this month. He recently employed super-agent Pini Zahavi to help negotiate a new deal with Vincent Kompany’s side, but no agreement has been reached, so the representative could assist in finding him a new club instead.
Leroy Sane "wants a move" to Tottenham from Bayern Munich
Spurs face competition from north London rivals Arsenal, who are also believed to be in talks with Zahavi, but Levy has been handed a fresh boost in their rumoured pursuit of the 29-year-old.
Once valued at £137 million by Man City, the winger could soon be available at zero transfer cost, with Tottenham News sharing an update on the Lilywhites’ chances of beating Arsenal to his signature.
The outlet reports that Sane “wants a move” to Tottenham after they qualified for the Champions League, and they’re current favourites to win the race in light of the forward’s fresh stance on joining.
This is also regardless of whether Postecoglou is at the club next term, so it appears Sane is pretty keen on a switch to Spurs.
That being said, the former Schalke star was thought to be after a £192,000-per-week base salary plus £2.5 million in bonuses to remain at Bayern, so Spurs may have to offer him a similar pay packet to join them instead, which would make him their highest earner above Son Heung-min.
Liverpool may now have to do battle with Real Madrid and Barcelona for the signature of a £80m midfielder this summer, according to former scout Mick Brown.
Florian Wirtz race heating up
The transfer window is yet to officially open, but the Reds are clearly looking to get their business done early, with a deal for Jeremie Frimpong looking like it is edging closer to completion, and the Dutchman’s Bayer Leverkusen teammate could follow him to Anfield.
Indeed, Florian Wirtz has emerged as a major target for Arne Slot’s side, who have now taken the action of submitting a concrete contract offer for the German, but a deal will not be cheap, as the total package could amount to over £250m all-in.
Wirtz is being targeted to bolster the attacking midfield area, having consistently provided goals and assists for Leverkusen ever since breaking into the first team at a very young age.
Season
Bundesliga appearances
Goals
Assists
2020-21
29
5
6
2021-22
24
7
10
2022-23
17
1
6
2023-24
32
11
12
2024-25
31
10
13
As such, the 22-year-old could be an exciting addition to the attack, but there have also been suggestions that Slot is also looking to strengthen in a slightly deeper area, with Brown telling Football Insider that Liverpool are now racing Real Madrid for Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.
Barcelona have also been “having a look” at the FA Cup-winning midfielder, who has a huge asking price of £80m, which could pose a problem for the Reds, and Brown believes the Merseysiders may also have some concerns over certain aspects of his game.
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton
The former scout said: “Adam Wharton’s quality is unquestionable, there are no concerns there. In the Premier League, that’s very, very important.
“On the other side of things is his ability to cover the ground, and he seems to me to be a yard short in terms of covering the ground. So that’s going to be a concern for the likes of Liverpool or Man City – albeit not a major one.”
Wharton is a "generational talent"
Brown suggests the Palace star may not yet be the full package, but he is still very young, and the 21-year-old has been tipped to be capable of going on to achieve big things by members of the media, who have lauded the midfielder as a “generational talent”.
Despite not playing in as advanced a role as Wirtz, the England international also has attacking tendencies, given his ability to advance the ball further up the pitch, averaging the second-highest percentage of forward passes in the Premier League this term.
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Brown’s phrasing suggests Real Madrid’s interest is not advanced, but Trent Alexander-Arnold’s prospective move underlines the allure of moving to the Bernabeu, so Liverpool could find it tough to win the race for Wharton if the Spanish side come calling.
Not only that, but Madrid are also in the race for Wirtz, with the European giants keeping an eye on the German, which will be another cause for concern.