Liverpool have now launched their first approach to sign a much-needed right-back target, who could arrive at Anfield or in North London as a free agent.
Arne Slot admits shock at "ridiculous" Liverpool form
It has been a disastrous run for Liverpool, with their 3-0 loss against Nottingham Forest proving to be their most shocking result yet. After eight defeats in 11 games, the champions are on course for one of the worst title defences in Premier League history, despite spending over £400m in the summer.
With PSV Eindhoven up next, Arne Slot has admitted just how shocked he’s been by his side’s form and went onto describe it as “ridiculous” in his pre-match press conference.
The Champions League has often been a saving grace for Liverpool this season. Their victory over Real Madrid last time out proved to be somewhat of a false dawn before their Premier League return, but the Reds now have the chance to pick up where they left off in Europe, at the very least.
They will, however, be without an out-and-out right-back yet again following Conor Bradley’s injury to join Jeremie Frimpong on the sidelines. It is a problem that Liverpool must solve and one that could yet see Zeki Celik arrive.
Liverpool launch approach to sign Zeki Celik
According to TeamTalk’s Rudi Galetti, Liverpool have launched an approach to sign Celik in a transfer battle with Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea, all of whom have made contact.
The right-back is on course to become a free agent when his contract expires next summer and could yet provide a solution for Slot by finally replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The 28-year-old, at the peak of his powers, recently earned the praise of Turkey manager Vincenzo Montella, who told reporters: “He’s the perfect player for any coach.
“Celik is professional, reliable, does his job wherever you play him. In a locker room it is always needed to have guys like him.”
Perfect for Isak: Liverpool make £122m sensation their "dream target"
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ByAngus Sinclair Nov 25, 2025
The AS Roma man is also capable of playing centre-back in what would kill two birds with one stone for Slot, who currently has just three senior centre-backs to choose from which includes the injury-prone Joe Gomez.
Instead of Gakpo: Liverpool can unlock Isak by unleashing homegrown Semenyo
About five months after his death, MLB appears to be considering former first baseman, third baseman and outfielder Pete Rose's reinstatement.
Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred has received a petition from Rose's family to remove him from MLB's permanently ineligible list, according to a Saturday evening report from Don Van Natta of ESPN. Rose, who was banned from baseball amid allegations that he bet on the Cincinnati Reds while managing them, died at the age of 83 on Sept. 30.
"The commissioner was respectful, gracious, and actively participated in productive discussions regarding removing Rose from the ineligible list," family lawyer Jeffrey Lenkov told Van Natta.
Rose has been banned from baseball since 1989, when he cut a deal with commissioner A. Bartlett Giamatti to avoid further punishment by voluntarily joining baseball's permanently ineligible list.
News of the petition's reported delivery comes a day after President Donald Trump suggested he would pardon Rose for non-specific offenses (Rose served five months in prison in 1990 for tax evasion).
Rose played 24 years for the Reds, Philadelphia Phillies and Montreal Expos—collecting an MLB-best 4,256 hits.
Sahibzada Farhan’s 63 finished Pakistan’s tour with an improved batting performance
Mohammad Isam24-Jul-2025
Salman Mirza ran through Bangladesh’s top order•AFP/Getty Images
Pakistan ended their Bangladesh tour with a 74-run win in the third T20I in Dhaka. They bowled out the home side for 104 runs, after posting 178 for 7, a marked improvement from the last two games when their batting hardly stood up.Sahibzada Farhan, who took Fakhar Zaman’s place, top scored with 63 off 41, with 54 runs coming from boundaries. He provided Pakistan with a blistering start, after which Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Nawaz struck quick runs to take them to the highest total at the Shere Bangla National Stadium since 2021.Later it was newcomer Salman Mirza, the left-arm quick, who blew through Bangladesh’s top-order, as the home side slipped to 34 for 6. Bangladesh’s batting was in sharp contrast to that of Pakistan who finally got their groove upon being sent to bat first.Farhan blitzkrieg in MirpurFarhan got Pakistan off to a flyer that lasted beyond the powerplay. He clattered Mahedi Hasan for a six in the third ball of the match, before sweetly flicking Shoriful Islam in the next over. Farhan laid into Taskin Ahmed in the sixth over, that went for 15, including a beautiful straight six.Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub put on 82 for the first wicket•AFP/Getty Images
Mehidy Hasan wasn’t spared either. Farhan smacked him for two sixes in the seventh over, one straight and slogged over midwicket. He finished the over by reaching his fifty, the second of Farhan’s career. Saim Ayub got into the act a little later, but soon after striking his first six, he fell to Nasum Ahmed. It broke the 82-run opening stand.Haris can’t cash in on luckFarhan fell for 63 in the twelfth over, having struck five sixes and six fours in his 41-ball stay. There was hope that Farhan’s start would help the rest of the Pakistan’s batters. However, Mohammad Haris couldn’t quite capitalize despite getting three lives in his short time at the crease. Litton Das missed a difficult stumping chance in the tenth over, before Nasum dropped Haris at fine-leg. He also survived a lbw decision, before Taskin removed him with a catch at deep third. Haris finished with 5 off 14 balls.The Nawazes’ fine finishHasan Nawaz slammed three sixes in his 17-ball stay, one of them a slice over cover, but Mahedi’s tumbling catch from mid-off stopped him on 33. Hussain Talat then fell cheaply, before Mohammad Nawaz creamed two sixes and as many fours, in his 16-ball 27. Both his sixes came off Mohammad Saifuddin, one struck over deep square-leg, and the next one the cover boundary.Mirza cuts through top orderPakistan’s first wicket was slightly fortuitous, but all credit goes to Mirza. Tanzid swished at a wide delivery outside off-stump, but wicketkeeper Haris didn’t appeal. Mirza insisted he heard something, which convinced Pakistan captain Salman Agha. A healthy deviation was spotted upon review.Faheem Ashraf then struck twice in his next two overs, first removing Litton for 8, before Mehidy holed out to mid-on for 9. Mirza then bowled two superb deliveries in the fifth over to reduce Bangladesh to 25 for 5. Both times, he got the ball to cut through Jaker Ali and Mahedi and rattle their stumps.Saifuddin doesn’t get supportSalman bowled Shamim Hossain with one that spun into the left-hander, as Shamim tried to play back. Mohammad Naim holed out to a simple catch at mid-off.Saifuddin’s 34-ball 35 took Bangladesh past their lowest total of 70 and while Nos 9 to 11 all got boundaries, they didn’t hold on for long. Talat removed Nasum for 9. Hasan Nawaz took a fine catch running in from backward square leg to remove Taskin Ahmed, before Saifuddin struck couple of sixes off Ahmed Daniyal. Shoriful was the last man to go with Abbas Afridi taking a superb catch at long-on.
Nesta quinta-feira (28), o Palmeiras entra em campo para enfrentar o Boca Juniors, na Bombonera, pela primeira partida da semifinal da Libertadores. Além de ser um dos adversários mais temidos da competição, o clube argentino tem dois elementos que fazem a diferença na mística do futebol: o “carrasco” Benedetto e a “lei do ex” com Merentiel. E o Verdão também precisará superar ambos nessa decisão.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasAbel Ferreira recebe visita de velho conhecido durante treino do Palmeiras em Buenos AiresPalmeiras27/09/2023PalmeirasPalmeiras encerra a preparação para pegar o Boca Juniors; veja provável timePalmeiras27/09/2023PalmeirasBoca Juniors x Palmeiras: onde assistir ao vivo, escalações e horário do jogo da semifinal da LibertadoresPalmeiras28/09/2023
+ Condição especial para matrícula no curso Gestor de Futebol, aprovado por Dante, Petković, Léo Moura e outros craques. Saiba mais!
Em 2018, na semifinal da Libertadores, o Alviverde também teve o Boca pela frente e acabou eliminado depois de uma derrota fora de casa e um empate no Allianz Parque.
+ Fé no maestro! Na Lance! Betting, a odd é de 6.25 para Veiga marcar e o Palmeiras vencer na Argentina. Sua aposta de R$10 retorna R$62,50!
No jogo da Bombonera, os mandantes venceram por 2 a 0 com dois gols de Benedetto, que precisou de aproximadamente 15 minutos levar o resultado positivo. Até a entrada do atacante e a primeira bola na rede, o duelo caminhava para um empate em 0 a 0.
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+ Se você acredita em Cavani e companhia, a Lance! Betting te ajuda a lucrar com isso! A vitória do Boca Juniors em casa paga 3.00, ou seja, sua aposta de R$10 retorna R$30!
Já na volta, o Palmeiras precisava de um resultado elástico para se classificar à final. Com muita dificuldade, conseguiu fazer 2 a 1 e colocava pressão para fazer o terceiro. Mas Benedetto novamente saiu do banco e acabou fazendo 2 a 2 para jogar um balde de água fria nos alviverdes.
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+ Abel Ferreira recebe visita de velho conhecido durante treino do Palmeiras em Buenos Aires
Foram dois jogos de Benedetto contra o Palmeiras, três gols marcados e menos de 45 minutos em campo. Atualmente, ele segue como reserva, mas permanece por lá para fazer valer essa mística do carrasco.
+ Veja tabela da Libertadores-2023 clicando aqui
Outro fator que o Verdão vai enfrentar na Bombonera é a “lei do ex”, aquela que raramente falha. E olha que se trata de um ex bastante recente, que é Merentiel, atleta que até outro dia fazia parte do elenco palmeirense.
O uruguaio foi emprestado para o Boca neste ano, e como os argentinos pagam o salário do jogador na totalidade, ele pode enfrentar o Alviverde sem a necessidade de uma multa.
+ Boca Juniors x Palmeiras: onde assistir ao vivo, escalações e horário do jogo da semifinal da Libertadores
Assim, além de carregar essa famosa “lei” do futebol, Merentiel é um agente importante para contar os segredos do trabalho de Abel Ferreira e de seus antigos companheiros.
Para chegar a mais uma final de Libertadores, a terceira nos últimos quatro anos, o Palmeiras terá de superar um adversário e um estádio altamente temidos, a mística do carrasco e praticamente infalível “lei do ex”. A missão do Verdão não é fácil, mas para esse grupo tão vencedor de Abel Ferreira, as coisas podem ser encaradas de outra forma.
Tottenham legend Harry Kane could well make a stunning return to Spurs next year, following news of a £54 million release clause in his Bayern Munich contract.
Thomas Frank opens door for Harry Kane to re-join Tottenham
Since bidding an emotional farewell to North London over two years ago, agreeing to join Bayern in an £86 million deal, the 32-year-old has spearheaded Vincent Kompany’s side to a Bundesliga title and German Super Cup, scoring 98 goals across all competitions in the process.
Kane is tantalisingly close to reaching a landmark 100 goals for Bayern, and could well do so against Werder Bremen this evening.
England and Tottenham’s all-time record goalscorer has been a revelation for the Germans, but with just under two years remaining on his contract, and Kane himself not getting any younger, the prospect of him leaving in 2026 is a real one.
Alan Shearer
260
Harry Kane
213
Wayne Rooney
208
Mohamed Salah
188
Andrew Cole
187
Sergio Agüero
184
Frank Lampard
177
Thierry Henry
175
Robbie Fowler
163
Jermain Defoe
156
Interested sides have the option of triggering his clause once it becomes active, potentially in January (BILD), but reports have since suggested that a summer move is far more likely.
Tottenham have ‘first refusal’ rights on any deal for Kane, putting them ahead of other suitors, but it is conditional on both Bayern and the centre-forward agreeing to the move (The Telegraph).
When asked about Kane’s release clause earlier this week, Spurs boss Thomas Frank made his thoughts crystal clear.
Tottenham are reportedly ready to move for Kane, if they are given encouragement that he’d be open to re-signing.
Taking this into account, a new update from journalist Ben Jacobs may come as some very good news for Frank’s side.
Harry Kane's stance on leaving Bayern Munich next summer
The reporter told GiveMeSport that Kane may consider an exit from Bayern after the 2026 World Cup, and if he is to go anywhere, then it is back to the Premier League.
Out of any English destination, Tottenham is surely the standout appeal to Kane. His history at the club and love for Spurs cannot be discounted, and the perfect way to sign off on what has been a glittering career would be to win silverware there.
Man City were once chasing Kane before they opted for Erling Haaland, and Pep Guardiola personally wanted him (Fabrizio Romano). However, the prospect of a move to Eastlands or Liverpool is now off the table, with the latter just completing a British-record deal for Alexander Isak.
Liverpool striker Alexander Isak
Arsenal have just signed Viktor Gyokeres as well, and Chelsea are famed for targeting much younger players as part of their recruitment strategy.
Taking this into account, Spurs is really the only viable destination, and the prospect of a reunion is hugely exciting.
Quinton de Kock replaced Rahmanullah Gurbaz for KKR
Sreshth Shah25-May-2025
SRH will bat first against KKR•BCCI
In all six previous tosses at this venue this season, captains had opted to chase. However, when Pat Cummins won the toss for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium for their final game of the season, he chose to bat first.Stating that he expected the pitch to be good for batting in both innings, he said the team wanted to end the season by playing consistent cricket. There were no changes to the SRH batting-first XI from their win against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane said he would’ve bowled first anyway since the last two matches at this venue were won by the chasing team “easily.” This is their first outing since their defeat to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on May 7, as their fixture against RCB was washed out on May 17. It is their final game of the season too.Manish Pandey, who played against CSK to replace the injured Venkatesh Iyer, has kept his place in the KKR bowling-first XI. Angkrish Raghuvanshi is their expected impact player. Quinton de Kock replaced Rahmanullah Gurbaz.Sunrisers Hyderabad XI: 1 Travis Head, 2 Abhishek Sharma, 3 Ishan Kishan (wk), 4 Heinrich Klaasen (VC), 5 Nitish Kumar Reddy, 6 Aniket Verma, 7 Abhinav Manohar, 8 Pat Cummins (capt), 9Harshal Patel, 10 Eshan Malinga, 11 Jaydev UnadkatImpact Subs: Mohammad Shami, Harsh Dubey, Sachin Baby, Zeeshan Ansari, Simarjeet SinghKolkata Knight Riders XI: 1 Quinton de Kock (wk), 2 Sunil Narine, 3 Ajinkya Rahane (capt), 4 Manish Pandey, 5 Rinku Singh, 6 Andre Russell, 7 Ramandeep Singh, 8 Harshit Rana, 9 Vaibhav Arora, 10 Anrich Nortje, 11 Varun ChakravarthyImpact subs: Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Venkatesh Iyer, Anukul Roy, Spencer Johnson, Luvnith Sisodia
Fabrizio Romano has shared some news out of Arsenal, with one highly-rated young player about to swap north London for another club.
With the international break soon drawing to a close, Mikel Arteta is about to prepare his side for an intriguing face-off against Nottingham Forest, who have just parted company with Nuno Espírito Santo in what was a shocking overnight move.
Nottingham Forest managerNunoEspirito Santo
Former Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is set to replace Nuno at Forest, and Evangelos Marinakis will also have the Australian through the door in time for Saturday, which makes Arsenal’s Premier League return part of a major story.
For the Gunners, it represents an opportunity for Arteta to steal some much-needed three points off a Forest side who’ll be finding their feet under a brand-new manager, and Arsenal really cannot afford to slip up.
Their 1-0 loss to Liverpool at Anfield just prior to the international break handed Arteta his first defeat of the campaign, and perhaps emphasised that the Merseysiders are indeed outstanding favourites to retain their Premier League crown after a summer of lavish spending.
Arsenal showcased real ambition in the summer transfer market as well, spending north of £250 million on an array of key signings in Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze and Piero Hincapie.
Arsenal’s confirmed summer signings
Price tag
Kepa Arrizabalaga
£5m
Martin Zubimendi
£60m
Christian Norgaard
£15m
Noni Madueke
£52m
Cristhian Mosquera
£13m
Viktor Gyokeres
£55m
Eberechi Eze
£67.5m
Piero Hincapie
Loan
Hale End academy sensations Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri, who are the two youngest debutants in Premier League history, are also expected to play a role amid this serious hype surrounding them and fellow teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Arsenal have high hopes for young signing Mosquera too, and there is a reported belief behind-the-scenes that the Spaniard could become one of the best centre-backs in the world over these next few years.
18-year-old Dan Casey was also praised by coaches for his potential at Arsenal, but the 2007-born attacking midfielder is about to join Crystal Palace after snubbing a contract to remain in N5.
Dan Casey set to join Crystal Palace after leaving Arsenal
That is according to Romano, who reports that a deal is agreed for Casey to leave Arsenal for Palace as the two clubs shake hands on a compensation fee.
The teenager attracted praise from Arsenal Under-18s coach Adam Birchall for his performances at academy level, including as recently as February, but the prospect of any senior debut for them is now off the cards.
Liverpool have made an approach for a Premier League player and Marc Guehi alternative – one who has been hailed for his “ambitious” nature.
Guehi "extremely unhappy" after failed Liverpool move
The Reds completed a superb summer transfer window by signing Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for a British record fee of £125m, but it could have been even better.
It looked as though Liverpool would also snap up Guehi, agreeing a long-term move with the Englishman, only to see Crystal Palace deny him his move at the eleventh hour. Manager Oliver Glasner reportedly threatened to quit if the 25-year-old was sold to the Reds, with the Eagles not having enough centre-back depth without him.
Crystal Palace'sMarcGuehilooks dejected.
It has made for an ugly situation, with Guehi thought to be “extremely unhappy” at the situation, according to journalist Ed Aarons, and he is now unlikely to sign a new deal ahead of his current contract expiring next summer. That will then allow him to depart on a free transfer.
Liverpool may need to look at different defenders looking ahead, should they feel that their chance of signing Guehi has been and gone, and another Premier League player has been linked with a move to Anfield.
Liverpool make approach for Nathan Collins
According to Caught Offside, Liverpool have made an approach for Brentford captain Nathan Collins, potentially seeing him as a different option to Guehi moving forward. It’s worth stressing that a formal offer hasn’t been lodged, but the Premier League champions do see the £43m-rated Irishman as “on their shortlist of defensive targets”.
Nathan Collins in action for Brentford
Collins would be a solid signing for Liverpool, having impressed as both a performer and a leader for Brentford, being hailed by Thomas Frank during their time working together.
“He can carry the ball out of defence and also has the composure to find the right pass during build-up play. His character is really good, and we know that character is everything. He will fit into our culture, I have no doubt about that. I see leadership potential in Nathan. He’s a perfect Brentford player – hungry and ambitious with a desire to learn.”
With all due respect to the Brentford skipper, though, Guehi still stands out as the leading option for Liverpool, whether that be in January or beyond. He has become one of the Premier League’s most consistent defenders, and has every chance of starting for England at next summer’s World Cup, and they shouldn’t give up on signing him after one hiccup.
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ByTom Cunningham Sep 2, 2025
But Collins could be a shrewd alternative, and he is a year younger than Guehi, allowing Arne Slot to bring him in at a good age and turn him into an even more formidable all-round defender.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has overseen a massive overhaul of his playing squad since his arrival, spending plenty of money in the transfer market to turn his side into regular challengers for silverware.
The Gunners splashed the cash in 2025 on the likes of Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres, but who is the club’s most expensive signing of all time?
Here, we’ve taken a look at Arsenal’s most expensive signings in their history, with the help of Transfermarkt and news reports, alongside a detailed look at the top 10.
Rank
Player
Year
Signed from
Fee
Declan Rice
2023
West Ham
Nicolas Pepe
2019
Lille
Eberechi Eze
2025
Crystal Palace
Kai Havertz
2023
Chelsea
Viktor Gyokeres
2025
Sporting CP
Martin Zubimendi
2025
Real Sociedad
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
2018
Borussia Dortmund
Noni Madueke
2025
Chelsea
Ben White
2022
Brighton
Alexandre Lacazette
2017
Lyon
Thomas Partey
2020
Atletico Madrid
Gabriel Jesus
2022
Man City
Mesut Ozil
2013
Real Madrid
Riccardo Calafiori
2024
Bologna
Jurrien Timber
2023
Ajax
Shkodran Mustafi
2016
Valencia
Granit Xhaka
2016
Borussia Monchengladbach
Alexis Sanchez
2014
Barcelona
Fabio Vieira
2022
FC Porto
Mikel Merino
2024
Real Sociedad
Here’s a detailed look at Arsenal’s 10 most expensive signings:
10 Alexandre Lacazette £46.5m from Lyon, 2017
French forward Alexandre Lacazette joined Arsenal in 2017 from Lyon after spending his entire career with the Ligue 1 side.
He went on to have five years at the Emirates, making more than 200 appearances and scoring 71 times, winning the FA Cup. Lacazette left Arsenal on a free transfer, returning to Lyon where he will go down as a club icon.
9 Ben White £50m from Brighton, 2021
After starring out on loan with Leeds United in the Championship and making an impact in the Premier League with Brighton, Arsenal won the race to sign Ben White in 2021.
The versatile defender has been a regular for Arsenal since then and has been transformed into a right-back under Arteta, with his contract with the Gunners running until 2028.
8 Noni Madueke £52m from Chelsea, 2025
Noni Madueke was one of Arsenal’s first summer signings of 2025, swapping Stamford Bridge for the Emirates in a deal worth a total of £52m.
The Gunners would go on to spend a lot more ahead of the 2025/26 season, with Madueke penning a five-year contract.
7 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang £56m from Borussia Dortmund, 2018
In 2018, Arsenal spent big to add more firepower to their attack, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joining from Borussia Dortmund. In total, Aubameyang would go on to score 92 goals in 163 appearances, scoring the winner in the 2020 FA Cup final.
Aubameyang and Lacazette struck up a good relationship in north London, but like his former strike partner, he left Arsenal in 2022 before returning to England for a short stint with Chelsea.
6 Martin Zubimendi £60m from Real Sociedad, 2025
Central midfielder Martin Zubimendi almost signed for Liverpool in 2024, however, six months later, Arsenal were putting plans in place to sign the Spaniard ahead of those at Anfield.
A transfer was put in place in January 2025 and Zubimendi moved to north London six months later.
5 Viktor Gyokeres £63m from Sporting CP
Signing a new striker was Arsenal’s biggest priority in 2025, and Viktor Gyokeres was the centre-forward tasked with leading the Gunners’ line.
After scoring for fun with Sporting CP, Arsenal spent a total of £63m to win the race for the Sweden international, who only wanted the Gunners.
4 Kai Havertz £65m from Chelsea, 2023
Chelsea recouped the majority of the transfer fee they paid Bayer Leverkusen for Kai Havertz when selling him to Arsenal in 2023, with the German attacker penning a five-year deal at the Emirates.
The versatile forward has been deployed in numerous positions by Arteta so far and looks to be a valuable signing going forward.
3 Eberechi Eze £67.5m from Crystal Palace, 2025
Eberechi Eze’s move to Arsenal in 2025 was one of the most dramatic, with the attacking midfielder so close to joining rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Before he signed for Spurs on the dotted line, boyhood Gunner Eze phoned Arteta, which led to Arsenal hijacking a transfer and sealing a deal with Crystal Palace worth a total of £67.5m.
2 Nicolas Pepe £72m from Lille, 2019
A big-money signing that ultimately didn’t work out was Nicolas Pepe. Arsenal splashed the cash on the Ivorian back in 2019 after starring in France for Lille.
However, Pepe never really got to grips with life in England and, after making 112 appearances for the club, scoring 27 times, left in 2023 on a free transfer despite having 12 months remaining on his contract at the time.
1 Declan Rice £105m from West Ham, 2023
Declan Rice
Comfortably Arsenal’s record signing, Declan Rice was also wanted by Manchester City during the summer of 2023, but it was the Gunners who won the race after laying plenty of groundwork months prior.
The England international is under contract until 2028, so he looks set to be an important member of Arteta’s side for years to come.
Arne Slot has defended his decision to delay Alexander Isak’s Liverpool debut by pointing to Yoane Wissa’s recent injury at Newcastle. The Reds’ £125 million ($170m) signing was left out of the squad against Burnley, with the Dutchman warning that rushing him back after a summer stand-off and no pre-season could risk long-term damage to the Swedish striker.
Isak still waiting for his Liverpool debut
Liverpool fans were left waiting again as Isak was omitted from the squad to face Burnley on Sunday. Slot highlighted Wissa’s case, after the DR Congo forward forced a move to Newcastle from Brentford without pre-season and is now sidelined with a knee issue. The Dutchman insisted this was proof of the risks of throwing Isak straight into action.
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Slot's dig at Newcastle over Wissa injury
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Slot opened up about the caution he is taking with Isak by hinting at Wissa's injury by saying: “Another player that wasn't available for team training for a long time, the one from Brentford, Wissa, he got two 90-minute games and he's out with an injury now for four weeks or maybe more."
When can Isak make his Liverpool debut?
Liverpool’s record signing is being handled with caution as Slot looks ahead to Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid. The manager is keen to ease him in gradually, ensuring he avoids the same fate as Wissa. Slot added: "As everybody knew, he didn't have any team training at Newcastle, then went to the national team and only played 15, 20 minutes.
"We think with a week where we play three games in seven days, this is the best lead-up for him to be available against Atletico Madrid."
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Atletico clash could give Isak his debut
Isak will continue to build his fitness in training ahead of the Atletico Madrid game in the Champions League. Should he come through unscathed, the striker could then feature again in the Merseyside derby against Everton on Saturday. Liverpool supporters may soon see their £125m man leading the line across two key fixtures.