Tag Futebol

Liverpool fans have been left annoyed over the last week, after boyhood supporter Trent Alexander-Arnold announced he would be departing the club after a 20-year spell.

The right-back’s contract is set to expire at the end of June, but he will not sign a new deal, making him a free agent with the side unable to receive a fee for the academy graduate.

He’s racked up over 350 appearances for the Reds, but now looks set to make a move to join Real Madrid ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, subsequently strengthening one of their European rivals.

After Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk extended their own deals at Anfield, hope was held that the England international would follow suit, but ultimately it wasn’t meant to be.

Such a decision has given boss Arne Slot a huge job to fill the void of the 26-year-old, potentially dipping into the transfer market over the coming months.

Liverpool’s hunt for a right-back

Over the last couple of days, Liverpool have made an enquiry to sign Monaco star Vanderson to try and soften the blow of Trent’s pending departure this summer.

The Brazilian is said to be available for a fee in the region of £25m this summer, with the Ligue 1 outfit wanting to keep hold of one of their key performers.

However, the biggest target to date has been Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, with interest in the Dutchman ramping up over the last couple of days.

It was reported that the 24-year-old has a £35m release clause within his deal at the Bundesliga giants, with his tally of four goals and five assists evidently catching the eye of boss Slot.

Despite the interest, there’s also another option that the manager could consider next season to soften the blow of the outgoing first-team regular.

The Liverpool star who could replace Trent next season

Conor Bradley will likely be the main player within the current first-team ranks to fill the gap next campaign, with the Northern Ireland international a player with huge potential at Anfield.

The 21-year-old has already made 26 appearances this season, even pocketing Kylian Mbappé in the Champions League, proving he has the quality to step up to the plate.

Curtis Jones is one player who’s also operated in such a position in the absence of the aforementioned duo, which could lead to another Red following suit upon the return from his loan.

Stefan Bajcetic, who’s primarily a midfielder, looked to be the club’s next big star a couple of years ago, but his progression had stagnated before his current stint at Las Palmas.

The 20-year-old was sent to the LaLiga outfit last summer to gain valuable first-team minutes and continue his progression – something which he’s achieved in recent months.

The Spaniard, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by former boss Jurgen Klopp, has made 13 appearances in the league to date, producing numerous impressive figures to date.

He’s managed to complete 75% of the passes he’s attempted, whilst completing 63% of the dribbles he’s made – handing Slot the marauding presence they will miss with Trent’s departure.

Stefan Bajcetic’s stats on loan at Las Palmas (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

13

Minutes played

924

Pass accuracy

75%

Dribbles completed

63%

Tackles won

1.4

Duels won

6.4

Interceptions made

1.5

Stats via FotMob

Bajcetic has also starred without the ball, winning 1.4 tackles per 90 and coming out on top in 6.4 duels – offering an added defensive presence to the backline.

His tally of 1.5 interceptions and 5.8 recoveries made also reaffirms the talents he possesses, saving the club millions if he can adapt to featuring out of position.

It would be an interesting decision for Slot to utilise the youngster next season, but he needs to give every player the opportunity to stake their claim for a place within his side next campaign.

Frimpong and Bradley will certainly be the supporters’ main options in such a role, but Bajcetic has the tools to offer key depth and options to the manager in such a department throughout 2025/26.

Related Dream Frimpong alternative: Liverpool make enquiry for "world-class" star

Liverpool could forget about Jeremie Frimpong with a move for another defensive star.

Posts ByEthan Lamb May 10, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou was gifted a rare bit of breathing room after Spurs’ statement performance in the Europa League, but there remains the possibility that he won’t be at the helm next season.

Tottenham in Europa League semi-finals after Eintracht Frankfurt win

A penalty from striker Dominic Solanke, who cooly slotted home beyond the Spurs-linked Kaua Santos in Eintracht Frankfurt’s goal, ended up being enough for Postecoglou’s side to edge into the Europa semi-finals after a hard-fought battle.

Tottenham: Lange personally holds talks over signing £50m player for Spurs

The technical director has a plan.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 17, 2025

Postecoglou earned rare praise after his Lilywhites side put in the dogged, mature display which they’ve sorely lacked all season – shutting Eintracht out with some truly exceptional defending and putting bodies on the line to preserve Tottenham’s slender one-goal advantage.

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 21st

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

The atmosphere was hostile right from the off, but while the home crowd did their utmost to unnerve Postecoglou’s side in Germany, Spurs kept their cool and booked their place in the next round, where they will face off against unlikely semi-finalists Bodø/Glimt, who knocked out Serie A side Lazio on penalties.

There is a very strong chance that the north Londoners will put Bodø/Glimt’s fairy tale Europa League journey to an end and become European finalists for the first time since 2019, but even that might not be enough to save Postecoglou.

The Tottenham boss has been under mounting pressure after an historic low Premier League season, where they’ve tasted defeat on 17 separate occasions and currently lie 15th in the table.

Reports in the build up to their quarter-final second leg claimed that Postecoglou could be sacked by Tottenham regardless of their Europa League campaign (The Mirror), and Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner is believed to be among the contenders to replace him.

Tottenham have reached out to the representatives of Glasner to express their interest recently, according to media sources in Germany, but face competition from RB Leipzig for the £4.5 million-per-year Palace boss.

John Wenham makes Oliver Glasner claim after Tottenham contact

Speaking to Tottenham News, pundit John Wenham stated his belief that Glasner would be an “exciting” appointment for Tottenham, above other linked candidates like Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, Fulham’s Marco Silva and Brentford’s Thomas Frank.

“He has an aura about him, the way he charges around on the touchline, I quite like him,” said Wenham.

“He was flying with Palace last season. I know they made a slow start this season, but they lost some key players. However, since then, he has rebuilt well.

“He has led Palace to an FA Cup semi-final, and he is far more exciting than most names that have been linked. Therefore, he is someone I would be happy for Tottenham to appoint. I think with better players he would excel, and I find him more exciting than Marco Silva or Thomas Frank, to be honest.”

The ex-Eintracht boss also guided his former club to Europa League glory in 2022, and is one of the only trophy-winning coaches rumoured to be on Spurs’ managerial shortlist.

His “outstanding record” has also been lauded by Palace chairman Steve Parish, that being said, if Postecoglou ends up winning Tottenham their first piece of silverware since 2008, the club will still have a majorly tough decision to make.

In 2006, it was all about Thierry Henry. Arsenal became the first English team to defeat Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, capping off a remarkable win. The score on that occasion was 1-0.

19 years later, it was Declan Rice who was the hero. The score this time around? 3-0.

This great football club have had some incredible moments down the years but this was perhaps their finest night on the European stage. The Gunners had swept aside Real. The great Real Madrid, 15-time winners of the Champions League.

The tie may only be at the halfway stage and this is the inevitable Madrid, but Arsenal should savour this moment.

Player ratings courtesy of Sofascore

Arteta will get his flowers, as will the defence for shutting down the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr, but this magical night was all courtesy of Rice.

How Arsenal downed Real Madrid on a magical night

Before the game had kicked off Arteta issued a rallying call to the supporters. Turn up early and get the stadium rocking. It certainly was. The atmosphere was incredible.

While it inevitably quietened midway through the first half, there were moments that certainly got fans off their seats.

They largely came from Bukayo Saka. Wrapped in cotton wool since his return to action after a hamstring injury, the winger was saved for this occasion and truly delivered.

He may not have scored, he may not have assisted a goal but in the words of Amazon Prime pundit, Daniel Sturridge, it was a night in which he “proved” he could play for Madrid.

In the first half, everything positive Arsenal did came through their number seven. Twice he drove to the byline, and twice his cross evaded those in red. Arsenal fans were crying out for a striker once again.

Come full time, they certainly weren’t. Step forward Rice and makeshift centre forward Merino.

Rice’s night, UEFA Conference League victory aside, was probably the finest of his career. He has played over 390 games in his career but had never found the net via a direct free-kick. That was until tonight. They arrived like London buses too, scoring twice in the space of 13 minutes.

The first was delightfully curled around the wall and the second was out of this world. It was perfect. The £105m signing proved exactly why so much money was paid out for his services in 2023, crunching the ball into the far left corner. Cue bedlam.

Then, when Merino added a third from the edge of the box, Arsenal fans could scarcely believe what had just happened.

To a man, everyone in red and white was outstanding. It wasn’t just Rice and Saka who stole the headlines.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Arsenal’s future £100m hero stars against Madrid

There have been some landmark performances from Arsenal players in Europe.

This one from Rice was right up there. There was that famous night in Madrid itself. Henry the hero. Think Arshavin against Barcelona, Fabregas in the San Siro.

There was also Wilshere’s coming-of-age display against Barca at the Emirates. Well, if he hadn’t already come of age, Myles Lewis-Skelly did on Tuesday evening, putting in an elite performance on the biggest of stages, evoking memories of a teenage Wilshere in the process.

The youngster may not have scored but he did play a vital role, notably popping up with the assist for Merino’s goal and dominating one of European football’s grandest of teams.

The Englishman – adopting his usual inverted left-back role – was phenomenal, barely giving Rodrygo a sniff on the Brazilian’s flank.

In the words of the Athletic’s Aaron Catterson-Reid, he proved he is a “£100m footballer” with it “absolutely bonkers” the level of physicality he shows for an 18-year-old. Quite.

The teenager won four of his seven duels and came out the victor on several occasions. Not only did he dominate Rodrygo but Jude Bellingham was also left rattled by his England colleague after being dispossessed by him late in the game.

As scout Jacek Kulig put it, this was another “special” performance from a boy who is only going from strength to strength, completing 95% of his passes and managing two key passes. He also only lost the ball seven times from 74 touches. Incredible numbers.

Minutes played

90

Touches

74

Accurate passes

54/57 (95%)

Key passes

2

Clearances

1

Blocked shots

1

Tackles

2

Duels won

4/7

Possession lost

7

Successful dribbles

1/1

He has had his critics, notably when it comes to his ill-discipline but there is no doubting the elegance, the swagger and the confidence he plays the game.

This was an occasion where it would have been very easy to get overawed but perhaps the biggest compliment we can pay to Lewis-Skelly is that he made it look like he was simply having a kickabout with his mates.

Rice and Co stole the show but his Three Lions teammate, one of his new best friends, deserves equal amounts of praise. This most remarkable of breakthrough seasons is only getting better for him.

Their new Mesut Ozil: Arsenal preparing bid for "generational" £30m star

The incredible prospect could be something truly special at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 8, 2025

The New Zealand allrounder on his preparation ahead of a gruelling Test schedule, the country’s domestic depth, and more

Deivarayan Muthu03-Sep-2024Coming off a steady diet of white-ball cricket over the past six months, New Zealand allrounder Rachin Ravindra has ramped up his red-ball preparation for the upcoming Tests in India and Sri Lanka.Ravindra, and his good friend Ben Sears, the young tearaway, arrived in Chennai earlier this week for a short camp before they link up with the rest of the New Zealand Test side that will depart from Auckland on September 4 to Greater Noida for the one-off Test against Afghanistan, which begins on September 9. This will be followed by a two-match Test series in Sri Lanka before New Zealand return to India to play three more Tests later this year.Prior to visiting India, Ravindra was part of red-ball winter camps at home along with a number of other New Zealand and New Zealand A players.Related

• Williamson: We don't usually get such a volume of Tests

• Ben Sears eager to prove himself in subcontinent challenge

• Southee excited about 'great challenge' in the backdrop of cricket's 'changing landscape'

• Nathan Smith and Josh Clarkson awarded New Zealand central contracts

• Fab Four now on two legs – Root and Williamson firm, Kohli and Smith wobbly

“As a group, we have had some good camps together,” Ravindra said during a media interaction at the Chennai Super Kings high-performance centre in Chennai. “Two camps in the Mount [Maunganui], Tauranga and we’ve had a camp in Christchurch and Lincoln. The wickets have been really good. We’ve been able to get around to each other after being away, especially the Test team being away as a group for a little while.”So, it’s been good to be together and have that bonding and prepare for conditions that we might face over in the subcontinent. It’s been a great few days here in Chennai, being able to acclimatise ourselves a little bit in terms of the red soil and black soil, stuff [pitches] that we might face. It’s been quite enjoyable.”Ravindra has already had considerable success in India across formats. On Test debut in Kanpur in November 2021, he soaked up 91 balls, scoring an unbeaten 18 to help New Zealand salvage a draw against a strong India spin attack comprising R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. Then, during the 2023 ODI World Cup, he emerged as the breakout star, and more recently this year, he played some sparkling cameos for CSK in his maiden IPL stint. Ravindra hopes to tap into those experiences and challenge India again later this year.”I think whenever you play India in a three-match Test series, it’s always going to be difficult,” he said. “I think it shows how good they are as a team around the world, especially at home in the red-ball format. It’s obviously going to be tough and the stuff that we learnt from the last series, we’ll look to take it here.Rachin Ravindra trains at the Super Kings Academy in Chennai•Super Kings Academy”Three different venues – Bangalore, Pune and Mumbai – and three different surfaces, so it’s going to pose different challenges. They’re a world-class team for a reason and hopefully we can give them a run for their money. But also recognising that’s still a month away, we have still got three Tests ahead of us before that, first against Afghanistan, then two against Sri Lanka, so that’s all very important. In the context of the World Test Championship, every game is important. That’s the mindset we’re going to be taking into it.”With New Zealand set to face spin-heavy attacks in both India and Sri Lanka, Ravindra has urged his team-mates to have an “open mind” and find their own ways to counter the slower bowlers.”It’s a completely different challenge,” Ravindra said. “When you look at the way the guys from the subcontinent bat, the way they hold their shape for longer in the lower positions they get into, I think as cricketers from the western side of the world, we’re still trying to incorporate that into our spin games. It’s about having an open mind to all that and stuff, but it’s also still important for us to remember what we do well as a team and players. It’s about being able to take bits from the experiences we’ve had and ultimately back ourselves and trust our plan.”Ravindra has had an eventful few months, in the lead-up to these Test tours. In July, playing for Washington Freedom, he won the Major League Cricket (MLC) title in the USA with Ricky Ponting as coach and emerged as the most successful spinner in the tournament, with 12 wickets in six innings at an average of 6.08 and economy rate of 4.81. Only his Washington team-mate Saurabh Netravalkar had more wickets than him in the tournament. Also in July, he earned his first New Zealand central contract.”I guess being able to share a dressing room with Trav [Travis Head], Smudge [Steven Smith] and Maxi [Glenn Maxwell] and Marco [Jansen],… we had an unbelievable team and locals too,” Ravindra said. “It was just being able to take experience from them and learning from them; how they prepare and how confident they are in their own games. Ricky Ponting – having someone like that in the dressing room is amazing. You talk about great players, some of the greatest players of all time and he’s right up there, so being able to see his intensity and his competitiveness was cool to see.”I’m very lucky to have been part of some great teams recently, MLC, Chennai Super Kings and obviously Black Caps. With great support staff, learning from those guys, Huss [Mike Hussey], Flem [Stephen Fleming], Rutu [Ruturaj Gaikwad], Jinks [Ajinkya Rahane], all those guys.”Rachin Ravindra reunites with his former Wellington coach Sriram Krishnamurthy in Chennai•Super Kings Academy

Ravindra: ‘Hard to crystal-ball gaze but we’re ready for transition’

With Ross Taylor, BJ Watling and Neil Wagner retiring, and Trent Boult recently ending his T20 World Cup career and making only sporadic appearances for New Zealand since becoming a free agent, New Zealand are in transition across formats. Ravindra talked up New Zealand’s domestic depth and backed the fringe players to make the step up to international cricket in the near future.”I think it’s always going to be tough when you have world-class players – [Trent] Boult, Nossy [Kane Williamson], Timmy [Tim Southee] and the likes [of] boys coming in recently, Dev [Devon Conway], Daryl [Mitchell], it happens, and I think the beauty of it is, New Zealand… we’re a competitive nation, and the structure in terms of domestic cricket, and the pathway system is really good. There’s a lot of guys playing for New Zealand at the moment, who’ve gone through the New Zealand A pathway, and learnt a lot from that too, and I think our domestic cricket is very good too.”I think the beauty of having a competitive team is that guys in the lower level down are always trying to get better. It’s hard to crystal-ball gaze, and see what’s going to happen, but I guess hopefully we’re all ready for it. We can all continue contributing to the team, and understand that yes, the quality of players is still there, but it’s important how we treat this environment and how we keep driving it forward, and keep it a great place to play.”Rachin Ravindra won MLC 2024 under Ricky Ponting at Washington Freedom•MLC

Playing for NZ is Ravindra’s priority

While the cricketing landscape is changing in New Zealand, with a number of international and domestic players knocking back their central contracts to pursue franchise T20 opportunities, Ravindra insisted that his top priority right now is to play for New Zealand.”I think I can only speak for my situation and right now I’m still very young in my career,” he said. “For me playing for New Zealand at the moment is what I see fit for myself, and everyone’s got their own decisions to make. We all respect that and I think that’s the beauty of our team, our environment and our culture. We all have that mutual respect and love, so everyone’s situations are different and it’s hard to judge everyone based on that. We’ll see where it takes us, but as of now I guess we just deal with what’s in front of us and it’s these Tests.”

There is also an extended IPL window from March to May in the ICC’s new men’s FTP for 2023-27

Sidharth Monga17-Aug-2022India, runners-up in the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) that ended in 2021, have a relatively tough draw in the third and fourth WTC cycles, according to the ICC’s new Future Tours Programme for men that runs from 2023 to 2027.In the third WTC cycle, India play away series in South Africa, Australia and the West Indies; and in the 2025-2027 cycle, they will tour New Zealand, England and Sri Lanka as part of the WTC. With most teams being strong at home, away Tests become crucial for WTC points. Two out of three of India’s away opponents in the next two cycles have traditionally been strong at home, although India have won their previous two series in Australia.India’s home opponents in the 2023-25 cycle are Bangladesh, England and New Zealand; and in the 2025-2027 WTC cycle it is Australia, South Africa and West Indies.Related

• FTP takeaways: Bangladesh the busiest, fewer ODIs for India, and T20 windows aplenty

• IPL window extended; space for Hundred and BBL as well

• Full members to play more international cricket in ICC's new FTP cycle

• PSL set to go head-to-head with IPL in 2025

India are set to play a total of 141 bilateral international matches in the 2023-27 FTP, behind only Bangladesh (150), West Indies (147) and England (142). India will play 61 bilateral T20Is – the second most after West Indies; 42 bilateral ODIs – the second fewest ahead of South Africa; and 38 Tests – the third most after England and Australia.Having last played a five-Test series against Australia in 1991-92, India will go back to playing five Tests against them, making the Border-Gavaskar Trophy one of three marquee Test series along with The Ashes and India-England contests. India will tour Australia and England once each for five-Test series, and host them as well. The limited-overs matches between these teams – whether home or away – will be played during separate tours.The first five-Test Border-Gavaskar series will take place during the 2023-25 World Test Championship cycle, when India tour Australia in the summer of 2024-25. Australia then tour India during the 2025-2027 World Test Championship cycle for five Tests in January-February 2027. India’s five-Test series against England are at home in early 2024 and away in 2025. There are no bilateral series between India and Pakistan scheduled in the FTP.India will also play eight five-match T20I series in the new FTP, which puts them among the busiest T20 international teams in the world. They also have an extended IPL window, during which very little international cricket has been scheduled, in April and May every year between 2023 and 2027.India’s emphasis on T20Is comes at the cost of bilateral ODIs. India will not be playing any bilateral ODI series longer than three matches in the 2023-27 FTP cycle.

What was going on inside Sri Lanka’s dressing room on the first day of the Galle Test?

Andrew Fidel Fernando14-Jan-2021Ah, hello guys. How are you? Happy new year, , happy new year. Come, come. Dressing room is there, just straight and to the left. I think Asitha said he was going to bring the match ball and the stumps for us. He’s the newest guy in the team, no? So obviously I’m going to give him the job nobody wants.Do you have all your gear? No-one has forgotten anything? Everyone has their own box today? Wow, nice pads Thirimanne! New? Where from? No matter what anybody says, buddy, you’re always the sharpest-looking player on the field, ah. Remember that 31 you made two weeks ago? Never seen a better 31 bro, honestly.You know what, you should open the innings. No, I’m serious. Dimuth called just this morning and said he can’t come today. That guy is too serious anyway. It’s all you Thiri. And hey, Kusal Perera… Mr. 153… you can also open, right? You guys go together. Two lefties. Like Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden.I’m feeling good about today guys. Back on our home ground after a while. Yes, we got hammered in the last two games, but that was away from home. We’re a different team on our own pitch. Yes, OK, so we also lost to this opposition last time we were here. But we fired that coach, remember? It’s fine.Related

• Joe Root posts majestic 228 but Lahiru Thirimanne stands firm to give SL hope of saving Test

• Timely Joe Root century sees England tighten their grip

• Wasteful SL skittled for 135 as England take control

• Bess admits 'I didn't feel like I bowled very well'

• Normal service for SA as collapse exposes familiar faultlines

Boys, look at that perfect forward defence from Thiri. I knew it was the right choice to play him again and have him open the innings, guys. Someone was telling me there are these guys doing well in the lower level doing really well. I don’t know, man, some Pathum Nissanka or someone. But we’ve all seen Thiri’s glorious cover drive, right? Bent-kneed, just like Kumar Sangakkara. Their fast bowlers won’t know what to do. I know he’s barely started, but look how correct that shot is.Oh, he’s out? But how? He’s middled that shot, still! He’s flicked it straight to the sneaky leg slip they’ve put in. Can’t fault the batsman there, guys, the only thing he didn’t do was take into account the trap they’ve laid for him. Hard luck, Thiri. Yah, I know you’ve only hit one fifty in the last 18 innings you’ve played, but you’ll come good, everybody knows that – your technique is great. And anyway, look at that – you blocked enough of their fast bowlers out that they have their spinners on already. This guy, Dominic Bess or something, hasn’t even played on these kinds of pitches before. Obviously we’re going to smash him., is Kusal Perera out now? Must have dozed off. Playing the reverse-sweep? It’s OK, KJP, that’s the shot that gets you so many runs also, isn’t it? That’s fine, you tried it today against this Bess character, and fair enough, he hasn’t played here before so we can do what we like against him. It’s just the way you play. Everybody remembers innings. Relax. Our two most-experienced batsmen are in now. We’ll get 200 and roll them over on this pitch with our spinners guys, just watch. OK, Mathews and Chandimal are also out playing their shots. That must mean it’s a difficult pitch, right, if even those guys are failing? Our bowlers are going to go wild.Kusal Perera reverse-sweeps Dom Bess… straight to slip•SLCAh, Mr. Niroshan Dickwella… Dikka. Why don’t you go out and get us out of this mess? Just play your shots. They still have this Bess on, what a joke. Can he even turn it? Look at this terrible ball he has bowled! It might bounce twice before getting to the keeper. Oh, no. Dikka – you’ve hit it straight to point. OK but to be fair, wide long-hops can be hard to deal with . They arrive so much later than you think – you really have to wait for them. Maybe that’s not your thing?Ah, now Hasaranga has also got out playing a reverse-sweep to this Bess. It must be a killer pitch if even he’s getting wickets. This score looks low now guys, but I wouldn’t be surprised if we get a big first-innings lead here.So now that we’re all out, what are the takeaways from that innings? Yes, we definitely could have been slightly more selective with our shots. OK, I hear what you’re saying – when you nail a reverse-sweep against the turn early in your innings, what could demoralise an a team more? I mean, some would say a total of 135 is demoralising, but we’re talking about the opposition.And look, a lot of us were unlucky. Look at Dasun Shanaka getting caught off the boot of short leg. And Lasith Embuldeniya getting run out from a deflection off the bowler’s hand. We had really bad luck today.And also what a fantastic-looking 4 off 22 balls from Thirimanne, right? Guy has potential.

Major League Baseball remains the only major North American professional sports league without a salary cap in place. MLB's current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is set to expire in Dec. 2026 and commissioner Rob Manfred is reportedly pushing for that to change in the next round of negotiations.

In a recent episode of , MLB Players Association deputy executive director Bruce Meyer said the players hold "the right amount of skepticism" about a potential cap according to a new report from 's Evan Drellich.

“The league and some of the individual owners have made no secret that they would like to see a system that they tried to get for 50 years, which is a salary-cap system,” Meyer said on via .

Drellich's report noted that the skepticism from the players stems from the push for a salary cap coming from Manfred and team ownership groups, who have pitched a cap numerous times in prior negotiations.

“The pitch is like, ‘Hey, this is really good for the players,’” Meyer continued via . “One of the things players immediately seize on is, ‘Well, if this is so good for us, then why are they pushing it so hard? Why do they want it so desperately? Why did the other leagues lock out players to get it?’ Guys immediately understand that the reason they want that system is not because they want to pay players more.”

Reports surfaced in April that MLB officials were considering both a salary cap and floor in the next CBA. The defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers have become one of the most dominant teams in baseball in part because there is no limit on how much money they can spend to sign the best players. This has agitated other owners, presumably because they don't have endless cash to put down on massive contract after massive contract.

The MLBPA, understandably, likely doesn't want to put a limit on how much cash can get handed to players. They would be interested in a salary floor—a minimum amount each team must spend annually—but that may only come at the cost of an added cap. We'll see where conversations land when CBA negotiations heat up following this season.

You can watch Meyer's full conversation on below:

They may have dropped points on the weekend, but Arsenal are flying this season.

Mikel Arteta’s side are top of both the Champions League and Premier League tables at the moment, and show no signs of slowing down.

Even with the absurd number of injuries the Gunners have had to deal with, they have been rock-solid at the back and clinical in attack.

One of Arsenal’s surprising stars of the season so far has been Leandro Trossard, but if reports are to be believed, the club could be looking to sign an upgrade.

Arsenal target Trossard upgrade

The winter transfer window is now less than a month from opening, and Arsenal have already been linked with a huge number of exciting and potentially game-changing additions.

Transfer Focus

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

Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga, for example, has been touted for a £70m switch to the Emirates, as has Nottingham Forest’s monstrous centre-back Murillo.

However, while both players would certainly add something to Arteta’s squad and likely improve it, they cannot be described as Trossard upgrades, unlike Kenan Yıldız.

Yes, according to a recent report from Italy, Arsenal are once again interested in the hugely exciting Turkish wonderkid.

More than that, though, the report has revealed that the Gunners have once again been in contact with the player’s representatives to find out what it would take to make the deal work.

However, Juventus are understandably keen to keep hold of the incredible talent, and according to other reports from Italy, would demand at least £88m to sell him.

It could therefore be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Yıldız’s ability and potential, it is one Arsenal should pursue, especially as he’d be a perfect Trossard upgrade.

How Yıldız compares to Trossard

Now, it might sound simplistic, and that’s because it is: the first place to start when comparing two attackers is their raw output from the last two seasons.

For his efforts last season, Yıldız racked up an impressive tally of 12 goals and nine assists in 52 appearances, which comes out to a goal involvement every 2.47 games.

Trossard, on the other hand, scored ten goals and provided ten assists in 56 appearances, which is an average of a goal involvement every 2.8 games.

In other words, the Turkish gem was comfortably more productive last season, but this year, it’s the Belgian who has been marginally better.

In 16 appearances, he has produced ten goal involvements, which is an average of one every 1.6 games.

In contrast, the Juve star has produced as many goal involvements in 18 appearances, averaging one every 1.8 games.

With that said, when you look at both campaigns holistically, it is still the youngster who comes out ahead, as he does when comparing their underlying numbers.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.41

0.38

Progressive Carries

4.36

2.63

Progressive Passes

3.55

3.63

Shots on Target

1.09

0.62

Passing Accuracy

78.9%

69.3%

Key Passes

2.45

1.38

Shot-Creating Actions

4.80

3.25

Goal-Creating Actions

0.45

0.37

Successful Take-Ons

1.64

0.88

For example, the Regensburg-born dynamo lives up to his billing as a player with “Mbappe-like ability”, in the words of European football writer Danny Corcoran, by coming out on top in most relevant metrics like non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive carries, key passes, goal-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Finally, add the statistical advantages to the fact that he is still just 20 years old, and therefore has over a decade left to play at the top level, and it’s clear he would be an upgrade on the Belgian.

Ultimately, Trossard has been a great player for Arsenal and has been unreal this season, but if the Gunners have the chance, they should go all out to sign Yıldız, as he would be an upgrade.

The new Rice: Berta enters race to sign £70m midfield "machine" for Arsenal

The international superstar could become Mikel Arteta’s next Declan Rice at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 3, 2025

Had Liverpool been dispatched at the London Stadium right now, the calls for Arne Slot’s dismissal would have risen a few decibels, higher than the din that followed successive Anfield defeats against PSV Eindhoven and Nottingham Forest.

But Liverpool secured a 2-0 win over the Hammers in the Premier League, with Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo sealing three much-needed points for the struggling Redmen.

Still, the Merseyside outfit have left so much to be desired this term, lacking all of last year’s balance and belief as Slot was crowned king in his first year in charge.

So much has gone wrong, and the forthcoming league fixtures against Sunderland and Leeds United will determine whether a true crisis has been averted.

Much more is needed. The likes of Florian Wirtz and Isak are beginning to show signs of world-class quality, but FSG must feel pretty rueful over their decision to sell Luis Diaz and opt against sealing a like-for-like replacement for the Colombian winger.

How Luis Diaz has performed since leaving Liverpool

In fairness, Diaz was set to enter the penultimate year of his Liverpool contract, and there was no sign of a resolution. The Reds cashed in for a healthy £66.5m sum.

However, the 28-year-old’s blistering performances in Germany this season have underscored the dimension that Slot has lost down the left channel. Moreover, let’s not forget that Diaz played plenty of football as a makeshift number nine last year.

Bayern score a lot of goals, and they are the dominant force in the Bundesliga. However, Diaz is impartial as to who he picks apart, having played some immense stuff in the Champions League too.

His prolificness has catapulted him to a seat at the highest table, marrying his athleticism and electricity with a new sharpness in front of goal.

Harry Kane

24 + 3

27

Kylian Mbappe

23 + 3

26

Erling Haaland

19 + 1

20

Michael Olise

9 + 10

19

Luis Diaz

12 + 6

18

This serves as a reminder that the grass is not always greener. Diaz will have no regrets over his summer transfer, but Liverpool desperately miss his speed and energy and potent threat.

And now, FSG are in danger of losing their next version of the versatile forward.

Liverpool star could be "the next Diaz"

Liverpool opted against directly replacing Diaz this summer, hoping to keep a road to the first team for Rio Ngumoha clear from clutter.

But Diaz is an elite player, and he is not easily replaced. Perhaps some of a Liverpool persuasion regret their frustrations directed toward him last season, with the clinical performances coming in pockets throughout the year.

History may repeat itself with Alexis Mac Allister, who has been described by prominent Liverpool fan John O’Sullivan as being “the next Diaz” in that he is being hounded out by some segments for his performances this year.

While it’s true that the Argentina “superstar”, as he has been called by pundit Joe Cole, has been off the boil this season, he is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, instrumental for the club’s success since joining from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2023.

Few know the byways of the midfield game like Mac Allister, who is combative and creative and cerebral in his performance in the engine room. Not just a steely lieutenant, he is smart and savvy, and that sets him apart.

Matches (starts)

35 (30)

12 (11)

Goals

5

0

Assists

5

2

Touches*

55.8

49.2

Accurate passes*

35.5 (87%)

33.1 (86%)

Key passes*

1.3

0.8

Dribbles*

0.5

0.3

Ball recoveries*

4.2

3.1

Tackles + interceptions*

3.3

1.6

Clearances*

0.8

0.8

Duels (won)*

4.9 (48%)

2.8 (46%)

Form is temporary, as the old adage goes. Mac Allister will surely bounce back, but if Liverpool are set for a rocky road through the 2025/26 season, the 26-year-old may be considered for sale next summer, though reports suggest sporting director Richard Hughes and the club’s officials want him to stay put.

It’s as clear as day: Mac Allister will thrive if sold to a superpower in Germany or La Liga.

And Liverpool, as with Diaz, will be left rueing their decision as they scramble to find an adequate replacement.

Semenyo upgrade: FSG enter race to sign £88m "superstar" for Liverpool

Liverpool and FSG are getting ready to sign a new forward in 2026.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Dec 2, 2025

It is very early in the season, but New York Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. has already hit six home runs which has him on pace to easily eclipse his career-high of 24 from last year. This is very bad news for Yankees assistant hitting coach Pat Roessler.

Why? Because whenever Chisholm hits a homer this year, he bites the coach.

According to the , no one seems to know why aside from Chisholm who simply says he does it to show love.

From the report: