Bayern Munich forward Luis Diaz lit up with joy when handed a customised PlayStation 5 controller dedicated to his late friend and former Liverpool teammate, Diogo Jota. The Colombian, who shared a close relationship with the Portuguese attacker during their time together at Anfield, was visibly touched by the red controller, which carried the engraving “Diogo J” on the back.
An enduring friendship built at Anfield
Diaz and Jota forged their connection at Liverpool, pulling on the famous red shirt side by side 73 times. Together, they played key roles at Merseyside and lifted the Premier League trophy under Arne Slot, cementing themselves as part of an unforgettable chapter in Anfield history. Away from the glare of competition, their relationship flourished too, with shared interests, especially in video games.
AdvertisementWatch the clipDiaz's heartfelt Supercup celebration
When Diaz made his competitive debut for Bayern Munich in the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup earlier this summer, he found a poignant way to honour Jota. After Harry Kane opened the scoring against VfB Stuttgart, the winger added Bayern’s second by rising to head home a Serge Gnabry cross. Instead of a standard celebration, Diaz paused to emulate Jota’s trademark video-game pose near the byline.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty Images SportFocus turns to Hamburg clash
Diaz is expected to feature when the Bavarians host Hamburger SV at the Allianz Arena on Saturday evening.
Arsenal have now opened talks over a deal for a “world-class” forward, who is pushing to leave his current club, according to a report.
Gunners' striker pursuit rumbles on
At one stage, it appeared as though the Gunners were very close to getting a deal for Viktor Gyokeres over the line, with Fabrizio Romano revealing a deal was close to being sealed over a week ago.
However, the deal has since stalled, with some reports even suggesting that Manchester United could hijack the move, although Romano has since quashed those rumours, insisting the Swedish striker has his heart set on signing for the Gunners.
As such, the north Londoners still appear to be in a strong position to get the deal done, but Gyokeres is not the only attacker they are eager to get through the door, having also set their sights on a winger, with Real Madrid’s Rodrygo of interest.
However, a deal for the Madrid star could be on the expensive side, with the Spanish side holding out for £87m, and Mikel Arteta’s side have now set their sights on a potential alternative option.
Berta set to launch mega-money bid to sign Arsenal's best LW since Sanchez
Arsenal are looking to strengthen their wide forward options this summer.
1 ByMatt Dawson Jul 20, 2025
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Arsenal have now made fresh contact over a deal for Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, who is pushing to leave the Italian club, following a fallout with former manager Gian Piero Gasperini.
Andrea Berta is now weighing up whether to make a concrete approach for Lookman, who could be a far more affordable option than Rodrygo, given that Atalanta are demanding £43m.
Atalanta's Ademola Lookman celebrates scoring their second goal with Atalanta's GiorgioScalviniand Atalanta's Matteo Ruggeri
However, the Gunners may have to fend off interest from elsewhere, with Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid retaining a strong interest in the forward.
"World-class" Lookman could be fantastic Rodrygo alternative
Not only is the Atalanta star much more affordable than Rodrygo, but he has performed remarkably well over the past year in terms of non-penalty goals per 90, ranking in the top 2% compared to his positional peers.
Statistic
Average per 90
Non-penalty goals
0.63 (98th percentile)
Progressive carries
5.71 (94th percentile)
Shot-creating actions
5.51 (92nd percentile)
The former Everton man has really kicked on since leaving the Toffees, with journalist John Bennett singling him out for very high praise after scooping up the African Footballer of the Year award at the end of 2024.
At 27-years-old, Lookman is likely to be in his prime years, and he could be a real difference-maker for Arsenal in their pursuit of the Premier League title next season.
Tottenham are preparing for a crucial first campaign under new manager Thomas Frank, but that doesn’t mean everyone will be along for the ride.
Player expected to join Tottenham "as soon as next week", medical scheduled
Spurs are closing in on a summer signing.
ByEmilio Galantini Jul 4, 2025
The Spurs squad responsible for clinching the club’s first major trophy in nearly two decades will go down in Lilywhites folklore, though reports suggest that a few members of that side could be facing their final few weeks at the club.
Chief among them is star defender Cristian Romero, who could be at the centre of a tug-of-war between Real and Atlético Madrid this summer as both Spanish capital sides eye an audacious move for the Argentina international.
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
Real are expected to make an approach for Romero, according to some media sources, while others claim that Atletico have already offered Spurs around £56 million for his signature.
There is also a belief that Romero is keen on a move to Atlético in particular and will soon discuss his future with chairman Daniel Levy, so the saga surrounding his potential exit is unlikely to go away any time soon.
Meanwhile, Spurs legend Son Heung-min may also be sold before deadline day (The Telegraph), having entered the final 12 months of his contract.
The Saudi Pro League is targeting Son to join their division’s host of illustrious stars, and Levy could use this as an opportunity to raise some revenue off a player who’s arguably been on the decline this past year.
“Son would be a very valuable asset for Saudi Arabia,” said former Everton CEO, Keith Wyness, to Football Insider last month.
“At 32, it’s probably the right time for him to go if Spurs are going to maximise his value. I think Tottenham won’t find a better deal if they leave it later than right now. I believe they could even get something like £40-50million for him.
“That would be incredible, and I suggest that deal could be done. It might be in everyone’s interest to get him down to Saudi Arabia this summer.”
According to journalist Jorge Nicola this week, Saudi are actually targeting another Spurs forward with Son as well.
Tottenham put Richarlison up for sale amid Galatasaray and Saudi interest
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Nicolas reports that the man in question is striker Richarlison.
The Brazil international, who cost £60 million to sign from Everton three years ago, has been called an “underrated” member of the squad during his time in London (Micah Richards), and enjoyed a real purple patch of form under Ange Postecoglou midway through the 2023/2024 season.
However, barring that flash in the pan, Richarlison has largely failed to justify his mammoth price tag, partly due to injuries.
Nicola states that Tottenham are actively looking to sell Richarlison, and have held recent exit discussions amid serious interest from Saudi, who’ve been in contact for the last month.
As well as this, Turkish Süper Lig champions Galatasaray are expected to make an offer for the 28-year-old in the next few days, so Richarlison isn’t exactly short of suitors.
With a place in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad potentially at the forefront of his mind, Richarlison’s next move will be absolutely crucial.
يستعد جاريث بيل، النجم الويلزي السابق، للعودة إلى ملاعب كرة القدم من جديد بعد عامين من اعتزاله اللعبة، حسبما ذكرت تقارير صحفية مختلفة يوم الثلاثاء.
كان جاريث بيل، صاحب الـ36 عامًا من عمره، قد أعلن اعتزاله لعبة كرة القدم في يناير 2023، حيث استمتع بعد ذلك بحياة تقاعدية وفرصة لتطوير مهارته في رياضة الجولف.
كما أن جاريث بيل يعمل كمحلل رياضي منتظم لقناة “Tnt Sports”، بعد أن حل محل ريو فرديناند الذي رحل عن تلك الشبكة مؤخرًا.
اقرأ أيضًا.. مدرب ويلز يعلق على اعتزال جاريث بيل.. ويصرح: يستحق تمثالًا
وذكرت صحيفة “ذا صن” الإنجليزية أن جاريث بيل يستعد لعودة مثيرة إلى ملاعب كرة القدم مطلع الأسبوع المقبل، بعد أكثر من عامين على قرار اعتزاله اللعبة.
وأوضحت أن نجم ريال مدريد السابق يستعد لخوض مباراة ودية يوم السبت المقبل، حيث سيلعب مع فريق إف سي سبير ضد شيلد يونايتد في سيول، بكوريا الجنوبية.
وأشارت إلى أن جاريث بيل ليس النجم الوحيد الذي سيشارك في تلك المباراة، حيث سيضم فريق إف سي سبير العديد من الأساطير الأخرى مثل تييري هنري، كاكا، رونالدينيو وواين روني، وسيكون آرسين فينجر مسوؤلًا عن قيادتهم.
في حين أن شيلد يونايتد سيضم وجوهًا بارزة مثل ريو فرديناند، أليساندرز نيستا، كارلوس بويول ونيمانيا فيديتش، على أن يتولى تدريبهم في هذه المباراة مدرب ليفربول السابق رافا بينيتيز.
It may not come as a surprise to learn that Leeds United were the most creative team in the Championship last season.
The 2024/25 winners, who gained promotion back to the Premier League with over 100 points, were a standout side across all areas of the game, particularly when it came to their creative numbers.
According to FBref, they topped the metric for the most key passes overall, with 562, and the most key passes per 90 minutes, averaging an impressive 12.2. Daniel Farke turned his side into a creative force, channelling the innovation of club legends like Pablo Hernandez.
It seems the Elland Road side are about to become even more deadly in the final third, if recent transfer reports are anything to go by.
Leeds enter race to sign attacking midfielder
It has already been a busy transfer window for the Whites. They have signed defender Jakob Bijol from Udinese and striker Lukas Nmecha from Wolfsburg on a free transfer. Next, it seems, Farke’s side will move onto attacking midfield.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
That is according to a recent report from talkSPORT. Journalist Alex Crook has reported that Leeds are one of two sides who ‘hold an interest’ in signing young Anderlecht midfielder Mario Stroeykens this summer.
It will not be a straightforward deal to do for the Yorkshire outfit. West Ham United are also one of the teams showing a keen interest in the Belgian, as he fits their transfer policy of ‘targeting young up-and-coming players’.
Whichever side manages to sign the 20-year-old, the fee is already made clear; Stroeykens is valued at £17m by the Belgian giants.
Why Stroeykens would be a good signing
If Leeds do manage to sign the young attacking midfielder this summer, he would join an exciting crop of talent in the final third and add to the creativity already at Farke’s disposal. He has made an impressive start to his Anderlecht career.
Despite being just 20 years of age, Stroeykens has already notched up 132 appearances for Anderlecht, whose academy he graduated from. In that time, he’s managed to score 16 goals and register 15 assists, playing mainly as a number 10, but also on both flanks and as a striker.
The attacking midfielder, who was born in Zellik just outside of Brussels, impressed in the 2024/25 campaign. In 39 appearances, he bagged five goals and created seven chances, which included nine goal involvements in 13 league games to start the season. As football scout Antonio Mango said, he has an “elite profile” which is on show with those numbers
How Leeds would love for Stroeykens to have the same impact on the club as Hernandez had. A club legend, the Spaniard donned that famous White shirt for five seasons, helping the club return to the Premier League with promotion in 2019/20.
Altogether, Hernandez made 175 appearances for the Elland Road club, finding the back of the net 36 times and grabbing 41 assists.
In four Championship seasons, he assisted eight goals once, nine goals twice and an incredible 12 goals in 2018/19. As the numbers show, he was a creative genius, described as a “wizard” by Leeds’ official account on X.
Some of the underlying numbers on FBref behind Stroeykens’ good form last season are impressive. Indeed, they certainly suggest he has the talent to replicate what Hernandez did at Elland Road.
For example, compared to midfielders in the 14 leagues most similar to the Belgian top flight, he averaged 1.53 key passes and 0.77 goal-creating actions, which rank him in the top 16% and 1% respectively. Those numbers show just how creative he is, and the fact that he is constantly involved in his side’s goals, even if indirectly.
Key passes
1.53
84th
Progressive passes
6.61
83rd
Expected assists
0.2xA
94th
Shot-creating actions
4.01
92nd
Goal-creating actions
0.77
99th
Take-ons completed
1.12
90th
They are certainly encouraging numbers from the 20-year-old. He would have a lot to do if he wants to become as good as Hernadez was at Leeds, but there is no doubt that the talent and data to back it up are already in place for Stroeykens.
FC Porto's Otavio in action with Anderlecht'sMarioStroeykens
For just £17m, this could be a bargain for Farke, and someone who will further increase the creativity and attacking threat of his side, which is much needed in the Premier League.
Nmecha upgrade: Leeds make contact to sign a star who "bullied" Van Dijk
Leeds are reportedly eyeing up a star who would come in as an immediate upgrade on Lukas Nmecha.
Silly season is here, and it looks set to be a busy one for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta and new Sporting Director Andrea Berta will be looking for the right attacking players who could help them finally get over the line in the Premier League next season.
One of the most interesting links in recent weeks has been to Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo, who has been a key component of a team who have won it all in recent years – even if 24/25 was a bit of a disappointment.
There is no doubt that the Brazilian is just the sort of signing that would get fans on their fee, but if recent reports are to be believed, the club may be closing in on another signing, someone who’d be even more exciting than the winger.
Arsenal lodge new striker bid
Before we get to the star in question, it’s worth going over some of the other incredibly exciting players who have been touted for moves to Arsenal in recent weeks and months, such as Rayan Cherki and Benjamin Sesko.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The former could be available for around £30m in the coming weeks, and that might end up being one of the bargains of the window, as in just 44 appearances for Lyon this season, the young Frenchman has scored 12 goals and provided 20 assists.
Sesko, on the other hand, might cost as much as £75m, but as he’s still just 21 years old and managed to rack up a tally of 21 goals and six assists in 45 games for RB Leipzig this season, he may well be an investment worth making.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskoheads at goal
Yet, if Arteta and Co really want to get the fans excited ahead of next season, they need to sign someone who can come in ready to score bags and bags of goals, someone like Viktor Gyokeres.
So, supporters should be delighted that, according to a recent report from Italy, Arsenal are in active talks with the Swede’s representatives, and they have already offered him a contract until 2030.
Furthermore, the report has claimed that Sporting CP is asking for a fee of around €65m, which is about £54m, to give the “green light to the sale” and allow the Gunners to complete a signing that would be even more exciting than the potential signing of Rodrygo.
Why Gyokeres would be a more exciting signing than Rodrygo
So, the first thing to say is that both players would be simply brilliant additions to this Arsenal squad, but there is one fundamental reason from which all others stem as to why Gyokeres would be more exciting than Rodrygo: his output.
Even with everything that went wrong this season, the Gunners were still able to produce the best defence in the Premier League, so to bridge the gap and overtake Liverpool, they need someone who can come right into the first team and start scoring goals for fun, which is just what the Swedish “powerhouse,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, could do.
For example, since he joined Sporting CP ahead of last season, the former Coventry City star has scored a simply astounding 97 goals and provided 28 assists in just 102 appearances, totalling 8417 minutes.
That means the goalscoring “monster,” as dubbed by Mattinson, has averaged 1.22 goal involvements per game, or one every 67.33 minutes for two seasons now.
In contrast, the Real star has scored 31 goals and provided 19 assists in 102 appearances, totalling 7067 minutes, since the start of last season.
Gyokeres vs Rodrygo
23/24
Gyokeres
Rodrygo
Appearances
50
52
Minutes
4169′
3777′
Goals
43
18
Assists
15
9
Goal Involvements per Match
1.16
0.51
Minutes per Goal Involvement
71.87′
143.04′
24/25
Gyokeres
Rodrygo
Appearances
52
50
Minutes
4248′
3290′
Goals
54
13
Assists
13
10
Goal Involvements per Match
1.28
0.46
Minutes per Goal Involvement
63.40′
143.04′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
That comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.04 games, or every 141.34 minutes, which is still impressive but nowhere near as good as the Stockholm-born marksman.
Ultimately, in an ideal world, Arsenal should sign both players, but as an out-and-out goalscorer is what they need more than anything else at the moment, it has to be said that Gyokeres would be just about the most exciting addition Berta and Co could make to the team this summer.
He's a lot like Isak: Arsenal make contact to sign £42m Havertz upgrade
The incredible goalscorer would be great for Arsenal.
When Liverpool beat West Ham United, responding after losing against Fulham one week earlier, it felt like a corner had been turned. Perhaps that defeat at Craven Cottage was the final twist in the overtures of a certain Premier League triumph.
The ribbons will turn red this season. Later this afternoon, Liverpool have the chance to win the top-flight title against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium, should they return to winning ways on the road and second-placed Arsenal fall at Ipswich Town earlier in the day.
Though Mikel Arteta’s attention is almost solely focused on the continental stage, this feels improbable, if not out of the question. In any case, it’s a matter of when, not if, Arne Slot will join an exclusive list of managers to lift the Premier League trophy on their first attempt.
2004/05
Jose Mourinho
Chelsea
2009/10
Carlo Ancelotti
Chelsea
2013/14
Manuel Pellegrini
Man City
2016/17
Antonio Conte
Chelsea
Leicester might be doomed but they still have quality in attack and will look to capitalise on any Liverpool complacency.
Liverpool team news
Trent Alexander-Arnold is back in first-team training after his ankle injury suffered against Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield last month.
However, Conor Bradley looks set to reprise his role at right-back, with the under-fire Andy Robertson pushing for a recall after his cameo last week, skewing into his own net off the bench following a mix-up with the skipper.
Joe Gomez remains absent due to an ankle injury, but Darwin Nunez could feature after missing out on Merseyside one week ago.
Darwin Nunez for Liverpool
Nunez might be destined for departure this summer, but his return does boost a Liverpool frontline looking to return to its best.
That’s not to say the Reds have been poor in attack lately, but Mohamed Salah hasn’t scored in five games, Diogo Jota and Nunez are out of sorts and Cody Gakpo hasn’t got going again since recovering from injury.
How Slot can respark Liverpool's frontline
Liverpool looked somewhat back to normal last weekend as they secured victory over West Ham, all but sealing the already overwhelming odds in the title race following Arsenal’s draw at Brentford.
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah
Salah, after renewing his contract, produced a stunning trivela assist for Luis Diaz, the one man in Slot’s attack who is very much on form right now.
However, the Egyptian, 32, will be desperate to return his name to the scoresheet as he looks to build on his haul of 32 goals across all competitions
For whatever reason, it’s not quite clicking for Salah in front of goal. But it will again. With Trent not fit enough to start from the outset, Slot might be inclined to unleash Harvey Elliott in midfield, perhaps replacing Dominik Szoboszlai.
Liverpool enjoy the Hungarian’s tireless running but a more fixed creative point could be the perfect solvent of unfluent play in and around the final third.
Liverpool player Harvey Elliott
Having featured prominently under Jurgen Klopp last year during Liverpool’s injury-hit spell, Elliott has played a reduced part since the spinning of the managerial wheel, yet to even start in the Premier League this year. Still he’s got six goal involvements across the different competitions.
And it’s not as if he hasn’t demonstrated his capacities when given a shot. As per FBref, Elliott ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for all of goals, assists and shot-creating actions, the top 3% for progressive passes and the top 5% for progressive carries per 90.
This perfectly illustrates his ball-playing game and skill in driving into dangerous positions, but most importantly, it underlines his ability to maximise his output when reaching such junctures, something Salah will be eyeing hungrily.
24/25
12 (0)
0
1
23/24
34 (11)
3
6
22/23
32 (18)
1
2
21/22
6 (4)
0
0
20/21*
0 (0)
0
0
19/20
2 (0)
0
0
As you can see, Elliott’s playing a bit part for the first time since his debut campaign, having only featured six times in 2021/22 but starting on four of those occasions before suffering a season-ending injury at Elland Road.
Elliott, described as a “special talent” by Sky Sports’ Neil Mellor, hasn’t played all that much this season, but he has showcased his vast playmaking skills on numerous occasions. For example, Liverpool might have been abject in their Carabao Cup final defeat against Newcastle United, but subs combined to score a late consolation, the young midfielder expertly playing Federico Chiesa through.
Ultimately, claiming that Liverpool are out of sorts simply isn’t true, having won five of their past six Premier League matches, but fans have been frustrated by the lack of spark in the centre at times this term and Elliott surely deserves a starting berth having been limited to full appearances in the cup competitions.
He’s come up trumps on several occasions, notably scoring the winner in the first leg against PSG, but now the £40k-per-week talent needs a chance to show he can pull strings in the Premier League and bring Salah back into goalscoring form.
Salah doesn’t dribble as much as he used to but he’s hardly averse to an electric burst, and with Elliott’s crisp timing, it could be the perfect tonic for his recent struggles to break the net.
Harvey Elliott celebrates for Liverpool
Elliott has acknowledged Salah for “teaching him” over the past several years at Liverpool, and now he has the chance to repay his tutor on what could be a momentous day for the Merseysiders.
Leicester won’t want to repeat some of their dismal displays of late, but if Elliott gets into a creative flow and connects with Salah, the Foxes simply won’t have a say in the matter.
Worth more than Huijsen: Slot has hit the jackpot on Liverpool "monster"
Liverpool hope to employ this star for many years to come.
Will Regis Le Bris etch himself into the Sunderland history books at Wembley?
The Frenchman could well be the much-loved manager to finally catapult the Black Cats up to the Premier League after a long eight-season exodus, but Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United wait in their path, attempting to ruin a memorable day out to the English capital.
Sunderland's Daniel Ballard celebrates with teammates and fans after the match
The Blades were even in the automatic promotion reckoning in the Championship before a late collapse, meaning Le Bris’ men will have to thwart many a dangerous United shirt if they want to return to the big time.
How Sunderland can stop Sheffield United at Wembley
if it hadn’t been for an extremely damaging late patch of losses, Wilder’s men could well have been in the hunt for a space inside the top two right up until the final day.
Instead, they’ve had to make do with a spot inside the nerve-wracking playoffs, but their 6-0 win against Bristol City over two legs to reach the final was done with an unbelievable swagger.
The Wearside giants will have to keep the likes of Callum O’Hare quiet who scored twice over the course of the two action-packed legs, alongside ensuring they’re aware of Harrison Burrows when he bursts forward from left-back after he picked up a goal and three assists himself.
Moreover, Le Bris will pray Wilson Isidor packs his shooting boots for the trip to Wembley, as Michael Cooper added two more clean sheets next to his name against the Robins to boost his already sturdy pile of 21 during the regular season.
Gustavo Hamer for Sheffield United.
That’s before you even mention the constant heroics of Gustavo Hamer, with the former Coventry City attacking midfielder picking up a hefty total of ten goals and seven assists from 47 games this campaign.
This scintillating form for the Blades has been recognised, considering Hamer was awarded the esteemed honour of Championship Player of the Season recently, but Sunderland do currently possess an equally bold midfielder who now has a higher transfer worth than the United number eight.
Sensational Sunderland star now worth more than Hamer
Wilder’s men are no doubt worried that failing to win promotion could see some of their top stars leave, with Sunderland also in the same anxiety-ridden boat.
Le Bris’ camp is overloaded with entertaining youngsters, as seen in 17-year-old Chris Rigg previously being on the shopping list of Manchester United, alongside Jobe Bellingham now attracting interest from the likes of Eintracht Frankfurt.
It will be a very tough ask on Sunderland’s end to keep Bellingham around past this season, therefore, with plenty more expected of the 19-year-old gem if he was to move onto more luxurious pastures after picking up four goals and three assists under Le Bris.
Bellingham could be the bright spark the Black Cats need to win a one-off tie at Wembley, but if they were to fall at the final hurdle, they should at least be able to sell on the 19-year-old on for a far higher amount than his original £3m price-tag.
Games played
89
Goals scored
11
Assists
4
Champ TOTS
1x
Champ YPOTS
1x
Value when joining
£3m
Value now
£22m
Now, according to Football Transfers, any suitor this summer attempting to land Bellingham will have to dish out a steep £22m. To add context, Hamer is worth a far lesser £13m according to the same source.
That’s the case despite Hamer’s glowing achievements to date in South Yorkshire
Indeed, the “sensational” Sunderland midfielder – as he’s been lauded in the past by journalist Josh Bunting – potentially possesses the ability to be a world-class performer in Germany if he does depart the Stadium of Light.
Before any big summer move occurs, however, Wembley will be the grand stage for the two attacking midfielders to battle it out, with only one being able to triumphantly head up to the Premier League.
He was saved by Ballard: Le Bris must axe 5/10 Sunderland star at Wembley
Sunderland sealed their dramatic place in the Championship playoff final courtesy of a last-gasp header from defender Daniel Ballard.
West Ham United’s return to Premier League football didn’t entirely go to plan on Saturday afternoon.
Nuno Espírito Santo’s side looked on course to win their third game on the bounce when Callum Wilson made it 2-0 against Bournemouth in the 35th minute. However, the Cherries fought back, and thanks to a penalty and a goal from Enes Unal, came away with a point.
With that said, in the context of the season at large, it’s still a good point for the Hammers, especially as they had to make do without dynamic Crysencio Summerville and Lucas Paqueta.
Unfortunately, the Dutchman won’t be fit for the Liverpool game, but Nuno might have the perfect solution, one that involves dropping Luis Guilherme.
Guilherme's game vs Bournemouth
Now, the first thing to say is that Guilherme is still a promising talent and someone who could develop into a real star for West Ham.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
However, what is equally true is that he failed to make a case for why he should be in the starting lineup in place of the injured Summerville next time out.
The young Brazilian wasn’t terrible on Saturday, but he was almost entirely ineffective, looking unable to create chances for his teammates or get himself into positions where chances could be supplied to him.
Moreover, the 19-year-old still looks as slight as ever and lacks any real power or pace, which are two traits becoming increasingly important for attackers in the Premier League.
Unsurprisingly, the manager decided to take him off at the break, which only made his dire statistics even more pitiful.
Guilherme’s game
Minutes
45′
Expected Goals
0.00
Expected Assists
0.01
Shots
0
Passes
10
Touches
21
Lost Possession
9
Dribbles (Successful)
3 (1)
Ground Duels (Won)
8 (1)
Dribbled Past
1
All Stats via Sofascore
In his 45 minutes of inaction, the Brazilian registered an expected assists figure of 0.01, failed to take a single shot, took just 21 touches, failed in 66% of his dribbles, lost the ball nine times, completed ten passes, was dribbled past and lost seven of eight duels.
In short, Guilherme proved he cannot come in for Summerville again, so Nuno has to bring in one of the club’s most exciting prospects instead.
West Ham's Summerville solution
The player Nuno should bring into the squad to replace Guilherme and help solve the blow of Summerville’s injury is George Earthy.
Now, that might sound bold, and perhaps it is, but the academy gem has long been talked about as one of the club’s next stars, and his time at youth level and out on loan suggests as much.
For example, in 60 appearances for the u18s, totalling 4804 minutes, he scored 25 goals and provided 18 assists, which is an average of a goal involvement every 1.39 games, or every 111.72 minutes.
Then, during his time with the u21s, he scored 18 goals and provided 14 assists in 55 appearances, totalling 3618 minutes, which is an average of a goal involvement every 1.71 games, or every 113.06 minutes.
In other words, the Havering-born gem is a dual threat: a goalscorer and a creator.
Earthy’s Junior Record
Team
U18s
U21s
Appearances
60
55
Minutes
4804′
3618′
Goals
25
18
Assists
18
14
Goal Involvements per Match
0.71
0.58
Minutes per Goal Involvement
111.72′
113.06′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
Moreover, with 40 appearances for Bristol City last season, during which he was named young player of the year, he has plenty of genuine first-team experience under his belt already.
With all of that said, the “priceless” youngster, as dubbed by coach Steve Potts, is primarily an attacking midfielder, and so it would make sense to play him there against Liverpool, which means the man who’d actually outright replace Guilherme is actually Paqueta.
Yes, the Brazilian is also primarily a central player, but has made 36 club appearances on the left-hand side in his career, as well as six for the Brazilian national team.
Anyway, having the former Lyon gem further forward could help make the team more dangerous in attack, while also allowing the 21-year-old to get up to speed in a more familiar position.
Ultimately, it is not ideal, but Guilherme made it clear against Bournemouth that he cannot start games at the moment. Therefore, bringing the incredibly talented Earthy into the middle and allowing Paqueta to play on the left could be the answer to Summerville’s absence – at least for now.
West Ham dealt Jarrod Bowen blow as Nuno faces fresh concern about star winger
The England international is their most crucial man by some distance.
Partex Sporting Club get out of relegation zone with dramatic win while Rakibul Hasan and Nahid Rana shine with the ball
Mohammad Isam27-Mar-2025Key takeawaysAbahani Limited have taken the lead in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League, as it goes into the Eid break. Abahani are now on 14 points, while Gazi Group Cricketers and Mohammedan Sporting Club are on 12 points each. With eight rounds of matches complete, Abahani have taken a significant step towards defending their title.It was a good week for Prime Bank Cricket Club and Mohammedan Sporting Club, who like Abahani won both their matches this week. Mohammedan sealed a seven-wicket win against Shinepukur Cricket Club, but their regular captain fielded for just one over and was rushed to a hospital after suffering a heart attack.Best battersGazi Group’s Anamul Haque reached 500 runs in a Dhaka Premier League season for the seventh time, and became the first to cross the landmark in the 2024-25 season. He struck an unbeaten 149 against Mohammedan last week, following it up with an unbeaten 144 against Gulshan Cricket Club this week. Anamul started the season with two ducks, but now has scored at least a fifty in five of the last six innings, with his other score being 48.Best bowlersLeft-arm spinner <Rakibul Hasan and speedster Nahid Rana took four-wicket hauls against Dhanmondi Sporting Club in Abahani's five-wicket win in Mirpur. Due to workload management, Rana is playing only selective matches for Abahani this season, but he has made an impact. Rana has nine wickets from his four outings, while Rakibul leads the wicket-takers with 17 scalps.Best matchPartex Sporting Club dragged themselves off the relegation zone (bottom three) in dramatic fashion, beating the high-flying Agrani Bank Cricket Club by one wicket. Their middle-order batter Mohammad Rakib was the hero, remaining unbeaten on 80 off 103 balls with five sixes and as many fours. Rakib kept his cool as four wickets fell in the last four overs. With ten runs required off the last over, Rakib first struck a boundary before getting dropped at long-on. He struck another straight boundary before No 11 Abdul Gaffar took a cheeky single off the last ball to win the game.Points to ponderAgrani Bank and Dhanmondi lost both their matches this week. Though Agrani Bank remains in the top six, the big-budgeted Dhanmondi slipped to No. 8 in the points table. Shinepukur and Rupganj Tigers remain at the bottom with just two points each.Players to watchSamiun Basir became only the third bowler in Bangladesh's List-A history to take a five-wicket haul on debut. He took 5 for 27 playing for Legends of Rupganj against Rupganj Tigers in Mirpur. Samiun has a classic left-arm spinner's action, and likes to float the ball to the batter. He also can spin the ball, which would be an asset going forward.