Goalscoring, leadership and world-class quality are just three expressions used to describe the talents possessed by Harry Kane during his decade spell at Tottenham Hotspur.

The Englishman rose through the youth ranks in North London before making himself a staple of the club’s first-team setup between 2013 and 2023, before his move to Bayern Munich.

The centre-forward made 435 appearances and found the back of the net on 280 occasions – a tally which still sees him stand at the top of the club’s all-time goalscoring charts.

His goalscoring record, coupled with his link-up play and creativity, has made him one of the best players to ever play for the club – with Thomas Frank no doubt wishing he could rely on a player of his calibre.

Whilst Kane has moved on to pastures new in recent years, the new manager has already added one top-level talent to his ranks, with the summer addition making an immediate impact in North London.

The underlying stats behind Palhinha’s start to life at Spurs

Joao Palhinha joined Spurs on loan from Bayern Munich this summer, with such a deal that the fanbase wasn’t totally convinced by upon the announcement.

However, a couple of months on from his switch back to the Premier League, the Portuguese international has certainly proved a lot of the doubters wrong.

Despite his defensive midfield role, the 30-year-old has impressed in the final third, already registering four goals and two assists – two of which came in Tuesday’s Champions League win over Copenhagen.

However, out of possession is where the midfielder has thrived, as seen by his phenomenal tally of tackles won in the Premier League over the last few months.

He’s already made 44 tackles in his 10 league outings for the Lilywhites, with such a tally the highest of any player in the entire division at present.

Other figures such as 8.5 duels won per 90 – at a success rate of 63% – with his tally of 1.8 aerials won also highlighting his dominant ball-winning ability at the heart of the side.

Palhinha has immediately handed Frank the number six the side has greatly lacked over recent years, with such an addition one that has been their best in recent years.

The Spurs star who is becoming the best player since Kane

There’s little denying that Palhinha is rapidly making himself one of the first names on the Spurs teamsheet, with no other player in the squad able to do the job he does.

Many supporters have voiced concerns over his lack of progression with the ball at his feet, but ultimately, his main responsibility is to allow those ahead of him to create the magic in attacking areas.

Players such as Xavi Simons, Lucas Bergvall and Pape Sarr are more than capable of feeding off Palhinha and providing the goods with the ball at their feet – with the latter crucial in the Lilywhites’ three-man midfield.

However, his recent exploits in the final third showcase he is a lot more capable in forward areas than the fans give him credit for – with the 30-year-old now on more goal contributions than Mohammed Kudus.

He’s not alone in overperforming in forward areas, with centre-back Micky van de Ven another player who has taken his game to the next level in the attacking department.

The 24-year-old was brought to North London in a £40m deal back in the summer of 2023, undoubtedly being signed to provide needed quality to the backline.

However, in 2025/26, the Dutch international has massively impressed in the attacking department, already scoring five times this season – including a double in the Premier League win over Everton.

Van de Ven also managed to get on the scoresheet in the hammering of Copenhagen this week, running from the edge of his own box before coolly slotting him – just like Kane would do during his time in North London.

The centre-back, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by one analyst, has also dominated defensively this season – as seen by his tally of 1.1 tackles won and 1.3 aerials won per 90.

He’s been phenomenal at picking out a teammate too, completing 92% of the passes he’s attempted, subsequently contributing to his tally of 0.6 chances created per 90.

Games played

15

Goals scored

6

Pass accuracy

92%

Chances created

0.6

Tackles won

1.1

Aerials won

1.3

Dribble success

50%

Recoveries made

3.6

His all-round quality at both ends of the pitch has made him one of the best signings in the club’s recent history – arguably being their best player since Kane left.

Whilst the pair operate in hugely different positions, Van de Ven has assumed the role of being a crucial player in the first team and leading them to new heights in the process.

Spurs star is now "very similar to Saka" and he's better than Johnson

Tottenham Hotspur already have a star who could reach the levels achieved by Bukayo Saka.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 6, 2025

Glasgow Rangers head coach Danny Rohl has already achieved something that Russell Martin did not manage in his time at Ibrox by winning successive Scottish Premiership matches.

The German head coach oversaw a 1-0 win at Easter Road against Hibernian on Wednesday night, after beating Kilmarnock 3-1 at Ibrox at the weekend.

A brilliant Jack Butland save from the penalty spot was needed to secure all three points, but it was a resolute display that was worthy of a win.

The match-winner, in terms of the goal that was scored, was Brazilian centre-forward Danilo, who has seemingly revived his career at Ibrox under Rohl.

How Danilo has revived his Rangers career

Prior to Rohl’s arrival in Glasgow, Danilo had been an unused substitute in three of his last four appearances in the matchday squad, and had not featured in the Scottish Premiership since August.

Since the German head coach came through the door, though, the former Feyenoord marksman has scored two goals in two games to lead the Gers to two wins.

Danilo, as you can see in the clip above, brilliantly found the back of the net with a blistering left-footed finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the box to win the game for the Gers.

Chalkboard

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

His career at Ibrox, which looked on the ropes under Martin, appears to have been revived because of Rohl’s trust in him, and his performances when called upon in the last two games.

Danilo is not the only star who has revived his career at Rangers since the new manager arrived at the club, though, as Nasser Djiga falls into the same category.

How Nasser Djiga has saved his Rangers career

Prior to Rohl’s first match in charge, Football FanCast suggested that the Wolves loanee could be in danger of being ditched in January, because of his errors during Martin’s time in charge.

Before Wednesday night’s win over Hibs, Djiga had been an unused substitute in six of his last eight appearances in the matchday squad, which shows that he fell way down the pecking order under the former Gers head coach.

Rohl’s decision to go to a back three system has provided the Burkina Faso international with an opportunity to revive his career at Ibrox, and his performance against Hibernian suggests that he has taken it.

As you can see in the table above, the Wolves loanee was the standout defender in the back three with his exceptional display at Easter Road, winning more duels, making more clearances, making more tackles, and making more interceptions than John Souttar and Derek Cornelius.

He was incredibly aggressive in his defending to mop up situations before they got too close to Butland, and his standout moment came when he recovered brilliantly to make a last-man challenge in the box in the first half to prevent a one-on-one situation.

Djiga was even better than Danilo, who lost 100% (2/2) of his duels on the night, because it was his all-round defensive dominance that played a major role in Rangers coming away with all three points, whilst the Brazilian had one moment of magic in an otherwise uneventful outing.

Overall, a mixture of Rohl’s tactical tweak and Djiga’s brilliance when called upon has seemingly saved the loanee centre-back’s career at Ibrox, for now.

Rohl could now turn "exciting" Rangers star into his own Shankland at Ibrox

Following Rangers’ 3-1 home win over Kilmarnock on Sunday, has Danny Röhl unearthed an “exciting” attacker who could be their own Lawrence Shankland?

By
Ben Gray

Oct 28, 2025

Alex Marshall, the new consultant to the BCB’s anti-corruption department, wants to strengthen the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) so that it doesn’t look like a “vulnerable” competition to bookies and other corruptors. Marshall, who was the ICC’s anti-corruption unit general manager until September last year, has been appointed by the BCB for a year.He arrived in Dhaka on Monday, and met BCB president Aminul Islam and the rest of the directors on Tuesday. Marshall said he would look at every aspect of the BPL, including team ownership structure, so that the tournament’s foundation is less susceptible to corruption.”The biggest threat to any franchise league around the world is when it appears vulnerable,” Marshall said. “That’s why we need to ensure the BPL does not give off that impression. The way the tournament is run, how finances are managed, and how team ownership is structured – all of these must be handled at a high, professional standard and properly safeguarded.Related

• BCB drop several players from BPL auction following findings of corruption report

• BCB brings in Alex Marshall for its anti-corruption unit

• BCB on the slow lane to freedom

• BCB forms independent body to probe BPL corruption allegations

“The reality is, if a franchise league isn’t seen as professional and well-protected, it eventually becomes a target for corruptors. We’ve seen this happen in many countries, and the BPL has also faced issues in the past. That’s why it’s essential for a new integrity unit to provide the protection the league needs.”The fallout from the BPL’s last season, which finished in February this year, is still making headlines in Bangladesh. The board appointed an independent investigation committee following a swirl of corruption allegations in the BPL. Eight months on, the three-member committee is still wrapping up its investigation, with the BCB expecting the primary report later this month. The committee has reportedly uncovered several spot-fixing cases in the last five BPL seasons, including the 2024-25 edition.The BCB is also still dealing with two franchises, Durbar Rajshahi and Chittagong Kings, who have dues pending with the board and players. The BCB recently released a statement detailing how much they are owed by Chittagong. BPL apart, the BCB’s anti-corruption unit is also investigating a controversial stumping incident in last season’s Dhaka Premier League, the country’s main List A competition.Alex Marshall: ‘I am working with the board and the president to design an integrity unit that gives the right level of protection that is deserved within Bangladesh’•Getty Images

Marshall said he had found the full support of the BCB’s directors, including president Aminul, as he looks to redesign the anti-corruption unit. He said much would depend on how much the unit can educate players, coaches and officials to shield them from corruptors.”I am working with the board and the president to design an integrity unit that gives the right level of protection that is deserved within Bangladesh,” Marshall said. “I will complete that design over the next three or four weeks, and I will then present that back to the board for their sign-off.”Therefore, after that point, you would see the implementation of the unit. But that’s just one moment of creating something. The effort needs to be long-term education, [and] protection. And if someone breaches the rules, they need to know they will be investigated and they will be prosecuted.”

Sven-Goran Eriksson's family has been forced to sell his lakeside mansion in a cut-price deal to help pay off the late England manager's massive debts. Eriksson, who was in charge of England for five years and took the team to two World Cups and a European Championship, bought the mansion in 2001 for a whopping £4.5 million, but his family has now accepted a total loss on the property of around £3m.

• Eriksson's lakeside mansion sold off

  Former England boss Eriksson, who passed away at the age of 76 in August 2024 after a battle against pancreatic cancer, left behind a huge amount of debt, which his family is struggling to pay off. In March this year, Eriksson's partner Yaniseth Alcides and children Lina and Johan organised an auction of his collection of memorabilia. They sold off several valuable collectables, including his Armani suit from the Three Lions’ round of 16 match at the 2006 World Cup, with hand-written team notes still in the pocket. The family raised a total of £140,000 to help settle the debts.

  According to , Eriksson owed the UK taxman £7.4 million and an additional £1m in other debts. Now, his luxurious lakeside mansion in Torsby, Varmland, in his native Sweden, has been sold for £1.3m. The family had initially put the property on the market with a valuation of £2m, but later slashed the price by £400,000 to attract bidders. Eventually, an anonymous e-commerce businesswoman bought the house. 

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• AFP
  

  'Of course I thought it was fantastic'

  The anonymous buyer visited the mansion as a child when her father renovated it for the late Swede. She told : "Of course I thought it was fantastic. But it was still far from obvious to me to buy it when it came up for sale. It felt like a big project and a big responsibility. However, the opportunity to manage a small part of Värmland’s cultural heritage, and at the same time enjoy the fantastic environment, was ultimately irresistible. 

  "We live and work in Stockholm but my soul is always somewhere in northern Värmland. We will spend as much time as we can there. I come from Torsby myself, my whole family is in Värmland, and we are always in Torsby on all holidays. Our dream with Bjorkefors is to make it an obvious gathering place for the family for generations to come."

• How did Eriksson fall into the debt trap?

  Eriksson earned tens of millions in salary during his 42-year coaching career, during which he managed 12 clubs and four national teams. He made around £22.5m in his five-year stint in charge of England. However, by 2007, he fell into massive debt after being duped out of £10m by financial advisor Samir Khan, to whom he entrusted his fortune. The former coach later took Khan to court and even won the legal battle, but he never got back any of that lost money for unknown reasons.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Eriksson's glorious managerial journey

  Eriksson enjoyed a glittering managerial career that spanned over four decades across several countries and continents. He managed 12 different clubs across the globe, including Lazio, Roma, Manchester City, Leicester City and Benfica. Eriksson also managed the Ivory Coast, Mexico and the Philippines in international football. 

  He won league titles in Italy and Portugal with Lazio and Benfica and guided England to back-to-back quarter-finals at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, as their first non-British manager. At 76, Eriksson was finally able to live out his dream of managing Liverpool in March 2024, as he took charge of a legends match against Ajax and guided the Reds to a 4-2 win.

Beau Webster, Australia’s incumbent Test allrounder, has four fifties in seven Tests, but knows the No. 6 spot might not be his forever

Andrew McGlashan18-Aug-20252:25

Webster’s 63 steadies Australia

Beau Webster is ready to have to prove himself all over again in a bid to secure a spot in Australia’s side for the Ashes, despite having produced a collection of vital innings early in his Test career.Webster has scored four half-centuries in seven Tests, starting with a critical one on debut against India at the SCG, where Australia clinched the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He followed that by being the team’s top-scorer in the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s, and by making fifties in Barbados and Grenada in very tough conditions against West Indies. Alongside the runs, Webster has claimed eight wickets with the ball, and added strength to Australia’s slip cordon.However, despite those strong returns, there is a world where he sees himself squeezed out of the Test XI by the time England arrive for the Ashes. That could happen if Cameron Green’s return to bowling remains on track, and the selectors decide to move Green back down the order rather than keep him at No. 3, where he finished strongly in the West Indies.Related

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“When you’re at the top level, you’re fighting to hang on to your spot,” Webster told reporters in Hobart, having returned from a county stint with Warwickshire, for whom he played two more matches in this season’s County Championship after the West Indies tour.”With all the wonderful cricketers around the country, and especially a guy like Cameron Green, he batted at the top of the order [in the West Indies], and didn’t bowl. He’s obviously going to be back bowling this summer, which is going to put a bit more pressure on my spot at No. 6 as the allrounder. But I welcome it.”I feel like I’ve been in this position before a lot in my career, where I’ve got to score runs to either go to the next level or stay on the team. It’s certainly not unfamiliar. I’m looking forward to once again showing what I can do at [Sheffield] Shield level, and hopefully, be lining up in that first Ashes Test in Perth. It’s going to be a massive summer. I’m sure the team’s going to change a little bit throughout those five Tests. I’m just going to do everything I can to make sure I’m there for all five.”There is plenty to play out before the Test squad is selected, and then a final XI determined for the opening Ashes game on November 21. Moving Green back down the order would need two top-order players to make a compelling case for selection, given there is a likely vacancy as an opener alongside Usman Khawaja after Sam Konstas’ struggles against West Indies.Webster could play four Sheffield Shield matches before the opening Test – Australia’s squad is expected to be named after round three – and if he picks up the form that propelled him into the Australia set-up in the first place, it will leave the selectors with some tough decisions about whether they can fit two allrounders in the XI.”There’s no hundred next to my name, which I would have loved to go on with one of those [half-centuries]”•Cricket Australia via Getty Images”It’s going to be an intriguing first couple of rounds with potentially all the big boys playing a few of the Shield games, too,” Webster said. “There’s going to be some really strong Shield teams out there, which only promotes better cricket. So it’s going to be exciting for our boys to line up against a number of Test cricketers in the first couple of rounds as well.”It’s always exciting when the team’s not quite settled, and there’s a few opportunities for people to put their hand up and try and get a spot in that first squad.”Webster’s only regret from his Test career so far is that none of his half-centuries have been converted into three figures, even though the runs he has scored have often been worth more given the conditions.”I feel like I’ve scored some tough runs,” he said. “At the same time, there’s no hundred next to my name, which I would have loved to go on with one of those [half-centuries]. I felt like I was batting as good as I have done in a number of those innings. I feel like I’ve got all the tools to succeed this summer in the Ashes with what England are going to potentially bring.”

Craig Ervine to lead Zimbabwe’s 16-member squad for their first ODIs since February

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Aug-2025

Wicketkeeper-batter Brendan Taylor is set to make his ODI comeback for Zimbabwe in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka after completing his ban for breaching the ICC’s anti-corruption code. He had made his international comeback earlier this month, in the second Test against New Zealand in Bulawayo, and his previous ODI appearance was against Ireland in September 2021.Zimbabwe have named a 16-member squad led by Craig Ervine for the two ODIs in Harare on August 29 and 31. The teams also play three T20Is in Harare on September 3, 6 and 7.”We are delighted to welcome Brendan back into the fold,” Zimbabwe convener of selectors David Mutendera said in a statement. “His experience and quality are invaluable, especially in pressure situations, and his presence will no doubt lift the dressing room.”Zimbabwe have not played ODIs since the series against Ireland in February. Clive Madande, Tony Munyonga, Brad Evans and uncapped seamer Ernest Masuku are the new additions to the squad.”This squad has been selected to give us the best chance against a strong Sri Lankan side,” Mutendera said. “We have combined proven match-winners with players who are hungry to make their mark, and that mix of experience and energy will be crucial as we transition from red-ball cricket to the fast pace of ODIs.”Zimbabwe’s recent results have been poor. Since June, they have been beaten heavily in two home Tests against South Africa, lost all their games in a T20I tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand, and suffered heavy defeats in two home Tests against New Zealand.”We’ve just come off a tough red-ball series and now it’s about adjusting to the tempo and intensity of one-day cricket,” Zimbabwe’s head coach Justin Sammons said. “Clarity in roles will be key – each player must understand exactly what’s required. Get that right, and I believe we can compete strongly against a very disciplined Sri Lankan outfit.”Zimbabwe squad for ODI series against Sri LankaCraig Ervine (capt), Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Trevor Gwandu, Wessly Madhevere, Clive Madande, Ernest Masuku, Tony Munyonga, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams.

The New York Yankees beat the Cleveland Guardians 6-3 on Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium. Aaron Judge hit his first home run of the postseason and the bottom of the Yankees order—Anthony Volpe, Anthony Rizzo and Alex Verdugo—went a combined 5-of-10 at the plate to help give New York a 2-0 lead in the American League Championship Series.

The Yankees could have scored more runs, but a sixth inning rally was cut drastically short by two players making outs on the basepaths.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. led off the inning with a double off Erik Sabrowski. He then proceded to get picked off while he was considering an attempt to steal third.

After Volpe walked, Rizzo doubled him home. Then with Gleyber Torres at the plate Rizzo got caught in a rundown after he misread a pitch in the dirt.

That's right. Two different Yankees hit doubles in the same inning and both got picked off.

John Sterling was on the call for WFAN 660 and could not believe what he was seeing. Actually, that's not accurate. He absolutely believed what he was seeing and described it like this:

"Boy, if that wasn't the Yankees," Sterling said. "That's… that's what they do. Run the bases like drunks."

That is the voice of a man who has seen a lot of bad baserunning this season.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has piled praise on a player who’s taken his game to a “different dimension” after their 3-0 win at Slavia Prague.

It was no Viktor Gyokeres, no problem for the Gunners on Tuesday evening as Arteta’s side extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 13 games on the bounce.

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 1-1 Man City

Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal

Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid

Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace

Arsenal 2-0 Brighton

Burnley 0-2 Arsenal

Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal

As Arsenal sweat over the fitness of their summer signing, amid reports of a potential hamstring injury which could keep Gyokeres out until the North London derby, Arteta still found a way to cope without the Swede.

Mikel Merino was deployed as a makeshift number nine, which was a flashback to near the end of last season, and the Spaniard duly impressed with two goals in the Czech Republic soon after Bukayo Saka opened the floodgates with a penalty on the half-hour mark.

It was a routine win for the north Londoners in the end, with a much-changed Arsenal side impressing as summer signing Piero Hincapie made his first Champions League start.

Hale End academy graduate Ethan Nwaneri was also handed the nod by Arteta before Arsenal’s boss introduced fellow teenagers Max Dowman and Andre Annous in the second-half, with a host of homegrown talents given the chance to shine on Europe’s biggest stage.

Merino has stolen most of the headlines after proving his worth as a capable striking deputy once again, while Hincapie showcased exactly why Arsenal brought him on loan from Bayer Leverkusen.

However, according to Arteta, the player everybody needs to be taking more note of is none other than right-back Jurrien Timber.

The Dutchman has been nothing short of exceptional since coming back from that ACL injury in his debut season, and has since worked his way into becoming an undroppable for Arteta’s side.

Arsenal are now working on a new and improved deal for Timber, with club legend Ray Parlour also branding him one of their players of the season thus far.

Mikel Arteta says Jurrien Timber is on a "different dimension"

Speaking to the press after Arsenal’s win at Prague, Arteta claimed that Timber is now on a “different dimension” and setting the standard for his Arsenal teammates.

The Netherlands international continues to showcase why he’s perhaps one of Arsenal’s more underrated stars, and the feeling within N5 is that Timber is actually one of world football’s best full-backs, according to journalist Graeme Bailey recently.

The 24-year-old is due a pay rise akin to the likes of Leandro Trossard and David Raya recently.

According to WhoScored, Timber is actually Arsenal’s third-best performer in the Premier League, just behind Declan Rice and Gabriel, and none of his teammates have made more tackles per 90 in the top flight.

Timber’s form is the main reason why Ben White hasn’t got much of a look-in since returning to fitness, but Arteta won’t be complaining as he boasts the arguably strongest full-back roster in England right now.

أفادت تقارير صحفية إسبانية أن برشلونة يواصل متابعته لسوق الانتقالات باستمرار ومن المتوقع أن يتعاقد مع عدة لاعبين في صيف 2026.

ومن الواضح أن برشلونة يرغب بالتعاقد مع مدافع جديد حيث ارتبط بعدة أسماء مثل نيكو شلوتربيك مدافع بوروسيا دورتموند وجونزالو إيناسيو مدافع لشبونة ومارك جويهي مدافع كريستال بالاس ودايوت أوباميكانو مدافع بايرن ميونخ وتايل تاتي مدافع نانت، ويراقب أيضاً العديد من اللاعبين الهجوميين لتعزيز صفوفه.

وبحسب “سبورت” الإسبانية فإن سعيد الملا نجم نادي كولن الألماني، أصبح أحد اللاعبين الذين يراقبهم برشلونة، ويعد أحد النجوم الصاعدة في الدوري الألماني هذا الموسم.

اقرأ أيضاً.. توابع زيارة ميسي لـ كامب نو.. برشلونة يدرس “إجراء تاريخي” لتكريم أسطورته

وكان الألماني سعيد الملا ذو الأصول الليبية قد تألق في الموسم الماضي وأحرز 14 هدفًا، ويواصل أيضاً التسجيل وصناعة الأهداف وحدد كولن تكلفته حيث تبلغ 30 مليون يورو.

ويثير الملا إعجاب هانز فليك وجهازه الفني في مركز الجناح، وقد استحق اللاعب انضمامه لقائمة منتخب ألمانيا ولكنه لم يشارك ضد لوكسمبورج في المباراة السابقة في تصفيات أوروبا المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026.

جدير بالذكر أن برشلونة ارتبط أيضاً خلال الأيام الماضية بالتعاقد مع توماس دي مارتيس المهاجم الأرجنتيني الشاب صاحب الـ17 عاماً والذي يلعب لنادي لانوس.

Liverpool have been warned they may have completely destroyed their hopes of signing long-term target Marc Guehi after failing to close a deal in the previous summer window. With interest rising across Europe and Crystal Palace holding firm, the Reds are now being told they “blew their chance” and face an uphill battle to revive talks with the England international.

Liverpool's failed Guehi move

Liverpool’s failed pursuit of Guehi has become one of the defining storylines of their defensive planning over the past year. The Reds believed they were close to securing the Crystal Palace captain in the final hours of the summer window, only for the move to collapse when the Eagles backed out after failing to sign a replacement. Guehi had reportedly agreed on personal terms and begun the initial stages of a medical, but the London club refused to validate the deal sheet once it became clear they would be unable to bring in a defender.

The breakdown left Liverpool short of the reinforcement they had targeted, particularly as they entered a season where Ibrahima Konate’s contract situation and fitness concerns were already complicating squad building. With Giovanni Leoni suffering a season-ending injury shortly after deadline day, the need for Guehi became even greater. His inability to move due to Palace’s refusal to sell ensured Liverpool were forced into a campaign relying on a thin group of centre-back options.

The frustration inside Anfield has reportedly lingered, with internal figures acknowledging that the decision to wait until the final hours of the window made the club vulnerable to exactly this outcome. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportLiverpool told they missed their shot at signing Guehi

Ex-Liverpool star Don Hutchison was unequivocal when assessing Liverpool’s failure to get the deal done, insisting the club had only themselves to blame for missing what he viewed as an essential signing. Speaking to Sportscasting.com, he said: “They’ve blown their chances of landing him. One million percent. I mean, I'd love to be a fly on the wall at Liverpool when they didn't get the Guehi deal done. Let's just say Crystal Palace wanted £45 million. Liverpool should have given them £50m, because they're going to have Marc Guehi for six years. They should have just paid the money.”

Hutchison stressed how transformative the England international could have been for a squad that already contains major leaders at the back. He added: “When I compare Liverpool to Arsenal, I see two proper men and two proper guys that won't be bullied in Calafiori and Timber, alongside Saliba and Gabriel. So you've got four centre-backs across there. If Marc Guehi was at Liverpool now he'd be playing at left-back and you'd be Konate, Van Dijk, Bradley and Guehi, and you’d be thinking crikey, that’s pretty versatile.”

He concluded that delaying the investment had placed Liverpool in a weakened position for future negotiations. “Liverpool should have just paid Palace whatever they wanted. I think it was a poor move. They were so focused on signing Isak. I understand that, because you can’t turn it down, but Guehi had to be the other priority. This January has to be the marker with Guehi if they want to finish in the top four.”

Guehi free to start talks with European clubs in January

The collapse of the Guehi deal is now seen as even more damaging given the unique contract situation looming ahead of the defender’s final months at Crystal Palace. His deal expires in June 2026, meaning that from January he can negotiate a free-transfer pre-contract agreement with any club outside England. This creates a major disadvantage for Liverpool, who must wait until the summer to make a formal approach while European heavyweights gain a five-month head start.

Bayern Munich and Barcelona have already positioned themselves as leading contenders, each viewing the England international as an elite, cost-effective solution. Their ability to offer huge signing-on bonuses and early certainty could sway the defender long before Liverpool re-enter the race. Palace are believed to prefer losing him for free rather than accepting a reduced January fee, ensuring the player will almost certainly control his next move.

The failed summer transfer has also raised questions about Liverpool’s strategic planning under Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes. Their decision not to prioritise defensive reinforcements earlier in the window, despite concerns about Konate’s contract and the squad’s ageing profile, is now being reflected upon with regret. Liverpool understand that Guehi’s market is expanding by the month, making a once-achievable signing exponentially harder.

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Getty Images SportLiverpool line up defensive targets

If Liverpool miss out again, the club will be forced to pivot toward other major defensive targets. Alessandro Bastoni, Nico Schlotterbeck and Willian Pacho are among the names being monitored, but each presents the kind of financial and competitive challenges that underline why Guehi was viewed as the ideal option.