Wasim Jaffer reckons that Kohli has expanded his range of shots and now has “a game for every situation”
ESPNcricinfo staff13-Apr-20251:22
Jaffer: ‘Kohli has the game for every situation’
Virat Kohli steering a chase to its end and walking away unbeaten. How many times have we seen that in white-ball cricket? The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter made 62 off 45 balls as his team beat Rajasthan Royals (RR) by nine wickets in Jaipur.The win was set up by RCB’s other opener, Phil Salt, who peppered the boundary, particularly inside the powerplay to lift his team to 65 for 0 in the first six overs. By the time he fell, the visitors only needed 83 off 68 balls. Former India international Piyush Chawla reckons that helped Kohli ease into his innings.”That’s how he is, isn’t it? And that’s why we put him at the top of the list of white-ball cricketers. Just because of this reason,” Chawla said on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut. “When he goes out there, he makes things look so easy.Related
RCB extend winning run away from home as Kohli and Salt sink Royals
“This was a perfect platform for Virat Kohli. He is getting runs this season. He has started so well. And when you are chasing 173-odd runs and you get that kind of a start with Phil Salt doing what he does best, you know that Virat Kohli will go not out for sure.”Wasim Jaffer felt that Kohli has expanded his repertoire of shots and now has a “game for all situations”. In recent times, Kohli has been more willing to step out to the spinners to throw them off their lengths. He’s also brought out the sweep to good effect.Kohli now has 66 fifty-plus scores in the IPL, the joint-most with David Warner. This was also his 100th half-century in T20 cricket. Kohli has 109 fifty-plus scores in all T20s, just one shy of Chris Gayle, who is second. Warner with 116 leads the list.”He has got a game for all situations,” Jaffer said. “Today we saw him step out and hit sixes. Sometimes, we didn’t see that before. But now he does that, he uses the slog sweep as well.”He is a master. He has got 100-plus fifties in T20s also. Hell of a numbers. I don’t think we should be talking about him, he is such a great player.”
كشفت تقارير صحفية إسبانية حقيقة تلقي نادي برشلونة عرضًا ضخمًا من نادي الهلال السعودي للظفر بخدمات أحد نجومه، بمقتضى صفقة ذهبية لإبعاده عن بطل الدوري الإسباني.
وزعمت شبكة “Fichajes” الإسبانية أن نادي الهلال السعودي قدم عرضًا غير مسبوق لضم النجم لامين يامال من صفوف برشلونة، مقابل 400 مليون يورو، بمقتضى صفقة سارية لمدة 7 سنوات.
ولكن صحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية ذكرت أن برشلونة نفى صحة تلك التقارير حيث أوضح النادي الكتالوني أنه لم يتلق ذلك العرض من الهلال، وليس على علم به، ولكنه كذلك ليس مستعدًا لبيع نجمه.
اقرأ أيضًا.. موندو: بشرط جزائي 500 مليون يورو.. لاعب برشلونة يستمر مع الفريق لمدة عقد من الزمان
وسبق أن ارتبط لامين يامال بإمكانية مغادرة برشلونة والانتقال إلى باريس سان جيرمان، في مارس 2024، مقابل 200 مليون يورو.
ووقع لامين يامال عقدًا مع برشلونة، في الصيف الماضي، ساريًا حتى عام 2031، وأصبح ضمن أعلى اللاعبين أجرًا في صفوف الفريق الكتالوني.
وبمقتضى العقد الجديد، يستطيع لامين يامال الحصول على راتب ثابت قدره 10 ملايين يورو سنويًا، إلى جانب مكافأة توقيع 25 مليون يورو موزعة على 6 سنوات، إلى جانب مكافآت أخرى متنوعة.
Harry Kane says he is "extremely proud" after he broke a record shared by Erling Haaland and Cristiano Ronaldo by scoring his 100th Bundesliga goal in a "perfect night" for Bayern Munich. The England captain hit the back of the net twice on Friday night against Werder Bremen, taking his Bayern tally to a stunning 100 goals. What makes the feat even more jaw-dropping is that he’s done it faster than any of Europe’s modern greats.
Kane's record-breaking night
Ronaldo took 105 matches to hit the century of league goals for Real Madrid. Haaland, meanwhile, matched that pace when he racked up 100 in the Premier League with Manchester City. Kane, however, smashed the milestone in just 104 appearances, making him the quickest across Europe’s elite leagues.
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A penalty, a poacher’s finish, and history made
Against Werder Bremen, the script was written for Kane to shine. His first came from the spot, ruthlessly dispatching a penalty that left the goalkeeper with no chance. Whereas his second was a classic striker’s goal, sharp movement followed by a clinical finish that Bayern fans have now come to expect as standard. The double sealed three points for Vincent Kompany’s side and a clean sheet to match. For Kane, though, the night meant so much more. A place in history, secured.
Kane's message to fans
After the final whistle, Kane addressed the fans with a video message that carried the glow of a man at the peak of his powers.
"Hi guys, just got back from another great night at the Allianz. Four goals, clean sheet, three points in the bag. Just a perfect night for us and the performance was top from start to finish," he said.
"We could be really happy with that and obviously our form going into next week as well. From a personal point of view, 100 goals for Bayern Munich, I'm extremely proud of that. I'm privileged to play for this great club and to do it in record time, 104 games as well, is for sure something I'm proud of.
"It just shows all the hard work and dedication pays off. Obviously a big thank you to all the teammates, all the staff at Bayern as well, who make it possible. Without them, I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing," he added.
"As always, friends, family, they're the people behind the scenes that keep me in a good place. Right now I'm as good as I've ever felt. On to Paphos away on Tuesday night in the Champions League. Will be another tough game but we'll be ready for it. A couple of days recovery and then travel out there and look forward to that one. Look forward to seeing the fans out there in Cyprus and hopefully we can get another great result for you."
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European challenge next for Bayern’s talisman
Bayern now turn their attention to the Champions League, where a trip to Cyprus to face Pafos awaits on Tuesday night. Before the international break, the Bavarians also have a tricky Bundesliga clash with Eintracht Frankfurt on the horizon. But with Kane firing on all cylinders, the Munich camp has little to fear.
Harry Kane has been warned off a future career in NFL, with the England international told that “monsters” will be waiting to “hit” him in a different form of football. The Bayern Munich striker has been advised to focus on playing soccer until his 40, allowing him to score “a million goals” and retire in peace without having to put his body on the line again.
Swap one form of football for another
Kane, who is a big American football fan, has hinted at exploring a move that would see him become a kicker in the NFL. He would welcome the opportunity to swap goal-getting for points scoring.
AdvertisementGetty/GOALEmulate longevity of Ronaldso & Messi
The 32-year-old striker has, however, admitted that he wants to spend as long as possible playing at the highest level in soccer circles before any thought is given to a change in scenery. He could emulate the longevity of all-time greats Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Rough treatment: Kane sent warning
If that proves to be the case, then former Manchester United and Italy frontman Giuseppe Rossi – who was born in America and spent time in MLS – believes that Kane should steer well clear of giant physical specimens that would like nothing more than to rough him up.
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GettyKane advice from American-born ex-MLS star
Rossi – speaking to , who offer the latest Champions League betting – said: “Listen, there's one piece of advice I'm going to give Harry Kane (about the NFL): Don't do it. You just need to get hit once, and you're done.
“I actually had this debate with two ex-NFL players. I was telling them I could easily play in the NFL. He said, ‘You don't want to get hit by these guys; these guys are monsters.’ I took a quick look at them and thought, ‘You know what?’ You're probably right. Who the hell wants to get hit?’
“Hopefully, he retires at 40 years old because I love watching him play. He retires at 40 years old, and he can kick, but sometimes a kicker does get hit, and you don't want that to happen. So, I hope he stays to play his football and scores a million goals and enjoys himself.”
Allrounder Aaron Hardie bowled a lively opening spell in his first Sheffield Shield appearance of the season before Western Australia’s frontline attack restricted Tasmania on a rare rain-interrupted day’s play at the WACA.Only 53 overs were bowled on the opening day with Tasmania finishing at 158 for 5 in a rematch of last season’s Shield final. No.5 Jake Doran held firm with an attractive 59 not out before play was called off after rain lashed the ground early in the final session.Related
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In the wake of Cameron Green being ruled out of the summer, there has been considerable spotlight on Hardie who represents a like-for-like replacement. He impressed on Australia’s recent white-ball tour of the UK, but missed WA’s season opener against Queensland due to a quad injury.There had been speculation that Hardie would play as a specialist batter, but he entered the attack in the ninth over after openers Jake Weatherald and Caleb Jewell comfortably saw off the new ball.Hardie immediately produced sharp bounce and bowled a short of a length line to cause problems for Jewell, who on 11 survived a loud appeal for caught behind.Hardie bowled two three-over bursts but struggled to find the same bite in his spell in the second session. He finished with 0 for 32 from six overs.Allrounder Mitchell Marsh is available to bowl, having played as a specialist batter against Queensland, but has yet to enter the attack and spent most of his time fielding at first slip.Perth is usually known for its oppressive conditions during cricket season, but amid overcast skies and rain in the air, WA skipper Sam Whiteman had no hesitation to bowl first on a green wicket.The WA quicks relished the prospect but offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli, who recently earned Australia A selection, stole the show with the wickets of Weatherald and captain Jordan Silk before lunch.After being well collared by Queensland, with Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja counterattacking him in good batting conditions, Rocchiccioli conjured sharp turn and trademark bounce to put WA on top.He outfoxed Silk, normally very proficient against spin, with a looping delivery that had him dancing down the track but hitting straight to midwicket.Quick Brody Couch, who had a mixed WA debut against Queensland, was fiery and clocked speeds reaching 143kph. He was rewarded for the breakthrough of Jewell, who edged a good length delivery to second slip.WA had a stranglehold but rain cascaded on the ground shortly after lunch causing a brief interruption. The weather change seemed to change the state of the game on resumption with Rocchiccioli unable to have the same impact in very windy conditions and with a damp ball that was suddenly impotent.Doran capitalised and hit several gorgeous strokes straight down the ground as he combined in a half-century partnership with Charlie Wakim. WA were left frustrated and seemingly going through motions until quick Cameron Gannon, who bowled too full with the new ball, had Wakim edging to second slip.Much like Hardie, allrounder Beau Webster might be in Test calculations to replace Green but he made just 3 after nicking off to seamer Matt Kelly as play soon ended prematurely in a rarity at the WACA.
Chelsea are widely believed to be in advanced talks to sign both Xavi Simons and Jorrel Hato, but they’re not the only players who BlueCo have bid for after Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro were signed earlier this summer.
Fabrizio Romano: Chelsea "agree deal" to sign "sensation" with medical held
Enzo Maresca is welcoming another exciting player.
ByEmilio Galantini Jul 26, 2025
Enzo Maresca, according to recent reports, is prioritising another new attacker after their £145 million triple deal for Delap, Gittens and Pedro – coming after his side were thwarted time and time again by sides in the low block last season (Simon Phillips).
This suggestion may have prompted the Blues to turn towards RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons, who is believed to be in advanced talks over a move to Stamford Bridge (Fabrizio Romano).
Chelsea’s best performers in the Premier League last season
Average match rating
Cole Palmer
7.33
Moises Caicedo
7.02
Enzo Fernández
6.95
Nicolas Jackson
6.88
Noni Madueke
6.82
via WhoScored
The 22-year-old, who’s bagged 21 goals and 23 assists since joining Leipzig on an initial loan at the start of 2023/2024, only made his move to the Bundesliga permanent in January, but he’s now prepared to leave Germany for the Premier League.
“Xavi is a different player,” Barcelona forward and ex-teammate, Dani Olmo, told Leipzig’s official website.
“He has shown that so far in the time he has been here. We connect really well on the pitch but he can also do things on his own. He has an amazing dribbling technique, finishing as well.
RB Leipzig'sXaviSimonsreacts after the match
“He’s a really complete player and for us, for our system, for how we play, our ideas, the coaches’ ideas, it is perfect for us. Now he’s in a really good mood, in a really good shape so this is very helpful.”
Elsewhere, Chelsea are also closing in on a deal for Ajax defender Jorrel Hato after agreeing personal terms with the Dutchman, and he was left out of John Heitinga’s squad for their 5-1 Como Cup win over Celtic earlier this week.
Amidst these reports, Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport has now lifted the lid on a Chelsea approach for Juventus sensation Kenan Yildiz.
Chelsea make near £61 million offer to sign Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz
According to La Gazzetta, via Calciomercato, Chelsea have submitted a near-£61m bid for Yildiz, but Juventus rejected it out of hand.
Juventus' KenanYildizcelebrates
The Turkey international is viewed by Igor Tudor’s side as a key player for next season as they seek to become Serie A title challengers once again, with Juve also attempting to tie Yildiz down by opening talks over a new contract.
Bayern Munich and Barcelona are named as fellow suitors for the 20-year-old, but the Old Lady are set to dig their heels in after Yildiz’s impressive 2024/2025 campaign.
He would’ve been an interesting alternative to Simons, but as talks advance for the ex-PSG starlet, Yildiz appears unlikely to make the switch to west London.
“Kenan has huge potential, he has rare qualities: he can make the difference up front with the dynamism of a midfielder,” said Tudor about the player.
“He’s a special talent, but it’s his mentality that will take him far.”
It is not hard to imagine a world in which Ollie Robinson spent Wednesday preparing to lead England’s attack against Sri Lanka at The Oval. Instead, with weeks left to run on his central contract, he spearheaded Sussex’s charge into T20 Blast Finals Day at a sold-out Hove – first with the ball, and then in the field with a bullseye run-out of Liam Livingstone.It was a performance that left Sussex’s captain, Tymal Mills, pushing Robinson’s credentials on the franchise circuit. “Hopefully, he picks up some more T20 gigs off the back of it,” Mills said. “I don’t know what’s going to happen with him England-wise in red-ball cricket, but he’s shown he’s a very skilful new-ball bowler.”Even with Jos Buttler missing, Lancashire fielded seven internationals to Sussex’s five but were totally outplayed, with Robinson instrumental. On a fresh, grassy pitch, he struck with the first ball of the match, bowling Phil Salt – returning to his old club – via his pad with an in-ducker, then yorked Keaton Jennings in the seventh over after being swung over mid-on for a pair of sixes.Jennings’ dismissal for 37 sparked a slow-motion collapse of 5 for 14 in four overs, before Livingstone took charge of the game: he twice crunched Mills over square leg, and launched Jofra Archer over long-off. But on 43, after steering to short third, he was sent back by Luke Wood, sprawled at full stretch to make his ground, and was beaten by Robinson’s direct hit.When Archer, playing his first game in the Blast since 2021, rearranged Saqib Mahmood’s stumps, Lancashire had been bowled out for just 114, the lowest first-innings score at Hove in eight years. Brad Currie struck twice with his inswingers, while spinners James Coles and Jack Carson kept the brakes on through the middle – but Robinson was the star.”I didn’t expect to have him much at all in the Blast,” Mills said. “But once it looked like he was getting left out of the England team, he was with us from the start and has been fantastic. He’s been thinking about the game, helping me out in the field, and I can’t speak highly enough of him. It’s been a huge boost to have him.”Robinson is not renowned as the most athletic fielder but was quick to point out on Sky Sports that his direct hit was his second of the season. “He’s in excellent shape,” Mills said. “He’s clearly enjoying his cricket. He’s really committed down here — he’s signed a contract extension for next year — and is in a really good place at the moment.”When Stuart Broad retired at the end of last summer’s Ashes series, Robinson looked like the obvious replacement. Instead, he has played a single Test since, bowling 13 wicketless overs in Ranchi while struggling with a back issue. Even with James Anderson following Broad into retirement and Mark Wood injured, Robinson is nowhere to be seen.There is little doubt about Robinson’s ability – he still has an exceptional Test record, with 76 wickets at 22.92 – but he has often faced questions about his fitness and his desire. It was only last week that Luke Wright, England’s national selector, challenged him to “show that he’s robust enough to be able to stand up to the rigours of Test cricket.”Jofra Archer and Tymal Mills were also in action for Sussex•Getty Images
It remains to be seen if Robinson can shake the perception that he has blown one chance too many at Test level. Brendon McCullum, England’s new supremo, has often been informed by his mantra: ‘If you can’t change a man, change the man.’ The implication of Robinson’s non-selection throughout the summer is that the change has been made for good.Either way, this was a promising showing: on an admittedly helpful pitch, Robinson bowled with decent pace, nipped the new ball around and showed his skills to york Jennings. He has 18 Blast wickets at 20.38 this season to supplement 30 at 28.16 in the Championship, and will relish the chance to perform on the big stage at Finals Day next Saturday.This was an exceptional night for Sussex, and the mood at Hove has changed considerably. Only two years ago, they finished second-last in the County Championship with a single win in the season, and won four T20 games out of 14. Now, they are three games away from clinching promotion in the Championship and two away from the Blast title.The County Ground was sold out, and the crowd welcomed Salt and Luke Wells back with pantomime boos as their names were announced on the tannoy. Sussex will not have Archer available at Edgbaston on account of England’s T20I series against Australia – but after this 10th T20 win of the season, they have reason to believe they can break a 15-year wait for this trophy.
Liverpool are not resting on their laurels after they won the Premier League title in Arne Slot’s first season in England, having joined from Feyenoord last summer.
The Reds boss has already added Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen to bolster his squad, whilst Milos Kerkez is set to be confirmed as their latest signing from Bournemouth.
These moves show that the Reds want to build on their success to push on and compete for even more trophies in Slot’s second season at Anfield.
Of course, signing new stars in several positions also means that some players may have to be moved on to make space in the squad, as Jarell Quansah is reportedly set to leave the club.
Jarell Quansah for Liverpool
Fabrizio Romano claims that Bayer Leverkusen have agreed a deal that could be worth up to £35m to sign the England U21 international this summer.
Why selling Jarell Quansah makes sense for Liverpool
Selling a homegrown, 22-year-old, England U21 international may not make much sense at face value, given that he is valuable for the homegrown quota and has plenty of room left to improve.
However, the Reds are in win-now mode after their Premier League success and with the likes of Alisson, Mo Salah, and Virgil van Dijk in the latter stages of their respective careers.
Unfortunately, Quansah has not proven that he has the quality to be a key player when called upon in the Premier League for Liverpool, given his performances for the team in the 2024/25 campaign.
The English youngster was handed a start against Ipswich Town on the opening day of the top-flight season, but was hauled off for Ibrahima Konate at half-time.
After the match, Slot explained that it was because he lost too many duels, telling TNT Sports: “First thing I said is we don’t have to speak about tactics if we lose so many duels and that was what we did. Not that Jarell [Quansah] lost every duel – many of us lost too many duels. But I think we needed Ibou Konate to win these long balls in the air from their No.9.”
24/25 Premier League
Jarell Quansah
Appearances
13
Starts
4
Error led to shot
1
Error led to goal
0
Penalties committed
1
Ground duel success rate
47%
Aerial duel success rate
41%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, losing duels was a theme for Quansah throughout the Premier League campaign, as he lost the majority of his battles on the ground and in the air.
The 22-year-old defender, who has lost 53% of his ground duels in the U21 Euros for England this summer, has not shown enough strength as a centre-back to compete week-in-week-out for Liverpool, which is why cashing in on him makes sense at this moment in time.
Premier League club eyeing up Liverpool midfielder
Quansah may not be the only England U21 international to move on from Anfield before the end of the summer transfer window, though, as Harvey Elliott is now being eyed up by a Premier League.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to Football Insider, Brighton & Hove Albion are interested in a move to sign the former Fulham prodigy from Liverpool to bolster their midfield options.
The report claims that the Seagulls are confident that they can agree a deal with the Reds to bring the left-footed star over to the AMEX this summer, and that they are one of the frontrunners to land his signature.
Harvey Elliott celebrates for Liverpool
It adds that Brighton are capable of matching Liverpool’s £40m valuation of the English playmaker, and it now remains to be seen when they will make an official swoop for his services.
Why Harvey Elliott would be a bigger loss than Jarell Quansah
Losing Elliott would be a bigger blow than losing Quansah this summer because he is more suited to making an impact on the pitch in the here and now.
Harvey Elliott celebrates for Liverpool
As aforementioned, the central defender has been disappointing when called upon at the back for the Reds, which is why it makes sense to move him on, but that has not been the case with the attacking midfielder.
When given opportunities to impress, the 22-year-old star has shown plenty of promise for the Reds, with five goals and three assists in 28 appearances in the 2024/25 campaign.
The England U21 international, who has scored two goals in four games at the Euros this summer, also produced four goals and 11 assists in all competitions for the Reds in Jurgen Klopp’s final season at Anfield.
Vs attacking midfielders & wingers in the Big 5 Leagues
Last 365 days
Harvey Elliott p90
Percentile rank
Non-penalty goals
0.66
Top 1%
Assists
0.33
Top 14%
npxG + xAG
0.60
Top 15%
Shot-creating actions
4.48
Top 23%
Progressive passes
8.80
Top 2%
Passes made
64.76
Top 2%
Stats via FBref
As you can see in the table above, Elliott has been particularly impressive over the past 365 days when called upon by Slot, ranking highly among his positional peers in a host of attacking and possession-based metrics.
These statistics show that the young attacking midfielder offers a lot of value on the ball as a player who can score and create goals, whilst also progressing the play with his passes, which is why it would be a blow to lose him from the squad this summer.
Harvey Elliott celebrates for Liverpool
Whilst he may not be a frontline option who is likely to start 50 games next season, his form in the last couple of years shows that he is a very good squad player who can be relied upon when needed, as a starter or off the bench.
This is why losing him to Brighton this summer would be a bigger blow than Quansah’s move to Leverkusen, as the centre-back has not proven himself to be as valuable to the team.
He'd be unplayable with Gordon: Liverpool submit bid to sign £64m forward
Liverpool are planning to sign a new striker this summer.
Nice time to be a Liverpool fan, ay. Arne Slot’s side lifted the Premier League trophy after drawing with Crystal Palace at Anfield, ending a memorable campaign.
FSG will be delighted, but they won’t want this triumph to stand as a flash in the pan. Instead, footballing chief Michael Edwards has been tasked with building a new dynasty on Merseyside, and sweeping changes are anticipated ahead of the summer transfer window.
Liverpool manager ArneSlotlooks on before the match
Well, more than that. The cogs are whirring away, deals firmly in the pipeline. Liverpool might have been forced into a poignant divorce with Trent Alexander-Arnold, who will join Real Madrid on a free transfer, but frustration has been assuaged by the flurry of activity in recent weeks.
Changes aren’t just anticipated; Liverpool are acting with the incisiveness of champions.
Liverpool closing on exciting deals
If you haven’t been living under a rock, you’ll be aware Liverpool are closing on the audacious signing of Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz for a club-record fee.
Wirtz, 22, won the Bundesliga Player of the Season for 2023/24 and has been described as a “generational talent” while at it by sports media professional Cristian Nyari, and Liverpool have beaten Manchester City and Bayern Munich to his signature.
It’s not yet set in stone, but the Reds have backed up their title-winning season with a monstrous gambit, and before the transfer window’s even opened its stalls.
And that’s not all. Jeremie Frimpong has completed his medical, surely just days away from completing his transfer to Merseyside, the Werkself right-sider ready to link back up with Wirtz.
Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies in action with Bayer Leverkusen'sJeremieFrimpong
Trent might be leaving, but FSG have acted with intent to sign two players who, combined, replace the vice-captain’s one-of-a-kind talents and might even transcend them.
But there’s more. In fact, Fabrizio Romano has chimed in to reveal talks are advancing with yet another sought-after star.
Liverpool advancing talks for another signing
As per Romano, Liverpool are still engaged in talks with Bournemouth for Milos Kerkez, who is “very keen” on moving to Anfield this summer.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The Hungarian, 21, is expected to fetch a fee of around £45m, though Liverpool will surely want this whittled down.
Slot has wanted a new left-back signed, given the 31-year-old Andy Robertson is on the decline and Kostas Tsimikas, his deputy, is available for transfer.
Favourites to get the deal done, with Man City and Real Madrid also registering their interest in recent weeks, Liverpool are pulling out all the stops to reward Slot for his incredible feat, and Kerkez might just prove to be the most important signing of the lot.
Why Liverpool want Milos Kerkez
Now, that might seem like something of a bold claim. Let’s make it clear: Wirtz is one of the best attacking midfielders in the world, and will cost in excess of €100m (£85m), though not as much as some exorbitant initial claims.
Bayer Leverkusen's FlorianWirtzreacts
He’s a marquee signing, and that’s a fact, but Kerkez is a player whose signing needs to be agreed upon if Liverpool are to make headway and better this Premier League-winning campaign.
Certainly, Kerkez could prove to be the more transformative addition to Liverpool’s flanks.
Though Frimpong will bring a unique style to the right side of Virgil van Dijk’s backline, the Dutchman will find himself jockeying for a number one berth with Conor Bradley, who signed a new long-term contract with the Anfield side last week and is one of the most exciting young full-backs in the game.
However, Robertson has been continually criticised for his athletic regression, his lapses in concentration. Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher acknowledged the “absolute legend” last month but went on to outline how he is “hanging on in every game now.”
Kerkez could dynamise Liverpool’s defence, provide a worthy heir for the coming age. Pundit Izzy Christensen has hailed the “machine” for his role at Bournemouth this term, and he’s indeed maintained a high level that has outstripped that of Robertson.
Milos Kerkez vs Andy Robertson in the Prem (24/25)
Match Stats (*per game)
Kerkez
Robertson
Matches (starts)
38 (38)
33 (29)
Goals
2
0
Assists
5
1
Touches*
59.6
64.5
Pass completion
80%
88%
Big chances created
8
7
Ball recoveries*
4.4
3.2
Dribbles*
0.6
0.2
Tackles + interceptions*
2.6
1.8
Clearances*
2.6
1.3
Ground duels (won)*
3.3 (61%)
1.6 (52%)
Stats via Sofascore
Though Robertson is still more precise on the ball, this is largely down to a tactical approach from Slot, which could be inculcated smoothly into Kerkez’s own game, should he sign this summer.
One thing’s for certain, Kerkez would be a massive upgrade, and a more important signing than Frimpong besides. That’s not to the 24-year-old Leverkusen star’s discredit, but rather illustrates where the focus lies at Liverpool.
There’s a completeness about the Hungary international which suggests he could be the archetypal modern full-back, whereas Frimpong, though fleet-footed and electric on the ball, has drawn criticism for his defensive work at times.
Xabi Alonso’s man only won 45% of his ground duels in the Bundesliga last season, as per Sofascore, albeit fielded in a more advanced position than your typical wide defender.
Of course, a potential by-product of that is that Frimpong lacks the defensive nous that, for example, Kerkez would have, for he has simply not enjoyed the repetitive absorption of such skills in recent years, having been stuck in the attacking half, ready to explode and surge forward.
Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz andJeremieFrimpongapplaud fans with teammates after the match
Liverpool are forging ahead with a deal for Wirtz, and rightly so. But sporting director Richard Hughes has got his hands in several pies and he’s juggling the responsibility expertly. Barring something drastic and deflating, all three exciting talents will be playing in Liverpool red next year.
Does it really even matter which one’s the most important, if that is indeed the case?
Liverpool are brewing their own version of Wirtz in "fearless" academy star
Liverpool could do with an academy sensation breaking into Arne Slot’s senior squad.
Chelsea chiefs are informed that a Premier League forward who Atlético Madrid are pushing to sign wants to join Enzo Maresca’s side – with a transfer battle potentially brewing against the La Liga side.
Chelsea preparing for another very active summer window
With Chelsea participating in the Club World Cup, BlueCo are expected to be busy right from the off this summer, and could take full advantage of the early window, which opens from June 1 to June 10.
Shields pushing Chelsea to sign £90m Villa star amid belief price may drop
The Stamford Bridge recruiter is very keen.
ByEmilio Galantini May 10, 2025
A host of players face uncertain futures at Chelsea – including Kepa Arrizabalaga, Alfie Gilchrist, Renato Veiga, Armando Broja, Raheem Sterling, João Félix, David Datro Fofana, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell and Axel Disasi – who are all away on loan spells right now and seemingly out of Maresca’s plans.
Chelsea will likely attempt to find buyers for all the aforementioned crop, all while the west Londoners reportedly target a new centre-back, winger and striker as the priority signings on their agenda (Simon Phillips).
Newcastle (away)
May 11th
Man United (home)
May 16th
Nottingham Forest (away)
May 25th
Depending on their qualification for the Champions League next season and how many unwanted players they can ship out the door, it is also believed that Chelsea could go for a second centre-back (who can play at left-back when required), an attacking midfielder and a goalkeeper (Simon Phillips).
All signs point towards a very busy off-season for the Chelsea recruitment team, and new forwards appear to be high on their to-do list.
Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Bynoe-Gittensin action with Club Brugge's Ferran Jutgla
Chelsea have held talks over Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens already, while reports in Italy claim Milan star Rafael Leao is also a target for the west Londoners.
However, another player who remains in their thinking is Man United’s Alejandro Garnacho.
Alejandro Garnacho wants to join Chelsea this summer
The Argentinian has scored 11 goals and assisted 10 others in all competitions so far, featuring regularly under new manager Ruben Amorim, but he could still make the move away from Old Trafford.
Chelsea did work on signing Garnacho in January, but a move for him ultimately couldn’t come to fruition. Now, journalist Graeme Bailey has told the Chelsea Chronicle that he could join Maresca this summer instead.
Indeed, it is believed Garnacho is also keen on a move to Chelsea, and the Blues are serious fans of the “huge talent”.
“Garnacho is very much still on Chelsea’s radar – they are looking for someone to operate from that left side, and they have done work on a lot of names,” said Bailey.
“I am told that the three at the top of their list are currently Jamie Gittens, Nico Williams and Garnacho.
“Chelsea are not set on one target and Garnacho is someone they like a lot, they tried to sign him in January. They know the player is keen on the move. And he is a huge talent, they think he would be a good fit. He seems to have been around forever, but he is still just 20.”
The South American would reportedly cost around £65 million, and Bailey has also written that Atlético are “pushing hard” to sign Garnacho as well, so he won’t be an easy capture by any means.