After winning the Premier League during the debut year under Arne Slot, very few Liverpool fans would have predicted the huge drop in form during the 2025/26 campaign.

The hierarchy handed the Dutchman around £440m worth of funds to help improve his first-team squad, but it’s safe to say none of the additions have yet to improve the situation.

His side have suffered a defeat in nine of the last 13 games across all competitions, which has resulted in their attempts to retain their league title all but coming to an end in November.

Ahead of tonight’s clash against Sunderland at Anfield, Slot’s men remain nine points off the summit, with a faultless run of form needed between now and the end of May to try and bridge the gap.

Such a feat could be achieved should the club make further additions during the January window, with numerous players already being linked with a move to Merseyside.

Liverpool’s hunt for new additions in the January window

With the window now rapidly approaching, Liverpool have been named as just one of the sides interested in a move to land Bournemouth sensation Antoine Semenyo next month.

It’s been reported that talks have already been held with the Cherries over a potential deal in the winter, leading to a £65m price being mooted for his signature.

However, they’re not alone in the hunt for his services, as fellow English side Tottenham Hotspur have also entered the mix and are seemingly in the lead in the race to land the 25-year-old.

Semenyo isn’t the only option currently being considered by the hierarchy at present, with Atalanta midfielder Ederson also firmly on their radar ahead of January.

According to one Spanish outlet, the Reds are battling Barcelona for his signature, with his current employers now demanding a fee in the region of £35m in the winter window.

They also state that Hansi Flick’s side are now trailing in the race to land the 26-year-old, as Slot’s men remain in pole position to complete a potential transfer.

Why Liverpool’s latest target would be Fabinho 2.0

Back in the summer of 2018, Liverpool completed the £39m transfer of midfielder Fabinho from French side Monaco, with very few supporters knowing much about his quality.

However, during his five-year stay at Anfield, it’s safe to say he made himself a fan-favourite with the supporters, whether that be on or off the pitch on Merseyside.

He racked up a total of 219 senior appearances for the Reds, helping them win a Premier League and Champions League title under the guidance of Jürgen Klopp.

Fabinho was mainly responsible for breaking up the play in his deep-lying position, but he also managed to find the back of the net in tremendous fashion – as seen with his thunderbolt against Manchester City.

However, he did leave the club back in the summer of 2023, leaving to join Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad for a reported £40m – subsequently making a profit on his services.

Despite the financial benefits, the side have massively lacked the Brazilian’s talents at the heart of the side, but that could be about to change with a move for Ederson.

His compatriot does possess serious quality, with the 26-year-old able to fill the void if he carries his performance levels from Serie A to the Premier League.

Ederson, who’s been labelled “out of this world” by former England boss Fabio Capello, has completed 1.4 progressive carries and 7.5 progressive passes per 90 to date.

Such numbers highlight his tremendous ball-playing ability from a deep-lying role, something which Fabinho became known for during his own spell at Anfield.

Games played

8

Minutes played

588

Progressive carries

1.4

Progressive passes

7.5

Pass accuracy

90%

Passes into final third

6.6

% of tackles won

53%

Interceptions made

1.6

Take-on success

50%

He’s also completed 90% of the passes he attempted, with 6.6 of his passes per 90 being into the final third – further showcasing his excellent ability in possession.

However, ball-winning is a needed component to any deep-lying midfielder, with Ederson able to match such expectations – as seen by his tally of 53% tackles won in 2025/26. Judging by that, it’s hardly a surprise he was labelled as a midfield “machine” by Italian pundit Carlo Garganese.

The 26-year-old has already made 1.6 interceptions per 90 in Italy, with the Atalanta star having all the qualities to match Fabinho’s levels should he move to Anfield.

£35m in today’s market would be an excellent piece of business for Slot’s side, especially given the levels produced by Ederson during the last couple of months in Italy.

However, he’s showcased he can be the next Brazilian star to capture the hearts of the Liverpool faithful and potentially lead them back to title glory in the process.

Liverpool now in advanced talks to sign "outstanding" attacker who's quicker than Salah

He’s a man in demand.

ByTom Cunningham Dec 3, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

O término da sexta rodada marcou o fim da fase de grupos da Copa Sul-Americana 2024. Na última semana, foram disputados os últimos duelos, com destaque para as vitórias de Cruzeiro e Corinthians, que garantiram a primeira colocação de seus respectivos grupos.

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A boa do Lance! Betting: vamos dobrar seu primeiro depósito, até R$200! Basta abrir sua conta e tá na mão!

Apesar dos triunfos, as equipes não contam com representantes no time ideal da rodada, que é formado maioritariamente por atletas estrangeiros.

Além da dupla, Athletico, Cuiabá, Fortaleza e RB Bragantino conquistaram a classificação para a próxima fase do torneio. O Internacional, que teve duas partidas adiadas em razão das enchentes que atingiram o estado do Rio Grande do Sul, ainda busca a classificação.

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CONFIRA A SELEÇÃO IDEAL DA 6ª RODADA DA SUL-AMERICANA

Goleiro: Luis Corredor (Rayo Zuliano) – Nota: 8.8 Lateral-direito: Marcelo Saracchi (Boca Juniors) – Nota: 8.4 Zagueiro: Thiago Heleno (Athletico) – Nota: 8.3 Zagueiro: José Ortíz (Independiente Medellín) – Nota: 8.1Lateral-esquerdo: Bruno Pacheco (Fortaleza) – Nota: 8.2 Meia: Mariano Maño (Delfin) – Nota: 8.5 Meia: Miguel Monsalve (Independiente Medellín) – Nota: 8.5Meia: Kevín Zenon (Boca Juniors) – Nota: 9.6 (maior nota)Atacante: Damián Batallini (Argentinos Juniors) – Nota: 8.5 Atacante: Chavarría (Belgrano) – Nota: 8.5Atacante: Tomás Cuello (Athletico) – Nota: 8.7

* Os números foram retirados do site SofaScore

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Futebol NacionalSTARPLUSSul-Americana

Former England spinner to take charge at Chelmsford after spells with Lancashire and Manchester Originals

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Dec-2025Essex have appointed former England spinner Stephen Parry as their new women’s team head coach.Having retired in 2020, Parry was part of the coaching structures at both Lancashire Women and Manchester Originals. He took charge of Originals in the 2023 and 2024 seasons of the women’s Hundred before being replaced by Michael Klinger.Parry, 39, will aim to oversee an upturn in fortunes for Essex after a difficult first season in the Tier 1 women’s structure that saw Andy Tennant depart as head coach after less than 12 months in the role.”I am really excited for this next journey of my cricket career,” Parry said. “I have seen the squad and I feel like I can bring my experience here to move them forward, become more competitive and work towards winning some trophies.”The squad we have here is really exciting and there is a lot of room for growth. There are some great people here, plenty to work with and the club has a real family-orientated feel to it. I am still young, thirsty to learn and want to improve myself whilst helping everybody around me and look to build something special.”The long-term goal is to build a squad where we are competitive across all formats, the first team, Academy and pathway – enhancing Essex Women’s cricket as a whole.”Parry spent his entire 13-year playing career with Lancashire and remains the club’s leading T20 wicket-taker. He was capped five times in the format by England, playing at the 2014 World T20 in Bangladesh, as well as twice in ODIs.Essex’s director of cricket, Chris Silverwood, said: “We are really excited to appoint Stephen as the new Essex Women’s head coach. Stephen brings a wealth of experience from his playing and coaching career, and we are delighted to welcome him to the club.”His recent appointments with Lancashire and the Manchester Originals have shown that he can lead teams in high-pressure environments, and develop, nurture, and bring through talent, which makes him the ideal person to guide our women’s squad.”We are confident that Stephen will have a major impact in shaping the current group of Essex Women, contributing to success both on and off the field.”

Hampshire have announced the signings of Australians Michael Neser and Jake Lehmann. Neser, who claimed his maiden Test five-for against England at the Gabba last week, will join for the first six rounds of the County Championship in April-May, while Lehmann has agreed a two-year contract as a locally registered player using his UK passport.Neser, 35, had a previous stint with Hampshire in 2024, playing seven games in the Blast alongside one Championship appearance. He has also enjoyed success with Glamorgan, taking 80 first-class wickets at 23.00, as well as recording his highest score of 176 not out.Lehmann, 33, the son of former Australia batter and coach, Darren, has never been capped but is a steady performer for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield. He was the competition’s third-highest run-scorer as South Australia won the 2024-25 Shield, with 750 at 44.11, and is currently leading the way for his state in the current season down under.Related

• Hampshire appoint Russell Domingo as head coach

• New heroes emerge with Australia's one hand firmly on the Ashes

• Alec Stewart back as Surrey director of men's cricket

Hampshire will be his third county, having played for Yorkshire (in 2016) and Lancashire (2019).”I’m excited to join Hampshire on a two-year deal, it’s great to return to county cricket,” Lehmann said. “Hampshire has a fantastic history of Australian players and to follow in the footsteps of Shane Warne, Matthew Hayden and the like is really special.”I look forward to joining up with the team at Utilita Bowl and hopefully contributing to the trophy cabinet.”Although Lehmann is likely to have to give up his status as a domestic player in Australia to qualify as a local in county cricket, states are allowed to play one overseas player in a Shield XI.Hampshire narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of the 2025 County Championship, thanks to Durham’s defeat to Yorkshire. They will go into the new season with Russell Domingo as head coach, with the South African taking over from long-serving Adi Birrell.Giles White, Hampshire’s director of cricket, said: “In Michael Neser and Jake Lehmann, we have two players who have the ability to make a significant impact. Michael brings valuable runs alongside his quality with the ball – he will partner Kyle Abbott as one of our overseas players.”Jake is in outstanding form and is the leading run scorer in Shield cricket over the past 18 months. With a British passport, he is eligible to play as a locally qualified player, allowing flex in strengthening the squad.”Both players possess a great attitude and bring quality and experience; it’s a big boost as we look to finalise our plans ahead of 2026.”

Gloucestershire bring in Australia A allrounder Scott

Liam Scott celebrates his maiden Shield century•Getty Images

Another Australian heading to the UK in 2026 is allrounder Liam Scott, who has signed to play for Gloucestershire in the T20 Blast. Scott, 25, will also be available for two rounds of the County Championship in June.Scott was a team-mate of Lehmann’s in the South Australia side that won the 2024-25 Sheffield Shield. He has also played for Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash, and been capped for Australia A. Last week, he scored his maiden first-class hundred, an innings of 147 off 171 balls that helped set up a ten-wicket win.Jon Lewis, Gloucestershire’s director of cricket, said: “Liam is an exciting young allrounder from South Australia who plays for the Strikers in the Big Bash. He’s a cricketer whose stock is on the rise and is highly regarded across Australia. We’ve done extensive research into the best young allrounders available, and adding a third overseas player with a different skillset will help balance our T20 squad throughout the tournament.”We’re really excited to welcome him over. We’ve heard so many positive things and look forward to seeing him join the group.”Liam will also be available for two County Championship matches at the height of the summer. We’ve had a number of impressive Australian allrounders with the club in recent years, and we’re confident Liam has the ability to be the next big overseas star for Gloucestershire.”

Arsenal have held ‘new’ talks with the representatives of a Juventus star who Xabi Alonso has recommended to Real Madrid, according to a report this week.

Arsenal face Brentford after Man City steal dramatic win at Fulham

Arsenal return to the Emirates Stadium tonight seeking to reclaim their winning touch when they host Brentford in a vital Premier League clash, made all the more important by Man City’s dramatic 5-4 win at Fulham last night.

The Gunners have seen their lead at the top cut to just two points following their frustrating 1-1 draw at Chelsea over the weekend, even if Arsenal’s impressive 17-game unbeaten run continues since that early-season defeat to Liverpool.

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

Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-1 Tottenham

Arsenal 3-1 Bayern Munich

Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal

Mikel Arteta’s side dominated possession at Stamford Bridge but could only manage a point, despite Chelsea playing with ten men for much of the contest.

Arsenal face a significant injury conundrum with Gabriel Magalhaes sidelined due to a thigh problem picked up on Brazil duty.

Fabrizio Romano: Berta eyeing "bargain" move for player likened to "top" Arsenal star

He could be a snip.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 2, 2025

Arteta recently hinted that he could be unavailable until 2026, while Kai Havertz continues his recovery from a knee injury which has kept him out since the opening weekend.

William Saliba is also a doubt after missing the Chelsea trip, though Arteta has provided a seemingly positive update suggesting the Frenchman is just days away from returning.

Away from the pitch, sporting director Andrea Berta reportedly continues plans to reinforce Arsenal’s squad, even if they spent nearly £270 million on eight major signings in the summer.

Real Madrid star Rodrygo is believed to be a target for Arsenal, with Berta sensing an opportunity amid the Brazilian’s increasingly uncertain future at the Bernabeu.

Ironically, Arsenal are also after someone who Real could replace Rodrygo, as per Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport.

Arsenal hold 'new' talks with Juventus star Kenan Yildiz

Corriere state that Alonso has personally recommended Juventus sensation Kenan Yildiz to Real as a target, but they now face stiff competition from north London.

Juve are attempting to tie the 20-year-old down with fresh terms and ward off suitors, but these negotiations are still ongoing and there is currently significant ground to cover when it comes to Yildiz’s wages.

Yildiz is demanding nearly quadruple his current salary to bring him in line with top earners like Jonathan David, while the Old Lady have offered below his desired amount so far.

The forward also wants assurances about his role and Juve’s plan to win major trophies, so while the priority is to continue in Turin, talks over a new deal are believed to have stalled for now.

Corriere reports that Arsenal have made ‘new moves’ to discuss conditions with Yildiz’s representatives, and Arteta’s side are said to be ‘captivated’ by the Turkey international.

Unfortunately for Berta, other recent reports from Italy claim that Juve want around £88 million to part company with their young superstar, so it could require a major investment on Arsenal’s part after an already-massive summer outlay.

كشف صحفي إسباني اليوم الإثنين عن نقطة ضعف نادي ريال مدريد الحقيقية، وذلك عقب تعثر الفريق الملكي المخيب للآمال مع جيرونا في الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى.

ريال مدريد واصل نتائجه السيئة خلال الفترة الأخيرة وسقط في فخ التعادل الإيجابي بهدف لكل فريق مع جيرونا يوم أمس الأحد، ضمن الجولة الرابعة عشر من بطولة الدوري الإسباني.

ويعتبر هذا هو التعادل الثالث على التوالي لريال مدريد في بطولة الدوري الإسباني، ما جعل الميرنجي يفقد صدارة الليجا لصالح برشلونة الفائز على ديبورتيفو ألافيس 3-1.

ويرى توماس رونسيرو، الصحفي المعروف والمشجع لـ ريال مدريد، أن وسط ملعب الفريق الملكي نقطة ضعف حقيقية، موضحًا أن هذا المركز في الفريق الملكي يفتقد إلى الناحية الفنية كثيرًا ويركز على الجانب البدني.

وعول تشابي ألونسو، مدرب ريال مدريد، في لقاء جيرونا على فيديريكو فالفيردي، وأوريلين تشواميني، وكذلك إدواردو كامافينجا في خط الوسط مع جود بيلينجهام.

لكن رونسيرو وفي تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة موندو ديبورتيفو، يعتقد أن كامافينجا وتشواميني وفالفيردي يركزون على الاهتمام بعضلاتهم أكثر من لعب كرة القدم وإبراز المهارات.

أقرأ أيضًا .. تكهنات متضاربة حول مصير ألونسو.. ومدرب ريال مدريد السابق يلوح في الأفق

وقال رونسيرو: “أفضل استبدال خط وسط ريال مدريد الحالي بشباب قادمين مباشرةً من صالة الألعاب الرياضية”.

وأضاف رونسيرو في حديثه: “هذا صحيح. كامافينجا، تشواميني، فالفيردي، يقولون هيا بنا جميعًا، نحن أقوياء جدًا، وقويون جدًا، أجل لكن علينا أن نكون حذرين قليلاً مع الكرة بتمريرات بطول 30 مترًا، وتمريرات بين القدمين، ولمسات سريعة، وتسديدات في الزاوية العليا، لا أعرف، أنا فقط أقول هذا لأفعل شيئًا مختلفًا عن مجرد الظهور بمظهر بدني قوي”.

وأوضح رونسيرو: “من الناحية الفنية هم جيدون، نعم. تشواميني يتمتع بلمسة جيدة وكامافينجا لديه قدم يسرى مذهلة نظريًا، وفالفيردي لاعب استثنائي في أوج عطائه”.

كما سلط رونسيرو النقد على بيلينجهام، حيث أردف: ”يمكنني قولها بالإنجليزية لأنه سيفهم، إنه غائب عن اللعب، ضلقد أبهر العالم وكان يستحق الفوز بالكرة الذهبية بجدارة تقريبًا والآن لا يعرف حتى مركزه”.

واختتم: “من المحبط رؤية أربعة لاعبين بهذه القوة البدنية والتقنية، ثم لا نرى ذلك يترجم ولو إلى أدنى مستوى في كرة القدم، وجولر الذي يفترض أنه الأكثر موهبة اختفى مؤخرًا بسرعة البرق، لاعب آخر اختفى من على الخريطة وهذا يغضبني حقًا”.

From Colombia to the USMNT, GOAL ranks the teams most likely to make a dark horse run at the 2026 World Cup – and possibly even go all the way

Every World Cup has a dark horse. It’s the story that defines each tournament, especially at a time when surprise winners are rare. Look at the last four tournaments, and each of the champions – Argentina, France, Germany, Spain – could have easily been predicted before a ball was kicked. But who could have called Ghana's run to quarterfinal in 2010? Or Morocco's in 2022? Those runs are what make the World Cup fun.

Yet some qualities are always needed and there are common ingredients from tournament to tournament. The first is a solid structure – the ability to keep the ball out. The second tends to be a game-changer in attack, whether it be a singular presence or a well-constructed machine to make things happen. And finally, there's the vibes, the belief, the groundswell of momentum that gathers during a World Cup run. 

It's what makes these things so difficult to predict. Yet there are some clear contenders at the 2026 World Cup. And with the draw done, GOAL ranks the six teams most likely to make a run next summer… 

• Getty Images
  

  6Turkey

  OK, so Turkey technically have not qualified yet. They had a rough run over the last couple of months, but should comfortably get through a playoff that includes either Romania, Slovakia, and Kosovo. There's plenty of talent here, too, with Kenan Yildiz, Arda Guler, and Hakan Calhanoglu all capable of making the difference on their day. A hammering of the United States last summer showed how clinical they can be, too – even if there are question marks at striker. 

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• AFP
  

  5USMNT

  What do we make of the hosts? Technically, the USMNT aren’t the only hosts, but so far, this has felt like a very U.S.-centric tournament. All of their group games are on home soil, and the ingredients are there. They have an elite manager, a clear structure, and quality across the pitch. The Christian Pulisic “world-class” debate will never end, but he remains a game-changer at almost any level. Add the usual boost of being at home, and you can’t write them off.

• Getty Images
  

  4South Korea

  This is hardly a flaming hot take. South Korea make noise at World Cups. It's kind of their thing. It goes back to 2002, when they were unlikely semifinalists on home soil. In between have been dramatic wins over Germany and shocking defeats of Portugal. Their team is full of quality pretty much everywhere, with Lee Kang-In, Kim Min-Jae, and, of course, Son Heung-Min leading the way. They are well coached, well drilled, and dangerous on the break. Those are all good things. 

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• (C)Getty images
  

  3Japan

  At No. 18 in the world, Japan are the highest-ranked Asian side in FIFA's World Rankings. But they aren't a bad football team whatsoever, either. There isn't really a weak link. Manager Hajime Moriyasu has been in charge for eight years now, and during that time has pieced together a well-drilled side that can be dangerous in attack. Take Kubo, Karou Mitoma, and Takumi Minamino are all threats in the final third. Daichi Kamada is an excellent central midfielder. Wataru Endo offers solidity. And there are plenty of options at the back, too. They could do with a little depth in the full back positions, but otherwise they're a fair bet to make a run. 

Trent Alexander-Arnold has revealed his frustration after the Real Madrid star was ruled out for around two months with a thigh injury sustained against Athletic Club. The 27-year-old has endured an injury-hit first season in the Spanish capital, making just 11 appearances in all competitions. This latest injury setback makes his diminishing World Cup hopes look all the more at risk.

Alexander-Arnold reacts after latest injury lay-off confirmed

Alexander-Arnold took to Instagram to share his thoughts with fans after it was confirmed on Friday that the former Liverpool man is set to be out until at least February with a thigh injury which was sustained early in the second half of Los Blancos’ 3-0 win in Bilbao, the very same night that the Englishman had registered his first La Liga assist for his new club.

It has been a difficult adaptation period for Alexander-Arnold following his high-profile move from Anfield to Madrid in the summer, not least because of a series of injury concerns and rotation with Dani Carvajal when the pair have both been available. Federico Valverde has even been used in the right-back position ahead of Alexander-Arnold in recent weeks, including on Real’s trip to Liverpool as the boyhood Scouser was reunited with his former club.

The 27-year-old has not played for Thomas Tuchel’s England since his move to Madrid, and his chances of making the plane for North America next summer now look even slimmer.

AdvertisementTrent speaks after devastating injury blow

Alexander-Arnold told his 16.2 million Instagram followers: “Absolutely gutted about this one. The timing of it hurts but I will work hard to come back stronger and better! See you in 2026 Madridistas.”

Alexnder-Arnold has endured a challenging start to life in Madrid

This latest injury for Alexander-Arnold represents another problem in a challenging few months for new head coach Xabi Alonso. The Spaniard has had to contend with injury problems and conflict with key members of his squad such as Vinicius Jr, who has reportedly said he will not sign a new deal with the club while Alonso is boss.

Los Blancos find themselves a single point behind Barcelona in La Liga, gaining 36 points in 15 matches including victory in El Clasico in October.

But marquee signing Alexander-Arnold has not had the desired impact thus far since his arrival, playing less than 500 minutes for the club across the league and Champions League. The fact that he played nearly as many minutes during the Club World Cup reflects the issues he has faced. But just as he had taken a step in the right direction with a maiden La Liga assist, another injury setback has arrived for the England international.

Alonso recently said of Trent ahead of Real’s visit to Girona: "Trent is a top player, and we need him. It's his first year, and this adjustment period is normal. He's also demanding of himself, and we have to support him through this significant change."

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GettyWorld Cup comes nearer but Trent appears further away than ever

After Friday’s 2026 World Cup draw, the tournament now appears closer than ever. It is almost time for fans and players to begin visualising how things will pan out, as England have been confirmed to face Croatia, Ghana and Panama in the group stage.

But for Alexander-Arnold, that dream now looks a distant one and the Real Madrid star will need to put in a lot of work to ensure he is ready to compete for Tuchel’s squad in the USA, Canada and Mexico next summer.

Reece James has been the regular first-choice right-back for former Chelsea boss Tuchel but the fact that Trent offers something completely different is undeniable. His delivery and attacking threat from the right-back position are matched by few and could prove a significant weapon at the tournament.

But after the two-time Premier League winner’s inconsistent performances in midfield in Euro 2024, he will face a fight on his hands to force his way into the squad in time for the finals. Matters in Madrid are to contend with first, and he will hope to come back stronger and help his side compete across all fronts when he returns for the latter months of the campaign.