England vs New Zealand is slotted as the tournament opener on October 5 and India vs Australia as the hosts’ opening game
Nagraj Gollapudi11-Jun-2023
The India-Pakistan World Cup game is set to take place in Ahmedabad•Getty Images
Ahmedabad, which boasts of a stadium that seats over 100,000, is set to host the blockbuster India vs Pakistan clash on October 15 in the ODI World Cup later this year. Ahmedabad will also stage the tournament opener between England and New Zealand, the teams that contested the thrilling tied final in 2019, on October 5, while India are set to open their campaign against Australia in Chennai three days later. These are some of the marquee contests in the initial draft schedule of the 2023 ODI World Cup, prepared by the BCCI.The BCCI shared the draft schedule with the ICC, which then sent it to the participating countries for feedback before a final schedule is put out early next week.The draft schedule does not mention the venues for the semi-finals, which are likely to be played on November 15 and 16. The final will be on November 19 in Ahmedabad, which is also scheduled to host the opening game.ESPNcricinfo has learned that in the draft version, India are scheduled to play their league matches across nine venues. India’s itinerary comprises:ESPNcricinfo Ltd
Pakistan are scheduled to play across five venues during the league phase. Apart from the India match in Ahmedabad, Pakistan are slotted to meet the two teams progressing from the Qualifier on October 6 and 12 in Hyderabad, and then Australia in Bengaluru (October 20), Afghanistan (October 23) and South Africa (October 27) in Chennai, Bangladesh in Kolkata (October 31), New Zealand in Bengaluru (November 5, day match) and England in Kolkata (November 12), which in the proposed schedule is the final match of the league phase.Among other big matches are Australia vs New Zealand in Dharamsala on October 29, Australia vs England in Ahmedabad on November 4 and New Zealand vs South Africa in Pune on November 1.There has been an unprecedented delay before the fixtures announcement, with the World Cup starting in about four months’ time. In the past two editions of the tournament – 2015 and 2019 – the schedule was finalised more than a year in advance.ESPNcricinfo Ltd
On May 27, Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary, had said the schedule would be out during the World Test Championship final. He did not provide the reason behind the delay, though. On the first day of the WTC final, speaking on BBC’s , ICC CEO Geoff Allardice said the schedule would be out “anytime soon”, but did not specify when exactly.The delay in the schedule has also not allowed the ICC to put out ticketing details even as fans from overseas have grown desperate to make travel arrangements.
نعى الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم برئاسة هاني أبو ريدة، البرتغالي الدولي ديوجو جوتا، لاعب ليفربول بعد مصرعه في حادث سير مروع صباح اليوم الخميس.
وتوفي جوتا عندما انحرفت السيارة عن الطريق، والتي كان يستقلها مع شقيقه أندريه، لاعب كرة القدم المحترف البالغ من العمر 26 عامًا من بينافيل، ما أدى إلى اندلاع حريق هائل.
الحادث وقع عند الكيلو 65 من الطريق السريع A-52، بالقرب من منطقة سانابريا في زامورا، بحسب بيان الشرطو الإسبانية.
طالع.. الأهلي ينعى ديوجو جوتا وشقيقه
وكتب الحساب الرسمي ـ اتحاد الكرة عبر “فيس بوك”: “اتحاد الكرة يعزي ليفربول في وفاة جوتا”.
واختتم: “أرسل الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم برئاسة المهندس هانى ابو ريدة برقيتي عزاء ومواساة لكل من نادي ليفربول الإنجليزي والاتحاد البرتغالي لكرة القدم في وفاة اللاعب ديوجو جوتا نجم المنتخب البرتغالي ونادي ليفربول الذى وافته المنية صباح اليوم”.
Worcestershire Rapids kept alive their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages of the Vitality Blast by ending a run of four straight defeats in the North Group with a comfortable six-wicket win over Leicestershire Foxes.The home side, bottom of the table with just two wins from nine matches, were dismissed for just 112 in 18.1 overs as legspinner Usama Mir finished with a T20 career-best 4 for 22 and fellow wristspinner Brett Oliveira took 2 for 17.Skipper D’Oliveira’s unbeaten 51 then saw his side home in the 17th over to raise their points haul to 10 as they bid to build on their four back-to-back wins at the start of the competition and clinch a top-four finish.Australian wicketkeeper-batter Peter Handscomb, not originally part of the Foxes’ Blast plans but drafted in as injury cover with batter Lewis Hill and overseas pace bowler Naveen ul-Haq among those absent, top-scored with 36 from 20 balls and Rishi Patel made 27 from 22 but the next-highest score was Wiaan Mulder’s 11.Having been put in on a slow pitch, the Foxes looked set to post a competitive total despite losing Nick Welch to the fourth ball of the innings, racking up 56 runs in the powerplay for that one loss.Welch miscued a big drive against Dillon Pennington but after Patel had launched a free hit over the long-on boundary following a Josh Tongue no-ball, Handscomb showed the Foxes what they had been missing by plundering two sixes and three fours.But everything fell apart for the home side just as soon as the Australian was out in the eighth over, bowled by D’Oliveira’s first ball as he was beaten trying to work to leg. The second-wicket pair had blitzed 64 in 39 balls but no other partnership exceeded 13 as one wicket followed another in rapid succession.The next over saw Mir – brought back by the Rapids as a replacement for the injured Michael Bracewell – dismiss Colin Ackermann and Patel in the space of three deliveries as the Foxes skipper was caught behind off an inside edge and Patel was leg before trying to slog-sweep after hitting two sixes in his 22-ball 27.Louis Kimber was bowled giving himself room to drive Mitchell Santner before Rehan Ahmed holed out to long-on. Mir took two in two balls, having Tom Scriven caught in the deep and bamboozling Mike Finan with a first-ball googly.Mulder’s ramp was well caught by a diving Pennington before the rout ended with Callum Parkinson trying to lob a ball from Pat Brown over D’Oliveira at extra cover only to be foiled by an athletic leap and one-handed catch.The last nine wickets fell for 46 as the Foxes were out in 18.2 overs, which can only be described as miserable, much as Mir and D’Oliveira had bowled well, requiring the visitors to score at less than six an over to win the game.Although the sky was darkening as they began their innings, the Rapids knew they could afford not to take risks so long as they kept in front of the DLS calculation, with just five overs needed to be bowled by the Foxes to make it a match.It thus did not matter that their 37 for 1 from the first six looked modest next to the home side’s 56 for 1, Jack Haynes the one loss as he clipped a ball from Matt Salisbury into the hands of Kimber on the leg side.Leicestershire gave themselves a faint glimmer of hope as Santner found the fielder on the long-off rope and Adam Hose bottom-edged a ball from Rehan into his stumps, the Rapids losing wickets in consecutive overs, but at 66 for 3 from 10, they were still in front on DLS with thunder rumbling nearby.Kashif Ali became a second victim for Rehan when he edged to short third man in the 15th over but by then only 21 runs were needed from 35 balls. Rain now was falling but the umpires sensibly kept the players on the field long enough for Ben Cox to sweep Ackermann for four and D’Oliveira to hit Finan for a mighty six over long on and a lofted four over extra cover to clinch victory with 22 balls to spare.
A torcida do Santos esgotou os ingressos para o confronto contra o São Paulo, no próximo domingo, em jogo válido pelo Campeonato Brasileiro, em apenas oito horas.
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+ Qual foi a melhor contratação dos clubes brasileiros nesta janela? Redação do LANCE! opina
O Peixe abriu as vendas na manhã desta terça. Para cada presença nos últimos cinco jogos do Santos, em casa, o sócio ganhará mais 1 estrela. Exemplo: Comparecendo a 1 dos últimos cinco jogos, o sócio ganha mais 1 estrela. Comparecendo a 2 dos últimos cinco jogos, o sócio ganhará mais 2 estrelas. E assim sucessivamente, até atingir 5 estrelas.
O jogo pode marcar a reestreia do meia-atacante Soteldo com a camisa do Santos. Anunciado recentemente, o camisa 10 está regularizado para atuar pelo Santos e está à disposição do técnico Lisca. O meia Carabajal, se tudo ocorrer dentro do esperado, também deve aparecer.
O Alvinegro Praiano é o 10º colocado na tabela, com 30 pontos. A equipe vem de derrota para o América, fora de casa, pelo Brasileirão, e busca reabilitação.
Randal Kolo Muani has publicly expressed his desire to stay at Juventus beyond his loan from Paris Saint-Germain, despite interest from other clubs.
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Kolo Muani confirms Juventus stay for Club World Cup
Joined Italian side on loan without buy option
PSG contract runs until June 2028
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Kolo Muani, on loan at Juventus from PSG, has made his position clear regarding his future. The French striker confirmed he will remain with Juventus for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup and expressed a strong desire to stay in Turin permanently.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
After struggling for game time at PSG, his move to Serie A has reignited his form, scoring eight goals and providing an assist in just 16 appearances. Kolo Muani's loan deal with the Bianconeri didn’t include a purchase option, meaning he is expected to return to France this summer.
However, his successful half-season in Italy has changed the dynamics. Juve are now interested in negotiating a permanent move, while other clubs like Manchester United are also monitoring his situation. PSG, who hold his contract until 2028, will have the final say.
WHAT KOLO MUANI SAID
Speaking after France's 2-0 win over Germany in the Nations League third-place match, Kolo Muani told : "I'm very happy to have been able to play a little more, whether for the national team or for my club. I'm very happy at Juventus, I hope to continue there. They welcomed me well, and I'm enjoying it. I'm going with them to the Club World Cup."
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WHAT NEXT FOR KOLO MUANI?
The 26-year-old striker will represent Juventus at the Club World Cup, facing teams like Al-Ain, Wydad Casablanca and Manchester City. Once the tournament ends in mid-July, Juventus and PSG will likely revisit his transfer situation. Juventus are impressed by his form and attitude and may push for a permanent deal.
Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou is facing the prospect of a key squad member being tempted away from N17 this summer, with the Spurs star now believed to be seriously keen on an exit before next season.
Players who are likely to leave Tottenham this summer
A host of players are up for the axe at Spurs, with some decisions reportedly already made behind-the-scenes.
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After a lacklustre temporary spell in north London, RB Leipzig loanee Timo Werner is set to return to his parent club at the end of the season, with the Lilywhites and chairman Daniel Levy electing not to trigger the £8.5 million buy option in his contract.
Chelsea (away)
April 3rd
Southampton (home)
April 6th
Wolves (away)
April 13th
Nottingham Forest (home)
April 21st
Liverpool (away)
April 27th
Meanwhile, out-of-contract trio Sergio Reguilon, Alfie Whiteman and Fraser Forster are all set to leave Hotspur Way on free deals this summer, as their contracts tick down towards expiry on June 30.
Richarlison could also be sold by Tottenham, according to reports, following a season blighted by injuries for the Brazilian. Everton are believed to be expressing an interest in re-signing their former star striker, as per GiveMeSport, and Levy could take a £20 million loss on Richarlison by letting him go for around £40 million.
The likes of Manor Solomon and Bryan Gil, who have both enjoyed productive stints away from Spurs, on loan at Leeds United and Girona respectively, are also reportedly unlikely to be donning Lilywhites colours for the 2025/2026 season.
Leeds United'sManorSolomonin action with Harrogate Town's Toby Sims
There is also the prospect of elite sides attempting to prise Postecoglou’s star players away, following what has been a disappointing second campaign in charge for the Tottenham boss.
Now, Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid are becoming seriously linked with a move for £165,000-per-week defender Cristian Romero.
Sky Sports reported this week that Atletico hold an interest in signing Romero this summer, with the Argentine believed to be a credible target for the La Liga side ahead of next campaign.
Tottenham defender Cristian Romero
Some outlets have previously claimed that Levy could demand as much as £150 million to sell Romero, which may well be out of Atletico’s price range, but perhaps the centre-back himself could force through a move.
Cristian Romero determined to quit Tottenham after talks with his camp
As per reports from Spain, Romero “will do everything he can” to leave Tottenham this summer, and Atlético have already held talks with the South American’s camp as they ponder a move.
The 26-year-old is apparently ready to do his part in an attempt to seal a move away from north London, but it will also require a “significant investment” from Atlético, which Tottenham will demand if they even entertain the possibility of selling their crucial defender.
Simeone’s side appear determined, though, as they “dream” of striking a deal for Romero and luring him to the Wanda Metropolitano.
The former Atalanta star has been unable to exert his influence on the Spurs backline akin to last season, having spent the vast majority of this campaign sidelined through injury alongside partner Micky van de Ven. However, when fit and available, there is no denying he would be a sore miss and very difficult to replace.
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has his side on course to win a domestic treble and they could be set to strengthen their hand by offering one of their stars a bumper new deal at Parkhead, per reports.
Celtic's main summer priorities begin to emerge
Everyone has an off-day, and it is fair to say Celtic endured one in their Scottish Premiership defeat to Rangers before the international break, albeit they had several key figures unavailable for selection.
However, it did serve as a valuable reminder not to rest on their laurels. As such, it appears Brendan Rodgers has started to make inroads on potential summer signings.
Brendan Rodgers
According to reports, Celtic are eyeing a surprise move for Liverpool outcast Wataru Endo, though the Japan international also has interest from Fulham, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Ipswich Town and AC Milan.
Continuing the theme of prospective additions, the Bhoys have Augsburg’s Elvis Rexhbecaj and former defender Kristoffer Ajer on their shortlist. The former has previously worked alongside Arne Engels in the engine room, which may throw up a compelling scenario as Rodgers aims to maximise the compatibility of his existing pool.
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From an internal standpoint, Celtic could have a fight on their hands to retain star assets. Reo Hatate and Nicolas Kuhn are bound to attract admirers, while Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston’s solidity within the backline is something the Bhoys will be reticent to lose before next season’s Champions League qualifiers.
Looking to protect the club from losing premium talent, Rodgers has now detailed discussions over a new deal for one of his most impressive performers this term.
Brendan Rodgers wants new Daizen Maeda contract at Celtic
Speaking in his pre-match press conference before the Bhoys took on Heart of Midlothian, Rodgers revealed that Celtic want to tie Daizen Maeda down to a new contract following his excellent run of form and he has spoken to Dermot Desmond about the potential scope for his renewal.
He stated: “Absolutely, if there is that possibility to do that. I’ve spoken with Dermot (Desmond) and the club and spoken with the player. Hopefully in the future that is something that can be done.
Celtic’s next fixtures in all competitions before Scottish Premiership split
St Johnstone (A)
Scottish Premiership
Kilmarnock (H)
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St Johnstone
Scottish Cup semi-final
“He’s been absolutely brilliant for us this season. Wherever he’s played, however he’s played, he’s had an amazing season. So of course you would love to tie up one of your best players.”
In the form of his life, Maeda has registered 30 goals and nine assists in 43 appearances this campaign. Considering that his career tally sits at the 112 mark, that goes some way to showing how prolific he has been in green and white of late.
Adam Idah has failed to break the Japan international’s hold on a starting slot through the middle, which is a testament to his work in the centre-forward role since Kyogo Furuhashi’s departure.
Taking proactive steps, Celtic will hope they can secure his future on a new long-term agreement to ward off advances from suitors once the window opens.
Dawid Malan’s 95 not out underpins winning total at Trent Bridge
ECB Reporters Network30-May-2023Yorkshire 182 for 7 (Malan 95*, Masood 34, Brooks 4-51) beat Nottinghamshire 174 for 4 (Hales 53, Munro 46) by eight runsDawid Malan hit 95 off 56 balls, backed up by skipper Shan Masood’s 34 off 23 as Yorkshire Vikings shocked Notts Outlaws to register their first win of the 2023 season – and their first in any format since August 2022 – with an eight-run victory in the Vitality Blast at Trent Bridge.Yorkshire’s 182 for 7 after electing to bat first proved to be enough, despite Alex Hales hitting a half-century for the second consecutive night and Colin Munro making 46 off 41 as David Wiese took 2 for 32 for the visitors, who chalked up their first T20 win on this ground since 2015.”There were a lot of nerves at the end but Jordan Thompson bowled a fantastic last over to get us over the line,” Ottis Gibson, Yorkshire’s coach, said. “We have been struggling a bit for wins without playing as badly as the results might suggest and and we are hoping the confidence the players draw from that will set us up nicely for another big game, a Roses game, on Thursday night.”When you win the toss and bat, you need someone to bat through the innings for you and Malan is one of the best in England and played a really a good innings. We had spoken about needing one of the top four to bat through the innings and he took it upon himself to do that tonight.”Jack Brooks, on loan from Somerset, took four wickets on his Outlaws debut but at a cost of 51 runs, with the home side feeling the effects of having three frontline bowlers (Jake Ball, Luke Fletcher and Olly Stone) currently injured.Yorkshire posted a modest 41 for 2 in the powerplay, losing two wickets in the space of four deliveries in the sixth over as Adam Lyth and debutant Will Luxton departed in similar fashion, each trying to hit over the infield but succeeding only in launching the ball vertically, Matt Carter and Colin Munro respectively combining safe hands with a steady eye as Brooks celebrated his first two wickets.Related
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The right-arm seamer, who turns 39 next Sunday, had seen his first over against his former county go for 17 runs as Malan and Lyth went on the attack and it was little wonder his wickets brought animated celebrations.Masood joined Malan in plundering 50 runs in 35 balls but the Pakistan international, having cleared the rope a couple of balls earlier, holed out to Lyndon James on the leg-side boundary.Malan missed few chances to score but lost another partner as Wiese picked out long-off, handing veteran spinner Samit Patel his 200th T20 wicket for Outlaws, and at 122 for 4 from 15, Yorkshire needed some acceleration.It came in the last three overs, which contained another two fatal miscues off Brooks and one off Shaheen Shah Afridi but a feisty 15 in 6 balls from Ben Mike and 17 off the last Brooks over, including a fourth six for Malan, just clearing the fielder at long-off.
A Malan masterclass!
Sit back and enjoy a brutal display from the @YorkshireCCC opener#Blast23 pic.twitter.com/8HTGmJ11x7
— Vitality Blast (@VitalityBlast) May 30, 2023
Outlaws were marginally in front at 48 from the powerplay, having lost Joe Clarke to a steepling top edge in the second over and though they were slightly behind the required rate at 78 for 1 from 10, the second-wicket pair were still together, Hales completing 50 from 30 balls with his eighth boundary, although Munro had an escape on 24 when his pull fell just short of deep backward square.That changed in the 13th over, when Hales edged Wiese straight into the hands of Luxton at backward point. He and Munro had added 84 but Outlaws needed 84 from 47 balls and needed to maintain momentum.Fortunately for them, Montgomery was into his stride immediately, a couple of streaky boundaries followed by a clean hit six into the Fox Round stand off Dom Bess. Nonetheless, the pressure was still on with 54 required at the start of the last five overs and it was cranked up still more as Munro holed out to long-on.The loss of the big-hitting left-hander in a tight over from Jordan Thompson turned out to be a crucial scalp for the Vikings, with every subsequent dot ball turning the screw on Outlaws, who suffered another blow when Montgomery hit Mike straight to extra cover, although with 26 still needed from just eight balls the game by then was effectively won.
Will the exultant players be perched atop a big red bus, celebrating three shiny trophies to add to Anfield’s cabinet as they wend their way through Merseyside’s packed streets?
Whatever happens, you’d think Arne Slot’s Redmen have done enough to lift at least one, for Liverpool are 15 points ahead of Arsenal with just two months of the Premier League campaign still to go. To slip from this point, well, it would be unprecedented, and unendurable besides.
Liverpool players celebrate Mo Salah's goal
On the other fronts, much will be clearer this time next week, with Liverpool’s looming fate against Paris Saint-Germain decided and Sunday’s Carabao Cup final wrapped up too.
During last week’s first-leg victory over PSG in Paris, Alisson took all the plaudits and rightly so. But praise for Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, who stood steely and stubborn in the defensive third as they limited the spaces their opponents could fire from.
It’s a formidable partnership, but FSG are looking to sign a new centre-back all the same. Let’s dig into exactly why that is.
Why Liverpool want a centre-back
Liverpool are anticipating a big summer. Slot has only welcomed Federico Chiesa to the fold thus far, with a deal also agreed for Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili in 2024; he arrives this summer.
Valencia goalkeeperGiorgi Mamardashvili.
According to The Athletic, the club are looking to land a new left-back and a high-class central defender, ostensibly as Van Dijk’s long-term successor.
Van Dijk – as with Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold – has been one of Europe’s standout players this season. He’s Liverpool’s all-inspiring leader and one of the finest defenders of his generation.
Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah celebrate for Liverpool
You can understand why tying him down to the final few years of his prime is viewed externally as a necessity, but Liverpool need to prepare for his departure all the same.
Liverpool’s captain turns 34 this summer, and while he has the technical quality, intelligence and experience to keep performing at his apex for a while longer, FSG cannot sell themselves short – which is exactly why they are looking to invest this year while extending the Netherlands star’s stay too.
Meanwhile, Konate is approaching the final year of his £70k-per-week deal, and while he’s been engaged in negotiations regarding a renewal, these discussions have become protracted, with reported interest from PSG and Real Madrid heightening the negative noise.
So then, who has sporting director Richard Hughes got in mind?
Liverpool leading race for PL star
As per Caught Offside, Liverpool are said to be leading the race for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who is approaching the final year of his deal. London’s most prominent clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, are also keen on signing him.
Last summer, Newcastle United saw a series of bids rejected for the Three Lions star – the last of which exceeded £65m – and Palace would be looking to bank some £80m for his services this year.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehicelebrates after the match
It’s hard to imagine suitors such as Liverpool would entertain such an exorbitant notion, and while Steve Parish may be trying to pull the strings ahead of an inevitable summer saga, FSG will likely manage to engineer a deal worth less – if they get there first, of course.
What Guehi would bring to Liverpool
There’s a reason Guehi, 24, is coveted by so many outfits seeking the highest station in the Premier League, and blended in with Liverpool’s preexisting defensive options, he could become a real superstar.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehiin action
Liverpool have done their homework. Toward the end of last year’s summer transfer window, discussions were held concerning Guehi.
One of the myriad Cobham youth stars found across Europe, Guehi left Chelsea for Selhurst Park in a deal worth £18m three years ago, since amassing 145 appearances across all competitions, scoring eight goals.
He’s developed nicely, building a strong defensive base while fostering impressive ball-playing skills to bespeak his suitability at the highest level, for a club such as Liverpool.
This season, Palace have failed to kick on under Glasner’s wing, albeit improving over the past few months. Guehi has been instrumental.
Indeed, the unflappable centre-half has been hailed by correspondent Bobby Manzi as a “top professional and a phenomenal talent.”
As you will see from the data below, Guehi has been a pillar of strength over the past several top-flight seasons, despite injuries limiting his availability under Glasner, in the thick of Roy Hodgson’s downfall, and indeed the club’s collective struggles to match the heights last year.
Marc Guehi in the Premier League
Match Stats (* = per game)
23/24
24/25
Matches (starts)
25 (23)
27 (27)
Goals
0
3
Assists
1
2
Clean sheets
4
9
Touches*
61.6
64.4
Pass completion
87%
83%
Dribbles*
0.3
0.4
Ball recoveries*
4.8
4.4
Tackles + interceptions*
1.8
2.6
Clearances*
3.5
4.6
Total duels won*
3.6 (60%)
5.3 (62%)
Stats via Sofascore
Improvements are evident. In fact, Guehi’s potency in goal-involved sequences and his progressiveness – FBref record he ranks among the top 20% of Premier League centre-backs this year for successful take-ons per 90 – are traits shared with Konate, who the data-driven site list as one of his most comparable players.
This would be perfect for a Reds team seeking a long-term successor to Van Dijk’s throne but one whose athleticism and energy could also match Liverpool’s other thriving backliner. A hybrid, of sorts.
Guehi has been described as “one of those versatile CBs who can play both sides equally as comfortably” by analyst Ben Mattinson, something Van Dijk excels in.
Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate
Landing a player with qualities already working perfectly in Slot’s Liverpool project makes it a no-brainer. If a more affordable figure can be agreed upon, Liverpool simply have to sign this “absolute tank” of a defender – as he has been called by former England U21 teammate Josef Bursik.
It could cement the rearguard for many years to come, providing Konate with a partner he can get on the same wavelength as, smoothing the transition away from the Van Dijk era.
Liverpool struck gold on star whose value has risen 253% since Slot joined
This rising talent could become one of the best in the business over the coming years.
Antony admits that he “hit rock bottom” after flopping badly at Manchester United, but an “emotional” return to the Brazil squad is being embraced.
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Forward struggled at Old Trafford
Rediscovered spark on loan at Betis
Earned Selecao recall under Ancelotti
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Tricky winger Antony moved to Old Trafford as part of an £85 million ($115m) transfer package in the summer of 2022. He was reunited with former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag in England and enjoyed a bright start to his spell with Premier League heavyweights.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Things quickly unravelled from there, on and off the pitch, with Antony mustering just 12 goals for United through 96 appearances. He was deemed surplus to requirements in January 2025 and allowed to link up with La Liga side Real Betis on loan.
DID YOU KNOW?
A spark was rediscovered in Spain, with nine goals being recorded while also gracing the Conference League final, and Antony has been drafted back into the Brazil ranks by new Selecao boss Carlo Ancelotti.
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WHAT ANTONY SAID
The 25-year-old has told of earning an international recall after coming through some dark days: "It was one of the most emotional moments. I mentioned to some friends here in the national team that this call-up was more exciting than the first time I came here [October 2021], and it was even more emotional because of everything I've been through.
"Being in good shape, hitting rock bottom, and having the resilience that I had, with the help of God and my family, was very important."