West Ham are in the market for a new striker ahead of January, and signing one has been made all the more important as injury-prone centre-forward, Niclas Füllkrug, continues to prove he cannot be relied upon to lead Nuno Espírito Santo’s line.

West Ham turn to the two Callums after Fullkrug injury blow

Fullkrug, as confirmed by Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann, has suffered a torn muscle bundle in his thigh and reports suggest the 32-year-old will be absent for ‘several weeks’ as a result.

This latest knock, coming after Fullkrug missed 28 games for West Ham and Germany combined last season, highlights why the ex-Borussia Dortmund star isn’t the ideal man to spearhead Nuno’s side away from the relegation zone long-term.

Brentford (home)

October 20

Leeds United (away)

October 24

Newcastle United (home)

November 2

Burnley (home)

November 8

With Fullkrug out, the spotlight falls on just two strikers — Callum Marshall and Callum Wilson.

Marshall, a promising young forward, offers energy and potential but lacks Premier League experience.

While he has shown glimpses of talent during his limited appearances and time on loan at Huddersfield last season, relying heavily on a developing player to lead the line in such a competitive league is a major gamble — even if supporters are keen to see the Northern Irishman get minutes.

The pressure to perform week in, week out at this level could expose Marshall’s inexperience, and West Ham’s attacking threat might suffer as a result.

Wilson, on the other hand, brings Premier League pedigree, but his injury history has been a persistent concern.

His recurring fitness issues have severely limited the centre-forward’s availability in recent seasons, making it difficult for Nuno to count on him as a dependable option. Should the 33-year-old struggle to stay fit, West Ham’s striking options become even thinner — placing further strain on the team’s goal-scoring capabilities.

Jarrod Bowen can play as a striker when required, and this will likely be considered by Nuno before West Ham take on Brentford in his first home game as manager.

Nevertheless, the need for a new number nine is crystal clear, but West Ham have already rejected the chance to sign Emmanuel Dennis on a free transfer.

West Ham make Ivan Toney decision after being offered ideal striker

In the build up to January, reports have suggested that West Ham could turn to ex-Brentford star Ivan Toney as a temporary solution.

The Hammers, amid claims they’ve considered a loan deal for the Al-Ahli striker, who earns £426,000-per-week in the Middle East, have apparently made a decision on bringing the 29-year-old back to England.

According to insider Claret & Hugh, Toney is not the right profile they’re looking for, as West Ham want someone with more pace and directness up top.

Expanding further, the source also claims that West Ham have been offered a mystery alternative to Toney who “fits the bill”.

We can only speculate as to who this striker could be, and there is a potential chance it could be Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović.

The Serbian, who’s scored at least 14 goals per season since his breakthrough campaign in 21/22, is out of contract in 2026 and reports suggest his agents are reaching out to Premier League teams in search of a new club.

That being said, Vlahovic is also on mammoth wages, so he’d have to take a seismic pay cut to join West Ham.

Celtic have now been told how long they’ll have to wait to appoint Kjetil Knutsen with their search for a new manager taking another frustrating blow.

The Bhoys have been in no rush. After Brendan Rodgers’ shock exit, they know that they can’t afford to get their next appointment wrong and have handed Martin O’Neill the position on an interim basis to buy themselves some time.

Related Pumas now happy for Juarez to join Celtic as Hoops eye secret release clause

A boost for the Bhoys…

Posts ByTom Cunningham Nov 8, 2025

To the 73-year-old’s credit, he has so far rolled back the years in the dugout. A Champions League defeat at the hands of Midtjylland aside and victories over Old Firm rivals Rangers and Falkirk have represented a step in the right direction.

Even after those three games, however, O’Neill has continued to distance himself from the permanent job. In midweek, he told reporters that he’ll be at Celtic until they no longer need him, before revealing that he’d be “absolutely fine” if Sunday’s Kilmarnock clash is his final game.

Alas, as the search for the next Celtic manager has continued, so have the rumours that they could yet turn to O’Neill until at least the end of the season. And it’s easy to see why. The Northern Irishman is about as experienced as it gets, representing a safe option until the right candidate emerges.

A decision to keep their interim boss until at least next year would also allow Parkhead chiefs to play the long game and perhaps land a frontrunner for the job in the long-term.

Celtic handed fresh Knutsen problem

As Graeme Bailey told 67 Hail Hail, Knutsen wants to finish his Champions League campaign with Bodo/Glimt before taking any job with Celtic. This means that the Bhoys could be forced to wait until next year with the Norwegian side’s last group game coming in 2026.

As things stand, they sit 29th and unlikely to qualify for the next stage. This means that their final Champions League game may well be against Atletico Madrid in January before Bodo take a break from football altogether until March. It’s then that it would make perfect sense for Knutsen to take the job.

What also helps Celtic’s pursuit is that the 57-year-old is reportedly keen to take the job if he gets his Champions League wish. So, the big question for Celtic will be whether he’s worth the wait.

A deeper dive into his history suggests that the Bodo/Glimt boss is certainly an interesting option. Having managed the club since 2018, Knutsen can boast four Norwegian league titles and showed his managerial expertise in full with a 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur on the European stage this season.

Andy Robertson makes Celtic return decision

أعلن الاتحاد الإفريقي لكرة القدم، عن الفائز بجائزة أفضل لاعب لعام 2025 في القارة خلال حفل توزيع جوائز كاف.

ويقام حفل جوائز الأفضل في القارة السمراء لعام 2025، مساء اليوم الأربعاء، في العاصمة المغربية الرباط.

وكان الاتحاد الإفريقي لكرة القدم قد أعلن عن القائمة النهائية لمرشحي جائزة أفضل لاعب وهم النجم المصري محمد صلاح والمغربي أشرف حكيمي والنيجيري فيكتور أوسيمين.

وحصد أشرف حكيمي ظهير باريس سان جيرمان ومنتخب المغرب، جائزة أفضل لاعب في قارة إفريقيا، متفوقًا على كل من محمد صلاح وفيكتور أوسيمين.

اقرأ أيضاً.. كاف يعلن أفضل منتخب في قارة إفريقيا لعام 2025

وكان أشرف حكيمي قد قدم مستوى استثنائيًا مع باريس سان جيرمان وتوج بلقب دوري أبطال أوروبا والدوري الفرنسي وكأس فرنسا وكأس السوبر الأوروبي وتأهل لنهائي كأس العالم للأندية الصيف الماضي.

وخاض الظهير المغربي الدولي 55 مباراة مع باريس سان جيرمان الموسم الماضي وأحرز 11 هدفًا وصنع 16 تمريرة حاسمة.

جدير بالذكر أن أشرف حكيمي قد ساهم في تأهل منتخب المغرب لنهائيات كأس العالم العام المقبل 2026.

Atalanta have confirmed the appointment of Raffaele Palladino as the club’s new head coach. The announcement follows the dismissal of Ivan Juric, who was relieved of his duties just months after taking charge. The former Roma and Southampton coach was sacked after a disappointing run of six Serie A matches without a win.

Atalanta confirms Palladino after sacking Juric

A 3-0 defeat to Sassuolo extended Atalanta’s winless run in Serie A to six games, leaving them 13th in the league table. Despite a midweek Champions League victory over Marseille, the Sassuolo loss proved too damaging, and Juric was subsequently sacked by the club on Monday. Atalanta have now officially confirmed the appointment of Palladino as their new head coach, replacing Juric. His arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter as the club aims to revive its domestic form and climb back up the Serie A standings.

The statement from Atalanta read: “Atalanta BC is pleased to announce that the role of technical director of the First Team has been entrusted to Raffaele Palladino. Palladino has signed a contract with the Nerazzurri until June 30, 2027.

“He will be followed at the Nerazzurri by Stefano Citterio (assistant coach), Federico Peluso (technical assistant), Fabio Corabi (athletic trainer), Nicola Riva (assistant athletic trainer), Andrea Ramponi (match analyst) and Mattia Casella (match analyst).” 

AdvertisementGettyEx-Juventus winger takes over in Bergamo

Palladino began his coaching career with Monza’s youth setup, working first with the Under-15 side and then the Primavera team. His impressive work at youth level earned him a promotion in 2022 to the senior side after the club dismissed Giovanni Stroppa. Palladino made an immediate impact, guiding Monza to their first-ever top-flight victory with a memorable 1-0 win over Juventus. He went on to secure Monza’s safety in both the 2022-23 and 2023-24 Serie A seasons, earning praise for his tactical acumen and composure under pressure.

In the 2024-25 season, Palladino took charge of Fiorentina, where he continued to impress. Under his guidance, Fiorentina finished sixth in Serie A. His side also reached the semi-finals of the Conference League, where they were eventually eliminated by Real Betis. After a successful season, Palladino parted ways with Fiorentina at the end of the campaign. Across his managerial career so far, he has recorded 51 wins and 35 draws in 126 matches.

Juric's torrid time at Atalanta

Atalanta’s 3-0 defeat to Sassuolo summed up their struggles under Juric, as the club managed just one win in their last nine matches across all competitions, including six winless games in Serie A. The team’s biggest issue has been their lack of goals, having scored only four times in their last seven league outings. This poor run has left Atalanta nine points adrift of the top four and just six points clear of the relegation zone. Coach Juric appeared unable to inspire his players, many of whom looked disinterested and unmotivated during the Sassuolo defeat. Reports also suggest growing tensions in the dressing room, with key players such as Ademola Lookman and Marco Carnesecchi no longer on good terms with the tactician. The current situation marks one of Atalanta’s worst spells in the last eleven years, a sharp contrast to the high standards set during Gian Piero Gasperini’s successful tenure.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWhat comes next?

Palladino will use the international break to analyse his new Atalanta team in detail, identifying their strengths and weaknesses. Adopting a system similar to Gasperini did with the Bergamo team, the coach who brought the best out of Atalanta over the past decade, Palladino aims to maximise the potential of the Nerazzurri squad. One player who could benefit from his arrival is USMNT midfielder Yunus Musah. The midfielder, on loan at Atalanta from AC Milan, will hope that Palladino can help him regain his place in the USMNT squad after being left out by Mauricio Pochettino.

MatériaMais Notícias

Nesta quinta-feira (7), o prêmio ESPN Bola de Prata elegeu os melhores do Campeonato Brasileiro 2023. Mesmo com o Palmeiras dominando a premiação, a Bola de Ouro – o ‘título’ mais alto -, ficou com Luis Suárez. Veja quais foram os grandes destaques!

RelacionadasBrasileirãoQue times ganharam dois títulos seguidos do Brasileirão?Brasileirão07/12/2023Futebol NacionalEdnaldo Rodrigues é retirado da presidência da CBF por decisão da JustiçaFutebol Nacional07/12/2023PalmeirasRevelação do Brasileirão, Endrick, do Palmeiras, fala sobre preferência por decisões: ‘Gosto desses momentos’Palmeiras07/12/2023

Palmeiras dominando
Campeão brasileiro, o Palmeiras foi a equipe que mais levou prêmios. Ao todo, foram cinco jogadores, além das categorias “melhor treinador”, “revelação” e “gol mais bonito”.

Na seleção da competição, Weverton, Mayke, Murilo, Piquerez e Raphael Veiga marcaram presença no time ideal. Mas a grande estrela foi Endrick.

A jovem promessa levou duas bolas de prata para casa. Eleito como a ‘revelação’ do ano, também ganhou como ‘gol mais bonito’. Abel Ferreira foi outro coroado. O português, ainda com o futuro indeciso no Palmeiras, foi eleito o ‘melhor treinador’.

Inclusive, Abel respondeu uma das maiores dúvidas que estão acompanhando os torcedores neste final de temporada. Fica ou não para o próximo ano?

– Nos últimos anos tomei muitas decisões que tiveram impacto na minha família. Mas há uma forte probabilidade de eu continuar, porque há um contrato e eu gosto de cumprir meus acordos – respondeu sobre o tema.

Suárez como grande estrela
Se despedindo do futebol nacional, Luis Suárez ganhou a maior premiação. O argentino recebeu a bola de ouro, por conta da sua passagem pelo Grêmio neste ano. O jogador se emocionou ao falar da recepção da torcida gremista durante a temporada e analisou sua passagem pelo futebol nacional.

– Dediquei meu trabalho para estar 100% no Grêmio. Quando você gosta de um desafio, você tem que afrontar. Quanto mais criticam, mais forte você precisa estar. Não importa a idade, é a mentalidade. Mentalidade de querer jogar e fazer o que você gosta. Tenho que agradecer, ficar orgulhoso. A torcida do Grêmio ficou feliz com meu trabalho, entenderam minha situação. Agradeço muito a torcida pelo carinho e tudo o que fez – disse o jogador após receber o prêmio.

O Grêmio também contou com Villasanti na seleção. O atleta foi eleito o ‘melhor volante’ da temporada.

Flamengo, Atlético-MG e Botafogo também com representantes
Mesmo com a derrapada do Botafogo no Brasileirão – que perdeu a oportunidade de conquistar mesmo sendo o grande favorito por boa parte da temporada -, teve um representante eleito entre os melhores do ano. No caso, o zagueiro Adryelson. O jogador deu uma fala polêmica, dizendo que, em momento algum, a equipe carioca ‘faltou com humildade’ durante 2023.

– O Diego trocou as palavras quando disse que o Botafogo faltou com humildade. Foi um grupo muito trabalhador, muito humilde, muitos jogadores, assim como staff e comissão, são batalhadores. Sou grato pela amizade de todos, acredito que não é a hora de procurar um culpado. A culpa foi toda nossa, deixamos passar esse campeonato, é levantar a cabeça e esquecer – disse se referindo a uma fala do companheiro de equipe nos últimos dias, na qual relatou que ‘a falta de humildade’ foi a justificativa pela perda do título.

O Flamengo e o Atlético-MG também marcaram presença. Do lado Rubro-Negro, Pulgar e Arrascaeta. Pelo Galo, Hulk e Paulinho. O último, inclusive, levou como artilheiro do Brasileirão, pelos 20 gols marcados.

➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

Veja a seleção da Bola de Prata
Goleiro: Weverton
Lateral-direito: Mayke
Zagueiros: Adryelson e Murilo
Lateral-esquerdo: Piquerez
Volantes: Villasanti e Pulgar
Meias: Raphael Veiga e Arrascaeta
Atacantes: Luis Suárez e Hulk

Técnico: Abel Ferreira

Bola de Ouro: Luis Suárez

Artilheiro: Paulinho

He has been found guilty of breaching the Emirates Cricket Board anti-corruption code during the 2021 season of the Abu Dhabi T10

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Aug-2025Saliya Saman, the former Sri Lankan domestic cricketer, has been banned from all cricket for five years. An ICC anti-corruption tribunal found him guilty of breaching the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) anti-corruption code.Related

Nasir Hossain banned for two years

Bangladesh allrounder Nasir Hossain faces corruption charges

The ban is backdated to September 13, 2023, when Saman was provisionally suspended, as one of eight people – all associated with the Pune Devils franchise in the 2021 Abu Dhabi T10 tournament – charged with breaching the code. Those eight included the Bangladesh allrounder Nasir Hossain, who in January 2024 was banned for two years after being found guilty of the three charges against him.The charges against Saman relate to three articles of the ECB’s anti-corruption code. 2.1.1 – Being party to an attempt to fix, contrive or influence improperly matches or aspects of matches in the Abu Dhabi T10 2021. 2.1.3 – Offering a Reward to another Participant in exchange for that player engaging in Corrupt Conduct under the Code. 2.1.4 – Directly or indirectly soliciting, inducing, enticing, instructing, persuading, encouraging or intentionally facilitating any Participant to breach Code Article 2.1.In its final order, the three-member tribunal – comprising Nigel Peters KC, Justice Zak Yacoob and chairman Harish Salve KC – held that Saman had sought to recruit a player for the Abu Dhabi T10, offering that the player “would play all the fixtures, in two of those he would agree to do something that is commonly understood as match fixing.”The 39-year-old Saman, an allrounder who has played 101 first-class matches, 77 List A games and 47 T20s, last played a recognised fixture during the SLC Twenty20 Tournament in March 2021.

Newcastle United are now believed to be one of the clubs who are battling to complete the signing of Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney.

The Magpies arguably have one of the most complete midfields in the Premier League currently, with the starting options at Eddie Howe’s disposal the envy of many managers.

In Bruno Guimarares, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton, Newcastle have a trio who complement each perfectly, playing a big role in their success in recent years.

Bruno’s passion acts as the heartbeat for the Magpies, with the Brazilian such a popular figure from day one at St James’ Park, while Tonali’s box-to-box brilliance is seeing him become a more highly-rated player by the week. Then there’s Joelinton, whose physical prowess is such a potent weapon for his side.

Despite this, there is a feeling that added midfield depth is required for Newcastle, which is why they have been linked with a move for an exciting young talent.

Newcastle looking to sign Hayden Hackney

Speaking to Football Insider, former scout Mick Brown talked up Newcastle’s interest in Hackney, as the Magpies look to beat others to his signature with Howe concerned at his strength in depth.

“Hackney is a top player and he’s somebody I rate very highly. It’s no surprise there is interest in him, I’m told a lot of clubs have been keeping tabs on him, and it seems Newcastle are now one of those clubs. If Hackney was at Newcastle tomorrow, I don’t think he’d get into their midfield, because the options they’ve got in there at the moment are pretty much fixed.

“But he is the sort of player they would love to have who can come into the team when needed. Howe has been a bit concerned about the players they’ve got behind those three in there. He’s a very talented player with plenty of room to grow and develop, so he could go into that Newcastle squad with a view to becoming a key player in the future.

“With the three they’ve got in midfield at the moment, he would be going in there to provide depth, and whether that’s what he will be interested in, I’m not sure. But it’s definitely something that would make sense for Newcastle.”

Hackney could be an outstanding long-term addition for Newcastle, acting as a strong squad player before maturing into a key starter over time.

The 23-year-old has shone in a Middlesbrough shirt for years now, making 127 appearances and registering 23 goal contributions, and his former manager Michael Carrick was a big admirer of his.

“He’s grounded, he’s humble, he’s down to earth and loves to learn. He loves the place and he loves the club as well. To have that, added with the talent he has got, it’s the perfect scenario. I think it just shows his consistency really, over a long period of time. It’s not easy when you’re a younger player, but he’s certainly done that.”

Better than Bruno: Newcastle star is now their best signing of the PIF era

This Newcastle star has impressed under Howe

ByJoe Nuttall Nov 1, 2025

Hopefully, the fact that Hackney wouldn’t have to move far works in Newcastle’s favour, also seeing the club heading in a positive direction under Howe.

Newcastle's "sensational" talent is looking like another Bruno-type player

Former Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor is set to return to international cricket after serving a three-and-a-half year ban for breaching the ICC’s anti-corruption code. Taylor, whose sanction ended on July 25, has been named in Zimbabwe’s squad for the second Test against New Zealand, which starts in Bulawayo on August 7.”I certainly did think it was all done, but here I am – and it’s an overwhelming feeling of gratitude,” Taylor said. “I have to pinch myself a little to realise that I’m actually here. I’ve been soaking it all up and embracing every moment. It’s just been a really nice integration.”The last year and a half has certainly been dedicated to my return. I’ve put in an immense amount of work – from fitness to the technical side to diet – and I’m feeling a lot leaner, fitter and mentally stronger. That’s only been possible through sobriety.”Related

• Brendan Taylor set for ODI comeback in Zimbabwe's series against Sri Lanka

• 'I didn't know how to do life anymore' – Taylor's biggest battle

• Brendan Taylor banned for failing to report approach without delay

Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine also welcomed Taylor into the side. “I know how hard he’s worked in his individual capacity – especially over the last eight, ten [or] 12 months – in order for this to happen,” Ervine said ahead of the opening Test against New Zealand. “I’m very excited to have him come back into the space in the next few days, and looking forward to what he has to contribute towards the team and the group.”Taylor, now 39, has not played any representative cricket since retiring abruptly in September 2021, and the conditions of his ban meant he has not been able to train with any national or domestic squads. However, Taylor has used facilities at an elite independent school in Harare, and had told ESPNcricinfo earlier this year that he is fitter than ever before after undergoing rehabilitation for drug and alcohol abuse.His reintegration into the side began ahead of the ongoing first Test against New Zealand, where he was invited to train with the squad. Zimbabwe had already named a 16-member squad for the two Tests against New Zealand, which includes a relatively strong batting line-up, and a first-choice wicketkeeper-batter in Tafadzwa Tsiga, who has started the first Test.Taylor spent most of his Test career at No. 4, and if he is reinstated in that position, it may simply push everyone from Sean Williams one down to lengthen the batting line-up. Zimbabwe will have to do some juggling to ensure they have enough bowling options.Speaking to ESPNcricinfo in March, Taylor had said he did not expect to walk back into the XI, and wanted to play again as an act of service after feeling as though he had let Zimbabwe cricket down by his actions. He was sanctioned after failing to report an offer to fix, after an attempt was made by a fixer to expose Taylor’s use of cocaine. “I’ve been humbled properly,” Taylor said. “I look forward to really just adding value, which I probably didn’t do to the best of my ability when I was there before.”So far, Taylor has played 34 Tests for Zimbabwe between 2004 and 2021, and averages 36.25. He has scored six centuries, including a second-innings 105* in Zimbabwe’s comeback Test from a six-year self-imposed hiatus from the format, against Bangladesh in Harare in 2011.Taylor makes his return amid a busy period for Zimbabwe. They have played seven Tests this year – and won just one – and have four more scheduled: two each against New Zealand and Afghanistan, either side of the T20 World Cup Qualifiers in September. Taylor is not expected to form part of Zimbabwe’s T20 plans yet but could come into contention in ODIs, with the 2027 World Cup in mind.

Florian Wirtz has been compared to Luka Modric, with Liverpool's struggling £116m signing being backed to silence his doubters just as the former Real Madrid midfielder did. Wirtz was considered one of the brightest midfield talents in the world at Bayer Leverkusen, but the Germany international has experienced a major dip in form since moving to the Premier League.

• Wirtz's underwhelming start to Anfield journey

  Liverpool spent a whopping £116 million ($154m) to sign Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen during the summer transfer window. The talented German midfielder had also attracted interest from Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich and Manchester City, but he opted to join the Premier League champions.

  Anfield fans were very excited at the time of Wirtz's arrival as they expected fireworks on the pitch from a world-class talent, but the 22-year-old has failed to live up to his potential and has been a disappointment at the start of the 2025-26 campaign. The Germany international has faced fierce criticism in England, but it has not affected the midfielder or his family, as his father Hanz recently told : "My thought from the very beginning was to wait and see how the first ten league games went," he said. "We and Florian are perfectly happy with that. The incredible speed, the back and forth, that was very impressive for the first few games. The distances covered and the speed were significantly greater. The style of play is sometimes enormously different because it doesn't seem as organised, but rather more focused on pace."

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  Wirtz compared to Modric

  Amid all the negative chatter around Wirtz's performances, former Premier League star David Bentley has come to the midfielder's defence while drawing a comparison to Real Madrid and Croatia legend Luka Modric. When Modric initially arrived at Tottenham Hotspur, he was initially panned by critics, however, the Croatian eventually went on to establish himself as one of the greatest footballers of all time, winning the Ballon d'Or in 2018.

  Speaking to , ex-Spurs winger Bentley said: "He is an unbelievable player, so talented, fans and pundits have to stick by him. Yes he’s exactly the same [as Modric]. When Modric came through the door, he was exactly the same in the way he receives the ball, scans, he knows what he is doing. He was an unbelievably technically gifted player, and both can set the tone and tempo of a football match, so you have to stick with him."

• Nagelsmann defends Reds star

  Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has also backed Wirtz during this difficult period of his career. He even aimed a dig at the Liverpool attackers for failing to convert the chances Wirtz has been creating. Speaking to reporters, the Germany boss said: "Liverpool could also help him out by scoring some of the chances he creates. They somehow don't like to shoot the ball in. To be honest, the overall situation doesn't make it easy for Flo either. The whole club isn't as stable this year as it was last year. It's much harder to slip into the team now. If you look at the game against [Manchester] City, they were actually the worse team over the 90 minutes. So it's also difficult for Flo to make a big impact. Ultimately, the overall situation is such that he just needs a little more time, which is normal; you see that with other players who move to the Premier League too. 

  "We all know what he's capable of, and it's perfectly normal for a player of his age to go through a bit of a dip in form. We can't expect him to perform at the same level for three years straight. Instead, we all need to support him a little bit so that he can clear his head here, and then maybe Liverpool could also help him out by scoring some of the chances he creates. That would be one idea, because he does not create few chances, it's just that… they somehow don't like to shoot the ball in, that's also part of the truth."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Wirtz eyes comeback with Germany

  Wirtz has made it into the Germany squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifying matches despite his poor club form. The former Leverkusen star will hope to make the most of the chances he gets during the international break to help Germany secure a World Cup berth and regain his form before returning to Anfield later this month. Germany are scheduled to take on Luxembourg on November 14, before facing Slovakia three days later.

Replacing Kevin De Bruyne was always going to be hard for Manchester City. The Belgian midfielder is one of the all-time greats in Premier League history, and whilst they had Phil Foden to pick up the mantle, it was a burden which they wanted to spread out.

How on earth did they even begin their search to replace a man with 108 goals and 177 assists in 422 games for the club? De Bruyne amassed those numbers on the way to six Premier League titles and one Champions League, part of that famous treble in 2022/23.

Well, one target over the summer was Florian Wirtz.

How close Man City came to signing Wirtz

It would have been an expensive deal to do, but the Cityzens were truly interested in signing Germany international Wirtz over the summer. The 22-year-old was just coming off the back of another excellent season for Bayer Leverkusen.

In total, he made just shy of 200 appearances for the club. Wirtz racked up 197 games for the Bundesliga outfit, scoring 57 goals and assisting 65 in that time.

That was enough to pique City’s interest, with reports suggesting back in April that he was being earmarked, alongside Morgan Gibbs-White, as a possible successor to De Bruyne.

Just a month later after that initial report broke, BBC Sport said that City stepped away from any potential move for the young attacking midfielder. The reason was said to be ‘the soaring costs of any deal’, which we know now were astronomical.

The German attacking midfielder joined Liverpool instead, and cost the 2024/25 Premier League champions £116m. He’s failed to live up to that price tag so far, with just three assists and no goals in 15 games.

The man City ended up signing has been far better than Wirtz this season.

The Man City star who's looking better than Wirtz

We will never know how Wirtz would have started life in the Premier League if he had moved to East Manchester rather than the Red half of Merseyside. Yet, he has certainly been underwhelming for Arne Slot’s side.

At this stage, it seems like City got the better end of the deal with Rayan Cherki. The Frenchman joined the club from Olympique Lyon, costing just £30m. It has been an excellent start to his time at the Etihad Stadium.

Injuries have unfortunately hampered Cherki this season, but when he has been available, the attacking midfielder has shone. In just eight games for the club, he’s already scored and assisted six times, averaging a goal involvement every 44 minutes.

It’s hard to pinpoint his best contribution so far because of how well he has started under Pep Guardiola. However, his goal on debut away to Wolverhampton Wanderers, which included a sharp one-two, dazzling skill and a tidy finish, was a real standout moment.

Just by seeing a goal with that quality, it is easy to see why BBC Sport analyst Umir Irfan thinks so highly of him. He described Cherki as a “genius footballer,” and with the skill he showed for that strike and in the buildup to it, the evidence is clear to see.

Indeed, Liverpool fans might have expected Wirtz to have a quick start like Cherki did for City. However, the Frenchman ranks ahead of him for several key metrics, including more chances created, with 2.8 compared to 2.4 per 90 minutes.

Goals and assists

1.8

0

Chances created

2.8

2.4

Opposition half passes completed

38.7

27.3

Fould won

1.2

0.6

Duels won

5.6

3.6

For not far off £80m less than Wirtz’s fee, it is easy to see how City fans might feel they got the best deal. Cherki is a magician with the ball at his feet, a creative force in the final third and a goal threat.

That is probably what Liverpool fans expected of Wirtz, but the German has not hit those heights yet. Citizens supporters must be delighted they got this end of the deal.

Better than Cherki: 8/10 Man City star is now as undroppable as Haaland

Manchester City confidently got the better of a tough AFC Bournemouth outfit on Sunday in a 3-1 win.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 2, 2025