Didi Hamann has claimed that Florian Wirtz's "secret meeting" with Arne Slot helped Liverpool to lure the Bayer Leverkusen star to Anfield.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Wirtz has been a long-term target for LiverpoolSlot convinced him to choose the Reds over other suitorsLiverpool to pay £116m for his servicesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Despite persistent interest from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, Wirtz has opted to make the switch to Merseyside. Liverpool have agreed to pay a British record £116 million ($156m) fee to Leverkusen for his services as they managed to negotiate a reduced package.

AdvertisementGetty/GOALTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Former Liverpool midfielder and Germany international Hamann has now shed light on what may have tipped the scales in Liverpool’s favour. He revealed that while Bayern made their pursuit of Wirtz quite public, the Reds operated quietly and effectively behind the scenes. They remained in touch with Wirtz's family for several years and a private tour of the Kirkby academy helped the midfielder to make an informed decision about his future.

WHAT HAMANN SAID

In an interview with Hamann said he'd heard a "secret meeting" between Slot and Wirtz had taken place before the deal with Leverkusen was agreed. "Apparently Liverpool have been in contact with Florian Wirtz for a long time, he and his family were impressed with how the club went about their business," he said.

"Liverpool tried to get him when he joined Bayer Leverkusen five years ago and have always been in touch, the interest then warmed again over the last year but nobody knew. Bayern Munich were very vocal about wanting him so everyone expected him to go there, but from what I’ve heard, he met Arne Slot who showed him around the training ground and that's when he made his mind up. If there were any doubts for him, meeting all the staff put that to rest and I think he has made a fantastic choice."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

DID YOU KNOW?

Wirtz departs German football having achieved notable domestic success, winning both the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal with Leverkusen. Hamann emphasized the significance of doing so without having joined Bayern, often the dominant force in Germany.

"He won the league and cup in Germany and did so without needing to sign for Bayern," he argued. "Liverpool have got a fantastic player, a skillful player that makes other players better. He has a fantastic understanding with Jeremie Frimpong which is another bonus and what I like about him is that he got kicked around quite a bit in Germany but he looks after himself."

علّق لويس إنريكي، المدير الفني لنادي باريس سان جيرمان، على التصرف الانفعالي الذي صدر منه تجاه لاعب تشيلسي جواو بيدرو، وذلك بعد مشادة حادة وقعت بين لاعبي الفريقين عقب نهاية المباراة بنهائي كاس العالم للأندية كما رصدت كاميرات شبكة “DAZN” عبر قراءة شفاه المدرب الإسباني.

والتقى باريس سان جيرمان وتشيلسي مساء الأحد في نهائي كأس العالم للأندية 2025، على ملعب “ميتلايف” بالولايات المتحدة الأمريكية.

وفاز تشيلسي بثلاثية دون رد ليتوج بكأس العالم للأندية، وفور انتهاء المباراة وقعت اشتباكات بين الفريقين.

وبحسب صحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية، خلال حديثه لمساعديه، قال إنريكي مبررًا ما حدث مع لاعب تشيلسي جواو بيدرو: “أنا أحمق… كان واقفًا ساكنًا، دفعني، لمسته فسقط على الأرض”.

المشادة بدأت عندما اندفع حارس باريس سان جيرمان، جانلويجي دوناروما، نحو أحد لاعبي تشيلسي، بعد أن صادف جواو بيدرو في طريقه، ليدخلا في نقاش حاد.

ومع إيماءات من أشرف حكيمي تُشير إلى أن اللاعب “يتحدث كثيرًا”، تدخل إنريكي غاضبًا وسط محاولات من لاعبه كيمبيمبي لاحتوائه، لكنه وجّه في النهاية ضربة على وجه اللاعب البرازيلي جواو بيدرو (طالع التفاصيل).

ورغم أن المباراة كانت قد انتهت، فإن لويس إنريكي يواجه خطر التعرض لعقوبة محتملة من الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم “فيفا”، بسبب ما اعتُبر تصرفًا عدائيًا تجاه لاعب الخصم، ومن المنتظر صدور قرار رسمي بهذا الشأن خلال الأيام المقبلة.

Since Enzo Maresca took over at Chelsea last summer, one of the main talking points has been around how he uses his fullbacks and whether it gets the best out of Reece James, Malo Gusto and Marc Cucurella.

We have seen a few different usages of players in these areas, often inverting into midfield alongside Moises Caicedo, pushing higher into the pockets, overlapping to provide width and tucking inside as a third central defender.

Versatility is key for Maresca in these zones, allowing him to change shape based on the opposition game plan, without having to tinker too much with his overall playing personnel.

Therefore, it is important Chelsea recruit smartly in these areas, giving them versatile options that can fulfill as many of those roles for Maresca as possible, and it seems Chelsea could want to continue adding to their squad in that fashion.

Chelsea's hunt for a new defender

According to Sport, as relayed by GOAL, Chelsea have revived their interest in Barcelona defender, Jules Koundé, after previously attempting to secure his services back in 2022, before he made the move from Sevilla to Barcelona.

The 26-year-old has made 132 appearances since joining the club, scoring six goals, providing 18 assists, and totaling 11,186 minutes played. In this time, Kounde has won one La Liga title (2022/23) and two Spanish Super Cups (2022/23 & 2024/25).

The versatility is a huge factor as to why Chelsea want to bring the Frenchman to the club, having the ability to play as both a right-back and central defender.

It reveals that Chelsea are ‘expected’ to submit a substantial offer in the coming weeks, but his future may hinge on contract negotiations, as they want to make a big ‘push’ to land the defender in the summer transfer window.

Kounde vs James & Gusto comparison

Reece James and Malo Gusto have been the right-back choices for Maresca at Chelsea this season, the club captain showing his quality to execute all the Italian’s needs, inverting into midfield, tucking in as a third central defender and attacking the box when needed.

Meanwhile, Gusto has shown great desire to do so, but it hasn’t quite clicked this season for him, being just 21 years old, learning a new role, and experiencing some tough stretches of form. Kounde – described as “one of the best defenders in the world” by his former coach Xavi – would offer a good alternative for both right-back options, whilst also providing centre-back cover.

Goals + Assists

0.23

0.33

0.10

Progressive Carries

1.64

0.66

2.27

Progressive Passes

4.91

5.53

5.35

Pass Completion %

86.5%

85.2%

86.6%

Key Passes

1.06

0.92

0.81

Shot-Creating Actions

1.84

1.45

2.56

Tackles

1.90

0.92

2.33

Blocks

1.32

1.32

1.51

Interceptions

0.71

0.98

0.97

Aerial Duels Won

0.98

2.50

0.41

Whilst the underlying metrics show Kounde’s performance to be worse than both James and Gusto in most areas, his overall completeness is an ability in itself. He has much-needed experience (something Chelsea currently lack) and the versatility to plug holes and fix problems.

Gusto clearly outperforms Kounde in plenty of the metrics analysed above, but has struggled at times to adjust to Maresca’s style of play, sometimes looking to force passes and speed things up when it isn’t necessary. Kounde’s extra experience would be a better current fit for Maresca’s Chelsea side, allowing Gusto to continue to develop with less pressure on his shoulders.

Kounde is much closer to James in profile, having the physical capacity to play as a central defender, which allows Maresca to invert Cucurella from the other side at times, allowing for tactical flexibility in the side.

He also possesses very good 1v1 defensive traits and the ability to provide late overlapping runs when pinning teams inside their own half, making him a seamless backup for James in the right-back position.

Barcelona manager, Hansi Flick, has been amazed by Kounde this season, labeling him as “unbelievable” and stating “I’ve never had a player like this.” The German coach praised the Frenchman for his physical condition and attitude, giving his all in every training session and game.

With how Maresca wants to play, an addition like Kounde could be very helpful, covering for Wesley Fofana as a central defender who himself has had some big injury troubles over the last few seasons, whilst also offering right-back cover for the likes of James and Gusto, giving Maresca options on the right side of defence, depending on his game plan and preferred tactical set-up.

Fernando’s namesake and national team-mate Vishwa joins Durham

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Sep-2023

Asitha Fernando, the Sri Lanka fast bowler, has signed to play for Nottinghamshire in the final three rounds of the County Championship.Fernando, 26, has taken 35 wickets in 12 Tests at an average of 28.97 and is set for his first spell in county cricket, bolstering Notts seam-bowling options for the last few weeks of the season.”Asitha has already shown his talent on the international stage, and we believe he has the skillset needed to be successful in English conditions,” Notts head coach, Peter Moores, said. “We’re excited to have him with us, and he will add much needed depth to our bowling resources until the end of the season.”We’ve had some misfortune with injuries and we’re still in the situation of not having our full complement of seamers available. This has meant greater workloads for a smaller number of bowlers, and Asitha can help ease that pressure over the course of our run-in.”The whole group recognises the importance of these last three games and the need for everyone to step up, so we can finish the season strongly. Having had a bye in the first round of games, we’ve had an extended build up to prepare ourselves for the challenge ahead, which we’re all looking forward to.”His namesake and national team-mate, Vishwa Fernando, has signed for Durham as they look to wrap up the Division Two title, with Matt Potts and Brydon Carse on England ODI duty during the final weeks of the season.”I am really looking forward to joining Durham,” Fernando said. “I very much excited to play in the County Championship in England. I look forward to seeing everyone soon.”Marcus North, Durham’s director of cricket, said: “He is a vastly experienced player who has succeeded in Test and first-class cricket and we look forward to seeing what he can bring to Durham in September.”Elsewhere, Hampshire seamer Scott Currie has joined Leicestershire on loan for their last three games, as the Midlands club continue a surprise push for promotion from Division Two.

وجه طارق يحيي مدرب الزمالك الأسبق، رسالة قوية لـ أحمد فتوح لاعب فريق الكرة بالقلعة البيضاء، بعد أزمته الأخيرة وحضوره لإحدى الحفلات الغنائية وترك معسكر الفريق.

وقال طارق يحيي في تصريحات إذاعية عبر “ميجا إف إم”: “الزمالك يعمل بشكل جيد في الفترة الأخيرة، ونتمنى أن تكون الصفقات الجديدة في مصلحة النادي، نحن سعداء بما يحدث في الزمالك مؤخرًا، ورغم وجود بعض الملاحظات، يجب علينا التغاضي عنها”.

وواصل: “لاعب الزمالك عليه أن يتحمل الضغوط، فهذه أهم صفة تميزه، وبمجرد دخوله من بوابة الزمالك، تتغير الأمور مئة درجة”.

وأردف: “لا بد أن نمنح المدير الفني يانيك فيريرا الوقت الكافي لفهم إمكانيات لاعبيه جيدًا، وكنت أتمنى أن يُقام معسكر الزمالك والمباريات الودية في وقت أبكر من ذلك”.

طالع | الزمالك يوجه رسالة دعم لـ حسن شحاتة بعد تعرضه لوعكة صحية مفاجئة

وبسؤاله بخصوص أزمة أحمد فتوح، أجاب: “لا أعلم لماذا يقدم أحمد فتوح على مثل هذه التصرفات، أنت تلعب في نادٍ كبير بحجم الزمالك، فتوح يحتاج إلى شخصية قوية في حياته تنصحه”.

وواصل: “اسمع النصيحة يا أحمد فتوح (الجواز هيهديك شوية عن كده)، ما يفعله فتوح أمر خاطئ، وسينهي مسيرته مبكرا للغاية”.

وأردف: “تكرار الأخطاء التي يفلعها فتوح، تدل أنه لا فائدة منه، يحتاج إلى (قرصة ودن كبيرة) من مجلس إدارة نادي الزمالك، فتوح يلعب في ناد كبير بحجم الزمالك لا بد أن يدرك ذلك جيدًا”.

وأتم: “لا أعلم لماذا أحمد فتوح يفعل مثل هذه التصرفات، أنت تلعب في نادي الزمالك، فتوح (عايز حد كبير في حياته ينصحه)”.

Former England wicketkeeper announces decision to hang up gloves at end of season

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Sep-2023Steven Davies, the former England wicketkeeper, has announced his decision to retire at the end of the season. Davies played for Worcestershire, Surrey and Somerset during a 20-year career and was capped 13 times in limited-overs internationals by his country.In 2011, having been part of England’s successful Ashes tour to Australia, he became the first professional cricketer to come out as gay. “I’m comfortable with who I am – and happy to say who I am in public,” he told the .Davies came through at Worcestershire, winning England recognition as part of the T20I side in the Caribbean in 2008-09 and an ODI debut later in the year at the Champions Trophy. He moved to Surrey the following season, and was Matt Prior’s understudy for the 2010-11 Ashes, although a Test debut never came.Across seven seasons in London, Davies scored more than 6000 first-class runs at an average of 42.65, as well 2719 in List A cricket and 1584 in T20, helping the club to lift the CB40 trophy in 2011 and the Division Two title in 2015.He moved to Somerset in 2017, and was part of the team that finished runners-up in the Championship and Bob Willis Trophy three seasons running. This summer, however, the 37-year-old has only played twice in the Championship and five times in the Metro Bank Cup, with the prolific James Rew emerging as first-choice behind the stumps.”I will always look back at my career with Somerset fondly,” Davies said. “During my time here we managed to win a couple of trophies and play some really good red-ball cricket. There was a period around the covid years when we were playing a brand of dominant cricket which will live long in my memory. Unfortunately for us, Essex were too, which meant we couldn’t get our hands on that first Championship trophy.”I feel that now is the right time for me to retire. I always said to the club that as soon as we get the right person in place to take over, I would step aside and let them get their exposure and learning done while they are young. I think we can all agree that Somerset are in safe hands with Rewy behind the stumps.”I’d like to thank all the members and supporters from Worcestershire, Surrey and Somerset who have always shown me great support. I also need to thank all the directors of cricket, CEOs, coaches and staff for all the opportunities they have given me. A special thank you has to go to Rob Wood, who was my first cricket coach. He gave me the fundamentals and skills needed to get me ready for a life of professional cricket. Finally, and most importantly, I’d like to say the biggest thank you to my family: Lin, Michael and my sister Gemma. They have always been by my side without question. They are great people and I love them all very much. I hope I have done them proud.”Somerset CCC Director of Cricket, Andy Hurry, added: “Steve has had an amazing career within both the international and domestic arenas, and during his time with us he has been the consummate professional. His performances across the formats and his contributions to nurturing the growth of other players have been immense. The calm assuredness and experience that he brought to the dressing room was a key element of our success over the last few years and he will be missed by all those who have played and worked alongside him.”On behalf of everyone associated with the club; the players, the staff and everyone within the game who has had the privilege to play or work alongside Steve, we thank him for everything. He moves on to this new and exciting chapter in his life with all our best wishes, and we look forward to warmly welcoming him back to the Cooper Associates County Ground in the future.”

MatériaMais Notícias

Um dos principais nomes do Novo Hamburgo na Copa FGF, o meia Cesinha fez um balanço positivo da sua temporada até o momento. Vice-campeão gaúcho pelo Ypiranga, clube que passou a defender após passagem vitoriosa pelo Botafogo – foi campeão da Série B em 2021 – o jogador crê que faltou o acesso na disputa da Série C para o ano de 2022 ser próximo do ideal.

RelacionadasBotafogoVÍDEO: Artilheiro! Torcida do Botafogo se empolga com TiquinhoBotafogo07/10/2022GrêmioKannemann mantém tranquilidade e confiança por renovação com o GrêmioGrêmio08/10/2022InternacionalInternacional contrata dois meio-campistas para as categorias de baseInternacional08/10/2022

+Corinthians intensifica busca por lateral, novidades sobre o futuro de Diniz… o Dia do Mercado!

– Lutamos muito por esse objetivo, mas infelizmente não o alcançamos. Mas esse fato não apaga o bom desempenho que tive durante as competições. Como sempre, esforcei-me ao máximo e procurei oferecer à equipe toda a minha dedicação – declarou.

Neste sábado, pelo torneio estadual, Cesinha entrará em campo com a camisa alvianil para enfrentar o Monsoon. O atleta revelado pelo Internacional afirma que a vitória é essencial para que o Novo Hamburgo se aproxime do líder Guarani VA, líder do grupo C.

– Temos que vencer. Embora exista uma diferença no número de jogos, estamos seis pontos atrás e isso incomoda. Buscaremos os três pontos com bastante garra para subirmos logo na classificação– encerrou.

Australia captain Alyssa Healy has backed Alana King to play a significant role in the upcoming tour of India after the legspinner’s sparkling return to the national team.Having been left out of the T20I series and opening one-dayer against the West Indies, King took career-best figures in the latter form, claiming 3 for 16 from five overs on Thursday.The 27-year-old put Australia in a strong position, with the tourists reduced to 107 for 8, but the fixture at Melbourne’s Junction Oval was abandoned because of bad weather.Related

• Australia win with 211 balls to spare after West Indies skittled for 83

• King and Sutherland star but rain wins the day

• Ladies who Switch: Alice Capsey interview

The outcome left Australia clinging to a 1-0 lead in the three-match series ahead of Saturday’s decider at the same venue.King was called in as a replacement for injured quick Darcie Brown, and will look to build on her performance ahead of the India tour.”It’s hard [for batters] because she challenges both edges of the bat,” Healy said. “You’re kind of playing for that big, ripping legspinner because she puts so much work on the ball, but the natural variation of one skidding on actually makes her more effective.”She gets a lot of batters lbw, especially in Big Bash cricket, so she’s a proper handful for us. Pink ball, white ball, red ball – it doesn’t really matter.”She’s going to be a great asset to our side, so hopefully she can maintain that and keep sticking her hand up for selection.”King spent a month in Perth working hard on controlling her length after returning home from the Hundred in August and is reaping the benefits.”Her speed through the air at the moment and her control with her spin and her length has been impressive right throughout the week,” Healy said. “It was actually really easy throwing her the ball as the first spinning option knowing that she was going to get the job done.”I’m pumped to see her back out here for Australia, and the passion and the energy that she brings is great for our group. It was nice to see her get rewarded.”Healy lauded Australia’s patience with the ball on Thursday on what looked like a good batting wicket.Plans to restrict Hayley Matthews paid off when the West Indies captain and star batter was bowled by Kim Garth for 20 off 20 balls.Matthews will again be crucial to the tourists’ hopes of causing an upset to deny Australia another series win.”We want to win games of cricket and win series, and that won’t change heading into Saturday,” Healy said.  “We’re looking to come out here and be as clinical as what we have in the last two games.”

Benfica president Rui Costa has denied the claims suggesting Real Madrid have sent an offer to buy left-back Alvaro Carreras.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Benfica president wants Madrid to make an offerCarreras waiting to sign for Los BlancosClaims that Spanish side have sent offers deniedFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Benfica president Rui Costa spoke about Madrid's interest in signing their left-back Carreras and stated that they are waiting for an offer from the Spanish side. His words suggested that, contrary to reports from the Spanish media, the Portuguese giants are yet to receive any bids.

AdvertisementAFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Carreras has a €50 million (£43m/$58m) release clause in his contract, with Benfica demanding the fee to be paid in full. The Eagles are, however, open to negotiating and would accept a fee in the region of €48m (£41m/$55m). Madrid, however, are not willing to pay more than €40m (£34m/$46m) for their former academy product. Benfica's stubbornness with regards to Carreras' transfer fee has reportedly prompted Madrid to look for solutions elsewhere, with Bayer Leverkusen left-back Alex Grimaldo — who played under current head coach Xabi Alonso — being touted as a cheaper but high-quality alternative.

WHAT RUI COSTA SAID

Speaking to , Costa said: "should make us an offer. None have come so far. If they do, we'll see what happens. Now is not the time, and it won't be until the tournament and our participation are over. Until then, there's no need to talk about anything. Carreras is here with us."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?

It is unlikely that there will be further developments in the Carreras-Madrid transfer saga before the end of the Club World Cup. Benfica have already booked their place in the round of 16, where they will face Chelsea. Los Blancos are also expected to progress to the next round as they gear up for their must-win game against RB Salzburg in the early hours of Friday.

The Black and Gold forward could return to France this summer, according to a new report

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Lille reportedly targeting Giroud for summer transfer
• Frenchman's contract expires end of 2025
• Has struggled in MLS since joining in summer 2024
• Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games now

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ligue 1 side Lille are reportedly targeting LAFC striker Olivier Giroud for a summer transfer, according to Tom Bogert. French news outlet L'Equipe reported earlier Wednesday that Giroud was the subject of interest from Lille upon the end of his contract at the conclusion of the MLS season, but a summer deal could now be on the cards, ending the Frenchman's time in MLS after just one season.

  Giroud, 38, has only scored five goals across all competitions since signing for LAFC in the summer 2024. In their last 16 regular sason matches, he has only started five of them.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  If Giroud were to leave LAFC, it would open up a Designated Player slot, while like providing a solution that benefits both parties. The 38-year-old has not adapted to MLS well and has struggled to maintain a starting spot or find any scoring prowess in the league.

  LAFC were participants in the FIFA Club World Cup, but were eliminated in the Group Stage of the competition. Giroud started one match, and came off the bench in the other two as the lost to both Chelsea and Esperance de Tunis, and drew Flamengo.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Giroud is France's all-time leading scorer internationally with 57 goals.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR GIROUD?

  LAFC next take the pitch on Sunday against Western Conference leaders Vancouver Whitecaps.