She had taken a break from domestic cricket and withdrawn from the WPL previously to “prioritise her well-being”
ESPNcricinfo staff17-Feb-2025
Sophie Devine skipped the WPL too•BCCI
New Zealand captain Sophie Devine will not be available for their ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka as she continues to “prioritise her well-being.” She had earlier pulled out of the Women’s Super Smash midway and also opted out of the WPL for the same reason after “receiving professional advice.””We are fully supportive of Sophie’s decision to not take part in the upcoming series,” Liz Green, New Zealand Cricket’s Head of Women’s High Performance, said in a statement on Monday. “Player well-being is our highest priority and it’s important Sophie feels fit and well before returning to professional cricket.”Since winning the T20 World Cup with New Zealand in October 2024, Devine, 35, had been part of the ODIs against India, played in the WBBL for Perth Scorchers, and also played the ODI series against Australia in late December. She was last seen in action in the Super Smash, where she picked up 5 for 13 against Canterbury on January 24. Her team, Wellington, went on to win the domestic T20 title with Amelia Kerr putting on a stellar show with bat and ball.New Zealand are set to play three ODIs against Sri Lanka, starting March 4 at home, followed by three T20Is that begin on March 14. A full squad is set to be announced later this month. They are also scheduled to face Australia for three T20Is in a series that starts on March 21. These are New Zealand’s first T20I assignments since their T20 World Cup triumph where Devine led them to a maiden title.
Sri Lanka “not risking” Pathirana after he jarred his shoulder in the third T20I; uncapped seamers Mohamed Shiraz and Eshan Malinga added to squad
Andrew Fidel Fernando01-Aug-2024
Matheesha Pathirana joins Sri Lanka’s list of injured players•ICC via Getty Images
Two further Sri Lanka fast bowlers have been ruled out of the ODIs against India, with Matheesha Pathirana picking up a shoulder complaint, and Dilshan Madushanka injuring a hamstring.Sri Lanka are also without Dushmantha Chameera, who is out with illness, and Nuwan Thushara, who fractured his thumb. Both these players had missed the T20Is as well.For now Sri Lanka have brought uncapped right-arm seamer Mohamed Shiraz into the squad, team manager Mahinda Halangoda confirmed to ESPNcricinfo. Later in the afternoon, a statement from Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed a second uncapped right-arm seamer was added to the squad: Eshan Malinga. Three players were also put on standby: batter Kusal Perera, seamer Pramod Madushan and spinner Jeffrey Vandersay.Related
Jayasuriya: 'Don't see a lack of commitment, but SL players have to tackle pressure better'
'It's not a practice ground, it's an international game' – Rohit Sharma keeps his focus on the present
Will it be another mismatch as Sri Lanka and India switch to ODIs?
Thushara out of India T20Is with broken finger
“Matheesha has jarred his shoulder, and because it is the same issue that he had during the World Cup last year, they have chosen not to risk it,” Halangoda said. Pathirana had picked up the injury while fielding in the third T20I in Pallekele, and had left the field soon after, before he had bowled a single delivery in that game.Madushanka, meanwhile, had sustained the hamstring injury while training, Halangoda said. He had played only one match in the T20I series.Both Pathirana and Madushanka were likely to be in the XI for the first ODI against India, on Friday. Sri Lanka have lost their last 10 matches across formats against India.
Manchester United are now in talks to sign an “incredible” striker who Ruben Amorim thinks is a perfect fit, according to a report.
Man Utd's striker pursuit takes new twist
Man United have set out to sign a new striker this summer, with Viktor Gyokeres being identified as a potential target, having recently made calls in an attempt to lure the Sweden international to Old Trafford.
The 27-year-old is determined to leave Sporting this summer, even threatening to speak to the media himself if the Portuguese club continue to stand in his way.
The Sporting star is worried that the £68m asking price could deter potential suitors from making a move, with the forward dreaming of making a move to Arsenal, and there has now been a new update on his future.
Sporting Club's Viktor Gyokeres.
According to a report from The Mirror, United have now accepted defeat in the race for Gyokeres, as they are convinced he would rather sign for Mikel Arteta’s side, meaning they have now moved on to alternative targets.
The Red Devils are now stepping up their interest in Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, having held tentative talks over a deal for the England international, with Amorim of the belief he would be the ideal player to lead the line.
A deal will not be cheap, however, with Villa set to hold out for a fee of £60m, which Man United are unwilling to pay, considering he is now 29-years-old, which means there is a lack of re-sale value.
Man Utd in contact for £34m star who's "the best in his role in the world"
The Red Devils have now approached the agents of a player who featured in the 2025 Champions League final.
ByDominic Lund Jul 3, 2025
There had been a willingness to use Marcus Rashford in a swap deal, but Unai Emery’s side are no longer interested in signing their former loanee.
Watkins could be "incredible" Gyokeres alternative
Of course, Amorim knows all about Gyokeres from their time working together at Sporting, and his goal record last season speaks for itself, but there are plenty of signs that Watkins could be a solid alternative.
Unlike Gyokeres, the Torquay-born forward has already proven himself over a number of years in the Premier League, picking up 75 goals and 36 assists in 184 appearances in the competition.
The Englishman also has experience at the highest level, most notably scoring a dramatic late winner to send the Three Lions to the Euro 2024 final.
Man United have made the mistake of signing players without Premier League experience in the past, with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee failing to adapt to life in England, while Watkins has already proven himself to be a reliable source of goals.
Sunderland are now close to reaching an agreement over the signing of an “absolutely sensational” player, according to a key update from journalist Loic Jego.
Perhaps the major piece of Black Cats transfer business that has emerged recently is their pursuit of OGC Nice goalkeeper Marcin Bulka, who is considered a top summer target.
Sunderland are believed to be in talks with the 25-year-old over a move to the Stadium of Light, as Regis Le Bris strengthens his options between the sticks ahead of his side’s return to the Premier League in August.
A five-cap Poland international, Bulka has plenty of pedigree as a top-level player, and Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique is an admirer, calling him “superb” after coming up against him in Ligue 1.
Sunderland supporters will surely be keen on seeing the Pole complete a move to the club as soon as possible, and now a fresh update has emerged regarding their interest in him.
Sunderland close to agreement with Bulka
Now, according to Jego on X, an agreement between Sunderland and Bulka is now “imminent”, as the Black Cats close in on a new signing.
Marcin Bulka.
This is fantastic news for Sunderland, who know the importance of doing significant transfer business, in order to avoid a swift return to the Championship next season.
Bulka now has made 73 appearances in Ligue 1, as well as enjoying six Europa League outings, while scout Jacek Kulig has lauded the Nice stopper as an “absolutely sensational” goalkeeper.
In Anthony Patterson, Sunderland already have one excellent option in goal, with the Englishman such an influential presence last season, starting 45 of his side’s 46 Championship matches, but there have been teams sniffing around for his signature.
Competition for places is vital in the Premier League anyway however, and Le Bris will know that he has to be ruthless in leaving good players in reserve, assuming the latter stays at the club this summer.
He'd be amazing with Bulka: Sunderland in the race to sign £7m sensation
Sunderland could really improve their defensive options by landing this star alongside Marcin Bulka.
ByKelan Sarson Jun 27, 2025
Bulka feels like a signing of intent for Sunderland, and there is still plenty of time for the Black Cats to complete further business between now and the end of the transfer window.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is desperate to bolster his attacking options this summer, and Hugo Ekitike is a major target.
The Blues face competition from Manchester United, however, as the Red Devils have entered the race for the young Frenchman.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
This could put Maresca on high alert, and he will do everything he can to try to lure the Eintracht Frankfurt striker to Stamford Bridge.
He isn’t the only transfer target to emerge from the Bundesliga, as news has emerged about their potential interest in a current RB Leipzig starlet.
Chelsea could target Bundesliga sensation
If a move for Ekitike does go through, Maresca will be keen on linking up with players who will be able to provide him with plenty of chances in the final third.
Of course, Cole Palmer will be ideal for him, but how about having a talent like Xavi Simons available?
Writer Bobby Vincent stated during a Q and A for football.london could perhaps be a target.
“As for Xavi Simons, I’ve heard his name mentioned a couple of times this summer as a potential option but nothing absolutely concrete yet,” said Vincent.
“He is someone who has cropped up in the past as well, so there is definite interest there.”
The Dutchman is still only 22 years of age and would make an ideal long-term option for Maresca, especially as he could work wonders with Ekitike.
Why Chelsea must sign Xavi Simons
Last season in the Premier League, Palmer created 24 big chances. Next on the list were Enzo Fernández with 13 and Pedro Neto with 11. These were the only players with over ten big chances created.
By signing Simons, Maresca would be getting a player who will be able to generate plenty of opportunities for Ekitike, who scored 22 goals in all competitions for Frankfurt this season.
Xavi Simons celebrates
Indeed, across 25 domestic matches last season, the youngster created 12 big chances, while also averaging two key passes per game and recording seven assists for Leipzig, which speaks to the kind of quality that he could provide the French striker with in front of goal.
Xavi Simons’ statistics last season
Metric
Bundesliga
Champions League
Goals
10
0
Assists
7
0
Big chances created
12
4
Key passes per game
2
1.4
Successful dribbles per game
1.3
1.4
Via Sofascore
It is no wonder he has been hailed as a “fantastic talent” in the past by talent scout Jacek Kulig. Now, Simons is finally delivering on his massive potential.
While Leipzig may have underwhelmed in the Champions League last season, Simons, who has been hailed as a “pocket rocket” by analyst Raj Chohan, shone from an individual perspective.
Indeed, when compared to his positional peers in the tournament, the 22-year-old ranked in the top 2% for shot-creating actions (5.91) and total shots per 90 (2.69) while also ranking in the top 9% for successful take-ons (1.88) and in the top 12% for touches in the opposition penalty area (3.49) per 90.
This set of statistics proves that Simons is among one of the finest attacking midfielders on the continent when it comes to creating chances, which is why he would be a dream signing alongside Ekitike as they could link up in the final third with the Dutchman creating chances for the striker to tuck away.
It could be a dream duo for the club next season, and if the club go far in the Club World Cup, there will be money to spend.
Chelsea can sign a bigger talent than Ekitike with move for £65m "maverick"
Chelsea could have the chance to reignite a move for a former target
Part and parcel of promotion to the Premier League is the reality that some players are not going to be a part of Leeds United’s future beyond this summer.
Players who did not play regularly in the Championship may not be suited to playing in the top-flight, given that they were not deemed good enough at a lower level, and that is why Patrick Bamford could be in trouble.
The English forward only played 17 times in the league in the 2024/25 season, coming off the bench in all of those outings, and failed to provide a single goal or assist to the team.
No final decision on his future has been communicated by the club or player, but his lack of minutes last season does not suggest that he is likely to be a key player in the top-flight next term.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Meanwhile, another member of Daniel Farke’s first-team squad has already revealed that the club have made a decision on his future at Elland Road.
Max Wober's statement on his Leeds future
Whilst on international duty with Austria, central defender Max Wober has confirmed that the Premier League side have told him to leave during the summer transfer window, as they want to cash in on him.
He told Krone: “Leeds have already told me clearly that they want to sell me.”
Wober’s contract at Elland Road does not expire until the summer of 2027, though, so a team will have to come in with an offer to sign him if they want to move on from the Austrian flop on a permanent basis.
Leeds paid a reported fee of £11m to sign the left-footed dud from RB Salzburg in January 2023, under Jesse Marsch, but it remains to be seen how much of that fee the club would want back for him.
Why Wober must go before Bamford
The West Yorkshire outfit must push the Austria international out of the door at Elland Road this summer before Bamford because he does not, on paper, look to be a player who will provide much value to the squad.
Wober, who was described as “half-hearted” and “slow” against Hull by pundit Tony Dorigo, only played eight times in the Championship this season, playing half as many matches as the striker, and endured a rough time in the Premier League last time out.
22/23 Premier League
Max Wober
Appearances
16
Starts
14
Clean sheets
2
Dribbled past
8x
Duel success rate
53%
Penalties committed
1
Error led to shot
1
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the Austrian flop played for Leeds in the second half of their relegation season and failed to step up, with two clean sheets in 16 games.
These statistics, coupled with his lack of minutes this term, suggest that he is unlikely to make the step up to the Premier League, which is why it is a good decision by the club to tell him to move on.
Bamford, meanwhile, may not be a frontline option for Leeds, given his struggles this season, but he is an experienced player who could provide value off the bench and around the squad.
The 31-year-old striker has scored 24 goals and provided 14 assists in 104 Premier League games in his career, including 17 goals in the 2020/21 campaign under Marcelo Bielsa.
Bamford has been there and done it in the top-flight in the past and could impart his experience and wisdom to the younger and less experienced members of the squad as a back-up option next season.
That is not to say that Leeds must keep the striker at Elland Road, as a move for him to go and play regular football could still suit all parties, but he has more to offer the team than Wober, who does not have any past success in the Premier League.
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Leeds United’s search for a new centre-forward continues, ahead of their Premier League return
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Therefore, Leeds should make selling Wober a big priority this summer, whilst they can afford to be relaxed about Bamford and his situation.
Manchester City may have one eye on the Club World Cup this summer, though they are refusing to relent in their pursuit of additions and could now be in a position to land one of PSG’s leading stars.
Man City's changing dynamics this summer
The end of a trophyless campaign for Pep Guardiola at Manchester City appears to have only fueled his desire to ensure his side doesn’t end up empty-handed next time out.
Fortunately, the Club World Cup will offer a quickfire chance to atone for a year without silverware alongside a bounty of nearly £100 million for the eventual winners of the competition.
Of course, Manchester City are hardly struggling for cash. Still, a sizeable extra windfall would allow more room for manoeuvre in their quest to rejuvenate a squad that will see some experienced figures depart over the summer.
Kevin De Bruyne appears to be on his way to Napoli and bows out as possibly the Citizens’ greatest ever player, leaving a void to be filled not only in the engine room but in terms of leadership.
Jack Grealish could be on his way to Tottenham Hotspur after becoming a spare part. Although his influence has waned in recent times, there is no doubt that his experience has helped to set a culture of success inside the Manchester City dressing room.
Hugo Viana makes £40m+ Man City offer to sign Brazilian ahead of Man Utd
The Citizens are looking to steal a march on their rivals…
BySean Markus Clifford May 30, 2025
AC Milan star Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Ait-Nouri could arrive to work under Guardiola. Nevertheless, their prospective moves don’t undermine the need for stars capable of producing match-winning moments to arrive, no matter where they may feature on the pitch.
Man City eye surprise Gianluigi Donnarumma move
According to CaughtOffside, Manchester City have made contact over a move for Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma if number one Ederson is sold this summer.
The Brazil international is attracting interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League and could be allowed to leave for just over £25 million if appropriate offers come in.
Gianluigi Donnarumma in 2024/25 – all competitions
Appearances
40
Clean sheets
12
Goals conceded
39
On the other hand, former AC Milan star Donnarumma is in the middle of a contract wrangle with Paris Saint-Germain and is also being tracked by Arsenal, Manchester United, Inter Milan and Juventus, with City also registering their interest.
Intriguingly, he has been labelled a “top goalkeeper” by Guardiola back in 2017 and won’t have done himself any harm after picking up the Champions League trophy last weekend.
Speaking about his future at the French giants, Donnarumma stated: “New deal or leaving? We will see what happens… I don’t know.
‘It’s time to enjoy this magic season now. I will go on holiday and then we will see.”
From a Manchester City standpoint, that doesn’t sound like a man who has completely ruled out the prospect of playing elsewhere next term. Now, it is over to their recruitment staff to try and tempt the £205,000 per week earner to English shores.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is set to be backed over what is expected to be another eventful summer transfer window at Stamford Bridge, especially after their now-confirmed qualification for the Champions League next season.
Chelsea handed summer transfer boost with Champions League spot confirmed
While Maresca refused to get drawn into any questions about the summer window in his post-match press conference, there is little denying that Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday has seriously boosted the club’s recruitment strategy.
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ByEmilio Galantini May 26, 2025
Chelsea’s finish in the Premier League top five, courtesy of a second-half strike from Cobham academy graduate Levi Colwill against Forest, means BlueCo have been handed a significant potential windfall of around £64 million.
Race for Champions League qualification – Final standings
Rank
Team
Points
GD
3
Man City
71
+28
4
Chelsea
69
+21
5
Newcastle
66
+21
6
Aston Villa
66
+7
7
Nottingham Forest
65
+12
The Blues should earn around £48 million just from finishing fourth in the table, while Chelsea are also guaranteed £15.7 million from qualifying for the Champions League, even if Maresca’s side lose every game and go out in the league phase (Sky Sports).
Chelsea manager EnzoMarescacelebrates after the match
Alongside the financial boost, Chelsea will also have far more player-pull in the market, given they’ll be competing in Europe’s most prestigious competition next term.
In an x-rated celebratory statement, following their Sunday heroics, Maresca sent a message to his critics after Chelsea’s place.
“I didn’t have any doubt about the players. The doubt was from outside. All the ones that have the answers or the ones that have the truth, they were saying that we are too young, we are not good enough, they were waiting for Aston Villa to drop points for us to achieve the Champions League,” said Maresca on Chelsea’s finish to the season.
“They were saying that we were not able to win on this pitch because we are too young, because we are not experienced. Unfortunately for them, they have all been wrong. All the ones that have the truth and have the answer to everything. So in English, how you say? F off to all of them, because the players deserve that. The effort they have been doing is fantastic.”
Chelsea could now sign two strikers with Liam Delap set for imminent decision
According to journalist Simon Phillips, their Champions League status now means that Chelsea could sign not one, but two, strikers this summer.
One of their key targets, Ipswich Town star Liam Delap, is set to decide on his next destination “this week”, and Chelsea are firmly in contention for the Englishman after holding talks with his camp (Fabrizio Romano).
However, Maresca’s side are keen on bringing in one of their two potential new centre-forwards before the Club World Cup, so given Delap’s desire to play at the Under-21 Euros with England, this could pose a slight issue.
In terms of other high-profile number nines who could join alongside Delap, it has been reported in the last two days that Chelsea are now “really pushing” for RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko.
Everton have been born again under the wing of David Moyes, and the exciting part is the Scottish coach is only just getting started.
Sure, recent results have been a little patchy, but Everton have come on leaps and bounds since Sean Dyche was replaced in January, just as solid in defence while more at ease in their forward play, working coherently and fluidly. Beto’s firing once again, and the Toffees as a whole have found a long-lost level of attacking intent.
Everton manager DavidMoyes
But there’s only so much that can be done without signings. Indeed, Everton need to invest in the transfer market this summer, especially with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Armando Broja both slated to leave when their contracts expire next month.
Everton chasing new striker
While Everton would love to get their hands on Liam Delap, the £30m-rated Ipswich striker is giving priority to Manchester United, and it’s a race that Moyes may not win with interest from the Toffees reported just a few weeks ago.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Instead, The Friedkin Group may head down a shrewder path and target Brighton & Hove Albion’s Evan Ferguson, 20, who has endured a difficult loan spell at West Ham United this season.
The rumoured price was thought to be £40m when he joined the Hammers this winter, but that should be lower now.
According to GIVEMESPORT, the Republic of Ireland international could be one option this summer to complete Moyes’ frontal ranks.
Why Evan Ferguson could flourish at Bramley Moore
Ferguson has only started once in the Premier League for West Ham, and he was hooked at half-time at that. Still, once regarded as a “phenomenal” finishing ability by James Milner, the up-and-comer has merely suffered a blip in a promising rise to the fore.
Football is a fickle game, and it’s important to remember that while players ebb away, they can bounce right back in a warmer climate.
West Ham hasn’t exactly been a breeding ground for positivity this season, but Everton are building something with Moyes at the helm and he could help coax Ferguson back toward the ascendancy that carried him through his maiden years in the Premier League.
His goalscoring prowess won’t go away, and while there are other areas of his game that need work, Moyes could get the best out of him, for sure.
Of course, his one-goal campaign pales in comparison to Delap’s, with the 22-year-old scoring 12 goals from 35 Premier League outings for his relegated side, missing just ten big chances, as per Sofascore.
But Ferguson has demonstrated his ability before. For Brighton, across the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons, the teenage prodigy scored 12 goals and missed only nine big chances, with his powerful performances at the front of the ship leading to a great fanfare.
Evan Ferguson’s Senior English Career (all comps)
Season
Apps
Goals
Assists
24/25 – West Ham
8
0
0
24/25 – Brighton
15
1
0
23/24 – Brighton
34
6
2
22/23 – Brighton
25
10
3
21/22 – Brighton
4
0
1
Stats via Transfermarkt
Such fanfare, actually, that Brighton slapped a £100m price tag on him, with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur lurking.
Delap might be the talk of the town right now, but Ferguson has proven himself a big-money talent in the past, with the raw properties to become something special.
Given that Everton could be able to engineer an affordable deal and have Beto firing on all cylinders, this could be an astute piece of business indeed, one which might just bear dividends.
He'd be Moyes' next Cahill: Everton plot move for "incredible" EFL star
Everton could be about to land a player who could follow in the footsteps of a former fan-favourite.
This summer is a huge one for Liverpool football club if they are to sustain the success they’ve achieved in Arne Slot’s first season at the helm on Merseyside.
The Reds have claimed the Premier League title for just the second time in 2024/25, achieving such a feat with multiple games to spare, highlighting the impressive job done by the Dutchman.
Many supporters undoubtedly had fears for the side after Jürgen Klopp’s departure last summer, but it’s safe to say Slot has rapidly put those worries to bed.
Liverpool manager ArneSlotcelebrates after winning the Premier League
He has the opportunity to create a new era of success for a generation of the fanbase, but it’s crucial that the board backs him in his quest by landing him the targets he wants.
With just a couple of weeks until the transfer window opens, work has already been done behind the scenes to land targets who would drastically improve the options at the manager’s disposal.
The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new defenders this summer
Whilst boasting the second-best defensive record in the Premier League, Liverpool are still in the market for added reinforcements in such a department.
Bournemouth ace Milos Kerkez has been their number one option to strengthen the left-back department, with the Cherries demanding a fee in the region of £40m for his signature.
Milos Kerkez for Bournemouth
However, the Hungarian might not be the only star to join the Reds from Andoni Iraola’s side in the coming months, with Dean Huijsen on their radar, according to one Spanish report.
It claims that Slot’s side have already made an offer to the 20-year-old’s representatives over a summer switch to Anfield, but face competition from sides such as Real Madrid and Chelsea.
It also states that it remains to be seen whether he will stay in England or move to LaLiga during the off-season, with multiple outfits willing to trigger his £50m release clause in his contract.
Why Liverpool’s £50m target would be better than Murillo
Huijsen isn’t the only defender linked with a switch to join Liverpool in the near future, with Nottingham Forest’s Brazilian star Murillo emerging as another target for Slot’s men.
Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson celebrates scoring their first goal with Nikola Milenkovic andMurillo
The 22-year-old has been a key part of their hunt for a Champions League spot, having a real impact at both ends of the pitch – as seen by his goal against Crystal Palace earlier this week.
He’s a unique option in today’s market, taking pride in his ball-playing ability, always offering a presence in driving out with the ball from the back and playing a diagonal pass to a teammate – but could cost a fee in the region of £80m.
However, despite his eye-catching ability at the City Ground, the hierarchy should still prioritise a move for Bournemouth star Huijsen, with the Spaniard a better option in 2025.
When comparing his stats to those of Murillo this campaign, he’s managed to outperform him in numerous key areas – handing the manager a perfect partner to Virgil Van Dijk.
Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen
Huijsen, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one analyst, has completed more progressive carries per 90 whilst also completing more of the passes he’s attempted – showcasing his impressive ability on the ball.
How Huijsen compares to Murillo in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Huijsen
Murillo
Games played
29
34
Goals & assists
4
2
Progressive carries
1.5
0.6
Progressive passes
4.7
3.1
Pass accuracy
83%
78%
% of tackles won
60%
58%
Interceptions made
1.9
0.9
Aerials won
2.6
1.2
Stats via FBref
He’s also won more of the tackles he’s entered to date and made more interceptions, highlighting that he’s a better option than Murillo without the ball – further improving the club’s impressive defensive record.
Given the difference in stats, it should be a no-brainer for the club, not to mention saving themselves £30m if they were to make a move for Huijsen instead of the Forest gem.
Such a saving could allow for added investment into other key areas of the first-team squad, further improving their chances of making it back-to-back triumphs in the Premier League next season.
Slot has struck gold on Liverpool star worth far more than Kerkez & Huijsen
Liverpool’s title-winning defence is set to undergo a transformation this summer.