Owners of the three franchises confirm they will continue working with the PCB for next ten years
Danyal Rasool25-Nov-2025
Quetta Gladiators reached the final of the 2025 PSL•PSL
The owners of Quetta Gladiators, Karachi Kings and Islamabad United have all confirmed they will renew their ownership for ten further years. The announcements follow previous public statements from Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi also officially confirming their renewed ownership.It means the five franchises the PSL began with have signed deals to continue with the same owners. Shortly after United went public, Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen announced he would not be extending his ownership of the franchise.Each franchise was widely expected to renew. Kings, who were initially the most valuable franchise in 2016, officially saw the smallest percentage growth in their annual franchise fee, representing what were perceived as particularly beneficial terms. They were valued at PKR 440 million (approx US$1.57m) in 2016 and about 790 million (approx US$2.8m) in the most recent valuation.Related
Multan Sultans owner decides not to renew ownership of PSL franchise
With incumbent owners retaining franchise rights, they are required to pay the old value plus 25% of the new valuation, meaning Kings’ annual franchise fee comes to around PKR 640 million (approx US$2.3m). That means their market value has dipped below that of Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans, and is only higher than Quetta Gladiators.”A decade ago, we made a promise to help bring cricket back to Pakistan,” Kings owner, Salman Iqbal, tweeted. “Today, I am proud to announce that we have officially renewed Karachi Kings’ franchise rights for the next 10 years! This isn’t just a renewal; it’s a recommitment to the vision that built the HBL PSL.”Quetta and Islamabad have joined them. Gladiators are understood to have the lowest market value but the largest growth in their value. Their annual fee in 2016 was about PKR 187 million (approx US$660,000). With their market value going up to approximately PKR 690 million (approx US$2.45m), retention means the owners will have to pay in the region of PKR 360 million (approx US$1.28m) per year.United, too, have pipped Kings in market value, which is estimated at about PKR 860 million (approx US$3.06m). This is up from PKR 255 million (approx US$910,000) at the advent of the PSL, requiring owner Ali Naqvi to pay about PKR 470 million (approx US$1.67m).Two new teams will be added ahead of the next season of the PSL, which is set to be held between March and May 2026. With Sultans’ ownership group declining to retain, the PSL has to find an ownership solution for three teams before the draft for the 11th edition can get underway.
تحدث ليونيل سكالوني، المدير الفني لمنتخب الأرجنتين الأول لكرة القدم، عن قرعة كأس العالم 2026 التي أجريت أمس، الجمعة.
وتستضيف الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية، كندا والمكسيك نهائيات النسخة المقبلة من بطولة كأس العالم والتي ستنطلق في الفترة بين 11 يونيو و19 يوليو.
وتعتبر تلك هي النسخة الأولى من بطولة كأس العالم، بعد استحداث نظامها، حيث سيشارك فيها 48 منتخبًا، سيتم تقسيمهم على 12 مجموعة، ويتأهل متصدر ووصيف كل مجموعة إلى دور الـ32، بالإضافة إلى أفضل 8 منتخبات في مركز ثالث.
ويقع منتخب الأرجنتين في المجموعة العاشرة رفقة كلًا من الجزائر، النمسا والأردن.
وقال سكالوني بعد قرعة دور المجموعات التي أُجريت في واشنطن: “مواجهة إسبانيا أو أوروجواي؟ علينا أولًا التأهل، ثم سنرى”.
وأضاف: “كما قلنا في عام 2022، نقول الآن، لا يوجد منافس سهل، علينا خوض المباريات أولًا”.
اقرأ أيضًا | مدرب منتخب إسبانيا: شيء واحد يقلقني في كأس العالم.. ولن نضعف بإشادات المنافسين
وأردف: “يجب أن تقام المباريات ومن الناحية النظرية، إنها مجموعة يتعين علينا أن نبذل فيها كل ما في وسعنا حتى نتمكن من التأهل إلى الدور التالي”.
وأكمل: “النمسا قدمت أداءً رائعًا في التصفيات وسيكون خصمًا صعبًا، الجزائر فريق جيد ويضم لاعبين رائعين، ويضم عددًا كبيرًا جدًا من المواهب يغذي أيضًا فرنسا ودولًا أخرى، كما أن مدربهم بيتكوفتيش كان مدربي عندما كنت لاعبًا في لاتسيو، إنه مدرب عظيم”.
وفيما يتعلق بالأردن أتم: “لا أعرفهم جيدًا لكن إذا وصلوا إلى كأس العالم فذلك لأنهم فريق جيد”.
O São Paulo derrotou o Vitória por 3 a 1 neste domingo (5), no Barradão, pela quinta rodada Campeonato Brasileiro, mais um vez sem a presença do colombiano James Rodríguez entre os relacionados.
continua após a publicidade
➡️ Tudo sobre o Tricolor agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! São Paulo
Recuperado de dores musculares que o tiraram do duelo contra o Águia de Marabá, pela Copa do Brasil, o meia ficou fora do grupo que viajou até Salvador por opção do técnico Luiz Zubeldía. Questionado a respeito da ausência do camisa 55, o argentino explicou os motivos da decisão.
– Eu tomo decisões em relação ao que vejo e para isso estou aqui, para tomar decisões. Se não está o James, é porque considero que tem que estar outros companheiros. Tenho clara qual é a minha profissão e tenho clara qual é a minha responsabilidade. Um treinador vive tomando decisões, e tratamos junto com o meu estafe que essas decisões sempre sejam em favor do grupo e que sejam, em sua maioria, positivas. Então, todos estão considerados, mas ao final do dia ou antes dos jogos, tenho que tomar decisões – explicou o treinador.
continua após a publicidade
Autor de dois gols na partida, Luciano formou a dupla de ataque com Calleri e foi o grande destaque do Tricolor. O posicionamento do jogador em campo foi escolhido de maneira proposital por Zubeldía, que analisou com seu estafe todos os gols do atacante em 2023.
➡️A boa do Lance! Betting: vamos dobrar seu primeiro depósito, até R$200! Basta abrir sua conta!
– Se você olha os gols de Luciano em 2023… Ontem eu tive a possibilidade de fazer um compacto e ver junto com meu estafe os gols de Luciano em 2023. Porque eu conheço os jogadores, mas às vezes eu preciso lembrar com imagens. E se você olha os gols de Luciano em 2023 e anos anteriores também, pode se dar conta de que o que fez hoje não é uma casualidade. Não é uma casualidade – finalizou.
continua após a publicidade
O São Paulo volta a campo na próxima quarta-feira (8), contra o Cobressal-CHI, fora de casa, pela quarta rodada da fase de grupos da Copa Libertadores.
Tudo sobre
BrasileirãoFutebol NacionalJames RodríguezLuis ZubeldíaSão Paulo
Leeds United have only scored 11 goals in their 11 Premier League matches so far this season since they won promotion from the Championship last term.
The newly-promoted side have struggled to find the back of the net on a regular basis. That has not been because of a lack of creativity, though, as the Whites have created 14.7 xG in the division, per WhoScored.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
2.89
1
-1.89
Jayden Bogle
0.88
0
-0.88
Brenden Aaronson
1.79
1
-0.79
Joel Piroe
0.73
0
-0.73
Pascal Struijk
0.65
0
-0.65
Dan James
0.47
0
-0.47
Jack Harrison
0.41
0
-0.41
As you can see in the table above, too many players have been wasteful with the chances that have been created for them in the Premier League so far this season.
Summer signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin, in particular, has not been clinical enough as the starting number nine for the West Yorkshire outfit, underperforming his xG by roughly two goals.
With the team’s struggles in front of goal in mind, supporters may be thinking about what the club could do to solve the issue, whether that is through promoting academy talent, making signings in January, or recalling players from their loans.
One star who is currently shining out on loan away from Elland Road is centre-forward Joe Gelhardt, but he looks set to remain at Hull City until at least the end of the season.
Why Joe Gelhardt will not be returning to Leeds United in January
HullLive recently reported that the English striker is expected to remain with the Championship club until next summer, despite the Whites having the option to recall him in January.
The report claimed that Leeds do not have any plans to recall Gelhardt from his loan because they feel that he is in the best place to develop as a player at Hull, who are interested in a deal to sign him permanently next summer.
This shows that Daniel Farke and his coaching staff do not believe that the 23-year-old marksman is the answer to their current problems in the Premier League, or else they would be planning to bring him back to Thorp Arch to bolster the squad for the second half of the season.
The Leeds loanee has plundered seven goals and two assists in 13 Championship starts for the Tigers so far this season, per FotMob, which is why there may have been some supporters wondering if the club would look to recall him.
xG
4.59
Top 4%
xG on target
5.98
Top 3%
Goals
7
Top 2%
xA
2.48
Top 7%
Assists
2
Top 20%
Chances created
13
Top 24%
As you can see in the table above, Gelhardt has finished his chances at an incredibly efficient rate, outperforming his xG by just over two goals, but Leeds have reportedly decided that he is not the answer for them in the Premier League.
This means that Farke will have to look elsewhere to solve his team’s goalscoring woes, and he should forget about Gelhardt to unleash a young star from the academy.
Leeds' Gelhardt replacement
17-year-old centre-forward Harry Gray made his first-team debut for the Whites against Stoke City in the Championship last season, but he has yet to make an appearance in the Premier League in the current campaign.
Derby County, Swansea City, Charlton Athletic, and Hull City are four Championship sides reportedly chasing a deal to sign the teenage marksman on loan for the second half of the season when the January transfer window opens for business.
Leeds, though, should reject their advances and, instead, look to unleash Gray in the first-team with the hope that he can provide the goalscoring touch that has eluded their current options up front.
The England youth international, who was hailed as a “powerful” player by Como scout Ben Mattinson, has been in fantastic form for the club’s academy in the 2025/26 campaign, with his most notable moment being his hat-trick against Scunthorpe in the National League Cup in September.
On top of that hat-trick, Gray has also scored five goals in six Premier League 2 games and two goals in two EFL Trophy matches, per Transfermarkt, which means that the teenage forward has racked up ten goals in all competitions this season.
The 17-year-old talent had the chance to play against a League Two first-team, Accrington Stanley, in the EFL Trophy before the international break, and showed that he can make an impact against senior opposition.
Sofascore rating
8.6
Shots
3
Shots on target
3
Goals
2
Pass accuracy
71%
Fouls won
3
Ground duels won
4/8
Aerial duels won
2/7
As you can see in the table above, Gray did struggle with the aerial duels in the game, understandably as a 17-year-old against first-team centre-backs, but he did hold his own in physical contests on the deck and scored two goals in the game.
This suggests that he is ready to compete against experienced defenders, even if battling for aerial balls is not his strength, which is why Farke should look to reward him with a chance to impress in the Premier League this season.
The impressive teenager has done all that he can do to impress the head coach with his performances this season. He has scored goals at an exceptional rate in every competition for the U21s, showing that he can be ruthless in front of goal and find the back of the net on a regular basis.
As aforementioned, Leeds have not taken enough of their chances in the Premier League so far this season, which is why they need a lethal marksman who can make the most of the opportunities that are being created.
Bamford 2.0: Leeds chase ST with 15 goals in 25/26, he'd save Farke's job
Leeds United are interested in signing a striker who could save Daniel Farke’s job at Elland Road.
ByDan Emery Nov 15, 2025
With this in mind, Farke must unleash Gray in the first-team to see if he can make the step up, whilst Gelhardt is left to see out the rest of the season with Hull.
The Miami Marlins haven't had much to play for over the past few months. Far removed from playoff contention right out of the gates, they've struggled mightily, as evidenced by their 100 losses on the year. But the opportunity to play spoiler can breath life into a team and crazy things can happen. Like they did Thursday night in Minneapolis as the Marlins squandered a four-run lead, did a bunch of other stuff that usually proves fatal to the goal of winning and … still walked away with an 8-6 victory in 13 innings that put the Twins on the brink of elimination.
In addition to coughing away a nice cushion, the Marlins struck out 20 times, left 15 runners stranded on base, did not hit a longball, and committed two errors. No team in the history of baseball, which touts nearly a quarter of a million games, had ever survived all that to win.
It's probably not a night that Marlins fans will have any particular reason to remember. Twins fans, on the other hand, will rue the night—and so many other nights down the stretch—where they failed to capitalize and keep their team from taking on even more water. As of this morning their chances of making the postseason have dropped all the way to about 4 percent. But as we were reminded again on Thursday night, anything is possible in baseball.
A series of T20Is as mere hors d’oeuvres to a main event consisting of ODIs seems an upside-down way of looking at whatever feast of cricket an increasingly packed international menu has to offer.But the three 50-over matches against India which make up the remainder of England Women’s summer represent just that for both teams with a World Cup less than two months away.India, who will host that tournament, comprehensively outplayed England in three of their five T20s while England won two tight contests on the final ball.Related
Dean, Wyatt-Hodge shine in England's nervy last-ball win
Harmanpreet embraces 'happy headache' with India's depth on the rise
Rawal vs Deol, spin dilemma and other ODI questions for India
For Kate Cross, who comes into England’s ODI squad after missing the T20Is along with Alice Davidson-Richards and Emma Lamb, the nature of those victories carried some negatives which the side will be looking to eradicate, but also positive signs.”We won some really key moments under pressure and we managed to win two really close games under pressure,” Cross said. “That’s something that is talked about with this group, how we might not necessarily always win those moments, so they were two huge positives.”If you think of the Edgbaston game, if we’d been in that really strong position to win it and then gone on to lose that game, then a lot more questions would be being asked. We won it, so that was great but equally we don’t want to be in those positions. We want to try and kill games sooner.”Every cricketer that you talk to will be trying to do that, but mistakes are made along the way and pressure is put on you as a cricketer and teams are allowed to bowl well and bat well and take spectacular catches in the deep that change the momentum of the game.”It certainly looked like we’ve looked calmer under pressure on Saturday, which is the sign of a team that’s moving in the right direction. The calmer we can be under those pressure moments, then the better we’ll be in those huge moments in World Cups and Ashes series and going down to the wire against India in a three-match one-day series.”The last time England played in Southampton, the match went down to the wire too, with Australia winning the second of three ODIs on the final ball to level that leg of the Women’s Ashes.England managed to keep the T20 series against India alive from 2-0 down at The Oval when India fluffed their lines chasing 172, a catch by Sophie Ecclestone as Harmanpreet Kaur tried in vain to clear mid-off for the six runs the visitors needed off the last ball the decisive moment.In the final match, at Edgbaston with the series already gone India’s way 3-1, England were in prime position to overhaul a target of 168 at 95 without loss after 10 overs. But they collapsed to 163 for 5 and needed a single off the last ball, Ecclestone the successful protagonist once more.”It feels like almost a line drawn in the sand with that series and then we’re going to go again with the one-day series,” Cross said on the eve of ahead of the opening ODI at Southampton.”With the result, it wasn’t the way we wanted the series to go, so it’s a fresh start. We’re nil-nil again now, aren’t we? It’s an opportunity to try and get a win on the board tomorrow and go one-nil up in the series.”You’ve got the same Smriti Mandhana coming out opening the batting, so it is trying to work out opportunities of how you might get those players out or how you might face bowlers. It’s always nice how the narratives are created through series like this when you get to play against the same team.”Kate Cross hopes to come into the ODI series with set plans for Smriti Mandhana•Getty Images
How to negate Mandhana emerged as a theme from the T20Is. She was leading run-scorer by some distance, with 221 runs at an average of 44.20 and 137.26 strike rate. Her maiden century in the format set the tone as India won the opening match at Trent Bridge by 97 runs and she scored a half-century in England’s five-run victory at The Oval.Facing India’s spin-heavy attack featuring N Shree Charani – Player of the Series with 10 wickets, including 4 for 12 on T20I debut in Nottingham – will be a focus for England, who will welcome back captain Nat Sciver-Brunt from injury to bolster their response.England’s fielding, which brought them undone in the group stage of the T20 World Cup and was further exposed during their 16-0 Ashes defeat in January, went from improved to echoes of past shortcomings against India, keeping it firmly in the work-in-progress category.”We’re getting still quite a lot of press around our fielding and it’s not where we want it to be,” Cross said. “We know that there’s been some mistakes made in key moments, but hopefully if we can be judged in six months, eight months, 12 months’ time where the new regime has had chance to bed in hopefully … you’ll only then see the changes which will fit with the new regime.”When Charlotte Edwards was appointed as head coach in April, she was given just five months and six ODIs to prepare her side for the World Cup. Cross, who fondly remembers receiving her debut cap from former England captain Edwards, believes her coach is up to the task.”She’s the biggest badger I know,” Cross said. “She’s literally watched every ball that you bowl or every ball that you face. She’s really on it. She’s got about seven laptops around her apartment, I think, to watch all the Blast games.”But her knowledge around the game is just phenomenal. We feel really lucky that we’ve had a coach with that sort of experience come in, but also with the career that she had in the game, to come in to help guide us and make us a better team.”She’s just not changed at all. She’s still the same Lottie that was my captain eight or nine years ago. So it is been really lovely for me personally to have her around. She’s always chuckling and making you laugh, which is a really nice place to be in an international dressing room.”
Harry Kane might not be plying his trade for Tottenham Hotspur anymore, but he’s a player who will forever remain in their history for his efforts in North London.
The England international was a product of the Lilywhites’ academy setup, subsequently bursting through the ranks before securing his place in the first-team back in 2014.
He would make 435 appearances for the club during his decade in the first-team, even breaking the record for the most goals scored by a player in their history.
His tally of 280 goals surpassed the record set by the late Jimmy Greaves, but his talents within the final third have also been reflected in his international career.
Kane has scored 74 goals for his country, which has also allowed him to break the record set by former Manchester United talisman Wayne Rooney.
However, in 2025, the Lilywhites have a crop of fellow English talents, with many hoping to follow in the striker’s footsteps in being a mainstay on the international stage.
Spurs’ star performers for England in recent years
Alongside Kane, Spurs have had numerous players who have represented England at international level, many of whom have starred and made themselves key members of the squad.
Dominic Solanke and James Maddison have both previously been named in the Three Lions’ squad, but have been unable to make any appearances in recent months due to their respective injury issues.
However, Djed Spence is the latest player to break into Thomas Tuchel’s squad, even starting the friendly against Wales at Wembley on Thursday night.
The full-back featured for 90 minutes in the triumph over Craig Bellamy’s side, subsequently pocketing teammate Brennan Johnson and firing shade at the winger on social media.
His underlying stats were just as impressive, with the defender completing 98% of the passes he attempted, whilst also winning 100% of the tackles he entered.
With the 25-year-old the latest player to make his mark for England, there will be hope that another youngster in the Lilywhites ranks can follow in his footsteps in the years ahead.
The Spurs star who could be England’s next superstar
After making 19 appearances for Spurs last season, 18-year-old winger Mikey Moore is a player with a huge future ahead of him in North London.
He’s spent the majority of his life on the books of the Lilywhites, but was catapulted into the limelight last season as a result of the injury crisis under Ange Postecoglou.
Such a situation even led to the teenager scoring his first professional goal in the meeting with Elfsborg in the Europa League – a moment that will undoubtedly stick with him forever.
However, he was loaned out by Thomas Frank this summer, subsequently joining Rangers until the end of the 2025/26 campaign to gain valuable minutes to continue his progression.
He’s not the only talented Englishman within their ranks, with 16-year-old star Luca Williams-Barnett another player who is set for a bright future in North London.
The attacking midfielder has been starring way above his age group over the last few seasons, with the youngster featuring in the U18s for the majority of 2024/25.
He ended the year with a staggering 23 goals and nine assists in his 24 outings for the Lilywhites, resulting in a jump up once again – now becoming a key member of the U21 side.
Such form has led to the teenager being handed his first senior appearance against Doncaster Rovers last month – with analyst Ben Mattinson labelling him “one of England’s best talents”.
Williams-Barnett’s first-team outing is one thing, but he’s also managed to thrive in the youth ranks once again, now registering eight goals and five assists in his nine outings in all competitions.
Most Goals and Assists – Spurs U21s (25/26)
Player
Tally
Luca Williams-Barnett
9
Rio Kyerematen
5
Reiss-Alexander Russell-Denny
4
Oliver Irow
3
Yusuf Akhamrich
3
Tynan Thompson
3
Dane Scarlett
2
Dante Cassanova
2
Stats via FotMob
His numbers for the U21s are nothing short of sensational, with the teenager now boasting the best record of any player in the squad – an unthinkable feat for someone playing five years above their age category.
Williams-Barnett has also cemented his place in the England U18 setup, making three appearances already this campaign and scoring on two occasions – further showcasing his incredible talents.
Given his tender age, there’s no denying that the attacker needs more time in the academy system to develop before being able to make the jump into the first-team squad.
However, if he continues on his current trajectory, there’s no reason why he can’t emulate Kane’s success, whether that be in North London for Spurs or even on the international stage for England.
Bigger talent than Vuskovic: Spurs' "absolute jewel" could be the new Son
While Luka Vušković is impressing on loan at HSV, Tottenham have struck gold on an “absolute jewel” who could become Spurs’ new Son Heung-min.
Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo has sent out a strong message after scoring twice for his country in a 2-2 draw with Hungary in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday night. His brace means that the 40-year-old superstar has now scored 41 times in World Cup qualifying history, moving past the record of 39 previously held by Guatemala striker Carlos Ruiz, but Portugal still have work to do to qualify.
Ronaldo makes more history with Portugal
Ronaldo has added yet another record to his extensive collection by scoring both of Portugal's goals against Hungary. The Al-Nassr ace equalised for Portugal in the 22nd minute and then netted again just before half-time. As well as making World Cup qualifying history, his goals also mean that Ronaldo has now scored 143 times for Portugal and 947 in total for club and country during his incredible career. He's previously stated he dreams of hitting the 1,000 goal mark before he finally decides to hang up his illustrious boots and his latest efforts have certainly moved him another step closer to reaching that aim.
AdvertisementPortugal star fires out message after latest goals
Ronaldo took to social media to celebrate his latest achievement and posted a strong message. While he was happy to celebrate, he also made it clear he's eager to secure Portugal's place at World Cup 2026 as soon as possible, posting: "It is no secret that representing the National Team means a lot to me, and that is why I am very proud to have reached this unique milestone for Portugal. Thank you to everyone who helped me get here. See you in November to seal the qualification for the World Cup!"
Ronaldo is an 'inspiration' to young people
Ronaldo's latest efforts have drawn huge praise from Reinaldo Teixeira, the president of Liga Portugal, who spoke about the ageing superstar after the draw with Hungary.
He told reporters: "Cristiano Ronaldo has an exemplary attitude; he is an inspiration to all young people and to all of us. May it last for many 40 years. We have a spectacular starting eleven and a bench full of quality. We lacked a bit of luck. We played well; if you hit the post twice, you're unlucky. We didn't win today, but we'll win because our team has a lot of quality and a lot of joy. Cristiano scored two, he was close to scoring three, but unfortunately we didn't manage it. But we'll win and go through."
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Martinez complains Portugal 'couldn't kill the game'
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez was disappointed at seeing his side miss out on qualifying in a home fixture but urged his players to learn from the match when he addressed the media after the game. He said: "We had both goals, we started the second half very well, and there was a period where we couldn't kill the game. A game that had special meaning. It changes who we are a little. But it's important to remember that there are no easy games. It's a shame, we wanted to qualify in front of our fans. But it can be a great learning experience and a way to manage the final 10 minutes.
"We're a team that needs the ball, but we have a responsible team. We want to qualify, and that was probably trying to leave the game to close things out. It's a good lesson. We always need to have control of the ball and personality. We had two shots that hit the post, plus João Félix's. We had chances. We could have scored the winner to avoid being just one goal ahead.
"It's important to understand that we have a lot of competitiveness in the dressing room, and that it's important to always be ready. In November, we have two very important games, which create opportunities for a possible qualification call-up. It's better to have competitive games in Ireland and at the Dragão to continue doing what we want, to achieve the level we achieved in the Nations League."
Liverpool and Arne Slot have faced a hefty amount of criticism throughout the early weeks of the 2025/26 season, with analysts and rivals criticising the Premier League champions’ tactical imbalances.
Signs of defensive issues and a struggle to maintain a lead lend credence to this viewpoint, sure, but it only stretches so far. Liverpool haven’t quite been at the races this season, and yet they have pranced into a five-point lead at the top of the table, and they won their Champions League opener too.
Having won the league at a canter last term and having strengthened considerably this summer, the Reds would be forgiven for having started the year without the cast-iron sureness of last year, especially since many late goals have been scored already, and tough opponents such as Newcastle United, Arsenal and Everton have been put to the sword.
Alexander Isak has only just been integrated after his record-breaking move, and there’s no denying Florian Wirtz, 22, has left something to be desired since completing his £116m transfer from Bayer Leverkusen.
However, these things will come, and anyway, Liverpool’s pre-existing superstars remain at the top of their game, having been recognised for their talents at the Ballon d’Or ceremony on Monday evening in Paris.
Liverpool's Ballon d'Or nominees
Ousmane Dembele completed his redemption arc and was crowned the Men’s Ballon d’Or winner after leading Paris Saint-Germain to a quadruple and their first-ever Champions League title.
The 27-year-old scored 35 goals and provided 16 assists across all competitions, and was awarded the Champions League and Ligue 1 Player of the Season honours.
There’s no question that he was a deserving winner; however, he bested several rivals who would have fancied themselves worthy of the award themselves.
Mohamed Salah might have felt a sense of grievance, and not for the first time. The 33-year-old Egyptian came fourth after scoring 34 goals and supplying 23 assists for Liverpool last season, spearheading Slot’s title charge.
It was one of the greatest individual campaigns in Premier League history, and that’s inarguable. But it wasn’t enough for Salah to reach the podium for the maiden time in his career.
Likewise, Virgil van Dijk may have furtively scratched his head after learning his spot was 28th. The captain and defender supreme for the English top-flight champions, he has been a monstrous presence in Slot’s system, but the fact that no centre-half ranked higher than him is perhaps a marker of the award’s lopsidedness.
Alexis Mac Allister was also on the list, coming in at 22nd.
New boy Wirtz came in at number 29, and fans are now eagerly anticipating his clicking into gear and making good on the “generational talent”, as he has been named by journalist Chris Stonadge, that prompted FSG to spend the big bucks.
Wirtz will fancy his shot at claiming that iconic golden ball in the future, but Salah and Van Dijk are approaching the end of their chances.
Who might challenge Liverpool’s German playmaker in the years to come? Well, Dembele might be the talk of the town right now, but the Anfield side actually have their own version, and he’s been slated for a shot down the line.
Liverpool's future Ballon d'Or candidate
Liverpool have a team that is replete with talent, both young and old. Many players’ ceilings reach high above, but none more so than Rio Ngumoha, who, having turned 17 last month, is already riding the crest of a wave in Slot’s squad.
Poached from Chelsea in the summer of 2024, Ngumoha quickly established himself as a cut above the others in the Reds academy system, making his professional debut aged 16 as Liverpool beat Accrington Stanley 4-0 in the FA Cup. He didn’t score, the electric-paced left winger, but he caught the eye.
However, Ngumoha clearly had a fan in Slot, featuring heavily throughout pre-season. Liverpool sold Luis Diaz this summer, but a direct replacement was not welcomed through the gates. Herein lies the biggest endorsement, with Ngumoha entrusted with a regular first-team role.
And Slot was vindicated at St. James’ Park, when Ngumoha finished coolly after Dominik Szoboszlai’s dummy to seal all three points at the last moment, silencing an until then raucous Newcastle crowd, relishing in their second-half comeback.
1
James Vaughan
16 yrs, 8 months, 27 days
2
James Milner
16 yrs, 11 months, 22 days
3
Wayne Rooney
16 yrs, 11 months, 25 days
4
Rio Ngumoha
16 yrs, 11 months, 26 days
5
Cesc Fabregas
17 yrs, 3 months, 21 days
One of the youngest goalscorers in Premier League history, Ngumoha is mooted for a starting berth when Liverpool host Southampton in the Carabao Cup third round, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see the England U19 international make a good impression once more.
The sky is the limit, and even then, it might be too low. Ngumoha must be inculcated into the way of things over a number of years, his prodigious potential drip-fed to the Premier League and to Europe, where he has already made his bow.
The teenager is in the right setting, to be sure. And there is no question that he has the capacity to succeed.
Liverpool star Rio Ngumoha
In fact, Ngumoha has actually been billed as having the talent to wedge his way onto the elite table down the line, with Chelsea youth coach Saul Isaksson-Hurst raving about the player’s brilliance even as a kid, saying, “he is one of the best academy talents I have come across.”
Isaksson-Hurst then took his effusions one step further: “I told his brother I expect him to see him on the Ballon d’Or list one day, I believe he can do that.”
Not bad, Rio. Of course, the toughest part is still ahead of him, and it’s a long and treacherous road at that. But Ngumoha has the potential to become a focal point at Liverpool, and fans must be excited as they watch him develop and bloom and grow into superstardom.
"Similar" to Xabi Alonso: Hughes may regret selling Liverpool's own Wharton
This former Liverpool prospect has the potential to become a player worthy of a place in Slot’s squad.
O centroavante Marcos Leonardo está na mira de clubes europeus. Entre os pretendentes, a Lazio está na disputa pelo jovem talento. Após a derrota do Santos por 4 a 1 para o São Paulo, o atacante do Peixe falou sobre seu futuro no Alvinegro Praiano.
+ Até 70% OFF em produtos do Peixe para os torcedores fanáticos!
– Estou focado no Santos. Meu papel é dentro das quatro linhas. Fora eu deixo para meu pai e o estafe. Enquanto eu estiver no Santos, vou dar o meu melhor sempre – disse o Menino da Vila.
+ Veja os 20 melhores jogadores do Brasileirão no século 21 segundo o ChatGPT
Além disso, o jogador falou sobre a partida do time no clássico. Apesar de admitir a performance ruim da equipe, o camisa 9 do Peixe criticou a arbitragem da partida.
– Viemos e não fizemos um grande jogo. São Paulo foi feliz e aproveitou. É difícil de voltar do intervalo depois de um 2 a 0. Em um lance que eu estava com a bola dominada, eu viro, o Arboleda tromba em mim, ele não dá a falta… depois vem o pênalti para o São Paulo, então tem essas coisas que tem que rever também. O Santos é muito prejudicado. Agora é trabalhar quietinho, com resiliência e dar a volta por cima – concluiu Marcos Leonardo.
Agora, o Santos se prepara para o próximo compromisso do Brasileirão, que será contra o Botafogo, no próximo domingo, às 16 horas (de Brasília).