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3 hours ago
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Key events
Ollie Watkins has gone from Aston Villa to the Saudi Pro League to join Al-Hilal, and the England striker will be thrown straight into a big game against Al-Ahli and faces the highest of expectations – against fellow Three Lions forward hopeful, Ivan Toney.
John Duerden reports on the two English strikers vying for Thomas Tuchel’s attention from the gulf.
Liverpool: Why do the Reds want to sell Cody Gakpo, I hear you ask?
It’s a good question as Gakpo, despite some criticism from fans at times, has been pretty consistent during his three-and-a-half years at Anfield, scoring 51 goals in around 180 appearances for Liverpool, playing almost exclusively on the left wing.
The departure of Mohamed Salah, plus the signing of Victor Muñoz, the emergence of Rio Ngumoha and the pending arrival of Bradley Barcola have all contributed to a situation where Liverpool believe selling Gakpo and reinvesting the cash would be a wise move.
Ngumoha, Muñoz and Barcola are all better on the left flank, where Gakpo likes to play, while Liverpool have right-sided forwards – such as Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh and Ismaïla Sarr of Crystal Palace – on their radar. It seems Liverpool want to address the balance of their attack and Gakpo is the fall guy. Still, selling to Manchester City, as has been suggested, would be surprising. Big clubs don’t like to sell first team players to their rivals.
The Rumour Mill is the only place to start, if you will forgive the self-promotion, given I was tasked with writing today’s edition.
A merry-go-round of wide forwards could be upon us in the final days of the window.
Preamble
The end of a long summer of transfers is nigh: but not before a final, desperate, scrap for signings ensues in the final couple of days of the window. It never ceases to amaze us how and why clubs allow this to happen… but it provides compelling reading and watching as the deals roll in.
There are a number of ‘sagas’ to keep your eyes on: Cody Gakpo, Enzo Fernández and Ismaïla Sarr are three high-profile Premier League stars who could be on the move, with Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City three big clubs who ought to be very active in the next day or two. They won’t be alone. The signings keep on coming at Tottenham – and the Spurs owners may decree that more are required after a disappointing start to the season. Then there is Manchester United and their left-back situation, while lower down the English top flight the likes of Fulham and Crystal Palace, with new managers, will feel they must strengthen. And don’t forget about big deals around the continent, and in the women’s game.
So much to happen, to little time. Do join us throughout today and tomorrow as we build towards that 11pm (BST) transfer deadline tomorrow (Tuesday) when the window – and we’re obliged to say this – SLAMS SHUT. The deadline for WSL clubs is on Thursday 3 September.
