Football
Is Jeremie Frimpong Liverpool’s ready-made replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold?
Liverpool are on the verge of losing one of their cornerstone players, Trent Alexander-Arnold, as the English international edges closer to a high-profile move to Real Madrid.
After years of excellence on the right side of defense, including a central role in the club’s Premier League and Champions League triumphs, Alexander-Arnold’s impending departure will mark the end of an era at Anfield.

However, new manager Arne Slot appears to be wasting no time in sourcing a replacement, with Jeremie Frimpong of Bayer Leverkusen emerging as the leading candidate.
The Dutch defender, who has flourished in the Bundesliga, is available for a relatively modest €35 million (£29.6m) release clause. Discussions between both clubs and the player are said to be progressing positively.
Frimpong’s footballing journey began in England, having joined Manchester City’s academy at the age of nine. Though he didn’t make the senior breakthrough at City, a move to Celtic in 2019 proved pivotal.
He quickly made a mark in Scotland, winning the Young Player of the Year award and contributing to a domestic treble before securing a move to Leverkusen midway through his second season.
Since arriving in Germany, Frimpong has developed into one of Europe’s most exciting attacking full-backs. His evolution was further accelerated under Xabi Alonso, who transformed Leverkusen with a tactical shift to a back-three, giving Frimpong license to attack from the wing-back position.
In Alonso’s first full season, Frimpong scored eight goals, a dramatic increase from his solitary goal in his first 18 months. The following campaign saw him rack up 26 goal contributions in 47 appearances as Leverkusen went unbeaten in the league and lifted the German Cup.
While Frimpong’s attacking prowess is unquestionable, comparisons with Alexander-Arnold show clear stylistic differences.
Whereas Alexander-Arnold is known for his deep-lying playmaking ability, accurate long passes, and lethal set-piece deliveries, Frimpong relies on electric pace, tight dribbling, and direct movement in the final third.
Unlike the Liverpool vice-captain, who often orchestrates build-up from deep, Frimpong typically starts his runs higher up the pitch, making overlapping surges into advanced areas.
This difference in approach may force Slot to tweak Liverpool’s tactical setup, particularly in how Mohamed Salah is used.
Salah often cuts in from the right onto his stronger left foot, which may conflict with Frimpong’s desire to exploit the same channel.
Slot could experiment with Salah operating in a more central role to give Frimpong space to thrive on the flank.
Despite concerns about his defensive discipline — with even Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman once questioning it — Frimpong has operated successfully in systems that limit his defensive exposure.
Given that Alexander-Arnold himself was often shielded defensively, Slot may adopt a similar strategy to protect Frimpong while unlocking his offensive output.
In addition to targeting Frimpong, Liverpool are also exploring other areas for reinforcements. The left-back position could see competition for Andy Robertson, with Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez on the radar.
Central defense is another priority, with Dean Huijsen reportedly attracting attention. Up front, with Darwin Nunez’s future uncertain, Liverpool are assessing options like Hugo Ekitike and Victor Gyokeres.
Frimpong’s arrival would represent a significant step in reshaping Liverpool’s future — not just as a replacement, but as a new type of threat on the right flank.
Football
FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.
As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.
Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.
In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.
Football
New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)
The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.
Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.
The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.
Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.
This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.
Football
Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job
Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.
The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.
According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.
His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.
Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.
Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.
United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.
De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.
The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.
Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.
“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.
“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.
“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”
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