Latest news with #PSVEindhoven
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bayern Munich ‘Keeping Contact' Over Move to Sign 25-year-old Liverpool Star
Cody Gakpo on Bayern Munich's Radar as Barcelona's Plans Stall Bayern Munich have begun exploring attacking alternatives to Nico Williams, and Liverpool's Cody Gakpo is now on their radar, according to a report by Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Germany. With Barcelona facing persistent financial difficulties, their deal for Williams hangs in the balance, leaving the door open for others. Advertisement Plettenberg's report outlines how Max Eberl, Bayern's sporting director, is keeping 'contacts with other targets: Barcola (Luis Campos is very keen to keep him), Mitoma, Leao and Gakpo.' It's a shortlist loaded with talent and international pedigree. Gakpo's inclusion signals a significant recognition of his impact at Anfield and perhaps, Bayern's belief that Liverpool could be open to negotiation. Gakpo's Value Under Arne Slot Gakpo joined Liverpool from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 and has evolved steadily into a versatile and reliable attacker. During Arne Slot's title-winning campaign last season, the Dutch forward made valuable contributions, often deployed across multiple positions to fit the system. Advertisement Still just 25, Gakpo represents the modern, technical, and intelligent forward favoured in elite European football. Under Slot, a fellow Dutchman, Gakpo found renewed confidence and form, pushing past inconsistent spells to become a dependable squad asset. However, Liverpool's current forward depth remains a work in progress. With Luis Díaz continuously linked to Barcelona and Saudi Arabia, allowing Gakpo to depart this summer would stretch the front line. Any negotiations would likely require a significant offer, both to reflect Gakpo's pedigree and to convince Liverpool that his exit is manageable. Bayern's Broader Transfer Picture While Gakpo is one of several names mentioned, his Premier League success and familiarity with top-level football make him a potentially smoother transition for Bayern. That said, competition for attacking reinforcements is fierce this summer. Rafael Leão and Kaoru Mitoma offer different profiles, while Barcola, though highly-rated, may remain in Paris due to Luis Campos' determination to retain him. Advertisement Plettenberg's report is the first notable link between Bayern and Gakpo this summer. It arrives at a crucial time, just as Liverpool are restructuring their squad and preparing to unveil their record-breaking signing, Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. Should the Gakpo-Bayern interest solidify, it could form part of a broader ripple effect that shapes both Liverpool's and Bayern's summer windows. Photo: IMAGO Liverpool's Response Remains Key For now, there's no indication that Liverpool are entertaining offers. But if Bayern's interest materialises into a formal bid, it will test the club's resolve and planning. Gakpo may not always start, but his tactical flexibility and chemistry with Slot make him more than a bench option. Advertisement The Reds' stance is likely firm for now. But as the transfer window rolls on, and other pieces start to fall into place across Europe, Cody Gakpo could find himself in the middle of an unexpected summer saga. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis From a fan's perspective, it's fair to say that seeing Gakpo on a Bayern shortlist is both flattering and frustrating. We all saw flashes of what he can become under Slot, especially as he seemed to build up confidence during the title run. He's not first-choice every week, but that doesn't mean he's expendable. The reality is, with Luis Díaz already being eyed by Barcelona and the Saudis waving cash around, selling Gakpo would be a bold move unless a massive offer came in and a strong replacement was lined up. There's also the Dutch link with Slot, which shouldn't be underestimated. Gakpo knows the system, trusts the manager, and seems to be developing well. From a depth and tactical point of view, he offers too much to just be let go unless it's part of a bigger plan. If we are building around Wirtz, Jota, Salah (or his replacement), and someone like Amoura, then maybe there's logic to it. But for now, we'd hold tight and make Bayern look elsewhere. Let's not forget what happened when we sold Mané without a clear plan…
Kuwait Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- Kuwait Times
USA end losing streak with crushing of hapless Trinidad
SAN JOSE: Diego Luna #10 of United States shoots against Marvin Phillip #1 of Trinidad and Tobago in the first half during the Gold Cup 2025 at PayPal Park on June 15, 2025 in San Jose, California. – AFP LOS ANGELES: The United States ended their four-match losing run with a resounding 5-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago in their opening game of the CONCACAF Gold Cup on Sunday in San Jose. Mauricio Pochettino and his team, which is missing several Europe-based regulars, had faced plenty of criticism after recent friendly defeats to Turkey and Switzerland. In desperate need of a change in mood around the team, a year out from the World Cup they will co-host with Canada and Mexico, Pochettino fielded an attacking line-up. Against a Trinidad team, coached by former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke, it proved to be just the kind of stress-free comfortable win that the Argentine coach was seeking. The USA were on top from the outset with two early chances for striker Patrick Agyemang and it was the striker who helped create the 16th-minute opener. Agyemang won the ball off Trinidad defender Alvin Jones, found Jack McGlynn on the right who kept his cool and clipped the ball to the back post where Malik Tillman collected and then slotted home. It was a tough day for Jones, who then gifted the USA their second goal with a back-pass that went straight to winger Diego Luna who broke away and then unselfishly squared to Tillman for the PSV Eindhoven midfielder's second. Trinidad were showing why they have fallen down the FIFA rankings, slipping to 100th and fourth in the Caribbean, below Curacao, lacking any kind of solidity. The lively Luna created the third, a minute before the break, when he cut in from the left and his low shot deflected off Agyemang and beat the helpless Marin Phillip. It was easy going for Pochettino's side in the second half with Trinidad managing to threaten once when Tyrese Spicer put a low ball across the face of the goal but the sliding Dante Sealy was unable to connect. With the game fizzling out, Pochettino made a triple substitution and that added some late urgency to his side's attack. Sub Brenden Aaronson cut in from left and squeezed a low shot past Phillip's near post and then another man off the bench, Haji Wright completed the convincing victory when he broke down the left and drifted inside before placing the ball in the far corner. The USA, looking for an eighth Gold Cup title, face Saudi Arabia and Haiti in their remaining two games in Group D. — AFP
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Chelsea star Noni Madueke spotted partying with influencer hours after Blues' Club World Cup opener against LAFC
Noni Madueke wasted no time in sampling the delights of Atlanta after Chelsea 's Club World Cup opener against LAFC on Monday. The Blues winger was handed a start by Enzo Maresca as the Premier League side secured a 2-0 win over their MLS opponents at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Madueke, who played in both of England 's post-season matches earlier this month, was seen revelling with fellow partygoers hours after Chelsea's opening fixture of the revamped competition. In a social media clip that has since been deleted, the 23-year-old poses as his outfit for the night - consisting of trousers covered in the phrase 'who decides war?' and finished with a tank top, gold chain, watch and snapback - was hailed by the photographer, influencer Skye. The pair can then be seen making the most of the night among a throng of partygoers. Blues players are understood to have been issued a rest day on Tuesday. It comes amid a report earlier this month that the Blues are understood to be open to offers for him this summer, as they look to freshen up their attacking options. The winger joined from PSV Eindhoven in 2023 and scored 11 goals in all competitions last season but the club are willing to sacrifice him alongside Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix, who is a target for Benfica. They remain in contact with Eintracht Frankfurt for Hugo Ekitike but his price tag of £84m is prohibitive at this stage. Madueke was a regular started for manager Enzo Maresca last season — making 32 Premier League appearances — but he did not always stay in his manager's good books. In August, after Madueke scored in the Conference League win over Servette, Maresca told the 23-year-old England international that he must train better. Then, in December, Madueke's levels again dropped in training and so Maresca retaliated by dropping him to the bench for their game against Aston Villa. He had started their last 11 Premier League matches but was a substitute for that victory, once more told by his boss that coasting through sessions at Cobham will not be tolerated. Later that month, the forward was dropped for the matchday completely for their Boxing Day defeat by Fulham, a game in which Maresca named two goalkeepers on his bench as if to prove a point. The Blues face Brazilian outfit Flamengo in Philadelphia on Friday. Madueke is one of several players who have had their usual post-season schedule upended by the Club World Cup, which runs until July 13. Ordinarily players would be enjoying their limited time away from the field after another gruelling campaign but FIFA's tournament has meant a host of stars are required to report for duty deep into June and potentially even July. The clubs have been motivated to take the tournament seriously by the huge prize money on offer. The winner is set to receive just shy of £100m - more than winning the Champions League - for four week's work. Maresca's men got off to a winning start on Monday, though their unfancied opponents had a few presentable chances they failed to take. Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto shone, with goals from the Portuguese and Enzo Fernandez separating the two sides. Chelsea have been contacted for comment.
Observer
3 days ago
- Sport
- Observer
US, Saudi, Costa Rica and Mexico win in CONCACAF
LOS ANGELES, United States: The United States ended their four-match losing run with a resounding 5-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago in their opening game of the CONCACAF Gold Cup on Sunday in San Jose. Mauricio Pochettino and his team, which is missing several Europe-based regulars, had faced plenty of criticism after recent friendly defeats to Turkey and Switzerland. In desperate need of a change in mood around the team, a year out from the World Cup they will co-host with Canada and Mexico, Pochettino fielded an attacking line-up. Against a Trinidad team, coached by former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke, it proved to be just the kind of stress-free comfortable win that the Argentine coach was seeking. The USA were on top from the outset with two early chances for striker Patrick Agyemang and it was the striker who helped create the 16th-minute opener. Agyemang won the ball off Trinidad defender Alvin Jones, found Jack McGlynn on the right who kept his cool and clipped the ball to the back post where Malik Tillman collected and then slotted home. It was a tough day for Jones, who then gifted the USA their second goal with a back-pass that went straight to winger Diego Luna who broke away and then unselfishly squared to Tillman for the PSV Eindhoven midfielder's second. Trinidad were showing why they have fallen down the FIFA rankings, slipping to 100th and fourth in the Caribbean, below Curacao, lacking any kind of solidity. The lively Luna created the third, a minute before the break, when he cut in from the left and his low shot deflected off Agyemang and beat the helpless Marin Phillip. It was easy going for Pochettino's side in the second half with Trinidad managing to threaten once when Tyrese Spicer put a low ball across the face of the goal but the sliding Dante Sealy was unable to connect. With the game fizzling out, Pochettino made a triple substitution and that added some late urgency to his side's attack. Sub Brenden Aaronson cut in from left and squeezed a low shot past Phillip's near post and then another man off the bench, Haji Wright completed the convincing victory when he broke down the left and drifted inside before placing the ball in the far corner. The USA, looking for an eighth Gold Cup title, face Saudi Arabia and Haiti in their remaining two games in Group D. SAUDI ARABIA WIN OVER HAITI Saleh Al Shehri's penalty kick in the 21st minute held up as the winner as Saudi Arabia shut out Haiti 1-0 in CONCACAF Gold Cup Group A, play on Sunday night in San Diego. Al Shehri drew a foul in the penalty area on Frantzdy Pierrot in the 18th minute, then converted a right-footed shot to the bottom left corner to lift Saudi Arabia (1-0-0, 3 points) in the opener for both teams. Haiti had an opportunity to pull even in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time, but Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi (four saves) denied Dany Jean in the center of the goal on a right-footed shot from outside the box. Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide finished with three saves. MEXICO DOWN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Edson Alvarez registered a goal and an assist to help Mexico post a 3-2 victory over the Dominican Republic in CONCACAF Gold Cup Group A, play on Saturday night in Inglewood, Calif. Peter Gonzalez and Edison Azcona scored goals for the Dominican Republic. Mexico struck in the 44th minute when Orbelin Pineda sent a cross to Alvarez, who sent a header into the net. Mexico made it 2-0 in the second minute of the second half when Jimenez scored on a right-footed shot. The Dominican Republic got on the board in the 51st minute when Gonzalez sent a left-footer into the net. Two minutes later, Mexico countered on a corner kick taken by Alexis Vega. Alvarez headed the ball, and it glanced off Montes' head and went into the net. The Dominican Republic tallied again when Azcona's right-footed shot caromed off a defender to cut its deficit to one. COSTA RICA SINK SURINAME Costa Rica upended Suriname 4-3 with a penalty-kick goal in the 13th minute of stoppage time in CONCACAF Gold Cup Group A, play on Sunday night in San Diego. Capitalising on a foul in the penalty area by Suriname's Dion Malone, Manfred Ugalde converted the winner on a right-footed shot to the bottom right corner. It was Ugalde's second penalty-kick goal of the game after he scored in the 19th minute to give Costa Rica 3 points. — AFP
BBC News
4 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Palace close to signing PSV goalkeeper Benitez
Crystal Palace are on the brink of signing PSV Eindhoven goalkeeper Walter Benitez on a free whose contract with the Dutch club expires this month, has completed a medical and Palace will announce the signing once all the relevant documents have been Argentina goalkeeper, 32, was an ever-present in PSV's league campaign as they won the Eredivisie title, beating Ajax to the trophy by a started 11 of PSV's 12 Champions League fixtures last term as they reached the last 16, where they were defeated 9-3 on aggregate by will compete with Palace's current first-choice keeper Dean Henderson, who started for England in last week's 3-1 friendly defeat to Senegal at the City Ground.
