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Around the clubs - insight, analysis and fan views
'They could win it if they keep their squad together'published at 08:10 12 August
08:10 12 August
Media caption,
Former England midfielder Izzy Christiansen says only time will tell whether Crystal Palace's demotion to the Conference League "will be a blessing in disguise".
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, Christiansen recognised the frustration after they lost their appeal, but said that "cannot move away from the fact Oliver Glasner has done a wonderful job" to get them this far.
"He has won two trophies and you would probably back them to compete into the late stages of the Conference League as well," said Christiansen. "They could win it if they keep their squad together.
"That then would then be a third consecutive trophy and that shows huge success for them as a club.
"The manager has been given time to build and I think they have the most exciting front three in the league when Jean-Philippe Mateta, Eberechi Eze and Ismaila Sarr are on form."
'I'm not sure he's got that fire any more' - Hamann on Guardiolapublished at 15:28 11 August
15:28 11 August
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Former Manchester City midfielder Dietmar Hamann speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live about Pep Guardiola: "He's been there 10 years now, and it's a long time. We've seen with managers in the Premier League these days, usually they don't last longer than three or four years. When a season starts, you've got to light a fire in a team with the fans and make people believe. And I'm not sure he's got that fire any more.
"Obviously you can never write him off because they've got a fantastic team - Rodri is back after a long injury, but I'm not sure they're going to win another big title under Guardiola.
From a purely sporting perspective, there is far less prestige in playing in the Conference League compared with the Europa League - the competition Palace believed they had qualified for having won last season's FA Cup.
The counter argument is that Palace will stand a better chance of winning the Conference League. That may be the case, but that is not really the issue here.
Palace feel this is a huge miscarriage of justice, irrespective of their chances of winning a European trophy next season seemingly improved.
You also have to wonder how the decision may impact their plans between now and the close of the transfer window.
It is estimated that their European demotion could cost the Eagles in the region of £20m, a relatively large amount given the size of the club.
That may well now play a factor in attempting to sign their preferred targets and their leveraging power as they try to prevent key players from leaving. Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze are among those courting interest from the Premier League's top sides.
Guehi, who has less than a year left on his contract, is likely to be sold, with Liverpool among his suitors, while Eze has interest from Arsenal and Tottenham.
'The general feeling in the group has been down' - Howepublished at 09:45 11 August
09:45 11 August
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Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was asked how prepared he feels before the Premier League starting this weekend in the aftermath of a 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid: "Physically the players are very good but mentally is a different question. There has been challenges this summer that we haven't faced before and the general feeling in the group has been down, especially early in pre-season.
"Alex [Isak] is such a popular player in the dressing room and any disruption around a player of that calibre is going to affect the group.
"I think they have responded really well to it but it is still there in the background. It is an unwelcomed disruption. We have to get used to it and if anything it has to make us stronger."
On what needs to be done before the season kicks off this weekend: "We need some more work in our sharpness. We are physically fit, but in the movements, one-v-one duels and the end actions haven't really been there [against Atletico Madrid].
"Our squad depth at the moment, we are stretched in midfield with Joe Willock's injury. With Champions League football the bodies we need and squad we are going to need, the depth isn't quite there at the moment."
'We all have to improve' - Van Dijk on defendingpublished at 09:45 11 August
09:45 11 August
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Captain Virgil van Dijk has called on Liverpool to improve defensively after their Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace.
During half-time in Sunday's Wembley showpiece, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher's posted on X to highlight the Reds' attacking threat but defensive vulnerability.
He posted: "LFC looking great going forward but susceptible defensively, as we've seen all pre season. A lot of the goals conceded by LFC have come from going man to man really aggressively and leaving space in behind."
Van Dijk echoed those concerns in his post-match comments after his side's shootout defeat, stressing the need for collective improvement in the team's defensive setup.
"We have to be very honest with ourselves," Van Dijk said to BBC Radio Merseyside.
"Obviously, it is disappointing at the moment because we lost, conceded two goals we could have avoided. I think there were plenty of moments where we looked very good, especially in possession, on the break, and between the lines. But yeah, you stand without the trophy, and that is the main thing that is disappointing today.
"I think it is the collective defensive part that we have to work on. Everyone has the quality, obviously, otherwise you won't play for Liverpool. The absolute reality is that we all have to improve in terms of our defensive setup in order to not concede goals; it is not only the backline, not only Alisson, but together.
"We all take responsibility, I take responsibility, and that is how it should be. There is a reason we had the most clean sheets in the league last season, and we have to get back to that."
Chelsea explore Nkunku swappublished at 08:11 11 August
08:11 11 August
Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport football news reporter
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Chelsea have offered several players to RB Leipzig for midfielder Xavi Simons, including Christopher Nkunku.
It's part of the complex negotiations with the Blues keen to offload players having also offered both Carney Chukwuemeka and Tyrique George.
Any deal between the two clubs would not be a direct swap deal and would be related but separate transfers. It remains to be seen whether the German club deem it viable.
However, the nature of the negotiations highlight Chelsea's intention to offload attackers to sign attackers in the last few weeks of the transfer window.
Sources close to Nkunku have also explained he is reluctant to join a club like Leipzig as he is aiming to play at Champions League level next season.
There is also admiration for Nkunku at Chelsea after his positive performances at the Club World Cup but he is believed to be searching for more than the bit-part role currently on offer at Stamford Bridge.
Another target is winger Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United - amid initial contract discussions. Newcastle-linked Nicolas Jackson could be allowed to leave for the right offer to make space.
If appropriate outgoing deals are not agreed then Chelsea could reintegrate the likes of Jackson into their squad despite leaving him out of the recent pre-season friendly wins against AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen.
Vlachodimos nearing Sevilla loan movepublished at 08:06 11 August
08:06 11 August
Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport football news reporter
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Sevilla are set to complete a loan move for Newcastle goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos this week.
The 31-year-old has already green lit a move to Sevilla and will travel to complete a medical at Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium.
Newcastle currently deem the Greece international surplus to requirements having signed Aaron Ramsdale from Southampton on loan as competition for long-term number one Nick Pope last week.
Vlachodimos has made just one competitive appearance for Newcastle having struggled to make the grade under manager Eddie Howe at St James' Park.
He joined Newcastle from Nottingham Forest only last summer in a £20m deal that saw midfielder Elliot Anderson move in the other direction for £35m. The deal was described at the time as a swap to satisfy the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules.
Sesko signing 'definition of high risk, high reward'published at 12:07 10 August
12:07 10 August
Alex Turk Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
And so another blossoming young forward from across the continent lands at Old Trafford, immediately shouldered by the burden of Manchester United.
Many a starlet has fancied their chances across the past decade of despair. All have failed. Memphis Depay, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Rasmus Hojlund have come and (almost) gone.
It is Benjamin Sesko's turn now. Another eye-watering transfer fee worth £74million only intensifies the pressure, especially coming off United's worst-ever Premier League season.
But there is reason for optimism that this time, finally, it will be different.
Sesko is entering a superior environment than immediate predecessor Hojlund. He follows Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo through the door, two Premier League-proven attackers who should be relatively low-risk.
Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo are also creators, while Patrick Dorgu looks primed for a breakout campaign. Sesko should receive service from all angles, and he has already proven his ability to take chances in a variety of manners.
The 6ft 5 frontman also should be the right profile.
United emphasised their use of data in the announcement, pointing out that Sesko had scored more than every other player aged under 23 in Europe's top five leagues during the past two seasons.
Physically and athletically, he promises to meet the demands of the Premier League adequately. I think comparisons to Hojlund are justified (it's been a scarring year), but also lazy.
At 22, Sesko is two years older than the Dane when he arrived in 2023. He is also a much more established goalscorer, already netting 82 career goals across five seasons. Hojlund had 22 across two.
It is a risk and Ollie Watkins was Ruben Amorim's initially preferred option for a reason. His Premier League goal tally has never failed to reach double digits.
But United's decision to go for the 'project striker' whose ceiling exceeds that of their alternative options is the definition of high risk, high reward.
Last season, the Hale End graduate was required to step up after Bukayo Saka succumbed to injury and made 37 appearances in all competitions, scoring nine goals and registering two assists.
"He never [looks nervous], he's so composed, calm and confident in his ability," said Gunners boss Mikel Arteta after Nwaneri found the net in a 2-1 win at Girona in January. "At 17, scoring a really important goal in the Champions League is not very common."
Nwaneri celebrated his 18th birthday in March and of attack-minded players under the age of 19 in Europe's big five leagues only Barcelona's Lamine Yamal ranks higher in terms of output.
Yamal has been producing exceptional numbers since his first La Liga start as a 16-year-old in 2023 and the Spanish winger was on the pitch for almost 2,000 more top-flight minutes during the season just gone.
'Great' Hato ready for Chelsea - Ten Hagpublished at 12:54 9 August
12:54 9 August
Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Bayer Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag says Chelsea have signed a "great player" in Jorrel Hato.
On Friday evening, the 19-year-old defender made his Chelsea debut in a 2-0 win over Leverkusen - who are now coached by former Manchester United boss Ten Hag.
The Dutch centre-back broke through at Ajax the season after Ten Hag moved to Old Trafford but the boss was aware of his potential to make it at the highest level.
Asked about Hato's potential by BBC Sport, Ten Hag said: "For sure. [I told him] I bet he regrets that he missed me at Ajax because they didn't win the titles in the past couple of years!
"The moment I left, he came in but he developed and progressed so well. He was one of the best, maybe the best player in the Eredivisie. He is so young but already on a very high level.
"You always need some time, but he has a very good mentality and then he can progress really quickly. He has all the elements, all the skills in his game to prove he can be a very successful player.
"I am very sure he will succeed at Chelsea. I congratulate Chelsea for signing this great player."
Hato made his debut at left-back where he spent most of last season at Ajax but he had initially been a central defender in the Dutch top flight.
With Levi Colwill now out for the majority of the season after knee surgery, debate has begun about Hato's best position.
"He can do both, you will see," Hato said.
Fellow debutant Estevao Willian and Joao Pedro scored in a dominant win at Stamford Bridge.
'A mistake to wait' - Glasner on potential new signingspublished at 18:00 8 August
18:00 8 August
Alex Howell BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner says that it would be a "mistake" for the club to wait on their European fate before making any signings - and also says there are no negotiations over a new contract.
The club have appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against their demotion from the Europa League to the Conference League.
The Eagles have been drawn against against Norwegian side Fredrikstad or Midtjylland of Denmark, for the Conference League play-off round.
The two legs are played on 21 and 28 August but Glasner says Palace, who have only signed two players this summer, should not wait until those matches to bring in new faces.
"If you're thinking like this, you make a mistake," he said. "Then you're always reacting to situations. You can't run a business where you're always reacting.
"You can but you'll never have long-term success. You have to be active and plan what's going on.
"You can't say we wait and then on the 28th, if we qualify for the Conference League group stage, then we act. We don't think like this."
Last season, Glasner was frustrated with Palace's late activity in the transfer window, especially given the Eagles' slow start to the season where they won only one of their opening eight league games.
But Glasner says he is not worried about a repeat as long as the club keeps their top talent.
"The difference now is the team stayed together," Glasner said. "Last year, we lost 10 of the dressing room and added seven - 40% of the dressing room left.
"This year two loan players left and two new come in. That means the chemistry and spirit is great. Everybody knows how we want to play because everybody was here last year."
When asked if he has asked for investment into the squad, Glasner says it is not solely about wanting players.
"It's not that I want investment - it's about Crystal Palace," Glasner said. "My expertise and my advice is what Crystal Palace should do to be competitive in four competitions.
"If we want to be better than last year, then let's sign at least two players. Not to be happy, not to fulfil my wishes, nothing at all.
"It's been a good summer, a good pre-season, I love the players and staff who are here. I love the club and the fans."
The Palace boss also revealed there had been no talks about extending his contract. beyond next summer when it expires.
"Again, at the moment it's three weeks time to get the squad done, so Oliver Glasner's contract is not important at the moment," he said.
Asked if what happens before the transfer deadline would impact whether he wants to talk about a new deal, the Palace boss said: "We will see."
Captain Marc Guehi's contract expires next summer and there has been interest in the defender from both Liverpool and Newcastle.
"Marc and me - we have the same fate." Glasner said with a smile. "I can't speak, you have to ask Marc. At the end, it's always the player's decision.
"Marc decides about his future. Of course, everybody wants Marc to sign a new contract. It will be his decision.
"Everybody wants to keep this squad together as it did so well. I don't know how often this happens here at Palace.
"We never know what will happen in this sometimes crazy transfer market."
'Ominous' and 'no positives at all' - fans on Bayern defeatpublished at 09:51 8 August
09:51 8 August
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Following Tottenham's 4-0 defeat by Bayern Munich in their pre-season friendly, we asked for your views on the result.
Here are some of your comments:
Razza: The result is a worrying sign for the immediate future. However, remember that Bayern are real quality. But this is the type of team that we are going to meet in Europe. I really can't believe the amount of injuries we have already and we can't blame Ange Postecoglou now, can we? Thomas Frank really needs to work hard now and Daniel Levy even harder. Frank will, but will Levy? If the season sours badly...Don't blame the manager. The spotlight is on Levy.
Leroy: I really feel sorry for Thomas Frank. He is really up against it with this squad he has inherited. Tottenham need two central midfielders, a striker and a goalkeeper, otherwise they are going to struggle like they did last season.
Mark: It's plain as day to see our squad lacks quality/depth. Our creativity is non-existent, so without reinforcements pronto we won't be competing in one competition - let alone all of them!
John: It's only a friendly, nothing to get your knickers in a twist about. I've had the unfortunate privilege of seeing a far better side being relegated in the 70s after a clean sweep in pre-season matches! I'm not sure Thomas Frank is the way forward.
Emiliano: No positives at all for Spurs, just concerns for the coming season. I am a long-time season ticket holder and fear we have made no progress since last season. Every top team has reinforced themselves. As usual, we have been linked with lots of players who were never going to come to us. But it is the usual rubbish to keep the fans happy pre-season that never materialises. I hope we don't get really embarrassed by PSG, but fear we will. Sadly, mid-table is looming for next campaign. What can we expect with a chairman who cares less about the team but more about how many shirts the shop sells or who he can rent the stadium to?
Toby: Ominous. Strengthen the squad now or face humiliation in the Champions League, a mid-place finish in the Premier League and a continuation of no trophy in either of the domestic cups.
Maresca seemed concerned about Colwillpublished at 15:14 7 August
15:14 7 August
Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
There are times as a reporter when being in the room is really important to check the tone of what a manager says.
Hearing Enzo Maresca talk about an injury to star defender Levi Colwill, you could tell there was an air of concern about the situation.
He said: "It was in the first session on Monday, just in the last minutes of the session. He felt something and, as I said, we need to wait and then we see.
"We don't know how long he is going to be out.
"I spoke with him yesterday and I told him that if we achieve what we achieved last year, it is also because of him - and he was a main player for us."
Maresca also hinted that if scans reveal a serious injury then they may need to go back into the transfer market for another option.
Antonio's 'been an asset' but 'right time to bid farewell'published at 14:47 7 August
14:47 7 August
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We asked for your views on the departure of Michail Antonio after a decade at West Ham and if you see him returning for a role behind the scenes in the future.
Here are some of your comments:
Barry: It's a shame to see him go but it's not unexpected. He looks to have done a great job to get back on the pitch, which shows the determination he has. When he was at his best, he was at times unplayable. His strength and pace caused many centre-back nightmares. Good luck and thanks for some great memories.
Rebecca: It's just really sad that fans couldn't properly say goodbye to such an important and loved player. So many good memories and no chance to celebrate that!
Colin: He has been a great asset to us and is highly popular, but now is the right time to bid farewell as we need young fresh blood in the team. He knows he will always be welcomed back as a non-player.
Mandy: I'm absolutely gutted that they have let him go. He has been a great player for us and he has played in many different positions when we needed him to. Pleased the club will continue to support him and I hope he comes back behind the scenes one day.
Len: I think it would be great for Antonio to stay at the club as an academy team member and motivate some of the younger players who can look up to him.
Anastasia: Very sad way for him to leave the club after all this time and he deserved a much better send off. We'll always be so grateful for everything he has done for the club.
A big risk for a record fee?published at 14:42 7 August
14:42 7 August
Matthew Hobbs BBC Sport
Image source, Getty Images
Burnley announced the signing of Lesley Ugochukwu from Chelsea on Wednesday night for a fee in the region of £20m.
While the sum is officially undisclosed, it does eclipse both the £16m paid for Zeki Amdouni, who was signed from Basel in July 2023, and the £15m fee paid for James Trafford from Manchester City that same month.
The Trafford deal had the potential to rise to £19m, although the goalkeeper has since returned to Etihad Stadium.
So what have the Clarets got for their money?
In short, a gamble on a young player with relatively little top-level experience.
Ugochukwu joined Chelsea from Rennes for £23m two years ago and went on to make just six starts for the Blues before joining Southampton on loan last season.
The 21-year-old central midfielder did not particularly stand out in an abject Saints team, making 18 league starts as they were relegated.
He is highly thought of in France and played regularly in the Europa League for Rennes, but this signing by Burnley that is undoubtedly based on potential rather than concrete evidence, hoping the France Under-21 international will find his way in Premier League football.
'Didn't live up to expectations but was needed this term' - fans on Nunezpublished at 14:40 7 August
14:40 7 August
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We asked you whether selling Darwin Nunez is a risk on Liverpool's behalf if it ends up leaving them short on attacking numbers for the new season.
Here are some of your comments:
Andy: No risk. He's a liability and we're better off being one player short than having him in the squad.
Paul: I wish Darwin well. I had hoped he would stay and take his chance when opportunity allowed. He seemed more relaxed and sharp in the friendlies. It might come back and bite us if the new faces don't hit the ground running. We just have to trust the process of recruitment.
Gary: Yes, it is a risk as we very sadly lost Diogo Jota and now we're selling Nunez, who has been great in pre-season. I'd have given him a chance. The pressure to sign Alexander Isak is now on.
Harpreet: There is definitely a risk in letting Nunez go without a replacement ready to come in. I assume the club are confident of getting the Isak deal over the line, but FSG has shown it has no issues going into a season with a lack of depth in certain areas. The lack of depth at centre-back this close to the start of the season is another worrying issue.
Thom: Unfortunately, Nunez didn't live up to expectations. However, with the tragic loss of Jota and an influx of new talent, I felt Nunez was needed this term. He provides something different, an explosion of pace, chaos and an understanding of the club and league. Someone like that is needed while others settle in.
Ricky: I don't think selling Nunez is a risk for the club but I don't think it's the best move for the player football-wise. Good luck to him, though. Things just didn't work out as expected.
Speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside, The Redmen TV's Dan Clubbe said that while there is frustration around a potential deal, a move away from Liverpool would ultimately suit both club and player.
"It's not necessarily disappointment - the overriding feeling is frustration," Clubbe said. "[Nunez] came in for a lot of money and there was a lot of expectation around him.
"The timing of his signing was interesting. He came in at the same time as Erling Haaland. The comparison was made from the get-go and Nunez never lived up to those levels.
"He was a Jurgen Klopp-led signing, which brought danger. Liverpool's recruitment had been so well thought-out, smart and data-driven. To remove from that and allow Klopp to have free rein maybe was too much of a gamble.
"Given the money we spent on him, he probably has come some way short of what we expected, so it probably is best for both parties that he moves on."
Spare a thought for Frankpublished at 11:52 7 August
11:52 7 August
Sami Mokbel Senior football correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
Thomas Frank has had time to brace himself for Son Heung-min's departure, but the long-term unavailability of Maddison arrives a as bolt out of the blue.
Son's farewell match in South Korea earlier this week was marred by the latest knee injury suffered by Maddison.
The anguished expression on the midfielder's face said it all.
The sympathy belongs to him. Last season was cut short by an injury to the same knee, a blow that robbed him of playing in the Europa League final win over Manchester United.
But spare a thought for Frank, who in his first season in charge, faces losing two key attacking players – one forever and the other for a long period.
You would imagine now that Spurs will give big consideration to entering the market for a new attacking midfielder.
Had their move for Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White ended successfully then the requirement to enter the market for offensive reinforcements would be significantly less pressing.
Such attacking quality is hard to come by. Expensive, too.
Summer signing from West Ham Mohamed Kudus has played centrally before and could provide an option.
But Spurs will have to do something to replace Maddison's contribution.
'Building a club on its own two feet' - Barber's selling strategypublished at 11:19 7 August
11:19 7 August
Image source, Getty Images
At the fan forum on Wednesday, one supporter kept his question simple: Why do Brighton always sell their best players?
Albion chief executive Paul Barber replied: "The reality is that pretty much every club in the world is a selling club at the right price - anyone that says any different doesn't really understand football.
"Our business model has always been that we will buy young players, hire the best coaching staff to develop them, give them the chance to play in the first team and negotiate the best possible deal when the time is right.
"We will build our club sustainably like that. We can't always rely on Tony [Bloom] to fill in the gaps and usually at a club, the only gaps are financial gaps. We have to build a club on its own two feet, that is less reliant on a single person to pay the bills.
"In order for a club of our size to do this, we need to have a healthy trading strategy and we have got one. The key is to make sure to never leave our coaching staff with a squad incapable of competing. That is what we try and do every year and I think we are getting the balance right.
"There are times where we want to keep a player for longer, but players also have demands and dreams for the future. The job that Tony, I and the technical staff have is to judge the right moment to sell, which is sometimes not that easy."
Dibling bigger talent than Kane - former boss Martinpublished at 10:46 7 August
10:46 7 August
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Everton remain in negotiations for Southampton winger Tyler Dibling, who is reportedly not taking part in contact training at St Mary's in order to protect himself for any potential move, although the clubs are yet to agree on a fee.
Everton's current record signing is the £45m they paid for Gylfi Sigurdsson in 2017 and they could exceed this figure to secure Dibling's services. Former Saints boss Russell Martin believes he would be worth every penny.
Martin coached James Maddison and Harry Kane in their early careers and he told The Rest is Football podcast, external thatrates Dibling even more highly.
"When I was there I had to play it down a lot and not make things more difficult for him," Martin said, "but he is the most talented player I've ever worked with.
"Seeing him on the training pitch, seeing him live, Tyler has every capability to play for England and at the top level for a very long time.
Martin highlighted Dibling's versatility, noting he can play at eight, 10, as a false nine or on the wing for any new club.
"He's powerful, he's really quick and [uses] both feet. Physically, the stuff I've seen him do at 18 in the Premier League, with people just bouncing him off him and being put on the floor when he dribbles, he has something I've not seen in a British player for some time."
Man Utd like Baleba - but he would cost 'an enormous amount'published at 08:50 7 August
08:50 7 August
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester United are on the lookout for someone who could strengthen their midfield and skipper Bruno Fernandes has called for new signings.
And they like Carlos Baleba.
The problem is Brighton's desire to sell, which is non-existent, and owner Tony Bloom's negotiating tactics. Hard line.
That is not to say United could not get Baleba - it is just that it would cost an enormous amount of money, probably in excess of anything United have spent so far this summer.
It is not obvious where the money would come from, because even if they can sign Benjamin Sesko without selling players first, eventually they will have to.
And it would take more than getting rid of the 'bomb squad' which even the club accepts is likely to be later in the window.
The key point is whether United look for an alternative or keep their powder dry for Baleba, either in case circumstances change dramatically in this window, or, more likely, for next summer.
Is it time for Liverpool to sell Nunez?published at 15:26 6 August
15:26 6 August
Tom McCoy BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Liverpool are in talks with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal over Darwin Nunez, with the Reds considering selling the striker, who joined from Benfica in 2022 for an initial fee of £64.1m.
The 26-year-old has enjoyed some memorable moments with the Anfield club, such as January's match-winning late double at Brentford, but has struggled to make an impact consistently.
He has scored 25 Premier League goals, underperforming his expected goals (xG) total by 8.6. That is the second-worst record of any player over the past three years, with only Dominic Calvert-Lewin at Everton faring worse.
The league's best finishers typically register shot-conversion rates of over 20%, but Nunez's percentage of 11.1% ranks only 95th. When it comes to shot accuracy, meaning the proportion of efforts directed on target, he also barely scrapes into the top 100.
There is no lack of volume for the striker, who sits inside the top 10 for both shots and shots on target, despite only starting 49 top-flight matches for the Merseysiders.
He has also arguably been unlucky, hitting the woodwork 14 times - the most by any player since 2022-23.
But, ultimately, a lack of ruthlessness in front of goal may have persuaded Liverpool now is the time to cash in on the Uruguayan.
David: Need to be much more aggressive and proactive with transfers. No disrespect to the players, but without new targets, survival in Europe will be challenging, not to mention the Premier League. It is quite disheartening not to see top-quality players arriving.
Alex: Disheartening? I'm absolutely gutted, with a mix of anger, frustration and dismay! The bottom line is that the senior leadership needs to have a serious look at themselves, since Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi left the club feeling directionless. We have just won our first trophy in a lifetime and have European football again - we should be the strongest we have ever been, on the field and off it. However, the club feels lost, discombobulated. Instead of being proactive, we are reactive.
Wayne: Unfortunately, Newcastle's transfer attempts have been inept, making low-ball offers and tipping off rivals about their intentions. Too slow and too timid. Also, there is no transparency or accountability, so no-one is sure who is responsible for this mess - certainly not Eddie Howe, who is sent out to face the media, apparently with zero knowledge of what is going on.
Tom: Disastrous transfer window so far. Alexander Isak hasn't helped matters with his childish behaviour and the timing of it. Just a reminder, Newcastle United won a cup and qualified for the Champions League last season. The reason players aren't coming is greed - it's as simple as that. Newcastle don't have the income yet to match the 'septic six'.
Rich: This whole saga takes me right back to the 1980s when we were simply a transition club. Great players like Paul Gascoigne, Chris Waddle and Peter Beardsley would raise the hopes and aspirations of us being a great club. Yet we failed to keep them or attract similar players to take us to the next level.
Andy: Howe said so himself that Newcastle had to move quickly in the transfer market. We have been far from it - slow, sluggish, dithering and almost statuesque. Yoane Wissa, Benjamin Sesko, James Trafford, Bryan Mbeumo - I wonder who else will be on the oh-so-close list.
Andrews 'understanding' of Wissa's situation published at 13:17 6 August
13:17 6 August
Image source, Getty Images
Brentford boss Keith Andrews has praised Yoane Wissa's professionalism and attitude amid ongoing uncertainty around the forward's future.
The 28-year-old is back with the group after leaving the Bees' pre-season trip to Portugal early last week.
Andrews admitted Wissa is still building up match fitness but underlined the forward's value to the squad, calling him an "outstanding talent" and a player any coach would want to work with.
Despite the speculation, Andrews insists their relationship remains respectful as the transfer window plays out.
"Wissa came back from Portugal - that was the right thing for all parties," Andrews told BBC Radio London.
"He was working very hard in the training ground in the build-up to the QPR game, obviously lacking in fitness. The players had yesterday off, and today was the first day we trained together as a group, and Yoane was there.
"Every coach would want him at the football club and every fan would want him at the football club, because he is an outstanding talent. He has proved to be an amazing football player for this club because of his importance within the group.
"I can't say that it has put me under a lot of stress because I do things one at a time. I am very understanding of the situation, having been in this industry for a long time.
"Transfer windows are always similar. I try to keep a good relationship with Wissa, and that's the way it has to remain.
