United News of Bangladesh

Liverpool have completed a deal to sign highly rated French defender Jeremy Jacquet from Ligue 1 side Rennes in a transfer worth up to £60 million, although the 20-year-old will only join the Premier League club in the summer. The agreement includes an initial £55 million fee, with a further £5 million in potential add-ons. Jacquet has agreed to a five-year contract running until 2031, with an option for an additional year. Liverpool see the France youth international as a long-term investment and a key part of their future defensive line, despite his relatively low profile at the start of the winter transfer window. The club’s recruitment team believe the centre-back has the physical and mental attributes to develop into an elite defender at the highest level. Rennes were unwilling to sanction a mid-season transfer, insisting any deal must exceed their previous record sale of £55.4 million, when Manchester City signed Jeremy Doku in 2023. Liverpool accepted those terms and agreed to wait until the end of the season. Jacquet has built a reputation in Ligue 1 for his strength and athleticism, winning more than 75 percent of his aerial duels this season, the highest rate among defenders in the French top flight. He has made 36 league appearances at senior level and has been a regular starter for Rennes in their push for European qualification. While his aggressive style has led to occasional errors, Liverpool’s data-driven assessment suggests his overall profile, including pace, height, composure and leadership qualities, makes him well suited to the Premier League in the long run. The defender has captained France at youth level and was named in the team of the tournament at the 2024 Under-19 European Championship, underlining his standing among his age group. Liverpool’s interest intensified after Jacquet expressed a clear preference for a move to Anfield, despite holding talks with Chelsea. Club officials believe the pathway offered at Liverpool, along with the long-term project under head coach Arne Slot, played a decisive role in his decision. The signing comes as Liverpool prepare for potential changes in defence, with several senior players approaching the final years of their contracts. Club insiders say Jacquet will benefit from regular playing time at Rennes for the remainder of the season before making the step up to English football. Liverpool acknowledge the risks involved in spending heavily on a young, developing defender, but remain confident they have identified a player capable of becoming a cornerstone of their defence in the years ahead.   With inputs from BBC

Tottenham Hotspur have opened discussions with Liverpool over a possible move for experienced left back Andy Robertson, according to media reports. Robertson, 31, is set to become a free agent this summer as his contract at Anfield expires. The Scotland international said recently that he is still unsure about his future and wants regular playing time ahead of the next World Cup. Spurs are understood to have made an initial approach, but no agreement has been reached so far. Robertson has started only four Premier League matches this season and has mainly played a backup role. Liverpool signed Robertson from Hull City in 2017 for £8 million. He has since made 363 appearances for the club and won nine major trophies, including two Premier League titles and the Champions League. His latest outing came as a substitute in the 1-1 league draw against Burnley on January 17. Liverpool coach Arne Slot has said Robertson remains an important player and praised his attitude after losing his regular place to summer signing Milos Kerkez. If Robertson leaves, Kerkez would be Liverpool’s only senior left back, although the club could recall Kostas Tsimikas from his loan spell at Roma. Tottenham recently signed Brazilian left back Souza and already have several options in that position. Destiny Udogie has been the first choice this season, with Djed Spence also available. Ben Davies, another option, has been ruled out for the rest of the campaign due to a broken ankle. A move for Robertson would add experience to a young Spurs squad, where Davies was the only player over 30 before his injury.   With inputs from BBC

Manchester City celebrated Pep Guardiola’s 1000th match as a manager with a commanding 3-0 win over defending champions Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. With the victory, the Citizens moved up to second in the Premier League table, closing the gap with leaders Arsenal to four points. Liverpool came into the with a midweek Champions League victory against Real Madrid, but lost rhythm immediately after kick-off. Aside from an early penalty save, Arne Slot’s men struggled to create anything meaningful, while City stretched the lead through Erling Haaland, Nico González and Jérémy Doku. City earned a penalty in the 9th minute when Doku weaved past two defenders and went down after contact with goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. Following a VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot, but Mamardashvili dived to his left to deny Haaland. With Mamardashvili’s save, City have now failed to score from four of their last five penalties against Liverpool. In contrast, no goalkeeper in Europe’s top five leagues has saved more penalties than the Georgian shot-stopper (6) since the start of the 2023-24 season. The miss did not keep City waiting long. In the 29th minute, Matheus Nunes whipped in a cross from the right and Haaland headed in to break the deadlock. The 25-year-old Norwegian, the league’s top scorer, has now netted 14 goals in 11 Premier League matches, and 28 in 18 games across all competitions for club and country this season. His league tally now stands at 99 goals in 108 matches.

Ultimately, it was not about who returned to Anfield but what returned. An in-form Real Madrid team came to the Reds’ home after a year, but left with a similar outcome due to the same man—Alexis Mac Allister. Mac Allister had opened the scoring last November in Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over the Spanish giants. This time, his goal was again the only difference, although Xabi Alonso’s team entered the pitch in strong recent form against a Liverpool side experiencing a turbulent period. With this, the Reds handed the Madrid giants their first defeat in the UCL this season. Liverpool defeated Real Madrid 1-0 in the Champions League at Anfield on Tuesday night. Alexis Mac Allister scored the decisive goal in the 61st minute, sending the stadium into euphoria. Although Liverpool were behind in possession for most of the match, they outclassed Los Blancos in attacking play. Out of 17 shots, they managed nine on target, while Real Madrid registered only two shots on goal from eight attempts. Luis Diaz both hero and villain against PSG as Bayern extend winning streak to 16 Despite suffering six defeats in their last eight matches across all competitions, Liverpool saw a dramatic shift in momentum right after kickoff. Xabi Alonso’s team were a distant second. Star players such as Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior were largely confined to the margins throughout the game. Only Thibaut Courtois’ commanding display prevented the home side from securing a more emphatic victory. For almost an hour, it seemed that Liverpool’s ghost from the 2022 Champions League final, Courtois, would haunt them again. The Belgian goalkeeper appeared to be a wall in front of the goal, denying Liverpool’s chances one after another like a superhuman. Courtois’ resistance was finally broken after Bellingham picked up a yellow card for fouling Ryan Gravenberch on the right. Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso termed that incident after the match “Real’s biggest failing on the night,” as it proved costly for the 15-time UCL holders. In the 61st minute, Szoboszlai delivered a powerful set piece into the box that connected perfectly with Mac Allister. The Argentine midfielder finally broke through the wall, his powerful header slipping between Courtois’ gloves and into the net, sending the packed Anfield crowd into celebration.

Erling Haaland delivered another masterclass on Sunday as Manchester City beat high-flying Bournemouth 3-1, climbing into second place in the Premier League. The Norwegian striker opened the scoring in the 17th minute and doubled the lead in the 33rd. In between, Bournemouth’s USMNT midfielder Tyler Adams pulled one back in the 25th minute, capitalizing on a mistake by Gianluigi Donnarumma. However, Nico O’Reilly sealed the victory for the hosts with a goal in the 60th minute of the game. With his brace, Haaland has moved onto 13 goals in the Premier League this season—more than twice any other player. He also achieved a rare record, becoming only the third player ever to score two or more goals in four or more consecutive Premier League home appearances, after Robbie Fowler (4 in 1995-96) and Luis Suárez (5 in 2013). Barcelona narrow gap with Real Madrid with a 3-1 win over Elche Arsenal remain well ahead at the summit of the table with 25 points from 10 games, but this win keeps Pep Guardiola's side within touching distance. The gap is now six points, while Bournemouth drop to fourth in the table with 18 points. The gap is now six points, while Bournemouth drop to fourth with 18 points. Liverpool have collected the same number of points as the Cherries but sit third due to goal difference. The Blue half of Manchester will host Borussia Dortmund in their Champions League match on Wednesday before facing Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Bournemouth, meanwhile, will look to return to winning ways on Sunday at Villa Park.

Liverpool returned to winning ways in the Premier League, defeating Aston Villa 2-0 at Anfield on Saturday. The night brought extra joy for the Reds’ fans as Mohamed Salah reached a major milestone, scoring his 250th goal for the club across all competitions. The Egyptian star put Liverpool ahead following a rare error by Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, and Ryan Gravenberch later sealed the victory. Salah became only the third Liverpool player to reach 250 goals in all competitions, joining club legends Roger Hunt (285) and Ian Rush (346). The victory also ended a poor run for Arne Slot’s men, who had lost six of their previous seven matches across all competitions. After four consecutive league defeats, Liverpool finally tasted victory, while Villa suffered their first defeat following four straight league wins. With this win, Liverpool moved up to third in the Premier League with 18 points from ten matches. Bournemouth, with the same points but one game fewer, sit second, while Arsenal lead the table with 25 points from ten matches. Aston Villa are in 11th place with 15 points. Liverpool dominated possession with 54 percent and created 16 shots, four of which were on target. Villa managed ten shots, three on target. Villa could have taken an early lead in the fifth minute when English winger Morgan Rogers’ powerful effort from outside the box hit the post. In the 19th minute, Matty Cash’s shot was saved by Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. Liverpool’s Dominic Szoboszlai had a chance in the 23rd minute after a Villa error, but Martínez kept the goal intact. He denied another attempt from Szoboszlai in the 33rd minute. In the 43rd minute, Hugo Ekitike headed the ball into Villa’s net, but the effort was ruled out for offside. In the first minute of added time in the first half, Martínez made a critical mistake that allowed Liverpool to take the lead. Receiving a back-pass from defender Pau Torres, Martínez miscontrolled the ball while attempting a return pass; it was not directed toward Torres. Salah reacted quickly to find the net with a tap-in, leaving Martínez helpless. Liverpool doubled their advantage in the 58th minute. From outside the box, Gravenberch’s shot, set up by Alexis Mac Allister, deflected off Torres and went into the net. Both sides had chances in the remaining minutes, but neither could convert. Earlier in the night, Chelsea defeated Tottenham Hotspur 1-0, moving into fifth place with 17 points from ten matches. Tottenham, with the same points, sit fourth.

Struggling Manchester United surprised Premier League fans with a spectacular 2-1 win away from home over reigning champions Liverpool at Anfield. Harry Maguire’s late header secured United’s first victory at the ground in almost a decade. It was also the first time United have won back-to-back league games under Ruben Amorim. The last time they triumphed at Anfield was in January 2016. Liverpool, meanwhile, have now lost four games in a row in all competitions for the first time since November 2014. United took just 62 seconds to go ahead in the game — the quickest Premier League goal at Anfield between these two sides — when Amad Diallo’s diagonal pass found Bryan Mbeumo, who beat Liverpool’s goalkeeper to give his side an early lead. Arne Slot’s men piled pressure on the visitors after conceding but were unable to find an equaliser before the break. They kept up the intensity after the restart, and Cody Gakpo brought Liverpool level in the 78th minute with a close-range tap-in. However, United were in no mood to settle for a point. Led by captain Bruno Fernandes, they pushed forward again, and Maguire scored the winning goal just six minutes later. Liverpool were a bit unlucky, creating numerous chances to score, but failing to convert any. Gakpo could have earned a penalty in the 18th minute when his volley struck Diallo’s hand and deflected wide, but referee Michael Oliver decided not to award a spot-kick. Gakpo also hit the crossbar three times, including once in stoppage time when Liverpool came close to equalising again. With this victory, United climbed to ninth place with 13 points from eight matches, while Liverpool missed the chance to close the gap on leaders Arsenal, who top the table with 19 points from the same number of games. The Reds sit fourth with 15 points, having won five of their eight league matches. Liverpool will visit Frankfurt on Wednesday to face Eintracht in the Champions League before returning to league action away at Brentford next Saturday. United’s next game is at home to Brighton on Saturday. Brighton have won their last three games at Old Trafford. So, that will be another test for the Red Devils — one they will be eager to overcome to continue their progress.

Following the completion of the English Football League (EFL) Cup, popularly known as the Carabao Cup, third-round fixtures last night, the fourth-round draw has been finalized, setting the stage for several high-profile Premier League clashes. Defending champions Newcastle United will host Tottenham Hotspur in one of the standout ties, with several Premier League giants set for challenging encounters. Premier League heavyweights drawn together In what is arguably the tie of the round, holders Newcastle United will welcome Tottenham Hotspur to St. James’ Park. Newcastle, who ended a 70-year trophy drought by lifting the Carabao Cup earlier this year, advanced comfortably with a 4-1 victory over League One leaders Bradford. Elsewhere, an all-Premier League affair sees Arsenal drawn against Brighton. Meanwhile, record ten-time winners Liverpool will host fellow top-flight side Crystal Palace at Anfield. Liverpool progressed after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Southampton, a match notable for Hugo Ekikite’s late winner and subsequent sending-off for taking his shirt off during the celebration. In other significant matchups, Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves) will host Chelsea, ensuring another Premier League giant will be eliminated. Only Manchester City has a comparatively easier task on paper, drawn away to Championship club Swansea. Giant-killers eyeing more upsets The competition’s current giant-killers, Grimsby Town, have another golden opportunity to cause an upset after being drawn at home to Premier League side Brentford. The only remaining League Two side has already impressively dispatched Manchester United at home and Championship strugglers Sheffield Wednesday away, and their reward is yet another Premier League opponent at home as they seek to continue their remarkable cup run. Championship newcomers Wrexham were drawn against Cardiff City, marking the first meeting between the two Welsh clubs since 2002. Additionally, League One side Wycombe Wanderers have the chance to create their own magic as they host Premier League club Fulham. The fourth-round ties are scheduled to be played during the week of October 27. Carabao Cup fourth-round draw: - Arsenal v Brighton- Grimsby Town v Brentford- Swansea v Manchester City- Newcastle v Tottenham- Wrexham v Cardiff- Liverpool v Crystal Palace- Wolves v Chelsea- Wycombe v Fulham

Liverpool extended their flawless start to the Premier League season with a 2-1 victory over Everton in a tense Merseyside derby at Anfield on Saturday. Goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike in the first half proved just enough, despite a second-half response from Idrissa Gueye that set up a nervy finish. The defending champions were not at their fluent best, lacking rhythm and sharpness in attack, but Arne Slot’s side still found the moments of quality required to secure a fifth straight league win. They had to endure a nervy final half-hour, having already let two-goal leads slip three times this season. Yet the hosts showed resilience to see the game out, denying David Moyes what would have been a rare Anfield victory — Everton have only won once there since 2000. Liverpool made a bright start and were rewarded in the 10th minute. Gravenberch, arriving from midfield, timed his run perfectly to meet Mohamed Salah’s clipped pass before steering a precise volley beyond goalkeeper Jordan Pickford into the far corner. Real Madrid extend perfect start with comfortable win over Espanyol The Dutch midfielder was at the heart of the second goal as well. In the 29th minute, he slipped a perfectly weighted through ball into the path of Ekitike, who controlled smoothly and fired low into the net for his third Premier League goal since joining the club in July. In doing so, Gravenberch became the youngest player ever to score and assist in a Premier League Merseyside derby. Everton had offered little in the first half, registering just one effort on target, but they returned with greater purpose after the interval. Their reward came in the 58th minute when Iliman Ndiaye cushioned Jack Grealish’s deep cross into the path of Gueye. The Senegal midfielder lashed a thunderous first-time strike into the top corner, becoming the oldest player to score in this derby since Gary McAllister in April 16, 2001. Scenting an equaliser, Everton pressed higher up the pitch, but Liverpool’s defense held firm. Slot responded with changes, introducing Florian Wirtz and Curtis Jones for Cody Gakpo and Alexis Mac Allister, before sending on record signing Alexander Isak for Ekitike midway through the second half. Despite the adjustments, Liverpool never fully rediscovered their attacking fluency and had to endure enough pressure from the visitors. However, finally they were able to hold it and secured a crucial win to defend the league crown. With 15 points from five matches, Liverpool sit clear at the top of the table, while Everton’s second defeat leaves them on seven points in seventh place. Arsenal, who have played a game fewer, trail the leaders with nine points.

In a dramatic five-goal encounter at Anfield, Liverpool secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid, with captain Virgil van Dijk netting a last-gasp winner in stoppage time. On Wednesday night at Anfield, all eyes were on new British record signing Alexander Isak, who was making his highly anticipated debut for the Reds. However, it was Mohamed Salah who once again stole the show from the opening minutes. In just the fourth minute, Salah’s low free-kick was cleverly diverted by Andy Robertson that defeated Atletico keeper Jan Oblak, who was making his 500th appearance for the club. Two minutes later, Salah doubled the lead with a stunning solo effort that marked his 250th goal in English club football. Salah nearly struck again in the 19th minute, but his fierce angled shot narrowly missed the far post. On his debut, Isak also had a couple of good opportunities, including a 41st-minute effort denied by Oblak. Super subs combine to give Arsenal a 2-0 winning start at Bilbao Despite Liverpool’s dominance, Atletico Madrid showed their resilience. They clawed their way back into the match just before halftime when Giacomo Raspadori slipped a pass into the box, and Marcos Llorente fired a precise angled strike past Alisson, reviving the visitors’ hopes. The second half was a much more closely contested affair. Salah had a golden chance to seal the game in the 65th minute after being set up by Florian Wirtz, but his shot struck the post. In the 81st minute, Llorente sparked one more time to produce a stunning long-range volley that deflected and flew past Alisson. Levelling the score, Madrid side was focused to return with a point, what invited the home side to pile pressure on the Atletico defence. Liverpool started throwing everything forward, which resulted in a series of corners in the dying moments of the match. Then, in the second minute of stoppage time, a right-wing corner found Virgil van Dijk, who rose above the defenders with a powerful header to send the ball home. The late winner caused Diego Simeone to lose control and receive a red card. With this result, Atletico Madrid’s nightmare start to the season continues, while Liverpool’s perfect start extends to five games in all competitions. Next up, Atletico Madrid will host Eintracht Frankfurt on September 30th, while Liverpool will visit Turkey to face Galatasaray on the same night.