The Padres bowed out of MLB postseason play in disappointing and early fashion yet again, losing a three-game wild card series to the Cubs. Now big change is coming to the club.

On Monday, San Diego skipper Mike Shildt announced his retirement. Shildt, 57, helmed the Padres over the last two seasons and led the team to a 183-141 record over two seasons to pair with two postseason appearances. Last year the Padres bowed out in the NLDS to the eventual champion Dodgers.

Shildt spent many seasons as a coach and manager in the minor leagues before joining the big leagues in 2017. He succeeded Mike Matheny as the Cardinals manager in 2018 as his first MLB managerial gig; Shildt joined San Diego in 2022 before he took over the managing job in 2024.

In an email to the San Diego Union-Tribute, Shildt said the grind of the long baseball season has taken a "severe" toll on him.

"It is with a full but heavy heart that I am announcing my retirement from managing the San Diego Padres," Shildt wrote. "It is a decision that I thought about during the season and became at peace with over the last 10 days. I gave every fiber of my being to help achieve Peter Seidler's vision of bringin a World Series Championship to San Diego. We fell short of the ultimate goal but I am proud of what the players, staff and organization were able to accomplish the last two seasons.

"The grind of the baseball season has taken a severe toll on me mentally, physically and emotionally. While it has always been about serving others, it's time I take care of myself and exit on my terms. I am extremely appreciate to the Padres, Peter Seidler, the Seidler family, Erik Greupner, AJ Preller and staff for the trust and confidence to lead this team. I'm confident I left things in a better place. However, I am most grateful for our players. San Diego is rightfully proud of the Padres players. It is a group that conducts themselves with class, is dedicated to each other and the common goal of winning a World Series. I love our players and will miss them dearly!!

"After 34 years of dedicating myself to the rigors of coaching and managing, I can with great enjoymnet look back upon achievin gmy two primary goals: To help players get the most out of their God given ability and become better men. Also, to win games. I move forward with a smile on my face, contentment in my soul and genuine excitement for what God has next.

"To the Friar Faithful, thanks for all the support and keep rocking Petco Park. It's the best home field advantage in Major League Baseball. The team is on its way to that World Series Championship you so deserve."

The Padres will now look for another manager to take advantage of a talented roster. It makes for one of the more appealing open gigs in MLB with the offseason about a month away. Fernando Tatis Jr. and Mason Miller make up a great core, if anything, but the Padres have been disappointing in the playoffs for two straight years. The new manager's first priority will be to ensure that doesn't happen again.

The end of an era in San Diego. A new one will begin later this year as the Padres' hunt for Shildt's successor begins.

Matheesha Pathirana, who last played at the Asia Cup this September, has been hampered by injuries in recent times

Nagraj Gollapudi15-Nov-2025In a late move, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have decided to release Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana from their squad ahead of IPL 2026. ESPNcricinfo has learned that CSK have been deliberating their future with Pathirana, who they had bought ahead of IPL 2023 and retained before the 2025 mega auction for INR 13 crore.This emerged on Saturday – the IPL retention window closes at 3pm.With his slingy action and ability to find swing consistently at 140-plus clicks, Pathirana announced himself at IPL 2023, when CSK won the title, picking 19 wickets in 12 matches at an economy of 8.01. Then captain MS Dhoni, though, had warned that Pathirana would need to be carefully managed by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in order for him to have a long career. Dhoni’s words were not far off the mark – Pathirana has struggled with various injuries over the years.Related

CSK set to release Conway and Ravindra

RR trade Samson to CSK for Jadeja and Curran

Pathirana, who last played at the Asia Cup this September, had a curtailed IPL 2024 owing to a hamstring injury and then left for home midway into the SA20, where he playes for Joburg Super Kings. In IPL 2025, he was under par, taking 13 wickets in 12 matches at an economy of 10.13.CSK’s head coach Stephen Fleming had said during the season that the franchise was concerned by Pathirana’s drop in impact, which he suspected had to do with the SLC tweaking the bowler’s release point which was causing him troubles.CSK have now decided to release Pathirana with a possibility of buying him back at the auction, which will take place in Abu Dhabi on December 16.CSK had been the only team Pathirana has played for in the IPL, with his overall numbers in the three seasons being 47 wickets in 32 matches at an average of 21.61 and economy of 8.68.CSK are set to be among the few teams to go into the auction with a big purse, having also decided to release a host of players including the New Zealand pair of Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra. They have also traded Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan Royals for Sanju Samson.

The hosts had victory within reach but their tournament now stands on the edge with two huge games ahead

S Sudarshanan20-Oct-20253:15

Review: How did India lose this game?

A bizarre thing happens at the Holkar Stadium in Indore every time it hosts an international match. A small part of the wall between the adjoining basketball court and the stadium is demolished to facilitate entrance to the north stand that houses the press box. Once the game (or series) is over, the wall is rebuilt. It is not a makeshift entrance as there is a permanent grill gate, which becomes operational once the wall is broken down.This can be loosely used as an analogy to explain India’s situation at the Women’s World Cup 2025 – the more the things have changed, the more they have remained the same.Against South Africa, India’s top and middle order failed and the lower order got them to a decent score but the bowlers couldn’t defend it. Against Australia, the top- and middle-order gave them the platform but the lower order didn’t contribute and their bowlers crumbled under the pressure.Related

• New Zealand in must-win territory with rain in the Navi Mumbai air

• The biggest hurdle for India at the Women's World Cup

• 'The emotions took over' – Mandhana takes blame for Sunday heartbreak

• England in semi-finals after India unravel in tense finish

• Knight and Smith stay cool in the heat of the battle

Now chasing 289 against England, India had seven wickets in hand, a set batter in, 57 runs needed off 57 balls – comfortable, right? Nine times out of ten, the chasing team would be backed to win in such a scenario. Sunday was the tenth occasion. India slipped from there to a third straight defeat at this World Cup.It was Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur’s calculated assault that helped set the chase up after India were 42 for 2 in ten overs. Mandhana started off scratchily, faced only 18 deliveries in the first 12 overs and scored her first four off the 23rd ball, courtesy of an outside edge. Harmanpreet played her most fluent innings this tournament as India’s senior duo chose their battles carefully. All this after India’s bowlers led by Deepti Sharma helped drag England back after they seemed on course for a 320-plus total.England had two left-arm spinners, a bowling style that has been India’s undoing in recent times. But they were kept wicketless until the 42nd over. Whenever England bowled anything wide outside off, both Mandhana and Harmanpreet used the loft over extra cover to release the pressure. Their 125-run stand came off only 122 balls. Before Sunday, England were the most economical bowling unit (3.31 runs per over) in overs 11 to 30; India went at 6.05 runs per over in this phase in Indore.Amanjot Kaur and Sneh Rana walk off after India’s defeat•Getty ImagesIndia had dropped a batter (Jemimah Rodrigues) and brought in an extra bowler (Renuka Singh). So it was imperative for one of Mandhana and Harmanpreet to see the chase through. Mandhana took the onus upon herself by being patient and, as she later said, avoiding aerial shots. Till the rush of blood in the 42nd over.Linsey Smith chose the around-the-wicket angle with square leg, midwicket, long-on and long-off in the deep. Extra cover was clear and Mandhana was tempted to explore that region to get India’s ask under six an over. But Smith got the ball to drift away a little, which meant Mandhana lost control of her stroke and holed out to long-off.”Smriti’s wicket was a turning point for us, but we still had many batters,” Harmanpreet said after the game. Those other batters were Deepti, Richa Ghosh, Amanjot Kaur and Sneh Rana – all of whom have contributed with the bat in this tournament.England were unrelenting thereon. They pressed both Smith and Sophie Ecclestone into service, and India could score only 31 for 2 in the six left-arm spin overs in the third powerplay. The squeeze was truly on. Case in point being Deepti’s progress: she faced only 14 dots off her first 39 balls and scored 36 before Mandhana’s fall, and 10 dots in the 18 balls since then.Deepti Sharma started briskly but couldn’t keep up the temp•ICC/Getty Images”I don’t know how things went the other way,” Harmanpreet said. “It is a bad feeling, when you put so much hard work and take the game to the end. But the last five-six overs didn’t go to plan. I am at a loss of words but [it is] definitely a heartbreaking game.”Smith and Ecclestone used the Jess Jonassen model of stifling batters by denying them the bat-swing. They bowled from over the wicket to right-handers with three fielders deep on the leg side and cramped the batters for room. India did not collapse; they just could not break loose out of England’s stranglehold.It is not all doom and gloom for India. Their campaign is far from being over. They have two more games – against New Zealand and Bangladesh – at DY Patil, a venue they have recently played a lot at. They needn’t look beyond their latest victors for inspiration: England had lost each of their first three games at the 2022 World Cup and still qualified for the semi-final and finished runners-up.They might have a relook at their team combination again. Do they need that sixth proper bowler? Or can they do with the extra batter and squeeze some overs from the part-timers? Can they hold their nerves in a tense finish after three such outings?There are cracks in the wall. India need to ensure they fix it before it all crashes down on yet another home World Cup.

Big picture – India can’t be complacent despite recent dominance in ODIs

We can sometimes forget the unfortunate part injuries play in a team’s fortunes. India are now going into a third straight international match with a third different captain after Shubman Gill’s neck injury in the Kolkata Test forced him out of action following non-stop cricket for India’s newest three-format obsession. Their ODI vice-captain, Shreyas Iyer, is also out with a rib injury he sustained while taking a catch back in Australia.This format, though, is still the ideal sweet spot for India. Or at least this generation of players, up until the injured full-time captain and vice-captain. India have been dominant in ODIs, winning the last Asia Cup and the last Champions Trophy, and losing only the final in the last World Cup.Related

• 'Look forward to enjoying responsibility' – Rahul steps into the hot seat

• South Africa prove they can win the hard way, anywhere

• Watch out for Jaiswal's return, Bavuma and de Kock up top

• Morkel: Gill is recovering well, Iyer has started rehab

However, they are careful not to be complacent because the next World Cup takes them to South Africa. So they are always going to be wondering if Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will still be good to go in late 2027, how to find a seam-bowling allrounder, how to manage workloads. And this is the format teams play the least of.India’s opponents are nowhere near as dominant in ODIs in recent times but they will be riding the high of having beaten India 2-0 in the Tests. This is a rare full tour as nowadays home teams prefer to split Tests and shorter formats to allegedly maximise the earnings. However, all-format tours have their own charm of one side trying to dominate the other team completely and the other looking for some redemption in the other formats.Also, South Africa are closer to full strength now with the exception of Kagiso Rabada’s injury-enforced absence. The return of Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma should add heft to their batting, and Keshav Maharaj should provide them the spin control they missed in Pakistan.These are just three ODIs and they will be forgotten quickly, what with more focus on T20Is right now, but they promise to be cracking contests while they last.

Form guide

India WLLWW
South Africa LWLLWMatthew Breetzke comes to India with a huge reputation to live up to•AFP/Getty Images

In the spotlight: RoKo and Matthew Breetzke

KL Rahul will take over India’s leadership as the selectors have resisted the temptation to go back to Rohit Sharma, who returned to the ODIs, his only active international format, with a century in the third match against Australia. It is a clear sign that Rohit and Virat Kohli will forever remain under extra scrutiny just by the virtue of how old they will be by the World Cup in 2027.Matthew Breetzke comes to India with a big reputation to live up to. He is the only player to have scored 50 or more in each of his first five ODIs, and he averages 67.75 while playing the difficult role of batting in the middle order.

Team news: Shubman Gill and Kagiso Rabada are out

Yashasvi Jaiswal should be the natural replacement for Gill at the top of the order with Ruturaj Gaikwad primed to take Iyer’s slot in the middle order. If Gaikwad gets the nod, Rishabh Pant, who is back in the squad, will struggle to make the starting XI because India will need two allrounders. It remains to be seen if one of those allrounders will be a seam bowler in Nitish Kumar Reddy. In Australia, they played all three while the series was live because they wanted batting depth. If they repeat the formation, all three will get in.India (probable): 1 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2 Rohit Sharma, 3 Virat Kohli, 4 Ruturaj Gaikwad/Rishabh Pant, 5 KL Rahul (capt, wk), 6 Washington Sundar, 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 Nitish Kumar Reddy, 9 Harshit Rana, 9 Arshdeep Singh, 11 Prasidh Krishna1:09

Karim: An opportunity for Jaiswal ‘to cement his place’

Markram should slot back into the opening role, something South Africa have tried since the last World Cup where he batted at No. 4. Bavuma should take his No. 3 position.South Africa (probable): 1 Aiden Markram, 2 Quinton de Kock (wk), 3 Temba Bavuma (capt), 4 Matthew Breetzke, 5 Dewald Brevis, 6 Rubin Hermann, 7 Marco Jansen, 8 Corbin Bosch, 9 Keshav Maharaj, 10 Nandre Burger, 11 Lungi Ngidi

Pitch and conditions

This is only the sixth ODI Ranchi is hosting. There has been only one score of over 300, which was defended successfully, but chases of 270-280 haven’t quite been cakewalks either. The pitch generally is on the slower side; in the last ODI there, Washington Sundar opened the bowling for India. The weather will be perfect to play cricket in, but a lot will depend on dew. Without dew, batting first is not a bad shout in Ranchi.

Stats and trivia

• Since 2006, India and South Africa have played ten bilateral ODI series against each other. The scoreline is 5-5.
• Bavuma needs 59 runs to become only the 22nd South Africa player to score 2000 ODI runs.

Quotes

“Rutu, obviously, is a top-class player. We have all seen it. With whatever opportunities, limited opportunities he has got [with India], he has really utilised it and shown what he can do. Unfortunately, in ODI cricket, the top six or top five is quite settled. And they are performing really well.”
“When you add those two names to the line-up, we expect to see a full house tomorrow and that’s exciting. I think obviously two vastly experienced and dangerous players and they can cause a lot of damage to us, but we tend to try to focus on what sort of damage we can cause the opposition.”

Lionel Messi is considered to be “better than ever” as questions continue to be asked of his participation at the 2026 World Cup. The Argentine superstar is yet to confirm his involvement, but the door will always be left open for him. Ariel Ortega sees no reason why the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner cannot form part of a global title defence, with any fears regarding his presence in MLS being calmed.

MLS Cup triumph: Messi wins trophy No.47

All-time great Messi has been plying his trade in the United States since 2023. He has, with his initial deal in South Florida expiring, committed to a three-year extension with the Herons that will take him through 2028.

The evergreen 38-year-old has continued to star while chasing the American dream, helping Inter Miami to Leagues Cup glory within weeks of his arrival. He has now inspired a historic MLS Cup triumph, with his record-shattering haul of major honours being taken to 47 and counting.

AdvertisementGettyBetter than ever: Why Messi is being tipped to grace 2026 World Cup

With a post-season break being reached, Messi has stated that he does not want to become a “burden” for Argentina as they piece together World Cup plans. He will not have taken in as much competitive action in 2026 by the time that tournament rolls around as European-based colleagues.

Fellow countryman Ortega does not see that being an issue, with Messi having shown in 2025 – when winning the MLS Golden Boot – that he still has enough hunger and energy left in the tank to compete at the very highest level.

Ex-Argentina star Ortega has told : “Given how much Messi loves playing football, he’s going to be there. Besides, personally, I see him as better than ever. He’s at an incredibly high level, regardless of what people say about the league he plays in. I think playing at that level isn’t easy, and he’s going to be at the World Cup.”

He went on to say: “It’s going to be a personal thing for him; he’s going to want to play every game. The World Cup is different; he hasn’t had any serious injuries in his career and he looks to be in good physical shape. He’s going to prepare well to be there without any problems.”

Rolando Schiavi added to that debate when saying, with every nation taking part at FIFA’s flagship event in the United States, Canada and Mexico having to contend with some testing conditions: “My only concern is the weather: the heat it could get during the World Cup in the United States. That's the only thing I'd be worried about and the only thing that would make me doubt Leo. Even so, I think he'll play and be in every match.”

Playing or watching? Messi's update on World Cup plans

Messi told recently when asked again about his possible involvement in another major international tournament: “I hope I can be there. I've said before that I'd love to be there. At worst, I'll be there watching it live, but it will be special. The World Cup is special for everyone, for any country – especially for us, because we live it in a completely different way.”

He added on those that pose the greatest threat to Argentina’s title, which was captured in dramatic fashion at the end of a penalty shootout with France in 2022: “It's very difficult to win a World Cup. It's something that is lived differently: as a spectator, as a player, and as a fan. Now, seeing the group, I'm sure they will fight.

“Winning took a huge weight off our shoulders. Playing without that pressure is a relief, but at the same time it doesn't guarantee anything, because everyone wants to beat the world champion. There are very good national teams – Spain, France again, England, Brazil, who haven't been champions for a while and want to win again, and also Germany.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty2026 World Cup draw: Who will Argentina face in the group stage?

The 2026 World Cup draw has seen Argentina placed alongside Algeria, Austria and Jordan in Group J. Their campaign will get underway at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas – the home of the NFL heavyweight Chiefs – on June 16, with Messi expected to take the field against African opposition.

Daniel Farke looked long gone as Leeds United manager heading into an intimidating run of matches in the Premier League.

Not even the most optimistic Elland Road supporter would have expected the Whites to grab some much-needed points against Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool.

Yet, after this trio of difficult clashes, Leeds are four points better off with a win and a draw secured, which also – most importantly – means they’re two points above the dreaded relegation zone.

Farke will just keep his fingers crossed that this high-energy approach can be replicated versus the likes of Brentford and Crystal Palace to come, away from turning on the style against some of the division’s flashier opponents.

More positive results ahead would give Leeds a huge boost in their bid to avoid relegation, with the January transfer window also providing the Whites with an opportunity to add some standout signings to help them secure their survival.

Where Leeds could strength in January

Even though there has been a dramatic upturn in form, when Farke once looked like a dead man walking, Leeds will still likely be active in the hectic window to come.

Indeed, rumours are already beginning to circulate that the Premier League newcomers have Tromso midfielder Jens Hjerto-Dahl on their radar as transfer season edges ever closer. Moreover, the relegation-threatened outfit has also been linked heavily with a move for AC Milan striker Santiago Gimenez to bolster their centre-forward options.

Away from all this gossip, though, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also come out to state via his YouTube channel that Farke and Co have even made a concrete approach for an attacking playmaker in the form of Martin Baturina.

Romano stated: “In the last few days, Leeds has been in touch, the teams are starting to move.”

The £21m midfielder, who only signed for Cesc Fabregas’ Como in the summer, is struggling for consistent first-team minutes in Serie A at the moment. Yet, despite his predicament, he isn’t overly keen on a switch to West Yorkshire, according to Romano, with Como allegedly turning down the approach.

Still, transfer stories can change in the blink of an eye, so don’t write this one off completely.

How Baturina can become Farke's next Rutter

If Leeds were eventually successful in their mission to land the captivating 22-year-old, Farke could sign Leeds’ new version of Georginio Rutter, with the 15-time Croatia international capable of being a terrifying assist machine, much like the former number 24 was at Elland Road.

Rutter did manage to hammer home some memorable strikes when still situated at the Whites, with eight goals tallied up. But, it was his unerring ability to create chances for fun that made him really stand out as a fan’s favourite during his short, but sweet, 66-game stint at the club.

TalkSPORT’s Jeff Stelling would herald him as a “class act” at Leeds for the way he managed to make creating chances galore look effortless, with a bumper 18 assists coming his way across that string of matches.

In league action alone across the 2023/24 season, Rutter would muster up a ridiculous 22 big chances created, which led to the silky Frenchman securing himself a deserved £40m move to Brighton and Hove Albion.

While it hasn’t gone Baturina’s way at Como to date, with just one Serie A start handed to him by Fabregas this season leading to zero assists being tallied, it’s clear from his explosive time at Hadjuk Split that he has the same devastating ability to carve team opens that Rutter possesses.

Fabregas has already waxed lyrical about the 22-year-old’s “immense” nature to make things happen in “key moments” when first moving to Italy.

The clip above saw the £21m-rated midfielder calmly tee up his teammate for a golden opportunity in the Champions League back in 2024, with the assists flowing throughout his time at Split, leading to scout Jacek Kulig once hailing him as one of “the biggest talents” in Croatia.

Games played

114

60

Goals scored

17

6

Assists

36

17

Big chances created

38

23

Albeit from a wider pool of matches than the Seagulls star, Baturina would see out his time in his native Croatia with a staggering 38 big chances created from 117 league contests, which trumps Rutter’s own creative prowess.

Analyst Ben Mattinson would weigh in with some praise of his own by stating that the new Como number 20’s passing range was “outstanding” throughout his much-talked-about Split stay, with Farke now hopeful – if a move can be pulled off – that Baturina can enhance Leeds’ attack even more, after the goals have started to come naturally against the likes of Chelsea and Arne Slot’s Reds.

Of course, there will also be a worry in the air that for £21m, Leeds are risking their money on a midfielder who hasn’t ignited into life in Serie A.

Still, the Whites were here before with Rutter when splashing the cash on him in a January window, and while it took time for him to acclimatise, he is now seen as a modern great. Could Baturina soon follow in his esteemed footsteps?

Leeds now make contact over signing "powerful" star who's been likened to Odegaard

He’s a wanted man.

ByTom Cunningham 6 days ago

Rangers manager Danny Rohl revealed he has a clear picture of what is missing from his squad after a goalless home draw with Falkirk, as we approach the opening of the January transfer window.

Rohl sends message to his squad after dropped points against Falkirk

Rohl saw his impressive start to life at Ibrox come to an end in his fifth Premiership game in charge on Sunday. Scott Bain made an excellent one-handed stop from Djeidi Gassama on a Rangers counter-attack midway through the second half, but the Falkirk goalkeeper was largely untested outside of that.

The Bairns had some chances of their own and were more than worth their second point of the season against the Light Blues.

Related Rohl must bin Rangers flop who was even worse than Aarons vs Falkirk

Danny Rohl must replace this Glasgow Rangers flop in January to solve a glaring issue in the squad.

Posts ByDan Emery Dec 1, 2025

Rohl agreed with a comment in his post-match media conference that his squad needed help in January.

“The group we have at the moment, it’s my job and my responsibility to bring the best out of them,” he said.

“You see too many up and downs. With some players you feel they are making the step, and in the next game they take a step back. We are not consistently on the highest point again and again.

“We have too much of a roller coaster. The job when I arrived was about finding a way to win games. This is the first draw. We are disappointed with this performance but for me it’s now week six or seven.”

In a clear warning to his current crop of players, the 36 year-old held back nothing as his side fell seven points behind Celtic, suggesting he will upgrade on certain members of his squad in the transfer window.

Who Rangers could sign in January

The first step to Rangers’ business ahead of the new year will of course be finding replacements for Patrick Stewart and Kevin Thelwell, with a recent report suggesting the Gers could turn to Chief Financial Officer James Taylor in the CEO role.

In terms of targets on the pitch, it is clear more quality is needed in midfield and in attacking areas, and those at Ibrox have reportedly already entered discussions for winger Galymzhan Kenzhebek.

The 22 year-old is reportedly also wanted by Dundee United, Aberdeen and a whole host of clubs on the continent, being praised for his direct style of play and instincts in front of goal.

David Watson is the other name on everyone’s lips, with the 20 year-old midfielder out of contract at Kilmarnock next summer and sure to attract interest from a whole host of sides in January.

Liverpool have now joined the race to sign a defensive reinforcement alongside interest from rivals Chelsea and Manchester United.

Slot shaping Liverpool future without Salah?

Arne Slot simply had to make a big call last weekend. PSV Eindhoven’s 4-1 thrashing took Liverpool’s form from a blip into a full-blown crisis and something had to give. Unfortunately, that something against West Ham United was Mohamed Salah.

Liverpool’s Egyptian King was forced to watch on from the bench as the Reds finally put in a more controlled performance and Alexander Isak netted his first Premier League goal for the club. But as much as that victory came as a relief, it also raised a serious question about Salah’s place in Slot’s best side.

Ahead of Liverpool’s crucial clash against Sunderland on Wednesday evening, Slot revealed Salah’s reaction to being dropped – telling reporters: “It’s a normal reaction from a player that is good enough to play for us.

“He wasn’t the only who wasn’t happy he wasn’t starting. The way he behaved is the way you would expect of a professional. He handled himself really well. A top professional.”

Whether we’ll see Liverpool’s star make a return to action in midweek remains to be seen. After returning to winning ways, Slot may be asking himself whether he can afford to change things up.

He's like Arteta: Liverpool line up "best coach in the PL" to replace Slot

Arne Slot is under intense pressure at Liverpool after a shocking run of form.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Dec 2, 2025

Of course, it’s worth noting that a large part of the Dutchman’s backline simply can’t be changed. Whilst Conor Bradley is back in training, he won’t be ready to face Sunderland, which leaves Joe Gomez as the only other more recognisable right-back unless Dominik Szoboszlai drops in again.

Meanwhile, Slot still has just two centre-backs available in Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, which is a problem that the Reds could solve by signing Castello Lukeba in January.

Liverpool join January race to sign Lukeba

As reported by Caught Offside, Liverpool have now joined the race to sign Lukaba alongside Man United, Chelsea and Newcastle United in the January transfer window.

The RB Leipzig defender no longer has a release clause worth €90m (£79m) and will be available for just €60m (£52m) in the winter window. As concerns continue to grow that Liverpool could still miss out on Marc Guehi, Lukeba has suddenly emerged as an ideal option.

Compared to Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol by the Bundesliga’s official website, the Frenchman could yet make a similar impact on England’s top flight next year, ranking in the 99th percentile against other centre-backs in the top five leagues for successful take-ons.

Minutes

990

789

Progressive Passes

46

55

Tackles Won

6

8

Ball Recoveries

63

28

It’s easy to see where the comparisons with Gvardiol have come from. Lukeba is an excellent central defender who’s great on the ball, capable of carrying or passing it forward and destined for a big move.

Dubbed “unique” by Como scout Ben Mattinson last year, the Leipzig star is also still just 22 years old and yet to reach the peak of his powers. Even if Konate does sign a new contract at Anfield, Lukeba could arrive and take his place in Liverpool’s strongest side in 2026.

Better move than Semenyo: Liverpool set to table bid to sign £53m "machine"

Former Real Madrid and Spain centre-back Sergio Ramos has departed Mexican side Monterrey following their final game of the season. Monterrey fell to a 3-2 defeat to Toluca in the semi-finals of the Liga MX playoffs, and Ramos has confirmed that he has played his final game for the club. However, the legendary defender has no plans to call time on his playing career.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  'This is my last game' says Ramos

  Ramos moved to the Mexican side earlier this year following his departure from La Liga side Sevilla. The 39-year-old returned to the Spanish outfit in 2023 after his PSG exit but at the weekend confirmed that Monterrey's 3-2 loss to Toluca would mark his final appearance for the club.

  "I made it very clear last week. Obviously, yes – this is my last game," Ramos said following the weekend's defeat. Reflecting on the semi-final loss, the experienced defender stated that "losing a semi-final always hurts, especially when you fall just short of a final."

  "There’s a lot to assess. We practically gave away the first half. We lacked intensity, rhythm, personality, and control of the ball. You can lose – football works that way – but if you lose, it should be by playing like we did in the second half, not the first, which we gifted to them."

  Ramos leaves the club having made 32 competitive appearances in 2025, scoring seven goals and receiving one red card, and is determined to play in Europe once again.

Advertisement

• Ramos keen to continue playing

  And as a free agent, Ramos is free to choose where to play next outside of the traditional winter and summer transfer windows. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has also confirmed that the World Cup winning centre-back has a number of proposals as he assesses his options.

  "Sergio Ramos leaves Monterrey as he confirms he’s played his last game in Mexico," Romano posted on his official X account. "Ramos wants to continue playing football, no plans to retire and set to assess proposals. Free agent from now on."

  AC Milan have since emerged as a potential destination for Ramos with Italian publication Calcimercato reporting that former Spain star is offering his services to the Italian giants. Ramos is keen to reunite with former Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric, who left Los Blancos for the San Siro earlier this year.

  Modric has made an impressive start to life in Milan as the Rossoneri look to secure the Scudetto in Max Allegri's first game back at the AC Milan helm.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Ramos a surviving member of Spain's 2010 World Cup winning squad

  Ramos is one of four members of Spain's 2010 World Cup winning squad still playing. Winger Pedro is on the books at Serie A side Lazio, while centre-back Raul Albiol plies his trade for Pisa. Juan Mata, meanwhile, moved to A-League side Melbourne Victory earlier this year after a brief stint with Western Sydney Warriors.

  Ramos is not looking to follow in the footsteps of compatriots Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, who both called time on their career recently. The ex-Barcelona pair both played the full 90 for Inter Miami, who claimed a 3-1 win over Vancouver Whitecaps in the 2025 MLS Cup final over the weekend.

  Lionel Messi was instrumental in the victory, providing two assists as Alba and Busquets both ended their respective playing spells on a high.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• What trophies has Ramos won?

  Ramos has enjoyed a distinguished career for both club and country, which saw him win La Liga five times, the Champions League four times and the Copa Del Rey twice with Real Madrid. In addition, he claimed two Ligue 1 winners' medal during his two-year spell with PSG.

  For country, meanwhile, Ramos was part of the Spain squad that won Euro 2008 and Euro 2012, and was a key member of the side that won the World Cup in South Africa in 2010. Andres Iniesta scored a extra-time winner 15 years' ago as La Roja got the better of the Netherlands.

  And Spain are looking to win football's showpiece in North America next summer and were drawn against Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H in Friday's World Cup draw.

Tottenham Hotspur returned to winning ways on Saturday, defeating Brentford 2-0 courtesy of goals from Xavi Simons and Richarlison.

It was the first time that Thomas Frank’s men have won a game of football since November 4th when they defeated Copenhagen 4-0 in the Champions League.

Since then, the Lilywhites have been on a dire run of form, notably losing the north London derby 4-1. It’s a sequence of results that has thrown doubts over Frank’s future in the dugout.

What won’t help Spurs is that they’ve now received a series of injury blows following the win over Frank’s former side.

Tottenham dealt injury blows against Brentford

Spurs may well have sealed all three points on Saturday afternoon but the game didn’t come without some bad news for the club.

Indeed, they now have injury concerns over Destiny Udogie and Randal Kolo Muani before they face Slavia Prague in Europe on Wednesday night.

.

Udogie missed Saturday’s 2-0 win over Brentford after he sustained a soft tissue injury in the 2-2 draw against Newcastle while PSG loanee Kolo Muani stood out against Brentford but was subbed early and was later seen limping as he left the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Frank was quizzed about those issues after the game, with the Dane asked how long Udogie will be out for.

The manager responded: “Not too long. He got a soft tissue injury, unfortunately, against Newcastle.”

Spurs are already without long-term absentees Dominic Solanke, Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison while Mathys Tel will be missing after not being registered in the club’s Champions League squad.

The north Londoners will now hope they can string a positive sequence of results together with the win against the Bees somewhat easing the pressure on the manager.

Speaking after sealing their first home win in the Premier League since August 16th, the boss stated: “Yeah, that is the standard.

“Sometimes there’s more tight games, as we know, but I like what I saw from the team and that’s what we need to build on and try to become even better.”

As good as Simons: Spurs sensation was looking like Bale 2.0 vs Brentford

One Tottenham Hotspur player managed to catch the eye during this afternoon’s victory.

By
Ethan Lamb

5 days ago