Liverpool have already secured their place in the Champions League knockout stages, prompting manager Arne Slot to rest several senior players for their upcoming clash against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday night.

Slot Defends Squad Rotation Ahead of PSV Clash

Arne Slot has dismissed the notion that his second-string squad must prove themselves in their Champions League outing against PSV Eindhoven. With Liverpool already assured of a top-two finish in their group, the manager opted to leave 12 key players behind as a youthful 21-man squad traveled to the Netherlands for their final group-stage match.

Liverpool’s place in the round of 16 is confirmed, and a draw against PSV would secure the top spot ahead of Barcelona. Consequently, first-team regulars such as Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, Luis Diaz, and Mohamed Salah have all been given a rest. Joe Gomez, who recently returned to training following a month-long absence, was not considered, while Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones remain unavailable due to injury.

Opportunity for Young Players to Shine

With several stars missing, the likes of Caoimhin Kelleher, Conor Bradley, Jarell Quansah, Tyler Morton, Wataru Endo, and Harvey Elliott are expected to feature. Additionally, forward Federico Chiesa is set to make his first start since September. However, Slot insists that the match is not a test for the younger players but rather a strategic move to manage the workload of his regular starters.

“The players don’t need to prove themselves,” said Slot. “We are aware of their abilities, but we have an incredibly busy schedule, and those who stayed behind could have played. However, we must think long-term. Throughout the season, we’ve ensured that key players get a break every few weeks, especially during League Cup or FA Cup games, to maintain their freshness.”

Slot on Champions League Format and Liverpool’s Approach

Slot also weighed in on the revamped Champions League format, emphasizing that Liverpool’s final group-stage position has little bearing on their knockout stage fate. While PSV still needs to secure their play-off spot, Liverpool’s standing in the competition remains unaffected.

“I took some time to understand this new Champions League format, but I’m now completely sure that finishing first or second doesn’t really matter,” Slot explained. “We’re guaranteed to face one of the teams ranked 15th to 18th in the round of 16, and from there, it all depends on the draw. We can’t drop to third place, so the league standings won’t change. That said, we will be going out to win because, as a wise man once told me, nothing good ever comes from losing a game.”

Manchester United have secured the signing of 20-year-old Danish international Patrick Dorgu from Lecce in a record-breaking transfer. Here’s a closer look at the young talent, his career so far, and how he could fit into United’s squad under new manager Ruben Amorim.

Manchester United Finalize Deal for Patrick Dorgu

Reports emerging on Tuesday evening confirmed that Manchester United have reached an agreement with Lecce for the signing of Patrick Dorgu. The deal, which is set to cost around €35 million including add-ons, marks a significant investment in the promising full-back.

According to sources from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Dorgu and his family were already making preparations for the move to Manchester, signaling how quickly the transfer has come together. The talented youngster had also attracted interest from Serie A giants Napoli and Juventus, but United have won the race for his signature.

This transfer makes Dorgu the most expensive departure in Lecce’s history, shattering the previous record set when Morten Hjulmand moved to Sporting CP for €19.5 million in 2023.

Dorgu’s Journey: From Denmark to Serie A Success

Born in Copenhagen to Nigerian heritage, Dorgu has represented Denmark at various youth levels, progressing all the way up to the senior squad. His footballing journey began at Nordsjælland before he made the switch to Lecce in 2022, a move that set the stage for his rapid rise.

Since breaking into Lecce’s senior team, Dorgu has amassed 53 Serie A appearances, 21 of which have come this season. His contributions include three league goals and an assist during the 2024-25 campaign. His performances earned him a senior Denmark call-up in September, where he made an instant impact in a UEFA Nations League clash against Switzerland, scoring a late goal after coming off the bench.

Dorgu continued to be a part of Denmark’s Nations League squad in October and November, further cementing his place as one of the country’s brightest young talents.

Tactical Fit: Dorgu’s Versatility and Strengths

Originally deployed as a left-back at Lecce, Dorgu has showcased his adaptability over the course of the 2024-25 season, also featuring on the right wing. His ability to operate across multiple positions makes him a valuable asset for Ruben Amorim, who prefers dynamic players capable of fitting into various roles.

At United, Dorgu is expected to provide much-needed depth on the left flank, where injuries have plagued both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 system has often lacked a natural left-sided wing-back, with players like Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui forced to fill in out of position. Dorgu’s arrival presents a natural solution to this issue.

Additionally, given his experience as a winger in a 4-3-3 setup, he could be utilized in a more advanced role when needed. His left-footed playing style mirrors that of Amad Diallo, potentially offering United another attacking option in wide areas.

What Dorgu Brings to United

Dorgu’s combination of technical ability, versatility, and attacking intent makes him a perfect fit for Amorim’s tactical setup. His seamless transition between defensive and offensive roles allows United to be more fluid in their approach. As he embarks on this new journey at Old Trafford, all eyes will be on how he adapts to the Premier League and what impact he can make under Amorim’s guidance.

Kyle Walker has opened up about the challenging conversation he had with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola before finalizing his loan switch to AC Milan.

Earlier this month, Guardiola confirmed that Walker had expressed his desire to leave the club and pursue a new opportunity abroad, marking the end of a turbulent period for the England defender.

The 34-year-old had faced criticism for his performances during a difficult first half of the season, prompting him to seek a fresh start. Milan secured Walker on a loan deal with an option to make the transfer permanent in the summer for €5 million (£4.2 million).

With the move, it seems increasingly likely that Walker has played his last game for City, where he made 319 appearances and collected a glittering array of trophies, including six Premier League titles and the 2022-23 Champions League.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Walker reflected on his departure and the difficult conversation he had with Guardiola.

“When I sat down with Pep, it wasn’t the easiest discussion – mainly because of the respect we have for one another,” Walker admitted. “What he’s achieved at City, I’ve been fortunate enough to be a part of. I’d like to think he recognizes the value I brought, not just on the pitch but in the dressing room, too.”

Walker expressed gratitude for his time at Manchester City, calling it his “family” and praising the bond he shared with everyone, from staff to teammates. However, the lack of game time made his decision to leave unavoidable.

“I wasn’t playing as much as I wanted, and things just weren’t clicking,” Walker said. “I’ve always been someone who wants to contribute fully, and it felt like the right time for a new challenge. Hopefully, I can get back to playing regularly here.”

The defender revealed that a “gut feeling” convinced him to join the Rossoneri, especially given their stature as five-time European champions.

“I could’ve stayed at City and honored my contract if they hadn’t agreed to let me go – that’s just who I am,” Walker explained. “But sometimes, you need to trust your instincts. I’ve spoken to so many players who regret never moving abroad, and I didn’t want to be one of them.

“If it wasn’t a club like Milan, I wouldn’t have left City. But there are certain opportunities you just can’t turn down.”

Now part of a growing English contingent at Milan, Walker joins fellow countrymen Fikayo Tomori, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Tammy Abraham.

Though he won’t be eligible to feature in Milan’s midweek Champions League clash against Dinamo Zagreb, Walker is expected to make his debut in Sunday’s heated derby against Inter Milan.