Liverpool's Defensive Woes Linked to Missed Transfer Target

Liverpool's defensive frailties, evidenced by conceding 41 league goals in the 2024-25 season, have resurfaced as a critical concern. The club's inability to secure Marc Guehi during the last transfer window is now being re-examined as a potential root cause. Guehi's contract with Crystal Palace expires in seven months, with no indication of an extension, positioning him as a key January transfer target.

Beyond Liverpool's potential transfer targets, the 2026 World Cup is being marketed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino for an immense global TV audience of six billion. This projection, likened to '104 Super Bowls,' aims to harness the NFL's popularity. However, analysts question the comparison, noting that individual World Cup matches are unlikely to match Super Bowl viewership peaks.

In other football news, Aston Villa experienced crowd disturbances during their Europa League match against Young Boys. Meanwhile, a Norwegian women's player was cleared of doping after a banned substance was traced to artificial pitch material. The sport faces ongoing challenges with player welfare and integrity.