Chicago Fire beat D.C. United with a thumping 1-0 victory on Sunday at SeatGeek Stadium. After today&#8217;s result, both teams are on 14 points and sit in 13th and 14th places respectively after 21 matches.
After a goalless first half, Chicago piled on the pressure in the second and were rewarded, when Herbers found the net, 78 minutes in. When the final wisthle blew, the result was 1-0 to Chicago.
Substitutions for Chicago included Herbers, Espinoza, Terán and Pineda for Ivanov, Gutierrez, Omsberg and Giménez, repectively. D.C. brought on Alfaro, Robertha, Canouse, Smith and Estrada, to replace Najar, Kamara, Skundrich, Smith and Djeffal.
There were bookings for Navarro and Herbers from Chicago, and Pines and Najar, for D.C.
Chicago will play away against Houston Dynamo, while D.C. will face Nashville SC at home.
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th colspan="2">Technical card:</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chicago Fire:</td>
<td>Slonina, Czichos, Omsberg (Terán, min.95), Bornstein, Sekulić, Navarro, Giménez (Pineda, min.95), Gutierrez (Espinoza, min.75), Mueller, Ivanov (Herbers, min.65) and Przybyłko</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>D.C. United:</td>
<td>Romo, Birnbaum, Najar (Alfaro, min.73), Pines, Djeffal (Estrada, min.86), Chris Durkin, Smith (Smith, min.84), Julian Gressel, Skundrich (Canouse, min.73), Kamara (Robertha, min.73) and Fountas</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Stadium:</td>
<td>SeatGeek Stadium</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Goals:</td>
<td>Herbers (1-0, min. 78)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Chicago 1-0 D.C. United: Visitors can’t find an equaliser against the Fire

Boca on Saturday lost to Unión Santa Fe on a home defeat at Alberto Jose Armando. Boca were looking to pick up points after winning their previous two games in the league. The most recent was against the Barracas Central away (3-1), the other to CA Tigre at home (5-3). Unión were beaten 5-1 in the previous match against River. As the table looks today, Boca are currently 3rd with 9 points from 5 matches, while Unión sit in 23rd, with 4 points from 5.
Unión started the first half well, when Daniel Eduardo Juarez gave Unión the lead in the 25th minute. However, their celebrations were kept brief, as Eduardo Salvio equalised for Boca just before halftime, ending the first half 1-1.
Unión continued to pile on the pressure in the second and were rewarded, when Franco Troyansky gave Unión the lead just before the final whistle, to hand a welcome victory to the visitors.

Substitutions for Boca included Carlos Izquierdoz, Exequiel Zeballos, Sebastian Villa, Oscar Romero and Guillermo Fernandez for Jorge Figal, Luca Daniel Langoni, Eduardo Salvio, Aaron Molinas and Cristian Medina, repectively. Unión brought on Kevin Zenon, Mauro Luna, Bryan Castrillon, Franco Troyansky and Claudio Corvalan for Imanol Machuca, Ezequiel Martin Canete, Daniel Eduardo Juarez, Matias Gallegos Panozzo and Lucas Angel Esquivel.
The referee booked six players. Carlos Izquierdoz, Frank Fabra and Carlos Zambrano from Boca, who saw yellow cards and Carlos Izquierdoz (2 yellow cards), sent off with a red, as well as for Unión Sebastian Moyano and Emanuel Britez received yellows.
Unión and Boca will next play at home to Lanús and Banfield respectively.
<table>
<tr>
<th colspan='2'>Technical card:</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Boca:</td>
<td>Javier Garcia, Marcelo Weigandt, Jorge Figal (Carlos Izquierdoz, min.40), Carlos Zambrano, Frank Fabra, Cristian Medina (Guillermo Fernandez, min.77), Jorman Campuzano, Eduardo Salvio (Sebastian Villa, min.66), Aaron Molinas (Oscar Romero, min.77), Luis Vazquez and Luca Daniel Langoni (Exequiel Zeballos, min.66)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Unión Santa Fe:</td>
<td>Sebastian Moyano, Francisco Gerometta, Emanuel Britez, Facundo Aguero, Lucas Angel Esquivel (Claudio Corvalan, min.80), Imanol Machuca (Kevin Zenon, min.55), Juan Carlos Portillo, Juan Nardoni, Ezequiel Martin Canete (Mauro Luna, min.56), Matias Gallegos Panozzo (Franco Troyansky, min.66) and Daniel Eduardo Juarez (Bryan Castrillon, min.66)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Stadium:</td>
<td>Alberto Jose Armando</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Goals:</td>
<td>Daniel Eduardo Juarez (0-1, min. 25), Eduardo Salvio (1-1, min. 40) and Franco Troyansky (1-2, min. 90)</td>
</tr>
</table>

Boca 1 – Unión 2: Visitors ecstatic after win at Alberto Jose Armando

Internacional cruises against Coritiba on a home win at Estadio Beira-Rio on Saturday. With each team arriving on the back of a league defeat, they were both keen to pick up points. Internacional arrived at the match looking pick up points, following a previous defeat to Botafogo. Coritiba were beaten 1-0 in the previous match against Athletico Paranaense. Following today&#8217;s result, Internacional and Coritiba currently occupy 3rd and 16th spots in the table, with 24 points and 15 points respectively after 14 matches.
Internacional started the first half well, when Taison opened the rout, at 19 minutes. However they weren&#8217;t finished yet and Edenilson made it 2-0 just before halftime to see out the first half 2-0.
Internacional staged a comeback in the second half, when Alemao found the net in the 54th minute, leaving the final score at 3-0.

Substitutions for Internacional included Heitor, Johnny, Caio Vidal, Kaique Rocha and Mauricio for Fabricio Bustos, Carlos De Pena, Pedro Henrique, Rodrigo Moledo and Taison, repectively. Coritiba brought on Egidio, Val, Fabricio Daniel, Jose Hugo Sousa dos Santos and Neilton, to replace Guilherme Biro, Matias Galarza, Alef Manga, Thonny Anderson and Igor Paixao.
There were bookings for Thauan Lara and Caio Vidal from Internacional, and Guilherme Biro, Matheus Alexandre, Thonny Anderson and Igor Paixao, for Coritiba.
Internacional will next play Ceará away, with Coritiba facing Fortaleza EC at home.
<table>
<tr>
<th colspan='2'>Technical card:</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Internacional:</td>
<td>Daniel, Fabricio Bustos (Heitor, min.31), Vitao, Rodrigo Moledo (Kaique Rocha, min.77), Thauan Lara, Carlos De Pena (Johnny, min.60), Gabriel, Pedro Henrique (Caio Vidal, min.76), Edenilson, Taison (Mauricio, min.77) and Alemao</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Coritiba:</td>
<td>Rafael William Dias Pinheiro, Matheus Alexandre, Henrique, Luciano Castan, Guilherme Biro (Egidio, min.46), Alef Manga (Fabricio Daniel, min.59), Willian Farias, Matias Galarza (Val, min.46), Thonny Anderson (Jose Hugo Sousa dos Santos, min.59), Igor Paixao (Neilton, min.84) and Leo Gamalho</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Stadium:</td>
<td>Estadio Beira-Rio</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Goals:</td>
<td>Taison (1-0, min. 19), Edenilson (2-0, min. 42) and Alemao (3-0, min. 54)</td>
</tr>
</table>

Internacional 3 – Coritiba 0: Bad day for visitors at Estadio Beira-Rio

Saturday MLS action from Nippert Stadium, as Cin take on Orlando.
Orlando to face eighth Cin on Saturday at Nippert Stadium, with Óscar Pareja&#8217;s team currently occupying fourth place in the League.
<h4>Cincinnati have 20 points to their name, going into this tie</h4>
With the memory of their last match, doubtless on their minds, a (1-1) draw against Philadelphia Union, Cin will be keen to improve on that result in this game.
Also, Cin keep finding ways to win, having secured four victories in their last seven matches is astonishing this season. With an eighth position in the league and 0 wins, 0 losses and 0 draws, they currently have 20 points in the League.
When Cin host Orlando, they will do so on the back of two wins and four defeats on their own ground.
A win in this fixture would take Cincinnati’s points to 23 in the League. 

<h4>This season&#8217;s MLS campaign, has so far seen Orlando City achieve 24 points</h4>
Orlando will take a huge positive from their recent 2-1 win against Houston Dynamo at Exploria Stadium.
Also, Orlando keep finding ways to win, having secured five victories in their last nine meetings is astonishing this season. With 24 points, they currently sit fourth in the League. The breakdown for the team&#8217;s record is 0 wins, 0 losses and 0 draws.
Orlando&#8217;s away record is remarkable and poses a significant threat to Cin. In the 7 games they’ve played on the road this season, they have so far won three matches, drawn three games, and lost one game.
Orlando City will have 27 points if they manage to secure a victory. 

<h4>Cincinnati v Orlando City &#8211; Head-to-Head.</h4>
Regarding their historical duels the recent form between these two sides has seen Orlando with a greater number of wins. In the last six meetings, they have enjoyed three victories, to Cin’s one victory. In addition, Orlando have left Cin with a win on three out of five matches. The last time both teams met in this competition The Lions delivered a 1-2 away win.
Other players of note for Cin are Beckham and Kenneth with respectively and for Orlando are Mason and Pedro David with respectively.

Cincinnati v Orlando City: MLS Match-day 22

Cincinnati snatched all three points from Orlando City in a narrow 1-0 victory on Saturday, at Nippert Stadium. After today&#8217;s result, Cin are currently 6th with 23 points from 22 matches, while Orlando sit in 4th, with 24 points from 22.
After a goalless first half, Cin piled on the pressure in the second and were rewarded, with a goal from Brenner in the 65th minute. They managed to see the match out with a clean sheet and a final score of 1-0.

Substitutions for Cin included Acosta, Cruz, Markanich, Kubo and Murphy for John Nelson, Medunjanin, Vázquez, Brenner and Barreal, repectively. Orlando brought on Michel, Antônio Carlos, Pato and Akindele, to replace Williams, Mulraney, Kara and Júnior Urso.
There were bookings for Brenner from Cin. For Orlando, Smith saw yellow.
<table>
<tr>
<th colspan='2'>Technical card:</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cincinnati:</td>
<td>Roman Celentano, Cameron, Blackett, Hagglund, Medunjanin (Cruz, min.67), Nwobodo, Barreal (Murphy, min.86), John Nelson (Acosta, min.55), Ray Gaddis, Brenner (Kubo, min.86) and Vázquez (Markanich, min.86)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Orlando City:</td>
<td>Gallese, Schlegel, Smith, Moutinho, Ruan, Araujo, Júnior Urso (Akindele, min.70), Perea, Mulraney (Antônio Carlos, min.46), Torres and Kara (Pato, min.63)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Stadium:</td>
<td>Nippert Stadium</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Goals:</td>
<td>Brenner (1-0, min. 65)</td>
</tr>
</table>

Cin 1 – Orlando 0: Home fans rewarded with victory at Nippert Stadium

Gimnasia La Plata beated Rosario Central 1-0 on Saturday at Estadio Dr. Lisandro de La Torre. Rosario Central were looking to get back their winning ways, following a previous defeat to Vélez Sarsfield. Gimnasia were coming off the back of a 3-1 win against Racing Club. As the table looks today, Rosario Central are in 24th place, with 4 points from 5 matches, while Gimnasia sit in 1st, with 11 points from 5.
After an uneventful first half, Gimnasia continued to pile on the pressure in the second and were rewarded, when Ramon Sosa gave Gimnasia the lead at the 79 minute mark. When the final wisthle blew, the result was 1-0 to Gimnasia.

Rosario Central brought on Facundo Valentin Buonanotte, Michael Covea and Fernando Torrent for Gino Infantino, Lucas Gamba and Damian Martinez. Gimnasia brought on Alexis Dominguez, Carlos Insaurralde and Guillermo Fratta, to replace Lautaro Chavez, Erik Ramirez and Franco Soldano.
There were bookings for Facundo Almada, Mateo Tanlongo and Christian Baez from Rosario Central. For Gimnasia, Matias Melluso saw yellow.
Rosario Central will next travel to Aldosivi, while Gimnasia will face Defensa and Justicia at home.
<table>
<tr>
<th colspan='2'>Technical card:</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rosario Central:</td>
<td>Gaspar Servio, Damian Martinez (Fernando Torrent, min.74), Facundo Almada, Christian Baez, Lautaro Blanco, Walter Montoya, Gino Infantino (Facundo Valentin Buonanotte, min.57), Mateo Tanlongo, Marcelo Benitez, Lucas Gamba (Michael Covea, min.57) and Alejo Veliz</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gimnasia La Plata:</td>
<td>Rodrigo Rey, Guillermo Enrique, Oscar Piris, Leonardo Morales, Matias Melluso, Lautaro Chavez (Alexis Dominguez, min.67), Agustin Cardozo, Brahian Aleman, Ramon Sosa, Franco Soldano (Guillermo Fratta, min.90) and Erik Ramirez (Carlos Insaurralde, min.69)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Stadium:</td>
<td>Estadio Dr. Lisandro de La Torre</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Goals:</td>
<td>Ramon Sosa (0-1, min. 79)</td>
</tr>
</table>

Rosario Central 0 – Gimnasia 1: Visitors secure points with win at Estadio Dr. Lisandro de La Torre

Research group the CIES Football Observatory delivers reports on the beautiful game. Part of their <a href="https://www.888fixtures.com/">latest sports news</a> sees Liverpool&#8217;s Luis Diaz rated as one of the top 10 most valuable players in the world.
After impressing at Anfield since his January move to Premier League club, Diaz’s value has gone through the roof. That leaves just the question of how much higher his estimated value could go?
<h2>Colombian Luis Diaz makes an immediate impact at Anfield</h2>
Liverpool signed Luis Diaz in late January 2022, securing the winger&#8217;s services from Portuguese club FC Porto. The Colombian international arrived in the Premier League as a bit of an unknown quantity. He quickly changed that status.
He joined FC Porto in 2019, but it really wasn’t until the 2021/22 season that he started to play himself into big form. The goals started flowing for Diaz at the start of that campaign, and that saw his big breakthrough happen.
Diaz started picking up monthly awards in the Portuguese top flight. Just as FC Porto were starting to see the dividends of their investment and development repaid, they couldn’t hold on to him.
Luis Diaz left FC Porto having made 77 appearances, during which he tallied up 26 goals for them in all competitions. Diaz&#8217;s previous clubs during his professional career were Barranquilla and Atletico Junior in his home country of Colombia.
<h2>A bargain deal for Liverpool?</h2>
In departing FC Porto halfway through the 2021/22 season to go and ply his trade at Liverpool, the Premier League club immediately looked as if they had got themselves a big bargain in Diaz. Especially as it was a January transfer window purchase, a time when fees are usually inflated.
The initial fee that Liverpool paid was around £37.5 million not including any performance-related adds on in the contract for the player.
Liverpool, who had already shown interest in the player, had to react with a permanent move offer. Fellow <a href="https://www.888fixtures.com/football/premier-league/">Premier League</a> side Tottenham had also been interested in the left-winger. Liverpool won the race, handing Diaz a five-year contract.
Despite only having had half of a season under his belt, the high-quality performances that Diaz has delivered for the Merseyside club has sent his overall value sky-high.
It wasn’t a bad first foray into the English top-flight by Diaz, who won the EFL Cup and FA Cup with his new club. The Colombian was named the Man of the Match in the FA Cup Final as Liverpool beat Chelsea in a penalty shoot-out.
<h2>Luis Diaz now one of the world&#8217;s Top 10 Most Valuable players</h2>
According to CIES, Luis Diaz is now one of the top ten players in the world in terms of value in the transfer market. He is rated at 110€M by CIES, putting the 25-year-old eighth on their current list. The Reds are not going to have any interest in selling him anytime soon of course. But the inflation in the transfer market price for Diaz further confirms the bargain deal that Liverpool got.
<h2>Will Diaz’s value rise further?</h2>
In his first season with Liverpool, Luis Diaz played 26 times for Liverpool, scoring six goals in all competitions. Diaz now has a huge opportunity in front of him to take his career even further, with Sadio Mane having left Anfield recently for Bundesliga side Bayern Munich.
More goalscoring responsibility is likely to fall on his shoulders in the forthcoming campaign. But for a player that contributed 0.59 goals or assists per 90 minutes in his playing time with Liverpool last season, there appears to be plenty of scope for those figures to go up.
His output was remarkably strong for a player that had just moved to one of the top leagues in the world. In having to settle down at a new foreign club, Diaz adapted tremendously well.
<h2>No 2022 World Cup for Luis Diaz</h2>
One disappointment for Diaz is that there will be no place for him at the 2022 World Cup with Colombia. His home country failed to get through their qualification campaign successfully. Los Cafeteros did appear at one stage to be well on track.
However, they finished sixth of ten in the CONMEBOL qualifiers, one point and one point out of fifth place. A fifth-place finish would have sent them to an inter-confederation playoff. Colombia finished three points outside the automatic qualification spots.
Luis Diaz did score in three of Colombia’s World Cup qualification matches, and he was on the winning side on each of those occasions.
Diaz contributed well for his country at the 2021 Copa America. During the tournament, he scored a spectacular bicycle kick in a defeat against Brazil. Colombia’s campaign at Copa America 2021 was ended at the semi-final stage in a penalty shoot-out against eventual-Champions Argentina.
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Value  (€ Million)</td>
<td>Player</td>
<td>club</td>
<td>Age</td>
<td>National Team</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>205€M</td>
<td>Kylian Mbappe</td>
<td>PSG</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>France</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>185€M</td>
<td>Vinicius Junior</td>
<td>Real Madrid</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>Brazil</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>152€M</td>
<td>Erling Haaland</td>
<td>Man City</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>Norway</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>135€M</td>
<td>Pedri Gonzalez</td>
<td>Barcelona</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>Spain</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>133€M</td>
<td>Jude Bellingham</td>
<td>Borussia Dortmund</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>England</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>124€M</td>
<td>Phil Foden</td>
<td>Man City</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>England</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>112€M</td>
<td>Frenkie de Jong</td>
<td>Barcelona</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>Netherlands</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>110€M</td>
<td>Luis Diaz</td>
<td>Liverpool</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>Colombia</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>109€M</td>
<td>Ruben Dias</td>
<td>Man City</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>Portugal</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>109€M</td>
<td>Ferran Torres</td>
<td>Barcelona</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>Spain</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>A look at the rest of the Top 10 most valuable players in the world alongside Luis Diaz</h2>
With the CIES rating Diaz as one of the top ten most valuable players in the world, based on estimated transfer values, let&#8217;s take a look at the rest of the top ten in further detail.
The valuations are on the current estimated transfer value of players, not what fee they commanded when they last signed for a team.
<h3>Kylian Mbappe &#8211; PSG 205€M</h3>
A World Cup winner with France, Kylian Mbappe is the most valuable player in the world at the moment. The 23-year-old is rated with a 205.6€M estimated transfer fee by CIES. Mbappe has committed himself to his current club PSG by re-signing with them until the summer of 2025.
That was a big 180 by the player who looked certain to be heading to La Liga giants Real Madrid this summer. The money that the <a href="https://www.888fixtures.com/football/ligue-1/">French Ligue 1</a> club has been thrown at Mbappe is out of this world. Mbappe&#8217;s contract at PSG is paying him a reported £4 million a month. He also took a £100 million bonus to sign the new contract.
<h3>Vinicius Junior &#8211; Real Madrid, 185€M</h3>
Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior has seen his stock rise and he is contracted at Real Madrid until the summer of 2024. The 21-year-old had a breakout season for Real Madrid in the 2021/22 campaign. Vinicius Junior solidified his place in the starting line up and collected a UEFA <a href="https://www.888fixtures.com/football/champions-league/">Champions League</a> and <a href="https://www.888fixtures.com/football/laliga/">La Liga</a> winner’s medal along the way. Vinicius Junior was the second-highest goalscorer last season for Real Madrid, behind only Karim Benzema.
<h3>Erling Haaland &#8211; Manchester City &#8211; 152€M</h3>
A new arrival to the Premier League for the 2022/23 season is Norway&#8217;s superstar Erling Haaland. The Citizens triggered the £51.2m released clause that the player had in his contract at Borussia Dortmund to land the prolific striker. Haaland, regarded as one of the best players in the world, was snapped up fairly cheaply by City in terms of transfer fees. The additional bonus add-ons to the contract make him a lot more expensive, however.
<h3>Pedri Gonzalez &#8211; Barcelona 135€M</h3>
A surprising name high on the list is Barcelona youngster Pedri, who only made 12 league appearances for the Catalans last season. The 19-year-old could have a massive future ahead of him and the versatile midfielder, who is signed with Barca until 2026, is highly regarded as being one of the best young talents on the continent.
<h3>Jude Bellingham &#8211; Borussia Dortmund 133€M</h3>
England’s Jude Bellingham has two seasons of <a href="https://www.888fixtures.com/football/bundesliga/">Bundesliga fixtures</a> under his belt, despite only being 18 years old. He moved from <a href="https://www.888fixtures.com/football/championship/">English Championship</a> side Birmingham in 2020 to the German club. Since then, the midfielder&#8217;s rating and value has gone on a steep upward curve. Bellingham has been linked with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United in the Premier League and is likely to be a part of England’s 2022 World Cup campaign.
<h3>Phil Foden &#8211; Manchester City 124€M</h3>
The 22-year-old seems to have been around forever, but he’s still a youngster but is regarded as one of the best English talents around. Patiently working his way through the ranks at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola appears to have done Foden wonders. He’s now one of the top six most valuable players in the world.
<h3>Frenkie de Jong &#8211; Barcelona 112€M</h3>
One of three Barcelona players in the top ten of the CIES valuation list is Netherlands International Frenkie de Jong. He signed for Barcelona during his breakthrough 2018/19 season. He cost Barcelona €75 after choosing the Spanish giants head of interest from PSG and Manchester City. Transfer sports news for the summer of 2022 sees the midfield linked with a move to Manchester United.
<h3>Luis Diaz &#8211; 1110€M</h3>
For reference, Liverpool’s Luis Diaz is ranked eighth on the list by the assessment of the CIES. He is only one of two South American players to make it into the top ten, but one of four English Premier League players.
<h3>Rubian Dias &#8211; Manchester City 109€M</h3>
Another Premier League player in the top 10 is Manchester City’s, Ruben Dias. The Portugal international is the only defender in the top ten. He has been instrumental in solidifying the back line at Manchester City, and this rating technically, but arguably, makes him the best defender in the world.
<h3>Ferran Torres &#8211; Barcelona 109€M</h3>
In the tenth spot in the CIES valuations is former Manchester City forward Ferran Torres, who is now with Barcelona. Torres is a tremendously exciting forward talent with attacking ability. The Spain international moved to Barcelona in January 2022 for an initial €55 after his time at City was largely limited due to injury.

Liverpool’s Luis Diaz reaches the top 10 most valuable players rated by CIES

For a five-time UEFA Champions League winner, Gareth Bale has plenty of choices of where to head next following his departure from Real Madrid. But who does Gareth Bale play for next? With the line drawn under his time at the Bernabeu after falling out of favour with the <a href="https://www.888fixtures.com/football/laliga/">La Liga</a> club, a fresh start awaits the Welshman.
The Wales captain, who turns 33 years old this summer, is coming into the twilight years of his career. So what will Gareth Bale do next? Will a big payday lure him over to the MLS, or will he look a little closer to home for his next move?
<h2>Cardiff calling for Bale?</h2>
Bale’s hometown club Cardiff are reportedly interested in getting Bale&#8217;s signature for next season. This is a fascinating prospect. It would see Bale slide from La Liga and Champions League football to the second tier in England.
It would also mean taking a huge pay cut from his lucrative Real Madrid contract. Bale could, in all honesty, command higher wages than the <a href="https://www.888fixtures.com/football/championship/">Championship</a> outfit is likely to put on the table.
But what would a move to Cardiff mean for Bale? The interesting thing here is that it is a FIFA World Cup year, with the big kick-off in Qatar in November. Wales are back on the biggest stage of international football for the first time in 64 years.
As captain of his country, Gareth Bale would maybe have considerations about sticking closer to home with a move to Cardiff. It would allow him to keep close to the national set-up for training during the build-up for the tournament.
A reported visit by Bale to Cardiff’s Vale of Glamorgan base earlier this month, fuelled further speculation about a move. But there may not be too much to read into that. The Welsh FA’s medical staff work there, meaning that Bale may have been there simply for a health and fitness check-up.
The 2022 World Cup is going to be Bale’s priority. Working with the Welsh FA to ensure peak fitness for the tournament is going top of the list. But still, there have reportedly been talks between Bale’s agents and Cardiff who finished in 18th place in last season’s Championship campaign.
<h2>Premier League return for Gareth Bale?</h2>
But Cardiff City may not be alone in wanting to lure Bale back to British soil. Other options for him may exist in the English top flight. Bale spent some of the 2020/21 season on loan at former <a href="https://www.888fixtures.com/football/premier-league/">Premier League</a> club Tottenham. During that period he net 11 goals in 20 appearances across all competitions.
So his former club could be a possible destination for him. Tottenham secured a top-four finish in last season’s Premier League. That means that they are going to have the UEFA Champions action to deal with this term. That could be an appealing factor for Bale.
Those extra demands of the UEFA Champions League may well tempt boss Antonio Conte to bring in quality strength in depth. Bale in that regard, wouldn’t be a bad option considering that he is a free agent. Spurs would only need to come to terms on wages with him.
Newcastle are another Premier League side which have, at least in the <a href="https://www.888fixtures.com/">sports news</a> circles, been linked with a move for Bale. Newcastle have new funds to play with after their takeover last year. Bale would be a high-profile capture for them. However, it may not exactly be the way forward for the Magpies who are working towards the future.
<h2>MLS calling?</h2>
The likes of David Beckham, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney all went over to the United States towards the end of their playing careers. The MLS continues to be a prime destination for European players to play out their professional careers. Bale would likely have plenty of offers from there.
A move to the MLS, which is currently mid-way through the 2022 season, would fit into Bale’s World Cup plans. North America’s top league finishes in October, which means that Bale would benefit from playing time between the summer and the close of the season.
There would also be a short break at the end of an MLS campaign to go off and captain Wales at the FIFA World Cup. The rest of the winter would be free for Bale until the 2023 season of the MLS which would probably start in late February.
Perhaps the biggest lure of the MLS would be the money. Clubs there have not been afraid to throw big salaries at big names from the world of football. The likes of Beckham, Zlatan Ibrhahimovic, Thierry Henry and more recently former Italy campaign Georgio Chielinini have taken that route.
<h2>From Southampton to&#8230;where?</h2>
After spending many years on the south coast as a junior player with Southampton, Bale’s professional career started back in 2006 when he made his professional debut with the club. The young Welshman at the time was plying his trade as a full-back. But he quickly made people sit up and notice with his free-kick-taking ability.
Across the course of the season, the 16-year-old Bale had done enough for Tottenham Hotspur to come in with an initial bid of £5 million as they saw his potential. He made his debut for the North Londoners early in the 2007/08 campaign.
It was following the move to Spurs, who at the time were managed by Harry Redknapp, that Bale as an attacking force was really unleashed. He was pushed further up the pitch and was developed into a winger.
<h2>Bale battles through injuries</h2>
That first season with Tottenham hit a huge stumbling block when Bale picked up an injury in December 2007. He didn&#8217;t return for the rest of the season. But in the autumn of 2008, he was given a contract extension by Tottenham who decided to be patient with him.
Bale&#8217;s time at Tottenham was disrupted a lot by injuries. His first win with Tottenham in the Premier League didn’t actually happen until early in the 2009 season. That was when he came on as a late substitute in a game.  Bale was not a guaranteed first team starter at that point.
But 2010 is when the form of Bale started its rapid rise. The goals started to come and he was trusted with more and more appearances until he became an invaluable asset.
<h2>Gareth Bale shines on the Champions League stage</h2>
The 2010/11 UEFA Champions League was arguably when Bale took things to the next level. Tottenham caused an upset in the group stage of the competition by beating Inter Milan to the top spot.
In that group stage campaign, Bale really shone with stunning individual performances in both fixtures against Inter. That included a hattrick at the San Siro in a 4-3 loss.
After they famously beat AC Milan then in the round of sixteen, Tottenham were eliminated in the quarter finals by Real Madrid. But Gareth Bale was firmly on the radar as a transfer target and with his form not dropping, Real Madrid snapped him up in 2013 in a then world-record transfer.
Gareth Bale’s Champions League Titles
<ul>
<li>2013/14</li>
<li>2015/16</li>
<li>2016/17</li>
<li>2017/18</li>
<li>2021/22</li>
</ul>
<h2>Highs and lows at Real Madrid</h2>
Bale didn’t take too long to settle in at Real Madrid. With his pace and power, he quickly confirmed that he belonged among the elite that he was surrounded by in the team, like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
In his first season with Real Madrid, Bale was a Champions League winner, a Copa del Rey winner and had produced 22 goals and 16 assists. The sky was pretty much the limit for him at that point, but things didn’t last.
Despite winning more silverware on both the domestic front and in the UEFA Champions League with Madrid, a void between player and club grew. Not even his outstanding overhead kick in the 2018 UEFA <a href="https://www.888fixtures.com/football/champions-league/">Champions League Final</a> against Liverpool, really changed much.
In 2019 it looked as if Bale’s time at Real Madrid, which had descended into limited appearances, looked to be coming to an end. By all accounts, he was set for a move to China before Real Madrid scuppered the move.
Bale argued that he had asked to leave. The then Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane said that he hadn’t, further fracturing Bale’s relationship with the club.
<h2>A brief return to Tottenham</h2>
Bale was sent to Tottenham on loan for the 2020/21 Premier League season. He was welcomed back with open arms there and that was really the list of top club level action for him.
Injuries and just being out of favour in general at Real Madrid, saw Gareth Bale barely get any playing time in 2021/22. He did get his fifth UEFA Champions League winner&#8217;s medal however on his way out of the door along with a third La Liga title.
<h2>2022 World Cup Chance for Gareth Bale</h2>
So with last season being a bust for Bale, there is a lot of work for him to do in terms of match fitness, to ensure that he’s ready for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. His debut for his country happened back in 2006 and since then has set records for his country.
Bale is the all-time leading scorer for Wales. He netted three goals during a brilliant form by Wales at Euro 2016 in which they reached the semi-finals. That’s what he will hope to do for his country at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
After winning matches against Scotland and then Ukraine in the World Cup qualifying playoffs, Wales will be back on the biggest stage of all for the first time in more than six decades. In the group stage, they face a mouthwatering clash with England and also meet Iran and the United States.
In World Cup 2022 odds, Wales are second-favourites to qualify from that section behind neighbours England. The 2022 World Cup may well be the cherry on the cake in Bale’s long and brilliant career.
The big question is, which club will get the best of Gareth Bale in his build-up?

What next for Gareth Bale – where will one of the most sought-after free agents end up?

At the 2022 World Cup, two of the nations taking part will finally end long spells on the sidelines. Canada and Wales both return to the FIFA World Cup stage later this year when they get kickoff in Qatar.
With the stories of the Canada and Wales World Cup qualifiers rising to the surface of the <a href="https://www.888fixtures.com/">sports news</a>, we take a look through some interesting facts about who is and who is not, taking part  at this year&#8217;s tournament.
<h2>Canada’s comes in from the wilderness</h2>
A 32-year absence from a World Cup has been ended by Canada after a superb qualification campaign. Coming in from the World Cup wilderness happens at an important time for Canada too.
They will be joint hosts of the FIFA World Cup in four years time, sharing duties with the USA and Mexico.
Englishman John Herdman was installed in 2018 as Canada&#8217;s head coach, and he has helped the national team take some big strides in what was his first attempt at getting them to a World Cup.
The only previous appearance for Canada at a FIFA World Cup happened at Mexico ‘86. They had a forgettable time of things in that campaign. It was three losses in three pool stage matches in which Canada failed to produce a single goal. Later on this year, they face Belgium, Morocco and Croatia in the group stage.
While they are outsiders in the 2022 World Cup odds to get through the challenge in front of them in Group F this year, Canada have plenty of reasons to be positive.
Last year they reached the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, getting eliminated by a single-goal margin by Mexico. Given that during their World Cup 2022 Qualification campaign they went undefeated in their fixtures against both Mexico and United States, hints at the progress Canada are making.
<h2>Wales make it back to the big time</h2>
But the 36-year gap between World Cup appearances for Canada, is nothing compared to that of the time Wales have spent away from the tournament. Wales&#8217;s one previous appearance at a FIFA World Cup happened in Sweden back in 1958.
The Welsh did spring a surprise in that campaign, qualifying behind hosts Sweden from the group stage to make it to the Quarter Finals. Wales were eliminated by Brazil there as Pele got the only goal of the game. But the Welsh underdogs left with their heads held high.
Their 64-year absence from the FIFA World Cup is a record for a European team between appearances. That’s all behind them now and the Welsh, who were third-place finishers at Euro 2016, may have a decent chance once again of making it past the group stage.
Wales line up against neighbours England, Iran and the United States in Group B at the World Cup. Wales are second-favourites behind England in World Cup odds, to top that section.
<h2>Qatar make their debut</h2>
Talking about absences from the World Cup, the 2022 hosts Qatar have had eleven previous failed qualification attempts to reach the tournament. They were never quite able to go all the way but did go close to earning a place at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
This year therefore, Qatar will make their World Cup debut after qualifying as hosts. They are the reigning AFC Asian Cup champions, a title earned in 2019. That was the same year they were invited to play at the Copa America too, and they ended the group stage campaign with a D1 L2 record there.
Further international tournament experience came Qatar’s way, when again as an invitee, they were given a place at the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Qatar topped their group and made it through to the semi-finals where they were edged out by the United States.
Can they make an impact on home turf later this year? Qatar are one of the big outsiders in World Cup odds. They are drawn in Group A along with Ecuador, Senegal and the Netherlands.
<h2>Who aren’t at the 20202 World Cup</h2>
As interesting as learning about those who have booked a spot at Qatar 2022 in November is, it’s equally fascinating to see who didn’t get there.
One of the biggest shocks is that the reigning European Champions Italy couldn&#8217;t reach the tournament.
The Azzurri were upset in their group stage qualifying campaign, as they were beaten to the automatic qualification spot by Switzerland. That sent Italy to the qualification play-offs.
In the play-off semi-finals, Italy looked to have a favourable draw at home against North Macedonia.
But Italy were toppled in Palermo as the visiting North Macedonia produced a stunning 92nd-minute winner. That strike left Italy in disarray and shell shocked.
It was the second successive World Cup qualification campaign that they failed to successfully navigate. Italy are the only former World Cup champions not appearing at Qatar 2022.
North Macedonia were defeated by Portugal in their World Cup qualification play-off Final, denying them a first World Cup appearance.
Colombia are another of the big nations that won’t be lining up at the World Cup 2022. Los Cafeteros reached the Round of 16 at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. But failure to get back, means that they have qualified from just two of their last six campaigns.
<h2>More notable absentees from Qatar 2022</h2>
At the end of the day there was only room for 32 nations at the 2022 World Cup. That will change in four years when the tournament is expanded to 48 nations for the first time in the tournament&#8217;s history.
For now, let’s look at some more nations that won’t be in attendance this year.
<ul>
<li>Austria have once again failed to reach a World Cup since their last appearance at France 1998. That’s six failed qualification campaigns on the spin for Das Team.</li>
<li>Bolivia haven’t been seen on the World Cup stage since USA 1994. La Verde have come through in just 3 of 17 previous qualification campaigns.</li>
<li>China’s wait for a second World Cup appearance will roll on after not qualifying for the 2022 tournament. Their only previous appearance was in 2002.</li>
<li>New Zealand’s loss against Costa Rica in their inter-confederation playoff, means that the OFC nation&#8217;s absence from the big stage moves on to twelve years since appearing at South Africa 2010.</li>
<li>Sweden reached the quarter-finals of the last World Cup, but couldn&#8217;t make it back to this year&#8217;s tournament. It leaves them with one qualification in their last four attempts after losing a play-off against Poland.</li>
<li>Nigeria are one of the big absentees as they lost in the play-off to Ghana. That snapped a run of three straight World Cup appearances by them.</li>
<li>Israel football team will also not be appearing, making it 52 years since they last played in the World Cup.</li>
<li>Ukraine were surprise quarter-finalists at Germany 2006, the only appearance that the country has made at the FIFA World Cup. They came very close to reaching Qatar 2022 but lost in a play-off final to Wales.</li>
</ul>
<h2>World Class players missing</h2>
Along with some stronger nations not reaching Qatar 2022, it means that some notable <a href="https://www.888fixtures.com/football/premier-league/">Premier League</a> stars will be missing from the FIFA World Cup.
For example, Manchester City&#8217;s Riyadh Mahrez won&#8217;t be putting in a World Cup appearance as Algeria failed to get through the CAF qualifiers.
Despite winning the first leg of their playoff tie against Cameroon away from home, the Desert Foxes were dramatically eliminated. In the second leg in Blida, Cameroon pegged Algeria back and the tie went to extra time. The Indomitable Lions scored a winning goal in the 124th minute of the match.
Liverpool’s Mo Salah agonisingly fell short of helping Egypt make a return to the World Cup stage. They were handed a playoff tie against Senegal and Egypt won the first leg at home 1-0.
But Senegal tied things back up at home, before winning the tie on a penalty shoot-out. Salah’s then Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane scored the decisive spot kick for Senegal.
New Manchester City signing Erling Haaland won’t be on the world’s biggest stage. Despite his brilliance, he couldn’t get Norway through the qualifiers.
The evergreen Zlatan Ibrahimovic won’t be at the World Cup as Sweden just failed to get there. Was that the 40-year-old’s last chance to play at the tournament?
Barcelona striker Pierre Emerick Aubamayang won’t be there entering fans at the tournament with his trademark backflips as Gabon struggled in the CAF qualifiers.
With Italy&#8217;s failure to make the World Cup again, it means that a host of top <a href="https://www.888fixtures.com/football/serie-a/">Serie A</a> stars like Nicolo Barella and Federico Chiesa won&#8217;t be there.
<h2>Who makes a return to the World Cup after missing 2018?</h2>
Of the 32 nations participating in the 2022 World Cup, twenty-four of those played at the previous edition four years ago.
Interestingly, every team that successfully got through a qualifying process for this edition, has some previous experience on the World Cup stage.
Qatar, as mentioned above, are the only nation making their debut this year. They are hosts, so didn’t have to qualify. Qatar incidentally are the first hosts of the FIFA World Cup to also be debutants, since Italy back in 1934.
Five of the participating nations at the 2022 FIFA World Cup make a return after missing the 2018 edition:
<ul>
<li>The Netherlands</li>
<li>Ecuador</li>
<li>Ghana</li>
<li>Cameroon</li>
<li>United States</li>
</ul>
The aforementioned Wales and Canada both make their return after  significantly longer absences than just having missed the previous edition.
<h2>Who didn’t make it back?</h2>
The other side of this of course is that some teams who played at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, haven’t made a return to this edition. That includes 2018 hosts Russia. The other teams not to make a return after having qualified for the 2018 edition are:
<ul>
<li>Egypt</li>
<li>Panama</li>
<li>Colombia</li>
<li>Peru</li>
<li>Iceland</li>
<li>Sweden</li>
</ul>

Canada and Wales break long streaks of World Cup absences with appearances at Qatar 2022

San Lorenzo&#8217;s 2-0 win over Central Córdoba SDE on Wednesday, was hard fought at Estadio Alfredo Terrera. Central Córdoba arrived at the match looking pick up points after losing their last match 2-1 to Banfield. San Lorenzo, on the other hand, secured a point against Arsenal de Sarandi in their previous match. As it stands, Central Córdoba are in 21st place in the table and have 4 points while San Lorenzo sit in 8th with 6 points after 4 matches.
After a goalless first half, San Lorenzo continued to pile on the pressure in the second and were rewarded, with a goal from Ivan Leguizamon at the 56 minute mark. However they weren&#8217;t finished yet and Adam Bareiro made it 2-0 just before the final whistle with a final score of 2-0.
Substitutions for Central Córdoba included Alejandro Martinez, Claudio Riano, Hernan Lopez Munoz and Lucas Besozzi for Gonzalo Rios, Juan Kaprof, Enzo Kalinski and Renzo Lopez, repectively. San Lorenzo brought on Agustin Giay, Ivan Leguizamon and Nahuel Barrios for Francisco Perruzzi, Malcom Braida and Ezequiel Cerutti.
There were bookings for Jonathan Bay, Ivan Ramirez and Cristopher Toselli from Central Córdoba. For San Lorenzo, Federico Gattoni and Adam Bareiro saw yellow.
Central Córdoba will next travel to Talleres Córdoba, while San Lorenzo will face CA Tigre at home.
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<th colspan="2">Technical card:</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Central Córdoba SDE:</td>
<td>Cristopher Toselli, Ivan Ramirez, Fabio Pereyra, Matias Ezequiel Di Benedetto, Jonathan Bay, Francisco Gonzalez, Jesus Miguel Soraire, Enzo Kalinski (Hernan Lopez Munoz, min.80), Gonzalo Rios (Alejandro Martinez, min.58), Renzo Lopez (Lucas Besozzi, min.81) and Juan Kaprof (Claudio Riano, min.58)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>San Lorenzo:</td>
<td>Augusto Batalla, Federico Gattoni, Gonzalo Lujan Melli, Jeremias James, Jalil Elias, Francisco Perruzzi (Agustin Giay, min.26), Siro Rosane, Nicolas Ezequiel Fernandez Mercau, Ezequiel Cerutti (Nahuel Barrios, min.90), Malcom Braida (Ivan Leguizamon, min.54) and Adam Bareiro</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Stadium:</td>
<td>Estadio Alfredo Terrera</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Goals:</td>
<td>Ivan Leguizamon (0-1, min. 56) and Adam Bareiro (0-2, min. 87)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Central Córdoba 0-2 San Lorenzo: Visitors ecstatic after landing clean sheet victory

Liverpool have added another exciting young talent to their ranks with the signing of Calvin Ramsay from Aberdeen. The defender’s arrival, along with that of recent newcomers Fabio Carvalho from Fulham and Darwin Nunez from Benfica shows that Liverpool have a clear plan.
The small flurry of action in the summer transfer window sees the Premier League side looking to the future. It’s been positive early transfer market intent from the Reds. There has been plenty of fresh young attacking talent brought into the club.
<h2>Ramsay arrives on Merseyside</h2>
Scottish under 21 international Calvin Ramsay was unveiled at Anfield in mid-June. He arrived after an initial fee of around £4m from Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen. That is a sizable chunk of money for a player that has had just one full season of professional football.
Ramsay has been signed to a long-term contract at Anfield. The sale for Aberdeen represented a club record.
Calvin Ramsay is a right-back. He naturally now is going to be seen as the current under-study and future replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold. But will 21-year-old Ramsay be able to muscle his way into next season’s starting line-up ahead of TAA?
<h2>What do Liverpool get in Calvin Ramsay?</h2>
Liverpool have purchased an attacking wing-back in Ramsay. It is an area that is massively important to the way that Liverpool play under Jurgen Klopp. The Reds, with Trent-Alexander Arnold and Andrew Robertson, have players who can fly down the flanks.
They are just not defenders in Klopp’s set-up, but powerful attacking players. The wing backs give the Reds so much width and provide a big supply line of crosses into the box. So it is only natural that the Reds would go and look for more of the same.
Calvin Ramsay, who has snapped up the squad number 22 at Liverpool, impressed during the 2021/22 season with Aberdeen at both ends of the pitch. Ramsay is an attacking right-back who doesn’t appear to be afraid to have a pop at goal when he can.
<h2>Is Ramsay a TAA upgrade?</h2>
Ramsay himself has stated that the strength of his game is in attack more than defence. That is pretty much the same mould as Trent Alexander Arnold, whose defensive frailties have been highlighted. It’s been suggested that a lack of defensive awareness is the only thing that has largely kept Alexander-Arnold out of the England team.
So it would appear on the surface that Liverpool have bought a direct replacement. It also hints that they are not going to change their tactical approach much moving forward. Liverpool have not snapped up a sturdy, defensively solid right-back.
Instead, they have snagged themselves a player with plenty of attacking versatility that can be tapped into. The new Red, Ramsay has also been employed in midfield in his career and that was his role when coming through the academy at Aberdeen.
<h2>A path for youngsters through Anfield</h2>
Thanks to Jürgen Klopp, youngsters at Liverpool have been given their chance to make it at the top level. The likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andrew Robertson and Harvey Elliott have been trusted by Klopp. Plenty more are waiting in the wings.
So there appears to be an exciting opportunity ahead for Ramsay following his move south of the border. But it’s unlikely that he is going to be walking straight into the Liverpool team when they kick off the new season of the Premier League. Appearances down the line, however, may not be too far away.
<h2>From Aberdeen to Liverpool</h2>
It’s been a sharp rise for Ramsay who only made a debut for hometown club Aberdeen in the 2020/21 Scottish Premiership season. It was only four appearances that he made for the Dons in that campaign.
He was then given a bigger chance for Aberdeen in the following 2021/22 campaign as Ramsay put in 24 league appearances in the top flight, scoring once. In that first full season with Aberdeen, the honour of being named the SFWA Young Player Of The Year was bestowed upon Ramsay.
Ramsay departs Aberdeen having made 39 appearances for the club in all competitions. He heads south to Anfield as an inexperienced player, but one that has drawn huge plaudits because of that breakthrough season with the Dons.
<h2>Biggest pre-season ever for Calvin Ramsay</h2>
When the dust settles on the move, which is reported to keep him at Anfield until 2027, Ramsay will face a massive pre-season. The large price tag for the 18-year-old does put some pressure on him to perform now at a higher level.
Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp will get a long look at the player during the pre-season. Ramsay is playing for a spot in the starting eleven of a team that has reached three of the last five UEFA <a href="https://www.888fixtures.com/football/champions-league/">Champions League</a> Finals. That&#8217;s a tough nut to crack.
The Reds we also crowned the <a href="https://www.888fixtures.com/football/premier-league/">Premier League champions</a> in 2020, which was their first in the Premier League era. They are expected to be back in a two-horse race with Manchester City for the top honours again this season. Liverpool are second-favourites behind Man City to win the 2022/23 Premier League title.
Breaking into a team that features internationals like Allison Becker, Virgil Van Dijk, Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara is not going to be easy. The more time that Ramsay gets during the pre-season, the bigger his role could be in the forthcoming season. Even if it is bit-part roles as substitutes and cup appearances.
<h2>Change could create an opening</h2>
One positive for Ramsay arriving at Anfield at the moment is that the club are starting to transition. Sadio Mane has departed for Bayern Munich, and the likes of Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah are out of contract next summer.
So change is happening at Anfield and the two arrivals so far, Fabio Carvalho and Darwin Nunes are youngsters for the future. Liverpool clearly have a policy geared toward the long-term vision of the club.
The Reds are happy to select up-and-coming players and evolve them. That in turn, regenerates the side for the future on a budget. Ramsay could be a big part of that soon, with the club looking to not only maintain their high status but build on to better things from it.
<h2>Loan time is not out of the question for Calvin Ramsay</h2>
There is no guarantee of course that Ramsay will just waltz into Anfield and make the first-team squad. Again, this is a player with only one full season under his belt. A long gruelling season at one of the top levels in the league is a different kettle of fish for the youngster.
A loan option for Ramsay to cut his teeth with further playing time isn&#8217;t therefore an unrealistic option for the new arrival. Liverpool did have some key young defenders out on loan for the 2021/22 season.
Ben Davis, Nat Phillips, Sepp van den Berg and Neco Williams were all out at Championship clubs. So would it be a surprise to see Ramsay knocking around in the second tier of English football next term? Probably not.
Only a serious dip in the form of Trent Alexander Arnold or injury to the right-back could give Ramsay an opportunity. Even then, club vice-captain James Milner just signed a one-year extension and would give established cover in the right back spot.
<h2>Is anyone else on the horizon?</h2>
With Liverpool already active in the transfer market window, are they likely to be done and dusted early? What other transfer targets may be out there for them? For a club of their stature, it’s not unusual to see them linked with plenty of other names in <a href="https://www.888fixtures.com/">sports news</a>.
Given that their clear preference is for young talent which they can nurture instead of breaking the bank in big bidding wars, there may not be too much further activity at Anfield this summer. There were rumours that they would bring former player Georginio Wijnaldum back after his disastrous season at PSG. There&#8217;s little to indicate that it may be little more than rumour mill stuff.
Further rumours have had them linked with Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella. The Italian is supposedly a big target for Klopp to boost Liverpool&#8217;s central area. The Reds have also been linked with England international Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund. But the Reds do seem to have set their stance that their summer dealings are done.
Reports from the club suggest that they are going to work towards securing better deals for some of their exciting squad. Their focus is locking down the likes of Joe Gomez, Diogo Jota, Naby Keita and Harvey Elliott instead. The club clearly feel that they have the resources to again contend on multiple fronts for silverware this season.
<h2>Liverpool’s early season</h2>
Liverpool start the new campaign on the road. The Reds have an away game at the newly-promoted Fulham. That’s the fourth season in a row that the Reds have started a new EPL campaign against a team that has just come up from the <a href="https://www.888fixtures.com/football/championship/">Championship</a>.
In their opening six fixtures, Liverpool have three home fixtures. Those are against Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Newcastle. Along with their away trip to Craven Cottage on the opening day of the campaign, Klopp’s crew go to rivals Everton and Manchester United in their opening half-dozen fixtures.

Technical card:
Chicago Fire:	Slonina, Czichos, Omsberg (Terán, min.95), Bornstein, Sekulić, Navarro, Giménez (Pineda, min.95), Gutierrez (Espinoza, min.75), Mueller, Ivanov (Herbers, min.65) and Przybyłko
D.C. United:	Romo, Birnbaum, Najar (Alfaro, min.73), Pines, Djeffal (Estrada, min.86), Chris Durkin, Smith (Smith, min.84), Julian Gressel, Skundrich (Canouse, min.73), Kamara (Robertha, min.73) and Fountas
Stadium:	SeatGeek Stadium
Goals:	Herbers (1-0, min. 78)