On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
Following their 2-all draw with Crystal Palace yesterday it is clear to see what areas of their squad Manchester City need to address in January. Another midfielder is a must. That is an obvious need. But they also need another right-back. That is becoming apparent with every game that passes. This fact stood out even more yesterday come the final whistle.
This season has seen a rapid decline from Kyle Walker. It’s at a point where you can only say that age and battles previously fought have caught up to Manchester City’s captain. It is sad to see Walker’s decline as a player. He has been an absolute warrior for Manchester City and has been crucial to City’s era of dominance. But so often in football, the end of a player comes extremely quickly. That is what has looked to have happened to Kyle Walker. He was at fault for both of Palace’s goals yesterday. That is just the facts of what we saw at Selhurst Park yesterday.
Manchester City need another right-back. Walker needs support and reliable support. Rico Lewis has carried a heavy workload this season. He’s played too much for a player of his age. That’s the legacy of the injuries Manchester City have been forced to deal with this season. Manuel Akanji can play the role but he’s also fatigued and currently injured. When you watch City play, teams are going at Kyle Walker or City’s right-hand side. It’s this fact that makes it clear to see that City need a new right-back next month.
They can’t afford to go on as is. It’s too big a burden to carry. Recent transfer stories appear to hint at Manchester City knowing this. CaughtOffside has reported that City have an interest in signing Bayer Leverkusen wing-back Jeremie Frimpong. David Ornstein has reported for the Athletic that there is a release clause in Frimpong’s current contract for a figure worth around €40 million. It’s at a point, in my opinion, where Manchester City just have to pay that and bring him in if he’s the player they believe can replace Kyle Walker.
But Manchester City must sign a right-back in January. They’re doing Kyle Walker and their squad a disservice if they don’t. Walker has been too good for too long for the world champions to be the target of constant criticism. But that’s the nature of the game. The world champions also need a right-back to strengthen their squad. It’s a move they have to make in January as I feel they don’t any other choice now.
More must-reads:
- No Messi, no problem: MLS thumps Liga MX in All-Star Game
- Who is 'Little Motor,' the star midfielder expected to join Lionel Messi in Miami?
- The 'Most NBA games played' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
TODAY'S BEST
Paul Joyce hints Liverpool haven’t given up on Isak dream despite £79m move
Liverpool’s long-term attacking strategy may still include a name many fans thought had slipped away – despite the club just confirming a £79 million deal. That’s according to The Times journalist Paul Joyce, who reported that the Reds “retain an interest in Newcastle’s Alexander Isak” even after signing Hugo Ekitike. The Sweden international, who netted 27 times in 42 games for Newcastle last season, has long been admired by many on Merseyside. And while the Magpies are currently insisting he’s not for sale, Liverpool’s lingering interest suggests the door isn’t fully closed – especially with contract fallout at St James’ Park. Liverpool fans’ Alexander Isak dream isn’t over yet Ekitike, signed from Eintracht Frankfurt, arrives with high expectations after 22 goals in all competitions. The Frenchman is seen by Arne Slot as a “multi-functional centre forward”, capable of playing as a No.9, out wide or even just behind the striker. Joyce also notes that “there are many similarities between Ekitike and Isak”, but admits the Newcastle man “has proved himself at a higher level.” Still, Liverpool believe they’ve found a player who can bring others into play, stretch defences and thrive in tight areas – all traits that our head coach is keen to harness. Without Isak, there’s confidence Ekitike will thrive Slot will be excited about building around versatile attacking players this summer, having welcomed Florian Wirtz into the group too. And with Jeremie Frimpong also joining the ranks, our attacking options are looking increasingly dynamic. Should a change of stance from Newcastle emerge, it’s clear the Reds would be ready to act quickly on Isak. But for now, the Frenchman leads the line in what could be a very different-looking Liverpool front three this season, with links for Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz’s potential exits remaining strong.
Leeds United Agree ‘Deal in Principle’ to Fix ‘Horrendous’ Problem Area in Huge Step to Staying Up
The Phillies need to replace this struggling bat at the deadline
Another year, another shot at a championship. Since their last World Series appearance in 2022, a match in which they lost, the Philadelphia Phillies have slid backwards, falling in the NLCS in 2023 and the NLDS in 2024. This year, the Phillies are back on top of the NL East, holding a slim half-game lead over the New York Mets entering Tuesday. Still, their season has been far from spotless. The Phillies have gone through immeasurable difficulties from the bullpen without Jeff Hoffman (signed with Blue Jays), Carlos Estevez (signed with Royals) or Jose Alvarado (PED suspension), especially with Jordan Romano’s descent into the dumpster fire. But with new free-agent signing David Robertson in tow, we can expect some degree of stability from the relief corps going forward — though, not to insinuate that team president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski is done adding bullpen arms. Another sore spot that received plenty of attention the past few months is in the outfield, left field in particular. Among all qualifying left fielders, Max Kepler maintains the second lowest OPS. Much has been made about potentially replacing him, but as bad as he’s been, there is one Philadelphia infielder that has done even worse. Once a promising bat, second baseman Bryson Stott seems to be reaching rock bottom. Below, you can his stats in comparison to that of Kepler’s: (wRC+: weighted runs created plus represents the culmination of a hitter’s offensive achievements where a value of 100 is MLB’s average) Stott has been more proficient than Kepler at recording hits, but Kepler’s power and higher walk rate gives him the edge in overall offensive stats. It was only in 2023, his second year of MLB action, when Stott hit .280/.329/.414 with 15 home runs. Unfortunately, Stott’s productivity began to slide last season. This year, his slump halted in April when he hit .314 on the month, but it quickly resumed in May (.216), worsened in June (.202) and has reached a fever-pitch in July (.132). If the Phillies are going to claw their way back to the Fall Classic, it may be better if Stott’s bat isn’t in the lineup.
Yankees cannot afford to trade their 'left-handed Aaron Judge'
It’s been a busy summer for New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, having watched several pitchers and the team’s primary third baseman fall victim to lengthy IL stints. Cashman has at least three holes to repair, but who can the Yankees deal to land some worthwhile replacements? Among New York's trade chips that have been frequently mentioned as of recent is outfielder Spencer Jones. Whether for the Arizona Diamondbacks' Eugenio Suarez or Pittsburgh Pirates' Mitch Keller, several rumors have suggested a package involving Jones, the Yankees’ No. 4 prospect and purported “left-handed Aaron Judge.” Up until this season, Jones had struggled to live up to his monstrous expectations, which made him rather undesirable in prior trade discussions. But whereas many teams and writers saw him as a hard pass in trade talks over the offseason, Jones has now become a hot commodity. Off to a scorching start in Triple-A (.408/.470/.901 with 10 home runs in just 17 games entering Wednesday), Jones has compiled a head-turning .313/.412/.683 stat line with a career-high 26 home runs and 16 stolen bases in 246 at-bats across Double and Triple-A this season. With his awe-striking power finally producing some results, Jones has become a top-of-the-line trade chip. However, this doesn’t mean the Yankees should consider trading him. Why not? Center field-related uncertainty Yankees’ center fielder, Cody Bellinger, has played well in pinstripes this year which raises the topic of his player option for next season. In addition, since he is getting paid more than his option is worth next year, chances are he decides to try the free-agent market. If Bellinger does leave, center field will be wide open as Trent Grisham will also likely test free agency after this season. Unlike Jones, neither Judge nor Jasson Dominguez have displayed the aptitude necessary to capably play the position. The Yankees’ shallow depth will also prove to be a challenge for finding a replacement. If Bellinger does stay, he can slide into first base while Jones takes over at center. But whether he decides to stay or go, Bellinger will be a free agent after the 2026 season. Trade value Jones’ numbers are on fire, but his trade value has yet to catch up, due to his unstable track record. Nonetheless, using a prospect of Jones’ caliber (along with others) to land someone like Keller (career 4.43 ERA), for example, or any similar player would equate to mismanagement. Given his torrid stretch this year, there is a good chance Jones lives up to his stunning potential. Selling him for a fraction of his future worth would be regrettable. Yankees’ current situation The Yankees are without Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt for the year and many others sit on the IL alongside them. This deficiency could be offset by acquiring some rentals, namely Suarez. However, as the risk with all rentals, Suárez will likely test free agency at the end of the season. Unless the Yankees extend or sign him, he won’t share the same side of the field with Cole or Schmidt (while active). If they can land Suarez without trading Jones, all would be well for the Yankees. If not, this could be a case of mortgaging the future to improve a very gloomy present. In the end, it may be better to have Jones’ bat backing Cole over the next three years rather than Suárez’s bat backing Will Warren this year. If the Yankees are dealing for rentals at the deadline, it’s best to leave Jones out of it.
Green Bay Packers Add Familiar Face to Matt LaFleur’s Coaching Staff
There’s a familiar face back on the sidelines alongside head coach Matt LafLeur, as the Packers open training camp. According to a report from Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, the Packers have brought back Nathaniel Hackett in an advisory role for LaFleur and the offense. What Nathaniel Hackett Brings to the Packers’ Staff Hackett’s return comes on the heels of Robert Saleh joining the staff after his dismissal as New York Jets head coach last season, when he served as a special advisor to defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, and Hackett will likely occupy a similar role for Green Bay in 2025. LaFleur’s former offensive coordinator with the Packers from 2019 through the 2022 season, when he was hired as the Denver Broncos’ head coach before being dismissed after just one season and ultimately landing with Aaron Rodgers as the New York Jets’ offensive coordinator for one-plus seasons from 2023 into the 2024 campaign. Adding a veteran coach with previous ties to LaFleur has to be an asset for the Packers as Green Bay looks to make some big strides on that side of the ball in 2025.
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
