Bournemouth
Slot accepts Gerrard’s point on low blocks and explains why he comments
Slot accepts Gerrard’s point on low blocks, but insists: “I have to” describe opponents’ tactics…
Arne Slot acknowledged Steven Gerrard’s observation that he speaks frequently about low blocks, but said he feels compelled to explain his view when asked. Gerrard had warned Slot against repeatedly referencing low blocks after the Liverpool manager attributed part of his side’s Champions League win against Marseille to the French team adopting a more adventurous approach.
When told of Gerrard’s comments in an interview with Sky Sports this week, Slot conceded the criticism while defending his candour. “I can only agree with him, that I speak a lot about low blocks—because we face a lot of low blocks!” the Dutch boss admitted. “And if people ask me after the game my opinion about the games I have to describe something,” he added.
Slot noted Gerrard’s own experience dealing with stubborn defensive setups. “He also said he faced them when he played. He was also one of the players who could unlock a low block because of the quality he had.
“A lot is being said about it and maybe I should try to find other words or just simply not talk about it anymore. People know now.”
The statistics underpinning Slot’s complaints were referenced in coverage: Liverpool’s opponents have adopted an average defensive line of 31.8 metres from their own goal, with only Arsenal coming up against lower blocks than Slot’s defending champions, per GeniusIQ (via Sky Sports). By contrast, Bournemouth’s backline starts on average 42.2 metres from their goal this season, reflecting a far more aggressive approach.
Slot suggested Bournemouth’s intensity could mean a different test on the south coast. “Maybe we don’t face it [a low block] anymore because Bournemouth has always been a very intense team to play against and they will be like that,” he said ahead of Saturday’s trip. The Cherries caused Liverpool problems in the first league meeting, pushing the title holders in an unfortunate 4–2 defeat at Anfield. Andoni Iraola’s side have fluctuated in form over the subsequent five months, but remain a feared foe for their venomous approach off the ball.
“Bournemouth is one of the most intense teams in the league,” Slot fretted. “In every running stat they’re either on top or in the top two, three, four. ]
Bournemouth
Michael B. Jordan becomes first Premier League owner to win an Academy Award
Michael B. Jordan, Bournemouth minority owner, became first Premier League owner with Academy Award.
Michael B. Jordan won an Academy Award in Los Angeles on Sunday night, a distinction that makes the 39-year-old actor the first Premier League owner to claim that honour, according to Front Office Sports. Jordan is a minority owner of Bournemouth and his Oscar win created an unusual crossover between film and top-flight football ownership.
Jordan joined Bournemouth’s ownership group in December 2022 via Bill Foley’s Black Knight Football Club, a multi-club consortium whose portfolio includes Ligue 1’s FC Lorient and Portuguese side Moreirense FC. The investment placed the actor inside the ownership structure of the Cherries at a time when multi-club models are becoming more prominent in the game.
Jordan has spoken publicly about his affection for the sport and his reasons for investing. “As a kid, I used to play soccer a lot,” Jordan told sports league TST last March. “Funny enough, I was the goalie because I didn’t like running a lot … I invested in Bournemouth a couple of years ago. When the opportunity presented itself, I just saw a team with a lot of upside, a lot of growth, a lot of potential, and I love their story. I love the team’s history.”
The Cherries took to social media to celebrate their minority owner’s accomplishment. The overlap of a high-profile entertainment accolade and Premier League ownership underlines the increasingly global and cross-industry nature of modern club investment.
Front Office Sports reported the milestone, noting that Jordan’s Academy Award sets a new first for owners connected to the Premier League. For Bournemouth, the association with a well-known figure from outside football has attracted attention on and off the pitch.
Bournemouth
United Add Marcus Tavernier to Left-Wing Shortlist as Summer Recruitment Continues
United have added Marcus Tavernier to a three-man left-wing shortlist ahead of the summer transfer.
Manchester United have reportedly added Bournemouth forward Marcus Tavernier to a short list of left-wing options as they consider reinforcements for next season. The move follows an acknowledged need for natural width on the left, a role that Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount have been asked to fill despite both being primarily central players.
Interim manager Michael Carrick said it is “quite possible” that United will look for a left winger ahead of next season. Reports place Tavernier alongside RB Leipzig teenager Yan Diomande and Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White on the club’s list. Gibbs-White is more of a No. 10 and has only sporadically been used on the left.
Tavernier’s versatility is a key reason he has attracted interest. This season he has started in a variety of positions, including central midfield, attacking midfield and on the right. In his two Bournemouth starts against United he has been directly involved in four goals and assists; one appearance in December 2023 saw him as a left winger in a 3–0 Cherries win, while the 4–4 draw at Old Trafford last December saw him line up in central midfield.
The 26-year-old is rated at $53.6 million (£40 million) and has produced 10 goals and assists in 26 appearances across all competitions so far this season. He remains under contract with Bournemouth until 2029, a fact that would allow the south coast club to demand a significant fee should they decide to sell. The Cherries have a recent history of cashing in on players they have developed into stars.
Top-five rivals Aston Villa are also reported to have shown interest, making enquiries during the January transfer window. United are expected to continue monitoring Tavernier before making a final choice at the end of the season, a decision that is likely to be influenced by whether Champions League qualification is achieved.
The club will weigh Tavernier’s adaptability, existing cover and the market before committing to any summer business. Dorgu, who was recruited as a defensive player after a spell as a left back at Lecce prior to a 2025 transfer, flourished higher up the pitch before his current injury layoff, a development described in some quarters as a happy accident.
Al Hilal
January window spenders: who spent big and how the market moved
January window: English clubs led the spending as Saudi and Brazil injected late-market drama. more.
The January window settled into a narrative of concentrated spending and late-market drama. English clubs combined to outspend the rest of the continent, their £390 million ($530 million) outlay dwarfing other top divisions. Meanwhile the Saudi market and Brazil’s strengthened finances injected headline moves.
Lazio were unusually active despite a prior transfer ban. The Romans replaced Taty Castellanos and Mattéo Guendouzi, who moved to West Ham United and Fenerbahçe respectively, by signing Ajax’s Kenneth Taylor for just shy of €17 million ($32 million) and adding young centre forward Petar Rakov. The fees recouped left Lazio with a net spend of -€23 million (-$27 million).
Fenerbahçe’s window pivoted around Guendouzi (€28 million) and the late acquisition of N’Golo Kanté on a free after his return from Saudi Arabia. The club banked on established midfield reinvention to challenge Galatasaray at the top.
Bournemouth again invested in youth, paying €28.5 million ($33.7 million) for Vasco de Gama prospect Rayan and also signing Golden Boy nominee Alex Tóth. Tottenham’s January activity saw Conor Gallagher arrive alongside Brazilian left back João Souza, though many supporters felt more reinforcements were needed. Sporting director Johan Lange asserted after the window that it was important the club remained disciplined amid potential temptations.
West Ham strengthened early, paying a combined €52 million ($61 million) for Castellanos and Gil Vicente’s Pablo to reshape their attack. They also added Adama Traoré for a small fee and brought in Axel Disasi on loan from Chelsea.
Atlético Madrid spent late, bringing in Ademola Lookman from Atalanta for €35 million ($41 million) and signing Elche prospect Rodrigo Mendoza as a potential long-term addition after Giacomo Raspadori’s exit.
Flamengo flexed improved finances following a strong Club World Cup showing, reporting club-record revenue of €249 million ($294 million) for the first three quarters of 2025 and setting a Brazilian transfer record by paying €41 million ($48 million) to re-sign Lucas Paquetá from West Ham.
In Saudi Arabia Karim Benzema’s move from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal coincided with Al Hilal leading Al Nassr in the title race. Cristiano Ronaldo’s fallout is believed linked to that switch; Ronaldo has gone on strike while Benzema scored a hat-trick on debut. Al Hilal also extended Rúben Neves and added Mohamed Kader Meïté, with the club labelled the “Real Madrid of Asia” by Benzema.
