Real Madrid 'keen' on Rodrygo exchange for another Liverpool player, with Slot to 'make the final decision.'

By Damerex -
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Reports indicate that Liverpool will allow Arne Slot to have the ‘final say’ as Real Madrid looks to exchange Rodrygo for Alexis Mac Allister this summer.  The Reds clinched the Premier League title on Sunday with four games remaining after defeating Tottenham 5-1 in a dominant performance at Anfield.  Liverpool lead their closest competitors, Arsenal, by 15 points – with the Gunners likely to end up as runners-up for the third consecutive season – and now the Reds can focus on their summer objectives.  Slot’s squad received a significant uplift recently when Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk inked new two-year deals after speculation they might depart on free transfers in the summer.  A player who is highly expected to depart is Trent Alexander-Arnold, with numerous reports suggesting he will move to Real Madrid when his contract ends in late June.  Reports from Spain suggest that Real Madrid may be poised to sign another Liverpool star, as Defensa Central stat...
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Gavi names Barcelona teammate who is not Raphinha as his pick for Ballon d'Or

By Damerex -
• Gavi indicated another star for the Catalan giants. 

• Barcelona are competing for three significant titles this season. 

• Raphinha is highly anticipated to claim the Ballon d'Or. 


Barcelona's Gavi has praised fellow midfielder Pedri as the rightful recipient of the 2025 Ballon d'Or, instead of his highly-regarded teammate Raphinha. 

The Brazilian striker has displayed record-breaking performance this season, accumulating a total of 44 goals and assists in all competitions. Hansi Flick acknowledged that Raphinha "has a chance" of winning the Ballon d'Or, while Brazil's coach Dorival Junior considered him a leading candidate. 

Despite playing as an attacking midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 for much of this season, Pedri cannot match Raphinha's goal contributions, yet his unseen impact on the team goes well beyond mere statistics. 

"Nobody is more deserving of the Ballon d'Or than Pedri; everyone recognizes the type of player he is," Gavi exclaimed after Barcelona easily advanced to the Champions League quarter-finals with a victory over Benfica on Tuesday. Notably, Raphinha netted two goals, yet Pedri was named player of the match. 

"Pedri is the best," Gavi added. "Everyone understands what type of player he is, and I’m really pleased for him since he was unable to demonstrate it last year because of injuries." I can assert that at this moment, Pedri is the top midfielder globally." 


In recent years, the Spain international has not consistently demonstrated availability. Pedri's 39 appearances this season in all competitions exceed the total he achieved in any of the last three seasons, which were all affected by injuries. Although Flick's approach off the ball has become more assertive this season, the 22-year-old has only been absent from one match throughout the entire season, and that was due to illness. 

If anything, the childhood Barcelona supporter has consistently commended the manager's new fitness plan. "I feel free with Flick," he exclaimed. "Additionally, it's evident that I am in much better shape to engage in various activities." 

Pedri has been nominated for the Ballon d'Or only once before, placing 24th in 2021—the same year he won the Kopa Trophy for the best player under 21. 

The Barcelona player will certainly make a comeback to the list for this year's accolade. Should the club maintain their momentum across three competitions - with La Liga leaders advancing to the Champions League quarter-finals and the Copa del Rey semi-finals - Pedri and Raphinha may compete with one another for Ballon d'Or honors. 


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