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Everton were slipping down a slope last season, headed for trouble with Sean Dyche in the dugout and Farhad Moshiri watching from above.

But David Moyes replaced Dyche, lifted the Toffees up, up, up. The relegation candidates finished 13th in the Premier League, comfortably away from the drop zone. Now, as they leave Goodison Park and step into a new home at the Hill Dickinson, with plenty to look forward to.

Thierno Barry has joined for £27m, replacing Dominic Calvert-Lewin after the striker went by the wayside at the end of his contract. Mark Travers has signed to provide competition for Jordan Pickford; Charly Alcaraz’s buy option has been triggered after his promising loan stint.

However, there’s been something of an exodus on the blue half of Merseyside. Departed players need to be replaced, with the midfield still a priority for Moyes and technical director Angus Kinnear.

Everton searching for midfielders

With Abdoulaye Doucoure having left at the end of his deal, Everton need new midfielders. The latest name to crop up belongs to Douglas Luiz, who, one year after leaving Aston Villa for Juventus in a £42m deal, is being touted for a return to the Premier League.

Reports from Italy claim Everton have actually tabled their opening offer for the Brazilian ace. However, their £26m bid falls below Juventus’ £35m valuation.

However, according to Football Insider, Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher is also of interest to the Merseyside outfit, though he’s worth a pretty penny at £50m and is also attracting intrigue from Newcastle United.

However, given his homegrown status and style of play, which would see him dovetail right into Moyes’ system, this could be a statement signing and a half.

Why Everton want Conor Gallagher

Gallagher left Chelsea for Atletico Madrid in a deal worth £33m last summer, with Enzo Maresca having informed the versatile midfielder he would be consigned to a bit-part role if he remained at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca’s flowing ball-playing style of football precluded Gallagher’s involvement in a prominent role, but Everton don’t need to worry about that: Moyes is rooted in his tactical principles, limited in possession but industrious and organised and direct.

An intense pressing force, Gallagher would slot right in, maybe even more complete than Luiz, the other top midfield target. Hailed as a “machine” by former Chelsea teammate Moises Caicedo, who also noted the 25-year-old “helps me a lot when we need to recover the ball”, it would be money well spent.

Luiz has struggled to adapt in Italy, only starting three Serie A games last season – albeit, this was marred by injury problems. Gallagher, meanwhile, hasn’t been a week-in, week-out starter for Diego Simeone’s Atletico, but he’s proved his worth, ranked among the top 10% of La Liga midfielders last year for ball recoveries and the top 11% for tackles won per 90, as per FBref.

And when looking at his last Premier League campaign, ranked against Luiz’s with Aston Villa, you begin to see that Everton might strike gold by signing the former Blue.

Matches (starts)

37 (37)

35 (35)

Goals

5

9

Assists

7

5

Touches*

70.4

70.1

Pass completion

92%

89%

Big chances created

11

10

Key passes*

1.4

1.5

Dribbles*

1.0

0.7

Ball recoveries*

6.0

5.3

Tackles + interceptions*

3.5

2.4

Duels (won)*

5.7 (50%)

4.2 (51%)

Gallagher is crisper in possession, with more ground-covering energy and defensive sharpness too. Luiz might have outscored him in 2023/24, but he took penalties, with four of his nine strikes above coming from the spot. All seven of Gallagher’s were from open play.

There is little question that either player would have a positive impact on Moyes’ project. Both have shared qualities that align with Moyes’ vision, with the way the Scotsman wants to play.

But Gallagher might be that little bit better, and he would pack a punch that might even steer the Toffees back into the top end of the Premier League table.

He’s Ndiaye 2.0: Everton make contact to sign £22.5m "sensational prospect"

Everton will be hoping they can add to their attacking output this summer

ByJoe Nuttall Jul 18, 2025

David Warner, James Neesham, Asif Ali and Carlos Brathwaite are among the direct signings for the second season of the six-team Zim Afro T10 league.The franchises picked their icon and global superstars as direct signings ahead of the draft, which is set to take place on September 8. The 15-member squad will have an additional 16th player as their global icon. The squad will feature as many as six local Zimbabwe players; the icon and global star can also be from Zimbabwe. The tournament will run from September 21 to 29 in Harare.Warner and Brathwaite were picked by Bulawayo Braves Jaguars while Cape Town Samp Army signed up David Willey, Dawid Malan, Gulbadin Naib and Qais Ahmed. Colin Munro and Mark Chapman were also among the direct signings along with Yasir Shah, who all went to Durban Wolves. Zimbabwe’s beanpole fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani was signed by New York Strikers Lagos while Bangladesh legspinner Rishad Hossain will team up with the likes of Neesham and Dasun Shanaka at Harare Bolts.Rishad, 22, earned a deal with Hobart Hurricanes, who have Ricky Ponting as part of their strategy team, at the BBL draft earlier this week. Rishad had emerged as Bangladesh’s highest wicket-taker at this year’s T20 World Cup, with 14 strikes in seven matches at an economy rate of 7.76.

Vaas, Moin, Owais Shah among the coaches

The franchises also announced their head coaches on Saturday and the roster includes Moin Khan, Chaminda Vaas, Owais Shah, among others.Moin, who has coached the Pakistan national team and Quetta Gladiators in the PSL, was roped in by Durban Wolves. NYS Lagos brought in Vaas, who has also had coaching experience at the international level, with New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Ireland.Bulawayo Braves Jaguars appointed Shah, who has coached the UAE national team and Dambulla Viiking in the Lanka Premier League. Cape Town Samp Army will get the services of James Foster, who has worked in the IPL, the T20 Blast in England and the Bangladesh Premier League, whereas Jo’Burg Bangla Tigers brought in Julian Wood, who has worked with some of the big hitters in the game. Harare Bolts handed over the coaching responsibilities to Sri Lankan Pubudu Dassanayake, who has worked with USA, Canada and Nepal as their head coach.The Zim Afro T10 will be followed by the second season of the US Masters League, Abu Dhabi T10 and the inaugural Lanka T10 will conclude the season in December.

Direct signings in Zim Afro T10

Harare Bolts: Dasun Shanaka (Sri Lanka: Global Superstar), James Neesham (New Zealand: Icon), George Munsey (Scotland), Rishad Hossain (Bangladesh), Shehan Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka), Kennar Lewis (West Indies)Bulawayo Braves Jaguars: David Warner (Australia: Icon), Carlos Brathwaite (West Indies), Nick Hobson (Australia), Kobe Herft (Australia)Durban Wolves: Colin Munro (New Zealand: Global Superstar), Mark Chapman (New Zealand: Icon), Will Smeed (England), Sharjeel Khan (Pakistan), Muhammad Irfan (Pakistan), Yasir Shah (Pakistan)Cape Town Samp Army: Haider Ali (Pakistan: Global Superstar), David Willey (England: Icon), Dawid Malan (England), Gulbadin Naib (Afghanistan), Qais Ahmed (Afghanistan), Adam Rossington (England), Shahnawaz Dahani (Pakistan)NYS Lagos: Blessing Muzarabani (Zimbabwe: Global Superstar), Thisara Perera (Sri Lanka: Icon), Asif Ali (Pakistan), Najibullah Zadran (Afghanistan), Binura Fernando (Sri Lanka), Akhilesh Bogudum (USA), Oshane Thomas (West Indies)Jo’Burg Bangla Tigers: Chris Lynn (Australia: Global Superstar), Kusal Perera (Sri Lanka: Icon), Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka), Hazratullah Zazai (Afghanistan), Adam Milne (New Zealand), Luke Wood (England), Karim Janat (Afghanistan)

When Liverpool last won the league, their transfer window was hardly filled with much inspiration. The most notable of arrivals saw Diogo Jota join from Wolves.

This time around, things are vastly different. The Reds are attacking things hard and have already made a seismic statement.

In 2025, Liverpool have already spent more than that aforementioned window, firstly bringing in Jeremie Frimpong to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold and then signing £116m man Florian Wirtz.

There’s more to come in the form of Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez, while Alexander Isak continues to be linked with a move to Anfield. Just imagine that.

Once the Kerkez move is completed, the Reds could turn their attention towards another Premier League defender.

Liverpool seeking to bolster their defence

Frimpong has arrived to strengthen the right-hand side and before too long, Kerkez will come in to bolster the left.

The latest on that move is that Liverpool have now agreed a £40m deal to bring the Hungarian full-back to Merseyside.

Reports suggest that the player has already undergone his medical with the club and has been spotted at the training ground.

So, with that move wrapped up, Liverpool could now look at getting a move over the line for Crystal Palace defender, Marc Guehi.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

A few days ago now it was reported that Richard Hughes and Co were preparing an offer to sign the England centre-back and a deal is now said to be moving in the right direction on the player side.

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are now ‘very close’ to reaching an agreement with the player on personal terms.

It’s widely thought that Guehi will be allowed to leave Selhurst Park this summer with only one year remaining on his current deal. The Eagles value him at £70m but due to his contract situation, they may be forced to sell for around £45m.

Liverpool face plenty of competition for the defender’s signature, notably from Newcastle United.

How Guehi could emulate Mac Allister at Anfield

Liverpool have had great success at signing players from fellow Premier League clubs. The aforementioned Jota, despite his injury history, has done a sterling job, scoring 65 goals in 182 matches.

In recent years, Alexis Mac Allister stands proud as one of their finest investments.

In the summer of 2023, the Reds needed to strengthen in the middle of the park following the exits of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho. They did so by bringing in Mac Allister, a World Cup winner, from Brighton in a deal worth £35m.

That fee has turned out to be a bargain. The Argentine is not just one of the most consistent players in the Liverpool team but he’s also one of the most consistent figures in the entire Premier League.

His peers think so as well, with the midfielder nominated for the PFA’s Player of the Season award alongside Mohammed Salah.

That is a fine reward for the South American who enjoyed a fabulous campaign in the engine room. A natural leader, he certainly led by example with his performances, scoring seven goals and registering six assists in 49 matches across all competitions.

Vitally, Mac Allister didn’t need much time to adapt to Liverpool, largely because he’d already had great success in England with Brighton.

Guehi is a similar situation. Of course, he’s English, which will certainly help the adaptation period, but the fact he’s already starred in the Premier League will no doubt make this a truly risk-free signing for Slot and Co.

It’s in the last year that the Eagles star has really started to make a statement with his performances.

Since coming through at Chelsea, many have tipped the defender for big things and he could realise that by making a move to Anfield this summer. He’s deserving of a move, notably heralded as “England’s best centre-back” by one content creator following his displays at last summer’s European Championships.

Since then, he’s only gone from strength to strength. Guehi, the current captain at Palace, was one of the main factors behind their recent FA Cup success, famously beating Manchester City in the final.

Key passes

Top 11%

Progressive passes

Top 31%

Through balls

Top 9%

Tackles

Top 22%

Blocks

Top 20%

Ball recoveries

Top 29%

In doing so, he kept a clean sheet, showing his ability to perform in the big games. Like Mac Allister, he’s incredibly consistent. He didn’t make a single error leading to a goal all season in the Premier League and only made two errors leading to a shot.

In fact, since he signed for Palace, he’s only made two errors leading to a goal and four errors leading to a shot in the league. In the words of football writer Stuart James, he is an “incredible” defender.

For added context, Ibrahima Konate made one error leading to a goal last season and two leading to a shot. Since moving to Liverpool, he’s made five errors leading to a goal in the top-flight. On that evidence, Guehi is a little smarter, certainly more consistent.

Like Mac Allister, he could be the risk-free bargain signing that would make Liverpool even better. If a deal can be done for £45m, it’s a no-brainer.

He could surpass Salah: Liverpool now prepared to sign another £100m star

Liverpool are in the market for a centre-forward this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 19, 2025

If Richard Hughes isn’t careful, he’ll eliminate any chance of Liverpool supporters getting excited by the summer transfer window before it’s even begun.

This, of course, is because FSG are working overtime to wrap up three superstar signings before the 2024/25 campaign has even completely wrapped up. There are worse problems for fans to have, in fairness.

The defensive flanks are set to be secure for years to come, Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong having completed his medical and Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez currently the centre of advancing talks between Bournemouth and Anfield’s chiefs.

But it’s forwards the fans want. Always forwards. It’s forwards who are the seat-raisers, the ones who steal the headlines. The rumour mill’s spokes are spinning, and Liverpool are getting linked with a few interesting names, all right.

The latest on Liverpool's hunt for forwards

With a deal for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz in the works, Liverpool are close to wrapping up their principal summer activity nice and early.

However, some would point to the number nine position as the area in most urgent need of improvement, and fixing that conundrum would require one or both of Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez to be sold, the latter of whom is wanted by Saudi suitors and in Spain.

Liverpool have bided their time in the transfer market, only bringing Federico Chiesa into the squad since Jurgen Klopp capped off his midfield rebuild with the arrival of Ryan Gravenberch in August 2023 (a £29m deal for goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili was agreed last summer, though he remained with Valencia this year).

But now is the time for action. Luis Diaz continues to be linked with Barcelona and, perhaps consequently, rumours of interest in Anthony Gordon have resurfaced, as per Football Insider.

However, Gordon is valued at £100m by Newcastle United and with Wirtz hopefully arriving, this doesn’t make a great deal of sense.

That said, Chiesa has struggled for minutes since joining, and Mohamed Salah isn’t getting any younger. Securing some fresh back-up on the right wouldn’t be a terrible idea.

Liverpool join race for new forward

According to Caught Offside, Liverpool are being considered one of the main suitors for Maghnes Akliouche this summer, with the French winger informed he can leave Monaco if their €70m (£59m) valuation is met.

A host of English outfits are keen, with Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur all keeping tabs on his situation, although Liverpool are the club said to be ‘showing a strong interest’.

No talks have taken place with any suitor, so this may be a case of who can open contracts with Monaco and the player’s representatives first.

What Maghnes Akliouche would offer Liverpool

A creative player, the 23-year-old Akliouche has enjoyed a steady ascent since breaking from Monaco’s youth ranks and becoming an important part of their first-team plans.

He would have to contend with the competition of Salah for a starting berth, were he to join Liverpool, but this could prove worthwhile for a rising star looking to make their name, only two seasons into their professional career as a first-team regular.

Absorbing the fruits of the Egyptian King’s labours, Akliouche may well shape into one of the most dangerous wingers in the business, having already been hailed for his “ridiculous” quality by analyst Ben Mattinson.

This is backed up by the data. As per FBref, Akliouche ranks among the top 13% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues this term for assists, the top 11% for progressive passes, and the top 12% for tackles plus interceptions made per 90.

Sofascore’s data from the 2024/25 Ligue 1 campaign further highlights Akliouche’s creative capacity, having created 15 big chances across 27 matches, averaging 1.6 dribbles and 4.5 successful duels per game.

Moreover, talent scout Jacek Kuliig has hailed the “magician” for brandishing a “left foot made of gold” when arcing into space, in or around the danger area.

Remind you of anyone? Salah’s wizardry on the ball certainly suggests he too could adopt the ‘magician’ moniker, while his left foot is one of the most lethal weapons in football.

Joining Liverpool from AS Roma for £34m in 2017, Salah, 25 at the time, was looking to try his hand at the Premier League a second time after things didn’t work out at Chelsea.

Now, 401 games, 245 goals, 113 assists and many individual and team accolades later, the 32-year-old has achieved greatness, forging a career for himself that will have sold Anfield to hopefuls such as Akliouche, especially since he’s tempted by a move across the Channel and onto English shores.

Salah’s story isn’t ending yet, but we’re not that far away from the autumn of this legend’s Premier League career. It would help if Liverpool act prudently and bring in a player such as Akliouche, up-and-coming like the African icon was before signing.

Salah, one of the deadliest forwards the Premier League has ever known, will leave big boots to fill, but backing him up with a hungry prospect such as Akliouche could be a sure-fire way for Slot to challenge across multiple fronts next season, especially since the Liverpool superstar will miss a chunk of the winter period due to AFCON.

For what it’s worth, you’d think Akliouche would leap at the chance to move to Merseyside and work with the veteran, treading a similar sort of path in arriving from a competitive European outfit having shown his skills, but then learning at Anfield a new level of the craft which could take him into the realm of the world-class.

Van Dijk 2.0: £45m "revelation" has now "said yes" to joining Liverpool

Liverpool are looking to finish their shopping nice and early this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 29, 2025

This season has felt like one long nightmare for Tottenham Hotspur.

On top of losing a staggering 20 games in the Premier League, Ange Postecoglou will now be without James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski for the club’s Europa League final next week.

Moreover, on top of losing player after player through injury during the campaign this year, they now look like they’re going to lose one of their most important in the transfer window: Cristian Romero.

However, it is not all doom and gloom, as recent reports have linked them with a Premier League star who could be the ideal replacement.

Tottenham transfer news

Unfortunately, in the last few months, a number of reports have emerged touting Romero for a move to La Liga this summer, with Atlético Madrid being his supposed destination last month.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

It was even said that the Argentine defender had personally spoken to Diego Simeone about the purported move.

However, in the last few days, the World Cup winner’s supposed destination has changed to Real Madrid, with reports claiming that Xabi Alonso is a big fan of the player, who could be sold for around £60m.

While this situation is far from ideal, the good news is that the North Londoners have been linked with someone who could be an ideal replacement: Marc Guéhi.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Spurs have maintained their strong interest in the full England international following their failed £70m bid for him in early February.

Alongside the Lilywhites, the report has revealed that Chelsea and Newcastle United are keen to sign the Crystal Palace star, who could be available for a pretty reasonable fee of around €55m, which is about £46m.

It might be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Guéhi’s ability and the potential departure of Romero, Spurs should do all they can to get it done.

Why Guéhi would be a great replacemnet

So, if Spurs cannot keep hold of Romero this summer and are forced to shop for a replacement, why would Guéhi be such a great option?

Well, first of all, not only is he vastly experienced for someone who is still just 24 years old, but he’s also thoroughly Premier League-proven at this point and someone clearly quite sought-after.

For example, across his career to date, the “exceptional” centre-back, as dubbed by The Athletic’s Stuart James, has made 132 top-flight appearances, 52 in the Championship, 15 in the FA Cup and a handful more in several other competitions.

Appearances

154

59

2

Goals

8

0

0

Assists

4

0

0

Goal Involvements per Match

0.07

0.00

0.00

On top of that, the 6 foot “tank,” as dubbed by former England U21 teammate Joe Bursik, is now a full member of the national team, making 23 appearances since his debut in March 2022, and most crucially, was an ever-present in the country’s backline when they made it all the way to the final of the European Championships last year.

Furthermore, while the Lilywhites’ Argentine warrior has missed a staggering 75 games for club and country across his career, the former Chelsea prospect has missed just 16, and you know what they say: availability is the best ability.

Finally, if that’s still not enough to convince you, then perhaps his rather impressive underlying numbers will.

According to FBref, the Palace ace sits in the top 3% of centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for through ball, the top 4% for passes blocked, the top 5% for goal-creating actions through a defensive action, the top 9% for goals plus assists, key passes and shot-creating actions, the top 11% for expected assists and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, replacing a player as talented Romero is always going to be difficult, but Guéhi looks like he could get pretty close, and therefore, Spurs must do what they can to sign him this summer.

Ange can solve Kulusevski blow by unleashing £45m Spurs star in new role

The gifted ace could provide some more attacking spark to Spurs.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes May 15, 2025

In what could see one player make his return to the Premier League, Everton have now reportedly made their first contact to sign a former Arsenal defender this summer.

Everton looking to bounce back from defeat

Like every side sandwiched inside the Premier League’s bottom half, Everton have the luxury of playing without the pressure of relegation in the coming weeks, with the drop now confirmed for all three of Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Southampton. What that should hand them the chance to focus on is handing Goodison Park the farewell it deserves and that should start with bouncing back from defeat.

Friedkin now serious about dream Everton move to sign "fantastic" forward

A signing that would certainly make a statement…

ByTom Cunningham Apr 29, 2025

With nothing left to play for, the Toffees have suffered back-to-back defeats against Manchester City and Chelsea in two narrow games, much to the frustration of those on Merseyside who’ll be hoping to end the season strongly.

Manager David Moyes reacted to defeat against Chelsea last time out, telling reporters: “We were perhaps fortunate to only be 1-0 down at half-time, but we stuck at it and grew into the game and played very well in the second half.

“We were just lacking quality to get a finish on the end of some of our play. The substitutes made a big difference. It looked like we had more energy and were more creative.”

It’s the type of quality that the Everton boss will hope to see his side find in their penultimate game at Goodison Park this Saturday, which will see them square off against Ipswich Town.

It’s a game that the Toffees will be expected to win, especially at Goodison Park, and one that they should use to make a statement of intent as they prepare to enter a new era at the Bramley-Moore Dock stadium.

Meanwhile, away from the pitch, ahead of that new era, Friedkin have already reportedly set their sights on their first summer signing.

Everton express interest in signing Tavares

According to Sky Sports’ Gianluca Di Marzio, Everton have now expressed interest in signing Nuno Tavares from Lazio this summer. The left-back has spent the season on loan at the Serie A club this season in a move that will become permanent at the end of the current campaign. Any move away from English football may be short-lived, however, amid interest from Everton.

Praised for an “incredible season” and described as “talented” by U23 scout Antonio Mango during his loan spell at Marseille last season, Tavares has only reached more impressive levels at Lazio – assisting nine goals in all competitions.

As Ashley Young edges closer to retirement too, welcoming fresh competition for Vitalii Mykolenko would be no bad idea for Everton this summer, and Tavares would offer exactly that.

In one swift move, the left-back could find himself on his way back to the Premier League not long after turning his loan move permanent at Lazio this summer.

And do his achievements trump those of the others in the Fab Four?

Andrew Fidel Fernando20-Aug-2025Joe Root has an outside shot to become the most prolific Test batter of all time. He is second on the list right now. If you’re a major Sachin Tendulkar fan, you don’t have to like it. But perhaps it is better to prepare yourself for the possibility.We will be throwing a lot of numbers at you through the course of this article, so let us whet appetites with roughly when the momentous pipping of Tendulkar may occur. Since the start of this decade, Root has scored an average of 89.62 runs per Test match. If he were to continue at his 2020s runs-per-Test rate (there are zero signs that he is about to slow down), he would need roughly 27 further Tests to plonk himself atop this chart.Related

Joe Root, the Peter Pan of batting, has pulled ahead of Cook and Pietersen. Will he reel Tendulkar in?

Root marches on towards Test summit

Stats – Root second only to Tendulkar for most Test runs

According to the currently available programme, England are scheduled to play 16 Tests until the end of April 2027. By then, Root will be 36 years and four months old. By the end of the 2028 northern hemisphere summer, England will have time for 11 further Tests at least. Root would be 37 then – a very normal age for batters to play to. If he continues to an Anderson-esque 40, and continues to clobber attacks, many more records could be in trouble.First let us put a little context around the place of Root’s run tally. Have his runs come easier than those of other all-time prolific batters? If you look at career spans, Root has actually scored his runs in a tougher era for batting than the others among the top five run-scorers – Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis, and Rahul Dravid. During Root’s career, the overall batting average was 29.83. While his own average is the lowest of the top five run scorers (by a hair), he certainly deserves his place among them.