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On the hunt for further reinforcements in 2026, Everton are now reportedly plotting a winter move to sign a Premier League winner who has already worked with David Moyes in the past.

What Everton need in January

It’s early days, but so far Everton’s summer business has looked undeniably solid. Jack Grealish has been reborn on loan in Merseyside, winning the Premier League’s Player of the Month award in August and recently scoring his first goal for the club in a last-gasp winner. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has finally been allowed to flourish out of the Chelsea nightmare he endured and Tyler Dibling remains one to watch.

There’s still work to be done, however, and The Friedkin Group may yet hand Moyes further additions when the January transfer window arrives.

Already, the Toffees have been linked with moves for former Real Madrid defender Mario Gila, who is thriving at Lazio, and Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee.

Zirkzee would be a similar signing to Grealish, given how he’s a struggling star who could be looking to rediscover his best form elsewhere. If Everton secured the forward’s signature before turning him into the player that United thought they bought, then they’d be hitting the jackpot.

Related Moyes can ditch Barry & Beto to unleash "special" Everton star in new role

Everton may be able to solve their issues in front of goal with this player

Posts ByJoe Nuttall Oct 10, 2025

It’s the type of firepower that the Toffees could also do with this season. Whilst Grealish, Iliman Ndiaye and others have thrived, both Thierno Barry and Beto have struggled. The former arrived in the summer for around £27m, but is yet to make his mark. Beto, meanwhile, has been thrust into the side and has endured similar struggles.

Fixing that problem should be Everton’s top priority, before they potentially turn their attention towards a Premier League winner.

Everton plotting Kalvin Phillips move

According to Football Insider, Everton are now plotting a January swoop for Kalvin Phillips. The Manchester City midfielder didn’t get the move he so desperately needed in the summer and even though he’s been added to their Premier League squad, it’s likely that his game time will once again be limited.

The former West Ham United loanee, who worked with Moyes at the London Stadium, is facing a similar situation to Grealish and could follow in his footsteps when January arrives. The fact that both are represented by the same agency would certainly go a long way to securing a repeat of Grealish’s summer move.

On paper, the 29-year-old represents a struggling player who failed to make his mark on loan at West Ham in the past. But Everton must use Grealish as an example when considering whether to sign Phillips. If they can secure another loan move or a cut-price deal before getting the midfielder back to his best, then it’ll be yet another transfer coup.

A two-time Premier League winner with plenty of experience, those at the Hill Dickinson could do a lot worse than signing the midfielder this winter.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers will not have been pleased with the lack of ruthlessness in his side in the 0-0 draw with Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership last weekend.

The Hoops failed to convert any of the seven ‘big chances’ that they created at Parkhead, and the goalless draw meant that they dropped to second in the table.

Celtic have now had four 0-0 draws in all competitions, if you include the second leg that they lost on penalties to Kairat, and it is clear that they have an issue in the centre-forward position that needs to be addressed.

Why Celtic have an issue in the centre-forward position

Kelechi Iheanacho was signed on a free transfer to replace Adam Idah the day after deadline day, and his start to life at Parkhead has been a mixed bag.

The Nigerian marksman, as shown in the clip above, scored an excellent goal against Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League, after scoring on his debut against Kilmarnock in the Premiership.

However, Iheanacho missed two other ‘big chances’ in the 1-1 draw with Red Star and two ‘big chances’ in the 0-0 draw with Hibernian, per Sofascore, firing over from close range in the first half and missing a header at the back post in the second half of the latter game.

Unfortunately, Johnny Kenny came off the bench against Hibs and also missed two ‘big chances’ to find the back of the net, without completing a single pass in 16 minutes, per Sofascore.

Celtic clearly have an efficiency issue in the number nine position, and the solution could be to look to summer signing Callum Osmand in the coming weeks.

Why Celtic should unleash Callum Osmand

The Scottish giants swooped to sign the Welsh forward from Premier League side Fulham in the summer, and he has started his career in Scotland with the B team.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

Osmand has already scored two goals in two games in the Challenge Cup for the B team, including one last week in a 2-1 defeat to Edinburgh.

He has made a fast start to life in the academy system at Parkhead with those two goals, and Brendan Rodgers should take notice of that and look to bring him into the first-team set-up.

Osmand, who was hailed as “lightning quick” by Fulham expert Jack Kelly, is not part of the squad for the Europa League, which means that he is unable to be selected for the clash with Braga on Thursday, but he could be used against Motherwell on Sunday.

Kenny and Iheanacho have missed six ‘big chances’ and scored one goal in the last two matches combined, which suggests that the Hoops need a centre-forward who offers more of a clinical edge in front of goal.

24/25

22

11

4

23/24

29

21

6

22/23

21

11

2

21/22

1

0

0

Total

73

43

12

Osmand, as you can see in the table above, is a prolific number nine who has consistently scored goals at an impressive rate throughout his youth career, which has been extended by two goals in two games for the B team in Glasgow.

Including his brief spell with the Hoops so far, the Welsh striker has scored 45 goals and provided 12 assists in his last 75 matches at youth level, which is a terrific return for the 19-year-old star.

These statistics suggest that the teenage forward may have the clinical edge that the Hoops are currently lacking in front of goal, which is why it may be worth unleashing him in the first-team, even if that is off the bench to start with, to see if he can translate his form into the first-team.

Celtic, certainly in the Premiership, are a dominant team that create chances at will, as evidenced by the seven ‘big chances’ that they created against Hibernian. This means that, in the league, they need more of a clinical finisher than an all-round centre-forward.

Celtic could unearth their next Tounekti in 18-year-old who's "some talent"

Celtic may already have their next Sebastian Tounekti in the B team.

ByDan Emery Sep 29, 2025

That is why unleashing Osmand, who appears to be a natural goalscorer, over Kenny and Iheanacho may make a lot of sense if the team continues to struggle for goals.

USMNT defender Alex Freeman faced Texas Longhorns defensive tackle Hero Kanu in a lighthearted cross-sport juggling challenge at the University of Texas athletic complex. The showdown highlighted the surprising footwork of the German-born football player against the refined technique of the rising American soccer prospect.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  USMNT vs. Texas Longhorns

  The 20-year-old Freeman, who currently plays for Orlando City and has earned international caps with the USMNT, showcased the polished technique expected from a professional defender. Meanwhile, Kanu impressed onlookers with surprising touch and coordination despite his imposing 6-5, 299-pound frame. The senior defensive lineman grew up playing soccer in Germany before moving to the United States and transitioning to football.

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• Watch the challenge

• Getty Images
  

  Contrasting sports backgrounds

  Freeman, though born in the United States, chose soccer despite his father, Antonio, being an All-Pro NFL player, while Kanu brought his European soccer background to American football, demonstrating how athletic talent can transfer between seemingly disparate sports.

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• Ecuador next

  Freeman and the U.S. are in Austin, Texas, to take on CONMEBOL opponents Ecuador on Friday at Q2 Stadium. 

Benjamin Sesko shared his delight in scoring his first goal at Old Trafford in Manchester United's 2-0 win over Sunderland. The Slovenian striker did not get too caught up in the moment however, as he channelled his inner-Roy Keane in saying it's "his job" to score goals and that the Red Devils fans have yet to see the best of him despite finding the target on two occasions in his last two games.

• Sesko shares delight after first Old Trafford goal

  The 23-year-old doubled United's lead over the Black Cats in the 26th minute, latching onto a loose ball in the box after the visitors failed to deal with Diogo Dalot's long throw. 

  Sesko was clearly elated, meeting the rapturous applause of the Stretford End with a spirited leaping celebration. Later, in an interview with , he described the moment as "a dream come true". 

  "To play for a club like this, even train every day, is an obvious pleasure and I'm looking forward to being back [after the international break]," he said.

  "It feels amazing [to score]. It feels even better because I helped the team to win the game because in the end, it's important to win the match. I try to help the team as much as possible.

  "The atmosphere afterwards [his goal] was unbelievable. It's something I've been dreaming about – jumping high in the stadium like that. My dream came true." 

  However, he was quick to bring himself back down to earth, suggesting the best has yet to come from him in a United shirt, replying "no net yet," when asked if we had seen the best of him in the past couple of games.

  "There's loads to come. I'm still getting used to it more and more to read the players, to be connected with them even more. I believe I can be even better and I will try to show that.

  "It's my job to try to score as many goals as possible, try to win the game, try to help the team in every single situation and hopefully I get more moments like this." 

  When asked on the main differences between the Premier League and the Bundesliga, the young striker focused on the physical demands of English football. 

  "I would say it's way quicker and you have less time in general.

  "This is one of the biggest changes I would say. Everyone is really physical and athletic, but I'm getting used to it. I'll come to this level soon."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Amorim praises Sesko's performance

  Ruben Amorim expressed his pleasure with the £60m man's performance. The Portuguese manager said: "He gives us a different type of profile inside the box, to use more crosses.

  "He is going to improve the connection with this team-mates. How many times Senne [Lammens] kick the ball and he was there with the first touch? That is more important, especially in this league that we are thinking when there is a throw-in we have an extra guy who is big at the first post.

  "All the characteristics of Ben, not just the goals, can help us to win games. We are happy with him, he puts a lot of pressure on himself that is not a bad thing but he has potential to do so much more."

• Is Sesko finally the answer to United's No.9 problems?

  Among the many, many issues that have plagued the Red Devils in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, finding a long-term option at striker has been one of the most persistent. Veteran options like Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani may have provided temporary respite, but the failures of young promising players such as Antony Martial, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, as well as bewildering stop gaps such as Odion Ighalo and Wout Wegworst, has left United without a reliable goal-getter for far too long. 

  Hojlund's double for Napoli in the Champions League again raised the question of whether players are held back by the club's current state. Sesko's goal in the 3-1 defeat against Brentford, and in the win over Sunderland, therefore came at the most opportune time for Amorim and the club's decision makers. 

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Sesko will hope for form to continue after the international break

  Sesko almost seemed disappointed that he would have to leave Manchester to hook up with international teammates ahead of Slovenia's World Cup Qualifiers against Kosovo and Switzerland.

  He has a chance to solidify his standing with the Red Devils faithful upon his return. A winning goal against a reeling Liverpool side would be the perfect moment to start building his legend in the Stretford End. 

Vinicius Junior was involved in an angry clash with Atletico Madrid star Koke during Real Madrid's 5-2 derby defeat away from home. Julian Alvarez starred for Diego Simeone's side with a brace as Atletico picked up a crucial La Liga victory over their rivals. For Los Blancos, Kylian Mbappe and Arda Guler were on target but it was not enough as they slipped to defeat..

Vinicius Jr's feud with Koke

Vinicius Jr. clashed with veteran Atletico Madrid star Koke on multiple occassions during the derby and the duo shared heated exchanges, taking shots at each other. At one point, Koke even poked fun at the Brazilian with a Kylian Mbappe taunt, as reported by .

AdvertisementGetty Images'He's eating your toast'

The fight started with Vinicius Junior calling Koke a "f***ing crybaby", which the Atletico star laughed off. The Madrid winger then launched yet another attack as he said: "You always, always talk to the press. Everything I say to you, you say to the press."  

Now, Koke joined the fight by pointing at Vincius' team-mate Kylian Mbappe, calling him "the best". In response, the Selecao star once again said: "Of course, but play with me and we'll win more."

Koke then took another dig using Mbappe's name as he told the Brazilian, "He's eating your toast." The Spaniard clearly indicated that the Frenchman was stealing his limelight.

Madrid's injury woes

Real Madrid have been plunged into a defensive crisis after Dani Carvajal suffered a calf injury during the Madrid derby, ruling him out for around a month. With Trent Alexander-Arnold already sidelined for up to eight weeks, Los Blancos are left without a single natural right-back, forcing Xabi Alonso to improvise ahead of a crucial run of fixtures.

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Getty Images SportWhat next for Real Madrid?

Xabi Alonso's side have travelled to Kazakhstan to face Kairat in a Champions League away fixture on Tuesday. They will then face Villarreal at home in La Liga, which will be their final game before the international break.

It’s been an excellent summer for Chelsea so far this year.

On top of winning the Club World Cup, the Blues have made a number of exciting additions to the first team, including Joao Pedro, who was spectacular in pre-season.

However, the West Londoners looked less than impressive against Crystal Palace on Sunday, and the Brazilian centre-forward looks nothing like his usual dangerous self.

It was likely just a one-off, but fortunately, Chelsea are now closing in on another brilliant signing who’d be able to help Pedro get up and running even faster this season.

Chelsea target dream signing for Pedro

In addition to Pedro, Chelsea have completed several potentially game-changing signings this summer, with Liam Delap coming in to provide real competition for the starting number nine position, and Jamie Gitten joining to liven up the left-hand side.

Transfer Focus

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

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The Conference League champions have even bolstered their defensive ranks with the seriously exciting Jorrel Hato, who at just 19 years old already has 111 appearances for Ajax and six senior caps for the Netherlands under his belt.

Yet, the West Londoners are not done there, as they now appear intent on picking up another incredibly exciting attacker, someone who could help Pedro get up and running as soon as possible.

At least that is according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, who has claimed that Chelsea are still very interested in Xavi Simons.

The Italian journalist has revealed that while talks between the Blues and RB Leipzig are still ongoing and there are things that need to be done, the club are “confident” of landing the Flying Dutchman, who still only wants them.

Romano does not mention how much the 22-year-old might cost, but reports from earlier this summer claim that a fee of around £61m should do the trick, which seems fair for a player of Simons’ quality, especially as he could get Pedro up and firing.

Why Simons would be perfect for Pedro

Now, the first and undoubtedly most crucial reason Simons would be able to help Pedro get up and running sooner is his output.

For example, despite playing for a lacklustre Leipzig side that failed to qualify for Europe last season, the Dutch magician was able to score 11 goals and provide eight assists in just 33 appearances, totalling 2763 minutes.

In other words, the explosive “game-changer,” as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, maintained an average of a goal involvement every 1.73 games, or every 145.42 minutes.

Therefore, not only would the Amsterdam-born dynamo be able to provide the Brazilian forward with an abundance of goalscoring chances, but he’s also got the finishing ability to get on the end of the chances created by the former Brighton & Hove Albion star.

Moreover, it’s not like the former PSV Eindhoven gem was lucky, or on a hot streak last season, as his underlying numbers are just as impressive.

According to FBref, he ranked in the top 3% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Bundesliga last season for passes into the penalty area, through balls, and carries into the final third. He also ranked in the top 5% for ball recoveries and the top 6% for progressive passes, all per 90.

These numbers paint the picture of a creative maestro who is as capable of passing the ball into dangerous areas as he is carrying it, meaning opposition defenders will never be quite sure what he’s planning to do.

Finally, the last reason the former Paris Saint-Germain gem would be such a great teammate for Pedro is his position versatility.

Simons’ Scout Report

Statistics

Per 90

Percentile

Goals – xG

+0.21

Top 2%

Non-Penalty Goals – npxG

+0.21

Top 2%

Passes into Penalty Area

2.51

Top 3%

Through Balls

0.96

Top 3%

Carries into Final Third

2.97

Top 3%

Passes Completed (Long)

3.64

Top 5%

Ball Recoveries

5.36

Top 5%

Progressive Passes

5.86

Top 6%

Goals/Shot

0.20

Top 7%

Passes Attempted (Long)

6.61

Top 8%

Touches (Mid 3rd)

32.07

Top 8%

Fouls Drawn

2.34

Top 8%

Progressive Passing Distance

167.32

Top 9%

Passes from Free Kicks

1.67

Top 9%

Dead-ball Passes

5.53

Top 10%

SCA (Fouls Drawn)

0.46

Top 10%

Touches

65.18

Top 10%

All Stats via FBref

For example, while he spent much of last season playing in attacking midfield and has even been dubbed “one of the best 10s in the world” by one data analyst, he’s just as comfortable playing on both wings and has even spent time up top.

In other words, Maresca would be able to play the 22-year-old wherever he needs him, in turn giving him more opportunities to play and form a proper understanding with the Brazilian sharpshooter.

Ultimately, Pedro looks like he’s going to be a success for Chelsea regardless, but if the club want to get even more out of him and help him get up and running faster, then Simons is the answer.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 22, 2025

Celtic have already been busy this summer, but this activity is only set to continue.

The main headlines are the fact that Nicolas Kühn has been sold to Como for a reported fee of £16.4m but, in more exciting news, Kieran Tierney has returned on a free transfer, six years after departing for Arsenal.

Meanwhile, Benjamin Nygren, Hayato Inamura, Callum Osmand, and Ross Doohan have also arrived, as has a new striker, more on him in just a second, but could Brendan Rodgers be about to reinforce his attacking options further?

Celtic's search for a striker

On Saturday morning, ahead of a pre-season friendly against Newcastle United at Parkhead, Shin Yamada was unveiled as the Hoops’ latest summer recruit, arriving from Kawasaki Frontale for a reported fee of £1.5m.

The 25-year-old was the third-highest scorer in the J League last season with 19, accumulating a goal or an assist every 91 minutes, while also helping the Sky Blue and Blacks reach a first-ever AFC Champions League Final, dumping out Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr en route.

Nevertheless, following Wednesday’s pre-season friendly victory over Sporting CP in the Algrave, Rodgers stated that he wants “to add [more] to our front line”, so could he be about to get his wish?

Well, according to reports in Romania, Celtic have seen a bid of around £6.9m rejected for CFR Cluj striker Louis Munteanu.

They add that the 23-year-old is valued at closer to £16m by the Railwaymen, while Ligue 1 duo Nice and Lille have also expressed ‘interest’ in signing him.

Munteanu is expected to be on the move this summer but, if he is to end up in Glasgow, it would require a sizeable fee.

How Louis Munteanu would improve Celtic

Munteanu was signed by Fiorentina as a teenager, representing I Viola’s Primavera side, but never in the first team, thereby returning to Romania with Farul Constanța, before joining CFR Cluj for around £2m last summer.

Well, safe to say he has impressed in Transylvania, scoring 26 goals in 43 appearances for Cluj, ending up the Romanian top division’s leading scorer, while also on target during a Europa League qualifying victory over Hungarian outfit Paksi FC at Stadionul Dr. Constantin Rădulescu as recently as last Thursday.

Louis Munteanu’s Liga I statistics 2024/25
Statistics	Munteanu	Liga I rank
Goals	23	1st
Goals per 90	0.76	1st
Non-penalty goals	19	1st
Shots	115	2nd
Shots on target	57	1st
Shots on target %	49.6%	3rd*
*minimum 40 shots attempted.
Statistics courtesy of FBref.com

These performances earned Munteanu international recognition, part of Romania’s squad for last month’s under-21 European Championships in Slovakia, scoring this absolute rocket against Spain at Národný futbalový štadión in Bratislava.

Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout documented the striker’s “amazing season”, while Ewan Paton of the National labelled his form ‘sensational’, having become the first player to reach 23 goals in a single Liga I season since Mihai Adam 51 years ago.

So how does he compare to Celtic’s latest striker signing Yamada?

Let’s find out.

Louis Munteanu vs Shin Yamada 24/25 comparison
Statistics	Munteanu	Yamada
Appearances	43	83
Minutes	3,052	4,212
Goals	26	26
Assists	3	8
All statistics below are on a per-90 basis.
Shots	3.8	3.28
Shots on target	1.88	1.43
Shots on target %	49.6%	43.5%
Big chances missed	0.52	0.63
Average Sofascore rating	7.22	6.72
Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt, FBref.com and SofaScore

Worth noting first and foremost that Munteanu’s statistics document last season while, because the J League runs from February to December, that is all of Yamada’s statistics throughout 2024 and 2025, hence why he made 40 more appearances.

Nevertheless, the Romanian’s statistics are more impressive, scoring the same number of goals but in almost half the number of appearances, while registering more shots and shots on target on a per-90 basis.

Thus, it is clear that Munteanu would surely be an excellent addition to Rodgers’ squad, even if Cluj are demanding a record-breaking Scottish transfer fee.

Celtic learn star player's one key demand as contract talks near resolution

The Bhoys could land a significant boost.

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Jul 19, 2025

Liverpool’s ambitions of landing a move for Alexander Isak have dragged on throughout the summer transfer window, with a deal to land the forward not yet on the horizon.

The Reds tabled their opening offer last week for the Newcastle United striker, but their £120m offer for the Swedish international was quickly rejected by Eddie Howe’s side.

It’s thought that a fee in the region of £150m could be enough for the Black and White army to part ways with their talisman, who found the net on 23 occasions in the Premier League last season.

With less than a month remaining in the transfer window, Arne Slot’s side don’t have long to complete their business ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

As a result, they may be forced to turn their attention to other targets in the coming days to provide the boss with the depth and quality needed to regain their league crown.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new attackers this summer

There’s no denying that Isak remains Liverpool’s number one target for such an area of the pitch, but other options are constantly being looked at should they fail to agree a deal for his signature.

Luis Diaz has already departed Anfield, with the likes of Darwin Núñez and Federico Chiesa also touted with moves to Serie A to raise added funds for their pursuit.

The money raised from such departures could go towards a move to land Real Madrid star Rodrygo, with the Brazilian once again in their sights, according to Football Insider.

The report claims that the Reds’ hierarchy have identified the 24-year-old as an alternative to Isak, potentially going back in for a move to land the forward in the near future.

However, the article also states he could command another huge fee from Slot’s side this summer, with the LaLiga giants currently demanding over £80m to offload him in the next few weeks.

Why Liverpool’s latest target would be their answer to Mbappé

Kylian Mbappé is a forward who has constantly tormented backlines across Europe in recent years, cementing himself as one of the best attackers in world football.

The 26-year-old joined Real Madrid last summer on a free transfer from PSG, after enjoying a seven-year spell in Paris, which saw him net 235 goals in his 264 appearances.

It all could’ve been so different for the Frenchman, with Liverpool previously interested in his signature before he completed a free transfer to join Real Madrid last summer.

His move to the Santiago Bernabéu has seen him continue his magnificent goalscoring record, finding the net 44 times in his 59 appearances during 2024/25, ending his first season in Spain as the division’s top scorer.

There’s no denying Mbappé is one of Europe’s leading talismen, being a player many sides around the world wish they had at their disposal – but unfortunately, that honour goes to Xavi Alonso’s side.

Whilst a move for the Frenchman to Anfield this window is off the cards, they could sign their own version of him in the form of Rodrygo, with the Brazilian labelled as a similar player by FBref.

When comparing their respective stats from last season, the 24-year-old managed to outperform the world beater in numerous key areas, potentially being a superb addition to Slot’s star-studded side.

Rodrygo, who’s been labelled “world-class” by analyst Ben Mattinson, registered more progressive passes and carries per 90, showcasing the threat he possesses with the ball at his feet.

He also managed to complete more key passes and more passes into the final third per 90, able to provide new signings Hugo Ekitiké and Florian Wirtz with added opportunities, should he also move to Merseyside.

How Rodrygo & Mbappé compare in LaLiga (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Rodrygo

Mbappé

Games played

30

34

Goals & assists

11

34

Progressive carries

5.3

4.6

Goals per shot on target

0.3

0.3

Pass accuracy

86%

82%

Key passes made

2.5

1.3

Passes into final third

3.1

2.3

Carries into final third

4.1

2.9

Crosses completed

3.8

1.1

Progressive passes

5.1

4.3

Stats via FBref

His dominance over his teammate is further reflected in his higher pass completion rate, whilst completing more crosses per 90, having a superb creative nouse within his arsenal.

Isak will rightfully be the main target for Liverpool over the next few weeks, but it still remains to be seen if a deal can be completed before September 1st.

However, the fanbase shouldn’t worry, with the Brazilian proving he’s more than capable of being a top-quality addition who could provide Slot with an Mbappé-like talent at Anfield.

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair Aug 2, 2025

Two iconic Manchester City players now want to leave the Etihad and join the same club during the summer transfer window.

A new era dawning at Man City this summer

It became clear that Pep Guardiola’s squad had aged together last season, with a number of players showing signs of being past their best, from Kyle Walker to Kevin De Bruyne.

City surrendered their Premier League title to Liverpool, and it was paramount that fresh blood was added to the squad this summer, with the club doing exactly that, bringing in Rayan Ait-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki, among others.

It feels like the end of an area at the Etihad, with doubts existing over the futures of many heroic figures from down the years, whether it be Ederson between the sticks or Ilkay Gundogan in the middle of the park – Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa has been linked to come in as a replacement for the former.

Guardiola needs a younger, fresher team to wrestle their title back next season, and receiving money for ageing figures will aid them in that respect, generating more funds for transfers. Now, a key update has emerged regarding two players who look set to depart in the coming weeks.

Two Man City legends looking to leave

According to Yagiz Sabuncuoglu for Haber Sarikirmizi [via Sport Witness], both Ederson and Gundogan are keen on leaving Manchester City and joining Galatasaray this summer, bringing an end to legendary stints at the club.

“Okan Buruk wants a goalkeeper with good feet from the beginning. Ederson is one of the best players in that description. The player rejected Napoli. He wants to come to Galatasaray. His asking salary is less than €10m. The figure Manchester City wants is not high. If Galatasaray sign Ederson, Manchester City are ready to let him go.

“Ilkay Gundogan is ready for the squad, he wants to come to Galatasaray. Galatasaray haven’t been able to make a comeback yet because they are trying to get Osimhen done first and then the goalkeeper.”

While it will be sad to see Ederson and Gundogan leave City this summer, it does feel as though their time at the club has reached its natural conclusion.

The combined £330,000-a-week pair have achieved so much at the Etihad, winning an incredible 12 Premier League titles between them, but the brutal fact is that neither are quite at the level they used to be.

Ederson’s decline is arguably the most surprising of all City’s players, considering he is still only 31 years of age, which is nothing for a goalkeeper in the modern game, but errors have crept into his game more and more, both on and off the ball.

Pep now demands Man City sign £50m star ASAP, confident deal could be done

The Manchester City boss has made it clear he wants the board to bring in a “world-class” player.

ByDominic Lund Jul 17, 2025

Meanwhile, Gundogan no longer possesses the box-to-box energy he once did, and he needs to move to a league that is less physically demanding. Both will be remembered as true legends for City, though, with the duo pushing hard to be in an all-time XI in the club’s history.

James Anderson draws a crowd at Canterbury, even as a side-show

ECB Reporters Network23-Jun-2024

George Balderson was in the wickets against Kent•Getty Images

Lancashire were 38 for 1, trailing Kent by 206, after day one of their Vitality County Championship relegation showdown at Canterbury.Josh Bohannon and Luke Wells were unbeaten on 22 and 14 respectively at stumps, after Beyers Swanepoel had bowled Keaton Jennings for a duck.Earlier George Balderson and Nathan Lyon took three wickets apiece for second-from-bottom Lancashire, as they bowled out the division’s basement side for 244.Tawanda Muyeye was Kent’s highest scorer with 59, while Ben Compton made 55.Although both sides have struggled all season, the crowd for the first day of the 172nd Canterbury week was estimated at over 2,000. Cars were queueing for half a mile down the Old Dover Road and moving so slowly that they were overtaken by hundreds of pedestrians walking up the hill.If they’d come to see James Anderson they were disappointed. Despite making the trip south he was left out of the squad and, perhaps unable to believe his luck at having been asked to bat against an Anderson-free attack, Compton plundered 11 from Tom Bailey’s opening over.The scoring rate soon slowed however. Will Williams found Marcus O’Riordan’s edge in the fourth over and although George Bell dropped him, he’d moved on to just 16 when Balderson had him caught at third slip by George Lavelle.Bailey switched to the Nackington Road end and got Daniel Bell-Drummond for 4 but Joey Evison joined Compton and batted through to lunch, at which stage it was 102 for 2.It wasn’t a standard interval: the crowd realised Anderson was bowling at one stump on the outfield and around a hundred fans formed a circle to watch. When he’d finished it took him nearly five minutes to reach the pavilion as he stopped for dozens of selfies.When the outfield had finally cleared Kent suffered a mini-collapse. Evison went for 25, edging Bailey to Matty Hurst, before Balderson claimed two wickets in the space of 10 balls. Harry Finch drove him to Josh Bohannon at mid-off for one and Compton fell to an ankle-high catch by Jennings at second slip.That left Kent on 124 for 5 and it nearly got worse for the hosts as Muyeye was on 23 when he pulled Lyon to the midwicket boundary, only to be dropped by Jack Blatherwick.Having dropped into the middle order after struggling as an opener, Muyeye responded with his first half-century of the season.Debutant Charlie Stobo joined him and made an inventive 36 before he was bowled by Lyon, ending a stand of 82 and leaving Kent on 210 for 6 at tea.Swanepoel made 19 before he top-edged Lyon behind and Matt Parkinson went for a nine-ball duck against his former county, lbw to Luke Wells.Lyon then bowled George Garrett middle-stump for three and although Muyeye was dropped again, this time off Lyon by a sliding Williams, he was lbw to Wells in the next over, denying Kent a single batting point and leaving Lancs to face 14 overs before stumps.Swanepoel sent Jennings’ off stump flying for an eight-ball duck but he was the only victim, with Wells just surviving a dicey penultimate over from Stobo.