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With the January transfer window just around the corner, Fulham have reportedly received an early approach to sell one of Marco Silva’s star men in an exit that would be quite the blow.

Fulham transfer news

The Cottagers are enjoying an impressive campaign and have well and truly become an established Premier League side once again, putting their days in the dropzone to bed on a permanent basis. Their transfer business deserves great credit for such security too, given how successful the likes of Alex Iwobi and, more recently, Emile Smith Rowe have been.

Brazilian press claim Fulham are about to make January bid for "top" talent

He’s been described as “one of Brazil’s biggest midfield talents.”

By
Barney Lane

Dec 14, 2024

Forced to settle for a point against high-flying Liverpool last time out, despite taking the lead twice at Anfield, Fulham are a side to watch even when they square off against England’s best sides.

With their recent success may well come the interest of European clubs in certain star players in what is a given for almost every club on an upwards trajectory. The task that those at Craven Cottage could be handed is keeping hold of those very star players better than they have done with the likes of Aleksandar Mitrovic and Joao Palhinha in the past.

With that said, according to Fabrizio Romano, Palmeiras have made their first approach to sign Andreas Pereira, but Fulham consider their midfielder to be “untouchable” and will likely shut down the Brazilian club’s dream move before it progresses.

When January arrives, it’s imperative that Fulham keep hold of not just Pereira, but also the likes of Antonee Robinson too as clubs swarm to pick apart an increasingly impressive squad.

"Untouchable" Pereira has been revived at Fulham

Pereira looked down and out at Manchester United before Fulham came calling. At the time, it seemed a gamble for the Cottagers to sign the Brazilian, who had failed to offer the decisive touch on the biggest stage. But he soon found himself revived under Silva and has not looked back since. Now an important figure, earning a reported £50,000-a-week, Pereira should stay put and continue a revived spell.

At the centre of Silva’s praise, the Fulham boss told reporters as relayed by United in Focus in 2022: “He has been outstanding this season. I know a lot of people had doubts when I decided to sign him but I knew his qualities and his character.

“Even last season we had a conversation about his future, but it wasn’t the right moment for him to join us. He’s a key player on and off the ball and with set pieces. Two assists this afternoon. A top professional who is enjoying himself at the moment in a white shirt.”

As Palmeiras come calling, Pereira should remain untouchable and remain an important player at the heart of Silva’s Fulham side on the rise.

West Ham expect Lucas Paqueta to lose his fight against spot-fixing allegations as the Brazilian reportedly faces a lifetime ban.

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• Odds do not favour Paqueta
• Hearing set to start this month
• Judgment could potentially end his career

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to the case against Paqueta is being assessed under the civil law standard of proof, known as the "balance of probabilities," rather than the stricter "beyond a reasonable doubt" requirement used in criminal cases. This means the Football Association (FA) only needs to establish that it is more likely than not that the 27-year-old intentionally sought yellow cards to manipulate betting markets.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  West Ham insiders have criticised the process, calling it "savage" and "very wrong" that a player’s entire career could be jeopardised by a decision made on a marginal 51 percent probability. The FA's Regulatory Commissions handle such cases under this civil standard, making it a significant hurdle for the club and the player to overcome.

  The FA formally charged Paqueta with misconduct in May 2024, alleging that he deliberately received yellow cards in four separate Premier League matches to facilitate betting wins. These incidents reportedly occurred in games against Leicester City in November 2022, Aston Villa in March 2023, Leeds United in May 2023 and Bournemouth in August of the same year.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Despite the challenges, West Ham have continued to stand by Paqueta, showing unwavering support in an effort to clear his name. The player himself has remained steadfast in his denial of the accusations, expressing his determination to prove his innocence. Proceedings are expected to begin this month and could extend over a three-week period. However, it has been confirmed that Paqueta will be allowed to continue playing for the Hammers while the hearings are ongoing.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR PAQUETA?

  As the legal battle unfolds, both the player and his club remain hopeful of a resolution that will allow him to continue his footballing career without sanctions. Paqueta has been absent from the West Ham lineup since their loss to Brentford due to an ankle injury. It remains to be seen whether he will be fit for selection when the team face Newcastle United on Monday.

Tottenham Hotspur meet Aston Villa in the Premier League this afternoon, and though fans were delighted with a win over Manchester City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, this is a different test entirely.

Unai Emery’s high-flying side perch five points ahead of Spurs, who have only won four of their nine top-flight fixtures thus far. They were defeated by Crystal Palace, who were previously winless, last weekend.

While Ange Postecoglou and his squad are hardly in dire straits, there is a feeling that defeat in north London against the Villans – for the second season running – would place a sour taste in the fanbase’s proverbial mouth.

It’ll be a tough test indeed, there are no two ways about it. Aston Villa are unbeaten on the road in the Premier League this term and have only been beaten by Arsenal, way back in match-week two.

Moreover, Micky van de Ven has picked up another injury and faces a spell on the sidelines. Fans can only hope that it doesn’t prove to be a detrimental blow.

Micky van de Ven's injured – again

Van de Ven is a fantastic footballer, endowed with the highest calibre of athleticism and keeping things crisp from Tottenham’s backline, one of the sharpest distributors in the Premier League.

The 23-year-old has been plying his craft in the English capital for over one year now, joining from German side Wolfsburg in a £43m deal in August 2023. He’s been brilliant; it’s quite easy to forget how porous Spurs were in defence before his advent.

Indeed, the Dutchman ranks among the top 1% of centre-backs in the English top flight this season for assists, the top 14% for pass completion, the top 11% for progressive passes, and the top 14% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref. Such metrics underscore the complete nature of his skill set.

He’s a singular player, irreplaceable, even. His lightning-quick pace and muscular physique make him the prototypical defender to nullify Aston Villa’s frontline, with the likes of Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran, once he is inevitably unleashed past the hour mark, certain to be emboldened by his absence.

Tottenham worries have been compounded by the potential absence of Cristian Romero too, with Postecoglou revealing that the Argentine titan was left feeling “a bit sore” following the victory over City.

That eventuality is bound to send a frisson of fear lancing through Lilywhites supporters near and far. Although, saying that, it’s not all doom and gloom.

Radu Dragusin is set to start in central defence, regardless of Romero’s fitness. The 22-year-old Romanian won his only ground duel against City on Wednesday, as per Sofascore, also making five clearances to keep the visitors at bay.

Who else to promote to the rearguard? Archie Gray is one option, but he’s young and inexperienced, and would not fare well in a moonlit position against a team like Villa.

Ben Davies, then.

Ben Davies could replace Van de Ven – again

Davies has been at Tottenham for some time. In July 2014, the Wales international arrived from Swansea City in a swap deal worth £10m.

He’s been a loyal servant down N17. A decade later, Davies, now aged 31, has made 335 appearances for the north Londoners, scoring nine goals and supplying 23 further assists.

An 89-cap international, he’s as experienced as they come and hardly averse to playing from the outset in the Premier League – albeit, Postecoglou is yet to dispatch him in the league this season.

That said, Davies has played every minute of Tottenham’s Europa League campaign so far, keeping a clean sheet at centre-back against AZ Alkmaar last time out.

As per Sofascore, he’s completed 91% of his passes across those three fixtures while averaging 85 touches per game. This bodes well for Davies’ potential replacement of Van de Ven, for he’s not afraid to star at the centre of the action in central defence and is a top-class passer besides.

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He’s also proven himself to be capable of stepping in for the Netherlands star last season, proving to be something of a hero during the threadbare spell of Spurs’ 2023/24 season, when Van de Ven was sidelined throughout the winter period.

The £80k-per-week ace is of course not as good as Van de Ven. He’s not as mobile, and nor is he blessed with the same athletic prowess. Having said that, though, the Welshman’s metrics do align quite nicely when contrasting them against his Spurs positional peer, as you can see below.

Davies might not carry some of the same natural-born properties as Van de Ven, sure, but he’s a reliable and robust defender who doesn’t earn as much match action as perhaps he deserves.

Only last season, as stated, the defender stepped in for his peer and produced some composed and cultured performances in the face of adversity, starting 12 matches, completing 91% of his passes, and winning 68% of his ground duels.

So then, he’s not just competent on the continent, against ostensibly lower-level opponents. Davies is assured and will not find his fluency knocked by an absence from the Premier League field.

In fact, the long-serving Spurs man’s industriousness may well blend nicely with the more dynamic defending of Dragusin, sure to start against Villa later on today.

Of course, Romero’s unavailability is not something that Tottenham supporters would hope for, but it’s perhaps a testament to Postecoglou’s project that he’s created a team with ample cover for such conundrums.

Davies has what it takes to send Emery’s outfit packing, and he should be unleashed. Who knows, if Romero does receive the green light, maybe his particular profile would be best served in the starting line-up, instead of Dragusin.

Spurs thought they'd signed the new Mousa Dembele, then he left for free

The promising star couldn’t make it work at Spurs.

2

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Nov 2, 2024

Everton are reportedly “serious competitors” to complete the signing of a player with “remarkable potential”, in what is an exciting transfer update.

Everton transfer news

There is fresh optimism among Blues supporters that The Friedkin Group could provide Sean Dyche with more transfer funds moving forward compared to Farhad Moshiri, as they look to ensure that the club are no longer battling for their Premier League survival season upon season.

One promising rumour has claimed that Dan Friedkin is eyeing a cut-price deal for Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the 26-year-old right-back currently plying his trade at Fenerbahce.

In what would be an audacious piece of business, Everton have also been linked with a move for Lille striker Jonathan David, who is arguably one of the best players in Ligue 1 currently. The 24-year-old already has seven goals in eight league starts this season, not to mention netting 29 times in 56 caps for Canada, and has been a rumoured option for many other clubs due to his contract expiring next summer.

Meanwhile, Sevilla midfielder Stanis Idumdo is also considered a potential target for the Blues, with the 19-year-old an exciting young talent who has already made five first-team appearances, scoring once in that time.

Everton "serious competitors" to sign ace

According to a new update from Homme Du Match [via Sport Witness], Everton are seen as “serious competitors” to sign Fluminense forward Kaua Elias, with Lille and Benfica also thought to be in the mix to snap him up. The 18-year-old Brazilian is described in the report as a player with “remarkable potential”, with the Blues “positioning themselves” to make a move for the £5.7m-rated ace.

Elias isn’t exactly a household name among Premier League supporters yet, but the manner in which he is talked about in the update suggests that he could be a fantastic option for Everton.

The fact that even Barcelona and Real Madrid have been linked with a move for the teenage ace says so much about his potential, and football talent scout Jacek Kulig has hailed him as “one of the most interesting teenage strikers in South America”.

Patience would clearly be needed with Elias, though, given the fact that he is still a raw talent who is learning his trade, not to mention the fact that he is yet to experience European football of any kind.

Friedkin plotting bargain Everton deal for "outstanding" in-demand defender

The Toffees are looking to win a busy race…

By
Tom Cunningham

Nov 9, 2024

He has seven goals in 39 appearances for Fluminense at senior level, however, which is impressive given his age, and a tally of nine strikes in just 12 caps for Brazil’s Under-17s shows he is a player with so much promise.

INEOS and Manchester United are exploring a deal that would see them sign a “quality” player who has a £16 million release clause in his contract, according to a recent report. The Red Devils may well be active in the New Year if their targets are available, as the hierarchy tries to get the squad shaped as Ruben Amorim would like as soon as possible.

Man Utd could offer £80m flop in exchange for young Brazilian star

INEOS reportedly want to get rid of a Man United flop by offering him in a part-exchange deal.

By
Brett Worthington

Nov 12, 2024

Man Utd transfer news

The Portuguese arrived in Manchester on Monday and has been since getting on with media duties and familiarising himself with players, club staff and training ground. Amorim is expected to go with his trusted 3-4-3 formation at United, and it could be that the club splashes the cash in the winter window to tailor the squad to his needs.

It has already been claimed that United have made an enquiry over the signing of Chelsea attacker Christopher Nkunku. The Frenchman is unhappy with his playing time this season and is considering his future, so much so that a move could happen in the New Year. The Red Devils may see Nkunku as someone who can help improve them at the top end of the pitch as they struggle for goals.

Meanwhile, United are also looking into reuniting Amorim with one of his former players, as they have made an enquiry to Geovany Quenda from Sporting. The 17-year-old has broken into the first team this season and is very highly rated by the 39-year-old manager. But these are not the only players that the Premier League side is keeping an eye on, as they are also interested in a former player of theirs.

Man Utd exploring deal to sign Alvaro Carreras from Benfica

According to Marca, relayed by Caught Offside, Manchester United are exploring a deal to bring Alvaro Carreras back to Old Trafford. The 21-year-old started his career in Deportivo’s academy before he moved to Real Madrid, and it was from there that the Red Devils secured his services.

The left-back joined United in 2020, and during his time at Old Trafford he had loan spells at Preston, Granada CF, and Benfica. Then in the summer, Carreras was sold to the Portuguese side, leaving United without playing a single minute in the first team.

Carreras, who has been hailed for his “amazing engine and quality” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, signed a contract until 2029, but part of the deal saw United have a buy-back option, which is at €20 million, roughly £16 million. The Spanish under-21 international has been in impressive form this season, scoring twice in 10 Liga Portugal games.

This report states that United are looking into the possibility of bringing him back to the club, but they also face competition from Liverpool. However, the Red Devils having the £16 million buy-back clause gives them an advantage as other clubs would have to pay his full €50 million release clause.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou is certain to be without a “very strong” player for their trip to Crystal Palace on Sunday, with star winger Son Heung-min also very likely to miss the Premier League encounter.

Tottenham beat AZ Alkmaar as Postecoglou returns to winning form

Spurs narrowly scraped past Dutch giants AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League on Thursday evening, courtesy of Richarlison’s first goal of the season, and the win makes it two from their last two games after a rampant 4-1 victory at the expense of West Ham last weekend.

Why Archie Gray could already leave Tottenham as soon as January

He’s struggling for consistent game time.

By
Emilio Galantini

Oct 22, 2024

It is a perfect response to their regrettable 3-2 fumble at Brighton just before the international break – a result which Postecoglou will want to forget as soon as possible considering Spurs’ two-goal lead – but the Lilywhites’ past two outings are doing wonders to put it behind them.

Next up, Crystal Palace await Postecoglou’s side at Selhurst Park, with Eagles boss Oliver Glasner under intense pressure and looking to secure his first win of the new campaign.

Richarlison and Wilson Odobert will both be available for the south London clash, with the latter coming off the bench against AZ and making his first appearance in weeks after recovering from a hamstring injury.

However, the same cannot be said for Son, who is a huge doubt for Palace. The South Korea international will not be able to train this afternoon, and is therefore unlikely to make a return on Sunday.

“Sonny is still not right or feeling 100 per cent,” said Postecoglou in his press conference today.

“He won’t train today and so unlikely for the weekend and we’ll see how he is beyond that.”

The 32-year-old will be a big miss considering his importance to Postecoglou in an attacking sense, having stood out as one of their key players since the Australian took over from Antonio Conte last season.

Tottenham without Djed Spence for Crystal Palace through injury

Alongside Son, Postecoglou won’t be able to call upon right-back Djed Spence. The Englishman suffered a groin injury in training last week, and it is believed Spence will be absent for Tottenham’s trip to Crystal Palace as a result, but he isn’t expected to be out for much longer.

Spence was recently awarded a new deal at Spurs, owing to the redemption arc he’s undergone since being sent out on multiple loan spells last season. Italian media praised Spence for his form out on a temporary spell at Genoa last season, and he’s now brought that home to N17.

The “very strong” defender, as he was called by Gabriel Martinelli, is now a member of Postecoglou’s first-team squad – and could play a role as Tottenham seek to end their 16-year wait for a major trophy.

“I said a couple of days ago and consistently say, most of a players future is in their own hands,” said Postecoglou on Spence.

“They’re as much in control as anyone else. I think sometimes footballers forget that. With Djed, it could have been easy for to go out on loan again. But when he came into preseason, he was determined to make a career for himself here at Tottenham rather than wait to be loaned out.

“He did everything right in training, his attitude was great. He’s a good footballer, I think the way we play suits him and he’s knuckled down to that. And he’s earned himself a spot on the roster in our squad.

“The rest is up to him again. Because it’s an easy decision for me to make when I see that. Like I said, sometimes footballers think their fate is in other peoples’ hands. For the most part, it’s in their own. If they’re doing well and doing everything right, the future tends to take care of itself, whether that’s where you currently are or you move on. And Djed’s certainly done that.”

The striker has been hit with a series of injury issues over the last few years, but he's back on the scoresheet awaiting his big chance

Josh Sargent admits it himself. When he returned from his latest injury, he wasn't quite sure what player would be returning. He'd spent three months away due to a groin injury and subsequent surgery. He'd dealt with injuries before, of course, but Sargent admits this time, he felt different and there were some doubts.

"You still get those nerves, those thoughts," he said according to The Pink Un. "Can I still do what I was doing before?’ Especially with injuries, you never know how you’re going to be afterward if you’re still going to feel it or whatnot. So it’s obviously a thought in the back of my head, but I try to push it away and remember all the good times I’ve been having out on the pitch."

Those doubts quickly faded. Sargent wasted no time rediscovering his form, especially in front of goal. Since returning to Norwich City's lineup on Jan. 25, he has scored four goals in three matches, boosting the Canaries' push for a promotion playoff spot.

His resurgence comes at a crucial moment. With teammate Borja Sainz — the Championship’s leading scorer – suspended due to a spitting incident, Sargent has stepped up, proving he can be one of the league’s top strikers. With Sainz set to return soon, Norwich will have two prolific scorers to fuel their Premier League push.

On the other side of the Atlantic, U.S. Mauricio Pochettino, too, will be watching on with a smile on his face. An injury crisis has heavily-impacted the U.S. men's national team's striker pool, leaving Pochettino without two go-to forwards in the attack. Neither Ricardo Pepi nor Folarin Balogun will be available to lead the line in March's CONCACAF Nations League semifinals and, if all goes well, the final. Sargent, if all goes well, will be that guy.

Sargent's return from injury and subsequent surge have come at the right time as he has the chance to lead the way for both club and country over the next few weeks.

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  The injury

  Coming into the season, there was every reason to be excited about Sargent. He'd scored 13 goals in a breakout 2022-23 campaign. Last season, despite more injury issues, he scored 16 in just 26 Championship appearances. This time around, Norwich were gunning for a Premier League return and Sargent would lead the way.

  It started well enough. He scored twice in August to get the season started strongly before a slight ankle injury temporarily sidelined him in September. Then, in October, that groin injury popped up, knocking him out of action until late January.

  With the frequency of injuries, its understandable why Sargent would have doubts after that. The groin surgery was his second in a little over a year, having had an operation on his ankle in late 2023. That ankle procedure forced him out of 28 games. A previous ankle issue caused him to miss 14 the year prior. Meanwhile, this groin injury would keep him out for 21 games over 102 games. Over the last few years, at several key times, injuries had hit the forward at the worst possible times.

  Sargent's latest return came on Jan. 11. For those first few matches, Norwich smartly eased him back, building him up gradually. It's paid off, as Sargent is now back in the XI and back scoring big goals for a club with a real chance to climb the table.

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  Return to form

  Sargent got back to his best toward the end of January. Just three days after falling to Leeds United to make it three losses in a row in all competitions, Norwich went out and smashed Seansea, 5-1. Sargent was responsible for two goals, helping to kickstart the blowout.

  There was no blowout a week later but, again, Sargent was the guy, scoring the lone goal in a 1-0 win over Watford. Then, on Feb. 8, Sargent was on the scoresheet again, netting a go-ahead goal before Norwich threw away the lead by conceding a late penalty. That's four in three games for Sargent, who has taken no time to get back to playing at a high level, despite the injury concerns.

  "[I feel] pretty sharp," Sargent said last weekend. "My legs are still getting there, but I'm feeling good. That was my first 90 today, so I think it's been a good progression, and we've managed it really well. I want to play as much as possible, but it feels good to play a full game. Either way, I'm feeling really good and feel like I'm in a good position. If it were up to me, I probably wanted to play more minutes faster, but in the end, it's been good. 

  He added, "It's always frustrating. Being injured is the worst thing. You just have to sit on the sidelines, and you're not really able to help out the team, but you've just got to dig in and hope that when you get back, you'll hit the ground running, and I think I've done that. I can't speak for other guys, but getting injuries, it's like coming back, am I going to be as effective? Am I going to be as strong and whatnot? So, to score goals like this obviously helps my confidence a lot." 

  A confident Sargent is huge for Norwich, who now look like a legitimate threat near the top of the Championship.

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  Norwich's playoff push

  Even without Sargent, goals weren't really a problem for Norwich. Their 50 goals are second-most in the league behind just league-leaders Leeds. Sainz currently leads the Championship in finishes with 15. Sargent, meanwhile, would likely be right up there if he were healthy. Now, he's eager to make up for lost time.

  "I think he's getting a bit nervous now, " Sargent joked to BBC Radio Norfolk when asked about Sainz. "No, it's a good competition. I keep telling him every time I score, 'I'm coming for you' but it's all good fun. If he's scoring or I'm scoring, it doesn't matter as long as we're winning games."

  Norwich will need to win some games if they're to push into the promotion playoff. Sixth is the magic spot in the Championship, one that gets you into that four-team competition for the third and final playoff spot. Right now, Norwich are eighth, two points out of that sixth-place position.

  With 15 games left, they're right in it, but it'll take some work. With Sainz and Sargent leading the line, manager Johannes Hoff Thorup will feel like his side can outscore anyone in the league, which is a pretty good way to push forward.

  It's not just Norwich that will benefit from Sargent's return, though. It could be argued that the USMNT need him most of all, particularly as they gear up for for March.

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  USMNT opportunity

  In the nearly two-and-a-half years since the USMNT played in the World Cup, Sargent hasn't been seen much in a national team jersey. He'd played a mere 152 minutes since departing Qatar, having played only 117 minutes at that World Cup. He hasn't scored for the USMNT since 2019. It's been so, so long since we've seen Sargent do much of anything in a national team shirt.

  Much of that has been out of Sargent's control. The injuries have played their part, as Sargent has missed games at crucial times. The fact is, though, that even when he has been available, Sargent has generally been No. 3 on the depth chart. Both Balogun and Pepi have been ahead of him and, given their records and skillsets, it's easy to see why.

  There will be no Pepi nor Balogun in March. Both are dealing with long-term injuries. Balogun is nearing the end of his layoff, with the striker expected to return in April. Pepi's recovery is just beginning. Either way, the USMNT will need a striker in March. In this form, there's little doubt that it should be Sargent.

  It's a huge chance for the striker. Both Balogun and Pepi are likely World Cup locks, which means there is a fight going on for who will be the third striker to make next summer's roster. Brandon Vazquez, and Patrick Agyemang are in that mix but, with a good performance in March, Sargent can make a statement in proving to Pochettino that he can bring his club form to the USMNT.

  These chances don't come often and, when they do come, a player like Sargent can't waste them. He'll get a long-awaited USMNT chance in March, and it's coming at a time when he has every reason to believe in himself.

Everton have travelled through peaks and valleys over the course of their Premier League journey, but it’s clear that work needs to be done to escape from the current sloping morass.

Sean Dyche was brought in to restore some defensive security at Goodison Park and indeed succeeded in his efforts, steadying the ship and staving off the threat of relegation, but the Toffees relapsed at the start of the current campaign and, with The Friedkin Group completing a club takeover from Farhad Moshiri, some changes are going to be made.

Everton definitely need some more firepower up front, and what Dyche would give to have Richarlison, at the top of his game, to choose from.

Richarlison's Premier League career

Everton snapped Richarlison up for some £40m back in July 2018 after the Brazilian’s fine debut campaign in English football with Watford, who had brought the young forward over from his homeland.

He posted 53 goals and 13 assists over 152 outings for Everton, proving to be a reliable presence in front of goal and leading journalist Joe Strange to praise his “relentless” running and aggressiveness.

When Tottenham Hotspur came calling in 2022, the versatile forward jumped ship. Everton were stung by the loss of their talisman but for a fee totalling £60m, it was something of a no-brainer for Moshiri, who bit the Lilywhites’ hand off.

Especially since, as you can see from his season-by-season statistics in the Premier League, he’s since fallen by the wayside.

Richarlison's market value in 2024

Richarlison’s first year in the capital left absolutely everything to be desired, with his sole top-flight goal of the campaign coming against Liverpool in a dramatic 4-3 defeat at Anfield.

The Brazil international improved upon his woeful first term last year, enjoying a brilliant purple patch throughout the winter months that saw him plunder ten Premier League goals from just nine outings. Despite this, talkSPORT host Ally McCoist described him as a “very frustrating” forward to watch, for he never quite hits the heights that are within his ability.

According to Football Transfers’ player valuation model, Richarlison is now only worth £26m, which is probably about right given his injury problems throughout most of 2024. This is a significant drop from the sum that Spurs coughed up for his services, representing a £34m depreciation.

Richarlison played in both of Tottenham’s opening league matches of the season under Ange Postecoglou but has since been sidelined with an injury and only featured in the later stage of the matches anyway; compounding his struggles down N17, Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson are both playing well, meaning he might struggle to get back into the starting 11.

There is no doubt that Everton would relish Richarlison’s qualities in their side right now, but equally, the money recouped from his sale was too good to turn down – and his travails since point toward nothing other than an excellent piece of business.

1/10: Media slam "jittery" Everton star after poor international display

He had a terrible night at the office.

By
Henry Jackson

Oct 11, 2024

Santos boss Pedro Caixinha has hailed Neymar as a "genius", while hoping he can take after Lionel Messi on the national stage.

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• Neymar starring for Santos
• Labelled as a "genius"
• Santos boss makes Messi point

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Santos head coach Caixinha heaped praise on the 33-year-old, after finding form at the Brazilian giants since his move from Al-Hilal. He also hopes that his team can help the ex-Barcelona star "grow" and be embraced by Brazil's fans, just as Messi went on to do at Argentina following their 2022 World Cup triumph.

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• Bruno Vaz / Santos FC
  

  WHAT PEDRO CAIXINHA SAID

  After Santos' 3-0 win over Internacional de Limeira on Sunday, he told reporters: "Neymar is a football genius, but he is a very humble person, easy to get along with. He wants to win and compete. We have him at Santos as a cause. He could be at other levels of world football. This represents a lot of his relationship with Santos, the love he has for Santos, the confrontation zone he found here."

  He added: "Argentina did this with Messi. Brazil should do this with Neymar. Our responsibility is to help him grow, to make him feel confident, happy, that he wanted to play and make a difference. If he finds it here, he will find it in the national team. Things can happen."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Following a slow start, Neymar has found his feet at Santos after signing a six-month deal with his boyhood club. The former Paris Saint-Germain star has scored two goals and bagged three assists in his last three games and if he keeps this up for a sustained period, a Brazil recall could be on the cards. That would have been unthinkable after having his contract cancelled at Al-Hilal and enduring an injury-hit year or so.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Neymar, who completed 90 minutes for the first time in his second spell at Santos at the weekend, could next feature for his side in their Campeonato Paulista quarter-final at home to Bragantino on Saturday.

Reporter Pete O’Rourke has dropped a massive update regarding the future of a “special” Everton player, with Dan Friedkin making his presence felt straight away.

Everton takeover and manager news

The Blues picked up a vital 2-1 win at home to Crystal Palace last Saturday, in what was their first Premier League victory of the season, easing a significant amount of pressure on manager Sean Dyche.

The Englishman has been battling to save his job after some dreadful results in the early weeks of the campaign – they blew back-to-back 2-0 leads at home to Bournemouth and away to Aston Villa – which inevitably led to candidates being backed to replace him, including David Moyes and Gareth Southgate.

A recent claim has suggested that Dyche is safe for the time being, especially after the Palace triumph over the weekend, but he will still know that his job is under scrutiny, as The Friedkin Group look to make the right decisions when they take control.

Keeping hold of the important players at Goodison Park is of the utmost importance for the manager, as he looks to steer his side well clear of danger in the coming weeks and months.

Big update on "special" Everton star's future

According to Football Insider‘s O’Rourke, Friedkin is “unwilling” to sell Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite in the January transfer window, with the Blues’ incoming new owner “keen to not send out the wrong signals to Evertonians or other Premier League clubs” by moving him on.

The 22-year-old was constantly linked with a move away from Goodison in the summer, with the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United seen as suitors, but he ended up remaining on Merseyside, and Friedkin plans to make it clear from the off that the Blues will not be bullied into selling their stars.

This is a decision that will be met with such positivity by Everton supporters, considering the £35,000-a-week Branthwaite is one of the most prized assets in their squad currently. The Blues centre-back has such a high ceiling as a player, with Jamie Carragher under no illusions about his ability.

In truth, Everton will be aware that there is going to continue to be plenty of interest in Branthwaite, given his status as a potential future starter for England, but it is refreshing that Friedkin is digging his heels in, rather than simply cashing in and receiving huge money.

It is unlikely that the defender will spend the rest of his career at Goodison, with his ambitions likely to see him wanting to join a Champions League-playing team, but retaining his services for as long as possible can only aid Dyche and the current direction of the club.

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Should Branthwaite demand a move away, it is then a case of The Friedkin Group receiving as big a fee as possible, before using the funds to considerably strengthen the squad moving forward.