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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

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.

GOAL grades every USMNT player who moved during the winter transfer window and, just as important, those who stayed

And … exhale. The transfer window is closed. The bulk of the business is concluded, and there was no shortage of transfer speculation, and some important consummation, involving current and future U.S. men's national team stars. For most USMNT players, the January window was just as much about the transfers that didn't happen as the ones that did.

For the majority of the month, discussion centered around the likes of Ricardo Pepi, Antonee Robinson and Gio Reyna. Ultimately, none were on the move. Pepi got a new deal to stay at PSV despite massive offers. Robinson continues to, and will continue to, light up the Premier League with Fulham, as he pursues assist records. Reyna, meanwhile, is nowhere near as comfortable as those two, as he now faces another fight – and, surprise, surprise – another new coach at Borussia Dortmund.

Still, there were some key transfers. Several MLS youngsters made big moves, whether to Europe or across MLS, while some USMNT rising stars relocated overseas. The pressure of the 2026 World Cup is clearly starting to hit players' shoulders and, with that in mind, every transfer decision is vital. The right move could make all the difference. The wrong one can, too.

What should we make of some of the big swings USMNT stars took this winter? What about the players who made leaps within MLS or to Europe? And what about those who stayed, opting to turn down opportunities to leave their current clubs to fight for a place?

GOAL answers those questions, grades every USMNT player who moved this winter and – just as important – those didn't.

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  Antonee Robinson: Fulham

  There were rumblings early in the month but, by mid-January, it became pretty clear that Fulham did not want to sell. They had good reason, too. At the moment, Fulham sits ninth in the Premier League with very real hopes of pushing for a European spot. The player most important to those hopes? Robinson.

  He has 11 assists, trailing only Mohammed Salah in the Premier League in that category. No amount of money could have made up for losing Robinson, who is arguably the Premier League's best at the position, halfway through the season. Maybe that changes in the summer. Big clubs will no doubt want to sign Robinson, who plays a position of need for several of the Premier League's best.

  Maybe Fulham can be convinced to cash out in the summer. Perhaps Robinson will be open to a new challenge but, also, maybe not. There's something to be said for comfort and, with the 2026 World Cup looming, Robinson is already playing an elite level where he is.

  Either way, this discussion will get revisited in the summer, and you can't blame anyone involved for pushing it forward a window, given how well this season is going.

  GRADE: A-

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  Luca de la Torre: San Diego FC

  On a personal level, this has to feel like a dream come true for the midfielder – and you have to take that into account here.

  De la Torre was born and raised in San Diego, and he'll now return home to be a key player for his hometown team's first season in MLS. That has be cool, a feeling that can't be replicated anywhere else other than MLS. Was it worth trading a European career for? Some would certainly say yes. There's no place like home, as they say.

  As for the USMNT picture, that's trickier. The midfield is more crowded than ever with performing well all over the world. De la Torre hasn't played nearly enough over the last year or so, this move to MLS may get him back on the field. Either way, national team or no national team, this has to feel good for De la Torre on a human level, and that's important.

  GRADE: A-

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  James Sands: St. Pauli

  We already have some significant data on this one, since Sands moved so early, and that data is positive. Sands has immediately become a key player for the Bundesliga side. He's already featured five times with three starts, with St. Pauli going unbeaten in those three starts. You can't begin your tenure with a new team much better than that, can you?

  St. Pauli has Sands playing in midfield, but he could also play centerback in their back three if the need arises. Because of that, this feels like a perfect fit. This is just a loan, and St. Pauli still aren't totally clear of the relegation zone. Still, after not quite making it at Rangers during his first stay in Europe, Sands is already showing that he's a new player who can play at a higher level than before.

  GRADE: A –

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  Taylor Booth: FC Twente

  In some ways, this is a lateral move from one decent Eredivisie team to another. It is also exactly the type of move Booth needs right now. Just two years ago, the American winger was being linked with Manchester United but this season, in particular, hasn't gone to plan. He hasn't been used enough by Utrecht, featuring just nine times for 254 minutes.

  At 23, these are key years and Booth has to play games. He's seemingly found a club that will let him do that without really taking a step down. Utrecht sit third in the Eredivisie. Twente sit sixth, seven points behind with a game in hand. Realistically, these two teams are in the same tier.

  By joining Twente, Booth will now get a chance to play more in a league he knows well and has proven himself in. Because of that, this all makes sense.

  GRADE: A-

One of Everton’s busiest transfer windows in recent seasons came in the summer of 2022, when Frank Lampard was manager. The Toffees signed six players on permanent deals, and two players on loan, as they looked to boost Premier League survival hopes for the 2022/23 campaign.

The headline signing from that season was Amadou Onana, who joined from Lille for £33m, although he has since left for fellow Premier League side Aston Villa. The Toffees signed four first-teamers who are still at the club today; Dwight McNeil, James Garner and Idrissa Gueye cost them a combined £26m, and James Tarkowski joined on a free.

Their sixth and final permanent deal that summer was a player who has also now departed the club. That man is striker Neal Maupay.

Maupay’s Everton record

It is fair to say that Maupay’s move to Goodison Park did not work out for any party involved. The Toffees signed him from Brighton and Hove Albion for £15m in 2022, and he never really found his best form in front of goal.

Life as an Everton player started superbly for the striker, who scored in just his second game for the club, a strike at Goodison Park against West Ham United.

However, the Frenchman failed to find the back of the net again and ended his time at Everton with one goal in 31 appearances.

Last term, the former Brighton striker left on loan to return to his former club Brentford. The 28-year-old had a far more successful time of things for the Bees than he did as an Everton player. His second spell in West London saw him score eight goals and grab three assists in 31 appearances for Thomas Frank’s side.

Following the expiration of his loan at Brentford last July, the striker departed Everton permanently. He made the move back to France, signing for Olympique Marseille, where former Seagulls boss Roberto de Zerbi is now manager. The French outfit signed him on loan with an obligation to buy him in 2025.

Things did not go according to plan for Maupay at Goodison Park. Then manager Lampard was very close to bringing in a different striker, who is now one of the deadliest players in the Premier League.

Who Everton nearly signed instead of Maupay

The player in question here is Aston Villa and England international Ollie Watkins. The striker has been a revelation under Unai Emery over the past 18 months and scored the Three Lions’ winner in the Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands.

According to an exclusive report from Football Insider back in 2022, the Toffees ‘registered their interest in signing’ Watkins during the final days of the summer transfer window. Incredible though it may seem, the report does state Villa were ‘open to letting Watkins go’, as they searched for a quality centre-forward.

Well, as it turned out, Watkins proved to be that very player for the Villans. He has now played 177 times in that famous claret and blue shirt, scoring 74 times and grabbing 29 assists. That included a superb 2023/24 campaign, in which his 32 goals and assists in 37 Premier League games helped the club qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 1983.

Watkins, who was described as “elite” by football statistician Statman Dave, has quickly become one of the most valuable players in the Premier League. According to a report from The Mirror in July, he is valued at an eye-watering £85.7m, far more than what the Toffees could have expected to pay back in 2022.

Everton fans can only dream about how things might have turned out for them had they managed to sign the Villa striker instead of Maupay.

Perhaps Lampard, who was sacked in January 2023, would have kept his job, with the Toffees were reaching the pinnacle of European football thanks to Watkins.

Everton wanted to sign "special" £30m star but are stuck with Lindstrom

Sean Dyche could have signed a talented Championship sensation this summer…

By
Ross Kilvington

Oct 1, 2024

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.

Everton wanted to sign "special" £30m star but are stuck with Lindstrom

Sean Dyche could have signed a talented Championship sensation this summer…

By
Ross Kilvington

Oct 1, 2024

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.

Mikel Arteta says he has been left "absolutely fuming" by the decision to send Myles Lewis-Skelly off during Arsenal's win over Wolves.

Article continues below

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• Lewis-Skelly red-carded
• Arsenal won with 10 men
• Arteta nevertheless frustrated

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Lewis-Skelly was sent off in rather harsh circumstances during Arsenal's clash with Wolves. The Molineux side attempted to break from a corner and Lewis-Skelly fouled Matt Doherty. While the expectation would perhaps have been a yellow card, Michael Oliver instead brandished a red.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Lewis-Skelly headed down the tunnel and Arteta introduced Riccardo Calafiori in place of Ethan Nwaneri. The Italian went on to score the winner, while Wolves were also reduced to 10 men in the second half as Joao Gomes was dismissed. Nevertheless, the Gunners boss was furious with the decision to dismiss the 18-year-old.

• WHAT ARTETA SAID

  Arteta told : "It is that clear that I leave it to you guys. I am absolutely fuming but I leave it with you. Because it is that obvious. I don't think my words are going to help."

  Asked if the Gunners would launch an appeal, he said:  "That's for the club to decide what the best decision is. I think it's that obvious, maybe we don't even need to."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Arsenal return to action in midweek against Girona in the Champions League. They then face Manchester City in a huge Premier League encounter.

One bad afternoon aside, Liverpool have been brilliant under Arne Slot this season. The Dutchman inherited a top-class squad from Jurgen Klopp, who had run out of energy after crafting an illustrious dynasty, but the Reds certainly weren’t infallible.

Liverpool were pulled from the title race last season by a wretched run of Premier League form throughout April, with eventual champions in the Europa League, Atalanta, and FA Cup, Manchester United, defeating the Anfield side en route to gold.

Klopp did end his tenure with a vicarious campaign in the Carabao Cup, but there is plenty for this Liverpool side still to give under new leadership, with some players excitingly going from strength to strength.

Let’s take a look at two of the best.

Luis Diaz & Ibrahima Konate for Liverpool in 2023/24

Luis Diaz has been a revelation this season. Across five Premier League matches, the Colombian winger has scored five fine goals and claimed one assist.

He started fast last term but after bagging in both of Liverpool’s opening fixtures scored just one goal and assist apiece over the subsequent 18 matches.

His underlying numbers from last year are not too dissimilar to those of the opening weeks, but there’s little question that he is proving to be far more effective and deadly with his attacking involvements.

He’s not the only one enjoying an exciting resurgence. Ibrahima Konate has been immense in Liverpool’s backline this season, scoring at the San Siro in the Champions League last week and blending technique with titanic defensive resolve in the English top flight.

As per Sofascore, the France international has won 77% of his duels in the league across his five appearances, also completing 91% of his passes and placing a gorgeous assist for Diaz’s opening goal against Bournemouth last weekend.

​He’s been a beast of a defender since signing for the Merseysiders from RB Leipzig when his £36m release clause was met in 2021. Still only ​25 years old, Konate has completed 96 matches for the outfit but ebbed and flowed from form last term.

Indeed, he fell by the wayside as Liverpool’s carriage also toppled under Klopp in 2024, with The Athletic’s James Pearce commenting on his “dreadful” displays. He was one of the chief culprits as Crystal Palace defeated Liverpool at Anfield in April, which is what Pearce was commenting on.

Pundit Jamie Carragher hurled criticism at the talent toward the backend of last season too, saying: “Konate’s been so poor of late, really poor. Liverpool need to buy a centre-back in the summer.”

Liverpool, as we all know, didn’t buy a new centre-half in the summer but Konate is proving – so far – that he has what it takes to partner Virgil van Dijk with steel and authority throughout the duration of the campaign.

He’s had mixed luck on the injury front at Liverpool but Konate has been Hercules-esque across these opening couple of months and is an indispensable member of the starting line-up right now.

Both players are enjoying fine a resurgence and will be eager to pen lucrative new deals to reflect their importance at the heart of Slot’s project. After all, Kostas Tsimikas, for example, takes home a heftier pay packet.

Why Liverpool should get rid of Kostas Tsimikas

Liverpool signed Tsimikas from Greek side Olympiakos for a shrewd fee of about £12m in 2020, meaning that the left-back was recruited for the recently-crowned Premier League champions in an attempt to bolster the high-flying existing options.

He’s never quite established himself, though has played an important role throughout the later phase of Klopp’s tenure. Indeed, the 28-year-old has played 90 times for Liverpool and has assisted 17 goals, which stands at an average rate of 0.19 per match.

For reference, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s career assist rate for Liverpool is 0.26 per game, so Tsimikas knows a thing or two about playmaking, have no doubt.

As per FBref, he actually ranks among the top 2% of full-backs across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, the top 7% for passes attempted and the top 9% for progressive passes per 90.

But it’s not all about assisting the forwards. He’s solid but unspectacular, and given that Andy Robertson is now 30 years old and Liverpool have been linked with a new left-back for some time, it would be much more wise to sell the Greece native and allow Robertson to compete with whoever is – possibly – brought in to strengthen Slot’s unit.

Tsimikas signed a new contract with Liverpool one year ago today that extends his service on Merseyside to 2027. It means that the second-choice left-back is now earning £75k per week, documented as more than the earnings of both Diaz and Konate.

Indeed, Konate, who has entered the penultimate year of his one and only signed deal with Liverpool, earns £70k per week, with the £55k-per-week Diaz also yet to extend the deal that saw him move from Porto in January 2022.

This is not a… concern for the Reds, but Liverpool need to rise to another level if they wish to keep pace with Manchester City and Arsenal at the summit of English football. Tsimikas is not unexpendable, with transfer insider Dean Jones revealing last October that Liverpool were assessing their options despite recently tying him down to new terms.

Described “woeful” by reporter James Dodd last season, perhaps it’s time for something new. With prominent stars like the aforementioned still earning less than Tsimikas, something needs to change.

Better than Trent: Liverpool wanted to sign superstar who's now worth £235m

He may well be Jurgen Klopp’s big regret…

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Sep 24, 2024

Setting their sights on the future, Newcastle United are reportedly among the clubs who are interested in signing a Championship gem whose brother is already hoping to break through in the Premier League.

Newcastle transfer news

Whilst much of Newcastle's summer was spent chasing Marc Guehi only to fail in their pursuit, the Magpies looked to have broadened their search for reinforcements ahead of 2025. Those at St James' Park have been linked with further moves for the likes of Anthony Elanga, having failed with a last-gasp bid on deadline day at the end of August, and Lille's Jonathan David.

David would be a particularly wise acquisition, given that he's set to become a free agent following a number of impressive seasons leading the line for Lille. The Canada international, still just 24 years old, could be in line to make his biggest move yet and may even arrive in Newcastle to form a frightening partnership with Alexander Isak.

Newcastle star was worth £29m when PIF arrived, now he's worth 245% more

He’s been a huge hit since his move to Newcastle.

By
Ethan Lamb

Sep 12, 2024

A duo who would solve any attacking problems for years to come, the Magpies have also reportedly set their sights beyond Isak and David, with one Championship gem on the agenda.

According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, Newcastle are very keen on signing Harry Gray from Leeds United, but aren't alone in their interest, with Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal also eyeing a move to sign the young striker.

Of course, the name Gray is one that North London should already be familiar with, given that Archie Gray completed a move to Spurs worth a reported £30m this summer. Now, both the Lilywhites, their bitter rivals and Newcastle reportedly want to bring the midfielder's brother to the Premier League in 2025.

Still just 15 years old, Gray could have quite the decision to make amid such interest, which could one day see him square off against his older brother in the top flight.

Gray could follow similar path to Archie Gray

Gray certainly finds himself in an interesting position amid such interest. He could join his older brother and play alongside him for years to come in North London in what would undoubtedly be a wholesome moment. Or, he may well decide to ignite the classic narrative of sibling rivalry by joining the likes of Newcastle and instead squaring off against his brother.

A different type of player to the Spurs man, Gray is a striker and has already caught the eye of The Athletic's Phil Hay, who told the Square Ball podcast, as relayed by One Football: “I mean, Harry is another one they’ve been talking about for a long time as looking incredibly talented, masses and masses of potential. The thing you’ve seen with Archie; he manages himself really well.

“He lives as a footballer needs to. A proper professional even though he’s so young. He seems driven to develop and get better which I suspect is in the Gray genes. Big things expected of both of them.”

As the young striker continues to progress, it will be interesting to see whether Newcastle push on with their interest even further.

Amad Diallo says he is having one of the "best weeks" of his life after scoring his first Manchester United hat-trick and signing a new contract.

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• Amad signs new Man Utd deal
• Scores hat-trick vs Southampton
• "One of the best weeks of my life"

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Ivory Coast international scored three late goals to secure United a 3-1 comeback win over Southampton at Old Trafford on Thursday night. This comes seven days on from the 22-year-old signing a new long-term deal with the Red Devils, which capped off a brilliant week for the youngster.

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  WHAT AMAD DIALLO SAID

  He told TNT Sports: "In football you have to believe. We believed until the end and are very happy to win this game. We drew with Arsenal and Liverpool so the confidence was there. We are very happy.

  On where this week ranks after scoring his first senior hat-trick and signing a new contract, he added: "Maybe one of the best weeks in my life. I am very happy for this win. This team deserved to win this game so I am very happy."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Amad is becoming a vital player at United under new head coach Ruben Amorim. The Ivorian has now scored five goals and bagged as many assists in his last 11 Premier League matches. There have not been many positives for United this season but Amad is arguably the main one.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Amad will hope to continue his goalscoring form when United host Brighton in their next Premier League encounter on Sunday.

The former St. Louis head coach will be tasked with turning things around at a Union side which missed the playoffs in 2024

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• Union hire Carnell
• South African coach has a 22-15-25 record in MLS regular season
• Replaces Curtin, who was let go following 2024

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  After a months-long search, the Philadelphia Union have found their new head coach in former St. Louis CITY SC boss Bradley Carnell.

  The South African replaces 2022 Coach of Year Jim Curtin, who the club decided to part ways following a disappointing 2024 season. Carnell comes to Philadelphia following an inconsistent first turn in MLS in St. Louis.

  In his first season with the club, CITY were first in the Western Conference and he was a coach of the Year candidate. Following a playoff collapse to Sporting KC, the club's fortunes turned and St. Louis fired the manager in July after a 3-7-10 start in. Carnell has a 22-15-25 in MLS regular season as a coach.

  The Union finished 9-15-10 last year, ending a six-year streak in the postseason. The club reached the MLS Cup in 2022.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Philadelphia hasn’t historically been one of MLS’s biggest spenders, but it boasts the league’s strongest academy, with several players ready to take the next step.

  All eyes will likely be on the Sullivan brothers, Quinn and Cavan, and they can be the next pillars for a club that's rebuilding. Cavan Sullivan is still a work in progress, but Quinn could vie for an MLS All-Star spot this season after a breakout 2024 where he had five goals and eight assists.

  How Carnell combines the youth movement with an unfinished roster with MLS vets and undervalued players from abroad will determine if he is a success in Philly.

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  WHAT THE UNION SAID

  "Bradley has the attributes we were looking for in a manager and the experience needed as we commit to getting back to our identity as a team," Philadelphia Union sporting sirector Ernst Tanner said in a statement. "With knowledge of both MLS and international markets, he is tactically astute and aligned with our sporting strategy. His approach emphasizes a high-press style of play while organizing a structured defense. Additionally, he shares the club's vision for developing players. We are confident he will bring a clear sporting philosophy that elevates the team and delivers a competitive season. We look forward to welcoming him to Philadelphia."

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• WHAT CARNELL SAID

  “I’m honored to be named head coach of the Philadelphia Union, and I would like to thank the Union ownership group and Ernst Tanner for their trust in me,” Carnell said in a statement. “Philadelphia is an amazing city, built on communities of hardworking and passionate people who truly love their soccer. I am excited for this opportunity to build upon an already solid foundation and aim to help raise the Union organization to the next level that our fans and city can be proud of.”