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Liverpool are reportedly eyeing up a move for another midfield talent next summer as they look to solve their problem area once and for all under Arne Slot.

Liverpool seeking midfield additions

Liverpool made just one summer addition to their senior side in the transfer window, adding Federico Chiesa to their ranks in a £12m deal from Juventus late in the day. He joins an already brimming attacking corps at Anfield, which already boasts the evergreen Mohamed Salah as well as Darwin Núñez, Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota, as well as talented youngster Harvey Elliot.

But despite a strong start to the Premier League season – albeit one which stalled against Nottingham Forest – question marks remain over other areas of the pitch, namely in midfield.

Related Bayern Munich desperately want new Musiala contract amid Liverpool interest

Big clubs are circling for the former Chelsea academy man.

Posts ByBen Browning Sep 14, 2024

After a very public pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, the Reds were burned on the transfer front once more as the EURO 2024 winner opted to remain in San Sebastian rather than make the move to Merseyside. It left Liverpool without an alternative option, and though Ryan Gravenberch has begun in fine form this season there are question marks over his long-term suitability for the role at the very highest level.

Further forward there are also questions, with Dominik Szoboszlai having failed to wow under Jurgen Klopp in his first season at Anfield, while Curtis Jones seems unable to put together a regular string of appearances without injury.

Now, they have been linked with a new option who could help take some of the creative pressures away from those already at Anfield.

Liverpool eyeing Dutch star

That is according to Christian Falk [Via Liverpool World], who claims that Liverpool are among the sides chasing a move for Netherlands ace Xavi Simons in the summer of 2025. Currently on loan at RB Leipzig from Paris Saint Germain, the Dutchman played in midfield for his nation at EURO 2024, and has already had the seal of approval from skipper Virgil van Dijk.

“He is a very talented player who has so much to give,” van Dijk said (via BBC Sport). “He can still be so much better than he is already but he has a good mentality, so I am not worried that won’t happen. I am confident in him.”

During his first stint at RB Leipzig, he was singled out for praise by teammate Dani Olmo, who dubbed him a “complete” player.

“He’s a really complete player and for us, for our system, for how we play, our ideas, the coaches’ ideas, it is perfect for us. Now he’s in a really good mood, in a really good shape so this is very helpful.”

Having starred for Leipzig and the national team, Simon’s ranks in the top 1% of stats across a massive 7 different categories when compared to other midfielders in Europe, including assists and progressive carries.

Xavi Simons vs midfielders (last 365 days)

Stat

per 90 mins

Rank (percentile)

Shots

2.67

99th

Assists

0.28

99th

Expected assists

0.31

99th

Progressive carries

5

99th

Progressive passes received

7.11

99th

Shot creating actions

6.1

99th

Expected goals and assists

0.53

99th

Progressive passes

6.04

74th

Touches in penalty area

3.57

97th

It had previously been reported that the talented youngster has already decided that his future will lie away from PSG next summer, a decision set to spark an almighty tussle for his signature when his current temporary £162k-p/w deal in Leipzig comes to an end.

And it is one that Liverpool are set to be a part of, if the report is to be believed, with another Dutchman potentially on his way to Anfield to join their growing core.

Chelsea have been warned why Cole Palmer joining Manchester United "would make sense" by former Red Devils striker Louis Saha.

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• Palmer on fire at Chelsea
• Only player to have 50 G/A in PL since 2023-24
• Saha wants Palmer to join the Red Devils

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 22-year-old has already amassed 50 goals and assists in the Premier League since the start of the 2023-24 campaign, a feat no other player has achieved. Currently ranked as the third-highest scorer in the English top flight, Palmer has cemented his place among the league’s elite players and his meteoric rise has seen linked him with a move to Real Madrid, the reigning European champions.

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  WHAT SAHA SAID

  It is no secret that Palmer has been a United fan since childhood and Saha believes that his boyhood affinity for the Red Devils could make Old Trafford a plausible future destination, however, the Frenchman also admits he is more likely to join Real.

  Speaking to Saha said: "Palmer to Manchester United would one day make sense because he grew up being a fan of the club, but there is only one club I can see him going to after Chelsea. I can see him being on a trajectory to Real Madrid and I don’t think the move would phase him, he never doubts himself or thinks about things for too long. He wants to enjoy his game and he’s having fun. I’m very jealous of Chelsea because he is a huge star and I think he’d be a big success if he went to Spain."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Saha believes United missed a golden opportunity to secure the dynamic forward when he was put on sale by Manchester City in 2023, with Chelsea sealing the deal for £42.5m ($49.5 million). The former striker hailed Palmer's fearless approach, describing him as a player who thrives under pressure, a trait that he finds missing in the current crop of United players.

  "In hindsight, it’s easy to say that Manchester United should’ve signed Cole Palmer from Manchester City, but it wasn’t so obvious at the time," he said.

  "Looking at him now you can see that he lives for the game and he always wants to play and improve, he is constantly proving people wrong and there is no limit to what he can achieve. I’m a huge fan of his mentality and his consistency, United don’t have that at the moment, they also have the headache with the director of football, it’s not easy."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Given his exceptional form and status as one of the Premier League’s standout performers, any future transfer for Palmer is expected to surpass the £100 million mark. Moreover, he has a deal with Chelsea until 2033, which hands the Blues an advantage during negotiations with any potential suitors.

Red Devils fans are excited to see the new coach's heralded system in action on Sunday at Portman Road – but who deserves to start?

There could hardly be more excitement about Ruben Amorim's first game in charge of Manchester United and the wait is almost over. The Portuguese will finally lead the Red Devils out away to Ipswich Town on Sunday, 27 days after Erik ten Hag was sacked and 23 days after it was confirmed that the 39-year-old was going to take his place.

Amorim left Sporting CP in the best shape imaginable but he joins a United side who are in the midst of the latest of many crises in the post Sir Alex Ferguson era, looking hopelessly off the pace with the Premier League's leading sides and even further behind Europe's elite. He has had nearly two weeks to get his feet under the table and assess his squad and has taken several training sessions, being left aghast by the lack of intensity on display.

The coach is renowned for playing a 3-4-3 formation and has made it clear he intends to stick with that tried and tested shape at United, already putting it into practice in training. But who will get the nod when he names his first line-up at Portman Road? GOAL runs through the starting XI Amorim should pick in order to make the best possible start.

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  GK: Andre Onana

  The Cameroonian has made a huge improvement from his shaky early days and he has been one of the best performers this season, making tremendous saves against Crystal Palace and Fenerbahce while ironing out the errors that plagued his start to life at Old Trafford. He is yet to make a big contribution to United's possession game, which, after all, is what he was brought to the club to do. But that should change with Amorim and the new formation. Onana's best season came while playing with a back three at Inter, and having an extra centre-back to pass to should benefit him.

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  RCB: Matthijs de Ligt

  United might have a centre-back shortage at the moment but the Dutchman is fully fit, playing 90 minutes for his country against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday. The former Ajax captain had a bit of a rough start to life in the Premier League but he has settled into the team recently and delivered much improved performances under Ruud van Nistelrooy, showing his power in the air and looking more assured in possession.

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  CB: Jonny Evans

  With Lisandro Martinez being sent home from the Argentina camp, Victor Lindelof getting injured with Sweden and Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire still getting back to full fitness, all signs point to the 36-year-old marshalling the defence in Amorim's dugout debut. The veteran centre-back might not be the picture of renewal United are hoping for but he is the safe pair of hands the new coach needs in his first game in a new league. Evans can always be relied upon and he comes into his element at tricky Premier League grounds, producing a man-of-the-match display at Burnley last season and keeping Aston Villa at bay last month with an immaculate second-half performance from the bench.

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  LCB: Noussair Mazraoui

  The Morocco international has been one of United's best players in recent weeks, starring against Chelsea and getting an assist against Leicester. He has played as both a right-back and a left-back, although he has impressed more in the latter role, inverting into midfield when United have possession. He could play as a wing-back, but his defensive attributes makes him better suited to playing on the left of the back three, where he can help out the left winger while also joining the midfield when appropriate.

Leeds United chiefs have expressed their desire to sign a "top" Premier League player, with his club preferring to sanction a loan deal this summer.

Leeds undergo overhaul in busy summer at Elland Road

A succession of players have departed Elland Road with defender Rasmus Kristensen most recently sealing a temporary switch to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga.

Bye Bye: £40k-p/w man on verge of leaving Leeds United with medical booked

Daniel Farke is already eyeing up a replacement.

ByBen Browning Jul 19, 2024

The Danish ace joins the likes of Archie Gray, Luis Sinisterra, Marc Roca and other big names in leaving Leeds, following manager Daniel Farke's heartache of losing the Championship play-off final to Southampton in May.

Leeds United exits so far

Player

Fee

Archie Gray

£35m

Luis Sinisterra

£20m

Glen Kamara

£8.5m

Marc Roca

£3.8m

Charlie Cresswell

£3.8m

Diego Llorente

£2.7m

Rasmus Kristensen

Loan

Sam Greenwood

Loan

Jack Harrison

Loan

Darko Gyabi

Loan

Robin Koch

Free

Jamie Shackleton

Free

Luke Ayling

Free

Fees courtesy of Transfermarkt

The aforementioned players and others have brought in around £73.8 million in total to bolster Leeds' transfer kitty and balance their books, not including the wages being taken off their salary bill either.

Left-back Junior Firpo is also in talks to re-join Real Betis, so yet more funds could be added to this total sooner rather than later. In terms of incomings, the Whites have landed Joe Rodon in a £10 million deal from Tottenham, Joe Rothwell on loan from Bournemouth and goalkeeper Alex Cairns from Salford City for an undisclosed fee.

Losing the likes of Gray and Kamara will be a difficult one to take for Farke, though, as the tactician looks to mount another promotion push next season. Indeed, Farke will be hoping not to lose another star player, as forward Crysencio Summerville continues to attract interest from the Premier League.

In the meantime, club chiefs maintain their push to sign star quality for Farke at doable rates, with Crystal Palace starlet Jesurun Rak-Sakyi now on their radar. The 21-year-old has admirers at Southampton and other clubs (Alan Nixon), but Leeds are well and truly in the race for him.

Leeds United express interest in signing Rak-Sayki

That is according to The Daily Mail, who claim that Leeds have expressed an interest in signing Rak-Sakyi ahead of next season.

Palace prefer that he goes out on loan rather than striking a permanent sale, perhaps suggesting that he is highly regarded at Selhurst Park. As well as Leeds, it is believed the Saints, Sheffield United and Sunderland are keen on bringing in the England Under-20 international.

Rak-Sakyi finished the 2021/22 season as the Premier League 2's top goalscorer with 18, making waves at academy level. Thereafter, the winger was sent out on loan to Charlton Athletic for the 2022/23 campaign, where he racked up 15 goals and eight assists in League One.

He was given a handful of opportunities for Palace last season, making six league appearances, but perhaps another loan would be more beneficial for his development.

England defender and Palace star Marc Guehi has called Rak-Sakyi a "top player", and his numbers do a lot to suggest this as well.

Manchester City boss Gareth Taylor and player Jill Roord have insisted the Women's Super League title race is not over despite their loss to Chelsea.

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• Chelsea beat Man City 2-0
• Gain upper hand in title race
• Taylor & Roord say it is not over

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Defending WSL champions Chelsea leapfrogged City into first place after a deserved 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge on Saturday night. Chelsea are now two points clear and having a game in hand, but City manager Taylor and midfielder Roord believe they can bounce back from this setback.

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  WHAT ROORD AND TAYLOR SAID

  Roord told City's website: “No [this game doesn’t define our season], not at all. We knew coming in to this game that we wanted to win, obviously it was an important game and I think we could have [won it]. But in the end it didn’t go our way. Still, there’s a long time util the season is done.”

  While Taylor added: “For sure, the league’s never won in November. We’ve been on an incredible run. We’re obviously disappointed not to extend that, but that’s football. We’ll be back to the drawing board and make sure we’re ready for the next game and the next WSL game after the international break.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Chelsea won the 2023-24 WSL title on the last day of the season and did it despite picking up just one point from two games against City. Now, they have beaten them this term in a heavyweight clash and are on pole position to secure a record-extending sixth-straight league crown.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Chelsea will take a break from WSL action when they host Celtic in the Champions League on Wednesday, whereas City travel to Hammarby the following day in the same competition.

This summer, Todd Boehly wants to take his Chelsea side to the next level and return to the Champions League.

Last campaign, Mauricio Pochettino failed to inspire enough improvement, finishing sixth in the Premier League, and now it’s Enzo Maresca’s turn.

Tosin Adarabioyo has already become a blue, and next on the list is a new centre forward.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at a Chelsea centre-forward target who has the potential to be unstoppable in the Premier League.

Chelsea’s search for a new number nine

According to a report from BBC Sport, Chelsea have included Serhou Guirassy on their striker target list.

It’s said that the Blues are ‘admirers’ of the Stuttgart forward, who tore apart the Bundesliga last season.

The Guinea attacker has a £15m release clause that can be activated this summer, which is without doubt a bargain.

However, he’s not the only attacker that Chelsea are interested in, with Jhon Duran and Samuel Omorodion also in the mix.

Why Guirassy is far better than Duran and Omorodion

It’s fair to say that Guirassy has proven to be much better than the aforementioned duo, and given that Chelsea want a reliable goalscorer, he’d be by far the best option.

The 28-year-old has only been at Stuttgart for two campaigns, with his first one ending with a tally of 11 goals in the Bundesliga, but nobody would’ve expected what occurred last time around.

Rennes’ former striker helped his club finish second in the division despite starting just 25 matches, but his influence on the field was irreplaceable.

Over these starts, Guirassy netted an outstanding 28 goals and provided two assists, which was only fewer than a certain Harry Kane in Germany.

Goals

1.14

0.95

0.41

xG

0.85

0.38

0.52

Shots

3.59

3.79

3.02

Key passes

2.16

0.76

0.81

Shot-creating actions

3.67

2.27

1.49

Progressive passes received

7.46

4.74

4.64

Touches

43.37

35.81

28.11

Firstly, his goal-scoring record absolutely speaks for itself, and that alone makes him a better signing than Duran and Omorodion already.

The number nine is the definition of a finisher, often taking his chances in front of goal, as shown by his xG to goal ratio.

Guirassy is a complete striker, and his style of play is often unpredictable in regards to the fact that he can hurt the opposition in many different ways, with journalist Seb Stafford-Bloor stating that within his approach “there’s flair, there’s movement, there’s skill and there’s power.”

That said, the right-footed ace is much more than just goals, with his overall play much more developed than the young duo, which is what makes him so “outrageous,” as dubbed by Stafford-Bloor.

Guirassy can receive the ball with his back to goal, link up play brilliantly, and even create chances for others, as shown by his progressive passes received, shot-creating actions, and his key passes.

On top of that, the 28-goal man would bring more experience to the young Chelsea attack, which may prove to be vital next season both domestically and in Europe.

In truth, there’s not really anything that Guirassy cannot do, and therefore, given he’d cost just £15m, Chelsea must opt for him over Duran and Omorodion any day of the week.

No Jackson, £226m trio sign: Enzo Maresca's dream lineup at Chelsea

Chelsea are set for a busy summer with plenty of signings expected.

ByTom Lever May 29, 2024

In recent seasons, Tottenham Hotspur have shifted their recruitment to focus on signing young talents who can affect the first team whilst keeping one eye on the future.

Brennan Johnson, Destiny Udogie and Micky van de Ven are just a handful of examples who have arrived at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the past year before going on to make an immediate impact on Ange Postecoglou’s squad.

They’ve also signed youngsters Lucas Bergvall and Luka Vuskovic, who have spent time away from north London, in the hopes of gaining valuable experience before making an impact for the Lilywhites.

Such recruitment has already continued this summer, with the £40m signing of midfielder Archie Gray from Leeds United following the 18-year-old’s impressive debut campaign at senior level, where he featured 44 times for Daniel Farke’s side.

Their business has allowed for a much more youthful squad, with the club still targeting multiple young prospects to improve their squad.

Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer news

Tottenham are keeping a close eye on Hull City winger Jaden Philogene after his impressive campaign in the Championship under former Tigers boss Liam Rosenior.

The 22-year-old scored 12 and assisted six in his 33 league appearances, prompting further interest from the likes of Ipswich Town, Manchester United and Barcelona. The club have also registered an interest in French talent Desire Doue, but aren’t alone in their pursuit.

The 18-year-old is widely regarded as one of the most exciting talents around Europe, with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United also

monitoring Doue over the last few years after he burst onto the scene in France.

Reports earlier in the summer have suggested that Rennes could demand a fee in the region of £35m to allow him to depart in the summer transfer window, with Doue fitting perfectly into the club’s current scouting plan of targeting talents with huge potential.

However, Doue and recent new addition Gray are both valued lower than one player who has become a real hit under Postecoglou after the Aussie’s arrival last summer.

Pape Sarr’s market value in 2024

Upon joining the club for £14.6m back in the summer of 2021, the name of Pape Sarr would have been an unfamiliar one to the majority of Tottenham supporters.

Pape Sarr's stats at Tottenham Hotspur

Statistics

Tally

Games

49

Goals

3

Games per goal

16.3

Assists

4

Games per assist

12.3

Stats via FotMob

However, three years on from his move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, he’s cemented his place in Postecoglou’s midfield, looking at home in the Premier League despite his tender age of 21.

Since his move from French side Metz, the Senegal star has made 49 appearances for Spurs, scoring on three occasions – including a brilliantly taken finish against Bournemouth.

He’s formed an excellent partnership with Yves Bissouma, with his market value taking a sharp increase as a result of his excellent performances.

In 2024, the "relentless" Sarr, as described by scout EBL, currently has a market value of £38m, as per Transfermarkt – a £24m increase on the fee the club paid for him just a handful of years ago, with the midfielder having the potential to improve even further.

However, his subsequent value is higher than Gray and Doue, who are only valued at £15.2m and £25.3m respectively, despite their recent price tags.

It’s been an excellent start to Sarr's Tottenham career, proving that the club’s current transfer strategy is an effective one.

Postecoglou’s faith in the youngster has certainly helped him develop and grow into the potential he once had during his time at Metz, with

the sky being the limit for the 21-year-old in north London.

Jamie Leweling marked his Germany debut with a vital goal as they beat Netherlands 1-0 in the Nations League on Monday.

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Leweling scores on Germany debutBeat Netherlands 1-0 in MunichStill unbeaten and top of the groupFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱TELL ME MORE

The 23-year-old was a surprise presence in the starting XI having only been called up due to an injury to Jamal Musiala. He then got the nod after Deniz Undav was also ruled out with an injury. Nevertheless, it took just two minutes for Leweling to make an impact as he smashed into Netherlands' net, but it was disallowed following a lengthy VAR review.

Germany's early dominance diminished as the first half wore on, but the Dutch were barely able to get the ball beyond the halfway line and managed to stay level thanks to some desperate defending and Verbruggen.

The visitors held onto the ball for almost three full minutes in a hopeful start to the second half but they were toothless against Germany's defence and didn't manage a shot until Denzel Dumfries' wayward header in the 56th minute.

Unsurprisingly, it was Germany who broke the deadlock when a failed clearance rolled in Leweling's path and he lashed into the top corner.

Netherlands finally showed some spark in the last 15 minutes when Xavi Simons found space outside the box and unleashed a shot that struck the bar. In the 90th minute, Donyell Malen's shot from outside the box forced an excellent save from Oliver Baumann, making his debut at 34 years of age, as the hosts held out for the win.

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Stuttgart forward Leweling got the nod from Julian Nagelsmann due to injuries in the Germany squad but showed he was worthy of his place in the starting XI, seeing an early goal ruled out for a marginal offside before he broke the deadlock in a dull match.

AFPTHE BIG LOSER

Dutch defender Micky van de Ven looked reckless at centre-back and put his fellow defenders under pressure throughout the game. His attempt to block Leweling for the goal was terrible.

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DID YOU KNOW?

The Netherlands failed to attempt a single shot in a first half of a game for the first time since June 2019 (against Portugal) and recorded just one touch in the opposition box before half-time for the first time since August 2017 (against France).

Manchester City have reportedly been in contact to sign a £50m star for Pep Guardiola ahead of Vincent Kompany and Bayern Munich this summer.

Final season for Pep Guardiola at Man City?

After another Premier League triumph last season, making it a historic fourth title in a row, Guardiola could be preparing for his final season at the Etihad Stadium.

There has been plenty of speculation regarding the 2024/25 campaign being the Spaniard’s final year in Manchester, and it looks as if despite this, he and the club are still planning for the long run when it comes to signings.

For example, City have recently been credited with an interest in attacking prodigy Dzenan Pejcinovic from Wolfsburg, with the teenager scoring every 55 minutes at academy level.

Some senior incomings could also be made for the Sky Blues, with FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa linked with a move to potentially replace Ederson and rival Stefan Ortega, who has signed a City contract extension.

Related Manchester City ready to sell £130,000 per week ace who only joined in 2023

They might struggle to find a buyer though.

Posts ByBen Browning Jun 13, 2024

There have also been rumours about Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig. Recent claims said that City had started to move for the attacking midfielder, and it looks as if that has now materialised, with information being collected.

Man City make Dani Olmo contact

According to French outlet Sports Zone, Man City are one of three clubs who have been in contact over a potential move to sign Olmo. The Spaniard, who is set to feature at Euro 2024, is also wanted by Paris Saint-Germain and former City captain Kompany at Bayern Munich.

“Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are following the Dani Olmo file this summer. The player, who has a €60M (£50M) clause this summer, interests Luis Enrique. Initial information has been taken by the 3 clubs.”

Olmo has been with RB Leipzig since 2020 and has gone from strength to strength during that time, now being valued at a career-high €50m by Transfermarkt.

Dani Olmo's career stats

Appearances

Goals

Assists

RB Leipzig

148

29

34

Dinamo Zagreb

124

34

28

Spain

33

8

7

The attacking midfielder, who can also turn out as a winger if needed, also caught the eye of Guardiola back in 2019, with the City boss calling the Spaniard a “top player” and “incredible”.

"He's a top player – he has a bright future, of course. His performance today shows it. About the transfer and the money he deserves, that is not the point. The point is he is an incredible player and I am pretty sure he is able to play in the strong leagues in Europe. Hopefully if Dinamo wants and he wants, it can happen."

Kevin de Bruyne recently hinted at a move to the Saudi Pro League in the future, so who knows, City may view Olmo as a player who could replace the Belgian in the long run.

With the summer window just around the corner, Sean Dyche potentially faces his toughest task as Everton manager, with the next couple of months playing a huge part in the club’s ever-present Premier League status.

Outgoings are needed if the Toffees are to comply with the Premier League’s PSR rules ahead of the June 30th deadline, which could result in yet another points deduction should they be in breach of the losses permitted.

Jarrad Branthwaite is undoubtedly the most likely player to depart Goodison Park, unsurprising given his form for the Toffees that saw him claim the club’s Young Player of the Season award for the 2023/24 campaign.

Amadou Onana is another player who has been linked with a move away from Merseyside, with Julen Lopetegui’s West Ham United side previously touted with a move for the Belgian international midfielder.

With the prospect of any potential outgoings from Goodison this summer, Dyche will have the job of piecing together a squad capable of securing top-flight safety once again, but on a limited budget to prevent further punishments.

His side have already been credited with an interest in one player, who’s previously showcased his talents but has struggled for any form over the last 12 months.

Everton interested in signing one-time £45m talent

According to Sky Sports, Everton are interested in signing Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips on loan ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

The 28-year-old joined Pep Guardiola’s side for £45m during the summer of 2022, but his stock has fallen rapidly in recent months, following a disappointing loan spell at the London Stadium that saw him feature just eight times for the Hammers, which also included a red card against Nottingham Forest.

Games

8

Goals

0

Assists

0

Minutes played

307

Yellow cards

1

Red cards

1

Average rating

6.10

He may not appear to be the player he was upon his move to the Etihad, but one thing is for sure, and that is that he’s desperately lacking confidence, with Dyche potentially one of the best managers to rediscover his previous form.

The Yorkshire-born talent has failed to be named in Gareth Southgate’s provisional 33-man squad for the upcoming European Championships, with Phillips able to have the whole summer to reset before any potential move to Goodison.

Should he make the move, he would follow in the footsteps of one player who thrived during his time on Merseyside after a disappointing spell elsewhere in the Premier League.

Why Phillips could be Everton’s next Gareth Barry

Back in 2013, Everton signed midfielder Gareth Barry on loan from Manchester City, after the experienced midfielder fell down the pecking order following the heavy investment at the Etihad.

He eventually joined the Toffees on a permanent basis the following campaign, going on to make 118 appearances for the club – cementing himself as a fan-favourite amongst the fanbase, while being hailed as "one of the best English players ever" by then-boss, Roberto Martinez.

That praise was also backed up by Martinez's assistant, Graeme Jones, who said of the midfielder: “Gareth Barry was our most important piece of business. He was the brain of the team".

11 years later, the club are presented with the same opportunity for Phillips, with Dyche’s side needing to take a gamble on a player who has previously showcased his talents in the Premier League.

The “absolute beast”, as described by former footballer Nigel De Jong, would hugely benefit from the loyal support from the Everton faithful and consistent game time under Dyche – potentially allowing him to return to his previous performance levels as demonstrated by Idrissa Gueye this season, with the midfielder posting his best ever goalscoring campaign.

It’s understandable that some supporters may be against the signing of the 28-year-old, but given their current financial situation, it could prove to be a shrewd move to sign a player of his calibre.

An England international, like Barry, he’s won 31 caps for his nation over the last four years and had multiple years playing in the top flight – providing valuable experience to a squad that could be faced with another relegation battle in 2024/25.

Phillips hasn’t turned into a bad player overnight, but he needs a fresh start to reignite his career, with Goodison potentially the perfect move for him to get back on the right track after a disappointing 12 months.

Everton struck gold on "top-class" signing who's worth more than Phillips

He’s catapulted himself into a key player under Sean Dyche this season.

ByEthan Lamb May 29, 2024