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Manchester City fans are fuming at John Stones after his performance in the vital match against Liverpool on Sunday.

The reigning Premier League champions are now in fourth place in the table and have slipped an incredible nine points behind the Reds already after the defeat.

In the clash at Anfield, City looked in trouble defensively throughout the game, and once again showed how much they miss Aymeric Laporte.

The likes of Angelino failed to get a grip on Mohamed Salah, whilst Sergio Aguero missed big chances and certainly had an evening to forget. However, it seems that the City fans are fuming at Stones more than anyone else.

The Englishman was Pep Guardiola’s second lowest-rated outfield player, as per SofaScore. The defender made just the one tackle and didn’t command the defensive unit with the type of authority he possesses alongside the absent Frenchman.

As a result of a questionable performance, the City fans are fuming, with one man even demanding they sell the £47.5m man. Many other supporters have stated how he has not progressed much over the years and how they should get rid of him as soon as they can.

Here’s what some City fans have had to say about their man at the back…

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Darren Bent has urged Mauricio Pochettino to play Juan Foyth regularly for Tottenham Hotspur, per Football Insider.

What’s he said?

Spurs drew 1-1 with Sheffield United on Saturday and are currently marooned in the bottom half of the table, a massive 11 points behind fourth-placed Manchester City.

And Bent believes that the young Argentina international, who has made just two Premier League appearances this season totalling 20 minutes, could be “the one” to fix the club’s defensive woes.

Spurs have kept just one clean sheet in the top-flight this term, when they beat Crystal Palace 4-0 in September.

Asked if 21-year-old Foyth should be given a bigger role, Bent said: “Yeah potentially, potentially he could be the one.

“I think he could be the one because at the minute Spurs don’t look solid at all and they need some sort of stability in order to be a solid team that is hard to play against.

“Yeah we know going forward, he is a little bit limited, but he can defend so for me, I’d probably go with him for a little bit.”

Refit needed

Spurs have made a few changes in recent times and played Eric Dier at centre-back against the Blades on Saturday.

Introducing Foyth wouldn’t be a bad thing at all.

As it is, they have Serge Aurier as their senior right-back and, thus far this season, he’s endured a difficult time.

He was sent off against Southampton and also conceded the penalty that led to Liverpool’s winning goal at Anfield. While he can be a good attacking weapon – he averages 1.3 key passes per game – competition can only be healthy.

Bringing Foyth in – he was earmarked as the replacement to Kieran Trippier after the England international was sold to Atletico Madrid – would be something of a rocket to the Ivorian and would show that his place is not secure.

It would then be down to the former PSG man to do something about it and show some consistency whenever he is brought into the first-team.

Adding the young defender to the mix could well add some solidity and have the added benefit of sharpening Aurier’s focus.

For that reason alone, Pochettino should heed Bent’s words.

Mikel Arteta has shared some “great news” for Arsenal before their all-important North London Derby trip to Tottenham on Sunday, with an injury update coming out of London Colney.

Arteta dealt absences for key Arsenal players ahead of Tottenham

After signing a brand-new three-year contract which keeps him at the Emirates Stadium until 2027, Arteta’s next item on the Arsenal agenda is to come away from Spurs with all three points, not to mention all the bragging rights on derby day.

Mikel Arteta really wants Arsenal to sign £203,000-a-week Real Madrid star

He’s a key player for Carlo Ancelotti.

ByEmilio Galantini Sep 13, 2024

Arteta’s new contract at Arsenal will see him pocket around £288,000-per-week, putting him in line with the Premier League’s highest-earning managers like Man City boss Pep Guardiola, but the Spaniard has little time to celebrate his fresh terms.

Ange Postecoglou’s Lilywhites await Arteta’s men tomorrow, as the north Londoners prepare to face-off in a mouth-watering clash right after the international break. Arsenal have been dealt a few selection headaches before the game, with summer signing Mikel Merino sidelined after his shoulder injury.

Tottenham (away)

September 15

Man City (away)

September 22

Leicester City (home)

September 28

Southampton (home)

October 5

Bournemouth (away)

October 19

The Euro 2024-winning midfielder could be absent until after the October international break, as reports last week claimed Merino is facing nearly two months out. Meanwhile, another star man in Declan Rice is set to miss Arsenal through suspension, after the England star controversially picked up two bookable offences in their 1-1 draw with Brighton two weeks ago.

Versatile defensive ace Takehiro Tomiyasu is also expected to be unavailable for Spurs, as the Japan international still hasn’t fully recovered from a knee injury sustained in pre-season.

However, Arteta did suggest in his pre-match press conference that Riccardo Calafiori could be fit to play Tottenham following an injury scare. The centre-back collided with Ousmane Dembele during Italy’s 3-1 win over France last week, and was subsequently forced off with a calf injury, which resulted in him leaving Luciano Spalletti’s camp early and returning to Arsenal for medical assessment.

In what is another real boost for Arteta, following a week of reports suggesting Martin Odegaard could be out for beyond four weeks after he twisted his ankle on international duty, the Norway midfielder could actually play a part at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.

Arteta confirmed on Friday afternoon that Odegaard is contending to be fit for Spurs, and the 42-year-old has shared even more “great news” ahead of the game, which involves striker Gabriel Jesus.

Arteta confirms Gabriel Jesus could play against Tottenham

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta shared news that Jesus will potentially be selected to play Tottenham, as the £265,000-per-week star is seemingly nearly fully recovered from a groin problem.

“Gabi was out there,” said Arteta on Jesus’ availability for tomorrow. “He’s got another session tomorrow and if everything goes well he’ll be ready to be selected in the squad which is great news for us.”

While Raheem Sterling is contending to play as a false-nine, having Jesus as a centre-forward alternative comes as an undoubted boost for Arsenal. The Brazilian is capable of producing match-winning moments, and has done so for Arteta before, with pundit Alan Shearer once calling Jesus a “game-changer”.

“It’s not just his goals and creativity that make him so important to them, it’s his relentless energy and willingness to run in behind defences too,” Shearer said in a column for BBC Sport in 2022.

“He’s the game-changer for Arsenal. He’s the one who sets the tone from the front. Defenders hate players who are prepared to run in behind, he does that. He’s the one who starts the press. You see his movement and his ability too.”

Every year, the release of the latest video game in the FIFA (now EA FC) series comes with up-to-date squads, new Ultimate Team challenges and a variety of gaming innovations.

But for all the groundbreaking features each edition brings, there is one thing away from the pitch that is bound to be excited about: the soundtrack.

Many songs have become synonymous with FIFA, so much so that pointing out a tune came from a specific game has been turned into something of an internet meme.

Since background music was introduced for FIFA 98, there have been hundreds of tracks used, with playlists growing all the time. In fact, EA’s website now publishes the soundtrack, such is the cultural significance that has grown over the years.

But which songs have stood the test of time? Which ones are so quintessentially ‘FIFA’ that they deserve to be remembered as such?

We’ve listed 15 of the best songs to feature on the game, ranked by taking into consideration their association with the franchise and, well, how much of a banger the tune is. We’ve even added snaps from the cover stars at the time for that extra bump of nostalgia.

Admittedly, most of these come from the tracklist’s apparent heyday, with its impact today arguably diminished compared to the last decade or so. However, that did not make this an easy task – there are simply too many great songs to choose from.

If you disagree, there’s a playlist at the bottom of the page where you can choose a favourite of your own.

Rank

Song title

Artist

Appeared on

Jerk It Out

Caesars

FIFA 2004

Song 2

Blur

FIFA 98

Dreaming

Smallpools

FIFA 14

Love Me Again

John Newman

FIFA 14

Club Foot

Kasabian

FIFA 13

Cobrastyle

Teddybears

FIFA 06

Town Called Malice

The Jam

FIFA 2004

Machu Picchu

The Strokes

FIFA 12

Black & Gold

Sam Sparro

FIFA 09

Helicopter

Bloc Party

FIFA 06

She’s Got Me Dancing

Tommy Sparks

FIFA 10

I Can Talk

Two Door Cinema Club

FIFA 11

High And Low

Empire of the Sun

FIFA 17

Kids

MGMT

FIFA 09

Complicated (Pablo La Rossa Vocal Mix)

Avril Lavigne

FIFA 2003

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ByJamie Rooke Oct 21, 2023 15 Complicated (Pablo La Rossa Vocal Mix) – Avril Lavigne FIFA 2003

This countdown starts on a relatively mellow note, but even though 20 years have passed, we still see this tune as a FIFA song above anything else. Avril Lavigne’s ‘Complicated’ features on FIFA 2003, which isn’t a game overflowing with songs – there are just 13 in total.

Perhaps that’s why it’s remained in our collective consciousness for so long; imagine playing the same 13 songs on loop for a year!

But it is more than that, of course. Lavigne’s vocal is infectious and you can’t help belting it out yourself. Once you’ve become addicted to the game (which had an iconic cover including Edgar Davids and Manchester United’s Ryan Giggs), you’ll have memorised the whole thing in no time.

14 Kids – MGMT FIFA 09

Perhaps featuring one of the best keyboard intros of its time, MGMT’s ‘Kids’ is a rousing indie anthem in its own right.

It’s one of those songs that is so good, it might be worth hanging around the menus a bit longer to let it finish. Appearing on FIFA 09 – the same year Ultimate Team made its debut – there was a lot to like about this particular edition.

13 High And Low – Empire of the Sun FIFA 17

Released in 2016, Empire of the Sun’s ‘High And Low’ is the newest song on this list. Like any good tune, it builds slowly before exploding into a ferocious pre-chorus and catchy refrain. It has all the ingredients of the ideal gaming tune.

And like many bands, Empire of the Sun have featured multiple times on the soundtrack – it seems some artists just have that ‘FIFA’ sound. ‘Alive’ was used on FIFA 14, and wouldn’t look out of place on anyone else’s lists.

12 I Can Talk – Two Door Cinema Club FIFA 11

Northern Irish rockers Two Door Cinema Club are also serial FIFA playlisters. In truth, any of their three appearances in the franchise to date could have been chosen, but FIFA 11’s ‘I Can Talk’ is arguably some of their best work.

Taken from their debut album, ‘Tourist History’, the tune involves the melodic blend of its pounding bassline, searing lead guitar and dance-worthy beat.

Not a bad tune to have in the background while signing a star striker on Career Mode.

11 She's Got Me Dancing – Tommy Sparks FIFA 10

It’s no wonder ‘She’s Got Me Dancing’ has entered the mainstream. Not only did it make an appearance on FIFA 10, but it was also used on Just Dance 3, as well as an advert for the iPod Touch (remember those?).

Not to mention, it’s also a pop sensation. It’s super catchy, and the kind of thing you’d play on repeat or continue to sing after it’s over. Given it is Tommy Sparks’ standout tune, you have to commend the EA team for finding it (or Apple, we’re not sure who got there first).

10 Helicopter – Bloc Party FIFA 06

Some bands are FIFA bands. Some songs are FIFA songs. This is both.

‘Helicopter’ by Bloc Party – who have featured three times on the FIFA soundtrack – almost immediately evokes memories of playing the game. Its opening riff makes it instantly recognisable, and it is just the kind of upbeat rock anthem to get you in the mood for a gaming session.

This game was the first of several featuring Wayne Rooney and Barcelona’s Ronaldinho on the cover – an added touch that made playing this feel special.

9 Black & Gold – Sam Sparro FIFA 09

This isn’t FIFA 09’s first mention in this list, and there are more hits on that game we simply don’t have space for. Duffy, Foals, The Kooks and, er, Tom Jones are all on the setlist.

However, Sam Sparro’s ‘Black & Gold’ is a melodic delight that could not be ignored. It has such an addictive sound to it that you want the verses to go on and on. When they eventually end, we’re treated to a solid beat that builds into the crescendo of the chorus. Magnifique.

8 Machu Picchu – The Strokes FIFA 12

Now we’re talking. The early 2010s boasts arguably the strongest run of EA soundtracks, and The Strokes’ ‘Machu Picchu’ brought their New York sound to the world of FIFA.

This song is all about the contagious post-chorus riff. If the song wasn’t already catchy enough, the riff’s melody would be enough for you to put the controller down and start air-guitaring.

7 Town Called Malice – The Jam FIFA 2004

Nowadays, songs selected for the game’s soundtrack are typically released in the 12 months preceding the current edition. For FIFA 2004, EA began to push the boat out for their tracklists, with more than double the number of songs compared to FIFA 2003.

And in the pre-YouTube age, you can forgive EA for not being able to locate the best sounds of 2003 to accompany their new game. Indeed, the likes of The Stone Roses and The Jam were on the bill.

And with what may have been youngsters’ first introduction to early-80s rock and roll, The Jam’s ‘Town Called Malice’, sung by Paul Weller, quickly became an earworm for players of the game.

You’re playing the bassline in your head right now, aren’t you?

6 Cobrastyle – Teddybears FIFA 06

We’re not sure quite what ‘di bom di deng di deng digi digi’ means, but it sounds awesome. In truth, there’s a lot to like about Teddybears’ ‘Cobrastyle’, whether it’s the addictive rhythm, catchy lyrics or THAT chorus.

Most of the lyrics come from a track by Jamaican singer Mad Cobra, who features on the track himself, hence the title of the song.

The iconic chorus is unique to the Teddybears’ version, and is a superb addition to the original, as well as to the array of FIFA bangers from over the years. This is definitely one we’d have on repeat.

The exit of a £200,000-a-week Manchester United player is now not expected to happen this summer, according to a fresh update from journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Latest on Man Utd exits on deadline day

The future of Jadon Sancho has dominated deadline day from a Red Devils perspective, as he potentially looks to seal a move away from Old Trafford.

The Englishman has never got going in a United shirt since completing a big-money move from Borussia Dortmund back in 2021, even being loaned back to the Bundesliga side last season. Chelsea are believed to be making late efforts to sign the 24-year-old, as the Blues look to seal yet another signing.

However, Erik ten Hag provided an update on Sancho's future during his pre-Liverpool press conference on Friday, saying he expects him to remain at United: "As far as I know, I expect him to stay, yeah. We are happy with him. We need a good squad. We have to play many games until January. After the break we play every third day so we need options."

Away from all things Sancho, a key update has now emerged regarding the future of another Old Trafford ace.

£200,000-a-week Man Utd winger set to stay

According to Romano on X, Antony is expected to stay at Manchester United this summer, with a loan move to Real Betis off the table after the player decided he wants to stay and fight for his place at Old Trafford.

There is no question that Antony has been a disappointing signing for United overall, with a lack of end product from his right-sided attacking role something that he has received plenty of credit for. The £200,000-a-week Brazilian has only bagged 11 goals and five assists in 83 appearances for United, which compared to the likes of rivals Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka in his position, is simply not good enough for the Red Devils to close the gap.

That being said, Antony does still possess quality and is only 24 years of age, with Rio Ferdinand describing him as a "threat" and Danny Murphy also praising him last season: "Antony was running in behind and making different types of runs today. There’s been a lot of discontent with him in the first couple of games, but his end product, picking passes better, he was much more decisive in his play today."

There is plenty of competition for places in wide areas at United now, including Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo, so now is the time for Antony to find another gear, or the calls for him to move on next summer are only likely to become more deafening.

He's like Pogba: Man Utd in late talks to sign another CM after Ugarte

Manchester United could sign two midfielders on deadline day.

ByMatt Dawson Aug 30, 2024

The natural ability is there for all to see, in terms of his classy left foot and quick dribbling, but it is now a case of him adding that all-important substance to his game, scoring and assisting at a far greater rate.

Manchester United appear to be keeping an eye on PSV Eindhoven attacker Xavi Simons ahead of a potential summer move, according to reports.

What’s the latest Man United transfer news involving Simons?

The Red Devils have been linked with a number of players this summer as the club seemingly look to back Erik ten Hag with a number of new additions.

Two positions that were previously top of Manchester United’s transfer wishlist were midfield and attack. Chelsea’s Mason Mount is seemingly the key midfield target at Old Trafford, with a £40m offer made earlier in the month. That was rejected by those at Stamford Bridge, and the Red Devils improved £50m bid for the England international was also turned down.

In attack, Harry Kane was previously the top attacking priority, however, a transfer for the Spurs star is unlikely. As a result, United have been linked with moves for the likes of Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos, Atalanta's Rasmus Hojlund and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani.

A new final third target has emerged in the shape of Simons, though, who appears to be a player in demand over the coming months.

Fabrizio Romano provided an update regarding Simons on Wednesday, where Manchester United were named. The transfer expert said that Paris Saint-Germain have a buy-back clause for the PSV gem worth just €6m, adding that the Red Devils are one of four Premier League sides that have been in contact with PSV, asking to be kept informed about the situation.

“Paris Saint-Germain buy back clause for Xavi Simons is just €6m! It can only be activated in July, from 1 to 31st. The final decision is ONLY up to the player. He’s waiting to hear from PSG.

“Man Utd, Arsenal, Brighton, Spurs, BVB and Leipzig asked to be informed.”

Who is Xavi Simons?

Simons is primarily an attacking midfielder who can also play on the wing if required. The 20-year-old, labelled as “spectacular” in the media at the end of 2021, made the move to PSV from PSG last summer.

Since then, the Netherlands international has seen his Transfermarkt valuation increase from €8m to a career-high €30m. He has starred in his native country, contributing to 34 goals in 48 PSV appearances. He appears to be going from strength to strength, with scout Antonio Mango stating that Simons “has the X-factor”:

“Xavi has one of the best Football IQ’s as just 19 which makes him incredibly versatile to play anywhere along the front line. It’s visibly clear that Xavi has the x-factor, technically special blended with.”

Therefore, should he make the move to Old Trafford over the coming months, he would add strength in depth to United's attacking midfield ranks, with Bruno Fernandes the only senior option, while also providing an option out wide.

However, following his incredible rise over the past 12 months, you’d expect that PSG would be willing to activate their buyback clause for a relatively low fee, so a deal could prove tricky for the Red Devils.

Amadou Onana is an option Manchester United could explore in the summer transfer window, journalist David Ornstein has revealed.

Who could Man United sign in midfield?

Recent reports have revealed that Man United have submitted a final bid for Chelsea's Mason Mount, having agreed personal terms with the England international, but a deal is far from guaranteed as there is a reluctance to meet Chelsea's high asking price.

Erik ten Hag is targeting a midfielder to play alongside Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, and Everton's Onana is a name believed to be on their list of targets.

Speaking on the FIVE YouTube channel, Ornstein revealed that Onana is on the list at United, but he is one of a number of players they could target this summer.

"You've got Manchester United as well, who want a midfielder, though as far as we know, they're focused on the more advanced one in Mason Mount at this point in time and the number nine," he stated.

"They are looking at the other positions and you'll have seen reports about Onana and Everton, I'm led to believe he's on the list, and like many, he's one of many options they're considering.

"But they've got their ownership situation which is complicating it all. So this market is just absolutely wild."

Should Man United sign Onana?

The 21-year-old has had an impressive debut season in the Premier League despite Everton's struggles, and has been a standout performer for the Toffees.

Former Belgium manager Roberto Martinez described the midfielder as a "leader," and he could bring a lot of strength and dynamism to the United midfield.

His height could prove to be invaluable in the middle of the park, and he ranks in the top 7% of midfielders for aerial duels as per FBref.

It remains to be seen whether he offers enough on the ball for Erik ten Hag, given that he ranks poorly for progressive passes, but he could help glue together the midfield trio, and at just 21, there is massive potential for him to grow.

If United do sign Mount, then it seems unlikely that they will pursue another expensive midfield signing, but if they pull out of a deal for the Englishman, then Onana is a ready-made alternative they could explore.

Uncertainty over the ownership situation means that a deal may have to be completed later on in the window, but should Onana join, he would be an investment which could reap rewards in the long run.

West Ham United target James Maddison 'would be an absolute star signing' at the London Stadium if he was to move to the Hammers from Leicester City, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving James Maddison?

According to The Daily Mail, Tottenham Hotspur are keen on Maddison and have submitted a £50 million joint bid to try and land the England international and his teammate Harvey Barnes.

The report states that the offer is set to be rejected by Leicester City, who will want to recoup more money for two of their prize assets in the transfer window.

Sky Sports claim that Newcastle United are in the race for £110,000 per week earner Maddison and it is believed that they are currently in pole position to land the Coventry-born star.

Nevertheless, Tottenham may now formalise their attraction towards Maddison this summer now that they have a new manager in place in the form of former Celtic coach Ange Postecoglou.

Writing in his column for GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones has revealed that West Ham United are interested in Maddison this window as they eye a creative midfielder.

Jones also suggested that Maddison joining the Irons could help to soften the blow of losing Declan Rice, who looks set to leave the London Stadium, stating: "Maddison would be an absolute star signing. They are definitely not front-runners for him as Newcastle and Tottenham are expected in a tug-of-war battle for this signing but West Ham, fresh off that recent European success, would love to make the £110,000-a-week man an offer. His creativity and personality would bring a new dimension to the team and his star factor would help recover from the loss of Declan Rice, when he eventually goes."

Would James Maddison be a good signing for West Ham United?

Maddison enjoyed a productive campaign on an individual level for Leicester City even though the Foxes suffered relegation to the Sky Bet Championship and showed why he is highly regarded as a playmaker in the Premier League.

All in, the 26-year-old made 32 appearances for his current employers, registering ten goals and nine assists in the process, as per Transfermarkt.

As per FBRef, Maddison was also a key chance provider for Leicester City during the season, successfully performing 138 shot-creating actions.

Unsurprisingly, the former Norwich City man also ended up at the top of the tree, becoming Leicester City's most consistent performer in 2022/23, earning an average match rating of 7.24/10, according to WhoScored.

Moving forward, Maddison would add another dimension to West Ham United's midfield if an ambitious bid for his services was to come off; however, they would have to beat off stiff competition from a number of appealing options to him.

Newcastle United are interested in a deal to sign Manchester United defender Harry Maguire on loan this summer, according to reports.

Is Harry Maguire leaving Man United?

The Red Devils centre-back first arrived at Old Trafford from at the time Premier League rivals Leicester City back in 2019 and over the years has become a regular feature of the first-team, clocking up 175 appearances since joining, not to mention that he’s also Erik Ten Hag’s captain.

The England international, however, made just eight starts and the same number of substitute outings in the top-flight last season so is significantly out of favour, and he’s already been linked with an exit with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Everton all keen.

90min have reported that the 30-year-old wants to stay and fight for his place beyond the summer, but with his boss already searching the market for replacements, it appears that they are open to sanctioning his sale, which has alerted Eddie Howe at St. James’ Park.

Are Newcastle signing Maguire?

According to The Sun, Newcastle “want to rescue” Maguire on a loan basis this summer, but Man United are only happy to let him go permanently, meaning that PIF will have to buy him should they want to secure his services.

The M16 defender “can leave” if the price is right, but the reason they won’t green-light a loan is because they would be helping a rival and gaining no financial benefit themselves. Should the northeast outfit come forward with a cash offer, it could be a “different story”.

Should PIF submit a bid for Maguire?

Newcastle will know that Maguire can be a decent player in his prime but in recent seasons he’s not lived up to expectations at Man United, which has seen him described as “terrible” by members of the media, so PIF should avoid this move at all costs.

The World Cup participant, who’s sponsored by Puma, ranked as Ten Hag’s 18th worst-performing defensive player during the previous term averaging just 0.5 tackles per game, as well as placing 17th overall in their squad ratings, via WhoScored.

The Sheffield-born player, who also failed to record a single goal or assist, is currently pocketing £190k-per-week so his wage demands would be way too high to match, with the club’s highest earners being Kieran Trippier, Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes on £120k-per-week.

Howe and the Magpies board should look elsewhere should he want to add to his defensive ranks.

Ellis Simms' return to parent club Everton in January was a huge blow in Sunderland's pursuit of a Premier League return, but they may just have found an adequate replacement.

According to Portuguese outlet Record, Benfica youngster Luis Semedo is very close to joining the Championship side after failing to agree new terms with the Primeira Liga heavyweights.

What impact did Ellis Simms have at Sunderland?

Simms made a huge impact in his half-season spell on loan at the Stadium of Light, scoring seven goals in 17 league matches to not only help Sunderland adapt to life back in the Championship, but also compete in the higher reaches of the division.

The 22-year-old may have departed with 31 league games of the campaign left to play, including the two-legged play-off semi-final, yet he still finished as the club's fourth-top scorer behind Jack Clarke (9), Ross Stewart (10) and Amad Diallo (13), the latter of whom also impressed on loan from a Premier League side.

With an average of a goal every 0.56 league games, only Stewart (0.86) was more effective in attack for Sunderland this past season than Simms, who also chipped in with a couple of assists.

Sunderland ultimately battled on to reach the play-offs without Simms, where they went on to lose 3-2 on aggregate to promoted Luton Town, but it remains to be seen what could have been with the Everton academy product in their ranks for the second half of the season – especially considering he started just two Premier League games for the Toffees after being recalled.

Could Luis Semedo replace Simms at Sunderland?

On the face of it, it is easy to see why Semedo is being touted as a like-for-like replacement for Simms. After all, both players are similar in stature, measuring in at roughly the same height at 6 foot 3.

Semedo, whose playing style has seen him described as "a big physical unit" by football reporter Josh Bunting, also has an eye for goal, as reflected by the four goals he scored in four games for Benfica in the 2022-23 UEFA Youth League.

However, whereas Simms arrived at Sunderland with some experience of first-team football under his belt following spells on loan with Blackpool and Hearts, Semedo has so far represented only Benfica B and Portugal U20.

Even before finding his scoring boots in European competition last season, Benfica clearly saw plenty in the youngster as they handed him a professional contract in August 2020 when he turned 18.

While his overall numbers at age-grade level are hardly much to shout about, having scored just twice in 18 Segunda Liga appearances last term, Sunderland have a habit of finding gems in need of fine-tuning – not least Stewart, who went from scoring two goals for Ross County in 2020-21 to 26 goals in his first full campaign with the Black Cats.

With Diallo also heading back to parent club Manchester United – though a possible loan return has been touted – Sunderland need to be smart with their transfer business to plug an obvious gap – or gaps.

As boss Tony Mowbray stated in January, any new signing "has to fit the criteria of what we need". If it is another talented young attacker in need of fine-tuning that Sunderland are indeed after, Semedo – who at a reported €600k (£518k) is a low-cost punt – might well be their man.