All posts by z3u9t.icu

Glasgow Rangers are now interested in completing the signing of a young player who could play in six different positions at Ibrox, according to a new Gers transfer claim.

Rangers and Martin could miss out on Liverpool gem

The Gers have been linked with a move for Liverpool left-back Owen Beck this summer, seeing him as a strong option in that area of the pitch.

However, it looks as though the Scottish Premiership giants are set to miss out on the 22-year-old, with journalist John Percy claiming that a move to Championship side Derby County is now on the cards instead.

While defensive additions are important for Rangers ahead of the new season, it looks as though Robin Propper’s exit remains possible, with FC Twente technical director Jan Streuer talking up a return to the club, should the centre-back not be part of Russell Martin’s plans at Ibrox.

“We had too many changes at the back last season; something had to be done. It isn’t [very simple], because of all sorts of factors beyond your control. Just before last season, our captain, Robin Propper, left at the last minute. We really missed him. Rangers bought him.

“A Scottish top club, you can’t compete with that. Now there’s a new manager at Rangers, he might play less. Then he could return. But he’ll want to wait and see first whether he’ll actually play less. Do we have to decide: do we wait for that, or do we look further?”

Rangers keen on signing versatile new target

According to Prima Vercelli [via Sport Witness], Rangers are in the mix to sign KR Reykjavik youngster and new target Johannes Bjarnason this summer.

The 20-year-old midfielder is also wanted by Genk and Pro Vercelli, but there is no mention of an asking price in the report. The Gers have reportedly been attracted by his impact in the final third, with Bjarnason netting six league goals in 2025.

Bjarnason is a relative unknown compared to some other Rangers targets this summer, given his age and the fact that he is playing in Iceland currently.

Rangers player could now "return" to former club if Martin doesn’t rate him

Would selling him be the right decision?

ByHenry Jackson Jul 21, 2025

The midfielder could still be an astute signing by the Gers, however, coming in as a long-term option who will hopefully blossom from a squad player to a key man over time.

Bjarnason has already scored 15 goals and registered 10 assists in 72 appearances for his current club, and has represented Iceland across six different youth age groups. His versatility allows him to shine in as many as six different positions, too.

Central midfield

16

5

2

Right midfield

14

3

4

Right-back

10

0

1

Attacking midfield

3

0

2

Defensive midfield

3

0

0

Left-back

1

0

0

This all highlights why Rangers signing him this summer could be exciting, with the Icelandic ace possibly a player with lots of potential moving forward.

Chelsea secured passage to the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup on Friday evening, as Pedro Neto produced a sensational performance in honour of his friend and Portugal teammate Diogo Jota.

Football world honours Diogo Jota and Andre Silva

Portugal stars Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo were left in tears during the moment of silence before Al-Hilal’s quarter-final defeat to Fluminense this week, and some may rightfully question why they were chosen to play so soon after the tragic passing of Jota and his brother, Andre Silva.

Tributes have poured in from across the football world and beyond after the Liverpool star and his younger brother were killed in a car crash in the Zamora province in Spain this week, and his colleagues have opted to honour him the only way they know how – by doing what he and they loved.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca revealed before their quarter-final clash against Palmeiras that the decision to play would be left solely up to Neto: “It’s very sad. We are all close to Pedro. It’s his decision. I had a chat this morning. Any decision he makes is the correct one.”

The Portugal winger, who not only shared an international dressing room with Jota but also played together at Wolves during the 2019/20 season, started the fixture in Philadelphia, entering the pitch with a shirt in honour of Jota and Silva.

His decision was certainly the right one, as the Blues ran out 2-1 winners courtesy of a late own goal from Agustín Giay, with Neto one of the star performers.

The 25 year-old completed six of his nine dribbles, won eight of 11 duels and also created two chances in the type of industrious and creative performance his friend would be proud of.

Minutes

87

Touches

41

Passes

17/21

Crosses

2/4

Dribbles

6/9

Duels

8/11

Maresca has since revealed a touching message he delivered in front of the Chelsea squad after what can only be described as incredible individual display given the circumstances.

The Italian is not the first manager to speak on the tragic event, and perhaps the most touching comments came from legendary Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho, who told Sky Sports: “When people leave this world, normally we all say ‘such a nice guy’. Diogo was really a nice guy.”

He added: “It happened with me many, many years ago when I was working at Porto with Mr Robson. One of our boys, a loved boy, died in a car crash.

“Instead of the boys suffering alone it was like the group suffered together and trying to fight for his memory. It was a boy Rui Filipe and we were champions, I think for him. In Liverpool they’re going to suffer together.”

A funeral for both brothers is taking place on Saturday July 5.

It’s been a very long time now since Birmingham City last called the Premier League home.

Indeed, it will have been a drawn-out 15 seasons this coming Championship campaign since the Blues were miserably relegated from the top-flight in 2011, but the aim will be to get back to this level very soon, with it not being the wildest shout in the world to tip Chris Davies’ confident group for back-to-back promotions immediately.

Adding exciting attackers such as Kyogo Furuhashi will do these wild aims no harm, as the new £10m signing prepares to cause Championship defences all sorts of havoc this coming season.

How Kyogo could take the Championship by storm

The Japanese forward has already tasted top-flight action in the United Kingdom previously.

Indeed, the 30-year-old attacker lit up the Scottish Premiership with plenty of menacing performances as a ruthless star up top, leading to Kyogo bowing out from his successful spell in Glasgow with a mighty 85 goals and 19 assists attached to his name.

Whilst some might question the competitiveness of Scottish’s top-flight next to the demands of the EFL’s elite league, it is clear that Kyogo is a red-hot goal machine on his day, with that electric form in the bread and butter of league action for Celtic also being seen on Europe’s grandest stage in the Champions League.

Three strikes have come the brand-new Birmingham attacker’s way in such a revered competition, meaning he should be able to take to the pressures of the second-tier in his stride.

It will all be down to the relationships he forms at St. Andrew’s, though, with Kyogo very much a poacher-like presence in attack – as seen in his minuscule average of just 16.9 touches during the 23/24 season in the Scottish top-flight – but that season would still see him bag a venomous 14 league strikes.

Therefore, he will want to bounce off an exciting partner willing to put chances on a plate for him, with another potential incoming acting as the dream winger for the lethal 30-year-old to work alongside.

The "special" star who could be Kyogo's dream winger

Whilst Birmingham have played it a bit safe by signing Championship-proven talents this summer, with both Demarai Gray and Tommy Doyle well-versed in the tricks of the trade at the level, splashing out £10m on Kyogo does show that the Blues are willing to be risky with their moves this summer.

The next risky play on the end of the newly promoted side could be to explore the Eredivisie again, having been successful going down this route in the not-so-distant past when snapping up Willum Thor Willumsson, as Sontje Hansen now reportedly comes back onto their agenda.

It’s clear by watching this rapid breakaway goal by Hansen that he could go on to be a joy to watch at St. Andrew’s if all slots into place, but it is being reported now that both Middlesbrough and Wrexham are also keen on the NEC Nijmegen ace.

If the Blues are after a tricky and slick attacker to complement Kyogo’s clinical nature, they should look to jump to the front of the queue to land him.

Described as a “special” player by his former U17 coach Peter Van De Veen, the winger has registered glowing numbers across his last two Dutch top-flight seasons, showing off a forward player who is equally deadly in front of goal, whilst also possessing an unselfish side to tee up teammates.

Games played

33

31

Goals scored

6

6

Assists

4

4

Big chances missed

4

2

Big chances created

7

7

Looking at the table above, the Dutchman has been very consistent for Nijimegen across their last two league campaigns, with 20 goal contributions coming his way.

Yet, if he were surrounded by a better quality teammate, such as Kyogo, feeding off his chances, those numbers might well increase, with only eight assists being tallied up, despite 14 big chances being created overall.

Hansen might well also fancy the chance of proving himself in England, having once been on the radar of Leeds United, as the lightning-quick attacker and Kyogo potentially join forces to help Birmingham shine in the Championship.

Birmingham City could sign "special" star who's even better than Doyle

Tommy Doyle could have competition in the midfield spots at Birmingham City if this star is also signed.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 8, 2025

In what would be the ultimate statement of intent from INEOS, Manchester United are now eyeing a shock move to hijack a Champions League megastar ahead of Arsenal after Real Madrid lowered their asking price.

Who Man Utd could target after Bryan Mbeumo

After launching a fresh bid worth more than £60m to sign Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, all signs a pointing towards success for Manchester United in their chase to sign the winger. In another big money deal, the Red Devils look increasingly likely to welcome their second attacking reinforcement of the summer following Matheus Cunha.

It always needed to be a big summer at Old Trafford, however, and INEOS may not be done after Mbeumo. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team have also set their sights on improvements in goal, in midfield and further attacking additions to round off an excellent summer of business.

On the goalkeeper front, the main name mentioned in recent weeks has been Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez. The Midlands club have PSR troubles hanging over their head and will likely need to sell a player before the June 30 deadline – potentially allowing United to take full advantage.

Meanwhile, when it comes to midfielders it is Ardon Jashari who has found himself among recent headlines. The Belgian Pro League’s Player of the Season has reportedly attracted the interest of United, who could land an instant upgrade on Casemiro.

It’s going forward that INEOS could save their best work once again though, with reports now suggesting that United may yet hijack Arsenal’s move to sign a Real Madrid megastar.

Man Utd eyeing shock Rodrygo hijack

As reported by Caught Offside, Manchester United are now eyeing a shock move to sign Rodrygo from Real Madrid this summer in what would see them hijack Arsenal’s pursuit.

It looks as though the Brazilan’s Real Madrid departure is a realistic possibility this summer as he continues to be overshadowed by the work of Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.

Arsenal are chasing his signature, which will now cost around €85m (£73m) following Madrid’s price drop from €110m (£94m), but United’s interest could now complicate things for the Gunners.

It would be some statement if INEOS managed to beat Arsenal to Rodrygo’s signature, albeit an expensive statement at that. Not only would United be spending another £73m to secure his signature, but the Madrid man also currently earns around £10.5m-a-year at the Bernabeu to form what would be Ratcliffe’s biggest deal yet.

He's perfect for Mbeumo: Wilcox opens talks to sign £35m star for Man Utd

Manchester United could be about to make a move for another young gem this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 25, 2025

Previously described as a “special” player by former manager Carlo Ancelotti, there’s a strong argument to be made that Rodrygo would be worth every penny of that £10.5m-a-year contract.

The talented winger may be an afterthought at Madrid at times, but there’s no denying that he’d instantly become the biggest star at Ruben Amorim’s disposal if he joined Manchester United this summer.

Newcastle United’s search for potential signings is underway. Eddie Howe must bolster certain areas of his squad, considering they will take on Europe’s best in the Champions League next season.

There has been reported interest in both Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon in recent weeks, and the thought of losing either of his star players must fill the head coach with dread.

If he can keep both of them at St James’ Park next season, while adding another couple of high-profile players, the club could make progress in the Champions League.

It appears as though the manager has eyes on someone who shone on Europe’s brightest stage last term…

Newcastle eye move for German star

According to journalist Lee Ryder, writing in the Chronicle, the Magpies have sent scouts to monitor Celtic winger Nicolas Kuhn throughout the winter months and remain keen on signing him during the current summer transfer window.

Brendan Rodgers has set a price tag of £15m on the German star, which is certainly more than affordable for the Toon, who are eyeing up the left-footed attacker.

RB Leipzig are also showing plenty of interest, but with the promised land of the Champions League set to grace St James’ Park once again, Kuhn has a big reason to favour a move to the north-east of England over a return to his former club.

Howe was keen on making a move for Anthony Elanga, but Nottingham Forest have placed a price tag of £60m on the winger.

On the surface, might Kuhn be a better signing than the former Manchester United starlet?

Why Nicolas Kuhn would be a better signing than Elanga

First and foremost, the price difference is staggering. Of course, Elanga has proven experience in the Premier League, scoring six times while grabbing 11 assists.

There is no doubt he could add something different on the right flank for Howe, but the winger has played just three Champions League games throughout his entire career.

Metric

Kuhn

Elanga

Goals

13

6

Assists

9

11

Key passes per game

1.6

1.3

Big chances created

11

9

Shots per game

1.9

1.2

Successful dribbles per game

1.8

0.7

This is when a move for Kuhn becomes advantageous. In the competition last season, the German not only scored three goals, including one against Bayern Munich, but he also provided an assist.

Furthermore, he had a goal conversion percentage of 38%, while also creating five big chances, averaging 1.5 key passes and succeeding with 1.7 dribbles against the best Europe can offer.

Overall, Kuhn scored 21 times and recorded 15 assists in all competitions for Celtic last season. It is no wonder he was hailed as “breathtaking” by pundit Marvin Bartley amid his excellent 2024/25 campaign.

Yes, making the step up from the Premiership to the English top flight is difficult, but for just £15m, Howe must be keen on taking the gamble.

His form in the Champions League must make him a slightly more attractive option than Elanga, especially with Newcastle keen to do well next term.

Having scouted him in spells last year, it is clear there is serious interest. Will Howe make his move sooner rather than later?

Only time will tell.

Newcastle readying bid and fighting to land centre-back wanted by Real Madrid

The Magpies are well in the fight to land their man…

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 21, 2025

Being the massive club they are, Arsenal have been blessed with an abundance of world-class players in the past.

The likes of Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira were unreal in the early 2000s, while Mesut Özil and Alexis Sanchez were the shining lights of the latter Arsène Wenger years.

However, on top of the bonafide stars, the Gunners also had more than their fair share of those who fell one or two rungs below, those who were still incredibly talented but are now seen as cult heroes more than anything else.

Theo Walcott would likely fall into the category for many fans, as while he never really fulfilled the potential so many believed he had, the former England international was still more than a handful, responsible for some iconic goals and was arguably the club’s best attacker for a season or two.

So, fans should be excited about recent reports linking Arsenal to an international who could be the Mikel Arteta’s own Walcott.

Arsenal transfer news

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other talented internationals touted for moves to Arsenal in recent weeks and months, like Rodrygo and Mohammed Kudus.

Transfer Focus

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

The former is reportedly available for around £84m, which might be a fee worth paying, as in 51 games for Real Madrid this season, he has scored 14 goals and provided ten assists.

On the other hand, Kudus might prove even more challenging to pry away from West Ham United as, according to reports from last week, he has a release clause worth up to a staggering £120m in his current deal.

Fortunately, another attacking talent has entered the frame for Arteta and Co: Anthony Elanga.

According to a recent report from journalist Graeme Bailey, Arsenal are one of several teams interested in the Nottingham Forest star ahead of the transfer window reopening next week.

The report claims that, alongside the Gunners, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Aston Villa have all been watching the Swedish international ‘closely.’

However, on top of dealing with the potential competition, the North Londoners would have to stump up a hefty fee of around £60m to get their man.

It could be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Elanga’s ability and the potential for him to improve further, it’s one Arsenal should be fighting for, especially as he could be their new Walcott.

Why Elanga would be Walcott 2.0

Okay, while there are certainly numerous reasons why Arsenal would want to, and probably should, sign Elanga this summer, let’s first address just why he could be the club’s new Walcott.

The first is that, like with the former Southampton gem, it would be another example of the Gunners signing an exciting and dynamic right-winger who can play in other positions from a fellow Premier League side.

Moreover, while the Swede is a fair bit older than the Englishman was when he moved to North London, the fact he’s still just 23 years old means there is plenty of time for him to further develop and grow in N5.

However, there is another, even more significant similarity between the two players: their pace.

While he was playing under Wenger, the former Arsenal star wasn’t always necessarily the most technical of footballers, but he was blisteringly quick, as shown by the Castol Football Index calculating his top speed to be 22.72 mph in March 2014, which converts to about 36.56 km/h.

In comparison, the Forest star reached an even higher speed of 22.78 mph this season, which is about 36.66 km/h, but did even better and hit 22.93 mph last season, which is around 36.91kmph.

Impressively, that is currently the fourth-fastest sprint since Premier League records began and more than justifies his statement that he’s “one of the fastest players in the league.”

Appearances

43

Minutes

2752′

Goals

6

Assists

12

Goal Involvements per Match

0.41

Minutes per Goal Involvement

152.88′

Finally, on top of being absurdly fast, the “special” talent, as dubbed by manager Nuno Espírito Santo, is also a potent threat, scoring six goals and providing 12 assists in just 43 appearances, totalling 2752 minutes this season.

That comes out to an impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.38 games, or every 152.88 minutes.

Ultimately, Arsenal need to add more attacking talent to the squad this summer, and someone who’s a genuine threat while also being incredibly fast sounds like just the player they should be signing.

He's like Mbappe: Arsenal submit offer to sign £68m "powerhouse"

The prolific international would be a sensational and game-changing signing for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 11, 2025

It’s fair to say Manchester United fans won’t be looking back on the 2024/25 season with any degree of fondness.

A miserable tally of 18 losses in total in the Premier League would see Ruben Amorim’s dismal Red Devils have to make do with an unimpressive 15th spot in the division, whilst a heartbreaking Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur means United won’t even have the joyful distraction of European football to look forward to next campaign.

It’s a huge summer at Old Trafford, therefore, as Amorim attempts to steer the sinking ship back on course, with a whole host of transfer rumours beginning to bubble to the surface involving outgoings and incomings.

The most notable exit that could soon be on the cards is Bruno Fernandes ditching the Theatre of Dreams, with United perhaps having to sell their standout star so they can finance some top-drawer signings through the door.

Man Utd's search for a striker

Although the ex-Sporting boss remains in good spirits that the attacking midfielder could stay put amidst interest from Al-Hilal, it could well be that United’s hand is forced in this regard if they want to upgrade their striker personnel this summer.

Indeed, French outlet Foot Mercato have reported that United will have to get rid of Fernandes and/or Marcus Rashford to try and tempt Galatasaray goal machine Victor Osimhen to England, with his annual wage costs alone coming in at an eye-watering £10m. After all, the Portuguese ace does earn a sizeable £300k-per-week salary in the current camp.

Therefore, the Premier League strugglers might well have to just bite the bullet and allow Fernandes to sadly depart, especially when you consider the Red Devils are crying out for a new, potent goalscorer away from the likes of a goal-shy Rasmus Hojlund.

That’s where the ex-Napoli man could come to the rescue, with Amorim potentially possessing his next Viktor Gyokeres very soon if his side can spectacularly purchase the “world class” – as he was once labelled by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley – menace.

Why Osimhen could become Amorim's next Gyokeres

Before delving deeper into Osimhen’s own unerring ability in front of goal, it’s only right to look at how Amorim had an instrumental part to play in Gyokeres becoming an equally ice-cold finisher of chances in Lisbon.

The Stockholm-born striker would instantly hit the ground running under the 40-year-old’s stewardship in Portugal, with a bumper 43 strikes coming his way across a memorable debut season.

The former Coventry City marksman is now up to a stunning 97 goals from 102 total appearances for Sporting, and whilst there were murmurs Gyokeres could reunite with his former manager in England, a statement move hasn’t yet whirred into motion.

But, the under-fire Red Devils boss can begin to claw his way into the Old Trafford good books by landing Osimhen instead, considering the Nigerian’s explosiveness in front of goal out in Turkey and across his goal-laden career to date means he could be the manager’s next Gyokeres.

Games played

29

33

Goals scored

26

39

Assists

5

7

Shots*

4.7

4.2

Shots on target*

1.9

2.4

Goal conversion %

19%

28%

Big chances missed

25

23

Big chances created

11

11

Amazingly, Osimhen isn’t a million miles off his Swedish counterpart’s insane Liga Portugal goalscoring numbers, with the Galatasaray number 45 actually boasting 37 goals and seven assists from 41 games in all competitions this season, away from setting the Turkish top-flight alight.

Additionally, away from just twisting and turning Super Lig defences for fun, the 26-year-old target has also proven himself as a clinical threat on the books of Napoli and Lille previously, as seen in his 94 goals for both the Serie A and Ligue 1 titans.

Therefore, whilst it might break United hearts to see Fernandes up and leave, it could well be a momentary, but necessary pain that then results in long-term success, particularly if Osmihen – who could be up for grabs for around £62m – enters the ranks and rips up yet another major league with his goalscoring prowess.

Better than Delap: Man Utd ready to pursue deal for "unplayable" £60m ace

Manchester United are reportedly ready to pursue a deal for this star who is even better than Liam Delap.

1 ByDan Emery May 31, 2025

It has been a funny old season for Tottenham Hotspur this year.

Ange Postecoglou’s side were abysmally poor in the Premier League and FA Cup but somehow managed to win the Europa League.

Now the North Londoners have the Champions League to look forward to next year, although based on how utterly dominant Paris Saint-Germain were in the final on Sunday, they’ll need to add some real quality to the squad in the coming weeks and months.

Fortunately, recent reports have suggested that the club may well be closing in on the signing of a top-quality midfielder who has won comparisons to one of the stars for PSG in the final: Vitinha.

Tottenham transfer news

The last few weeks have seen Spurs linked with several incredible talents, such as Daizen Maeda and Rayan Cherki.

Transfer Focus

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

The former might not be the most exciting name, but considering he scored an astounding 33 goals and 12 assists in 51 games for Celtic this season, his supposed £25m price tag could represent a real bargain.

Yet, Cherki might be an even better deal, as the young Frenchman has been able to rack up a tally of 12 goals and 20 assists in 44 appearances for Lyon this year and could be available for around £19m thanks to a release clause in his contract.

Even still, the North Londoners now seem keen on someone who’d possibly be the best deal of the lot, and it’s another player from Ligue 1: Angel Gomes.

According to a recent report from journalist Ben Jacobs, Spurs have already made an offer for the England international.

In more good news, he goes on to reveal that while other clubs, including West Ham United, have also made offers for the midfielder, Tottenham have “grown in confidence” that they’ll be able to get their man.

The reason so many teams have already submitted offers to the player is that he’ll be a free agent at the end of this month and, therefore, represents a sensational bargain.

In all, it’s a deal Spurs should be fighting to get sealed as soon as possible, as, on top of his own qualities, Gomes has also won comparisons to the incredible Champions League-winning Vitinha.

How Gomes compares to Vitinha

So, before we get to some of the other reasons Spurs should be signing Gomes this summer, it’s important to address this comparison to the unreal Vitinha and where it’s come from.

Well, in this instance, it stems from FBref, which compared players in similar positions in Ligue 1 last season and came to the conclusion that the Portuguse star was the ninth most similar midfielder to the Englishman ace in the competition.

The best way to understand how this conclusion was reached is by looking at some of the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, passing accuracy, key passes, aerial duels won and more, all per 90.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.29

0.27

Progressive Passes

7.13

7.71

Progressive Carries

1.71

1.74

Passing Accuracy

89.4%

89.7%

Expected Assists

0.21

0.17

Key Passes

1.68

1.57

Successful Take-On %

62.9%

61.5%

Aerial Duels Won

0.24

0.17

On top of his undeniable similarities to a European champion, the midfield “magician,” as dubbed by fellow professional Jonathan Panzo, has plenty of experience.

For example, despite being just 24 years old, the Edmonton-born star has made ten appearances for Manchester United, 32 for Boavista, four for the England senior side and 134 for Lille.

Ultimately, even if he wasn’t available for free, Spurs would be wise to sign the experienced and reliable Gomes, so the fact he’s available for free makes this transfer a total no-brainer.

He's shades of Bale: Spurs confident of signing "superstar" winger for £0

Spurs could sign a player who’s like Gareth Bale this summer.

ByMatt Dawson Jun 2, 2025

A new report has claimed that Everton are interested in signing an “insane” player in the summer transfer window, following an impressive season for his current club.

Everton feeling more "together" ahead of big summer

Goodison Park has now officially hosted its final game for the men’s team, following the Blues’ 2-0 win at home to Southampton in the Premier League on Sunday.

It’s now all change at Everton this summer, ahead of the move to Bramley Moore Dock, and a big transfer window is needed, in order to avoid another relegation battle. David Moyes is certainly in bullish spirits about the next chapter in the club’s history, saying after the Saints game.

“I think more the feeling that there might be a club which is ­coming back together. Signs that before there was a real break-up, of a sort of love affair with the supporters, the ­players, the club, the owners. So we’re all trying to get back. We’re obviously all looking forward to it. If we can take what we had today to the new stadium, it’ll be something.”

It is clear that plenty of surgery is required in Everton’s squad ahead of the summer, with several players leaving, and top-quality options needed to come in. Now, a new transfer rumour has emerged regarding one such figure.

Everton want to sign "insane" Coventry defender

According to Football League World, Everton are “looking” at Coventry City right-back Milan van Ewijk, seeing him as a potential addition this summer. The 24-year-old is also thought to be wanted by Fulham, with a move to the Premier League possibly appealing after his side were beaten by Sunderland in the Championship playoffs last week.

Van Ewijk could be an ideal option for Everton ahead of next season, at a time when they need to bring in a new long-term right-back to replace the likes of Ashley Young and Seamus Coleman.

The Dutchman has been a key man for Coventry throughout this season, making an impressive 47 starts in the Championship, bagging six goal contributions (two goals and four assists) along the way.

Saved by Ndiaye: Everton flop who won 30% duels must be axed after Goodison

Everton gave Goodison Park a fitting farewell but this underperformer must be axed ahead of the move.

ByKelan Sarson May 18, 2025

Journalist Henk Spaan hailed Van Ewijk’s performances against Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final last season, calling it “insane”, while Coventry manager Frank Lampard has admitted there is no surprise that top clubs are interested in him.

“He’s an attacking full-back and with all the natural attributes he’s got I think he can get even better as well because there will and are things we work on with him to improve all the time. So it’s no wonder when he’s playing this way that teams will look at him.”

This sums up why Van Eijk could be such an eye-catching addition for Everton, helping give Moyes’ team an extra attacking dimension next season.

Manchester City have been blessed with some incredible midfield gems over the years with the end of Kevin De Bruyne’s unbelievable journey with the Premier League giants now in sight.

With 108 goals and 177 assists next to his name, the Belgian will surely bow out as one of City’s modern day greats, with other stars that used to strut their stuff from the middle of the park in a similar dazzling way including David Silva and Yaya Toure among many others.

Now, it’s up to Pep Guardiola to find his next pool of exceptional midfield gems in the upcoming transfer window, with one target perhaps going down as a new take on Toure if everything aligns nicely.

Man City's pursuit of a new Toure

Before delving deeper into how City’s new target could go on to achieve greatness like the Ivorian, there are an extensive list of midfield names on Guardiola’s shopping list growing by the week.

Indeed, both German superstar Florian Wirtz and Nottingham Forest talent Morgan Gibbs-White have been incessantly linked with a big-money move to the Etihad, with Sporting CP winger Francisco Trincao also reportedly on City’s radar alongside arch rivals Manchester United.

Transfer Focus

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But, their focus might now have switched to sealing the signature of West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta, with reports from Spain suggesting that Guardiola and Co have set their sights on landing the enigmatic Brazilian this summer.

The Irons midfielder has been on the club’s radar for a while now, notably seeing a £60m bid rejected back in 2023, before they registered further interest in 2024.

Paqueta has been embroiled in a whole host of controversies at the London Stadium, but when assessing his midfield capabilities in isolation, he has the potential to become the Spaniard’s next Toure, with the South American a skilful, but tough presence centrally much like the ex-City number 42.

How Paqueta could be Guardiola's next Toure

It will be extremely hard for the Hammers number 10 to ever become as beloved as the now-retired midfielder, considering Toure would end his esteemed stay at the club with three league titles next to his name after picking up 125 goal contributions in total.

But, Paqueta – now valued at £30m via Transfermarkt – could slot into Guardiola’s main XI as a similarly lively presence anyway.

Indeed, the 27-year-old has garnered a reputation for being an entertaining figure in the heart of the West Ham midfield ever since his move to the London Stadium in 2022.

After all, even with a betting scandal weighing heavily, Paqueta has still managed to chip in with five goals this season in all competitions for Graham Potter’s lowly Hammers, which included a nicely-worked move being finished off by the 55-time Brazil international during Potter’s debut match from the dug-out.

Toure’s goal tally was always grander than just five for Guardiola’s men – with his lowest for a season coming in at the heftier seven – but Paqueta’s 18 goals and 14 assists overall for his current employers definitely makes him stick out as a tenacious yet attacking presence in the centre of the park akin to the former City icon.

CM

Toure

231

58

32

DM

Toure

210

24

20

AM

Toure

75

11

13

DM

Paqueta

5

0

0

AM

Paqueta

134

27

19

Much like the ex-Barcelona man before him too, Paqueta can either be unleashed as an attacking “maverick” – as he was once labelled by David Moyes – or slot into the side as a more defensively-minded midfielder, with his high tally of 6.3 duels won per game this season in the league sticking out in this regard.

City will just have to hope any scandals next to the Brazilian’s name begin to dissipate on his arrival to Manchester, with the serial trophy winners finding themselves burnt here in the past when Toure exited the club in 2018 after being reportedly shunned on his birthday.

Whilst it’s obvious the 27-year-old is a similarly flamboyant character, everyone at City will just pray the “incredible” talent – as he was also lauded by Moyes – lets his football do the talking like Toure also successfully managed.

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