All posts by z3u9t.icu

David Moyes took the reins in January and guided Everton away from certain peril. Goodison Park was sinking, but instead, the Scottish coach has made a positive impact and ensured the club parted with their historic home in a good position, set for future success.

With the 2024/25 Premier League season wrapped up, Everton finishing 13th, Moyes and The Friedkin Group have turned their attention to the summer transfer window, releasing a number of loanees as well as first-team mainstays such as Abdoulaye Doucoure.

Whether players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Michael Keane will be playing at the Hill Dickinson Stadium remains to be seen, but The Toffees are preparing to add some genuine quality to the starting line-up.

On that note, let’s have a look at how Moyes could apply his expertise over the summer, bringing in a few fresh faces who could make a big difference for a team hoping to challenge for a place in the top half.

1 GK – Jordan Pickford

Jordan Pickford has now completed 319 matches for Everton, keeping 89 clean sheets. He’s been a pillar of strength and a source of leadership for so many years.

He’s going nowhere; what else is there to say?

2 RB – Jake O'Brien

Joining from Lyon last summer, Jake O’Brien didn’t start a Premier League game until Moyes’ second game, filling in at right-back during the thrilling 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park.

He’s since been a regular feature in the starting line-up, hailed as an “absolute revelation” by TNT Sports commentator Adam Virgo.

3 CB – Yann Bisseck

While the currently injured James Tarkowski will still be on the books, Everton could move to sign a long-term heir, with Inter Milan’s Yann Bisseck being ambitiously targeted for the role.

Bissesk is a monstrous defensive star, playing a prominent role in the Serie A side’s ongoing Champions League campaign.

As per TEAMtalk, Everton have been informed they could bring him over to Bramley-Moore if they meet the £30m asking price.

4 CB – Jarrad Branthwaite

Will Jarrad Branthwaite be an Everton player come September? Only a few months ago, the powerful defender was reported to be considering his options after being overlooked by Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel for the March camp.

Tuchel has opted against picking him once again. Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United are rumoured to be keen, but Moyes will certainly want to keep hold of his star centre-back.

5 LB – Vitalii Mykolenko

Solid and largely dependable, Vitalii Mykolenko has another gear to raise in his development, but has definitely made gains, speaking of his enjoyment in embracing a more attacking role since the managerial change in January.

Mykolenko has six goal involvements across 110 matches in the Premier League, half of which have been posted over his last 11 matches, with Moyes at the helm.

6 CM – Tomas Soucek

Moyes wants to sign Tomas Soucek this summer, having enjoyed the fruits of the Czech midfielder’s labours for over four years at West Ham United.

An industrious and physical player with a shrewd eye for goal, Soucek would dovetail right in. And according to Football Insider, he’s keen on the move.

7 CM – Idrissa Gueye

TFG are fighting tooth and nail to tie 35-year-old Idrissa Gueye down to a new contract, as per TEAMtalk. He might be getting on, but the Senegalese midfielder was a tough-tackling menace in the centre of the park this season, so important for Moyes’ side.

1)

Idrissa Gueye

133

2)

Daniel Munoz

123

3)

Joao Gomes

116

4)

Noussair Mazraoui

115

5)

Moises Caicedo

114

Everton will need to retain his services. Gueye instils a calming effect while bringing the thunderous storm to his opponents, and it will be hard to replace that.

8 RW – Ben Doak

According to reports, Everton are talking internally about a jaw-dropping swoop for Liverpool talent Ben Doak, who has enjoyed a productive loan spell with Middlesbrough, scoring three goals and supplying seven assists from 24 games in the Championship.

Valued at £30m, the Scotland international wouldn’t come cheap, but he’s explosive and electric and definitely an upgrade on the outgoing Jack Harrison.

Former Tartan Army boss Craig Levein has touted him to become a “world-class player,” after all.

9 AM – Charly Alcaraz

Everton might be parting with most of their loan contingent, but they are in talks with Flamengo to sign Charly Alcaraz on a permanent basis.

The Argentina talent is tenacious and dynamic, and will give Dwight McNeil a run for his money for the number ten berth, especially now that Doucoure has played his final game in Merseyside blue.

10 LW – Iliman Ndiaye

What a player. Iliman Ndiaye missed a sizeable chunk of the season after Moyes replaced Sean Dyche, but who can deny he’s been a show-stopping signing?

Arriving from Marseille for a £15m fee, Ndiaye, 25, finished the campaign as the club’s top scorer, with 11 goals from 37 matches in all competitions.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is now personally keen for the Gunners to sign a Premier League rival star, with the transfer target in question also “pushing” to leave this summer.

Mikel Arteta's rumoured transfer ideas to strengthen Arsenal

Arteta recently had to affirm to the press that both him and new sporting director Andrea Berta are on the same page when it comes to the club’s recruitment strategy, following some reports of disagreements between the pair.

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1 ByMatt Dawson May 19, 2025

Naturally, while Berta’s arrival from Atlético Madrid is seen as an undoubted boost for the north Londoners, following 12 successful years in La Liga, Arteta will have his own ideas on how to reinforce his squad this summer.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Journalist Simon Phillips even reported last week that Arteta would prefer Arsenal to sign RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko over the heavily-linked Viktor Gyokeres, coming after the Slovenia international rejected their advances last year.

The 43-year-old, as per Spanish media sources, is also a big admirer of Athletic Bilbao attacking midfielder Oihan Sancet, who’s scored 17 goals in all competitions and could leave Bilbao for the value of his £67 million release clause.

Now, as per The Sun and journalist Anthony Chapman, £195,000-per-week Chelsea winger Christopher Nkunku is attracting Arteta’s personal attention as well.

The France international isn’t exactly a mainstay under Enzo Maresca, despite scoring 14 goals in all competitions, and this has led to reports that Nkunku is eyeing an exit from Stamford Bridge when the window reopens.

Mikel Arteta thinks Christopher Nkunku would be a good Arsenal signing

Chapman reports that Arsenal are “lining up a move” for the versatile forward, who can play almost anywhere in the attacking third.

It is also claimed that Arteta sees Nkunku as a potential “good” signing for Arsenal this summer.

One thing worth noting is that, barring his sky-high salary, Nkunku may turn out to be a fairly astute deal. Chelsea have apparently set his price tag at around £35 million, and are willing to make a £17 million loss by shipping him out of the door, just two years after signing him for £52 million.

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry heaped praise on the ex-RB Leipzig sensation in 2022, admitting back then that Nkunku is a player he loves watching, and it would appear that Arteta is in full agreement. Of course, it remains to be seen whether Chelsea would be willing to sell to a direct rival.

Newcastle United are now racing to sign a “splendid” goalscoring midfielder, who could be available for a fee of just £17m this summer, according to a report.

Howe sets sights on new midfielder

Newcastle are well-stocked in central midfield, with Bruno Guimaraes’ and Sandro Tonali’s impressive performances this season attracting the attention of Manchester City ahead of the summer transfer window.

It is unclear whether the Magpies would be willing to strengthen a direct Premier League rival by selling one of their star midfielders, but if they do decide to cash-in, there are a number of possible replacements on the shortlist.

The PIF are said to have joined a tug-of-war for Man City midfielder James McAtee, while Eddie Howe is particularly fond of Lazio midfielder Matteo Guendouzi, with signing a new midfielder deemed to be a priority if Tonali moves on.

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The Magpies have set their sights on a Premier League player who Eddie Howe has been left very impressed by.

ByDominic Lund May 4, 2025

Guendouzi specialises in a defensive role, but there are indications that Howe could also be keen on signing a midfielder capable of making an impact in the attacking third of the pitch.

According to a report from Spain, Newcastle are now racing Atletico Madrid and Nottingham Forest for the signature of Girona maestro Yangel Herrera, with Howe looking to complement his current options in midfield.

Although the rival interest in Herrera may be an issue, there is a sense that a deal could be possible, with the Spanish side willing to sanction his departure for a fee of around €20m (£17m), which would easily be affordable for PIF.

The Venezuelan has been a key player for Girona this season, catching the eye due to his physicality and passing ability, while the central midfielder has also proven himself in front of goal during his time in La Liga…

"Splendid" Herrera impressing on the front foot

The Girona midfielder has been particularly impressive going forward in La Liga this season, picking up four goals and three assists, while ranking in a high percentile across a number of key attacking metrics over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Non-penalty goals

0.17 (88th percentile)

Touches (Attacking penalty area)

2.42 (87th percentile)

Shots total

1.84 (92nd percentile)

The Venezuela international is also a dominant force in the air, placing in the 91st percentile for aerials won, and he received high praise from Opta Jose for his attacking output back in March.

Herrera has limited top-level experience, making just five appearances in the Champions League, but Newcastle will need to increase their squad depth to compete on all fronts next season, and the 27-year-old has proven he could be a solid option.

Whilst promotion back up to the Championship was joyously celebrated, everyone at Birmingham City will have known in that moment that this was just the first step in the Blues’ mission to restore the club to its previous grandeur.

After all, Chris Davies’ giants were Premier League regulars all through the noughties, with an unbelievable EFL Cup trophy success even coming their way in 2011 when Alex McLeish was at the helm.

The desire up a division from Birmingham’s perspective will be to compete with the top dogs of the division again, therefore, with a new addition here and there this summer undoubtedly improving the Blues’ chances before they officially get underway in the challenging league.

How Birmingham could strengthen this summer

Much like Wrexham who will want to spend big after promotion, Birmingham won’t be shirking away from attempting to land statement buys to make an impression in the Championship.

Already, the ambitious Blues have been tipped to bring back Che Adams to St. Andrew’s to enhance their impressive attacking personnel, with their interest also stretching out to potentially adding in Premier League experienced Mark Travers in goal.

But, the deal on everyone’s lips at Birmingham is the one that could see Peterborough United superstar Kwame Poku enter the building shortly, with reports last month suggesting that there is a lucrative £30k-per-week deal on the table for the Ghanaian to jump up a division.

Whilst the “outstanding” EFL performer – as he’s been labelled by journalist Lukman Evergreen – has been known to fire home goal after goal for Darren Ferguson’s Posh at a devastating rate, he has also shown throughout his bright stint in Cambridgeshire to date his unselfish approach when teeing up teammates for countless opportunities.

How Poku could make Stansfield better

Poku’s arrival on the scene could end up making everyone around him even better, judging by his unplayable wing play, but it’s Jay Stansfield who will no doubt be licking his lips the most at the idea of linking up with the in-demand 23-year-old.

Transfer Focus

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

Whilst the 22-year-old striker is unquestionably one of the finest talents to recently grace the third tier – seen in his 19 league strikes across 2024/25 – he is arguably not the finished product yet in the league above.

Indeed, the former Exeter City forward has only amassed 12 Championship goals across his varied career to date.

But, with Poku by his side who will be equally keen to prove himself in his new terrain, he should be able to keep up his blistering League One form.

Games played

37

27

Goals scored

19

12

Assists

3

8

Shots*

2.7

2.4

Touches*

29.0

46.3

Accurate passes*

8.1 (69%)

20.3 (80%)

Big chances missed

13

3

Big chances created

6

9

Combined last season in League One, the dynamite duo would pick up a mammoth 42 goals and assists across 64 appearances, meaning the thought of both of them together under Davies’ wing in the Championship is a frightening prospect.

Eight of Poku’s sizeable 20 goal contributions for the season would fall into the assist category too, with the 23-year-old far more comfortable than his counterpart in roaming forward and creating openings, seen in his far higher amount of touches averaged per league clash.

Whereas, the Birmingham number 28 excels more as a poacher waiting in the box to pounce, with the 22-year-old perhaps capable of finishing off even more opportunities moving forward if Poku was supplying him with chances galore.

With Poku down the right wing and Stansfield as a number ten, Davies could make his attacking options even deadlier by landing the aforementioned Adams as an out-and-out centre-forward, with this potential front three running rings around Championship defences.

Of course, no such statement deals have crossed the line just yet, but expect Davies’ side to look unfazed by the pressures of Championship action if Poku enters the building very soon.

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1 ByKelan Sarson May 13, 2025

Arsenal’s season now rests on 90 minutes in Paris next week.

Mikel Arteta’s side have failed to win the Premier League for a third campaign on the bounce, but as things stand, they still have a genuine chance of overturning Paris Saint-Germain’s one-nil lead at the Parc des Princes and making it to their first Champions League final in 19 years.

However, to do that, they’ll have to play substantially better than they did on Tuesday night, and more specifically, club captain Martin Odegaard will have to step up in a big way following his dismal showing at home.

Appearances

40

Minutes

3072′

Goals

5

Assists

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.37

Minutes per Goal Involvement

204.8′

With just 15 goal improvements in 40 appearances, the Norwegian international has been a massive disappointment this season, so it’s excellent news that recent reports have linked the club with a striker who should be able to revive his fortunes next year.

Arsenal's striker search

Ask any Arsenal fan what they desperately need in the summer, and we’d hazard a guess that almost all of them will say a striker. After all, despite being just one place ahead of them in the Premier League, Liverpool have scored 17 more goals this season.

Transfer Focus

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

Fortunately, the board clearly agrees with this sentiment, as there have been a whole host of centre-forwards touted for moves to the Emirates in recent weeks, one of the more recent being Jonathan David.

Thanks to his contract expiring at the end of next month, the Canadian international will be available for nothing in the summer, and as he’s already scored 25 goals and provided 11 assists in 46 games this year, he’d undoubtedly be an incredible addition to Arteta’s squad.

A little closer to home, the Gunners have once again been linked with Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins in recent weeks.

The Englishman was the subject of a failed £45m bid from the North Londoners in the winter window, and while it’s unclear just how much he’d cost in the summer, it’s clear that with 29 goal involvements in 50 games this season, he’d be a brilliant signing.

However, to really propel the club to the title next year and get the likes of Odegaard firing again, Arteta and Co need to sign a goalscoring machine, which is where Viktor Gyokeres comes in.

According to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, as relayed by GIVEMESPORT, Arsenal remain incredibly keen on bringing the Swedish international to N5 this summer.

A potential price tag is not mentioned in the story, but other reports from this week claim that the striker could be available for up to £70m.

It’s certainly a lot to spend on one player, but given his immense ability and the effect he could have on the likes of Odegaard, it’s a transfer worth doing for Arsenal.

How Gyokeres would revive Odegaard

While there might be several small reasons here and there why Gyokeres would be able to get more out of Odegaard, like his application in training sessions and his attitude during games, his raw output is what matters more than anything.

After all, it doesn’t matter how hard he works if he can’t finish the chances the Norwegian creates for him.

Fortunately, when it comes to being a pure out-and-out goalscorer, it’s hard to think of anyone better than the former Coventry City star in Europe at the moment.

Appearances

48

Minutes

3858′

Goals

52

Assists

12

Goal Involvements per Match

1.33

Minutes per Goal Involvement

60.28′

For example, in 48 appearances for Sporting CP, totalling 3858 minutes, the 6 foot 2 “powerhouse,” as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, has scored a simply staggering 52 goals and provided 12 assists for good measure.

In other words, the 26-capped monster is currently averaging 1.33 goal involvements every game, or one every 60.28 minutes, which is undoubtedly a world-class rate of return.

Just imagine a striker as unrelentingly efficient as that in front of the Gunners’ captain – he’d almost instantly see his assist tally skyrocket.

Moreover, if opposition defenders had to spend more time worrying about the North Londoners’ new monstrous forward as well as Bukayo Saka off the right, there would be more room for the former Real Madrid prospect to operate in, and as a result, his own goal tally would likely increase as well.

Ultimately, while it’s a lot of money, Arsenal should be doing all they can to bring Gyokeres to the Emirates this summer, as not only could he fire them to the title next year, but he could be just the man to get Odegaard back to his mercurial best as well.

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Chelsea are now preparing a £60m swoop for an “insane” forward, who has put in some very impressive performances in the Champions League this season, according to a report.

Blues set sights on new striker

With Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku struggling in front of goal since the turn of the year, it has become apparent that Enzo Maresca will need to bring in a new striker in the summer transfer window, and a number of targets have been identified.

Talks have been opened over a deal for Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, and there is a feeling the Blues could be willing to fork out a fee of £65m for the Sweden international, although they will face competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Newcastle United.

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Given Gyokeres’ huge price tag, however, it could be wise to consider alternative options, and it has recently emerged that Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap is set to be available for just £30m this summer, should his side be relegated from the Premier League.

Delap has been extremely impressive in front of goal in the Premier League this season, but according to a report from Spain, Chelsea have now set their sights on one of this season’s Champions League revelations, namely Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy.

The west Londoners are preparing a €70m (£60m) offer for Guirassy’s services, given that the striker has shone in the Champions League this season, most recently scoring a hat-trick against FC Barcelona in the quarter-final.

Serie A giants Juventus and Napoli are also interested in signing the Borussia Dortmund star, but Stamford Bridge is said to be his most likely destination this summer, with Maresca looking to bring in a striker who guarantees goals, amid concerns over Jackson.

"Insane" Guirassy could be huge upgrade on Jackson

Despite some promising signs near the start of the season, Jackson has been largely ineffective in front of goal this season, while Guirassy has been extremely impressive in both the Bundesliga and the Champions League throughout the campaign.

The Guinea international has amassed a remarkable 36 goal contributions in 40 appearances in all competitions, having been particularly prolific in front of goal in Europe, prior to his side’s exit at the hands of Barcelona earlier this week.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Bundesliga

25

15

3

Champions League

14

13

5

U23 football scout Antonio Mango has lauded the France-born striker as “insane” in the past, and his performances this season suggest he deserves to be playing in the Champions League next season, which is now extremely unlikely to be the case at Dortmund.

As such, it seems likely that a move to Stamford Bridge could appeal to Guirassy this summer, should the Blues manage to qualify for the Champions League, which underlines the importance of Chelsea having a strong end to the campaign.

Chelsea have now made contact to ask for information about a “world-class” player, ahead of a potential summer transfer swoop, according to a report.

Blues pushing for Champions League

Despite the drab 0-0 draw against Brentford at the weekend, the Blues remain in a strong position to end their two-year hiatus from the Champions League, sitting fourth in the Premier League table with just seven games left to play.

Should Enzo Maresca achieve his aim of Champions League qualification, the campaign will probably go down as a success, but there are still issues the manager will need to address in the summer transfer window.

One problem position has been goalkeeper, with Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen being used interchangeably, and there have been suggestions Maresca could bring Djordje Petrovic back into the fold next season.

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Petrovic has impressed on loan at Strasbourg, meaning he could also be given another chance at Stamford Bridge. Nonetheless, the option of bringing in a new goalkeeper from elsewhere remains on the table.

According to a report from Italy (via Chelsea Chronicle), Chelsea have now asked for information about AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, ahead of a potential summer transfer swoop.

Aston Villa and Manchester United have also been named as potential suitors for Maignan, whose future at the San Siro remains up in the air, given that he is yet to sign a new deal to extend his stay with the Italian club.

Reports have valued the goalkeeper at £67m, but there is a feeling he could be available for half that price, should he refuse to put pen to paper on a new deal, with his contract currently set to expire in 2026.

"World-class" Maignan could be real upgrade on Sanchez

Sanchez has been extremely error-prone for the Blues this season, making five mistakes which have directly led to goals in the Premier League, the joint-highest number of any player in the top flight.

As such, it is little wonder Chelsea are thinking about signing a replacement in the summer window, and there are indications Maignan could be a real upgrade on the Spaniard, considering he has been lauded as “world-class” by members of the Italian media.

Not only that, but the Frenchman could be well-suited to Maresca’s passing style of play, given that he has expressed a willingness to get on the ball over the past year, ranking in the 80th percentile for touches, when compared to his positional peers.

It is clear that Sanchez will need to be replaced this summer, and Maignan has proven he could be a solid replacement, although it may make more financial sense to give the nod to Petrovic, who has put in some very impressive displays in Ligue 1 this season.

Crystal Palace and Steve Parish appear to be ahead of Brighton & Hove Albion in the race to sign a 6 foot 4 defender.

Crystal Palace latest as RB Leipzig eye Oliver Glasner move

The Eagles have enjoyed a solid season on the whole in what is Oliver Glasner’s first full campaign at Selhurst Park. A run to the FA Cup semi-finals has been the highlight for the Eagles, where they are preparing to take on Aston Villa at Wembley later this month.

However, there were fears Glasner’s stay in south London could be short-lived, with Bundesliga side RB Leipzig eyeing up a move for the Austrian.

It was even claimed that RB Leipzig and Red Bull chief Jurgen Klopp had made contact over a deal for Glasner. However, in a boost for Palace, it has since been added that Glasner can’t imagine leaving English football for Leipzig at this moment in time.

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ByDominic Lund Apr 4, 2025

He could therefore still be at the club over the summer, preparing for the 2025/26 season, and by the looks of things, Parish and those at Selhurst Park are eyeing up new signings for the current boss.

A number of names have been linked with moves to Palace, including Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike and Liverpool winger Ben Doak.

Alongside attacking additions, deals for defensive targets are also on the agenda, and they are thought to be well-placed to sign a Ghana international.

Crystal Palace in lead to sign £5m+ Terry Yegbe

According to reports in Sweden, relayed by Sport Witness, Terry Yegbe is of interest to Crystal Palace, who are in the lead to sign the 24-year-old alongside Fulham and Championship promotion hopefuls Sheffield United.

There were rumours that rivals Brighton were on course to sign Yegbe for around €5.4m (£4.5m), however, it is stated that isn’t the case, with Palace, Fulham and the Blades best placed.

Elfsborg would want up to €6.98m (£5.9m) to sell Yegbe, who they only signed in 2024 for €550,000 from Finish side SJK Seinajoki.

Clearances

7.22

99th percentile

Interceptions

1.94

97th percentile

Shots blocked

1.25

95th percentile

Miscontrols

0.13

99th percentile

% of Aerials Won

68.4%

87th percentile

As can be seen, over the past 365 days, Yegbe, who stands at 6 ft 4, ranks highly in a number of defensive metrics, and he can also play as a left-back as well as a centre-back.

Now, a move to Selhurst Park could be one to keep an eye on, especially if Marc Guehi seals a Palace exit this summer amid links of a move to Premier League rivals Chelsea and Liverpool.

Everton are now reportedly keeping close tabs on a Premier League gem who’s been compared to Aston Villa’s Jadon Sancho.

Everton ready to pounce in Zirkzee race

Everton’s January transfer window may well centre around Premier League talent. The Toffees already enjoyed great success in the summer when they welcomed out-of-favour stars Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Now, The Friedkin Group could look to repeat that act of genius.

Despite the fact that Thierno Barry finally scored his first goal for the club against Nottingham Forest last time out, it seems as though those in Merseyside still intend to target an attacking reinforcement.

Reports have even gone as far as to claim that they’re ready to pounce in the race to sign Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United in January. The forward has fallen down the pecking order since the arrivals of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, but could have his season saved by the Toffees.

Zirkzee may have struggled at Old Trafford, but Grealish and Dewsbury-Hall are living proof that a move to Merseyside can quickly revive a career.

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ByTom Cunningham 6 days ago

Even if Barry now kicks on, David Moyes could do with that extra attacking addition, given that Beto is yet to show signs that he’ll become a viable goalscoring option for Everton.

That’s not to say Zirkzee is their only target, however. Alongside the Man United forward, the Toffees have also reportedly set their sights on signing Chelsea’s young, versatile winger, Tyrique George.

Like Zirkzee, the youngster has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge and is now looking to leave Chelsea when the winter window swings open in less than a month.

Everton keeping close tabs on Tyrique George

According to TeamTalk, Everton are now eyeing a move to sign George and have joined Leeds United in the early race to secure the 19-year-old’s signature.

Compared to Sancho by Italian media, George wouldn’t be the first struggling Chelsea star to find life at Everton. His former teammate, Dewsbury-Hall has undeniably thrived since arriving in Merseyside.

Ultimately, fresh faces have forced George down the pecking order in West London, but Enzo Maresca was certainly impressed by the teenager last season.

The Chelsea boss told reporters after George’s display against Man United in May: “Very good. Very good. Brave. He was a threat in behind. Not easy for him because on the other side you have Maguire, you have Lindelof, you have Shaw.

“He was fighting against important defenders. But again, we tried to find a solution with a player from the academy. Overall I think also he had the penalty moment, so he works quite good.”

Whether it’s Everton or Leeds, both would benefit from George’s arrival in the January transfer window and the striker himself desperately needs senior minutes if he is to kick on.

Manchester United desperately needed attacking reinforcements during the summer window, after netting just 44 league goals in the Premier League during 2024/25.

Ruben Amorim wanted an overhaul in such a department, with incomings and outgoings needed to help change the club’s fortunes in England’s top-flight.

INEOS went into the transfer market and spent around £200m on an attacking trio of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, whilst allowing the likes of Rasmus Hojlund to depart.

Mbeumo has already wasted no time in hitting the ground running at Old Trafford, as seen by his tally of five goals in his first 12 league outings – the most of any player in the squad.

However, that hasn’t stopped the board from targeting added reinforcements, with numerous attacking talents still on the club’s radar ahead of the January window.

The latest on United’s hunt for reinforcements in January

Over the last couple of days, United have once again been touted with a move to land Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo in the upcoming window.

The Red Devils are just one side who are currently in the race for the Cherries star, with the Ghanaian international currently having a £65m release clause in his deal at the Vitality.

However, Amorim’s men aren’t alone in their pursuit of the 25-year-old, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur all keeping a close eye on his situation at present.

He’s not the only attacker currently on their radar, with Borussia Dortmund talisman Serhou Guirassy another option being targeted by INEOS and Amorim ahead of January.

According to Sky Sports in Germany, United have been offered a €50m (£44m) deal to land the Guinean international, after his release clause became active.

It also states that Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester City are just a handful of teams who can activate such a clause, but it’s unclear if the player himself would entertain a winter move.

Why United’s latest target would be Amorim’s own Haaland

Erling Haaland is a player who many United supporters have envied over recent years, with the Norwegian talisman constantly providing the goods for local rivals Manchester City.

It could have been so different, especially considering Ole Gunnar Solskjaer pleaded with the board to sign him during his tenure in charge at Old Trafford.

The 25-year-old has since moved to the Etihad, with such a transfer allowing the forward to take his career to the next level – as seen by his remarkable goalscoring record since his move in 2022.

Haaland has racked up a staggering 143 goals in just 163 appearances, including a mind-boggling 22 goals in just 21 outings across all competitions for Pep Guardiola’s men.

During his time in England, he’s played against the Red Devils on nine separate occasions, finding the net eight times – with such a record one of the best for teams he’s faced.

However, Amorim could be about to land his own version of Haaland with a winter deal to land Guirassy, with the pair possessing numerous similarities.

Both would have moved to the Premier League from Bundesliga side Dortmund, whilst both have showcased their phenomenal goalscoring feats in recent years.

When comparing their respective stats from the current campaign, the Guinean international has managed to outperform the City star in key areas despite his own record in front of goal.

Guirassy, who’s been dubbed “one of the best strikers in Europe” by Lothar Matthaus, may have been outscored to date, but has posted a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate.

Games played

10

12

Goals & assists

6

15

Shot on target accuracy

59%

57%

Pass accuracy

72%

64%

Passes into final third

1.1

0.6

Carries into final third

0.8

0.7

Aerials won

2.9

2.6

Fouls won

1.3

0.7

Such a tally highlights his impressive ability in the final third, arguably taking advantage of more of the opportunities that have fallen his way in front of goal this season.

The Dortmund star has completed more passes this campaign, with more of his efforts being made into the final third – which could hand the United side an added creative threat in attacking areas.

His all-round dominance over Haaland is further reflected in his higher tally of carries into the final third and aerials won per 90 – both of which would improve the Red Devils’ attack tenfold.

£44m for a player of his quality in the current market would be an excellent deal for a striker who has consistently found the back of the net in the last few years.

Should he get anywhere near the levels produced by Haaland in the Premier League, it would be a sensational deal and one that could help Amorim in his quest for success.

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