Manchester City will be set to say goodbye to Fernandinho this summer after he revealed this would be his last season with the club.
Having signed back in 2013, the Brazilian has gone on to make 382 appearances for the Citizens across all competitions.
In those appearances, the midfielder has scored 26 goals, provided 33 assists and won numerous trophies along the way.
As he was so keen to join the club all those years ago, it was revealed that the player paid £4m of his own transfer fee to make his move to the Etihad Stadium.
Looking ahead to the next summer window, it seems as though another midfield talent is willing to make a financial sacrifice to force his way to the Manchester club.
What’s the news?
According to a recent report from The Sun, Barcelona midfielder, Frenkie de Jong, is reportedly willing to kiss goodbye to nearly £6m in unpaid wages to clinch a move to City this summer.
Having made 135 appearances for Ajax across their senior side and U21 team, the Dutchman joined Barcelona in the 2019 summer transfer window after striking a deal worth £65m for him back in January.
It’s thought the player may cost around £59.6m this summer.
Great news for Man City
Since arriving at Barca, the 25-year-old has played in 139 games for the La Liga side across all competitions, scoring 13 goals and providing 17 assists along the way.
To highlight what a useful midfield option he could be for Pep Guardiola, de Jong is listed in the top five at Barcelona for passes made while under pressure from an opponent and key passes. He is also among the best five for shot and goal-creating actions in La Liga this term.
This shows just how much of a talented figure he is on the ball and how he can create goalscoring opportunities for his teammates. It also shows why Barca boss Xavi previously described him as a “genius.”
With City averaging more possession and passing success in the Premier League this season than any other side, adding the Barcelona star to their ranks could be a match made in heaven for both parties.
Now that the £63m-rated midfielder’s willingness to forget about his unpaid wages from Barcelona to join City has been reported, this surely represents good news for the Manchester club.
It should consequently push them into making a move to sign him as soon as possible.
In other news: Imagine him & Foden: Pep can form scary MCFC duo by signing gem Haaland called “crazy”
Liverpool have been dealt a major blow regarding their pursuit of RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku.
What’s the word?
According to L’Equipe [via Liverpool Echo], not even a bid of £85m for the Frenchman would be enough to take him off the Bundesliga club’s hands this summer.
Liverpool aren’t the only club linked with the 24-year-old either, with the likes of Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid all looking to sign him.
Jurgen Klopp might be priced out
Klopp is steering Liverpool to potentially their greatest-ever season, with an unprecedented quadruple bid getting closer to realisation every week. He already seems to be planning for the future too, with several of his players on the wrong side of 30, and replacements could well be signed sooner rather than later in order to bed in quickly.
However, the manager may need to look elsewhere for attacking options after the news regarding Nkunku, with the asking price for him approaching ridiculous levels.
At first glance, the Frenchman would make an excellent signing, having scored 32 goals and grabbed a further 20 assists from 49 matches this season.
freshpress-quiz ]
These are truly phenomenal figures, especially when you consider that he isn’t an out-and-out centre-forward but can play in a variety of positions, which include attacking midfield and featuring as a second striker.
The 24-year-old is one of Europe’s finest talents at the minute and former Leipzig manager Jesse Marsch described him as a player “who has no weaknesses”; and judging by Nkunku’s performances this season, it’s hard to argue against that notion.
Liverpool might just have to make do with moving towards other targets unless they feel that a fee of close to £100m is justifiable for the French predator.
Given FSG’s reputation for frugality at Anfield, it seems highly unlikely that such an amount will be spent on one player, so the news of Leipzig’s lofty asking price could leave Kopites gutted that their hopes of signing the prolific 24-year-old appear very slim.
AND in other news, Liverpool plotting mega offer for “dangerous” £19.8m-rated gem, he’s Klopp’s new Firmino
Manchester United have initiated contact with Napoli over the potential signing of their 23-year-old Nigeria international, Victor Osimhen.
What’s the word?
That is according to the latest report from Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, via Sport Witness, who claim the Old Trafford side have initiated contact with the Serie A outfit to find out the price for the 23-year-old star.
As per Sport Witness, United have been told that Napoli want €110m (£94.2m) for Osimhen, but that price is negotiable.
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Given the figures mentioned, it would easily be the Old Trafford side’s biggest signing of the summer.
A star signing
The potential coup of the Napoli star would represent what would be a star signing for Erik ten Hag’s new side.
Having bagged 18 attacking returns in the form of 13 goals and five assists over 25 appearances in the Serie A this season, Osimhen presents an astute option for United up-top.
Whilst the fee at around £94.2m is a heavy price tag, it would also ensure that the Red Devils’ record transfer fee was smashed – surpassing the £89.3m fee that was paid for Paul Pogba back in 2016.
Given the comparisons to Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski, as per FBref, it is no wonder why the young forward is rated so highly.
Osimhen’s match average of 3.88 shots is not too far off Lewandowski’s average of 4.49 shots per game, bearing in mind that the latter operates in a dominant Bayern Munich side.
In a similar fashion, the pair’s non-penalty xG total is also not too dissimilar with the Nigerian registering an average of 0.52 and the Polish striker averaging 0.89 npxG per 90.
Considering that Manchester United have been linked with Lewandowski recently, United could sign a statistically similar talent in Osimhen who presents more long-term value with the fact that he is just 23-years-old.
The fact that United have enquired about Osimhen’s price is a promising indication of their interest.
In other news: “Manchester United are..” – Romano drops exciting transfer claim, ten Hag will love it
He is currently valued at £36m on the market, so being able to sign him on a free transfer provides a great opportunity for some of Europe’s elite clubs.
The Latest: Newcastle offer for Dybala
As per Football Insider, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) at Newcastle have now made a ‘blockbuster offer’ to try and sign Dybala, and there is ‘huge’ interest from the Premier League elite in the Argentine superstar.
A source from St James’ Park has revealed that the club have been ‘in contact’ with his camp and are ‘willing’ to make him their ‘highest-ever paid player’ with a deal worth more than £200,000 per week.
Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Arsenal are also ‘keen’ on the Argentina international, along with ‘top’ teams in both Italy and Spain.
The Verdict: Sign him
To get a player of Dybala’s quality and calibre for free is surely a deal that Newcastle need to try and get over the line.
Dubbed ‘world-class’ by former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, the 28-year-old has more than 200 goal contributions for club and country combined over the course of his career so far, and is a big name who would make a big statement around the world if the Toon snap him up.
Other top players could then be willing to follow Dybala to Tyneside should he join, so signing him could really kickstart the Magpies’ long-term project.
In other news, find out which ‘special’ NUFC loanee impressed on Saturday
It seems like Manchester United will focus the next stage of their rebuild on the midfield. There are a few players who have futures up in the air, at least in the short term. One of those is Casemiro, whose contract expires in the summer, and it is unclear at this stage if he will extend his deal at Old Trafford.
The other player who might not have a clear future at United is Kobbie Mainoo. He has been underused by Ruben Amorim this season, and could depart the club on loan in January, with Napoli one side who could make a move.
If they do leave, there are a few midfielders from within the Premier League that United could target.
United’s main midfield target
A recent report from TEAMTalk suggests that United have three names on their shortlist when it comes to a new midfielder. All of those currently play in the Premier League, with Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton two of those players.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The third man is someone who is one of the most highly rated midfielders in the Premier League right now.
TEAMtalk report that the Red Devils ‘would like to seal a deal’ for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson as one of their key targets in the middle of the park.
This will not be a straightforward deal to do, with the England international a player of interest to former club Newcastle United, too.
However, the Red Devils are showing a keen interest and could look to get a £60m deal over the line. Forest, however, would want closer to £80m if this move were to go ahead.
Man Utd's perfect Carrick successor
There is no doubt that 23-year-old Anderson is one of the most exciting midfielders in England. Described by Thomas Tuchel as “one of the best midfielders in the Premier League”, he’s seemingly secured a spot in the German’s starting lineup for the 2026 World Cup.
He has been exceptional this season in the middle of the park for Forest. In a campaign of great turmoil where they’ve had three different managers, the 23-year-old has been incredibly consistent, playing 14 games, scoring and assisting once.
That included a superb assist for Chris Wood on the opening day of the season.
His underlying numbers also reflect just how well he has played. The boyhood Newcastle star ranks in the top 1% of Premier League midfielders for several key metrics, including progressive passes per 90 minutes, of which he’s played 8.82, and ball recoveries, completing 8.36 each game.
Passes completed
63.73
97th
Progressive passes
8.82
99th
Passes into final third
8.55
99th
Take-ons completed
1.27
97th
Ball recoveries
8.36
99th
There are certainly similarities between Anderson and one of the all-time great midfielders in United’s history, Michael Carrick.
The former England international was metronomic at the heart of the Red Devils midfield for many years, shining under Sir Alex Ferguson especially.
He made 464 appearances for the 13-time Premier League champions, winning five of those league titles and one Champions League.
He even chipped in from the base of midfield with 24 goals and 35 assists.
He was a player highly rated by teammates, with Gary Neville saying he brought “authority, control, peace” to the pitch. This is certainly similar to Anderson, who, as the numbers show, is a true controller in the midfield, able to dictate play at will.
Anderson, it feels like, could bring a similar level of composure to the United midfield that Carrick did all those years ago. England boss Tuchel thinks highly of him, describing him as “a very complete, mobile central midfielder.”
However, it is not just their playstyle that is eerily similar. Carrick was born and raised in the North East, just like Anderson, with the pair growing up in close geographical areas. There are a few fair connections between the duo.
In signing Anderson, United could be adding their new Carrick to the middle of the park. He could certainly bring the same sort of brilliance on the ball and tenacity without it that their former number 16 did during his time at the club.
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The first international break of the 2025/26 campaign may have come at the perfect time for Glasgow Rangers head coach Russell Martin after a difficult start to the season.
Four draws in four Scottish Premiership matches and a 9-1 loss on aggregate in the Champions League play-off qualifying round has already put pressure on the Ibrox boss.
Some supporters made their frustrations clear after the 6-0 loss in Belgium, placing a banner at Ibrox asking for Martin to be sacked.
A two-week break for international games has provided Martin with time to clear his head and reassess how he wants to tackle matches, tactically, in the coming weeks to ensure that his side picks up enough results to get fans back onside.
The international break has also been a welcome distraction for some of the players, who have been able to get away from the toxicity around Ibrox, brought on by the performances and results, to play for their countries.
Nicolas Raskin and Derek Cornelius scored for Belgium and Canada, respectively, but it was Thelo Aasgaard who grabbed the headlines with his immense display.
Thelo Aasgaard showed Rangers supporters what he is about
Rangers signed the attacking midfielder from Luton Town on a permanent deal earlier this summer to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch.
They have not seen too much of him on the pitch yet, though, because the 23-year-old star missed the start of the season through injury, which is why he has only played two games in the Premiership so far.
Aasgard’s performance off the bench for Norway against Moldova on Tuesday night, however, shows the kind of quality that supporters can look forward to seeing from him once he is at his best at Ibrox.
Minutes played
26
Sofascore rating
9.8
Shots
6
Goals
4
Pass accuracy
70%
Passes made
7
Possession lost
3x
As you can see in the table above, the Norwegian sensation produced an unbelievable cameo for his country with four goals in just 26 minutes as part of an 11-1 win against Moldova.
Aasgaard now has five goals in three caps for Norway. He also scored 12 goals in 31 appearances for Wigan Athletic last season before his move to Luton in January, per Transfermarkt, which shows that the youngster can offer a big threat as a goalscorer.
Hopefully, his incredible four-goal haul against Moldova will provide him with the confidence that he needs to return to Rangers and hit the ground running on the other side of the international break against Hearts on Saturday.
Whilst Aasgaard needs to start showing what he is capable of at Ibrox, there is another Light Blues star who could become an elite player for the club if he learns a thing or two from the Norwegian midfielder.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Rangers signed Oliver Antman from Go Ahead Eagles in a deal worth up to £4m this summer to bolster their options out wide, and he could become a truly elite figure for Martin’s side if he can become a goalscorer as potent as Aasgaard is.
Why Oliver Antman needs to be more like Thelo Aasgaard
When you think of the best wingers in the world, your mind likely goes to Mohamed Salah, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Bukayo Saka, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and others like them.
What do they all have in common? They can all score goals as well as assist them. They are not one-dimensional players who can be silenced by cutting off their threat as either a scorer or a creator, because they can be both.
A month into his career at Ibrox, Antman has been too one-dimensional for Rangers on the right wing. If the opposition find a way to shut down his threat from crosses or passes, he does not make much of an impact on the game.
The Finland international showcased his creative quality on his debut for the club against Viktoria Plzen in a Champions League qualifier at the start of August, as he delivered a top-quality ball into box for Djeidi Gassama to score.
Antman, who reporter Chris Jack claimed has “feet like drumsticks”, was signed by the Scottish giants after providing a huge threat as a creator from the right flank during his time with Go Ahead Eagles in the Eredivisie during the 2024/25 campaign.
Starts
28
Goals
6
xG
6.99
Key passes per game
1.6
Big chances created
16
xA
6.54
Assists
15
As you can see in the table above, the 24-year-old attacker was an exceptional creator for the Dutch side, but did not provide goals on a regular basis, with just six strikes in 28 matches.
In order for Antman to take the next step in his career, and to become an elite player for Rangers, he must learn from Aasgaard’s ability to find space and chances inside the box to become a threat as a scorer.
One way for the Finnish star to do that could be to operate on the left flank. Go back to the names listed among the best wingers in the world, they are all predominantly play as inverted wingers, cutting in on their favoured foot.
Meanwhile, Antman has played on the right wing as a right-footed player. Playing him on the left would provide him with the option to cut infield to take shots with his stronger foot, whilst still being able to go down the line to put crosses in with his left foot, or by chopping back to cross with his right.
This subtle, but potentially game-changing, tactical change, coupled with a bit of learning from Aasgaard on how and when to arrive in the box at right time, could help Antman to become a complete forward who can consistently impact games with goals and assists.
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At this moment in time, the Finnish whiz is too predictable and easy to mark out of games, hence why he has zero goals and zero assists in his last six games for the club, which is why these tactical and player mindset changes need to be made to make him truly elite.
In spite of all the drama that has plagued Newcastle United throughout the summer transfer window, there’s a sense that Eddie Howe will be rather pleased with the lion’s share of his club’s business.
Newcastle rebounded from a frustrating start to the 2024/25 campaign and qualified for the Champions League, finishing fifth in the Premier League, having also defeated Liverpool at Wembley to lift the Carabao Cup.
But the feel-good factor faded out after the curtains draped on a successful season, with a slew of failed bids for top targets dampening the mood and then some.
This has been a transfer window of attrition, but one that Newcastle have weathered and now appears to be emerging from victoriously, having strengthened across the park.
And while the pursuit of a new striker has been an interminable and fruitless thing up until this stage, Newcastle have finally made headway, welcoming Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart for a club-record fee.
Why Newcastle signed Woltemade
While this remains conjecture at this stage, all the pointers suggest that Woltemade has been welcomed to Newcastle as Alexander Isak’s replacement.
Newcastle’s free-scoring talisman has made a menace of himself on Tyneside for three years now, but has essayed to secure a move to Premier League champions Liverpool for over a month, and appears set to get his wish.
A blow, no doubt about it. To Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher, Isak was “the best striker in the Premier League” last season, after all. He scored 27 goals across all competitions, and replacing him was understandably viewed as a steep task.
But Woltemade, 23, has all the tools to thrive as the Sweden star’s successor. Across all competitions last year, the 6 foot 6 centre-forward scored 17 goals and supplied three assists, with talent scout Jacek Kulig hailing his “unstoppable” form in front of goal.
A fantastic signing, of course, but there’s little evidence at this stage that Woltemade will hit the ground running, especially since Newcastle plan to further bolster their frontline with the signing of a Prem-proven number nine, Brentford’s Yoane Wissa at the top of the list.
Landing the German was fine business, but Newcastle aren’t done there. Indeed, Howe and United’s transfer officials have their sights set on a centre-midfielder to complete the set.
Newcastle in last-gasp race for midfielder
As per Caught Offside, Newcastle have joined a late transfer tussle for Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, who is anticipated to be on the move ahead of Monday’s deadline.
Valued at £45m by the Spanish giants, Gallagher only swapped the Premier League for La Liga one year ago, and though he showed plenty of promise under Diego Simeone’s wing last year, he is open to making a dramatic return to his homeland.
Tottenham Hotspur are understood to be leading the race at this stage, but Newcastle are ready to pounce if the chance presents itself, with Crystal Palace and Manchester United also interested.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
What Gallagher will bring to Newcastle
Now that Woltemade has arrived, Newcastle are in a far better position to tackle the campaign ahead. However, his signing comes with the caveat that Isak will leave, and however you brush it up, that is a big blow.
But Gallagher would only reinforce a deep and dynamic midfield cohort, and having been described as being “like a machine” in midfield by former Chelsea teammate Moises Caicedo, it’s clear he has the backing of those billed as superstars in the Premier League.
Sevilla's Juanlu Sanchez in action against Atletico Madrid's Conor Gallagher.
And, moreover, he has a tried-and-tested method of success in England’s top flight, having showcased technical skill, intensity and energy throughout his years at Stamford Bridge and his loan spells with West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace, routinely covering the most distance in a match while at Selhurst Park.
Newcastle lost Sandro Tonali and Joelinton to injury after Monday night’s agonising defeat against Liverpool, and Gallagher’s presence would have gone a long way toward injecting that extra bit of quality and drive against the Reds, who withered and were pressed against the ropes on
Matches (starts)
35 (18)
37 (37)
Goals
3
5
Assists
1
7
Pass completion
85%
92%
Big chances created
5
11
Key passes*
0.6
1.4
Dribbles*
0.7 (50%)
1.0 (68%)
Ball recoveries*
5.1
6.3
Tackles*
1.3
2.3
Duels (won)*
3.5 (45%)
5.7 (50%)
Across the past year at Atletico, Gallagher has played an important role, featuring 52 times and contributing to ten goal contributions. His prowess translated to life in Spain, and his ability to operate across a range of midfield roles in England speaks for itself.
Woltemade, for all his promise and potential, scored 12 times in the Bundesliga last season, and that doesn’t issue a fail-safe promise of prolificacy in the Premier League, considered by many to be the toughest division across the continent.
But how can Gallagher’s skill on English soil be contested? He has performed with aplomb for three different clubs, all of differing levels, and demonstrated his range while doing so.
There’s no doubt that Woltemade will alight on Tyneside with a weight of expectation, and that he has big boots to step into, but Gallagher would merely add to a midfield circle that already operates so fluidly and aggressively, and his skill set suggests he would dovetail right in.
Stuttgart's Nick Woltemade
And with someone like Wissa, who scored 19 times in the Premier League last season, there’s actually every chance that Woltemade could spend the campaign jockeying for a place at the front of the ship and taking a seat on the bench for a multitude of matches.
This shouldn’t be a negative thing for the Toon, however; even with the potential sale of Isak, Newcastle have recruited shrewdly, and have a wealth of options ready to raise Howe’s system up another gear.
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Manchester United have now entered shock talks to sign another “unbelievable” forward after Matheus Cunha, according to a report.
Man Utd pursuing new forwards despite agreeing Cunha deal
Man United’s deal for Cunha is now edging closer to completion, with Fabrizio Romano recently confirming that a £62.5m fee has been agreed, with the Brazilian poised to sign a contract until 2030, which includes the option for an extra year.
It will be welcome news that the Wolverhampton Wanderers star is still keen on a move to Old Trafford, despite the fact that European football will not be on offer next season, but he is not the only forward United have their eye on.
In fact, a whole host of strikers have been identified as potential targets for the Red Devils, given that Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggled in front of goal throughout the 2024-25 campaign.
Target
Current club
Potential cost
Moise Kean
Fiorentina
£44m
Liam Delap
Ipswich Town
£30m
Viktor Gyokeres
Sporting CP
£64m
Jean-Philippe Mateta
Crystal Palace
£50m
According to talkSPORT, Manchester United and INEOS are also stepping up their pursuit of a different Premier League forward, having now entered shock talks over a deal for Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo.
Mbeumo has just one year remaining on his contract with the Bees, which means his current employers may feel the need to cash-in this summer to avoid losing him on a free, and the London club are expected to hold out for a fee of around £50m.
Brentford's BryanMbeumoreacts
Thomas Frank has also admitted that Brentford would consider a sale this summer, saying: “I would like to keep him, but we are a selling club so if someone comes in with the right price.”
Mbeumo could be "unbelievable" signing for Man Utd
Ruben Amorim desperately needs a proven goalscorer, considering Hojlund and Zirkzee amassed just seven Premier League goals between them during the 2024-25 season, and the Cameroon international certainly fits the bill in that regard.
After scoring in his side’s final game of the season against Wolves, the France-born winger reached the 20-goal mark, taking his total to 29 goals and assists in all competitions, which is a fantastic return.
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Journalist Sam Tabuteau has also lauded the 25-year-old for his “unbelievable” attacking numbers, which undoubtedly played a big part in being nominated for the Premier League Player of the Season award.
That said, while Mbeumo is capable of playing at striker, the former Troyes man is more accustomed to playing on the wing, so Man United should look to bring in an out-and-out centre-forward alongside him.
It remains to be seen whether Viktor Gyokeres will be keen on a move to Old Trafford, given that Champions League football is not on offer, but the Swede would be an exciting signing, having now scored a remarkable 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting CP.
Everton are far enough away from the top half and the bottom three that their Premier League season is basically said and done, but there’s still something bigger to play for.
This weekend, Goodison Park will sing for the Everton Men’s team one last time. Relegated Southampton make the trip, sure to enter a cauldron of chaos as the Toffees say goodbye to their long-held home ahead of the move to Bramley-Moore Dock this summer.
The change of scenery represents a very real juncture in the club’s history, with David Moyes back at the helm and tasked with a rebuild that will see plenty of ins and outs before the 2025/26 campaign.
Everton manager DavidMoyesbefore the match
While fans are hoping to see a new striker walk through the gates, Everton need a variety of talent, with an exciting midfielder identified already.
Everton chasing new midfielder
According to TEAMtalk, Sunderland’s Dan Neil is on Everton’s radar ahead of the summer transfer window, although a move would likely be dependent on the outcome Black Cats’ Championship play-off final tie against Sheffield United.
That said, Neil’s contract expires at the end of next season and his side would prefer to cash in while they can. This opens a road from which Everton can travel to claim the talented midfielder’s signature.
Due to the player’s contract situation, he may even be available for a cut-price fee of £15m this summer.
What Dan Neil would bring to Everton
Neil, 23, has played a crucial role in Sunderland’s rise from League One. His breakthrough actually came during the promotion-sealing season of 2021/22, and he’s now featured 196 times for his boyhood club, clinching 32 goal contributions.
Hailed as a “joy to watch” on the field by Sunderland reporter Phil Smith and as “phenomenal” by fellow EFL star Luke Molyneux, Neil’s all-round game is something that could really impact the Everton midfield, with his sharp eye for a pass, strong defensive qualities and knack for driving the ball forward and creating space for teammates a particular skill set that Moyes has made good use of in the past.
Indeed, Neil could actually prove to be the manager’s next version of Declan Rice, who might play for Arsenal now but made his name in east London, synonymous with West Ham United’s rise in Moyes’ system, instrumental in winning the Conference League in 2022/23.
Matches (starts)
44 (44)
33 (31)
Goals
2
3
Assists
3
7
Touches*
57.5
57.7
Pass completion
84%
90%
Big chances created
4
16
Key passes*
0.7
1.8
Ball recoveries*
5.7
4.3
Dribbles*
0.9
0.4
Tackles + interceptions*
2.9
2.4
Duels (won)*
4.8 (51%)
3.4 (51%
Rice is clearly the more creative player, and he’s playing top-flight football besides, but Everton fans aren’t expecting Moyes and the board to conjure up a signing carrying the elite-level status of the Gunners’ main man in the middle.
Rather, they just want to see progress, and that is exactly what Neil would provide if placed in the Everton centre. As you can see, he’s athletic, tenacious in the duel and willing to dribble the ball forward, with a crispness in possession that Moyes will need to help with his transitional play next year.
Moyes’ man management ability is second to none, and after several years of promise in the second tier, Neil is surely ready to step into the big time as an Everton player, where he could thrive as the centrepiece of a growing project.
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With Graham Potter already thinking ahead to the summer transfer window, West Ham United have reportedly entered pole position to sign a relegated star ahead of Newcastle United.
West Ham's tough start under Potter
When Julen Lopetegui left West Ham following a failed stint at the London Stadium, there would have been plenty of hope that Potter would be the man to turn things around. Throughout the opening months of his reign, however, the former Chelsea manager has struggled to make his mark – only sparking more concerns and making the summer transfer window all the more important.
To that end, the rumours have already been coming thick and fast too. Names such as CJ Egan-Riley and Yann Bisseck have been two names particularly threatening to steal the headlines as the Hammers look to fix a leaky backline. The latter would be especially impressive, given his role in Inter Milan’s Champions League role this season.
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ByJoe Nuttall May 4, 2025
Whether West Ham are in a position to lure such players to the London Stadium remains to be seen, however. Unlike under David Moyes, they no longer have European football to offer. Now, coming off the back of a season in the bottom half, their ambitions may need to be adjusted slightly.
What hasn’t helped the West Ham boss in recent weeks is Niclas Fullkrug’s outburst following a frustrating draw at relegated Southampton. Potter responded to his forward’s anger, telling reporters: “I think he [Fullkrug] wears his heart on his sleeve. I would disagree with him in some things and agree with him in others.
“But he’s entitled to his opinion. As a senior player, we’ve had lots of honest conversations. And I think for me it’s better to have the conversations in private, not in public.”
West Ham in pole position to sign Ramsdale with £20m bid ready
One way that the Hammers could avoid the frustration of missing out on top targets whilst matching their ambitions is signing relegated stars. According to Caught Offside, West Ham are now leading the race to sign Aaron Ramsdale ahead of Newcastle United and are preparing an offer worth €23m (£20m) this summer.
Whether Southampton deem that offer acceptable is another question, however. Reports suggest that the goalkeeper has a release clause worth £25m, meaning that anything offered below that is likely to be rejected.
It was during his time at Arsenal that the England international was arguably at his best before David Raya ultimately earned his place. Receiving plenty of praise as a result, Gunners legend David Seaman told reporters when asked about Ramsdale in 2023: “People forget he’s only 24. So that is amazing for me because I didn’t join Arsenal until I was 26 – what he’s doing now at 24 is just phenomenal.
“He’s making big saves all the time. There was one on Saturday at 1-0 that was world-class. It wasn’t like a flying save or anything like that but it was a really technical piece of goalkeeping, which he did brilliantly, and he’s been doing that all season.”