Derby County are believed to be battling Championship rivals Swansea City for the loan signing of a “special” Premier League player this summer.
Eustace positive despite Derby defeat
It hasn’t exactly been an ideal start to the season for the Rams, who have lost their opening couple of Championship matches, losing 3-1 away to Stoke City and suffering a 5-3 hammering at home to Coventry City.
Despite this, Derby manager John Eustace found positives to Saturday’s loss against the Sky Blues, seeing enough to feel optimistic about moving forward.
“I was very happy with the attitude of the boys today. The way we stuck together when we went a goal down a couple of times, and then the character we showed to get back into the game when we went 3-2 up, was pleasing. The most disappointing thing for me is that at the moment, we’ve got a bit of a soft underbelly, and we need to get through the difficult moments.
“I appreciate that we’re probably not as up to speed as where we want to be at the moment through different scenarios. Even so, you have to defend the box better than we have been in the last couple of games.”
Derby will know that improvements are needed on the pitch, in order to avoid a relegation battle this season, and they have now been linked with a player that Rams supporters know well.
Derby in the mix to sign "special" winger
According to The Athletic, Derby are pursuing a move for Liverpool youngster Kaide Gordon this summer, with Swansea also eyeing a move for the 20-year-old. The Reds are also “considering loan approaches” for the winger, who started his career with the Rams before completing a move to Anfield in 2021.
Liverpool youngster Kaide Gordon
Gordon returning to Derby for the rest of the season could go down well, even though he hasn’t necessarily hit the huge heights many predicted, with Jurgen Klopp heaping praise on him during their time working together.
“He is a special kid, everyone knows that. He is really calm, great finisher. But he can improve he needs to get more involved in the game.”
Gordon will know that he has no real future at Liverpool, so a year away will surely appeal to him, allowing him to kick on his career and not grow stagnant.
He has now reached a point where he needs to find an extra gear, looking to add to a tally of only one Championship goal in 16 appearances, but the talent is there for him to be an excellent addition for Derby for a year. Eustace may even feel that a permanent signing could be on the cards next summer, should he impress enough.
There’s no denying that the 2024/25 campaign was one to forget for Manchester United, needing to erase such a year from their memory if they’re to be a success next season.
The Red Devils only registered a measly 15th-placed Premier League finish, whilst also being on the losing end in the Europa League final against fellow English side Tottenham Hotspur.
Ruben Amorim was ultimately unable to have the desired impact after taking the reins halfway through the campaign, undoubtedly hoping to make amends in 2025/26.
The 40-year-old has finally had the pre-season he desired to get his feet under the table and make the changes he needs to allow his players to operate in his 3-4-2-1 system.
Despite already splashing over £130m on new additions this summer, the hierarchy look set to back the manager once again in his quest for success in England’s top-flight.
The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer
Benjamin Sesko has undoubtedly been the biggest star linked in recent weeks, with the Red Devils battling Newcastle United for the RB Leipzig striker’s signature this window.
The Slovenian has already been subject to an offer from the Magpies, with United needing to act quickly if they are to secure a deal for the 22-year-old before the September 1st deadline.
Benjamin Sesko
However, despite the interest in the forward, other options are also being considered across the pitch, with Barcelona star Fermin Lopez the latest on their radar, according to Spanish outlet Sport.
They claim that Amorim’s side are preparing a €70m (£60m) offer for the 22-year-old central midfielder, after he made 46 appearances across all competitions last season.
The report also states that the LaLiga outfit would be open to allowing him to depart before the end of the window, if an offer in that region is submitted in the coming weeks.
Why United’s latest target could spell bad news for Bruno
Bruno Fernandes has been a player constantly providing the goods for United in recent years, scoring 98 times and notching 83 assists in his 290 appearances for the Red Devils.
Bruno Fernandes
Such numbers have saved the side in key moments, especially last season, with his tally of 37 goal contributions undoubtedly preventing the side from a relegation battle in the Premier League.
However, despite his contributions, he could find himself dropping down the pecking order in 2025/26, with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha already being signed to operate in the number ten role.
Bruno has regularly operated in such a position over recent times, potentially having to drop into a deeper role as a result of the pair’s big-money arrivals at Old Trafford.
The likes of Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte all currently occupy such roles, with the potential arrival of Lopez adding further depth to the midfield department.
There’s no doubt that if the Spaniard moved to the Theatre of Dreams it would put Fernandes’ spot in the side at risk, especially when considering the phenomenal numbers the Barça star produced in 2024/25.
Lopez, who’s been labelled “incredible” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, registered 11 combined goals and assists, highlighting the attacking threat he possesses from his deep-lying role.
Games played
28
Goals & assists
11
Pass accuracy
82%
Progressive passes
5.7
Passes into final third
4.7
Shots taken
3.1
Take-ons completed
1.8
Tackles won
1.4
Key passes made
2.1
Recoveries made
4.7
He also completed 5.7 progressive passes per 90, 4.7 of which were into the final third, handing the new additions the chance to thrive within attacking areas in their first season at the club.
The youngster’s talents are further reflected out of possession, winning 1.4 tackles per 90 and 4.7 recoveries per 90, offering Amorim the defensive presence he may need in the middle of the park.
£60m could be an expensive addition, but given Lopez’s all-round talents, he could prove to be an exceptional addition for United in their attempts to rise up the table.
At just 22, he has plenty of time to build on his early success in his career, potentially putting Bruno’s long-standing presence within the side at huge risk.
Most important deal since Bruno: Man Utd make enquiry for "world-class" gem
Manchester United are set to make another key move within this summer’s transfer window.
Despite only just signing Joao Palhinha, Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly back in the market for a midfielder and in pole position to sign a La Liga star this summer.
Frank "surprised" by Palhinha deal
After securing a loan deal with an option to buy worth around £26m, Spurs may have just landed an underrated bargain by signing Palhinha. The Bayern Munich midfielder may have endured a tough year in Germany, but it was only two seasons ago that he thrived under Marco Silva at Fulham. And now, he could be the perfect fit for Thomas Frank.
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Instantly full of praise for his new arrival, Frank admitted his surprise over Bayern’s decision to open the door for Palhinha’s exit just one year after securing his signature.
The Spurs boss told reporters: “Yeah, I was a bit surprised. Bayern went hard for him for two years and for whatever reason, which I actually don’t care about because we can get him, it was an opportunity for us.
“Sometimes everything goes a little bit in circles. Sometimes it is impossible to get a number nine. Sometimes it is impossible to get a number six. Sometimes it is impossible to get a right-back. At this moment in time, there are not many clear number sixes in the market so we are quite lucky to get him.”
Tottenham Hotspur managerThomasFrankcelebrates after the match
“I think he is a top player. He impressed everyone in the Premier League in the two years he was with Fulham. He is a regular for Portugal. Whatever the reason [Bayern let him go maybe] is the coach, the culture, the club, himself. Sometimes it is difficult to say. My concern is that he wanted to come and we wanted him to come.”
That said, the Lilywhites may not be done there with midfield additions. Alongside Palhinha, reports are now suggesting that they could welcome a second familiar face back to the Premier League.
Tottenham willing to submit Gallagher offer
According to reports in Spain, Tottenham are now willing to submit an offer worth €50m (£44m) to sign Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid this summer. The England international is reportedly free to leave the Spanish club this summer and it is those in North London who are in pole position to secure his signature.
Minutes
1,633
673
Goals
3
0
Tackles Won P90
1.77
1.87
Ball Recoveries P90
5.91
2.27
Unlike Palhinha in his first season away from the Premier League, Gallagher received ample game time at Atletico last season. But even after with that game time, he is seemingly destined to suffer the same exit fate as the Portuguese midfielder.
A player who Frank Lampard once dubbed an “amazing character”, Gallagher could now be on his way back to the Premier League and on his way to former London rivals Spurs.
A Glasgow Rangers target has now been put up for sale in a twist from the reports of a loan offer with a £10m buy obligation.
Rangers now eyeing multiple new faces
Russell Martin is already putting his own stamp on his Rangers team, as the Gers have brought in eight new players in this transfer window so far. The arrivals have been a mixed bag of positions and roles, but with still over a month and a bit left of the window, Rangers are looking to remain active.
Dream Cerny replacement: Rangers make offer for a "truly special talent"
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ByBen Gray Jul 24, 2025
Earlier this week it was reported that Rangers are interested in signing Johannes Bjarnason from KR Reykjavik. The midfielder is only 20 years old, but it is his impact in the final third that has attracted attention.
However, the Scottish side are not the only team chasing the youngster, as Genk and Pro Vercelli are also keen. Bjarnason has already netted an impressive 15 goals and recorded 10 assists in 72 appearances for his club.
Rangers – Ibrox corner flag
However, Bjarnason is not the only midfielder the Gers are looking at, as, according to Edinburgh News reporter Barry Anderson, the Scottish giants are keen on a deal for Andrej Bacanin, who plays for FC Cukaricki.
There is strong competition for the Serbia under-19 international, as Celtic, Ajax and Udinese are also chasing a transfer agreement.
Rangers target up for sale in £8m twist
According to Rangers Review journalist Chris Jack, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi has now been put up for sale after Rangers made a loan offer to Crystal Palace.
David Orstein reported on Thursday that Rangers saw a loan bid with a £10 million obligation to buy Rak-Sakyi turned down by Palace. Orstein stated that the Gers remain interested in the winger alongside other suitors from England.
However, Jack reports the Gers did make a loan offer but it did not include a £10 million buy option. They are still keen to strike a loan deal with Crystal Palace for Rak-Sakyi, but the Eagles are now looking to sell the winger on a long-term basis.
Rangers are now looking at their options, which do include possibly making an £8 million offer, but they may have to wait until late in the window to do so.
Clubs
Apps
Goals
Assists
Charlton
49
15
9
Palace U23
40
24
8
Sheffield United
36
7
2
Palace U18
17
8
8
Crystal Palace
10
0
0
Chelsea U18
1
0
0
Brighton U18
1
1
0
Rak-Sakyi has spent the last two seasons away from Selhurst Park, as he spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Charlton Athletic, during which he scored 15 goals in 43 League One games.
Then, last season, the 22-year-old scored seven goals in 34 Championship games, as he spent the campaign at Sheffield United. Rak-Sakyi is under contract until 2027, but the Premier League side have clearly decided it’s time to cash in for good.
Chelsea are set for a short pre-season after winning the Club World Cup final, with just five weeks separating their 3-0 win over PSG in New Jersey and their first Premier League game of 2025/2026 against Crystal Palace.
Chelsea hold talks with £100k-per-week England star this week
Enzo Maresca is prioritising one key area.
ByEmilio Galantini Jul 17, 2025
They have scheduled just two pre-season matches as a result of their CWC triumph, needing to fit a holiday in for both players and staff after what was a successful but very long campaign.
Cole Palmer
7.33
Moises Caicedo
7.02
Enzo Fernández
6.95
Nicolas Jackson
6.88
Noni Madueke
6.82
via WhoScored
Chelsea will take on both Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan on August 8 and August 10 respectively, but as things stand, these are the only friendlies they’ll play before facing Palace in the top flight a week later.
It remains to be seen how Enzo Maresca’s side will fare given their minimal preparation, but the Italian did get a chance to try out new tactics during their CWC campaign in the US.
He also managed to give some of his major summer signings a run-out. Joao Pedro seriously impressed at the tournament in particular, scoring three goals in three CWC games, including a brace in their semi-final against Fluminense and a goal in the final against PSG.
Despite Chelsea’s need to sell players and balance out the squad due to a pact with UEFA (Kaveh Solhekol), Maresca could still add more fresh faces before their new season kicks off against Palace.
This will be dependent on departures (Simon Phillips), but perhaps Djordje Petrovic’s £25 million move to Bournemouth has freed up space for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan to come in.
The France number one was a serious target for Chelsea earlier in the window, and they tried to complete a deal for him before competing in the CWC. However, Milan and Chelsea failed to find an agreement, despite Maignan’s eagerness to join.
Despite reports to the contrary, Chelsea could go back in for Maignan before deadline day on September 1, with Robert Sanchez also told he’s free to find a new club away from Stamford Bridge (Graeme Bailey).
Mike Maignan very keen to join Chelsea, he's a top target
TEAMtalk have another update on the situation this week, claiming Maignan remains a top target for Chelsea.
AC Milan's MikeMaignanreacts
The 30-year-old is also “enthusiastic” about joining Maresca’s side this summer, even if negotiations previously failed, with the main roadblock being Milan’s £22 million asking price – a figure deemed too high by Chelsea considering both his age and his contract situation.
However, given Maignan’s pedigree as one of world football’s most commanding shot-stoppers, £22 million is surely a price worth paying – especially if they sell Sanchez.
Every title-winning side in history have one thing in common – the presence of a world-class keeper. Maignan, who’s been lavished with praise by his fellow top-level players, arguably stands out as the best option by far this summer.
“He is physical, quick, he has clean technique. He is very strong. He is one of the best in the world,” said Liverpool keeper Alisson about Maignan’s quality.
“The quality of goalkeepers has really increased – Mike Maignan is within this elite.”
After a slow start to the transfer window, Mikel Arteta’s side have finally started to make moves, with deals for Christian Norgaard and Arrizabalaga right around the corner, and the announcement of Martin Zubimendi’s arrival could come in a matter of days.
However, while those three will undoubtedly improve the squad, especially the Real Sociedad star, what fans really want is for the club to sign some attacking talent.
Fortunately, reports linking Arsenal to Eberechi Eze have emerged in recent days, although another Premier League star is now being touted for a move to the Emirates, a winger who would be an upgrade on the Crystal Palace ace.
Arsenal target big Eze upgrade
Links to Eze aren’t anything new for Arsenal, as the Crystal Palace star was touted for a move to the club last summer, only for him to remain at Selhurst Park.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
However, it would be fair to say that the reports from the last couple of days revealing the Gunners’ interest in him have felt different, with some claiming that talks have already been held with the player’s representatives.
If the Premier League runners-up are to persevere with their supposed interest in the Englishman, they’ll have to stump up a fee of around £68m to activate the release clause in his current deal, and while he may be worth that much money, it would appear as if another talented international from the Premier League has caught the attention of the North Londoners.
At least that’s according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, who told GIVEMESPORT that Arsenal are interested in Anthony Gordon.
The Italian journalist has revealed that Arteta and his team are big fans of the Newcastle United star, and that while they’ve not made contact with the player or the Magpies, he has been someone they’ve “discussed internally.”
How much the former Everton gem might cost the Gunners is not mentioned in Romano’s report, but according to stories from earlier this summer, he could be available for around £80m.
It would be a complicated and incredibly costly transfer to get done, but given Gordon’s ability and potential, it is one Arsenal should pursue, especially as he could be an upgrade on Eze.
How Gordon compares to Eze
First and foremost, signing either Eze or Gordon would be brilliant business for Arsenal this summer, as it would be fair to say that neither Leandro Trossard nor Gabriel Martinelli grabbed the left wing position this season.
Moreover, if Arteta and Co sign the Palace star to play him in attacking midfield, then he’d be great competition for Martin Odegaard, but, with that said, there are a few reasons why we still reckon the Newcastle gem would be the better signing.
The first relates to his output, as while the former QPR gem was more productive this season, the former Toffees star had him comfortably beaten last year with a haul of 28 goal involvements in 48 games to 17 in 31, which just shows that when properly platformed, he can reach a higher level of performance.
However, examining their raw output is only one way to assess a player’s ability; another is to take a closer look under the hood and compare their underlying numbers.
Interestingly, when we do that for this season, the Toon star comes out looking far more impressive than his competitor.
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
0.42
0.53
Progressive Passes
3.63
3.37
Progressive Passes Received
7.93
5.31
Progressive Carries
4.48
2.40
Key Passes
1.89
2.01
Passes into the Penalty Area
2.04
1.35
Crosses into the Penalty Area
0.63
0.14
Passes into the Final Third
2.41
1.70
Shot-Creating Actions
3.74
4.69
Goal-Creating Actions
0.44
0.35
Carries into the Penalty Areas
2.07
0.76
Carries into the Final Third
2.30
1.67
Aerial Duels Won
0.30
0.24
For example, the 12-capped “nightmare,” as he describes himself, performs better in creative metrics, such as progressive passes, passes into the penalty area, and goal-creating actions, while also excelling in direct possession statistics, including progressive carries and carries into the penalty area, all per 90.
Numbers like these help show that the Magpies’ dynamic winger could aid the Gunners in build-up play, as well as making them far more dangerous in those games that develop into transitional, slogging matches.
Finally, and this is important with regard to squad building, the Newcastle ace is just 24 years old, whereas the Eagles star has just turned 27 and, based on research carried out by The Athletic, that means, we can expect the former to continue to improve in the coming years, but that isn’t the case for the latter.
Ultimately, based on his underlying numbers, ability to produce a high volume of goal involvements, and his age, Gordon appears to be the better signing for Arsenal. Therefore, the North Londoners should do all they can to bring him to the Emirates this summer.
Sesko will love him: Arsenal open talks to sign "one of the best in the PL"
Imagine this signing and Benjamin Sesko at Arsenal.
Well, it feels like Liverpool and Newcastle United are primed for a summer of fencing over Alexander Isak. The Magpies striker is on FSG’s wishlist, even if there’s a prevailing sense that Eddie Howe’s side are going to ensure their talisman stays put.
In fact, PIF have priced the centre-forward at £200m and are reportedly prepared to make him the highest-paid player in Newcastle’s history.
It’s unlikely that this one will come to fruition for Arne Slot’s side, but the door isn’t completely closed on a stunning summer capture to complement the thick breadth of talent already being added to the Anfield ranks: Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz brought in from Bayer Leverkusen, Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez just announced too.
Isak was only outscored by that man Mohamed Salah in the Premier League last season, and is one of the most mobile and talented nines in Europe, even remarked to have been “the best striker in the world” last season by analyst Raj Chohan.
Of course, in order to get such a deal over the line, Liverpool would need to make sure they offload Darwin Nunez.
The latest on Darwin Nunez's future
25 years old, Nunez should be heading into his prime – and he might be, but not at Liverpool. It hasn’t worked out for the man who cost FSG some £64m to bring over from Benfica (his full £85m fee will not be reached).
Anticipated to be on the move for several months, things are starting to move, with Serie A champions Napoli locked in talks with Liverpool to bring the player – who has green-lit the potential transfer – over to Naples.
Despite his flaws, Nunez remains popular within the Liverpool fanbase and is endowed with the archetypal physical faculties of the modern high-level striker. But consistency has proved elusive across his three years on Merseyside, and now it’s time for change.
Nunez actually regressed under Slot’s management, scoring just seven times across 43 matches in 2024/25. Others rose to the occasion, stepped up, but, tactically, the Uruguayan was incongruent in the system, unable to process the calculated and measured nature of the coach’s vision.
Liverpool's DarwinNunezcelebrates after winning the Premier League
Liverpool might not sign Isak this summer, but it’s pretty clear that a new striker will be required to combat Nunez’s departure. Someone refined and respected as one of the continent’s sharpest marksmen.
And someone affordable at that.
Liverpool open talks for Nunez upgrade
According to Correio da Manha, Liverpool have entered the race for Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, with Arsenal and Manchester United the notable competitors.
The 27-year-old has established himself as one of the most prolific strikers in Europe over the past few years and is believed to have a €80m (£68m) price tag, something Liverpool have confirmed after opening talks with the player’s representatives.
Said to be ‘heartbroken’ after Sporting president Frederico Varandas purportedly went back on a gentleman’s agreement to let him leave for a comparatively modest fee at the end of the 2024/25 season, Gyokeres has no intention of playing for the two-in-a-row Liga Portugal champions again.
Arsenal are the clear favourites in the race, but Liverpool are there, and they need a striker.
Why Liverpool should sign Viktor Gyokeres
Gyokeres is at the top of his game and has been profiled favourably by some of English football’s heaviest hitters. He might not have the same depth of talent as Isak, and indeed remains at this point unproven in the Premier League, but he’s a “ball-striking monster”, as per analyst Ben Mattinson and could prove a massive upgrade on Nunez.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokereskisses the trophy as he celebrate after winning the Taca de Portugal
When you consider he’s available for a fraction of the cost that FSG would need to pay to bring Newcastle’s goal-getter over to Anfield, snapping him up before rivals steal ahead feels like a bit of a no-brainer.
In fact, Isak’s 27-goal haul across the campaign is dwarfed by that of his compatriot, who fired 54 goals home for his outfit across domestic and European endeavours, playing only 52 matches.
1.
Viktor Gyokeres
33
39
2.
Kylian Mbappe
34
31
3.
Mohamed Salah
38
29
4.
Robert Lewandowski
34
27
5.
Harry Kane
31
26
Think of a forward, the best you can. They didn’t outscore Gyokeres in any of Europe’s top ten divisions last season, with the Swede’s 39-goal haul an illustration of his prowess.
His clinical nature – something that Nunez is decidedly lacking in – has even illustrated a sharper ball-striking quality than Isak, and if that can be translated over to English football, Slot will be a happy man indeed.
A fair criticism would be that he plies his trade in Portugal, and Nunez wrapped up his final campaign in the country with 34 goals across 41 matches in all competitions, prompting Jurgen Klopp to spend prodigally on his signature.
Liverpool'sDarwinNunezreacts
However, Gyokeres is far more accomplished, technically, athletically and physically, having been described as a “very physical striker” and a “powerhouse” by analyst Ben Mattinson.
Moreover, he’s proven his ability to steal the show against the Premier League’s finest.
And if that’s not sold him, just take a look at FBref’s evaluation, Gyokeres’ data gleaned across a period of 12 months to paint a vivid picture of his completeness, not just a goalscorer.
Indeed, he ranked among the top 11% of positional peers across divisions similar to the Liga Portugal for assists, the top 1% for progressive carries and shot-creating actions, and the top 2% for successful take-ons per 90.
Nunez was much younger when he arrived in the Premier League, a raw prospect with the hint of something special. Conversely, Gyokeres is at the heart of his prime years, no doubt robust and confident enough to work well with Salah, Wirtz and the like.
Fans have always clung onto hope that their record forward would come good, but when Slot stated in February that he “can’t accept” his work rate after a string of disappointing performances, it became quite clear that his day was done.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their third goal to complete his hat-trick
It’s time for change, and Gyokeres would be a fantastic addition given his relatively affordable price tag and the existing depth of creative quality in Slot’s squad.
He'd be Wirtz 2.0: Liverpool stand a "chance" of signing the "next Mbappe"
Liverpool believe they have a good chance to sign a star who would be a Florian Wirtz repeat.
Everton chiefs are now confident in their bid to sign a “menacing” forward who has a £34 million release clause, according to a new report.
David Moyes wants midfield reinforcements at Everton
Heading into the new stadium, it is clear to see that David Moyes is keen to put together a squad at Everton that can look up the table rather than over their shoulder. The Toffees are unlikely to have lots of money to spend this summer as like everyone else they dance around PSR, but Moyes will have no intentions of another relegation scrap.
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ByBrett Worthington Jun 26, 2025
Strengthening his midfield appears to be high on the list, and that can be shown with their latest transfer targets. According to talkSPORT, Everton have returned to Wilfred Ndidi as a potential target this summer. The midfielder could cost Everton as little as £9 million, due to a release clause that has now been activated due to Leicester City suffering relegation.
Leicester City's WilfredNdidiin action with AFC Bournemouth's Marcus Tavernier
As well as looking at Ndidi, the Toffees have reportedly registered their interest in signing James McAtee from Manchester City. The attacking midfielder is expected to leave the Etihad due to his lack of game time last season, and he could be available for around £25 million.
There is now a new name on their midfield list, and that is Raphael Onyedika from Club Brugge. Everton are said to be in pole position to sign him, with Club Brugge looking to get £25 million for his services.
Everton confident in their bid to sign Thierno Barry
But as much as Moyes wants a new midfielder, that may have to wait, as the Toffees focus on securing their top striker target. According to TBR Football, Everton are now ready to accelerate talks to sign Thierno Barry from Villarreal.
Villarreal's Thierno Barry
The Toffees’ interest in Barry emerged at the very start of the summer transfer window, but they have had to be patient when it comes to a transfer, as the forward has been away with France at the U21 Championships, only knocked out by Germany on Wednesday.
Despite interest from other teams across Europe, The Friedkin Group are confident they can sign Barry this summer. The forward’s representatives have already held talks with the Premier League side, and he is now open to the move. The fact that Barry has a £34 million release clause makes the deal easier to do, but the Toffees may even end up paying slightly more than that if they do the deal in installments.
Apps
35
Starts
25
Goals
11
xG
12.41
Total shots per game
2.1
Big chances missed
15
Chance conversion
15%
Assists
4
Big chances created
7
Barry, who has been dubbed “menacing” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, joined Villarreal in August 2024, and in his first full season, the striker scored 11 goals in 35 La Liga appearances.
His presence and ability to find the net have made him a target for Everton, who lacked a serious presence at the top end of the pitch last season and now look set to lose Dominic Calvert-Lewin at the end of this month.
Enzo Maresca leads his Chelsea team at the Club World Cup in the USA over the next few weeks, but he will still be aiming to bolster his squad.
Date
Opponent
Venue
Monday, June 16
Los Angeles FC
Mercedes-Benz stadium
Friday, June 20
Flamengo
Lincoln Financial Field
Tuesday, June 24
Esperance
Lincoln Financial Field
Indeed, several players have been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge of late, notably Hugo Ekitiké. The French striker is wanted by several clubs, and now Manchester United have entered the race.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
Benfica defender Tomas Araujo is another player that the Blues have targeted this week. He did sign a new contract until 2029 with the Portuguese side, and it has a release clause of €80m (£68m) inserted.
Jamie Gittens is the one target whom the club appear to be prioritising of late, although they might need to wait until the Club World Cup ends to get their man.
Chelsea keen on signing Jamie Gittens
The Blues had an initial bid rejected for the English teenager before making a €50m (£42m) offer, yet this was also rejected by Borussia Dortmund.
Maresca is now preparing a new offer to sign the English talent, who is worth €50m (£42m) according to Transfermarkt.
Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Bynoe-Gittensin action with Club Brugge's Ferran Jutgla
Across his senior career with Dortmund, the 20-year-old has already played over 100 times, registering 31 goal contributions in the process.
In terms of potential, Gittens is one of the most talented young wingers in Europe, given his goal contributions at such a young age. Should he make the move to Stamford Bridge, he would build on his experience gained in the Bundesliga.
Regarding young talent, Chelsea have a player in their squad who is worth more than double that of Gittens, and he could go right to the very top.
Chelsea have struck gold on Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer was signed for just £40m in 2023. Let that sink in for a moment. Across his two seasons with Chelsea, the Englishman has scored 40 goals and registered 27 assists in just 91 matches for the Blues.
Remarkably, this counts as a goal contribution every 1.3 games, and there is no denying that £40m has turned out to be a sublime bargain for the London side.
He was widely praised by Maresa following a victory against Tottenham last season, describing the former Manchester City starlet as “one of the best” players in the Premier League.
When compared to his peers in the top flight last term, Palmer ranked in the top 4% for shot-creating actions (5.7), in the top 9% for progressive passes (6.04), and in the top 3% for expected goals (0.49) per 90.
One of the best indeed. The best thing is, Palmer will only continue to get better and better as time goes on.
Palmer’s stunning rise is evidenced by his market value shooting up in the previous 12 months. According to Transfermarkt, the English midfielder is now worth a staggering €120m (£102m), and it looks like it will continue to soar.
Chelsea'sColePalmerreacts
While Gittens may be the next big thing to come from Dortmund, Chelsea have struck gold with their own English talent. Especially considering he is worth over double what the 20-year-old is valued at.
Chelsea "exploring conditions" of deal for £34m Hugo Ekitike alternative
The west Londoners have their eyes on a different striker.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s Everton future is still unresolved, but that saga will have no bearing on David Moyes’ pursuit of a new centre-forward to take to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Moyes took the reins from the beleaguered Sean Dyche in January and steered Everton toward a comfortable 13th-place finish, bagging 48 points.
Everton manager DavidMoyes
But scoring goals has always been the crux of Everton’s wider problems, and that’s where the Toffees boss wants to make improvements this summer.
Everton approach club for new striker
According to Spanish outlet Cadena Ser, Villarreal’s Thierno Barry has been added to Everton’s shortlist, with the Toffees believed to have made an approach after asking about his situation.
Transfer Focus
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This comes amid the Merseysiders missing out on Liam Delap, who has signed for Chelsea in a £30m deal.
Barry, meanwhile, has club-hopped for two successive years and could be on the move once again, with a €40m (£34m) release clause in his contract.
Villarreal's Thierno Barry
However, the Yellow Submarine are keen to keep hold of their man. That said, The Friedkin Group were willing to green-light a move for Delap, and could now turn to Barry instead, with Villarreal sure to evaluate offers if their clause is indeed met.
What Thierno Barry would bring to Everton
Standing at 6 foot 4, Barry is a tall and powerful frontman whose efforts over the past several years have spoke of incremental progress.
Villarreal's Thierno Barry
Hailed for his “menacing” profile by talent scout Antonio Mango, the 22-year-old Barry appears to be the perfect kind of player for a Moyes system, having won 5.1 duels per La Liga game this term, as per Sofascore.
Indeed, FBref record Barry to rank among the top 1% of centre-forwards across Europe’s top five leagues this season for percentage of aerial battles won (67.3%) per 90, furthering the argument that he’s the man for the job.
He’s not quite so progressive a ball carrier as Delap, who ranks among the top 13% of forwards across Europe for progressive carries and the top 7% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref, but he’s every bit as brutish a talisman.
24/25 – Villarreal
35
11
4
24/25 – Basel
3
5
0
22/23 – Basel
35
9
5
22/23 – Beveren
31
20
4
Barry began life on the senior stage prolifically indeed, although his term with Beveren was contested in the second tier of Belgian football. In any case, he’s showcased an exciting growth that could now be translated to life in the Premier League.
Delap, similarly, landed when making the big jump, having enjoyed a decent breakthrough campaign in the Championship with Hull City last year, scoring eight goals and adding two assists across 31 games for the Tigers.
However, he’s only gone from strength to strength across the past year, unable to prevent Ipswich Town’s relegation but impressing with a 12-goal return across 32 starts.
Barry, with his strength and confidence, might just prove to follow in Delap’s footsteps, even becoming a better version of the English talent. The Frenchman has a higher release clause, after all, while his 20 league goal involvements for 2024/25 ranked him ahead of Delap’s own return of 14.
There would be an element of risk in bringing a young and unproven talent over to Merseyside, but Everton appear to have turned a corner over the past six months, and if Moyes gets this one right, it could make the Toffees faithful forget all about Delap.
Perfect Branthwaite replacement: Everton considering bid to sign £30m star
Everton could lose Jarrad Branthwaite this summer, but appear to have the perfect replacement lined up.