All posts by z3u9t.icu

Celtic are set to embark on an exciting summer window hunt for arrivals, though they may face a fight to retain one key star following recent developments.

Celtic continue their march towards a domestic treble

Brendan Rodgers stands only one game off delivering a third domestic treble across two spells at Parkhead, which can be achieved if his side defeat Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup final later this month.

Despite having already claimed the Scottish Premiership and Premier Sports Cup, Celtic showed no sign of letting up in a 3-1 victory over Hibernian on Saturday afternoon in Glasgow’s east end.

While generating momentum for their date with destiny at Hampden is at the front of Rodgers’ mind, the Irishman will already have a keen eye on a summer window that is set to provoke plenty of movement in both directions.

Aberdeen goalkeeper Ross Doohan is a surprise target for Celtic once his contract at Pittodrie expires, and he is deemed to be an inexpensive solution to help the Bhoys meet their homegrown quota in line with European squad registration rules.

Lennon Miller is also on Rodgers’ wishlist at Parkhead to bolster his engine room, though it remains to be seen if the Hoops emerge victorious in the race for his signature.

Celtic talent could exit to join Scottish Premiership club on free transfer

The Bhoys could lose him for nothing…

BySean Markus Clifford May 10, 2025

Nevertheless, it would be naive not to expect one or two departures as Celtic begin to lay the foundations for another challenging campaign. Success always attracts attention, and there will be plenty of eyes on consistent operators north of the border despite Rodgers’ desire to build a side that can make a dent on Europe’s elite stage.

Providing an example, Celtic are now set to receive some substantial bids for one of their star players in a season that could potentially yield a domestic clean sweep.

Celtic set to receive sizeable offers for Daizen Maeda

According to CaughtOffside, Celtic are set to receive large offers from West Ham United and Crystal Palace for Daizen Maeda in light of his explosive form for the reigning Scottish champions. The Japan international, who can play off the flanks or through the middle, has played a major role in the Bhoys’ march towards a domestic treble, registering 33 goals and 12 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions.

Daizen Maeda’s outstanding numbers for Celtic

Appearances

156

Goals

62

Assists

28

Brentford, Fulham and Leeds United are also in the mix for his signature, though there has been no indication that he isn’t committed to life at Parkhead at this stage.

Labelled “absolutely brilliant” by Rodgers, it is claimed that Maeda could change tack on that front if a bid were to be put forward. He is believed to see the Premier League as an attractive proposition to continue his upward career trajectory.

However, Celtic will once again look to put forward a strong showing in the Champions League next term, something that none of his suitors would be able to offer the 27-year-old. Ultimately, the decision will be left down to him if any movement takes place from club to club. For now, it remains to be seen whether that will be the case.

In recent days reports have emerged that clubs around Europe have already been left stunned by the swift and aggressive approach Arsenal are taking to the transfer window under Andrea Berta.

For those who support the club, this should be music to their ears. The January window was a slow and laboured affair, one that ultimately ended without a single incoming. Rewind to last summer and while faces like David Raya, Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori all arrived, a centre forward continued to elude them.

So, what does this summer have in store? Berta needs a striker. Mikel Arteta needs a striker. Arsenal need a striker. Not signing one would be disastrous.

Arsenal's striker shortlist this summer

Pick one of the top strikers in European football and it’s likely the Gunners will have been linked with them.

The dream signing, obviously, is Alexander Isak but if Newcastle secure Champions League football, the Swede feels even more untouchable than he already is.

So, alternatives will be required and in long-term target Benjamin Sesko, they may find their man. Reports from David Ornstein last week indicated that they have ‘done a lot of work’ on potentially signing the Slovenian.

But, Berta’s pick would appear to be another Swede in the form of Viktor Gyokeres, a man possessed in front of goal over the last two seasons.

Transfer Focus

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

Reports over the last week or so have suggested that Arsenal are locked in talks to sign the forward from Portuguese outfit Sporting CP, but fresh news now indicates a deal is moving closer to completion.

One reporter in France claims that ‘Gyokeres and Arsenal have reached full agreement’ over personal terms and that the ‘Sporting striker wants to join Arsenal’ this summer.

Exciting news indeed. So, what could he offer besides goals?

How Viktor Gyokeres compares to Alexander Isak

In the words of data analyst Spencer Mossman, Gyokeres is certainly “the best finisher in the world” at the moment.

It’s hard to dispute that claim, especially considering the remarkable form the 26-year-old has been in since trading Coventry City of England’s second-tier for the Portuguese top-flight.

In that final campaign with Coventry, the hulking centre-forward found the net on 22 occasions and once departing, he has truly exploded, scoring 43 goals in 50 outings last term and registering a jaw-dropping 53 goals in 51 outings throughout 2024/25.

It is hardly a surprise to see that he is leading the race for the European Golden Boot. He’s streets ahead of Isak for goal involvements, which rather says it all.

The Toon forward has been seriously impressive in his own right but boasts a meagre haul of 27 goals in all competitions in comparison. Impressive, of course, but this is a man who may also cost in the region of £150m. In Gyokeres, Arsenal would be getting more bang for their buck, so to speak.

Arsenal need a goalscorer, however, and there is an argument to suggest that they could be getting a more complete package here.

Shots

4.07

3.11

Passes completed

16.2

16.7

Pass success %

71%

74%

Key passes

1.96

1.39

Progressive passes

2.18

2.84

Shot-creating actions

4.90

3.07

Successful take-ons

1.92

1.42

Progressive carries

4.20

2.77

Aerial duels won

1.15

0.88

One thing that’s necessary to state is that Isak is playing in a better league, but even so, some of the numbers Gyokeres is registering in Iberia are simply off the charts.

While he’s scoring more than one goal per game, he’s proving to be more creative than Isak – although only just – he carries the ball more regularly and he’s more likely to win you an aerial duel. That final statistic could be key considering what Arteta has asked of the likes of Kai Havertz and Merino as his central strikers.

That said, data analyst Ben Mattinson has shared what he describes as a few “red flags”.

A heavy first touch and his inability to turn on a dime could well be turn-offs, particularly considering the explosiveness of Isak, but first and foremost, Arsenal need goals.

Gyokeres has provided that in abundance over the last few years and if his fellow Swede turns out to be off the table, he could well be Arsenal’s very own Isak anyway; a proven goalscorer set to take the Premier League by storm.

Arteta has struck gold on Arsenal star worth millions more than Gyokeres

The experienced international will have a significant role to play for Arsenal next season.

2 ByJack Salveson Holmes May 18, 2025

Alexander Isak will enjoy the off-season knowing two things: Newcastle United will play Champions League football in just a matter of months, and their success in achieving this feat (again) is largely down to his prowess in the final third.

The “intelligent” striker, as he’s been dubbed by reporter Ryan Taylor, will know more than two things, of course, but it’s these two facts which shape his footballing future and it’s this which matters most to the adoring Magpies faithful.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein believes the 25-year-old is staying put after his prolific Premier League campaign, but he’ll want to be rewarded, along with his teammates, after such a historic year, and Eddie Howe is on the same page, hoping to attack the looming transfer window with rapidity.

Here is a complete and balanced team, but it could do with some fine-tuning, for sure. With impressive prudence, Newcastle have planned ahead and are ready to strengthen their frontline.

Newcastle pushing to sign Premier League forward

As per The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards, Newcastle are indeed planning for a busy window and are ready to pounce for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, having made a right-sided forward one of their priorities.

Transfer Focus

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

Edwards reveals that the Magpies are ready to lodge bids for both the winger and Crystal Palace star, Marc Guehi, in what he describes as a ‘crucial summer’ for Howe and co.

The Cameroon international has been one of the best players in the Premier League this season, and the Bees would be looking for as much as £60m to grant their talisman’s departure.

Manchester United also have a vested interest, but their ongoing efforts to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha have led PIF to believe they can take the lead in the coming days.

What Bryan Mbeumo would bring to Newcastle

Howe’s walked across the breadth of the Premier League terrain, the good and the bad. He’s scrambled out of the pit of the division with Newcastle and he’s led them toward the peak, having now sealed a route into the Champions League across two of the past three seasons.

Though they’ve invested, United haven’t employed a scattergun approach on the level of some direct rivals, and yet they’ve found a formula for fluency, with Isak fronting a slick and coherent system.

Now just imagine Mbeumo in there too. Jacob Murphy has been immense all year, but Mbeumo would bring a different breed of potency, a new focal point which would ease Isak’s responsibilities and, paradoxically, allow him to take even larger strides in his remarkable development.

1)

Mohamed Salah

38

29

2)

Alexander Isak

34

23

3)

Erling Haaland

31

22

4)

Chris Wood

36

20

4=

Bryan Mbeumo

38

20

Mbeumo’s 20-goal haul in the Premier League this season left him behind an exclusive trio of powerhouses, with analyst Ben Mattinson rightly describing him as “one of the most deadly” players in the division.

He would elevate the existing stars, to be sure, and though Murphy and Anthony Gordon would help supply Mbeumo’s quest for goals, Isak could prove the most exciting partner for him, with the Sweden international noted to be the “best all-round forward in the Premier League” by pundit Ally McCoist.

The 23-goal Isak was only outscored by Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah this season, but he also finished the 2024/25 campaign ranked among the top 16% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for progressive passes, the top 7% for progressive carries and the top 8% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

The complete striker indeed. Isak could turn Mbeumo into a veritable monster, cementing his giddy form at a higher level and ensuring he enters some lofty conversations in the years to come.

The next Trippier: Newcastle express interest in "stupidly good" £29m star

Newcastle are looking to add to their depth at right-back

ByJoe Nuttall May 28, 2025

Arsenal supporters are set to see a plethora of different stories come to light about Andrea Berta’s transfer activity in the coming months, with Mikel Arteta looking to restructure the squad and build a Premier League-winning side.

When asked about planning for next season, after Arsenal were confirmed as runners-up behind Liverpool, the Gunners boss admitted to getting “goosebumps” when thinking of the summer ahead.

"World-class" player set for medical with new club after leaving Arsenal

He’s departing imminently.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 4, 2025

A lot of noise is centered around their search for a new striker, with Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko both being worked on by Arsenal (BBC), but the north Londoners could reinforce a host of other areas.

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

Arsenal held talks over a deal for Dean Huijsen, before his switch to Real Madrid, and it is believed that Berta is actively pursuing a new winger as well, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg.

They appear set to attack the market with gusto after missing out on this year’s title to Liverpool by 10 points, and Arteta has commenced work behind-the-scenes, by his own admission.

“Now, immediately,” said Arteta when he was asked about planning for the new season, after their last game of 24/25 against Southampton (via Sky).

“The moment I start to think about that, I feel goosebumps and excitement. We already have some things that we are discussing and making decisions. Everything that is planned for pre-season and the first few weeks of the season is already done two, three months ago. So we are now really good.

“My day will look already different. There are a lot of things to do, but it won’t be, especially with that feeling in my tummy, that [feeling of] a game is coming up. It will be a different one and that changes everything.”

A lot of planning has also gone into a pre-summer deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

After months of rumoured talks, Fabrizio Romano finally gave his famous ‘here we go’ to the deal recently, and the BBC reported that a medical had been scheduled for the £51 million Spain international.

However, Zubimendi himself threw a spanner in the works with his quotes from this week, telling Radio Nacional that the medical claims were actually untrue.

Arsenal are set to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad

After this message, and a similar denial of Arsenal’s advances from Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay, journalist Graeme Bailey has shared a comforting update on the complex sitiuation which is confusing a lot of supporters.

Speaking to The Boot Room, Bailey said that Zubimendi to Arsenal is in fact a “done deal” – and the club are not worried about the 26-year-old’s surprise interview or the potential for Real Madrid to swoop in.

“Arsenal are aware of the quotes from Zubimendi – but from what I am told, the deal is considered done at the Emirates,” said the reporter.

“They are not worried, they knew these things might come up when Xabi Alonso was appointed.

“From what I am told, this is happening – it is a done deal. But obviously, the fans want to see that picture of him holding the shirt up, signed and sealed. Until that point, speculation is open to continue.”

The “world-class” midfield technician, who’s been a star mainstay for Sociedad and helped Spain seize Euro 2024 glory last year, has been a top target since January, with talks advancing as far back as winter (The Mail).

Losing out on Zubimendi at this stage would be a hammer blow for Arteta, especially considering the uncertainty surrounding Thomas Partey and Jorginho confirmed to be leaving.

Celtic are enjoying a hard-earned break during the off-season, but they may now have an opportunity to offload one star who has recently made an impact under Brendan Rodgers, according to a report.

Celtic set to alter defensive line this summer

The reigning Scottish Premiership champions are usually slow starters in the window, taking a measured approach before deciding where they need to strengthen ahead of the new campaign. Nevertheless, the world already knows that the complexion of their backline will change significantly once Kieran Tierney arrives at Celtic on a free transfer from Arsenal.

With the Scotland international’s emotional homecoming taking pride of place, his compatriot Greg Taylor could opt to leave Parkhead amid interest from Greek giants PAOK.

Formerly of Kilmarnock, the 27-year-old has a two-year deal on the table that is said to be a significant upgrade on his current terms at Celtic, potentially spelling the end to his extremely successful six years in Glasgow.

It remains to be seen if Taylor will accept a new challenge elsewhere. He is still someone the club want to keep around, though they have already started to seek out potential contingency options.

Rodgers could sign Celtic their new Giakoumakis in 25-goal sensation

As Celtic continue their search for a new forward this summer, should the sign a “technically gifted” striker for free, reminiscent of Giakoumakis?

1 Jun 6, 2025

Peterborough United’s Harley Mills is a Celtic target and the Bhoys have reportedly made an approach for the youngster, indicating that any incoming figure to replace Taylor may be of a youthful mould.

From the outset, Rodgers appears to have settled options in the middle and on the right-hand side of his backline. Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales and Auston Trusty are established figures and are expected to be around next term.

However, peripheral figures may depart to make room for new blood and Celtic may now have an opportunity to offload one of their fringe stars.

Celtic defender Maik Nawrocki could now exit Parkhead

According to wSzczecinie.pl, Celtic defender Maik Nawrocki could join Pogon Szczecin on loan for the forthcoming campaign despite his growing rapport with supporters due to some encouraging displays of late.

Brought in for £4.3 million back in 2023, the former Legia Warsaw man has struggled for consistent minutes in Glasgow, making only 18 appearances across two seasons in green and white.

Maik Nawrocki’s Celtic statistics in 2024/25 – Scottish Premiership (Fotmob)

Pass accuracy

95.7%

Successful passes

308

Duels won

17

Tackles won percentage rate

100%

Recoveries

11

Dribbled past

1

Labelled “very highly-rated” by Rodgers after joining the club, there has clearly been a breakdown somewhere along the line that has led to limited appearances for the Bremen-born man.

Injuries haven’t helped his case, though many would argue he has been value for more starts at times throughout the campaign. Either way, a return to his homeland would offer that luxury if he were to stay fit.

In turn, Celtic would surely be expected to secure cover at centre-back, unless Stephen Welsh is re-integrated into the first-team squad upon his return from a loan spell at KV Mechelen.

Rangers manger Russell Martin has provided a new transfer update out of Ibrox, admitting to Sky Sports that he is “excited” with some of the Gers’ targets.

Rangers plan transfers as fixtures are released

Lyall Cameron has become the first addition of the summer in Glasgow after penning a pre-contract agreement earlier in the year.

Leaving Dundee for Rangers, the midfielder is expected to be the first of many through the door in that is the 49ers Enterprises and Martin’s maiden transfer market.

49ers could now sell £50m Rangers stars who Martin wants to keep at Ibrox

It wouldn’t go down well with the new manager.

ByCharlie Smith Jun 18, 2025

Next on the transfer to-do list ahead of the club’s Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos appears to be defensive signings.

Bournemouth right-back Max Aarons and Leicester City centre-back Conor Coady are two firm targets to bolster Martin’s ranks at the back, with approaches made for both.

Meanwhile, turning attention back to the pitch, Rangers have learned their fixture list for the 2025/26 season, with a trip to Motherwell being Martin’s first domestic game in charge of the club.

Motherwell vs Rangers

August 2

Rangers vs Dundee

August 9

St Mirren vs Rangers

August 23

Rangers vs Celtic

August 31

Rangers vs Hearts

September 13

The first league game at Ibrox will be against Dundee on Saturday August 9, whereas the first Old Firm clash against rivals Celtic is scheduled to take place on Sunday August 31 at Ibrox.

Martin “excited" as he shares Rangers transfer update to Sky Sports

Talking to Sky Sports following the Scottish Premiership fixture release, Martin was asked about the chances of any pending signings and revealed he is expected to “a few” to arrive before the first leg against Panathinaikos on July 22.

Martin was also quizzed on the future of striker Cyriel Dessers amid links of a move away from Ibrox, to which he said:

“The updates will come as and when they are actually real. At the minute, I’m expecting him to return on Monday and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

It looks as if there could be some real movement in the weeks to come, and it’ll be interesting to see if the likes of Aarons and Coady are the players Martin is excited about and if they arrive in time to take on the Greek side.

Celtic are brilliant at signing and developing young players before selling them on for profit on the future, as evidenced by the stars they have sold over the years.

As recently as January, the Scottish Premiership champions raked in a reported fee of £10m for Japan international centre-forward Kyogo Furuhashi from Rennes, yet he does not even place within the top sales in the club’s history.

Kieran Tierney

£25m

Matt O’Riley

£25m

Jota

£25m

Moussa Dembele

£20m

Odsonne Edouard

£18.5m

Kristoffer Ajer

£13.5m

Virgil van Dijk

£13m

As you can see in the table above, the likes of Jota, Matt O’Riley, and Kieran Tierney have all been sold for more than twice as much, the latest of which was O’Riley’s move to Brighton last summer.

Two of those players are also now back at Parkhead. Jota returned to Glasgow from Rennes on a permanent deal in January, whilst Tierney has joined on a free transfer from Arsenal, six years on from his move to the Premier League.

These are some of the top examples of players who have thrived in the Premiership for Celtic before making the club millions by moving elsewhere, and a great example of their brilliant recruitment work is central defender Kristoffer Ajer.

Celtic hit the jackpot with Kristoffer Ajer

In February 2016, the Scottish giants paid a reported fee of just £650k to sign the centre-back after a trial spell at Parkhead from Norwegian side Start.

The Hoops identified the young defender as a promising talent at the age of just 17, and were patient with him before they introduced the starlet to the first-team.

Ajer spent time in the academy, playing youth league football, before being sent out on loan to Kilmarnock in the Premiership, before his emergence as a senior option for Celtic in the 2017/18 campaign.

The towering youngster then went on to score seven goals and provide seven assists in 176 appearances in all competitions for the Hoops before his exit in the summer of 2021.

February 2016

£650k reported fee

February 2017

£680k

August 2018

£1m

August 2019

£2.5m

January 2021

£3.4m

June 2021

£6m

July 2021

£13.5m reported fee

As you can see in the table above, Ajer’s market value soared way beyond the initial £650k that the Hoops reportedly paid Start to sign him as a 17-year-old.

In the summer of 2021, Premier League side Brentford reportedly paid a fee of £13.5m to sign the centre-back, breaking their own transfer record, which represented a huge profit for Celtic.

This shows that the Scottish giants hit the jackpot with the young defender as they identified his potential at an incredibly young age and went on to benefit from it with performances on the pitch and a huge fee when he left.

Celtic enquire about deal for teenage star

Celtic could find their next version of Kristoffer Ajer this summer amid reported interest in another 17-year-old centre-back prospect to bolster their squad.

Transfer Focus

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

According to Mozzart Sport, as relayed by B92, Celtic are interested in a deal to sign Red Star Belgrade central defender Veljko Milosavljević in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Hoops have already made an enquiry about the 17-year-old starlet, and made an offer of £5m that was turned down by the Serbian outfit.

It adds that two teams from England are also eyeing up the young centre-back, but they have yet to make any official bids for his services as of yet.

Red Star Belgrade are said to want more than £5m that Celtic put on the table for the teenage titan, although the report does not mention exactly how much they would want for him.

Why Celtic should sign Veljko Milosavljević

The Hoops should sign the Serbian youngster before the summer transfer window slams shut at the start of September because he has the potential to be Ajer 2.0 at Parkhead.

Whilst he would not arrive for a cheap fee of £650k, given that they have already had an offer of £5m turned down for him, the Red Star talent would arrive as another teenage centre-back with the potential to develop and improve, therefore growing in value in the future.

Despite not turning 18 till this weekend, the Celtic target has already played 19 first-team matches for the Serbian giants, and established himself as a regular in the league in the second half of the 2024/25 campaign.

Milosavljević initially caught the eye in the Serbian youth league, winning 11.8 duels per game across eight starts in the division, before being made a permanent member of Vladan Milojevic’s first-team squad.

Appearances

14

Starts

11

Pass accuracy

90%

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.2

Dribbled past per game

0.2x

Error led to shot

0

Error led to goal

0

Penalties committed

0

As you can see in the table above, the teenage talent started 11 of his 14 outings for the Superliga champions, as the centre-back showed that he could compete in a team that was chasing the league title.

Milosavljević, who scout Gianni Bellasi described as a “physically imposing” defender, proved himself to be a reliable option at the back, despite his inexperience, with zero errors that led to shots, goals, or penalties.

That is particularly impressive when you consider that Liam Scales made two such errors and Auston Trusty made five such errors in the Premiership for Celtic this season, in a title-winning side for Brendan Rodgers.

This shows that it is not easy to play a lot of games without making costly mistakes as a centre-back in a dominant team, given the nature of how much they look to play out from the back, but the Serbian star has shown promise in that respect.

As exciting as Nygren: All parties are keen for Celtic to sign £5m star

Celtic are keen to sign a £5m winger who would be as exciting as Benjamin Nygren.

2 ByDan Emery Jun 25, 2025

Therefore, Milosavljević could follow in Ajer’s footsteps at Parkhead if Celtic sign him this summer because he is a 17-year-old centre-back talent who has shown that he has the qualities to be a reliable figure at the back if he can adapt to Scottish football.

Of course, there are no guarantees in football and there is no telling exactly how he will develop, but his career to date suggests that the potential is there for him to be an exciting signing for the Hoops.

Manchester United find themselves needing to work within certain financial parameters, which may lead them to bring in a well-known free agent if reports are to be believed.

Diego Leon becomes latest star to join Man Utd

Matheus Cunha became Manchester United’s first arrival of the window after moving to Old Trafford from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and another South American talent has now joined him in the form of Paraguay Under-20 international Diego Leon.

Coming in from Cerro Porteno, the left-back stated upon his arrival: “First of all, I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to defend such a great badge as Manchester United. I promise to give my best every day, in training, on the pitch, and off it. Thank you to the club for the trust and to my family for always being by my side.

“I hope to bring a lot of joy to all the Manchester United fans and everyone who supports me on this journey. One more goal achieved. From Paraguay to the world. Let’s go, Red Devils!”

Bryan Mbeumo is at the top of Manchester United’s wishlist, and there is still hope the Red Devils could finalise a deal to sign the Cameroon international by Monday after weeks of both parties trying to find an agreement.

Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz could be brought in at Old Trafford to strengthen Ruben Amorim’s engine room, with Jadon Sancho heading in the opposite direction after his spell at Chelsea.

INEOS make £320m: AI predicts players Manchester United will sell this summer

It could be a busy summer ahead of Ruben Amorim’s first full season in charge.

1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 21, 2025

Missing out on Champions League qualification has left Manchester United needing to juggle their finances to conduct business this summer without falling foul of the authorities, leading them to enter the race for an unattached England international.

Man Utd in contact to sign free agent Dominic Calvert-Lewin

According to The Sun, Manchester United want to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and they have made contact with the former Everton striker to ascertain whether he would be interested in a ‘shock’ move to Old Trafford.

The England international earned £100,000 per week at the Toffees and would likely command a hefty pay packet. However, the Red Devils are willing to put forward a ‘lucrative’ deal including appearance-based bonuses to land his services, with Amorim personally keen on the striker.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s record at Everton

Appearances

273

Goals

71

Assists

22

Labelled “dangerous” by Ian Wright, the 28-year-old is seen as a reliable third or fourth striking choice at Manchester United. He would also carry the carrot of homegrown status for registration purposes.

Nevertheless, Calvert-Lewin has suffered numerous injury problems over the last few years and managed only 26 appearances last term, scoring three times.

On his day, the former Sheffield United man is an effective focal point and a tough competitor for defenders, though it is fair to say his recent statistics don’t point to him being a prolific option should he make the move to Old Trafford.

Everton were slipping down a slope last season, headed for trouble with Sean Dyche in the dugout and Farhad Moshiri watching from above.

But David Moyes replaced Dyche, lifted the Toffees up, up, up. The relegation candidates finished 13th in the Premier League, comfortably away from the drop zone. Now, as they leave Goodison Park and step into a new home at the Hill Dickinson, with plenty to look forward to.

Thierno Barry has joined for £27m, replacing Dominic Calvert-Lewin after the striker went by the wayside at the end of his contract. Mark Travers has signed to provide competition for Jordan Pickford; Charly Alcaraz’s buy option has been triggered after his promising loan stint.

However, there’s been something of an exodus on the blue half of Merseyside. Departed players need to be replaced, with the midfield still a priority for Moyes and technical director Angus Kinnear.

Everton searching for midfielders

With Abdoulaye Doucoure having left at the end of his deal, Everton need new midfielders. The latest name to crop up belongs to Douglas Luiz, who, one year after leaving Aston Villa for Juventus in a £42m deal, is being touted for a return to the Premier League.

Reports from Italy claim Everton have actually tabled their opening offer for the Brazilian ace. However, their £26m bid falls below Juventus’ £35m valuation.

However, according to Football Insider, Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher is also of interest to the Merseyside outfit, though he’s worth a pretty penny at £50m and is also attracting intrigue from Newcastle United.

However, given his homegrown status and style of play, which would see him dovetail right into Moyes’ system, this could be a statement signing and a half.

Why Everton want Conor Gallagher

Gallagher left Chelsea for Atletico Madrid in a deal worth £33m last summer, with Enzo Maresca having informed the versatile midfielder he would be consigned to a bit-part role if he remained at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca’s flowing ball-playing style of football precluded Gallagher’s involvement in a prominent role, but Everton don’t need to worry about that: Moyes is rooted in his tactical principles, limited in possession but industrious and organised and direct.

An intense pressing force, Gallagher would slot right in, maybe even more complete than Luiz, the other top midfield target. Hailed as a “machine” by former Chelsea teammate Moises Caicedo, who also noted the 25-year-old “helps me a lot when we need to recover the ball”, it would be money well spent.

Luiz has struggled to adapt in Italy, only starting three Serie A games last season – albeit, this was marred by injury problems. Gallagher, meanwhile, hasn’t been a week-in, week-out starter for Diego Simeone’s Atletico, but he’s proved his worth, ranked among the top 10% of La Liga midfielders last year for ball recoveries and the top 11% for tackles won per 90, as per FBref.

And when looking at his last Premier League campaign, ranked against Luiz’s with Aston Villa, you begin to see that Everton might strike gold by signing the former Blue.

Matches (starts)

37 (37)

35 (35)

Goals

5

9

Assists

7

5

Touches*

70.4

70.1

Pass completion

92%

89%

Big chances created

11

10

Key passes*

1.4

1.5

Dribbles*

1.0

0.7

Ball recoveries*

6.0

5.3

Tackles + interceptions*

3.5

2.4

Duels (won)*

5.7 (50%)

4.2 (51%)

Gallagher is crisper in possession, with more ground-covering energy and defensive sharpness too. Luiz might have outscored him in 2023/24, but he took penalties, with four of his nine strikes above coming from the spot. All seven of Gallagher’s were from open play.

There is little question that either player would have a positive impact on Moyes’ project. Both have shared qualities that align with Moyes’ vision, with the way the Scotsman wants to play.

But Gallagher might be that little bit better, and he would pack a punch that might even steer the Toffees back into the top end of the Premier League table.

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Everton are now reportedly closing in on a double deal to welcome two teenage talents to their academy.

Everton continuing summer business after Thierno Barry

Having already kicked off their summer business by welcoming Thierno Barry from Villarreal, Everton are reportedly set to continue their pursuit of incomings by signing Bournemouth’s Mark Travers. The shot-stopper looks set to arrive to provide Jordan Pickford with some much-needed backup following the departures of Asmir Begovic and Joao Virginia.

The goalkeeper’s arrival will hand Everton their third signing of the summer after Moyes was left delighted by the signing of Barry last week to follow up the arrival of Carlos Alcaraz on a permanent deal earlier in the window.

The Everton boss told reporters: “We are delighted to have brought Thierno to the Club. We see lots of potential and we are hoping for good things from him.

“We will give him plenty of time to settle in and we are looking forward to getting started working with him as soon as possible. I’m hoping to make more additions in the coming weeks.”

It’s no surprise that the Toffees have turned towards Travers as well as the talented forward, either. Following Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s decision to leave the club as a free agent, Moyes desperately needed a fresh goalscorer and Barry will provide exactly that.

It’s not just current gems that the veteran manager is thinking about, however, with reports now suggesting that Everton are closing in on signing two future stars this summer.

Everton closing in on Dodds and Gokah swoop

As reported by The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland, Everton are now closing in on deals to sign John Dodds and Reuben Gokah from Hearts and Charlton Athletic respectively. The double swoop follows Friedkin’s decision to add significant investment into improving their academy and adding former Manchester United chief Nick Cox to their ranks as a result.

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While Dodds and Gokah won’t steal the same headlines as Barry or Travers, they may prove to be just as important in years to come. Both defenders, the teenage duo will feature for Everton’s academy before potentially breaking into Moyes’ first-team when the time is right for all parties.

Given the path that Jarrad Branthwaite has taken since arriving in Merseyside as a youngster, there should be no concern over whether there will be an opportunity for Dodds and Gokah to thrive if they impress enough at youth level.

With the teenage duo and Travers, Everton will be taking their list of incomings up to five for the summer in what has so far been a productive transfer window.