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Everton now reportedly want to sign Nicolas Jackson in an attempt to solve their goalscoring problems and take full advantage of Bayern Munich’s £70m decision.

The Toffees are so nearly the side that David Moyes needs. They welcomed the likes of Jack Grealish, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Tyler Dibling in the summer to inject some much-needed creative spark. In many ways, it was almost the perfect summer transfer window for the Friedkin Group.

All the American owners are waiting for now is Thierno Barry. The summer arrival is yet to score a single goal in 11 appearances since taking his place among Everton’s most expensive ever signings and is in danger of becoming a transfer flop. At a time when Beto is also struggling, the Toffees need their £27m star to start performing.

Minutes

563

252

Goals

1

0

Assists

0

0

Expected Goals

3.9

0.5

The numbers don’t make for pretty reading. Beto’s underperformance can be highlighted by looking at his expected goals. The forward can’t complain about service and has had good enough chances to reach at least three goals compared to the reality of his one strike.

Barry, meanwhile, needs more opportunities. Moyes has handed the former Villarreal forward just 252 minutes of Premier League action so far this season and, in contrast to Beto, he has recorded just 0.5 expected goals. Whilst Beto hasn’t been clinical enough, Everton aren’t creating enough chances for Barry.

The truth is that neither striker may get the opportunity to solve the Toffees’ problem in the near future. Names such as Ivan Toney have already been mentioned as reported targets come 2026 and he’s now joined on Everton’s shortlist by a £70m man. One way or another, those in Merseyside look destined to welcome another forward.

Everton now targeting Nicolas Jackson swoop

As reported by Football Insider, Everton now want to sign Nicolas Jackson by taking full advantage of Bayern Munich’s decision to opt out of triggering their £70m buy clause.

Not just Grealish: £30k-p/w Everton gem can be England's World Cup wildcard

Everton have a whole host of English players gunning for a seat on the plane next summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 31, 2025

The forward’s loan spell at the German club will become permanent if he starts 40 games, but Bayern chief Uli Hoeness confirmed at the start of the season that Jackson is incredibly unlikely to reach that number.

What that does is swing the door open for Everton to make their move when the 24-year-old returns to Chelsea next summer.

Those at the Hill Dickinson Stadium should not share the same reservations as Bayern Munich about signing Jackson, either. He is still very much a player full of potential and someone who knows how to find the back of the net in the Premier League, having scored 10 goals last season and 14 in the campaign prior.

Described as “fantastic” by Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca last season, Everton should jump at the chance to sign Jackson next year.

How Richarlison feels about returning to Everton in January

Leeds United have finally picked up another win this season in the Premier League on their own patch.

Before Friday night’s clash versus lowly West Ham United, the Whites’ last home success in the league stretched way back to the opening day.

Now, however, the Elland Road hoodoo has been lifted, as a quickfire double early into the tense game handed Daniel Farke’s men a much-needed 2-1 win to shove the Hammers further into their relegation pit.

Several top performers on the night ensured the three points were secured, as Leeds thankfully broke out of a run of three games without a victory in league action.

Leeds United's top performers against West Ham

Leeds fans, heading into this Friday night clash under the Elland Road floodlights, would have been lamenting their side’s recent wasteful displays in league action, having notched up 14 efforts on the Burnley goal at Turf Moor in a dire 2-0 defeat.

This wastefulness wasn’t on display against Nuno Espirito Santo’s lax visitors, however, as a first-half sucker-punch gifted Leeds a two-goal cushion after just 15 minutes had ticked away, with Brenden Aaronson getting the show on the road when converting a rebound after only three minutes.

Aaronson was a bright spark all night long, away from merely this crucial contribution, with 100% of his dribbles being successfully completed, making him a notable thorn in the side of a leaky West Ham outfit.

With 80% of his ground duels won as well, it’s fair to say everyone was singing the American’s praises come the full-time whistle, despite Farke stating at the full-time whistle that he can often be a “polarising” presence.

Joe Rodon would also be lathered with praise come the end of the 2-1 win when connecting with this sweetly taken corner to double his Premier League goal tally for the season, with Sean Longstaff also boosting his assist haul in the process, as the Welshman was left with plenty of space to head past a busy Alphonse Aréola.

Lucas Perri also stood out in between the sticks on his return to the Leeds XI, having had to calmly palm away an acrobatic Jarrod Bowen effort right after Aaronson’s instinctive opener. He was so close to a clean sheet, too, only for Mateus Fernandes to grab a Hammers consolation effort at the death.

Yet, despite the relief of a win being notched up, not every Whites first-teamer performed at their very best against the East Londoners, with this rusty individual in danger of losing his spot in Farke’s main team, as games come thick and fast in November.

The 6/10 Leeds star who could now be dropped

Of course, there will be concerns in West Yorkshire that Dominic Calvert-Lewin went another game without a Leeds strike, especially when coming up against such a charitable Hammers defence.

Still, nobody could deny the number nine’s determined work ethic for his team, with eight duels won in total when he has thrown into the thick of action.

Minutes played

72

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

37

Shots

1

Accurate passes

25/29 (86%)

Key passes

0

Total duels won

1/3

On the contrary, Ao Tanaka would exit the contest on the 72nd mark with zero of his ground duels being successfully won, as Farke potentially prepares to reshuffle his midfield pack for the test of Brighton and Hove Albion away at the start of next month, away from starting the Japanese gem again.

Indeed, while Ethan Ampadu and the aforementioned Longstaff made their presences widely known – as Ampadu successfully won three ground duels from his 66 touches of the ball – number 22 faded in and out of the clash, with Tanaka actually amassing fewer touches than Perri come the full-time whistle at 37 touches, next to the ex-Lyon stopper’s tally of 51.

Tanaka’s quiet performance was picked up on by Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth, with Smyth reserving high 9/10 ratings for the likes of Aaronson, but the former Fortuna Düsseldorf man would only receive a middle-of-the-road 6/10 appraisal after the dust had settled on the 2-1 win.

Smyth would simply note that Tanaka’s showing was a ‘mixed bag’ as the 27-year-old fell victim to being ‘outmuscled’ a couple of times, as evidenced by him losing 100% of his ground duels.

It will be interesting to see if Farke is tempted to drop Tanaka as tough games away at Brighton, Nottingham Forest, and Manchester City come onto his team’s agenda, with the number 22’s slight off-day very much sticking out as one rare negative, during what was a largely very positive showing against the relegation-threatened visitors.

Better than Rodon: Leeds star who won 100% tackles is already undroppable

This Leeds United star should be undroppable after outshining Joe Rodon against West Ham.

1 ByDan Emery Oct 25, 2025

Manchester City have now made a double swoop to sign two English midfielders, having submitted an offer, but there could be major competition from their Premier League rivals.

Guardiola's youth record proves Neville wrong

Pep Guardiola has a patchy record when it comes to bringing through youth players, with arguably his biggest mistake being sanctioning Cole Palmer’s move to Chelsea, and the Man City manager has received criticism from Gary Neville in the past.

Speaking after Guardiola opted to take a smaller squad rather than name a youth player on the bench against Burnley during the 2021-22 campaign, the former Manchester United man said: “I think it’s a joke, I absolutely think it’s a joke.

Man City have signed a "world class" star who is a new Gundogan-type player

Manchester City have signed a new Ilkay Gundogan-type star with this world-class ace.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 13, 2025

“If you’re the academy or reserve team manager at Manchester City you must think ‘I’m wasting my time’. Forget the fact they’ve spent however much money, six players on the bench… to me it’s like a protest.”

In fairness, the City manager’s reluctance to promote youth hasn’t cost him, with his side going on to win the Champions League and four Premier League titles on the spin, and he has since gone on to introduce the likes of Oscar Bobb and Nico O’Reilly to the starting XI.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, in a report for The Boot Room, Man City have also now submitted an offer for two more youngsters, namely Middlesbrough midfielders Anton and Bailey Palmer, who have confirmed they have decided to leave the Championship side.

There could be fierce competition for the Palmer brothers’ signature, however, with Man United, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Chelsea making proposals of their own.

Brighton & Hove Albion are also named as potential sutors for the duo, who are expected to move to their new club as a pair, and the young midfielders are due to announce their next destination later this week.

"Highly-rated" Palmer twins could be exciting long-term additions for City

The Middlesbrough starlets are both just 16-years-old, meaning they are yet to make a senior appearance for the Championship club, but they have both already been named in the first-team squad, which is a very encouraging sign.

The English youngsters have also both made their debuts for the Three Lions’ U17 side, making a combined six appearances between them, which also indicates they are on the right path to become future stars.

Given their age, the twins are unlikely to be first-team regulars for Man City anytime soon, but they clearly have a lot of potential, and it would be exciting if Guardiola’s side were able to win the race for their signatures, considering the level of interest.

كشف نادي ريال مدريد رسميًا عن الفائز بجائزة أفضل لاعب في صفوف الفريق، وذلك عن شهر أكتوبر الحالي والذي لعب فيه الفريق الملكي العديد من المباريات.

ريال مدريد قدم مباريات مبهرة خلال شهر أكتوبر وحقق العديد من الانتصارات، حيث استعاد الميرنجي صدارة الدوري الإسباني من برشلونة وتحسن مستواه مع المدرب تشابي ألونسو.

وارتفعت الثقة في ريال مدريد خلال الفترة الأخيرة، بعدما حقق الميرنجي الانتصار على برشلونة بهدفين مقابل هدف، في كلاسيكو الدوري الإسباني يوم الأحد الماضي على ملعب سانتياجو برنابيو.

وجعل هذا الانتصار ريال مدريد يبتعد أكثر في صدارة الدوري الإسباني وبفارق خمس نقاط عن برشلونة صاحب المركز الثاني.

اقرأ أيضًا.. مدير برشلونة السابق عن كارفاخال: تصرف بجبن في الكلاسيكو

وتوج أردا جولر، صانع ألعاب ريال مدريد، بجائزة أفضل لاعب في الفريق عن شهر أكتوبر الجاري، بعد مستواه المميز مع النادي الإسباني.

وتعطى جائزة لاعب الشهر في ريال مدريد بناءًا على تصويت الجماهير عبر تطبيق الفريق الملكي الرسمي.

وتفوق جولر على كل من إيدير ميليتاو، وحارس المرمى ، تيبو كورتوا، وكذلك أوريلين تشواميني وجود بيلينجهام.

جولر أثبت نفسه في تشكيلة ريال مدريد الأساسية وأصبح لاعبًا لا غنى عنه في خطط ألونسو، سواء كصانع ألعاب أو رقم 8.

وعلى الرغم من عودة بيلينجهام من الإصابة التي كان يعاني منها في الكتف، إلا أن جولر فرض نفسه في تشكيلة ريال مدريد الأساسية ويشكل ثنائي خطير للغاية مع كيليان مبابي على دفاعات الخصوم.

Punjab Kings, meanwhile, are much better placed for playoffs contention and had defended 111 against KKR ten days ago

Sreshth Shah25-Apr-20253:35

Finch: KKR need a reshuffle to function as a proper middle order

Big picture: Punjab Kings among frontrunners for playoffsKolkata Knight Riders (KKR) had a golden opportunity just ten days ago to steer their IPL 2025 campaign in the right direction. Chasing a modest 112 against Punjab Kings (PBKS), two points were there for the taking along with a potential net run rate boost. But in a stunning collapse, KKR folded for just 95. That blow was compounded by another heavy defeat, to Gujarat Titans (GT) on Monday. Both losses illustrated how out-of-form their middle and lower-middle order has been, and that has left their title defence hanging by a thread. Five wins in their remaining six games is their equation to be realistic playoff contenders.For PBKS, that dramatic win over KKR may have been the turning point of their season. With points shared in their home-and-away clashes against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), PBKS have five wins in eight games and now find themselves among the frontrunners in the race for the playoffs.Related

Can KKR find a way out of their middle-order mess?

Wadhera is making waves by being a T20 floater

PBKS need at least three wins from their remaining six fixtures to breathe easy. But history looms large: the playoffs have eluded them since 2014. The only thing missing in their game is middle-order stability, and that could be the difference between qualification, a top-four finish and a top-two push.The last two games between PBKS and KKR have seen the former produce the highest successful IPL chase and the lowest successful target defence. KKR, in contrast, are a side searching for answers. Eight players from their championship-winning squad still make up the core, but the spark that once defined them feels distant. Having enjoyed a 71% success at home in IPL 2024, their record at Eden Gardens is only 25% in 2025. On current form, PBKS hold the edge as their batting is in form, their bowlers have rhythm, something KKR are lacking, big time.Form guideKolkata Knight Riders LLWLW (last five matches, most recent first)
Punjab Kings LWWLWIn the spotlight: Venkatesh Iyer and Yuzvendra ChahalKKR have stood firmly behind Venkatesh Iyer ever since his breakout season. They retained him ahead of Shubman Gill before IPL 2022 and invested heavily in him at the IPL 2025 auction. But so far this season, Venkatesh’s three single-digit scores in six innings and a sluggish 14 off 19 against GT have highlighted his struggles. On Saturday, he faces another stern test in Marco Jansen, who has dismissed him three times in four innings, conceding just 14 runs at an average of 4.67. Can he push past a poor campaign and deliver when it matters most?Yuzvendra Chahal was the hero when PBKS had stunned KKR•BCCI

Yuzvendra Chahal has rediscovered his rhythm after a slow start to IPL 2025, claiming seven wickets in his last three outings. His standout performance came against KKR where he tore through their middle order with a decisive four-wicket haul. The key to Chahal’s resurgence has been a return to his strengths: tossing the ball up, using flight and dip, and trusting his variations to deceive batters. His revival has added real bite to the PBKS middle-overs attack.Team news and probable XIIsKKR’s bench strength is not strong, therefore no clear replacement is expected despite their two defeats in a row. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is expected to keep his place as opener, and the only question will be Moeen Ali, Spencer Johnson or Anrich Nortje for the fourth overseas spot.Kolkata Knight Riders 1 Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 2 Sunil Narine, 3 Ajinkya Rahane (capt), 4 Venkatesh Iyer, 5 Angkrish Raghuvanshi, 6 Rinku Singh, 7 Andre Russell, 8 Ramandeep Singh, 9 Harshit Rana, 10 Anrich Nortje/Spencer Johnson, 11 Varun Chakravarthy, 12 Vaibhav Arora.3:13

Finch: Hard for Shreyas to be consistent with high-risk starts

None of Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell or Josh Inglis has been among the runs for PBKS. All three have had their chances and not impressed, but Maxwell’s offspin could make him a candidate to return to the XI in place of Stoinis with KKR enjoying a left-hander-heavy line-up.Punjab Kings 1 Priyansh Arya, 2 Prabhsimran Singh (wk), 3 Shreyas Iyer, 4 Josh Inglis, 5 Nehal Wadhera, 6 Marcus Stoinis/Glenn Maxwell, 7 Shashank Singh, 8 Harpreet Brar, 9 Marco Jansen, 10 Arshdeep Singh, 11 Xavier Bartlett, 12 Yuzvendra ChahalThe big questionKKR have the poorest average (19) for the first wicket in IPL 2025. With time running out, is it time to replace Narine at the top as well?Pitch and conditionsAlthough conditions in Kolkata favour the chasing team with dew expected, their game against GT showed no such signs with Rashid Khan and Sai Kishore finding turn. This game will be played on the same pitch, and the team winning the toss could be tempted to bat first.Stats and trivia Both teams have middle-order (Nos. 4 to 7) woes. While KKR’s average for those positions is the worst (20.47), PBKS are not too far at 23.90. Shreyas Iyer has had contrasting home and away campaigns this season. In four games apiece, Shreyas has averaged 119 at away venues but only 6.25 at home. Similarly, PBKS’ powerplay performances with bat and ball are vastly different. Thanks to Prabhsimran and Arya, their powerplay run rate of 10.67 is the best of all teams, however, their ten wickets with the ball in the first six overs is the joint-lowest. Since IPL 2022, KKR have lost all seven games when their spinners Narine and Varun have gone wicketless together. There were three such games in 2022, one in 2023 and three in 2025.Quotes”Yes definitely (we can make playoffs). If you look at history, even Mumbai had a bad start and now they’ve won four in a row and they’re flying. We need to have that same mindset. We’re halfway through, we have to win most of our games”
“If you look at Shreyas’ contribution since the Champions Trophy, not only has he become consistent against spin bowling but against fast bowling as well. He has shown the hunger and is ready to accept every challenge he comes across. He has done some hard work behind the scenes and that is showing.”

Polly Inglis and Bella James are also set to return while Izzy Gaze misses out due to injury

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Mar-2025

Sophie Devine returns to action following a well-being break•ICC via Getty

Sophie Devine, Amelia Kerr and Lea Tahuhu return to New Zealand’s squad for the T20I series against Australia that will close out the 2024-25 home summer. Bella James also returns to the side, which is led by Suzie Bates, while Izzy Gaze misses out with injury. Polly Inglis has come in for her.Devine had taken a well-being break last month, which ruled her out of the Super Smash, the Women’s Premier League in India and New Zealand’s home series against Sri Lanka. “It’s nice to have had some time to reset and refocus and I’m really looking forward to getting back out there with the girls,” Devine said.Kerr returns to international cricket after missing the Sri Lanka series to be part of Mumbai Indians’ successful WPL campaign, where she took 18 wickets and won the Purple Cap. Tahuhu has recovered from a grade-two hamstring tear that she sustained in December.James, who missed the Sri Lanka series due to a quadriceps strain and is yet to make her T20I debut, passed her fitness tests on Monday, and will travel with the team to Auckland on Wednesday.Amelia Kerr was the highest wicket-taker in the recently concluded WPL•BCCI

“We’re stoked to have Soph, Melie and Lea back for this series,” said Ben Sawyer, New Zealand head coach. “They’re three key players who bring a wealth of experience and leadership to the group.”Wicketkeeper-batter Gaze could not recover from the hip-flexor sprain that kept her out of the T20I series against Sri Lanka. Inglis, her replacement, made her ODI and T20I debuts and played all six games against Sri Lanka, but got to bat only once in the three T20Is.Emma McLeod, Izzy Sharp, Flora Devonshire and Bree Illing are the players making way for Devine, Amelia and Tahuhu’s returns. The three-match T20I series will be played from March 21 to 26 in Auckland, Mount Maunganui and Wellington.New Zealand squad: Suzie Bates (capt), Eden Carson, Sophie Devine, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Georgia Plimmer, Lea Tahuhu.

New Zealand batter Lauren Down has been ruled out of the remaining two ODIs against Sri Lanka with a back injury. Uncapped Izzy Sharp has replaced her in the squad.Down sustained the injury on the morning of the first ODI in Napier and has not recovered in time to play a part in the rest of the series. Down herself was a replacement for Bella James, who was ruled out with a grade two quadricep strain on her right leg.Sharp was originally selected for only the T20I series, but she will now join the ODI squad in Nelson on Thursday. Emma Black will also join the squad on Saturday as cover for Hannah Rowe who will miss the final game of the series to be the maid of honour at the wedding of her Central Hinds team-mate Mikaela Greig.Related

• Bella James ruled out of Sri Lanka ODIs; Down named replacement

• NZ replace injured Hayley Jensen with Fran Jonas

• Penfold ruled out of Sri Lanka, Australia series

“We’re all really disappointed for Lauren to be ruled out of the series,” New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer said. “Unfortunately, injuries are part of the game and we wish her a speedy recovery. It does provide an exciting opportunity for Izzy to join the group in Nelson for these last two matches and we’re looking forward to welcoming her.”New Zealand are also without Sophie Devine (break), Molly Penfold (injured) and Hayley Jensen (injured) for this series.

New Zealand Women’s ODI squad

Suzie Bates (capt), Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Emma McLeod, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Izzy Sharp, Emma Black (game 3 only)

Serge Gnabry’s resurgence at Bayern Munich has convinced the club to change their stance on his future, with talks of a contract extension now on the table. Sporting director Christoph Freund admitted the winger was “a candidate for sale a few weeks ago” but hailed his revival after a string of standout displays under Vincent Kompany.

• Gnabry’s revival under Kompany

  Gnabry’s display in Bayern’s 3-1 win over Chelsea further underlined his return to form this season. After a campaign plagued by injuries and uncertainty over his role, the German international has stepped up in Jamal Musiala’s absence, scoring twice and providing three assists in his last six appearances.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Freund reveals U-turn on Gnabry’s future

  “It always happens so quickly. Serge Gnabry was still a candidate for sale a few weeks ago, but now his contract is set to be extended,” Bayern sporting director Freund said. 

  He added: “The important thing is that he’s fully fit again and has great quality. We know what we have in him. He’s an outstanding character and can currently deliver. The other issues will come later.”

• Bayern rethink amid winger’s resurgence

  The former Arsenal players' contract runs until 2026, but the Bavarians are now leaning towards offering him new terms to reflect his revived status. His current form, coupled with his ability to adapt in multiple attacking roles, has turned him from a player on the fringes into one of Kompany’s most reliable performers. At 30, consistency and fitness remain key, but his performances suggest he still has plenty to give.

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• Getty Images
  

  Focus shifts to Hoffenheim test

  Bayern next face Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga, where the German international will again be expected to play a decisive role. With Kompany’s faith, Joshua Kimmich’s support, and the club openly considering fresh terms, momentum is firmly on his side. Maintaining this level over the coming weeks could seal his future at the Allianz Arena and silence lingering doubts over his long-term role.

There’s something fitting about Heung-min Son’s decision to leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer, ending this lengthy chapter with a trophy, but it still hurts.

The 33-year-old forward revealed during a pre-season press conference in Seoul, South Korea, that he has “decided to leave the club this summer.”

He joined as a 23-year-old from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 for a £22m fee, and fought tirelessly and expertly in his forward berth across so many years, crowning his career with victory in the Europa League final, which was Tottenham’s first major honour since lifting the League Cup in 2008.

Son leaves with Tottenham’s blessing, and he leaves as one of the greatest left wingers in Premier League history, having scored 173 goals and supplied 101 assists across 454 games in a Lilywhites shirt.

To enter the Thomas Frank era without him will be a poignant thing, but there’s no denying Son is no longer at his rip-roaring best, and he has earned the chance for a new challenge as he stares at the autumn years of his professional career.

Change is afoot down N17, and this just underlines that point. Frank needs more forwards, and no mistake, but the frontline isn’t the only area in need of a reshuffle.

Spurs planning August shake-up

Tottenham have already signed Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United in a £55m deal this summer, which softens the blow from Son’s departure somewhat.

However, Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma are both considered expendable, with the latter attracting interest from a range of clubs.

Those first-teamers surely know they should pursue moves away, for Tottenham have agreed a deal with Bayern Munich for Joao Palhinha, who formerly rose to prominence in England with Fulham.

A defend-first holding midfielder, Palhinha reinforces Frank’s project, but the Danish tactician feels that a more dynamic central partner is needed to complete the set.

Spurs plotting bid for new midfielder

According to Football Insider, Tottenham are plotting a bid for Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, who joined the Spaniards from Chelsea for £33m last summer.

It won’t be easy. Diego Simeone would undoubtedly look to turn a profit on the England international, with a fee in excess of £40m previously mooted.

Tottenham’s “long-term interest” in the 25-year-old is genuine, and it’s uncertain as to whether he would be open to a return to the Premier League, with Aston Villa and Newcastle United also interested.

What Conor Gallagher would bring to Spurs

Gallagher didn’t start every fixture for Atletico Madrid last season, but he made a positive impression in the Spanish capital all the same.

Lauding the England international’s adaptability, last season Simeone said that his new recruit brings “youth, energy and intensity” to the team.

Across 50 appearances, Gallagher scored four goals and provided six assists, finishing the term ranked among the top 13% of midfielders across Europe for goal involvements, the top 12% for goal-creating actions and the top 17% for tackles won per 90, as per FBref.

From this, you might conclude that the £150k-per-week talent is something of an offensive maestro. He’s not. Gallagher does offer something going forward, but he’s a robust and rounded midfielder, something his past two Premier League campaigns would attest to.

Conor Gallagher: Recent Prem Statistics

Stats (* per game)

22/23

23/24

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%)

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see, he’s a balanced midfield force. Gallagher’s former Chelsea teammate Moises Caicedo once said that he’s “like a machine”, bringing out the best in his game as a number six.

In this way, Gallagher’s all-encompassing nature would be perfect alongside Palhinha in the Tottenham centre, bringing the perfect blend of physicality, technical quality and security in front of the backline.

Spurs’ defenders got a lot of flak last year, and rightly so, but the engine room was equally culpable of failing to maintain tactical levels, and these midfielders would change that.

Palhinha, after all, recorded the most tackles of any player across the 2022/23 and 2023/24 Premier League terms (148 & 152 respectively), and his focused efforts to protect and recycle possession suggest that Gallagher would be immense alongside him. Caicedo said the same, did he not?

The Bayern midfielder struggled for minutes under Vincent Kompany’s wing last season, but we all know of his tough-tackling quality, having been described as a “defensive monster” by data analyst Marcus Bring for his efforts as a Cottager in London.

The 30-year-old Palhinha, moreover, is experienced and composed. He didn’t make a single error for Fulham across the 2023/24 season, with his confidence in the central areas undoubtedly playing into Bayern’s decision to sign him for a £47m fee.

While Tottenham fans will hope to see Levy push ahead and sign a new forward to temper the blow that Son’s departure, such an iconic figure, will leave, strengthening the midfield pragmatically is the kind of thing that will contribute toward the wider and more stable long-term success of the club.

Transfer Focus

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

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Ange Postecoglou planted the seeds of an illustrious era in arable soil, and now, Frank has the chance to grow this vision into something incredible.

Related Their best CF since Kane: Spurs enter talks for "extremely dangerous" star

Tottenham Hotspur are starting to make a move for a forward who could follow in Harry Kane’s footsteps.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Aug 2, 2025

Manchester United beat West Ham United 2-1 in a pre-season friendly in America on Saturday, thanks to two goals from captain Bruno Fernandes.

It was another chance for the supporters to watch new signing Matheus Cunha in action, although he was not joined by fellow new recruit Bryan Mbeumo.

The Red Devils reportedly splashed out a fee of £62.5m to bring the right-footed playmaker to Old Trafford during the summer transfer window, but he has yet to produce a goal or an assist in two pre-season outings.

That should not be a cause for concern, though, because these games are mostly about fitness and ensuring that Ruben Amorim’s players are well-prepared for the 2025/26 campaign.

Fans should judge Cunha when the real action, in the Premier League, gets underway next month because he is a star who has already showcased his qualities at that level.

What Matheus Cunha will bring to Manchester United

The Brazil international has the potential to be a terrific addition to the squad for the Red Devils because of the threat that he carries at the top end of the pitch.

Cunha is an attacking midfielder who can provide goals and assists on a regular basis in the Premier League, having already proven himself in the division during his time at Wolves.

He can also slot straight into Amorim’s system as the attacker also played as one of two number ten options behind a central striker in a 3-4-2-1 system last season, which means that it may not take him much time, if any, to adapt to the tactical set-up.

In the last two seasons, Cunha has showcased his ability to consistently create high-quality chances for his teammates, whilst also offering a big threat as a goalscorer, in the Premier League.

Appearances

32

33

xG

9.49

8.63

Goals

12

15

Big chances created

7

13

Key passes per game

0.9

1.8

Assists

7

6

As you can see in the table above, the Brazilian star was let down by wasteful finishing from his Wolves teammates, as they only scored 13 goals from the 20 ‘big chances’ that he created.

The £62.5m-rated star also showed that he has the finishing quality to be incredibly effective with his own opportunities, outperforming his xG in both campaigns.

This suggests that Cunha would benefit from playing behind a lethal striker who can make the most of the chances that he creates, and the club are reportedly interested in an attacker who would fit the bill.

Man Utd to discuss deal for £60m striker

According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United remain interested in a potential deal to sign RB Leipzig centre-forward Benjamin Sesko before the end of the summer transfer window.

The Italian journalist claims that the Red Devils are set to hold internal talks over a possible swoop to bring the Slovenia international to Old Trafford in the next week or so.

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Speaking on the Here We Go podcast, Romano said: “Keep an eye on this story (Sesko) in the coming days as Newcastle will go with an important proposal and Manchester United will discuss again internally with Ruben Amorim involved in the conversations, with the directors and with the financials to understand if they can do a deal or not. The Sesko situation will be one to watch in the next 7-10 days.”

His comments suggest that the Red Devils may have to move quickly if they want to do a deal for the right-footed star, though, as Newcastle United are preparing a bid for the former Salzburg sensation.

It was recently reported that it could take a fee of around £60m in order to convince Leipzig to part ways with the 22-year-old number nine, and it remains to be seen if United are willing to pay that for the forward.

Why Manchester United should sign Benjamin Sesko

The Red Devils should push to secure a deal for the Slovenian attacker this summer because he could come in as the perfect foil for Cunha at the top end of the pitch.

As aforementioned, the Brazilian magician has the ability to consistently create high-quality chances for his teammates in the Premier League, but was let down by the finishing of his Wolves teammates last season.

Sesko is a striker who has the quality to make the most of Cunha’s creativity, ensuring that the attacking midfielder is justly rewarded for the ‘big chances’ that he creates, based on his performances in Germany.

The Leipzig star’s form in the 2024/25 campaign shows that he is an efficient finisher who can outperform the quality of chances that he gets in front of goal, both domestically and on the European stage.

Appearances

33

8

xG

9.89

3.57

Goals

13

4

Minutes per goal

185

131

Big chances created

5

0

Assists

5

0

As you can see in the table above, Sesko outperformed his xG in the Bundesliga and in the Champions League, which speaks to the quality and efficiency of his finishing, and averaged a goal every 131 minutes in Europe.

The 22-year-old dynamo, who was described as a “monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, also scored 14 goals from 7.66 xG in the Bundesliga in the 2023/24 campaign, which shows that his form last season was not a flash in the pan as he has consistently provided a clinical presence in front of goal.

Sesko is an incredibly talented finisher, with room to grow at the age of 22, and he could arrive as a big upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund, who scored four goals from 5.24 xG in the Premier League last season.

Therefore, the £60m-rated star could be amazing with Cunha because it would provide the former Wolves man with a high-quality finisher in front of him, which is something he did not have with the Old Gold last term.

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Therefore, Sesko could be a fantastic signing for the Red Devils to complete their attacking alongside Cunha and Mbeumo if they can get a deal over the line, beating Newcastle to his signature, before the end of the summer transfer window.