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Dominic Calvert-Lewin has suggested that he would like to extend his Everton contract, which is due to expire this summer, in comments which pertained to the excitement surrounding David Moyes’ budding project. BBC Sport report that a new deal is in the pipeline.

Injury-prone and inconsistent this season, some will feel the £100k-per-week star should depart, but keeping him on the books would lessen the urgency for a new number nine.

Thus allowing for signings across other areas, signing one new striker instead of two. It means Everton could move for their next Iliman Ndiaye, a player who has been nothing short of a revelation for the Toffees this term.

Iliman Ndiaye will be the key for Moyes

Ndiaye has proved this season that Everton do have the players to become a high-level attacking force while still being rooted in Moyes’ core defensive principles.

Joining from Marseille in a deal worth £15m last summer, the Senegal international has scored nine goals across 34 Everton appearances, a shining light for Dyche and one of the driving forces behind the Moyes-led resurgence, scoring three in a row before being unfortunately injured in February’s Merseyside derby.

He’s quite the player, this 25-year-old left winger, all electric pace and frightening directness, with Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp hailing him for his “dynamite” ability earlier in the campaign.

Matches (starts)

30 (27)

Goals

7

Assists

0

Shots (on target)*

1.1 (0.5)

Big chances missed

3

Pass completion

84%

Key passes*

0.6

Dribbles*

2.1

Tackles + interceptions*

2.2

Duels won*

5.5

It would take some beating to secure a signing capable of topping Ndiaye this summer, but The Friedkin Group are the harbingers of a new era, and they might just have their sights set on a real force.

Everton could seal their best signing since Ndiaye

Earlier this week, Football Insider revealed that Everton will explore the possibility of signing Gustavo Hamer from Sheffield United this summer, though a deal will likely hinge on whether the Blades qualify for the Premier League through the Championship play-offs.

Hamer, who last week was named the Championship’s Player of the Season, joined United from Coventry City in a £15m deal in 2023 and has since made 81 appearances, notching 29 goal contributions, with his technical quality and tireless work rate setting him apart from his positional rivals in England’s second tier.

This season, he’s been a fearsome presence off the left flank of Chris Wilder’s system, with journalist Ryan Dilks even going as far as to call him a “creative genius.”

Shifting beteen the left lane and a more central creative berth for his outfit this season, Hamer ranks among the top 20% of positional peers in the Championship for goal involvements, the top 6% for passes attempted, the top 1% for progressive passes and the top 4% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref, underscoring his value as a high-class playmaker.

Given that he demonstrated his ability to thrive in England’s highest tier last year – and in an imperilled Blades team at that – by clinching ten goal contributions, creating 11 big chances and averaging 4.4 ball recoveries per game, as per Sofascore, there’s every chance that the 27-year-old could rival Ndiaye for that left-sided berth and potentially even elevate his game to the next level.

His playmaking prowess seems tailor-made for the success of a player like Ndiaye, and Calvert-Lewin, for that matter. It would be a fantastic signing and the perfect way for TFG to show to Moyes and the Blues fanbase that this new chapter could be one to remember.

The next Barkley: Everton considering move for "unbelievable" £15m star

David Moyes is looking to overhaul his Everton squad this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 2, 2025

Amid a sea of red celebration at Anfield on Sunday, the cameras panned for a moment on Liverpool head coach Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes, locked in conversation.

Have the conversations relating to improvements already begun? What, indeed, do these discussions pertain to? Are Liverpool now focusing on the additions which will surely rain down on this incredible Reds squad, which has been so dominant in the Premier League yet clearly needs reinforcing across a range of positions?

With Darwin Nunez expected to leave at the end of the season, much has been made of Liverpool’s conundrum at number nine. Alexander Isak would be a golden ticket toward the next level in Slot’s project, but Newcastle United will demand north of £150m for their talisman. It might not happen, sadly.

A robust midfield could do with another part, and Andy Robertson’s waning influence and athleticism has seen Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez placed at the top of the shopping list, report The Times.

Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have renewed their contracts but Hughes will no doubt be thinking about signing understudies who could bloom into superstars down the line.

Then there’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose resolution to a protracted saga feels right around the corner.

The latest on Alexander-Arnold's future

No one can dispute Alexander-Arnold’s passion as he capered around after Liverpool defeated Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, sealing the Premier League title for the second time in his career.

However, it’s also becoming increasingly difficult to argue that the 26-year-old will be playing his football in a Liverpool shirt next season, now on the eve of free agency.

Salah and Van Dijk have committed the final few years of their primes to Anfield, but Alexander-Arnold has stayed radio silent with Real Madrid working tooth and nail to bring him to La Liga.

Reds supporters have attempted to theorise scenarios in which Trent is staying, flashes of hopeless hope, however, with those such as Fabrizio Romano revealing that a deal is all but done, it seems this is one pill that the club will have to swallow during an momentous achievement.

Premier League

255

18

66

Champions League

60

2

13

FA Cup

13

1

3

Carabao Cup

10

0

6

Europa League

5

0

2

Club World Cup

2

0

1

CL Qualifying

2

0

1

Community Shield

2

1

0

UEFA Super Cup

1

0

0

However, it’s frankly unlikely that Romano is simply acting as a mouthpiece for Los Blancos. The esteemed transfer journalist has repeatedly stressed that the England international’s Bosman move is in the final stages, with all parties confident that a deal will be struck.

Moreover, the word on the street is that Liverpool are scouring the market for a successor; Conor Bradley is an exciting talent but he missed out with injury once again on Sunday and cannot, surely, be Slot’s only real option next term.

With that in mind, Liverpool appear to be aiming for the stars.

Liverpool chasing exciting Trent replacement

According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are among clubs interested in signing Jules Kounde and are being kept informed on his situation at Barcelona, though Chelsea appear to have the lead at this stage.

The Frenchman, who scored the winning goal in Saturday’s hotly-contested Clasico Copa del Rey final, is about to enter the penultimate year of his contract at Camp Nou, and his future is up in the air.

With Liverpool potentially in need of a high-class right-back, this could be a dream deal for Slot’s side, though Kounde wouldn’t come cheap, with Chelsea reportedly willing to offer €80m (£68m).

What Jules Kounde would add to Slot's squad

Barcelona signed Kounde from Sevilla for a reported £42m fee in 2022, beating Chelsea to the France international’s signature.

He’s since amassed 140 appearances for La Blaugrana, scoring seven goals and providing 18 assists for his teammates. A regular dynamo, Kounde is versatile, balanced and robust in his performances, having actually been described as “one of the best defenders in the world” by his former boss Xavi.

This season, for example, he ranks among the top 11% of full-backs in La Liga for pass completion, the top 3% for passes attempted and the top 7% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.

Such metrics highlight, clearly, the ball-playing ability that Slot would make fantastic use of. He differs from Alexander-Arnold, but you can see that his passing game would still add a dimension to and enrich Liverpool’s defence.

Though the 26-year-old has only supplied three assists across 29 league fixtures under Hansi Flick this term, it’s clear this is a more stylistic choice, indeed completing 89% of his passes, as per Sofascore, working tirelessly toward promoting build-up play, funnelling the ball into the danger areas, where the likes of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha can wreak havoc.

That’s not to say he’s averse to his playmaking duties, of course. See below.

They can be a tad frustrating at times, but you can’t deny FSG know their stuff. Replacing Klopp was an impossible task, and so they opted not to.

Slot is cut from a different cloth. His tactical expertise aligns in some lanes with the German’s, but he’s a different character, cooler, more businesslike. Fist pumps after exhilarating victories, there are not.

In the same way, Liverpool simply won’t succeed in replacing a one-of-a-kind star such as Alexander-Arnold. Kounde is different, but bears some similarities.

Kounde’s “enormous potential” was sounded out by talent scout Jacek Kulig before he got his big Barcelona move, and the defender has proved ever since that he has the capacity for greatness.

It’s exactly what Liverpool need at right-back, and if the finances are there, he should be signed this summer.

Liverpool's incredible title winner is now as undroppable as Mac Allister

Liverpool’s stars shined as they thrashed Spurs to seal the Premier League title at Anfield.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 27, 2025

Everton have turned a corner since David Moyes replaced Sean Dyche in January, but the Merseysiders still need more in attack.

With just three losses in 14 Premier League matches since the Scotsman’s arrival, those of a Toffees persuasion have long forgotten the fear of relegation.

But, barring the three doomed outfits in the bottom three, no top-flight team has scored fewer goals than Everton.

16.

West Ham

17th

37

17.

Everton

13th

34

18.

Ipswich Town

18th

33

19.

Leicester City

19th

27

20.

Southampton

20th

24

Moyes and incoming Director of Football Angus Kinnear need to fix this problem during the off-season.

Why Everton need a new striker

Beto has been a man transformed since Moyes took to the dugout, scoring five goals across four Premier League matches after notching just four goals over his opening 44 appearances in the English division.

However, the wellspring of potency has dried once more, with the powerful Bissau Guinean star having now gone seven games without scoring.

Armando Broja’s loan spell from Chelsea has been disastrous due to horrible injury luck and Dominic Calvert-Lewin is set to leave at the end of his contract this summer, with long-time fitness issues and a total lack of prolificness this season sure to leave him without a fresh deal.

Moyes is a pragmatist, in the best sense of the word. While he won’t be expecting to sign a goalscorer on the level of Mohamed Salah or Erling Haaland, Everton do appear to have found a rising star on a similar vein of goalscoring form to the superstars.

One who could comfortably upgrade on the departing Calvert-Lewin.

Everton eyeing Calvert-Lewin upgrade

Beto will hopefully stick around next season. Even when he’s not scoring, the 6 foot 4 striker adds such a strong focal presence to Moyes’ system, almost factory-built for the role.

However, with Calvert-Lewin going, Everton need someone else, and that player could be Mika Biereth, though it won’t be an easy deal to engineer.

As per TEAMtalk, Everton have shortlisted the AS Monaco centre-forward ahead of the summer transfer window, impressed after his prolific start to life in France, scoring 12 goals and supplying three assists since leaving Austrian club Sturm Graz in January for a £13m fee.

The 22-year-old, a product of Arsenal’s academy, is actually outscoring Salah in 2025, with the Liverpool talisman having scored 11 times at club level since the turn of the calendar year.

Salah, who has gone five matches without scoring, has lulled of late but still remains one of the deadliest forwards in the Premier League, an expert creator too.

But it still underscores Biereth’s brilliance, actually ranking among the top 5% of centre-forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for non-penalty goals scored per 90, as per FBref.

Fast and powerful, the 6 foot 1 Dane has even compared himself to Haaland. Manchester City’s number nine is widely regarded as one of the most prolific marksmen of his generation and comparisons only bear testament to Biereth’s blooming prowess.

Biereth commented that “like Haaland,” all he really cares about is scoring goals. He’s doing all the right things in that regard, to be sure, with just nine big chances missed in Ligue 1 despite his clinical return of 12 goals, as per Sofascore.

Everton could do much worse.

Moyes now happy for Everton to get rid of one of their highest earners

Would this be the right call by the Blues?

ByHenry Jackson Apr 21, 2025

Manchester United played out a tame 0-0 draw at home to cross-city rivals Manchester City in the Premier League. The game was one of the more passive Manchester Derby clashes, with neither side having too many chances of note.

The first half went by with few moments to write home about. City’s best efforts came from long-range, with Phil Foden early on and Ilkay Gunodgan towards the end of the half, firing shots wide of Andre Onana’s goal. As for Ruben Amorim’s side, their best opportunity fell to Alejandro Garnacho. However, he squandered the chance, failing to fire Diogo Dalot’s cross into the back of the net.

The second half picked up slightly more, although each side was still fairly passive. Omar Marmoush saw two shots saved by Onana; one was a well-struck free kick, and the other was a ferocious volley that was parried away by the Cameroonian.

Joshua Zirkzee came close to scoring for United at the death. He hooked Patrick Dorgu’s cross goalward, and had it not been for an excellent reflex save from Ederson, the Dutchman might have won the game for his side.

As far as Manchester derbies go, this was not a memorable one. There were certainly some poor performances on the pitch, with Manuel Ugarte one player who struggled.

Ugarte’s stats vs. Man City

It is fair to say that Ugarte struggled to have any impact on the game against City. Too often, he dove into tackles but did not see much success in those. He also struggled to retain possession for United in midfield.

In fact, his stats from Sofascore suggest that he did struggle to control the game in the centre of the park. The Uruguay international made just 17 passes from 22 he attempted, a pass accuracy of just 77%. He also lost the ball seven times and won just two from six ground duels.

Samuel Luckhurst, writer for the Manchester Evening News, gave Ugarte a 5/10 for his efforts on Derby Day. The journalist was critical of his ability in possession, describing him as ‘erratic with the ball’ against City.

The former Sporting midfielder did go close for United in the second half, though. His volley from outside of the box was sweetly struck but ended up going wide of Ederson’s left-hand post without troubling him.

It was certainly a tough day at the office for the United number 25, although he was not the only player who struggled against their East Mancunian rivals.

The other United player who struggled vs. Man City

It has been a tough season for Rasmus Hojlund, with Sunday afternoon’s clash against the Citizens summing that up in many ways. The Dane really struggled to impact the game and barely had any involvement throughout the 71 minutes he was on the pitch.

Indeed, the stats really reflect just how tough he found it at a sunny Old Trafford. Hojlund had just 15 touches in that time and completed just seven passes from an attempted nine, a 78% accuracy. He also lost the ball four times.

Touches

15

Pass accuracy

78%

Passes completed

7/9

Number of times ball lost

4

Duels won

1/4

Shots

0

Luckhurst also seemed to think the United number nine struggled against City. He gave Hojlund a 4/10 for his performances, the lowest of any United player. He explained that the Dane ‘showed why he has to be replaced up front in the summer’, a scathing assessment indeed.

With a huge game next up in the Europa League for United, Amorim will need to get his selection right. They face a trip to French side Lyon, who pose a tough challenge, and Hojlund’s recent form may well leave him with a selection headache.

Zirkzee seems to be the only viable option to replace Hojlund in the starting lineup, given that Chido Obi is unavailable in the Europa League. The Dutchman will certainly bring technical excellence and the ability to link up play.

It is a big call for Amorim, who cannot afford to lose this tie; it certainly feels like United’s whole season rests on their European campaign. Perhaps rotating Hojlund out of the side for Thursday is the right call, given his tough run of form in recent weeks.

Imagine him & Bruno: Man Utd make "best ST on the market" their top target

Man Utd are on the search for a striker this summer

1 ByJoe Nuttall Apr 6, 2025

Reporter Pete O’Rourke has delivered a significant update regarding Brendan Rodgers’ future as Celtic manager.

Rodgers backed to leave Celtic

The 52-year-old has enjoyed a superb second spell in charge at Parkhead, winning the Scottish Premiership title last season, adding to the two that already came his way in 2016/17 and 2017/18.

Celtic are again on the cusp of title glory this term, with the Scottish League Cup already coming their way and the Scottish Cup also still on the table, with a treble feeling very possible.

Despite things going so swimmingly under Rodgers, however, there is always the risk of losing him and his head being turned by a return to the Premier League, with former scout Mick Brown admitting as much earlier this year.

“If Rodgers was offered a Premier League job, he would take it. He’d be interested in coming back to England and I think he’s not entirely happy at Celtic. At the moment, Celtic are dominant in Scotland, there’s nobody challenging them. They’ve got to build on what they’ve got in the transfer window, they’re ruling the roost and they want to keep it that way. But Rodgers wants more than that – he’s thinking about European football.”

New update on Rodgers' Celtic future

According to Football Insider‘s O’Rourke, Rodgers “could quit” as Celtic manager at the end of this season, amid interest from Premier League clubs. A return to the English game appeals to him, and although it is also stated that he is “content” in his current role, he wants more backing after a lack of it in the previous two transfer windows.

Losing Rodgers would be a significant blow for Celtic, considering what a talented manager he is, bringing so much stability to the club and continuing to win trophies at the same time.

Former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder Steve McMamanan has always been an admirer of the fit in Glasgow, saying in 2017: “I’ve heard people say ‘it’s only the Scottish league’, which I feel is quite arrogant really, quite ignorant. Whenever you’re breaking records that have stood for a long, long time in football, you’re doing something marvellous and I think it takes it away from himself, or the team in general, of what they have achieved.”

£15k-p/w Celtic star could leave this summer with lucrative offer on table

Brendan Rodgers may lose one of his stars at Celtic this summer.

BySean Markus Clifford Apr 3, 2025

The lure of the Premier League is great for any boss, however, and as Brown alluded to, there isn’t the same level of competition in the Scottish Premiership, making it harder for the Irishman to truly test himself.

Hopefully, Rodgers still feels that he has plenty to achieve at Celtic, not least making more of an impression in the Champions League, which will persuade him to stay put for the foreseeable future and ignore any potential interest from England. If he does leave, though, he will be a hard act to follow.

Arsenal made it six wins from six in the Champions League on Monday night as Mikel Arteta’s men secured a 3-0 win over Club Brugge.

The Gunners tasted defeat against Aston Villa only a few days ago, but a much-changed team responded in emphatic fashion, with Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli both on the scoresheet.

Madueke scored a fierce opening goal, running through the heart of the Brugge team before unleashing a devastating effort from outside of the box that crashed in off the bar.

His second, a header from close range, was a lot simpler but there was nothing simple about Martinelli’s strike.

The Brazilian cut inside from the left and bent the ball into the far corner to cap off a phenomenal 3-0 win on the road in Europe.

Understandably, Arteta was delighted with what he saw from his players.

Arteta raves over Arsenal's attacking performance

Martinelli and Madueke have both struggled with injury this term but certainly made their chance count in Belgium on Wednesday night.

Speaking to the press after the game, Areta waxed lyrical over the two wingers, saying: “Madueke and Martinelli were outstanding today, the level of threat and two finishes spectacular. Jesus back after 11 months, to see him perform in the manner he did was really positive.”

Perhaps the biggest positive for the Gunners was Gabriel Jesus’ return to the side. The Brazilian hasn’t been seen in the first team since suffering a horrific ACL injury against Manchester United back in January.

While the striker didn’t score, he managed more touches than the man he replaced, Viktor Gyokeres, despite playing just half an hour.

Arteta was ecstatic to see the forward back in action, saying: “For 11 months, he’s been fighting against another very difficult injury and to see him back with that smile, with that energy and with that quality in his first performance back with us is really impressive and we’re all delighted for him.

“You can see how much we love him! If he continues to perform in that manner, he will bring something else to the team and I am really happy to see that.”

Arteta praises underrated Arsenal star

While the forward line grabbed the headlines in Brugge this week, praise must be handed to the lesser-spotted Christian Norgaard.

The Danish midfielder has barely kicked a ball since signing from Brentford in the summer but more than took his chance on Wednesday, albeit in an unfamiliar role.

Due to injuries to Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Cristhian Mosquera, Norgaard played at centre-back and looked very solid, helping his team keep a clean sheet.

The manager was delighted with his performance, stating: “Christian Norgaard is someone who probably prepares the best out of all of them. He is somebody who makes us better every day. Any position, any condition, his attitude is always immaculate.”

Arsenal star was playing like Saka, now he's being treated like Smith Rowe

The incredible Arsenal talent could end up following Smith Rowe’s trajectory instead of Saka’s.

3 ByJack Salveson Holmes 2 days ago

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

Everton ready to pounce in Zirkzee race

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

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

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

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

Patrick Boyland heaps praise on "brilliant" Everton star who gave Barry first goal

The Toffees made it back-to-back wins.

ByTom Cunningham 6 days ago

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

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

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

Everton keeping close tabs on Tyrique George

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

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

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

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

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

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

A mixed start – and recent injury – for Benjamin Sesko may have put a dampener on things, although it’s hard not to be impressed by Manchester United’s summer recruitment, with it finally looking as if the Red Devils have invested wisely in the transfer market.

It is also worth pondering just how Ruben Amorim’s side might have looked if things had panned out differently at the start of the window, with United notably chasing Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, after wrapping up a £62.5m deal for Matheus Cunha.

The England striker – fresh off scoring 12 times at Portman Road in the Premier League – was an attractive target due to his £30m release clause, although despite lengthy negotiations, he ultimately opted for Chelsea and Champions League football instead.

There is a sense that perhaps United have had the last laugh with regard to the ex-Manchester City man, with Delap yet to score for the Blues this season, although frustration might still linger over the failure to prise Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth.

Ahead of ultimately forking out for Sesko, there were suggestions that the Old Trafford side were leading the race for the Ghanaian, amid the prospect of a potential £70m switch.

Frustratingly, the 25-year-old stayed put on the south coast, and is now flourishing again under Andoni Iraola, sparking hope that a renewed approach from Amorim and co could be in store in the New Year.

Latest on Antoine Semenyo's future

There was a sense over the summer that Amorim and co could put together a completely new-look, Premier League-proven forward line, with Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo potentially set to be joined by Semenyo as the attacking spearhead.

Sesko, ultimately, was recruited instead, although with the Slovenian scoring just twice since his arrival from RB Leipzig, a further forward still appears a necessity, hence potentially turning to Semenyo again in 2026.

The former Bristol City man – who can operate all across the frontline, as well as at wing-back – remains a worthy option amid what has been a stunning season so far in 2025/26, having registered nine goals and assists in just 11 league games.

Arguably the “best winger in the country”, in the view of pundit Chris Waddle, Semenyo is again likely to turn heads in January, with The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealing on Monday that there will be a release clause to activate in the player’s contract in that winter window.

Previously valued at £70m, the in-demand speedster will now cost ‘just’ £65m in January for a specific time period, with that figure then set to reduce again next summer.

As per the report, both United and Tottenham Hotspur are named as the clubs who ‘coveted’ him in the most recent window, although the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool are now also in the equation.

As already suggested, Semenyo’s red-hot form has certainly warranted such admiring glances, although back at Old Trafford, Amorim already has a similar figure to shout about.

Man Utd's own version of Semenyo

It has been remarkable to witness Semenyo’s rise under Iraola in recent times, having previously scored just 21 times in 125 games during his stint at Ashton Gate, as well as enduring a goalless seven-game spell at Sunderland in League One.

In 90 games working with the Basque boss, however, the £65m man has already chalked up 40 goals and assists, as per Transfermarkt, with his devastating brilliance best seen on the opening weekend against Liverpool, having run almost the full length of Anfield before lashing home in that 4-2 defeat.

He does look unstoppable right now, although the same can be said of the aforementioned Mbeumo, with Amorim and INEOS perhaps thanking their lucky stars that the Cameroonian decided to join them over the summer, after initially missing out on Delap.

Protracted negotiations with Brentford did ensure it was something of a waiting game to see if the 26-year-old would actually make the switch from west London, although since arriving in the door, the clinical left-footer has hardly put a foot wrong.

Indeed, since netting his first goal for the club away at Grimsby Town, Mbeumo has gone on to score five times in just 11 Premier League games – just one shy of Semenyo’s record – while also chipping in with a solitary assist thus far.

Fresh off the back of a standout 20-goal season with the Bees, the one-time Troyes starlet has already cemented himself as arguably United’s “best player”, in the words of Wayne Rooney, amid his rampant start to 2025/26.

Like Semenyo, the £71m man can operate on either flank or in a false nine role, having even interchanged nicely with Amad at wing-back of late, with the pair striking up a fruitful partnership down that right-hand side.

Games (starts)

11 (11)

11(11)

Goals

6

5

Big chances missed

5

3

Goal conversion

26%

19%

Assists

3

1

Big chances created

0

3

Key passes*

1.0

1.7

Pass accuracy*

77%

80%

Successful dribbles*

1.9

0.8

That likeness to the Bournemouth talisman in a positional sense is also backed up by their likeness in a statistical and stylistic sense, with the pair deemed to be similar players among those in their position in Europe’s top five leagues, as per FBref.

Two of the most in-form forwards in the Premier League right now, you would be splitting hairs to decide who is the better player between Semenyo and Mbeumo, with the two men so decisive for their respective sides.

In an ideal world, they might even be lining up together at some stage in 2026, although even if Semenyo doesn’t end up in Manchester, at least United have Mbeumo to hang their hat on these days.

The new Ronaldo: Man Utd preparing British-record bid for £200m superstar

Manchester United are looking to make further attacking investments after this summer’s spending.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Nov 17, 2025

Crystal Palace are now eyeing Lyon starlet Tyler Morton as a possible replacement for Adam Wharton, amid a new update on the midfielder’s future at Selhurst Park.

Wharton’s future at Selhurst Park remains up in the air, with a number of Premier League clubs emerging as potential suitors for the midfielder, including Chelsea, and it has now been revealed the Blues are “actively in talks” over a deal.

The 21-year-old was recently called up to the England squad by Thomas Tuchel, having remained a key player for Oliver Glasner’s side this season, with perhaps his most impressive performance coming in the 2-1 win against Liverpool, creating two big chances and making four key passes.

Unfortunately, the Eagles have become accustomed to losing some of their best players in recent years, with Michael Olise moving to Bayern Munich and Eberechi Eze joining Arsenal, and the former Blackburn Rovers man will also continue to attract attention from top clubs if he continues his current performance levels.

Consequently, Glasner & co may have to start thinking about bringing in a replacement, and a report has now given an update on their chances of signing a former Liverpool player…

Crystal Palace eyeing Tyler Morton

According to a report from Jeunes Footeux (via Sport Witness), Crystal Palace are now eyeing a move for Lyon midfielder Morton, a matter of months after he left Arne Slot’s side to sign for the Ligue 1 club.

The French side are currently experiencing financial difficulties, which means they may be tempted to cash-in, should Palace be willing to come to the negotiating table with a ‘substantial offer’.

The Eagles are currently monitoring the 23-year-old closely, as they are preparing for Wharton’s departure in 2026, amid interest from a number of unnamed clubs.

The Wallasey-born midfielder, who is represented by the same agent as Borna Sosa, found it difficult to establish himself as a first-team regular at Liverpool, but he has been a key player for Lyon this season, most recently picking up an assist in a 3-2 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain.

Scout Ben Mattinson has also provided a positive review of the Englishman’s key attributes, saying: “Morton is a complete midfielder with an all-round ability to dictate tempo with his passing, carry forward and win the ball. Particularly his long passing stands out.”

Game time may have been hard to come by at his former club, but the Liverpool academy graduate did manage to impress when given the opportunity, having been singled out for praise for his performance against West Ham United last season.

Morton is at the right age to be a solid long-term replacement for Wharton, but Crystal Palace’s main priority should be to keep hold of their current central midfielder.

Crystal Palace identify Ezri Konsa as Marc Guehi replacement

Arsenal are on a roll. They have not tasted defeat in their last nine matches in all competitions. Across their last seven games, they have not shipped a single goal. In their last five matches, they have conceded just four shots on target.

Many laughed when the stat was revealed that they were on course to beat Chelsea’s remarkable record of 15 goals conceded in a single Premier League season but they truly are the most solid and reliable defensive outfit in Europe.

Mikel Arteta’s men have been imperious at the back over the last couple of campaigns, but they have, much to the dismay of opposing forward lines, got even better in 2025/26.

While Burnley were never going to pose Arsenal their toughest test of this season, they had to be wary as they travelled to Turf Moor.

Their second half display was a tired one but ultimately the Gunners left Lancashire with all three points, winning 2-0 courtesy of goals from Viktor Gyokeres and Declan Rice.

Gyokeres was withdrawn at half-time due to injury but up to that point he was brilliant, not just scoring but creating two big chances and supplying three key passes.

He was everywhere; it was the Swede’s most complete performance in an Arsenal shirt yet. However, there are two men who just continue to be at the centre of everything good the Gunners do.

Gabriel influences things again at Turf Moor

Can you name a better defender in Europe right now than Gabriel? Arguably not.

After Arsenal beat Crystal Palace a week ago, Jamie Carragher commented that the big Brazilian was the most influential player in the Premier League.

Only three defenders, Virgil van Dijk, John Terry and Paul McGrath have ever been crowned the division’s best player in a campaign, but Gabriel certainly deserves to be in the conversation.

He is in the form of his life, scoring twice and registering three assists across his last eight games in all competitions.

While the 27-year-old did not find the net at Burnley, he did play another vital part in their win. Rice’s corner – of course it was – found the centre-back at the back post. He knocked the ball into the path of Gyokeres who from a few yards out found the net.

Gabriel has made a habit of popping up from set-pieces in recent years, but notably in the last couple of months has become more inspiring than ever. Who could forget that crashing late winner at St James’ Park?

While he always pops up in the final third, he’s a damn good defender too. Burnley didn’t pose a huge threat on Saturday but Arsenal’s number 6 was dominant nonetheless, completing 93% of his passes, winning 100% of his five duels and making a whopping nine clearances.

He’s clearly been one of Arsenal’s best players this season but has he been the best? The club’s record signing may have a thing or two to say about that.

Arsenal's most influential player vs Burnley

The likes of Gyokeres and Gabriel certainly stood out during Arsenal’s trip up north but the best player on the pitch by a country mile was Rice.

The £105m addition was merely a defensive midfielder when he signed from West Ham United in 2023 but he has taken his game to new levels, particularly during 2025.

No player has created more chances in the Premier League than Rice this calendar year and a large part of that has been due to his impeccable set-play delivery.

The England international was again on hand in that regard on Saturday, supplying the pre-assist from a corner for Gyokeres’ goal. It backed up claims in recent weeks that he is now one of the best over a dead ball. Indeed, Sky Sports reporter Sam Blitz stated after Rice popped up to assist the opening goal in the 4-0 win over Atletico Madrid that he is now “the best set-piece taker in world football.”

Yet, he’s not just a fine set-piece taker. He’s a goalscorer, a box crasher and one of the most well-rounded midfielders not just in the country, but in Europe. His display at Turf Moor was described as a “monster performance” by The Standard’s Simon Collings at full-time.

Minutes played

90

Touches

94

Accurate passes

63/69 (91%)

Key passes

2

Accurate crosses

2/6

Goals

1

Shots

1

Tackles won

5

Interceptions

3

Clearances

4

Recoveries

9

Duels won

9/14

Rice found the net with a brilliant header from Leandro Trossard’s first-half cross but his influence was felt far beyond that.

No player from either side registered more than his 94 touches and only William Saliba (80) completed more than Rice’s tally of 63 passes.

He also won nine of his 14 duels to cement himself as “one of the world’s best” in the words of Arsenal podcaster Rohan Jivan.

It’s rare a transfer fee that eclipses £100m feels like a bargain but in Rice’s case that certainly proves to be true. He is very much rivalling Gabriel for the honour of the best player in the Premier League this season.