After surviving the drop last season, West Ham United have got off to an impressive start in the Premier League this season, drawing once and winning twice in their opening three league games.
They haven't exactly had the easiest of opening months, either, with games against both Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion. The quality of those sides didn't phase the Hammers, though, who dispatched both with 3-1 wins.
Now, as the transfer window edges ever closer to slamming shut, David Moyes' side could be about to be bolstered even further, having reportedly opened talks to boost their attacking options.
What's the latest West Ham United transfer news?
So far this summer, the Hammers have welcomed a total of four reinforcements, spending the reported £105m gained from the sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal fairly wisely.
The most eye-catching incoming on paper so far been Mohammed Kudus, who was involved in an impressive 25 goals for Ajax last season, scoring 17, and assisting a further seven in all competitions.
Meanwhile, James Ward-Prowse has already got off to a good start to life at the London Stadium, scoring his first goal against Brighton last time out.
According to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, West Ham have opened talks with Paris Saint-Germain to sign Hugo Ekitike on either a permanent deal or a loan deal before the summer transfer window comes to a close.
With PSG reportedly willing to listen to offers, Ekitike is certainly one to watch in the coming days. So far this season, the forward has made just one appearance for the Ligue 1 champions, coming from the bench against FC Lorient, perhaps making an exit suitable for all parties involved.
Who is Hugo Ekitike?
Paris Saint-Germain strikerHugo Ekitike.
It's no secret that Ekitike has failed to make his mark at PSG, but it could be argued that he shouldn't take all of the blame for his struggles, having made just 12 starts in Ligue 1 last season.
When given a consistent opportunity, the 21-year-old forward has starred in the past, scoring 11 goals in all competitions in the season prior to his PSG move. And if West Ham can get him back to that level, then they may have themselves a young striker who knows exactly how to find the back of the net, and one that Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig once described as having "superb flair."
When compared to both Danny Ings and Michail Antonio, via FBref, it is Ekitike who stands out in a number of areas, too. Even with a lack of game time last season, the forward averaged more progressive passes per 90, and was involved in just one less goal than Antonio, having made nine fewer starts. Ekitike also had a better pass completion rate than West Ham's current options and was dispossessed fewer times per 90.
Read the latest West Ham transfer news HERE…
Everything points towards a potential upgrade for those at the London Stadium, who could be getting a player that has earned praise in the past from former Reims manager Oscar Garcia, who told BeIN Sports' Ligue 1 show, via Chronicle Live:
"There is something very special about him. He’s young, and he has the quality to become a very good player. He’s a young man with a lot of quality but also a lot to improve on, but he works hard in training
Burnley have submitted an official offer to try and bring an international playmaker to the Turf Moor before the window slams shut, according to reports.
What's the latest news involving Burnley?
The Clarets have enjoyed a busy transfer window and have brought in a whole host of arrivals to help their quest to stay in the Premier League this term, with James Trafford, Zeki Amdouni, Aaron Ramsey, Jordan Beyer, Sander Berge, Wilson Odobert, Dara O'Shea, Hannes Delcroix, Luca Koleoso, Nathan Redmond and Lawrence Vigoroux, as per Transfermarkt.
Burnley are in a frustrating frame of mind at present and have encountered consecutive defeats against Manchester City and Aston Villa since returning to the English top-flight, something which Clarets boss Vincent Kompany was left to rue in his post-match press conference after their 3-1 loss against the latter, cited by BBC Sport.
He stated: "Learning comes at a price in the Premier League. You can see the quality of the Aston Villa team when they took their chances, credit to them.
"We didn't start the game badly at all, but didn't manage to get a real grip on the game. Villa were always a threat on the counter, we created moments and chances and built momentum in the second half and the goal helped us for that. We conceded a goal at the height of the momentum, a very good side who are very well coached. We are there in parts but we will have to learn from it when you get punished."
As per Football Insider, Burnley had an offer for Metz striker Georges Mikautadze rejected earlier in the summer and now face competition from Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and Leicester City to sign the Georgia international before the transfer deadline.
Mikautadze is also garnering plenty of attention around Europe and is embroiled in talks with Dutch giants Ajax over a potential move to Eredivisie.
Who else could Burnley sign?
Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna has revealed that Burnley have submitted a bid to land one of their key targets on X, as he stated: "EXCL: Burnley made an offer to Genk for Mike Trésor. The player of KRC Genk wants to sign in Premier League. Negotiations are progressing. It's a loan with option."
Tresor has become the go-to man for assists at Genk in his time at the Belgian outfit, registering nine goals and 33 assists in 84 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.
Belgium's Mike Tresor
Continuing to prove his worth as a constant threat to the opposition, Belgium international Tresor, who has been described as "sensational" by Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig, has started 2023/24 in a fantastic vein of form, averaging two shots per match and 4.5 key passes per match in the Belgian Pro League, as shown on WhoScored.
Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri has claimed that finding an agreement on personal terms with Tresor will not be a major issue in negotiations, making any prospective move to Turf Moor a more likely prospect if both Genk and Burnley can come to an agreement.
Na abertura da 13ª rodada, Grêmio e Internacional protagonizaram um jogo truncado, que terminou 1 a 1. Com a igualdade, o Tricolor sustenta um tabu de 11 jogos sem perder do Colorado. Agora, o Grêmio está na 14ª colocação, com 14 pontos. O Inter é o vice-líder, com 22 pontos.
RelacionadasInternacionalGalhardo quebra jejum de gols do Inter no Gre-NalInternacional03/10/2020Futebol InternacionalCavani fecha com o Manchester United, diz jornalista da ESPNFutebol Internacional03/10/2020CoritibaVÍDEO: Ricardo Oliveira se mostra feliz em vestir a camisa do Coxa e diz que ainda pode contribuir muitoCoritiba01/10/2020
Na próxima rodada, o Grêmio recebe o Coritiba, na Arena. O Internacional encara o Bragantino, fora de casa.
O jogo
A etapa inicial deixou a desejar. Com o meio-campo truncado, os dois times quase não chegavam ao gol adversário. Quando o Inter teve um pouco de lucidez chegou com perigo. Heitor aproveitou a bobeira da zaga, invadiu a grande área e bateu cruzado. A bola passou perto do poste e saiu.
O Grêmio adotou uma postura mais reativa e teve dificuldade para chegar. No único lance de perigo, Lucas Silva chutou de fora da área e Lomba tirou com a ponta dos dedos.
No segundo tempo o Gre-Nal ficou mais violento. Em poucos minutos, Cuesta e Cortez receberam cartões amarelos em pegadas mais fortes.
Na casa dos 7 minutos o Grêmio deixou o lado truculento de lado e abriu o placar. Pepê recebeu na grande área e tocou na saída de Lomba.
Em busca da igualdade, Coudet jogou o time no ataque e quase foi premiado com Galhardo, que saiu na cara do Vanderlei e chutou para fora.
Expulsão
Aos 24 minutos, Musto acertou o braço na cara de Diego Souza fora do lance e acabou flagrado pelo VAR. O volante foi expulso e deixou o seu time na mão. Apesar da superioridade numérica, o Grêmio deu bobeira e Cortez colocou a mão na bola dentro da área. O VAR chamou Claus, que confirmou o pênalti. Na cobrança, Galhardo deixou tudo igual.
O clássico ainda teve mais um expulso. Em dividida forte com Cuesta, Cortez recebeu o segundo amarelo e deixou o campo mais cedo.
GRÊMIO 1 x 1 INTERNACIONAL Local: Arena Grêmio, Porto Alegre (RS) Data-Hora: 03/10/2020 – 17h Árbitro: Raphael Claus (SP) Auxiliares: Neusa Ines Back(SP) e Alex Ang Ribeiro(SP) VAR: José Claudio Rocha Filho (SP) Público/renda: pagantes/R$ Cartões amarelos: Cortez (GRE), Victor Cuesta (INT) Cartões vermelhos: Musto (INT) Cortez (GRE) Gols: Pepê (7’/2ºT) Thiago Galhardo (29’/2ºT)
GRÊMIO: Vanderlei; Orejuela, David Braz, Paulo Miranda e Cortez; Darlan (Luiz Fernando, aos 14/2ºT), Lucas Silva (Diogo Barbosa, aos 41/2ºT) e Matheus Henrique; Alisson (Robinho, aos 14/2ºT), Pepê e Diego Souza (Guilherme Azevedo, aos 41/2ºT). Técnico: Renato Gaúcho.
INTERNACIONAL: Marcelo Lomba; Heiton, Rodrigo Moledo, Victor Cuesta e Uendel; Musto, Edenilson, Patrick e Boschilia (William Pottker, aos 15/2ºT); Thiago Galhardo e Abel Hernández (D’Alessandro, aos 15/2ºT). Técnico: Eduardo Coudet.
Manchester United will be looking to make another signing or two before the summer transfer window shuts next week.
Erik ten Hag appears to be looking for another left-back following an injury crisis in that position, and a surprise move for former Chelsea starlet Ryan Bertrand is being eyed.
It’s clear more faces will be required at Old Trafford if the Dutchman wants to challenge on both European and domestic fronts.
Could he dive into the market for another midfielder? The 53-year-old has sent scouts recently to watch a Ligue 1 starlet perform.
Who will Manchester United sign next?
A week or so ago, it looked as though Ten Hag was closing in on another centre-back, with Frenchman Jean-Clair Todibo linked as scouts were sent to watch his recent performance for OGC Nice against Lille, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Red Devils were also watching someone else during the same game, however, with Khephren Thuram being monitored by scouts, as per Get French Football News.
Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…
The midfielder would cost United a fee in the region of €40m (£34m), which wouldn’t exactly break the bank, though Ten Hag may have to shift out a player or two in order to complete a potential move.
How good is Khephren Thuram?
In their opening two Premier League matches, United have struggled, scoring just once, while the midfield could not exert any influence on the team against Tottenham Hotspur.
Mason Mount completed just 15 passes throughout the tie and Ten Hag’s decision to play him in a deeper role clearly didn’t work out how he anticipated.
Since arriving last summer, Casemiro enjoyed a solid debut campaign in Manchester, ranking second across the squad for overall Sofascore rating (7.21) and chances created (seven), while also topping the pile for tackles per game (3.2).
Bringing Thuram to the club could give the Brazilian an excellent midfield partner who would add some much-needed attacking spark in the middle of the pitch.
While Casemiro has shone defensively, ranking in the top 4% when compared to positional peers for aerials won, blocks, tackles, and interceptions per 90, Thuram could push forward and showcase his attacking skills.
Khephren Thuram
Compared to positional peers, Thuram ranks in the top 5% for progressive carries per 90 (3.32) while also ranking in the top 8% for successful take-ons (1.66) and the top 15% for shot-creating actions per 90 (3.46), suggesting that he offers a danger in the final third.
Talent scout Jacek Kulig described the midfielder as “tenacious” and a “powerful & energetic carrier”, and there is no doubt he could be a wonderful addition to the United midfield.
Combining Casemiro’s defensive acumen with Thuram’s attacking skillset could allow Ten Hag to forge a dream partnership in the heart of the midfield, and even spur the club onto more glory this term.
For just £34m, the Dutchman could land a highly talented player who is yet to hit their peak, and he could be a fixture in their midfield for years to come.
Arsenal seemingly had all the tools in place to truly challenge Manchester City in the coming season, but one recent injury has thrown that into doubt…
Who are Arsenal signing this summer?
The acquisitions of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and David Raya bolstered key areas for sporting director Edu Gaspar and manager Mikel Arteta, however, it was his capture of Jurrien Timber that arguably stood out given the versatility and immense quality he promised.
His presence would have allowed for numerous different defensive combinations at the back, where he could slot into right-back, centre-back, and invert should he be needed. Therefore, to see him suffer an ACL injury in his first league start marks a hammer blow for both the player and his club.
Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…
Perhaps now they could seek to secure a cut-price alternative to filling in during his lengthy absence, with reports continuing to link them with a swoop for Kyle Walker-Peters, who was valued at around £40m in 2022.
Whilst versatile in a different way to the Dutchman, he too could provide that key creativity from deep that allows them to maintain their system despite enduring such a key absentee.
With just two years left on his £20k-per-week deal, there certainly could be a deal to be made.
Who has played for both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur?
The main talking point regarding this potential swoop would be the fact that the 27-year-old would be re-joining another north London club, having left Tottenham Hotspur for Southampton back in 2020.
Having spent seven years with the Lilywhites, he featured just 24 times for them and forever felt like a backup option.
However, since moving to St Mary's, it seems like his career has been revived.
Although he struggled last term, as his side slumped to relegation, the 2021/22 campaign offers a fairer evaluation of his talents. His 6.85 average rating marked a solid return, buoyed by his 81% pass accuracy, 1.8 tackles and 0.8 key passes per game, via Sofascore.
His quality in possession is further emphasised when compared to other full-backs across Europe, as he ranks in the top 11% for progressive carries per 90, and the top 8% for successful take-ons per 90, via FBref.
It is therefore no surprise to see him lauded, as his former boss Ruben Selles noted:
"I think Kyle is an extraordinary player. His ability in positions, but also to understand the system we are playing has big value for us. Kyle has been really good in the Premier League for the last four to five years."
Walker-Peters could not be the only man to have featured for both north London rivals, with key names such as William Gallas, Emmanuel Adebayor, and perhaps most notoriously, Sol Campbell.
The hulking centre-back moved directly from Spurs to the Gunners in his controversial 2001 move but was immediately vindicated given the success his arrival brought.
He went on to feature 211 times for Arsenal, spearheading their two Premier League title victories among other countless domestic honours.
Such was his importance, TheScore offered the following review on the 48-year-old after placing him as the 11th-best player of Arsene Wenger's reign:
"Sol Campbell is the epitome of an athletic centre-back, whose robust frame and barrel chest hid the fact that he was sublime on the ball."
Should Walker-Peters enjoy similar success, allowing Arteta to continue as if Timber were still fit, then perhaps he might also be the catalyst that helps this team claim the elite honours. It would also mark an intelligent acquisition once again from Edu, showcasing his superior planning in the event of tragedy.
He would stride into the Emirates as a hero for snubbing their rivals, and offer that key experience and versatility that they are set to miss for many months as the 22-year-old fights for fitness.
With the Test series against Australia starting five days after the third and final T20I, South Africa have chosen to rest a number of players including Aiden Markram, Hashim Amla and the frontline Test-match fast bowlers
ESPNcricinfo staff13-Feb-2018
AFP
Christiaan Jonker, Junior Dala and Heinrich Klaasen are the three new faces in South Africa’s squad for the three-match T20I series against India, which begins in Johannesburg on February 18. JP Duminy will lead the side in the absence of Faf du Plessis, who continues his recovery from a finger fracture that has kept him out since the first ODI on February 1.With the Test series against Australia starting five days after the third and final T20I, South Africa have chosen to rest a number of players including Aiden Markram, Hashim Amla and the frontline Test-match fast bowlers. Imran Tahir, South Africa’s first-choice white-ball legspinner, has also been rested, with CSA selection panel convener Linda Zondi saying the selectors wanted to give Tabraiz Shamsi and Aaron Phangiso more of an opportunity to test their squad options.Warriors batsman Jonker and Titans fast bowler Dala are yet to play for South Africa. Wicketkeeper-batsman Klaasen is yet to play T20Is, but made his international debut during the ongoing ODI series against India.The selectors have also named a South Africa A squad that will take on the touring Australians in a three-day warm-up match from February 22 to 24, and have named Khaya Zondo captain. Test caps Theunis de Bruyn, who scored 190 in the most recent round of first-class matches, and Duanne Olivier remain in the national frame and are also part of the side for the warm-up game.South Africa T20I squad: JP Duminy (capt), Farhaan Behardien, Junior Dala, AB de Villiers, Reeza Hendricks, Christiaan Jonker, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Chris Morris, Dane Paterson, Aaron Phangiso, Andile Phehlukwayo, Tabraiz Shamsi, Jon-Jon Smuts.South Africa A squad for tour match against Australia: Khaya Zondo (capt), Theunis de Bruyn, Zubayr Hamza, Beuran Hendricks, Pieter Malan, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Duanne Olivier, Rudi Second, Malusi Siboto, Shaun von Berg.
Arsenal star Martin Odegaard has given his blessing to a "fantastic" player who the club are linked with signing.
Who have Arsenal signed 2023?
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is set to attempt yet another Premier League title push, coming after his team were thwarted in last season's attempts to clinch their first domestic crown in 20 years.
Pep Guardiola's imperious treble-winning Man City side were quite simply unstoppable over 2022/2023; a fact not lost on Arteta and Arsenal transfer chief Edu.
The pair moved to bring in four major new additions over what was the club's most ambitious summer transfer window in recent memory; sealing the arrivals of club-record signing Declan Rice, versatile defender Jurrien Timber, goalkeeper David Raya and Germany forward Kai Havertz.
Arsenal spent north of £200 million in total on the quartet, and they're now fully prepared for what will be a very intriguing campaign at the Emirates Stadium.
How are Arsenal doing?
So far over 2023/2024, Arteta's side have picked up three wins out of four with victories over Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Man United just prior to the international break.
Arsenal did surprisingly drop points at home to Fulham a fortnight ago, though; courtesy of a last-gasp equaliser from their star midfielder Joao Palhinha – who netted in the 87th minute to seal a 2-2 draw in north London.
Nevertheless, Arteta's side remain unbeaten over their first few matches and have displayed some promising signs – perhaps most notably the grit to edge their way to victory in tight encounters.
Arsenal captain Odegaard, who was a key player last term, remains a vital cog in their attacking system and is set to play a key role during their push for a league title.
Who are Arsenal linked with?
Despite their significant squad investment over the 2023 summer transfer window, Arsenal remain linked with exciting new talents as they seek to strengthen further – potentially in January.
One of those players is Club Brugge winger Antonio Nusa, who actually received an offer to join Chelsea before September 1.
Club Brugge'sAntonioNusacelebrates scoring their fourth goal with Casper Nielsen
Now, it is believed Arsenal are one of the clubs interested in securing a deal for Nusa. 90min have reported this week that the Edu and co are tracking the Norwegian with a view to making a potential move.
Odegaard, speaking to the press on international duty, has lavished praise on his Norway teammate and explained why he is such a "fantastic" player.
Nusa earned his first cap for Norway in a 6-0 win over Jordan, and Arsenal's star player simply cannot hide his excitement over the 18-year-old.
“Fantastic! He is an incredibly exciting player," Odegaard told TV2 (via Sport Witness).
You see it, everything he gets the ball, it’s exciting. He is still young and will get even better. It was cool to see him. He deserved to get the chance that he takes it to such an extent. Incredibly cool!
“He must continue as he has done. Work hard, be humble. He’s a nice boy. Very calm and nice type. It’s going to be just fine. He just has to enjoy the football and continue to deliver as he does. Then it will be good.”
Aston Villa have enjoyed a thrilling time under Unai Emery, who has transformed the club since his arrival in the winter of 2022.
The Spaniard has guided the Midlands side from a relegation-threatened state to a squad challenging in Europe in less than a year since taking charge, providing a contrast to the lack of development under Steven Gerrard.
An impressive start to life under the former Arsenal boss was added to in his first summer transfer window in charge of the Villans, in which he broke the club's transfer record fee to bring in some outstanding talent.
Capturing Moussa Diaby for £51.9m was an electrifying piece of business by Emery and Monchi, with the Frenchman having already netted twice in the Premier League.
Aston Villa winger Moussa Diaby.
Clement Lenglet, Nicolo Zaniolo, Youri Tielemans and Pau Torres joined Diaby in making the move to Villa Park, signing off from a positive summer of business in the Midlands.
Despite claiming the signatures of such talents, the club were linked to a host of quality stars throughout the window, as expected considering Emery’s pull and the involvement in Europe in 2023/24.
One name in particular alerted those associated with the club to the prospect of pulling off a sensational feat, with an English superstar in Jadon Sancho linked with Villa Park on numerous occasions.
Did Aston Villa nearly sign Jadon Sancho?
In June, a report from Football Transfers named Aston Villa as a club potentially eyeing the availability of Manchester United outsider Jadon Sancho.
The links came with a suggested price tag of £60m for the winger, who had ‘keen’ interest from the Villans at the time.
Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho.
Such rumours resurfaced just prior to the final week of the market, as CaughtOffside suggested that the Midlands side were considering a late move for the forward, with his future at Old Trafford in doubt.
With attacking players Diaby and Zaniolo added to the mix, nothing concrete was reported following the suggestions that the 23-year-old was of interest.
What is Jadon Sancho’s market value?
A reported price tag of £60m would be a fair estimation to indicate a viable transfer for United to sanction.
As per CIES Football Observatory, the Englishman is currently valued at €60m (£51m), a drop-down in his price that the Red Devils signed him for back in 2021.
Jadon Sancho
The former Manchester City academy star was purchased from Borussia Dortmund to make a dramatic return to the northwest for £73m, penning a contract lasting five years at Old Trafford.
When weighing up the three years, plus an additional year, remaining on his current deal, an asking fee of £60m is understandable, and a deal that Villa in hindsight could have benefitted from exploring deeper.
What is Jadon Sancho doing now?
Making the move back to England from Dortmund was a bold, but expected move for the Londoner, who had exceeded expectations during his short time in Germany.
There was speculation whether the winger would have to take the time to adapt his game to the demands of the Premier League, considering that he had learned the art of football through the traits of the English game.
Footballing culture altogether is contrasting in Germany as it is to England, which has arguably been one of the faults to Sancho’s move back to Manchester, with suffocating pressure placed on his back by those watching on.
jadon-sancho
A £73m price tag and the form displayed in Dortmund made the expectations of the 23-year-old of a gargantuan magnitude, leaving him no option but to deliver at such a level to prove his worth back in his home country.
Things have not gone to plan for the 23-capped England international, making 58 appearances in the league for the Red Devils, scoring just nine goals in the process.
It was evident that the Londoner had fallen out of favour with Erik ten Hag, with tensions reaching an all-time high last weekend as he wasn’t selected to even feature in the squad for United’s visit to Arsenal.
The Dutchman went public with his decision to not select the 23-year-old, saying that based on his “performances in training”, he was not in contention to travel to north London for the highly-anticipated fixture.
After the Red Devils’ dramatic 3-1 loss to the Gunners, Sancho came out and spoke in retaliation to the manager’s public claims of his lack of performance saying he’d been a “scapegoat for a long time”, and branded Ten Hag’s comments as “untrue”.
At just 23-years-old, it’s as easy to sympathise with the public slander from his manager as it is to question his decision to give a public response.
Now that recent dramas have unfolded between player, manager and club, a potential move away from Old Trafford could have been a fundamental career change for the winger.
What could Jadon Sancho have offered to Villa?
A story of what could have been is the narrative regarding Sancho, but Villa posed as being the perfect club to have signed for.
Despite scoring just nine goals during his league career at United, the talent the winger has seen him previously described as a “phenomenon” by talent scout Jacek Kulig.
That was certainly seen in Germany where in 104 Bundesliga appearances in yellow, Sancho contributed to a mammoth 89 goals, scoring 38 and assisting 51 from the flank.
The 2019/20 season signified an individual season high for the dynamic star, as he recorded 17 assists and 17 goals in the league, contributing to 34 goals in 32 games, via Transfermarkt.
Jadon Sancho Bundesliga record
12
1
4
34
12
18
32
17
17
26
8
12
A dip in form following a change in scenery at such a young age is somewhat admissible, considering the levels the 23-year-old is capable of hitting.
Emery could have utilised Sancho’s talent to get him to past heights, making him the star of the show and nurturing his talent away from the high expectation and high criticism that comes with representing United.
It wouldn’t be the first time that the Spaniard has guided a widely renowned up-and-coming English talent, with the former Gunners boss being responsible for unearthing Bukayo Saka.
jadon-sancho-bukayo-saka
Despite securing a reunion with former player Pau Torres during the window, a debate to be reunited with Saka at Villa is not on the cards by any means, however, the 51-year-old could have had a replica of the Arsenal sensation in Sancho.
While the Hale End graduate’s career has rocketed and Sancho’s has stalled, the two are still comparable in their approach to play, as highlighted by statistics.
Over the past year, FBref identified Sancho as being comparable to Saka based on his averages per 90, suggesting just the calibre of player Emery could have guided at Villa Park.
As per FBref, the margins were not as extensive as the two wingers’ goal contributions, with the United dud averaging 5.08 progressive carries and 1.95 successful take-ons per 90 over the past year.
Saka mirrored the former Bundesliga star’s rate of 1.95 successful take-ons per 90, and just tipped the 23-year-old to average 5.27 progressive carries per 90, communicating the similarities to their strengths as wide forwards.
When revising the demographic of player that Emery wanted this summer, as highlighted through recruiting Diaby, Sancho would have fitted the mould perfectly in the squad.
Hindsight is a great thing, and looking back it’s questionable that the Londoner would have taken a move to the Midlands to escape the pending conflict between himself and Ten Hag.
Despite the strong recruitment this summer, Emery missed a trick by failing to capture Sancho, who could’ve been elevated under the Spaniard and given the four-time Europa League winner his next Saka-like presence on the flanks.
Through thick and thin, the Goodison Park faithful have stood by Everton, and are one of the most passionate, vocal fanbases in English football.
Premier League ever-presents, a number of iconic players have worn the famous blue strip, while the club also boasts some high-profile celebrity fans from all over the world.
While the likes of Ross Barkley, David Moyes and Wayne Rooney are fans who have been directly involved with the club, there is a plethora of famous Evertonians from the boxing ring to the tennis court, from the big screen to the big stage. Here are 10 of the most famous Everton supporters…
10 Tommy Fleetwood
Starting things off with one of the 12 golfers set to represent Europe at the Ryder Cup at the end of September in Rome, Italy.
Tommy Fleetwood has is a six-time winner on the European Tour and is set to play a key part in the Ryder Cup, although he is in hot water at the moment following the less-than-glowing comment he made about captain Luke Donald.
Fleetwood hails from Southport, Merseyside and so his support of Everton comes very much from his family life and where he grew up. His wedges are stamped to show off his beloved football team and he has been a guest at Goodison Park in years gone by.
9 Jodie Comer
From one scouser to another with Killing Eve star Jodie Comer. The 30-year-old rose to fame as Villanelle in Killing Eve, starring alongside Sandra Oh. In 2019, both Comer and the show itself won awards at the BAFTAs.
One of her latest major film releases was “The Bikeriders” which will see her lead a superb cast that includes the likes of Tom Hardy, Austin Butler and Michael Shannon.
Comer’s dad James worked at Everton as a physio for two decades and so her support for the Toffees should hardly come as a surprise to anyone.
8 Tony Bellew
There may not be a more vocal Evertonian in the celebrity world than the hard-hitting Tony Bellew.
Bellew fought and defeated Ilunga Makabu via knockout at Goodison Park to claim the vacant WBC cruiserweight title.
He has gone to battle at Goodison both in real life and in a fictional world too in the form of the Creed film franchise.
He portrayed “Pretty” Ricky Conlan in the first film and he went toe-to-toe against Michael B. Jordan’s Adonis Creed under the lights on his home soil. Michael B. Jordan may now be an investor in AFC Bournemouth but he also revealed that the former champion was able to convert him into an Everton fan.
One can’t forget that Bellew also walks out to Everton’s infamous Z Cars tune, showing just how devout a supporter he is.
7 Amanda Holden
Heart Breakfast radio host and Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden isn’t someone who is as synonymous with the Premier League team as Tony Bellew but she is an Evertonian all the same.
She is actually a huge fan and has been spotted at both home and away games when her busy schedule allows. The 52-year-old hails from Portsmouth and so the origin of her love for Everton is unclear.
6 John McEnroe
Returning back to the world of sports and with a superstar tennis player from America. John McEnroe boasts so many records that there are too many to list but they include 4 U.S. Open titles, 3 at Wimbledon and the fact that he is the only ever male player to be number 1 in the world as both a singles player and a doubles player at the same time.
McEnroe was known for being something of a spiky character on the court- he was never afraid to speak his mind whether it was directed at the umpire, his opponent or the fans. He has never really spoken about being an Everton fan but has been spotted donning the blue shirt, including when on the court.
5 Mary Berry
Another person who is a legend of their respective field is the beloved Mary Berry. She is perhaps best known for her 2010-2016 stint at the helm of The Great British Bake-Off alongside fellow judge Paul Hollywood.
They formed one of the best partnerships on British television and so fans were upset when it all came to an end as the show switched networks- Berry left whilst Hollywood stayed on. Mary Berry has admitted that she has never actually been to a game at Goodison Park but remains a keen follower of the club from afar, from the comfort of her own home.
4 Matt Damon
There are a few major film stars that consider themselves Everton fans one of those is the man himself, Matt Damon.
In 2023, he played a major role in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer as well as starring and producing in Air, alongside his close personal friend Ben Affleck.
Damon is perhaps best known for the Bourne film franchise, Good Will Hunting which was also him and Affleck, The Martian and also for several of Steven Soderbergh’s Oceans film.
Whilst the Everton players were on a tour in the U.S. one year, Damon met them and from there pledged to being a fan of the club. Kevin Mirallas, Leon Osman and Leighton Baines were amongst the players who met up with Will Hunting himself.
3 Sylvester Stallone
From one Hollywood heavy hitter to another with Sylvester Stallone. The Rocky franchise is of course Sly’s bread and butter and the Creed films are the modern-day spin-off of these boxing classics, meaning that Stallone and Bellew actually know each other.
As well as being Rocky Balboa, he has played integral roles in the following franchises: Rambo, The Expendables (with Expendables 4 releasing this month) and Marvels’ Guardians of the Galaxy.
A fascinating story that links Stallone to Everton is that he has reminisced about his missed opportunity of investing. He attended a game alongside his friend and the club director Robert Earl.“If I knew what I know now I’d have snapped it up,” he told The Daily Mirror.“That was when football clubs were affordable but now it’s a billionaire’s game.”
2 Sir Paul McCartney
From third to second and if you thought we couldn’t get any more famous than the one and only Sylvester Stallone, then you are very wrong.
The Beatles are engrained in the annals of musical history and so for one of the two frontmen to be an Everton fan is quite something.
John Lennon is not the individual in question, it is instead Sir Paul McCartney. At 81 years of age, he is still a brilliant performer having broken records last year when he was at the fore of Glastonbury.
McCartney has so many honours to his name, one of which obviously being the sir label. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame both as a member of The Beatles and as a solo artist, he has an Oscar, an Emmy and a whopping 18 Grammys.
He may have rubbed Everton fans up the wrong way though when he proclaimed that he was a fan of both Merseyside teams, Everton and Liverpool.
When push comes to shove, he would opt for blue over red. “Here’s the deal: my father was born in Everton, my family are officially Evertonians, so if it comes down to a derby match or an FA Cup final between the two, I would have to support Everton.”
1 Dame Judi Dench
From a Sir to a Dame with someone widely considered as one of the greatest actors in British history, Judi Dench.
Dame Judi Dench has been an essential part of the James Bond franchise in the Daniel Craig and Pierce Brosnan eras as well as starring in Death on the Nile and Belfast in the 21st century.
Her brilliance of course goes beyond the big screen with her first taste of acting coming in a number of Shakespeare plays with the Old Vic company.
Dench is a patron of Everton in the community and she may be originally from Yorkshire but she is a Toffees fan that is for sure.Not many Premier League clubs can boast about having an eight-time Oscar nominee in their fanbase.
Others
There are far more than just 10 famous Everton fans and so here are some honourable mentions that follow the Premier League team.World Cup-winning scrum-half Matt Dawson, the aforementioned Michael B. Jordan, Atomic Kitten’s Liz McClarnon, Nicola Roberts of Girls Aloud, Pogues’ singer Shane MacGowan, snooker player John Parrott and finally, TV presenter Gethin Jones.