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All eyes are on Chelsea’s Club World Cup commitments, although that has not stopped the transfer rumour mill rumbling on in the background, with further deals seemingly set to follow, following the notable capture of Liam Delap last month.

While the Blues appear to have ended their interest in AC Milan goalkeeper, Mike Maignan, the club’s pursuit of Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens continues, despite missing out on the Englishman ahead of the previous transfer deadline.

Prior reports have indicated that the 20-year-old has already agreed on a seven-year contract with the Stamford Bridge side, albeit with a club-to-club agreement still yet to be found, amid reports of a €65m (£55m) asking price.

The former Manchester City youth star does appear to be Enzo Maresca’s leading target right now, although further moves could seemingly lie in store, with talk that a new defensive addition could also enter the building.

Latest on Chelsea's bid for a new defender

For all the speculation surrounding attacking additions, it would appear that the west Londoners are also keen to bolster the backline this summer, having previously been in the mix for new Real Madrid man, Dean Huijsen.

A reunion with a certain Marc Guehi has also been mooted, albeit with the Englishman looking more likely to join Arne Slot’s Liverpool, should he decide to leave Crystal Palace in the coming months.

Centre-back thus looks to be a priority position for Chelsea ahead of the start of the new Premier League season, with reports in Spain suggesting that they are now readying an offer for Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie.

Transfer Focus

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

As per the report, the Blues have ‘launched an ambitious move’ for the 23-year-old defender, having made the versatile left-footer – who can operate at left-back – one of their ‘key targets’.

Despite his €60m (£51m) asking price representing something of an obstacle, the report claims that Chelsea are ‘willing to negotiate’, with the player himself ready to take the next step in his career.

Should that step take him to Stamford Bridge, the 6 foot sensation could look to replicate the success of his compatriot, Moises Caicedo.

Why Chelsea could land their next Caicedo

It’s fair to say that eyebrows were raised when Chelsea forked out a club-record fee of £115m to sign Caicedo from Brighton and Hove Albion back in 2023, with the Blues edging out Liverpool for the midfielder’s signature.

Despite enduring a “tough” first season by his own admission, the 23-year-old has kicked on and then some since, with teammate Cole Palmer hailing him as the side’s “best player” last month.

Also lauded as the Premier League’s ‘best central midfielder’ by pundit and analyst Adrian Clarke, the former Seagulls star is relishing life under Maresca, having notably made the fifth-most tackles in the top-flight last term.

Hopefully, the signing of his international colleague – who is the same age as Caicedo – can prove just as successful, with Hincapie having been noted as an “Ecuadorian football legend in the making” in his own right, according to talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Despite being “in the shadow” of the likes of Florian Wirtz at Leverkusen, the £51m man is a “top quality” talent undoubtedly, in the words of Kulig, with it no surprise that he has caught the eye of the Stamford Bridge hierarchy.

Where he particularly excels is in possession, as evidenced by the fact that he ranks in the top 5% of centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries per 90, while also ranking in the top 16% for progressive passes, as per FBref.

For comparison, the man he could potentially replace in that left-sided centre-back – Levi Colwill – ranks in just the bottom 33% for progressive carries, as well as in just the top 38% for progressive passes.

In a similar manner to Colwill, however, what does set Hincapie apart is how flexible he is at operating as a full-back or more centrally, with Caicedo sharing that versatility having featured as a deep-lying midfielder, or even as an inverted right-back under Maresca to date.

A further benefit is also the wealth of experience that Hincapie has earned thus far despite his relative youth, having made 189 club career appearances at senior level, alongside 46 caps for his country. For comparison, Caicedo has made 193 senior club appearances, alongside 55 caps at international level.

While unlike the latter man and his time at Brighton, the Leverkusen star is yet to be tested in the Premier League, all the signs point to him being a natural fit in Maresca’s side – much like Caicedo has been over the last 12 months or so.

Better than Garnacho: Chelsea set to launch £45m bid for "world-class" star

The dynamic phenom would be sensational for Chelsea.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 26, 2025

An emphasis on investment remains at BlueCo’s Chelsea, but several learning curves have been passed and there’s a feeling that things are not so scattergun anymore.

With Enzo Maresca’s side preparing to take on the Paris Saint-Germain super-team in the Club World Cup final, the club will be permitted to take only the briefest sojourn before a reduced pre-season commences ahead of 2025/26.

There has already been a deluge of new arrivals for the west Londoners, who secured their place back in the Champions League and won the Conference League across Maresca’s first season at the helm.

Liam Delap and Joao Pedro have been poached from domestic rivals, while Jamie Gittens, 20, has finally completed his £51.5m transfer from Borussia Dortmund, having been hailed by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley as “England’s best left winger in 2024/25” before he plateaued over the closing months of the term.

The talented Estevao, Kendry Paez and Dario Essugo are all bound for Stamford Bridge too, but Chelsea still have a few more tricks up their sleeve.

The latest on Chelsea's summer transfer window

Noni Madueke has been granted permission to engage in the personal technicalities of his proposed transfer to Arsenal, with the Gunners having seen a £52m offer accepted.

The right winger is a talented player but hardly indispensable. And he’s not the only one the Blues are willing to offload in order to reshape in a superior fashion. Indeed, Nicolas Jackson may be sold, with Todd Boehly reportedly pricing the Senegalese striker at an eye-watering £100m amid interest from AC Milan.

Elsewhere, Chelsea have been mooted to make their move for Aston Villa’s dynamic attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers, something which Madueke’s departure would facilitate.

But Maresca seemingly wants some more competition out on the left, too, with Mykhaylo Mudryk in interminable purgatory and the likes of Christopher Nkunku, Raheem Sterling and Joao Felix all likely to leave this summer.

And that’s why Chelsea could make an approach for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Kaoru Mitoma, who, aged 28, is settled as one of the most underrated wingers in the Premier League.

That’s according to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, who has confirmed that Chelsea (and Arsenal) have considered making a move to sign the Japan international this summer.

Bayern Munich and Saudi Arabian suitors are also looking to get a deal done, and while there’s a sense that Mitoma’s entourage are drumming up interest to get a bumper new contract at the AMEX, the door is ajar for a summer switch, though Brighton would certainly need to lower their £80m asking price.

Why Chelsea want to sign Kaoru Mitoma

Mitoma joined Brighton from Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale and was instantly loaned out to Royal Union Saint-Gilloise in the Belgian Pro League, something which proved instrumental for his development as he polished his physical properties before being unleashed in the Premier League.

Now, he’s a seasoned veteran, having completed 108 appearances for the Seagulls across all competitions, scoring 24 goals and assisting 20 more.

His 37-goal involvement return in the Premier League, across 88 matches, is also nothing to be sniffed at. Mitoma isn’t the most prolific player, but he is immensely talented and endowed with the pace and intelligence to make a real difference.

In fact, the 28-year-old ranked among the top 15% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the English top flight last term for non-penalty goals and the top 12% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref, which highlights the impact he could have in Chelsea’s first team.

Is there any proof that Gittens, so young and untested, could bring such an instant effect to Maresca’s squad? Indeed, cast your mind back to Jadon Sancho’s days at Dortmund, and you will find all the substance needed to form such a compelling argument.

While Gittens is maybe a bit more active in the duel, and certainly has the makings of a clinical wideman, Mitoma is more complete in his performances, with BBC pundit Shay Given even claiming he’s “at the heart of everything positive” Brighton do in the Premier League.

There is also the pretty significant factor that Mitoma plies his trade in the Premier League, whereas Gittens has been cutting his teeth these past few years in the Bundesliga, a division of ostensibly lower quality.

The aforementioned Bailey has regarded Mitoma as “one of the Premier League’s best”, and it’s clear to see why. Though consistency might not be the Japanese’s strong suit, he has shown quality on England’s biggest stage that most wingers could only dream of, and even then, such ambitions would be hazy, ill-defined things.

While Gittens has the makings of something special, Chelsea would be wise to ease him into a position of seniority at Stamford Bridge. Signing Mitoma and allowing the pair to jockey for starting roles could prove a move that bears dividends for the success of Maresca’s project.

Chelsea will be raising the bar in the months to come. European nights will be freighted with the added expectation and intensity that the Champions League theatre brings. Mitoma is exactly the kind of player who could help the club tackle this issue and come up with a solution.

Bad news for Enzo Fernandez: Chelsea open first talks to sign £43m "animal"

Enzo Maresca is looking to sign a Spanish midfielder this summer

1

By
Ross Kilvington

Jul 13, 2025

Chelsea have recently been handed a boost in their pursuit of an attacker, with it being revealed he would love to move to Stamford Bridge despite interest from Arsenal.

Blues looking to sign new attacking midfielder

Enzo Maresca has already made major improvements to his squad this summer, with new striker Joao Pedro playing a major role in the Club World Cup triumph, scoring the third goal in his side’s 3-0 rout of Paris Saint-Germain in the final.

However, the Blues are by no means done, with a new attacking midfielder also of interest, and there are three main options on the shortlist.

The west Londoners have recently held talks over a deal for Simons, but there could be fierce competition for his signature, with Tottenham Hotspur also keen, while fellow London rivals Arsenal are thought to have made an approach of their own.

That said, despite the major interest from elsewhere, Maresca’s side should be well-positioned to win the race for the RB Leipzig star, as per a new update from journalist Simon Phillips.

Phillips said: “Arsenal are interested in Simons as said, but our sources have heard they are focusing on Eze still but if they cannot get that over the line then Simons is the backup for them.

Chelsea ready swap offer to sign "unstoppable" £90m England international

The Blues are willing to use one of their players as a makeweight in negotiations for an attacker.

By
Dominic Lund

Jul 20, 2025

“Sources feel Chelsea could have come in and snapped Simons up by the time that happens anyway. So this one is certainly brewing up and all connected.

“Further to this, our sources have heard that Simons ‘would love to join Chelsea’ this window, so there would be no problem on the player side. Chelsea, expected to make more enquiries on Simons this week now.”

"Game-changer" Simons could be statement signing for Chelsea

Scout and writer Jacek Kulig lauded the Leipzig attacking midfielder as a “game-changer” last season, and it is clear to see why, with the Dutchman impressing for both club and country.

The Netherlands international picked up a goal and an assist in a very impressive performance against European champions Spain in March, while also regularly finding the back of the net and setting up his teammates in the Bundesliga.

It is little wonder the 22-year-old is very keen on sealing a move to Stamford Bridge this summer, with Maresca’s side recently being crowned Club World Cup champions, and Champions League football on offer next season.

Having already proven they have what it takes to compete against the world’s best teams, the signing of Simons could elevate the Blues and help them compete for even more major honours in the 2024-25 campaign.

Bayern Munich have now made an approach over a potential deal for a Chelsea star who excelled at the Club World Cup, according to a report.

Blues crowned Club World Cup champions in New Jersey

Few would have predicted the Blues to cause an upset against European champions Paris Saint-Germain, but they put in a remarkable performance to secure a 3-0 victory, with all three goals coming in the first-half.

Cole Palmer is likely to get most of the headlines, with the England international bagging a brace, and the 23-year-old’s second goal was extremely well-taken, creating space with a shimmy that was impossible for Lucas Beraldo and Vitinha to predict.

However, Enzo Maresca has praised the entire team for the way in which they were able to implement his game plan, saying: “It went well, but I think we won the game in the first 10 minutes, when the team came out to demonstrate that we were here to try to win, respecting the rival, considering the rival the best team in the world at this time.

“But I think in the end, you can give the players a plan, but in the end it’s them who have to execute it, and they did it very well.”

Another player who caught the eye was Malo Gusto, with the right-back assisting Palmer’s opening goal vs PSG, while also being trusted by Maresca throughout the tournament, featuring in every single match.

Chelsea now in race to sign PSG's "sensational" £34m Ballon d'Or contender

The Blues are vying to sign one of the world’s best-performing players…

By
Dominic Lund

Jul 14, 2025

However, according to a report from France, Gusto is now attracting interest from across the continent, with Bayern Munich submitting an enquiry over a potential deal, given that Sacha Boey is expected to leave the German club this summer.

It is currently unclear whether the Blues would be willing to listen to offers for the Frenchman, who started against PSG, but they should be in a strong negotiating position, as he remains contracted until 2030.

Chelsea must reject Bayern's advances

Maresca could be brewing something special at Stamford Bridge, with the statement victory over PSG suggesting his side may be Premier League title contenders next season, and Chelsea must not put that at risk by selling one of their key players.

The France international made 32 appearances in the Premier League last season, indicating Maresca trusts the full-back, with the Italian also describing the 22-year-old as one of his “favourite” players.

As such, it seems unlikely that a departure will be on the cards this summer, especially in the wake of the Club World Cup final triumph, which may convince the defender to continue being a part of Maresca’s project.

That said, if Chelsea do decide to cash-in, they should hold out for far more than the £31m they forked out to sign him from Lyon back in January 2023.

Liverpool are believed to have submitted their first official bid for Alexander Isak, while there has also been news on the rumours of the striker agreeing personal terms.

The biggest transfer of the summer is still on the cards for the Reds, with Isak making it clear that he wants to seal a move away from St James’ Park.

Liverpool will likely have to break their transfer record for the second time in the same summer, in order to sign him, having already brought in Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for a mammoth £116m fee.

Sky Germany journalist has claimed that talks over the transfer are “progressing well”, with Isak’s representatives “very positive” about the saga reaching its conclusion sooner rather than later.

An agreement is believed to be in place for the Sweden international, but it looks as though Liverpool will bide their time and try to be as respectful as possible to the Magpies, perhaps waiting for them to sign a new striker first.

Liverpool willing to give Isak £15m-a-year wages as bid submitted

David Ornstein revealed on Friday lunchtime that Liverpool have submitted a formal offer to Newcastle for Isak, which has been rejected.

And, according to a fresh claim from The Boot Room, Liverpool are “prepared” to pay Isak over £300,000 a week which is exactly what the striker is demanding, earning him around £15m per year.

It is added that “discussions have taken place via intermediaries”, with these wages “putting him just behind” the likes of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, both of whom signed extensions earlier this year.

Liverpool fans are right not to get too carried away about Isak moving to the club, but at this point, it would be a surprise if he wasn’t a Reds player come the end of the current transfer window.

It is clear that he wants to leave Newcastle, with Ornstein revealing he has turned down a new contract with a release clause included, and the Premier League champions see him as their No.1 option to add to their attack.

Assuming Isak does become a Liverpool player, and if they manage to sign a centre-back as well – Crystal Palace and England ace Marc Guehi would be ideal – this could arguably end up being the most exciting transfer window in the club’s history.

Bigger mistake than Diaz: Liverpool ready to sell Slot's "monster" for £47m

Liverpool sold Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich, and now face the exit of another star player.

2

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 31, 2025

To sign both Wirtz and Isak is a summer that Reds supporters could only have dreamed of earlier in the year, and the likes of Jeremy Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Hugo Ekitike are all exciting additions, too.

'The Chaaaaampions'. That's right – the most famous anthem in world football is set to ring out around Europe yet again as the 2025-26 Champions League season gets under way this week. Thirty-six teams are vying it out to lift the European Cup in Budapest on May 30, but can any of them take Paris Saint-Germain's crown away from them?

Luis Enrique's side certainly look like potential winners yet again, though they will face tough competition from a whole host of clubs. Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid have both strengthened their squads, though their spending doesn't come close to matching that of the Premier League's top clubs, with Liverpool and Arsenal having splashed out huge amounts to bolster their chances of continental success.

Club World Cup winners Chelsea will also fancy their chances, as will Manchester City despite their struggles of the past 12 months. Elsewhere, Bayern Munich are back to being the dominant force in Germany, which could aide their chances of winning knockout games late in the competition, while Inter will be eyeing another trip to the final despite a summer of upheaval at San Siro.

But who come out on top? GOAL's writers have had their say on who they think will claim the trophy:

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  'Barca's frontline can rip apart Europe's best'

  Joe Strange: Barcelona’s porous defence robbed us of potentially one of the all-time great Champions League finals last season, but it’ll be a different story this time around. Hansi Flick’s talented youngsters have another year of experience under their belts, while new goalkeeper Joan Garcia already looks like a smart addition. And even if Barca aren’t the strongest side defensively in the competition, their fearsome frontline has the ability to rip apart the very best Europe has to offer. Expect their long-awaited return to Camp Nou to provide a spark in the knockout stages, plenty of goals and talisman Lamine Yamal to lift the trophy in Budapest.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  'Madrid are the safest bet'

  Richard Martin: Real Madrid are always are the safest bet in the Champions League. Los Blancos have won 21 percent of the total number of European Cups, and since the turn of the century they have lifted eight of a possible 26. But even leaving aside statistical probability and the fact that hoisting Europe’s biggest prize is in the club’s DNA, it is difficult to look past Madrid. Kylian Mbappe is still the best attacker in the world on his day, and if does not get you then Vinicius Jr will. Indeed, Madrid’s squad is so packed with talent that Trent Alexander-Arnold, Rodrygo and Federico Valverde are not assured of starting berths. To boot, they now have one of the most astute managers around in Xabi Alonso, who is one of the most tactically proficient coaches around and someone who understands the needs of a modern dressing room.

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  'Barca could storm to the trophy'

  James Westwood: Barcelona will go one better than last season and clinch their first European crown since 2015. Led by the sensational Lamine Yamal, Barca were by far the best attacking side in the competition in 2024-25 and extremely unfortunate not to at least make the final, ultimately undone by defensive lapses against an inferior Inter side. With youngster Roony Bardghji starting to bloom and Marcus Rashford having arrived on loan, Barca have even more firepower this time around, and will fear no one. The early signs this season suggest they will be more solid at the back, too, with new goalkeeper Joan Garcia already commanding his box far better than Wojciech Szczesny and Inaki Pena. Hansi Flick's swashbuckling team could storm to the trophy at a canter if they avoid any serious injuries.

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• AFP
  

  'PSG the pick of six favourites'

  Mark Doyle: I see six potential winners as it stands: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool, Arsenal, Bayern Munich and PSG. However, for all Kylian Mbappe's brilliance, it's hard to see Xabi Alonso conquering Europe in his first season in charge of a still-unbalanced Madrid side. Barca have attackers capable of tearing any defence to shreds, but Hansi Flick's high line remains a serious cause for concern. As for Liverpool and Arsenal, they undeniably have the depth to go all the way, but the gruelling nature of the Premier League will probably still take too much out of the two best teams in England. That leaves Bayern and PSG, the only legitimate contenders capable of regularly rotating key players given the weakness of their respective leagues. Consequently, I’m picking PSG to retain their title, given Luis Enrique’s squad is stronger than that of Vincent Kompany.

A “quality” Liverpool player is now reportedly in talks with another club about a move there this summer, with the situation said to be “gaining momentum” currently.

The latest on Isak to Liverpool

The Reds’ pursuit of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is the big talking point at the moment, as the Premier League champions look to get an incredible piece of transfer business over the line.

Liverpool have already seen a first bid of £110m rejected by the Magpies, and while a second offer is yet to be tabled, it may well happen once Newcastle have signed a replacement.

RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko appears to be their priority target to lead the line instead of Isak, but the Slovenian now has to choose between them and Manchester United.

From a Liverpool perspective, they will clearly hope that Sesko opts to move to St James’ Park, in terms of aiding their efforts to bring in the Swede this summer. If that does happen, it will help pave the way for other Reds attackers to move on before the new season gets underway, and a key update has emerged regarding one such player.

Liverpool star in talks over Saudi Pro League move

According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri on X, Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is in talks with Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal about a summer move, with an Andfield exit “gaining momentum”.

Assuming the Reds do end up signing Isak, or an alternative for that matter, this summer feels like the right time for Nunez to leave, even though Jurgen Klopp spoke positively about him in the past.

“He loves to play for this team together with these boys and has quality coming out of his ears, to be honest. Is he at his absolute peak in general? Not now for us. But can he develop? Yes. Is he a threat all the time? Yes.”

The £140,000-a-week Nunez is a popular figure among the fans, due to his character and work ethic, but the brutal reality is that his finishing is still erratic after three years at Liverpool, as is his all-round game.

"90% certain" – Liverpool set to make new improved bid for Alexander Isak

Liverpool may just be in luck…

By
Ben Goodwin

Aug 2, 2025

For that reason, a move to Al-Hilal would be ideal for the Reds, allowing them to cash in on the 26-year-old and hopefully sign a huge upgrade in Isak.

Amad Diallo has deleted all of his Instagram posts after sparking backlash from Manchester United fans with a picture alongside former team-mate Alejandro Garnacho. The winger started in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Chelsea but came under fire after sharing a smiling snap with the Argentine, who was booed throughout at Old Trafford following his controversial exit this summer.

• Amad deletes Instagram posts after Garnacho backlash

  Amad began the game in United’s front three before finishing at right wing-back as Ruben Amorim’s side defended their lead. After the match, he was pictured swapping shirts and posing with Garnacho, who did not feature for Chelsea but was loudly jeered by the home crowd. The post was deleted shortly after, with Amad also wiping every other photo from his Instagram account.

  Instagram (@amaddiallo19)

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• Garnacho gets booed at Old Trafford

  Garnacho’s acrimonious exit from Old Trafford to join Chelsea has left many United fans frustrated, with his reception echoing chants once aimed at Carlos Tevez. Amad’s decision to publicly celebrate his bond with the Argentine was seen as poorly timed, particularly given the tense atmosphere. The backlash quickly spread across social media, leading the 23-year-old to erase his online presence.

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  Man Utd grab crucial win over Chelsea

  United took full advantage of Robert Sanchez's early red card as they scored twice before Casemiro was sent off later in the first half. Enzo Maresca's side did manage to grab one goal back at the hour mark, but it wasn't enough as Amorim's side held out for a hard-fought 2-1 win.

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• Man Utd and Amad up against Brentford next

  Amad will now look to put the social media storm behind him and focus on his football. The winger has featured regularly under Amorim this season, adapting to both attacking and wing-back roles. With United facing Brentford next weekend, Amad will be keen to put his mind to improving on the field.

Everton’s summer business has been nothing short of ambitious.

The arrival of Jack Grealish on loan from Manchester City has stolen headlines, but David Moyes isn’t content to stop there.

With the opening fixture against Leeds United at Elland Road just days away, the Scot is pressing to secure one final signing – a right-sided attacker to balance his frontline.

That position has been something of a headache for Everton in recent seasons.

Despite flashes of quality from the likes of Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrøm, the Toffees have lacked a consistent threat on the right wing.

Moyes has long favoured wingers who can carry the ball at speed, stretch defensive lines, and cut inside to shoot – traits that became a hallmark of Jarrod Bowen’s game at West Ham.

The club’s pursuit of Southampton youngster Tyler Dibling has been well documented, but negotiations have stalled. Multiple bids have been rejected, with the Saints demanding £45m plus £5m in add-ons and a 25% sell-on clause.

Dibling has trained away from the first team, and talks are expected this week, but the price tag is proving prohibitive.

In the meantime, Moyes has turned his focus to a player who could offer many of the same qualities and perhaps even mirror the impact Bowen had when he first joined Moyes’ West Ham side in 2020.

Everton's search for a winger

According to Sébastian Vidal, Abdul Fatawu has been “targeted” Everton this summer, with Aston Villa also now entering the race for his signature.

Known for his blistering pace and direct dribbling style, he has drawn comparisons to Bowen not only for his position but also for his playing profile.

Former Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given was unequivocal in his praise after Leicester’s win over Southampton last October:

“This guy is absolutely lightning… a brilliant talent.”

Transfer Focus

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

Fatawu’s journey has already taken him from Sporting Lisbon to Leicester, where he initially arrived on loan before signing permanently in 2024 for €16m (£14m).

His market value now sits at €11m (£10m), as per Transfermarkt, making him an attainable target in a summer where Everton have already spent wisely.

Why Fatawu could thrive under Moyes

Moyes has a proven track record of maximising the output of dynamic wingers.

When Bowen joined West Ham from Hull City, he was a promising Championship player with raw potential.

Under Moyes’ guidance, Bowen developed into one of the Premier League’s most reliable wide forwards, scoring 56 goals in 193 appearances for the Hammers and netting the decisive goal in the 2023 Europa Conference League final.

Bowen’s success came down to several tactical factors that could also suit Fatawu.

Firstly, Moyes built his attack to give Bowen space to run into, often with overlapping full-backs drawing defenders away.

Secondly, Bowen was encouraged to cut inside onto his stronger left foot, opening up both shooting and passing angles.

Fatawu, a left-footed right-winger, thrives in similar situations, using his dribbling to force defenders onto their weaker side before striking at goal or slipping through a teammate.

Moyes believes Fatawu’s pace, power, and ability to carry the ball into dangerous areas could transform Everton’s attacking play.

His statistical profile backs up the hype – ranking in the 99th percentile for successful take-ons per 90 minutes (4.51) and progressive carries per 90 (6.53) last season, as per FBref.

For context, Bowen’s own numbers in the 2023/24 Premier League season sat at 1.01 and 2.69 respectively, making Fatawu one of the league’s most dangerous ball carriers.

What’s more, he’s not just quick in straight lines – he’s explosive over the first few yards, able to burst past a defender before they’ve had time to adjust.

That acceleration makes him ideal for counter-attacking football, a hallmark of Moyes’ best sides.

Fatawu’s ball progression numbers are even more striking when compared to Bowen’s.

His 6.53 progressive carries per 90 dwarf Bowen’s 2.69 from the 23/24 season, while his take-on success rate shows a player who can consistently beat his man.

That skill could be invaluable when breaking down deep, compact defences – something Everton struggled with throughout the last campaign.

Adding Fatawu to an attack that already features Grealish and Thierno Barry could give Moyes the balance he craves.

Barry’s aerial dominance and hold-up play would create space for Fatawu to drive into, while Grealish’s creative passing could feed him in behind.

The result could be a front line capable of hurting opponents both in transition and in sustained possession.

Fatawu’s similarities to other Premier League wide forwards are also worth noting.

His profile mirrors that of Nottingham Forest’s Dan Ndoye and Brentford-bound Dango Ouattara, as per FBref.

Of course, there are risks.

Fatawu missed 29 games last season due to his ligament injury, and his injury history will be under close scrutiny by Everton’s medical team.

But at just 21, his potential ceiling is significant, and his international experience – 19 caps for Ghana, with two goals – shows he can handle the demands of high-pressure football.

With Villa also monitoring him as a possible replacement for Leon Bailey, Everton may need to move quickly.

The Toffees’ recruitment team are understood to be preparing their approach, with the expectation that Leicester would want to at least recoup the £14m they paid for him.

Duncan Ferguson 2.0: Everton made "big move" to sign £26m "Ferrari"

Everton could be set to target their next Duncan Ferguson with one move having already been made

By
Will Miller

Aug 15, 2025

The ongoing struggles of Manchester United have Wayne Rooney in meltdown, with the club's all-time leading goalscorer calling out underperforming players and an ownership group that lacks leadership. Ruben Amorim continues to see questions asked of his future as manager at Old Trafford, with Rooney concerned by the direction in which the 13-time Premier League champions are heading.

• Man Utd in turmoil: Rooney addresses serious issues

  Rooney enjoyed 13 memorable years with United as a player, winning 16 trophies – including five top-flight crowns and the Champions League – while scoring 253 goals through 559 appearances. There were, however, signs towards the end of his spell at Old Trafford that things were starting to go wrong. The Red Devils find themselves on a slippery slope at present, with little improvement on show following a 15th-place finish last season and failure to qualify for Europe.

  Portuguese coach Amorim has picked up just 18 wins from 49 games at the helm, as he stubbornly sticks with a flawed 3-4-3 system, and value is proving difficult to find in big-money signings made across several transfer windows. Inconsistency remains a huge issue for United, with no manager since Sir Alex Ferguson able to land a Premier League title, and Rooney fears that the Red Devils are in danger of becoming stuck in reverse.

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  Underperforming players slammed by Rooney

  Speaking on podcast, the ex-England captain said: "What is going on at Man United? This is not Man United. I don't recognise the whole football club. I don't see players fighting, I don't see character, I don't see desire to win. I don’t see ability, I don’t see match-winners, nothing gets me off my feet. I go to a game watching, expecting, here we go again – expecting the team to lose or maybe pick up a point.

  "I care for the club. I was at the football club for 13 years and what is going on is not right. And this is not all on the manager, by the way. I’m seeing players not deserving to wear the shirt. And it hurts. This is not acceptable, what’s going on. There needs to be a clear message from the owners. Whether that is the Glazers, [minority owner] Sir Jim Ratcliffe, there has to be a message of where this club is going. At the minute we are all sitting there waiting for it to crumble."

• Rooney's concern for sons in Man Utd academy

  Rooney, whose son Kai is a promising member of United’s academy system, went on to say: "It's not even just results on the pitch. It's everything about the club that needs fixing – Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have walked into a real challenge. We're seeing staff members getting sacked after 20, 30 years who are very important people to that football club. The culture of that football club has gone. I see it on a daily basis. I see staff losing jobs, people walking out of jobs.

  "I've got two kids [in the academy] at that football club and I really hope this doesn't affect what they're doing. What I'm seeing at that football club is not Manchester United. The soul has gone from the club. It needs a new engine, a new lease of life. It needs something to kickstart that football club. I am not seeing anything which is giving me any confidence, there needs to be big changes in my opinion. Manager, players, whatever that is. Whatever it takes to get Manchester United back."

  Rooney can appreciate what Amorim is going through, having endured his own coaching struggles at Birmingham and Plymouth, but went on to say of United getting wedged in a serious rut: "I just don't know what's going on. I have tried my hand in management and it didn't work out too well, I get it. Ruben Amorim is my age, he is still a young manager and I'm sure he still has a massive future, but what's going on at Man United, this is not Man United. I honestly hope he can turn it around and he does. But if you're saying to me, 'do you believe he will?', then, after everything I've seen, honestly, I've got no faith in it."

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  Of course: What next for Man Utd?

  Following the arrival of Ineos in February 2024, as they acquired an initial 27.7 per cent stake in the club, staff numbers at United have been trimmed from 1,100 to 700. Funds have continued to be invested in the transfer market, while a new £2 billion ($2.7bn) stadium is being lined up, but the Red Devils have veered alarmingly off course and sit 14th in the Premier League table through six fixtures in the 2025-26 campaign.