'Wasn't smart' – Hugo Ekitike makes Liverpool admission and reveals what he really thinks about Alexander Isak

Hugo Ekitike made an honest Liverpool admission and revealed his opinion about the arrival of Alexander Isak at Anfield. The French striker, snapped up for a hefty £69m in July, admitted he has no issue with the £125m Swede being parachuted into Liverpool from Newcastle on deadline day. In fact, the 23-year-old insists Isak’s arrival can only sharpen his own game.

Arne Slot's £194m tactical headache

Ever since Liverpool splashed out nearly £200m on two star strikers in one window, fans have debated whether Arne Slot will dare to unleash them side by side. So far, the answer is no. The pair have been rotated like-for-like, with Ekitike replacing Isak in a Carabao Cup tie against Southampton and the Swede swapping in for the Frenchman against Everton in the Premier League.

AdvertisementGOAL Ekitike makes his feelings known about Isak

Ekitike remains unfazed about Isak's arrival and said: "We are playing at such a big club, and I can't see one big club playing just with only one striker. It's good that he is here, even for me. I have still a lot of things to improve and learn."

The former Eintracht Frankfurt striker insisted that he is even ready to share the pitch with Isak if given an opportunity by Slot. 

"I have played in two strikers composition and one striker, so I can do a lot of things," he said. "If we have to play together I can do that. The coach hasn't talked a lot about my way to play or where I need to play. He gave me a lot of freedom in terms of being able to link up with the boys or go behind. I can do a lot of things, he just wants me to bring my football in the team."

'Wasn’t smart' – Ekitike's confession

Ekitike would have loved to make his case against Crystal Palace last weekend but was stuck at home thanks to a self-inflicted ban. The forward was shown a second yellow card in the League Cup after ripping off his shirt in celebration of his match-winning strike against Southampton.

"That wasn't smart," he admitted. "I felt a bit disappointed to watch the boys from home on Saturday. And as I've said before, I apologised to everybody already, to my team-mates – that kind of thing won't happen again."

Without him, Liverpool stumbled to a 2-1 defeat at Selhurst Park, with Isak grinding out 84 minutes as he edges closer to peak sharpness.

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GettyBack in the firing line

The good news for Ekitike is that he’s likely to reclaim his starting role in Europe this week. With Liverpool heading to Turkey for a crunch Champions League tie against Galatasaray, the Frenchman is tipped to return to the XI and remind Slot of his finishing touch. Liverpool need him firing. Saturday’s slip-up at Palace was a setback for the champions, and Slot will be desperate for his frontline to click on the continental stage.

Harry Brook pulls out of IPL for second year running

Late decision could trigger two-year ban from tournament, amid speculation about England white-ball captaincy

Nagraj Gollapudi09-Mar-2025Harry Brook has pulled out of his IPL deal with Delhi Capitals (DC) for the second season running. As a consequence, he could face a two-year ban from the competition.ESPNcricinfo has learned that Brook’s decision to pull out was conveyed by ECB officials to the BCCI last week, and then relayed to DC, who had bought Brook for INR 6.25 crore (£590,000) at the IPL mega auction last November.There is no official line on the development yet from the IPL, but Brook posted on social media* that he needed “time to recharge after the busiest period in my career to date”. He is considered a frontrunner to replace Jos Buttler as England’s white-ball captain following their group-stage elimination at the Champions Trophy, and, as an all-formats player with 18 months yet to run on his ECB central contract, workload management could prove to be a factor in the withdrawal. The ECB has been contacted for comment.Related

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“I have made the very difficult decision to pull out of the upcoming IPL,” Brook tweeted. “I apologise unreservedly to the Delhi Capitals and their supporters. I love cricket. Ever since I was a young boy, I have dreamt of playing for my country, and I am extremely thankful to have the opportunity to play the game I love at this level.”With the guidance of people I trust, I have taken the time to seriously consider this decision. It is a really important time for England cricket, and I want to fully commit to preparing for the upcoming series. In order to do this, I need time to recharge after the busiest period in my career to date. I know not everyone will understand, and I don’t expect them to, but I have to do what I believe is right, and playing for my country remains my priority and focus. I remain hugely grateful for the opportunities I have been given and the support I receive.”The decision left him vulnerable to a two-year ban from the IPL. The new rule was put in place ahead of the 2025 auction, and is based on feedback from all ten franchises, who have expressed frustration at the series of late pullouts by overseas players.In a note to franchises last September, the IPL said: “Any [overseas] player who registers for [an] auction and, after getting picked at the auction, makes himself unavailable before the start of the season will get banned from participating in the IPL/IPL auction for two seasons.”

The only exception, the governing council had said, would be for “an injury/medical condition, which will have to be confirmed by the [player’s] home board”.This is the second year in a row that Brook has pulled out before the start of an IPL season, with DC the team affected on both occasions. Last March, ten days before their opening match of the season, Brook informed DC he was withdrawing to be with his family after the death of his grandmother. The bereavement had already caused him to pull out of England’s Test tour of India in February.IPL 2025 will start on March 22 with DC’s opening fixture coming against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Visakhapatnam on March 24. DC have not yet announced their captain for the season.Brook has played one season of the IPL, in 2023, when he endured a difficult campaign with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). He made 190 runs at 22.11 in 11 matches, but more than half of those came in a single remarkable innings, 100 not out from 55 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens.*18.45 GMT – Story updated with Brook’s X post

Dream signing for Simons: Chelsea prepare offer for "world-class" £52m ace

It’s hard to think of anything that has gone wrong for Chelsea this summer.

Enzo Maresca’s side were near enough perfect at the Club World Cup, and so far, the board have been very busy in the transfer window.

The Blues have shifted a number of unwanted players, like Noni Madueke and Kepa Arrizabalaga, while also bringing in several seriously exciting ones, like Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens.

Chelsea manager EnzoMarescacelebrates after the match

On top of that, the West Londoners seem close to finally getting their hands on Xavi Simons, and if reports are to be believed, they’re also targeting another attacker who’d be a dream teammate for the Dutchman.

Chelsea target dream signing for Simons

While it feels like the Simons saga has been dragging on for months now, the first concrete links between Chelsea and the player only really began to pop up around the middle of June, when he was also being touted for a move to cross-London rivals Arsenal.

Transfer Focus

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

Quite a bit has happened since then, and the Blues appear to have progressed quite significantly with their interest in the Dutchman, so much so that reports from earlier this week claimed that talks with RB Leipzig have reached an “advanced” stage, and that a fee of around £61m will be enough to get the deal over the line.

Interestingly, the Conference League champions still seem keen on doing more business and are looking at someone who’d be a dream signing for Simons.

At least that’s according to a recent report from Caught Offside, which claims Chelsea are very interested in Fermin Lopez.

In fact, the report goes further than that, revealing that the Blues are now ‘preparing a bid in the region of €60m’ for the Barcelona midfielder, which would work out to around £52m.

The report makes clear that while the player is not desperate to leave the Catalan club, their poor financial situation means that an exit for him is on the cards, and that is good news for the West Londoners as he’s incredibly talented and would be a dream teammate for Simons.

Why Lopez would be a dream signing for Simons

There are three reasons why Lopez could end up being a dream signing for Simons, and the first is, rather unsurprisingly, down to his output.

For example, in 46 appearances last season, totalling just 2039 minutes, the potentially “world-class” gem, as one analyst dubbed him, was able to score eight goals and provide ten assists.

That means the young Spaniard maintained an impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.55 games, or more crucially, every 113.27 minutes.

Lopez’s 24/25

Appearances

46

Starts

19

Minutes

2039′

Goals

8

Assists

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.39

Minutes per Goal Involvement

113.27′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

In other words, it seems like the twice-capped international would be a brilliant source of chances for the Dutchman, as well as someone who could finish the chances created for him.

Second, as the El Campillo-born gem is capable of playing in midfield and outwide, he’d have both more opportunities to play alongside and then form an understanding with the Leipzig star, while also being able to come in and cover for him when he needs to be rested.

FC Barcelona'sFerminLopezin action with Las Palmas' Stefan Bajcetic

Finally, one of the reasons the former Paris Saint-Germain prospect wants to come to Stamford Bridge this summer is the opportunity to win things in the future, and that is something the Barça ace already has experience with.

Despite still being just 22 years old, the versatile midfielder already has quite the trophy cabinet, which includes a La Liga title, a Copa del Rey, an Olympic Gold Medal and a European Championship medal to boot.

Therefore, it’s unlikely he’d be fazed when playing in the biggest games for the Blues, which in turn should make him a more reliable teammate in those tense moments.

Ultimately, Lopez won’t come cheap, but he’s already proven his talent, and at 22, he could develop into something truly special and the perfect teammate for Simons to boot.

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Not Paqueta: Pep could land his new Iniesta at Man City in £52m “genius”

After a challenging 2024/25 campaign that saw Manchester City finish third, a distant 13 points behind champions Liverpool, Pep Guardiola knows something must change in midfield.

Kevin De Bruyne’s exit on a free transfer has left a creative hole that no one has yet been able to fill.

City moved last summer to sign Rayan Cherki from Lyon for £30m, but the Frenchman is yet to pull on a shirt in the Premier League.

Lucas Paquetá, so heavily linked with City last year, seemed a logical solution before allegations of betting rule breaches halted a potential move.

Although Paquetá has since been cleared and is reportedly available for £30m, City’s attention appears to have shifted.

According to reports from Spain last week, they are now considering a bid for a 22-year-old midfielder, already being dubbed by many as the new Andres Iniesta.

Why Man City could be chasing the new Iniesta

Fermin López is a graduate of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy – the same finishing school that honed teammates Lamine Yamal, Gavi and Pedri.

After Barcelona’s 1-0 win over Sevilla in 2023, Planet Football described López as “an Iniesta regen,” while respected talent scout Jacek Kulig labelled him a “genius.”

Those comparisons are not unfounded. López is technically sublime, boasting a silky first touch, a powerful engine, and an uncanny sense of space.

Last season, he played 46 games for Barcelona in all competitions, scoring eight goals and providing ten assists.

That kind of production is impressive, particularly for a player who only started eight matches in the league.

He thrives as an advanced midfielder but can also operate off the left wing, where his sharp movement and awareness of space can be especially dangerous.

His influence extends beyond club football.

López was a central figure in Spain’s Olympic gold medal win last summer, starting every match and finishing with six goals and two assists in six.

Barcelona, however, are reluctant to let him go.

While his contract is valid until 2029 with a colossal €500m buy-out clause, reports suggest the Catalan club might listen to serious offers around £52m.

Given Barcelona’s well-documented financial issues, City could sense an opportunity to secure a player uniquely suited to Guardiola’s system.

Why Lopez could be Pep’s new midfield maestro

A deeper dive into López’s metrics makes a persuasive case for why City are so interested.

Transfer Focus

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

Statistically, according to FBref, he ranks in the 95th percentile for assists per 90 (0.42) and the 91st percentile for non-penalty expected goals per 90 (0.39).

This is a player who doesn’t just move the ball well; he directly contributes to scoring opportunities and even finishes them himself.

His pass completion rate of 82.2% (88th percentile) suggests composure under pressure, while his progressive passing numbers are also strong – 4.96 progressive passes per 90, ranking in the 74th percentile.

Crucially, he ranks in the 91st percentile for passes into the final third per 90 (4.12), reflecting a player capable of breaking lines and unpicking compact defences.

FC Barcelona'sFerminLopezin action with Las Palmas' Stefan Bajcetic

López is active beyond just attacking numbers.

His involvement is consistent, with 59.33 touches per 90 (84th percentile), and he offers defensive contributions with 4.65 ball recoveries per 90 (80th percentile), which is crucial to Guardiola’s counter-pressing approach.

These figures paint the picture of a complete midfielder who can contribute on both sides of the ball, matching City’s demands for work rate, positional intelligence, and technical skill.

In profile, López is similar to other multi-functional, creative players like Dani Olmo, Jamal Musiala, or Michael Olise.

Spain'sDaniOlmo, Marc Cucurella and Fermin Lopez celebrate with the trophy after winning the final

He can carry the ball, link short combinations, and accelerate the game when needed.

That hybrid skillset is precisely what Guardiola values most – someone who can help dominate possession but also break lines and score goals.

For City, Fermín López could represent a long-term successor to De Bruyne. The Belgian’s departure has left a gap not just in terms of output but in leadership and a sense of decisive creativity.

López, with his La Masia education and fearless big-game mentality, could inherit that responsibility.

There are still elements to refine – he will need to adjust to the Premier League’s speed and physicality – but his technical base gives him a solid platform.

Of course, the question is whether Barcelona will really cash in.

The club remains under financial pressure, which means a serious bid from City could get their attention despite the €500m release clause.

And with López under contract until 2029, it may take persuasive negotiations, and a hefty offer, to bring him to the Etihad.

While the Paquetá rumours have resurfaced thanks to his clearance, City fans may be more excited by the idea of López: younger, and with a trajectory that mirrors some of Spain’s most legendary midfielders.

If Pep Guardiola does get his wish, Manchester City supporters could soon be watching a player built in the image of Iniesta, but wearing sky blue.

مجدي عبد الغني عن أزمة زيزو مع الزمالك: حسبي الله ونعم الوكيل.. ومسؤولو الأهلي "جيوبهم مخيطة"

علق مجدي عبد الغني، قائد منتخب مصر السابق، على أزمة أحمد سيد زيزو لاعب الأهلي الحالي مع ناديه السابق الزمالك، منتقدًا الأرقام الضخمة في عقود اللاعبين داخل الكرة المصرية، ومُشددًا على أن الوضع المالي للأندية لا يتحمل مثل هذه الالتزامات.

وقال مجدي عبد الغني، في تصريحات عبر قناة “الشمس”: “زيزو يطالب نادي الزمالك بـ82.5 مليون جنيه في الجلسة التي حضرها بالتحقيقات التي أجريت معه في الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم، الزمالك كان قد اتهم زيزو واشتكى ضده، وزيزو أيضًا اتهم الزمالك وتقدم بشكوى، وذهب هو ووالده إلى الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم”.

وتابع: “في الحقيقة زيزو الله يكون في عونه، يمر بمرحلة صعبة جدًا، الأموال الكبيرة التي نسمع عنها، وهي كفيلة بأن تقصم ظهر أي شخص، عندما تتحدث مع ناس بسيطة وتسمع هذه الأرقام، البعض يحسد والبعض يحقد، وآخرون يحسدون دون قصد لأنهم يرون هذه الأرقام مقارنة بظروف معيشتهم فيجدون فارقًا هائلًا”.

وأضاف: “الزمالك ليس لديه أموال، ورغم ذلك يطالب زيزو بـ82.5 مليون جنيه، حسبي الله ونعم الوكيل، من كتب عقدًا بهذا الرقم؟! (يا عم، العب بالناشئين واخسر)، أفضل من أن تأتي بلاعبين وتكتب لهم هذه الأرقام سواء في الأهلي أو الزمالك، هذا الكلام لا يقتصر على نادٍ بعينه، أنا أتحدث عن الجميع”.

وأشار: “الأهلي أيضًا تعاقد مع لاعب بمليون ونصف المليون دولار عندما كان الدولار بـ40 جنيهًا، لاعب لم يشارك سوى مباراة واحدة اسمه سافيو، فقط لأنه من البرازيل، مع أن هناك لاعبين في البرازيل لا تتجاوز أسعارهم 250 أو 300 ألف دولار، حتى في أندية كبيرة مثل بوكا جونيورز وسانتوس، نحن نأتي بهم بـ1.5 مليون دولار”.

وتساءل عبد الغني: “لماذا هذه الأرقام الضخمة؟ لو كنت تدفع من جيبك ما كنت لتفعل ذلك أبدًا، لأنك شقيت وتعبت لجمع هذه الأموال، ثم إن هذه الأموال التي تُدفع للاعب قد لا تعود بعائد للنادي، لو عاد ربع المبلغ ستعتبر نفسك بطلاً، لكن لأن الأموال ليست من جيوبهم، تصرفوا بهذه الطريقة”.

طالع أيضًا | خاص | كواليس ومفاجآت.. تفاصيل جلسة التحقيق مع زيزو في اتحاد الكرة

وواصل: “أصحاب القرار جيوبهم “مخيطة”، لا يخرجون منها شيئًا، لا على مطاعم ولا على مقاهٍ ولا على أي شيء، وحتى عندما يذهبون للشراء يريدون الأخذ بالمجان”.

وعاد عبد الغني وتساءل: “هل يوجد لاعب في مصر يستحق هذه الأرقام؟! الخليج نفسه لا يدفع مثل هذه المبالغ، على سبيل المثال، يُقال إن العين الإماراتي يريد التعاقد مع إمام عاشور مقابل 4 ملايين دولار، لكن لم يصدر شيء رسمي حتى الآن، مجرد كلام في الهواء”.

وشدد: “ومع ذلك، حتى إن كان صحيحًا، فهذا أمر طبيعي لأن الدولار عندهم بثلاثة دراهم، بينما عندنا تجاوز 47 و48 جنيهًا، عملتنا تراجعت بشكل كبير، وبالتالي لا يصح أن نستمر في دفع أرقام ضخمة بالدولار ونحن في ظل هذا التضخم”.

واختتم: “في النهاية، هل إمكانيات الأندية عندنا تسمح بهذه التعاقدات؟ الله أعلم، نحن لا نعرف شيئًا عن الميزانيات، حتى الجمعيات العمومية لا تفهم من الأرقام المعروضة شيئًا، كل شيء يُخلط ببعضه”.

Birmingham Phoenix secure eliminator spot after wet 30-ball thrash

Phoenix to play Southern Brave in eliminator; Oval Invincibles head straight to Lord’s final

ECB Media15-Aug-2024

Moeen Ali and Ben Duckett celebrate the Phoenix’s progress•Nathan Stirk/ECB via Getty Images

Birmingham Phoenix will meet Southern Brave in The Hundred Eliminator at The Kia Oval on Saturday after a nine-wicket victory over Manchester Originals.Moeen Ali’s side came out on top in a 30-ball-per-side match at Edgbaston, earning themselves the point they needed after rain delayed the start.Phoenix chased down their target of 42 with ease, Jamie Smith depositing Fazalhaq Farooqi over the boundary twice in the first five balls to set the tone for the chase.After a quieter second five from Farooqi, Ben Duckett smashed Tom Aspinwall’s first ball for six and then hit three of his next four to the boundary as the rain teemed down in Birmingham, the umpires remaining unmoved, determined to see the game to a result.Smith (14) was caught on the cover boundary by Sikandar Raza off Scott Currie, but Duckett (22*) and Moeen (6*) knocked off the remaining seven runs required with eight balls to spare, the skipper securing the win with a six off Currie over fine-leg.Winning the toss and bowling first, Birmingham Phoenix struck early, Kiwi speedster Adam Milne removing Matthew Hurst from the second legal delivery of the match when the young Lancastrian skied a chance to Liam Livingstone at mid-on.Milne’s compatriot Tim Southee took the second set and was immediately smashed into the stands by Phil Salt. He was then sliced over short-third by Max Holden from the final ball of the powerplay as the Originals took their score to 15 for 1.At the halfway point of the innings, the Originals were 22 for 2, Salt (12) mistiming a cross-bat shot off Milne from the 15th ball of the innings to give Livingstone his second catch of the evening.Sean Abbott then accounted for Paul Walter (1), caught at deep cover, to make it 24 for 3. Holden (15) continued to swing hard, the left-hander top-edging Southee for another boundary, but his luck soon ran out when he failed to go over mid-off as Livingstone held onto a third catch.Chris Wood closed out the innings, conceding just three runs and taking the wicket of Raza, caught by Jacob Bethell at deep midwicket as Originals closed on 41 for 5, hitting just one six in their innings.Phoenix had just 42 to chase to earn a trip to South London and they did it with ease, ensuring Andrew Flintoff’s first year as Northern Superchargers Head Coach would end with a fourth-place finish.Meerkat Match Hero Milne, who took 2 for 8, said: “To come out of the shortened game and into The Hundred Eliminator is very good for us.”There was a little bit of swing and seam so it was nice to use that first up, but in these shortened games anything can happen, so [you] just mix it up.”Anytime it’s moving around off the straight it’s nice. There’s been lots said but as a bowler it’s nice to have a little bit going your way sometimes in these shorter formats, there can be flat wickets and not much movement, so it’s nice to see a bit of swing and seam occasionally.”

Wade escapes fine after argument with umpire in win over England

He was given a reprimand and a demerit point after an argument over a dead ball not being called

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Jun-2024Matthew Wade has escaped a fine from the ICC following a heated on-field argument with umpire Nitin Menon during Australia’s 36-run win over England in Barbados in the T20 World Cup 2024, though he has been handed an “official reprimand” and one demerit point.Facing Adil Rashid in the 18th over of Australia’s innings, Wade backed away to the leg side as the bowler was in his action, and dead-batted the ball back down the pitch. The ICC said in a press release: “[Wade] expected it to be called a ‘dead ball’ by the umpire. When it wasn’t, Wade then argued with the umpires over the decision.”Wade exchanged words with Jos Buttler, England’s wicketkeeper, and continued to argue with Menon after taking a single off the following delivery. He accepted a Level 1 breach of the ICC’s code of conduct but avoided the maximum penalty of a 50% match fee fine, instead having a demerit point added to his record for the next two years.Related

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Buttler suggested he could have intervened, but said that Wade had backed away “very late”. He said: “[I’m not sure] whether I should have said, ‘I don’t know if he pulled away and let’s just carry on’. But the umpire seemed to be like, ‘well, because he played it, it’s a dot ball’… he seemed ready, and then pulled out very late.”Adam Zampa, who took 2 for 28 in Australia’s win, said that Wade had been fired up by the incident. “Wadey is a fiery guy, super competitive, and something ticked him over a little bit. That’s what we love about Wadey… having him behind the stumps, so competitive, you can hear his voice and that makes a huge difference.”If you’ve got a wicketkeeper who’s quiet, whose body language is the opposite to someone like Wadey, you can feel that as well. I love playing with Wadey. He’s so competitive… He backed away and he played that shot, and I think he felt like it was basically the same as letting it hit him in the leg, kind of a dead ball. But yeah, it doesn’t take much to fire Wadey up.”Zampa was also critical of England’s body language in the field, suggesting that they let their frustrations get the better of them – particularly when bowling to Travis Head and David Warner. “They were under the pump and it showed,” he said. “It’s so hard to bowl to those two in the powerplay.”If your bowlers aren’t summing up the conditions quickly, I guess it can be frustrating, and Heady and Davey took advantage of it. We try not to be like that. We speak about it a bit. Our leadership isn’t like that. They are very calm, and I think that helps us as bowlers as well.”

Sunderland plot swoop to sign Man City gem who may replace Bellingham

With rumours continuing to arrive regarding Jobe Bellingham’s future, Sunderland have reportedly set their sights on signing a Manchester City gem who could replace their midfield star this summer.

Borussia Dortmund reach Bellingham agreement

Despite earning promotion to the Premier League, it looks as though Bellingham is set to follow the same path as his older brother Jude by swapping English football for Borussia Dortmund this summer.

Chasing their second Bellingham after their first proved to be a great success, the German giants have reportedly agreed personal terms on a five-year contract with the Sunderland star.

Whilst personal terms are agreed, Dortmund must still match Sunderland’s valuation if they are to sign Bellingham this summer. The Black Cats are reportedly set to demand that Bellingham’s €40m (£34m) release clause is matched this summer if they are to bid farewell to one of their best young players.

Losing such a talent at just 19 years old would be an undeniable blow for all involved at the Stadium of Light, but with £34m to spend, they could build Regis Le Bris a squad capable of securing Premier League survival at the first time of asking.

To that end, rumours have suggested that the Black Cats could also be in for a busy summer. With a permanent deal to sign Enzo Le Fee already sealed, Sunderland may reportedly welcome Chris Mepham back to the club in a similar deal.

Meanwhile, if forced to find a replacement for Bellingham in the coming months, those in Wearside could yet reportedly turn towards a young Manchester City talent.

Sunderland eyeing Charlie Gray

According to Alan Nixon on his Patreon, Sunderland are now eyeing a summer swoop to sign Charlie Gray from Manchester City if Bellingham completes a move to Borussia Dortmund.

The 19-year-old midfielder is yet to receive a first-team opportunity from Pep Guardiola, but has certainly left many impressed at youth level.

Although the Manchester City gem is an unproven talent, this Sunderland side has had young players who are vying to prove themselves at the foundation of their success for a couple of years now and Gray could become the latest to do exactly that.

Replacing Bellingham won’t be easy for whoever is tasked with doing so, but there’s every reason why Gray has been at the heart of Manchester City’s impressive academy in recent years.

Sunderland now want to sign £2m star who "surprised" Klopp ahead of Leeds

The three promoted sides are all keen.

ByCharlie Smith Jun 6, 2025

The Citizens have birthed players such as Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Jamie Gittens and Jadon Sancho over the last decade and the list could go on.

European football is littered with their graduates and one could now be on his way to Sunderland. At 19 years old, Gray could be one to watch.

Everton "confident" of signing rapid Ligue 1 for Moyes in cut-price deal

Everton are “confident” of signing a rapid new player who is said to play with “a lot of dynamism and speed” in a cut-price deal this summer, according to a new report.

Everton remain on the up despite Chelsea loss

Everton suffered a 1-0 Premier League defeat at the hands of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge over the weekend, with Nicolas Jackson scoring his first goal of 2025 to gift the home side all three points.

Despite the loss, however, Everton remain very much a team on the rise. After a desperately poor start to the season under Sean Dyche, the Toffees have gone from strength to strength since the reappointment of David Moyes as manager in January.

David Moyes

Under the Scotsman, Everton lost just one of their first 10 Premier League games — a remarkable run of form that essentially secured their top-flight status for another year, something that had looked extremely unlikely around Christmas.

Results have dipped slightly since, but with Premier League football now guaranteed for next season, attention inside the club has already begun to turn towards a fresh start.

“[Moyes] only wants the club to go one way, which we all do, and that is up. But there is still a lot of work that we all need to do to get to that point,” winger Dwight McNeil said after the defeat to Chelsea.

Everton confident of signing Ligue Akpa

Everton’s fresh start next season will come in two parts — the first being a brand-new home: Everton Stadium, a 52,888-seater set to replace Goodison Park after more than a century as the club’s base.

The second will be a revamped squad, with the club’s new owners, the Friedkin Group, expected to back Moyes with funds in the summer to strengthen his team.

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David Moyes wants to make a move…

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Sean Markus Clifford

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One of the players Moyes could be bringing in is Auxerre defender Clement Akpa, with Football Insider reporting that Everton could secure his signing in the coming months.

The outlet claims that Everton have been alerted to Akpa’s availability — and that they are now “pretty confident” of landing the 23-year-old in what could be a cut-price deal due to Auxerre’s financial difficulties.

Akpa has made 28 appearances for Auxerre this season, mostly at centre-back, though he is also capable of playing at left-back.

Speaking about the Ivory Coast international earlier this season, Auxerre head coach Christophe Pélissier said: “He’s a player who works a lot, having made very good and quick progress. At the beginning of this season, I did not think he would be one of the most used players.

“His qualities — playing with a lot of dynamism and speed — have allowed him to develop fully in this system. He asks a lot of questions about the game and what he needs to do to move forward. Being a very young father has given him a great sense of responsibility.”

The best ST since Drogba: Chelsea leading the race for "sensational" star

Chelsea has been the home to countless attacking stars over the years, but not many have managed to match the levels produced by Ivorian striker Didier Drogba.

The forward joined the Blues back in the summer of 2004 from Ligue 1 outfit Marseille, with José Mourinho working tirelessly to complete a deal to take him to Stamford Bridge.

Such a deal would prove to be a masterstroke, with the now 47-year-old starring over two separate spells in West London, claiming a total of 12 major trophies with the Blues.

Drogba notched a total of 164 goals during his time at the club, arguably scoring the most important goal in their history during the Champions League final back in 2012.

However, in the present day, Enzo Maresca doesn’t have the focal point he desires to have his own version of the talisman, leading to huge rumours over a deal for a new number nine this summer.

The latest on Chelsea’s pursuit of a new striker this summer

Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap has been hugely touted with a move to join Chelsea this summer, with the 22-year-old starring in the Premier League throughout 2024/25.

He’s managed to notch a total of 12 goals in 31 appearances for the Tractor Boys, leading to links to move to Stamford Bridge given his £30m release clause.

Ipswich Town'sLiamDelapreacts

However, it appears as though Maresca’s side have been handed a boost in their pursuit for his signature, with Delap not interested in a move to Manchester United after their own willingness to land him.

Players such as Jonathan David and Victor Osimhen have also been thrown into the mix lately, but Borussia Dortmund talisman Serhou Guirassy is the latest player to emerge as a target.

According to journalist Maurizio Russo, the Blues are currently leading the race for the 29-year-old, who has managed to net 28 goals in his 40 appearances across all competitions this term.

Chelsea’s best striker since Drogba

Over the years, Chelsea have spent big to try and fill the centre-forward role, but so far to no avail, given their huge hunt for a new number nine.

The likes of Romelu Lukaku, Álvaro Morata and Christopher Nkunku have all tried to cement their place at the top end of the pitch, but none of them have successfully managed to do so.

The hierarchy have splashed over £200m on the aforementioned trio alone, highlighting the need to land the right star to end their hunt over the next few months.

Guinean forward Guirassy could manage to do just that should he complete a switch to the Bridge this summer, but he won’t come cheap, currently having a £70m release clause in his contract.

However, when comparing him to the current options at the manager’s disposal, he’s massively outperformed them both – showcasing what a sensational signing he could be in their quest for Premier League glory.

Guirassy, who’s been labelled “sensational” by one analyst, has outscored Nicolas Jackson and Nkunku in 2024/25, whilst also registering a higher goal-per-shot-on-target rate – demonstrating his clinical nature in the final third.

How Guirassy compares to Jackson & Nkunku in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Guirassy

Jackson

Nkunku

Games played

25

26

27

Goals scored

15

9

3

Goals per shot-on-target

0.5

0.2

0.2

Shots taken

3.4

3.3

2.4

Fouls won

2

1.2

1.1

Aerials won

3.9

0.8

1.5

Aerial success rate

54%

34%

42%

Stats via FBref

He’s also won more fouls per 90, whilst also registering more shots per game – offering an all-round presence that the Blues have greatly missed in recent months.

However, the 29-year-old has dominated aerially, winning more of the duels he’s entered in the air, finally allowing Maresca to have that target man that he’s craved since joining last summer.

Whilst £70m may appear to be a mammoth sum of money for a player entering the back end of his career, the Dortmund attacker has the star quality to make an immediate impact in West London.

With the majority of the side being full of youngsters, the balance between them and Guirassy could be a successful one, massively aiding the club in their title ambitions throughout 2025/26.

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