Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe isn’t rushing into anything this summer. The Englishman is desperate to enhance his squad during the transfer window, but he won’t be making signings for the sake of it.

With Champions League football gracing St James’ Park next term, bringing in some high-quality players will be crucial to their ambitions of going far in the competition.

There are several key areas in which Howe wishes to improve, notably his attack. Will he be able to sign his top targets this summer?

Newcastle's search for new signings

One area the Toon are desperate to strengthen is the attacking department. As such, a bid of around £45m was submitted to Nottingham Forest for winger Anthony Elanga.

This was swiftly rejected, but it shows the direction that Howe is looking to take. It remains unclear whether another bid will be made for the Swedish winger in the coming days.

Signing a new goalkeeper is also on Howe’s wish list and it appears as though the club are closing in on a deal to sign James Trafford.

“Newcastle are closing in on James Trafford deal, final details being sorted, said Fabrizio Romano on X.

“Agreement almost done with Burnley and then it will be here we go. Newcastle are planning to get the deal done very soon.”

Burnley value the player at £40m, and Trafford could turn out to be a better signing than Elanga.

Why James Trafford could be a better signing than Elanga

Last season, Newcastle scored 92 goals across their 48 matches in all competitions, which works out as just shy of two goals a game.

In comparison, they also conceded 58 goals in the same number of games, which is 1.2 goals conceded per match.

Given the statistics, surely the need to improve their defence is far greater than signing a winger, especially when Howe can call upon the likes of Jacob Murphy, who enjoyed his best year in Toon colours, England international Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes. Depth is no doubt important, of course, but a new forward is hardly a priority.

Comparing Trafford to Newcastle’s GKs (league stats only 2024/25)

Metric

Trafford

Pope

Dubravka

Games

45

28

10

Goals conceded

16

35

12

Goals conceded per game

0.4

1.3

1.2

Accurate passes per game

24.1

13.8

21.1

Saves per game

2

3.1

2.9

Balls recovered per game

7.6

8.6

7.9

Last season, Trafford was excellent for Burnley as they finished second in the Championship.

Remarkably, he conceded just 0.4 goals per outing in the second tier, while succeeding with 100% of his run outs per game and making two saves per match – a success rate of 85% – for Burnley.

Overall, Trafford only conceded 16 goals from 45 matches, a truly stunning record, and there is no doubt he would improve Howe’s backline considerably.

The 22-year-old hasn’t even hit his peak yet, but he certainly isn’t short of confidence, dubbing himself “world-class” a few months ago.

Widely believed to be the next England number one, Trafford could fast-track his way into this position by securing a move to Newcastle. Evidently, his potential is huge, even bigger than Elanga’s, scoring just six times last term. On that evidence, the Swede isn’t going to improve the Magpies significantly.

Trafford may have played just 28 Premier League games during his embryonic career so far, but the youngster is heading straight for the very top and would undeniably make an instant impact at St James’.

If Howe can get this deal wrapped up as soon as possible, hopefully, it will be the catalyst for more new signings.

Never mind a better signing than Elanga, Trafford might turn out to be the best signing of the summer for Howe.

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With Thierno Barry on his way, Everton are already considering their next move and could reportedly look to sign a familiar face at a bargain price this summer.

Everton set to sign Thierno Barry

Just days after Dominic Calvert-Lewin announced his departure from the club, Everton are set to welcome his replacement. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Toffees have reached an agreement to sign a talented forward worth €35m (£30m) plus add-ons to beat other Premier League sides to his signature.

An impressive coup, Everton have not only replaced Calvert-Lewin but the argument could be made that they’ve landed an instant upgrade in Barry. The Villarreal star scored 19 goals in all competitions last season and is now ready to take the Premier League by storm.

Minutes

2,559

1,609

Goals

16

3

Assists

4

1

Expected Goals

12.5

6.7

What’s most impressive is just how clinical Barry was in La Liga last season – scoring 16 goals from 12.5 expected goals. Calvert-Lewin, meanwhile, was anything but clinical after underperforming in XG by over three goals.

For just £30m, all signs are pointing towards a top signing, but the Toffees are far from done on the transfer front. Ahead of a new era at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Friedkin could yet reportedly move to sign the likes of Nicolas Tagliafico in a free deal as well as one other target that those around Merseyside already know well.

Everton considering Jack Harrison move

As reported by The Telegraph, Everton are now considering a move to sign Jack Harrison from Leeds United in a cut-price £7m deal. The winger spent the last two seasons on loan at the club and could now finally complete a permanent move to instantly reunite with David Moyes.

A permanent move to sign Harrison would certainly split opinions at Everton. The winger’s output never really stole the headlines during his two loan spells, in which he scored just five goals, but he could be a bargain worth chasing at just £7m.

Despite his poor record in front of goal, Moyes still took the time to praise Harrison when he got his name on the scoresheet for the first time, telling reporters: “I’m sure everybody knows his work rate is really high. He always does a good job for the team, but he’s got a lot to do. He’s still got a lot to improve on because we need more.

“One’s not enough for me, you know, we need [Harrison and Lindstrøm] to come up with more and more assists, but I’m pleased they got the goal tonight.”

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At a crossroads this summer, Harrison should take hold of the chance to rejoin Everton if they come calling as the Toffees potentially land his signature at a bargain price.

Leeds United are closing in on a deal to sign Newcastle United central midfielder Sean Longstaff to bolster Daniel Farke’s options in the middle of the park.

Fabrizio Romano claims that the club have placed a £12m bid on the table for the English maestro, who has already agreed personal terms with the Championship champions.

The 27-year-old midfielder started eight of his 25 appearances in the Premier League for the Magpies last season, and would arrive at Elland Road as a proven performer in the top-flight.

However, Longstaff did end the campaign without a single goal to his name in 32 games in all competitions, which suggests that he is not likely to provide much of a goal threat for the Whites from midfield.

Leeds eyeing another Newcastle midfielder

The Premier League newcomers, however, are reportedly eyeing another Newcastle midfielder who could provide a threat at the top end of the pitch.

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According to TEAMtalk, Leeds United have held internal talks over the possibility of a swoop to sign versatile Newcastle star Joe Willock this summer.

The report claims that the Whites are considering a swoop to sign the English attacker as an alternative to Manor Solomon, as he has the versatility to play in a central midfield role as a left winger.

It adds, though, that Crystal Palace are also monitoring the former Arsenal man’s situation and that he would prefer a move to London over Leeds if given the chance to pick.

This means that it could be a difficult deal for the Whites to get over the line if they decide to act upon their interest in him, but if they can convince him to make the move to Elland Road, Farke could have his own Mateusz Klich.

Why Willock would be the new Klich for Leeds

When Marcelo Bielsa brought Leeds up to the Premier League, Klich played a key role in the middle of the park with four goals and five assists in 35 games.

The Poland international made 1.4 tackles and interceptions per game to go along with his nine goal contributions in 29 starts in the top-flight that term, providing dynamism and energy to the team.

Willock has scored 18 goals in 143 matches for Newcastle in all competitions in his career to date, which suggests that he has the attacking potential to replicate the kind of performances Klich put in for Bielsa in the 2020/21 campaign.

xG

0.14

Top 21%

xG on target

0.09

Top 42%

Goals

0.00

Bottom 3%

Assists

0.17

Top 20%

Chances created

1.84

Top 13%

Touches in the opposition’s box

4.86

Top 5%

He may have ended last season without a Premier League goal to his name but, as you can see in the table above, the midfielder was doing all the right things.

Willock got himself into high-quality shooting positions and delivered decent shots, with 0.09 xG on target per 90, but was foiled by quality goalkeeping, whilst his touches in the opposition box per 90 show that he is a constant threat on the pitch.

The 25-year-old star, who was once described as “special” by Mikel Arteta, has the potential to deliver goals and assists at an impressive rate if given more opportunities at Leeds, and if he gets more luck with goalkeepers not stopping his high-quality shots.

Willock only started 11 times in the Premier League under Eddie Howe last season, and a move to Elland Road could provide him with a chance to play week-in-week-out and deliver quality in the final third on a regular basis, to be Farke’s own version of Klich in midfield.

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Arsenal have been graced with the presence of some of the finest attacking midfielders of the last few generations.

When Arsene Wenger first arrived in north London, he had Dennis Bergkamp at his disposal, one of the most technically gifted artists we’ve ever seen in the Premier League. So good was the Dutchman that he’s now cast in bronze outside the Emirates Stadium.

In more modern times, we’ve seen Mesut Ozil – the king of assists – feature in Arsenal red and white, while Martin Odegaard, one of the most hyped up wonderkids of this era, is stamping his authority on Mikel Arteta’s side.

Yet, with the Norwegian enduring a bit of a tricky season throughout 2024/25, suffering with an ankle injury, perhaps Andrea Berta and Co will look at signing a new creative maestro.

Arsenal looking at Dutch superstar

The biggest priority for Arsenal this summer is to sign a new centre-forward but Berta must not neglect other areas of the pitch and could strengthen in the attacking midfield spot too.

Previous reports have suggested that the Gunners are keen on Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers but he could cost in the region of £100m, making any deal nigh on impossible.

Instead, they could turn their attention to RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons. That’s according to German publication BILD, via Sport Witness.

They reported on Thursday that Simons is attracting interest from a number of English clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United.

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It’s stated that the player’s brother, Faustino, has been in talks with top clubs already but the Premier League’s elite will also face competition from Barcelona.

To conclude a deal, it may take around €70m (£60m), which would mark a healthy outlay for the Gunners, considering their priorities largely lie elsewhere this summer.

How Xavi Simons could fit into Mikel Arteta's Arsenal side

While Arsenal don’t play with an out-and-out number 10 at the moment, Simons would still be a fabulous capture considering the form of Odegaard this season.

Sustaining an ankle injury during the first international break of the term, the club captain struggled to rediscover himself during a rugged old year for him in Arsenal red.

Odegaard ended the campaign with six goals and 12 assists in all competitions. Only three of those goals came in the league which is a far cry from the 15 he registered in 2022/23. That season, no midfielder scored more than him in the Premier League.

So, the Nordic playmaker needs to improve big time and the addition of a new centre-forward could well help him recapture his best form.

However, some healthy competition wouldn’t go amiss and in the shape of Simons, they could sign an Emile Smith Rowe-like figure capable of challenging Odegaard for a role as Arsenal’s chief creator.

In the latest season, the Netherlands international was sublime, scoring 11 goals and supplying eight assists, adding to the ten goals and 15 assists he registered in 2023/24. Those numbers showcase why, in the words of one data analyst, he is “one of the best 10s in the world.”

That’s fine praise and showcases precisely why Arsenal have cast their eyes in the direction of Simons. So, beyond just goals and assists from midfield, what else makes him similar to Smith Rowe?

The Hale End starlet left Arsenal behind for Fulham last summer after struggling with a succession of injuries, but on his day he was one of the most exciting attacking midfielders in the top-flight.

His numbers from the 2021/22 season show precisely why.

Xavi Simons vs Emile Smith Rowe comparison
Stat (per 90 mins)	Simons (24/25)	Smith Rowe (21/22)
Goals	0.42	0.47
Assists	0.25	0.09
Shots	2.09	1.88
Progressive passes	5.86	3.99
Successful take-ons	1.38	1.50
Progressive carries	3.56	3.05
Carries into final 3rd	2.97	2.07
Progressive passes received	7.74	6.53
Ball recoveries	5.36	4.93
Stats via FBref.

In the metrics analysed, Simons comes out on top in nearly every category, but it’s important to note that in most areas, there isn’t a lot to separate the Dutchman and the Arsenal academy graduate.

They scored a similar number of goals per 90 minutes, arriving late into the penalty area to wreak havoc, while their carrying ability, perhaps the biggest similarity, is pretty much on par.

The duo possess this amazing low centre of gravity, a trait that helps them evade the press and weave their way past defenders with ease. It also enables them to grab the ball between the lines on a regular basis, with the pairing receiving a similar number of progressive passes every 90 minutes.

That attribute captivated the masses at the Emirates Stadium and it’s one Simons could bring back should he sign this summer.

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أعلنت قناة مفتوحة عن إذاعة مباراة منتخب مصر الأول أمام بوركينا فاسو والتي تجمع بينهما ضمن منافسات تصفيات كأس العالم 2026.

وتقام مباراة مصر ضد بوركينا فاسو، في إطار لقاءات الجولة الثامنة من التصفيات المؤهلة إلى مونديال 2026، على أرضية استاد 4 أغسطس.

ويخوض منتخب مصر اللقاء تحت قيادة المدير الفني حسام حسن، الذي يأمل في قيادة الفريق للفوز على حساب بوركينا فاسو ومواصلة تصدر جدول ترتيب المجموعة، وحسم بطاقة التأهل إلى كأس العالم.

وتضم المجموعة الأولى كلًا من مصر، بوركينا فاسو، سيراليون، جيبوتي، إثيوبيا وغينيا بيساو، ويأمل الفراعنة في تعزيز صدارتهم والتأهل رسميًا إلى نهائيات كأس العالم.

طالع | حازم إمام يُدافع عن تريزيجيه: كان أفضل من محمد صلاح.. والهجوم ضده مبالغ فيه

ويتصدر منتخب مصر ترتيب المجموعة الأولى برصيد 19 نقطة من 7 مباريات، متفوقًا على بوركينا فاسو صاحب المركز الثاني بـ14 نقطة. القنوات الناقلة لمباراة مصر وبوركينا فاسو في تصفيات كأس العالم 2026

ومن المقرر أن تذاع المباراة عبر قناة 2 mbc masr، وكذلك قناة ssc

ويسبق اللقاء بساعة استديو تحليلي موحّد على القناتين يقوم بإدارته: ابراهيم فايق، ويتواجد كل من: محمود عبدالرازق (شيكابالا) ومحمد بركات وأحمد عز ومحمود فايز. معلقو مباراة مصر وبوركينا فاسو في تصفيات كأس العالم 2026

وسيعلق على المباراة كل من فارس عوض على  2 mbc masr وعصام عبده على ssc.

Charith Asalanka is the new captain of the Sri Lanka men’s T20I team. The news was confirmed when Sri Lanka Cricket announced the 16-man squad to face India in a three-match series starting July 27.Asalanka, who takes over from Wanindu Hasaranga after the latter had stepped down from the role earlier this month following a six-month stint, is no stranger to captaincy, though. He had led Sri Lanka in two T20Is on the tour of Bangladesh earlier this year when Hasaranga, the captain at the time, was serving a suspension. He has also captained the Sri Lanka Under-19s and, most recently, led Jaffna Kings to the LPL title, after having taken over the reins from Thisara Perera at the start of the season.The other big news is the return of the 34-year-old Dinesh Chandimal to Sri Lanka’s T20I fold. He last played a T20I back in early 2022, but his form in the LPL this year, where he struck 287 runs across eight matches at a strike rate of 168.82 – far above his career strike rate of 123.03 – opening the innings, made a strong case for his inclusion. But with one stalwart entering another made way, with Angelo Mathews, now 37, left out of the squad despite also having had a good time in the LPL.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Included is another surprise inclusion, the uncapped Chamindu Wickramasinghe. The 21-year-old allrounder from Kandy, who has been putting in time at the MRF Pace Academy in India, caught the eye of selectors following a breakout LPL campaign this past month. A right-arm seamer who can also bat, he showed great maturity for his Dambulla Sixers franchise lower down the order, picking up seven wickets across eight games while also scoring 186 runs at a strike rate 131.91 – including two clutch fifties. His rise is all the more remarkable seeing that he went unsold during the LPL auction, but was signed by the Dambulla franchise after their forced ownership change had offered up the opportunity to bring in unsigned players.There are also returns for Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando and Binura Fernando, but this means there’s no room for Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dhananjaya de Silva and Dilshan Madushanka.Madushanka’s omission might be the most surprising of the lot, but it’s also the position in which Sri Lanka now have the most depth. While his 21 wickets at the 2023 ODI World Cup might still be relatively fresh in the memory, he didn’t play a single game at this year’s T20 World Cup, and he picked up just two wickets over six games for the Dambulla Sixers in the LPL.Replacing Madushanka in the squad is Binura Fernando, largely on the back of an excellent LPL outing. The 29-year-old left-arm quick has been in the Sri Lankan system for quite some time now – he made his debut back in 2015 – but consistency eluded him, primarily down to a poor injury record. This year, though, has been a watershed moment, as an unencumbered Binura took the LPL by storm, his clever variations helping him pick up 13 wickets across eight games at a miserly economic rate of 6.81. Equally, he put his body to the test, ending the season having played four games across five days.Binura Fernando picked up 13 wickets from eight matches in LPL 2024•Getty Images

Two others staking their claims on the back of a solid LPL season are Kusal Perera and Avishka Fernando. The former, like Wickramasinghe, found his way to the Dambulla franchise belatedly having initially gone unsold in the auction, which itself followed a surprise exclusion from Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup squad. But Perera grabbed this fresh opportunity with both hands, crashing 296 runs across eight games at a strike rate of 169.14 – this included two fifties and a maiden T20 century, all at the top of the order.As for Avishka, after the disappointment of missing out on the T20 World Cup amid healthy competition in the top two spots, he made the No. 4 role his own to help Jaffna Kings to the title. Across 10 LPL innings he struck 374 runs at a strike rate of 162.60, including five fifty-plus scores. He ended the season as the third-highest run-scorer, and might have even topped the charts had he got an opportunity to bat in the final.The rest of the side comes through as expected, with Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage and Wanindu Hasaranga completing a strong batting line-up.Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana and Wellalage will be the primary spin-bowling options with support from the ambidextrous Kamindu if needed. The seam-bowling contingent shows good variety with two slingers in Nuwan Thushara and Matheesha Pathirana, Binura’s left-arm seam and Dushmantha Chameera’s right-arm pace, while Shanaka and Wickramasinghe can also roll their arm over when called upon.

Sri Lanka squad for T20I series vs India

Charith Asalanka (capt), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Janith Perera (wk), Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando

With Dominic Calvert-Lewin on course to depart Everton as a free agent this summer, The Friedkin Group have now reportedly set their sights on signing an experienced Premier League rival as a replacement.

Calvert-Lewin to hand Everton fresh striker problem

Although Calvert-Lewin’s influence across the last two years can be disputed, Everton will still need to replace their striker if he goes on to depart as expected next month. Without him, the Toffees have just Beto to call on and whilst he showed glimpses of his true quality for the first time under David Moyes, he will still need ample competition next season.

Minutes

1,609

1,534

Goals

3

8

Assists

1

0

Expected Goals

6.7

8.2

The numbers suggest that losing Calvert-Lewin could even be a blessing in disguise for the Toffees. They’ll need to add more firepower as a result, but that should be seen as the chance to land a major upgrade and form a partnership with Beto, who is not far away from the level that Moyes desperately needs him at.

To that end, names such as Corinthians forward Yuri Alberto and even former forward Richarlison in what would be a sensational return. The Brazilian swapped Merseyside for North London in a move worth £60m in 2022 but could now be on his way back as Everton commence a new era at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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Friedkin will undoubtedly want to make a statement as they head into a new era, especially in their first summer transfer window, and that could see Moyes receive some impressive backing.

Top of the Everton wishlist on that front should be signing a striker. That’s not to say it’ll be Richarlison or, indeed, Alberto, however. Instead, it could be a Premier League veteran who arrives in the coming months.

Everton eyeing Callum Wilson swoop

According to reports relayed by GiveMeSport, Friedkin are now eyeing a summer swoop to sign Callum Wilson from Newcastle United this summer. The forward’s future is still undecided at St James’ Park. Although talks have commenced over a new deal, he remains on course to leave as a free agent next month, potentially allowing Everton to move in.

Losing Calvert-Lewin on a free and replacing him without spending a penny on transfer fees would be an impressive move by the Toffees, who could be helped by the fact that the striker is represented by the same agent as midfielder Dwight McNeil.

Appearances

239

Goals

88

Assists

25

A player who is only 12 goals away from joining the Premier League’s 100-club, Wilson could take his place in the history books at the Hill Dickinson Stadium next season.

His injury history will be a concern, but Wilson’s quality should be in no doubt. The forward has received impressive praise from Eddie Howe throughout his time in Tyneside, including when the Newcastle boss told reporters after thrashing Brighton & Hove Albion in 2023: “He’s been incredible and I feel that his performance was right up there with one of the best I’ve seen him play, purely from a tactical perspective.”

She will replace the injured Grace Harris in the squad

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Jul-2024Deepti Sharma will return to the Hundred this year after signing for London Spirit as a replacement for the injured Grace Harris. Deepti played for Spirit in the competition’s inaugural season in 2021 and was an unused member of Birmingham Phoenix’s squad the following summer.The Hundred starts on July 23 with Spirit due to play their opening fixture away against Southern Brave the following day, but Deepti will miss the start of the competition due to the Asia Cup in Dambulla. She will be replaced by Erin Burns for the first two games, who is already in the country playing for Northern Diamonds.Deepti is one of three India players due to be involved in the Hundred this season, along with Richa Ghosh (Birmingham Phoenix) and Smriti Mandhana (Southern Brave). Like Deepti, both players are part of India’s Asia Cup squad so will miss the first week of the competition.Related

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The ECB confirmed the latest tranche of replacement players on Thursday afternoon, with Sophie Molineux (Manchester Originals) joining Harris in pulling out of the Hundred. Cricket Australia confirmed on Friday that Molineux had suffered a fracture rib and Harris a calf strain.Molineux has been replaced by Kim Garth, while Bethan Ellis will join her at the Originals after Mahika Gaur pulled out due to a side strain. Tash Farrant has been ruled out with a hamstring injury but is yet to be replaced at Oval Invincibles, while Beth Langston is in for Claire Nicholas at Welsh Fire.As ESPNcricinfo revealed on Wednesday night, England’s Test batters will be released to play in the men’s Hundred immediately after their third Test against West Indies at Edgbaston, while their bowlers and allrounders – including Ben Stokes – are only likely to play the second half of the group stages due to workload management.Further replacements include Leicestershire’s Louis Kimber, who takes up the injured Will Smeed’s spot at Phoenix, while Mohammad Amir has signed for the Invincibles – who are defending champions – for the start of the competition as short-term cover while Spencer Johnson concludes his commitments at Major League Cricket.Hundred replacement deals:Birmingham Phoenix: Louis Kimber and Tim Southee replace Will Smeed and Naseem Shah.
London Spirit: James Neesham and Matthew Taylor replace Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope while they are with England; Deepti Sharma replaces Grace Harris, with Erin Burns replacing Deepti until the end of the Asia Cup.
Manchester Originals: Kim Garth and Bethan Ellis replace Sophie Molineux and Mahika Gaur.
Northern Superchargers: Mitchell Santner replaces Daniel Sams.
Oval Invincibles: Harrison Ward and Mohammad Amir replace Gus Atkinson (while he is with England) and Spencer Johnson (while he is at MLC). Tash Farrant has withdrawn, replacement TBC
Trent Rockets: Riley Meredith replaces Joe Root while he is with England.Beth Langston: Beth Langston replaces Claire Nicholas.

Although they showed some good signs under David Moyes at the end of last season, Everton certainly had their struggles in front of goal.

The Toffees’ main centre-forward options last season were Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who could leave this summer with his contract set to expire, and Guinea-Bissau international Beto.

As per Understat, the Toffees were outscored by all but three teams in the Premier League in 2024/25, the trio of relegated sides. They found the back of the net just 42 times, and with an expected goals tally of 46.87 xG, they underachieved from where they should have been.

Everton fans might be glad to hear that their side are looking to bring a new striker to the Hill Dickinson Stadium before next season.

Everton’s centre-forward target

With Calvert-Lewin perhaps ready to leave the club, and Beto struggling for consistent form in front of goal, it surely is no surprise that the club on the Blue half of Merseyside are looking to recruit a new number nine.

Transfer Focus

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

Well, it seems like Moyes’ side have found the man they’d like to sign. According to a recent report from The i Paper, ‘the club are in talks’ with Spanish side Villarreal over a move for their striker, Frenchman Thierno Barry.

The France U21 international seems to be ‘keen’ on the idea of a move to Bramley-Moore Dock, next to which the Toffees’ new ground is situated.

He has a £40m release clause in his current deal with the Yellow Submarine, but Everton ‘want to negotiate a lower fee’ instead.

How Barry compares to Beto

Everton’s hunt for Barry has been well documented over the past few weeks. It is clear he is the guy they want to lead the line as they enter a new era in their new stadium this summer. He has certainly impressed for Villarreal last season.

The 22-year-old, who was born in Lyon, France, played 41 games in all competitions last season. In that time, he scored 19 goals and grabbed four assists, leaving him with an average of roughly a goal involvement every other game.

In La Liga during the 2024/35 campaign, Barry was hugely impressive. He made 35 appearances, finding the back of the net 11 times and grabbing a further four assists. Perhaps the highlight of those 11 goals was a fantastic hat-trick in a 5-2 win over CD Leganes.

Those top-flight goal involvement numbers far exceed what Beto managed in the 2024/25 campaign for Everton. That, surely, is a positive for the Toffees, who will certainly want to improve on their 42 Premier League strikes from last term.

The Merseysider’s number 14 played 30 times in the Premier League, but only managed to score eight goals. He also failed to register an assist, suggesting he is less of a playmaker than Barry, who chipped in with a few last term.

Football scout Antonio Mango explained that Barry has an “elite profile”. Perhaps the fact that he is able to facilitate teammates and create chances for them is an example of the well-rounded profile Mango was alluding to.

Well, the underlying stats on FBref suggest that Barry would be a huge upgrade on Beto, too. For example, the Villarreal striker averaged 0.7 goals and assists and 0.23 goal-creating actions per 90 minutes last season. In comparison, the Toffees centre-forward averaged 0.47 goals and assists and 0.06 goal-creating actions each game.

Goals and assists

0.47

0.70

Goals per shot on target

0.35

0.45

Key passes

0.71

0.89

Shot-creating actions

1.53

1.78

Goal-creating actions

0.06

0.23

Progressive carries

0.88

1.71

Progressive passes

0.94

1.05

The stats suggest that Barry would be a big upgrade on Beto. Not only is he more clinical in front of goal, but he is able to bring teammates into the game and is involved in his side’s goals far more often, even if that is indirectly.

Even if Everton pay the £40m Villarreal want, it seems like an excellent piece of business for a side who are looking to increase their output in front of goal next season.

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كشفت تقارير صحفية بريطانية، تطورات مفاجئة حيث عاد ريال مدريد ليرتبط بضم النجم المصري محمد صلاح رغم استمرار عقده مع ليفربول حتى 2027.

وكان محمد صلاح قد قاد ليفربول لتحقيق انتصار غالي ضد بيرنلي بهدف نظيف من ركلة جزاء حاسمة في الوقت القاتل في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

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وكان محمد صلاح قد جدد عقده مع ليفربول لمدة عامين في أبريل الماضي ليستمر حتى عام 2027، وسيكون قد قضى عشرة مواسم كأحد أعظم لاعبي الريدز على الإطلاق عند انتهاء العقد.

وبحسب “فوتبول إنسايدر” البريطانية، فإنه سيتاح لمحمد صلاح فرصة اختيار وجهته المفضلة عندما يقرر مغادرة ليفربول وقد ارتبط الآن بالانضمام لريال مدريد.

وقد تم الكشف في وقت سابق أن بقاء محمد صلاح في ليفربول للعامين المقبلين غير مضمون، وقد يقرر قريباً مصيره ويعد الدوري السعودي وجهته المحتملة في المستقبل.

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وقد يكون محمد صلاح على وشك الانضمام للعب في ريال مدريد وفي ملعب سانتياجو برنابيو، ليلتحق بترينت ألكسندر أرنولد وربما إبراهيما كوناتي.

ومع ذلك فإنه من غير المرجح أن ينتقل صلاح إلى ريال مدريد ويقوم بهذه الخطوة في وقت متأخر من مسيرته، لكنه سيكون منفتحاً على العروض من جميع الأندية عندما يغادر في سن 35 عاماً في عام 2027.