All posts by z3u9t.icu

Will Celtic secure another strong end to this season?

On Saturday, the Hoops actually suffered just their second Premiership defeat of the season, Brendan Rodgers’ side surprisingly beaten 2-1 by Hibernian at Easter Road.

Nevertheless, the Bhoys remain 13 points clear at the top of the Premiership, with only 11 matches still to play, ahead of Aberdeen’s visit to Parkhead on Tuesday night.

This team is targeting a sixth treble in nine seasons, but they could be even stronger next season if and when a highly-rated winger returns from his loan spell down under.

How Jota is faring after re-joining Celtic

Jota’s return to Celtic in January brought with it much fanfare, rejoining the club from Stade Rennais for a reported fee of £8m, having only left to join Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League for £25m, a joint-club-record, 18 months earlier.

Less than half an hour into his second Celtic debut, the Portuguese winger marked his return by scoring against Motherwell at Fir Park, bursting into tears during his celebration, so delighted to be back “home” having endured, as he put it afterwards, countless “difficult moments” since his departure.

Meantime, following the Hoops’ 6-0 hammering of Dundee, Jota exclaimed that he was “delighted” to be back at Celtic Park.

That said, prior to the first leg against Bayern Munich, Rodgers revealed to TNT Sports that the winger “is not quite at the physical level yet”, beginning as a substitute for that Champions League tie, before then starting the draw in Bavaria six nights later.

Colloquially known as the ‘superstar from Portugal’, Jota is unquestionably a fans’ favourite, but could he face fresh competition for his place next season, from a player currently impressing out on loan?

Celtic loanee starring down under

Back in June 2023, Celtic signed winger Marco Tilio for a reported £1.5m from Melbourne City.

At the time, it was the highest fee ever paid for an A-League player, with Aussie Scout on Twitter labelling him a ‘prolific goalscorer’, pointing in the direction of this being an exciting addition.

However, during his first six months in Glasgow, Tilio made just two appearances, handed brief cameo appearances off the bench against Motherwell and Hibs, so rejoined Melbourne City on loan a year ago, remaining there for this season too.

In an interview with ESPN, Tilio admitted this was the “toughest year” of his career, describing his move to Celtic as a “dream” but admitting “pretty much from there, everything didn’t fall into place… it was taken away from me through injuries.”

Well, so far this season, the 23-year-old has made just seven appearances for the Sky Blues due to a hamstring injury, but did score a sublime opener during Saturday’s Melbourne derby, a match that ended 2-2.

So, let’s assess how he and Jota compare.

Statistics

Tilio

Jota

Appearances

95

90

Minutes

5,923

6,311

Goals

23

30

Minutes per goal

258

210

Assists

19

27

Shots on target %

42%

41.2%

Big chances created

23

36

Dribble success %

42.2%

51.7%

As the table shows, Jota does come out on top for most metrics, albeit Tilio’s numbers in terms of shots on target percentage, big chances created and dribble success percentage are especially impressive considering he’s played fewer minutes.

He is also currently performing at a comparable level to the SPFL; Global Football Rankings believe the Scottish Premiership to be the 43rd strongest league in the world, while the A-League ranks at 52nd.

So, there is little doubting Tilio’s talent and, if he is able to stay fit, he can certainly be an asset to Rodgers’ squad, potentially rivalling Jota upon his return.

What happened to £3m Celtic flop who was supposed to be the next Wanyama?

Many come and go at Celtic, but one in particular arrived with sky-high expectations, touted as the next Victor Wanyama, before doing very little.

Feb 23, 2025

Shifting their focus towards the summer transfer window, Arsenal are now reportedly in pole position ahead of Manchester United in the race to sign a 20-goal striker worth £62m.

Arsenal transfer news

Whether it’s been with or without Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal’s biggest obstacle has been their struggling frontline this season. It has stood in the way of that crucial next step for Mikel Arteta, who has watched his side go from free-flowing to set piece specialists at times even when everyone was fit.

Arsenal looking to hijack AC Milan move to sign £50m Cunha teammate

The Gunners could land an impressive double swoop…

ByTom Cunningham Feb 28, 2025

The Spaniard will be desperate to rediscover that attractive, attacking spark, which should see the Gunners step into the transfer market in pursuit of finally finding a forward capable of dragging them to major silverware.

Already, several names have been mentioned as possible candidates on that front with Alexander Isak the biggest of the lot. The Newcastle United man has once again enjoyed a standout season for the Magpies to reportedly bump his price up to a staggering £150m ahead of the summer transfer window. As much as Arsenal admire the Swede, it remains to be seen whether they can afford to meet such a figure.

Instead, they could turn towards an alternative option who has been just as impressive this season. According to Sport Digitale’s Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, Arsenal are now leading the race ahead of Manchester United to sign Victor Osimhen, who has a release clause of just £62m this summer.

The Napoli man, who’s been on loan at Galatasaray this season, has looked destined for the top of European football for some time now, but has often been priced out of a move by his parent club.

Now worth £62m, however, the Nigerian could finally get the move that he has been craving since Napoli left him with no choice but to head out on loan to Galatasaray last summer.

"Dominant" Osimhen would end Arsenal's attacking woes

Whilst Havertz could be accused of drifting out of games without making his mark, Osimhen is a player more than capable of taking responsibility and dragging his side to success. He did exactly that at Napoli when they won the Scudetto in the 2022/23 campaign and he’s now doing exactly that at Galatasaray, who sit six points clear at the top of the Turkish Super Lig.

The Nigerian has more than played his part in that rise, scoring 20 goals despite playing just 27 games in all competitions. Described as “dominant aerially” and a “powerful ball striker” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Osimhen is everything that Arsenal’s blunt frontline lacks.

For close to £100m less than Isak, Arsenal could land a goalscorer with experience at the very top who is primed to step back into one of Europe’s top five leagues this summer.

Tottenham are believed to be readying an offer for a “phenomenal” Premier League player, with Daniel Levy and co. speaking to his agents in recent weeks.

Tottenham turning eyes towards summer signings

Spurs continue to be linked with various signings ahead of the summer transfer window, with Feyenoord centre-back David Hancko seen as a key target. The Slovakia international has started 23 Eredivisie matches this season, averaging 2.7 clearances per game and enjoying a 90.4% pass completion rate, and Ange Postecoglou needs more depth at the heart of his defence.

The north Londoners came up against Antoine Semenyo in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Bournemouth at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and he too is seen as a potential summer target. The winger has 11 goal contributions in 27 Premier League outings in 2024/25 to date, and could be such an exciting addition.

Semenyo’s teammate Dean Huijsen has also been linked with a move to one of the traditional ‘big six’ for some time now, with Spurs speaking with his agents about a move in recent weeks. The teenage centre-back has a £55m release clause in his countract with the Cherries.

Tottenham preparing bid for "phenomenal" Huijsen

According to Caught Offside, Tottenham are one of several clubs who are “expected to make an offer” for Bournemouth ace Huijsen this summer. Liverpool and Arsenal also reportedly eyeing him up, with £30m bids expected from suitors imminently.

Huijsen has arguably been one of the most impressive central defenders in the Premier League this season, despite still being a teenager, proving to be such a safe pair of hands for Bournemouth.

The 19 year-old has won six caps for Spain’s Under-21s, not to mention making 18 appearances for the Netherlands at international youth level across three age groups, prior to switching his allegiance. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has described him as a “phenomenal” player.

While Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven represent a strong centre-back pairing for Spurs currently, both have had their injury problems this season, so more depth in that area of the pitch is required.

Spurs now stepping up interest in "world-class" £42m goalscoring defender

Tottenham are one of two Premier League clubs very keen on signing the centre-back.

ByDominic Lund Mar 9, 2025

In Huijsen, the north Londoners could be signing a footballer with world-class potential – Juan Jesus Gutierrez Robles, his former coach at Malaga Under-16s, has “no doubt that he will be one of the best centre-backs in the world for the next 10 years”.

If they can beat Liverpool and Arsenal to his signature, it would feel like a significant piece of business for Levy and co. as they seek to give Ange some serious backing this summer before making a decision on his future once and for all.

Celtic were left frustrated on Sunday as they were beaten 3-2 in a dramatic match by their fierce Glasgow rivals in the Scottish Premiership at Parkhead.

The Hoops found themselves 2-0 down at half-time, thanks to goals from midfielders Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomande, but Brendan Rodgers got a great reaction out of his side.

Daizen Maeda scored shortly after the start of the second half before Reo Hatate eventually equalised for the league leaders with a cute finish into the far corner to make it 2-2.

Unfortunately, though, all three points were claimed by the away team when Hamza Igamane unleashed a spectacular effort on the half-volley to beat Kasper Schmeichel in the 88th minute.

It was a deeply disappointing afternoon for the Hoops, who missed out on the chance to move 19 points clear at the top of the table, but there were some positives to take out of the game.

Auston Trusty and Liam Scales being unavailable for selection through injury provided Maik Nawrocki with a chance to show Rodgers what he is capable of, and the Polish titan stepped up with an impressive showing.

Maik Nawrocki's performance against Rangers

It may seem strange to be praising a central defender off the back of 3-2 defeat at home to a rival.

However, the former Legia Warsaw man deserves great credit for his calm display in the storm of a poor team performance.

Nawrocki had only played 23 minutes across two appearances in the domestic cups this season, prior to kick-off on Sunday, and this meant that he came into the match without any confidence or match sharpness.

It is fair to say that Rodgers has not been too keen on the Polish centre-back this season, as the likes of Cameron Carter-Vickers, Trusty, and Scales have all been preferred ahead of him, but his performance against Rangers may change the manager’s thoughts on him.

Whilst others faltered and withered under the pressure from the away side, Nawrocki stood strong to win 70% (7/10) of his defensive duels and remained composed in possession to complete 93% of his attempted passes.

Clearances

7

Interceptions

4

Tackles

1

Dribbled past

0x

Duels won

7/10

Pass accuracy

93%

As you can see in the table above, he did not get dribbled past a single time in the entire match and read the game well to make four interceptions for his side.

There was also very little that he could have done about any of the three goals that were conceded, as Jeffrey Schlupp was beaten for the first, Carter-Vickers let the ball go over him for the second, and Alistair Johnston slipped and missed his challenge for the third.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Nawrocki outshone a number of his teammates, who have been regulars this season whilst he has watched on from the sidelines, and one of those was winger Nicolas Kuhn.

Nicolas Kuhn's performance against Rangers

Rodgers opted to go with Kuhn on the right of the front three from the start against the Gers, with Maeda in the middle and Jota on the left flank.

Unfortunately, the German wizard was unable to showcase the best of his magical qualities at the top end of the pitch for the Hoops, as he was battled out of the game by Ridvan Yilmaz.

GlasgowWorld handed the forward a dismal player rating of 3/10 and wrote that ‘Yilmaz had him in his pocket’, which is backed up by his statistics. The former Rapid Vienna winger was far too weak in physical battles throughout the first half, losing five of his seven duels. He was also lapse in possession, losing the ball once every five minutes.

Speaking on the Sky Sports commentary, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton criticised Kuhn for “taking the easy option” too often when in possession, by passing the ball on instead of turning to run at Yilmaz or Leon Balogun to make something happen for the team.

Rodgers opted to haul the left-footed ace off at the break, replacing him with Adam Idah, and that allowed Jota to move over to the right side, where he made an almost instant impact.

As you can see in the clip above, Jota got his head down and beat Yilmaz for pace down the wing to deliver a brilliant cross for Maeda, rather than taking the ‘easy option’ as Kuhn did in the first 45.

Why Celtic should drop Nicolas Kuhn

With this performance in mind, Rodgers must ruthlessly bin the German sensation from the starting line-up when Hearts come to Parkhead in the Premiership on the other side of the international break.

Kuhn’s no-show against Rangers on Sunday should be enough to see him dropped from the side, because Jota offered more than him within minutes of switching into his position.

The 25-year-old star’s recent performances in domestic football have been concerning. He has only recorded one assist, having failed to score, in his last seven matches in the SFA Cup and Premiership combined, with his last league goal coming against Dundee at the start of February.

Therefore, Rodgers should look to take him out of the firing line after the international break to, hopefully, give him a kick to help him to get back to his best on the pitch for Celtic, because the Hoops know just how good the winger can be.

Appearances (stats)

25 (19)

Goals

10

Big chances created

8

Assists

7

Key passes per game

1.7

Successful dribbles per game

1.9

As you can see in the table above, Kuhn does have the quality to be a real difference-maker in the final third as both a scorer and a creator of goals when he is at his best.

Unfortunately, the Scottish giants have not seen him at his best in recent weeks in domestic action, and certainly not in the first-half against Rangers this weekend.

Now, Rodgers must bin the 3/10 dud from the starting XI for the clash with Hearts, moving Jota over to the right to replace him, and then hope that it will motivate Kuhn to bounce back and return to the best version of himself in a Celtic jersey before the end of the season.

Celtic's star loanee is now worth even more than Engels & Jota after exit

The former Celtic loanee has seen his value soar beyond Arne Engels and Jota’s.

ByDan Emery Mar 14, 2025

With the summer transfer window now approaching, Middlesbrough are reportedly keen to sign a reinforcement from the Premier League who Michael Carrick loves.

Middlesbrough eyeing Premier League move

It’s been a frustrating season for Boro at times, but they’ve still got plenty of hope to cling onto in the race to secure a place in the Championship play-offs. Sat eighth and just three points behind sixth-place West Bromwich Albion, Carrick’s side have just eight games to save their campaign. After just one defeat in their last five games too, a chance to fight for their place at Wembley is still very much on the cards.

That said, even as their fate hangs in the balance those in Teesside have already turned their attention towards the summer transfer window and any potential plans for Carrick’s side. The likes of Hayden Hackney have already threatened to steal the headlines amid links with a move to the Premier League, but Boro could yet make a Premier League move of their own.

According to Football League World, Middlesbrough are now keen on signing Mark Travers on a permanent deal this summer following an impressive loan spell from Bournemouth in the second-half of the current campaign.

Championship Table: Latest standings for the 2024/25 season

Latest English Football League Championship standings 2024/25.

ByStephan Georgiou Apr 22, 2025

Earning minutes away from the South Coast whilst Kepa Arrizabalaga occupies the starting role at Bournemouth, Travers could now complete a permanent departure if the Cherries decide to turn their own loan deal for the Spaniard permanent this summer.

Left to benefit looks likely to be Boro with or without promotion to the top flight this season. The arrival of the shot-stopper would certainly provide Carrick with a welcome boost too, given Travers’ Premier League experience and performances on loan in Teesside.

Carrick already a fan of "fantastic" Travers

What should push Middlesbrough to welcome Travers on a permanent basis is the fact that Carrick is already a fan of the goalkeeper, telling reporters last week: “He’s got a really good character. He’s a good goalkeeper and he’s had to make some good saves for us.

“That’s what we obviously brought him in for and hope for. We don’t want him to have to make saves, but, when needed, and especially today to contribute to a clean sheet, is a big one for us.”

After conceding just three goals in his last three games, that praise should come as no surprise for a goalkeeper who may just be getting started at just 25 years old. If Boro can commence their summer by securing a player of Premier League quality then they may just set themselves up for an excellent campaign.

It’s not the first time that Travers has been at the centre of praise either, with former Weymouth manager Mark Molesley telling reporters back in 2020: “When he came into Weymouth I was absolutely delighted again because he was so young at the time but absolutely no doubt about throwing him in. He was fantastic for us.”

Aiming to rebuild their current side in the vision of Ruben Amorim, INEOS and Manchester United are now reportedly serious about signing one particular midfielder amid a potential £17m discount this summer.

Man Utd plot £17m discount

As Sir Jim Ratcliffe continues to cut costs, it’s fair to say that Manchester United’s financial problems are no secret these days. However, the British billionaire has made it pretty clear that any money made by the club is likely to be reinvested into Amorim’s side rather than what he sees as needless costs – and that could yet see the Red Devils enjoy a busy summer.

Thrives in a back three: Man Utd make contact to sign "impressive" £25m ace

He could solve Amorim’s biggest problem.

ByTom Cunningham Mar 28, 2025

The reports have already been coming thick and fast, with names such as Ardon Jashari and Hugo Ekitike threatening to steal the headlines as of late. The latter would be a particularly impressive signing given the growing interest in his signature and the form that he has found himself in at Eintracht Frankfurt this season.

It’s not just Amorim’s frontline which needs key reinforcements, however. As Kobbie Mainoo continues to deliberate over signing a new deal at the club, those at Old Trafford have also set their sights on a potential replacement who’d also be an upgrade on Manuel Ugarte.

According to Stretty News, INEOS are now serious about signing Morten Hjulmand this summer, with Manchester United plotting to land a £17m discount for his signature.

The Sporting CP midfielder’s valuation is reportedly set as high as €80m (£67m), but Manchester United believe they can negotiate a deal worth just €60m (£50m) this summer in what would be quite the coup.

Amorim already knows Hjulmand well from his Sporting days, of course, and could now be reunited with his former midfielder at a much-needed time. The Dane’s arrival would undoubtedly go a long way towards fixing United’s midfield.

"Amazing" Hjulmand is better than Ugarte

Despite only signing Ugarte last year in a transfer saga which lasted almost the entirety of the summer, Manchester United could be about to sign an impressive upgrade on the former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder. However, whether that means a new partner for last summer’s arrival or a place on Amorim’s bench remains to be seen.

Compared to the current Manchester United man, Hjulmand has enjoyed a better pass percentage, more key passes per 90 and has been dispossessed fewer times on average, according to WhoScored. Going forward, in particular, the Sporting star would make a far greater impact on a blunt United side compared to the safer Ugarte.

Dubbed “amazing value for money” by analyst Ben Mattinson when discussing Sporting’s deal to sign the Dane, it’s now Manchester United who are looking to land a discounted deal and welcome Hjulmand.

Despite some positive updates on Virgil van Dijk’s contract, Liverpool are now reportedly willing to trigger the £51m release clause of one particular defensive target this summer.

Latest update on Van Dijk's new Liverpool contract

Whilst the Reds were far from at their best against Fulham – losing 3-2 in a game they found themselves 3-1 behind in at the break – they have since been handed some reason to celebrate thanks to Van Dijk. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, it’s now a matter of when and not if the Dutchman puts pen to paper on a new deal, much to the relief of those around Anfield.

It’s the type of positive news that Arne Slot will hope to see become the beginning of the end to a frustrating contract saga before his side get back to winning ways and secure the Premier League title.

The Liverpool boss spoke about his side’s defeat at Craven Cottage, telling reporters: “This can happen against a good team like Fulham. If you make mistakes they have the quality to punish them.

“It wasn’t 45 minutes of disaster but the errors we made, I think is something we’re not used to. One of the reasons why we are in the position we are in is we don’t make a lot of mistakes. And if we do, players try to make up for them.”

Liverpool hit gold on "special" academy ace playing like a £66m superstar

Liverpool have struck gold on this player.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 8, 2025

What’s more, it seems as though Ornstein’s Van Dijk update hasn’t changed the Reds’ summer transfer plan, given that they’ve now reportedly set their sights on one particular defender.

Liverpool willing to trigger Loic Bade's release clause

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are now willing to trigger Loic Bade’s release clause worth €60m (£51m) at Sevilla this summer. The Frenchman attracted plenty of attention from Aston Villa in the January transfer window only for the Villans to opt out of a winter deal. A matter of months later, it’s those at Anfield who could yet take advantage of that hefty release clause.

A player with “crazy” ball manipulation and close control for a defender with his stature, according to analyst Ben Mattinson, Bade could eventually replace Van Dijk even if the Liverpool captain does sign a new deal.

At just 24 years old, the Frenchman is entering the peak of his powers – making his £51m release clause all the more tempting for those at Anfield in the coming months.

Liverpool are set for an exciting summer after they become Premier League champions and Arne Slot’s men are now confident they can beat Manchester United to the signing of an exciting star, per reports.

Liverpool's summer transfer plans accelerate

The Reds are nearing a second league title of the modern era and could even put the seal on a triumph of enormous significance this weekend, should a victory over Leicester City be accompanied by Arsenal losing out at Ipswich Town.

Arne Slot has become a hero at Anfield, and Liverpool supporters will be desperate for the Dutchman to earn backing in the summer transfer window, which may see significant changes to his squad as they scale up for next season.

Eyeing further goals from the engine room, the Reds have positioned themselves to sign Athletic Club’s Oihan Sancet amid his £68 million release clause at San Mames.

Similarly, Ajax defender Jorrel Hato has been identified as a Liverpool target. The Netherlands international has been tracked by Arsenal for a number of years, and news that they have rival interest for his signature hasn’t gone down well in North London.

At this point, the summer transfer window is beginning to take shape, and so many names are on the horizon as clubs begin to set out their stall.

Liverpool eye back-up goalkeeper who's statistically similar to Andre Onana

Liverpool already have one new keeper arriving this summer, but they have their eye on another arrival.

ByBrett Worthington Apr 18, 2025

Aiming to defend their status as impending Premier League champions, Liverpool will likely face fierce competition from divisional competitors to land players with an X factor that could threaten their title charge next term.

Nevertheless, Slot’s men look to have counteracted this suggestion and retain confidence they can beat some of their arch rivals to sign a talented striker, per recent developments.

Liverpool confident they can beat rivals to Hugo Ekitike signature

According to Football Insider, Liverpool are confident they can win the race to sign Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt despite Manchester United and Newcastle United being firmly in the mix to sign the France Under-21 international.

The outlet claim the Reds will need to stump up a fee of £80 million to land his services. Previously, talks have been held between Slot’s men and Ekitike’s representatives over a potential move.

Hugo Ekitike’s key statistics in 2024/25 for Eintracht Frankfurt – Bundesliga

Goals

14

Assists

5

Shots on target

40

Chances created

39

Completed dribbles

46

Aerial duels won

37

Labelled “superb” by scout Jacek Kulig, the 22-year-old has registered 21 goals and nine assists in 43 appearances this campaign across all competitions, catching the attention of elite clubs from the continent.

Evaluating his situation, Eintracht Frankfurt’s elimination from the Europa League at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur may hasten his potential exit, albeit they are still in contention for Champions League qualification via the Bundesliga.

Now, the onus is on Liverpool to put forward a proposal that he cannot refuse as they search for a number nine to spearhead their attack for years to come.

Leeds United are looking to sign a new dominant in the air player who is being compared to former Whites midfielder Marc Roca.

Leeds transfer rumours following promotion to the Premier League

The 49ers Enterprises haven’t been wasting any time since Leeds secured their promotion back to the Premier League from the Championship on Easter Monday following a 6-0 win over Stoke City and Burnley’s 2-1 win over Sheffield United.

In fact, Daniel Farke’s future as Leeds manager has been thrown into doubt, with the club concerned about his previous record in the top flight with Norwich City.

Talking after sealing promotion, chairman Paraag Marathe said that the club have been “quietly preparing the club” for the Premier League.

“The Premier League is where Leeds belongs, and our goal is to establish a long-term presence there. With that in mind, we have been quietly preparing the club for this moment. The road ahead won’t be easy but we are ready to step confidently into this next chapter. Above all, this is your club and your promotion. I want to thank each and every one of you, along with the players and every member of staff at Elland Road and Thorp Arch, for your tireless commitment in pursuit of this unforgettable moment.”

A number of new signings look likely to be made to give Leeds the best chance of Premier League survival, including former midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

Leeds and Farke race to sign "amazing" new 21 y/o defender for bargain fee

The Whites have set their sights on a new target, who could be available for a cut-price fee this summer.

ByDominic Lund Apr 23, 2025

Currently on loan at Ipswich Town from Manchester City, Phillips is thought to be ready to return to Elland Road this summer. Elsewhere, loanee Manor Solomon is expected to make his move to Leeds permanent from Tottenham Hotspur, with Spurs valuing the winger at £15m-£20m.

Now, an update has emerged on another target with Premier League experience, something the 49ers are after when it comes to summer signings.

Leeds want to sign £18m Premier League "machine"

According to reports in the Czech Republic, relayed by TBR Football, Leeds could now sign Tomas Soucek from West Ham United ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The Whites have been named as a potential destination for the 30-year-old, who was signed by the Hammers for £18m from Slavia Prague back in 2020.

Since then, the central midfielder has made 240 appearances for West Ham, with almost 200 of those coming in the top flight. Everton are also thought to be keen on Soucek, who was dubbed a “machine” amid links to the Toffees.

Talking earlier this year, Soucek hinted at a potential move away if he wasn’t getting regular game time: “I know a few guys who are happy with the money coming into their account every month, they enjoy the life of a footballer and don’t care about the bench. I can’t do that. I need to play. I suffer on the bench.”

Marc Roca

Real Betis

Julian Weigl

Borussia Monchengladbach

Boubacar Kamara

Aston Villa

Rodrigo Bentancur

Tottenham Hotspur

Joao Palhinha

Bayern Munich

Graham Potter has placed Soucek on the bench in West Ham’s last four games, and as can be seen, Football Transfers have likened the midfielder to Roca, who left Leeds for Real Betis.

As per FBref, Soucek has also been ranked in the top 1% over the past 12 months for aerial duels won (3.49 per 90), so he’d certainly bring a physical presence to Yorkshire, should a move go through.

Everton meet Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon, looking to bounce back from defeat after falling against Manchester City on Merseyside last weekend.

It bears testament to the job David Moyes has done since taking over in January that the loss against the champions was only Everton’s second across 13 Premier League matches since being on the wrong side of a one-goal affair with Aston Villa in his first match (back) in the dugout, also losing to Liverpool at Anfield this month.

Everton are stronger, more unified, more confident in their passing and ability to break down opponents. There’s still plenty of work to be done, but relegation looks a distant threat at this stage, and the 13th-place Toffees have the chance to finish above the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

23/24

Premier League

6-0 loss

22/23

Premier League

2-2 draw

21/22

Premier League

1-1 draw

20/21

Premier League

2-0 loss

19/20

Premier League

5-0 loss

Chelsea aren’t in the finest form, but do pose a significant threat. Let’s have a look at how Everton are doing on the injury front as they prepare for the clash in west London.

The latest Everton team news

Everton are set to be without James Tarkowski for the first time in the Premier League since the centre-back joined the club on a free transfer in 2022, after his contract with Burnley expired. The 32-year-old was forced off with a hamstring injury against City last weekend.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is still sidelined, and Armando Broja is ineligible to play against his parent club, so Beto will be set to return to the starting line-up and break his seven-game duck in front of goal.

That’s not the only attacking shake-up that might need to be called into play, with an eased injury front allowing for potential rotation on the wide flanks.

Jack Harrison’s been something of a divisive figure on Merseyside this term, industrious as ever but lacking any kind of conviction in and around the final third.

Moyes must drop Jack Harrison

Everton haven’t won a top-flight match at Stamford Bridge since December 1994, Paul Rideout (there’s a throwback) scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win.

Chelsea have been well out of sorts in recent months and are there for the taking, as much as they ever have been. In order to achieve this feat, though, Moyes may want to drop Harrison and replace him with Dwight McNeil.

Not directly. Harrison would move to the bench, and Iliman Ndiaye would shift over to the right flank, accommodating McNeil as he makes his first start after returning from a four-month layoff, Abdoulaye Doucoure then reprising his place in the middle.

Ndiaye has been Everton’s standout player this season, scoring nine goals across 32 matches, and while he’s principally found on the left, Moyes did field him on the alternate wing during his opening match, that loss against Villa.

By doing so, not only will the Blues spark more attacking quality and pace down that flank, something that has been decidedly lacking for much of Harrison’s individual campaign, but it will allow McNeil to move back into a starting berth, hopefully picking up his giddy early-season form.

The playmaker posted three goals and three assists apiece across eight Premier League outings at the start of the term, very much a bright spark during a dreary period in the early knockings.

His return has the potential to restore something that has been lacking. As per FBref, McNeil ranks among the top 10% of positional peers in England’s top flight this season for shot-creating actions per 90, emphasising the fluency that could be knitted back into the team.

Maybe his comeback could even play into Beto’s strengths as the Bissau Guinean striker drives forward with powerful strides, searching for that Midas touch in front of goal, which has gone into hiding in recent fixtures.

Moreover, the 25-year-old has been acknowledged for his “magic” qualities by reporter Joe Thomas, whereas many Everton fans would consider Harrison, who’s been starting regularly in his absence, as a more bog-standard attacking player, in regard to his efforts this season, in any case.

Across 29 matches in the Premier League this year, Leeds United’s Harrison, who is in the second year of a two-term loan spell at Goodison Park, has only notched one goal and one assist apiece.

Admittedly, both of those direct involvements have come since Moyes has taken to the helm, but Harrison certainly lacks that special something, that ‘magic’ quality, that could have given rise to more profitable numbers.

As per Sofascore, he’s missed four big chances while only completing 35% of his attempted dribbles, of which he is averaging less than one per game.

Everton writer Ell Bretland left his opinion on the table in no uncertain terms, commenting that Harrison’s “decision-making has been abysmal,” going on to question why ex-chairman Farhad Moshiri made the decision with Dyche and Kevin Thelwell to renew the winger’s loan contract for a second year.

The synergy that an attacking line of McNeil, Doucoure, and Ndiaye could project, all supporting Beto, is something that Moyes will no doubt have considered in the overtures of this important fixture against Chelsea.

McNeil has only made two substitute appearances since leaving the infirmary, but he managed to find his Malian teammate in the dying embers at the City Ground earlier this month to upset Nottingham Forest and score a stunning snatched victory.

It’s time for Moyes to start preparing for the season ahead, and that doesn’t just mean by drawing up plans on the transfer front. McNeil and Ndiaye will be expected to play big roles next year, and unleashing them together in the capital could tie their tactical togetherness closer.

Harrison, conversely, should be back at Elland Road, and should find himself starting from the bench.

Shades of Cahill: Everton chasing PL "revelation" to upgrade on Doucoure

David Moyes is looking to strengthen his Everton team in the transfer market this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 24, 2025