علق سامي هلهل الحكم المساعد المعتزل حديثًا، على تفاصيل إدارة أوسكار رويز للجنة الحكام في الفترة الماضية، موضحًا كواليس استبعاده من إدارة أحد مباريات الأهلي من قبل.
وقال سامي هلهل في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة أون سبورت: “مستر أوسكار لا يمكن القول إنه بلا خبرة تحكيمية، وهو من المصنّفين في الفيفا، لكن لديه مشكلة إدارية، والمشكلة تكمن في الأشخاص المحيطين به، وكنت أتمنى أن يكونوا أمناء في العرض عليه”.
وواصل: “مباريات الأهلي والزمالك من أكبر المباريات في الوطن العربي، وقد لعبت الأهلي والزمالك أربع مرات، وطبعًا تختلف أول مباراة عن الرابعة، أول مباراة يكون الضغط كبيرًا عليّ، وأي قرار أتخذه يكون محسوبًا”.
طالع.. خاص | كيف رد رئيس لجنة الحكام على اتهامات “البنا وهلهل”؟
وحول التدخلات في التعيينات، أوضح: “مع الأجنبي يكون الأمر صعبًا، لكن ممكن في لجان سابقة، قد لا أستطيع ذكر أسماء، لكن يعتمد الأمر على قوة أو ضعف الشخص وقدرته على مواجهة الضغوط، وإذا كان ضعيفًا فمن الممكن أن يسمح بالتدخلات، وحدث معي هذا من قبل”.
وأكمل: “في مباراة كنت معينًا فيها، وكلّمني أحد أعضاء لجنة الحكام وقال لي أن أعود، وكان طرفها الأهلي، وأعتقد كانت مباراته أمام الداخلية في عام 2016، وسألته لماذا أعود، فرد، (هل صحيح أن مديرك هو المهندس عدلي القيعي؟)، قلت له (أنا أعمل في شركة بترول اسمها بتروسبورت، ومهندس عدلي مديري في العمل، ما المشكلة؟)”.
وأردف: “قال لي بالطبع مشكلة، ولا تذهب للمباراة، وسنقول في الإعلام إنك اعتذرت، أنا والكابتن عدلي لم نأخذ صورة معًا أبدًا، وحكمت للنادي الأهلي بعد أن تغيّر رئيس لجنة الحكام”.
Tottenham Hotspur were left reeling after being thumped by north London neighbours Arsenal last weekend. It was a sobering afternoon for Thomas Frank, who did take solace days later in his side’s spirited 5-3 defeat at Paris Saint-Germain.
Much of the frustration around Spurs’ start to the season has centred around attacking struggles. To be sure, Ange Postecoglou’s unshackled offensive system is no longer discernible down N17, though Frank has undeniably instilled a more stable base.
Premier League 25/26 – xG Leaders
Club
League Position
xG
(1) Chelsea
2nd
22.1
(2) Man City
3rd
21.8
(3) Arsenal
1st
20.7
(4) Crystal Palace
5th
20.2
(5) Man Utd
10th
19.9
(17) Tottenham
9th
11.1
Data via FBref
However, while there is work to be made on the creative front – and remember, injured playmakers James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski have not kicked a ball this season – nine goals shipped in the last week underlines the wider problems.
It’s for this reason that the new hierarchy is considering a winter move for a centre-back.
Spurs' search for a defender
In Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, Tottenham have one of the most robust defensive partnerships in the Premier League. However, the balance isn’t there at the back.
The Lilywhites have been sold short in key areas. You could make a top starting 11 in a fully-fit Spurs stadium, but the wider squad leave plenty to be desired, Kevin Danso and Ben Davies applicable in regard to central defence.
That’s why Spanish sources have confirmed that Tottenham are planning a winter move for Juventus centre-half Gleison Bremer, who could be available for a cut-price €40m (£35m)
The report suggests that Spurs ‘would be willing to negotiate’ and offer an ‘attractive financial package’ in order to tempt the Old Lady into a sale.
What Bremer would bring to Spurs
Two months ago, Bremer suffered a meniscus injury to his left knee. This week, he returned to full team training. Considered one of the best defenders in Europe for his defensive security and “world-class” performances, as said by CBS commentator Matteo Bonetti, against elite forwards.
Juventus defender Bremer.
In truth, he hasn’t played much football over the past year, but Bremer is returning to full fitness now and started the Serie A season off strongly, Sofascore recording that he won 63% of his ground duels across the first four fixtures of the term, averaging 5.5 clearances and 4.5 recoveries per game. He set up two goals, underscoring the ball-playing quality that Frank needs to help establish build-up patterns down N17.
Van de Ven, of course, would provide Bremer with stiff competition in front of Guglielmo Vicario’s goal, but there’s a case to be made that the Brazilian is a stronger defender than his Dutch counterpart, who has only won 52% of his duels in the Premier League this season, ranking among the bottom 36% of positional peers for tackles won per 90 (0.36).
The 24-year-old is an athletic phenomenon, and no mistake.
Top Recorded Speeds in the Prem (since 20/21)
Player
Club
Speed (km/h)
Micky van de Ven
Tottenham
37.38
Kyle Walker
Man City
37.31
Jackson Tchatchoua
Wolves
37.30
Micky van de Ven
Tottenham
37.23
Micky van de Ven
Tottenham
37.12
Data via Premier League
But he’s hardly flawless. Van de Ven has made two direct mistakes in the Premier League this year (Bremer has yet to blunder), and he needs to continue to develop his positioning and tactical alliance with those around him.
Maybe Van de Ven feels overburdened by the weight of responsibility at times. He has a lot of ground to cover, after all, especially with Romero in and out of the team due to injuries.
Hailed as a “monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson for his physicality and power, Bremer might just be the solution for a Tottenham side desperate to make headway after an up-and-down start.
This ferocious defender would offer a different flavour, and maybe that’s what Frank’s rearguard need to stabilise and create a more fluent overarching system.
Juventus legend Sergi Brio described Bremer as the “best defender in Serie A” two years ago, and though his match action has been limited thereafter, there’s no question that this is a star who could make a marked difference at Frank’s Tottenham, providing a counterpoint at the back while deepening the squad as they look to kick on.
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Tottenham can unearth their next Mousa Dembele against Fulham this weekend by unleashing this star.
Rangers are now facing the prospect of losing one of their young talents to the Premier League for nothing in a frustrating blow for Danny Rohl.
Rohl pinpoints "old habits" affecting Rangers
It was like a throwback to the start of the season against Falkirk. Rangers were toothless as they were held to a 0-0 draw in the first time that Rohl has stuttered in the Scottish Premiership. The German, frustrated by the draw, claimed that the Gers fell into “old habits” and lacked “conviction”.
The Rangers manager now has the task of getting back to winning ways as early as Wednesday when his side square off against Dundee United. Another game without three points would only raise concerns that Rangers are slipping back into poor form just when fixtures are coming thick and fast.
With the January transfer window now just a month away from opening too, any sign of poor form would also raise serious questions for Rohl about the quality of his squad.
Following the exit of sporting director Kevin Thelwell, the former Sheffield Wednesday boss is likely to have a larger say on who comes in and who heads for the exit door in January.
What he won’t have a say in, however, is the future of Bailey Rice. The 19-year-old midfielder has reportedly rejected Rangers’ latest contract offer and looks destined to leave the club.
Premier League clubs chasing bargain Rice deal
According to the Daily Mail’s Simon Jones, Premier League clubs are now racing to sign Rice on a free deal when his current contract expires in the summer.
The midfielder is the youngest-ever player to play for the club in the Scottish Premiership, but looks almost certain to leave in 2026 after rejecting new terms.
Whilst Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion tracked the 19-year-old in the past, it is Sunderland and Aston Villa who are after his signature these days – handing Rice a big decision to make.
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For Rangers, meanwhile, it’s another blow and another likely departure from an academy star. There was a time when Rice looked to be the future of their midfield. Now, he’s set to depart before he even reaches the peak of his powers and with zero financial gain for the club.
Former interim boss Barry Ferguson was full of praise for Rice last season, telling reporters that he believes that the midfielder is a “fantastic talent”. Like everyone else watching on in Scotland, however, Ferguson may be forced to see the youngster thrive away from Rangers and in the Premier League.
Danny Rohl sends 13-word warning to Rangers players ahead of transfer window
Juan Soto was officially introduced as a New York Met on Thursday, donning the team colors he’ll call his own for the next 15 years and $765 million of his career.
At the introductory press conference, Soto made clear that there were two driving factors in his decision to join the Mets: the way the team treated him and his family, and his belief in the franchise’s commitment to winning championships.
Speaking with a pool of reporters after the official presser was over, Mets owner Steve Cohen revealed his goal for the Soto era, and how it came up in conversation with the team’s new star during the free agency process.
Asked directly how many titles he thought the team would win with Soto, Cohen said, “Let’s put it this way. He asked me, how many championships would you like to win over the next 10 years, I said two to four.”
While some might say the only correct answer to such a question is “every single one of them,” it seems Cohen and Soto had a more direct, realistic outline for what would look like a successful partnership between them.
It’s an ambitious goal, but ambitious goals are what you are going for after giving out the biggest contract in the history of sports.
No team in baseball has won four titles in 10 years since the last Yankess dynasty, who won four in five years from 1996 to 2000.
The Mets already won the bidding war for Soto against their crosstown rival—now they’re coming for the Yankees’ dynasty status.
After a generally miserable September, October has certainly begun with a bang for Chelsea.
Following three Premier League matches without a win, including successive defeats, the Blues bounced back in some style on Saturday, defeating champions Liverpool 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.
Moisés Caicedo broke the deadlock early with an absolute rocket, only for Liverpool to equalise just after the hour mark, at which point most onlookers, including Gary Neville on commentary for Sky Sports, expected the visitors to go on and claim victory.
Well, that certainly wasn’t the case because, after Enzo Fernández had seen a header thwack the post, Marc Cucurella’s low cross was turned home by Estêvão Willian at the back post, sparking wild celebrations in the Matthew Harding Stand and beyond.
While match-winner Estêvão will get many of the headlines, one of Chelsea’s most experienced players put in an under-the-radar exceptional display.
Moisés Caicedo's importance to Chelsea
As noted on Liverpool’s official website, yes really, the Reds agreed a £110m deal with Brighton to sign Caicedo back in August 2023, only for the Ecuadorian to join Chelsea instead, underlining what the Merseysiders missed out on by scoring this stunning strike to open the scoring.
Even parking the goal to one side, Caicedo put in an outstanding display, controlling midfield alongside Fernández, the pair underlining why Chelsea were willing to spend over £220m to recruit the duo.
Speaking on Sky Sports after full-time, Jamie Redknapp labelled Caicedo “one of the best in the world”, adding that he is “incredible” out of possession, concluding that he “hasn’t got a weakness” and could be the man who brings the glory days back to Stamford Bridge.
Since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital took over the club three years ago, fair to say plenty of money has been spent, but few players have proved their worth quite like the Ecuadorian.
However, one of Chelsea’s homegrown Cobham academy graduates also came to the fore, suggesting that he may be Enzo Maresca’s most undroppable player.
Chelsea defender stars against Liverpool
Despite famously having the biggest squad in football, Enzo Maresca was down to the bare bones in terms of centre-backs by the end of Saturday’s famous win.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Firstly, Trevoh Chalobah’s red card against Brighton meant he was suspended, while Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill all missed out due to injury.
Then, during the game, both members of the starting defensive pairing, namely Benoît Badiashile and Josh Acheampong, were forced off due to injuries so, by the time of the winning goal, Jorrel Hato was alongside Reece James at the heart of defence.
The club captain began the evening in his usual position at right-back, Maresca experimenting with Malo Gusto in midfield, but wherever the England international was deployed, he put in an outstanding display, as the table below documents.
Tackles
5
1st
Defensive actions
10
1st
Blocks
1
1st
Interceptions
2
2nd
Key passes
2
4th
Accurate passes
50
2nd
Duels contested
10
3rd
Duels won
8
1st
Aerial duels won
2
1st
Touches
83
1st
SofaScore rating
7.2
5th
As the table documents, James was absolutely key to Chelsea’s victory.
He ranked first for tackles, defensive actions, blocks, duels won, aerial duels won and touches, also completing the second-most passes of any player on the pitch, behind only Virgil van Dijk, while Cucurella was the only man bedecked in blue to register more key passes.
This underlines not only his defensive acumen, but also his quality on the ball.
Chelsea captain Reece James
Following Chelsea’s Conference League victory over København at Parken in March, speaking on TNT Sport, Joe Cole asserted that James is as good as any right-back in the world, while believing he may be best utilised in midfield, something Maresca has done plenty of times since his arrival just over a year ago.
Either way, at full-back or in the middle, James emphasised that he needs to be on the pitch as much as possible, while acknowledging that his minutes have to be carefully managed, given his treacherous injury history.
So, while every transfer window is dominated by Chelsea spending hundreds of millions on new signings, the captain, who has been with the club since the age of six, continues to be a key figure.
"Good news" – Maresca left thrilled after "important" Chelsea star returns from injury
Tottenham Hotspur defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha scored his third goal for the club in their 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers at home on Saturday night.
The Portugal international rescued a point for his team with a cultured finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the box after a lay-off from Pape Matar Sarr, and it is safe to say that he enjoyed it.
Palhinha raced away to the corner, shirt ripped off, to celebrate with the Spurs fans, although some may argue that he should have taken the ball back to the halfway line to push for a winner in the final seconds.
The Portuguese ace has been a strong addition to the squad since his loan move from Bayern Munich in the summer, averaging 4.3 tackles and interceptions per game in the Premier League, per Sofascore.
Palhinha, who has won 65% of his duels in the top-flight this season, is a defensive enforcer at the base of the midfield, but he has added goals to his game in recent weeks.
Whilst he will hope to continue his fine form and go on to be remembered as a great midfielder for the club, he will never be the silky and elegant operator that Luka Modric was in the middle of the park.
Where Luka Modric ranks among Tottenham's all-time midfielders
Tottenham have had some terrific talents in midfield throughout their history. From the likes of Paul Gascoigne and Glen Hoddle to Christian Eriksen and Moussa Dembele.
In terms of what they achieved in their careers as a whole, Modric may well have the right to be called the best central midfielder to ever play for the club, even if his best performances came after he left North London.
The main reason for that is that he is the only central midfielder in the club’s history, whilst at Spurs or not, to have won the Ballon d’Or. In 2018, the Croatia international was crowned the best player in the world, six years after switching London for Madrid.
As you can see in the post above, the midfield maestro saw off competition from Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo to win the award that year.
Modric is also the most decorated player in the history of Real Madrid, having won 28 trophies in 13 seasons before his move to AC Milan this summer.
It is not just his accomplishments for Real Madrid and Croatia that make him arguably the best midfielder in Tottenham history, though, as he also delivered 17 goals and 24 assists in 160 matches during his time in England, per Transfermarkt.
Modric was a wizard in the middle of the park for Spurs. He glided across the pitch and used his energy and quality to unpick defences and provide moments of magic for fans to enjoy.
Palhinha is not that kind of midfielder. He is more of a destroyer at the base of the midfield. However, Thomas Frank does have another star who could be the club’s next Modric in the making.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Before his exit from North London, former chairman Daniel Levy sanctioned the signing of attacking midfielder Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig for a fee of £51m. The early signs are that they may have found their next Modric.
Why Xavi Simons could be the next Luka Modric for Spurs
Unlike Palhinha, the Netherlands international is a silky and technical midfielder who is a joy to watch when he is at his best. Supporters have already had plenty of glimpses of that early on in his Spurs career, even if he has yet to score a goal.
When an attacking midfielder arrives for £51m with the reputation that Simons had, it is understandable for fans to expect goals and assists instantly. Particularly given that he produced 21 goals and 21 assists in two seasons with RB Leipzig, per Sofascore.
However, the 22-year-old star is finding his way into English football and within Thomas Frank’s system, which means that it is going to take time for him to show the very best of his ability.
Most of Simons’ outings in a Spurs shirt to date have come on the left flank, but it could be in a central midfield role where Frank is able to get the best out of him.
The Dutchman keeps wanting to drift inside to take the ball in central positions so that he can drive at the defence and make things tick in midfield, but then Destiny Udogie is left as the only player holding the width on the left.
His statistics in a left wing position also suggest that he would far better in the middle of the park, as he ranks highly among his positional peers in a host of statistics that you would expect a central-based player to excel in.
xG
0.14
Top 48%
xA
0.19
Top 25%
Assists
0.51
Top 11%
Chances created
2.02
Top 7%
Accurate long passes
3.54
Top 3%
Long pass accuracy
77.8%
Top 13%
Successful dribbles
1.52
Top 30%
Successful passes
33.37
Top 20%
As you can see in the table above, Simons has impressive output as a creative player and as a passer, whilst getting into goalscoring positions and dribbling past players are not two of his standout attributes.
This suggests that playing the Dutchman in the midfield three, possibly on the left, with a natural winger on the left for him to link up with could get the best out of the summer signing.
Simons was described as “tactically flexible” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, and Frank should make use of that flexibility by attempting to mould him into his own version of Modric.
The former Paris Saint-Germain starlet has the technical quality, elegance, creativity, and passing qualities to emulate the Croatian in North London, as another central midfielder who could be a joy to watch for supporters.
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He may not go on to win the Ballon d’Or, although you never know, but Simons has the potential to be a truly exciting player for Tottenham in the middle of the park, rather than out on the wing.
It was the Erling Haaland show at the Etihad, and whilst he put on an attacking masterclass, one Everton star struggled once again and received criticism from a former Toffee as a result.
Man City vs Everton: Haaland show goes on
You’ll do well to find a better striker than Haaland in world football as of right now.
The Man City star has gone from ruthless to simply inevitable under Pep Guardiola and Everton became his latest victim on a Saturday afternoon to forget.
Whilst City celebrated their towering forward, David Moyes was left to pick his side up after failing to return from the international break with what would have been a statement victory.
What will frustrate the Everton boss more than anything is the chances that Everton wasted. It was far from a vintage City display at times and the Toffees arguably should have taken the lead before Haaland showed them how it’s done.
The Norway international struck twice in the space of minutes, scoring his first in the 58th minute and his second in the 63rd. Just like that, Everton were down and out.
With Tottenham up next, those on Merseyside must hope to see improvement all round, but particularly in their frontline.
Summer signing Thierno Barry is yet to score a goal in the Premier League, whilst Beto has scored once in nine games in all competitions. That, simply put, must improve.
Pat Nevin slams Beto in Man City defeat
Although Barry won’t escape criticism, it was Beto who should have taken advantage of his start against Man City. The forward was guilty once again of missing from point-blank range and should have given Everton the lead in the first-half.
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A 1-0 lead could have changed the outcome for the Toffees, but Moyes’ side were ultimately made to pay for their chances, as former winger Pat Nevin took aim at the struggling forward.
As his poor form continues, questions will continue to be asked of Beto and whether he should be keeping hold of his place.
The Friedkin Group already proved that they are willing to spend big on improvements, but will be desperate to see Barry come good before they act again.
At the Etihad, it was simply a game between two strikers in contrasting form. Had Haaland received the same chance that Beto wasted in the first-half, then the outcome would have no doubt been different.
Mikel Arteta has been backed in a massive way in the transfer market, and the objective will be to win every competition the team are in.
Undoubtedly, the most exciting signing the Gunners made in the summer was Eberechi Eze, as his creativity and explosiveness could be just what the club needs.
Moreover, it looks like the North Londoners are brewing another version of the Englishman in a sensational, exciting academy gem.
What Eze will bring to Arsenal
There are a few things Eze will bring to Arsenal this season, and the first is his output.
Crystal Palace's EberechiEzeposes with the player of the match trophy
Despite playing for a mid-table side last season, the Greenwich-born game-changer was able to amass an unreal haul of 14 goals and 11 assists in 43 appearances, totalling 3303 minutes.
In other words, he averaged a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes, which should be music to Arteta’s ears considering his side’s goalscoring problems last season.
Appearances
43
Minutes
3303′
Goals
14
Assists
11
Goal Involvements per Match
0.58
Minutes per Goal Involvement
132.12′
The next thing the 27-year-old brings to the table is his positional versatility.
While he spent most of last season playing as one of the two tens in Oliver Glasner’s system, he’s also more than comfortable playing out on the left, as we saw on Sunday, and can even play on the right.
Not only will this give Arteta more tactical flexibility, but it means Eze will be able to easily interchange with his teammates during games, making life for opposition defenders even harder.
Finally, the Palace legend will bring excitement to the team. =
The FA Cup-winning maestro can take players on, score from long distance, play quick one-twos and do so many other things that get fans on their feet.
In all, Eze looks to be an incredible signing for Arsenal, and in even more good news, Hale End appears to have spawned another version of him.
Arsenal's new homegrown Eze
Arsenal have a proud history of bringing Hale Enders into the first team; just look at Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
In The Pipeline
Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.
However, in this instance, we are talking about a youngster who is perhaps the most talked about prospect the club has ever had: Max Dowman.
Yes, despite being just 15 years old, it feels like practically everyone and their dog has been talking about the teenager in recent weeks and months.
It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise, though, as those with a knowledge of youth football have been talking about him for years, with Hale End expert Will Balsam dubbing him the “biggest talent in England” late last year.
With that said, then, what makes him like a young Eze?
For starters, he has already demonstrated a brilliant ability to play in multiple positions, ranging from out on the wing to attacking midfield and even slightly deeper in central midfield.
On top of that, the Chelmsford-born gem is an output machine.
Appearances
25
Starts
23
Minutes
2104′
Goals
20
Assists
10
Goal Involvements per Match
1.2
Minutes per Goal Involvement
70.13′
In just 25 appearances for the U18s, totalling 2104 minutes, he scored 20 goals and provided ten assists.
In other words, the superstar in the making averaged 1.2 goal involvements every game, or every 70.13 minutes while playing in an age group well beyond his – and he wasn’t even playing up top.
Finally, as fans who’ve watched him this season and in pre-season will tell you, he has the same ‘entertainer gene’ as the former Palace man.
For example, instead of making a safe pass backwards when on the edge of the opposition’s penalty area, he tends to prefer taking the defender on directly.
It was this that won him a penalty against Newcastle United in Singapore and then at home to Leeds United in the Premier League.
Ultimately, Eze looks like he’s going to be one of Arsenal’s most important players over the coming years, but in Dowman, they could have a generational talent on their hands.
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The weekend saw Everton get their first Premier League win of the season after beating Brighton 2-0. Both goals came courtesy of Jack Grealish assists, and David Moyes spoke about the quality they’ve added to the side over the summer.
“That’s what we have been hoping for and waiting for. We want to add that extra quality, and that’s what we are trying to do. Kiernan [Dewsbury-Hall] and Jack both played exceptionally well. We are thrilled we are adding a bit more quality, and we need to score some more goals, which we did today.”
Everton have since improved their squad even further by signing Tyler Dibling from Southampton. Dibling will play on the right-hand side of Everton’s attack, an area where they have lacked depth in recent months.
This combination of Grealish and Dibling gives Moyes two skillful wingers that will undoubtedly help his side push on from their impressive end to last year’s Premier League. While there is still time left in the transfer window, Everton have turned their attention to the other end of the pitch as they look to bring in another centre-back.
Everton competing for free agent Lindelof
Man United's Victor Lindelof
Everton are attempting to sign the Swedish national team captain, Victor Lindelof, on a free transfer. Lindelof’s contract with Manchester United expired at the end of last season, following 8 years at the club. During his time at United, Lindelof faced Everton 12 times, all of which were in the Premier League, and has beaten the Toffees on 6 occasions.
Everton’s interest has been reported by Fabrizio Romano, who has also revealed that they will face competition from the Italian side Fiorentina, who are in advanced negotiations to sign Lindelof. Fiorentina currently have former United goalkeeper David De Gea between the sticks – the two players have shared the pitch for 16,127 minutes, making De Gea the player Lindelof has played alongside the most.
The Swedish Rumble on X posted that Lindelof’s preferred destination would have been one of the London clubs, such as Fulham, West Ham or Crystal Palace. This could indicate a desire to stay in the Premier League that may allow Everton to tempt him away from Florence.
Lindelof's ball-playing and aerial abilities can help Moyes
If Everton can tempt Lindelof away from Fiorentina, they’ll have a reliable ball-playing centre-back on their hands. Last season, Lindelof was in the top 7% of players for pass accuracy and the top 5% of players for long-ball accuracy, meaning he’d be able to competently play out from the back when necessary.
During his time at United, Lindelof had numerous centre-back partners, but one he featured alongside the most was Harry Maguire. Maguire is often praised for his aerial ability, but Lindelof is also more than capable in the air. The United Stand presenter Mark Goldbridge has previously praised Lindelof for his aerial ability after beating Aston Villa 1-0.
Lindelof’s time spent not playing for Manchester United might also prove valuable to Everton. Later in his United career, Lindelof fell down the centre-back pecking order and received considerably less game time. However, there was never talk of disruptive behaviour because of this, and he always performed to a consistent standard when he was eventually called upon.
Having stunned the Premier League with the loan signing of Jack Grealish from Manchester City, Everton manager David Moyes is determined to strengthen further before the season’s first whistle.
With a visit to Elland Road on Monday, attention has shifted to finding the perfect right-sided partner for their new star.
The Toffees’ recruitment drive has seen them monitor several options.
Leicester’s Abdul Fatawu has been tracked after an encouraging display in the Foxes’ season opener against Sheffield Wednesday, while Southampton’s Tyler Dibling has also been a target.
Multiple bids for the 19-year-old have been rejected, with Saints holding out for £45m plus £5m in add-ons and a 25% sell-on clause.
Southampton's TylerDiblingin action with Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers and Ian Maatsen
Dibling has been training away from the first team and is expected to hold talks with his club to address his future.
Everton's Right-Wing Vision
Yet, another name has entered the frame.
One who could bring creativity, intelligence, and composure to Everton’s right flank, potentially forging a formidable partnership with Grealish in the final third.
Transfer Focus
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According to reports in Spain, a number of English teams including Everton, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United have made efforts to sign Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo – a player widely regarded as one of La Liga’s most technically gifted attackers.
The 24-year-old Japan international joined Sociedad permanently in July 2022 after several loan spells from Real Madrid and immediately became a fan favourite, winning the club’s Player of the Season award in 2022/23.
Kubo’s current contract runs until June 2029, meaning Sociedad are under no pressure to sell.
His release clause is thought to be just over £50m, meaning the aforementioned teams will need to raise their bids, having only offered £34m to date.
Real Madrid, having sold him for just £5.6m, retain a 50% sell-on clause, adding another layer of complexity to any negotiations.
Liverpool have been linked in the past, with midfielder Wataru Endo even naming Kubo as the player he would most like to join him at Anfield, labelling him a “future superstar”.
Liverpool's Wataru Endo
But it is Everton who are now assessing whether the forward could fill the gap left by Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom, both of whom returned to their parent clubs this summer.
Kubo is open to a new challenge and is believed to be interested in a Premier League move, though he also has admirers in La Liga and the Bundesliga.
Why Kubo and Grealish Could Thrive Together
On paper, the prospect of Kubo on the right and Grealish on the left is a tantalising one for Everton supporters.
Both are adept in the final third, capable of driving at defenders, threading incisive passes, and holding the ball under pressure.
Their combined vision and dribbling would stretch defences horizontally, opening space for Everton’s new striker Thierno Barry to exploit with his runs in behind. According to FBref, Barry already ranks among the top percentiles for crosses received, making him an ideal focal point for two wingers who excel at delivery from wide areas.
A look at the numbers from each player’s best season reveals some striking similarities.
In 2022/23, Kubo averaged 4.32 progressive carries per 90 minutes to Grealish’s 6.27, while their progressive passing numbers (2.99 for Kubo, 4.39 for Grealish) indicate a shared ability to advance play and break lines.
Grealish’s passing completion rate of 84.1% eclipses Kubo’s 71%, but both produce consistently in shot-creating actions (3.55 for Kubo, 4.55 for Grealish) and successful take-ons (1.81 for Kubo, 1.97 for Grealish).
Their combined influence could be particularly devastating against deep-lying opponents.
Grealish’s tendency to slow the game, draw defenders, and release overlapping full-backs would complement Kubo’s ability to drift into central positions.
Kubo’s high volume of crosses also adds a different element to Everton’s build-up play, enabling Barry to dominate aerially while midfield runners attack second balls.
Another factor is defensive work rate. Both players understand the modern demand for wide forwards to press and recover possession quickly, something Moyes values highly.
Grealish has been coached in Pep Guardiola’s smart pressing schemes, while Kubo’s work under Imanol Alguacil at Sociedad has honed his ability to win the ball high and transition quickly into attack.
This diligence means Everton wouldn’t be sacrificing defensive solidity for flair.
Tackles per 90 – 2022/23
Jack Grealish
1.62
Takefusa Kubo
1.10
Source: FBref
In the wider context of the Premier League, a Kubo-Grealish combination offers Everton something different from their rivals.
Many clubs boast pacey wingers who thrive on direct runs in behind; fewer can call upon two highly technical wide creators capable of orchestrating attacks as much as finishing them.
This could be the key to unlocking stubborn defences – a problem that has plagued Everton in recent seasons.
From a tactical standpoint, Everton’s midfield structure would also benefit.
With Kubo tucking inside at times to combine with central players, Grealish could hold width on the opposite flank, creating natural overloads.
Full-backs would have space to advance, and the team would be able to alternate between short, intricate combinations and quick switches of play to exploit defensive gaps.
Of course, the move hinges on whether Everton are willing to meet Sociedad’s valuation.
Real Sociedad's Takefusa Kubo
Kubo would represent a significant investment, though his age, contract length, and proven output in a top European league suggest strong long-term value.
In a summer where Everton have already made headlines with the arrival of Grealish, pairing him with Kubo could transform their attacking profile entirely.
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