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Birmingham City’s move for a “technical” player is now as much as “95%” complete, according to a positive update from journalist Sebastiao Sousa-Pinto.

Who do Birmingham want to sign?

The Blues know the importance of building on their League One title win and cementing their place in the Championship next season, with new signings required to take Chris Davies’ side to the next level, perhaps following Ipswich’s lead after their back to back promotions.

The financial influence of Tom Wagner and Tom Brady has aided Birmingham greatly in recent years, and supporters are understandably excited to see what the next step will be at the club this summer.

Luton Town centre-back Teden Mengi has been linked with a move to St Andrews in recent days, following a solid 2024/25 season from the former Manchester United player that saw him average 3.9 clearances per game across 20 Championship appearances.

Meanwhile, NEC winger Sontje Hansen has also been mentioned as an exciting target for Birmingham in the summer window, with the 23-year-old representing the Netherlands across five different youth age groups, winning a combined tally of 46 caps. Now, it looks like one player is very close to securing a move to the Midlands.

Birmingham's move for midfielder "95%" done

Speaking on his YouTube channel [via Sport Witness], Sousa-Pinto claimed that midfielder Kanya Fujimoto’s move to Birmingham from Gil Vicente is nearly complete, with the Japanese set to join on a free transfer.

“I’m talking about Kanya Fujimoto, the midfielder whose contract with Gil Vicente ended and who is now a free agent and, as far as I can tell, 90%, 95%, has been agreed with Birmingham City. The clock is still ticking to seal the deal. We’ll have to keep waiting, but the feeling has been very positive for a few weeks now.

“The feeling is still very positive for the transfer to be completed, but we’re still taking it one step at a time until we can close this deal, and Kanya Fujimoto can then join the Championship team as a free agent, once again after his contract with Gil Vicente ended.”

This is great news for anyone of a Birmingham persuasion, with Fujimoto a player who has now proven himself at a high level, making 156 appearances in the Primeira Liga.

The 25-year-old has scored 12 goals and registered 20 assists in Portugal’s top league, while analyst Ben Mattinson has hailed his “technical” quality.

Fujimoto has represented Japan in six age groups, further highlighting his pedigree, and he is a player who could be an instant hit for Birmingham, adding so much quality in midfield areas.

Russell Martin was officially unveiled as the new head coach of Glasgow Rangers earlier this month, and he is tasked with bringing glory back to Ibrox.

The Light Blues have not won the Scottish Premiership title for four years and ended the 2024/25 campaign without a single trophy to show for their efforts.

Martin and Kevin Thelwell must build a team that can challenge Celtic for the title next season, and there is already work going on behind the scenes to bring in fresh recruits.

Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale, Leicester’s Conor Coady, and Swansea’s Harry Darling are just a few of the reported targets that the Gers boss is looking to snap up from the English market that he is familiar with.

Whilst they are in the market to improve the defence, with those two centre-backs and a goalkeeper, Rangers must also bolster their attacking options before the window slams shut.

They confirmed earlier this summer that Ianis Hagi’s contract would not be renewed, making him a free agent this summer, and his exit will leave a hole to fill.

Why losing Ianis Hagi is a blow for Rangers

Allowing the Romania international to move on from Ibrox was a bold decision and one that means the Gers have lost a proven Premiership performer who provided quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

Hagi, who returned to the fold under Philippe Clement during the first half of the 2024/25 campaign, after spending the previous year on loan at Alaves in Spain, caught the eye with his performances off the left flank or as an attacking midfielder.

The 26-year-old, as shown in the clip above, stepped up in big moments for the Scottish giants and Martin is going to need to find another wide attacker who can make a similar impact at the top end of the pitch.

Losing a quality player on a free transfer also means that the Gers may need to make sales in other positions in order to raise the funds to sign a replacement, as it will not be easy to find a star of Hagi’s quality.

As you can see in the table above, the Romanian magician was particularly impressive as a creator, but also showed his class as a goalscorer for the Light Blues.

This is why it is so important for Martin to recruit a new winger, or attacking midfielder, who has the potential to deliver goal contributions on a regular basis next season.

With this in mind, the former Scotland international should push the club to seriously pursue a deal to sign one of their reported transfer targets, Leeds United ace Largie Ramazani.

Rangers' reported interest in Largie Ramazani

At the start of this month, TEAMtalk claimed that Rangers are interested in a swoop to sign the Belgian winger from the Championship champions during the summer transfer window.

The outlet reported that the Scottish giants have ’emerged’ as possible suitors to land the former Almeria flanker, who signed for Leeds for a fee of £10m in the summer of 2024.

Transfer Focus

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

It added, however, that Rangers were simply monitoring the situation and that a transfer was not at any advanced stage, to which there has not been any update in the subsequent few weeks.

TEAMtalk claimed that Daniel Farke had not made a final decision on the attacker’s future at Elland Road, because he would like to see how the winger does in pre-season before making the call, which suggests that the Gers may have to play the long game with Ramazani.

If the Light Blues can eventually get a deal done for the Belgian star, whether that is a loan or a permanent move, then Martin could have a brilliant replacement for Hagi in the building, as he is also a left-sided attacker who can also play centrally.

Why Rangers should sign Largie Ramazani

Martin should sign Ramazani for Rangers as a perfect replacement for the Romania international because his performances for Leeds in the 2024/25 campaign suggest that he has the potential to explode as a regular starter in Scotland.

The former Manchester United academy graduate first made a name for himself with Almeria, scoring 22 goals in 128 matches, before his move to Leeds last year.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig even compared him to Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior and described the Belgian sensation as an “explosive” forward who can be a “counter attacking weapon” for his team.

Ramazani did not get too many opportunities to showcase that quality in the Championship this term, starting seven of his 29 appearances, but the 24-year-old whiz caught the eye in his limited minutes on the pitch.

As you can see in the table above, the Leeds winger ranked very highly among his positional peers in a host of key attacking metrics as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

Ramazani ended the season with six goals and two assists in the league, despite starting just seven times, which speaks to the kind of quality he could provide Rangers with if they give him an opportunity to play week-in-week-out as a starter.

This suggests that the Gers target could perfectly replace Hagi, as another right-footed forward who can play off the left or centrally in a number ten role, whilst he can also play on the right if needed.

Ramazani has the quality, as shown by his spell in Spain and his impressive performances in limited game time in England, to fill the hole that Hagi’s release has left at Ibrox.

He's Jelavic 2.0: Rangers ready bid for "complete" £6m star

Rangers could be set to make a bid for a new striker who could be the club’s next Jelavic.

By
Ross Kilvington

Jun 14, 2025

It is now down to Martin and Thelwell to seal a deal for the Whites attacker if Farke decides to make him available for a transfer in the coming weeks.

Queens Park Rangers are now keen on signing a young EFL striker who scored 12 league goals last season, as they close in on appointing Julien Stephan as their new manager, according to a recent report.

Julien Stephan agrees to become QPR manager

The West Londoners have been on the lookout for a new manager since taking the decision to place Marti Cifuentes on gardening leave back in April. The 42-year-old joined the Rs back in October 2023 and took charge of 83 matches, but the decision to place Cifuentes on gardening leave came as it was reported he had spoken to West Brom about their managerial vacancy.

Blackburn fighting QPR and Hull for "amazing" forward with 96 career goals

The Rovers are among the clubs leading the chase to sign a forward, who is now expected to leave his club this summer.

By
Dominic Lund

May 13, 2025

The Rs have had to be patient in their search for a new boss, but it looks as if now they are closing in on an appointment. Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett has reported that Stephan has agreed to become the new QPR manager, putting pen to paper shortly.

The Frenchman, just like Cifuentes, has never managed in the Championship or England prior to this move. He has spent his managerial career working in France, mostly at Stade Rennais, where he lasted just under a year and left the position back in November.

The 44-year-old has worked in Rennes on several different occasions from their youth set-up to reserves to first-team, and he will now be hoping he can take what he has done in France to England, as QPR hope to be fighting at the right end of the table.

QPR chase Malik Mothersille

As the Rs close in on Stephan’s appointment, they could also be close to bringing in the first player under his reign. That is because, according to Football League World, QPR are interested in signing Malik Mothersille from Peterborough United.

The 21-year-old, who scored 12 goals in League One during the 2024/25 season, has emerged on the radar of the Hoops as well as newly promoted side Charlton Athletic. The report doesn’t state how much Mothersille could cost or how much Posh would want, but given he has just one year remaining on his contract, it could be a low-cost deal for the Rs.

Mothersille is not only a number nine; the forward can also operate on both the right and left sides of attack, making him a versatile attacker. As well as his 12 goals in League One, the young striker also netted a further four goals in the EFL Trophy, as Peterborough were crowned champions.

His campaign in League One also earned him recognition on the international stage, as he collected his first senior cap for Jamaica last season, in the final of the Unity Cup against Nigeria.

QPR do already have the likes of Alfie Loyd, Charlie Kelman, Michael Frey and Rayan Kolli as forward options, but if they are to be near the top end of the Championship, then Stephan is going to want more prolific scorers, and Mothersille may just be the answer.

Glasgow Rangers are now “hopeful” of signing a £75,000-a-week Leicester City player alongside midfielder Joe Rothwell, according to a recent Ibrox transfer report.

Rangers are close to signing Joe Rothwell from Bournemouth

It has been a busy time of late for the Gers, as they finally found their successor to Philippe Clement in the form of Russell Martin and have since added their first addition, with Max Aarons joining on loan from AFC Bournemouth.

Offer made: Rangers at risk of losing another "complete" star after Igamane

Russell Martin could be dealt a second blow…

5

By
Tom Cunningham

Jul 1, 2025

Martin and the Gers have now returned to the Cherries to complete another signing. According to Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam, Rangers have agreed a deal with Bournemouth to sign Rothwell on a permanent basis, despite the fact the midfielder did have offers to move to La Liga.

It isn’t clear how much the Gers are willing to spend on the midfielder, but given he has entered the final year of his contract at Bournemouth, it is probably for a relatively low fee. The 30-year-old spent last season on loan at Leeds United, where he played 36 times in the Championship, as the Whites secured the title to seal promotion back to the Premier League.

Before his stint in Yorkshire, Rothwell spent the second half of the 2023/24 season on loan at Southampton, where he worked with Martin and helped the Saints to promotion to the Premier League. The pair are now set to work together once again, this time in Scotland.

Rangers "hopeful" of signing £75K-p/w Conor Coady

As the Gers close in on a deal for Rothwell, according to STV Sports presenter Raman Bhardwaj, Rangers remain “hopeful” they can get a deal agreed to sign Conor Coady from Leicester City.

It was reported a couple of days ago by the Daily Record that talks are ongoing between both Rangers and the Foxes over a deal for Coady. The England international is under contract at the King Power Stadium until 2026, but it isn’t clear how much Leicester are asking for to sell the defender, as they are not willing to let him leave for free.

As well as agreeing a deal with Leicester, the Gers have also got to agree personal terms with the former Everton and Wolves defender, as he reportedly earns £75,000 a week at the King Power Stadium.

The Scottish giants do already have a few options at the heart of their defence, but given how far behind they were of Celtic last season, Martin obviously feels he needs more experience and leadership qualities in his defence.

Coady’s struggles at Leicester continued last season, as he only played 22 times in the Premier League, and a lot of those appearances came towards the back end of the season under Ruud van Nistelrooy, who has now left. A move to Scotland may make sense for Coady now, as he looks to continue playing at a high level as long as he can.

Glasgow Rangers are moving swiftly in the summer transfer window, having already signed Emmanuel Fernandez, Thelo Aasgaard, Joe Rothwell, Max Aarons, and Lyall Cameron.

Journalist Anthony Joseph recently revealed that Rangers are set to sign central defender Nasser Djiga on loan for the 2025/26 campaign.

The 22-year-old central defender is closing in on a loan that would not include an option to buy, though, which means that he may only be at Ibrox for one season.

Rangers are, however, also interested in a deal to sign another centre-back who could be an even better signing for Russell Martin moving forward.

Rangers closing in on English defender

Despite having already signed Fernandez and the report that they are closing in on a deal for Djiga, the Light Blues would like to add another central defender to their squad.

Transfer Focus

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

According to the Daily Record, it is ‘believed’ that a deal to sign former England international Conor Coady from Leicester City is ‘close’ to being completed.

The report claims that the Scottish Premiership giants are currently in talks with the Foxes to get a deal over the line for the experienced titan in the coming days.

It adds that Coady is ‘keen’ to make the move to Ibrox to link up with Martin’s squad, in what would be a permanent transfer for the 32-year-old veteran.

Why Coady would be an even better signing than Djiga

The English centre-back would come in as an even better signing than Djiga for several reasons, firstly because he is closing in on a permanent move, rather than a loan.

This means that Martin could count on Coady to be a key player for several seasons, rather than just one, which means that the former Wolves captain would provide Rangers with more value over time.

The fact that the English ace, who was described as an “infectious” character by Gareth Southgate, was the captain for Wolves before his time at Leicester and Everton also suggests that the centre-back could bring key leadership skills to Ibrox, which may not be the case for Djiga, who is only 22 and still starting out in his career.

Their respective performances in the Premier League during the 2024/25 campaign also suggest that Coady could provide more quality on the pitch in the here and now.

As you can see in the table above, the Leicester defender offered more to his team in the top-flight than the Wolves youngster, who did not get many opportunities in his defence, with his defensive contributions, which suggests that he would be the better immediate option for Martin at Ibrox next season.

Whilst Djiga, at the age of 22, may have the potential to improve in the future, Rangers may not get to see the best of that when they will only have him for a season.

Coady, meanwhile, is a known quantity and looks set to provide a reliable presence and a strong voice at the heart of the defence for multiple seasons, which is why he is on course to be an even better signing for the club.

Therefore, a move for the veteran English colossus could be a shrewd piece of business for the Gers, snapping up a star with ten caps for England and 198 appearances in the Premier League under his belt.

The dream squad Rangers can build: £19.5m quartet & "sublime" star all sign

Rangers will be eyeing plenty more signings this summer

4

By
Ross Kilvington

Jul 5, 2025

Aston Villa are now strong contenders in the race for a “phenomenal” player, having recently opened talks, and they are confident he would be keen on a move.

Villa eyeing midfielder with Barrenechea set for exit

With Villa looking to raise funds for their own summer transfer business, amid concerns over PSR, they have now decided to cash-in on midfielder Enzo Barrenechea, who is very close to sealing an exit.

There have also been widespread suggestions that John McGinn’s future is in doubt, amid interest from the likes of Everton, while Ross Barkley is arguably yet to set the world alight at Villa Park, given his patchy injury record ever since leaving Chelsea.

Consequently, it would make sense for Unai Emery to bring in another midfielder this summer, and the Villans are now stepping up their pursuit of a Premier League player…

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Aston Villa have now emerged as strong contenders for Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, having now opened talks over a deal, and there is a belief he would be keen on sealing a move to Villa Park.

That is despite rival interest from West Ham United, with Graham Potter also pushing to sign Elliott, although Europa League football being on offer with the Villans next season could give them the edge in negotiations.

Aston Villa now set to make move for £17m ace, keen to finalise deal quickly

The Villans are “ready” to finalise a move for a defender…

By
Dominic Lund

Jul 15, 2025

Liverpool are not actively trying to find the attacking midfielder a new club, but they are open to bids, and there is a feeling that an offer of £35m could be enough to tempt them into a sale.

"Phenomenal" Elliott could excel at Villa Park

While the Englishman is still young at 22-years-old, he is still yet to receive a senior cap, which indicates he may need to leave Liverpool for the good of his career this summer, and Aston Villa could be a perfect fit.

The London-born midfielder has become accustomed to playing in Europe during his time with the Reds, scoring a stoppage-time winner in his side’s 1-0 smash-and-grab away against Paris Saint-Germain in last season’s Champions League.

As such, the former Fulham man is likely to want to play for a club set to take part in a European competition next season, and Villa fit the bill, despite being in the Europa League.

Lauded as “phenomenal” by journalist David Lynch, the England U21 star also caught the eye at the U21 Euros this summer, scoring five goals throughout the tournament, including one in the 3-2 victory over Germany in the final.

Elliott is ready to be a regular starter for one of England’s top clubs, and with Villa very much back in that bracket nowadays, a move could make perfect sense.

With a World Cup looming, Mauricio Pochettino and his squad are facing legitimate questions – can they answer vs Japan?

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Anyone who follows the U.S. men's national team knows the weight of this city. Columbus is the USMNT's spiritual home. There have been so many great national team nights in Columbus, so many big moments in which the USMNT defied the odds.

Perfect timing, then, for the U.S. to return to Ohio for a vital friendly. It's a friendly, yes, but an important one. For years, Columbus has seemed to be where the USMNT have gone when the program needs a win. Tuesday, surely, feels like one of those nights.

The U.S. heads into this game against Japan on a low. Losses to Panama, Canada, Turkey, Switzerland, Mexico and, most recently, South Korea – with a run to the Gold Cup final sandwiched between – have put this team's collective back against the wall. With a World Cup looming, Mauricio Pochettino and his squad are facing legitimate questions.

"It's nothing to shy away from," striker Folarin Balogun said. "America's a huge country with so many people, so many supporters and that's kind of what you sign up for by representing such a huge, huge nation. When things are going well, you know that you have millions of people behind you, so you can't take the good without the bad. We know we need the results, because that's the thing that confirms everything.

"From a psychological point of view, it's difficult to lose. It's not what I prepare for. It's not what I train for. At the end of the day, we're training to win and to give the fans something to care about. Losing is not something anyone is satisfied with, I can tell you that for sure."

How will the USMNT approach the match? How could the tearm turn the tide? Will veterans such as Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams help reverse course? Or will Pochettino, as he insisted on Monday, "stick with the plan" and continue tinkering with lineups and tactics against Japan?

GOAL looks at five keys for the USMNT against Japan.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Pulisic to step up?

  It's not that Christian Pulisic played poorly against South Korea, his first game back with the USMNT after a summer of controversy. He was no better or worse than most of the other USMNT starters. Yet here is a different standard, particularly after his decision to skip the Gold Cup.

  Even putting that aside, the South Korea game was a prime example of what a superstar presence can do. Son Heung-Min was the perfect outlet, one that allowed his side to play through him in moments of pressure. It's not just that he created the two goals, which he did, but he was also a reference point, one that clearly inspired his team while giving them much-needed moments of danger.

  The USMNT didn't have any that on Saturday. Pulisic was active, but never dangerous. He didn't complete a single dribble, none of his four shots hit the target and his passing was mediocre, at best. He got on the ball plenty, but didn't  assert himself. Given everything, it was fair to expect more.

  It's not that the USMNT definitively needs Pulisic to be "the guy" every game, even if it certainly helps. There are moments, though, in which players of quality need to go above and beyond – that's in part what makes them players of quality in the first place. This Japan game seems one of those occasions, a game in which Pulisic can both silence his doubters and help lift the USMNT out of its current state.

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• Getty Images
  

  Folarin Balogun or Josh Sargent?

  To be fair, striker Josh Sargent wasn't really put in a position to thrive against South Korea. The style of play and the flow of the game just didn't suit him. It happens. It did, however, suit Folarin Balogun, so that brings us to the question: who starts?

  Pochettino and his staff have a lot to balance with that decision. Does benching Sargent hurt his confidence amid his ongoing USMNT goal drought? Is Balogun fit enough to play extended minutes? Will this game resemble the South Korea game, or will it be one that allows Sargent to play more with the ball on his feet?

  "Just coming on in that sort of game against such a good opponent, I noticed when I was on the bench that there was space to run in behind, and I just thought that's maybe what the team needed," Balogun said on Monday. "I wouldn't say it was instructions to go forward and get in behind, it's just how the game was going. There were opportunities to try and look for spaces."

  Balogun, of course, is very good at running into those spaces. Sargent, meanwhile, has generally been good at making the most of them when he finds them. Both players might be necessary at some point at the World Cup, but who is the best fit for the Japan match?

• Getty Images
  

  The importance of Chris Richards

  It was night and day, wasn't it? You can acknowledge that the state of the game had changed or that South Korea had taken their foot off the pedal, but you also have to address the impact that Chris Richards' arrival had on the second half of Saturday's match.

  Richards, by any measure, is among the USMNT's best players. In fact, you could argue that he is the team's best right now. He really took a leap forward at the Gold Cup and has continued to build momentum since winning a trophy with Crystal Palace. All good teams start from defense, of course, and Richards is far and away this team's best defender.

  Pochettino said postgame that the staff was simply taking precautions with Richards, who was dealing with "some issues" from recent games with Palace. The aim was to protect him and limit him to just 45 minutes.

  Fair enough. Now, a few days later, Richards seems more necessary than ever as the U.S. look to step up against a talented Japan attack that includes top players such as Kaoru Mitoma, Takumi Minamino and Takefusa Kubo.

  Richards should almost certainly be in the XI. The question is what it looks like around him.

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  A potential tactical tweak

  Richards can admit it: he prefers playing in a back three. He's used to it on the club level. After several years of playing in that system for Crystal Palace, he's entirely comfortable as a wide centerback.

  Could that be a tactic Pochettino embraces? It's been a talking point and, if the manager does go that route, it would be easy to see why. With more attack-minded fullbacks such as Sergino Dest and Max Arfsten, or perhaps even a wingback in Tim Weah, the USMNT could consider a system that would allow those players to go forward with more defensive stability behind them.

  "I think some people look at it as a bit more defensive," Richards said, "but, if you play it right, it's more attacking than anything. It's about winning the ball in our half of the pitch, but also allowing your wingbacks to be creative and to do what they do best – which is run up and down the pitch and serve the ball in or, in Sergino's case, take people one-on-one. Max is the same way. He's really good offensively, going forward in a one-on-one situation."

  Arfsten is comfortable with the formation. He's played in a similar setup with the Crew, having made the transition from winger to wingback to fullback.

  "In the Gold Cup, I played as a standard fullback in a four the entire time, so I feel I've adjusted," Arfsten said. "Whatever the coach wants. If he wants me to play higher up as a wingback or play a bit further back and more defensive responsibility, no matter what he wants me to do, I'm going to embrace it."

  There's no guarantee a back five is the right way to go. Maybe this team does end up being best equipped to play a back four by the World Cup. At the very least, though, it's a good option to have.

  "I personally like playing the five in the back, and I think we could benefit from it," Richards said, "but I think, playing a four, we had some success this summer, too. Whatever system they put us in, we're ready for it."

Former Barcelona and France defender Eric Abidal has been forced to release a statement confirming he is "alive and well" after a cruel rumour of his death circulated on social media. The 46-year-old took to Instagram to slam the false reports, which exploited his real-life battle with liver cancer from 2011.

• Abidal issues statement after false death rumour spreads online

  Abidal has been forced to publicly deny false reports of his death after a cruel and baseless rumour circulated on social media on Monday. According to French outlet , several accounts on the platform X began spreading the claim that the 46-year-old had passed away due to complications from a second liver transplant, prompting the Champions League winner to release an official statement.

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  'Respect is essential': What Abidal said in his statement

  In response to the distressing online speculation, Abidal took to his Instagram story to reassure fans and condemn the rumour. 

  "Some rumours should never exist," he wrote. "I'm here with my family, and everything is fine. Respect is essential. There is a family and my children behind this. To be clear, I'm fine, I'm alive and well. Thank you for your support and messages of concern. Let's focus on what really matters."

• Rumour exploited former defender's real-life cancer battle

  The false story preyed on Abidal's well-documented and inspirational battle with liver cancer. The defender was famously diagnosed with a tumour in his liver in 2011 while at the peak of his career with Barcelona. After initial surgery, he required a transplant a year later before making a remarkable and emotional return to the pitch in April 2013. He continued his playing career with Monaco and Olympiakos before finally retiring in 2014.

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  What next after Abidal quashes false report?

  Having swiftly and publicly corrected the false information, Abidal has urged the public to move on and "focus on what really matters." The former defender, who also served as Barcelona's director of football after his retirement, will now look to put the upsetting incident behind him. His decisive statement has ended the speculation, allowing him and his family to move past the distressing online event.

Everton’s start to their 2024/25 pre-season tour of the United States has already underlined the work David Moyes still has ahead.

A humbling 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth was a reminder of the squad’s fragility after another summer of major outgoings.

The arrivals of Mark Travers, Carlos Alcaraz, and £27m signing Thierno Barry signal a clear intent to refresh the squad, but Moyes has openly warned that patience will be needed – especially with Barry, who remains raw and unproven at Premier League level.

Adam Aznou is expected to become the fourth new face at Goodison Park after Everton reached an agreement with Bayern Munich, but the club remain active in their search for further attacking reinforcements.

Talks continue with Lyon over Malick Fofana, though interest in the Belgian winger is intense.

Meanwhile, alternative targets are being explored with a view to shaping a younger, more dynamic squad that fits Moyes’ evolving vision.

One name stands out, not just for his talent, but for the buzz surrounding his rise to prominence.

And he’s already being likened to a former Everton prodigy who once lit up Goodison Park.

The young starlet catching Everton's eye

Tyler Dibling is the 19-year-old forward drawing comparisons to a young Ross Barkley.

With 33 Premier League appearances for Southampton under his belt last season, scoring twice and assisting once, Dibling is already attracting significant attention.

According to reports, Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham, and Bayern Munich have all monitored his progress, but it’s Everton who are now showing the strongest intent to bring him to Merseyside.

Dibling is under contract with Southampton until 2027, but with Saints braced for a new wave of offers, his future remains uncertain.

Transfer Focus

According to sources close to the club, via Liverpool Echo, Everton’s interest is genuine and growing.

The Toffees see him as an ideal long-term project, especially with multiple senior players, such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Ashley Young, all departing this summer after their contracts expired.

The teenage winger made his England U21 debut this year against Spain, underlining his rapid development.

But this is no overnight success. As a 16-year-old, Dibling famously scored a hat-trick against Newcastle U21s.

It was a moment that drew national attention and confirmed him as one of the country’s brightest attacking prospects.

Adam Asghar, Southampton’s former U21 coach, said: “He’s the most fearless player I’ve ever worked with, He’s totally unique to anything I’ve seen before.”

“He’s got raw physicality, pace and power, and is an unbelievable ball-carrier. He’s always impacting games. In a generation of football where it’s very much about limited touches and moving the ball quickly, Tyler can move it quickly by carrying the ball rather than passing it. That’s what makes him such a special talent.”

From Barkley to Dibling – the art of fearless ball-carrying

For Everton fans, talk of raw power, direct dribbling and unshakable confidence will bring back memories of a young Barkley.

At just 18, Barkley had already made his Premier League debut and was establishing himself as a central figure at Goodison Park.

By 19, he had become a regular in the England U21 side, and by 21 he had earned a senior call-up, and featured in the 2014 World Cup squad.

There was a sense of destiny about Barkley’s rise, fuelled by ability to glide past opponents, and knack for spectacular goals.

Dibling, like Barkley, is explosively built and thrives when carrying the ball through midfield and into the final third.

According to last season’s stats, he ranked in the 87th percentile for take-ons attempted (5.28 per 90 minutes), and in the 81st percentile for successful take-ons (2.16).

He’s a player who beats his marker, and forces defenders onto the back foot, exactly the kind of spark Everton have missed in recent years.

Despite his youth, Dibling’s defensive contributions also impress.

The same data reveals he sits in the 88th percentile for tackles in the midfield third (0.86 per 90), and remarkably in the 98th percentile for the percentage of dribblers tackled (61.5%).

These numbers reflect both his work ethic and his intelligence out of possession – qualities Barkley also demonstrated in his early Everton days before adopting a more attacking role.

What further sets Dibling apart is his ability to draw fouls.

He ranked in the 92nd percentile for fouls won (2.49 per 90), and 98th for penalties won (0.10) – figures that suggest a player constantly testing defenders and breaking defensive lines with his movement and balance.

While comparisons with Barkley are flattering, Dibling is carving out a unique identity. His game is grounded in progression through movement, pressing from the front, and efficient chance creation.

He’s also statistically aligned with players like Omari Hutchinson (Ipswich), Iliman Ndiaye (Everton) and Stephy Mavididi (Leicester), all wide forwards with an eye for space, unpredictability, and technical strength in one-on-one situations.

In a squad currently lacking consistent creative output, and with much of the burden previously falling on Jack Harrison and Dwight McNeil, Dibling’s arrival would provide Moyes with a powerful new outlet.

The fact that he is English, grounded in Premier League football, and still years from his peak only strengthens his appeal.

Everton have made bold calls in the transfer market this summer. But if they can bring Dibling – valued at around £55m – to Goodison, it might just be the most exciting of them all.

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Everton are closing in on signing a new midfielder

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By
Ross Kilvington

Jul 29, 2025

The Red Devils may have work to do in Europe, but they have been full of goals during a faultless start to the new WSL season.

Manchester United made it back-to-back victories at the start of the 2025-26 Women's Super League season as they crushed the London City Lionesses 5-1 on Sunday.

Marc Skinner’s side put four past Leicester City on the opening weekend, and the Red Devils burst out of the blocks at the start of both halves in London, with the deadlock being broken inside three minutes as Jana Fernandez bundled through the back of Melvine Malard and Maya Le Tissier – making her 100th appearance for United – made no mistake when firing a nerveless penalty straight down the middle. Jayde Riviere then opened her goal account at club level in style when drilling a cross-shot high into the roof of the net from the tightest of angles with 33 minutes on the clock.

United added two more inside the opening five minutes of the second half, with in-form Malard bagging both. She looked fractionally offside for her first, but the flag stayed down before she drilled across the goalkeeper, while her fourth goal in two WSL appearances this term saw the France international nod home a pinpoint cross from Anna Sandberg. Former Red Devils star Nikita Parris pulled one back for the hosts in the 76th minute, but Jess Park had the final say when picking out the top corner from the edge of the box with time running out.

United enjoyed the best possible preparation for their must-win Champions League qualifier against Brann on Thursday. They trail that contest 1-0, but have been showing domestically that they have more than enough firepower at their disposal to reach the competition proper for the first time in the club’s history.

GOAL rates United's players from Hayes Lane…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Phallon Tullis-Joyce (7/10):

  Helped to keep United’s noses in front after breaking the deadlock, with one superb reaction save produced to deny Alanna Kennedy.

  Jayde Riviere (7/10):

  Did she mean it? Whether she was going for goal or not, the Canadian full-back enjoyed a moment to remember when opening her goal account at club level.

  Maya Le Tissier (7/10):

  Has become a United centurion on the appearance front and showcased all of her leadership skills when calmly converting the early penalty.

  Millie Turner (6/10):

  Despite keeping London City at arm’s length for long periods, United did look a little frail at the back when the game was close – especially when crosses were swung into the box. Stretchered off in the second half.

  Anna Sandberg (8/10):

  Given licence to get forward and came close to scoring from a 20-yard free-kick before surging to the byline and crossing for Malard’s second of the game.

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  Midfield

  Julia Zigiotti Olme (7/10):

  United were able to take control of the midfield engine room early on, which allowed them to ease their way to another convincing win.

  Hinata Miyazawa (7/10):

  Provided plenty of energy for the Red Devils, with her willingness to close opponents quickly making life difficult for London City.

  Ella Toone (7/10):

  Showed moments of class, with one chipped effort in the second-half almost dropping into the net, but was not required to be a match-winner.

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  Attack

  Celin Bizet (7/10):

  Happy to let Sandberg bomb past her down the flanks, providing cover when required while also ensuring that United did not let up as an attacking force.

  Jess Park (8/10):

  Slid a perfectly-weighted pass into Malard early in the second half, allowing United to take complete control of the contest, before scoring a late stunner herself.

  Melvine Malard (9/10):

  Won the early penalty before grabbing two goals shortly after half-time, with a couple of clinical finishes highlighting the confidence in her game at the moment.

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  Subs & Manager

  Dominique Janssen (6/10):

  Replaced Turner as United sought to tighten up at the back, but was unable to secure another shutout.

  Fridolina Rolfo (6/10):

  Helped to keep energy levels high after coming on for the lively Riviere, but was pulled out of position at times.

  Elisabeth Terland (6/10):

  Ensured that England hero Toone was able to take a timely rest as attention turns to European action.

  Lisa Naalsund (N/A):

  No time to make an impact.

  Gabby George (N/A):

  On for her first appearance of the season late on.

  Marc Skinner (8/10):

  Could not have wished for much more from his side, apart from a clean sheet, and will want to see lofty standards maintained on Thursday.