It was not the return to Premier League action that West Ham United fans were hoping for on Saturday afternoon.

However, while Graham Potter’s side were trounced 3-0 by Sunderland, there were at least a couple of positives to take from the game, like El Hadji Malick Diouf’s first competitive game for the club.

The Senegalese international certainly wasn’t spectacular against the Black Cats, but he was still one of the Hammers’ better players on the day and showed enough to suggest he could be a key player.

For example, he played two key passes, took one shot on target, was successful in 100% of his dribbles and even made three clearances.

So, fans should be excited about reports linking the club with an up-and-coming player who could be a perfect teammate for Diouf.

Minutes

97′

Touches

54

Expected Goals +Assists

0.23

Number of Sprints

10

Key Passes

2

Shots on Target

1

Dribbles (Successful)

1 (1)

Fouls Won

1

Clearances

3

West Ham target a dream teammate for Diouf

With just under two weeks to go until the transfer window slams shut, West Ham are still being linked with several players who could help keep them out of a relegation scrap this season.

Transfer Focus

One of those players touted for a move to the London Stadium has been AS Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini, who could be available for free and would bring an abundance of top-flight experience with him.

However, while the Italian international would be an excellent addition to the squad, it now looks like the Irons are closing in on another midfield ace, someone who’d be a perfect teammate for Diouf.

At least that is according to a recent report, which has claimed West Ham United are still very interested in Mateus Fernandes.

In fact, the report has revealed that the Hammers are now preparing an offer for the Southampton star, which, according to other stories this month, might have to be worth around £50m to get the South Coast side to sell.

However, while that is an enormous sum of money, Fernandes might just be worth it, especially as he could help get even more out of Diouf.

Why Fernandes would be perfect for Diouf

There are two primary ways that Fernandes could help get more out of Diouf this season, and the first is down to his offensive qualities.

For example, despite playing in a terrible Southampton team last season that was in real danger of taking Derby County’s most unwanted of records at one point, the Portuguese ace was still able to amass a pretty decent tally of three goals and six assists in 42 games.

What makes that more impressive is the fact that he was tasked with playing all over, from defensive to attacking midfield and even in wide midfield at points.

So, just imagine how much more effective he could be playing alongside considerably more talented players at the London Stadium – his output would shoot up.

At the same time, Diouf would now have a central midfielder to his right who is more than capable of progressing the ball and laying on chances for him, in turn boosting his own goal and assist tally.

However, the former Sporting CP star is also more than capable of doing the defensive work, which is the second reason he could help get more out of the former Slavia Prague star.

For example, FBref ranked the “exceptional” talent, as dubbed by Mattinson, in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for tackles in the defensive third, the top 2% for tackles plus interceptions and blocks, the top 4% for ball recoveries and more, all per 90.

With the Olhão-born monster able to do this in the middle of the park, Diouf may have more freedom to maraud forward and swing in a cross or take a shot on himself, thus bolstering the chance he gets himself an assist or goal.

Ultimately, Fernandes would be a great signing in his own right, but with the Senegalese international on the left, he could have an even more game-changing addition to this West Ham side.

West Ham lodge major enquiry for "magic" £21m maestro who's keen on PL move

The Hammers have made an approach to sign a versatile midfielder.

ByDominic Lund Aug 18, 2025

يواصل منتخب مصر الأول لكرة القدم استعداداته المكثّفة لمواجهة غينيا بيساو في الجولة الختامية من التصفيات الإفريقية المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026، حيث يقود المدير الفني حسام حسن التدريبات بجدية عالية على ملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي.

وكان المنتخب الوطني قد ضمن التأهل رسميًا إلى نهائيات المونديال بعد فوزه على جيبوتي بثلاثة أهداف دون رد في الجولة التاسعة، ليحسم صدارة مجموعته قبل جولة واحدة من النهاية.

وكشف مصدر مطلع لموقع بطولات أن الجهاز الفني للمنتخب يدرس إمكانية منح الفرصة للحارسين مصطفى شوبير ومحمد صبحي خلال لقاء غينيا بيساو، بحيث يشارك كل منهما في شوط واحد، مع الاتجاه إلى إراحة محمد الشناوي في هذه المواجهة.

طالع أيضًا | خاص | حسام حسن يُدرب لاعبي منتخب مصر على سلاح جديد قبل مواجهة غينيا بيساو

ويحتل منتخب مصر صدارة المجموعة برصيد 23 نقطة، متقدمًا بخمس نقاط عن بوركينا فاسو صاحبة المركز الثاني بـ 18 نقطة.

ويستضيف استاد القاهرة الدولي مساء الأحد المقبل المواجهة الأخيرة في مشوار التصفيات، والتي يسعى خلالها حسام حسن إلى إنهاء المشوار بالعلامة الكاملة وتأكيد جاهزية الفراعنة قبل انطلاق المونديال.

MatériaMais Notícias

A torcida do Vasco realizou um novo protesto próximo a São Januário, sede do clube. Desta vez, o alvo foi o CEO da SAF, Luiz Mello, que teve um enforcamento simulado pelos aficionados, com a utilização de uma foto do dirigente e uma camisa do Flamengo, além de uma placa com os dizeres “Luiz Mengo”.

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Luiz foi alvo de uma investigação interna após ser descoberta uma ligação sua com o programa de sócio-torcedor do Rubro-Negro ao assinar o termo de posse no Cruz-Maltino, em 2022. No documento, um dos pontos que impediria o mandatário de assumir o cargo é a existência de um “vínculo associativo com clube ou entidade de prática esportiva, exceto pelo acionista fundador”. Ao ser questionado sobre a relação, Mello se defendeu as acusações.

+ Veja a tabela do Brasileirão

– Minha relação com o futebol começou antes de eu ser um profissional deste mercado. É o que acontece com quase todo brasileiro. Me preparei durante toda a minha vida para trabalhar neste segmento e ser CEO do Vasco é a realização de um sonho. Independente de qualquer relação passada, hoje eu vivo, respiro, me doo e torço pelo Vasco da Gama com todas as minhas forças. Grandes treinadores do Vasco eram torcedores do Flamengo e do Fluminense. Grandes ídolos do clube tinham admiração por rivais e nem por isso deixaram de honrar a camisa vascaína. Qualquer movimento em uma direção diferente dessa também seria ir contra meu sonho – disse o dirigente.

Além do boneco, uma faixa foi pendurada na Avenida Brasil, logradouro próximo ao estádio vascaíno, com novas críticas direcionadas à 777 Partners, dona da SAF do Vasco. A placa continha os dizeres “Cadê o aporte? 17771 Partners”.

+ Torcida do Vasco esgota ingressos de arquibancada para partida contra o Goiás pelo Brasileirão

Apesar do clima ruim e de pressão, o Vasco entra em campo nesta quinta-feira (22), enfrentando o Goiás em São Januário. O jogo acontecerá às 20h (horário de Brasília) e será válido pela 11ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. Em caso de vitória, o Cruz-Maltino ultrapassará o Esmeraldino e ficará mais perto de deixar a zona do rebaixamento.

Harshit Rana and Ravindra Jadeja picked up three wickets each to restrict England to a very gettable 248

Vithushan Ehantharajah06-Feb-2025

Shreyas Iyer came out all guns blazing in India’s chase of 249•BCCI

It was both untidy and emphatic. India made light work of their 249 target, passing it with 68 deliveries to spare in Nagpur. That they only won this first ODI by four wickets was down to an unnecessarily messy finish. One that spoke more to their disorder at how simple this was than any rallying from England’s part. After a 4-1 hammering in the T20I series, Brendon McCullum’s first ODI as head coach ended in a similar shellacking.It was a mix of old and new that combined to give those in light blue a 1-0 lead in this three-match series. Ravindra Jadeja’s 3 for 26 was supplemented by Harshit Rana’s 3 for 53 on his maiden ODI appearance to roll England for 248 with 14 deliveries to spare. Jos Buttler’s 52 and Jacob Bethell’s 51 were the only scores of note after Phil Salt’s emphatic start of 43 from 26 had been wasted.With Virat Kohli ruled out with a right knee injury sustained on Wednesday evening, Shubman Gill stepped up to ice the chase with 87, helped initially by Shreyas Iyer’s 59 and Axar Patel’s outstanding 52, in stands of 94 and 108, respectively.The former came at a vital juncture, as Jofra Archer nicked off Yashasvi Jaiswal on ODI debut and Saqib Mahmood – in for the rested Mark Wood – had skipper Rohit Sharma caught at mid-on in the space of six deliveries. From 19 for 2, India did not look back.Iyer’s fifty off 30 deliveries set an emphatic tone, dealing with anything and everything short, pulling and then ramping Archer for consecutive sixes at the end of the seventh over. Four of his nine fours were carved off Brydon Carse, who opted for length deliveries more on the off side once it became apparent Iyer was relishing the chance to heave to leg.Axar’s introduction up the order proved a masterstroke, the left-hander playing with the kind of freedom that allowed Gill to calmly go about his business. Gill’s one alarm came when given out lbw on 38 to Liam Livingstone, but even that was corrected immediately as DRS showed a clear inside edge. The vice-captain’s 14th fifty was his first against England.The pair combined expertly in the 29th over against Carse, taking 17 from it with two boundaries each – the best of them a ramp from Axar over the keeper. It was then that this chase officially became a canter, with just 48 needed from the last 21 overs. Axar raised his bat for fifty for the first time on home soil, driving his 46th ball, from Carse, on the up and through the fielder at mid-off.Axar Patel and Shubman GIll put on 108 runs together•AFP/Getty ImagesThat he was not able to see things through – bowled by a slow leg spinner by Adil Rashid – was a disappointment to Gill at the non-striker’s end. On 81 at the time, with 28 remaining, thoughts then turned to the 25-year-old’s century, which seemed to bring about indecision, first with KL Rahul’s dismissal – a tame caught and bowled to Rashid – and then his own, as he failed to strike Mahmood over Buttler at mid on.Jadeja’s edge off Mahmood through wicketkeeper Salt for the winning runs characterised the anxiety brought on by that unnecessary cascade of three wickets for just four runs. But it also highlighted England’s shortcomings with the bat, brought about by their own three-wicket collapse at the top of the order in the space of eight deliveries.Salt had driven an opening stand of 75 with Ben Duckett, leaving India flapping in the field. The brutality of Salt’s acceleration after a watchful start was contained in Rana’s third over for 26 courtesy of three sixes – a top-edge, a slog sweep off a slower ball and a heave over midwicket to finish the over.But a miscommunication on a third run brought about his demise, the first domino to fall as 75 for 0 became 77 for 3. A cut to deep point was chased down by Iyer, who threw to the striker’s end to find Salt comfortably short of his ground, having been sent back by Duckett.Harshit Rana on ODI debut picked up three wickets•AFP/Getty ImagesBack came Rana with a bang, with two wickets in the following over. Duckett mistimed a pull shot that required a spectacular catch from Jaiswal, running back from midwicket before a well-judged dive. Harry Brook was then taken well down the leg side by Rahul, who had beaten Rishabh Pant to wicketkeeping duties, after a rising length delivery caught the bottom glove.Joe Root came to the middle for his first ODI innings since the 2023 World Cup, the ideal man for such a rebuild even given his absence from 50-over cricket. What optimism there was with Buttler at the other end did not last long, with Root falling lbw to Jadeja after 51 deliveries at the crease. It was the fourth time the left-arm spinner has dismissed him in the format.At that stage, England were 111 for 4 in the 20th over. Not too dissimilar to India’s 111 for 3 at the end of the 16th, when Bethell trapped Iyer plumb in front.Bethell’s stand with Buttler for the fifth wicket looked to be trending towards an emphatic rebuild akin to what Gill and Axar achieved. But the English duo’s partnership was capped at 59 when Buttler, nine deliveries after bringing up his 38th fifty-plus ODI score from 58 balls, clipped an Axar long-hop around the corner to Hardik Pandya at short fine leg.Unlike India’s middle order, England’s fell apart, even as Bethell held his nerve through to a second ODI fifty from 62 balls. His maturity and reading of the situation was a lesson to more experienced heads around him. Those lower down owed it to him to stick around, but the return of pace ended up seeing off Liam Livingstone (caught behind for Rana’s third) and Carse (bowled for Mohammed Shami’s first).Once Bethell was given out on review after Jadeja had struck his back pad on the sweep, only a few lusty strikes from Archer (21 not out) gave England what looked a respectable total at the halfway stage. India, though, showed it no respect whatsoever.

Roberto De Zerbi was delighted to banish Marseille's struggles on the road after they beat Strasbourg 2-1 away from home on Friday evening. The game seemed destined for a draw until Michael Murillo struck deep in stoppage time, giving Les Phocéens their first points on the road this season and ending a losing streak against Strasbourg that had lasted since 2022.

From Paris scalp to Strasbourg triumph

Marseille’s resurgence has been remarkable. Earlier this week, they stunned Paris Saint-Germain in Le Classique with a 1-0 victory, thanks to Nayef Aguerd’s fifth-minute strike, ending nearly 14 years of home league frustration against the Parisian giants. That win seemed like a flash in the pan, but the Strasbourg triumph lifted Marseille to the top of the Ligue 1 table, temporarily at least.

AdvertisementAFPDe Zerbi demands away day grit

De Zerbi was candid about his frustration with past away performances, saying at a press conference: "[The poor away form] was starting to annoy me. I was thinking about it in the stands. I don't want to be a team that's only good at the Velodrome. I want us to be good in Lyon, at the Parc des Princes, or in Strasbourg. Since the end of the transfer window and the arrival of [Benjamin] Pavard, Aguerd, and [Matt] O'Riley, there has been a surge in new signings. Since then, we've won three games in three, with only one goal conceded."

De Zerbi warns against complacency

Marseille were forced to come from behind to get the three points on Friday, with Strasbourg opening the scoring early in the second half, but a 78th minute Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang strike followed by a stoppage time winner from Amir Murillo wrapped up the points. The Italian tactician was glad to see them fight back, but stressed they must maintain their intensity.

"Marseille of August isn't far off," he warned his troops. "We can never relax. There's always something that can happen every day. We must always be attentive, humble, and down to earth. We can obviously be happy and celebrate the victory. We must never forget the match against Rennes, against Lyon, even the home match against Paris FC. We felt we were having trouble expressing ourselves. It was different against PSG."

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AFPEyes on Europe and the next league test

Marseille now have a tough schedule ahead. Next up, they host Ajax in the Champions League, a game that will test their mettle against Europe’s elite. After that, they travel to Metz for another Ligue 1 encounter on October 4.

All summer long, Tottenham Hotspur fans have been crying out for a new number ten to help
Thomas Frank in his quest for success during his spell in the role.

James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are the two players who shared the role in 2024/25, but the Dane will be without the duo until at least the start of 2026 through various injuries.

The hierarchy have attempted to fill such a void in the last few weeks, turning to Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze – but they ultimately missed out on both of the aforementioned talents.

However, their hunt has come to an end in recent days, landing the signature of Xavi Simons, with the Dutchman joining the Lilywhites in a £52m transfer from German side RB Leipzig.

With just a couple of days left in the window, the new boss still looks as though he wants added reinforcements this summer, subsequently targeting multiple other talents before Monday’s deadline.

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Premium Tottenham Hotspur Experiences Expand Collapse Spurs’ hunt for new signings after Simons

Savinho is a player who’s been on Spurs’ radar all throughout the current window, but their attempts to land the Manchester City star have so far been to no avail.

Despite their inability to land the Brazilian international, talks have once again been held for his services in recent days – leading to reports suggesting the player wants to move to North London.

However, he’s not the only Manchester-based player in their sights, with Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo also on their radar, according to TEAMtalk.

Their report claims that Frank’s side have made an approach to the Red Devils to discuss a potential deal for the 20-year-old midfielder, who rose through the academy at Old Trafford.

It also states the player himself would be keen on a temporary move to join the Lilywhites before the deadline, after he stated his desire to gain more game time away from Ruben Amorim’s side.

Why Mainoo is a bigger talent than Simons

The deal to land Simons this week has generated huge excitement amongst the Spurs fanbase – understandably so given his tally of 18 combined goals and assists in the Bundesliga last season.

£52m is an excellent price for the 22-year-old, having huge potential to develop into a world-class talent under Frank’s guidance – especially if he continues on his current trajectory.

Given the injury situation in such a position, it was vital that the manager and the board secure the signature of a new number ten – with Simons having the chance to demonstrate his quality in the Premier League this season.

However, the hierarchy can’t rest on their laurels, subsequently needing further additions to help Frank in his quest for success during his spell in North London.

A deal for Mainoo would provide added quality and talent in the midfield department – arguably being a bigger talent than the Dutchman when delving into his stats from 2024/25.

The 20-year-old, who’s been described by United writer Alex Turk as a future “£100m-plus footballer”, ranked in the 84th percentile of all players in the Premier League for tackle success rate (60%) whilst winning 1.6 tackles per 90.

Such numbers could provide a needed presence at the heart of the side for Frank – but his numbers in possession would also offer the boss a new dimension in tight areas.

Kobbie Mainoo’s stats for Man Utd in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

25

Minutes played

1656

Pass accuracy

87%

Passes into the final third

2.7

Tackles won

1.6

% of tackles won

60%

Take-ons completed

1.3

Carries into the opposition box

0.6

Interceptions made

1.1

Stats via FBref

The Englishman ranked in the 84th percentile for take-ons completed per 90 (1.3) also notching 0.6 carries into the opposition box per 90 – which places him in the top 19% of stars in England’s top-flight.

The youngster would be able to operate in a perfect box-to-box position for the Lilywhites – which could see him dictate the play and often provide Simons with chances in forward areas.

Despite his tender age, Mainoo has already racked up 50 appearances in the Premier League, having the potential to develop into a generational talent if given the game time under Frank.

Such a move would be an excellent coup for Spurs, adding further depth and quality to their midfield department – following in the footsteps of Simons and Joao Palhinha this summer.

If the pair can operate together in North London, there’s no reason why Frank can’t help the side battle for a spot in the Champions League once again come the end of the 2025/26 season.

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Related A Kudus repeat: "Incredible" £70m ace now wants to join Spurs after Simons

Tottenham Hotspur could now complete another deal after landing Xavi Simons earlier today.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Aug 29, 2025

The CEO, Salman Khan, had been charged with theft and fraud earlier this month by Calgary Police in relation to an earlier stint in cricket administration

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Mar-2025

Cricket Canada CEO Salman Khan, who was appointed in January this year, has dismissed as “completely false” the reports of his alleged arrest and subsequent release on bail on charges of theft and fraud.Khan, along with one other individual, had been charged earlier this month with theft and fraud by the Calgary Police in relation to his earlier role as president of the Calgary and District Cricket League between 2014 and 2016. It is understood that the case was initially a civil suit, but now criminal charges have been laid.Posting on the Facebook page of Alberta Cricket Association, Khan said: “I see many fake and self-created posts circulating around, and I want to set the record straight. First of all, these are all fake. I have never been arrested, detained, or on any bail. These claims are completely false, and those spreading these rumors will have to answer for it.”Here’s the truth: A police complaint was filed against me more than 7 years ago. A police investigator approached me and said he wanted to hear my side of the story and see the evidence I have to defend myself. He told me that if I didn’t provide my side, he would proceed with charges. I told him I would visit after Ramadan, but he didn’t want to wait and decided to post charges without even hearing my side or my evidence.”Khan said nothing had been proven against him in seven years, and he would keep fighting the case. “Let me make this clear: They have nothing to prove against me – in 7 years they were not able to prove anything in the civil case, and certainly not in any criminal case. I have over 21 transcripts, with the complainant even admitting that everything was false.”I am not worried at all. I’m ready to fight just like I’ve been doing for the past 8 years.”

Cooper Connolly has been called into Australia’s Champions Trophy squad after Matt Short was ruled out through injury as they prepare for what could be a trial by spin in their semi-final against India.Short picked up a quad injury against Afghanistan and would not have had time to recover for the knockout matches.Connolly, the 21-year-old left-hand batter and left-arm spinner, has been a traveling reserve with the squad so will be available immediately. He has played just three ODIs but could come straight into selection consideration given Australia have lost Short’s offspin.Related

• Favourites India enter Australia's territory in semi-final

• Australia seal semi-finals spot after rain spoils Head's party

• India to face Australia in Dubai semi-final; NZ to meet SA in Lahore semi-final

• Varun takes five as India top group and set up Australia showdown

If the selectors opt for a like-for-like switch of opening batters then Jake Fraser-McGurk is the spare batter while if they wanted another specialist spin bowler they could consider rejigging the balance of the attack and including Tanveer Sangha.Fraser-McGurk, who himself was a replacement for Mitchell Marsh, has struggled in his seven ODIs to date with 98 runs at 14.00, looking vulnerable when the new ball moves, but the selectors still see him as a player who can take on the powerplay.If Fraser-McGurk isn’t the route taken by the selectors it will require someone from the middle order moving up to the top to fill Short’s role, potentially the in-form Josh Inglis.Australia learnt their opponents for the semi-final will be India in Dubai on Tuesday when New Zealand were beaten in the final group game.Both Group B sides who qualified – Australia and South Africa – traveled to Dubai so that the team who faced India would have time to prepare. South Africa will now head straight back to Lahore for their semi-final against New Zealand.”We’ve obviously had a bit of a hectic schedule, playing a couple of games in Pakistan, back and forth in between cities, but I think with the nature of this tournament,” legspinner Adam Zampa said.In the selection frame: Cooper Connolly could feature against India•Getty Images

Zampa shapes as a pivotal figure for Australia in the semi-final at a ground that has aided the spinners. Against New Zealand, India used 37.3 overs of spin with Varun Chakravarthy taking 5 for 42 although there had also been some early assistance for the quicks as Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson troubled India’s top order.Australia were troubled by Sri Lanka’s spinners in their two ODIs in Colombo prior to the Champions Trophy.”It changes a little bit,” Zampa said of the conditions between Pakistan and Dubai. “Potentially slower lower wickets, so there might be an opportunity to create a few more chances, we’ll see.”Zampa added he felt there was room for improvement in his own bowling after returns of 2 for 64 against England and 2 for 48 against Afghanistan.”Personally, I don’t think I’m bowling quite at my best, but I like to think the beauty about me is when I’m not quite at my best and not feeling that great out there is my ability to still contribute and take those big wickets,” he said.”I’m obviously working on some stuff at the moment to hopefully get back to my best, but as I said, the ability to still do a job for the team and get those big wickets is still there, which to me is really important.”The last time Australia faced India in an ODI was the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup. If they win this time they will return to Lahore for the final otherwise it will be staged in Dubai.

Manchester United are now preparing a £130m double swoop for a “world-class” goalkeeper and a “generational” midfielder, according to a report.

Man Utd ramping up pursuit of new goalkeeper and midfielder

Ruben Amorim made it clear he was happy with his side’s performance in their opening Premier League match, despite suffering a 1-0 defeat at home against Arsenal, with the manager saying: “I am proud of the players. I said so many times that the players need to adapt. Intensity, the way they are sprinting. They fought for every duel. They were so brave playing one against one. They were really brave, and I am happy with that.”

However, the difference between the two sides was Riccardo Calafiori’s first-half goal, which came from a Declan Rice corner that Altay Bayindir dealt with poorly, according to both Roy Keane and Micah Richards.

With Andre Onana also suffering widespread criticism since his arrival at Old Trafford, it is little wonder that Amorim is now looking to bring in a new goalkeeper, alongside a midfielder, with Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba known to be well-liked.

However, the Red Devils have halted their pursuit of Baleba, and they have now moved on to an alternative target, according to a report from Spain, which suggests chiefs are prepared to spend big on a midfielder and goalkeeper.

The report states Man United are now willing to shell out a combined €150m (£130m) to get deals for Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton over the line.

The addition of Wharton would ideally provide Bruno Fernandes with more attacking freedom, while signing a new goalkeeper is deemed a top priority for Amorim, following Bayindir’s costly error against the Gunners on Sunday.

Wharton and Donnarumma could be statement signings for Man Utd

Despite being unable to pick up a positive result in the opener against Arsenal, there were some positive signs for Man United, with new signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha looking particularly lively.

However, United’s goalkeeper ultimately cost them once again, underlining how vital it is to bring in a replacement before the deadline, and Donnarumma could be a real upgrade, having been lauded as “world-class” by Carlo Ancelotti in the past.

The 26-year-old is proven at the top level, having featured 15 times for PSG en-route to their Champions League final triumph last season, and he should undoubtedly be United’s priority target.

Man Utd chiefs convinced they'll win race for "elite" number one stopper

The Red Devils are feeling more than optimistic…

1

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Aug 18, 2025

While Wharton is yet to play in Europe’s elite competition, the Englishman is Premier League proven, much like previous arrivals Mbeumo and Cunha, and he clearly has a lot of potential, having been lauded as a “generational talent” by members of the media.

Everton are in a drastically better position early into the new Premier League season compared to where they were when the 2024/25 campaign kicked off.

Sean Dyche’s Toffees would lose all three of their opening league clashes, conceding an alarming ten goals along the way.

While the defence hasn’t quite been staunch under David Moyes in the early stages of this season, the Toffees do have a promising two wins next to their name from the three contests this time around.

Four goals have been shipped, but an impressive five goals have also been put away with some confidence, as their new leading man in attack, Jack Grealish, attempts to show the Premier League what he’s all about, still, after a bruising Manchester City stay.

Grealish's red-hot start at Everton

Away from the excitement and fanfare that was generated after his Toffees announcement, there would have been some lingering worries in the air that the former Aston Villa midfielder could be a flop on Merseyside.

After all, his time at the Etihad has been topsy-turvy to say the least, culminating in the three-time Premier League winner collecting a mere seven goal contributions last season from his limited first-team chances.

However, there didn’t need to be so many concerns based on his lightning-quick start to life donning Everton blue, with Grealish already only three short of last season’s tally at City, as seen in him picking up a blistering four assists from just four clashes to date. His early season heroics have deservedly seen him nominated for the division’s August Player of the Month award.

The exciting 29-year-old playmaker will hope he can keep this red-hot form up over the course of the long, gruelling campaign, with Moyes and Co more than happy to shell out £50m – as is his price-tag at the end of the loan – to keep him around permanently if he does so.

Amazingly, however, there is another attacker who used to call Merseyside home who has an ever-increasing worth that even eclipses Grealish’s bumper valuation…

The ex-Toffee now worth more than Grealish

Everton have fallen victim many a time to selling players before they’ve reached their peak.

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Faces such as Ademola Lookman and Moise Kean immediately spring to mind, who have a combined tally of 107 goal contributions between them for their current employers, Atalanta and Fiorentina.

In Everton blue, they could only muster up a weak 12, in contrast. Thankfully for Anthony Gordon, while he never set the world alight regularly at this boyhood club, he did at least surpass this meagre amount before sealing a £45m switch to Newcastle United.

Dubbed a “delight to work with” by ex-Toffees boss Frank Lampard, Gordon would bow out from his time on Merseyside with a reasonable seven goals and eight assists from 78 clashes.

However, as much as Lampard would wax lyrical about working with him, the manner in which the Liverpool-born attacker left his boyhood club behind did leave a sour taste in the mouths of those on Merseyside.

Unbelievably, it was alleged that the now 12-time England international reportedly skipped training in the midst of the 2023/24 season – which saw the Toffees languish near the drop-zone – to push through a big January move.

Games played

108

Goals scored

22

Assists

23

Value when joining

£45m

Value now

£56m

Unfortunately for those back in Liverpool, Gordon would go on to be a rip-roaring success at St James’ Park, with a standout 45 goals and assists across 108 Magpies contests to date, even helping the Toon lift the EFL Cup last season.

Off the back of turning into even more of a “nightmare” for defenders to thwart – as he self-professed – Gordon has also seen his transfer value rise to £56m, via Transfermarkt, which is £6m more than man of the moment Grealish’s own price-tag.

In an ideal reality, Everton might well have kept the wantaway winger at his hometown club for longer.

But, with Grealish now in through the door, on top of Moyes also having the likes of Iliman Ndiaye at his disposal, his absence isn’t that sorely felt anymore, with a further hope that the captivating 29-year-old can stick it out permanently down the line to avoid any similar Gordon-style heartbreaks from occurring.

Everton sold "world-class" talent who's now playing like Grealish & Gordon

Everton could have used a player of Grealish and Gordon quality in their new-look team…

ByJoe Nuttall Sep 4, 2025