All posts by z3u9t.icu

On Friday afternoon, Jack Grealish was named the Premier League Player of the Month for August. It remains early days, but Grealish must be rather pleased with his decision to join Everton on loan this summer.

After just three matches of the campaign, two of which have been starts, Grealish has racked up four assists and added a degree of magic to an Everton side that is steeped in David Moyes’ typical industriousness.

Whether the 29-year-old stays on beyond his one-year stay at the Hill Dickinson Stadium remains to be seen, but the Blue fans have already subscribed to the idea, no doubt about it.

Grealish is Everton's hero

Everton suffered defeat in their opening game of the Premier League season, but have since claimed six points from six, and Grealish has provided the playmaking energy to achieve such success.

Don’t expect the attacking midfielder to provide prolific results each and every week, but his dribbling and presence and technical skill make him an incredibly exciting asset, with journalist Henry Winter praising him for “showing his talent and threat”.

The nature of Grealish’s creative role makes clear the fact that he will often take the plaudits. Add to that the embroidements of style and flair that the Three Lions man’s game has been defined by over the years of his career, and you have a player whose every movement will be tracked by a legion of riveted eyes.

However, Moyes and technical director Angus Kinnear have overseen a series of exciting signings this summer, and in Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Everton might have made an even more impressive signing.

How Dewsbury-Hall is outshining Grealish

Dewsbury-Hall left boyhood club Leicester City for Chelsea in 2024, having played an instrumental role in guiding the Foxes back into the Premier League.

The Athletic’s Rob Tanner praised the midfielder for “giving Leicester record-breaking creativity”, and indeed, that has been translated to Everton in spite of a disappointing, peripheral campaign at Chelsea.

Indeed, according to Stats platform Opta, Dewsbury-Hall has created eight chances in the top flight already this term, more than any other English player – Grealish included – and he’s also settled nicely into the more defensive part of Everton’s game in Moyes’ system, winning 60% of his duels thus far.

A complete midfielder, the Merseysiders might just have pulled off a major coup with this one, whose talents could indeed lead him to stand as a quietly more impressive signing than Grealish, even if a permanent option/potentiality is exercised toward the end of the 2025/26 season.

Dewsbury-Hall and Grealish have been praised already this term for their “incredible interplay” by writer Garrett Post, and the more central star’s fluency across the season might be the catalyst for a sustained resurgence on Grealish’s part.

After all, Dewsbury-Hall has made a lightning start to life in a new setting, with such impactful ball-playing qualities that feed into a frontline that was lacking impetus at many points last year.

Matches (starts)

3 (3)

Goals

1

Assists

1

Touches*

50.7

Pass completion

85%

Key passes*

2.7

Dribbles*

1.0

Ball recoveries*

3.0

Tackles*

1.0

Interceptions*

0.3

Duels (won)*

5.0 (60%)

Whether Moyes manages to maintain Dewsbury-Hall’s level at Everton across the campaign and beyond remains to be seen, but there’s no denying he has played at a ridiculous level across his opening few matches in a Toffees shirt.

Given his all-encompassing nature in midfield, Dewsbury-Hall might even prove to be the hallmark of a transformative summer transfer window, eclipsing even the flashy Grealish.

He's like Isak & Salah: Everton will rue selling "one of the best in Europe"

Two former Everton stars are now thriving in Italy.

ByWill Miller Sep 11, 2025

It’s been an odd summer for Chelsea this year, as, on the one hand, they made a whole host of exciting signings as they tend to do every year.

Yet, on the other hand, they came out of the window in profit from the astounding number of players sold and moved on.

However, even with the amount of money brought in, the Pensioners ultimately decided against signing Barcelona’s tremendously exciting Fermin Lopez.

Fortunately, the Enzo Maresca still has an abundance of talent in the squad, including one player worth millions more than the 22-year-old.

Chelsea's pursuit of Lopez

In part thanks to the Club World Cup, Chelsea actually completed the bulk of their most pressing transfers early on in the window this year.

Transfer Focus

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

For example, the likes of Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Dario Essugo all put pen to paper prior to the victory over Paris Saint-Germain, and then Jorrel Hato did the same in early August.

However, with money to spend and a desire to further improve the side, the Blues looked to make more signings late in the window, and while they secured Alejandro Garnacho and Facundo Buonanotte, it wasn’t to be for Lopez.

It wasn’t through lack of trying, though, at least to begin with, as numerous reports late on in the window made it quite clear that the club had been in contact with the player, with some even claiming they were keen for him to push for a move.

Yet, with some stating he could have cost as much as £78m, perhaps it was for the best that Chelsea ultimately opted against signing him, especially when they’ve already got a star in the squad worth millions more than him.

The Chelsea player worth millions more than Lopez

Thanks to Chelsea’s ability to spot talent and their willingness to go out and sign it, Maresca has an array of brilliant players in his squad.

Yet, when it comes to the most exciting star, the one who fans are desperate to watch, it’s impossible to look past Cole Palmer.

The England international has been a tour de force since his move to Stamford Bridge two years ago, and his valuation reflects that.

For example, the CIES Football Observatory value him at up to a staggering €153m, which works out to around £133m, or £55m more than Barça reportedly wanted for Lopez.

It’s an extraordinary amount of money, but it’s not hard to see why the 23-year-old is worth so much, as he has been unreal for the Blues.

In 98 appearances for the club, totalling 7950 minutes, the “world-class” superstar, as dubbed by Pat Nevin, scored 43 goals and provided 29 assists.

That means he’s averaged a goal involvement every 1.36 games, or every 110.41 minutes, which is utterly superb.

In contrast, the El Campillo-born prospect has scored 19 goals and provided 11 assists in 90 appearances, totalling 4013 minutes, for the Catalan giants.

Appearances

98

90

Minutes

7950′

4013′

Goals

43

19

Assists

29

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.73

0.33

Minutes per Goal Involvement

110.41′

133.76′

That translates to a reasonable, but notably worse, average of a goal involvement every three games, or every 133.76 minutes.

Ultimately, Lopez is a very exciting talent and could well develop into a superstar, but as things stand, Palmer is clearly the better player, and his valuation represents that.

Jamie Carragher has named the Chelsea summer signing he's "not a fan" of

The Sky Sports pundit is already skeptical about one of Enzo Maresca’s new additions.

ByDominic Lund Sep 2, 2025

Manchester City have enacted a sea change involving their squad this summer and Pep Guardiola could now be about to make a bold move for a Real Madrid ace.

Man City see plates spin in transfer market

The Citizens are known for their swift approach to negotiations and their speedy nature has led to the capture of Sverre Nypan from Rosenborg on a five-year deal.

Speaking after becoming Manchester City’s latest signing, the versatile 18-year-old stated: “I am incredibly happy and proud to have joined Manchester City. It’s a dream for any young footballer to become part of this club and to join such a group of world class talent.

“I am still very young with a lot to learn but the chance to be coached by Pep Guardiola, the best manager in the world, will only help me to become a better player.”

Nevertheless, legendary Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson could soon be set for Galatasaray after enduring a drop-off in performances last season and may potentially be joined by Ilkay Gundogan in the Turkish capital.

Acting to secure his replacement, contact has been made between the Citizens and Burnley over James Trafford, who could complete an unexpected return to the Eithad Stadium courtesy of a £40 million buyback clause included in his deal at Turf Moor.

Arsenal beat Man City and Liverpool to sign "highly-rated" forward after bid

Mikel Arteta is poised to win the race.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 17, 2025

Newcastle United had long been thought of as the natural next destination for the England Under-21 international, though Manchester City mean business this window, and it doesn’t appear that they are likely to care about feathers ruffled along the way.

Having said that, recent noises do back up the notion that Guardiola is keen on a first-choice goalkeeper, but it may not be Trafford between the sticks after all come the start of competitive action.

Man City set to offer £50m+ package to land Andriy Lunin

According to reports in Spain, Manchester City would be willing to offer £52 million inclusive of add-ons for Andriy Lunin as the Ukraine international continues to be behind Thibaut Courtois in the pecking order at Real Madrid.

The 26-year-old would be open to a move given his situation and desire to play a ‘leading’ role elsewhere, but his current employers see him as an important asset for the future and wouldn’t let him depart without a fight.

Andriy Lunin for Real Madrid in 2024/25 – La Liga (Fotmob)

Save percentage rate

65%

Goals conceded

7

Clean sheets

4

High claims

2

Pass accuracy

84.8%

Labelled a “complete goalkeeper” by RB Leipzig star Peter Gulacsi, Lunin made 14 appearances across all competitions last term for Real Madrid, keeping six clean sheets in the process.

Nevertheless, with Ederson now possibly on his way our, it may be time for a change of guard between the sticks at the Etihad Stadium and the Kharkiv-born man is emerging as a strong contender to become the Brazil international’s successor alongside links to Trafford.

Tottenham Hotspur are in the market for new wingers, amid the uncertainty surrounding Son Heung-min’s long-term future, and one of their targets has made a public admission about his future.

Tottenham convinced £100k-a-week star is keen to join Spurs after "noises"

Spurs have been getting encouragement behind-the-scenes.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 24, 2025

Son is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract, which was initially set to expire this year, with chairman Daniel Levy activating the club’s option to extend it by an additional season.

This call has allowed the Lilywhites to make some money back off their captain’s potential sale before deadline day on September 1, and reliable media sources have reported that this is a very realistic possibility (The Telegraph) – 10 years after Spurs sealed one of the bargains of the century with Son’s £22 million signing from Bayer Leverkusen.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Following Son’s 173 goals and 101 assists over the span of 454 appearances in all competitions, Levy could even make a £28 million profit off the 32-year-old’s exit as Levy demands a fee of around £50 million to let him go (Football Asian).

If Tottenham manage to sell Son for double his original fee, this, combined with his profound impact on the field, would surely make him one of the club’s best-ever signings.

Thomas Frank would certainly need a replacement, though, and it is widely reported that the club are actively seeking a new winger.

Man City’s Jack Grealish, Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo and West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus are among Spurs’ reported targets, but they’ll all command premium fees in terms of transfer cost and potential wages.

All the aforementioned names boast proven top-level experience, and they’re exactly the calibre of player which Tottenham requires ahead of a campaign where they’ll be competing in the Champions League.

However, depending on the funds available, another astute option could be Red Bull Salzburg sensation Nene Dorgeles.

Nene Dorgeles refuses to rule out joining Tottenham

The Mali winger is currently at this summer’s Club World Cup, and will soon face-off against Real Madrid in Salzburg’s final group game.

Dorgeles is in the midst of an impressive campaign at Salzburg – bagging 15 goals and nine assists in all competitions – with reports suggesting he’d cost up to £21 million.

Tottenham are targeting Dorgeles this summer and have him on their list of wide options, with PSG and Arsenal also contending for the 22-year-old. That is according to Africa Foot, who also spoke with the international forward about his future.

Dorgeles states that, while the focus is currently on Salzburg, he refuses to rule out leaving Salzburg amid interest from N17.

“I’m coming off an interesting season, and that’s bound to attract interest from other clubs,” said Dorgeles.

“But for now, I’m staying focused on competing with my club since I’m still under contract. So I’m letting my agents take care of my contract situation, but I’m not closing any doors.”

Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin seems like he might leave the club on a free transfer in the summer.

After a 239-game stint with the Toffees, he seems set to depart after failing to agree upon a new contract. West Ham United are seemingly ready to pounce, with Football Transfers reporting that they have made contact over a summer move.

With 57 Everton goals to his name in the Premier League, there is no doubt Calvert-Lewin made a real name for himself during his time at Goodison Park. However, he fell well short of Romelu Lukaku’s tally for the Toffees, and it feels like they are yet to find an attacker who can dazzle just as he did in Merseyside.

Well, that could all change this summer, if transfer rumours into the club are to be believed.

Everton’s exciting attacking target

The Toffees have certainly struggled to find an attacker who can get anywhere near the quality Lukaku brought to the club. This is not a slight on other players, but praise to their all-time top goalscorer in the Premier League.

Maybe Jack Grealish can be the man to fill Lukaku’s shoes from a quality point of view. A recent report from The Telegraph suggests Tottenham Hotspur ‘will not enter the race’ for the attacker, and Scudetto winners Napoli ‘will not match’ his wage demands, thus making the Toffees one of the favourites to sign him should they follow up on their recent interest.

On the 11th June, Football Insider broke the news that Grealish ‘favours a move to Everton’ over another rival club, Newcastle United.

However, wage demands would be an issue, and any move for the Manchester City attacker would ‘need to be a loan deal’ this summer, particularly as he has a £50m price tag.

Why Grealish would be a good signing for Everton

The 2024/25 season has obviously not been what Grealish might have hoped for at the Etihad Stadium.

He played just 32 games, scoring and assisting eight times, and failed to make City’s Club World Cup squad.

Yet, Grealish is an “inevitable” footballer, according to Statman Dave, and players like that always come good. His talent was on show for all to see as a City player in previous campaigns, including the famous treble-winning season of 2022/23, where he played 50 games and contributed to 16 goals, creating a whopping 94 chances across the season, as per Sofascore.

Chances created

2.4

94

Big chances created

0.4

16

Dribbles completed

1.9

74

Tackles and interceptions

1.3

50

Expected goal involvements

0.39xGI

14.93xGI

Goal involvements

0.4

16

On top of that, let’s not forget the impact the England international had at Villa Park, for his boyhood club, Aston Villa. He played 213 games for the West Midlands side, scoring 32 goals and grabbing 43 assists, numbers that promoted a remarkable £100m move.

His goal away to Manchester United, when he was still donning the Claret and Blue of the Villans, showed exactly what he can do. Arguably his best goal for the club, Grealish picked up a loose ball on the left-hand corner of the box, before cutting inside and bending an effort into the far corner.

Moments like that are strong evidence for how Grealish can become Everton’s best attacker since Lukaku. Not necessarily in the same vein of goalscoring form, of course. After all, the Belgian legend is their all-time Premier League top scorer, with 68 strikes, whereas Grealish’s game is more well-rounded.

He certainly has the ability to change a game, like the 32-year-old, who bagged 87 goals for the Toffees in 166 games. Described as “the complete striker” by former boss Roberto Martinez, he was often a catalyst to their success.

That is what Grealish can replicate in an Everton shirt. Like Lukaku, he has that maverick instinct, someone who can flip a game on its head and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. That has been on show countless times for City and Villa.

Although this might only be a temporary deal, signing Grealish would surely be a fantastic piece of business for the Merseyside club.

The excitement and dynamism he would bring could certainly replicate what Lukaku brought to the table. The 29-year-old could, without doubt, be their best attacker since the legendary Belgian.

Better than Thierno Barry: Everton considering bid for lethal £42m striker

Everton are looking to sign a striker or two this summer

ByRoss Kilvington Jun 17, 2025

Arsenal’s search for a new striker could still go on long into the summer transfer window, with sporting director Andrea Berta currently weighing up their best possible move.

Arsenal assessing Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres deals

As per a helpful update from the BBC, amidst some confusion over who Arsenal’s top striker target actually is, the Gunners are actively working to discover the conditions of deals for both Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting CP) and Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig).

£50m star could now reject Arsenal move and sign new deal after talks

He also snubbed an exit last summer.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 4, 2025

Both strikers, fresh off the back of career-best campaigns at their current clubs, have serious credentials.

Sesko, standing at a towering 6 foot 5, boasts a fairly modest goal-record of 21 in all competitions from last season. However, the 22-year-old’s potential for growth, not to mention outstanding physical attributes like his speed and power, make him a very intriguing option for Mikel Arteta.

The Spaniard is known to be a big fan of his, and Arsenal have tried to sign Sesko on multiple occasions since last summer, so they could still make it third-time-lucky this window.

Meanwhile, Gyokeres has just concluded a sublime Primeira Liga campaign, where he guided Sporting to their first domestic double in 20 years whilst scoring an incredible 54 goals in all competitions.

While Arsenal work to discover which deal would be best suited to the club, both centre-forwards are set to be “extremely expensive”, so it is vital that Arteta and Berta get this decision right.

That being said, there are suggestions that Arsenal do have other alternative targets in that position, so it isn’t exactly a straight two-horse race between Sesko and Gyokeres for the Gunners’ striker spot.

Arsenal internally discussing deal for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins

Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins – an England international and boyhood Arsenal supporter – was subject to a low-ball bid from north London in the January transfer window.

Arsenal made a £45 million offer for Watkins to test Unai Emery’s resolve, according to The Telegraph, which is nearly half of Villa’s £80 million valuation.

The north Londoners never went back in with a second offer, but a new report from The Athletic suggests that a fresh summer swoop for Watkins isn’t completely off the table, despite work going into Sesko and Gyokeres right now.

It is believed Arsenal are still internally discussing Watkins as a striker target, and while they face a major obstacle in the form of Villa, they may not run into much trouble when it comes to convincing the player himself.

Back in 2020, Watkins admitted that he dreams of a move to Arsenal one day, and now that he’s 29-years-old, time is running out to make that fantasy a reality.

“That’s the dream, to play for Arsenal one day,” Watkins said.

“But, you know, it’s a long shot.”

The former Brentford star helped to fire Villa to a Europa League spot with 17 goals and 14 assists in all competitions last season.

His Premier League pedigree and experience at the top-level is something which should be carefully considered by Berta, with the only sticking points being his age and potential price tag.

With Champions League qualification secured, Newcastle United are now reportedly readying a double swoop worth over £100m to sign two impressive additions this summer.

Newcastle seal Champions League qualification

It wasn’t done the easy way, but Newcastle secured their place in next season’s Champions League on the final day of the season despite losing against Everton. In the end, it was Manchester United’s 2-0 victory over Aston Villa which helped the Magpies avoid the worst-case scenario. Eddie Howe won’t care how his side did it, however. All he will be thinking about is the chance to step into the dugout among Europe’s elite for the second time in three seasons.

Having more than played his part as club captain this season, Bruno Guimaraes expressed his delight after earning a place back in the Champions League on the final day. The Brazilian told reporters: “Feel very well, feel unbelievable. I think for me, it has been an unbelievable year. First year as a captain, played 38 of 38 games in the Premier League. I’m very, very happy.

“Winning a trophy for this club. What a season. I will always remember this one. I’m very, very happy and proud of our team, of myself, of these fans. Next season, we go back again. We never stop. We’ve won a cup, but we want more.”

After struggling to maintain their form last season, the current campaign couldn’t have gone much better for those at St James’ Park. As Guimaraes reiterated, however, they’ll be keen to ensure that this is just the start.

The next Trippier: Newcastle express interest in "stupidly good" £29m star

Newcastle are looking to add to their depth at right-back

ByJoe Nuttall May 28, 2025

What that success has done too, is hand PIF the chance to spend big again at long last. With their PSR problems eased, Newcastle could finally hand Howe the reinforcements that he’s been needing, including the addition of two excellent Premier League stars.

Newcastle readying double Mbeumo and Guehi swoop

According to The Telegraph, Newcastle are now readying a double move to sign Bryan Mbuemo and Marc Guehi from Brentford and Crystal Palace. Both deals would make significant statements of the Magpies’ intent and both would cost hefty fees.

Mbeumo will reportedly cost in the region of £50m-60m, whilst Guehi has been valued at as much as £65m by Crystal Palace ahead of the summer transfer window, although the Magpies hope a compromise can be reached with the Eagles for their long-term target.

With PSR problems eased, however, spending may not be an issue for PIF, who could show off their financial power for the first time since initially arriving at St James’ Park.

Signing Guehi would particularly be a long time coming, given that Newcastle were heavily linked with the defender’s signature last summer. His arrival would also allow Howe to move Dan Burn back to left-back and form an impressive partnership between Sven Botman and his potential new arrival.

Meanwhile, Mbeumo needs little introduction these days after scoring 20 goals in all competitions for Brentford and keeping up with the talented Alexander Isak throughout the campaign.

Starts

38

34

Goals

20

23

Assists

7

6

Expected Goals

12.3

20.3

It’s clear that the Brentford star would instantly take Newcastle’s frontline to another level just as Guehi would hand the Magpies the defensive boost that they’ve been searching for since last summer.

Aston Villa have received a boost in their pursuit of a summer target, with it being revealed he is now planning to ignore Barcelona in favour of a move to the Premier League, according to a report.

Villa file complaint after referee blunder

With Newcastle United suffering a surprise 1-0 defeat at home to Everton, a point against Manchester United would’ve been enough for Villa to secure Champions League qualification for the second season on the spin, but they ultimately fell to a 2-0 loss.

Morgan Rogers thought he had opened the scoring for the Villans, but referee Thomas Bramall blew the whistle for an alleged foul on Altay Bayindir, with VAR unable to intervene as play was stopped before the ball hit the net.

As such, an official complaint has been made to the PGMOL, but Unai Emery’s side will ultimately have to settle for Europa League football next season, rather than the much more prestigious and lucrative Champions League.

Villa’s omission from Europe’s elite competition could also impact the business they are able to do this summer, but a new update has suggested they could still be well-positioned to sign a goalkeeper.

According to a report from Spain, Espanyol’s Joan Garcia is on Aston Villa’s radar for a summer transfer swoop, and the 24-year-old is now planning to turn down a move to Barcelona, amid concerns he would not be the first-choice option.

As such, a move to the Premier League is believed to appeal to Garcia, with Villa, Newcastle United and Arsenal all waiting in the wings, and Espanyol are aware it will be difficult to keep hold of the goalkeeper if they receive a big offer from England.

A deal could be relatively cheap, however, with the rumoured asking price of £25m believed to be appealing to all the interested parties.

Garcia could be "elite" Martinez heir

Unfortunately, it appears as though Emiliano Martinez’s time at Villa Park could be over, with the Argentine appearing to say a tearful farewell after his side’s final home game of the campaign.

As such, Emery will be tasked with bringing in a replacement this summer, and the Espanyol shot-stopper could be a fantastic option, having been lauded as “elite” by scout Ben Mattinson during the 2024-25 campaign.

Aston Villa could sign their new version of Grealish for £65m this summer

Aston Villa have been linked with a Premier League sensation

ByRoss Kilvington May 26, 2025

Not only that, but the 24-year-old ranks in the 86th percentile for his save percentage, and the 91st percentile for his crosses stopped percentage per 90 over the past year, so it is promising news that he could reject Barcelona in favour of a Premier League move.

One of the biggest clubs in the Premier League wants to sign an Everton star this summer, according to an update from former scout Mick Brown.

Everton battling to keep hold of key men

While much focus is on the players the Blues could sign in the summer transfer window, there are certain key figures whose services must be retained ahead of next season.

Jarrad Branthwaite is one such example, with the England international likely to be the subject of plenty of interest from some big clubs, as he continues to impress in an Everton shirt. Manchester United are thought to be in the mix to sign him, for example.

There are also others who may simply move on with their deals up at the end of the season. Abdoulaye Doucoure has been linked with a summer exit after an impressive spell with the Blues, not least scoring that all-important goal against Bournemouth back in 2023.

The same applies to Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who hasn’t always found playing time easy to come by this season, starting only 19 times in the Premier League. He is also out of contract at the end of the season.

Everton star Branthwaite wanted by Chelsea

Speaking to Football Insider, Brown claimed that Chelsea are interested in completing the signing of Everton centre-back Branthwaite this summer:

“There’s no doubt the manager wants to improve his defensive options. I’m told they’ve been looking at Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton. He would be a solid option for them, but I don’t think they’re completely convinced. If you’re looking at Branthwaite, how much better is he than what they’ve already got at Chelsea? Then, you have to consider that it would take big money to bring him in because Everton aren’t going to let him go easily.

“So if they’re spending that type of money, they want a player who would be a really significant upgrade on the likes of Colwill, and they’re not convinced he is. It’s something they’ll consider and then they’ll be the ones to make that decision. But as things stand I think they’re more likely to look elsewhere.”

The £35,000-a-week Branthwaite is arguably Everton’s most prized asset currently, so they must do all they can to retain his services.

The 22-year-old has once again been a rock at the heart of his side’s defence in 2024/25, making 30 appearances in the Premier League, averaging a whopping 6.3 clearances per game.

Appearances

30

Starts

28

Minutes played

2510

Clearances per game

6.3

Aerial duel wins per game

2.1

Tackles per game

1.2

Interceptions per game

0.9

Goals

0

Assists

1

Branthwaite has received so much adoration in recent years after his rapid rise at Everton, with Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher heaping praise on him, saying:

“Branthwaite has been outstanding. I think this lad is pretty special. He’s a big part of why Everton in my eyes have a good chance of staying up, him and his partnership with [James] Tarkowski.”

Moyes has unearthed Everton's new Wayne Rooney in £15m star

Everton found their new superstar on an emotional day at Goodison Park.

ByAngus Sinclair May 20, 2025

Everton should only entertain the idea of allowing Branthwaite to leave if a monstrous offer arrives from Chelsea or elsewhere – ideally, though, he will be with the Blues for many years to come, becoming a legend over time.

Enzo Maresca is not short of options at centre-back for Chelsea. The Blues boss has several options when everyone is fully fit, not including Axel Disasi, who is currently on loan at Aston Villa. Youngster Josh Acheampong is also an option at centre-back, as is Wesley Fofana, although he is out injured.

Trevoh Chalobah was recalled to the club in January after spending the first half of the season on loan at Crystal Palace, and he has had a big role to play since returning, having started the last six Premier League games.

Levi Colwill – who has started 32 top-flight games in 2024/25 – has also been a key player, with the likes of Benoit Badiashile and Tosin being options, too.

However, the Blues seem like they will bolster their defensive depth in the summer and bring in a new recruit for Maresca.

Chelsea’s defensive target

If there is one defender who is widely wanted across Europe this summer, it is Feyenoord and Slovakia international David Hancko. The 27-year-old came close to leaving the club last summer, but seems destined to depart in 2025.

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 a report from Dutch news outlet Voetbal International, Chelsea are one of the sides ready to make an offer to sign him this summer. The report suggests the Blues ‘want to work on the arrival of the defender’ before someone else snatches him up.

They will face stiff competition, however, with West Ham United the other Premier League side said to be interested in striking a summer deal.

Outside of England, Atletico Madrid and Al Nassr are also strongly linked. In March, a report from TEAMTalk suggested the defender could leave Feyenoord for a fee in the region of £42m.

Why Hacko would be a good signing

It has been an impressive season for Hancko, in a Feyenoord side who have had a good time of things from a defensive standpoint in the Eredivisie. As per Sofascore, they have conceded the second-fewest number of goals, letting in 33. They have also kept nine clean sheets, bettered by just three sides.

Slovak international Hancko has played a big part in that, too. He has played 44 times across all competitions, with 29 of those games coming in the Dutch top flight. He has featured in all of those aforementioned nine clean sheets.

The 27-year-old has also chipped in with goals and assists this term, too. He has scored and assisted four each across all competitions, with one of those goals coming in that famous 3-3 draw away to Manchester City, when his side came from three goals down in the Champions League.

Described as a “freak technician” by football analyst Ben Mattinson, Hancko’s ability on the ball is a standout feature of his game. He can play at both left-back and left centre-back, showing excellent versatility.

In fact, that is like another Chelsea target, Jorrel Hato, who also plays in the Eredivisie for Ajax. According to a recent report from Sky Sports, the West Londoners are ‘seriously considering making a move’ for the 19-year-old.

The Ajax academy graduate has been crucial for the Dutch giants this term. He has featured 47 times in that famous shirt, scoring three goals and assisting six. Just like Hancko, he can play at centre-back or at left-back.

Well, the pair can be compared via FBref, to gain a better understanding of their underlying numbers. Their defensive number are very close, with Hancko averaging 2.17 tackles and interceptions and 4.34 ball recoveries each game. Comparatively, Hato averages 2.88 tackles and interceptions and 4.4 ball recoveries per 90 minutes.

Passes into final third

7.55

3.88

Progressive passes

7.34

4.38

Progressive carries

2

1.46

Tackles and interceptions

2.17

2.88

Ball recoveries

4.34

4.4

Signing Hancko seems like an excellent option for the Blues. He is progressive on the ball, as the stats show, and can play in a couple of positions, which adds to Maresca’s options at the back.

£42m is a fairly sizeable amount of money, but he would certainly increase the technical floor of the squad and become another quality option.

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