He could finally replace Onana: Everton lead the race for £10m "machine"

Everton have improved since David Moyes replaced Sean Dyche at the helm, but recent results have underscored the need for new attacking quality.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is expected to leave as a free agent at the end of the season, while Jack Harrison, Jesper Lindstrom and Armando Broja’s loan deals all conclude in two months.

However, while The Friedkin Group are going to sign forwards of various shapes and sizes, Moyes is also keen to strengthen his midfield, already focusing on a specific profile.

David Moyes

The target in question has plied under the Scotsman’s leadership for several years, and could prove an astute piece of business.

Everton transfer news

Despite the transfer window not yet open for business, the Toffees have already started putting plans into motion with the likes of Monaco’s striking sensation, Mika Biereth, linked with a move to Goodison Park.

Also on their radar is Liverpool’s Ben Doak, yet on this occasion, it looks as though Moyes is targeting experience.

Transfer Focus

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

Indeed, as per Football Insider, Moyes is targeting a reunion with West Ham United’s Tomas Soucek, having fielded the 30-year-old 207 times during his time at the Irons helm, more than any other player.

Tomas Soucek scores for West Ham

Though newly-promoted Leeds United are also chasing a deal for Soucek, who is valued at £10m, it’s understood that Everton have the lead in the race given the Czech international’s relationship with Moyes.

Why Tomas Soucek would be perfect for Everton

Soucek has been at West Ham for half a decade, signing on an initial loan from Slavia Prague in January 2020 before completing a £19m deal that summer.

West Ham's Tomas Soucek

The 6 foot 3 ace would bring physicality to the Everton midfield and might prove to be the perfect replacement for Amadou Onana, who was sold to Aston Villa for £50m last summer.

Described as a “midfield powerhouse” by journalist Antonio Mango, Onana’s presence has been missed on Merseyside, but Soucek could bring his own take on the role next year, working hard in the duel while making darting runs into the danger area to complement the frontline.

Matches (starts)

31 (26)

22 (17)

Goals

8

3

Assists

1

0

Touches*

37.6

40.2

Pass completion

75%

89%

Key passes*

0.5

0.3

Dribble success

55%

79%

Ball recoveries*

1.7

2.9

Tackles + interceptions*

1.9

3.2

Duels (won)*

5.2 (54%)

4.8 (60%)

As you can see, Onana might be more rounded than Soucek, but the latter man has a killer instinct in the final third, which scant few Toffees players have showcased with regularity this year.

West Ham have only created 50 big chances in the Premier League this season, with just the relegated trio making fewer. This actually shines a positive light on Soucek, whose skill at finding space and striking true has seen him score eight times.

It’s no surprise he’s been called a “machine” by former West Ham correspondent Tom Clark, adding intensity and initiative to his fold.

In fact, the £90k-per-week talent ranks among the top 2% of central midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for non-penalty goals scored and the top 1% for aerial duels won per 90, as per FBref, further illustrating his combativeness and indeed goalscoring strength.

Everton fans have tasted first-hand the midfielder’s goalscoring ability and must now forge ahead to make a shrewd signing which might just pay dividends, adding an Onana-esque presence at Bramley Moore.

Soucek may not be the fluid ball player that Graham Potter wants at the heart of his West Ham system, but Moyes enforces a different type of brand, one which the veteran midfielder would dovetail right into if Everton make their move in the coming months.

He was worse than Harrison: 5/10 Everton dud proved that TFG need to spend

Everton have lost back-to-back matches in the Premier League.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 28, 2025

Biggest wonderkid since Rice: West Ham struck gold on "electric" starlet

Graham Potter will be looking forward to the 2025/26 season, where he will be able to put his own spin on this West Ham United squad. However, Julen Lopetegui took charge in the summer, having his say on quite a big spend ahead of the current Premier League season.

The Hammers spent €144.40m (£123.7m) in the 2024/25 summer transfer window, bringing eight new players to the club on a permanent basis, whilst also making two loan signings. This comes after significant spending in the 2023/24 season too, with an outlay of €144.56m (£124m).

Maximilian Kilman

£40.7m

Crysencio Summerville

£25.1m

Niclas Füllkrug

£23.1m

Luis Guilherme

£19.7m

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

£15m

Guido Rodriguez

£0

Wes Foderingham

£0

Mohamadou Kante

?

The reason West Ham were able to spend important funds for two years straight was much down to their record sale, Declan Rice, joining Arsenal in the 2023/24 summer window for a fee of around £105m.

Declan Rice going from strength to strength

Rice made his breakthrough at West Ham, signing his first senior contract with the club in 2015, receiving his first senior call-up in 2017 and making his Premier League debut from the bench in the 2016/17 season against Burnley during a 2-1 win.

The England international made 245 appearances for the Hammers, scoring 15 goals, providing 13 assists and totalling 20,580 minutes played. Rice went on to become the club captain, leading his side to UEFA Conference League glory in the 2022/23 season, securing his legend status at the club.

But the 26-year-old has taken it to another level in recent weeks, being awarded back-to-back man of the match awards against Real Madrid in the Champions League, scoring two unbelievable free-kicks and helping Arsenal to secure their spot in the semi-final of the competition.

kaelan-caesey-declan-rice-west-ham-opinion-premier-league

West Ham fans will be dreaming of the next wonderkid to come through at the club, having seen the success that Rice enjoyed with them. Whilst he isn’t through their own academy, they could well have their next wonderkid already on the books.

West Ham's next wonderkid

West Ham made a significant investment during the 2024/25 summer window, spending £25.5m on a 18-year-old Brazilian from Palmeiras, with Luis Guilherme becoming Lopetegui’s first signing at the club.

However, the youngster has struggled for involvement in England this year, being given minimal chances to prove himself.

Goals + Assists

0.00

0.44

0.00

xG

0.11

0.20

0.07

xAG

0.19

0.50

0.07

Progressive Carries

5.47

6.00

2.14

Progressive Passes

4.53

4.00

2.14

Shots Total

2.11

2.22

1.43

Key Passes

1.88

5.00

2.14

Passes into Pen Area

2.34

2.00

2.14

Successful Take-Ons

3.44

3.50

2.86

When comparing Guilherme’s underlying metrics from his breakthrough season at Palmeiras, just 16-years-old, with his second season in Brazil and his first season at West Ham so far, you can see his numbers have slightly regressed, which could be attributed to fewer minutes and a tougher league.

Marcos Watts from Transfermarkt stated Guilherme would become a “top player” if he continued to develop along the same path. Whilst this seems to have stunted slightly at West Ham this season, only managing 118 minutes in his 11 appearances so far, the talent is still clearly there.

Luis Guilherme for West Ham.

West Ham have some extremely talented wide players and attacking midfielders currently ahead of the “electric” Brazilian – as described by analyst Ben Mattinson – in the pecking order, but if he continues to work hard, there is no reason Guilherme can’t break through and start earning his minutes, going on to reach his true potential at the club.

It may not be long before he proves himself to be the Hammers’ next young sensation after Rice.

Their best CF since Tevez: Potter asks West Ham to sign "mind-blowing" star

West Ham could sign their best CF since Tevez as a Fullkrug upgrade this summer

1 ByConnor Holden Apr 16, 2025

Julian Alvarez is now urging Atletico Madrid to sign £69m Chelsea star

Atlético Madrid star Julian Alvarez is very keen for Diego Simeone to bring in one Chelsea star this summer, and has privately urged his club to do so, according to reports this week.

Enzo Maresca attracting criticism at Chelsea

Having led the club to just five wins from their last 16 Premier League games, it’s been a tough time for manager Enzo Maresca as of late, and this run of form has attracted criticism.

Chelsea now prepared to make "hefty" £68m offer for Malo Gusto alternative

The Frenchman has attracted criticism.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 17, 2025

While Maresca is believed to retain the backing of Chelsea’s board for now (The Mail), sections of supporters are starting to question the Italian’s leadership, with boos ringing around Stamford Bridge after their 2-1 defeat to Polish minnows Legia Warsaw in the Europa Conference League on Thursday.

Chelsea are in the Conference League semi-finals regardless, and remain firmly in contention to qualify for next season’s Champions League, but the manner of their recent performances are drawing some concern.

Speaking in a post-match press conference after their loss to Legia on Thursday, Maresca suggested he is fully aware of the dissatisfaction right now.

“No, for sure in terms of setback, for sure it’s a setback tonight for us, no doubt, first of all because we lost the game,” said Maresca.

Fulham (away)

April 20th

Everton (home)

April 26th

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Newcastle (away)

May 10th

Man United (home)

May 18th

“But I said yesterday, I think probably the other clubs, as you said, in this moment they can feel more confidence around them, not only Aston Villa, Newcastle, all the clubs around us, but this is football and can change very quickly, so it depends a lot on us. As I said, Sunday for us is one of the finals, and winning that game can give us a final boost to reach our target.

“So in this moment, you win games, you see yourself and you are very happy. If you don’t win, no-one is thinking that you can finish in the right way, but for me it’s just how we manage the emotion.”

Despite an electric start to the campaign, when many viewed Chelsea as potential title contenders, Maresca’s side remain very much a work in progress.

They’ll need their star players to step up and take a leading role during this transition phase, but one of them already is.

Julian Alvarez urges Atlético Madrid to sign Enzo Fernández from Chelsea

Club-record signing Enzo Fernandez is well and truly justifying his price tag right now, becoming an indisputable member of Maresca’s team with some outstanding performances throughout 2024/2025.

Maresca has entrusted the captain’s armband to him this term, with former Chelsea midfielder John Obi-Mikel praising Fernandez and stating he’s “becoming” a true leader at Cobham.

Some members of the media have even called the Argentine’s contribution “underrated”, but his quality isn’t lost on international teammate Alvarez, who is desperate for Atlético to strike a deal for the midfielder this summer.

That is according to reports out of Spain, which state that Alvarez has privately urged Atlético to sign Fernandez from Chelsea, amid claims the west Londoners will demand a minimum of £69 million to let him go.

However, it is believed that even this figure is beyond Atletico’s capabilities right now, so a transfer is unlikely, even if Maresca’s side entertained the notion of parting company.

After a tough start to life in west London, the player has now fully found his feet, with Fernandez even attracting praise from Lionel Messi during his time at Chelsea.

Fabrizio Romano: Man Utd keen on "super" striker with £30m release clause

Manchester United are keen on signing a “super” striker, who is now likely to be available for just £30m this summer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Man Utd stepping up striker pursuit after derby stalemate

Man United’s attacking issues were glaring during the 0-0 draw in the Manchester derby, failing to create a big chance in the entire match, which indicates Ruben Amorim may have to bring in a playmaker during the summer transfer window.

However, striker has also been a problem position for far too long, and United are now stepping up their pursuit of some top forwards from across Europe, with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen reportedly being identified as their number one target.

However, there have been conflicting reports about which striker the Red Devils are most interested in signing, with Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap also thought to be one of the main options for the summer transfer window.

Man United's striker targets…

Player

Current club

Potential cost

Victor Osimhen

Napoli

£62.1m

Matheus Cunha

Wolverhampton Wanderers

£62m

Viktor Gyokeres

Sporting CP

£64m

Lorenzo Lucca

Udinese

£25m

Liam Delap

Ipswich Town

£30m

Previously, Delap had been valued at around £40m, with a number of Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, also expressing an interest in the English forward, but there has now been a suggestion he could be available for even less.

That is according to an update from Romano on X, with the transfer expert stating the striker’s release clause will drop to just £30m in the event of relegation, which is looking increasingly likely, with Ipswich now 12 points from safety.

United are said to remain “keen” on the striker, alongside Chelsea, with Man City set to receive 20% of the proceeds from any transfer.

£65m price drop: Man Utd and Amorim increasingly keen on "special" forward

The Red Devils are set to battle it out for a winger, whose price tag may have dropped considerably.

1 ByDominic Lund Apr 9, 2025 "Super" Delap could be exactly what Man Utd need

United took a risk bringing in Hojlund for £72m, given that the young Dane had no experience in the Premier League, and it would be fair to say the move hasn’t worked out thus far, having scored just 24 goals in 84 games.

Delap, on the other hand, has proven himself in the Premier League this season, scoring 12 goals in 30 games, which is a very impressive return, given that his side are near certain to be relegated to the Championship.

Pundit Danny Murphy has also spoken very highly of the Ipswich star, saying: “I just don’t see a weakness for him. He has scored enough goals in a struggling side really, but if he gets a lot of chances he will score more. He has just got that lovely balance between physical and technical [ability] and rarely do you get both. He is a super talent.”

A fee of just £30m for the 22-year-old could be an absolute steal, and Man United should look to capitalise on Ipswich’s relegation by securing a bargain move for the forward.

Xabi Alonso rates him: Liverpool set to table bid to sign £52m "monster"

Liverpool are in the market for new signings and could now be set to target a midfielder who has been highly praised by former Reds icon Xabi Alonso.

Liverpool seek further reinforcements in January

Undoubtedly, the Reds are struggling to replicate anything like their Premier League exploits of last season and Arne Slot is under pressure as Liverpool look to get their current campaign back on track.

While Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique and others continue to be floated as potential replacements for the Dutchman, Didi Hamann told Sky Germany that he believes the former Feyenoord manager has work to do in order to get his dressing room back to their usual levels of cohesion.

He said: “I believe Arne Slot has lost control of the team. It’s falling apart, everyone is doing what they want, like Salah before PSV’s second goal.

“Liverpool will have major problems finishing in the Premier League top four. I don’t believe these problems can be solved quickly or easily. The situation is so complex that the club will certainly be discussing the manager’s position.”

Whether Hamann’s comments have an element of truth to them or not, January offers a much-needed lifeline in terms of recruiting talent and Liverpool are expected to be active on that front.

Liverpool in move for £100m Salah upgrade who "can reach Mane's level"

Liverpool are starting to prepare for Mo Salah’s departure from Anfield.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 30, 2025

Addressing the forward areas, Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy could be on his way to Anfield for £44m amid his release clause becoming active in 2026.

Celtic youngster Jikiemi is also on Liverpool’s radar, albeit at 15 years of age, he is someone who will be regarded as a talent for the future at the AXA Training Centre.

Still, the first-team remains a central priority for FSG, and the Reds could now be about to bring one of the world’s most talented midfielders to Merseyside.

Liverpool ready to bid for Eduardo Camavinga

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are preparing a ‘serious’ move for Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga.

Liverpool’s admiration for the player is so big that they are actually expected to launch a bid to secure the player’s services. An offer in the region of £52.5m could be enough to secure the France international’s signature.

Described as a “duel-monster” by analyst Raj Chohan, Manchester United and Chelsea are also monitoring his situation, which won’t come as a surprise as his versatility for Loc Blancos has seen the 23-year-old operate as a central midfielder, defensive midfielder, or even on the left flank at times.

Arsenal and Bayern Munich are also tracking his progress. However, Real Madrid aren’t actively looking to sell the player at this moment in time, despite conversations taking place about his long-term role as Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde compete with the Frenchman for their spots in the engine room.

Labelled someone with “enormous potential” by Xabi Alonso, he has thrived under the Spaniard and could now be set for a new challenge as admiration for his talent grows.

Liverpool have found it difficult to get to grips with sides in the top flight this season, but Camavinga would likely take them on to a new level if he were to move to English shores.

Liverpool have held talks ‘this week’ to seal a Van Dijk-like signing

Liverpool are waiting for this nightmare to end, rediscovering the form of last season under Arne Slot’s wing that led to the Premier League title and a summer of sweeping changes.

The signings made this summer were completed after meticulous research, but, nonetheless, the Reds have been dismal this year, lacking identity and inspiration. Even in victory have Liverpool given their opponents plenty of optimism.

It’s worth noting that Liverpool were far better defensively than has so often been the case this term, but this has done little to calm the anxieties of supporters who have been forced to accept a bleak new norm.

Among the bitter pills swallowed has been the form of captain Virgil van Dijk, the centre-back very much at the core of Liverpool’s problems this season and lacking solutions so often provided across his illustrious career at the club.

Virgil van Dijk's drop-off this season

Liverpool’s monster has been made mortal by the tailspin of Slot’s system this season. Ibrahima Konate’s struggles have no doubt been exacerbated by the slow recession of Van Dijk’s indomitability.

He is 34 years old, 35 at the end of the season. It is only natural that the Netherlands skipper should begin to wind down. However, it presents Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes with quite the conundrum as Konate edges toward the expiry of his £70k-per-week contract.

Liverpool signed Giovanni Leoni from Parma for about £27m this summer, but the 18-year-old Italian tore his ACL on his debut against Southampton and is not expected back until the start of next season.

The Italian would have offered a much-needed dimension over the past few months, allowing Slot to enforce more rotation, with Konate having started each of his side’s Premier League fixtures this season despite his rut. Van Dijk is now foundering beside him.

Change is needed, and with the winter transfer window approaching, it’s clear that Liverpool need a centre-back.

Liverpool targeting centre-back this January

As per TEAMtalk, Liverpool are set to table a bid for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi this winter, having reopened direct communications this week with the player’s agents after fumbling a deal to sign him in August.

Guehi is out of contract at Selhurst Park at the end of the season, and while Liverpool had a clean shot at the 25-year-old at the start of the season, notably even agreeing personal terms with the player, rival interest is now sure to be thick, with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid considered suitors.

Sources suggest FSG are willing to offer around £25m for Guehi’s signature in January, paying something of a premium for one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League.

What Guehi would bring to Liverpool

Guehi could well be plying his craft for Liverpool right now, but it wasn’t to be as sporting director Richard Hughes gambled and left it late, Palace barring the door at the eleventh hour after failing to find a replacement.

It’s a real shame. Guehi is a seasoned Premier League star who just keeps on evolving. He has been hailed as a “monster in defence” by Palace reporter Bobby Manzi, but he is so much more.

As per data-driven site FBref, Guehi ranks among the top 7% of central defenders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for through balls, the top 6% for assists and shot-creating actions, and the top 15% for tackles won per 90.

If Liverpool succeed in completing a deal for the two-footed centre-half this winter, it could carry the weight of that one-time signing of Van Dijk, who joined from Southampton midway through the 2017/18 season for a £75m fee.

Van Dijk needs no introduction. He is one of the greatest defenders in Premier League history, a titan of the game.

He dovetailed into Jurgen Klopp’s exciting team and reinforced it with steel. He was the mortar which filled in the cracks and created a superteam.

Big boots to fill, but Guehi has been extensively profiled and could emulate the Netherlands man by arriving at the season’s midpoint, providing that dearly desired relief.

After such incredible success in recent years, it is staggering that Liverpool have plummeted so far beneath their expected level. This borders on a crisis, and one signing won’t stop the rot for good, but Guehi has the combative, confident defensive style to help put the Reds back on track, with his quality in the build-up something that Konate simply doesn’t possess.

It’s Van Dijk-esque, and given that Guehi would be arriving in January after previous attempts to sign him, this could have the much-needed echoes of that euphoric deal.

Fewer touches than Alisson & only 2 passes: Liverpool flop must be dropped

Arne Slot has a huge call to make about one player after his showing for Liverpool last night.

2 ByEthan Lamb Dec 4, 2025

Liverpool submit club-record bid and £500,000-a-week salary for Real Madrid star

Liverpool are probing the market for reinforcements after a poor start to the Premier League season and could now be ready to break their transfer record in the process.

Despite returning from the international break determined to arrest their slump in form, the Reds were on the end of a comprehensive defeat to Nottingham Forest that hammered home some of the frailties Arne Slot has been trying to address since the beginning of the campaign.

Nevertheless, David James is a firm believer that Liverpool can still have a solid season despite losing six of their last seven top-flight matches, claiming that the Champions League may be where they are most likely to earn success.

He told BBC Sport: “Liverpool do not recruit for one season, they recruit for the future. I believe with the players they signed they can be good, but I was one of those that expected them to be fine from the get-go.

“The test for Arne Slot as manager is whether he can turn this around. Not winning the title this season doesn’t make it a bad season. Comparatively it does compared with last season but he wasn’t expected to win it last season. He has already ticked that box if we are looking at the broader picture. The Champions League now becomes more important and winning it would justify everything this season.”

PSV Eindhoven visit Anfield in midweek as the Reds bid to move well into the top eight of the league phase, which would result in an automatic place in the last 16 if they were able to finish the job.

January and beyond will be pivotal for Liverpool as they look to build for the challenges ahead, and they could now be willing to shatter their transfer record to land a premium target.

Liverpool submit club record bid for Federico Valverde

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool have submitted an offer worth over £131 million for Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde. The Reds would also be willing to make the Uruguay international, who Toni Kroos called one of the ‘top three’ players in the world, their highest earner on over £500,000 per week.

Liverpool's record signings ranked

Willing to double his current wage at the Santiago Bernabéu, the Reds see Valverde as someone who could revolutionise their midfield after falling into a sticky patch under Slot. Simply put, he fits their tactical framework and England’s reigning champions are ready to convince him that Anfield is a place where he can thrive.

Internally, there is debate at Real Madrid over whether letting one of their high-profile stars leave the club would offer up the opportunity to invest elsewhere, as the size of the offer has caused discourse within Los Blancos’ higher ups, something that may give Liverpool a fighting chance of landing their man.

Federico Valverde at Real Madrid

Appearances

339

Goals

32

Assists

35

With any transfer more likely to occur in the summer, it now remains to be seen whether Valverde will become a statement addition on Merseyside.

Southampton manager update now shared on Tonda Eckert and full-time move

A new Southampton manager update has been shared from St Mary’s regarding a full-time move for interim boss Tonda Eckert.

Eckert responds to permanent Southampton job rumours

The Saints made the perfect start to life without Will Still in the week, defeating Queens Park Rangers 2-1 at Loftus Road.

Eckert was the man in charge of Southampton following Still’s exit, with second half goals from Jay Robinson and Leo Scienza lifting them above rivals Portsmouth.

The 3-4-2-1 caretaker is once again set to be on the touchline this weekend prior to the international break as St Mary’s play host to bottom side Sheffield Wednesday. Talking ahead of the game, Eckert was asked if he fancied the Southampton job on a permanent basis, to which he said:

“Look, the answer is very easy on this one. My job is to prepare the game today in the best way possible. My job is to prepare the game on Saturday (8th November) in the best way possible. That’s what all my focus is on. It’s going to be three very important days until Saturday. Then we can all take a breath.

“I think the only thing I can do is give energy and give a structure, and prepare them in the best way possible. We’re going to do the same thing for Saturday and hopefully confirm [the improvement] and then we’ll go into a break and go again.”

Now, a new update has emerged regarding Southampton’s position over Eckert.

How Southampton feel about full-time Tonda Eckert move

According to Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas, Southampton now “consider Eckert a potential candidate for the full-time job” following his winning start in temporary charge.

The 32-year-old’s coaching career has mainly been as an assistant, helping some iconic names such as Patrick Vieira at Genoa and Miroslav Klose at Bayern Munich’s U17 side.

His experience in England came during 18 months as an assistant at Barnsley, with Eckert taking charge of Southampton’s U21s in the summer.

1.FC Koln U17

Assistant manager

2013-2016

RB Salzburg YL

Assistant manager

2016-2017

RB Leipzig YL

Assistant manager

2017-2019

FC Bayern U17

Assistant manager

2019-2020

Barnsley

Assistant manager

2020-2022

Genoa

Assistant manager

2022-2025

Saints gem Moses Sesay has been impressed under Eckert, saying he is an “experienced” coach who “demands a lot” in training and is “big on detail”.

“I’ve enjoyed working with him. I took some time to get a good connection with him, because he was new, but I really like him. He’s a good coach. He’s very experienced. He demands a lot from us in training, but I like that as a player. He knows what he wants, which is good.

“Comparing Calum McFarlane (former under-21s boss) with Tonda, I think Cal was maybe a little bit more technical, but there hasn’t been much of a difference.

“Tonda is big on detail. He’s a very good coach. We’ve had good results since he came in and went a few games unbeaten. It’s been good under him.”

Positive words indeed, and if Eckert makes it two from two on Saturday, his stock could continue to rise.

Their own Lampard: "Very intelligent" coach now wants the Southampton job

Leeds want to sign PSV star who profiles as similar to Burnley's Hannibal

Leeds United are looking at a January move to sign PSV’s Ismael Saibari, who has been likened to Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri.

FA look into Hannibal after alleged spit at Leeds fans

The Whites fell to a 2-0 Premier League defeat to Burnley last month and look set to battle the Clarets in a bid to avoid an immediate return to the Championship in 2026.

A major talking point from the loss at Turf Moor was around the actions of Hannibal, who was alleged to have spat at the travelling Leeds fans, something which was reported at the time by supporters.

Since then, it has been stated that the FA are looking into the allegations, and former referee Keith Hackett has suggested that if found guilty, Hannibal would be suspended for at least three games.

“The spitting allegation will be investigated by The FA, having entered the public domain. If proven, the player faces a suspension. It is classed as violent conduct and a minimum of three games.”

It remains to be seen what the FA’s conclusion will be, however, in the transfer market, Leeds are after an attacking midfielder similar to the Burnley man.

Leeds star has been "one of the best in the PL" but now he could be dropped

Daniel Farke could now be tempted to drop this Leeds United star, despite the past praise that has come his way.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 4, 2025 Leeds looking to sign PSV midfielder Ismael Saibari

According to reports from Leeds United News and journalist Graeme Bailey, Leeds are looking at a January deal for PSV Eindhoven attacking midfielder Saibari.

The Morocco international has played in holding, central and attacking midfield roles this season and has scored an impressive 10 goals in 16 games, two of which have come in the Champions League. Saibari also netted a hat-trick in a 3-2 win away to Feyenoord, with Bailey saying:

The 24-year-old looks like an ideal target for Leeds, who need more goals in the team, scoring the joint third fewest in the Premier League behind Nottingham Forest and Wolves.

Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach have both found the back of the net, however, adding someone like Saibari could be a shrewd move.

James McAtee

Nottingham Forest

Hannibal Mejbri

Burnley

Jobe Bellingham

Borussia Dortmund

Gus Hamer

Sheffield United

Arne Engels

Celtic

He has been likened to some pretty talented youngsters, including Hannibal and Jobe Bellingham, and considering Saibari’s start to the season, a deal could help Leeds’ attempts to beat the drop.

Leeds star was "indispensable" to Farke, now he's as droppable as Aaronson

Wolves offer for "world-class" Real Madrid player, want deal done quickly

Wolverhampton Wanderers have now submitted an offer for Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Garcia, with it being revealed the forward could be available for a bargain fee.

Wolves certainly need some inspiration from somewhere if they are to dig themselves out of trouble, given that they are currently sitting bottom of the table, having taken just two points from their opening 11 Premier League matches.

Not only do the Old Gold have the worst defensive record in the top flight, but they have also been extremely poor from an attacking point of view, having scored just seven goals, the fewest of any Premier League side.

In fact, not a single one of Rob Edwards’ players has scored more than one league goal, with Jorgen Strand Larsen failing to make the impact he did last season, so it would make sense for the new manager to pursue a new forward in the January transfer window.

Wolves make offer for Gonzalo Garcia

That is exactly what Wolves are planning to do, according to a report from Spain, which states they are one of several Premier League clubs to have made an offer of around €20m (£18m) for Real Madrid forward Garcia.

Sunderland and Aston Villa have also made moves for the Spaniard, who could seemingly be available for a bargain fee, given that cashing-in for £18m is regarded as an ‘attractive financial opportunity’ for the La Liga club.

The Old Gold want to get a deal done quickly, given that the 21-year-old’s value could increase as the season goes on, with some key figures at Real Madrid of the belief he could still have a future at the Bernabeu.

In truth, it would be surprising if the youngster was prepared to make the move to Molineux, given that Wolves are at serious risk of being relegated, but he could be a major coup if Fosun were able to get a deal done.

Journalist Zach Lowy clearly believes the Madrid starlet could be capable of playing for a club competing at the top level, having singled him out for praise courtesy of his impressive displays at the Club World Cup.

The centre-forward bagged four goals in six games out in the USA, while also providing one assist, but unsurprisingly, he has since been unable to displace the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr in the starting XI.

Consequently, it would make sense for Garcia to move to a new club this January, but Wolves will have to improve their league standing considerably to stand a chance of winning the race.

Wolves and Edwards keen to sign Premier League striker Wolves and Edwards keen to sign "aggressive" £90,000-p/w Premier League flop

He’s cost £1m for every appearance made so far.

ByCharlie Smith Nov 14, 2025

Game
Register
Service
Bonus