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Leeds United and the 49ers have held internal discussions over signing a £150,000-a-week “monster” who shares the same agent as Jayden Bogle.

49ers looking at Leeds signings alongside Rangers takeover

The Whites are preparing for life back in the Premier League following a brilliant 2024/25 campaign in the Championship, and chairman Paraag Marathe seemingly has big plans at Elland Road this summer.

Talking earlier this month, Marathe confirmed Farke would lead Leeds in the top flight and promised to “spend to be competitive in the Premier League”.

“Together we are going to build the best squad we can, with every penny we are allowed to spend to be competitive in the Premier League. We are going to attack the transfer market and it’s something I’m really excited about.”

49ers now preparing £15m+ bid to sign "playmaker" who Farke wants at Leeds

The Whites are plotting some intelligent moves under Daniel Farke…

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By
Sean Markus Clifford

May 30, 2025

As well as looking at summer transfers for Leeds, the 49ers have now announced their takeover of Scottish giants Rangers, with Marathe named as vice chairman at Ibrox.

There have already been transfer rumours regarding Leeds and Rangers, with the Whites thought to be interested in Gers star Nicolas Raskin, who plays as a central midfielder.

However, he isn’t the only central midfield target for the 49ers, who are eyeing up a potential reunion in Yorkshire.

Leeds hold internal talks over Kalvin Phillips return

According to The Daily Mail, who have shared an in-depth transfer update from Elland Road, Leeds have ‘discussed’ a return to Elland Road for Kalvin Phillips this summer.

Sold to Man City for an initial £42m in 2022, Phillips has struggled for game time at the Etihad and has been sent on loan to West Ham and Ipswich Town as a result.

Alongside internal talks for Phillips, Leeds also have their eye on Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Julian Weigl, with Farke a fan after working with the 29-year-old in Germany.

On £150,000-a-week, Phillips, who shares the same CAA Stellar agency as Bogle, Dan James, Joe Rodon, Wilfried Gnonto and Patrick Bamford, could be a risky signing for Leeds, considering he has recently undergone an operation on his Achilles and is set to be sidelined until August.

That would rule him out of the majority, if not all of pre-season, and with his lack of game time over the last three years, may not be the best of decisions to come in and rival Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev and Ao Tanaka.

Phillips has been called a “monster” in the past, though, and by the looks of things, a move could still be one to watch, although the injury update could mean the 49ers pass on any transfer.

Manchester City have now made contact over a summer move for a defensive midfielder, who was recently named his league’s Player of the Season, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

Guardiola's Man City rebuild about to get underway

The shock FA Cup final defeat against Crystal Palace will sting, with Man City also falling way below expectations in the Premier League, but ultimately one of the most important objectives was to qualify for the Champions League, and they just about managed to get over the line.

As such, Pep Guardiola’s rebuild can now begin this summer, and one of the manager’s most important tasks will be to bring in a replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, while there may also be a desire to find a suitable long-term heir for Ilkay Gundogan.

Gundogan is expected to remain at the Etihad Stadium beyond the summer, and the German believes he has a lot left to give, saying: “Honestly, I want to play football for several more years, because I feel absolutely ready, very fit, and I take care of my body. I feel I really enjoy football: not just another year, but at least two years, maybe even three or four.”

However, the midfielder is now 34-years-old, so Guardiola may be keen on a younger option in the engine room, and Plettenberg has now revealed that Man City have added Club Brugge holding midfielder Ardon Jashari to their summer transfer shortlist.

In fact, such is their level of interest, City have already made contact over a deal for Jashari, who was recently named as the Jupiler Pro League’s Player of the Season.

Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen are also in the race for the midfielder, with Brugge thought to value him at more than €35m (£29m).

Fabrizio Romano: Man City hold first talks to sign "incredible" £50m+ star

The Blues have made an enquiry over a defender, and discussions over a deal are expected to continue.

By
Dominic Lund

May 27, 2025

Jashari could be ideal Gundogan heir

While Gundogan has often featured in a slightly deeper midfield role throughout his career, he is well-known for his attacking contributions, having scored 63 goals for the Blues, and the Brugge star also excels on the front foot alongside his defensive duties.

Indeed, the 22-year-old ranks in the top 10% for assists per 90 over the past year, when compared to other midfielders, while the maestro’s passing ability could make him an ideal fit in Guardiola’s system.

Not only that, but the central midfielder has been lauded by FC Luzern coach Mario Frick, who said: “For me, Jashari is the greatest talent in Switzerland. He’s really good!”

Jashari is yet to prove himself in a major European league, which means it would be a game for Man City to sign the Swiss midfielder, but having scooped up the Player of the Season award, it is clear he is now ready to take the next step in his career.

Celtic are stepping up their transfer business under Brendan Rodgers and have now made their interest in an exciting attacker concrete by submitting an official bid, according to a report.

Celtic land Kieran Tierney with more bodies to follow

In what became an emotional announcement on Tuesday, Kieran Tierney has officially returned to Celtic, and the Scotland international has signalled his intent to hit the ground running at Parkhead.

“Everybody’s known for a few months and just to be here with the Celtic strip on again just feels amazing. I spoke with the manager, and obviously I had worked with him before and I’ve always kept in touch with him. He’s one of the best so I’m so lucky and grateful that he’s given me the chance to come back again.”

Kickstarting the Bhoys’ incomings, he could soon be joined by Callum Osmand as the Fulham youngster nears a move to Celtic. The Wales youth international is set to arrive from Craven Cottage for a nominal compensation fee after rejecting senior terms in West London.

Following his exploits with Scotland over the last few days, Lennon Miller has continuously been linked with the Bhoys after making a name for himself at Motherwell.

Despite heading into the final year of his deal, the Wishaw-born star is said to be valued at £7.5 million. Besiktas midfielder Demir Tiknaz has also been mentioned as an alternative amid complicated permutations involving loan club Rio Ave.

Deal on: Celtic open initial talks to sign £8m star who's the next Bitton

Across his nine-year Celtic career, Nir Bitton was such a reliable figure, so could the Hoops sign a similar player for £8m who “reads the game well”?

By
Ben Gray

Jun 8, 2025

There is a feeling that there plenty more to come at Parkhead, so it won’t come as a surprise to hear that Celtic have now submitted an offer and received a reply for another reported target.

Celtic receive reply to Nilson Angulo offer

According to Studio Futbol, Celtic have seen a formal bid rejected for Anderlecht winger Nilson Angulo and could return with a second offer to sign the Ecuador international. Several clubs around Europe are said to be privy to his situation, including Premier League giants Liverpool, who have reportedly scouted the 21-year-old during his recent time on international duty.

Born in Quinininde, Angulo completed 44 dribbles on league duty last term and could be one part of a strategic effort from Brendan Rodgers to introduce further variation in the final third.

Iconic figure Jota has been ruled out for the next few months due to injury, heightening the need for reinforcements to ensure the Bhoys aren’t caught short in the wide areas.

It remains to be seen whether Celtic opt to submit an improved bid for his services, but fans can take solace either way from the fact their side are active in the market.

The Parkhead hierarchy have plenty of financial muscle to flex after another successful campaign both domestically and in Europe, so it is reasonable to expect that Rodgers will have a strong squad to pick from once the Champions League qualifiers arrive.

Newcastle United have now moved ahead of Chelsea in the race to sign a £60 million star with a bid now being prepared and salary terms already agreed, according to a recent report.

Rashford among Newcastle targets as Howe seeks new forwards

The Magpies have added just one new player to their squad so far this summer, and that is winger Antonio Cordero, who joins the club on a free transfer at the start of July following the expiration of his contract at Malaga. Cordero is not expected to be the only arrival at St James’ Park, as the Magpies continue to be linked with several high-profile players.

Big upgrade on Burn: Newcastle open talks to sign "outstanding" £60m star

Newcastle are looking to overhaul their defence

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By
Joe Nuttall

Jun 19, 2025

It was reported earlier this week that Newcastle made contact over signing defender Evan Ndicka from AS Roma. Newcastle are in the market for a new central defender, as they’ve been heavily linked with a move for Marc Guehi, but Ndicka is another option who could come at a cheaper price.

Meanwhile, they are also in the market for attacking reinforcements, and they have held internal talks over signing Mohammed Kudus from West Ham, as the forward is free to leave the Premier League side.

In fresh news, Newcastle are now also interested in signing Marcus Rashford on a season-long loan deal.

The Englishman’s future at Old Trafford looks to be coming to an end but he has yet to receive any concrete offers to leave United. The Magpies are now weighing up making a loan bid, as they can offer Rashford Champions League football, but the Red Devils are more interested in selling Rashford this summer than loaning him out again.

Newcastle move ahead of Chelsea in Joao Pedro race

As such, a permanent move for Rashford may not be on the cards for the Magpies, as according to Brazilian outlet UOL Esporte, Newcastle are now preparing a bid to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion.

The report states that the Magpies have moved ahead of Premier League rivals Chelsea in the race to sign Pedro, as they have already agreed personal terms with the forward. However, Chelsea’s interest in Pedro has reportedly ‘shaken’ the player, and now both clubs are preparing to make an official offer.

It isn’t clear how much Newcastle would be willing to spend on Pedro, but it’s been previously reported that Brighton value the forward at around £60 million. The 23-year-old scored 10 goals in 27 league games during the 2024/25 season, but a falling out at the club means he is now likely to leave during this summer transfer window.

Newcastle chasing Pedro may be seen as them looking to replace Alexander Isak, but Pedro being able to operate anywhere across the frontline as, well as a number 10, makes him a player who could be a perfect partner for the Swede.

The Brazilian has had back-to-back impressive campaigns in the Premier League now, and a move to Newcastle could accelerate his career further, as he will be able to play on the biggest stage of them all, the Champions League.

Manchester United has been the home to countless attacking talents over recent years, with the fanbase undoubtedly wishing they currently had some of their former talents in the present day.

Wayne Rooney still holds the club record for the most goals scored for the Red Devils, registering a staggering 253 goals in his 559 appearances – subsequently overtaking Sir Bobby Charlton’s record.

The likes of Eric Cantona, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ruud van Nistelrooy have all made a name for themselves at Old Trafford, with all the players undoubtedly capturing the hearts of the fanbase.

Current boss Ruben Amorim must wish he could rely upon just one of the aforementioned talents to help him in his quest to be a success during his time in charge of the club.

However, that could be about to change this summer, with the hierarchy looking to back the 40-year-old in the transfer market during the off-season.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker this summer

A striker has been high up on Amorim’s shopping list in recent weeks, unsurprisingly so, given the club’s terrible record of just 44 goals in their 38 Premier League matches last campaign.

The likes of Dušan Vlahović, Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen have all been touted with a move to Old Trafford, but no deals have yet been agreed for any of their signatures.

However, it appears as though that could be about to change, with Aston Villa talisman Ollie Watkins emerging as a key target for Amorim, according to CaughtOffside.

Their report claims that the 29-year-old is seen as a Premier League-proven option for the Red Devils, even making an approach for his services over the last couple of days.

It also states that the hierarchy would be willing to match his current £60m asking price, allowing the England international to follow in the footsteps of one other star at the Theatre of Dreams.

Why United’s £60m target would be Amorim’s own Van Persie

Striker Robin van Persie is a player who managed to hugely impress during his time at United, leading the club to their last league triumph back in the 2012/13 campaign.

He joined the Red Devils in a £24m deal from fellow English side Arsenal, a deal that was seen as a controversial one at the time, especially from the Gunners’ point of view.

The Dutchman was entering the back end of his career upon his move, joining the club at the age of 29, but it didn’t prevent him from starring at Old Trafford.

He managed to score 58 times in his 105 appearances over a three-year period, leading the side to title glory, something which Amorim will be hoping to replicate in the near future.

If he is to achieve such a goal, he could certainly improve his chances with a move for Watkins, with the Villa star following in Van Persie’s footsteps in the North West.

He would join the club at the same age as the Dutchman, also making an immediate impact, rather than being signed as one for the future in the club’s quest for glory.

Watkins would also be handed the responsibility of providing the goods in the final third, just like Van Persie was over a decade ago, also having the tools to offer the clinical edge the Red Devils have lacked.

The Englishman, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by Statman Dave, registered 17 goals in all competitions last season, averaging 1.4 shots on target per 90 – highlighting the clinical edge he possesses.

He’s also showcased his all-round talent, completing 75% of the passes he’s attempted, creating 1.1 chances per 90, handing other forwards around him the chance to improve the situation should he move to Old Trafford.

Watkins’ tally of 1.8 aerials won showcases his ability to hold the ball up in forward areas, offering Amorim’s side that needed focal point that they have lacked in recent months.

£60m may appear to be a mammoth figure for a 29-year-old star, but he’s consistently demonstrated that he’s capable of thriving in England’s top-flight.

If he can make the immediate impact Van Persie did during his time in Manchester, it would be a phenomenal signing and one that can push Amorim’s side back in the right direction.

Better than Watkins: Wilcox in talks to sign "monster" £64m CF for Man Utd

Manchester United could be about to end their hunt for a new striker this summer.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jul 3, 2025

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has made quite the impression already since taking over from his predecessor, Edu Gaspar, in late March – and the 53-year-old is personally very keen to get one transfer over the line.

Arsenal complete signing with medical "done", announcement due "this week"

Mikel Arteta is set to welcome another player.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 9, 2025

Berta is currently attempting to seal an array of deals behind-the-scenes, right after the club officially announced the arrivals of Spanish duo Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi, with Christian Norgaard also completing his move to Arsenal after a medical (David Ornstein).

Arsenal are in advanced talks for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, and the prolific 27-year-old could be joined by either Real Madrid star Rodrygo or Chelsea’s Noni Madueke as the Gunners also target a new left-winger.

Madueke has already agreed personal terms with Arsenal, but Rodrygo is understood to be their “dream” target in that area, and Berta is known to do work on targets simultaneously before pressing ahead with the best deal.

Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera has agreed terms over an Arsenal move too, but the Premier League title hopefuls are yet to find an agreement with his club and some reports suggest that talks for the 21-year-old have stalled.

Moves for either Madueke or Rodrygo, as reliably reported, won’t impact their talks to sign Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

Arsenal have held positive talks over signing Eze, but it is believed that Berta and co do not wish to pay the England international’s full £68 million release clause as all parties attempt to find a solution.

Eze is rumoured to be keen on joining Mikel Arteta’s side, though, giving the club some encouragement that there is a deal to be done here.

Arsenal could offer "emerging star" in swap deal for Eberechi Eze

There are a few avenues Arsenal could go down in their attempts to find a full agreement, and one of them is a potential player-exchange.

That is according to journalist Rahman Osman, who told The Sun this week that Arsenal could offer an unnamed “emerging star” to Palace in a swap deal for Eze.

Berta himself is personally “determined” to sign the 27-year-old – who scored 14 goals and registered a further 11 assists in all competitions last term – and the Italian has held talks with his representatives.

He will keep trying to convince Palace to part company, but the south Londoners are just as steadfast in demanding Eze’s full release clause be paid. That being said, Osman also reports that they might be open to accepting a “promising defender” as part of the deal.

A proven Premier League star, Eze spearheaded Palace to their first ever major trophy with the FA Cup final-winning goal against Man City at Wembley last season – 14 years after he was released by Arsenal as a 13-year-old academy youngster.

Manchester United have now swooped in and made a move to sign a “relentless” £25 million star to replace Casemiro, according to a recent report.

Alejandro Garnacho turns down Al-Nassr move

Not only are the Red Devils looking to bring in new players for Ruben Amorim this summer, but they are also looking to offload several first-team players they believe are not good enough and don’t fit into the plans of the United boss.

Better than Kudus: Man Utd confident they will sign "unplayable" £60m+ star

Manchester United believe that they will sign this Premier League star who is even better than Mohammed Kudus.

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By
Dan Emery

Jul 12, 2025

Alejandro Garnacho is one player that the Red Devils want to see leave this summer, and the Argentine has been offered the chance to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr. However, according to The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, Garnacho has turned down the move to Al-Nassr, as he wants to remain in Europe. The Saudi side held initial discussions with the attacker, as they look to be title contenders in their own league this season.

As well as looking to move Garnacho on, United are also looking to sell Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, and Tyrell Malacia and are said to be open to offers for Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana. While Garnacho turns down a possible transfer, it looks as though Sancho could be one step closer to leaving Old Trafford.

That is because, according to a recent report from Italy, United have accepted a £20m+ bid from Juventus for Sancho. Furthermore, the England international has accepted a contract offer from the Italian side which is worth more than £5 million a season.

Man Utd swoop in to sign "relentless" £25m+ star to replace Casemiro

Allowing players such as Garnacho and Sancho to leave means the Red Devils can enter the transfer market to strengthen their side in key positions, and they appear keen on signing a new midfielder. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, relayed by The People’s Person, Man United have made an approach to sign Richard Rios from Palmeiras.

The report states that AS Roma are very keen on signing the young midfielder and have reportedly held talks with Palmeiras and have made an offer worth €25 million, but the Brazilian side will not sell the player for anything less than €30 million, which is roughly £25 million. Their pursuit has now been affected, as United are said to have “swooped in on the player in the last few hours” with an approach of their own.

Those at Old Trafford see Rios as a potential long-term replacement for Casemiro, who is unlikely to play such a key role in Amorim’s team in the 2025/26 campaign after some ‘incosistent performances’. The Brazilian was a key performer in United’s run to the Europa League final, but he isn’t getting any younger, and Amorim is ready to find a younger replacement.

Rios, who has been dubbed “relentless” for his work rate, joined Palmeries in 2023 and has made over 130 appearances for the club. The midfielder was part of the Palmeries side that participated in the Club World Cup this summer, playing in all five games, as they were knocked out by Chelsea in the quarter-finals.

This summer might be Chelsea’s best for a very long time.

On the pitch, Enzo Maresca’s side have added a Club World Cup title to their Conference League one, and off of it, they’ve been incredibly busy.

The West Londoners have added some serious quality to the side with Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, while also shipping off Noni Madueke to London rivals Arsenal.

Moreover, they’re now linked with a move for the incredible Morgan Rogers, although some of their own stars are now turning heads on the continent, including one whose sale could fund a move for Rogers and the rest.

Why Chelsea want to sign Morgan Rogers

With a price tag of up to £100m, depending on which report you read, signing Rogers this summer would represent a serious financial investment in Maresca’s team.

However, even at some of the higher prices, we’d argue that the Englishman would be more than worth the outlay.

The first reason is down to his output, as in 54 appearances, totalling 4,496 minutes last season, the often-unstoppable “machine,” as dubbed by The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell, scored 14 goals and provided 15 assists.

That means the Aston Villa star averaged a goal involvement every 1.86 games, or every 155.03 minutes, which is the sort of service that could have a massive impact on the West Londoners’ other attacking stars.

Moreover, the 22-year-old is someone who can still be just as effective out wide on the wing as he is as an attacking midfielder, which means he’d be able to rack up plenty of minutes all over the pitch.

Finally, with four goals and three assists in just 12 Champions League games, the Halesowen-born star has already proven himself at the very top level.

However, the rest of the summer might not be only about incomings, as one of Europe’s biggest clubs are now circling one of Chelsea’s most important players, who could help fund Rogers’ transfer.

The Chelsea star who could be sold for Rogers

With the club already spending a sizable sum of money this summer and looking to continue to do so, it only makes sense that they’d also be looking to sell several players.

Transfer Focus

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

They’ve already made a tidy profit on Madueke, and if reports from last week are to be believed, they’re also open to selling Nicolas Jackson.

Additionally, João Félix has been linked with a move back to Benfica, and there are still a handful of players in Maresca’s so-called ‘bomb squad’ who look likely to leave, such as Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi.

However, while all the aforementioned players are those the club and fans would likely be happy to see leave, they could now be in danger of losing someone far more important to the project.

At least that’s according to a recent report from Spain, which has claimed that Real Madrid have made Enzo Fernández a top target this summer.

The report has revealed that the European giants have been impressed with his development and consider signing him to be a key priority this summer, someone who could be the long-term heir to Toni Kroos.

However, the story claims that Chelsea view the Argentine as untouchable and that he would only be allowed to leave if an offer of €130m was made, which is approximately £113m.

It would be a hard pill to swallow for the supporters, as while he has received criticism in the past, the former Benfica player has really grown into his role over the last year or so.

In all, the “mind-blowing” World Cup winner, as dubbed by scout Antonio Mango, has made 115 appearances for the Pensioners, in which he’s scored 16 goals and provided 23 assists.

Moreover, he has helped lead the club out of the slump they were in a year ago and to two trophies within the space of two months.

Ultimately, while losing Fernandez would almost certainly be bad news for Chelsea, the fee required from Real would at least allow BlueCo to go out and sign Rogers.

He'll take Pedro to the next level: Chelsea make offer to sign £86m star

The incredible forward would be a game-changer for Chelsea and Joao Pedro.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jul 18, 2025

David Moyes didn’t return to Everton to make up the numbers.

With the club in need of smart squad-building, his second spell promises a more ambitious approach. That outlook has already shaped Everton’s summer.

The permanent signings of Carlos Alcaraz from Flamengo and Thierno Barry from Villarreal, along with Adam Aznou from Bayern Munich, suggest a clear shift towards technical, mobile players who can play through pressure.

But Moyes still wants one more key addition – a player with the composure to dictate rhythm in attack, and the tactical awareness to protect the defence.

Someone who can carry the creative burden left behind by the likes of Abdoulaye Doucouré, who departed the club alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ashley Young this summer.

That figure could soon arrive. And while he’s not yet an established name in Italy, he’s no stranger to the Premier League.

Everton's priority midfield target emerges

According to GIVEMESPORT, Douglas Luiz, who once thrived at Aston Villa, is firmly on Everton’s radar as Juventus prepare for a late-window departure.

Transfer Focus

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

The Old Lady, for their part, are holding out for a £39m fee but are open to loan arrangements if no permanent buyers emerge before deadline day.

Everton are monitoring developments closely and the club is prepared to move in the final weeks of the window – particularly if Luiz remains on the market – having already made a loan enquiry.

A deal would likely be structured around an initial loan with an option to buy, given the financial limits imposed by Everton’s ongoing compliance with FFP regulations.

Such interest has been corroborated by Fabrizio Romano, who stated that three Premier League clubs are in direct contact with Luiz’s camp – Everton and Nottingham Forest among them.

Luiz’s time in Italy has been underwhelming.

Since making a £42m move from Aston Villa, he has struggled to impose himself under either Thiago Motta or Igor Tudor, making just six starts in Serie A last season and featuring for only 45 minutes at the Club World Cup.

Still, his technical quality remains undisputed – It’s no surprise that Luiz continues to attract admirers. In 2024, ESPN Brazil’s Leonardo Bertozzi described him as world-class.

“On the national team level, he will be one of the leading names for the 2026 World Cup.”

For Everton, the prospect of acquiring Luiz on loan, with a view to a permanent move, would represent an astute piece of business.

He wants to return to England, and Goodison Park could give him the platform to rediscover his best form.

Why Luiz could be Moyes' new Arteta

If Everton do get their man, comparisons to a certain former blue won’t be far behind. In his pomp under Moyes, Mikel Arteta was the heartbeat of Everton’s midfield.

A graceful and intelligent operator, he could switch tempo, pick out a pass, and arrive late in the box to score.

His 2006/07 campaign, marked by nine goals and nine assists in 35 games, remains a benchmark for midfielders in blue. Douglas Luiz offers similar potential.

Despite limited minutes, according to data from FBref, Luiz ranked fifth last season in the Juventus squad for both passing accuracy (89.5%) and successful dribbles (72.2%), while also contributing three big chances created and a solid 0.69 key passes per game.

Those numbers, while not elite, reflect a player capable of impacting games even when on the fringes.

Like Arteta, he came through under Guardiola’s influence, albeit at Manchester City rather than Barcelona, and shares a similar mix of technique and tactical intelligence.

During his peak at Aston Villa, Luiz was an all-action midfielder.

He pressed high, recycled possession with ease, and regularly contributed in the final third, with nine goals and five assists in the 2023/24 Premier League season.

Statistically, Luiz offers a slightly different skillset to Arteta, with a greater emphasis on carrying and dribbling through midfield rather than serving purely as a distributor.

But his ability to dictate games from deep, maintain high pass accuracy, and play through pressure makes him an ideal fit for Moyes’ system.

He may not tackle with the frequency of Idrissa Gueye, but his intelligent positioning and ability to escape tight spaces provide a more rounded midfield profile.

Perhaps more importantly, Luiz is a player with something to prove. At 27, he’s entering his prime years and eager to re-establish himself as a key figure for Brazil ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Everton, with a stable role and clearly defined structure under Moyes, could provide the perfect stage.

While the financials may be tight – Luiz still has four years left on a contract worth over £150k per week – a well-structured loan move could make the deal viable.

Juventus want to offload him, Luiz wants to play, and Everton need a man in midfield.

Back in 2005, Moyes signed a young Spanish midfielder who would go on to define his Everton side for the next five years. In 2025, history may be about to repeat itself.

He's better than Fofana: Everton make contact for £51m "offensive menace"

Everton are pushing to sign a new right-sided forward this summer.

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By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 31, 2025

Juan Cuadrado has lifted the lid on a tense transfer negotiation with Antonio Conte, revealing he was reluctant to sanction his move to Juventus

• Cuadrado says Conte tried to block Chelsea exit due to Juve fallout
• Colombian reflects on eight years at Juventus and Champions League regret
• Criticised the way his departure was handled by the club’s management

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Cuadrado has revealed that his permanent transfer from Chelsea to Juventus in 2017 was almost scuppered by then-Blues manager Conte due to the Italian's acrimonious relationship with his former club. In an interview with , the Colombian detailed the tense negotiations that secured his move to Turin.

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• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Cuadrado joined Chelsea in 2015 but failed to establish himself before moving to Juventus on an initial loan. The move was made permanent during Conte's tenure at Stamford Bridge, a period in which the Italian manager still held a strained relationship with the Juventus hierarchy following his own departure in 2014. Cuadrado went on to spend eight successful seasons in Turin, winning five Serie A titles and becoming a fan favourite.

• WHAT CUADRADO SAID

  The former Bianconeri player also recounts the negotiations that led him to Juventus and his relationship with Conte, he said: "Conte didn't leave Juventus on the best of terms, so there were some problems; he didn't want to let me go. Other teams were also interested in me, especially abroad, but when I heard about Juve, I told my agent that I only wanted to play for the Bianconeri.

  "I became a Juventus fan. My mother still lives there, my children were born in Turin. Lucas is six, Lucia is nine. I experienced eight magical seasons, winning five league titles and several cups. Compared to Cuadrado in Florence, I was more complete and, above all, more mature. My only regret is losing the Champions League final in Cardiff."

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• ON JUVENTUS DEPARTURE

  The 37-year-old ended up leaving Juve in 2023 and signed a one-year deal with Inter, but the decision to leave Turin was not his.

  "De Sciglio's injury had increased my chances, [coach Massimiliano] Allegri wanted to keep me," he added. "For my part, there was no doubt: I would have stayed. Then the management changed, the coach left and I was left waiting. While I was waiting for a call, I read on social media that my adventure with Juve was over. I would have preferred a word or a private message. I was upset, it was very sad. But that's football. The fans are and always will be in my heart."