All posts by z3u9t.icu

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has an issue of trust with one first-team player who could now exit the club in January, according to a report.

Manchester City updates: Liverpool clash twist, Kroos on radar, Vermeeren latest

As per The Daily Mail, Manchester City's upcoming Premier League clash against Liverpool on November 25th has been moved from a 5:30 pm start to a 12:30 pm kick-off due to potential fan trouble at the Etihad Stadium.

Arsenal were originally scheduled to face Brentford at 12:30 pm; however, both fixtures will now effectively swap times and prevent the chances of trouble in and around the ground between rival supporters.

In a shock Manchester City transfer update emerging out of Spain, Real Madrid veteran Toni Kroos is believed to be a target for the Citizens once his contract expires at the Santiago Bernabeu next summer.

The report states that the Germany international could receive around double his wages at Manchester City if he was to move to England in 2024. During the summer transfer window, Kroos rejected advances from the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer to pen a 12-month extension to his deal at La Liga giants Real Madrid. Nevertheless, Guardiola and his recruitment team are now said to be leading the chase for the former Bayern Munich star.

Royal Antwerp midfielder Arthur Vermeeren is claimed to be attracting attention from Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur alongside a host of clubs in mainland Europe as he continues to make waves in his homeland this campaign.

Manchester City top scorers 2023/24

Player

Appearances

Goals

Erling Haaland

12

8

Julian Alvarez

13

6

Rodri

10

3

Jeremy Doku

8

2

Phil Foden

8

2

Manchester City transfer news – Kalvin Phillips potential exit

According to a Manchester City transfer update on Kalvin Phillips from Football Insider, it is believed that the England international is likely to leave the Etihad Stadium in 2024 after falling out of favour under Citizens boss Guardiola this term. The report states that Phillips now finds himself essentially frozen out at Manchester City due to the summer arrivals of Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes.

Guardiola left Phillips out of his side's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal last weekend at the Emirates Stadium, instead opting to utilise Rico Lewis and Bernardo Silva in a double pivot, which the outlet indicates is a sign that the former Barcelona boss doesn't trust Phillips to perform and could now pave the way for his eventual departure.

Since joining Manchester City from Leeds United for a fee in the region of £43 million in 2022, Phillips has gone on to make just 26 appearances in total for his current employers and is yet to register a single goal or assist (Phillips statistics – Transfermarkt).

Despite being hailed as "superb" by Barcelona manager Xavi back in 2021, it is hard to see a way back for Phillips at the Etihad and he may now have to seek a new challenge in the near future to avoid a prolonged career stagnation.

Since securing promotion back to the Championship last season, to say that Sheffield Wednesday have failed to hit the ground running would be an incredible understatement. The Owls sit on just two points in 10 games, resulting in the dismissal of manager Xisco Munoz, who failed to win a single league game in charge in the club's worst ever start.

After doing so well to earn promotion through the play-offs last season, the last thing that Sheffield Wednesday will want is to plummet straight back down to League One, where instant promotion is hardly a guarantee. With that said, they must get their next appointment right, which could come in the form of a certain manager who has recently been linked.

What's the latest on Sheffield Wednesday's manager search?

Following the sacking of Munoz, Sheffield Wednesday's managerial search is on. Given that we're in the middle of a busy stage of the season, it may not be a long search, either, with those at Hillsborough likely keen to fill their vacancy over the coming weeks, and watch on in the hope that their new appointment can turn what is currently a sinking ship around. And that's where Steve Evans could come in.

According to TeamTalk, the Owls are eyeing a move for the Stevenage boss, who is now in the frame for the job due to his previous experience in relegation fights. Evans currently has Stevenage in fifth in League One, and firmly in the early race to achieve a play-off place come the end of the campaign. It remains to be seen whether Wednesday push on and entice Evans away from his post at Stevenage, but what is certain is that it would be a major blow for those at the League One club if they lost their manager.

Should Sheffield Wednesday hire Steve Evans?

If it's experience that Sheffield Wednesday want, then turning to Evans wouldn't exactly be a bad thing. The 60-year-old, who often uses a 5-3-2 formation, has seen it all in the EFL, having managed the likes of Leeds United and Gillingham, whilst also enjoying spells at Boston United in the early stages of his career, which you can see in full below, via TransferMarkt.

Steve Evans' Clubs

Points Per Game

Boston United

1.15

Crawley Town

1.99

Rotherham United

1.51

Leeds United

1.42

Mansfield Town

1.66

Peterborough

1.50

Gillingham

1.28

Stevenage

1.80

With that said, it's fair to say that Evans has remained consistent throughout his career, and has got even better with age, given just how successful his Stevenage stint has been so far, making Sheffield Wednesday's reported interest little surprise. He has earned plenty of praise during a lengthy career, too, including from West Ham United manager David Moyes, who previously said:

"Steve Evans and I were players at Celtic Boys’ Club – he was in a slightly older group to me, so we go back to that time. We played against each other at different times. He’s had a great record at the level he manages at, he’s done a brilliant job wherever he’s been, and he’s got Gillingham playing well in League One."

Manchester City are tussling with a number of Premier League clubs for the signing of a "superb" midfielder, a fresh transfer rumour has claimed.

Man City transfer news

Pep Guardiola's side were in imperious form on Sunday afternoon, heading to Manchester United and comprehensively outplaying their rivals in the derby. In the end, City cruised to a 3-0 victory at Old Trafford, with Erling Haaland scoring twice and Phil Foden also finding the net, further suggesting that they are again very much the team to beat in the Premier League title race.

Guardiola did plenty of transfer business during the summer window, bringing in the likes of Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes and Jeremy Doku, among others, while players such as Ilkay Gundogan and Aymeric Laporte left the club for pastures new. City always look willing to do some interesting transfer business at any opportunity, and January isn't too far away, giving them another chance to bolster their squad.

With Kevin De Bruyne still absent through injury, and Kalvin Phillips potentially leaving the club at that point, it looks as though they are eyeing up one impressive midfielder to come in.

Man City want Exequiel Palacios

According to an update from TNT Sports [via Sport Witness], Manchester City are keen on signing Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Exequiel Palacio in January, but they face competition for his signature. Newcastle United and Aston Villa are also in the conversation to snap up the Argentine, in what is described as a "tantalising opportunity" for the player to head to the Premier League. It is also stated that all three English sides are "seriously considering the possibility" of signing Palacios.

While some may feel that City already have an embarrassment of riches at their disposal in midfield, Palacios could be an outstanding signing if their interest proves to be genuine. The 25-year-old is now a World Cup winner, having tasted glory with Argentina last year, and Palacios' stats show that he featured three times in the tournament, doing his bit for his country. He appears to be a key man for a Leverkusen side currently who are top of the Bundesliga ahead of German giants Bayern Munich, featuring in all nine league games this season and starting eight of them.

Journalist Zach Lowy once heaped praise on Palacios back in 2019, at a point when he was a big young talent, saying of him:

"Hard to believe Exequiel Palacios is only 20. Kid's got it all – a superb weight on his final ball, pausa, nonstop running from box to box, great decision-making – and he's learning from one of the best managers in the world in Marcelo Gallardo. Florentino missed out on a gem."

At 25, Palacios is seemingly at a great point in his career, having enough experience under his belt was also still being a relatively young player, and he is someone who could be a great understudy for Rodri, also earning plenty of playing time because Guardiola likes to shuffle his lack so often. As mentioned, Phillips could head out somewhere else on loan, having struggled to make the grade at the Etihad, and the Leverkusen ace could even prove to be an upgrade on the England international.

With their eyes firmly fixated on retaining their Scottish Premiership crown once again, the last thing that Celtic need is any injury disruptions, especially as the Champions League also gets underway.

The Hoops haven't showed signs of slowing down when it comes to their dominance in Scotland's top flight, and already sit top of the league, four points clear of Old Firm rivals Rangers.

Last time out, Brendan Rodgers' side eased past Dundee 3-0, courtesy of goals from David Turnball, Kyogo Furuhashi, and Matt O'Riley. It was a routine victory for Celtic, but they were not without their concerns, with one key player going off injured at half-time.

What's the latest Celtic injury news?

So far this season, Celtic have been fairly unfortunate when it comes to injuries, but have masked their absences well through impressive results. As things stand, Rodgers is without Stephen Welsh, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Maik Nawrocki, Reo Hatate, and Liel Abada in what has been a frustrating time when attempting to enjoy a full squad.

One more injury blow emerged over the weekend, and when Liverpool loanee Nat Phillips was forced off at half-time against Dundee, the worst was feared.

A sign of relief would have been heard round Celtic Park today, though, as the central defender was pictured in full training ahead of the Hoops' clash against Feyenoord. With that said, Phillips looks more than ready to play a part.

Celtic will be hoping to get off to a fast start in Group E, as they look to defy the odds to reach the last 16, beating the likes of Atletico Madrid, Lazio, and Feyenoord to progression as a result. Phillips, using his experience among Europe's elite gained at Liverpool, could play a large part in that.

How has Nat Phillips performed this season?

After playing somewhat of an emergency role at Liverpool for so long, Phillips finally has his chance to impress on a consistent basis at Celtic. He finally got that opportunity last time out, too, only to be forced off at the break through injury. Getting his debut under his belt, nonetheless, he will now look to push on even further.

Statistically speaking, via FBref, Phillips has proven in the past just how valuable he can be, particularly when it comes to his work off the ball, making an average of 4.51 clearances, as well as winning over one tackle per 90.

When at his best, the defender has earned some high praise, too, including from Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who said, via The Metro after the Reds were held to a draw by Brighton & Hove Albion: "Very good, I couldn’t be more proud of the boys what they put out here today. In the first half hour we struggled with the new backline with their balls in behind because we didn’t drop at the right moment.

"We got that sorted in the first half already. Second half we had no problems with that anymore. But second half we had some problems with energy so we sat a little bit deeper. Nat Phillips played an exceptional game, honestly, so that was all good. You need in football always a little bit of luck to win a tough away game. And today we didn’t have luck so it was a draw."

Tottenham Hotspur are set to make an approach for a defender who they have admired for a while in January, according to a fresh report.

Micky Van De Ven's injury a blow for Ange

During the Premier League 4-1 defeat to Chelsea last week, Micky Van De Ven was forced off the pitch just before half-time after sustaining a hamstring injury, with James Maddison also being removed with an ankle problem that has since seen him withdraw from international duty for England.

Ange Postecoglou soon confirmed that the centre-back’s problem was significant and that he would be out for a couple of months, so the manager will have to enter the market to find a suitable replacement at the start of next year until his existing player stages his return.

The Lilywhites boss appears to have set his sights on Torino’s Perr Schuurs, who has firmly established himself as Ivan Juric’s second best-performing defensive player so far this season (WhoScored – Torino statistics), but it’s not the first time he’s been highlighted as a potential target in N17.

The Dutchman was internally discussed by chiefs in the capital as a possible candidate over the summer, but with a deal having failed to come to fruition before the previous transfer deadline, the hierarchy are preparing to take a second bite of the cherry to secure the services of the 23-year-old in the near future.

Spurs plotting swoop for Perr Schuurs

According to Spanish reports (via CaughtOffside), Tottenham are likely to swoop for Schuurs in January. Spurs are “expected to make a move” for the 6 foot 3 colossus and have been “closely monitoring” him for a long period of time.

However, Atletico Madrid have also been credited with an interest due to Diego Simeone’s personal admiration for the player, so it’s likely that the club are set to face stiff competition for their target.

Schuurs could be a "mountain" for Postecoglou

Due to his height, Schuurs provides a real physical presence at the heart of a backline which he’s proven so far this season, currently averaging 2.3 clearances, 2.2 tackles and 1.7 aerial wins per game in the Serie A (WhoScored – Schuurs statistics).

Sponsored by Nike, the defender is also capable of making a positive impact at the opposite end of the pitch having posted 38 contributions, 22 goals and 16 assists, since the start of his career (Transfermarkt – Schuurs statistics), highlighting the aerial threat he can pose to an opposition's defence in the final third.

Furthermore, Juric’s £29k-per-week earner (Torino salaries), already knows what it takes to compete and be successful at a high level having secured six trophies during his previous spell at Ajax, so he will possess the same winning mentality as the current squad under Postecoglou.

Finally, Schuurs, who has been dubbed a “mountain” by journalist Josh Bunting, has the versatility to operate higher up as a defensive midfielder, so his ability to easily adapt to demands is another attribute that could make him a fantastic recruit for the long-term future of Tottenham, meaning he will have a role in the squad even once van de Ven is back.

Liverpool have made a surprising decision over an "unbelievable" Reds player who Jurgen Klopp admires, with a January update emerging over the weekend.

Liverpool held by Man Utd

While much focus has been on the Reds' potential incoming business during the January transfer window, there are also players who could move on to pastures new in 2024. Both Joel Matip and Thiago are out of contract at the end of the season and are 32 years of age.

Mohamed Salah's Liverpool future is also set to become a big talking point once again, with rumours of a huge bid from Saudi Pro League Al-Ittihad emerging over the weekend. With the 31-year-old's current deal running until 2025, he will surely either leave or sign a new deal next year.

There are also players who could head out on loan, with young right-back Conor Bradley wanted by a host of English clubs on a temporary basis, and a significant update has emerged regarding a player already at another club this season.

The Reds were held by Manchester United on Sunday afternoon in a frustrating encounter that saw them rack up over 30 shots and hold nearly 70 per cent of the possession, so their latest decision on a player who could add a bit of creative spark in those sorts of games is a surprising one.

Fabio Carvalho transfer update

According to a fresh transfer update from The Mirror, FSG are planning talks to recall Fabio Carvalho in the winter market, but not to unleash him into Klopp's team. Indeed, Liverpool youngster Carvalho could make a "shock" return to former club Fulham next month instead.

"Fabio Carvalho is open to a shock return to Fulham – if Liverpool are able to recall him from his loan spell at RB Leipzig. The Reds have opened formal dialogue with the Bundesliga club as they're currently unhappy with Carvalho's lack of minutes in Germany so far this season.

Sources close to the player have allegedly confirmed there is interest from both Fulham and the player's side in making a deal happen.

Liverpool's success rate with signings has been so high under Klopp, with an endless number of players proving to be outstanding acquisitions – Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Alisson stand out as arguably the best of this era – but Carvalho increasingly feels as though he could be a rare failure.

The 21-year-old couldn't make a proper impact in his first season at Anfield, barring a memorable late winner at home to Newcastle United in the Premier League, and the fact that Klopp was willing to loan him out says a lot about his squad status.

The attacking midfielder's time on loan at RB Leipzig has been similarly underwhelming to date, with Carvalho only making one start in the Bundesliga this season, and it could be best for him to end his spell there early and go back to Fulham – even though many may like to see what he could produce in front of the rebranded Reds midfield.

“Charismatic” Liverpool target is now open to leaving his club in January

This could be a big boost for the Reds.

ByHenry Jackson Dec 17, 2023

Given his age, all hope is not lost for Carvalho with the Reds, and Klopp has described him as "unbelievable" in the past, but big improvements are needed if he is to make the grade at Anfield, or a permanent exit could end up happening in the relatively near future.

Liverpool are battling rivals Manchester United and Chelsea for the signing of an exciting young defender with "world-class" potential, according to a fresh transfer update.

Liverpool transfer news

After a quiet period in the transfer market in recent years, the Reds made genuine inroads during the summer, completing a much-needed midfield rebuild. Dominik Szoboszlai has caught the eye the most out of the all the new signings, looking like an outstanding addition, but Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo have all done their bit too.

With the midfield largely sorted, apart from a No.6 possibly being needed in the near future, Liverpool could now switch their focus to improving their defensive options and possibly looking like to bring in a top-quality long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah, should the legendary attacker leave at the end of the season.

The Reds have been linked with a number of players in recent times, from Napoli striker Victor Osimhen to Bayern Munich sensation Jamal Musiala. While strong immediate options are important for Jurgen Klopp, it is also vital that they plan for the future, eyeing up some of Europe's best young talent.

Now, a new transfer claims suggests that Liverpool are planning to do exactly, as they tussle with some of their Premier League rivals for the services of a huge prospect.

Liverpool eyeing deal for Leny Yoro

According to a report from Spain, Liverpool want to sign young Lille defender Leny Yoro, but they aren't alone in expressing an interest in snapping him up – United are also thought to be in the mix to sign the 17-year-old, with Chelsea mentioned as potential suitors too.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has lauded Yoro recently, hailing his long-term potential and saying: "Leny Yoro is a player with the highest percentage of defensive duels won in Ligue 1 this season so far according to Wyscout – 89,3%. Almost 8% more than the 2nd one Yunis Abdelhamid. 17 years of age. World-class material."

This sums up how highly he is already rated as a teenager, and Yoro's stats further show why this is the case, with 27 appearances already made for Lille's first team, 22 of which have come in Ligue 1 – he has scored twice and assisted once in that time.

Jerome Sinclair

16 Years 0 Months 6 Days

Harvey Elliott

16 Years 5 Months 21 Days

Jack Robinson

16 Years 8 Months 8 Days

James Norris

16 Years 8 Months 13 Days

Kaide Gordon

16 Years 11 Months 16 Days

Centre-back is an area of the pitch that Liverpool will look at strengthening, considering Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip are both now 32 years of age, and Yoro is someone who could be viewed as a future leader at the heart of the defence, potentially alongside Ibrahima Konate.

It won't be easy for the Reds to beat the likes of United and Chelsea to the French teenager's signature, but the lure of playing under Klopp is an advantage that they will always have over others, and that could sway his thinking.

Tottenham Hotspur can take much confidence from the hard-fought draw against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon, with Ange Postecoglou's injury-hit squad snapping a three-match losing streak.

Having stormed into early title contention in the Premier League this season, Spurs' exciting new era under fresh management was derailed after defeat against Chelsea kicked off a period of struggle, but for all the injuries and suspensions, there has been a pleasing new mindset attached to this squad.

Postecoglou has instilled belief and convinced his players that they can compete against the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and City – who have all failed to beat Spurs this season – and if the transfer strategy across coming windows can maintain its effectiveness then there is every possibility that a golden age could be nigh.

Tottenham's 15-year trophy drought has been a prominent talking point in English footballing discourse but there's a sense that this is not really important under Postecoglou's wing: the football is doing the talking and with time and effort entrusted in the Australian the illustrious benefits will surely follow.

But work is needed on the transfer front nonetheless, and while the backline appears to call for immediate attention, Rodrigo Bentancur's recent injury could accelerate the bolstering of the engine room.

Tottenham transfer news – Kalvin Phillips

According to a report from Football Insider over the weekend, Tottenham are firmly in contention to sign Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips in January, with the England international finding minutes hard to come by with the treble winners.

The interest comes after Bentancur suffered an ankle ligament tear against Aston Villa one week ago, with the Uruguayan sidelined until February having only just returned from a long-term issue.

Phillips, who signed for City from Leeds United for £45m in 2022, will be concerned about his place in England's European Championship squad next year and may push for a move in January, with Pep Guardiola happy to grant his departure.

With Newcastle United, West Ham United and Juventus all eager to swoop, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy will need to act swiftly to secure the 28-year-old's signature this winter.

Kalvin Phillips' style of play

Phillips has chalked up 29 appearances for City but has failed to inspire and was left hot under the collar after his manager branded him "overweight" after the seasonal pause for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar one year ago.

The £150k-per-week midfielder has played eight matches for Manchester City so far this season but has only started once, in a 1-0 Carabao Cup defeat against Newcastle United.

It just hasn't worked out, and there's little point in extending this protracted transfer when the January window presents an opportunity to start afresh, and given Tottenham's needs, a move makes sense.

Starring with Leeds United before his move to Manchester, the 31-cap star was the nucleus of Marcelo Bielsa's eye-catching side, blitzing into promotion from the Championship and securing a ninth-place finish on their return in 2020/21, scoring a noteworthy 62 goals.

Despite his peripheral role over the past year or so, Phillips has succeeded in showcasing his finest attributes and ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion and passes attempted, the top 4% for shots taken, the top 5% for clearances and the top 17% for blocks per 90, as per FBref.

Further, with Leeds during the 2020/21 campaign, Phillips dazzled across 29 matches, completing 85% of his passes, averaging 1.2 key passes, 2.6 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game and winning 63% of his dribbles, as per Sofascore – proclaimed to be a "monster" of a player by former Crystal Palace maverick Yannick Bolasie.

Strengths

Weaknesses

Tackling

Aerial duels

Blocking

Discipline

Interceptions

Direct free-kicks

Hailed as an "expert deep-lying midfielder" by former Whites boss Neil Redfearn, it's understandable that Postecoglou is enticed by the proposition of welcoming him to the fold, and injuries notwithstanding, there is little to suggest that he would not prove a reliable and industrious figure.

His past experience on Premier League soil is indicative of his prospects of success at a team such as Tottenham, if provided with the platform to cement a prominent role and make an impact in the centre of the park, holding the team together and allowing his forward-thinking teammates to flourish.

Why Tottenham must sign Kalvin Phillips

Postecoglou has much to contend with, and Bentacur's absence will be compounded by the loss of Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr in January and possibly February due to the African Cup of Nations.

Luckily, Phillips is listed as a comparable player to Bissouma on FBref, with the tenacious midfielder perhaps slotting into Postecoglou's system without disrupting the harmony.

Last season, Bissouma struggled to blend into life at the London club after completing a £35m transfer from Brighton & Hove Albion at the end of the 2021/22 campaign, with former Seagulls manager Graham Potter dubbing him an "incredible talent".

But the £55k-per-week ace really did struggle to make an impact as Tottenham toiled last term, only starting ten times in the league as injuries further inhibited his chance of thriving.

The Malian star ranks among the top 2% of midfielders for pass completion, the top 7% for passes attempted and successful take-ons, the top 20% for progressive passes, progressive carries and interceptions, and the top 12% for tackles and clearances per 90.

He has been a veritable machine in the middle this term but will be absent after the new year, and Phillips would be the perfect replacement given that he could emulate the passing prowess and sharpen his defensive efforts to protect the backline.

While Phillips is understandably rusty right now and would take a bit of time to return to his peak, there is little question of his quality and the consistency of Gareth Southgate's trust in him for England showcases this, whether supporters agree with the selection or not.

Tottenham must now complete the signing; the recent draw against Manchester City is evidence of the club's strength and commitment to completing a positive conclusion to the season, and Phillips could add the requisite depth in the centre.

Tottenham are now real favourites to sign a "very versatile" young attacker after making him a contract offer, and they're attempting to seal his signing ahead of January.

Postecoglou eyeing young stars for Spurs

According to Sky Sports, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou and club chiefs are keen to bring in fresh faces of a certain age range – and ones who could fit into the Australian's long-term project.

Indeed, it is believed Tottenham are prioritising the signing of younger players in January as they chase a new centre-back, midfielder and forward for Postecoglou.

Spurs in pre-January dialogue over signing big club's "very quick" forward

There’s been contact ahead of January.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 21, 2023

This fits in with their links to Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo, who is 23 years old, while other rumoured Spurs centre-back transfer targets like Genoa star Radu Dragusin (21) and Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite (21) are also on the younger side.

Meanwhile, further forward, Juventus starlet Samuel Iling-Junior, 20, and Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, 23, are also being chased by Tottenham as we approach January.

The Lilywhites appear to be building something special for the future, with these reports indicating they have full faith in Postecoglou to take them forward.

Tottenham's head coach, speaking to the English press recently, has also confirmed that Spurs are actively pursuing new signings as they plot early window moves.

"I wrote my letter to Santa! Like my kids now, I've just got to see whether I've been naughty or nice and see what I get, mate," Postecoglou jokingly told Standard Sport.

"It is challenging, [but] the reason [we want to do business early] is obviously where we're at injury-wise and the players we're going to miss. We've got some significant games in January and signing somebody late in the month could mean they haven't been able to make an impact in those games.

"We're pushing hard, but you need all parties to agree. Other clubs, particularly if it's players they want [to keep], will be wanting to hold on to them for as long as possible for their own reasons through January.

"It is a challenge, I get that, but everyone at the club is working hard to get the best outcomes for us and we’ll see how it goes.”

Postecoglou's aim to sign young stars, and in quick fashion, is now backed by Belgian football specialist and reporter Kevin Sauvage.

Spurs favourites to sign Idumbo after contract offer

According to the journalist, writing for DH Sports, Tottenham are the "most concrete path" for Ajax starlet Stanis Idumbo.

The 18-year-old attacker has been offered a four-year deal in north London already, and they "would like to secure his services" pretty quickly.

It's added that this wouldn't be an academy signing, and he would be integrated right into Postecoglou's first team. If Idumbo fails to make a significant impact, he'd then be loaned out in the summer to further his development.

A decision from the teenager is expected "in the coming days", with Monaco also named as suitors.

Malmo video scout Elijah Michiels, taking to X, claimed he is a "very versatile" player – which could be useful for Postecoglou.

Since Farhad Moshiri bought into Everton in 2016, there have certainly been more misses than hits in the transfer market, with the club spending huge wads of cash on players who never really settled at the Premier League outfit.

The likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson, Yannick Bolasie, Morgan Schneiderlin and Jean-Phillippe Gbamin, just to name a few, have all been some of the Toffees' most expensive signings of all time, yet none of them still remain at the club.

However, there isn't a fine line between being a success and a failure. Some of Everton's acquisitions over the past seven years performed at a solid level during their stints in Merseyside and didn't set the world alight but weren't the root of the side's problems either.

One of the players who fits into this category left during the summer and has been having a torrid time at his new club.

Yerry Mina's stats at Everton

Yerry Mina became Everton's sixth most expensive player of all time and the fifth most expensive signing of the Moshiri era when he moved to Goodison Park for £28.5m back in 2018. The Toffees reportedly even fought off late interest from Manchester United to secure the centre-back from Barcelona on transfer deadline day.

The Colombia international went on to make 99 appearances in all competitions for Everton during his five years at the club and bagged nine goals in total which is quite an impressive number for a central defender despite the team's struggles on the pitch. Former Everton defender Michael Ball even claimed that Mina was a "monster" when on form for the Toffees.

Unfortunately, Mina came to the club during a difficult spell and throughout his time in Merseyside, the Colombian played under five different permanent managers. The coach he featured the most under was Carlo Ancelotti, playing 43 times during the Italian's stint in charge and his game-time massively diminished after the legendary coach left in 2021.

Marco Silva

31

Carlo Ancelotti

43

Rafa Benitez

8

Frank Lampard

9

Sean Dyche

4

Stats via Transfermarkt

Mina played less under Rafa Benitez, Frank Lampard and Sean Dyche combined than he did under Marco Silva or Ancelotti and eventually left in the recent summer transfer window on a free.

Yerry Mina's stats at Fiorentina

The former La Liga champion moved to Fiorentina once his contract with Everton expired. The Florence-based club had reached two finals last season and finished in eighth place, earning a spot in the Europa Conference League once more. However, Mina's time at the Artemio Franchi Stadium has been a disaster so far.

In all competitions, the 29-year-old has made just two appearances for La Viola, while having been on the pitch for merely two minutes in total. Mina came on for one minute in Fiorentina's recent games against Juventus and Bologna prior to the international break, having spent the rest of the season sidelined with a muscle injury.

Mina's campaign has been even worse since leaving Everton than his ex-teammate Mason Holgate. The latter joined relegated Championship outfit Southampton during the summer but has featured for only 290 minutes in a Saints shirt over the course of five different games. He hasn't been a regular but has been a key part of a squad currently fourth in the second tier as they bid to compete among England's elite once more.

During Mina's time at Goodison Park, Holgate played 107 games in all competitions for Everton, more than the Colombian, and was shoehorned all over the backline due to his versatility, even playing in the midfield at one point. However, like his former colleague, the 27-year-old made four appearances under Dyche and parted during the summer, albeit on loan.

While playing for Everton may have seemed like a nightmare at times, both men have suffered desperately for minutes since leaving the club and now could have to live with the regret of doing so.