Nottingham Forest are making late strides in the window and find themselves in talks to sign a defender who could add valuable competition within their backline, per Fabrizio Romano.

Nottingham Forest move away from Nuno Espirito Santo debacle

In strange fashion, Nuno Espirito Santo has been the talk of the town in the East Midlands amid a public disagreement with Evangelos Marinakis and Edu, leading many to suspect whether his long-term future lies at the City Ground.

After his side drew at Crystal Palace last weekend, the Portuguese boss hit out at the ‘absurd’ narrative that he could be set for the exit door, and Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett has confirmed that the situation has deescalated, for now at least.

He stated: “Nuno and Edu’s differences may have been put aside for now, but you sense the resentment will linger.”

Nevertheless, the reporter later hinted that nothing can be guaranteed in light of Marinakis being known for having an impulsive nature, as he added: “If there’s one thing we have learned about the current Forest – the only certain thing is that nothing is certain.”

Either way, Nottingham Forest continue to push their recruitment drive and Dominik Livakovic is on their radar to provide competition between the sticks in a deal that could see rotation between the Croatia international, Matz Sels and Angus Gunn.

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Aug 22, 2025

Norwich City full-back Kellen Fisher could also be on his way to the Tricky Trees, and they don’t seem set to stop there in the hunt for quality as Espirito Santo looks to address key areas before the deadline next Monday.

Romano: Nottingham Forest in club-to-club talks to sign Victor Kristiansen

Taking to social media platform X, Romano has confirmed that Nottingham Forest are progressing in talks to sign Leicester City full-back Victor Kristiansen as they look to add cover ahead of a busy fixture schedule.

Despite rumours linking the Tricky Trees with a swoop for Nahuel Molina, the renowned reporter added that the Argentina international looks set to stay at Atletico Madrid rather than making a move to England.

Likened to Kostas Tsimikas by Jacek Kulig, who has also been linked with the City Ground, Kristiansen made 31 appearances across all competitions last term for the Foxes, registering a solitary assist and featuring exclusively on the left-hand side of their backline.

Earning £25,000 per week at the King Power Stadium, per Capology, the Denmark international has plenty of room to develop at 22 years of age and would likely be a genuine competitior with Neco Williams for a starting slot if Espirito Santo can force a deal over the line.

Alisha Lehmann has been among the revellers at Oktoberfest in Munich, with the Swiss star making a point of passing through Germany before the 2025-26 campaign gets underway with new employers Como Women. Lehmann was in a party mood when chugging a huge beer in Bavaria – as is tradition – with the former Aston Villa and Juventus star also dressing up for the occasion alongside some of her club colleagues.

• Lehmann embracing fresh start with Como Women

  Switzerland international Lehmann is still in the process of finding her feet in new surroundings at Como. She linked up with them over the summer after savouring Serie A title glory with Juventus last season. A desire to find more regular game time led the 26-year-old to seek out another new challenge – with any thoughts of heading back to the WSL being put on hold for now.

  Lehmann is fully embracing the project being pieced together by Como, telling of joining their ranks: “It’s an independent club, fully focused on women’s football – and that really matters to me. From the start, I could see this wasn’t just another team; it’s a project with real purpose and vision. [So] signing with FC Como Women just felt right.

  “It sends the message that being strong, ambitious and expressive can all go hand in hand; that’s important for the future of the sport. We’re in a moment where women’s football can define itself on its own terms, and independent clubs like Como Women have the opportunity in leading the movement. [It] isn’t just about winning matches. It’s about building something that lasts. This is the first time I’ve joined an independent club. That was a big part of my decision. It shows there is a different way of doing things.”

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  Milan & Munich: Busy schedule for Lehmann

  Como have been allowing Lehmann to enjoy herself on and off the pitch, with a visit to the legendary Milan Fashion Week being paid. Lehmann and Co teamed up with Prada and Nike for a special event that allowed modelling skills to be put to the test. After working the camera, it was time for collective hair to be let down.

  Lehmann headed to Munich alongside team-mates, including American forward Alex Kerr, with Como stars getting into the spirit of things as they attempted to down the contents of a famous stein while donning traditional dirndl dresses.

• Instagram
  

  Kane & Bayern stars regularly attend Oktoberfest

  Famous faces from the world of football are nothing new at Oktoberfest. Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich send players and coaching staff along on an annual basis, allowing the stresses of pursuing points and trophies to be forgotten for a few hours. England captain Harry Kane has embraced that tradition since heading to the Allianz Arena.

  Kane said in 2024, having attended alongside his wife Kate: “Really good day at Oktoberfest and to see the German tradition. Such a good team tradition and to go with Kate Kane and the players, staff and everyone in the sunshine was perfect. Great way to end a great week with some of our fans there as well.”

  Georgia Stanway is another English star to be shining in Bavaria, with the two-time European Championship winner revealing in October 2024 that she had been partying in Munich when it was revealed that the Lionesses were set to take in a friendly reunion with Euro 2022 finalists Germany. The Bayern midfielder said: “The moment that we got sent a message to say ‘promote the tickets’, me and the Germans were actually at Oktoberfest. Immediately I sent a video saying ‘girls, come to the game’ with our steins. Unfortunately it wasn’t approved by the media. It didn’t make the cut.”

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• New season for Lehmann: Como ready for season opener

  Kane has been in red-hot form for Bayern in front of goal of late, taking him to 100 goals in total for the Bundesliga giants, while Stanway has helped the club’s women’s team to make an unbeaten start to the 2025-26 campaign. Lehmann and Como are set to get their new domestic season up and running on Sunday when playing host to Lazio.

There has been an update on the future of Rangers manager Russell Martin’s Ibrox future ahead of Sunday’s Glasgow derby against Celtic.

Martin reacts to Rangers’ “humiliating” Champions League exit

The Gers were knocked out of the Champions League on Wednesday evening after suffering an embarrassing 6-0 defeat to Club Brugge, losing 9-1 on aggregate over the two legs.

Any chance of a Rangers comeback was ended after going a goal and a man down on the evening after less than 10 minutes, with the hosts running riot for the rest of the game.

Martin, asked if he still had belief that he was the right man to take Rangers forward after the game, said:

“Yeah. I don’t think I’ve learned anything new tonight, just really hurt, really embarrassed by the defeat. It’s probably the toughest night I’ve had as head coach/manager. But it doesn’t it doesn’t change the fact that I think we can get this place going, we can get the team going.

“And as I said, progress and move forward and grow and we have an opportunity to really do that, to feel everything tonight that comes our way and accept it, because we have to with a manner of defeat and then we have a chance to really show some character and some growth and some personality and desire on Sunday.”

Sunday sees the Gers face rivals Celtic for the first time in the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership season, with Martin going on to apologise to the supporters.

The speculation regarding Martin’s Ibrox future will only increase after the Champions League defeat, but there has been an update ahead of the Glasgow derby.

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Glasgow Rangers are reportedly preparing to make an offer to sign an upgrade on Emmanuel Fernandez.

ByDan Emery Aug 27, 2025 Russell Martin sack update from Rangers before Celtic

Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke shared an update on Martin’s future at Rangers 24 hours before their defeat to Club Brugge.

Focusing on the game against Celtic, O’Rourke stated that ’Rangers are unlikely to react quickly and sack Martin even if he oversees a defeat’ to the Hoops at Ibrox.

Should the Gers lose to Celtic, Martin’s side will already be nine points behind their fiercest rivals after just four fixtures.

O’Rourke added that ‘the Rangers board will not make any knee-jerk decisions and still have full faith’ in the 39-year-old and that ‘the 49ers Enterprises know that it is a long-term project’.

Games

10

Wins

3

Draws

4

Losses

3

Goals scored

15

Goals conceded

17

Whether or not Rangers’ stance has changed following the humiliating Champions League exit remains to be seen, but by the looks of things, Martin’s job is safe for now regardless of the result on Sunday.

First three overs: 53 runs, Last two overs: 36 runs, 15 overs in between: 74 runs.In what was a bizarre innings, Delhi Capitals (DC) restricted Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to 163 for 7 in their second away match in IPL 2025. But, for a while, it seemed the narrative would be a lot different.Sent into bat, Phil Salt had just one agenda on mind: to send every ball he faced out of the stadium. He wreaked havoc in the first three overs smashing four fours and three sixes as he finished with 37 off just 17 balls.The highlight of his knock was laying into Mitchell Starc. Salt smoked him for three fours and two sixes in the third over of the innings, which went for 30 in all as RCB crossed the 50 mark in three overs. This was RCB’s second-quickest team fifty of all time.But then it all went downhill.Salt flat-batted Axar Patel to extra cover and set off. Virat Kohli also took a few steps down before backtracking and Salt, who slipped mid pitch, was run out. RCB, who had scored 53 runs in the first three overs, added just 11 in the next three with Mukesh Kumar also slipping in a wicket-maiden.Vipraj Nigam was smashed for six over long-on by Kohli, but the legspinner came back in style. He kept tossing the ball up and Kohli’s attempted inside-out shot ended up in the hands of Starc who took a good catch running to his left from long-off.The middle overs belonged to DC through and through. Kuldeep Yadav was relentless with his lengths and also got the wickets of Jitesh Sharma and Rajat Patidar as he finished with 2 for 17 off his four overs. Nigam was also frugal as he picked 2 for 18 in his four overs.That RCB reached 163 was down to Tim David’s late bash where he smashed four sixes and two fours in the last two overs to finish unbeaten on 37 of 20 balls.

أصدر الاتحاد الإفريقي لكرة القدم “كاف” بيانًا رسميًا كشف فيه عن قائمة المدربين المرشحين للفوز بجائزة أفضل مدرب في إفريقيا لعام 2025، والتي ضمّت مجموعة من أبرز الأسماء التي حققت نجاحات لافتة خلال الموسم الحالي على المستويين القاري والدولي.

وجاء في مقدمة القائمة الكابتن حسام حسن، المدير الفني لمنتخب مصر، بعد قيادته للفراعنة إلى نهائيات كأس العالم 2026 متصدرًا مجموعته في التصفيات، في إنجاز أعاد الهيبة للكرة المصرية على الساحة الإفريقية والعالمية.

كما تواجد وليد الركراكي، المدير الفني لمنتخب المغرب الأول، ضمن أبرز المرشحين بعد مواصلته مسيرة النجاح رفقة “أسود الأطلس”، إلى جانب مواطنه محمد وهبي الذي قاد منتخب المغرب للشباب لتحقيق إنجاز تاريخي بالفوز بلقب كأس العالم للشباب لأول مرة في تاريخ الكرة العربية.

وضمّت القائمة أيضًا المدرب كرونوسلاف يوريتشيتش، المدير الفني لبيراميدز، الذي قاد الفريق لتحقيق موسم استثنائي حافل بالألقاب، أبرزها دوري أبطال إفريقيا وكأس القارات الثلاث، قبل أن يختتم العام بالتتويج بـ كأس السوبر الإفريقي على حساب نهضة بركان المغربي.

طالع أيضًا | رسميًا | قائمة المنتخبات المرشحة لجائزة الأفضل في إفريقيا.. موقف مصر المرشحون لجائزة أفضل مدرب في إفريقيا 2025

حسام حسن – مصر

كرونوسلاف يوريتشيتش – مدرب بيراميدز.

بوبستا – الرأس الأخضر

سامي الطرابلسي – تونس

روموالد راكونتوندرابي – مدغشقر

معين الشعباني – تونس

طارق السكتيوي – مدرب منتخب المغرب للمحليين.

محمد وهبي – مدرب منتخب المغرب تحت 20 عامًا

وليد الركراكي – المغرب

بابي ثياو – السنغال

ومن المقرر أن يُعلن الكاف عن الفائز بالجائزة خلال الحفل السنوي لجوائز الكاف 2025، المقرر إقامته في وقت لاحق من العام الجاري بإحدى الدول الإفريقية الكبرى، في أمسية كروية ينتظرها عشّاق اللعبة بشغف كبير.

England’s Test captain is “working his butt off”, but Durham coach Ryan Campbell does not expect him to feature for the county

ESPNcricinfo staff31-Mar-2025

England Test captain Ben Stokes will play no part in the early stages of Durham’s County Championship campaign, but head coach Ryan Campbell firmly believes the allrounder will be operating at 100 per cent for his country this summer.Stokes is currently undergoing rehab from hamstring surgery at the start of year, after tearing the muscle twice in six months, including aggravating the injury in the final Test of England’s tour of New Zealand. The 33-year-old has not played since, but has stepped up his recovery, with a recent video posted on his Instagram showing he has started bowling again.England begin their Test summer against Zimbabwe on May 22 at Trent Bridge, which leads into a five-match series against India. With a trip to Australia for the Ashes to follow, Stokes will use the next few weeks to reinforce his body for the rigours of 11 Test matches in the space of eight months. Having suffered the first hamstring tear during the Hundred last year, he has already pulled out of representing Northern Superchargers this August to rest after the India series, with the Ashes set to begin in Perth on November 21.Stokes has frequented Chester-le-Street during his rehabilitation, and was there on Monday during Durham’s media day, performing shuttle runs on the outfield. He is one of a trio of England players returning from injury under the club’s watch, along with Brydon Carse and Mark Wood. Carse is currently recovering from a left toe injury which forced him to leave last month’s Champions Trophy, while Wood underwent surgery to his left knee a fortnight ago which has effectively ruled him out of the Test summer.Related

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With all three integral to England’s plans, particularly in Australia, Campbell insists no risks will be taken.”At this stage, they’re probably not likely to play for us,” he said. “My expectation is that it’ll be zero – anything else is an added bonus.”They’re all coming back from serious injuries. The facts are that they need to get up and running by the time the Test matches start.”Durham will play six Division One fixtures ahead of the Zimbabwe Test. As such, it is possible Stokes could use one of the latter rounds to tune up, should he feel the need.”What we know about Stokesy is that he’s here nearly every single day working his butt off. The guy had hamstring surgery and was in the next day lifting weights, which I couldn’t believe. He sets the bar, wherever he is.”He’s such a hard-working bloke and he’ll do whatever it takes to be up and running for England, which is really exciting for England fans.”For Durham fans, if he happens to play a game or two along the way, great. If he doesn’t, I know he’ll be checking the scores and ringing me to tell me what we should and shouldn’t be doing.”Campbell also called for extra patience and caution around Carse and the continued issues with the right-arm quick’s landing foot, which became unmanageable during England’s second Champions Trophy group-stage match against Australia. The 29-year old emerged from the winter as a vital cog across all formats, particularly in Test cricket, taking 27 wickets at 19.85 in five appearances against Pakistan and New Zealand.”I think Brydon Carse is probably the number one priority for England right now,” said Campbell.”With what he’s shown in Test cricket, he’s born for that sort of stuff. There’s 11 Tests over the summer and winter, and I think he’s going to be number one on England’s list to make sure that he’s ready to go for that.”We’ve known about his foot problems for a year now. It’s not new, but he needs to get it right if he’s going to be playing a lot of Test cricket.”

Leeds United have made a strong start to their Premier League campaign with four points from the first nine available to them.

The 49ers Enterprises oversaw a busy transfer window at Elland Road, and their new defensive midfielder and most expensive summer arrival, Anton Stach, is already proving himself to be a smart signing. Across Leeds’ opening games, Stach has been in the top 6% of players for successful defensive actions.

One signing that hasn’t hit the ground running is Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who joined on a free following the expiry of his Everton contract. The former England striker has made two appearances off the bench, with one of them coming in Leeds’ shocking exit from the League Cup on penalties to Sheffield Wednesday. During that game, Calvert-Lewin missed four big chances and, crucially, his penalty in the shootout.

Leeds have already started looking at bringing in a new striker in January, and after going with the budget-friendly route of Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha, they’re now considering spending big on a Premier League-proven striker.

Leeds plotting January move for Mateta

As per reports, Leeds are looking at signing Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta in the January transfer window and have made him a priority target. Upgrading from Calvert-Lewin to a striker who journalist Rory Smith said was “like original Ronaldo” could be a shrewd move by Leeds.

Caught Offside have claimed that Crystal Palace would want £40 million for Mateta, the same price they wanted for Marc Guehi, and that Leeds sees him as a long-term player who can help cement their place back in the Premier League, with the 49ers looking to test Palace’s resolve with a formal offer.

The report adds that Leeds will face competition from other Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa and Newcastle United. Newcastle may decide to back off the move if their two new strikers hit the ground running, but Aston Villa have yet to score a Premier League goal this season, so they will likely be on the hunt for more firepower in January.

What adds to the speculation about a potential Mateta departure is that the club are currently unable to get him to sign on to a new long-term contract. Mateta is signed on until 2027, but the report goes on to state that “negotiations over a potential extension have stalled, with talks described as ‘unproductive’ amid internal uncertainty at the club.”

One contributing factor may be the recent high-profile exits from Crystal Palace, including Michael Olise to Bayern Munich, Eberechi Eze to Arsenal and the likely exit of club captain Guehi, either to Liverpool in January when his contract expires.

Mateta could be key to Leeds's Premier League future

Since joining Crystal Palace, Mateta has scored 46 goals in 142 appearances, but most of those have come since the start of the 2023/24 season, when Mateta erupted.

Mateta since joining Crystal Palace

Season

Appearances

G+A

25/26

6

3

24/25

46

21

23/24

39

24

22/23

32

2

21/22

28

8

20/21

7

1

Mateta seems to have found consistency at a high level, which is why he’s become such an in-demand player and was linked in the summer with big moves to Arsenal and Manchester United. 65 goal involvements across the last two seasons make him look like a safe bet despite Leeds needing to splash out £40 million for him.

The Frenchman seems to be a favourite among strikers, with former Premier League and England striker Darren Bent having previously praised Mateta:

“He looks trimmed down… You look good, you feel good, you play good… Sometimes, it can be something as simple as that which triggers everything off.”

With numerous big exits making things look uncertain at Palace, Leeds may be able to tempt Mateta away from them, and if they do that, they could break the cycle of newly promoted teams getting relegated and cement themselves back in the Premier League.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has explained why the club moved for Roony Bardghji despite the winger’s recovery from a serious injury. The 19-year-old, dubbed the ‘Swedish Messi’, was signed to provide depth behind Lamine Yamal, with Deco comparing the pair’s profiles while stressing the deal was a long-monitored opportunity.

Barca’s ‘Swedish Messi’ gamble

Barca’s summer transfer strategy included an unexpected move for the 19-year-old winger, who joined from Copenhagen despite concerns about his recovery from a major injury. Speaking in a detailed interview with , sporting director Deco confirmed the signing was not a rushed decision but part of a longer scouting process. The Swede, who has already debuted at Montjuic, has been labelled a player with “similar” qualities to Lamine Yamal, capable of linking play and bringing creativity to the attack.

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'similar to Lamine' – Deco explains Barca's decision

Deco dismissed the idea that Barca were taking an emotional risk, instead framing the signing as a market opportunity. “Roony was a player we've been monitoring for a while,” Deco said. “Our idea isn't to go to the market if we already have the players at home. But we apply a work-based approach, not an emotional one. We agreed with the manager that we needed a young player for that position.”
He went on to compare the winger to Barcelona’s teenage star, adding: “We had Dani Rodríguez for that position, but Dani got injured, and he's a different profile than Roony, who's more similar to Lamine, who comes in and links up.”

A talent spotted early

The Barca director stressed that Bardghji had been tracked before his injury setback. Deco revealed: “He was a player we were monitoring, but he got injured and returned to action in March. He hadn't played much, but he was a talented player, and it was a market opportunity. We knew the agent, and since his contract was almost up, it was a simpler deal. Plus, he's only 19 years old and has a lot of potential.”
This insight highlights that Barcelona were convinced by his technical profile and the reduced cost of the deal, which made the move possible despite his fitness history.

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Getty Images SportBardghji's early impressions, but tough challenge ahead for Barca

Bardghji has already felt the intensity of Barcelona’s stage, featuring in the league clash against Real Sociedad at Montjuic. The Kuwaiti-born forward, often compared stylistically to Lionel Messi in his youth, admitted to being impressed by the atmosphere and expectations surrounding the team. For now, however, Hansi Flick has rotated other players ahead of him, underlining the adaptation process required for a teenager stepping into elite-level football.

Barca’s immediate focus is the Champions League showdown with Paris Saint-Germain at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, a clash that could define their European campaign. For Bardghji, the road ahead will involve proving himself as a reliable deputy for Yamal while gradually earning Flick’s trust. With Deco insisting the signing was part of a long-term vision, the Swede remains a player earmarked for future impact rather than instant stardom.

Liverpool might have ‘won’ the transfer window, but so often Premier League sides have flattered to deceive after spending liberally across the summer months.

In fairness, Liverpool lost the Community Shield against Crystal Palace last month and looked shaky in defence across their opening couple of fixtures. Florian Wirtz, £116m signing from Bayer Leverkusen, has yet to come alive.

That’s one way of looking at it. There’s also the fact that the top-flight champions have claimed nine points from nine to head into the international break at the summit, with Hugo Ekitike having scored three goals and supplied an assist across his first four appearances in Red.

Liverpool ended their incredible summer window with the record-breaking signing of Alexander Isak, who joins from Newcastle United on a £125m deal. However, some might feel that Ekitike might have already nailed down a starting berth, with three goals and an assist from four appearances.

He’s not the finished article, but Liverpool saw a chance to sign the burgeoning French forward and acted, with the view that he could soon become one of the very best in the business.

Why Liverpool signed Hugo Ekitike

After playing so confidently as Eintracht Frankfurt’s senior striker last season, talent scout Jacek Kulig remarked that Ekitike “could definitely reach world-class striker levels”.

Many feel that the jump from a division like the Bundesliga to the Premier League can be a step too far for some talented young players, but Ekitike is not part of that crowd and has indeed been one of Liverpool’s best players so far this season, scoring three goals and supplying one assist across his first four matches.

His fast start shouldn’t detract from the fact that the 23-year-old Ekitike is a work in progress, with his performance against Arsenal last weekend leaving much to be desired, failing to take a shot, blowing both attempted dribbles, completing two passes and losing six of eight contested duels, as per Sofascore.

Still, Isak’s going to have his work cut out on Merseyside this season, battling for a starting spot with this rising France striker.

Players like Isak and Wirtz are almost outliers in Liverpool’s transfer strategy, both having arrived on record-breaking deals this summer. There lies the truth of Liverpool’s new position of strength at the top of the food chain.

But Ekitike, though arriving for a hefty figure, has several years of development to undertake before he reaches the refined level of someone like Isak.

Liverpool saw an opportunity and they snatched at it. As is FSG’s way. Just look at the transformational signing of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion two years ago.

Liverpool struck gold with Alexis Mac Allister

Admittedly, Liverpool forked out a far prettier penny for Ekitike, wowing the Premier League when landing World Cup hero Mac Allister from Brighton for just £35m.

Jurgen Klopp oversaw the move, shipping off some of Liverpool’s long-standing midfielders in a clearout which sparked this new wave of success, Slot taking the wheel.

And while Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo have all played roles of differing, yet noteworthy, importance, none have exuded Mac Allister’s control, composure and quality across the full span of their time on Merseyside.

The Argentina international’s first Premier League term with the Reds, he stabilised the ship. Then, after a change in management, the £150k-per-week talent played a talismanic part in winning the top-flight title, so authoritative and dynamic in the middle of the park.

Matches (starts)

33 (31)

35 (30)

Goals

5

5

Assists

5

5

Touches*

74.2

55.8

Pass completion

88%

87%

Big chances created

3

6

Key passes*

1.4

1.3

Dribbles*

0.5

0.5

Ball recoveries*

5.9

4.2

Tackles + interceptions*

4.1

3.3

Ground duels (won)*

5.0 (50%)

4.3 (50%)

Shifting between midfield berths was never going to pose a problem for the South American, whose technical qualities and athleticism lend themselves to different roles. Pundit Joe Cole took note of this, remarking that the “superstar” is adept enough to “play anywhere” he is tasked to perform.

He might not be positionally comparable to Mac Allister, but Ekitike might be required to occupy various positions in a similar way, jockeying for a place with Isak at the front of the Liverpool ship.

However, his early foray into life in Red certainly suggests that Ekitike has both the talent levels and the adaptability to thrive under Slot’s leadership, as has been the case for Mac Allister over his two differing years at the club.

Renowned for his shooting ability and maestro-like vision in the middle of the pitch, Mac Allister has also been one of the division’s consistent tacklers over his time at Liverpool, finishing sixth with 94 won last season and sixth with 98 during the 2023/24 season.

Is it any surprise that the former Seagull’s market value will have risen exponentially over these past few years? Indeed, according to Football Transfers, the 26-year-old is worth a jaw-dropping £116m fee right now, bearing testament to his progress across the past several seasons.

In fact, not only is Mac Allister worth a lot more than Ekitike, who might be hoped to follow a similar path, but the difference in value between Mac Allister’s £35m signing and his current worth exceeds the entire sum Liverpool paid Frankfurt for their Les Bleus forward just over one month ago.

That goes to show that Mac Allister made the right decision in furthering his career at Liverpool, and that Ekitike too could find himself falling into a similar ballpark, especially after his promising start to life in Red.

For now, though, Mac Allister is the man with the shiny price tag, having quietly put himself alongside the cream of Liverpool’s crop, those such as Isak and Wirtz.

Forget Leoni: Liverpool have a homegrown Guehi in 18-year-old "Rolls-Royce"

Liverpool may have to look inwards after missing out on signing Marc Guehi on deadline day.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Sep 2, 2025

Everton manager David Moyes has responded to his opening-day defeat at the hands of newly-promoted Leeds United in the Premier League by striking a deal for a top transfer target.

Yes, a £40m deal has been agreed for Southampton’s Tyler Dibling, the 19-year-old attacking midfielder who has been described as a “world-class talent” by former Saints academy manager Andy Goldie.

It fixes a gaping hole on the Toffees’ attacking right flank, though there remains a desperate need for greater depth, if Moyes is to pull it all together and ensure his side challenge for a place at the higher end of the league table.

In particular, Everton need a right-back.

Everton pushing to sign new right-back

Everton released the 40-year-old Ashley Young at the end of his contract last season, retaining club legened Seamus Coleman. However, the skipper is into the twilight of his career, and so Jake O’Brien continued to deputise as a right-back at Elland Road.

Nathan Patterson, after all, was sidelined through injury once again.

O’Brien, 24, is a talented, tenacious defender, but he’s naturally a centre-back, and so it’s clear that Everton need to make a signing who could add a bit more dynamism and impetus to the side.

Well, according to Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona are preparing for the departure of young prospect Hector Fort, with the 19-year-old at the centre of a loan approach from West Ham United.

The report continues to suggest that the Premier League is the likely destination for the up-and-comer and that other teams, such as Everton, remain in the running.

Just last summer, Barca rejected an offer north of £30m so it would not be a surprise if the Toffees had to pay big to secure his services.

What Hector Fort would bring to Everton

Fort, a versatile full-back, would join a list of players to have made the move from La Blaugrana to the blue half of Merseyside, but his ability to play across both flanks, his technical gifts and his ball-playing acumen suggest he could become Everton’s next version of cult hero Gerard Deulofeu.

Swiftly asserting himself as he joined Everton from Barcelona on loan for the 2013/14 season, Deulofeu notched eight goal contributions across 29 matches for the club, with the manager at the time, Roberto Martinez, going on to hail him as a “real diamond” of a player.

He spent two-and-a-half years at Goodison Park, all told, playing with a point to prove, and though he ebbed and flowed, none can contest the winger’s skilful style.

The same could be attributed to Fort, who, hailed for his “immense” talent by journalist Antonio Mango, would be determined to showcase his qualities and unleash some of his Catalonian flair on the Premier League, be that at right-back or on the left.

As per FBref, Fort ranks among the top 1% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues for pass completion, the top 2% for passes attempted, the top 26% for shot-creating actions and the top 14% for ball recoveries per 90.

In La Liga, he might have only featured 17 times last term, but he played his part in winning the title, with Sofascore recording that the teenage talent completed 92% of his passes and avoided making a single error, bespeaking his cultured style even at this stage of his career.

Fort would certainly present Everton with a welcome contrast on the right side of defence, and with a point to prove on a short-term deal, the Spaniard might even find himself enjoying the same success as Deulofeu when his 31-year-old compatriot was in his pomp.

And as a natural right-back, he would surely mark an upgrade on O’Brien too, allowing the Irishman to shift into his own natural berth and enrich the dynamism and fluency that Moyes is trying to achieve.

Better move than Grealish: Everton open talks to land Premier League star

Everton are interested in a deal to sign a star who could be even better than Jack Grealish.

By
Will Miller

Aug 23, 2025