Chelsea are believed to be “very close” to making another major signing this summer, contrary to other reports, with Enzo Maresca’s side on the verge of another statement deal ahead of their potential challenge for a Premier League title.

Related Fabrizio Romano: Player tells manager he wants to join Chelsea, terms agreed

He really wants to play for Enzo Maresca.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Jul 24, 2025

The Blues are in very high spirits right now after their Club World Cup triumph, which also brought in £87.5 million worth of prize money to the Stamford Bridge coffers – handing them an almighty boost when it comes to navigating the PSR threshold.

Chelsea’s best performers in the Premier League last season

Average match rating

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Chelsea have also brought in an estimated £100 million through player sales, after agreeing deals to let Kepa Arrizabalaga, Basir Humphreys, Noni Madueke, Marcus Bettinelli, Djordje Petrovic and Mathis Amougou leave west London.

So far, BlueCo have spent £145 million on Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro – so taking into account their cash windfall from departures and winning the CWC – Chelsea are actually making a profit right now.

The money to spend is there, and quite comfortably, even if they’re under pressure from UEFA to sell players and balance out their squad.

According to reliable media sources, Chelsea are putting those funds to good use.

They’re currently in talks to sign Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, who is determined to join Maresca’s side, and even informed manager John Heitinga of his intentions to leave Amsterdam (Fabrizio Romano).

As well as Hato, Chelsea are in ongoing negotiations over a deal for RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons, which comes amid the Bundesliga side’s attempts to land midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka in a ‘separate’ move.

While Arsenal have also contacted Simons’ representatives (Fabrizio Romano), it is Chelsea who are seriously taking the lead here, as explained by journalist Simon Phillips, via his Substack.

Chelsea "very close" to agreeing Xavi Simons deal

According to the reporter, a move for the 22-year-old is actually “further along” than what’s being claimed elsewhere.

Chelsea talks are “advancing fast” for Simons, and there is a sense that this deal is “very close” with just the final details left to be ironed out.

“Simons especially is actually further along than what is being reported,” wrote Phillips.

“Chelsea are likely just covering themselves in case it doesn’t get done. The club do need to sell, but there isn’t a feeling like Christopher Nkunku needs to go first before Chelsea sign Simons, but some advancement on it could help.

“The last our sources heard on Simons to Chelsea was that it was very close but had some final details to sort out.

“I continue to hear ‘deals are advancing fast’ and there is real positivity on both players [Hato and Simons].”

Simons is reported to be Leipzig’s highest-ever paid player on around £192,000-per-week, and for good reason, with the Netherlands international seriously impressing for them since initially joining on loan at the start of 2023/2024.

His tally of 21 goals and 23 assists in all competitions prompted Leipzig to make his move permanent for an initial £43 million in January, but it appears he could already be on the move, specifically to Chelsea.

The left-arm spinner picked up 6 for 90 in the third innings of the Galle Test, his second five-wicket haul in Sri Lanka

Andrew Fidel Fernando22-Sep-2024

Ajaz Patel is one of only two New Zealand bowlers with more than one Test-match five-for in Sri Lanka•AFP/Getty Images

Ajaz Patel has 70 Test wickets at 28.50, but he has only featured in 17 of the 45 Tests New Zealand have played since his debut. This is down to New Zealand’s seam-focused strategy at home. If they need a spinner at all on pitches that tend to start out with plenty of grass on the surface, plus bounce and carry that often lasts through the course of the Test, they tend to prefer spinners who can offer more with the bat – Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, and the like.Patel, therefore, has become something of an Asia specialist, playing more than 70% of his Tests on the continent. He has thrived in Sri Lanka in particular, and on Sunday he wrapped up a second five-wicket haul in the country to finish with 6 for 90 in the second innings in Galle. Only Richard Hadlee has previously taken more than one five-wicket haul on the island for New Zealand.Related

Southee pleased with young guns O'Rourke and Ravindra despite defeat

Ajaz 'grateful' for 'world class' Ravindra keeping New Zealand in the contest

Ajaz excited by 'great opportunity' of playing six Tests in Asia

How Herath helped New Zealand bring Karunaratne down

Ravindra wages lone battle with SL two wickets from victory

Patel conceded that there was “an element of frustration” at having played so few Tests despite his record. But “the hunger grows more every time you don’t get an opportunity that you want”, he said. “Every time you do get an opportunity you’re pretty hungry.”That hunger has allowed him to make the best of being in a unique subset of cricketers – an Asia specialist from New Zealand.”As a spinner you have the luxury of the ball doing a little more in these conditions,” he said. “It can be challenging as well, because when you come to these conditions you’re up against good players of spin as well. It’s a double-edged sword.”It’s about presenting the ball in good areas for long periods and using what is available to us on the day – sometimes it may be the breeze, it may be the surface, it may be the pace of the wicket.”It is responsibility I thrive on, and something I really enjoy.”Control was of course a key component of Patel’s success, but at a venue such as Galle, which presents unique conditions, so was working with his environment. There is almost always a breeze across the venue as it is bordered on two sides by the ocean. Patel needed to know how to use it.Patel has played only 17 of New Zealand’s 45 Tests since his debut•Associated Press

“Bowling into a strong breeze as a spinner is sometimes quite nice because you know you can hang the ball up there and the wind will do some work to bring it down. It’s just about using the subtle changes of pace, and using that to your advantage.”The Galle surface is also one of those on which spinners find more purchase when the seam is harder. In the second innings, Patel got to use both the new and old ball, opening the bowling alongside Will O’ Rourke before coming back when the seam was softer.Four of his wickets came with the second new ball.”There two separate phases – one with the old ball, and one with the new ball. With the old ball it was really about trying to get as much overspin as I could and trying to get something out of that surface. As the ball gets older and softer it doesn’t react off the surface as much.”Patel and the other New Zealand spinners have been working with Rangana Herath through this tour, with the Sri Lanka great having taken up the role of spin consultant. Herath, having taken 102 Test wickets at this venue, has had plenty to add, Patel said.At the end of day three, Sri Lanka opener Dimuth Karunaratne said he suspected Herath to be directly responsible for his own downfall in the second innings, with Patel taking that wicket.”It’s awesome having Rangana in our side,” Patel said. “He’s someone I grew up watching bowl. In terms of stature and build we’re very similar, and he was world class. So [it has been great] having him in our corner and being able to talk me through the conditions and what’s given me success in Galle previously, and what conditions to expect.”He’s also helped me tackle different angles, different fields, and different mindsets. It’s been a privilege and we’re very fortunate to be able to tap into that knowledge. He’s been very successful at this ground.”

Manchester City have reached an “agreement” over the signing of a talented former Paris Saint-Germain youngster, according to a new update from renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Man City set to miss out on key target to Spurs

It has already been a productive summer transfer window for Pep Guardiola, who will have known the importance of adding fresh blood to his squad, following a tired-looking 2024/25 season.

The likes of Rayan Ait-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki will add quality and youth to the team, but City have suffered a blow regarding Morgan Gibbs-White.

Despite agreeing personal terms with the Nottingham Forest star, it now looks as though the Englishman is off to Tottenham, with the North Londoners triggering the £60m release clause in his contract. A move is expected to be completed in no time at all, with a medical pencilled in for Friday.

Missing out on Gibbs-White would be a setback for City, considering what an excellent season he enjoyed last time round, and it is now a case of them looking at alternative attacking options instead. Now, a fresh claim suggests a different player is now on his way to the Etihad instead.

Man City reach "agreement" and sign ex-PSG youngster

According to Romano on X, Manchester City have signed of young Paris Saint-Germain forward Mahamadou Sangare, with an “agreement” reached over a move to the Etihad after winning the race to snap him up. He has also “signed his contract” with the Sky Blues.

Sangare isn’t necessarily a player who will arrive at City and be a huge player for Guardiola from the off, with his lack of experience making him more of a long-term acquisition.

That’s not to say that he couldn’t be a fantastic signing for the Premier League giants, though, with the France Under-18 international someone with so much potential.

Sangare has scored an incredible 33 goals in just 35 appearances for PSG’s Under-19s, highlighting what an impressive emerging striker he is.

Man City agree personal terms with £60m star but he may now join Tottenham

City are making progress in their pursuit of a midfielder…

ByDominic Lund Jul 10, 2025

Planning for the future is essential for City, ensuring they remain a dominant force in English football for generations to come, and the teenage attacking ace can be a big part of their future.

أعلن البلجيكي يانيك فيريرا، المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك، بدلاء الفارس الأبيض لمواجهة الإسماعيلي بعد قليل في الدوري المصري.

ويلتقي فريق الزمالك مع الإسماعيلي عصر اليوم في تمام الساعة الخامسة مساءً، على استاد هيئة قناة السويس، في الجولة السابعة لمسابقة الدوري الممتاز.

طالع| محمد صلاح: الأهلي يمتلك قنابل موقوتة.. وفيريرا أسوأ مدرب في أمر واحد فقط

ويحتل الزمالك المركز الثاني في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري برصيد 13 نقطة، من الفوز في 4 لقاءات والتعادل بمواجهة وحيدة وتلقى هزيمة أخرى.

بينما على الجانب الآخر، يحتل فريق الإسماعيلي، المركز الثامن عشر في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري، برصيد 4 نقاط، من فوز وحيد وتعادل و4 خسائر. بدلاء الزمالك اليوم أمام الإسماعيليمحمد عواد وصلاح مصدق وأحمد فتوح وسيف جعفر وأحمد حمدي وعبد الحميد معالي وأحمد شريف وعمرو ناصر وناصر منسي.

Leeds United have now officially confirmed Anton Stach’s arrival on the scene, with £17.4m forked out on the midfield talent.

Stach joining from Hoffenheim very much continues the trend of the Whites diving into the Bundesliga for summer buys, with Augsburg goalkeeper Finn Dahmen a reported target from Daniel Farke’s homeland too.

The newly promoted side has been looking closer to home when attempting to enhance their attacking personnel, however, with Fulham attacker Rodrigo Muniz’s signature still being pursued.

However, he isn’t the only striker catching the Whites’ eye.

Leeds make surprise approach for striker

One of the hurdles continuing to trip Leeds up in their advances for Muniz will surely be his extortionate £50m price tag.

This is a risky amount of money to splurge, considering this signing whirring into motion would then make Muniz Leeds’ most expensive purchase in history, eclipsing Georginio Rutter’s £35.5m valuation.

He does have a healthy 17 Premier League strikes next to his name for the Cottagers, but a far cheaper move might soon be on the cards for the Whites to land a more potent finisher.

Indeed, reports from Italy indicate that Leeds have made an approach to sign wantaway Inter Milan Mehdi Taremi over a surprise move this summer, with the move surely costing the Premier League newcomers less than Muniz’s speculated £50m, owing to the Iranian striker being 33 years of age.

Taremi’s veteran status shouldn’t put Leeds off making the move a reality, though, with the former FC Porto man a feared goal machine when performing at the top of his game, which could make him an even better signing than Muniz entering the ranks.

How Taremi could be a better signing than Muniz

Muniz does have the slight edge of possessing Premier League experience on his side, but his overall numbers across his entire career are blown out of the water by Taremi’s usual Midas touch in front of goal.

The Fulham number nine is only able to boast an unconvincing 40 goals across his career to date – with a large chunk of those coming at Craven Cottage – meaning he could well find the pressures of being Leeds’ leading man during a relegation fight to be too much.

On the contrary, the well-travelled Taremi would likely thrive with the same burden above his head, with Premier League outfit Chelsea already well aware of the magic the 33-year-old can produce when he fired home this acrobatic effort against them in the Champions League.

Wherever he’s been – minus an up-and-down spell in Serie A with Inter – the 6-foot-2 menace has largely been an overwhelming success.

Indeed, he boasts a “ridiculous” goal record, across his extensive playing days in the words of Rio Ferdinand.

Games played

445

Goals scored

202

Assists

101

Top goalscorer

5x

Player of the Year

2x

Indeed, the Iranian regular has a colossal haul of 202 goals and 101 assists from 445 career outings, with a bumper 95 of those strikes coming in Portugal when he led the line for Porto with some confidence.

He has experienced a bump in the road at Inter, but he hasn’t fallen off the wagon completely, with three goals and nine assists coming his way at the San Siro.

Muniz does have age on his side, too, with the potential for the Brazilian to grow into a more threatening, sharp-shooting presence under Farke’s wing.

But, if the Whites are hesitant to shell out that £50m, Taremi is surely their next best bet, as West Yorkshire is then exposed to the 33-year-old’s lethal nature.

Better signing than Stach: Leeds contenders to sign "remarkable" £17m star

Leeds United are in contention to land a star who would be an even better addition than Anton Stach.

ByDan Emery Jul 23, 2025

After they splashed out a club-record £30m fee to sign Habib Diarra, some may have expected Sunderland to slow their spending down. That’s far from the case, however, as new Director of Football Florent Ghisolfi and Kristjaan Speakman kick things up a notch.

Noah Sadiki: Sunderland a "huge club"

Since signing Diarra, Sunderland have also welcomed Noah Sadiki from Union Saint-Gilloise to beat Leeds United to yet another transfer target this summer. The central midfielder arrives for around £17.5m, taking the Black Cats’ summer spending to around the £50m-mark in what has been a statement-making window thus far.

After putting pen to paper, the midfielder told Sunderland’s official website: “I want to thank everyone for welcoming me to Sunderland. This is a huge Club, but what convinced me was speaking to the people.

“They spoke about the history, what they want to build, and their belief in the part that I can play. I will bring duels, forward runs, passion, and track back. Above all else, I want to win – and I carry this desire with me every time I step onto the field. This is my team now, and I’m really happy with my decision.”

In the middle of a busy but impressive summer, sporting director Speakman also shared his delight after welcoming Sadiki: “Noah’s enjoyed a great level of experience at a relatively young age, and alongside his drive to improve, this makes him an exciting addition to our squad.”

Gyan 2.0: Sunderland make £17m star who's "making waves" a priority target

Sunderland could find their next Asamoah Gyan by signing this striker this summer.

By
Dan Emery

Jul 5, 2025

Speakman and Ghisolfi aren’t done just yet, however. Even after splashing out around £50m, they look destined to spend £20m more to welcome an attacking reinforcement in a deal out of nowhere.

Sunderland agree quick-fire deal to sign Chemsdine Talbi

According to Fabrizio Romano, Sunderland have now reached an agreement to sign Chemsdine Talbi from Club Brugge and are expected to announce the arrival of the winger for €23m (£20m) plus add-ons. In another statement of intent from the Black Cats, the 20-year-old represents someone who is only set to get better with experience.

Dubbed “electric” by U23 scout Antonio Mango last season, Regis Le Bris will be signing a player who could instantly become one of the quickest to grace the Premier League – having clocked a faster time than Micky van de Ven last season.

On top of that, the winger possesses an eye for goal after netting seven in all competitions last time out and already has Champions League experience to his name. Out of Diarra, Le Fee and Sadiki, it could be Talbi who stands out as Sunderland’s signing of the summer.

Glamorgan claim second 50-over title in four seasons after 20-over contest on reserve day

ECB Reporters Network23-Sep-2024

Kiran Carlson raises the Metro Bank One-Day Cup•Getty Images

The last leg of Somerset’s treble bid went the way of the first two as Glamorgan won a truncated Metro Bank One-Day Cup Final on a gloomy reserve day at Trent Bridge that mercifully stayed dry long enough for them to lift the trophy for the second time in four years.In a match reduced in advance to 20-overs a side after Sunday’s total washout, overhauling Glamorgan’s 186 for 7 proved beyond them as the Welsh county, who beat Durham here to win the 50-over competition in 2021, came out on top by 15 runs, restricting Somerset to 171 for 6.Sam Northeast had anchored the Glamorgan innings with an unbeaten 63, while Billy Root added 39 off 27 balls, both hitting two sixes in a crucial fifth-wicket stand, Timm van der Gugten backing them up with 26 off just nine balls to bookend Will Smale’s 28 from 14 at the top of the innings.Skipper Sean Dickson hammered 44 from just 20 balls after Andy Umeed’s 45 from 36 for Somerset, but after offspinner Ben Kellaway and seamer Andy Gorvin had taken two wickets each, Glamorgan’s Jamie Mcilroy and Dan Douthwaite held their nerve with two fine overs at the death to finish the job.Beaten in the Vitality Blast final and knocked out of the race for the Vitality County Championship in the preceding nine days, the defeat left Somerset empty handed yet again.The only disappointment for the winning team was that their moment of triumph was witnessed in the flesh by only a smattering of spectators on the ground rather than the thousands who had turned up on Sunday.England spinner Jack Leach did not bowl a ball as Somerset opted to rely on five seamers, of whom George Thomas took 2 for 23 and left-armer Alfie Ogborn 2 for 36 from their four-over allocations.Sam Northeast cut loose for Glamorgan•Getty Images

After Sunday’s total washout forced the teams to return for the scheduled reserve day, play mercifully began on time, with the contest sensibly reduced to 20 overs per side even before the toss had been made, in anticipation of more heavy rain due to arrive in early afternoon.Somerset won the toss and opted to bowl as the Trent Bridge floodlights illuminated the misty gloom hanging over the ground.Ogborne took wickets with his third and fourth deliveries, bowling skipper Kiran Carlson before Tom Bevan shovelled tamely to short fine leg, but Glamorgan still put up 39 runs in the first four-over powerplay thanks to Smale’s aggression.Smale raced to 28 from his first 13 balls, living dangerously against Josh Davey with three boundaries over third but striking Ogborne cleanly over mid-on and for six over square leg. The threat he posed was removed when Dickson held a brilliant catch falling backwards at mid-off.After South African Colin Ingram, one of Glamorgan’s trump cards, picked out wide long-on off Thomas for just 11, Glamorgan were 71 for 4 from 10 and needed to find new energy.It came initially from Root, who cleared the rope three times, with Northeast eventually following suit with two of his own, one from a free hit, as Kasey Aldridge’s final over went for a damaging 29. They added 78 in 49 balls before Root was caught behind off Thomas.The next two wickets came quickly as Northeast’s failure to run as he was caught off a no-ball left the big-hitter Douthwaite stranded, before Kellaway sliced to short third, but van der Gugten’s swashbuckling cameo, encompassing four fours and a six off Davey hammered over long-off raised the total to something that looked defendable on a slow pitch.In reply, Somerset had Thomas run out in the third over of a stodgy powerplay and were some way off the pace at 63 for 2 from 10 after Lewis Goldsworthy, who had hit a century in the semi-final to down holders Leicestershire, picked out long-on off Kellaway, although Umeed was beginning to land some blows.A double setback followed as Umeed fell to a superb catch by Smale standing up to Andy Gorvin and James Rew was caught off a top-edged sweep as Kellaway landed his second blow, leaving Somerset 89 for 4 in the 13th and Glamorgan firm favourites.A blistering partnership of 66 in just five overs between Dickson and Archie Vaughan dragged Somerset right back into contention, Vaughan having survived Kellaway’s lbw shout on umpire’s call before he had scored.But after hammering 44 from 20 balls, hitting sixes off van der Gugten (twice) and McIlroy, Dickson reversed Gorvin to short third – from a delivery that might otherwise have been called wide – costing them critical momentum with 32 needed from 15 balls.It came down to Somerset needing 29 from the last two, a task that ultimately proved too much. Douthwaite picked up a wicket when Green heaved in the air to square leg and Vaughan’s boundary off the last ball was academic.

Chelsea are just two wins away from capturing the Club World Cup title following their win over Palmeiras in the quarter-final.

The draw has opened up kindly for Enzo Maresca’s side, as Manchester City were knocked out at the last 16 stage.

They were made to work hard for the victory against the Brazilian side. Their goal came courtesy of Estevao, the youngster who will join Chelsea in the next few weeks.

Given his performance, the Blues may have hit the jackpot.

Chelsea's plan for Estevao

The 18-year-old is well on his way to becoming the next big thing in Brazilian football. Neymar even hailed the winger as a “genius” in January 2024.

A tally of 27 goals and 15 assists across just 83 senior games suggests Estevao has the potential to be a truly magnificent signing for Chelsea.

Playing in an attacking midfield role against the Blues, Estevao looked bright throughout the clash. His equaliser came just after half-time, latching on to a pass before slotting home an excellent finish from a tight angle.

He tended to drift over to his natural position on the right and was a handful for the Chelsea backline during the game.

Maresca has a plethora of forwards to choose from ahead of the 2025/26 season, especially with the signings of Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens.

That being said, there could still be a role for the teenager at Stamford Bridge next season, with The Telegraph reporting that he is not expected to follow the recent trend of heading out on loan to the likes of Strasbourg, part of the BlueCo group.

Excitement is building over finally seeing Estevao in a Chelsea shirt, although could Maresca even make a move for someone who might turn out to be a bigger talent than the Brazilian?

Chelsea showing interest in Premier League starlet

Despite the depth of their attacking options, it appears as though the Stamford Bridge outfit are seeking to lure all the finest talent to London.

Transfer Focus

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

While winning the Club World Cup remains Maresca’s main aim over the next week, it is evident that he is still looking to build a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League and Champions League next season.

A surprising name has been linked with a shock move across London recently, however, and if a deal goes through, it would signal a real statement of intent.

Indeed, Fabrizio Romano has shared news regarding Arsenal talent Ethan Nwaneri, and it looks as though Chelsea are lurking in the shadows in the hope that he doesn’t sign a new deal with Arsenal.

As Romano said on X, the Blues are potentially ready to pounce to sign the teenager, with Nwaneri seeking guarantees over his game time at the Emirates, prior to committing his future to the club.

The youngster is in discussions with the Gunners regarding a new deal as his current one expires next summer, leaving the door open for a potential move away from North London.

If a move did go through, where does this leave Estevao? And is Nwaneri an even bigger talent than the Brazilian?

Why Chelsea must sign Ethan Nwaneri

Estevao is just a month younger than Nwaneri, but he already has five appearances for Brazil at international level. The Arsenal starlet has yet to make his national team debut, however, but there is no doubt that the 18-year-old will take the next step up sooner rather than later.

Both have played plenty of games in their respective top-flight leagues, while also making appearances in the Copa Libertadores and Champions League.

As such, what separates them? Like Estevao, Nwaneri has been touted as being the next big thing to emerge from his nation.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig even lauded his rise in May 2024, saying that the Arsenal gem was “one of Hale End & England’s biggest jewels” after a stunning season at youth level for the Gunners.

While the Palmeiras youngster has shone in his homeland, there is no guarantee that he will adapt to English football upon making the move to Chelsea. Maresca will give him plenty of opportunities to showcase his talents, no doubt about that, but he must hit the ground running.

Metric

Premier League

Champions League

Goals

4

2

Assists

2

0

Big chances created

1

1

Key passes per game

0.6

0.3

Successful dribbles per game

1.4

1

Nwaneri, on the other hand, played 26 top-flight matches for the North Londoners last term, scoring four times and grabbing two assists.

When compared via their domestic statistics from last term, the English teen not only registered more goals and assists (six vs three), but he also recorded more shots per 90 (2.41 vs 2.06), a higher percentage of successful take-ons (59.7% vs 31.8%), took more touches in the opposition penalty area (339 vs 257) and even won a higher percentage of aerial duels (33.3% vs 20%).

Given his performances in the Premier League, Nwaneri should be able to settle into this Chelsea side with ease should a move be secured in the coming weeks.

Estevao would have to work harder to make himself a success in England, despite all that he has achieved in his homeland.

Nwaneri even scored twice in the Champions League last term and Mikel Arteta was full of praise for his teen sensation after his first goal against Girona.

“That’s what we love about him – he’s very aggressive. Before that [goal], he had another action where he made the right choice, he went for it,” gushed the Spaniard.

“He never [looks nervous], he’s so composed, calm and confident in his ability. At 17, scoring a really important goal in the Champions League is not very common.”

If the door is ajar for Chelsea to make a move, Maresca must seize the chance.

Salah repeat: Chelsea's "unbelievable" £55m star is now "open" to leaving

Chelsea could regret selling the dynamic attacker.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 5, 2025

Everton manager David Moyes has been able to count on several excellent midfielders throughout his spells managing the Toffees, Manchester United and West Ham United.

During his first spell on Merseyside, the Scot had players such as Tim Cahill, Marouane Fellaini, Steven Pienaar, and, of course, Mikel Arteta, to call upon as the club regularly finished in the top eight of the Premier League table and qualified for Europe.

While he wasn’t at Old Trafford for long, Moyes could count on Michael Carrick, Tom Cleverley and Shinji Kagawa.

It was at West Ham, however, that the 62-year-old would work with arguably one of the finest midfielders of his managerial career.

Declan Rice may have made his debut for West Ham under the leadership of Slaven Bilic, but it was Moyes who nurtured the Englishman and turned him from someone with bags of potential into a world-class superstar.

Why Declan Rice was so good under David Moyes

Rice really came of age during the 2017/18 season, making a total of 23 appearances in all competitions for the Irons.

He made his FA Cup debut under Moyes in January 2018 and was a regular under him until the Scot departed at the end of that season.

The former Man United boss returned to the London Stadium in December 2019, and by that time, Rice was firmly established as one of the finest players in the squad.

Indeed, the midfielder even made his England debut in March 2019 under Gareth Southgate.

Rice led West Ham to an impressive sixth-place finish in the 2020/21 Premier League season, which saw the club secure qualification for the Europa League.

The Englishman starlet made ten appearances in Europe as the Irons reached the semi-finals before being knocked out by Eintracht Frankfurt. The following campaign, however, saw Rice become the first West Ham captain since Bobby Moore in 1965 to lift European silverware.

He missed all but two games of that season as they won the Conference League against Fiorentina, scoring once and providing an assist along the way.

Throughout that Euro campaign, Rice succeeded with 91% of his passes, won over 70% of his ground duels per game, lost possession just 5.5 times per match and averaged 1.7 tackles each game, proving that he was the cornerstone for Moyes’ side in Europe.

It was a fitting way for the player to end his time at West Ham, as in the summer of 2023, he made the move to Arsenal for a fee in the region of £100m.

His development under Moyes was incredible, and he surely has a lot to thank his old boss for. That’s for sure.

The Scot would love to have another midfielder who exudes all of Rice’s qualities ahead of the coming season, especially as he targets a top-half Premier League finish for the club.

Could Everton be targeting a former Premier League star in the transfer market? One who seemingly wants to make the move to Merseyside this summer?

Everton could sign Moyes' new Rice

Thierno Barry has made the move to the northwest, while Moyes is keen on securing a stunning deal to sign Malick Fofana from Lyon.

Elsewhere, Adam Aznou is closing in on a move to Everton from Bayern Munich, and this will give Moyes options on the left side of the defence.

Now, it looks as though he is ready to make moves in order to bolster his midfield. Former Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz is one name who has been linked of late, but a recent update suggests the Toffees might just be frontrunners for his signature.

According to Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Luiz is now pushing for a move to Everton, despite Nottingham Forest and West Ham still in the running for the player.

This is one transfer that Moyes should be looking to wrap up as soon as possible. Not only does Luiz have the perfect attributes to succeed under his system, but his vast Premier League experience means he won’t need time to settle.

Furthermore, and perhaps more importantly, Luiz could turn out to be Moyes’ next Rice…

Why Everton must sign Douglas Luiz

During Luiz’s final season with Aston Villa in 2023/24, Rice was the seventh-most comparable player to the Brazilian in the Premier League, via FBref.

Indeed, the pair even registered similar statistics when it came to a range of metrics, including goals and assists (14 vs 15), shots per 90 (1.32 vs 1.62), pass success rate (85.7% vs 89.7%), shot-creating actions per 90 (3.52 vs 2.79) and tackles won (38 vs 51) in the top flight that campaign.

Douglas Luiz’s league statistics since August 2023

Metric

23/24

24/25

Matches (starts)

35 (35)

19 (3)

Goals

9

0

Assists

5

0

Touches per game

70.1

27.3

Pass completion

89%

90%

Big chances created

10

3

Key passes per game

1.5

0.8

Dribbles per game

0.7

0.6

Ball recoveries per game

5.5

1.6

Duels (won)*

4.2 (51%)

1.9 (55%)

Via Sofascore

According to WhoScored, both Luiz and Rice count key passing and taking set pieces as main strengths, while the duo are also able to provide a major goal threat in the final third, as well as offer excellent defensive support.

Luiz went from raw talent to a genuine “world-class” player – according to John McGinn – and this secured him his big move to Juventus last summer.

Unfortunately, it didn’t quite work out for the former Manchester City midfielder in Turin, where he made just 27 appearances in all competitions after signing for £42m, with only ten of those coming in the starting XI.

Despite this, he still managed to create three big chances in Serie A, while also averaging 0.8 key passes per game, all while averaging 27 minutes per game for the Old Lady.

It is evident that he needs a fresh start to kickstart his career, and Moyes could certainly provide him with the ideal platform to shine.

Given the comparisons between him and Rice, the Scot would definitely bring out the best in the former Villa star, that’s for sure.

With less than three weeks to their first league fixture of the season, the manager will be keen on wrapping up this deal sooner rather than later. If so, Luiz can become Moyes’ new Rice.

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Posts ByBen Gray Jul 27, 2025

“We need to grow this habit [of scoring big]… Of course, we should also play more franchise tournaments”

Mohammad Isam10-Oct-2024What happens in the aftermath of two huge defeats in India? For Bangladesh, it is less about trying to improve their batting or bowling, rather a discussion about having better pitches back home. Bangladesh’s players have told the BCB that they need to play on better tracks at home to have any chance of improving in T20s and compete against teams like India.Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto had touched on the need for better pitches back home after the loss in the first T20I against India on Sunday, after which the BCB president Faruque Ahmed held a lengthy discussion on the subject in a press briefing earlier this week. Faruque even hinted that they would consider the future of the Shere Bangla National Stadium’s curator Gamini Silva. Now, after the 86-run defeat to India in the second T20I in Delhi on Thursday, Taskin Ahmed further emphasised on the need to have better pitches at home to get used to posting high totals, while admitting there was a “lot of room for improvement” in the team.”We have to improve our skills, but we also need to play on better wickets back home,” Taskin said. “These are the main reasons [for the defeat]. We have informed the board, so I am sure they are thinking about [better pitches]. They gave us hope that they will make things better. It is up to them how they will improve conditions back home.”Related

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Taskin said that Bangladesh bank heavily only on a select few members contributing to a total; so when the top order failed against India in the second game, they had little chance to chase down 222.”The average score in Delhi is more than 200 runs. Both [Gwalior and Delhi] were good to bat but we didn’t bat well,” Taskin said. “We didn’t play to our potential. We didn’t have a good game. We had to go hard at their big total. There’s not much to do in a T20 when the top five or six batters fail.”We haven’t done well as a team in the two T20Is, which is sad for us. We are the sort of team [in which] we need 80% of our team to win a game. We can’t win with [just] one or two [players] doing well. There’s a lot of room for improvement.”Bangladesh’s batting failure was in stark contrast to how India batted smoothly despite slipping to 41 for 3 in the sixth over. Newcomer Nitish Kumar Reddy and finisher Rinku Singh counterattacked with a 108-run fourth-wicket partnership, with both scoring rapid fifties before Hardik Pandya and Riyan Parag took India past 200. Taskin said India playing most of their cricket on good batting pitches has helped them hit big.”Most matches in IPL are high-scoring. They know how to chase big targets, and build high scores,” Taskin said. “What [scores like] 130-150 is for us, is 180-200 for them. We need to grow this habit [of scoring big], but I hope we have better home conditions so that we develop the ability to score and chase big targets. Of course, we should also play more franchise tournaments, which will give us better experience.”If we try to hit shots sitting or lying down in our home conditions, we would get hit in the face” – Taskin Ahmed•Associated Press”You need everything [to be a big-hitter] – power, technique, ability and adaptation. If you see the way they hit those sixes so fluently, I am sure if we try to hit those shots sitting or lying down in our home conditions, we would get hit in the face. They grew this habit from their childhood to play on good wickets. This is their biggest strength in bowling and batting.”Taskin was Bangladesh’s standout bowler in Delhi, giving away just 16 runs in his four overs while also taking two wickets. The pace bowlers combined to take six wickets in 12 overs which cost 102 runs. The spinners, though, bowled eight overs which went for 14.50 an over, something which cost Bangladesh the game. It is worrying that the spinners couldn’t put together good spells in the first series since Shakib Al Hasan announced his retirement from T20Is.”Shakib is someone who is always an important player for us. The reality is that he will retire soon [from Tests as well],” Taskin said. “We have to stand up without him. Definitely, he is an all-time legend. We will miss him.”I think we started well in the powerplay. They batted really well towards the end to get a big total. Unfortunately, the spinners had a bad day. There was also dew. It is the nature of T20s. Anything can happen any time. I think we could have chased a target of 180 or 190. We failed to make runs, but it was a good wicket.”Taskin conceded that Bangladesh aren’t adapting quickly to better batting conditions too, which is an overall “failure” of their T20 approach.”We haven’t improved in T20s. It is our failure,” he said. “Regardless of wickets back home, we are not doing well in better conditions. We are trying hard to improve, and we are hoping we can improve. That’s all we can do.”