Celtic: Rodgers Eyeing Big Oh Upgrade In Deadline Day Swoop For 6 ft 3 Target

Celtic are reportedly in the market to add a new number nine to the playing squad before the end of the summer transfer window this evening.

What's the latest Celtic transfer news?

Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph recently relayed reports that the Scottish giants have had two offers turned down for Brondby attacker Mathias Kvistgaarden this week.

This suggests that Brendan Rodgers would like to bring in another centre-forward to compete with Hyeon-gyu Oh and Kyogo Furuhashi at the top end of the pitch.

The Northern Irish head coach could seal a fantastic late signing for the club by securing a swoop for Bologna centre-forward Sydney van Hooijdonk, who is reportedly on the radar alongside Kvistgaarden ahead of the deadline.

Celtic have already announced the signing of Honduras international Luis Palma from Aris FC this week and there could be further additions to come over the last 12 hours or so.

How good is Sydney van Hooijdonk?

The 6 foot 3 titan is a player who has the potential to come in as a big upgrade on current Hoops striker Oh if Rodgers is able to sign the Bologna gem today.

Van Hooijdonk enjoyed a superb campaign on loan with Heerenveen in the Eredivisie last season and his statistics suggest that he has the ability to offer more than the South Korean finisher in the final third.

The 23-year-old ace, who was once hailed as "prolific" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.99 across 33 matches as he plundered an eye-catching 16 goals and one assist for the Dutch side, which works out as one goal every 2.06 outings on average.

Kyogo (27) was the only Celtic player who managed more than 11 Scottish Premiership goals last term and this suggests that the Serie A hotshot could provide another reliable scoring option for the Hoops boss if he is able to translate his performances over to football in Scotland.

Celtic striker Hyeon-gyu Oh.

Oh, meanwhile, produced six goals and zero assists in 16 league games, which is an average of one strike every 2.67 clashes, and averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.81 for the Bhoys during the second half of last season.

The 22-year-old striker came to Parkhead off the back of scoring 14 goals in 38 K League 1 outings for Suwon Bluewings throughout 2022, which is an average of one goal every 2.71 games and does not suggest that his form for the Scottish champions is likely to improve.

Along with seemingly being able to offer a greater threat as a consistent goalscorer, van Hooijdonk could also provide more of a physical presence than Oh at the top end of the pitch for Celtic.

Standing at 6 foot 3, the Dutch talent is two inches taller than the Hoops forward and won two aerial battles per game (45% success rate) last season in comparison to the South Korean gem's 0.6 (41% success rate) in the Premiership.

Therefore, the Bhoys target could be a big upgrade on Oh due to his ability to find the back of the net on a regular basis, whilst also being able to deliver consistently better performances, due to their respective average Sofascore ratings, and more physicality.

Door not closed on locally developed talent – Dassanayake

The USA coach says players and fans need to embrace the reality that in the promotion and relegation atmosphere of Associate cricket, coaches and administrators are under strong pressure to pick their best eligible XI

Peter Della Penna20-Jan-2018When the ICC revised its player eligibility guidelines, the intent was to simplify residency restrictions for non-citizen players hoping to represent their adopted country. However, in the case of USA and potentially other expat-centric squads such as UAE and Oman, it has the potential to overshadow homegrown junior development in favour of expediency via ex-professionals migrating from overseas.It is in this context that USA coach Pubudu Dassanayake has sought to allay fears about the direction of the USA squad following the announcement of the 14-man squad last week that is heading to Antigua at the end of the month to participate in the West Indies Regional Super50 tournament. Dassanayake has said players and fans need to embrace the reality that in the high-stakes promotion and relegation atmosphere of Associate cricket, coaches and administrators are under strong pressure to pick their best eligible XI.”Everything is all about making this team ready for the next World Cricket League Division Three and T20 World Cup Qualifier,” Dassanayake told ESPNcricinfo. “In three to four years’ time, I’m pretty sure we will build some home-grown youngsters into the international level. But at this point, we need some help from these expat players for us to come out of these divisions. Once we reach Division One and when we are settled down there, I’ll be very happy to see a few youngsters coming through the system to pump into the team.”But, currently, because of the club cricket set-up in the USA, the development is very slow when you compare it to international level. I have to find a balance for that but I’m always a very supportive person for homegrown players…but it’s just that for the next one to two years, I need to find performers for the international level.”Notably, the squad for the Super50 includes three players – former West Indies international Xavier Marshall and former India Under-19s Saurabh Netravalkar and Sunny Sohal – who come with strong pedigree but who would all have been ineligible under the former ICC player residency guidelines which state a player needs to have been resident for four years prior to representing a new country. Each player meets the new three-year threshold.Along similar lines, three more players – Jaskaran Malhotra, Nisarg Patel and Roy Silva – met the four-year guideline but not the seven-year rule that had been in place. Prior rules stated only two players could be in any starting XI who were resident for four years but not seven, but that restriction has been lifted. It means USA could be fielding as many as three times the former maximum allotment in a starting XI at this tournament.In the process, US citizen players such as Ravi Timbawala, Abdullah Syed and Sagar Patel, who have all come through USA’s junior pathways, have been dropped. According to Dassanayake, inconsistency was a factor in leaving them out after all three were part of the squad for USA’s recent tour of the UAE and Oman but that he still has faith that they will continue to be a part of future plans. Dassanayake also said there are plans to have a fresh wave of combine trials, starting in March, ahead of the anticipated launch of a national tournament later in the year, giving opportunities for them to force their way back into the squad ahead of WCL Division Three.Former India Under-19s Saurabh Netravalkar in action•Getty Images”We want some kind of stability in the batting order,” Dassanayake said. “It’s not that we’ve taken them totally out. I’m really impressed with how Abdullah is shaping up. He was in Toronto last week and he looks like he’s improving every time, but I’m looking for stability at the top of the order. But I want to see Abdullah, Ravi, Sagar work hard and find a way to come back.”Aside from locally developed players being left out, there has also been criticism on social media from various regional coaches and players who claim that the selection of Marshall, Netravalkar and Sohal subverted a standardised trial process over the past few years conducted through the ICC Combines. However, USA selection chairman Ricardo Powell previously told ESPNcricinfo that the Combines were “just the start” of player evaluation process and “not the end of the road”.As such, Dassanayake says he has made recommendations to selectors when someone has caught his eye as in the case of Netravalkar. The left-arm medium-pacer was part of a Southern California Cricket Association XI last May that defeated USA in a national team warm-up match in Los Angeles prior to their tour of Uganda for WCL Division Three. Dassanayake says selectors had consulted with him after seeing the incoming batsmen perform at numerous independently organised T20 tournaments played around the country, such as the annual US Open in Florida.”From the first day that I was here, batting has been the issue and our top order very rarely has put runs on the board for the bowlers,” Dassanayake said. “So looking to set up the batting line-up, I’ve seen a few times Sunny and Xavier Marshall and Jaskaran. As soon as I heard that they’re qualified to play, I think this may be the only big tournament we’ll have before the next Division Three so I thought it would be the best time to check out these guys.”I’m excited to see how these top three will handle this tournament. I would say this tournament will be higher quality than WCL tournaments so it’s going to be a good test. Having said that, there’s still a few more players in the pipeline. Of course, Steven [Taylor] will be coming back when we play big tournaments. So looking at all these guys I’ll be able to make a decision who will be our best four, five, six batters. I suggested to Ricardo and I think all the selectors were very happy to [listen] to my request.”Another obstacle for locally produced players is the infrastructure in place. Dassanayake has been vocal since the start of his tenure about the need for regional administrators to get serious about adopting 50-over premier divisions in their local leagues as opposed to the standard 40-over set-up in most places.Peter Della PennaDassanayake says several players from the squad that competed in this past summer’s Under-19 World Cup Qualifier in Toronto came close to being selected for the tour of the West Indies. However, their best option for improvement may be to go overseas to speed up their development. Dassanayake mentioned Vivek Narayan as an example – the New Jersey batsman enrolled at university in London in September – of the path that may need to be taken until the domestic infrastructure improves.”I’m really keen to develop these local players. Some of them who were in Canada and in the Middle East, they got decent opportunities, but I feel they also need to play lots of high quality cricket to learn to perform at this level,” Dassanayake said. “Guys who are really knocking the door, I want them to go play cricket in different countries to get more experience and exposure. I’ll personally be looking into those areas to get opportunities for our players. From the Under-19 squad, Vivek Narayan is already in England studying and playing cricket.”Canada survived in the [ODI] system for a while because of the Toronto District League 50-over tournament they have. It goes for 16 weekends, played on turf, and every team has two or three foreign players. It’s very competitive, even though the quality needs to improve, but 80% of the national players are involved in that tournament and I think that’s one reason Canada has stayed at that level for a while. When you take the USA, we don’t have good 50-over competitions. In Los Angeles, they just last year started playing 50-over cricket, but I’m not satisfied [with the set-up]. We have five national players in that league and four of them are in one team. So the competition is one-sided.”When I was in Dallas last year, the DPL was a very competitive, good tournament. I watched some of their league cricket, 40-over games, and saw some good competition. We need to find a way to align these tournaments to the national level where everyone is playing 50 overs, white ball, coloured clothing and on turf. We have to have turf pitches so our younger players can develop. New York area has so much competition and there are lots of good players around there but they are playing on matting. Those things have to change.”

Queensland bowl out Western Australia for 93 to book home final

Matt Renshaw’s third century in as many Shield Games helped Queensland set Western Australia a target of 305. They fell 212 runs short, collapsing in just 38.2 overs

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Mar-2018
ScorecardGetty ImagesA staggering collapse from Western Australia on the final day has all but assured Queensland will host the Sheffield Shield final at the Gabba.Matt Renshaw’s third century in as many matches allowed the Bulls to set the Warriors 305 to win from 59 overs. Renshaw is the first Queenslander to score three centuries in three straight Sheffield Shield fixtures since Matthew Hayden in 1993-94.Charlie Hemphrey added an unbeaten 68 to his first-innings hundred to total 171 runs for the game without being dismissed and was rewarded with Man of the Match.On the same surface where Renshaw peeled off 143 not out, the Warriors folded in the fourth innings chase for 93 in 38.2 overs. Seven of the Warriors’ wickets came from outside edges to the wicketkeeper or the slips cordon.No Warriors player reached 20 as Jack Wildermuth, Michael Neser and Luke Feldman took nine wickets between them.The Warriors will now battle for the wooden spoon in the last round against South Australia.

Leeds United: Phil Hay drops worrying left-back update

Leeds United failed miserably in their quest to sign a left-back in the summer transfer window and it has now been revealed why the 49ers were unable to land any of Daniel Farke's targets in that area.

What's the latest news involving Leeds United?

The Whites have endured a frustrating start to the new Sky Bet Championship campaign and have taken just six points from their opening five fixtures under Farke, leaving much to ponder during the international break at Elland Road.

Leeds United recorded a disappointing goalless draw at home to Sheffield Wednesday last weekend in a result that has become all too familiar to the Whites at Elland Road, making it three draws in a row at their own place since the term began.

German coach Farke has let his frustration be known in an interview with the Yorkshire Evening Post, as he said: "It feels in the first home games of the season it's always the same story, speaking about how we dominated, creating more than enough, leading each statistic. The overriding feeling is that we are disappointed. We expected today to play against a really deep-sitting opponent that defends and gives everything to block each shot, experienced in game management, time-wasting."

New signing Jaidon Anthony has spoken of his aspiration to help his new side return to the Premier League at the first attempt in his first official interview with LUTV, stating: “The goal is to get promoted, play as many games as possible, help the team and be a big part of success. With the international break, it’s a good chance to get settled, know the lads and the manager and how he want to play and hopefully I’ll be ready come Millwall.”

Some late transfer news has emerged regarding Pascal Struijk, who is said to be a target for Belgian giants Club Brugge; however, a report from Voetbal Krant has intimated that it looks unlikely that the Belgian-born Dutch utility man will be heading to Ronny Deila's men.

Why didn't Leeds sign a left-back?

According to The Athletic journalist Phil Hay, Leeds United were rebuffed twice by Leicester City in their advances to try and land full-back Luke Thomas on a loan deal as Enzo Maresca didn't want to lose the 22-year-old to a team he considered to be a direct promotion rival.

Of course, Thomas has since joined Sheffield United on loan and will compete with Ben Osborn for a place in Paul Heckingbottom's starting lineup.

Burnley defender Charlie Taylor.

Hay also detailed that Burnley full-back Charlie Taylor was lined up for a return to his old club; nevertheless, the Clarets refused to sanction his exit as they didn't 'have the cover to let him go' at Turf Moor.

Leeds United's most feasible options at left-back, Sam Byram and Junior Firpo, are both injured at the moment, though the latter has signalled that he is ready to return to first-team action in a recent interview.

Leo Hjelde can also fill in at left-back; nevertheless, he is more of a central defensive figure, leaving Leeds United in a sticky situation on the left-hand side of their backline for the time being.

Spurs: talkSPORT pundit says Tottenham man "shoots Bellingham off the park"

Graeme Souness, who regularly appears on talkSPORT, has some very kind words to say about one exciting Tottenham Hotspur player as he draws a comparison with Jude Bellingham.

Latest Tottenham news

Ange Postecoglou's tenure at Spurs has started near-perfectly, with the north Londoners tasting victory in three of their opening four league matches.

Impressive wins over Man United, Bournemouth and Burnley have showcased Tottenham's new attacking flair under Postecoglou; so far proving his supposedly risky appointment to be right one so far.

The Australian is slowly becoming a cult hero at N17 and certain Spurs players, like Dejan Kulusevski, admit they've been left "surprised" by just how good he's been.

"I've been a little surprised but he’s really good," said Kulusevski to the club's official website.

"We had a very tough time at the end of last season but he has come in with really positive energy and it has gone very quickly.

"We are a young team and everyone wants to play this way… It's clear that all of us players have done our best to listen as much as possible."

Scoring 11 goals over their first four matches, the same number as last season's treble-winners Man City, Spurs currently sit second and head into their Saturday clash against Sheffield United in good stead.

Who is Tottenham's best player?

There are cases to be made for quite a few of Postecoglou's squad in terms of their most in-form stars, including the likes of Son Heung-min, Cristian Romero, Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma.

However, after signing from Leicester City in the summer transfer window, midfield star James Maddison has become quite the pivotal figure for Tottenham.

Scoring two goals and assisting two others in his first four league matches, the England international has dazzled as part of Postecoglou's new-look and exciting Spurs midfield.

Heung-min Son and James Maddison

Souness, speaking to Channel 4 ahead of England's 3-1 win over Scotland at Hampden in mid-week, even drew comparisons with £113 million Real Madrid superstar Bellingham.

The former Sky pundit even claimed he could be "far better" than Bellingham in terms of shooting and creating chances.

“I am an enormous fan of James Maddison," said Souness (via TBR)

"I think there is room for Maddison and Bellingham in this midfield.

“If you look at Maddison’s numbers, his stats of scoring goals and creating chances, and you compare them to Bellingham. He shoots Bellingham off the park. He is far better than Bellingham in creating chances and scoring goals.

“He is choosing Bellingham because he plays for Real Madrid. I think there is room for two of them – if he (Bellingham) is going to play off Harry Kane, then I don’t think he is as good as Maddison at that.”

How good is James Maddison?

Registering a brilliant 19 goal contributions (10 goals, nine assists) in the league alone over 2022/2023, Maddison starred as Leicester City's star player last term.

If he can replicate those numbers at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which he is doing thus far, then supporters can expect a very exciting 23/24 campaign.

The former Norwich City star is exactly what Spurs have been crying out for in a creative central midfield presence.

Harker's rocky Durham ride comes to a rest

David Harker has seen it all in his 17 years as Durham’s chief executive

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Apr-2018Durham have appointed Tim Bostock as chief executive, a position he will take up in July, with the long-serving David Harker stepping into a non-executive director role.Harker’s move into a less active position ends a dedicated 17-year reign as chief executive which included a rise to become one of county cricket’s most prominent clubs, and the advent of international cricket in Chester-le-Street, before a mounting financial crisis which saw them need a bale-out by the ECB and have their Test status withdrawn in the process.Bostock is a senior executive formerly with National Australia Bank and most recently with the New South Wales government and has extensive experience in the private and public sector in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. A keen cricketer, he played first class cricket in Zimbabwe and minor county cricket for Cheshire.Bostock arrives at Durham at a challenging time, but he struck an immediate note of optimism, saying: “Our aim is to once again become a force in English cricket, whilst continuing our tradition of developing young talent. We also have some exciting international fixtures to prepare for, including next year’s Cricket World Cup.”Durham now claim to be more financially stable than at any time in their history, but they have struggled to attract large Twenty20 crowds to The Riverside, not helped by limited evening transport options to and from the big conurbations of the north-east. They also failed to be named as one of the eight centres in the new tournament, beginning in 2020.Chairman Sir Ian Botham said, “Following the completion of the financial restructuring I have been working with David and our fellow directors to draft a new business plan, put together a new board of directors and recruit a chief executive to lead the next stage of the club’s development. Recruiting Tim is a great coup.”

Returning Leverock fires Bermuda to comfortable win

After being benched from Bermuda’s first two matches for disciplinary reasons, Kamau Leverock blasted 66 off 43 balls to set up a 58-run win over Jersey

The Report by Peter Della Penna in Kuala Lumpur02-May-2018
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsICC/Ian JacobsAfter being benched for Bermuda’s first two matches at the WCL Division Four for disciplinary reasons, star allrounder Kamau Leverock reminded Jersey of his talent with a devastating 66 off 43 balls to set up a 58-run win over Jersey at Kinrara Oval.Returning to the scene of Saturday’s training-session tirade that earned him a two-match ban, Leverock punished Jersey’s bowling attack after they had sent Bermuda in at the toss. Leverock, and his opening partner Okera Bascome, each hit a four and two sixes off Cornelis Bodenstein and Anthony Hawkins-Kay to take Bermuda to 32 for 0 in two overs. Leverock brought up a 28-ball fifty in the 10th over, off Charles Perchard.Leverock’s onslaught against Jersey’s bowlers was reminiscent of a similar shellacking two years ago, at the last Division Four in Los Angeles, when he smashed 137 off 111 balls.Elliot Miles eventually ended the opening stand at 52, but Leverock and captain Terryn Fray put on another 58 for the second wicket to take Bermuda to a commanding 110 for 1 in 15 overs.Bermuda’s scoring rate fell dramatically after Leverock’s dismissal, going at under four an over the rest of the way, until they were bowled out for 242 in the final over. The left-arm spin trio of Miles, Ben Stevens and Nat Watkins combined to take eight of the ten wickets.On what has been a good batting surface at the Kinrara Oval through the tournament, Jersey stuttered in reply, falling to 32 for 3 inside the Powerplay. Stevens once again provided a major contribution with the bat to give Jersey hope, top-scoring with 42 off 52 balls at No. 3. But Jersey were hurt by a number of batsmen failing to convert their starts in the middle and lower order.Offspinning allrounder Dion Stovell, who took the new ball and dismissed Peter Gough in the fourth over, came back to spin out the tail, finishing with 4 for 33 as Jersey were bowled out in the 43rd over for 184.

Arsenal told new Alexander Isak price tag in boost for Mikel Arteta

Newcastle United star Alexander Isak is said to be high on Mikel Arteta’s list of ideal strikers for Arsenal, with another update on his price tag now surfacing in what could be a boost for the Gunners.

Arsenal identify Alexander Isak as dream transfer target

Multiple reports from the last few months have indicated the Sweden international, who boasts 19 goals from 29 appearances in all competitions already this season – has plenty of admirers within the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal now submit £50m offer for "outstanding" Spurs target, claims report

The Gunners have now made a bid for a defender Tottenham tried to sign in January.

ByDominic Lund Feb 17, 2025

Isak helped to knock Arsenal out of the Carabao Cup semi-finals recently, putting in a stellar performance against them during the second leg at St. James’ Park, and opened the scoring for Eddie Howe’s side in their first leg victory.

West Ham (home)

February 22nd

Nottingham Forest (away)

February 26th

Man United (away)

March 9th

Chelsea (home)

March 16th

Fulham (home)

April 1st

The 25-year-old has been a nightmare for Premier League defences and Arsenal’s own backline since he made the move to England from Real Sociedad, with Arteta and co identifying him as a “dream” transfer target.

“I mean, Arsenal’s dream priority is Alexander Isak, and I’m still told that he would like to join a Champions League club and stay in the Premier League in the long run,” said reliable journalist Ben Jacobs to GiveMeSport.

“But of course, in the short-to-medium term, he’s on fire for Newcastle United. He’s invested at Newcastle, and he’s well contracted at Newcastle, so they aren’t worried about necessarily losing Isak imminently, nor do they feel they absolutely have to agree a new contract with him because he remains healthily contracted.

“So it’s a bit of a dream target for Arsenal.”

Isak’s deal still has another three years left to run, meaning the Magpies can afford to charge premium rates for their world-class marksman in the event major clubs do come knocking for his signature.

Reports have suggested that the former La Liga sensation could cost as much £125 million, which means Arsenal would have to break their transfer record to strike a deal for Isak, if Newcastle even entertained the idea of selling him.

Arsenal told new Alexander Isak price tag in boost for Mikel Arteta

However, a new claim has emerged courtesy of Spanish news outlet Sport, which may well come as a boost for Arteta in his pursuit of the superstar number nine.

Indeed, they report that Newcastle have set Isak’s valuation at a fee in excess of £83 million, which is a seismic drop from other mooted figures. Arsenal are yet again mentioned by Sport as one of the contenders for his services, but they face stiff competition from Chelsea and Liverpool, who are also in the running.

While £83 million is still a hefty figure, you can make a very serious case that Isak is one of the best centre-forwards in world football right now, and quality attacking players of his ilk will all command a marquee price tag.

Holder to replace Pollard as Barbados Tridents captain

Holder had missed the previous edition of the CPL due to West Indies’ tour of England

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Apr-2018West Indies’ Test and ODI captain Jason Holder will lead Barbados Tridents in the forthcoming season of the Caribbean Premier League. Holder, who had missed the previous edition due to West Indies’ tour of England, will take over captaincy reins from Kieron Pollard.Holder, 26, has captained West Indies in 56 ODIs and 21 Tests and has played 14 first-class matches for his regional side Barbados. Weighing in on his appointment as captain, Holder said his focus would be on turning things around for the Tridents, who had finished fifth in the six-team tournament last season, winning only four out of their 10 league games.”I am delighted to be back at the Hero CPL for this season and I am really looking forward to making Barbados proud in 2018,” Holder said in a release. “We have a healthy contingent of local players in the squad this year and we are ready to make this a winning year for our home team.”The tournament is scheduled to run from August 8 to September 16 this year, with Trinbago Knight Riders looking to defend their title.

Moyes must now bench Beto and finally unleash Everton’s "superb prospect"

Everton’s durability in David Moyes’ system seems to know no bounds.

Brentford boast the tactical prototype to thwart this Everton side’s tactical set-up, but after weathering an early storm, the visitors struck at the Gtech through defender Jake O’Brien, taking a well-earned point back to Merseyside.

It means the Toffees have now gone six matches unbeaten in the Premier League, a run bettered only by their red neighbours in the division.

The 15th-place side are 15 points ahead of Ipswich Town in the bottom three and can now look ahead with optimism, with so many players coming into their own under Moyes’ wing.

However, one of the biggest improvers failed to maintain his level against the Bees, with Beto indeed failing to impress in the capital.

Beto's performance vs Everton

Beto has been one of English football’s most in-form goalscorers since Moyes returned to Goodison Park, but he returned to a lesser state during a wasteful display against Thomas Frank’s team.

Apps

42

6

Goals

4

5

Shot conversion %

7%

31%

Big chances missed

10

3

Accruing an expected goals (xG) total of 0.62 on Wednesday evening, as per Sofascore, the Guinea Bissau international somehow failed to get his name on the scoresheet.

The shining light from this profligate performance is that he’s getting himself in good positions, earning opportunities in a more fluid Everton set-up than was on display under Sean Dyche.

He also won nine total duels, bespeaking his movement and combative approach. However, Moyes will be disappointed in his number nine’s effort, highlighting the need for alternative options to step forward.

With Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Armando Broja both sidelined, Everton’s coming run of fixtures could serve as a fantastic opportunity for one young striker who hasn’t featured for the first team in 2024/25.

The striker who could replace Beto

The man in question is Youssef Chermiti, whose absence across the campaign is a by-product of various muscular problems. Chermiti has sat on the bench across four Premier League matches this season – including the fixture against Brentford.

Chalkboard

Signed from Sporting CP in a £15m deal in August 2023, the 20-year-old made 20 top-flight appearances last year but only started once, playing a total of 196 minutes.

Regarded as a “superb prospect” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Portuguese ace is imposing at 6 foot 4, with a convincing aerial presence and a natural cleverness in his movement. Similar, you might say, to Beto.

Now that he’s fit and ready for matchday inclusion, it’s important that Moyes gives him opportunities to strut his stuff, especially since the youngster will have noted Beto’s significant improvements since the Scotsman came to town.

Beto has been one of Everton’s most resurgent stars over the past several weeks, but against Brentford, he reminded the Toffees that he’s not above a misfire.

Chermiti

Moyes’ options at the front of the ship are slim, sure, but the Blues have a young gun in Chermiti who is just waiting for a chance to show his quality under new management, in a new era.

Worse than Beto: Moyes must drop 6/10 Everton star who had 0 shots

The Everton forward endured a frustrating evening against Brentford on Wednesday.

ByDan Emery Feb 27, 2025

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