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New York Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Everton's search for a right winger (or two): From Weah to Doak, potential targets home and abroad
It is clear where Everton need to improve for next season. They have long been hampered by a lack of goal threat in their team, years of underinvestment undermining attempts at progress. Finances have dictated that star attackers Richarlison and Anthony Gordon be sold, and replaced by loanees or budget signings. Advertisement The result? A side lacking in both finishing prowess and creativity. Everton scored the fewest goals (42) among the 17 Premier League clubs to avoid relegation last season. That was no statistical aberration either — their expected goals (xG) tally across the 38 games was 42.4, with the only three teams to do worse in that metric all going down. Put simply, they have not created enough chances. Positive steps were taken after David Moyes replaced Sean Dyche as manager in mid-January. After scoring 15 times in the season's first 19 league games, Everton managed 27 in the final 19. But Moyes has been clear about them needing to do more in the final third, and his desire to strengthen in attack. A new right winger, maybe two of them, will be high on the agenda as this summer's transfer window unfolds. With last season's loanees Jesper Lindstrom and Jack Harrison returning to their parent clubs, and Dwight McNeil and Iliman Ndiaye better suited to playing elsewhere on the pitch, it's possible Everton will try to sign a couple of wide players over the coming weeks — one for the starting XI, one to develop. Moyes used his wingers in distinct ways last season. Ndiaye, stationed nominally on the left, would be given licence to come inside and get close to goal. Over on the right, Lindstrom was given a more traditional brief and asked to push on behind the opposition back line and supply crosses. The latter remains important in Moyes' system. Even when he has deployed a more defensive right winger, such as Harrison, he has been clear to his wide players about the need to improve the number of crosses and passes into the penalty area, as well as their personal goal output. But they have to get their hands dirty doing the out-of-possession aspects of the role at times, too. The Athletic takes a look at some potential options to fill this problem position. Like Lyon's Ernest Nuamah, Fellows came close to joining Everton in January. A key target for the club's previous recruitment team, led by Kevin Thelwell and Dan Purdy, significant progress had been made over a deal that would have seen the England Under-21 international move to Goodison Park for an initial £8million ($10.9m at the current rate). But when early wins under Moyes eased relegation fears, the Everton hierarchy decided not to pull the trigger. Fellows, who turns 22 next month, remains a player of interest. An old-school, get-to-the-byline kind of winger, he registered a league-best 14 assists in the second-tier Championship last season, often from crosses. That total came despite a personal expected assists figure of 7.6 — a statistical anomaly. Fellows would be unlikely to start regularly at Everton next season if he joins them this summer, so they would almost need to bring in a more experienced option at the position. But the Championship has proven fertile ground for Moyes in the past — in his first spell at Everton, he signed John Stones (Barnsley), Phil Jagielka (Sheffield United), Leighton Baines and Joleon Lescott (Wolverhampton Wanderers) from non-Premier League sides and turned them into England internationals, and he did the same more recently with Jarrod Bowen (Hull City) at West Ham United. Advertisement Fellows, on paper, appears to be a Moyes-type player too. Yet a transfer, to Everton or elsewhere, is not thought to be imminent. Twelve months ago, Belgium international Bakayoko seemed to have the world at his feet. A pacy, effective dribbler with a clinical edge, he forced his way into his country's squad for the European Championship after scoring 12 goals and registering nine assists as PSV won the Dutch title. Last season did not go quite as well for the 22-year-old, though, with his combined contributions in those metrics more than halving (nine goals, one assist) in only three fewer appearances than the 33 he made in 2023-24, even as the Eindhoven club were crowned champions again. But the talent remains obvious. Only five players attempted more take-ons per 90 minutes than he did in the Eredivisie last season, with only four taking more shots per 90. He ranked third in the division for passes into the penalty area per game too, so would bring some directness and creativity to Moyes' attack. Bakayoko's Champions League goal against Liverpool in January, where he sent Jarrell Quansah and Andy Robertson to the floor with a dummy before firing in with his right foot, was a standout moment of his season. Bakayoko sits down the Liverpool defence to level the match for PSV 🥶 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 29, 2025 He is a potential bargain. Not only has his stock fallen slightly, but he has just a year left on his contract. That opens the door to interested parties, with Everton one such club to have tracked his progress in recent seasons. Bakayoko is an intriguing option for any manager looking for a point of difference in attack, but certainly not a sure-fire bet. Advertisement The last player to make the cross-Merseyside switch from red to blue was Gary Ablett in 1992. Could Doak be next? The Athletic reported this summer that he is a player of interest to Everton. The 19-year-old has his admirers on Moyes' coaching staff, having worked with Alan Irvine on Scotland duty. Irvine, a former winger himself, seems to have made his mark on his and Moyes' young countryman — Doak excelled in November's Nations League win over Croatia, giving Josko Gvardiol of Manchester City a torrid time. Capable of beating his man on either side, Doak is a bag of tricks. A real outlet on the wing, no player received as many progressive passes in the Championship last season, where he was on loan at Middlesbrough. He was also top in the division for carries into the opposition penalty area. From the below, you can see that he is unpredictable and direct when he gets the chance to run at a defence. Doak's end product is improving but needs more work. Across 24 league appearances for Middlesbrough last season, he registered three goals and seven assists. He has had his fair share of injury trouble — after missing the second half of the 2023-24 season following a knee operation, a thigh problem, sustained in February, saw him again require surgery and miss the remainder of that campaign. There would be competition from elsewhere, too, if Everton went for him. Liverpool rejected bids of around £15million for Doak from Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town in January, and are believed to want somewhere close to £25m for the former Celtic youngster. Given the rivalry between the two clubs, a deal would not be easy to do. It feels like United States international Weah is linked with a move every summer. The story is the same in 2025, which probably says something about his situation at Juventus. Advertisement The 25-year-old started just 18 of their 38 Serie A games last season, scoring five times and registering two assists — a decent haul in the circumstances. After a spell out of the team either side of Christmas, he did regain his place for much of the second half of the campaign, but speculation persists over a move. An athletic, dynamic presence wherever he plays, versatility is one of Weah's greatest strengths. Last season, he had stints at full-back, on the left and as a makeshift striker. Weah's most productive spell came when he was stationed high on the right and afforded the licence to race into dangerous attacking areas. He took up good positions and showed an ability to finish chances. Everton could do with more versatility in the squad, given the rebuild that needs to happen this summer. At his age, Weah needs a regular role, at Juventus or elsewhere, as he looks to push on in his career and before a home World Cup next summer. He will not be short of options. McAtee finds himself at a crossroads with City, who he joined at age 11 having been born in nearby Salford. The 22-year-old has shown in his cameos for Pep Guardiola that he is good enough to play regularly at Premier League level, but may see his path to more first-team minutes for City blocked after the recent signing of Rayan Cherki, 21, from Lyon. McAtee is also about to enter the final year of his contract. The bulk of McAtee's minutes have come in an advanced central role — another position of need for Everton — but he is capable of coming inside from the right on his left foot and linking attacks. While not a traditional winger as such — see the below touch map from the second of his two successive seasons on loan at Sheffield United — he would add technical and playmaking quality to Moyes' team and is also a reliable, hard-working presence off the ball. McAtee is captaining England Under-21s at their age group's European Championship this summer, scoring an opportunistic opener in Saturday's 3-1 quarter-final win against Spain, and looks ready to take a step in responsibility at club level too. (Top photos of Doak, left, and Weah: Getty Images)
New York Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New York Times
Why are Bayer Leverkusen ready to pay more than £30m for Jarell Quansah?
Twelve months ago, in their bid to avoid breaching the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules (PSR), Newcastle United approached Liverpool about a deal that would see forward Anthony Gordon move to Anfield and defender Jarell Quansah go in the opposite direction. Liverpool told their Premier League rivals that they had no interest in selling their young centre-back. The 2023-24 campaign had been a breakthrough season for the 22-year-old who began the season as fifth choice but ended it as Jurgen Klopp's preferred partner to Virgil van Dijk. He started 27 games in his 33 appearances. Advertisement It looked like Liverpool's academy had eased concerns about finding a successor to Joel Matip and saved the club a significant transfer outlay. So, a year later, as Bayer Leverkusen edge closer to finalising an agreement with Liverpool to sign the defender for a fee of £30million (€35.1m; $40.4m) plus add-ons, how did we get here? And why are the German side preparing to make him one of their most expensive signings? A move to the Bundesliga is one thing, but the sums involved for someone who made just four Premier League starts last season are surprising. Liverpool's data department will no doubt have run the numbers to assess Quansah's value compared with other centre-backs at a similar age across Europe, with Michael Edwards (previously the club's sporting director and now CEO of football with owners Fenway Sports Group) renowned for his record of delivering profitable returns on Liverpool's squad players. The most comparable example last summer would be 23-year-old centre-back Sepp van den Berg, who departed for Brentford for a fee of £20.2million. That was twice the market value placed on him by Transfermarkt at the time (£10.3m, a crowd-sourced figure). Quansah's current value on Transfermarkt is £17.1m. Other examples of Liverpool's profitable outgoings include Fabio Carvalho (that deal could be worth up to £27.5m), Dominic Solanke (£19m plus add-ons), Rhian Brewster (£23.5m) and Jordon Ibe (£15m), meaning Liverpool's efficient sales approach should come as little surprise among the fanbase. In today's market, Liverpool could point to similar centre-backs who have recently signed in the Premier League as an anchor point for their own negotiations. Maximilian Kilman's £40m move from Wolves to West Ham United would be a salient example that Liverpool could have calibrated on, with Joachim Andersen (£30m) providing a clear ballpark of the modern-day centre-back. Advertisement Liverpool would have still maximised the market if Quansah's £30m-plus sale goes through, with fellow young English centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis being the closest comparison to the 22-year-old in the past 12 months. With Harwood-Bellis moving from Manchester City to Southampton for £20m last summer (almost perfectly aligning with his market value), it shows that Liverpool would be foolish not to profit from the fee proposed for Quansah. This time last year, Liverpool's evaluation would have been higher. Having signed a new long-term contract in October, Liverpool were able to retain value based on the potential he has shown, but it highlights the difficult 2024-25 campaign Quansah endured, which saw him make 25 appearances, 13 of which were starts. Projected to be the club's future starting centre-back for the next 10 years, he only managed one as fourth choice as Joe Gomez was selected ahead of him when Konate was out for over a month in 2024. He suffered setbacks that he had to bounce back from. The first came on the opening day of the season when he was substituted at half time in Liverpool's 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town. Following a solid pre-season, Quansah was selected ahead of Ibrahima Konate but with Arne Slot unhappy because of his side's collective poor duel success rate, he sacrificed the young defender. His confidence was knocked and that was evident in the following performances. The sight of Quansah slumping down in his chair after being substituted towards the end of the 3-2 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in October offered a snapshot into how things were going. Quansah had played well for 75 minutes, but then gave the ball away in the build up to Brighton's first goal and the second saw a shot deflect off him, wrong-footing Vitezslav Jaros. There was some serious misfortune, too. Quansah scored two own goals last season against West Ham (Carabao Cup) and Chelsea (Premier League). Both involved one of his team-mates — Wataru Endo and Van Dijk respectively — booting the ball at him from less than a yard away and it rebounding into the net. Wrong place, wrong time and very little he could do about it. Advertisement His performances were a mixed bag, which was not helped by a lack of consistent action. In January, a positive showing against Lille in the Champions League was followed by a poor one against PSV a few weeks later. Understandably, when playing next to Van Dijk, he looked comfortable, but less so when he didn't. Stylistically, Quansah is not afraid to stick a foot in when the ball is there to be won. Comparing his 'true' tackles — which denote tackles attempted plus challenges lost plus fouls committed — with his fellow centre-backs since the start of 2023-24, only five players average more than his 4.9 per 1,000 touches. Such is his imposing frame, Quansah backs himself to step into a challenge on the ground or in the air (4.9 aerial duels per 90 minutes). The difficulty has been his success rate in those challenges, with a true tackles win rate (63 per cent) that is in the bottom half among his positional peers. Aerially, his 65 per cent win rate is good enough for the 21st-best in his cohort, but notably lower than fellow centre-backs Konate (71 per cent) and Van Dijk (77 per cent). Slot spoke positively about the centre-back's mentality during the second half of the season and was pleased with his performance levels. His most memorable moment of the league campaign came via a crucial late interception in a 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers (below). However, the Dutchman's comments following the 3-1 defeat by Chelsea in May offer the potential reason why Liverpool are comfortable letting him go. In a similar fashion to the Brighton game, Quansah did fine but scored an own goal and conceded a late penalty, fouling Moises Caicedo after Dominik Szoboszlai's attempted pass to him lacked sufficient power. 'Jarell is fast, strong and comfortable on the ball,' Slot told reporters. 'He has every ingredient a centre-back for this club should have. Now the last parts should be consistency in his performances.' 'To play in this team, you need to be really, really, really good and he is competitive with the other ones. But he was maybe a bit unlucky that the other ones stayed fit throughout the whole season and they have so much consistency in their levels. Advertisement 'Jarell has had consistency as well but one moment can change the perception of a game. One moment can also lead to us losing or winning a game of football. These small details can make a big difference in a season. That's why to play at Liverpool you need to do so many things well at the highest level — but the moment you do so, he can play here for so many years to come.' Liverpool were not actively looking to sell Quansah this summer and value him as a young squad player with potential to become a regular England international. But as with others on the edges of Slot's squad, there is a price where a sale would be sanctioned. And in a World Cup year, it is understandable for the defender to be seeking more game time in the hopes of making Thomas Tuchel's squad next summer. Yet with Liverpool now needing to bolster their own centre-back options this summer, there is an irony in that the profile of player they would be most closely linked with would be someone like Quansah. Financial implications notwithstanding, there is a curiousness to the exit of such a young, promising English talent that is already attuned to Slot's way of playing. In Leverkusen, he is joining a side that are remodeling their defensive unit in a summer of change after manager Xabi Alonso departed for Real Madrid and Erik ten Hag replaced him. Liverpool have signed Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, while fellow defenders Jonathan Tah (Bayern Munich) and Odilon Kossounou (Napoli) have left. Fellow centre-back Piero Hincapie could also move on. Goalkeeper Mark Flekken has already arrived from Brentford and Quansah will not be the final defensive arrival this summer as they overhaul that department. For the German side, this is an investment in potential. Slot has shown his ruthless side, allowing the next stages of Quansah's development and the natural growing pains young players go through to happen away from Anfield. Last season did not make Quansah a bad player in only his second season at senior level. He has shown he has the ability to play at the top of the game, and this could be the perfect move for the defender to prove that again.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Journalist Confirms Newcastle United Forward Wants to Join Liverpool
Liverpool's Anthony Gordon Pursuit Remains Alive but Delayed by Newcastle's Stance Liverpool's well-documented interest in Anthony Gordon has re-entered the transfer discussion, but hopes of a deal this summer are on shaky ground. TBR Football journalist Graeme Bailey offered key insight into the current situation, stating, 'One day I think he probably will end up at Liverpool. Will it be this summer? I very much doubt it.' Advertisement The former Everton winger, now excelling at Newcastle United, has long been admired by Anfield's hierarchy. Still just 24, Gordon impressed in the 2024-25 season with nine goals and seven assists from 42 appearances. Photo: IMAGO Bailey revealed: 'But Liverpool is his preferred option… to get Gordon out of Newcastle, I think it's highly highly unlikely.' Despite rival interest from Chelsea and Arsenal, it's clear where Gordon's heart lies. The fact that he grew up a Liverpool supporter adds emotional weight to a potential move, and it's a factor that could tip the scales in the Reds' favour should Newcastle soften their stance in future windows. Newcastle's Financial Balancing Act At the heart of this transfer narrative is Newcastle's own financial situation. Bailey touched on the delicate nature of their current squad management, suggesting potential movement could be dictated by off-pitch pressure. Advertisement 'They think Newcastle will have to do something… that may be where it ties in our Joelinton story – if Newcastle have got to sell someone big, do you sell Joelinton to Saudi Arabia?' This hints that Gordon's availability may hinge not on his own desire, but on how Newcastle navigate FFP and possible squad restructuring. The Magpies insist they are under no pressure to sell, but whispers from across the Premier League hint otherwise. If Newcastle are forced into a big-money departure, players like Joelinton — with lucrative interest from Saudi clubs — could be sacrificed to preserve assets like Gordon. However, should those deals stall, the door to a Gordon exit might creak open. Tactical Fit Under Slot Gordon's profile makes him a logical fit for Arne Slot's Liverpool. Slot's dynamic, high-energy system demands wide forwards who can press aggressively, break lines with pace, and offer cutting edge in the final third. Gordon ticks every box. Advertisement While Gordon has primarily operated from the left at Newcastle, he is also comfortable on the right or in more central roles. That versatility could be vital as Liverpool prepare for potential squad changes, including the possible departure of Luis Diaz. Photo: IMAGO Diaz's links to Barcelona and PSG have left uncertainty hanging over Liverpool's left flank. Bringing in someone like Gordon — a Premier League-proven winger with clear upside — would offer both continuity and evolution under Slot. Waiting Game Likely to Continue As things stand, Liverpool's interest remains strong, but Newcastle's reluctance to sell means a move is improbable this summer. Bailey's view is consistent with what we've heard before: this transfer could be one for 2026, not 2025. Advertisement The path to Anfield is open for Gordon — just not clear of obstacles. 'This is not the first time we've been named as Gordon's preferred destination and it won't be the last.' Liverpool fans may need to be patient, but the feeling persists that this story isn't over. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis It's clear from Graeme Bailey's reporting that Gordon wants Liverpool, and from a fan's viewpoint, that's half the battle won. When a player with Premier League pedigree and a clear love for the club wants to make the switch, it's always worth keeping tabs. His numbers last season were solid, especially when compared to what our current wide options delivered. Nine goals and seven assists in a team that lacked consistency shows Gordon can make an impact — and at 24, he's only getting better. Advertisement The issue here isn't talent or fit — it's timing. Newcastle won't sell unless forced, and if they can cash in on Joelinton instead, they'll likely do so. That said, Luis Diaz's situation still feels like the domino that could shift priorities. If he goes, Liverpool need to respond — and Gordon is probably the most 'Liverpool-style' winger currently in the league. Slot will want players who can press, run, and create, and Gordon is moulded for that. Whether we wait a year or not, it's clear that Liverpool haven't ended their pursuit — they're just biding their time.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liverpool's secret WEAPON in unlocking deals for Isak and Gordon
Liverpool's summer transfer plans could end up being seriously entwined with those of Newcastle United. First off, the Reds are known to be interested in Alexander Isak. The 25-year-old forward hit 23 goals for the Magpies in the Premier League last season. That helped propel the North East club back to the Champions League and establish Isak as one of the finest strikers around. Advertisement He is in many ways the dream forward for Arne Slot but it is not going to be easy to arrange a transfer. Newcastle would want over £120m for the Swede, who is out of contract in 2028. And Liverpool have also got their eye on the £75m-rated winger Anthony Gordon. The club were close to doing a deal for the England international last summer but the move hit a last-minute hitch owing to Newcastle requesting Jarell Quansah to be part of the deal. Liverpool looking at Newcastle for Isak and Gordon 24-year-old Gordon is well-known to several Liverpool squad members from England duty and last summer was reported to be keen on a return to Merseyside. And Newcastle have got a few Liverpool players in their sights. Advertisement It will be too late to add Quansah - with the defender now close to Bayer Leverkusen - but there are others in the squad they have been looking at. Diogo Jota is now reported to be of interest to the Geordies, with the Reds willing to cash in on their Portuguese talisman. Harvey Elliott's name has come up, meanwhile, as a potential Magpies target. Then there's Joe Gomez. The long-serving defender could be available for the right price this summer and if the right offer appeals to him. But Newcastle are in some off-field turmoil currently, which could make negotiations difficult. Paul Mitchell has just stood down from his post as sporting director, according to a new report in the Daily Mail. Advertisement The club are now setting about interviewing various candidates for the prestigious role and there is a very familiar name among the potential appointments. © IMAGO Julian Ward on Newcastle's wishlist 'Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell has stood down from his sporting director role with immediate effect - and Andy Howe has been asked to step up to work alongside head of recruitment Steve Nickson,' a report reads. 'Nottingham Forest chief Ross Wilson is among the candidates and former Arsenal assistant sporting director Jason Ayto will be spoken to by Nolan [recruiters]. We can also reveal that Julian Ward, Liverpool's technical director, is another name in the frame.' Advertisement Julian Ward first joined Liverpool back in 2012 after leaving Manchester City. He became European scouting manager for Spain and Portugal before a promotion to loan pathways and partnership manager. He was anointed as assistant sporting director to Michael Edwards in 2020 before taking on the sporting director role in 2022. Ward walked away from the club a year later but was convinced to return as technical director when Edwards rejoined FSG as CEO of Football. He now has a broad remit across FSG, including player development as well as the academy and loans.
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liverpool preparing offer for £75m England forward
Then there's the case of Luis Diaz. Out of contract in 2027, he could be sold to either Barcelona or a team in the Saudi Pro League in order to avoid losing him for a diminished fee. Anthony Gordon back on the radar Those sales would pave the way for a high-quality replacement. Advertisement And there is no question which winger would come out on top of the Reds' wishlist. Liverpool were tantalisingly close to agreeing a deal for Newcastle's Anthony Gordon last summer. The move ultimately fell apart at the final hurdle - with Liverpool said to be reluctant to add Jarell Quansah to the deal. The Magpies needed big sales in order to comply with PSR regulations and ended up getting rid of Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh instead. Gordon stayed put - signing a new deal in October - but Liverpool haven't gone away. © IMAGO - Anthony Gordon Liverpool Liverpool prepared to make offer for Gordon A new report by DAVEOCKOP claims that club execs have maintained contact with Gordon's representatives and are ready with an offer this summer. Advertisement It would require some of Liverpool's current wing options being shipped out first - and Gordon has been valued at around £75m. 'Liverpool have remained in active contact with Anthony Gordon's representatives since last summer,' the report reads. 'The Anfield club are prepared to make a significant move for the Newcastle United winger if one of their current forwards departs this summer – with the likes of Federico Chiesa, Darwin Nunez, and even Luis Diaz facing less than certain futures on Merseyside. 'The Reds' interest in the England international has persisted following their failed attempt to secure his services.' Advertisement Last season wasn't his best, scoring six goals and adding five assists as the Geordies regained their Champions League status. He fell out of the lineup towards the end of the campaign but the England international remains a high-class player. Gordon enjoys a friendship with Curtis Jones and was on Liverpool's books during his schoolboy days.
