Liverpool’s search for a top-tier striker has intensified as the transfer window enters its final stages.

The club’s pursuit of Alexander Isak has dominated headlines this summer.

However, with Newcastle holding firm over a potential British-record transfer fee, Liverpool have started exploring alternative options.

The Reds have already been active in the market.

They have brought in Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, Hugo Ekitiké from Frankfurt, Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth, and Giovanni Leoni from Parma.

These signings signal the club’s intent to strengthen the squad ahead of another Premier League title challenge and a fresh Champions League campaign.

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Isak’s protracted saga has created uncertainty, forcing the club to explore options capable of delivering an immediate impact while providing long-term potential.

One such player has emerged as a potential alternative.

A striker described by journalist Pablo González as a “monster,” whose skill set and goal-scoring instincts make him an intriguing proposition for a team with high expectations in both domestic and European competition.

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Enter Julian Álvarez, the 25-year-old Argentine international. The Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle has suggested that the former Manchester City star is ‘another name’ on their radar, while his colleague, Paul Gorst, has questioned how much ‘appetite’ there might be on Liverpool’s end to test Atletico Madrid’s resolve.

With a market value soaring to £142m, Álvarez has made 46 appearances for Argentina, scoring 13 goals, and netting 29 goals alongside seven assists across all competitions last season for Atletico.

His statistical profile positions him as a modern forward capable of both finishing chances and contributing to build-up play, drawing comparisons to players such as Vinícius Jr. of Real Madrid and Omar Marmoush of Manchester City.

Liverpool’s interest reflects a desire to secure a striker who combines goal threat with versatility.

Álvarez is capable of playing across the front line, linking effectively with wingers, and providing an option in wide channels if needed.

While the price tag and competitive market will complicate negotiations, his proven ability to perform in high-level competitions makes him an appealing alternative should the Isak deal fall through.

How Álvarez compares to Isak

From a tactical standpoint, Álvarez offers several advantages that could make him a suitable replacement for Isak while also complementing Liverpool’s existing attacking options.

His profile blends technical skill, mobility, and a high work rate, which would enable him to integrate into Arne Slot’s pressing and positional systems.

Whereas Isak excels as a central finisher with excellent movement and finishing in tight spaces, Álvarez provides additional dimensions through progressive passing and creative contributions, offering versatility in multiple attacking scenarios.

Statistically, the comparison underscores this difference.

2024/25 Season

Metric

Isak

Álvarez

Matches Played

34

37

Starts

34

30

Goals

23

17

Assists

6

4

Penalty Goals

4

4

Source: FBref

In terms of ball progression, Álvarez averages 2.83 progressive carries per 90 versus Isak’s 2.71, and 3.30 progressive passes per 90 compared with Isak’s 2.88, highlighting his involvement in moving the ball forward and initiating attacking sequences.

Shooting metrics reflect a similar pattern.

Álvarez takes 2.51 shots per 90 with 1.29 on target, slightly below Isak’s 3.10 shots and 1.34 on-target rate, but his shot accuracy (51.4%) surpasses Isak’s 43.2%, indicating a higher efficiency when attempting to score.

Passing also remains an area where the Atleti forward differentiates himself, completing 25.7 passes per 90 at a 74.2% pass completion rate, compared with Isak’s 17.0 passes and 75.3% accuracy.

Notably, Álvarez’s progressive passing distance of 95.1 metres per 90 dwarfs Isak’s 53.7 metres, showing his capacity to advance the ball into threatening positions consistently.

In terms of creativity, Álvarez recorded 3.87 shot-creating actions per 90, significantly above Isak’s 3.01, suggesting he can make an impact beyond pure goal scoring.

This combination of attributes makes Álvarez a multi-dimensional forward capable of linking play, finishing opportunities, and contributing to Liverpool’s wide and central attacking structures.

He offers a slightly different skill set from Isak, providing Slot with the flexibility to adjust the team’s tactical approach depending on opposition and match context.

His ability to carry the ball into attacking zones, create chances for others, and finish efficiently mirrors Liverpool’s style of blending pressing intensity with dynamic attacking movement.

Moreover, the 25-year-old’s versatility could help Liverpool mitigate risk.

Should Isak’s transfer fail, having a player capable of playing across the front line or drifting into wide channels ensures Liverpool are not left with a single type of striker.

His profile complements the creativity of Mohammed Salah, allowing for multiple combinations in attack.

While Isak may bring superior finishing instincts, Álvarez provides a more rounded offensive package, combining goal-scoring ability with creative distribution and positional fluidity.

He represents a high-potential alternative for Liverpool, embodying the traits necessary to thrive in the Premier League while adding layers of creativity and adaptability.

The Argentine offers a balance of efficiency, technical ability, and tactical intelligence that aligns with Liverpool’s attacking philosophy.

If Liverpool act decisively, he could emerge as a central figure in their forward line, bridging the gap left by an unsettled Isak while complementing the club’s existing offensive talents.

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Related Kerkez will love him: £76m star talking to Alisson about joining Liverpool

Liverpool are drawing up contingency plans in the event they can’t sign Newcastle’s Isak.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Aug 24, 2025

Sanjay Govil, US tech entrepreneur, submitted the higher of two sealed bids in a process on Friday evening

Matt Roller31-Jan-2025Sanjay Govil, the US-based tech entrepreneur and owner of Washington Freedom, is set to buy a minority stake in Welsh Fire, the Cardiff-based team in the Hundred. ESPNcricinfo understands that Govil submitted the higher of two sealed bids in a process on Friday evening which was delayed by the three-hour bidding war for London Spirit.ESPNcricinfo understands that the winning bid valued 100% of the Fire at £67.5 million, implying Govil will pay just over £33m for his minority share in the team.He will now enter a period of exclusivity with Glamorgan, the Fire’s host county. The two parties will negotiate contractual details with the help of the ECB and their advisors over the next eight weeks. Glamorgan told their members earlier this month that they intend to retain their 51% controlling stake in Welsh Fire.Related

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Govil is the chairman of two tech companies in the US: Infinite Computer Solutions, a leading technology services company, and Zyter, a health technology services company. Two years ago, he made his first substantial cricketing investment by buying Washington Freedom in Major League Cricket and the franchise won the title in their second season, with Ricky Ponting serving as head coach.ESPNcricinfo understands that Govil outbid one other contender in the final round. Capri Global, the Indian loans company who own UP Warriorz and Sharjah Warriorz in the WPL and ILT20 respectively, were understood to be the losing bidder. Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny, the Hollywood actors and Wrexham AFC co-owners, held talks with Glamorgan but dropped out before the final round of bidding.The Freedom’s bid is understood to have impressed Glamorgan from early in the process, with chief executive Dan Cherry telling ESPNcricinfo last year that the club valued the idea of identifying a “true partner” rather than simply an investor. “We are keen to build a partnership where people can add value to us as a club,” Cherry said.Washington Freedom were MLC champions in 2024•MLCThe Fire have failed to reach the play-offs in the first four editions of the men’s Hundred, but their women’s team have been more successful and were losing finalists last year. They are expected to be the team with the lowest valuation of the eight, having attracted relatively small crowds to date.The valuation means that the ECB has brought around £278 million into the English game with the sale of 49% stakes in four Hundred teams over the past two days. The revenue will be split between the 18 first-class counties, MCC and the recreational game in England and Wales, and is designed to “future-proof” the county game for at least the next two decades.The ECB declined to comment, while Glamorgan were also contacted for comment.

A 10-man Real Madrid came from behind to beat Marseille 2-1 in their Champions League opener at the Santiago Bernabeu, but it wasn’t a perfect night for everyone. Youngster Arda Guler was at fault for Marseille’s early opener. After the match, coach Xabi Alonso addressed the mistake, but also made it clear that the Turkish talent has his full backing.

Guler punished for costly error in build-up to Marseille’s goal

In the 22nd minute, Guler received a pass from Dean Huijsen deep inside Madrid’s half. Instead of releasing the ball quickly, he kept it in possession, allowing Mason Greenwood to close him down and steal it. Marseille broke forward, and Tim Weah slotted home to put the French side ahead. It was a tough lesson for the 20-year-old, who has been getting more minutes this season in the absence of injured Jude Bellingham.

AdvertisementGettyAlonso urges patience with Turkish star despite error

Speaking after the hard-fought win, Alonso admitted Guler made the wrong choice but urged patience with the youngster. 

“What I said at the Club World Cup about investing in Arda makes even more sense now," he said. "Arda had more touches on the ball than he should have, and that’s why the mistake happened. It’s not a problem. He’s worth it and on the right path. I’ll say the same about [Franco] Mastantuono. I think he will do well; he had his chances."

Mbappe rescues Madrid in Champions League opener

Despite the early setback, Madrid responded quickly. Kylian Mbappe equalised from the penalty spot in the 29th minute, before scoring again from 12 yards in the 81st minute to complete the comeback. Dani Carvajal’s red card left Los Blancos playing the final 18 minutes with 10 men, but they held firm to take all three points. Alonso praised his side’s 'Champions League spirit' and called it a 'big win' for their group stage campaign.

"A lot happened in the game. The first half-hour was very good, fantastic, with tempo, pressing, and many chances," he added. "We could have gone ahead but conceded instead. After that, the game became more balanced. In the second half, we pushed, maybe without too many chances, but I felt we controlled it until Carva complicated things. We showed the Champions League spirit at the Bernabeu, and the 2-1 goal allowed us to defend with ten men and take three very important points. It’s a big win."

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GETTYGuler urged to step up with Bellingham back

Guler has made five appearances so far this season and scored his second goal of the season in Madrid’s 2-1 win over Real Sociedad last week. While his mistake against Marseille didn’t cost the team three points, the youngster will know he has to learn quickly, with Bellingham set to return and Mastantuono also making an impact. Los Blancos will now turn their attention back to La Liga, where they face unbeaten Espanyol on Saturday.

He had broken his right thumb while playing in the BBL last week, but has been able to bowl in training this week

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Jan-2025

Matthew Kuhnemann is one of three frontline spinners in the squad•Getty Images

Matthew Kuhnemann has been cleared to join the Australia Test squad in Sri Lanka after recovering sufficiently following surgery to repair a thumb fracture.Kuhnemann, the left-arm spinner, had broken his right thumb while playing in the BBL last week, but has been able to bowl in training this week. He will reach Sri Lanka over the weekend along with Oliver Peake, the young Victorian batter, who has been invited as a development player.On Thursday, around 24 hours before confirmation he would join the tour, Kuhnemann had said that his surgically repaired thumb was almost pain-free as he bowled, batted and fielded in Brisbane.Related

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Kuhnemann, 28, is a key member of the Australia side for the two Tests in Sri Lanka, with both Tests in Galle on what are expected to be turning pitches. But his tour looked in jeopardy when he was struck on the thumb during Brisbane Heat’s game against Hobart Hurricanes last Thursday.He was driven to the hospital that night by Heat team-mate Daniel Drew, and he had the dislocation put back into place before having surgery the following morning to put a pin in the fracture. His recovery since then has been quick.At Allan Border Field on Thursday, Kuhnemann bowled eight overs and also batted, facing throwdowns from Heat and Queensland bowling coach Andy Bichel. While fielding, he took a few catches, all overseen by Heat physio Adam Smith.Kuhnemann is one of three frontline spinners in the Australia squad, alongside Nathan Lyon and Todd Murphy, though the squad does have a number of part-timers, Travis Head the best among them.Steven Smith will lead Australia in the Sri Lanka Test series•Getty Images

Steven Smith, the stand-in captain for the series with regular captain Pat Cummins on paternity leave, was the other injury concern for Australia after he picked up an elbow injury during the BBL. Smith, who has a history of elbow problems, sustained the injury to his right arm, the one he had surgery on in 2019, while throwing in the field for Sydney Sixers in their match against Sydney Thunder last week.He was also cleared to join the squad at their training camp in Dubai after seeing a specialist about the elbow issue.The two-match World Test Championship (WTC) series doesn’t have a bearing on the final after Australia won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India 3-1 to book their place in the WTC final, where they will take on South Africa, but the visitors are aiming for a first series win there since 2011.The two Tests will be played from January 29 and February 6, and will be followed by two ODIs – on February 12 and 14 – that will help Australia prepare for the Champions Trophy, which starts on February 19. Sri Lanka haven’t qualified for the tournament.

تلقى نادي ليفربول، ضربة موجعة بين صفوفه، بعدما تعرض أحد لاعبي الفريق لإصابة خلال الأيام الماضية، بينما انطلقت فترة التوقف الدولي خلال شهر أكتوبر للتو.

ليفربول يعاني الأمرين خلال الفترة الأخيرة، حيث تعرض الريدز إلى خسارتين متتاليتين في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، والتي شملت الهزيمة ضد تشيلسي بهدفين مقابل هدف واحد يوم السبت الماضي في ملعب ستامفورد بريدج، ومن قبلها خسر الريدز ضد كريستال بالاس 2-1 أيضًا الأسبوع الماضي.

ولم يسلم ليفربول من الهزائم في دوري أبطال أوروبا، حيث خسر الريدز ضد جالطة سراي بهدف دون رد يوم الثلاثاء الماضي، ضمن مرحلة الدوري من المسابقة الأوروبية.

اقرأ أيضًا .. لاعب مانشستر سيتي: محمد صلاح أصعب خصم واجهته مع ميسي وهالاند

وسوف يفقتد ليفربول إلى خدمات لاعب خط وسط ميدانه خلال الفترة المقبلة، وذلك بسبب الإصابة.

وأكد ليفربول في بيان عبر موقع النادي الرسمي، أن الاتحاد الياباني أعلن غياب إندو عن قائمة المنتخب والذي سوف يخوض مباراتين خلال فترة التوقف الدولي الحالي.

اليابان سوف تواجه نظيرتها باراجواي يوم الجمعة المقبل في لقاء ودي، وبعد ذلك سيلعب الساموراي ضد البرازيل يوم 14 أكتوبر المقبل وديًا أيضًا.

إندو كان قد شارك خلال الشوط الثاني من مواجهة ليفربول وتشيلسي، لكن ابن الـ32 عامًا لم يقدم من جهته الإضافة المطلوبة.

MatériaMais Notícias

Renato Augusto estará à disposição de Luxemburgo para a de volta partida contra o Atlético-MG, nesta quarta-feira (31), pelas oitavas de final da Copa do Brasil. O meia retornou da lesão no joelho após um mês e meio e entrou no decorrer da vitória do Corinthians sobre o Fluminense. Contudo, o treinador corintiano preferiu fazer mistério sobre a utilização do camisa 8 contra o Galo, despistando sobre uma mudança no esquema tático para encaixar o atleta de 35 anos.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansBidu acumula boa sequência como titular, e Corinthians pode pensar em compra de metade dos direitos do lateralCorinthians29/05/2023CorinthiansCássio se explica com torcida do Corinthians após gesto de ‘mão no ouvido’: ‘Espero que os maldosos não falem em provocação’Corinthians28/05/2023CorinthiansLuxemburgo se incomoda com pergunta sobre ausência de promessa do Corinthians: ‘Vocês insinuam muitas coisas’Corinthians28/05/2023

+ Cássio se destaca, e Róger Guedes comanda primeira vitória de Luxemburgo no Corinthians; veja notas

– Não vou falar sobre o time e o esquema, é um jogo decisivo – disse Luxa na coletiva após sua primeira vitória no comando do Alvinegro.

+ Todos os jogos doBrasileirãovocê encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe os jogos do Timão

Após 52 dias afastado dos gramados por uma artroscopia no joelho direito, Renato Augusto se recuperou e atuou cerca de 20 minutos contra o Fluminense. O atleta de 35 anos exaltou o carinho do torcedor e espera ganhar mais ritmo para ajudar os companheiros.

– Poder voltar, receber o carinho do torcedor, que durante esse tempo foi importante, mesmo sem jogando recebi esse carinho, num momento delicado de recuperação fez diferença. É recuperar jogo a jogo, ganhar ritmo para poder voltar a jogar em alto nível e ajudar a equipe – disse Renato à Corinthians TV.

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Diante do Tricolor das Laranjeiras, Renato Augusto começou no banco de reservas e entrou aos 26 minutos do segundo tempo, no lugar de Maycon. Com a entrada do meia, Luxa abriu Róger Guedes pela ponta esquerda e deixou o camisa 8 centralizado, ajudando na saída de bola e nos contra-ataques.

+ Timão avança na Copa do Brasil? Veja horários e todos os confrontos das oitavas de final

Nas últimas partidas, o treinador corintiano vem adotando o 4-4-2 como esquema tático principal da equipe, com Maycon e Adson abertos para auxiliar os laterais na marcação. Sem Paulinho, que sofreu uma entorse no joelho esquerdo, Roni foi o escolhido para ser o primeiro volante. O meio-campo pode sofrer mudanças novamente caso Luxemburgo opte por começar com Renato Augusto entre os titulares.

continua após a publicidade

O Corinthians perdeu o primeiro jogo contra o Galo por 2 a 0 e precisa vencer os mineiros por dois gols de diferença para levar a decisão aos pênaltis. O jogo será disputado na Neo Química Arena, nesta quarta-feira (31), às 21h30.

Tudo sobre

Atlético-MGCopa do BrasilCorinthiansLuxemburgorenato augusto

Manchester United vs Arsenal has become one of the biggest fixtures in the WSL calendar since it was first played in 2019. The most recent meeting between the sides on Sunday afternoon was watched by a crowd in excess of 8,000 for the third year in a row at Leigh Sports Village.

• A new Man Utd Women record

  Manchester United proudly announced in the days leading up to Arsenal's visit to Leigh that 9,000 had been sold for the fixture between the ambitious Red Devils and the reigning European champions. On the day, that translated into 8,665 fans going through the turnstiles, meaning a new club record for a women's game at the stadium, the primary home of the team. Neither set of fans went home fully satisified, watching a 0-0 draw that saw plenty of midfield action and creativity, but few really clear chances.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  There's something about the Gunners

  Every time United have hosted Arsenal at Leigh Sports Village in the last three seasons, more than 8,000 people have attended. Each one, in 2023-24 (8,312), 2024-25 (8,348) and now 2025-26 (8,665), has represented a new record for the club. Intriguingly, games that United have hosted at the stadium against other rivals like Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool are yet to break through the 8,000 barrier. A competitive rivalry against Arsenal has been brewing for a number of seasons, usually competing for the same places in the league table, adding to the appeal, while Gunners fans also deserve credit for typically travelling in bigger numbers than any other visiting side – even those that are geographically closer.

• Man Utd vs Arsenal: Why it also marks a wider WSL record

  With an official capacity of 12,000, Leigh Sports Village is the largest stadium in the WSL that is not also the primary home for a Premeir League team or a club's male counterpart – i.e not Old Trafford, Emirates Stadium, Stamford Bridge, etc. By welcoming 8,665 fans on Sunday, United broke their own record for the league's biggest attendance for a game played outside one of those men's football stadiums.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  When are Man Utd Women next playing at Old Trafford?

  As it stands, United have two WSL games this season planned for Old Trafford – against Aston Villa on November 8 and Manchester City on March 29. Last term, apathy off the back of a disappointing 2023-24 campaign saw just 8,761 people watch an opening fixture against West Ham at the famous stadium, nicknamed the Theatre of Dreams. But the attendance for a Manchester derby towards the end of 2024/25 later exceeded 31,000. United's overall club attendance record for a women's game stands at 43,615, also from a Manchester derby, in November 2023.

It’s been an interesting summer for Arsenal so far.

On the pitch, Mikel Arteta’s side have left a lot to be desired with wins over AC Milan and Newcastle United, but losses against Tottenham Hotspur and Villarreal.

However, off the pitch, it would be fair to say that Andrea Berta and his team have exceeded expectations so far with smart depth additions and a couple of big-money deals for Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi.

Moreover, the North Londoners look primed to do more business, with both Eberechi Eze and Ademola Lookman touted for moves to the Emirates.

Why Arsenal want to sign Eze & Lookman

As things stand, Arsenal continue to be linked with both Eze and Lookman, with the former having a release clause worth £68m in his current contract that’ll expire in a week, and the latter reportedly being available for a fee of around £43m.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

While it seems unlikely that the Gunners would sign both internationals, it’s easy to see why they are interested in them.

For example, despite playing in a mid-table team at best, the Englishman managed to rack up a brilliant haul of 14 goals and 11 assists in 43 appearances, totalling just 3303 minutes, last season.

That means the 27-year-old “magician,” as dubbed by pundit Micah Richards, maintained an average of a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes.

On top of that, he also scored in the quarter-final, semi-final, and final of the FA Cup, leading the Eagles to the first major trophy in their existence.

On the other hand, the Nigerian star has been a lean, mean goalscoring machine for several years now.

For example, since moving to the Bergamo outfit in August 2022, the “world-class” attacker, as dubbed by the BBC’s John Bennett, has scored 52 goals and provided 25 assists in 118 appearances, totalling 7538 minutes.

In other words, the former RB Leipzig star has averaged a goal involvement every 1.53 games or every 97.89 minutes over the last three seasons, which is a level of output that could fire the Gunners to glory next year.

In all, it’s easy to see why Arteta and Co would want to splash the cash on one of these stars, although whoever they decide on will have to smash all expectations to see their valuation even approach that of another Arsenal star.

The Arsenal star worth millions more than Eze & Lookman

While they’re yet to win anything with them, Arsenal are a club blessed with an abundance of incredibly talented stars in their squad, although it’s still really quite easy to pinpoint their most important player: Bukayo Saka.

The Hale End icon has developed from an exciting academy graduate into a fully-fledged superstar and the poster boy of Arteta’s project over the last few years, and his valuation reflects that.

Transfermarkt, for example, now prices the 23-year-old game-changer at a staggering €150m, which converts to about £130m, or at least £19m more than Lookman and Eze combined.

While some might question such a valuation, we reckon it’s pretty spot-on, and the first reason why is down to his output.

For example, despite missing almost four months of action with a hamstring injury last season, the Gunners’ “future legend,” as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, was still able to rack up a sensational haul of 12 goals and 14 assists in 37 appearances, totalling just 2619 minutes.

Saka vs Eze & Lookman in 24/25
Season	Saka	Eze	Lookman
Appearances	37	43	40
Minutes	2619′	3303′	2871′
Goals	12	14	20
Assists	14	11	7
Goal Involvements per Match	0.70	0.58	0.67
Minutes per Goal Involvement	100.73′	132.12′	106.33
All Stats via Transfermarkt

Not only did that make him the most effective player in the North Londoners’ squad, but the dynamic winger maintained an average of a goal involvement every 1.42 games, or 100.73 minutes, which is not only world-class, but better than Eze and Lookman.

On top of that, the Ealing-born monster has also established himself as an essential member of the national team, earning 44 senior caps, in which he’s produced 20 goal involvements, and winning back-to-back Player of the Year awards.

Ultimately, while Lookman and Eze are brilliant players who’d make excellent signings for Arsenal, we don’t think their valuations will ever be able to reach Saka’s.

Not Eze: Arsenal ready to pounce for "superstar" in Berta's best deal yet

The international would be a game-changer for the Gunners.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Aug 8, 2025

Everton boss David Moyes believes it is important to strengthen the squad with further signings before the market slams shut. Those at Elland Road on Monday evening would attest to that.

You can hardly draw conclusions after one match, especially when that match is the season’s curtain-raiser, but Everton clearly need a right-back and more depth in midfield and up front too.

Moyes wants his side to make real headway in the Premier League this season, competing for a first top-half finish since in 2020 under Carlo Ancelotti.

But more signings are needed, and there’s one rising talent in particular who is viewed as a dream signing for the Merseysiders.

Everton planning statement signing

Jack Harrison was pitted against Everton on Monday, having spent the past two years on loan at Goodison Park. Everton were probably right to have fed him into the streaming exodus before the summer, but have yet to sign a direct replacement on the right flank.

Jack Grealish certainly adds some magic to Moyes’ midfield, but the fleet-footed Three Lion is at his best when playing centrally or leaning to the left.

With this in mind, Everton are looking to sign Tyler Dibling from Southampton, having already seen a series of attempts to sign the dynamic attacking midfielder rebuffed this summer.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Friedkin Group “remain in negotiations” with Saints for the 19-year-old, who might also be creeping up Tottenham Hotspur’s shortlist after the Lilywhites fumbled their bid for Arsenal-bound Eberechi Eze.

The main sticking point pertains to the differences in valuation: Everton have already seen a £40m offer including add-ons, knocked back.

Why Everton should sign Tyler Dibling

Dibling is a terrific young player, even remarked to be a “world-class talent” by Southampton’s academy manager, Andy Goldie.

He performed admirably in an abject Southampton team last year, notching seven goal contributions across the campaign.

He might be a ‘world-class’ talent, but Dibling has a long way to go before he can stand proud as one of the dominant wingers on Premier League soil. Under Grealish’s wing at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, he might just realise his lofty ambitions.

Former Premier League star Stuart Pearce remarked last year that Dibling could be the next version of the England international, similarly silky on the ball and powerful and agile when he gets going.

Right winger

13

1

0

Attacking midfield

7

1

2

Centre-forward

5

2

1

Right wing-back

1

0

0

And where better to nurture his natural abilities than at Everton alongside the 29-year-old? Grealish, after all, ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe over the past 365 days for pass completion, the top 13% for progressive passes, the top 1% for progressive carries and the top 9% for shot-creating actions per 90, data provided by FBref.

He might have fallen by the wayside on an individual level across his final two years with Manchester City, but Grealish remains one of the most dangerous ball carriers in the business, and Dibling could feed on that if he moves to Everton before the end of the month.

Everton need a right-sided forward, and Dibling could be the perfect man to complete Moyes’ frontline and develop alongside a player like Grealish into the superstar he has been billed as.

Moyes' own Lukaku: Everton still chasing move for £51m "game changer"

Everton are still in the market for new players this summer

ByJoe Nuttall Aug 21, 2025

Fakhar Zaman is “100% certain” he will play for Pakistan again and is gearing up for the 2025 Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19 and will be hosted in Pakistan and Dubai.”A 100%, I will play for Pakistan (again),” Fakhar, 34, told the . “Actually, many people do not know about that, but after the T20 World Cup I got sick and because of the medical condition I was not fit, so I was not a part of the team.”But now I [have] recovered 100%, and you will see me in the next white-ball series which Pakistan play.”Related

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Fakhar, once an integral part of the Pakistan white-ball setup, has not played international cricket since the 2024 T20 World Cup last June in the USA and West Indies, where Pakistan were eliminated in the group stage. He last played an ODI in the 2023 ODI World Cup but is hopeful of returning for the Champions Trophy at home.Incidentally, it was in the 2017 Champions Trophy that Fakhar shot to prominence with a title-winning 114 against India in the final at The Oval in London. “My plan has been around the Champions Trophy,” he said. “I did not play in the Australia tour or in the South Africa tour, so my whole plan was just to play in the Champions Trophy, to make myself available and to be fully fit for the tournament.”That was in the back of my mind, and I am thankful, and I am lucky to be fit right now. I started from the Champions Trophy 2017 and that went really well for me and now I am very excited for the next edition also. I talked to the selectors, the head coach, and everyone wanted me to play in the Champions Trophy.”Fakhar Zaman is currently in the UAE for his maiden ILT20 stint•Associated Press

Fakhar had high praise for 22-year-old opener Saim Ayub, who has become a regular across formats for Pakistan. Ayub has had a sensational start to his ODI career, with three centuries and a fifty in nine innings, which includes hundreds in Australia and South Africa. However, an ankle fracture sustained during the first morning of the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town has put his Champions Trophy campaign in jeopardy.”I hope and I believe that he will recover quickly, and I was thinking yesterday to call Saim just to talk to him about this injury,” Fakhar said. “Believe me, he is such a great player that if he continues to play for the next four to five years, he will be at the top and he will be amongst the top three players in the world.”While Fakhar wants to open the batting for Pakistan, he may not find a slot there, with Ayub, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan already at the top of the order.”In Pakistan, we have three of the best players in the world in Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Saim Ayub, so sometimes I feel lucky to be in the team even if I am not able to make my place in the team as an opener,” Fakhar said. “If the team has faith in me and they want me to bat at number four or five, that totally makes sense, because for me the team is always first and I play wherever the team wants me to play, but I always prefer to open.”Fakhar is currently gearing up for his maiden ILT20 stint where he will feature for the 2023 runners-up Desert Vipers. “There are many Pakistani players who have played for the Desert Vipers including Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Azam Khan and Mohammad Amir and they talk really highly about this team, the environment, the management, the way they play the cricket and the way their mindset is,” Fakhar said. “So when I got the offer, without any discussion with anyone, I said ‘yes, I would love to play for this team.'”The ILT20 begins on January 11, with the Dubai Capitals taking on MI Emirates in Dubai.