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Everton’s summer has been one of transition and intrigue.

After narrowly avoiding relegation in recent seasons, the Toffees entered the new season determined to rebuild both their squad and their reputation.

Their start has been encouraging: an opening-day 1-0 defeat at Elland Road was quickly forgotten with back-to-back victories, including a 2-0 win over Brighton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and a thrilling 3-2 triumph away at Molineux.

The summer transfer window also saw several key departures. Veteran Ashley Young, midfield enforcer Abdoulaye Doucouré and striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin all moved on.

In their place came a blend of youth and proven Premier League pedigree.

Thierno Barry arrived from Villarreal, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Chelsea, and Tyler Dibling from Southampton.

But the headline addition was Jack Grealish – a marquee arrival from Manchester City, brought in to reignite his career after two difficult years.

Jack Grealish's revival on Merseyside

Grealish has experienced the highs and lows of modern football.

Once valued at £100m, his stock has since fallen to €28m (£24m), as per Transfermarkt, after a spell at Manchester City where injuries and competition for places limited his impact.

Across 190 Premier League appearances, the 29-year-old has scored 27 goals – but his last two seasons were disrupted by hip and groin issues, causing him to miss 17 games.

Last term, Grealish managed just 721 league minutes, contributing one goal and one assist.

For a player who was integral to City’s treble-winning 2022/23 season – when he averaged 6.27 progressive carries per 90, 4.39 progressive passes per 90, and 4.55 shot-creating actions per 90 – the drop-off is remarkable.

His ability to progress play, carry the ball into the final third, and dictate tempo in wide areas made him invaluable to Pep Guardiola’s system, yet form and fitness deserted him at a crucial stage.

That backdrop made his switch to Everton this summer all the more intriguing.

Grealish himself admitted that a conversation with David Moyes convinced him instantly that Merseyside was the right move.

And early signs suggest he may be rediscovering his best level.

Four assists in his first three matches – two against Brighton and two against Wolves – have already justified his arrival.

If he maintains that output, Grealish will surely force his way back into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of the World Cup.

The competition is fierce, with Cole Palmer and Jude Bellingham both operating centrally, but Grealish’s unique ability to dictate tempo and unlock defences remains valuable.

For Everton, he is a player with experience of winning at the highest level who can inspire those around him. Ring any bells?

James Rodríguez – the original Grealish

For Everton fans, the arrival of Jack Grealish may feel strangely familiar.

Just five years ago, the club unveiled James Rodríguez in a signing that carried similar weight and intrigue.

Once of Real Madrid, Rodríguez arrived on a free transfer in 2020, reuniting with Carlo Ancelotti and bringing global star power to Goodison Park.

The Colombian – in need of a fresh start in his career, just like Grealish – started spectacularly.

Everton won their first four fixtures of the 2020/21 campaign, and Rodríguez contributed goal contributions with the flair that had once lit up the World Cup. Indeed, he scored three goals and registered three assists in his first six Premier League games.

Matches Played

23

Goals

6

Assists

4

Progressive Carries

36

Progressive Passes

133

Shot Creating Actions

19.6

“A creative genius,” Statman Dave labelled him at the time. His vision, passing range, and ability to drift into pockets of space made Everton briefly one of the most exciting sides in the league.

Yet injuries and inconsistency took their toll.

Rodríguez never truly settled in the Premier League after that bright beginning, struggling with the physical demands and Everton’s broader decline.

By 2021 – and with Rafa Benitez now at the helm – he had departed for Al-Rayyan in Qatar, a move that seemed to draw a line under his time in Europe’s top five leagues.

Now 34, Rodríguez plays for Club León in Mexico.

For Everton supporters, the memory of his dazzling early performances serves as a reminder of what might have been, and what could still be for their latest signing.

Comparisons with Grealish are inevitable. Both were marquee signings made to shift perception, both arrived carrying immense expectations, and both offered creativity Everton badly lacked.

Rodríguez’s initial burst of goals and assists mirrors Grealish’s early impact this season.

However, it remains to be seen whether the England international can sustain his form, avoid injury, and provide long-term value is the true test.

Where Rodríguez drifted, Grealish now has a chance to write a different story.

By anchoring himself in a side desperate for a new talisman, he could achieve what Rodríguez could not: lasting influence at Everton.

Everton have a "match-winner" who's Moyes' new Pienaar & it's not Grealish

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Liverpool are believed to be battling two of their rivals for the signing of an influential Premier League player in the summer transfer window.

Slot explains subs after dramatic Liverpool win

The Reds started their title defence with a late 4-2 win at home to Bournemouth on Friday evening, but they weren’t always entirely convincing at Anfield. Arne Slot’s substitutions didn’t work too well, allowing the Cherries to score twice and make it 2-2, but Liverpool’s head coach has now explained his reasoning behind the changes.

“Jeremie felt his hamstring a little bit so that’s a risk – especially if the other full-back Conor Bradley is already out with an injury. With Joe Gomez only training twice, I didn’t feel he could already play half [an hour] in this intensity, so I started off with Wata [Endo] in that position, knowing that I could always bring Joe maybe later on for 10, 15, 20 minutes.

“Milos Kerkez plays every duel as if his life depends on it, which is a great quality, but if you play against such a good winger like [Antoine] Semenyo when you’re already on one yellow card, it’s a risk – especially knowing that we have [Andy] Robertson as well, so that’s explained in that sense.

“Hugo Ekitike came later in pre-season, comes from a good team but I don’t think you can compare that with Liverpool and you can’t compare the league. So for him to already be able to play 70 is a big, big, big bonus for us – but 90 is a risk.

“The other substitution was Macca, who has been out for two, two-and-a-half months [and] only in training for two-and-a-half weeks, so not able to play 90 yet. And the other one was Florian in the end, that was simply because I wanted to bring a No.9 in because we were 2-2.”

It was clear that some new signings are being managed carefully by Slot but perhaps there is a need for more defensive depth at Anfield…

Liverpool battling to sign Premier League captain

According to The Daily Mail, Liverpool are “targeting a move” for Brentford captain Nathan Collins, potentially seeing him as an alternative to Crystal Palace ace Marc Guehi. The 24-year-old is also wanted by Manchester United and Tottenham, with interest in him “surging” as the transfer window nears its conclusion.

Collins has been linked with a move to Liverpool already this summer, with the Reds reportedly entering the race for him, and he could be a strong squad addition for Slot.

He is now a proven Premier League player, appearing 116 times in the competition and at 24, he is already a top-flight captain. Meanwhile, Thomas Frank has hailed his concentration levels, comparing that attribute to something that the “best players in the world” have in their armoury.

Nathan Collins’ 2024/25 Premier League stats

Total

Appearances

38

Starts

38

Minutes played

3420

Clearances per game

5.8

Aerial duel wins per game

3.1

Tackles per game

1.1

Pass completion rate

86.3

Goals

2

Assists

3

Much will depend on whether Liverpool end up signing Guehi or not, but if they fail to bring in the Palace man, Collins looks like a good alternative.

As their first Premier League test against Manchester United awaits, Arsenal are now reportedly favourites to sign a young South American defender for Mikel Arteta.

Arteta reiterates Arsenal "consistency"

The Premier League title has been just out of Arsenal’s reach for the last three seasons in the most frustrating fashion for all involved in North London. First, it was Pep Guardiola’s historic Manchester City side in their way and then, even as they struggled for the first time in four years, Arne Slot came to town to turn Liverpool back into English champions.

The problem was clear last season, however. The Gunners simply lacked goals in the most important moments. They desperately needed consistent, almost guaranteed goalscoring and, as such, welcomed the clinical Viktor Gyokeres to solve that problem this summer. Now, at the fourth time of asking, Arteta will be hoping to see his side turn their “consistency” into long-awaited glory.

Meanwhile, as the work commences on the pitch, it may well continue in the transfer market. New sporting director Andrea Berta has already welcomed Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga in an impressive summer, but may yet have more on the way.

In the final two weeks, reports suggest that the Gunners could yet turn towards another defensive reinforcement.

Arsenal now favourites to sign Benedetti

As reported by journalist Diego Firmino and relayed by Sport Witness, Arsenal are now considered favourites to sign Luis Benedetti from Palmeiras. The impressive 19-year-old already reportedly has Arteta’s approval and those in North London could now make their move.

Whilst the centre-back is one for the future, he could quickly follow in the footsteps of Gabriel Martinelli, who swapped Brazil for Arsenal as an unknown star in the early days of his career.

When watching Vitor Reis, who eventually secured a move to Manchester City last January, analyst Ben Mattinson also shared praise for Benedetti – describing the teenager as an “aggressive defender”.

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Whether that “aggressive” nature has convinced Arsenal to make an official move when they get the chance is now the big question. Arteta’s side is already full of young talent and the addition of Benedetti would only add to that.

علق أحمد مصطفى بيبو، المدير الفني لفريق الجونة، على التعادل مع الزمالك، بهدف لكل فريق، في الجولة الثامنة من الدوري المصري.

والتقى الزمالك مع الجونة، في إطار مواجهات الجولة الثامنة من عمر مباريات بطولة الدوري المصري، على ملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي.

طالع| الزمالك يعلن تشخيص إصابة دونجا في مباراة الجونة

وقال المدير الفني للجونة، في مداخلة لبرنامج البريمو على قناة تن: “البداية في مباراة الزمالك كانت متعثرة وتوجد رهبة وتباعد بين الخطوط في الشوط الأول بالكامل”.

وتابع: “بين الشوطين حاولنا نهدئ اللاعبين وتوجد مساحات كثيرة ممكن نعمل فيها، قدرنا نصل للمرمى أمام فريق كبير جدًا مثل الزمالك، واللاعبون في الشوط الثاني كانوا على قدر المسؤولية”.

واختتم: “كنا نحتاج إلى تسجيل هدف والتبديلات كانت هجومية، وكنا نريد العودة للقاء”.

وبتلك النتيجة، يظل نادي الزمالك متصدرًا لجدول ترتيب الدوري المصري، برصيد 17 نقطة، وعلى الجانب الآخر، فريق الجونة، يتواجد في المركز الرابع عشر، برصيد 8 نقاط.

أشاد حمادة عبد اللطيف، لاعب الزمالك السابق، بالبرازيلي خوان ألفينا بيزيرا، لاعب الفريق خلال مباريات الفارس الأبيض في الفترة الماضية.

ويقدم خوان ألفينا، مستوي جيداً مع فريق الزمالك خلال المباريات الأخيرة في بطولة الدوري المصري، حيث سجل هدفا في مباراة فريقه أمام مودرن سبورت.

وقال عبد اللطيف خلال تصريحات عبر قناة “أون سبورت 2”: “خوان ألفينا، لاعب مميز جدًا، ويمتلك شخصيته داخل الملعب، يستطيع المراوغة بسهولة ولديه مهارات وسرعة ويتحكم بالكرة بشكل رائع”.

وأضاف: “في المباريات الكبيرة مثل الأهلي أو بيراميدز، لا بد أن يجد معاونة من باقي اللاعبين، عليه أن يطور من أدائه، عندما يكون الأطراف مغلقة”.

طالع.. مران الزمالك | فيريرا يتوجه بطلب للاعبين وتدريبات قوية استعدادًا لـ الجونة

وتابع: “لاعب موهوب ومهاري ورائع، لكن أنا كحمادة عبد اللطيف، أريد مشاهدة هذه المهارات في المباريات القوية والكبيرة مثل الأهلي والزمالك”.

وأكمل: “محمد شحاتة لاعب الزمالك، عندما يعود من الإصابة سيكون جبهة قوية مع ألفينا، لانه يستطيع أن يوفر تغطية له دفاعيًا، بعد عمر جابر كظهير أيمن، هذه ستكون جبهة قوية”.

وأتم: “عبد الله السعيد وناصر ماهر، لعبهما مختلف، الثنائي صناع لعب؛ عبد الله مهندس في منتصف الملعب، وناصر داىمًا يلعب للأمام”.

الزمالك يستعد لمواجهة الجونة، مساء الثلاثاء، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثامنة من عمر مباريات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

Bayern Munich are now believed to be open to selling a Manchester United-linked player in the summer transfer window for £30m, according to a new update.

Man Utd eyeing Gyokeres alternative

The Red Devils and Ruben Amorim are badly in need of a new striker ahead of next season, with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee both flattering to deceive leading the attack, particularly the former.

While Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres has been a leading option to come in at United this summer, Juventus attacker Dusan Vlahovic has now been mentioned as an alternative option. The Serb has scored 56 goals in 143 appearances for his current club, and could add much-needed quality in the final third.

While a striker is important for the Red Devils, a new goalkeeper is arguably just as key, following some unconvincing performances from Andre Onana in 2024/25. Porto and Portugal ace Diogo Costa has been mentioned as an option, along with Emiliano Martinez.

On the flip side, there are plenty of current United players who could move on this summer, including Jadon Sancho, with the winger potentially heading to Juve, with the Premier League giants entering talks with the Serie A side.

Bayern Munich ready to sell "monster" Amorim target

According to a new report from Caught Offside, Bayern are now “open” to the idea of selling Manchester United target Joao Palhinha this summer. Amorim ‘is keen to include Palhinha in his wider squad plans’ as he will add ‘to add physicality and experience’ to the midfield.

The Bundesliga champions will demand just £30m for the Portuguese’s signature, following his first season there after joining from Fulham last summer in a deal worth more than £40m.

There are some positives to United signing Palhinha ahead of next season, even though he hasn’t exactly enhanced his reputation in a Bayern shirt.

Joao Palhinha’s 2024/25 Bundesliga stats	Total
Appearances	17
Starts	6
Minutes played	667
Tackles per game	1.2
Aerial duel wins per game	1.2
Fouls per game	0.8
Pass completion rate	92.9%
Goal	0
Assists	0

A dominant midfielder who is renowned for his tackling ability and has plenty of Premier League experience, he could represent a younger alternative to Casemiro, having been lauded as “monster” by analyst Marcus Bring in the past.

That said, Palhinha does turn 30 years of age next month, so he may not represent a long-term solution, which is arguably an approach that United need to put a stop to.

Too often in the past, the Red Devils have signed ageing players for big money, from Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Edinson Cavani, only to see them arguably fail to back up the hype. For that reason, United should possibly look for a younger option, despite his obvious qualities, in order to build for the future and sign players who can mature into a key starter.

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That’s not to say that Palhinha couldn’t still be effective for a few years, however, and he could add important depth to Amorim’s squad.

There is no denying the fact that this season was a disappointment for Arsenal fans.

After coming so close to winning their first Premier League title in a generation in the prior two campaigns, there was hope, if not expectation, that Mikel Arteta would lead the team over the line this year.

However, an unfortunate mix of injuries, suspensions and lack of cutting-edge coalesced to see the Gunners finish ten points off Liverpool in first place.

One of the most disappointing stars for the North Londoners has been Gabriel Martinelli, who looks a shadow of that star who terrified defenders in 22/23, and based on recent reports, that could be about to see him lose his place in the team altogether this summer.

Arsenal transfer news

With Arteta’s options on the left-hand side failing to keep up with Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri on the right, it’s hardly been surprising to a host of talented left-wingers linked with Arsenal in recent weeks and months, such as Rafael Leao and Antoine Semenyo.

Transfer Focus

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

The former is undoubtedly one of the most exciting attackers in Europe, and his brilliant haul of 12 goals and 13 goals in 50 shows how effective he can be, although, with a release clause reportedly worth £145m, he might just be out of reach.

Semenyo, on the other hand, could cost the Gunners around £70m, and while that is still a lot of money, he has proven his ability in the Premier League and was able to rack up a tally of 13 goals and seven assists in 42 games for Bournemouth this season.

However, with so many other areas of the team still needing to be addressed, the North Londoners might want to spend even less than that on an exciting up-and-coming Martinelli upgrade, which could explain the links to Malick Fofana.

Yes, according to a recent report from TEAMtalk, Arsenal are one of several top-flight teams interested in signing the Lyon gem this summer.

In fact, the report has revealed that, alongside Liverpool and Aston Villa, the Gunners are leading the race for the 20-year-old star, who is valued at around £42m by the French giants.

It could be a complicated and somewhat costly transfer to get over the line, but given Fofana’s immense ability and potential, it is one well worth fighting for, especially as he’d be a great upgrade on Martinelli.

How Fofana compares to Martinelli

While Fofana has occasionally played off the right and up top in his short career, his primary and unquestionably best position is off the left.

Therefore, his biggest competition for game time at Arsenal next season – if he joins – would be Martinelli, but how do the pair stack up against one another?

Well, in terms of raw output, it’s the Lyon ace who comes out on top, as in 41 appearances, totalling 2280 minutes, he scored 11 goals and provided six assists this term, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.41 games, or every 134.11 minutes.

In contrast, the former Ituano gem scored ten goals and provided six assists in 51 appearances, totalling 3564 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.18 games, or every 222.75 minutes.

Okay, who comes out on top when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers?

Well, unfortunately for the Gunners’ number 11, the comparison only becomes more one-sided here, as while he does do better in a few metrics, the young Belgian does better in the vast majority.

For example, the “game-changing” prospect, as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, does far better in metrics like non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, passes and crosses into the penalty area, tackles, blocks, interceptions, shot and goal-creating actions, successful take-ons and many, many more, all per 90.

Fofana vs Martinelli
Statistics per 90	Fofana	Martinelli
Non-Penalty G+As	0.51	0.47
Progressive Passes	2.54	2.05
Progressive Passes Received	11.6	11.4
Progressive Carries	6.33	4.88
Shots	1.76	2.16
Shots on Target	0.85	0.94
Passing Accuracy	77.4%	71.4%
Expected Assists	0.25	0.19
Key Passes	1.41	1.57
Passes into the Final Third	1.13	0.43
Passes into the Penalty Area	1.81	1.46
Crosses into the Penalty Area	0.73	0.59
Live Passes	35.2	26.7
Shot-Creating Actions	3.12	2.91
Goal-Creating Actions	0.62	0.27
Tackles	1.24	0.91
Blocks	0.68	0.59
Interceptions	0.45	0.20
Clearances	0.34	0.75
Successful Take-Ons	1.36	1.30
Ball Recoveries	3.56	3.07
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 Season

Finally, according to Mango, the youngster is also blessed with “frightening speed & acceleration,” so the North Londoners wouldn’t miss out on Martinelli’s breakaway potential if he was replaced on the left.

Ultimately, Fofana might not be the biggest name around at the moment, but he looks set to become a superstar and is already better than Arsenal’s regular starting left-winger.

Therefore, the club should do everything possible to sign him as soon as possible.

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Nottingham Forest have now registered their interest in signing a forward from a Champions League club, and contact may have already been made over a deal, according to a report.

Nottingham Forest eyeing new winger amid interest in Hudson-Odoi and Elanga

While Forest were ultimately unable to go all the way and seal a place in next season’s Champions League, there is still a lot to be proud of from the 2024-25 season, and much of their success can be put down to the performances of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga.

Elanga was particularly impressive throughout the campaign, providing six goals and 11 assists in 38 appearances for the Tricky Trees, helping his side secure a seventh-place finish.

However, there could be interest in both the Swedish forward and Hudson-Odoi in the summer transfer window, with Chelsea being named as potential suitors for Elanga last month, while Manchester United are thought to be plotting a swoop for the Englishman.

Perhaps due to concerns about losing one of their star players, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side now appear to be stepping up their pursuit of a new winger, having submitted an enquiry over a potential summer deal for SC Freiburg’s Ritsu Doan earlier this week.

According to a report from Caught Offside, Nottingham Forest have also registered their interest in signing Paris Saint-Germain winger Lee Kang-In, amid doubts over the South Korean’s future at the Parc des Princes.

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The Tricky Trees may have already made contact over a deal for the forward, but there will be competition for his signature, with Atletico Madrid, Napoli, Arsenal, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa in the race.

Manchester United have also made a move for the 24-year-old, with talks over a new deal to remain at PSG stalling, and previous reports have stated the French club could hold out for £51m.

Lee Kang-In could be "outstanding" for Nottingham Forest

PSG are, of course, set to compete in the Champions League final against Inter Milan this weekend, while they also won the Ligue 1 title by 19 points, and the South Korea international featured regularly throughout the league campaign.

Indeed, the Incheon-born forward picked up six goals and six assists in 30 Ligue 1 outings, putting in some impressive performances for PSG for the second season on the spin, having also received high praise for his contributions in the 2023/24 campaign.

The report makes it clear that Lee Kang-In wants to start playing regular first-team football, however, so a move to the City Ground this summer could appeal, especially considering European football will be on offer next season.

Middlesbrough missed out on a Championship playoff place this campaign, but could now raid rival top six chasers Blackburn Rovers for one of their star assets if reports are to be believed.

Championship playoff battle ends in despair for Boro and Blackburn

The race for a shot at Premier League promotion is now over in terms of the regular season, and supporters of concerned clubs will now look forward to a heated battle to claim a place in the top-flight. Sheffield United, Sunderland, Coventry City and Bristol City secured a chance to reach the big time and the glamour that comes with it. However, for every success story, there are always hard-luck tales to offer some balance.

Michael Carrick will be feeling a sense of frustration after Middlesbrough missed out by a four-point margin following a run of one victory in their final six fixtures. Ultimately, the club’s decision to cash in on Emmanuel Latte Lath in January may have come back to bite officials at the Riverside Stadium.

The Ivorian striker scored 11 times before moving to Atlanta United, leaving a shortage of goals present in Carrick’s line-up barring Finn Azaz and Tommy Conway.

Middlesbrough’s unfateful run of results during Championship run-in

Middlesbrough 0-1 Leeds United

Millwall 1-0 Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough 2-1 Plymouth Argyle

Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough 0-0 Norwich City

Coventry City 2-0 Middlesbrough

Rangers midfielder Tom Lawrence could be an early arrival at Middlesbrough on a free transfer to add an offensive threat from midfield, and the Wales international is likely to be one of a number of targets under Boro’s watch over the coming weeks.

In similar fashion, Carrick’s men are now said to have another bargain deal up their sleeve that may come at the expense of rivals Blackburn.

Middlesbrough in pole position to sign Tyrhys Dolan

According to EFL Analysis, Middlesbrough could sign Tyrhys Dolan on a free transfer from Blackburn, and they are leading the race for his signature as his contract veers closer to expiring at Ewood Park.

Set to become available as a free agent, talks have taken place between his camp and Boro representatives. It has been made clear that he is primed to seek a new challenge away from the Lancashire outfit.

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Labelled “outstanding” by John Eustace, Dolan has registered seven goals and six assists across 47 appearances in all competitions this season, playing a major role in Rovers’ own close shave with earning a playoff place. Despite competition from a number of sides, Boro are at the front of the queue and are taking a proactive approach to atone for missing out on a shot at promotion to the top-flight.

Completing an average of 1.3 dribbles per match on Championship duty, Dolan has emerged as a rising talent and reportedly fits the bill as Middlesbrough seek depth to put the building blocks in place for a better season next time out.

Crossing paths to join another club in the same league may sour relations with his current employers, but it would also be a mark of Carrick’s ambition heading into pre-season.

It would probably be fair to say that the last period of sustained positivity at Tottenham Hotspur came under Mauricio Pochettino.

The Argentine spent just over five years in the Lilywhites’ dugout, during which he turned them into one of the best teams in the country and led them to their first Champions League final.

However, while the former boss got plenty right during his time at the club, he also made his fair share of mistakes, especially in the transfer market.

He may have been responsible for some brilliant signings like Son Heung-min, Toby Alderweireld and Dele Alli, but he was also responsible for some howlers, including one flop who cost the club a fortune and earned more than Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence.

Pochettino's worst signings

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of Pochettino’s other dismal signings from his time in the Spurs hot seat, starting with what has to be considered his worst: Tanguy Ndombele.

The North Londoners opted to spend a then-club-record £63m on the Lyon midfielder in the summer of 2019, and while it is easy to lambast the deal now, there was a lot of excitement at the time, with the Guardian’s David Hytner even comparing the Frenchman to Mousa Dembélé.

Unfortunately, that comparison never came close to being justified.

Ndombele’s Spurs career

Appearances

91

Goals

10

Assists

9

Goal Involvements per Match

0.20

Loan Moves

3

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Over the next five years, the former Lyon ace would make just 91 first-team appearances, in which he scored ten goals and provided nine assists, before eventually seeing his contract terminated last summer, after costing the North Londoners around £104m in wages and fees.

A far cheaper, but still disappointing, signing was that of Vincent Janssen, who joined the club in the summer of 2016 for around £19m from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar.

Now, while the Dutchman still cost the club a significant amount of money, he falls into the category of ‘most disappointing’ signings under Pochettino because of the expectations of what he’d do and the reality of what he managed.

For example, in the season before his move, the Heesch-born marksman won the Eredivisie Golden Boot and amassed a sensational haul of 31 goals and seven assists in 49 appearances across all competitions.

However, in his one and only full season in North London, he could only muster up a tally of six goals and four assists in 38 games, and after a loan to Fenerbahçe for the 17/18 season, he was sold to Mexican outfit Monterrey a year after that for just £6.3m.

In all, Janssen was a flop for Spurs and Poch, but he did not cost the club as much money as another signing from the Netherlands did.

The Poch flop who cost Spurs millions

In the summer of 2017, Tottenham set the record for the most expensive defender in football history when they agreed to the £50m sale of Kyle Walker to Manchester City.

Wage Burners

Football FanCast’s Wage Burners series explores the salaries of the modern-day game.

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This meant they were now light at the back and had a hefty wad of cash burning a hole in their pocket.

So, Pochettino and Daniel Levy looked to the continent and decided to sign the up-and-coming Davinson Sanchez from Ajax for a massive £42m.

In addition to breaking their transfer record to sign the then-21-year-old, the club also decided to hand him a rather lucrative £65k-per-week contract, which, if he were still earning today, would see him make more than Van de Ven and Spence, who both make £50k-per-week despite being far better players.

With that said, the Colombian international’s first season in North London wasn’t a total bust, and he ended up making 41 appearances across all competitions for the club, but as things started to go wrong for the team in the following years, he began to pick up plenty of stick.

For example, in his final season in North London, the team conceded a whopping 63 goals in the Premier League alone, and he was labelled “deadwood” and “one of the worst players I’ve ever seen” by pundit and former professional Jamie O’Hara.

In all, the Caloto-born defender made 207 appearances for the club, in which he scored five goals and provided one assist before being sold to Galatasaray in Septbember 2023.

The finances of Davinson Sánchez’s Tottenham Deal

Transfer Fee

£42m

Wages (Total)

£65k (£20.4m)

Appearances

207

Cost per Appearance

£301k

Goals

5

Cost per Goal

£12.4m

Assists

1

Cost per Assist

£62.4m

Goal Involvements

6

Cost per Goal Involvement

£10.4m

All Stats via Transfermarkt & All Wages via Capology

So, when you add his transfer fee to his overall salary at Spurs, which would have been about £20.4m, the former Ajax star cost the Lilywhites about £62.4m, which breaks down to £301k-per-appaearance, £12.4m-per-goal, £62.4m-per-assist or £10.4m-per-goal-involvement.

Ultimately, while Sanchez wasn’t Pochettino’s worst signing at Spurs, he wasn’t far off, and the fact Van de Ven and Spence currently earn less than he did is an indication that the club have learned from their mistakes.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Mar 28, 2025