Rishabh Pant, who hasn’t played any cricket since fracturing his foot during the Old Trafford Test, is understood to be walking comfortably now
ESPNcricinfo staff14-Sep-2025Rishabh Pant, who hasn’t played any cricket or even trained since the Old Trafford Test match against England where he fractured his right foot, is headed to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru to resume his training. ESPNcricinfo has learnt that Pant’s foot is not in a cast anymore and he has been walking comfortably.Pant is India’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batter in Test cricket, and India’s next World Test Championship assignment is at home against West Indies in a two-Test series next month (in Ahmedabad, Oct 2-6 and in Delhi, Oct 10-14). The selection for that series is expected in the last week of September.After Pant was injured at Old Trafford, in what was the fourth Test in England, Dhruv Jurel kept wicket both in that game and at The Oval in the final game, and N Jagadeesan was flown in as back-up. In case Pant doesn’t regain full fitness in time for the Tests against West Indies, Jurel and Jagadeesan could be the frontrunners to be the wicketkeepers in the squad.Pant picked up the injury on the first day of that Old Trafford Test when he attempted a typically audacious reverse sweep off quick bowler Chris Woakes, inside-edging the ball on to his foot. He retired hurt, the fracture was confirmed not long after, and came out to bat the next day despite having arrived at the ground in the morning wearing a moonboot. He went on to add valuable runs, ending with 54 (he had retired hurt when on 37).Jurel kept wicket in both England innings in the game, and while Pant was available to bat if needed in India’s second, he wasn’t required to as Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar – the last two ordinarily below Pant in the batting order – scored centuries to save the Test, which kept the series 2-1 in England’s favour. India went on to win the final Test without Pant to square the series 2-2.
Nesta quinta-feira (7), o prêmio ESPN Bola de Prata elegeu os melhores do Campeonato Brasileiro 2023. Mesmo com o Palmeiras dominando a premiação, a Bola de Ouro – o ‘título’ mais alto -, ficou com Luis Suárez. Veja quais foram os grandes destaques!
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Palmeiras dominando Campeão brasileiro, o Palmeiras foi a equipe que mais levou prêmios. Ao todo, foram cinco jogadores, além das categorias “melhor treinador”, “revelação” e “gol mais bonito”.
Na seleção da competição, Weverton, Mayke, Murilo, Piquerez e Raphael Veiga marcaram presença no time ideal. Mas a grande estrela foi Endrick.
A jovem promessa levou duas bolas de prata para casa. Eleito como a ‘revelação’ do ano, também ganhou como ‘gol mais bonito’. Abel Ferreira foi outro coroado. O português, ainda com o futuro indeciso no Palmeiras, foi eleito o ‘melhor treinador’.
Inclusive, Abel respondeu uma das maiores dúvidas que estão acompanhando os torcedores neste final de temporada. Fica ou não para o próximo ano?
– Nos últimos anos tomei muitas decisões que tiveram impacto na minha família. Mas há uma forte probabilidade de eu continuar, porque há um contrato e eu gosto de cumprir meus acordos – respondeu sobre o tema.
Suárez como grande estrela Se despedindo do futebol nacional, Luis Suárez ganhou a maior premiação. O argentino recebeu a bola de ouro, por conta da sua passagem pelo Grêmio neste ano. O jogador se emocionou ao falar da recepção da torcida gremista durante a temporada e analisou sua passagem pelo futebol nacional.
– Dediquei meu trabalho para estar 100% no Grêmio. Quando você gosta de um desafio, você tem que afrontar. Quanto mais criticam, mais forte você precisa estar. Não importa a idade, é a mentalidade. Mentalidade de querer jogar e fazer o que você gosta. Tenho que agradecer, ficar orgulhoso. A torcida do Grêmio ficou feliz com meu trabalho, entenderam minha situação. Agradeço muito a torcida pelo carinho e tudo o que fez – disse o jogador após receber o prêmio.
O Grêmio também contou com Villasanti na seleção. O atleta foi eleito o ‘melhor volante’ da temporada.
Flamengo, Atlético-MG e Botafogo também com representantes Mesmo com a derrapada do Botafogo no Brasileirão – que perdeu a oportunidade de conquistar mesmo sendo o grande favorito por boa parte da temporada -, teve um representante eleito entre os melhores do ano. No caso, o zagueiro Adryelson. O jogador deu uma fala polêmica, dizendo que, em momento algum, a equipe carioca ‘faltou com humildade’ durante 2023.
– O Diego trocou as palavras quando disse que o Botafogo faltou com humildade. Foi um grupo muito trabalhador, muito humilde, muitos jogadores, assim como staff e comissão, são batalhadores. Sou grato pela amizade de todos, acredito que não é a hora de procurar um culpado. A culpa foi toda nossa, deixamos passar esse campeonato, é levantar a cabeça e esquecer – disse se referindo a uma fala do companheiro de equipe nos últimos dias, na qual relatou que ‘a falta de humildade’ foi a justificativa pela perda do título.
O Flamengo e o Atlético-MG também marcaram presença. Do lado Rubro-Negro, Pulgar e Arrascaeta. Pelo Galo, Hulk e Paulinho. O último, inclusive, levou como artilheiro do Brasileirão, pelos 20 gols marcados.
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Veja a seleção da Bola de Prata Goleiro: Weverton Lateral-direito: Mayke Zagueiros: Adryelson e Murilo Lateral-esquerdo: Piquerez Volantes: Villasanti e Pulgar Meias: Raphael Veiga e Arrascaeta Atacantes: Luis Suárez e Hulk
USMNT star Folarin Balogun experienced a rollercoaster of highs and lows on Saturday against Lens. The AS Monaco striker drew his side level with a 37th-minute penalty, only to be sent off before halftime – a turning point that left Monaco reeling. Lens capitalized, surging to a 3-1 lead by the break before sealing a 4-1 victory.
AFPBalogun’s penalty
Lens took an early lead in the 21st minute through Odsonne Edouard, who capitalized on a swift attack to put the hosts ahead. Monaco struggled to respond until Balogun earned a penalty and confidently converted it in the 37th minute, leveling the score at 1-1. The American striker’s composed finish from the spot was a key moment, signalling Monaco’s intent to fight back.
AdvertisementRed card disrupts Monaco’s momentum
However, Balogun’s influence was curtailed when he received a straight red card in the 45th minute for stamping on an opponent. The stamp was judged violent enough to dismiss him, reducing Monaco to 10 men at a pivotal moment. That marks the first red card of the American striker’s career, and it severely impacted their ability to maintain control as the half drew to a close.
AFPLens capitalize
Before Balogun’s red card, Wesley Said had already restored Lens’ lead in the 40th minute, and the visitors wasted no time capitalizing on Monaco’s numerical disadvantage. Mamadou Sangaré added a third deep into stoppage time (45+3), giving Lens a commanding 3-1 lead heading into the break.
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AFPWhat comes next…
In the short term, Balogun faces suspension and a spell on the sidelines that will test Monaco’s depth up front and force others to step up. He’s expected to miss the club’s next two league matches after the international break – possibly more, depending on Ligue 1’s disciplinary decision.
Chelsea star Cole Palmer has been carrying a niggling groin injury for some time, but a new problem means the Englishman is now facing some time out.
Cole Palmer forced off in 2-1 Chelsea defeat to Man United
Enzo Maresca’s frustration was evident during an afternoon to forget at Old Trafford last Saturday, with their 2-1 loss away to Man United made worse only by Palmer’s haunting groin issue.
It is a problem that has plagued the Blues’ superstar player for some time.
Palmer has been carrying it since the start of 2025/2026, forcing him to miss their wins over West Ham and Fulham, with the ex-Man City sensation only getting around half an hour of match action in their 2-2 draw at Brentford.
The 23-year-old got on the scoresheet against Keith Andrews’ side, and scored a stunning goal on the counter-attack in Chelsea’s 3-1 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League – all whilst playing with a groin injury.
Speaking in his latest pre-match press conference before Chelsea take on Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup, Maresca said it is a problem being monitored day by day, but was quick to quash fears that Palmer might need surgery.
Now, as per journalist Simon Phillips, there has been a new update on Palmer’s condition, and it doesn’t make for pretty reading.
Cole Palmer suffers "new" injury to groin as Chelsea dealt blow
Writing via his Substack, the reporter claims that Palmer has suffered a “new” injury to the same groin that has been plaguing him non-stop this season, and he now faces several weeks on the sidelines.
The prospect of surgery also isn’t completely ruled out.
Phillips also stated that Chelsea have been managing his groin with painkiller injections before each game, and the forward started having further problems in that area late on in the Bayern game.
Despite this, Maresca started Palmer last Saturday, and it is a decision which the Blues will be ruing.
Sources have apparently made clear that he shouldn’t have participated in Manchester, and at the worst, Palmer could miss some crucial clashes.
Estimated games Cole Palmer could miss after new groin injury
Lincoln City (A) – EFL Cup
Brighton (H) – Premier League
Benfica (H) – Champions League
Liverpool (H) – Premier League
Nottingham Forest (A) – Premier League
Ajax (H) – Champions League
Sunderland (H) – Premier League
Tottenham (A) – Premier League
Chelsea will also regret not signing Xavi Simons in the summer window after being hijacked by Tottenham, with Maresca arguably in need of a quality playmaker alternative amid Palmer’s reoccurring struggles.
Jasprit Bumrah was not appointed captain due to his workload management
ESPNcricinfo staff24-May-20251:19
Agarkar on Gill: ‘We’ve taken feedback from a lot of people’
Shubman Gill has been appointed India’s new Test captain following the retirement of Rohit Sharma. His first assignment is the five-Test series in England starting on June 20.Rishabh Pant has been appointed vice-captain of the 18-man squad ahead of Jasprit Bumrah, who was India’s vice-captain during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and led in the two Tests Rohit had missed.”Obviously you discuss every option that’s there. Over the last year or so, we have looked at Shubman at various times. Even when we played England last year. You take a lot of feedback from the dressing room as well,” Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of India’s selection panel, said after announcing Gill’s appointment at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai. “Obviously he’s very young. We’ve seen the improvement – I know it’s T20 cricket for GT – but we take feedback from a lot of people, and we’re hopeful that he’s the guy who can… it’s obviously going to be, like it always is, a high-pressure job. But we’re hopeful we’ve picked the right guy. He’s a terrific player and our best wishes for him.Related
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“You don’t pick captains for one or two tours,” Agarkar said when asked about the future, especially keeping in mind the upcoming WTC cycle. “We want to invest in something that’s going to help us going forward. You’re always hoping that it’s the right call. We’ve seen some progress over the last year or two with him. There’s no doubt that it is going to be as tough as it gets, in a five-match series in England. Maybe he will have to learn on the job a little bit. But we’re very confident with what he has to offer and that’s the reason we have picked him.”In the case of Bumrah, he was overlooked for the top job because of “workload management” reasons.”I don’t think he’s available for all five Tests. Again, that’s what the physios and the doctors have told us. Whether it’s four or three [Tests in England], we’ll see how the series goes and how his body can take the workload,” Agarkar said. “Needless to say how important he is. Whether he is fit for three or four Tests, he is going to win us a few Test matches. We’re just glad that he is fit after the setback he had in Australia. He’s back playing. I know it’s T20 cricket at he moment, but we’ve seen what he is doing in the IPL. We’re just happy he is part of the squad.Rishabh Pant has been promoted to vice-captain•Getty Images”I think he is more important to us as a player [than as a captain]. You want him fit. It’s always when you’re leading, managing 15-16 other people. There’s a lot that it takes out of you. We’d rather have him bowl as well as he does than putting the extra burden on him. He is aware of it. We’ve had a chat with him and he’s okay with it. He knows where his body is at, at the moment. And he’d rather look after himself and be bowling.”About Pant’s promotion, Agarkar said, “Pant is one of our better batters in the last couple of years. He will help Gill out with all the experience [he has]. At the moment, these two are the guys we feel will take the team forward.”Elaborating on the challenges Gill could face in England, Agarkar said, “Everyone is going to be tested in England, like it was in Australia. We are confident he has got the goods. It’s a massive transition with Rohit and Virat [Kohli] not being around. It’s a new cycle, experience can only help. It is going to be tough. [But] as far as his batting is concerned, there’s no real issue.”Gill has not captained in Test matches or ODIs, but has led the team in five T20Is, all on a tour of Zimbabwe in mid-2024 when India were missing several first-choice players after the victory in the preceding T20 World Cup.4:11
‘Captaincy will not bear heavy on Gill’s shoulders’
He has played 32 Tests, having made his debut at the MCG on India’s tour of Australia in 2020-21. In those, he has 1893 runs at an average of 35.05, with a significant difference between his home (42.03) and away (27.53) averages. The upcoming series will be Gill’s first full tour of England; he played the two WTC finals there in 2021 and 2023, and the fifth Test of the 2021 tour that was played after a postponement because of the Covid-19 pandemic.The five Tests against England will be India’s first in the 2025-27 WTC cycle. They play the first Test at Headingley (from June 20), the second at Edgbaston (from July 2), the third at Lord’s (from July 10), the fourth at Old Trafford (from July 23), and the final at The Oval (from July 31).They begin the tour with a four-day match against India A at Beckenham on the outskirts of London between June 13 and 16.
When it comes to the best academies in world football, Arsenal’s Hale End has to rank right up there.
The North Londoners have a proud history of producing some genuine world-beaters like Tony Adams, Ashley Cole and David Rocastle.
This incredible conveyor belt of talent has continued into the present with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, and Myles Lewis-Skelly all first-team regulars.
Unfortunately, with so many incredible players coming through the system, Arsenal are bound to let some slip through the gaps, which is what happened with Harry Kane.
Worse yet, another star who left the club under Mikel Arteta has recently been compared to the England captain.
Youngsters Arsenal let slip through the gaps
Before getting to Kane, it’s worth looking at a couple of the other youngsters Arsenal let slip through their fingers, like Michael Olise.
Yes, while it’s not as widely known, before he spent time in the academies of Chelsea, Manchester City and Reading, the French superstar spent time with the Gunners.
The only saving grace here is that his potential return to Stamford Bridge a couple of years ago fell apart, as his incredible output of 24 goals and 25 assists for Bayern Munich could have seen the Blues become a genuine title rival.
Sticking with Bayern players, and another youngster the Gunners should have kept hold of was Serge Gnabry.
Now, the German did make it out of Hale End, and even played some games under Arsène Wenger, but following a poor loan move to West Bromwich Albion, the North Londoners sold him to Werder Bremen for around £5m.
This was a huge mistake, as just a year later the Bavarian behemoths came in for him and, following another year out on loan, he would go on to become a serious star for them, racking up 159 goal involvements in 291 games.
Finally, the most infamous example of Arsenal releasing a player too young is the now legendary Kane, who was let go at just 12 years old due to concerns that he simply wasn’t good enough.
Since then, the England captain has made the Gunners regret that decision time after time, with an outrageous tally of 402 goals and 108 assists in 616 games.
Moreover, his record against the North Londoners is outrageous, with him scoring 15 goals and providing two assists in just 21 appearances.
In short, Arsenal got it wrong when it came to Kane, and now, a player who left under Arteta has since been compared to him.
The former Arsenal star compared to Kane
When thinking of former Arsenal players who could have been compared to Kane, your mind might immediately go to someone who was prolific for the club, like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
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However, instead of the Gabonese phenom, the player in question is his former striker partner, Alexandre Lacazette.
Yes, while it might be somewhat surprising, the 34-year-old is the forward who has been compared to the Bayern ace, and it stems from FBref.
They compare players in similar positions in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, then create a list of the ten most comparable players for each one, and in this instance, have concluded that the Englishman was the fifth most similar forward to the Frenchman over the last 365 days – before his move to NEOM SC in the Saudi Pro League.
We can gain a better understanding of just how this conclusion was reached by examining some of the underlying numbers in which the pair ranked closely.
Non-Penalty Expected Goals
0.51
0.50
Progressive Carries
1.05
1.09
Goals per Shot
0.19
0.16
Expected Assists
0.21
0.21
Live Passes
22.4
23.4
Blocks
0.57
0.60
Carries
18.3
19.4
These include metrics such as, but not limited to, progressive carries, goals per shot, expected non-penalty goals, blocks, expected assists and more, all per 90.
Now, nobody would try to claim that the former Gunners ace, who left the club for nothing in 2022, is as good a player as the former Spurs star.
However, on top of the statistical similarities, he enjoyed something of a career revival upon his return to France, and before he left for Saudi Arabia.
For example, in his first season back with Lyon, the dangerous “goal machine,” as dubbed by former teammate Sokratis, scored 31 goals and provided six assists in 39 games, which he then followed up with 22 goals and five assists in 35 games the season after, before racking up 19 goals and three assists in 42 games last year.
Ultimately, it was probably right to let Lacazette leave when he did, but we can’t help but wonder if Arteta and Co wish they had kept hold of him for just a season or two longer, given his form over the last few years.
Arsenal fans gave £60m ace the Madueke treatment all summer, now he's set to star
The Arsenal star could be in for a career revival this season.
The left-arm spinner picked up 3 for 29 from his four overs in the opening game of IPL 2025
ESPNcricinfo staff22-Mar-2025
Krunal Pandya picked up 3 for 29•Associated Press
Doubts need to be allayed nearly every day in the IPL, but Ajinkya Rahane made a good start to his captaincy stint at Kolkata Knight Riders, scoring 56 off 31, but KKR failed to capitalise on the breathtaking partnership between him and Sunil Narine. Put in, they were 107 for 2 in ten overs when Narine was dismissed for 44 off 26 but added only a further 67 in the second half. The death overs went at under a run a ball.Krunal Pandya led the comeback of Royal Challengers Bengaluru with the wickets of Rahane, Rinku Singh and Venkatesh Iyer in an overall analysis of 4-0-29-3. Suyash Sharma, the former KKR player who got off to a poor start, made a big contribution in his final over with the wicket of Andre Russell with a wrong’un.The drying up of the runs in the end was not too different to how Josh Hazlewood forced KKR into a slow start. The first three overs brought just nine runs and the wicket of Quinton de Kock. The new ball stopped a little and went a little up and down.Once Rahane got started with a gift on the leg side, the next seven overs produced 98 runs. Rahane was brutal, putting a low price on his wicket and taking risks every time he could. Narine went from 1 off eight to score 43 off the next 18 balls he faced. It involved taking down his former team-mate, legspinner Suyash, whom he played like an offspinner.Krunal, though, pulled things back once Narine got out to Rasikh Salam. He even tried a bouncer in a spell in which he kept changing the pace often. Two of his three wickets were bowled, which was a tribute to his accuracy.Hazlewood and Yash Dayal closed out superbly for RCB to give them what looked like an easy target provided Narine and Varun Chakravarthy didn’t cause much damage.
Ruben Amorim could not hide his frustration after Manchester United succumbed to yet another defeat in the Premier League at the hands of Brentford on Saturday. The Red Devils' misery under Amorim continued as they are now winless in their last eight away games in the English top-flight and are currently struggling at the 13th position on the league table.
United faced another loss in Premier League
United conceded two early goals as Igor Thiago scored a brace within the first 20 minutes of the match, taking advantage of the Red Devils' sloppy defending. Benjamin Sesko then scored his maiden goal for the club in the 26th minute to keep United alive in the match. Unfortunately for the English giants, captain Bruno Fernandes missed yet another penalty in the second half as Mathias Jensen's 95th-minute goal sealed crucial three points for the Bees.
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Amorim opened up on conceding from a long ball
Speaking to reporters after the match, a frustrated Amorim told : "The first ball was a long ball after a recovery. We work on that during the week. Set pieces we work on that also. We knew that the long balls and then first touch and they have the opportunity and the goals were like we were doing during the week. We need to do better."
He added: "The feeling is always the same. Of course, we want to win. I think we didn’t control the game. We played the game of Brentford. Really confused. Second balls, first balls, set pieces. And all the crucial moments, they were against us. Tough to lose again but we need to think about the next one."
Amorim jeered by Brentford fans
The home fans at the Gtech Community Stadium were heard chanting, "You’re getting sacked in the morning!" to mock Amorim as the United boss looked dejected on the sidelines during the Premier League clash.
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Is Amorim's future at Old Trafford doubtful?
Pressure is mounting on the Portuguese boss as United's poor form continues in the Premier League. While Amorim still has the support of the club management, his position might come under danger if things do not improve drastically. United, however, will have to fork out a staggering fee in compensation if they plan to sack the manager in the middle of the season.
R Ashwin, who retired from international cricket last year, is set to receive a special award
PTI31-Jan-2025
Sachin Tendulkar will be the 31st recipient of the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award•AFP via Getty Images
Sachin Tendulkar is set to receive the Colonel CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award at the BCCI’s annual awards ceremony on February 1. Jasprit Bumrah has been chosen for the Polly Umrigar Award for the best international cricketer for 2023-24 in the men’s category while Smriti Mandhana has been picked for the corresponding women’s trophy.Tendulkar will be the 31st recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, which was instituted in 1994 in honour of India’s first captain CK Nayudu. Tendulkar retired from international cricket having played for more than two decades after debuting as a 16-year-old in a 1989 Test against Pakistan. His 200 Test and 463 ODI appearances are the highest by any player in history, as are his runs tally in both formats: 15,921 in Tests and 18,426 in ODIs. He also played one T20I, India’s first ever, against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2006.Bumrah, who was also named the ICC Cricketer of the Year earlier this month, was India’s standout bowler in the assessment period, playing a pivotal role in India lifting the T20 World Cup in June. He picked up 15 wickets in eight games at an economy of 4.17 and was named the Player of the Tournament. Apart from that, he was also instrumental in India’s Test series win against England at home.Mandhana, who was named the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year for 2024, was India’s best woman batter across formats. Apart from scoring 149 against South Africa in the one-off Test in Chennai, she notched up 117, 136 and 90 in successive ODIs against the same opponents.Ashwin set to receive special awardR Ashwin, who retired from international cricket in December 2024 as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests, will be given a special award. Ashwin made his Test debut in 2011 and played a defining role in India’s 12-year domination in the longest format at home wherein they won 18 series on the trot.Sarfaraz Khan was picked for the Best International Debut Award among men for his quick-fire fifty against England in the Rajkot Test in February 2024.Among women, Asha Sobhana has been chosen for the award for Best International Debut for her 4 for 21 against South Africa to help India win by 143 runs in the first ODI at Bengaluru in June 2024. Offspinner Deepti Sharma will be awarded for finishing as the highest wicket-taker in ODIs in the awards period.Mumbai allrounder Tanush Kotian, meanwhile, will be awarded for the Best Performance in BCCI Domestic Trophy. He scored 502 runs and took 29 wickets in ten games to help Mumbai win Ranji Trophy 2023-24.
Everton’s new ownership have wasted no time flexing their financial muscle in this summer’s transfer market.
The Friedkin Group, fresh from completing their takeover of the club, have already sanctioned high-profile deals – most notably a season-long loan for Manchester City star Jack Grealish.
They’ve also added 22-year-old French striker Thierno Barry in a £27.6 million move from Villarreal and made Carlos Alcaraz’s loan from Flamengo a permanent deal.
It’s a window that has seen a shift in ambition at Goodison Park. David Moyes, back in charge for his second stint, has been given resources that far exceed the budgets of recent seasons.
Everton are now positioning themselves to compete for targets that would have been considered out of reach not long ago. Yet the Merseyside club aren’t finished.
Reports in Italy and England claim Everton have sounded out a forward with genuine pedigree. A towering, left-footed centre-forward whose physicality and presence evoke memories of Goodison cult hero Duncan Ferguson.
Duncan Ferguson
Like Ferguson, he has an uncompromising edge to his game, and relishes aerial duels.
While Everton’s new No. 9 Barry will be learning the ropes in the Premier League, this potential arrival could bring not only goals, but valuable advice for the Frenchman’s development.
Everton make approach for Serie A striker
According to journalist Sébastian Vidal, that target man is none other than Juventus forward Dusan Vlahović.
The Serbian international, still just 25, has been on Everton’s radar since the opening weeks of the window. With a reported price tag of around £26m, his signing would represent a major coup.
According to Vidal, Everton made a “big move” for the former Fiorentina man, only for Vlahović to turn it down, signalling his intent to see out his contract in Turin.
Juventus finished last season in fourth place with 70 points, securing a return to the Champions League after missing out the previous year.
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Vlahović was a key contributor, registering 10 goals and four assists in Serie A, and adding two goals in three matches at the Club World Cup.
Valued at €35m (£30m) by Transfermarkt – down from a peak of €85m (£73m) in 2022 – Vlahović still carries a reputation as one of Europe’s most complete strikers. If they can change his mind, Everton would be securing a significant coup…
Why Vlahović could have been Ferguson’s heir
Standing at 1.90m, he combines physical dominance with a sharp football brain, able to drop into channels, hold up the ball, and turn defenders with deceptive agility.
He’s particularly effective inside the penalty area, where his movement pins defenders before he darts into space to meet a cross or latch onto a through ball.
Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic and Samuel Mbangula celebrate.
According to data from FBref, his 2024/25 campaign underlines his all-round ability: 14 goal contributions in 29 games, 1.3 shots on target per 90, and 2.1 shot-creating actions.
He wins nearly half of his aerial duels, while his dribbling and link-up play allow his side to retain possession in high-pressure areas.
It’s no surprise ournalist Emmet Gates previously described him as a “Ferrari” with the potential to be “a generational talent.”
For Everton, the attraction goes beyond numbers. There’s a symbolic appeal – a forward with Ferguson’s stature, swagger, and menace.
The fans still idolise “Big Dunc”, who scored 60 of his 68 Premier League goals in Everton colours and was handed “Everton Giant” status in 2011.
Ferguson, at 1.93m, made a career out of bullying centre-halves, thriving in physical contests and using his body to protect the ball.
Duncan Ferguson
Vlahović mirrors that approach, but with a modern twist – adding superior ball-carrying ability, more varied movement, and a knack for combining with runners from deep.
Both are left-footed, both thrive in the air, and both carry a streak of competitive aggression that unsettles opponents.
For Everton, this was not just a chase for a name, but for a tactical fit.
Moyes’ system demands a focal point up top – a striker who can bring wide players and attacking midfielders into the game, hold possession under pressure, and still carry a goal threat in and around the box.
Vlahović would have ticked every box, and his presence could have eased the adaptation period for Barry, giving the youngster a role model in training.
The refusal doesn’t spell the end of Everton’s ambition in this window.
With funds available and a clear strategy, the club are already assessing alternatives who can deliver a similar blend of physical presence and finishing ability.
They may yet return for Vlahović if Juventus’ stance changes later in the summer, particularly if the player has a rethink about his next career move.
For now, the Friedkin Group’s intent is clear.
Dusan Vlahovic scores at Club World Cup for Juventus.
Landing Grealish, strengthening across the spine of the team, and targeting players of Vlahović’s calibre signals a club aiming to leave behind years of underachievement.
Supporters, long starved of a side capable of competing for Europe, have reason to believe this is the start of something more ambitious.
While Vlahović won’t be walking out in blue this weekend, the fact Everton were in the conversation for a player of his quality says plenty about the club’s new trajectory.
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