A £57,000-per-week player wants to join Arsenal this summer, with manager Mikel Arteta personally eyeing a young attacker to partner Kai Havertz.

Kai Havertz praised for excellent Arsenal debut season

The Germany international, signed for around £65 million from Chelsea last summer, endured a slow start to life at the Emirates Stadium and was subject to criticism from both supporters and pundits alike.

Arsenal ready bid for £51 million Kompany target as board aim to act fast

The north Londoners are keen to beat Bayern Munich to his signature.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 30, 2024

His lack of output was a cause for concern at the beginning of 2023/2024, but as time wore on, Havertz started making much more of a contribution as Arteta utilised the former Bayer Leverkusen sensation in a makeshift attacking role.

He finished the campaign with 14 goals and seven assists in all competitions for Arsenal, with Gunners legend Martin Keown heaping praise on Havertz for his development towards the back-end of last term.

Kai Havertz's Arsenal stats for 2023/2024 in all competitions	The numbers (via Transfermarkt)
Appearances	51
Goals	14
Assists	7
Minutes per goal	274
Minutes played in total	3,827

"It was one of those where I looked at it when he came in and I thought ‘I’m just going to hold up my opinion.’ I wasn’t sure at the beginning," said Keown to TNT Sports.

"In the Community Shield, he played as a centre-forward and I didn’t see the work rate or the running into the channels, and [Eddie] Nketiah came in the next game and I saw that change. Then they moved him into midfield. Now he’s in his proper position as a front player. [He’s] very definitely [at his best there].

"He’s so intelligent; he ghosts through. As a centre-half, you want someone to mark, but when he keeps disappearing into midfield all the time you get a bit nervous, and suddenly he’s there with two or three other players, so he can be really effective and that’s working for Arsenal."

The 24-year-old has found a new lease of life across London after a regrettable spell at Chelsea overall, despite winning the Champions League under Thomas Tuchel and scoring their final-winning goal against Man City.

Arteta now wants to sign a young attacking partner for Havertz, and it is believed that RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko is firmly on the Spaniard's radar. There have been suggestions that Sesko could be tempted by a transfer to Arsenal, and this was elaborated on further by The Mirror this week.

Sesko wants to join Arsenal as Arteta eyes Havertz partner

Indeed, it is believed Arsenal is now Sesko's preferred destination this summer, despite interest from other Premier League sides like Chelsea and Man United. The Slovenia international has admirers in Italy as well, but it appears Hale End is in his sights after a great season at Leipzig.

The £57,000-per-week forward bagged 18 goals in all competitions last term, and his £55 million release clause is another enticing draw for Edu Gaspar and Arteta given prolific strikers are often at a much more extortionate premium.

A new transfer target has reportedly emerged for Leeds United and the 49ers Enterprises, with the club prepared to buy a 27-year-old defender this summer.

Leeds transfer news

The Whites and the 49ers Enterprises have been linked with a lot of players of late, with Fulham attacker Bobby De Cordova-Reid one individual who has emerged as a target who could come in and rival Joel Piroe. He scored six goals in 17 Premier League starts in 2023/24 and a move is being eyed as he looks to be available for free in the coming weeks.

Failing to earn promotion from the Championship could see Leeds explore the loan market, and Chelsea youngster Alfie Gilchrist has also been backed to complete a move to Elland Road in the near future. The 20-year-old made 11 league appearances this season, scoring his first-ever senior goal for the Blues, too, in what was a special moment for him.

There is the threat that the Whites could lose star youngster Archie Gray, of whom so much is expected of in the future, and West Ham utility man Ben Johnson could soon be lined up to come in for him at right-back, should the teenager move on to pastures new in the summer window.

The 24-year-old will almost certainly head elsewhere this summer, leaving West Ham on a free transfer in the process, and he could be an astute signing who already has Premier League experience under his belt. Daniel Farke would no doubt prefer that Gray stays put instead, though.

Leeds and the 49ers prepared to buy 27-year-old defender

According to Sportbladet [via MOT Leeds News], Leeds and 49ers are interested in signing St. Pauli defender Eric Smith this summer, locking horns with West Brom in the process.

The report states that the Whites are "prepared to buy Smith" ahead of next season, following an impressive campaign that saw his side promoted to the Bundesliga.

Smith may admittedly be a relative unknown to Leeds, considering he has been playing in the second tier of German football, but there is a lot to appreciate about him as a player.

The 27-year-old started 26 Bundesliga.2 games in 2023/24, proving to be a key figure at the heart of St. Pauli's defence, averaging 2.1 clearances and 1.8 aerial duel wins per game in the competition in the process. He even chipped in with one goal and three assists for good measure.

Smith also showcased his versatility by featuring twice in midfield for his current club, and being able to thrive in a number of positions is something that could appeal so much to Farke, as he looks to get as much depth and quality in his Leeds squad ahead of their return to the Premier League in August.

Free transfer: Leeds could now move to sign "immense" £35k-p/w PL player

He could prove quite the bargain this summer.

ByBen Browning Jun 6, 2024

At 27, the Swede could also be arriving at Elland Road right in his peak years with his Transfermarkt valuation of €4m (£3.4m) at a career-high currently, and that may only increase further in years to come.

Despite recent struggles with the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules, Everton look set to open the chequebook this summer and bring a number of reinforcements to the club.

Fresh faces expected to arrive at Goodison

One name linked with a move to Merseyside is former Liverpool loanee Arthur Melo. The midfielder boasts 22 caps for Brazil and whilst his spell at Anfield was marred by injury, he would no doubt be a massive asset in the Toffees' midfield.

Dyche personally monitoring Everton move for £20m Branthwaite successor

Everton are eyeing up a replacement for their star man amid intense interest from Manchester United.

ByJosh Barker Jun 17, 2024

A midfielder clearly ranks high on Everton's shopping list with recent reports also linking the club with a move for Matteo Guendouzi and Khephren Thuram. Whichever midfielder ends up joining the club will likely be arriving to replace Amadou Onana, with the Belgian attracting interest from a host of top clubs.

North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur look set to battle it out for the 22-year-old with the Toffees reportedly asking for a fee in the region of £50 million to secure his services. Onana made 30 league appearances for Everton last season, proving a vital part of Sean Dyche's side as they fought off relegation in spite of multiple points deductions.

With Onana's exit now likely, it appears that Everton have agreed a deal to sign a midfielder from a side that secured Champions League football last season.

Everton agree deal for Aston Villa's Tim Iroegbunam

As first reported by Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke, Everton have agreed a deal to sign Aston Villa midfielder Tim Iroegbunam. The 20-year-old central midfielder is set to join the Toffees in a deal worth somewhere in the region of £10million after a "breakthrough" in talks.

The young Englishman is said to be highly rated at his current club however a number of factors have led to him being shown the door at Villa Park this summer. Most prevalent is Iroegbunam's lack of game time during his time in the Midlands, with the midfielder managing just nine league appearances as the Villans finished fourth in the Premier League.

The second reason behind his exit is Villa's need to sell players to satisfy FFP rules. An earlier report by Football Inisder suggested that the Villans need to raise £60 million in player sales this summer before they can start to bring fresh faces in. With Unai Emery unlikley to want to lose any of his key players, it is inevitable that promising but non-essential talents like Iroegbunam will be sacrificed in order to balance Villa's books.

Despite struggling for game time at his parent club, Iroegbunam has excelled out on loan in particular during a spell with QPR in 2022/23. The midfielder made 32 appearances for the Hoops and earned the plaudits of then manager Michael Beale in the process.

Speaking to the press following Iroegbunam's debut, Beale was quick to praise the midfielder: "Tim's a very good player and we're fortunate to have him. We can't rush him. He's 19 but I think he's going to have a good season here with us."

In this situation, Villa's loss will certainly be Everton's gain with the Toffees getting their hands on a quality talent for a cheap price.

The Gunners centre-back took his club form onto the international stage as the sloppy visitors recovered to climb the World Cup qualification table

Brazil defeated Chile 2-1 on Thursday as an 89th-minute winner sealed all three points and moved the Selecao up to fourth in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table, leapfrogging both Ecuador and Bolivia in the process.

The three points will come as a welcome relief to head coach Dorival Junior but it was a poor showing from Brazil, who began the match flat-footed and conceded after just two minutes – a sensational headed effort from veteran attacker Eduardo Vargas looping over Ederson and into the net.

However, just before the half-time break, Selecao striker Igor Jesus headed home to draw the visitors level, with a pinpoint cross from Manchester City winger Savinho putting the ball on a plate for the Botafogo forward.

Brazil then made it 2-1 after 89 minutes with what was only their second big chance of the evening, as another Botafogo player, Luiz Henrique, drilled a low-driven effort into the bottom-left corner.

It was a disappointing showing from Dorival Junior's men, who failed to hit top form without star man Vinicius Junior, and the pressure on the manager is now only likely to increase after such a disjointed performance.

GOAL rates Brazil's players from Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos…

AFPGoalkeeper & Defence

Ederson (6/10):

Hard to blame him for the opener. Solid and reliable throughout.

Abner (6/10):

An unfamiliar face in the Selecao backline. He didn't put a foot wrong but didn't stand out either.

Gabriel (8/10):

Their best player on the night. Ran the show defensively and was calm playing out from the back. Constantly the one they relied on to get the ball moving forward.

Marquinhos (6/10):

Reliable as ever. Solid performance at the back.

Danilo (6/10):

Defensively sound but could've done more to get forward and support attacks.

AdvertisementAFPMidfield

Lucas Paqueta (4/10):

Subbed off at half-time after being deployed as a deep-lying midfielder. The experiment did not work, at all.

Andre (5/10):

Removed at half-time. His pivot with Paqueta was woeful, and Dorival saw change was needed immediately.

AFPAttack

Savinho (7/10):

Brilliant assist for Jesus' strike and showed some neat footwork as well. A great performance.

Igor Jesus (8/10):

Took his opportunity and scored a top header. Didn't threaten too much, but made use of space nicely.

Rodrygo (6/10):

Struggled in a striker role once again. Hard to blame him when Dorival insists he plays there for the national team.

Raphinha (6/10):

Struggled to integrate himself into the match. Did not look comfortable alongside Jesus and Savinho.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

AFPSubs & Manager

Bruno Guimaraes (6/10):

Brought on at half-time. A sense of composure and calmness arrived in the centre of the park as a result of his introduction.

Gerson (5/10):

Didn't do an awful lot to make his mark but didn't look out of place, either.

Luiz Henrique (8/10):

Brought on for Savinho with 22 minutes to spare and scored the winner. He likely should not have had as much time to get the shot off, but he'll take it. Top finish.

Endrick (N/A):

Introduced in the 78th minute, which was 20-30 minutes too late.

Gabriel Martinelli (N/A):

Brought on with five minutes to spare

Dorival Junior (3/10):

Disastrous tactics. His midfield pairing were removed at half-time amid their struggles to keep possession. Even with the three points, Dorival is on thin ice; and it's already started cracking.

Ireland and Scotland women will return to international cricket in November after a 14-month break, with a five-match series in Spain comprising two 50-over matches and three T20Is.Neither side has played a full international fixture since the T20 World Cup qualifier in September 2019, with both teams missing out the main event earlier this year.The fixtures will be held at La Manga, a resort in Murcia that has become a regular host for county clubs on pre-season tours as well as European Cricket League games. It is believed that they will be the first international fixtures to be staged in Europe in November.Players on both sides have been involved in some cricket this summer: Ireland held an eight-match Super 50 Series, and while Scotland’s regional series was cut short by the imposition of tighter Covid-19 restrictions, their ‘A’ team also played six fixtures against English sides.Ireland go into the series missing four players in Lara Maritz, Una Raymond-Hoey, Eimear Richardson – all awarded retainer deals this week – and the centrally contracted Mary Waldron, all of whom are in Australia.In their absence, there are maiden call-ups for Zara Craig, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter and Jane Maguire.”We’re delighted to finally see some international action return,” said Ed Joyce, Ireland’s head coach. “Our last matches were at the T20 World Cup Qualifier in Scotland last year, so this series is very welcome for all involved.”The absence of a few of our senior players, while unfortunate, has opened up an opportunity for several young players to come in and get a taste of international touring life. I have no doubt they’ll benefit immensely from the experience, which may be crucial as we move into what will likely be a big 12 months for Irish women’s cricket.”Steven Knox, Scotland’s head coach, said: “The squad are both delighted and excited that they will be playing an international series in Spain against Ireland this November.”It will give the players a great opportunity to show that all the hard work they’ve done in training over the past ten months, and in the A team games that were played in August and September, will hopefully pay off against a team that are ranked above us in T20I cricket.”Scotland’s key players will be the Bryce sisters, Sarah and Kathryn, both of whom will go into the series on the back of impressive seasons in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, where they finished as Lightning’s leading run-scorer and wicket-taker respectively.Meanwhile, both nations’ men’s teams could return to action in December in the UAE. The reported last week that a four-nation T20 tournament involving the hosts, Ireland and Scotland and one other side is due to be held before the end of the year. It is understood that discussions are still ongoing, but it is hoped the series will be ratified soon.Ireland squad: Laura Delany (capt), Zara Craig, Rachel Delaney, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Shauna Kavanagh, Gaby Lewis, Louise Little, Sophie MacMahon, Jane Maguire, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Celeste Raack, Rebecca StokellScotland squad: Kathryn Bryce (capt), Abbi Aitken-Drummond, Sarah Bryce, Priyanaz Chatterji, Ikra Farooq, Katherine Fraser, Becky Glen, Samantha Haggo, Ailsa Lister, Abtaha Maqsood, Megan McColl, Katherine Mills, Charis Scott, Ellen Watson

As they look to add to the arrival of Lloyd Kelly, Newcastle United have reportedly been given permission to speak to one particular target this summer who is a man in demand.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies have been forced to spend wisely this summer to avoid any profit and sustainability breach with the Premier League, with sales likely also needed to maintain their innocence on that front. The signing of Kelly was, therefore, smart business given that the former Bournemouth defender arrived on a free deal following the expiry of his contract at the Cherries.

Since Kelly's arrival, Newcastle have wasted no time before turning their attention towards further additions. With an eye on Euro 2024, those at St James' Park have been linked with Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who has already impressed for underdogs Georgia. It remains to be seen whether the Magpies will splash the cash to land his signature this summer, however.

Instead, they could save their funds to land a significant upgrade on Miguel Almiron. According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle have been given permission to speak to Michael Olise over a potential move.

Newcastle expected to make offer for £8.5m+ player from European Champions

He would fix a big problem in the Newcastle squad.

ByTom Coates Jun 19, 2024

The Crystal Palace winger has also attracted interest from Bayern Munich and Chelsea – the supposed frontrunners for his signature – whilst also being offered a new contract at Selhurst Park.

There may have been concerns over Newcastle's ability to join the race for the Frenchman's signature following reports that his £60m release clause could only be triggered by clubs in the Champions League. Matt Law has since reported via The Chronicle that he believes no such release clause exists, however.

"Brilliant" Olise would be a major upgrade on Almiron

Linked with a summer exit and coming into pre-season off the back of a disappointing campaign, Almiron's place in the Newcastle side would be instantly thrown into doubt by the arrival of Olise. The Palace star, who earns a reported £100k-a-week in South London, would hand Eddie Howe an undoubted upgrade if he completes a move to St James' Park.

Goals

10

6

Assists

3

1

Expected Goals

5.5

4.5

Take-ons Completed

40

23

Scoring almost double the amount of goals that were expected from his chances, there's plenty more to come from Olise, who should be seen as the type of player Newcastle must secure if they want to return to the Champions League.

Described as "brilliant" by Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, Olise has plenty to think about this summer, as he makes the most important decision of his career yet.

It's become clear over the last year that the Selecao shot-stopper cannot be relied upon to stay fit for an entire campaign

Liverpool announced on Monday that Jarell Quansah had signed a new, long-term contract with the club. It was just reward for an academy product who has been excellent since breaking into the senior squad at the start of last season at a time when former manager Jurgen Klopp was short on numbers in the centre of defence.

However, while the 21-year-old Quansah – who has been at Liverpool since he was five – is a popular player among the fans, it was hardly the renewal news they'd been patiently awaiting. With Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold all out of contract at the end of the season, Reds are presently desperate for even a sign that any one of that key trio are close to committing their future to the club.

Until their respective situations are resolved, Liverpool's owners, the Fenway Sports Group (FSG), and the recruitment strategy being employed by the likes of CEO of football Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes, will remain under intense scrutiny.

However, while the fan focus right now is understandably on Van Dijk, Salah and Alexander-Arnold, it's already become clear that the transfer team made a couple of very astute decisions during the summer transfer window…

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• Getty Images
  

  Surprising summer signings

  Liverpool announced just two transfers during the summer – neither of which was expected.

  The £10 million ($13m) signing of Euro 2020 star Federico Chiesa from Juventus was a ridiculously low-risk gamble too good to pass up – even accounting for the Italian's injury issues. Liverpool were hardly stuck for options out wide but it did, at least, feel like the kind of "opportunistic" signing Hughes had mentioned shortly after his arrival from Bournemouth at the end of last season.

  The £25m ($33m) acquisition of Giorgio Mamardashvili from Valencia raised far more eyebrows, though.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Why a goalkeeper?

  Mamardashvili had been outstanding at Euro 2024, playing a pivotal role in Georgia's surprise run to the last 16, but in Alisson Becker and Caoimhin Kelleher, Liverpool were arguably already in possession of the world's best No.1 and the world's best No.2, respectively.

  It didn't feel like signing a shot-stopper should have been a priority for Hughes & Co. – particularly at a time when Liverpool supporters were still coming to terms with the fact that the club had once again failed to sign either a specialist No.6 or a left-sided centre-back.

  Then there was the fact that Mamardashvili wouldn't even be arriving on Merseyside until next summer, which effectively meant keeping Kelleher at Anfield against his will for another season.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Kept against his will

  Kelleher, who has served Liverpool so well as Alisson's understudy and become something of a Carabao Cup legend, was understandably disgusted that the Reds rejected all offers for his services during the summer while at the same time effectively confirming that he will not become the club's next first-choice goalkeeper.

  "I made it clear in the last few years, I want to go be a No.1 and play week in, week out," Kelleher told reporters in Dublin in September. "The club made the decision to get another goalkeeper. From the outside looking in, it looks like they have made a decision to go in another direction.

  "My ambition has always been clear. My mission was to go out and play. But, at times, it is not always in my hands."

  However, if Liverpool's treatment of Kelleher has been questionable at best, it's already clear that they've done right by themselves here.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Reliable in every sense

  Once Liverpool decided that Kelleher wasn't good enough to be Alisson's long-term successor, they needed to line up a top young goalkeeper, while at the same time ensuring that they retained quality cover in between the posts. By holding onto Kelleher until Mamardashvili arrives, that's precisely what they've done.

  The 24-year-old Mamardashvili has barely put a foot wrong since joining Valencia from Dinamo Tbilisi in 2021, establishing himself as one of the best shot-stoppers in La Liga, and something of a penalty-saving specialist. Perhaps even more significantly, though, he's played all but one of Valencia's Liga games since the start of the 2022-23 campaign, and even made a club-record 69 appearances in a row at one point.

  In that sense, the contrast with Alisson couldn't be starker.

أثنى جاري نيفيل، النجم السابق لفريق مانشستر يونايتد، على أحد لاعبي فريق ليفربول بعد مباراة الأمس ضد توتنهام، في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وتلاقى الفريقان في قمة منافسات الجولة السابعة عشر من الدوري الإنجليزي، حيث فاز ليفربول بستة أهداف مقابل ثلاثة.

ونال لاعب ليفربول ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد ثناءً كبيرًا من قِبل جاري نيفيل، في تصريحاته الصحفية الخاصة تلك المباراة.

اقرأ أيضًا.. جماهير ليفربول تختار أفضل لاعب في مباراة توتنهام بـ الدوري الإنجليزي

وتواجد جاري نيفيل في الاستوديو الخاص بشبكة “سكاي سبورتس” حيث أعجب بأداء ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد، خاصة في الشوط الأول.

ومرر أرنولد الكرة ناحية محمد صلاح بعد 10 دقائق من الشوط الأول، وعن ذلك قال نيفيل: “التمريرة رائعة، كان إدخال الكرة إلى تلك المساحة أمرًا مذهلًا حرفيًا”.

ولكن ما ضاعف إعجاب جاري نيفيل هو تمريرة أرنولد العميقة الدقيقة إلى لويس دياز، حيث سجل الكولومبي الهدف الأول.

اقرأ أيضًا.. أوين: محمد صلاح قد يحطم رقمًا قياسيًا لم أتخيل أن يصل إليه أبدًا

وعن ذلك، قال: “العرضية كانت شيئًا آخر، الأمر يتعلق بالدقة، هناك عدد قليل جدًا من اللاعبين الذين رأيتهم في تاريخ الدوري الإنجليزي يمكنهم تسديد الكرة على هذه المسافة بهذه الدقة، إنه أمر مثالي تمامًا”.

وأردف: “دي بروين، وبيكهام، وترينت ألكسندر أرنولد، وربما جيرارد في قمة عطائه يمكنهم التمرير بهذا الشكل”.

Everton’s financial issues over the last couple of years have been well documented, with the club constantly plagued with off-the-field setbacks.

The Toffees’ reckless nature in the transfer market has undoubtedly contributed to the recent point deductions, with the signings of big-money players who were clearly out of their depth a real key factor.

Yannick Bolasie and Yerry Mina are just two examples, both joining the club for fees over £25m, earning extortionate wages and departing Goodison Park on free transfers.

The list of failed signings in the last decade is endless, with the club easily wasting over £300m on players who haven’t reached the levels expected of them upon their moves to Merseyside.

One player in particular failed to impress at Goodison, leaving the club for a cut-price just one season after his huge move to the club back in the summer of 2017.

Davy Klaassen’s stats at Everton

After joining for a fee of £23.6m from Ajax, attacking midfielder Davy Klaassen arrived at Goodison Park with a lot of excitement after his 14-goal season in the Eredivisie.

However, he failed to make a positive impact during his time on Merseyside, with the midfielder failing to score a single goal during the 2017/18 campaign.

Klaassen also only made 17 appearances during his one season at Goodison, with the Netherlands international failing to live up to the expectations he came with.

Everton's starting XI for Klaassen's debut
vs Stoke – 12/08/2017
1. Jordan Pickford
4. Michael Keane
5. Ashley Williams
6. Phil Jagielka (C)
3. Leighton Baines
2. Morgan Schneiderlin
17. Idrissa Gueye
20. Davy Klaassen
10. Wayne Rooney
29. Dominic Calvert-Lewin
9. Sandro Ramirez
Stats via Sky Sports

He subsequently departed the Toffees in July 2018, to German side Werder Bremen for a fee in the region of £12m, with the club making a loss of £11.6m in less than a year.

Klaassen has gone on to find his feet once again all over Europe, with the midfielder racking up 54 goals and 26 assists since departing Goodison nearly six years ago.

Despite his brilliant return with goals and assists, with the likes of Bremen, Ajax and Inter Milan, the Dutchman now finds himself as a free agent after the expiry of his deal at the San Siro.

It’s safe to say his time in England was a huge disappointment, with his move costing the club a pretty penny despite his relatively short stint on Merseyside.

How much Davy Klaassen earned at Everton

Although Klaassen would only spend a sole year at Everton, when coupling his salary onto his transfer fee only emphasises the terrible deal conducted for the now 31-year-old.

After all, his £70k-per-week wage, as per Capology, was ludicrous when compared to what he offered, but at the time it was considered a fair price for someone who produced the numbers he did in the Eredivisie.

When adding his wages to his transfer fee, it added a further £3.6m to the total sum, bringing the deal to a total of £27.4m. Then, comparing that with the appearances the midfielder mustered, Ronald Koeman's costly purchase actually ended up costing the club £1.7m for every appearance he made.

All things considered, it was an absolute disaster bringing the Dutchman to Goodison Park, with the club desperately wishing they could turn back time and avoid a deal for the now-free agent.

Everton eye swoop for "absolute beast" who could be Gareth Barry 2.0

He could be available after an unsuccessful move in 2023/24.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 29, 2024

Surrey strutted into their final T20 Blast final since 2013 by beating Gloucestershire with eight balls to spare to seal their ninth win on the bounce in an 11-over game at Edgbaston after the rain eventually relented in Birmingham.Gloucestershire’s fraught start, in which their openers struggled to get bat on ball, set the tone for a frantic innings in which they compiled only 73. Liam Plunkett, who took 3 for 11, was the standout performer, but Reece Topley and Will Jacks’ frugal start was just as important.In the chase, Gloucestershire threatened put the squeeze on in the middle overs to keep the nerves jangling in the Surrey dugout, but after Jacks and Jason Roy had pounded three boundaries in the first over it always looked like being their day, and Ben Foakes’ run-a-ball 20 secured their spot in the final.Amla axedWith four top-order batsmen in their quarter-final side, Surrey had no interest in reputations when picking their side: they left out a man with 349 internationals caps, Hashim Amla, for a man with none, Jordan Clark, who had impressed in an intra-squad game after missing the group stage with injury. In the event it mattered little, but it will be intriguing to see if they stick with the same formula in the final.Both sides had played abbreviated games earlier in the competition: Gloucestershire won a 12-over thrash against Birmingham Bears on this ground, while Surrey had cruised past Hampshire in an 11-over contest. It was no surprise that Gareth Batty chose to bowl with no idea how the pitch would play after three days under cover, but Surrey’s start exceeded even his wildest dreams.Gloucs fluff their linesWhether or not Gloucestershire had a score in mind for their 3.2 overs of Powerplay, it is hard to picture their plan involved a total of 12 for 1 after that stage. Chris Dent and Miles Hammond seemed panicked by the occasion as they failed repeatedly to lay bat on ball; when Hammond skied his 11th ball up to Foakes with a single run to his name, there must have been some temptation to drop it and extend his misery.Ian Cockbain then flicked the first ball after the fielding restrictions were lifted to midwicket, and Dent skied a catch up in the same direction and over later. Jack Taylor holed out to the boundary-rider to give Plunkett a wicket with his first ball, and while Ryan Higgins and Benny Howell briefly threatened a late flourish, the same man removed both in as many balls to extinguish any lingering hope of reaching a par score.No Payne, no gainWith Gloucestershire desperate for early wickets if they were to set the game up for their middle-over stalwarts Howell and Tom Smith, it seemed obvious who should take the new ball: in David Payne, they had the Blast’s leading Powerplay wicket-taker since 2017 in their side.But by the time Payne came on for the second over, the task was almost insurmountable: Graeme van Buuren’s left-arm spin had been carved for three boundaries by Roy and Jacks. Payne removed Roy with his fourth ball thanks to a superb catch from Howell running back, but with the required rate already down at a run a ball, it seemed like the game was already up.Surrey threatened a wobble when they went 16 balls without a boundary in the middle overs, struggling to time the ball against Howell and Smith, but when Foakes drilled a straight six it eased the chokehold and took the equation back down to six an over.Payne’s cutter removed Foakes to give him a third wicket, but Jamie Overton – unused with the ball – pushed a full toss down the ground to seal the win.