Everton manager Sean Dyche is hopeful the injury sustained by Seamus Coleman during Saturday’s friendly with Roma isn’t ‘too serious’. 

The Toffees overturned a first-half Lorenzo Pellegrini goal to draw 1-1 thanks to a Dominic Calvert-Lewin strike in their last-ever pre-season friendly at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon.

“The first half was a little bit slow, as you’d expect. It can be like that at times in pre-season.  The second half, I thought, was good,” Dyche told evertontv of his side’s performance.

“A lot of the habits were on show. [It was] a soft goal from our standards, but other than that, I thought it was a decent performance and there were good signs from players who are new to the Club, as well.”

However, one negative was club captain Coleman limping out after just 32 minutes after sustaining a knock.

Coleman has spent 15 years at Goodison Park and has made over 400 appearances for Everton to date, long since establishing himself as an extremely popular and influential figure.

Losing his leadership on the eve of the 2024/25 Premier League season would be a blow to Everton, but Dyche is hopeful the 72-time Republic of Ireland international’s injury is nothing to worry about.

“Unfortunately, it looks like he’s nicked his calf,” said Dyche. “We’re not sure at the moment how serious that is, but I don’t think it’s too serious – the way he came off – but we’ll just have to hope for the best.”

The post Everton ‘hope for the best’ after key defender leaves Roma friendly with injury appeared first on CaughtOffside.

New Everton signing Jake O’Brien has admitted he turned down offers from ‘other clubs’ to join the Merseyside club this summer.

The Irish defender completed a £16.43m move (per Liverpool Echo) from French giants Lyon earlier this week, becoming Everton’s fourth major signing of the summer alongside Iliman Ndiaye, Jesper Lindstrom and Tim Iroegbunam.

O’Brien — capped twice for the Republic of Ireland at senior level — enjoyed an excellent season in France in 2023/24, registering five goals and two assists in 32 appearances across all competitions, while he was first among outfield Lyon players for clearances (96) and long passes completed (91) in Ligue 1.

Naturally, that sort of form attracted a number of potential suitors. However, the ‘history’ of Everton was enough to persuade him.

“I’m buzzing and so happy to have signed for Everton,” O’Brien told evertontv. “I’ve been dreaming of this kind of move in the Premier League, with such a historic club. It’s a very exciting move for me.

“Everton is a huge club with a lot of history behind it and there’s a big future as well.

“When the transfer window opened there were other clubs in for me but there was only one club I wanted to go to – it was Everton.

“They’ve shown the faith in me so now it’s my turn to show why on the pitch.”

O’Brien reveals ‘brilliant’ Seamus Coleman influence

Captain's orders: sign for the Toffees. ?@IrelandFootball ??? pic.twitter.com/3VhvINHxxB

— Everton (@Everton) July 30, 2024

O’Brien is the second Republic of Ireland international in Sean Dyche’s squad now alongside long-time club captain Seamus Coleman.

The two are, of course, already very familiar with one another and O’Brien admitted his veteran compatriot played a major role in convincing him to come to Goodison Park.

“Seamus has been on to me to sign for Everton! He’s a top guy, a brilliant captain, and to play under him here as well as with Ireland will be a privilege,” the 23-year-old said.

“He’s the best captain I’ve ever played under. He’s massively respected – not just here but in the football world in general.

“I’ve met all of the lads in the squad and you can sense straight away that it’s a tight-knit group. Obviously, having Seamus here will help me as well.”

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Seamus Coleman has revealed that his Everton future should be resolved within the ‘next couple of weeks’.

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Now 35 years old, Coleman has made over 400 appearances for the Toffees since joining from Sligo Rovers in 2009, captaining the club since 2019.

Coleman was restricted by injury to just 13 appearances across all competitions in 2023/24. However, he continues to roll back the years whenever he steps onto the pitch, while his experience, leadership and love for Everton continue to make him a key figure in Sean Dyche’s dressing room.

The Republic of Ireland international’s current deal is set to expire this summer. However,  Everton confirmed earlier in May that they have already offered Coleman a new one-year deal, with fellow veteran Ashley Young also given the opportunity to stay on Merseyside for an extra season.

Coleman ready to settle Everton future

With another Premier League season out of the way, Coleman now finally has the chance to think about his future at the club and seems more than happy to stick around.

“Along with the manager, we said we would get these [last] couple of games out of the way. I had missed a few games so that was my focus,” Coleman told Everton’s official website.

“Now will be time to sit down and talk about it, but I absolutely love this football club as everybody knows. It means so much to me and it’s been my life, my family’s life – it’s a special football club. But we will see in the next couple of weeks.”

Should Coleman sign his new deal, it means he would captain the club in their final season at Goodison Park before moving to a new stadium on the banks of the River Mersey.

It would certainly be a fitting way for Coleman to end his career at Everton, where he’s become a firm favourite and legend among supporters. Not only that, the club has, in return, left an unmistakable mark on the right-back’s family.

“Everton means an awful lot to us,” Coleman added. “I remember putting my daughter to bed after the Burnley game and she predicted before the game that we’d win 3-0. We didn’t but as we were chatting about the game that night, every time she referred to the game, she referred to Everton as ‘we’ and that’s something that she’s just picked up completely on her own. She was saying, ‘Dad, you know the way we won today’ and I was just thinking, ‘Wow, she has fully bought into it’ but I didn’t pull her up on it, I was just listening to her and smiling to myself.

“The whole family is connected, they live and breathe it, too.

“My little lad loves coming, my eldest daughter as well. It’s been 15 years of our lives. Without the support of them I probably wouldn’t have the power to keep going so thankfully I’ve had great support every day from my wife and kids, and my family back home.”

The post Seamus Coleman gives update on Everton contract talks appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Everton captain Seamus Coleman has admitted the club may struggle to ‘hide’ Jarrad Branthwaite following a stellar breakthrough season. 

Still only 21 years old, Branthwaite has been among Everton’s best players this season, exuding quality and composure beyond his years at the heart of Sean Dyche’s defence.

Branthwaite ended the 2023/24 campaign second only to centre-back partner James Tarkowski for interceptions (50), clearances (157) and passes completed (1,105) among Everton players, while he was third for aerial duels won (95). Branthwaite’s goal in Everton’s first Goodison derby win over Liverpool since 2010 back in April will also live long in the memory.

The youngster’s form this campaign — which follows on from a productive loan at Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven in 2022/23 — was rewarded with his first senior call-up for England back in March, with many now calling for him to be included in Gareth Southgate’s squad for this summer’s European Championships.

Everton captain Coleman has not been shy in praising his talented teammate.

“He’s top class. You see him every week, he’s unbelievable,” Coleman said (as quoted by the Liverpool Echo) following Everton’s 2-1 defeat at Arsenal on the final day of the 2023/24 campaign.

“The maturity has grown and it just shows how good it is to get out and play some football and grow your own wings. He came back a much more confident player and person, and he’s great to have around the place.

“Let’s not underestimate the influence of Tarky alongside him – they’ve worked extremely well together. The future is bright for Jarrad if he keeps his feet on the ground.”

Everton face battle to keep Branthwaite this summer

The unfortunate truth for Everton right now, especially given their financial predicament, is that any exciting youngster is bound to attract attention from other clubs.

Manchester United are just one of many understood to be keen on Branthwaite, with sources also telling CaughtOffside that the Toffees have highlighted former Spurs centre-back Davinson Sanchez as a possible replacement.

And while Everton would love to keep hold of Branthwaite for at least one more year following his role in guiding the club to 15th despite an eight-point deduction, the harsh reality is that it may be hard to keep him away from prying eyes.

“He’s in the England picture and is modest, humble and hardworking,” Coleman added. “There have been games this season where I’ve been watching and thinking he’s incredible athletically and on the ball. I want to be fair and not speak too much about him, but you can’t really hide talent like that for long.”

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The future of Everton Football Club is still an unknown at this point in time, with the protracted takeover by 777 Partners showing no signs of being completed.

The Toffees have endured an awful time over the past few seasons and have almost been relegated in the past two.

Ahead of their move from Goodison Park to a brand new, state-of-the-art stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, the club appear to be sinking in a mound of debt which will make life difficult when it comes to transfers in.

Certainly, if Sean Dyche, or whomever comes to the club in his stead, doesn’t have money to spend, the Toffees aren’t going to have a squad that befits such a grand new home.

Everton are unlikely to be taken over by 777 Partners

The last thing the club need is a relegation to the Championship but if things don’t turnaround soon, there’s every possibility that could happen.

Former Premier League co-creator, Jon Smith, doesn’t believe that the takeover will ever be done with 777 Partners, though he has sounded a positive note for the Toffees.

“777 Partners have got a lot of baggage that seems to be crystallising in all the wrong places and at the wrong time,” he said to CaughtOffside for his exclusive column.

“That is now beginning to infiltrate the thinking of people who need to be on side with them, such as the Premier League, and this would indicate that this is a problematic position for them to continue to progress.

“Interestingly enough, the Everton supporters have possibly handed them a way out because at the recent AGM fans voiced their concerns regarding 777.

“That could be the kicker for 777 to say ‘look, supporters don’t want us now, obviously they’re the heartbeat of the club and so we will no longer be there.’

“MSP Sports Capital are a company that seems to be circling Everton at the moment and there will be others. I’m aware of the numbers by the way, and they are huge; into eight/nine figures, and I think there’s going to have to be a lot of potential Russian write offs to get the right owners in place.

“Everton won’t go down. Had they gone down I think they would’ve had to go into administration which, in a bizarre way, might have been the best solution. Don’t try telling that to someone who’s got blue in their veins though.

“They’re a wonderful club with a great history, good players and good support and I’m going to stick my neck out and say that I think it’s unlikely that the 777 takeover will happen now.

“Everton are big enough to attract huge money so if I was Moshiri, I’d do what I do very well at the moment and that’s do nothing at all because I think there’s going to be more interest from other parties.”

One of the English top-flight’s most storied teams, the glory days of the Howard Kendall era seem a long time ago now.

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The ownership of the club need to accept the criticism that’s routinely come their way of late, and do the right thing for the organisation and its loyal supporters.

For Everton to even be close to going into administration denotes the seriousness of their situation, and goes to show that if the ownership don’t appear to have the club’s best interests at heart, any club is at risk of financial penalties and the potential of sailing close to the wind in terms of going out of business altogether.

The post Premier League co-creator insists 777 Partners takeover of Everton will be shelved… but there’s still hope for the Toffees appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Everton seemed to have earned themselves a point against Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon, but a piece of dreadful defending cost them a vital point.

Everton showed resilience to fight back and secure a point, which would have deemed satisfactory at that late juncture. However, shortly after equalising with Beto’s close-range effort, Coleman’s unfortunate own goal slipped past Jordan Pickford.

The cross from the right flank wasn’t extraordinary, and despite four Toffees players being present, they failed to deal with it effectively, leading to a moment to forget.

Dominic Solanke was lurking, but it’s baffling why no visiting player simply cleared it away. This led to the ball bouncing awkwardly, hitting Coleman, and trickling into the net, potentially marking a significant moment in the season.

Pundit on Everton’s poor defending against Bournemouth

Speaking live on TalkSPORT, former Premier League midfielder Jamie O’Hara disagreed with a Toffees supporter following Everton’s defeat.

A Blues fan stated on air that the own-goal was extremely unlucky.

O’Hara stated: “You say unlucky. The three players involved needed to deal with it. Come on, you’re Premier League players. That can’t end up in the back of the net, it can’t.”

As of writing, the Toffees are three points above the relegation zone, but they do have a game in hand on Nottingham Forest, Luton Town and Burnley.

The post TalkSPORT pundit argues with Everton fan over incident against Bournemouth appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Sean Dyche revealed that three players could miss his side’s crucial FA Cup tie against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.

Everton host the Eagles at Goodison Park in their third-round replay after their first meeting finished as a 0-0 draw at Selhurst Park.

But Dyche’s men could be without Seamus Coleman for the fixture with the Irish man picking up a hamstring issue against Aston Villa last weekend.

The full-back only recently returned from a long-term injury and featured in the Crystal Palace draw but is considered a doubt for Wednesday night’s replay.

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The Everton manager also revealed that Ashley Young is back in training, but this game will be too soon for him while Abdoulaye Doucoure is suffering from fatigue.

“Youngy is back on the grass with us but it’s too quick for him.” He said via Liverpool World.

“Seamus maybe, Doucs maybe, they’ve got a couple of knocks. Doucs is more fatigue, Seamus has got a tightness in his hamstring so we’ll have to make a decision on that.”

The Toffees finish out the month of January with a clash against Fulham before facing both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City at the start of February.

The post Everton hit with injury blow as trio remain doubts for FA Cup clash appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Sean Dyche has revealed that his side will be without three crucial players for their game against Spurs on Saturday.

Despite being hit with a 10-point deduction last month, Everton are currently seven points clear of the relegation zone in 16th place.

The Toffees have won their last three Premier League games which saw them demolish the likes of Newcastle and Chelsea.

But a much tougher test awaits them as they travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to take on Ange Postecoglou’s side.

Spurs have won their last two games as they also easily dispatched Eddie Howe’s side in a 4-1 hammering.

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But Dyche must do without three key players for this Saturday’s clash with Abdoulaye Doucoure, Seamus Coleman and Ashley Young all missing.

“Touch and go with Seamus because of the involvement side of things, he needs a few more days of training. Youngy is making progress but I don’t think he’ll make this one. And Douc, not for this one.” He said in his press conference via the Liverpool Echo.

Doucoure has once again stood out as one of Everton’s best players as the midfielder has already bagged six goals this season.

The post Sean Dyche provides Everton injury update ahead of Tottenham clash appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Good morning guys and welcome to my latest Daily Briefing – click here to subscribe to get this ad-free and straight to your inbox each day!

Ajax

Jurrien Timber on his future: “Will I stay with Ajax anyway? I’m not sure, I can’t stay that. I’m not in talks with Ajax now. My agent had a good talk a few times, but it’s not like we’re talking about anything right now…”

Arsenal

Declan Rice’s priority is to stay in England. It’s not a done deal with Arsenal yet and Bayern really like him – Thomas Tuchel has been a big fan since he was Chelsea manager, but his plan is to continue in the Premier League, and especially in London. Bayern are prepared to attack the situation, but Arsenal are ahead of all the other clubs at the moment.

Arsenal expect Reiss Nelson will sign a new long term deal this week. Agreement in principle reached on four year contract with option for further season. He was in demand, receiving bids from Italian, French and also English clubs.

What’s the latest on Charlie Patino as speculation over his future goes quiet? Click here to find out in my exclusive column!

Aston Villa

Aston Villa are closing in on hiring Monchi as their new director as he’s expected to leave Sevilla. The deal is now at the final stages. The plan is for Monchi to work closely with Unai Emery after the attempted Mateu Alemany appointment fell through.

Barcelona

Mikayil Faye to Barcelona, deal signed — all documents are completed between Barca and NK Kustosija. The Senegalese youngster will undergo a medical this week and there’ll be an official statement soon, the deal is 100% done.

Frenkie de Jong: “I feel good at Barca, as always. If all goes to plan, I will stay at Barcelona next season. You can never say it’s 100% in football but I suppose I’ll be at Barcelona next year.”

Robert Lewandowski on Saudi clubs bid: “I don’t think about Saudi bid… because there’s nothing to think about. I’ve other priorities. I look and see what is happening [in Saudi], but it does not concern me.”

Joshua Kimmich on Barca interest: “It was difficult not to come across it [the rumours]. Generally, I’m not too invested in the rumours. I still have, as everyone knows, two years left on my contract and we have big plans [for those two years] at Bayern.”

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Bayern Munich

Declan Rice’s priority is to stay in England. It’s not a done deal with Arsenal yet and Bayern really like him – Thomas Tuchel has been a big fan since he was Chelsea manager, but his plan is to continue in the Premier League, and especially in London. Bayern are prepared to attack the situation, but Arsenal are ahead of all the other clubs at the moment.

Bayern have re-scheduled the day for Raphael Guerreiro to sign his contract. It will now take place after the international break. It’s still 100% agreed and will be officially announced soon.

Joshua Kimmich on Barca interest: “It was difficult not to come across it [the rumors]. Generally, I’m not too invested in the rumors. I still have, as everyone knows, two years left on my contract and we have big plans [for those two years] at Bayern.”

Brentford

Brentford director Lee Dykes on David Raya: “We sat in front of David and said if you go beyond us, then that’s time for you to go. It’s well within his rights. £40m fee? You’ve to pay double than reported £20m because… he can play in number 10!”

Official, confirmed: Kevin Schade has signed a five-year deal with Brentford as he joins on permanent move. He’s a club-record investment at £22m.

Chelsea

Chelsea have not changed their stance on the future of Carney Chukwuemeka: there is no plan to include any buy option clause if he goes out on loan this summer, as he is considered a key part of the future project. It’s still not clear if he will go out on loan, it will depend on Mauricio Pochettino and on other outgoings in this transfer window.

Once again, there are no changes, no issues, no problems on the Christopher Nkunku deal. Chelsea originally agreed with RB Leipzig to officially announce Nkunku after his final games of the season with France (June 19). He had his medical with Chelsea all the way back in September and signed his contract in December.

Real Madrid like Kai Havertz but they will not spend €60m on him, this was made clear in the recent days. Negotiations are off for now unless Chelsea lower their price tag. The hope for Chelsea is that other clubs will join the race soon, but I have no specific names as of now, despite some recent rumours about Arsenal.

Chelsea and Inter are set to schedule a meeting in the next days, with a few players up for discussion. My understanding is that Inter will ask about Kalidou Koulibaly as a priority target. Romelu Lukaku’s future will also be a main topic; but Trevoh Chalobah for Inter, and Andre Onana for Chelsea will also be discussed.

Could this Serie A star be on his way to Chelsea? Click here to find out more!

Everton

Seamus Coleman is set to sign new contract at Everton — an agreement looks imminent as he’s prepared to stay at Goodison Park. Documents are being prepared and will be signed soon.

Inter Milan

Chelsea and Inter are set to schedule a meeting in the next days, with a few players up for discussion. My understanding is that Inter will ask about Kalidou Koulibaly as a priority target. Romelu Lukaku’s future will also be a main topic; but Trevoh Chalobah for Inter, and Andre Onana for Chelsea will also be discussed.

Liverpool

Jurrien Timber’s situation is interesting after a challenging season at Ajax. He was close to Manchester United a year ago but then they decided to go for a different strategy because it was impossible to sign two players from the same position from the same club. Let’s see if they return for him, but for now I’m hearing different names like Kim Min-jae and Axel Disasi. Liverpool, meanwhile, are understood be prioritising a left-footed centre-back. The asking price will also be important, and with Timber, Ajax have him on a long-term contract so are in control on the asking price.

Liverpool’s priority is also to strengthen in midfield, and then they’ll look at centre-back, so Timber has to be patient. He knows he has to wait and we’ll see in the next weeks what will happen, but it’s not something imminent. Liverpool also like Josko Gvardiol but they won’t do anything crazy and that one could be too expensive. The budget will be important.

There have been links with Gabri Veiga, but he’s not an alternative to someone like Khephren Thuram as they’re a different style of player. Liverpool have many players on their list, but it will depend on the opportunities on the market and the cost of the player. Thuram and also Manu Kone are in talks with Liverpool, and Veiga is an attractive option on the list, but there’s nothing more for now.

Lyon

Moussa Dembele has been approached by several clubs since becoming a free agent this summer. Understand Everton and Galatasaray are both informed on conditions of the deal for the former Lyon striker, while Saudi clubs are also keeping tabs on his situation.

Manchester City

Manchester City have an interest in Josko Gvardiol, and RB Leipzig plan to only let him go if he becomes the most expensive centre-back in the history of the game, possibly more than €100m. Leipzig have many players attracting interest, so they only want really big money for Gvardiol or else they will keep him for one more season. He extended his contract last year so he is still protected, but Man City will try as Pep Guardiola really likes the player.

Ilkay Gundogan will make a decision on his future soon. City have offered a one year extension plus the option of one more season. Barcelona are also in the race, offering him a three-year deal, while Arsenal are informed on his situation, and Saudi clubs have also been trying for him since January.

Manchester United

Jurrien Timber’s situation is interesting after a challenging season at Ajax. He was close to Manchester United a year ago but then they decided to go for a different strategy because it was impossible to sign two players from the same position from the same club. Let’s see if they return for him, but for now I’m hearing different names like Kim Min-jae and Axel Disasi. Liverpool, meanwhile, are understood be prioritising a left-footed centre-back. The asking price will also be important, and with Timber, Ajax have him on a long-term contract so are in control on the asking price.

Rasmus Hojlund: “Manchester United, huge club… I must have done something right if it says they want me. My goal is to reach the top shelf, and you can say that Manchester United is. Ten Hag? There has been no video call with him.”

How strong is Man Utd’s interest in Hojlund, and who else has scouted him – all the answers here in my exclusive column!

The post Transfer news: Why Arsenal lead Declan Rice race, Man Utd striker interest, Liverpool midfield targets & more appeared first on CaughtOffside.

With four games left of their 2022/23 season to go, Pep Guardiola’s Man City side are on the cusp of another Premier League title, and they’ve been handed a boost ahead of their must-win game against a resurgent Everton side.

When Toffee’s manager, Sean Dyche, spoke with the media in his pre-match press conference, he announced that Seamus Coleman would be out for the rest of the season after undergoing an operation.

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Coleman has long been Everton’s beating heart, and his omission, whilst not unexpected, will surely delight Guardiola.

? “Hopefully it’ll be a straightforward recovery & all being well, should be fit for next season”

? Sean Dyche says Seamus Coleman has had a successful operation before saying he’s had discussions with the #EFC captain about staying at Goodison Park ??

#?? #EVEMCI pic.twitter.com/0GaoK9TS41

— BBC Sport Merseyside (@bbcmerseysport) May 12, 2023

Pictures via BBC Sport

The post Video: Man City given timely boost ahead of Everton test appeared first on CaughtOffside.