Ten stories published on Friday, from the academy to the World Cup quarter-final — here’s where everything stands.
Friday began with our usual morning roundup — Maeda’s market getting crowded as Fulham and Brentford joined the race, Villa moving on Mandela Keita, and a £25m number attached to Djed Spence. From there, the day only picked up pace.
Grealish handed a fresh boost
The headline mover was Jack Grealish. A Football Insider report claimed Manchester City remain willing to sell despite talks between the 30-year-old and new boss Enzo Maresca over his Etihad future. City’s stance hasn’t shifted, the report suggests, regardless of the managerial change — welcome news for Everton, whose interest dates back to Grealish’s loan spell last season.
Barry’s stance made clear
Elsewhere in attacking areas, Everton’s position on Thierno Barry was clarified amid continued RB Leipzig interest. The club see the German side’s approach as validation of their recruitment rather than a reason to cash in cheaply — though a big enough offer would still be considered.
Barry scored eight in 38 league appearances last season after his £27.6m move from Villarreal, a mixed return that keeps him a divisive figure among supporters.
A reopened route to Sorloth
Friday also brought a twist up front, with Alexander Sorloth’s stalled Juventus move reopening a door many had thought closed. Juventus and Atletico Madrid haven’t found agreement on a fee — and, tidily enough, Sorloth faces Pickford this weekend in Norway’s World Cup quarter-final against England, giving Everton a live audition against Premier League opposition.
Coleman’s next chapter, and a look back at the last one
The Seamus Coleman story ran in two parts. First, news that Sheffield United have made contact over a possible move to Bramall Lane, with Chris Wilder said to be assessing options at right-back. Nothing is close, and Coleman himself hasn’t decided whether to keep playing.
That prompted a tribute piece looking back at what 17 years at Everton actually gave the club — from a £60,000 arrival from Sligo Rovers through the horror leg break in 2017 to nine years of captaincy under five different managers. Worth a read if you missed it.
Goalkeeping depth under consideration
Behind the scenes, Everton are said to be weighing up a move for Sam Johnstone, contingent on Mark Travers leaving Merseyside. Coventry and Wrexham have both been credited with interest in Travers. One to file away rather than get carried away with for now.
Pre-season gets under way
On the training pitch, the first group of players returned to Finch Farm on Friday, with new arrivals Merlin Rohl and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall among those reporting alongside Tim Iroegbunam and James Tarkowski. Those with extended World Cup involvement will follow later in the summer.
Academy strengthened again
Off the pitch, Everton are expected to appoint Tom Curtis from Manchester United’s academy setup, continuing the club’s quieter work on the football department as they build out the structure behind the first team.
Pickford’s biggest test yet
And the day closed with the piece of the week — Pickford’s World Cup could yet provide his defining chapter. England face Norway and Erling Haaland tonight for a place in the semi-finals, with Pickford poised to become England’s most-capped World Cup goalkeeper. He was excellent against Mexico. He’ll need to be again.
