Jhon Duran sued! Ex-Aston Villa striker subject of criminal complaint from Galatasaray after goal celebration for Fenerbahce in ill-tempered derby

Galatasaray have escalated their protest over Jhon Duran’s controversial celebration in Sunday’s heated Istanbul derby against Fenerbahce by filing a criminal complaint with the Anadolu Courthouse. The two giants shared the spoils following a 1-1 draw in the 14th matchday of the Turkish Super Lig.

  • Complaint lands at Anadolu Courthouse after fiery derby draw

    It is mostly a fiesty affair when Galatasaray and Fenerbahce lock horns in Istanbul. On Sunday evening, Leroy Sane handed the visitors a lead just before the half-hour mark. Fenerbahce were chasing for the bulk of the game, and just when it seemed that they would have to leave the pitch empty-handed, Duran struck deep into stoppage time. He went on to celebrate in a manner that Galatasaray insist was both provocative and indecent. Though the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) had already dismissed their initial request for disciplinary action, the club elected to take the matter to the courts, accusing the 21-year-old forward of harassment and indecent exposure.

    After the match, manager Domenico Tedesco heaped praise on his players. He said: "We wanted to start the first half lightly. We experienced this in the Beşiktaş derby. We played the ball a lot in that match, made dangerous passes, and fell behind 2-0. So, our plan today was to play simple for the first 10-15 minutes. What we wanted to see was Galatasaray defending in their own penalty area. We wanted to play with intensity throughout the match, and I think we did that well. Going down 1-0 at the start of the match is partly due to Sane's individual contribution. In these kinds of matches, things like this can happen against players like that. We controlled the game both at the end of the first half and in the second."

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    Duran’s meteoric rise before the Turkish storm

    Duran left Aston Villa in January in a blockbuster £71 million ($88m) deal to join Al-Nassr, where he continued his prolific form with 12 goals in 18 appearances for the Saudi Pro League club. Before that, he had been one of the Premier League’s most explosive young forwards. Across the first half of the 2024–25 campaign, he hit 12 goals in all competitions for Villa, including spectacular long-range strikes against Everton and Bayern Munich that underlined his potential as one of Europe’s most dynamic attacking prospects. Fenerbahçe secured his services on a season-long loan during the summer window, hoping he would provide the extra cutting edge required in a title race that shows no sign of letting up. In his five Super Lig appearances so far, he has registered two goals and two assists, including the derby equaliser that ignited this week’s uproar.

  • Tff declines to punish Duran as derby fallout intensifies

    Sunday’s derby was tense even by Istanbul standards, with both teams desperate to seize the psychological upper hand in the tight title race. When Duran levelled the match late on, the stadium erupted in noise, but his subsequent celebration sparked immediate fury from Galatasaray players and later from club officials.

    Galatasaray officially requested that the TFF take action, but the disciplinary board reviewed the footage and concluded that Duran would not be referred to the Professional Football Disciplinary Board (PFDK). Several individuals from both clubs were cited for other incidents surrounding the match, yet Duran’s celebration was deemed not to violate the federation’s code of conduct.

    The ruling did little to soothe Galatasaray’s frustration. Soon, the club’s legal representatives had arrived at the Anadolu Courthouse to file criminal charges, arguing the celebration constituted harassment and indecent exposure, which was a serious escalation that took the conflict out of the football authorities’ hands and into the judicial arena. Whether the courts will take up the case remains uncertain. Football-related celebrations rarely enter criminal territory, and it is unclear whether Duran’s actions will meet the legal threshold that Galatasaray allege. For now, however, the complaint itself adds fresh tension to a rivalry that exists on a perpetual knife-edge.

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    What comes next?

    Amid the controversy, Fenerbahce’s focus must quickly turn back to the pitch. Duran’s equaliser ensured the gap between the two clubs remains just one point, preserving the narrowest of margins as the season enters a critical phase. The side return to action on Saturday against Istanbul Basaksehir, a fixture that now arrives under the shadow of the derby row. Tedesco will be eager to shield his players from distraction, particularly as Duran has begun to find consistency in his performances following the adaptation period to Turkish football.

Wash-out at Hove leaves Hampshire, Sussex frustrated

No play possible on third day with contest evenly poised

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay10-Sep-2025

Rain at Hove wrote off the third day’s play•Getty Images

Day three of Sussex’s Championship game against Hampshire at Hove was abandoned without a ball bowled – the first day’s play to be lost this season.Morning showers delayed the start to day three at the 1st Central County Ground and when more persistent rain arrived at lunchtime umpires Nigel Llong and Rob White called play off at 2.15pm with puddles forming on a saturated outfield.Both teams will be hoping for an improvement in conditions tomorrow with Sussex needing 241 runs and Hampshire nine wickets to claim a victory that would ease any fears both counties have of being dragged into a relegation battle.

"عايز أعتزل دولي".. تريزيجيه يكشف كواليس ليلة بكاء محمد صلاح في غرفة ملابس منتخب مصر

كشف محمود حسن تريزيجيه لاعب منتخب مصر، تفاصيل رغبة محمد صلاح بالاعتزال الدولي عقب الفشل في التأهل إلى كأس العالم 2022، موضحًا كواليس إصابته أمام الزمالك بمباراة نهائي كأس السوبر المصري.

وقال تريزيجيه في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة “ام بي سي مصر”: “لو كنا قد فزنا على السنغال في تصفيات كأس العالم، لما كنّا سنعود من السنغال بعد مباراة الإياب هناك، وعندما دخلنا غرفة الملابس كان محمد صلاح يبكي، وقال لي (مش مصدق نفسي أنا عايز أعتزل دولي)”.

وواصل: “صلاح قال لي (ماذا يمكنني أن أفعل أكثر من ذلك؟)، كان حقاً يريد تحقيق إنجاز كبير لبلده، وعندما رآه بقية اللاعبين وهو يبكي ذهبوا إليه لمساندته، صلاح هو قدوتي، وأنا أتعلم منه الكثير”.

وواصل: “عندما جاء وزير الرياضة، تراجع محمد صلاح عن فكرة الاعتزال، وقال (أنا فخور بأنني ألعب مع هذا الجيل، وإن شاء الله سنصل إلى كأس العالم مرة أخرى وسنحقق كأس أمم إفريقيا)، وبالفعل تحقق الهدف الأول وصعدنا، ويتبقى الهدف الثاني”.

واستطرد: “في نهائي السوبر ضغطت على نفسي رغم إصابتي في العضلة الخلفية، ورفضت الخروج ولعبت لأن المباراة كانت نهائية”.

تريزيجيه: رفضت طلب أستون فيلا من أجل منتخب مصر.. وأخبرتهم شيئًا تسبب في رحيلي

وأكمل: “لكن عندما سددت كرة بشكل سيء شعرت بأن العضلة اشتدت عليّ بقوة، فقلت لنفسي إن بقائي سيؤثر على الفريق، وطلبت التغيير حتى ينزل لاعب آخر يستطيع أن يمنحنا الفوز”.

وأردف: “الحمد لله أنني طلبت التغيير في هذا التوقيت حتى لا تتفاقم الإصابة، وأنا لا أخرج من الملعب إلا إذا تعرّضت لكسر، غير ذلك فسأستمر في اللعب”.

وبسؤاله هل نستطيع الفوز بـ كأس أمم إفريقيا؟، أوضح: “أتمنى ذلك لنا جميعاً، لكنني أتمناه بشكل خاص من أجل محمد صلاح وهو في أعلى مستوياته، ومن أجل جيلنا كله”.

وأتم: “نحن مصر نحن أصحاب التاريخ، سنذهب ونقاتل من أجل الفوز بالبطولة، ويجب أن يعرف الجميع أن هذه البعثة ذاهبة لتبذل أقصى ما لديها وتضحّي بكل شيء داخل الملعب”.

Rohl could now turn "exciting" Rangers star into his own Shankland at Ibrox

For the first time this season, Rangers have won a home Premiership match; Danny Röhl working wonders already!

On Sunday, the Gers beat Kilmarnock 3-1 at Ibrox, with Derek Cornelius breaking the deadlock, only for Killie to equalise on the cusp of half time, but goals from Danilo and Youssef Chermiti after the interval cemented the victory.

This is just the Gers second league victory of the season, beating Livingston at Almondvale in the last minute in September, thereby moving them up to fifth, just five points behind Celtic, albeit still 13 adrift run-away league-leaders Hearts.

New manager Röhl may only have been in situ for a week, but now faces a crucial seven days, with a tricky trip to Hibernian to come on Wednesday, before the small matter of a Glasgow derby at Hampden in the League Cup semi-finals next Sunday.

Ahead of these massive games, has Röhl unearthed an “exciting” talent who could replicate, arguably, the Premiership’s best striker?

Why Rangers should have signed Lawrence Shankland

During the summer, Rangers were heavily linked with a move for Scotland international striker Lawrence Shankland, given that his contract at Heart of Midlothian expired on 30 June.

After only a few days unemployed, Shankland decided to stay at Hearts, signing a new contract on 3 July, and he certainly showed Rangers what they could have had last month, scoring both as the Jambos won 2-0 at Ibrox.

Well, Heart of Midlothian are certainly the talk of Scottish football at this moment in time.

On Sunday, Derek McInnes’ side beat Celtic 3-1 at a raucous Tynecastle, going in front thanks to an early own goal, before quick-fire strikes from Alexandros Kyziridis and then Shankland from the penalty spot cemented a 3-1 victory.

This leaves Hearts eight points clear at the top, looking to become the first non-Old Firm champions of Scotland since Aberdeen 41 years ago, not facing one of the Glasgow giants again until they travel to Celtic Park on 7 December.

Shankland himself has now scored eight goals this season, five of which have come in the Premiership.

In contrast, right-back James Tavernier is the only Rangers player to have scored more than one league goal across their nine fixtures to date.

Thus, the Hearts captain, a boyhood Rangers fan, spotted at Ibrox for April’s Europa League quarter-final against Athletic Club, would unquestionably improve the Gers’ current team, but did Röhl discover his answer to Shankland during Sunday’s match, a forgotten star who could propel Rangers up the table?

Rangers have their own answer to Shankland

Sunday was certainly a memorable afternoon for new signing Youssef Chermiti, scoring his first senior goal since May 2023, but Danilo was the striker who caught the eye.

When he joined the club from Feyenoord for a reported fee of £6m in the summer of 2023, then-manager Michael Beale labelled him an “exciting player who likes to create and score goals”.

Meantime, Melvin Dupper of the Rangers Review described him as ‘quick’ and an ‘amazing instinctive finisher’, praising his work rate and pressing ability, but supporters have seen very little of any of that in the two and a bit years since.

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The Brazilian has scored just 14 goals in 61 outings for the club, sitting out 65 matches due to injury.

Sunday’s header was just his second goal since netting during the 3-0 demolition of Celtic in January.

Overall, as the table below outlines, Danilo had a very productive afternoon against Kilmarnock, despite limited involvement.

Goals

1

1st

Shots on target

1

2nd

Accurate passes

11

19th

Duels won

3

19th

Touches

18

22nd

Sofascore rating

7.3

4th

As the table documents, Danilo was not often involved in build-up play, emphasised by the fact he touched the ball just 18 times in 69 minutes on the park, three touches fewer than goalkeeper Jack Butland.

Nevertheless, when his sole opportunity of the afternoon came, he took it, heading past Killie keeper Eddie Beach.

It may be stating the obvious, but having a reliable goalscorer could transform this team, with new manager Röhl attempting to rebuild a sinking ship that has hit rock bottom, following Russell Martin’s catastrophic if only brief reign.

Hearts would not be clear at the top if it wasn’t for the goals scored by Shankland and summer signing Cláudio Braga, with Rangers still searching for their own talisman in attack, following a scattergun summer of recruitment.

New signings Youssef Chermiti and Bojan Miovski look substandard when compared to the pair they are supposed to be replacing, namely Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igamane, so could Danilo, a player they already had, but many had written off, prove to be the centre-forward Röhl can hang his hat on?

0 passes made: Rohl must drop Rangers flop who was worse than Aasgaard

Danny Rohl must drop this Glasgow Rangers flop who was even worse than Thelo Aasgaard against Kilmarnock.

1 ByDan Emery Oct 27, 2025

Walk-Off Wagers: MLB Best Bets Today (Back the Orioles vs. the Yankees for Plus-Money Tonight)

Am I crazy to be fading the winningest team in baseball at home?  Maybe. But, by now, you know my style, so stay with me for a bit. Our bankroll has been growing. 

Yes, the Yankees are the best team in baseball right now and the only team with 50 wins. They will also be sending Nestor Cortes to the mound, and he's been stellar at home.   When pitching at home this season, Cortes has a mere 1.77 ERA. That's dominant.  

Juan Soto is back in the lineup, and Aaron Judge is doing Aaron Judge things. He's batting .300 with 26 home runs, which is on pace to match and possibly eclipse his record-setting 62 home run MVP season.   

Jun 11, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Aaron Judge (99) hits a two-run home run in the seventh inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports / Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Those are just a few reasons to back the favorites in this game. 

Now, hear me out on the case for the underdogs tonight.

MLB Best Bet Today

The Orioles are a frisky young team and just 1.5 games behind the Yankees in the AL East. This win would put them within half a game. 

They will  Yankee Stadium is not an easy place to play, but it's worth noting that the Orioles have a better win percentage on the road this season (22-10) than they do at home (25-14). It's also worth noting that Baltimore has won three of four games played vs. the Yankees this year and that the Orioles have the second-best win percentage in MLB as away underdogs (6-3). 

Albert Suarez takes the mound for the O's tonight.  

Suarez has been excellent in his seven starts for Baltimore this season, and he has allowed a minuscule .20 home runs per nine this season across 44 ⅔ innings pitched.  He has an ERA of just 1.61, with a 35% ground ball rate and an 84% strand rate. 

Both teams have been hitting well recently, but the Orioles have a league-leading 35 home runs in June and are, particularly good vs. left-handed pitching. The Birds have a .195 ISO vs. southpaws this season. 

Look for catcher Adley Rutschman to have success tonight vs. Cortes. The last time he faced Cortes on April 30th, he had a pair of hits, and he is hitting .420 vs. lefties this season.

Cortes allowed four earned runs in that game and took the loss.

So, there you have it. Will the Yankees (-155) win tonight? Maybe.

But it's not a sure enough thing to pay that juice. Give me the O's for plus money (+130).

Darwin to host Australia A-Sri Lanka A series

There will be two four-day matches, including one at the ground which will host the South Africa T20Is

ESPNcricinfo staff21-May-2025First-class cricket will return to Darwin after a gap of 19 years when Australia A play Sri Lanka A in July.The Top End series will include three 50-over matches and two four-day games. They are the latest part of Darwin’s return to hosting top-level cricket with the city to stage first two T20Is against South Africa in August.The first four-day game against Sri Lanka A will be held on a drop-in surface at the Marrara Stadium which will be the venue for the pair of South Africa matches the following month.The first-class fixture will also be a key assessment of the venue’s suitability to potentially host one of the two Tests against Bangladesh which are due to be staged in northern Australia around August 2026, having been moved from their original March 2027 window due to the 150th anniversary Test between Australia and England at the MCG.The Australia A squad will be announced in the coming weeks but is expected to feature some less-experienced players with those who have county deals in England unlikely to be considered. Jason Sangha, who starred in South Australia’s Sheffield Shield triumph, is among those tripped to be included.”It’s fantastic to confirm a multi-format series which gives the next crop of emerging cricketers excellent development opportunities throughout the Australian winter,” Peter Roach, CA’s head of cricket operations and scheduling, said.”Darwin’s dry season weather between May and September offers both the Northern Territory and Australian Cricket an incredible winter opportunity which allows cricket to be played in Australia all-year round.”The last time first-class cricket was staged in Darwin was 2006 when Australia A played Pakistan A and India A faced New Zealand A.Australia A are also due to tour India in mid-September with that trip also expected to include two four-day matches.Australia A vs Sri Lanka A, DarwinJuly 4: First 50-over match | Marrara Cricket Ground (D/N)
July 6: Second 50-over match | Marrara Cricket Ground
July 9: Third 50-over match | Marrara Cricket Ground
July 13 – 16: First four-day match | Marrara Stadium
July 20 – 23: Second four-day match | Marrara Cricket Ground

Former Premier League referee David Coote pleads guilty to making indecent image of child

Former Premier League referee David Coote has pleaded guilty to making an indecent image of a child. He has appeared at Nottingham Crown Court in connection with allegations regarding a category A video that was recovered by police in February 2025. Coote was granted conditional bail at his latest hearing and is due to appear in court again in December.

  • Coote spoke in court to confirm name and enter plea

    Coote was officially charged in August following an investigation by Nottinghamshire Police. The allegations being made against him are of the most serious kind when it comes to indecent images of children. The 43-year-old – who hails from Collingham in Nottinghamshire – will be back in court later in the year.

    He had previously pleaded not guilty to the charge at a hearing on September 10 at Nottingham Magistrates' Court. That stance has now been changed, with Coote – who wore a navy suit and black tie – speaking only to confirm his name and enter his plea during a six-minute hearing on October 14.

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    When Coote will be back in court

    He stood in front of Judge Nirmal Shant KC. She informed Coote that she was ordering a pre-sentence report to be carried out before any proceedings begin in that department. Jude Shant told the court: “You have pleaded guilty to a serious matter. Whether this means custody or not will be decided when all the information is before the court, which is why I have ordered a pre-sentence report.”

    After entering his latest plea, Coote is due back in court on December 11, 2025. Judge Shant added in relation to the charge of making an indecent image of a child – which refers to activities such as downloading, sharing or saving photos or videos containing abuse: “You must not go away with the impression that this will not lead to a custodial sentence.”

  • PGMOL statement after Coote sacking

    Coote has endured a troubled time of late, with the emergence of a video online that showed him making derogatory comments about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp leading to his sacking by the PGMOL in 2024.

    A statement from Professional Game Match Officials Limited read: "Following the conclusion of a thorough investigation into David Coote's conduct, his employment with PGMOL has been terminated today with immediate effect.

    “David Coote's actions were found to be in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract, with his position deemed untenable. Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us and we remain committed to his welfare. David Coote has a right to appeal the decision to terminate his employment.”

    Coote, who also featured in a video showing him apparently snorting a white powder at Euro 2024, came out as gay in January 2025. He told The Sun of his struggles on and off the field: “I felt a deep sense of shame during my teenage years in particular. I didn’t come out to my parents until I was 21. I didn’t come out to my friends until I was 25.

    “My sexuality isn’t the only reason that led me to be in that position. But I’m not telling an authentic story if I don’t say that I’m gay, and that I’ve had real struggles dealing with hiding that. I hid my emotions as a young ref and I hid my sexuality as well — a good quality as a referee but a terrible quality as a human being. And that’s led me to a whole course of behaviours.”

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    FA statement after eight-week suspension

    In August, Coote was given an eight-week suspension by the Football Association over the Klopp footage. A statement from the FA read: “David Coote has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3 in relation to comments that he made about Jurgen Klopp in a video recorded around July 2020 which appeared on social media in November 2024. It's alleged that the referee acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words contrary to FA Rule E3.1. It's further alleged that this constitutes an 'Aggravated Breach,' which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference – whether express or implied – to nationality. No charges have been issued in relation to allegations of gambling misconduct against David Coote, which were also fully investigated.”

'His time will come' – Xabi Alonso issues encouraging Endrick update as Brazil striker nears return from injury

Xabi Alonso has provided a positive update on Endrick as the Brazilian striker has return from injury. The teenager was sidelined since September with a hamstring problem and faces fierce competition for minutes at Real Madrid. After missing the Club World Cup and the early season, his comeback offers hope of adding depth to Madrid’s forward line.

  • Endrick’s road back after injury setback

    The Brazilian forward has been working his way back after a hamstring injury ruled him out of the Club World Cup and the start of the new season. Despite being fit enough to make the squad for recent matches, Alonso has been cautious with his reintroduction, stressing the importance of finding the right moment for his return.

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    Alonso confident Endrick’s chance will come

    Alonso admitted Endrick has trained well for weeks and confirmed that he could feature imminently. Alonso acknowledged the competition for attacking spots but insisted the 19-year-old will get his chance, describing his return as a matter of timing rather than readiness.

    “He has a chance to be a starter. He’s coming off a slightly longer injury, but he’s been training well for a few weeks now and it’s just a matter of finding the right context in the game for him to come on," said the Spaniard ahead of the match against Villarreal.

    He added: “He has a goal-scoring instinct, a brutal finish. There’s just a lot of competition, but his time will come.”

  • Rising competition in Madrid’s crowded attack

    With Gonzalo Garcia shining in the Club World Cup and established names like Kylian Mbappe already leading the line, Endrick faces a tough battle for regular minutes. His patience will be tested, especially as Los Blancos look to balance domestic duties with European commitments. The teenager turned down loan options to fight for his place, showing his determination to prove himself at the Bernabeu.

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    Next challenge looms with Villarreal clash on horizon

    After their heavy 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid, Los Blancos responded with a convincing 5-0 win over Kairat Almaty in the Champions League. Villarreal await in La Liga, and Alonso will hope to integrate Endrick gradually into a squad regaining rhythm. Madrid see his development as a long-term project, with this season viewed as a stepping stone in his growth.

NZ replace injured Hayley Jensen with Fran Jonas for ODIs against Sri Lanka

New Zealand will be without seamer Hayley Jensen for the ODIs against Sri Lanka after she picked up an injury while warming up in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield final. She has been replaced by left-arm spinner Fran Jonas, head coach Ben Sawyer said on Monday.”Jensen will be reassessed before the T20I series,” Sawyer said. “Hopefully she can get back in time but it will be up to the physios how she goes. Jonas will fly in tonight and join the team in the morning.”Related

  • Athapaththu to leave WPL early to play for Sri Lanka

  • Penfold ruled out of Sri Lanka, Australia series

  • Bella James ruled out of Sri Lanka ODIs; Down named replacement

Jensen – who was set to make her comeback to the national side after a two-year absence – becomes the second Otago player to be ruled out of the ODIs against Sri Lanka. Bella James also picked up a hamstring injury during the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield competition, and was subsequently replaced in the ODI squad by Lauren Down.New Zealand are also without Sophie Devine – who has “prioritised her well-being” and taken a break from the game – while Amelia Kerr is set to miss the series due to her Women’s Premier League (WPL) commitment with Mumbai Indians. Lea Tahuhu, Rosemary Mair and Molly Penfold were not available for the ODI series either due to injuries. Suzie Bates is the stand-in captain in Devine’s absence.The three-match ODI series kicks off on March 4 in Napier before the teams move to Nelson for the next two encounters on March 7 and 9. New Zealand are trying to snap a three-game losing streak in ODIs while Sri Lanka want to bounce back after losing their last ODI series against Ireland in Belfast 2-1.

Better move than Grealish: Everton looking to sign "unstoppable" £17m CF

Hill Dickinson Stadium is now officially open for business.

On Saturday, Everton’s senior men’s team played at Bramley-Moore Dock for the very first time, although they’re still waiting for their first goal at their new home, beaten 1-0 in a pre-season friendly by Roma.

This brought to an end a rather miserable pre-season for David Moyes’ men, winning just one of seven fixtures, this against EFL League One side Port Vale, scoring just six goals in these matches.

Thus, it is no wonder Moyes is seeking attacking reinforcements ahead of his team’s Premier League opener against Leeds United at Elland Road next Monday night, so could the Toffees sign an exciting young striker?

Everton's need for firepower

With stalwarts Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Abdoulaye Doucouré having both been released following the expiration of their contracts, Everton were always going to need to add attacking threat to their squad, having scored a miserly 42 goals in the Premier League last season.

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Well, the Blues have so far signed striker Thierno Barry from Villarreal and attacking midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Chelsea, but more is required.

Thus, they have reached an agreement with Manchester City over the signing of Jack Grealish on a season-long loan, a move that Graham Ruthven of Total Soccer Show believes will be “exciting”.

Manchester City's JackGrealishbefore the match

Meantime, according to a report from Spain, Everton are “interested” in signing striker Franculino Djú, adding that he is valued at around £17m by FC Midtjylland, with Roma and RB Leipzig also considering a move.

Sport Witness add that the 21-year-old’s performances in the Danish Superligaen have ‘attracted interest’ from several of Europe’s top clubs, but could Everton steal a march and bring the youngster to Merseyside?

What Franculino Djú would bring to Everton

Born in Guinea-Bissau, Franculino joined Benfica’s academy at the age of 15, but never made a senior appearance for the Portuguese giants, instead moving to Midtjylland on a free transfer in the summer of 2023, with Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout stating that the Danish side hit the “absolute jackpot”.

That’s because, to date, he has scored 40 goals in 79 appearances for the Wolves, thereby averaging a goal every 118 across all competitions.

FC Midtjylland's Franculino Dju celebrates scoring their first goal

Ten of these goals have come in European competition, including a hat-trick against Omonia 12 months ago, scoring seven goals in six appearances so far this season, bagging a hat-trick when Sønderjyske visited Herning, also breaking the deadlock during last Thursday’s Europa League qualifying victory over Fredrikstad.

The aforementioned Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labels him “unstoppable”, adding elsewhere that he has a “big future ahead”.

Farzam Abolhosseini of Tipsbladet asserts that he was the “highest-scoring teenager” across Europe last season, while Joost van der Leij documents how ‘finishing’ is the youngster’s primary asset.

Meantime, writer Tom Maston praises his “impressive strike-rate”, with Jake Entwistle of Scouted adding that he is a ‘well-rounded’ centre-forward, comparing him to the in-demand Alexander Isak, a man who could also be set for a move to Merseyside.

So, let’s analyse his statistics in the Superligaen this season so far.

Djú 2025/26 Danish Superligaen statistics

Statistics

Franculino

Superligaen rank

Goals

6

1st

Goals per 90

2

1st

Goals inside the box

6

1st

Assists

2

2nd

Shots

10

5th

Shots on target

6

3rd

Shots on target %

60%

11th

Goals-per-shot

0.6

2nd

Big chances missed

2

3rd

Big chances created

1

14th

Average SofaScore rating

8.53

1st

Statistics courtesy of FBref.com and SofaScore

As the table documents, Dju has absolutely been on fire at the start of this season, scoring seven times in all competitions already, adding to the 11 Superligaen goals he bagged last season, netting 16 times overall.

If any Evertonians are sceptical, worth noting that, according to Global Football Rankings, Denmark’s top division is the 13th strongest league in the world, just below the EFL Championship and the Eredivisie, so he is performing at a relatively high level.

So, why would he be a better signing than possible future teammate Grealish?

FC Midtjylland's Dario Osorio celebrates scoring their first goal withFranculinoDju

Well, the England international is set to join Everton on loan but an expensive one, with reports noting that this is set to cost the Toffees around £15m in a loan fee and wages, with Grealish currently earning around £300,000-per-week.

Franculino, on the other hand, could prove to be a bargain at just £17m in the long run.

Manchester City's JackGrealishduring the warm up before the match

If the Blues are going to get back to where their supporters believe they belong, challenging for European qualification, they’re going to have to work smarter in the transfer market, buying lesser-known players for low fees, before ultimately selling them on at a huge profit.

Franculino certainly fits that profile, with the striker seemingly ticking both boxes, boasting enough quality to improve Everton’s team right now.

Meanwhile, at 21 years old, his value will surely increase exponentially over time, while Grealish only does the former. The experienced England international has barely kicked a ball in recent years and he’s out of form.

Dju, on the other hand, is bang in form.

Just imagine him & Ndiaye: Everton aiming to sign PL star alongside Dibling

As Everton chase Southampton’s Tyler Dibling, David Moyes also wants the Toffees to sign a “magic” Premier League winner who was once worth £100m.

By
Ben Gray

Aug 10, 2025

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