Latest Premier League News and Transfer Rumours
Here is our EPL transfers and news round-up from today’s papers.
Premier League Referees in UEFA Rankings
EPL referee Craig Pawson has been demoted by the European governing body to their Second List (third tier for match officials). He has been replaced by fellow Premier League ref John Brooks (pictured below).
This move was due to Pawson being involved in some controversies over the course of last season, while Brooks was rewarded for his performances. He was also praised by ESPN for his 2023/24 showings, as he topped their rankings for the best of all top flight referees, and finished second as a VAR.
The Premier League now has four refs on UEFA’s Elite List and First List, which are the top two tiers for match officials, while six EPL refs are on the Second List.
EPL Transfers
Chelsea have announced the signing of Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian from Palmeiras, for an initial fee of £29.1 million. The 17-year-old will officially join the Blues next summer. (Chelsea official announcement)
Everton have completed the signing of Aston Villa midfielder Tim Iroegbunam. The 20-year-old joins the Toffees on a three-year deal and the rumoured fee is £9 million, according to Fabrizio Romano. (Everton official announcement)
Michael Olise to Bayern Munich is almost done, as Sky Sports reports that the Germans have agreed a £50.7 million fee (including add-ons) with Crystal Palace, while the player has chosen to move to the Allianz Arena after Chelsea dropped out of the race for his signature.
Liverpool are one of the sides keeping tabs on Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala, as the young forward is reportedly keen on a move to the Prem. His contract in Bavaria runs for another two years. (Sky Sports)
Portuguese outlet Leonino once again tells us that Arsenal are “very close” to securing a deal for Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres. Not much of a development on yesterday, but keep watching this space.
Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot’s representatives have been contacted by both Liverpool and Real Madrid, while a number of other EPL clubs are also interested in his signature. (Sportitalia)
beIN Sports claims that the negotiations between Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Galatasaray have made some progress, as the Turkish club are planning to offer a four-year contract to the player.
In a new rumour involving EPL strikers, Newcastle could soon seal a deal for Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin, as he enters the last year of his contract with the Merseyside club. (Guardian)
According to the Mirror, Tottenham are now the favourites to sign Feyenoord defender Lutsharel Geertruida, as Liverpool have shown interest before but became hesitant in recent weeks.