Transfers

Everton sign Arnaut Danjuma on loan from Villarreal

Premier League club, Everton, have announced the signing of Arnaut Danjuma on a season-long loan from Villarreal.

The 26-year-old spent the second half of the 2022-23 campaign on loan at Tottenham Hotspur, representing the North London side on 12 occasions, scoring twice in the process.

Spurs turned down the chance to acquire the Netherlands international on a permanent basis, but he is now back in the Premier League for a third time, with Everton signing him for the 2023-24 season.

Danjuma previously represented Bournemouth between 2019 and 2021, scoring 17 goals and registering eight assists in 52 appearances in all competitions, ahead of a move to Villarreal.

The Dutchman has made 51 appearances for the Yellow Submarine, scoring 22 goals and providing four assists, and he still has another three years left to run on his contract with the Spanish club.

“It’s amazing to join Everton and I’m really happy to be here,” he told evertontv. “It’s been a long time coming to join such a massive club as Everton and it makes me proud.

“I had interest from other clubs but there was a pull towards Everton because of the fans, the manager and the history of the club and it’s second time lucky for me.

“I know I did not move to the club in January, that was because there was some uncertainty over the manager situation at that time, but I think it makes it even more beautiful for me to join now. I am very grateful to be at the Club and I can’t wait to play in front of the fans as well.

“I hope to bring a lot of goals and a lot of assists. The manager has clearly improved the team and there is a process ahead with him in charge that I am very excited to be a part of.

“I am very eager to perform and very determined to contribute to the entire club. There’s no vein in my body that doubts my quality, and I’m very determined to now show that for the Evertonians.”

Danjuma also paid tribute to the Everton fans for the noise that they produced when Michael Keane levelled the scores during the team’s Premier League clash with Tottenham at Goodison Park in April.

“It is difficult to explain in words how much they impressed me. I have heard a lot about the stadium and the fans but you can only ever experience it.” he said.

“Specifically for that [Keane] goal, I was warming up down the touchline and it literally felt like 40,000 people were screaming in my ear. It makes you more keen to play for a club with a fanbase that is so involved and so excited to cheer on their players.

“It’s why I am proud and very eager to get started; to finally feel that on my side as well. I’m very eager to be a part of it, and to make sure I can contribute to winning games, as well as contributing to the way we play.”

Danjuma has become Everton’s second signing of the summer, following Ashley Young to Goodison Park.

Transfers

Chelsea sign Mathis Amougou from St Etienne for €15 Million

Chelsea have completed the signing of 19-year-old midfielder Mathis Amougou from French Ligue 1 side St Etienne for a fee of €15 million.

Amougou, who is regarded as a highly promising talent, has signed an eight-year contract with the Blues. However, the midfielder is expected to be sent on loan to Strasbourg for the upcoming season, with plans for a return to Chelsea in 2026.

The transfer was confirmed by football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on his official X handle, stating:
“Officially confirmed. Mathis Amougou joins Chelsea as a talented 19-year-old midfielder from St Etienne, costing a €15m package. Contract valid for the next 8 years. Amougou will be part of the Chelsea team, then set to go on loan to Strasbourg next season and back in 2026.”

Chelsea fans will be eager to see how Amougou develops during his time at Strasbourg before making his return to Stamford Bridge in the future.

Transfers

Mikel criticizes Chelsea’s January transfer decisions

Former Super Eagles midfielder John Obi Mikel has voiced his concerns over Chelsea’s failure to strengthen two critical areas during the January transfer window.

Despite a strong start under new manager Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s form has dipped, winning only three of their last nine matches across all competitions.

The Blues now sit fourth in the Premier League, 13 points behind leaders Liverpool.

Fans and analysts identified the need for reinforcements in two key positions—goalkeeper and striker. Robert Sánchez has been error-prone, topping the list for mistakes leading to goals this season. Meanwhile, Nicolas Jackson has endured a goal drought, failing to score in his last eight games.

Speaking on his podcast, Mikel highlighted the missed opportunity: “For me, that’s something we’re crying out for. We need another top striker. The window is shut, unfortunately, and now we can’t bring anyone in.”

He added: “We didn’t bring in a striker, we didn’t bring in a goalkeeper. That’s another window shut without us making the signings we think are going to help us finish in the top four.”

With the transfer window closed, Chelsea must rely on their existing squad to regain form and push for a top-four finish. The spotlight remains on Maresca to navigate these challenges as the season progresses.

Transfers

Joao Felix joins AC Milan on loan from Chelsea

Portuguese forward Joao Felix has completed a loan move to AC Milan from Chelsea until the end of the season.

Milan secured the services of the 25-year-old for a £5 million loan fee, with no obligation to buy. Although the transfer was only officially announced on Tuesday, all necessary paperwork was completed ahead of Monday’s Serie A and Premier League transfer deadlines.

Felix joined Chelsea permanently for £45 million in August after a previous loan spell during the 2022-23 season. Despite signing a seven-year contract, he struggled for consistent game time this campaign, starting only three Premier League matches but scoring seven goals across cup competitions.

The deal was part of a unique player exchange between Chelsea and Atletico Madrid, with Chelsea academy graduate Conor Gallagher moving to Spain for £33 million. Chelsea’s attempt to sign Atletico striker Samu Omorodion fell through, and Felix’s loan move seemingly facilitated Atletico’s finances for the Gallagher transfer.

Felix, who began his career at Benfica before moving to Atletico Madrid for £113 million in 2019 — one of the most expensive transfers in football history — also had a loan stint at Barcelona during the 2023-24 season.

AC Milan, currently eighth in Serie A, will be hoping Felix can bolster their attacking options as they face Roma in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals on Wednesday. The Rossoneri also have a crucial two-legged Champions League play-off against Feyenoord this month.