Fulham have initiated talks with Manchester City to sign Oscar Bobb on a permanent deal, with a reported proposal worth around £35 million currently under negotiation, according to Fabrizio Romano. Borussia Dortmund, who have maintained interest in Bobb since December, are also expected to decide soon on formalizing their pursuit, adding urgency to Fulham's efforts and highlighting the player's high valuation across Europe. Fulham's early and direct approach, including setting a clear financial offer, signals assertive intent and confidence in the club's recruitment strategy and trajectory, marking a significant shift from their previous market positioning. For supporters, securing a talent like Bobb—especially in competition with a club like Dortmund—represents ambition and flair, suggesting Fulham are engaging in European-level conversations rather than shopping in the margins. Fans also trust that Fulham can offer Bobb regular playing time and a focal role in an attack-oriented team, contrasting with a potential rotation role at Manchester City, making the move appealing despite the inherent risks of a major transfer. While the £35 million investment carries risk, it is viewed as a calculated leap that, if successful, would demonstrate tangible progress and send a strong message about Fulham's growing ambitions in the league.

Flamengo's interest in signing West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta persists, but recent progress has stalled. According to Sky Sports, there has been no contact between the clubs since last week, despite Flamengo's continued pursuit. Paqueta's desire to return to Brazil for personal reasons is a key factor in the potential transfer. His absence from West Ham's recent victory over Tottenham Hotspur raised questions, but it has been attributed to a minor injury. There is no immediate time pressure on a deal, as the Brazilian transfer window remains open until March. Flamengo's domestic season begins later this month, with their first league match scheduled for January 29, allowing time for negotiations to potentially restart. The situation creates a mix of understanding and anxiety among West Ham supporters. While fans sympathize with Paqueta's personal reasons for wanting a move, there is concern about losing another key player mid-season. His recent absence highlighted how quickly transfer speculation can affect the team environment. Many fans would accept his departure if it is managed efficiently and leads to significant reinvestment in the squad. The greater fear is a prolonged period of uncertainty that could disrupt the team, especially with the extended Brazilian transfer window potentially prolonging the saga. Ultimately, supporters want the club to balance ambition with realism. If Paqueta is determined to leave, the focus for West Ham must be on securing a deal that strengthens the team for the future, rather than simply reacting to circumstances.

Manchester United secured a significant 2-0 victory over rivals Manchester City in interim manager Michael Carrick's first match in charge, following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim after 14 months. The win marked a dramatic shift in mood at Old Trafford, with United delivering a comprehensive performance that could have been more emphatic if not for multiple offside calls disallowing further goals. Defensively, United restricted City to just 0.47 expected goals, City's lowest such figure in a Premier League game since February 2021. Amorim's tenure, which concluded with a record of 24 wins from 63 matches (38.1%), was characterized by turbulent periods and several notable but often fortuitous results, such as a 2-1 win at Liverpool earlier in the season. However, the team's form had shown improvement this season compared to their 15th-place finish in 2024-25, with a clear uptick in results during the late autumn, as illustrated by a 10-game rolling average for points per game. This period of improved form, which included a seven-game run with four wins, two draws, and one defeat, earned Amorim the Premier League Manager of the Month award for October. Results declined again afterward, but mitigating factors were present, such as key injuries and player absences due to the Africa Cup of Nations, which forced tactical adaptations like using wing-back Patrick Dorgu as an inside forward in Amorim's preferred 3-4-2-1 system.

Harry Maguire's prospects for England's World Cup squad under manager Thomas Tuchel appear uncertain, as he has seemingly fallen out of international consideration despite his experience. At 32 and with his Manchester United contract expiring this summer, his career with both club and country may be winding down, yet his recent strong performance in the Manchester derby highlights why he still merits discussion for selection. Maguire brings valuable attributes that could benefit Tuchel's short-term World Cup preparations, including extensive tournament experience and a rare profile as a left-sided central defender—a position where England lacks depth. Tuchel has previously deployed right-footed players like Marc Guéhi on the left, indicating a potential need for Maguire's natural fit and balance in defense. Despite his on-field contributions, Maguire has faced persistent criticism and an unfair public perception, often blamed for Manchester United's defensive issues since his record-breaking transfer. He has also endured abuse from some fans, including those of his former club Leicester City, despite his transfer fee having aided their subsequent success. Maguire has a history of performing well in major tournaments for England, playing key roles in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and Euro 2020. However, injuries and a lack of recent call-ups since September 2024 have hindered his chances. His future under Tuchel may depend on whether he can maintain strong form under Manchester United's interim manager Michael Carrick, potentially reviving his international prospects.

This content introduces RotoWire's Premier League fantasy football rankings for Gameweek 23, specifically tailored for the Fantrax and Sleeper platforms. The rankings are based on the site's predicted player lineups, providing users with current information to evaluate the top fantasy options in all positions before the matches begin. The article directs readers to a separate "Cheat Sheet" for more detailed statistics and betting odds related to Gameweek 23. It also promotes RotoWire's premium fantasy sports tools for team management and mentions the availability of the site's 2025 NFL fantasy football rankings.

Former England striker Alan Shearer has criticized the decision to show a yellow card to Diogo Dalot during Sunday's Manchester derby, arguing it should have been a red card. Speaking to BBC Sport, Shearer stated that VAR got the decision "terribly wrong" and that it was a clear red card, regardless of whether the contact was glancing. He acknowledged the on-field referee might have had difficulty seeing the incident but emphasized that VAR officials had ample footage to make a correct call for a sending-off. The incident involved referee Anthony Taylor issuing a yellow card, a decision supported by video assistant referee Craig Pawson, who deemed the contact "glancing and not with excessive force." This ruling has sparked renewed debate among pundits and fans, highlighting ongoing discussions about VAR consistency and differing standards for serious foul play between the Premier League and European competitions.

Winning the Premier League is exceptionally difficult, as Arsenal has experienced firsthand in recent years. Despite accumulating more points than Manchester City over the last three seasons, Arsenal has failed to secure a title. This season, however, presents a different scenario. Arsenal currently leads the table by seven points, their rivals have slightly declined, and the team's squad is significantly stronger than in previous title challenges, positioning Mikel Arteta's side favorably. Following a surprising 1-0 home loss to Everton, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery effectively conceded the title race, stating his team are "still not contenders" for the top positions, despite currently being in the top five. This indirect acknowledgment relieves pressure on his own squad while potentially easing the burden on Arsenal, who now appear primarily challenged only by Manchester City. Statistically, Aston Villa remains in contention, trailing Arsenal by just seven points. However, defeats like the one to Everton damage their prospects while indirectly benefiting Arsenal, Emery's former club.

The January transfer window is nearing its conclusion, with several Premier League clubs active. Arsenal are linked with Sporting's Ousmane Diomande and are monitoring Chelsea's pursuit of Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, while Gabriel Jesus could potentially return to Brazil with Palmeiras. Chelsea are negotiating a fee for Jacquet, with a gap between their offer and Rennes's demand, and Liverpool are also interested amid uncertainty over Ibrahima Konate. Manchester United have been offered AC Milan's Ruben Loftus-Cheek on a loan-to-buy deal and are also targeting Jean-Philippe Mateta. Tottenham are pushing to sign a new winger and are finalizing the signing of Souza, despite managerial uncertainty. Bournemouth have completed the signing of midfielder Alex Toth from Ferencvaros for a reported £10.4 million on a long-term contract. Juventus have withdrawn their interest in Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta due to his £34.7 million asking price, shifting focus to Youssef En-Nesyri instead. Meanwhile, Arsenal's teenage prospect Ethan Nwaneri is in advanced talks with Marseille over a loan move for the remainder of the season, following positive discussions between the clubs and managers.

Yeremy Pino, the 22-year-old summer signing from Villarreal, has been adapting to life at Crystal Palace and in London over the past six weeks. In an exclusive interview, he expressed that while he misses his former home, Villarreal, he is motivated by his new adventure and has already settled in with a house and car, though he criticized London's traffic as significantly worse than in Villarreal. Pino has made a promising start on the pitch since his €25 million move in August, featuring in seven matches across all competitions and providing two assists in the Europa Conference League opener against Dynamo Kyiv. He took over the No. 10 shirt from Eberechi Eze, who moved to Arsenal, and is stepping into a role following Eze's impactful contributions, including a FA Cup final-winning goal. Crystal Palace is experiencing an exciting period, having won their first major trophy in history and the Community Shield against Liverpool, with a recent 2-1 victory over the same opponents helping them reach sixth place in the table. The team was on a 19-game unbeaten run before a loss to Everton prior to the international break. Pino is receiving support from Spanish-speaking teammates like Daniel Munoz and Jefferson Lerma, as well as French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, who attempts to speak Spanish with him. The club has also assisted with finding accommodation, aiding his smooth integration into the squad. Additionally, Pino has connected with Spain international teammates based in London, including players from Chelsea, Tottenham, and Arsenal, often dining together. However, he has yet to find a favorite Spanish restaurant as he focuses on settling in before exploring the city further. Born in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Pino joined Villarreal's academy at age 14 and went on to make 170 appearances for the first team, scoring 22 goals and providing 25 assists. During his time there, Villarreal won the Europa League in 2021 and reached the Champions League semi-finals under Unai Emery. Pino acknowledges the Premier League's faster and more physical nature compared to La Liga, recognizing the challenge for his 5ft 8in frame. He draws inspiration from successful Spanish playmakers in England, such as Santi Cazorla and David Silva, and believes that technical quality can help him adapt to the pace of the game, which he is enjoying despite its intensity.

Real Madrid have reportedly cooled their interest in a key Liverpool defender following what Spanish media describe as an inconsistent start to the season, with doubts emerging among the club's hierarchy about whether the player fits their long-term vision. Sources indicate a surprise shift in Madrid's stance, as they were previously considered frontrunners for the player but may now pursue other transfer targets, especially after signing Trent Alexander-Arnold last summer. Liverpool remain relaxed about the situation, with ongoing contract discussions and a belief that the defender still holds a key role under manager Arne Slot.

David Coote, a Premier League referee, faced a significant downfall as he appeared at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, where he pleaded guilty to serious offenses that have permanently tarnished his reputation. Initially, Coote was a respected figure in Newark, Nottinghamshire, and some sympathy existed for him due to personal connections, such as shared hometown ties. However, his image began to erode as tabloid press exposed his offensive behavior, including calling Jurgen Klopp derogatory names, which raised suspicions of being set up through leaked video footage. Further revelations intensified the situation, with multiple stories emerging that went beyond mere dislike for public figures. A pivotal moment came when a video surfaced showing Coote snorting a white powder through a rolled-up bank note during Euro 2024, despite his role as an assistant VAR in the tournament. This led to a 16-month ban from UEFA for violating conduct rules and bringing football into disrepute. The most severe issue involved Coote pleading guilty to creating a sexually explicit image of a 15-year-old, classified as a Category A offense involving sexual penetration, which he had initially denied. The image was discovered on a hard drive during a police search of his home and dated back to January 2020. As a result of his guilty plea, the judge, Nirmal Shant, indicated that Coote could face imprisonment in future proceedings, marking an irreversible shift in public perception from a once-respected referee to a convicted sex offender and paedophile.

Mikel Arteta has been warned that Arsenal cannot win the Premier League with Viktor Gyokeres, described as merely "okay," as their main striker. Gyokeres, who joined Arsenal in a £64 million summer transfer from Sporting, has scored three goals in ten games, leading to criticism from some pundits despite Arteta's defense of his overall contributions to the team. Arteta has consistently supported Gyokeres, emphasizing that the striker helps the team even when not scoring, and Arsenal's current position as top of the Premier League and joint-top of the Champions League supports this view. However, fans have expressed disappointment given Gyokeres' impressive past record of 68 goals in 66 league games for Sporting, and the signing was initially seen as a significant coup amid competition from Manchester United. Former Premier League winner Joleon Lescott has questioned Gyokeres' impact, stating that a title-winning striker must be "top" rather than "okay," and he doubts Arteta can lead Arsenal to a Premier League victory. Lescott suggested that Arsenal might fare better in the Champions League due to the format allowing for rotation and uncertainties in team form, unlike the consistent performance required in the league. Additional criticism came from Chris Waddle, who questioned whether Gyokeres represents an upgrade over existing Arsenal players. Despite these concerns, Arsenal have recently won their last two games against Newcastle United and West Ham, climbing to the top of the Premier League table, which highlights the team's resilience amid the ongoing debate over Gyokeres' role.

The international break concludes, and the Premier League for the 2025/26 season resumes this weekend, with players returning to their clubs from national duty. Managers are dealing with player fitness assessments and potential injuries from recent World Cup qualifying and friendly matches as training grounds become active again from today through Friday. After seven games, the title race is intensely competitive, with Arsenal leading the table with 16 points, followed closely by Liverpool on 15 points. Tottenham Hotspur and Bournemouth are tied on 14 points, Manchester City has 13 points, Crystal Palace 12, and Chelsea 11, resulting in only a five-point gap separating the top seven teams. A critical four-match stretch before the November international window is set to potentially reshape the title standings, given the narrow points difference among the top contenders. Arsenal, as current leaders, have what is considered the easiest run of fixtures among the top teams, hosting Crystal Palace and then playing away against Burnley, Fulham, and Sunderland. Their consistency has been supported by strong defensive balance and midfield control, which could help them build a lead ahead of more challenging winter matches. Liverpool faces one of the most difficult schedules, with home games against Manchester United and Aston Villa, an away match at Brentford, and a crucial away fixture against Manchester City. Despite their dynamic attacking play, defensive coordination remains a concern, and manager Arne Slot's tactical adjustments and squad rotation will be vital in navigating this period to prove their title credentials. Manchester City's upcoming fixtures include home games against Everton and Bournemouth, an away match at Aston Villa, and a home clash with Liverpool. While these appear manageable, they require depth and sharpness to avoid dropping points against in-form teams like Aston Villa and Bournemouth. Chelsea, under manager Enzo Maresca, are showing signs of recovery after a slow start and have a mix of opportunities and challenges in their next four games: an away match at Nottingham Forest, home games against Sunderland and Wolves, and a high-stakes London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.

The article initiates a debate on who is the best goalscorer in the Premier League era, with Erling Haaland being a central figure in the discussion. Football writer Alex Keble invites readers to vote on this topic, emphasizing Haaland's current form and comparisons to other legendary players. Jamie Carragher's statement on Sky Sports, describing Haaland as potentially the greatest goalscorer in English football history, sets the tone for the debate. Haaland's performance in the 2025/26 season supports this claim, with nine goals in seven Premier League matches and 21 goals in 12 games across all competitions for club and country. Highlights include a hat-trick in Norway's 5-0 win over Israel and five goals in an 11-1 victory over Moldova, contributing to a 10-game consecutive scoring streak. Haaland's statistics are noted as extraordinary, drawing comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi at their peaks in Spanish football. Specifically, Messi's longest comparable scoring run of 10 games, achieved twice with Barcelona, is mentioned to contextualize Haaland's achievement. The article traces Haaland's career progression, starting from his early days at Molde in Norway, where he scored 12 goals in 25 games at age 17. He then moved to Red Bull Salzburg, netting 16 goals in 14 matches, and later to Borussia Dortmund, where he scored 49 goals in 52 Bundesliga matches over two seasons, establishing himself as a globally sought-after striker. Upon joining Manchester City, Haaland made an immediate impact, breaking the single-season goalscoring record with 36 Premier League goals in his first year. Despite an off season in 2024/25, he maintained high performance with 27 and 22 goals in the subsequent seasons, underscoring his consistent and remarkable contributions to the team.

The Premier League is known for generating extensive noise through comments, analysis, and opinions from various stakeholders, yet its decision-makers, such as sporting directors and transfer experts, remain notably quiet, rarely speaking publicly about their roles in team building or defending their departments. This silence is particularly curious given the capitalist nature of modern football, exemplified by the recent summer transfer window where Premier League clubs spent a combined £3.11 billion on players, yet those directing these strategies do not engage in public discourse, leaving managers to explain failures or shortcomings instead. In contrast, sporting directors in other regions are more accessible; in the United States, general managers often appear in media, while in German football, figures like Bayern Munich's Max Eberl routinely interact with the media, as seen when he praised new signing Luis Diaz's performance and defended transfer decisions, fostering accountability. The system in Germany, where decision-makers face public scrutiny, is highlighted as beneficial for transparency, whereas in England, sporting directors rarely give in-depth interviews, with interactions often limited to club-controlled media and lacking substantive answers, creating a sense of secrecy. This lack of communication in English football is viewed as a legacy issue from past decades when managers held near-total control over clubs, handling everything from player scouting to logistics, which has perpetuated a culture where sporting directors remain in the background despite their significant influence on team construction.

Tylel Tati, a 17-year-old French-Congolese defender born in 2008 and playing for FC Nantes, has garnered significant attention in European football after earning senior minutes in Ligue 1. His early performances have drawn scouts from top clubs, including Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester United, Brighton, Brentford, Aston Villa, Barcelona, RB Leipzig, and Bayer Leverkusen, indicating his high potential in the transfer market. On the field, Tati has demonstrated exceptional positional intelligence and composure, making six league appearances where he showcased versatility by playing in multiple roles such as left-back and defensive midfielder. He is noted for his ability to break up play, progress possession in tight areas, and adapt to his weaker side, highlighting a maturity beyond his years that aligns with the traits of a future breakout defender from France's football system. FC Nantes is adopting a measured approach, prioritizing Tati's development and game time in various positions over a quick sale, which suggests a transfer is more likely in 2026 rather than 2024 or 2025. This timeline aims to ensure he becomes a ready-made asset for a Champions League-level project, with clubs like Arsenal and Manchester United showing keen interest but remaining cautious to avoid rushing the process. For any club to successfully sign Tati, they must present a clear, structured role to prevent him from being overshadowed by high-profile signings, as seen in past cases with young defenders in England. Industry voices recommend building early relationships with Nantes, securing first refusal, or structuring deals that allow Tati to continue developing in France, emphasizing that patience and proper pathway planning are crucial, as demonstrated by successes like William Saliba and Lisandro Martínez.

Despite Georgia's 2-0 loss to Spain in an international match, Liverpool's backup goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili delivered a strong individual performance that stood out even in defeat. During the game, after Spain had scored the opening goal, Mamardashvili fouled Barcelona's Ferran Torres in the penalty area, conceding a penalty. However, he immediately redeemed himself by saving the ensuing spot kick, demonstrating his ability to recover from errors under pressure. Although the penalty save did not change the final result, Spain's position as the top-ranked national team in the world made the 2-0 scoreline a respectable outcome for Georgia. This performance has drawn attention due to Liverpool's current goalkeeping situation. With Liverpool's first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker injured and former reliable backup Caoimhín Kelleher having permanently moved to Brentford, Mamardashvili is now in the spotlight. Saving a penalty provides a significant confidence boost, which is especially valuable for Liverpool players following three consecutive defeats prior to the international break. Mamardashvili was highly regarded when Liverpool signed him last summer and remains a promising talent. However, he faces the challenge of filling the roles of both Alisson and Kelleher, and similar heroic efforts may be necessary to help Liverpool regain their winning form.

Reports from Caught Offside indicate that Real Madrid are in contact with Erling Haaland's camp, reigniting speculation about the Manchester City striker's future. The Spanish club is reportedly planning a major spending spree, which could be triggered by the potential sale of Vinicius Junior to a Saudi club for up to €250 million, freeing up significant funds for a move. Despite Real Madrid's interest, Manchester City have made it clear they do not want to sell Haaland, who recently signed a new contract until 2034. Haaland himself is not actively seeking an exit from the Etihad Stadium, but Real Madrid are known for persisting with long-term targets and are unlikely to give up on this ambition, especially with the prospect of pairing him with Kylian Mbappé. City executives hold a strong position due to Haaland's contract and his central role in the team's project. There is no current indication that Haaland is pushing for a move, though Real Madrid may test his mindset in the coming months. Haaland's incredible scoring record of 136 goals in 155 games for City underscores his value, and keeping him is crucial for City's ambitions in the post-Guardiola era. From a fan perspective, the reports are seen as irritating but not new, with most Manchester City supporters dismissing the idea of Haaland leaving soon. They view him as integral to the club's identity and dominance, and while Real Madrid's persistence is acknowledged, fans urge the club to take proactive steps, such as offering improved terms or a future captaincy, to secure his loyalty and avoid a prolonged transfer saga.

The summer transfer window was dominated by high-profile striker moves, with Viktor Gyokeres joining Arsenal, Alexander Isak moving to Liverpool, and Benjamin Sesko signing for Manchester United, as Premier League clubs focused on strengthening their attacking options. Speculation was rampant throughout the window, with reigning champions Liverpool, runners-up Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea all actively bolstering their forward lines, leading to dramatic events including strikers going on strike and clubs outbidding rivals. With the international break allowing clubs to reflect on their first seven league matches, attention has turned to assessing the performance of big-name forward signings, with an analysis of nine players to determine their impact so far. Thierno Barry, signed by Everton for £27 million from Villarreal, has struggled in his start, failing to score in nine appearances across all competitions and mostly featuring as a substitute, despite leading in off-ball runs per 90 minutes with 17.7 in the Premier League, where he has recorded no goals or assists in 208 minutes. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who left Everton on a free transfer to join Leeds United, has seen more regular play under manager Daniel Farke, scoring one goal in five Premier League appearances and contributing with flick-ons, though his overall output remains limited with just one goal and no assists in 357 minutes.

John Obi Mikel, who spent 11 years at Chelsea from 2006 to 2017, is in a unique position to select an all-time Premier League XI due to his experience playing with and against legends from both nostalgic eras and current stars, bridging the debate over past and present players. For the goalkeeper position, Mikel chose Petr Cech over Peter Schmeichel, explaining that Cech has the most clean sheets in Premier League history with 202, making it too difficult to exclude him despite the evolution of the role over time. In his selection, Mikel included Kyle Walker as one of the only two active Premier League players in the XI, noting Walker's achievements at Manchester City where he won six titles, and he referenced Pep Guardiola's praise of Walker as one of the greatest full-backs ever, emphasizing his reliability on the pitch.

Erling Haaland has made a prolific start to the Premier League season, scoring nine goals in his first seven games for Manchester City, which places him three goals ahead in the early race for the Golden Boot. Although this is not his best personal start—having scored 11 goals in the first seven games of the 2022-23 season and 10 in the previous season—it remains highly impressive as all nine goals have come from open play, with no penalties involved. Haaland is a strong favorite for the Golden Boot due to two main factors: the sheer number of goals he has already scored and the high quantity and quality of scoring opportunities he receives, combined with the slow starts of his usual rivals for the award. The concept of expected goals (xG), which measures how many goals a player should score based on historical data from similar chances, highlights Haaland's advantage; his xG from normal play this season is significantly higher than any other player, meaning he would still lead in goals even with average finishing. Specifically, Haaland has taken 29 non-penalty shots, 12 more than any other player, and while this volume is not unusual for him, the quality of these chances is unprecedented, with an average xG per shot of 0.27, indicating a historically high conversion rate. Among players with at least 10 shots, only Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez has had easier chances on average, largely due to simple tap-ins, further emphasizing the exceptional nature of Haaland's scoring opportunities this season.

Dave Worthington, an 80-year-old football scout, meticulously documented his scouting observations in ring-bound notepads, where each match was recorded over two pages with the home team on the left and away team on the right. For each player, he noted details such as shirt number, height, age, and contract expiration date, along with performance observations that varied from brief notes to detailed four or five-line descriptions, with highlighted sections indicating strong recommendations for signings. Throughout his career scouting in France and Spain for clubs including Bolton Wanderers, Chelsea, Hull City, Blackburn Rovers, Sunderland, West Ham United, Leicester City, and Everton, Worthington maintained this unique approach, often drawing light-hearted comments from peers. His extensive archives, stored in boxes at his West Yorkshire home, include reports from the mid-2000s featuring early identifications of players like Karim Benzema, whom he first saw as a 16-year-old at Lyon and recommended for a €1 million deal, predicting his future at top clubs like Real Madrid. He also scouted Manuel Neuer at Schalke and Mousa Dembele at AZ, proposing them to Chelsea. More recent reports show Worthington urging West Ham to sign Marco Asensio from Mallorca before Real Madrid intervened, and in 2017, he provided firm recommendations to Everton for players such as Pedro Porro, Bruno Fernandes, and Rodri, who were then at Girona, Sporting, and Villarreal, respectively. Rodri, in particular, received repeated highlighted assessments, with Worthington praising his heading ability, positioning, strength, and passing skills in a 2018 La Liga match, using "AP" to signal an unequivocal recommendation for Everton to pursue him, noting Rodri's versatility and potential to excel in various positions. Despite Worthington's strong endorsement of Rodri, who later joined Atletico Madrid and Manchester City, winning the 2024 Ballon d'Or, Everton did not act on the advice during a period of high spending under owner Farhad Moshiri. Instead, the club signed Yerry Mina for €30 million, a player Worthington had advised against due to concerns that his aerial threat from set-pieces did not outweigh weaknesses in other aspects of his game.

The Evanston Public Library, located at 1703 Orrington Avenue, will host two events next week in observance of October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month. On Wednesday, October 15, from 2 to 3 p.m., the first floor community room at the Main Library will feature "Eating the Rainbow to Reduce Cancer Risk: Smart Nutrition Choices." This event, led by Teresa Pangan, a professional speaker, culinary educator, and nutrition expert, will educate participants on how consuming colorful, nutrient-rich foods can enhance the body's defenses and lower cancer risk. Attendees will learn about the science of antioxidants and protective compounds in everyday foods, receive practical tips for incorporating a variety of colorful foods into their diet, and gain strategies for long-term health. On Friday, October 17, from 1 to 2 p.m., the same location will host "Together We Can Conquer Cancer: Early Detection Saves Lives." Presented by Jenny Jara, a nurse case manager with the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program at Access Community Health Network who specializes in follow-up care for women, this program aims to teach participants about breast cancer prevention, current screening guidelines, and how to connect with community resources such as the American Cancer Society.