The Mirror is reporting today that Rafa Benitez is keen on signing Everton’s top 20 year-old defender Brendan Galloway, who can play at center-back or left-back.
The report is that Newcastle want him on loan for the season, but we’d be surprised if that’s true because Rafa would have trouble guaranteeing him much playing time.
Newcastle will have Paul Dummett, Ciaran Clark. Jesus Gamez, Vurnon Anita and Massadio Haidara – who are all capable of playing at left-back this season.
Brendan Galloway – 20 year-old Everton defender
It would seem to make more sense if Rafa wanted to take him permanently to Newcastle and Rafa is waiting for Koeman to make a decision.
Galloway looked good after making his debut in a 2-1 away win against West Ham in May 2015 and played 19 times for the Everton first team last season.
Galloway got his chance when Leighton Baines and Bryan Oviedo were both injured, but now with both players fit his opportunities this season at Everton seem limited.
Maybe the new Everton owners are going for a top team quickly and want to bring in finished players for big money – so maybe that means they will not concentrate too much on youth development?
Maybe.
Brendan Galloway was born in Harare, Zimbabwe on 17 March 1996 and he moved to England with his family when he was just six years old in 2002.
He started his career playing for Milton Keynes Dons by joining the club’s U-11 side.
He became the youngest first-team player ever in Milton Keynes Dons’ history at 15 years of age after making his debut as a sub in the 6–0 victory at home to Nantwich Town in the FA Cup first round in November 2011.
Brendan made his league debut when starting for MK Dons in a 2–1 victory at Rochdale in April 2012 and he was signed in August 2014 by Everton on a five-year contract.
He played 17 times with one goal for MK Dons and has played 21 times for Everton and is one of the top young defenders in the country.
He has played for the England U-17, U-18 and U-19 sides.
Comments welcome.
37 comments so far
Belfast
Aug 6, 2016 at 11:49 PM
Comment #1He would be our first choice left back Ed, no ifs or buts about it. Plenty of playing time.
Fostino
Aug 7, 2016 at 12:05 AM
Comment #2Everton can produce these players. Why can’t we. This lad ould be a great addition. Dummett got skinned numerous times friday
Munster Mag
Aug 7, 2016 at 12:25 AM
Comment #3Oh jeez if i hear another defender story…
NUFCPaul
Aug 7, 2016 at 12:43 AM
Comment #4Munster – it’s fair to say that our defence has needed some work done to it for a few years now. Look at the number of goals we’ve conceded over the past two or three seasons. It’s shocking. Rafa is finally addressing that problem, or at least attempting to.
And it’s not like we’ve only signed defenders in this window, is it? We’ve had other areas of the field boosted too. Try giving Rafa a chance and see where we’re at when the transfer window closes.
lesh
Aug 7, 2016 at 1:15 AM
Comment #5Yes, our defence has been woefully lacking – why can’t we get them to the near and far posts for corners?
But, as Keegan would have it, we score more than them (the opposition) and we win.
There’s two messages in there: concede less by reducing the target area and find someone who can put the ball away.
Mitrovic’s next off Rafa’s Christmas card list is he? Carr’s some questions to answer!
JP...from The Rock
Aug 7, 2016 at 2:03 AM
Comment #6I don’t see Mitro as our saviour. We need a powerful yet mobile player upfront and an AM that knows how to get past players and run at defenders. We need the latter more than anything as we always are too slow and predicitable in possesion. We lack creativity big time.
Macas
Aug 7, 2016 at 2:08 AM
Comment #7JP – Someone like Aluko would have been useful, never realised Fulham managed to get him on a free transfer. The fact that Anita had to play right wing should hopefully let Rafa know we are woefully short of attacking options, but he does seem to like his utility players.
JP...from The Rock
Aug 7, 2016 at 2:25 AM
Comment #8Yehh Aluko looked impressive, he would have been good for us. We need more specialists now. Utility players are all well and good but you also have to mix it up with specialists in certain positions. We’re crying out for power, pace and creativity. If we can somehow get a few players that have those attributes we will be fine. But as we are now I fear for our club.
posada
Aug 7, 2016 at 6:22 AM
Comment #9So much about the Fulham game was disappointing.
Poor performance, but that can happen.
Most worrying was the lack of organisation.
No one on the posts at a corner.
Perez taking the free kicks. He was hopeless.
At times he seemed to be just knocking it back for their keeper to catch.
My favourite manager of all time – old big head. He would have been going mental.
Did Rafa sanction him taking the free kicks or did he leave to the players.
I thought Matt Richie was supposed to be excellent on free kicks and corners.
Perez needs to get the hook as far as this goes.
DubaiMicky
Aug 7, 2016 at 6:24 AM
Comment #10Is it just me beginning to doubt Rafa?
chicousa
Aug 7, 2016 at 6:34 AM
Comment #11The article in the Mirror that Ed echoed a post or two ago, re: “Alexander
Mitrovic set to leave Newcastle…”, sounds like garbage. No sources alluded to, no real reasons offered other than Mitros red card prone stupidity on occassion, no supporting evidence whatsoever….
If this does turn out to be true I would be very disappointed in Rafa….but I think it is a load of bs.
JDdubai
Aug 7, 2016 at 6:47 AM
Comment #12Micky, come on dude, 1 game in man!
We were all happy 3 days ago, just chill.
JDdubai
Aug 7, 2016 at 6:49 AM
Comment #13On Mitro
Dont see why we would get rid. We just spend millions on Ritchie, probably the best crosser and assister in the league, no point getting rid of your only target man without them playing together. Otherwise you just have like Friday, Ritchie crossing and a load of hobbits jumping around unsuccessfully to get on the end of it.
posada
Aug 7, 2016 at 6:51 AM
Comment #14Mitro has no pace.
If you want to get the best out of him he needs a strike partner who does.
Think Belamy and Shearer.
That means 4/4/2 not 4/2/3/1.
Not sure Rafa fancies that. But to some extent he has to manage what we have and get the best out of them.
You can’t scrap players you have invested 14M in.
The overrated Frenchman
Aug 7, 2016 at 7:05 AM
Comment #15I’d be hugely disappointed if Mitrovic is sold. As it is, the jury is out for me on Rafa’s signings and selections so far. The departure of Mitrovic (potentially a pivotal player in my view) would be a significant loss to a squad that looks pretty pedestrian as it is. Friday night’s starting eleven played exactly the way they looked on paper. I don’t buy the “it’s just the first game” line. I hope it was Rafa who took the “wake-up call”. It’s the Championship, horses for courses etc. – I know all that, I’ve said as much myself. But I really don’t fancy this squad to be greatly above average at this level as it seems to be lining up – Rafa at the helm notwithstanding. Jib: no need to comment, I’ll take your mock outrage at my disloyalty to the regime as read.
Munster Mag
Aug 7, 2016 at 7:17 AM
Comment #16Paul of course rafa needs time and is a top man etc. But our fullbacks looked poor the other night and we have bought 8, yes 8 players.i dont fancy many more utility players…but if fulham was rafa’s general approach to the game then we have issues, all over the pitch. Its obviously too early to judge though. Diame is a really dominant player and will help a lot but he isnt the passer we need. Wudnt cabaye be nice now? And we should consider a strong offer for assombalonga.
Jib
Aug 7, 2016 at 7:19 AM
Comment #17ToF
No mock outrage.
Simply one point you make.
How losing a carthorse like Mitrovic will make us more pedestrian I fail to see.
I like the kid , but he hardly set the North East on fire with his scoring feats and is the type of loose cannon that a controller like Rafa cannot abide in his teams.
If anyone can stomach more Sissoko news.
A Fichajes.com reporter is claiming to have spoken to him and while MS is flattered by Madrid’s interest he feels he will be going to PSG
Paul Pogba to MU – Blaise Matuidi to Juve – Moussa Sissoko to PSG
http://www.fichajes.com/ligue1/el-real-madrid-encuentra-un-rival-de-altura-por-moussa-sissoko_108284
Munster Mag
Aug 7, 2016 at 7:24 AM
Comment #18Posada i have said same from start of summer. Rafa is wedded to 4231 but we dont have the 1 he wants. Mitro was ditched for cisse yet proved rafa wrong by influencing games more when he came on. I was hoping gayle wud be the bellamy type. So if ( and only rafa knows) he doesnt want mitro, why has this not being addressed. Hopefully i’m wrong or we have another striker close to signing.
Jib
Aug 7, 2016 at 7:35 AM
Comment #19The experiment with Anita had the feel of a stopgap solution which makes me think Rafa has another forward up his sleeve to sign this window.
Also call me hopelessly optimistic but the retention by SdJ of the No10 shirt gives me hope that he may be back soon.
Munster Mag
Aug 7, 2016 at 7:37 AM
Comment #20At least we can now criticise the manager or make negative judgements or opinions and concerns etc, without having rafa’s cv beaten over our heads. Its good to ask questions and good to see fans disagreeing with the set up, rather than having the total rafa love-in that Was going on before now. I still have us down to win the league but only with yet more players. Im sure every other manager must look at rafa and think ” u lucky sod, i cud do that if i had carte blanche like u do”. Power and pace upfront could transform friday but in addition if rafa doesnt trust shelvey, and shelvey doesnt step up, we will underperform,because rafa’s conservative approach in terms of team shape being the most vital thing,will mean more slow passing as the players follow his dictat re shape and defensive compactness.
jazzyp
Aug 7, 2016 at 7:38 AM
Comment #21Would love to know Jfa’s thoughts on Friday’s debacle.
One game I know, But the same glaring flaws are there for all to see.
Favourites for the Championship yet play 2 holding midfielders.
No creativity or attacking prowess.Players yet again being played out of position.And why have we not addressed the left back position ??
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Aug 7, 2016 at 7:52 AM
Comment #22jazz
like me I don’t think he was a happy bunny.
Thought it was a poor showing by the team – only Janmaat and Ritchie came out of it with any credit.
Be interesting the line-up for the Huddersfield game.
Mitrovic – I can see why RAFA is displeased with him – got some nice touches but all to often is looking for at the opposition player than the ball. Still would keep him and hope he listens and learns (pity Shearer couldn’t have a few words/coaching with him) as he could be a major
asset to the team.
RAFA needs to get another centre forward and a creative midfield player this week.
I also think we will struggle in the two home games coming up – and it may take us a few games to get up to speed in the Championship
jimmysmith
Aug 7, 2016 at 7:53 AM
Comment #23He’s got a bunch of new players, so it’ll take time to get his message across. I don’t know if he’ll be defensive minded as much as will want to set the defence up first and build from there. I think if he thinks we have the players to win more games with attacking football he’ll do it, and I think we will have them available before the window is out, and that is what will happen.
Jib
Aug 7, 2016 at 7:58 AM
Comment #24Kilmarnock manager Lee Clark is looking to sell Josh Magennis he’s knocked back a bid from Charlton – he’s a big handful.
I love this story abou Josh it really says all you need to know about Scotlands footy bigotry.
“In February 2016, Magennis, was the subject of racist abuse from Hearts supporters at their Tynecastle ground in Edinburgh.A statement from Hearts clarified that Magennis had been abused because he Irish, not because he is black.”
Oh well that’s alright then – ha ha ha
lochinvar
Aug 7, 2016 at 7:59 AM
Comment #25If the article is the kick up the backside Mitro needs and he responds without decking someone and gets on with training, fitness and listening to the coaches then fine. If we paid £14m for him and he has ability then develop it don’t waste it. These days goals need to come from all over the park and different players not just relying on one obvious beacon up front.
If he’s part of the right team combo then goals will come ….and that’s what we need
Slank
Aug 7, 2016 at 8:08 AM
Comment #26posada
You make a very valid point about a lack of organisation.
In training and in the preparation for the match each player should know his position and his responsibilities.
Therefore, how come there was no one on the posts, unless authorized by Rafa ?
I agree that poor performance can happen but there is no excuse about the worrying lack of organisation.
And why was Perez and not Ritchie, who is supposed to be very good at, taking free kicks unless authorized by Rafa. Whatever skill he may have shown on the training ground evaporated as soon as he walked on the pitch at Fulham.
Fortunately these can be easily corrected on the training ground. Improving performances may take a little longer, regrettably.
Slank
Aug 7, 2016 at 8:18 AM
Comment #27Munster
Gayle looks like the type of player, like Bellamy, who would thrive alongside a big strong centre forward like Mitro.
On an interview shown on Friday he said, words to the effect, that he would change the formation on the prevailing circumstances.
Perhaps when Mitro returns a hybrid 4-4-2 / 4-2-3-1 formation might appear with Gayle nearer to Mitro than patrolling the touch line.
Slank
Aug 7, 2016 at 8:19 AM
Comment #28Rafa said not Gayle or Mitro !
giimps
Aug 7, 2016 at 8:23 AM
Comment #29Jib,
I agree with your assessment of the SDJ situation and believe he could be the catalyst for our success, if he can stay fit ,play him either at the base tip of the diamond 4, with one holding mid ,and gayle, Ritchie Nd Aaron’s either Sid and in front of him.
All three of the forward players can interchange positions and cause havoc.
Or as the deep lying playmaker as part of a 2 deep set midfielders with Diame, Ritchie, Aaron’s and gayle and Mitrovic up top.
I can see why he’s bought these utility players as in the interview with Holloway he spoke of Italian football changing formations numerous times in a half without changing the playing staff.
The base for this is normally a solid back 4 with fullbacks who defend first attack second, he likes Dummet cos he defends, he liked Anita cos he did what he was told , he does not like loose cannons so Mitrovic may have to change his ways to stay at his dream club…. ( I hope he does cos I love his passion)
Bowjaw
Aug 7, 2016 at 8:25 AM
Comment #30I know there was plenty poor performances through out the team and maybe there should always be someone on the post but for me our new captain was to blame entirely for the goal.
He looked very weak for the goal very similar to one or to pre season.
I still like him and think he will come good but he should be using his height and strength to attack the ball and player from corners pretty much destroy every thing in his path to clear the ball. instead he looked a bit lost and seemed to stumble in to dummit.
Still it’s no time to over react after one game, also I call Bullxxxx on the mitro article. If he goes I’m giving up.
jazzyp
Aug 7, 2016 at 8:30 AM
Comment #31Charlie
The team was set up to play like that by Rafa and no body else.
There was no cohesion or idea of how to get the ball forward and create anything of substance.
My biggest worry is that we have not addressed the problems from last season.
OneAlanShearer
Aug 7, 2016 at 8:43 AM
Comment #32How on earth anyone could think this lad wouldn’t go straight into the side at left back I don’t know. He is better than Dummett with all due respect to Dummett they are about the same at defending but he’s better going forward than Dummett.
As for lascelles this was my fear when he got the armband. Hanley and Mbemba are the better defenders. He needs to up his game.
I’d take mcnair as well.whichever defenders rise to the top keep then sell the dross.
We NEED a creative powerful left winger and a 2nd target man with a established scoring record.
Munster Mag
Aug 7, 2016 at 8:51 AM
Comment #33Jib thats classic scottish foitball bigotry ok 🙂 .
OneAlanShearer
Aug 7, 2016 at 8:55 AM
Comment #34I think rafa set out to try and balance more defensively but still have good passing and bite and indeed goals in midfield by having colback in the centre with anita on the right wing. I can see what he was aiming for but dita showed he is no right winger and needs to be used as right back or centre midfield COVER. Colback is average at beSt and unless he is played alongside tiote is exposed because he’s too slow and fouls more than he tackles well.
We still need Richie to play right wing and for me diame and shelvey or hayden in the centre.
I think mitro and gayle will be a very good partnership but id like to see perez in the mix with a 4th striker (target man). I’d sell Riviere but use Armstrong as 5th choice. I’d rather see him in the cups than out on loan. If he can’t show it in this league he won’t ever show it in the Prem.
Munster Mag
Aug 7, 2016 at 8:55 AM
Comment #35Good points slank and posada and similar to what i have said. Rafa needs time but i havent been wildly enamoured so far. I still have us down as champs but unless rafa changes things we wont be. That certainly was a poor first gig. That said, a peno for us wud have helped. This team looks like a “confidence” team maybe.
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Aug 7, 2016 at 9:26 AM
Comment #36Jazzy
In my humblest opinion we have not got/did have on Friday the players to play counter attacking get the ball up to to the forwards/forward quick and with any accuracy – thats why in the end we lump it long and hope for the best.
You cannot play counter attacking football with Colback and Anita as the holding midfielders. if that was RAFA’s idea on Friday then why not start with Shelvey in midfield and Aarons for Perez
Moonraker15
Aug 7, 2016 at 10:29 AM
Comment #37That’s just rubbish he ain’t gonna sign another central defender!