Every footballer to have played for both Liverpool and Everton

With just a 20 minute or so walk separating Anfield from Goodison Park, it’s a wonder that not every Merseyside based player switches between the two clubs more frequently.

What, is there some sort of rivalry in the way or something?

While not always the closest on the pitch, the rivalry between Liverpool and Everton is intense and fierce, and always will be with the two grounds situated so close to one another, and the clubs meaning so much to the locals. The following players have turned out for both sides, and happen to be a list of particularly brave individuals.

A period well before the modern game, Chadwick was an Everton hero in its earliest form.

11 years with the Toffees saw him build up an esteemed reputation as one of the game’s finest attackers and won the top flight with them in 1891. A move to Liverpool in 1902 was a rather quiet two year spell after transferring from Burnley.

After initially moving down to England with West Brom but failing to settle, Scottish right back Hannah tried again with Everton in 1899.

He was ever-present in the Everton side that finished runners up in 1890 and impressed again as they went one better a year later, captaining the side as they won the league. He moved to Liverpool in 1892 after a brief third stint back in Scotland, with the new Merseyside club luring him in for three seasons.

Scottish forward Wylie developed a habit of scoring goals at a regional level.

After success with Everton, Wylie moved to new club Liverpool and would feature regularly for them as they climbed up the divisions.

Another Scot venturing down into the North of England, McLean was picked up by Everton and grew into the side after playing a bit part role in his debut season.

He was another who stayed at Anfield and turned out for newly formed Liverpool in 1892 following Everton’s walk away from the ground.

While plenty stayed at Anfield and signed for Liverpool straight away, Patrick Gordon moved with Everton for another season before moving to the Reds.

Gordon was a part of the Liverpool side that won its first title.

A local lad that started with Bootle, Whitehead only spent a year with Everton before signing on to play for Liverpool.

Little else is known about the goalkeeper’s career.

A centre forward with no hesitation over scoring goals, Geary was playing for Everton and later Liverpool when not scoring hat-tricks on his England debut.

Geary was integral up top as Everton won the First Division in 1891 and is deemed by supporters as the first real icon they had; the Dixie Dean before he came to be.

Another talent brought down from Scotland, Latta was the outside right forward deployed as Everton won the league in 1891.

His career wrapped up with the new crosstown rivals, spending a year with Liverpool before his retirement.

Starting out in Dumbarton, Hartley really got around the Football League in the early 20th century.

Aside from spells with Everton – where he was a runner up in the 1987 FA Cup – and Liverpool, Hartley also turned out for Southampton, Arsenal and Burnley. A journeyman ahead of his time.

Moving down from Scotland, Murray only turned out twice in the league for Everton before moving onto Liverpool in 1904.

He won back-to-back Second Division and First Division titles with the club – despite not featuring all that much in the second season – but was tragically killed when serving in the First World War in 1915.

One half of an Irish goalkeeping brothers duo, Scott enjoyed a storied career with Everton and represented them in 251 league outings, before moving on in 1912.

He spent two years with Liverpool, whom he encouraged to sign his younger brother Elisha; perhaps his best contribution to the club.

Not only did Berry represent both Liverpool and Everton and shift the tide in terms of players beginning with Liverpool, but his excellence went beyond league football.

He represented Great Britain at the 1908 and 1912 Olympics, winning gold at both events, before retiring in 1914 to become a barrister.

Scottish goalkeeper Sloan moved to Everton in 1906 after impressing in the Scottish and Irish leagues.

Two years with Everton and a year with Liverpool was his football career high, before moving back to Distillery and eventually serving in the war. He was killed in 1917.

A speedy winger by trade, Uren signed on amateur terms with Liverpool in 1906 before slowly working his way into the first team and becoming a regular.

Liverpool sold him to Everton in 1913 for £300 and two players; Tom Gracie and Bill Lacey.

Rising to prominence in Ireland for his commendable versatility on the pitch, Everton signed Lacey in 1909 but was quickly snapped up by Liverpool in the exchange deal.

Lacey enjoyed a fine career with the Reds and made hundreds of appearances before and after the war, returning to Ireland in between for guest appearances.

While the swap deal proved fruitful for Lacey, moving to Liverpool didn’t bare the same fortunes for Gracie.

Picked up by Everton by making the Scotland squad for a friendly against England, he was included in the swap but moved back to Scotland in 1914. He balanced a rich vein of form with serving in the war, but died of leukaemia in 1915.

Mitchell moved down from Scotland to sign for Everton and stuck with them throughout the war, but never became the established number one goalkeeper at any point.

He moved across town to Liverpool in 1921 but again couldn’t get in regularly over the highly thought of Elisha Scott.

Not unusual for the time, but completely baffling to look back on, Baker was more than a footballer. Like, so much more.

Baker competed for Great Britain in high jump events at the Olympics, while also competing regularly in long jump, hurdles and tennis. In football, he started outfield, but became a goalkeeper following an injury in World War One. After playing just about every sport fathomable, he retired and went into business.

Forshaw remains the only player in history to have won league titles with both Liverpool and Everton.

He signed professional terms with Liverpool in 1919 and enjoyed a fine stint as a regular goal getter. He moved to Everton in 1927 and helped them along to a First Division win, too.

Neil McBain, Charles Billington, Tony Collins, Michael CollinsNeil McBain, Charles Billington, Tony Collins, Michael Collins

McBain as manager of Watford talking to his players / Arthur Jones/Getty Images

At 51 years old, McBain remains the oldest player to turn out in the English Football League. Don’t expect that to change anytime soon.

After serving in World War One, he got a break in England with Manchester United, before moving to Everton in 1923. After returning to Scotland, a 1928 move to Liverpool was unfortunately short lived.

While rivalries were still nowhere near as fierce as they are now, football becoming more popular meant switching between rival sides would become gradually less frequent.

Johnson – an electric forward who ripped it up for Manchester City – moved to Everton and played alongside the legendary Dixie Dean. Always overshadowed, a move to Liverpool in 1934 helped them avoid relegation.

A local lad from West Derby, Balmer was signed to Everton on amateur terms, but was poached by Liverpool as a teenager in 1935.

Balmer was a prodigy before the Second World War, and played again for Liverpool afterwards as a more well rounded striker. 111 goals came from his 312 appearances.

Harthill was given the name ‘Artillery’ for his service as a bombardier after leaving school. It does not get cooler than that.

While he turned out for both Merseyside clubs, he had little fortune with either of them. Instead, Harthill’s career high was his spell with Wolves before moving to Everton.

Heydon spent three years honing his craft in Everton’s reserve setup as a teenager, before being signed by Liverpool aged 20 in 1949.

It took him a short while to break in, but Heydon then enjoyed a run as a regular before moving on again in 1953.

Officially beyond the Second World War, football began to stride into a new wave of popularity and prowess.

McNamara’s decade long stint with Everton was a commendable feat and the best years of his career. While his venture across Stanley Park was short, it lead to him becoming the only player to play in all four English divisions within 12 months. He passed away in 2015.

Growing up an Everton fan wasn’t enough to stop Payne signing terms with Liverpool as an 18-year-old.

It proved the right decision. Payne became a regular fixture for the Reds as a tricky winger, but could only come away with the honour of being runners up in the 1950 FA Cup before moving to Everton for a season.

Dave HicksonDave Hickson

Dave Hickson – cracking quiff / L. Blandford/Getty Images

Dave Hickson simply just couldn’t get enough of the Ev.

Signing in 1948 but not debuting for three years due to national service, Hickson flew for the Toffees. An aggressive and physical striker, he bagged goals for fun as the target man, but his 1959 move to Liverpool wasn’t a popular one among fans. We’re heading into the rock ‘n roll years, remember?

Johnny MorrisseyJohnny Morrissey

Johnny Morrissey / Evening Standard/Getty Images

Coming up through the Liverpool academy from a young age, failure to nail down a spot saw Morrissey head across Stanley Park to join Everton in 1962.

He scored in the first Merseyside derby for 11 seasons and fired Everton to a First Division title in his maiden season. That electric start turned into a decade of service for the Toffees, before finishing up with Oldham Athletic.

Arnold Muhren, David JohnsonArnold Muhren, David Johnson

Johnson in action for Liverpool / Getty Images/Getty Images

Switching between the two sides was now becoming less frequent with the history built and the rivalries growing more passionate.

Liverpool had an eye on Johnson from young, but despite Bill Shankly’s best efforts, they couldn’t stop him debuting with the Toffees. He eventually arrived via Ipswich as a seasoned striker and racked up a fine cabinet of domestic and European honours, before returning to the Toffees later on.

Kevin SheedyKevin Sheedy

Kevin Sheedy in action / Getty Images/Getty Images

Capped 46 times by the Republic of Ireland and scoring their first ever goal at a World Cup finals, Sheedy had a tough start in Liverpool.

He barely featured in a four year spell and was allowed to leave for Everton, where the midfielder found his feet. Sheedy was integral in Everton’s last true golden era, picking up two league titles and a European Cup Winners’ Cup.

Steve McMahonSteve McMahon

McMahon in a fine Liverool kit / Getty Images/Getty Images

Strolling around and bossing midfields in those endlessly short shorts of the 80s, Steve McMahon’s best stuff came with the Reds.

Despite being at Everton from as early as ball-boy level, he found his way to Liverpool where he was key in winning three league titles and two FA Cups.

Peter Beardsley, Mal DonaghyPeter Beardsley, Mal Donaghy

United were interested in re-signing Beardsley / Getty Images/Getty Images

For a man who set a record transfer fee in 1987, Beardsley’s journeyman-like career has taken him everywhere.

From Canada to Newcastle, Beardsley was electric for Liverpool in their final few years of success before the Premier League era. They sold him aged 30 to rivals Everton in 1991, where his impact was rather muted.

Gary AblettGary Ablett

Ablett celebrates a First Division title win / Getty Images/Getty Images

Seven years with Liverpool and a hoarding of trophies included defender Ablett winning the 1989 FA Cup against Everton.

That wasn’t enough, though, and following his transfer, Ablett won the FA Cup with the Toffees upon his arrival, making him the only player to date to have won the cup with both teams. He passed away in 2012 following a battle with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Liverpool v EvertonLiverpool v Everton

Barmby was snapped up as cover / Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Your dad’s favourite attacking midfielder, Barmby enjoyed a fine four years at Everton as a big fish in what had become a rather small pond.

Barmby excelled for the mid-table outfit, so much so that it forced the Toffees into selling a player to Liverpool for the first time since Dave Hickson’s move in 1959.

Abel XavierAbel Xavier

Abel Xavier’s move didn’t go to plan / Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

After moving around Europe to moderate degrees of success, Everton snapped up Xavier for a £1.5m fee in 1999.

The defender impressed and controversially made the move across the park for a lesser transfer fee in 2002 after eyeing improved terms with his contract running down. His move to the Reds didn’t work, however, and he was gone by 2003.

Hilarious leaked audio reveals what Florentino Perez thinks of Cristiano Ronaldo & Jose Mourinho

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has never been one to shy away from the limelight.

However, in recent times the architect of the doomed Super League project has been in the headlines for all of the wrong reasons.

That’s because some rascal has leaked audio of him giving some, errrrr, honest opinions on various Real figures.

The audio, which was transcribed and published by El Confidencial (via B/R Football), includes one pointed rant about Cristiano Ronaldo recorded in 2012, in which Perez says: “This guy is an idiot, a sick man. You think this guy is normal, but he’s not normal, otherwise, he wouldn’t do all the things he does.”

It’s an interesting take, especially considering CR7 is the club’s all-time leading goalscorer who helped Perez lift a lot of silverware during his time in the Spanish capital.

There is plenty more of where that came from, such as the president’s take on Jose Mourinho, who managed Los Blancos between 2010 and 2013.

“Mourinho is an idiot. It is not that he does not want to play. Well, he’s a bit abnormal…that said, he has been overwhelmed by the pressure.”

Then there are his views on Iker Casillas, captured in 2006. The clip has a distinctly Football Twitter feel to it, despite taking place years before that particularly toxic subculture rose from the swamp.

Iker Casillas bore the brunt of Perez's criticism tooIker Casillas bore the brunt of Perez's criticism too

Iker Casillas bore the brunt of Perez’s criticism too / Denis Doyle/Getty Images

“He’s not a Real Madrid goalkeeper, what can I say? He never has been. He has been our biggest mistake. The problem is everyone loves him, I don’t know. He has so many people on his side. But anyway, he is one of the biggest frauds.”

We’ll finish on a biggie – Perez’s burial of Real legend Raul. 

“He’s a negative guy, he’s destroying Madrid and the morale of the players so that people say: ‘It’s Madrid who are playing badly, not Raul.’ It’s terrible what a bad kid he is. He’s not going to play for Madrid anymore.”

We think Florentino has got a lot of awkward phone calls to make…

Serie A fixture list for the 2021/22 season released

The Serie A fixtures for the 2021/22 season have been released with champions Inter kicking off their title defence at home to Genoa, while Massimiliano Allegri’s first game back at the helm of Juventus will be away at Udinese.

The first round of matches will take place on the weekend of August 22 with the final matchday scheduled for May 22, and for the first time ever the second half of the Serie A season won’t mirror the first.

Simone Inzaghi’s first experience of the Derby della Madonnina will take place on November 7 with Milan classed as the home team, while the reverse fixture is scheduled for February 26.

Other notable outings for the reigning Italian champions see them face Juventus in the Derby d’Italia at home on October 24, with their trip to the Allianz Stadium pencilled in for April 3.

Massimiliano Allegri will be looking to guide Juve back to the top of Serie A after they failed to secure the Scudetto for the first time since 2011 last season.

The Old Lady travel to city rivals Torino in the Derby della Mole on October 3 with the reverse fixture on February 20, while they’ll host Milan on September 19 before a trip to San Siro on January 23.

Stefano Pioli will be hoping for a similar start to this season as his Milan side experienced in the 2020/21 campaign after they sat top of Serie A following an unbeaten 15-game run. I Rossoneri will begin their campaign with a trip to Sampdoria before their first home game of the season against Hellas Verona.

Serie A has been full of managerial changes over the past few months, perhaps the most high-profile of which being the arrival of Jose Mourinho at Roma.

The former Chelsea boss’ first game back in Italy comes as Roma face Fiorentina while he’ll no doubt be relishing his first meeting with old side Inter on December 5.

Opening day fixture list in full

Bologna vs Salernitana
Cagliari vs Spezia
Empoli vs Lazio
Verona vs Sassuolo
Inter vs Genoa
Napoli vs Venezia
Roma vs Fiorentina
Sampdoria vs Milan
Torino vs Atalanta
Udinese vs Juventus

(Provided dates are subject to change)

Saul Niguez & Antoine Griezmann swap deal – does it make sense for both teams?

Doesn’t everyone just love a good swap deal?

There was a time when they were all the rage, though multiple factors including the influence of agents in the game and one team always getting absolutely screwed over saw them die out a little.

Griezmann's spell at Barcelona has been mixedGriezmann's spell at Barcelona has been mixed

Griezmann’s spell at Barcelona has been mixed / Quality Sport Images / Contributor

There aren’t many aspects of our lives – if any – that we could honestly say have been improved by the coronavirus pandemic, but the re-emergence of swap deals as clubs try to desperately freshen up their squads on a limited budget is definitely one of them.

Barcelona are currently trying to offload some of their high-earners in a bid to reduce their eye-watering wage bill, with Antoine Griezmann reportedly on his way back to Atletico Madrid in exchange for Saul Niguez – but does the deal make sense for both clubs?

First of all we’ll start with Griezmann. Barça have done some wretched transfer business over the years – the signing of him for €120m (£102.4m) being one of them – but if they can manage to shift the Frenchman off their books it would be a masterstroke.

We don’t want to give them too much credit because, let’s face it, it’s their fault he earns so much money and cost them such an astronomical fee in the first place, but his La Liga haul of just 22 goals in 71 outings is pretty abject for a player of his ability.

Not only has Griezmann failed to live up to the hype that surrounded him following his 2019 move to Camp Nou, he’s also no stranger to controversy. Barcelona recently had to apologise after he was accused of racially mocking hotel staff during a pre-season trip to the far east.

So, we’ve established Barcelona are well rid of the France international, so presumably Atletico Madrid would be absolutely mad to take him off their hands, right? Well, no not really.

Saul won La Liga with AtletiSaul won La Liga with Atleti

Saul won La Liga with Atleti / Soccrates Images / Contributor

Their mega-money signing of Joao Felix hasn’t exactly gone to plan and Diego Simeone’s side’s La Liga triumph last season relied heavily on the goals of Luis Suarez.

At 34 years of age, the Uruguayan hitman doesn’t have many seasons left at the top of the game, and with Felix clearly not ready to take the goalscoring burden from Suarez, Atletico need to bolster their forward options.

Griezmann’s five seasons with Atletico prior to his move to Barcelona saw him notch a very impressive 133 goals in 257 games, and if he can contribute anywhere near a similar goals-to-game ratio this time around he’ll be a more than adequate addition to their frontline.

As for Saul, there’s no doubting that he’s a top midfielder who would likely walk into most sides, though Atletico’s recent capture of talented Argentinian Rodrigo De Paul means they’re well-stocked in midfield.

To lose a player of Saul’s calibre for no money seems utterly nonsensical, but – as we’ve already discussed – there are other areas of the pitch that Atletico need to address and so the chance to strengthen their attacking arsenal having already essentially replaced Saul with De Paul makes a lot of sense.

Saul and Griezmann during their time together at AtletiSaul and Griezmann during their time together at Atleti

Saul and Griezmann during their time together at Atleti / Anadolu Agency / Contributor

Now then, are Barcelona getting a good deal in swapping Saul for Griezmann? Well, if you’re going to consider the financial implications of the deal then they’ve had an absolute nightmare.

Signing a player for £102.4m and then giving him back to the same club you bought him from two years later in exchange for a player recently valued at £45m – that’s daft even by Barcelona’s standards.

That being said, we’re all well aware of how much of a financial mess they’re in thanks to years of poor judgement and mismanagement, so we’ll be nice to them and assess the move purely on what he will bring to the team.

For all the stylish midfielders at Ronald Koeman’s disposal, the likes of Sergio Busquets, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong all lack that nasty streak that Simeone instils in his players – something Saul has in abundance.

Simeone got the best out of Griezmann at AtletiSimeone got the best out of Griezmann at Atleti

Simeone got the best out of Griezmann at Atleti / BENJAMIN CREMEL / Contributor

While he’s a player full of work rate and drive, he’s also got the technique needed to make it at a club of Barcelona’s stature, and at just 26 years of age he’s potentially still got the best years of his career ahead of him.

All in all, this one looks like a swap deal that may actually work out really well for all involved. All Barça fans need to do is cover their ears and refuse to listen when anyone discusses finances – nothing new there then.

Paris Saint-Germain confirm arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma on five-year deal

Gianluigi Donnarumma has officially been announced as a Paris Saint-Germain player, penning a five-year deal after leaving Milan on a free transfer.

At just 22 years of age, the Italian shot-stopper has made a name for himself as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe. Having made his debut for Milan at just 16 – subsequently becoming the second youngster goalkeeper ever in Serie A – he went on to make over 250 appearances for I Rossoneri.

Earlier this summer Milan confirmed they would be parting ways with Donnarumma, failing to come to an agreement during contract negotiations, and after weeks of speculation linking him with a move to PSG they’ve now taken to their official website to confirm his arrival.

“Paris Saint-Germain is pleased to announce the arrival in its squad of Gianluigi Donnarumma,” the statement reads. “The Italian goalkeeper has signed a five-year contract and is linked with the club until 30 June 2026.

“Recent winner of the UEFA Euro 2020, the new Parisian proves decisive during the shootouts won by Italy, in the semi-final against Spain and then in the final against England. He was named the best player in the competition for all of his performances.

Donnarumma took the opportunity to provide a brief statement expressing his delight at having signed for such an ambitious club.

“I am very happy to be part of this great club that is Paris Saint-Germain,” he said. “I feel ready to take on this new challenge, and continue to grow here. With Paris, I want to win as much as possible and give joy to the supporters.”

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi went on to welcome Donnarumma to the club and he believes the former Milan man will be warmly received by both teammates and fans following his arrival.

Donnarumma's heroics won Italy Euro 2020Donnarumma's heroics won Italy Euro 2020

Donnarumma’s heroics won Italy Euro 2020 / Laurence Griffiths / Staff

“We are pleased to welcome Gianluigi Donnarumma to Paris Saint-Germain,” he said. “We congratulate him on his victory at Euro 2020, and his title as the best player of the competition.

“I know Gianluigi will receive a warm welcome from everyone at the club, including his teammates, our staff and all the Parisian supporters.”