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Leeds United have seemingly made it a priority to improve their defensive options in the first phase of the summer transfer window ahead of their return to the Premier League.

The Championship champions only conceded 30 goals in their 46 matches in the second tier last season, but that has not stopped them from wanting to improve their backline.

Daniel Farke has swooped to bring in Jaka Bijol from Udinese and Sebastiaan Bornauw from Wolfsburg to add to his centre-back options, with Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk, and Ethan Ampadu already in the building.

The German head coach has also moved quickly to replace Junior Firpo, who officially left the club at the start of this month, by signing Gabriel Gudmundsson from Lille.

Leeds have reportedly paid a fee of £10m to sign the Sweden international from the Ligue 1 outfit, and he is now in place well ahead of the season opener against Everton at Elland Road.

What Gabriel Gudmundsson could bring to Leeds

One of the main reasons why this appears to be such a sensible signing for Leeds is Gudmundsson’s readiness to hit the ground running in the Premier League.

At the age of 26, the Swedish star is in the prime years of his career and is not a young player with a lot to learn, or a veteran who is past his best and struggling physically.

He also has 103 appearances in Ligue 1 for Lille and 15 caps for Sweden, which means that he is experienced at the top level and knows what it takes to play in a major European league, and for his country against the best of the best.

This suggests that Gudmundsson has the experience and quality to slot straight into the team as Firpo’s replacement for the Premier League season.

However, despite scoring two goals in Ligue 1 last term, the £10m-rated full-back may not offer much to the team as a creative threat down the left flank for Farke.

As you can see in the table above, Gudmundsson did not offer a big threat at the top end of the pitch from a left-back position for Lille in the French top-flight, with one chance created every other game on average and zero assists in 30 games.

The solid full-back, who won 54% of his duels in the division, is not a Firpo like-for-like who is going to replicate the four goals and ten assists that the former Barcelona man delivered in the Championship last season.

That may be why Leeds are also reportedly interested in another left-sided option who could be a dream for Gudmundsson in the team next term.

Leeds in the race for versatile left-footed star

According to Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari, Leeds United are one of a number of clubs in the race to sign Slavia Prague left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf this summer.

The reporter claims that Serie A side Atalanta are weighing up a move for the Senegal international, who would take up the last non-EU slot that they have available in their squad.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Longari adds that Premier League teams West Ham United and Leeds are also in the race, as they have been keeping tabs on the left-footed star for some time.

It has previously been reported that Slavia Prague are looking for a final fee that is close to £22m (£21.6m) in order to allow the 20-year-old talent to move away from Czechia before the summer transfer window slams shut.

However, it now remains to be seen whether Atalanta, West Ham, or Leeds are prepared to spend that kind of money to snap him up in the coming weeks.

Why Diouf would be a dream for Gudmundsson at Leeds

If the Championship champions are able to win the race for Diouf’s signature this summer, the 20-year-old talent would be a dream signing for Gudmundsson at Elland Road.

The Senegal international has played as a left-back, a left wing-back, and as a left winger in his short career to date, which shows that he can operate in pretty much any role down the left flank.

This suggests that Farke could deploy him ahead of Gudmundsson as a winger, in order to provide the attacking quality that the Swedish ace lacks, but without weakening the defensive structure of the team.

Diouf could operate as a back-up left-back to the Sweden international as well, given that it is his natural position for his national team, but his attacking output for Slavia Prague last season suggests that he could have a lot to offer in front of the former Lille man.

The £22m-rated star, as shown in the post above, ranked highly among his positional peers outside the seven major leagues in a host of key attacking metrics.

As you can see in the table above, Diouf provided outstanding quality at the top end of the pitch, largely from a wing-back role, with seven goals and 13 ‘big chances’ created in 35 appearances in the Chance Liga and the Europa League combined.

The Senegalese star, who analyst Rohit Kumaran hailed as “physically dominant”, is a forward-thinking full-back who wants to get into the final third to score goals and create chances for his team, as shown by his impressive statistics in those departments.

That is why Diouf could come in as the perfect foil for Gudmundsson on the left flank for the Whites, because Farke would then have a solid and experienced defensive left-back and an attack-minded, yet defensively and physically capable, left midfielder in his starting XI.

Their respective qualities could complement each other well and help Leeds in their bid to avoid an instant relegation from the Premier League next term.

Even better than Solomon: Leeds submit bid to sign £13m star

Leeds United have reportedly submitted a bid to sign a star who is even better than Manor Solomon.

By
Dan Emery

Jul 9, 2025

After submitting a fresh bid to sign Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United have already reportedly turned their focus towards their next top target.

Newcastle "optimistic" after fresh Elanga bid

Having seen their first offer turned down for the Swede, it always seemed possible that Newcastle could return with a second attempt to sign Elanga. And soon enough, that has proved to be the case with reports now suggesting that the Magpies have submitted a second bid worth around £55m to sign the Swede.

Now reportedly optimistic that they’ll reach an agreement with Forest, Newcastle could be about to kickstart their summer business by adding the final part to what could be a scintillating front three alongside Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.

One of the quickest trios that the Premier League is likely to see next season, Newcastle could yet retain their Champions League place and more in the next 12 months.

Nottingham Forest will be well aware of the quality that they will be losing if Elanga completes a summer switch to Newcastle, with Nuno Espirito Santo full of praise for his winger throughout the last campaign.

When asked about Elanga after the Swede scored an incredible solo goal against Manchester United in April, the Forest boss told reporters: “He’s a special boy and he gives this team his speed. He does it by himself and we are delighted.”

PIF believe 22-cap international will join Newcastle as £55m bid submitted

They could get their man at long last…

By
Tom Cunningham

Jul 4, 2025

That said, Elanga is unlikely to be the last through the door this summer. If reports are anything to go by, Newcastle and PIF have already turned their focus towards another top target even as negotiations continue over the winger’s signature.

Newcastle now prioritising Scalvini deal

According to The Times’ Martin Hardy, Newcastle are now prioritising a deal to sign Giorgio Scalvini from Atalanta once their deal to welcome Elanga is completed this summer. The 6’4 defender is reportedly valued at just £30m and is now among the Magpies’ top targets as they look to add another centre-back to their ranks.

Dubbed a “magnificent” centre-back alongside countryman Riccardo Calafiori in the 2023/24 season by scout Jacek Kulig, Scalvini could now join the Arsenal man in the Premier League.

Since the 23/24 campaign, the towering Italian has only pushed on and could hand Newcastle a bargain deal at just £30m. Given that Fabian Schar is now 33 years old too, it should be seen as a very real possibility that 21-year-old Scalvini could break into Eddie Howe’s best side if he completes a summer move.

Alongside Elanga and James Trafford, the Atalanta defender would make it three impressive signings for the Magpies in a summer which initially looked destined to be full of frustration.

While the jury might still be out for some when it comes to the competition itself, there is no doubt that Chelsea were worthy winners of the Club World Cup.

Enzo Maresca’s men impressed in almost every game they played, and saved their best performance for the final, in which they made Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain look totally out of their depth.

Aside from the out-of-this-world Cole Palmer, one of the Blues’ best players in the last few games was Joao Pedro, who scored three goals in three games.

So, fans should be delighted by the news that the club are looking to sign another international who could help the Brazilian reach another level entirely.

Chelsea's transfer business so far

On top of blowing away the competition on the pitch this summer, Chelsea have been just as impressive off it, in the transfer market.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

They’ve managed to ship off the likes of Noni Madueke to Arsenal for £52m and Đorđe Petrović to Bournemouth for £25m, while spending £60m on Pedro, £30m on Liam Delap and £48m on Jamie Gittens.

However, the Conference League champions aren’t done there, not even close, as they now appear keen on landing an international superstar who could help the former Brighton & Hove Albion ace get even better.

At least that’s according to a recent report from Spain, which claims that Chelsea are now interested in Rodrygo.

In fact, the report goes a step further than that, revealing that the Blues have already made an offer for the Brazilian – a straight swap for Nicolas Jackson.

The proposal has yet to be shot down, but the report states that Real would rather receive a fee for the player they value at €100m, which is approximately £86m.

Even if Chelsea have to splash the cash to get their man this summer, they should, as Rodrygo’s a proven winner and someone who could help Pedro get even better.

Why Rodrygo would make Pedro better

Now, there are quite a few reasons why Rodrygo could help Pedro reach another level at Chelsea next season, and one of the most significant is his output.

Since the start of the 23/24 season, the “world-class superstar,” as dubbed by Luka Modrić, has found the back of the net on 31 occasions and provided 20 assists in 105 appearances, totalling 7159 minutes.

That means the former Santos gem has been averaging a goal involvement every 2.05 games, or every 140.37 minutes across the last two years, which is undoubtedly impressive.

What makes those numbers even more impressive is that he has rarely played in his favoured position off the left across the last two seasons, so just imagine how much more effective he could be regularly starting there.

This regular supply of goals and chances to his left would undoubtedly see the former Brighton star’s own goal and assist tally soar next season, especially as he proved himself to be particularly clinical last year, scoring ten league goals from an expected goals figure of just 8.86.

Furthermore, the former Santos gem has also won all there is to win in the club game, securing two La Liga and two Champions League titles in the Spanish capital.

In other words, he has what it takes to win and should hopefully impart the right mindset to those around him, like his compatriot, and help them win major silverware at some point in the coming years.

Finally, the fact that they’re both Brazilian is also a significant bonus, as establishing a place for himself in the national team will give Pedro and the Real star even more opportunities to develop a deep understanding of one another’s game.

Ultimately, it might cost them a substantial sum of money, but Chelsea should do everything possible to sign Rodrygo this summer.

Bad news for Pedro & Delap: Chelsea in the race to sign "the next Mbappe"

The sensational attacker would make Chelsea far more dangerous next season.

2

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jul 17, 2025

Everton are in the thick of their pre-season preparations, and David Moyes is looking to recapture the form that allowed him to make such an impressive (second) start to life as the Toffees boss.

The exodus on the blue half of Merseyside was needed at the end of the 2024/25 season, even though Everton rallied and leapt away from the relegation zone in the half-season with Moyes in charge, finishing 13th in the Premier League.

More is needed, but the seeds have been planted. The Blues have welcomed Thierno Barry to the fold for a £27m fee, replacing Dominic Calvert-Lewin at centre-forward.

But Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom were both carried away in the stream of summer exits, loan spells wrapped up. Both flattered to deceive last season, but now a right-sided forward is needed.

Everton searching for new winger

Everton have been locked in talks with French club Lyon for their talented winger Malick Fofana in recent days, and though a breakthrough is close, the Belgian is holding out for a suitor with the allure of Champions League football.

But the 20-year-old would have the chance to nail down a starting berth at Everton, fostering his dynamic attacking qualities over the next few years.

Should the Friedkin Group’s effort prove fruitless, however, Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Everton have made an enquiry to Real Sociedad for Japanese winger Takefusa Kubo, who has a €60m (£51m) release clause.

The 24-year-old principally plays down the right wing, and so would be an ideal positional fit for Moyes’ side.

What Takefusa Kubo would bring to Everton

Kubo has 41 goal contributions for Real Sociedad across 137 appearances, having played for both Barcelona and Real Madrid’s youth academies.

He’s a talented man, endowed with ferocious athletic skills and charged with a tenacity which once led Spanish-based journalist Kiyan Sobhani to say this: “Kubo is dusting defenders this season and has been an unrelenting offensive menace. Constantly in attack mode.”

While Kubo might not be the most prolific winger on the block, he ranked among the top 13% of attacking midfielders and wingers in La Liga last season for progressive carries, the top 6% for successful take-ons and the top 19% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.

Fofana is also a high-speed runner with a burgeoning sharpness in the final third, but Kubo may well have a bit more about him, a bit more completeness.

Sure, Kubo didn’t register an assist in La Liga last season, but his creative numbers bespeak his playmaking ability. Moreover, he dribbles forward with far more consistency than the electric Fofana, who has already garnered a reputation for his ball-carrying ability.

He’s also far more active in the duel, something that would please Moyes as he constructs a balanced and hard-working outfit, capable across the different phases of play.

If Fofana proves unattainable this summer, Everton must push ahead for Kubo. He might even prove the better pick.

He could be Ndiaye 2.0: Everton make enquiry to sign "electric" £43m star

Everton are looking to overhaul their attack this summer

By
Joe Nuttall

Jul 31, 2025

Robert Sanchez has been passionately defended in his role as Chelsea's No.1, with Roberto Di Matteo urging critics to leave the Spaniard alone.

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Finding a reliable option between the sticks has been something of an issue at Stamford Bridge. Big money has been invested across the entire Blues squad, but questions are being asked of whether value has been found in a key area of the field.

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• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Sanchez was snapped up from Brighton for £25 million ($34m) in 2023, bringing useful Premier League experience with him, and has taken in 64 appearances for Chelsea. He has seen the odd mistake creep into his game, but Di Matteo insists the 27-year-old deserves greater credit.

• WHAT DI MATTEO SAID

  Former Blues player and manager Di Matteo, speaking in association with , told GOAL when asked about Sanchez: "Leave him alone! I had this question last season. You only focus on the mistakes. I know a goalkeeper makes a mistake and it is highlighted because most of the time it is a goal, but there are positives.

  "Switch it around for once. Look at how many good saves he made, how many points he won for the team. Yes, he has made some mistakes – every goalkeeper makes mistakes. But we can move on and be objective about Sanchez. Ok, he has made six/seven mistakes that led to goals but how many points has he saved for the club with crucial saves? Let’s look at that. I think he’s a very good goalkeeper.

  "It wasn’t a priority over the summer for the club for a new goalkeeper. They are happy. Last season, two trophies. How many teams won two trophies last season? Conference League and Club World Cup. with him. He’s very good. At the moment they focus on the negatives and I think it’s unfair."

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Pressed on whether Chelsea should have been in the market for Champions League and European Championship winner Gianluigi Donnarumma – who ultimately ended up at Manchester City – after seeing him suddenly become available at Paris Saint-Germain, Di Matteo added: "Maybe they had a conversation with Donnarumma, but I think they are happy in that position. They didn’t desperately need a new goalkeeper. I’m Italian so I love Donnarumma. It will be great to see him in the Premier League. Let’s see how the season goes."

Marcus Rashford has belatedly arrived at Barcelona – and all it took was a return to England to spark the Manchester United misfit into life, with the forward netting a breathtaking brace in the Blaugrana's 2-1 win over Newcastle at St. James' Park.

Despite sitting deep, the home side caused the Spanish champions plenty of problems on the break during the first half, with Anthony Elanga particularly lively. However, Rashford broke the deadlock just before the hour mark with a fantastic header that Alan Shearer would have been proud of, and then completely silenced St. James' Park with a thumping strike from outside the area that also evoked memories of Newcastle's legendary No.9.

Credit to the Magpies, they kept battling and pulled a goal back in the final minute of normal time when Anthony Gordon turned in Jacob Murphy's ring-wing cross but it was very much a case of too little, too late.

Below, GOAL rates all of the Barcelona players on show as Rashford revived his hopes of representing England at next year's World Cup…

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Joan Garcia (7/10):

  Already looking like one of the signings of the season. The former Espanyol goalkeeper maintained his excellent start to his Barcelona career thanks in no small part to a brilliant save from Harvey Barnes when the game was still scoreless. 

  Jules Kounde (6/10):

  Picked out Rashford in the area for the game's opening goal but also lost Gordon late on when the England international breathed new life into the game.

  Pau Cubarsi (7/10):

  By no means flawless but incredible to think he's still only 18 years of age. Another impressively composed performance at the heart of the Barca defence before being withdrawn with just over 20 minutes to go.

  Ronald Araujo (7/10):

  Got the nod ahead of Andreas Christensen to partner Cubarsi and justified his inclusion with a commanding display, even if his passing was a bit wayward at times.

  Gerard Martin (5/10):

  The weak link in Barca's backline, Martin was given all sorts of problems by Anthony Elanga (who was inexplicably subbed in the second half by Eddie Howe!) and went in the book for a tactical foul on Bruno Guimaraes just before the break.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Midfield

  Frenkie de Jong (7/10):

  The Dutchman helped Barca take the sting out of the game with his typically precise passing. As a neutral, good to see him back to his best.

  Pedri (7/10):

  By no means his most impressive display but the Spain international never looked remotely ruffled by the initially raucous atmosphere. Just so hard to get the ball off – and almost never gives it away.

  Fermin Lopez (5/10):

  Unable to maintain his recent good form. Fermin only created one chance and never looked like scoring. 

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Attack

  Raphinha (5/10):

  Showed some good touches here and there, and his work-rate was good, as per usual. But he was pretty poor by his high standards.

  Robert Lewandowski (4/10):

  Can't fault the Pole for effort. He was never afraid to have a go and, on another day, he might have scored at least once. But this was his first start of the season after his recent fitness issues  – and it showed.

  Marcus Rashford (9/10):

  Absolutely sensational! Rashford kickstarted his Barcelona career in stunning fashion and it's now going to be fascinating to see if he can build on his wonderful double.

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  Subs & Manager

  Andreas Christensen (6/10):

  Came on for Cubarsi and helped Barca see out the game – just about.

  Ferran Torres (5/10):

  Took over up top from Lewandowski but didn't get a sight of goal.

  Eric Garcia (N/A):

  Only came on for the final 10 minutes. 

  Dani Olmo (N/A):

  Part of a late double substitution with Garcia. 

  Marc Casado (N/A):

  Brought on for Fermin in injury time to waste a few precious seconds.

  Hansi Flick (7/10):

  Barca weren't at their brilliant best – the absence of Yamal was undoubtedly a factor in that regard – but they got the job done and Flick will be thrilled with Rashford's contribution. 

Leeds United will be looking to bring in attacking reinforcements to bolster their playing squad before the summer transfer window slams shut at the start of September.

The Whites have added Gabriel Gudmundsson, Jaka Bijol, Sebastian Bornauw, Lucas Perri, Anton Stach, and Sean Longstaff to improve the defence and midfield.

So far, Lukas Nmecha, who signed on a free transfer from Wolfsburg, is the only attacking player to have been brought in ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.

Daniel Farke has made it clear that the Championship champions are looking to add more quality to their options in the attacking areas of the pitch in the next few weeks.

As the German boss pointed out in the quotes above, Leeds have yet to replace Manor Solomon since the winger returned to Tottenham Hotspur at the end of his loan spell.

Irrespective of whether or not the Israel international returns to Elland Road for a second stint in West Yorkshire, it is hard to argue against his loan move being a huge success.

Leeds hit the jackpot with Manor Solomon

The loan market can be incredibly useful for teams looking to get out of the Championship, or to survive in the Premier League, because it allows you to take undervalued talent from bigger clubs.

Solomon only made six appearances in all competitions in the 2023/24 campaign for Spurs, which shows that he was not a key member of Ange Postecoglou’s squad in the Premier League.

This allowed Leeds to swoop in to secure a loan deal for the left-sided attacker because he did not have a short-term future in North London, presenting the Whites with an opportunity to sign a calibre of player that they otherwise may not have been able to land in the Championship.

Solomon then showcased his immense quality on the left wing throughout the season to help Leeds win the title and secure promotion back to the Premier League.

As you can see in the table above, the 26-year-old wing wizard produced an eye-catching 31 goals and ‘big chances’ created combined in 39 appearances in the second tier.

This shows that the Whites hit the jackpot with the Spurs loanee because he only spent a season at the club on loan, yet made a huge impact on the pitch in his relatively short time in West Yorkshire.

Leeds eyeing deal for Premier League winger

According to The Athletic’s Beren Cross, Leeds United have joined the race to sign Liverpool forward Ben Doak, who could arrive as Solomon 2.0 for Farke.

The reporter claims that the Scotland international has been discussed as a potential signing at Elland Road, as they look to bolster their attacking options.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Cross adds, though, that the Premier League champions will not allow the left-footed starlet to leave for less than £20m, and it remains to be seen whether or not the Whites would be willing to pay that much for him.

Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph, meanwhile, claims that Leeds, West Ham United, Monaco, and Bologna are all in the race to sign the forward, which shows that there is plenty of competition for his signature.

Joseph also states that Doak may move on from Anfield this summer because the 19-year-old wants to play regular football, after spending last season on loan at Middlesbrough in the Championship.

Why Ben Doak would be a Manor Solomon repeat for Leeds

The West Yorkshire outfit could repeat their Solomon masterclass by securing a deal to bring Doak over to Elland Road before the end of the summer transfer window.

Whilst it would not be the exact same type of deal, as this would be a permanent move, the strategy is still the same: signing an undervalued player who is unlikely to get minutes at one of the best clubs in England.

As was the case with Solomon behind Heung-min Son at Spurs, the Liverpool youngster may be on his way out of Anfield because he is unlikely to break past reigning Premier League Player of the Season Mohamed Salah on the right flank.

This has presented Leeds with a potential opportunity to sign Doak, who was hailed as a “menace” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, and improve their forward options with another impressive winger.

The 19-year-old whiz spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Middlesbrough and caught the eye with three goals and seven assists in 21 starts for Michael Carrick’s side.

As you can see in the table above, the Scottish forward ranked highly as a creator on the right wing for Boro, but could improve when it comes to finishing the chances that come his way.

At the age of 19, the Liverpool youngster is a very young player who still has plenty of time left ahead of him to improve and develop as a player, which means that he could be a fantastic signing for the long-term as well as a winger who could make an instant impact for Farke.

Doak, who was dubbed “explosive” by pundit Danny Murphy, could be a terrific option off the bench for Leeds in the Premier League because of his ability to dribble and create.

Throwing him on against tired defences could be very effective when the Whites need to push for a goal late on in matches to win vital points in their attempt to avoid relegation, as he has the dribbling ability to take on tired full-backs and the creative quality to provide his teammates with high-quality chances to score.

Piroe upgrade: Leeds "pushing" to complete deal for "integral" £26m star

Leeds are reportedly pushing to sign a star who would come in as an upgrade on Joel Piroe.

By
Dan Emery

Aug 5, 2025

Therefore, Leeds should be pushing to get a deal over the line for Doak in a move that would be reminiscent of when they hit the jackpot with Solomon last season.

With just days before the new Premier League season kicks off, Newcastle United are accelerating plans to fill the most glaring hole in their squad.

Eddie Howe’s side, back in the Champions League for another campaign, are looking beyond their ongoing pursuit of Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey to secure an experienced forward capable of leading the line from day one.

The urgency stems from a turbulent summer in attack.

Alexander Isak has made it clear he has no plans to reintegrate into the squad if he is not sold before the transfer window closes, while Callum Wilson has joined West Ham on a free transfer.

The result is a glaring lack of senior strikers ahead of a season-opener away to Aston Villa – a venue where Newcastle suffered a humbling 4-1 defeat last term.

Newcastle's latest transfer plans

Talks over Ramsey, valued at around £40m, reportedly continue in the background.

Whilst he would be a welcome addition, what Howe needs now is a proven scorer, one who can deliver in the Premier League and thrive in European competition.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

An agreement for Ramsey is edging closer, with a deal potentially wrapped up by the end of the week. However, another move could be completed for a new centre-forward soon, too.

The striker in question is Brentford’s Yoane Wissa.

According to reports from Africafoot, the Congolese forward is ready for a new challenge after the best season of his career, and he is set to choose Newcastle over Nottingham Forest and Saudi Pro League side Neom SC, with an agreement potentially set to be struck by the end of the week.

Personal terms are not thought to be an issue, with a transfer fee in the region of £30 million under discussion.

For Howe, Wissa’s appeal is obvious. In 2024/25, he scored 19 goals and provided five assists in 35 Premier League appearances – only Mohamed Salah scored more non-penalty goals.

His availability was another asset, missing just six games with an ankle injury, while racking up 3,072 league minutes.

The chemistry he forged with Bryan Mbeumo at Brentford – described by Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam as “absolutely sensational” – was built on movement, quick exchanges, and intelligent positioning.

It’s the sort of link-up play Newcastle will hope he can recreate with Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes, giving the Magpies multiple angles of attack in their 4-3-3 setup.

Why Wissa Is a bigger priority than Jacob Ramsey

It is not just the raw numbers that make Wissa attractive – his all-round game is a blend of efficiency and involvement.

According to FBref, last season he recorded a 76.5% pass completion rate (better than both Erling Haaland and Isak), more shot-creating actions per 90 than Dominic Solanke, and more touches per 90 (34.1) than Liam Delap or João Pedro.

He also carries the ball further in progressive distance than Delap or Solanke, making him as effective in build-up phases as he is in the penalty area.

Ramsey is a player Newcastle have admired for some time, and there is a case to be made for adding his energy and line-breaking ability to the midfield.

But the numbers tell their own story. In 136 Premier League appearances, the 24-year-old has scored just 14 goals, with only 1 goal and 5 assists last season.

Those are useful contributions, but they don’t solve Newcastle’s most pressing problem.

Without a striker, Howe’s team lacks a focal point to turn possession into goals.

Wissa provides exactly that, while also offering tactical flexibility to operate centrally or drift wide, enabling rotations with wingers and creating overloads in wide areas.

His progressive carrying distance and high touch count mean he can drop deep to link play, a valuable trait when facing compact defences in Europe or the Premier League.

Reliability in front of goal is another decisive factor. Wissa’s knack for finding space inside the box, combined with his ability to finish with either foot, makes him a constant threat.

His presence would immediately restore balance to Newcastle’s attack, freeing players like Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali to focus on creating rather than compensating for a missing striker.

Admittedly, Wissa is older than Newcastle’s preferred 24-and-under recruitment model, turning 29 in September, and he is likely to miss time during the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations.

But those drawbacks are outweighed by the need for an immediate, proven solution in a Champions League season.

Spending £30m on a forward who can start and deliver now is more justifiable than committing a similar outlay on a midfielder whose position is already somewhat covered by the aforementioned Guimarães, Tonali.

In short, Ramsey would enhance Newcastle’s options – Wissa could define their season.

He's the next Rondon: Newcastle make £40m "machine" their new no.1 target

Newcastle United eye £40m striker in Bid to replace Alexander Isak.

By
Will Miller

Aug 13, 2025

Neymar has responded to a series of claims levelled at him by taking legal action against a Brazilian journalist. The Santos forward has struggled to deliver on the pitch in a disappointing second spell at his boyhood club and journalist Rodolfo Gomes has claimed that Neymar's personal life is impacting his on-pitch displays.

• Neymar takes action against journalist

  As per the , Neymar's representatives NR Sports have labelled Gomes' claims as "reckless, defamatory, slanderous and false" and will be taking action against the journalist who first made the accusations against the forward in a video on his channel Futeboteco. NR Sports said: "All civil and criminal legal measures are being taken to hold those involved accountable."

  Gomes has said that Brazil's all-time top goalscorer is "hooked on whisky with energy drinks, smokes shisha", as well as only going to sleep at around 5am. The journalist said that Neymar will not play for the club again this year and believes the star is starting to have a negative impact on his team-mates. Gomes claimed that Santos had been having to train later in the day to accommodate Neymar, and that the head coach was growing frustrated with the supposed existing situation.

  These allegations have also been repeated by other Brazilian outlets, but the claims have not been confirmed and Neymar and his representatives are unhappy with what they feel are unfair and untrue comments. The Brazilian has struggled back at Santos with injuries holding back the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star from recapturing his best form. Neymar had returned to the Brazilian division with the hope of regaining his spot in the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup, but with time and options running out, it is unclear whether Neymar will persuade Carlo Ancelotti to bring him back into the fold.

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  Brazil star finds the funny side

  Neymar offered his own, more comical, response to the claims of Gomes. The Brazilian posted a photo of a Red Bull can with the caption, "ADDICTED to Red Bull. This one’s great," in a deliberate attack at the journalists making such claims about him. The forward has so often found his name amongst the headlines, but, as his career has dwindled, these headlines have tended to lean more on his life away from the football pitch. The Brazilian has been a global star ever since breaking into the Santos first-team as a teenager and his move to Barcelona made him one of the most famous sportsmen in the world. Since leaving Spain, Neymar has suffered with an array of injuries and inconsistency. While he dazzled in Paris, the Brazilian never assumed the throne as the best player in the world and would eventually leave through the backdoor to Saudi Arabia, a move which proved a complete disaster. Offered an escape by Santos, Neymar had looked to be turning his career around, but yet more injury has tormented the 33-year-old.

• Neymar maintains support from the greats

  Despite his patchy form for Santos, Neymar has been given the backing of some of Brazil's greatest players. Former Selecao striker Ronaldo has urged Ancelotti to take the unique forward to the World Cup, even if he is no longer the player he once was. Ronaldo said: "He's a key player for the Brazilian national team . We don't have another player like Neymar. And we hope he's 100% for the World Cup, because if he is, we'll definitely have better results than if he's not.

  "It's an exaggeration on the part of this minority who believe he's neglecting his physical recovery. Anyone who's played football understands perfectly how difficult it is to come back from an injury and regain rhythm and confidence. He's on time. The other day, I was playing tennis with Luisa Stefani, the São Paulo Open doubles champion, and she tore her cruciate ligament at the same time as Neymar. She still feels pain. It's a gradual process."

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  Santos struggle with or without the enigmatic Neymar

  Neymar remains sidelined with an injury to his quadriceps. Meanwhile, Santos continue to play without their talisman and continue to suffer in Serie A. The club are languishing in 15th place and have just seven wins from 23 games in the league this season. It is unclear how long Neymar will remain at the club and he may seek a fresh opportunity ahead of the World Cup in a bid to find inspiration.

Bukayo Saka had some harsh words for VAR after Arsenal had a penalty decision overturned in the first half, following a challenge by Nick Pope on Viktor Gyokeres. Referee Jarred Gillett had initially pointed to the spot but was recommended to go to the screen by VAR and changed his mind. The Gunners went on to win the match 2-1 thanks to a last-gasp Gabriel header but Saka expressed his disappointment at the decision to reverse the first-half penalty.

• Saka criticises VAR despite Arsenal win

  Saka claimed in his post-match interview that such decisions “always go against” Arsenal, questioning whether the bar for a “clear and obvious error” was met in the call to overturn the penalty.

  Replays showed that Pope had in fact got a small touch on the ball before taking down Gyokeres, while room was left for interpretation over whether the Swedish striker had a clear chance at goal despite this. The final decision was no penalty, leaving Arsenal incensed as they were denied the opportunity to take the lead – before Newcastle United soon scored through Nick Woltemade at the other end.

  The Gunners and Saka, who returned the starting line-up after injury, would go on to win the win in stoppage time as it took a late comeback involving some inspired substitutions to secure victory.

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  Gunners on the up – but will rue VAR penalty call

  Arsenal went up to second in the table with the victory, moving to just two points behind Liverpool following the Reds’ defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday. But it could have been a far simpler afternoon had the Gunners been awarded their first-half penalty shout.

  As Saka outlined, the key VAR terminology of “clear and obvious” has become increasingly clouded in recent seasons. What was brought in as a medium to prevent major errors has, at times, been criticised as a new way to re-referee the game from Stockley Park.

  Whether Pope’s touch on the ball negates his foul on Gyokeres is one thing. Whether it was obvious enough a decision to overturn the call is another, as Saka states. The fact that Arsenal won the game renders the decision meaningless in the grand scheme of things, but Gunners fans will have some choice words for the decision regardless.

• Saka speaks on VAR and Arsenal's win

  Saka said: "There are a few things we can speak about, for example the penalty. For me if we have VAR, it is for a clear and obvious error and the fact that it took the ref that long to decide shows it is not a clear and obvious error. It is things like this that always go against us, but today we got what we deserved and that's why we are all so happy. It doesn't matter now, does it?"

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  Arsenal target title charge as VAR continues to divide opinion

  Arsenal will approach a trio of London derbies against West Ham United, Fulham and Crystal Palace with a spring in their step following another victory in a tough away game at St James’ Park, where they have often fallen short in recent years.

  With Champions League games against Olympiacos and Atletico Madrid also on the horizon, October could ultimately be a month which begins to shape Arsenal’s season. A succession of victories could suggest that another title challenge could be on the way under Mikel Arteta.

  This weekend was no doubt a tough test, as the Gunners could have been an almost-unassailable eight points behind Liverpool had results gone against them. As it is, late goals across both fixtures – including a big goal by former Gunner Eddie Nketiah- have meant that gap is just two. This could ultimately be a significant weekend in Arsenal’s season.

  The VAR debate will rage on, though, with multiple contentious decisions taking place this weekend, including the decision not to send off Nathan Collins at Brentford against Manchester United.

  It is unlikely that we will ever reach a place where everyone is happy with every decision – but some more uniformed guidance over what is clear and obvious could make a major impact and avoid points of contention such as this. But as the Gunners take their well-earned three points home from the North East, Saka and co. will let it go on this occasion.