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Newcastle United fell to their third Premier League defeat of the season this afternoon, with Danny Welbeck’s double securing a 2-1 win for Brighton & Hove Albion.

Eddie Howe’s side must have thought they secured a point after Nick Woltemade netted his fourth goal in just five league outings after his summer arrival from Stuttgart.

However, it wasn’t meant to be, as the aforementioned star’s effort was in vain after Welbeck’s goal secured Fabian Hurzeler’s side all three points at the AMEX.

The Magpies now sit in the bottom half of the table at present, with just two wins to their name – needing a huge reaction in the coming games to get their campaign back on track.

Such a result will likely leave the manager bitterly disappointed, but more so, the failure to impress of numerous players who were handed chances to impress from the off.

Newcastle’s disappointing performers against Brighton

Despite being under fire for his lack of impact of late, Howe decided to stick with Brazilian international Joelinton as part of his three-man midfield.

However, his showing against the Seagulls was a hugely disappointing one, with the 29-year-old subsequently being withdrawn from the contest at the break.

He failed to create any chances for his teammates despite completing 21 passes, whilst also losing 100% of the aerial battles that he entered on the South Coast.

Joelinton wasn’t alone in failing to deliver against Hurzeler’s men, with full-back Dan Burn unable to help the Magpies secure all three points against his former employers.

The 33-year-old only managed to win four of the 14 duels he entered during his 90-minute performance, subsequently being dribbled past twice by former Newcastle star Yankuba Minteh.

Despite the showings from the aforementioned duo, one other first-team member produced an afternoon to forget, with Howe desperately needing to take action.

The Newcastle star who needs to be dropped after Brighton

After the sale of Alexander Isak during the summer window, it was vital Newcastle invested well into the squad to avoid a drop off in the Premier League standings.

As previously mentioned, Woltemade has hit the ground running for the Magpies, already looking like the club’s most threatening option within the final third.

The opposite end of the pitch also received hefty investment, with Malick Thiaw joining in a £40m deal from AC Milan – subsequently cementing his place in the starting eleven in recent weeks.

However, fellow summer addition Anthony Elanga has struggled to produce the type of displays that saw the hierarchy fork out a fee in the region of £55m for his services.

The Swede has failed to score or assist in any of his ten outings across all competitions, with his showing against the Seagulls highlighting his lack of impact to date.

He was named in the starting eleven for the clash against Hurzeler’s men this afternoon, but once again failed to match the faith shown in him by his manager, Howe.

Like Joelinton, Elanga was hooked at half-time due to his lack of impact, with his underlying figures showcasing how dismal he was during the Magpies’ latest defeat.

Anthony Elanga – stats against Brighton

Statistics

Tally

Minutes played

45

Touches

20

Passes completed

12

Crosses completed

0

Dribbles completed

0

Duels won

50%

Dribbled past

1

Match rating

4/10

Stats via FotMob

He failed to complete any of the dribbles or crosses that he attempted, with only one of his attempted passes being made into the final third of the pitch.

Elanga also came out on top in just 50% of all the duels he contested, even being unable to create any chances for his teammates during his 45-minute outing.

To further highlight his lack of impact, he only achieved a total of 20 touches, a tally lower than that of goalkeeper Nick Pope, who achieved a total of 40.

As a result of his performance, Elanga was handed a measly 4/10 match rating by Newcastle World journalist Jordan Cronin – further showcasing his lack of impact.

Given his display, Howe desperately needs to get the winger firing, which should see the 23-year-old being dropped to the substitutes’ bench in the coming matches.

His mammoth price tag has certainly increased the pressure on his shoulders, but time needs to be handed his way to allow the attacker to adapt to the demands in the North East.

Related Newcastle are brewing the homegrown Elanga in 18-year-old "huge talent"

Newcastle’s attack has struggled this season, but rising star could be the future spark they need

Posts ByWill Miller Oct 17, 2025

Former England opener’s 54-ball blitz set 147 but the hosts eased home with 13 balls to spare

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay30-May-2025

Somerset 147 for 5 (Smeed 35, Abell 29*, Majid 2-26) beat Surrey 146 for 9 (Roy 92, Henry 3-21) by five wicketsSomerset continued to hold sway over Surrey, beating their arch rivals by five wickets in an entertaining Vitality Blast curtain-raiser at the Cooper Associates Ground, Taunton.Looking to avenge their defeat to the Cider county in last season’s semi-final, the Londoners were on the receiving end of a strong batting and bowling display as Somerset gave their short format campaign lift-off in front of a raucous sell-out crowd.Put into bat, Surrey lost wickets at regular intervals and were indebted to Jason Roy, who smashed a brilliant 92 from 54 balls, smiting six fours and seven sixes in a whirlwind knock that served to carry his side to 146 for 9. Otherwise, Somerset’s bowlers called the shots, overseas stars Matt Henry and Riley Meredith claiming 3 for 21 and 3 for 26 respectively to keep their rivals in check.Will Smeed scored 35, hit four fours and a six and shared in stands of 45 and 44 with Tom Banton and Tom Kohler-Cadmore for the first and second wickets respectively, while Tom Abell contributed an assured unbeaten 29 and Ben Green a quickfire 23 not out as the home side reached their target with 13 balls to spare.Somerset boast a formidable seam bowling attack and Henry made an immediate impact from the River end, inducing Dom Sibley to chip to mid-on in the second over. Demonstrating clever variation, Craig Overton then sent down a maiden to apply further pressure.If Ollie Pope was becalmed, Roy made amends, hoisting Overton over mid-wicket for a huge six to break the shackles and then playing a back-foot force through the covers to afford the innings overdue impetus. Henry checked Surrey progress in the sixth, Pope directing a top edge to short mid-wicket and departing for a 12-ball five as the powerplay yielded an underwhelming 30 for 2.But Roy remains a potent force and he overcame a diffident start to stage a restorative stand with Sam Curran, who adopted the role of chief support in helping advance the score to 66 for 2 at halfway. Now at his fluent best, Roy went to a 31-ball 50, pulling a Meredith bouncer high over square leg for his third six of an increasingly authoritative innings.The third wicket stand was worth 57 when Curran tried his luck against Green and holed out to Thomas Rew at deep mid-wicket for 22 with the score 85 for 3 in the thirteenth. Unconstrained by his captain’s demise, Roy helped himself to sixes at the expense of Goldsworthy and Gregory as he powered towards three figures.He enjoyed a slice of good fortune on 71, holing out to backward square, only to be reprieved when Gregory was adjudged to have over-stepped. Gregory persisted and had Laurie Evans held at long-on later in the same over as Surrey slipped to 107 for 4. Overton again demonstrated safe hands to dismiss Tom Curran for nine, Henry returning at the Marcus Trescothick Pavilion end to further reduce Surrey to 119 for 5.Meredith removed Ollie Sykes, pouched on the deep mid-wicket boundary and Green had Chris Jordan caught at long-on. But the indefatigable Roy responded by twice lofting Green over mid-wicket for six to move into the nineties. He was eight runs short of a hundred when he hit Meredith high into the air and holed out to mid-off in the final over.If Somerset’s batsmen needed reassurance, Smeed and Banton provided it in an opening stand of 45 in six overs to afford the reply solid foundations. Squared up by Sam Curran, Banton skied a catch to backward point and fell for 23, but Smeed immediately picked up the cudgels, greeting Yousef Majid’s slow left arm with an imposing six over fine leg to keep the scoreboard moving.Tom Kohler-Cadmore matched Smeed blow for blow, pulling Nathan Smith for a majestic six over square leg and helping himself to a trio of fours in a violent 10-ball knock of 23, adding 44 in 3.3 overs for the second wicket before losing off stump to Tom Curran.Sam Curran bowled Smeed for a 29-ball 35 in the next over, at which point Somerset were 98 for 3, requiring a further 49 to win at less than a run a ball. Rew’s debut lasted five balls, the youngster held at long-on off the bowling of Yousef, who then removed Gregory to reduce the home side to 112 for 5 in the fourteenth and give Surrey a glimmer of hope.Abell and Green calmed any nerves, these two batting sensibly in an unbroken sixth wicket alliance of 35 to see their side over the line. Green finished with a flourish, taking Jordan for a six and four in the seventeenth over on his way to 23 not out from 16 balls.

تحدث المدير الفني لفريق ليفربول، آرني سلوت، عن عودة النجم المصري محمد صلاح إلى التهديف، بعدما سجل في خسارة يوم السبت ضد برينتفورد، في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وحل ليفربول ضيفًا على برينتفورد في الجولة التاسعة من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، موسم 2025/26، حيث خسر حامل اللقب بثلاثة أهداف لهدفين.

وشارك محمد صلاح في مباراة السبت بأكملها، منذ الدقيقة الأولى وحتى النهاية، وسجل هدفًا رائعًا في الدقيقة 89.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ردود أفعال جماهير ليفربول على أداء محمد صلاح أمام برينتفورد: يجب إقالة سلوت

جاء هدف محمد صلاح بعدما عانى لفترة من الصيام التهديفي، مما جعله عرضة للانتقادات، خاصة أنه بعيد عن مستواه المعهود عنه، ليس هو فقط، بل الفريق بأكمله.

وسُئل سلوت عن مسألة عودة محمد صلاح إلى التسجيل، حيث رد في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “بي بي سي” العالمية: “من الإيجابي دائمًا أن يسجل هدفًا، لقد كان إنهاءً رائعًا من مو”.

وأضاف: “إذا كان محمد صلاح سيبدأ سلسلة تسجيل الأهداف، سيكون ذلك بالغ الأهمية للفريق، كرة القدم تعني تسجيل الأهداف، ولكنها تعني كذلك عدم استقبالها”.

وواصل: “سيفيد الفريق وجود لاعبين قادرين على تسجيل الأهداف، ولكن هذا سيساعدنا فقط إذا حافظنا كفريق على نظافة شباكنا، وهذا ليس فقط ما يفعله خط الدفاع، بل ما نحتاجه كفريق لتحسينه”.

Chelsea have made a habit of buying young players, using them for a few years and then selling them on for good money.

Perhaps the best example of this process recently is Noni Madueke, who joined the club for £29m in January 2023 and was then sold for £52m this summer.

Now, there is, of course, the chance that the now Arsenal player ends up further developing in North London and making the club’s decision to sell him look silly.

To some degree, he may already be proving that point. He was arguably the Gunners’ best player during their 1-0 defeat to Liverpool and after scoring in England’s 5-0 rout of Serbia, earned comparisons to Bukayo Saka.

Madueke certainly looks as though he’s on the point of exploding into life at the Emirates Stadium and his display against the Serb’s showcased that. He was full of pace, full of life and took his goal brilliantly.

However, that being said, Enzo Maresca already has his replacement for the Englishman, someone who could be an even better player, someone to rival Estevao for years to come.

Why Estevao is one of Chelsea's most exciting players

The player in question might not be Estevao, but like him, the Brazilian is undoubtedly one of the most exciting players in this Chelsea squad.

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Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Described as a “future Ballon d’Or winner” by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, the 18-year-old was finally allowed to join the team this summer after being signed last year, and in just a few appearances is already looking like something special.

For example, after Jamie Gittens struggled to make an impact against Crystal Palace in the opening game of the season, Enzo Maresca turned to the youngster to make something happen.

Then, in his first competitive start for the club against West Ham United, the dynamic winger more than justified the hype around him by providing an assist for Joao Pedro and utterly terrifying the Hammers’ defence whenever he had the ball at his feet.

It’s not just in club football where the Franca-born gem is turning heads either, as in just his second start for the Brazilian national team, against Chile, he scored his first international goal.

In all, even though it is still so early in his Chelsea career, it looks like Estevao could be one of the club’s very best players for years to come, and he could have a great partnership and rivalry with the Blues’ new Madueke.

Chelsea's new Madueke

Chelsea are a team full of talented youngsters, but in this instance, we are talking about Tyrique George.

Now, it is certainly the case that the Cobham graduate came very close to joining Fulham in the summer.

However, given his immense talent and Mareca’s willingness to play promising youngsters, there is a world in which he becomes the replacement for Madueke on this side.

After all, with 21 goals and 19 assists in 69 appearances across the junior sides, he is clearly too good to be kept out of senior football.

Moreover, even though he hasn’t had loads of opportunities, he has impressed when selected for the first team.

For example, in just 1154 minutes spread across 26 games last season, the “ridiculous” talent, as dubbed by creator Felix Johnston, was able to score three goals and provide five assists.

Furthermore, he filled in at left-wing, right-wing and even up top, and so, like Madueke before him, could become something of a utility attacker for the West Londoners.

Last but not least, the teenage star, whom Jadon Sancho claimed “has the world at his feet”, also put up some impressive underlying numbers in the Conference League last season.

According to FBref, he ranked in the top 3% of attacking midfielders and wingers for touches in the opposition’s penalty area and carries into the penalty area, as well as in the top 12% for expected assisted goals and more, all per 90.

Touches (Att Pen)

7.06

Top 3%

Carries into Penalty Area

3.18

Top 3%

Pass Completion % (Medium)

89.0%

Top 7%

xAG: Exp. Assisted Goals

0.34

Top 12%

Progressive Passes Rec

10.35

Top 12%

Pass Completion %

82.7%

Top 13%

npxG + xAG

0.58

Top 18%

Total Carrying Distance

233.65

Top 20%

Progressive Carries

4.47

Top 21%

Ultimately, Chelsea might be thankful George’s transfer didn’t go through come the end of the season, as even though he is still young, he could be the perfect replacement for Maadueke in the squad.

Enzo Maresca dealt another Chelsea injury blow as club release statement

The Blues are set to be without a few key players.

ByEmilio Galantini Sep 10, 2025

يستعد منتخب البرتغال، بقيادة المدرب روبرتو مارتينيز، لخوض مباراة في إطار التصفيات المؤهلة إلى بطولة كأس العالم نسخة 2026، وذلك مساء يوم السبت ضد نظيره أيرلندا.

ويستضيف ملعب “جوزيه ألفالادي” مباراة البرتغال وأيرلندا، في إطار تصفيات قارة أوروبا المؤهلة إلى النسخة المقبلة من بطولة كأس العالم.

ويمتلك منتخب البرتغال 6 نقاط في صدارة المجموعة السادسة، في حين تمتلك أيرلندا نقطة واحدة فقط في المركز الرابع. موعد مباراة البرتغال وأيرلندا اليوم في تصفيات كأس العالم 2026

تنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة 9:45 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة والسعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة البرتغال وأيرلندا اليوم في تصفيات كأس العالم 2026

تُذاع المباراة عبر قناة beIN SPORTS 5. معلق مباراة البرتغال وأيرلندا اليوم في تصفيات كأس العالم 2026

سيعلق جواد بده على أحداث مباراة اليوم.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنـــا.

MatériaMais Notícias

A sensação de que o Fluminense tem sua rota cada vez mais traçada pelos pés de Paulo Henrique Ganso marca a equipe de Fernando Diniz às vésperas de encarar o Fla-Flu pelo jogo de ida das oitavas de final da Copa do Brasil. A serenidade com a qual o camisa 10 tem surgido bem para a criação de jogadas da equipe de Fernando Diniz se tornou ainda mais latente devido à maneira como o atleta se impôs nos primeiros jogos no Campeonato Brasileiro.

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Nos seis primeiros jogos do Tricolor das Laranjeiras, o jogador de 33 anos marcou dois gols e deu três passes para que seus companheiros estufassem as redes, de acordo com dados do Sofascore. Nesta terça-feira (16), o meia dividirá com Lima a missão de municiar Arias, Gabriel Pirani e Cano.

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Ganso vem se aproximando dos números que obteve em todo o Brasileiro anterior. quando em 33 partidas marcou cinco gols e deu passe para colegas anotarem em cinco oportunidades. Seu embalo também foi refletido na única partida que disputou na atual Copa do Brasil até o momento.

+ Todos os jogos do Brasileirão você encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe o seu time do coração

Diante do Paysandu, o camisa 10 teve tranquilidade para fazer o Tricolor das Laranjeiras ditar o ritmo da partida e garantir que os comandados de Diniz consolidassem a vitória por 3 a 0 no Mangueirão. Sua maturidade tem se tornado fundamental para que saiba reconhecer o momento no qual a equipe precisa atacar de maneira mais intensa.

Em um clássico diante do Flamengo, cercado de expectativa, caberá a Paulo Henrique Ganso tentar abrir caminhos diante da defesa adversária. Ciente da habilidade de Arias e da eficiência de Germán Cano, o camisa 10 se aprimora para ser o mais certeiro possível.

We’re just a week away from the return of the Premier League, and Chelsea are looking like a scary proposition.

Enzo Maresca’s side finished last season in fine form, and the board have only made them stronger with their work in the transfer market this summer.

The likes of Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap and Joao Pedro will make them far more dangerous in attack, while Jorrel Hato looks like he could be one of the next great defenders.

The Blues aren’t done there, though, as they also appear intent on adding Xavi Simons to their squad, as well as another international who’d be brilliant alongside the Dutchman.

Chelsea target Simons' perfect partner

Simons has been one of the more prominent names linked to Chelsea over the last few weeks, and while it started as nothing more than an interest, it now looks like they’re dead set on signing him.

Transfer Focus

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

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Reports from the last week or so have gone as far as claiming that personal terms have already been agreed and that an offer of around £61m would be enough to seal the deal.

It would be a brilliant bit of business if the Blues could get it done, and yet, they still want to do even more, as they’re now closing in on someone who could end up being unplayable alongside Simons.

At least that’s according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, who has reaffirmed that Chelsea want to sign Alejandro Garnacho this summer.

The Italian journalist goes further than that, though, revealing that the Argentine ace has now agreed to “every detail of personal terms” with the Blues and that he “only wants” a move to Stamford Bridge.

Romano doesn’t mention how much the 21-year-old could end up costing, but based on stories from the last few weeks, it would appear that the Pensioners do not want to pay much more than £40m.

While Garnacho could still end up costing a little more than that, this feels like a deal that’s worth pursuing, as he’s got plenty of potential, and alongside Simons, he could become unplayable.

Why Garnacho could be unplayable with Simons

While it might have seemed unlikely a few weeks ago, Romano has made it quite clear that Chelsea want to sign Simons and Garnacho this summer, and though some might see that as overkill, we reckon they could be perfect teammates.

The first reason stems from their raw output last season, as an attacking player is always judged on their goal-scoring or chance-creating abilities.

For his efforts, the RB Leipzig star scored 11 goals and provided eight assists in 33 appearances, totalling 2763 minutes, which comes out to an impressive average of a goal involvement every 1.73 games, or every 145.42 minutes.

Garnacho & Simons in 24/25

Players

Garnacho

Simons

Appearances

58

33

Minutes

3568′

2763′

Goals

11

11

Assists

10

8

Goal Involvements per Match

0.36

0.57

Minutes per Goal Involvements

169.90′

145.42′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Then, in his 58 appearances last season, totalling 3568 minutes, the Madrid-born “superstar,” as dubbed by journalist Liam Canning, scored 11 goals and provided ten assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.76 games, or every 169.90 minutes, which is very impressive considering he was playing in a historically bad Manchester United team.

Not only do these numbers suggest that both players would be able to contribute in a meaningful way for the Blues next season, but they also make it clear that they’re both as good at scoring goals as they are at creating chances.

In other words, when playing together, opposition defenders will be unsure which one of them will be the creator and which one will be the finisher, and those minute moments of hesitation could allow them the space to thrive.

On top of this, both youngsters are more than comfortable playing as a ten or out wide on the wings.

This would allow them to play more games together, interchange with relative ease on the pitch, and crucially, cover for one another when one needs to be rested.

Ultimately, on their own, Simons and Garnacho would be excellent signings, but together they could become unplayable at Chelsea.

Related The next Cole Palmer: Chelsea "keep working" to sign £61m "game-changer"

The superb international would be an unreal signing for Chelsea.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 7, 2025

It would be something of an understatement to say this summer has been a busy one for Chelsea.

Enzo Maresca’s men hardly had a moment to catch their breath after winning the Conference League before they were thrown into the Club World Cup, which they then won.

Likewise, even though the board have made plenty of signings over recent years, they’ve been just as busy this summer, picking up some genuinely exciting talents like Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens.

However, they aren’t done there, as they’ve also been linked with another international star, someone who’d be a far better signing than another player touted for a move to Stamford Bridge: Alejandro Garnacho.

Chelsea target massive Garnacho upgrade

While most of Chelsea’s business this summer has been conducted without much controversy or fan backlash, it wouldn’t be unfair to suggest that there is a portion of the fan base who wouldn’t be overjoyed with the potential signing of Garnacho.

Transfer Focus

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

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After all, the Argentine international has a massive public falling out with Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, and while he’s talented, the supposed price tag of around £40m might be too much for someone who could disrupt the dressing room.

So, it’s good news that it now appears as if the club are closing in on someone else, someone who’d be a far better signing.

At least that is according to a recent report from Sports Zone, which claims that Chelsea are now rapidly advancing with their interest in Xavi Simons.

In fact, the report has revealed that the Blues have now reached an agreement on personal terms for the RB Leipzig star, and that a first bid is expected sometime today.

While the report makes no mention of how much the Dutchman might cost the West Londoners, other stories from this month have claimed that the German outfit want around £61m.

It could therefore be an expensive transfer to get over the line, but given Simons’ ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he’d be a way better signing than Garnacho.

Why Simons would be a better signing than Garnacho

So, if we ignore all the potential off-the-pitch problems and focus solely on what they can do on the pitch, why would Simons be a far better signing than Garnacho?

Well, first and foremost, the Dutchman is simply the far more dangerous attacking outlet, and that is clearly shown in their respective output from last season.

In his 33 games for Leipzig, totalling just 2763 minutes, the 22-year-old “game-changer,” as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, scored 11 goals and provided eight assists.

That means the former Paris Saint-Germain gem managed to average a goal involvement every 1.73 games, or every 144 minutes.

In contrast, the Madrid-born ace scored just 11 goals and provided ten assists in 58 appearances, totalling 3,568 minutes, for the Red Devils last term.

Garnacho vs Simons in 24/25

Players

Simons

Garnacho

Appearances

33

58

Minutes

2763′

3568′

Goals

11

11

Assists

8

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.57

0.36

Minutes per Goal Involvements

144′

169.90′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

In other words, the Argentine international averaged a goal involvement every 2.76 games, or every 169.90 minutes.

Unfortunately for the United ace, the one-sided nature of this comparison only continues when we take a look at their national team statistics as well.

For example, the former PSV Eindhoven superstar has already won 28 senior caps for the Netherlands, in which he’s scored five goals, provided four assists, made one World Cup appearance and six at the European Championships.

For his efforts, the Argentine has won just eight caps, one of which was a substitute appearance at the Copa América, and he’s only provided one assist in that time.

Ultimately, while Garnacho has undeniable talent, Simons is simply the better and more complete player, and therefore, Chelsea should be looking to sign him over the United ace.

Related Chelsea are now "close" to signing a talent who's as big as Estevao

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 30, 2025

Newcastle United will play Champions League football once again next season, but Eddie Howe will certainly know that first-team signings are needed if his side are to make headway after an extraordinary year.

Top five was secured, as was the Carabao Cup trophy after an incredible performance against Liverpool, who so dominantly won the Premier League.

Somehow, Howe achieved the feats with limited attacking options, but he’s seeking to rectify that in the summer transfer market.

Newcastle looking at Elanga alternative

Indeed, despite a slow start, The Athletic’s David Ornstein has revealed on Wednesday that the Magpies have seen a £45m offer rejected for Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga.

The Tricky Trees have no intention of selling, and while Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth and West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus have been also discussed, there’s another winger on British shores who could move to Tyneside this summer.

As per Football Insider, Celtic are determined to keep Nicolas Kuhn beyond the summer transfer window, although it’s anticipated that Newcastle and German club RB Leipzig will push to swipe his signature.

Brendan Rodgers considers the 25-year-old one of his most valuable players, but offers in and around £20m would likely be accepted by the Scottish champions.

Given the amount of money offered to Forest for Elanga, this might prove an incredibly shrewd piece of business for a Newcastle side boasting the fluent tactical conditions for such a player to flourish.

What Nicolas Kuhn could bring to Newcastle

Kuhn, who played for Ajax and Bayern Munich in his youth, joined Celtic from Rapid Vienna for just £3m in January 2024, and his stock has since risen considerably.

With 42 goal involvements from 68 matches across all competitions, the German winger hasn’t done too badly, even hailed for his “breathtaking” technical quality by Marvin Bartley.

With such sharp pace and dribbling skills, Kuhn fits the bill from a tactical perspective, with Howe questing for such a profile to add competition for the industrious Jacob Murphy on the right flank.

As you can see below, the Celtic star definitely boasts faculties that rival those of Elanga, albeit having performed his duties at a level of lower quality in the Scottish Premiership.

Matches (starts)

32 (24)

38 (31)

Goals

13

6

Assists

9

11

Shots (on target)*

1.9 (0.8)

1.2 (0.6)

Big chances missed

9

6

Pass completion

77%

78%

Big chances created

11

9

Key passes*

1.6

1.3

Dribbles*

1.8

0.7

Tackles*

1.2

0.5

Duels won*

3.5

3.0

But even so, the winger takes things in his stride and likes to be in the thick of the action, making things happen. Moreover, his tenacious approach has led to impressive defensive metrics, always chipping in with tackles and duels.

He also carries the ball forward with regularity, although it must be said that Elanga’s low average in that regard is largely due to the pragmatic nature of Nuno Espirito Santo’s tactics.

Ultimately, Newcastle could find that they could sign a dynamic forward in Kuhn who is capable of special things, and for a portion of the price that Elanga would be available for.

Given the underlying strengths that point in the Hoops man’s favour, it might not turn out to be a bad thing for a Newcastle side in need of reinforcements across a wealth of positions.

He's an Isak clone: Newcastle start discussions to sign £50m "superstar"

Newcastle have enquired about signing their next Alexander Isak.

1 ByRoss Kilvington Jun 23, 2025

Leeds United are looking to bolster the ranks ahead of their return to the Premier League and have designs on signing a full-back known for his ability to get forward, according to reports.

Leeds United look to build on triple signing spree

Elland Road will be a cauldron of noise in the top flight this season, and supporters will be delighted at Jaka Bijol, Lukas Nmecha and Sebastiaan Bornauw making their way into the club to work under Daniel Farke.

However, it does feel like there is a lot more to come in the way of transfer activity, with Leeds likely to need a sequence of additions with pedigree to establish themselves as a Premier League outfit.

After his contribution last season, Paul Robinson believes Leeds should pull out all the stops to land Manor Solomon permanently after he went back to Tottenham Hotspur with no deal agreed to see the former Fulham man remain in Yorkshire.

He stated: “I expect Thomas Frank will take a look at him in pre-season; I don’t think Leeds will go straight back in and do a deal for him.

“From a Leeds point of view, I’d like to think they could because he’s proven he can do it at Premier League level and was excellent last year. To take him out of the Leeds team will be a big miss, so I think they will do all they can to bring him in.”

Better signing than Diarra: Leeds lead race to sign "outstanding" £18m star

Leeds United could soon purchase this outstanding £18m star in a deal that might be better than securing Habib Diarra.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 4, 2025

In light of their off-field problems, Leeds could look to sign goalkeeper Lucas Perri from financially troubled Lyon. Away from their search for a new number one, the Whites are now in the hunt to complete a slightly more complicated deal, per reports.

Leeds United eye quickfire Nuno Tavares transfer

According to Calciomercato, Leeds are keen on signing Lazio full-back Nuno Tavares and are said to be monitoring his situation with the window ongoing alongside West Ham United.

Intriguingly, the Portugal international has only just signed permanently at the Serie A giants from Arsenal. However, Maurizio Sarri would be willing to sell him for a fee between £17.2 million and £21.5 million.

Nuno Tavares – why do Leeds United want to sign the full-back? (FBRef)

Shot-creating actions

74

Goal-creating actions

14

Progressive passes per 90 mins

5.90

Progressive carries per 90 mins

5.08

Successful take-ons per 90 mins

2.68

Backing up his encouraging offensive statistics, Tavares, previously been labelled “excellent” by Claudio Letito, registered nine assists in 30 appearances across all competitions last term, making him an ideal candidate to replace Junior Firpo at Elland Road.

The Dominican Republic international has left following the expiration of his deal in Yorkshire, leaving Farke with the challenge of securing a successor who can replicate his output at both ends of the field.

Tavares looks to have all the pre-requisites needed to take on the challenge, though it remains to be seen if Leeds can push a deal over the line amid rival interest.