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Celtic suffered another damaging defeat in the Scottish Premiership against Heart of Midlothian and Chris Sutton didn’t hold back when assessing their performance at Tynecastle.

Celtic fall eight points behind in Scottish Premiership title race

Continuing a run of poor domestic performances, Celtic endured a second-half collapse in Sunday’s pivotal top-two clash to slip eight points behind Heart of Midlothian in the title race.

After falling behind courtesy of a Dane Murray own goal, Callum McGregor’s equaliser proved to be of scant consolation to a travelling support who were left frustrated as Alexandros Kyziridis and Lawrence Shankland put the seal on a deserved three points for the hosts.

Brendan Rodgers found himself under pressure before kick-off in the capital, and his side succumbed to a second-half collapse that will do little to appease the masses as the Bhoys continued an uncharacteristic start to the campaign, where they have looked out of sorts.

Cameron Carter-Vickers led a lengthy list of Celtic injuries that didn’t help their case at Tynecastle. However, his replacement, Murray, didn’t have a day to remember and may well now be a candidate to come out of the team before Wednesday’s clash with Falkirk at Parkhead.

Ultimately, Hearts sought control in the second 45 minutes and left the reigning champions with no answers, confirming back-to-back league defeats for the first time in almost two years.

Consistency levels at Celtic are usually sky high. Nevertheless, this term has been one of stark contrast, and fan fury at the hierarchy following a dismal summer transfer window will continue to make headlines.

Celtic’s next five fixtures under Brendan Rodgers

Falkirk (H)

Scottish Premiership

Rangers (N)

Premier Sports Cup

Midtjylland (A)

Europa League

Kilmarnock (H)

Scottish Premiership

St Mirren (A)

Scottish Premiership

Collectively, the Bhoys are falling way below expectation at the moment, and Sutton has now pointed out some of the key duties he believes they are simply failing to carry out.

Chris Sutton reacts to Celtic loss at Hearts

Taking to social media platform X after the final whistle, Sutton made clear that Hearts were far more streetwise, organised, and were far more productive in the forward areas, something he believes has been symptomatic of the clubs’ respective seasons.

The former Hoops striker believes that the team need to improve in those three aspects if they want to turn their season around to beat Hearts to the league title.

Making reference to the Irishman’s comments last week after Celtic fell to the hands of Dundee, all is not well at the Scottish champions and being eight points behind at this stage would’ve been unthinkable months ago, though Hearts have taken full advantage of their plight.

Undoubtedly, Derek McInnes and his side were all things that the Bhoys failed to produce at Tynecastle and have continued to generate momentum in an unbeaten start to the league season.

Rodgers could unearth his new Daizen Maeda in Celtic's rarely-seen "animal"

With Daizen Maeda and Kelechi Ịheanachọ injured for Sunday’s top of the table clash with Hearts, Brendan Rodgers should unleash Celtic’s “animal”.

ByBen Gray Oct 25, 2025

Celtic need to react swiftly against Falkirk and start to chalk up results on a regular basis. If they don’t, scrutiny on the manager and the boardroom will reach new heights.

The wage cap, which was US$2.5 million in the first three editions of the league, has been trimmed to US$2 million

Matt Roller02-Jun-2025

The UAE’s ILT20 has cut team salary caps by 20% after avoiding a direct clash with South Africa’s SA20 in the 2025-26 season. Each team will be permitted to spend up to US$2 million on player salaries this season, after a wage cap of US$2.5 million in the first three editions of the league.ESPNcricinfo has learned that there is a belief among the six franchises that they have overspent on wages, and that many top players will still play in the league for slightly lower salaries thanks to a clearer window this year.The ILT20 will shift forward this season, running from December 2 until January 4, and will only briefly clash with the SA20. The two leagues have competed directly against one another for talent in their first three seasons, and ILT20 chief executive David White said a key reason to move is to enable the league to “access a bigger pool of players”.Related

ILT20: Powell, Ghazanfar retained; Hales, Livingstone among new signings

ILT20 to move to December-January window for 2025-26 season

Leagues like ILT20 'not good for the game' – Graeme Smith

The league is also expected to move to an auction model for the 2025-26 season, after relying on direct signings in its first three years. ESPNcricinfo has learned that an auction is due to take place in September, with franchises in the process of working through their retentions in the meantime. Teams will still be permitted to spend an additional US$250,000 on additional ‘wildcard’ signings.The ILT20’s business model relies heavily on a long-term TV deal with Zee TV, the Indian broadcaster, and the league has been criticised for its low minimum requirement of only two local UAE players in each playing XI. Dubai Capitals are the defending champions, after Gulf Giants (2023) and MI Emirates (2024) won the first two titles.The ILT20’s decision to trim the wage cap could provide an indirect boost to the Big Bash League [BBL] ahead of its upcoming draft. The BBL has struggled to retain its leading overseas players in recent years, who have either left for the UAE before the knockout stages or skipped the league altogether, but will hope that the ILT20’s cost-cutting plays in its favour.

For much of the season so far, Arsenal fans have had to watch Liverpool score last-minute winner after last-minute winner.

Watching your Premier League title rival survive scare after scare has to be a draining experience, but yesterday afternoon it was the Gunners’ turn to win it at the death.

Despite clearly being the better team for most of the game against Newcastle United, Mikel Arteta’s side found themselves 1-0 for much of the encounter and staring down the barrel of yet more dropped points.

Fortunately, the North Londoners found a way to claim all three and narrow the gap to the Reds at the top of the table to just two points.

There were stand-out performances for Arsenal all over the pitch, including one starter who is starting to win comparisons to Cesc Fàbregas.

Arsenal's stand-out stars vs Newcastle

Now, while he didn’t necessarily have the best of games, falling over nothing to allow the hosts a goal early on, Gabriel Magaelehged more than made his mark by full-time.

Minutes

98′

Goals

1

Clearances

11

Blocked Shots

2

Interceptions

3

Tackles

3

Dribbled Past

0

Ground Duels (Won)

4 (4)

Aerial Duels (Won)

11 (8)

Touches

82

Shots on Target

1

The Brazilian titan made 11 clearances, blocked two shots, made three interceptions, won 100% of his ground duels and made three tackles.

However, it should really go without saying that his most significant impact on the game was his 96th-minute headed winner that sent the travelling fans absolutely potty.

Mikel Merino also deserves a lot of credit for his battling display, as in the 28 minutes or so he spent on the pitch, the Spaniard scored an outrageous header to kickstart the comeback, won four out of five duels and just added another avenue of attack for his side.

It wasn’t just the goal scorers who impressed, though, as Eberechi Eze put in a performance that should see him keep his place in the starting line-up for some time to come.

The former Crystal Palace star came so close to opening the scoring early on in the first half, but saw his shot pushed round the post by Nick Pope, and then, towards the end of the half, saw a perfectly struck volley saved as well.

It wasn’t just his shots that made the 27-year-old a danger to the Toon, though, as he completed 100% of his dribbles, played a key pass and was taking up threatening positions on both sides of the pitch.

In all, there were plenty of Arsenal stars who put on excellent displays yesterday afternoon, including one who has now been compared to Fabregas.

Arsenal's Fabregas-esque star

You could probably make the argument that the likes of Martin Odegaard, Eze or even Ethan Nwaneri share some Fabregas-esque qualities.

Chalkboard

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

However, in this instance, Martin Zubimendi is the player in question, and the comparison comes from one analyst who described the former Real Sociedad star as a “Fabregas type” player.

Now, plenty of you may be scratching your heads as the 26-year-old generally plays in a deeper role than the former international ever did for Arsenal, Barcelona, or Chelsea.

However, the position he plays in has very little to do with the comparison itself; instead, what the analyst is getting at is the fact that the summer signing is capable of playing sensational passes into dangerous areas for his teammates.

In fact, while nothing came from it in the end, we saw this in yesterday’s game when he dinked the ball over the Newcastle defence only for Pope to make a great save to deny Jurrien Timber.

That wasn’t the only chance he created, though, as by the time the game ended, he had played two key passes, amassed an expected assists figure of 0.52, been accurate in 100% of his long balls and completed 54 of 60 passes.

Moreover, he’s also been accurate in 83% of his passes in the opposition’s half in the Premier League so far this season.

In other words, he is more than just a six; he is someone who can conduct play from slightly deeper, someone who can spray passes out wide to kickstart counters, or, as we saw yesterday, ping a ball into the penalty area and cause panic among opposition defenders.

Ultimately, there is still some way to go before he reaches his full potential. However, on top of his defensive attributes, Zubimendi is proving to be a dangerous Fabregas-esque passer from deep, and as respected analyst Ben Mattinson states, he’s been “near-perfect” for Arsenal so far this season.

Arsenal's "colossal" star is the modern-day Patrick Vieira & it's not Rice

The modern-day Patrick Vieira may well have been found at Arsenal.

ByMatt Dawson Sep 29, 2025

Australia legspinner will join from fourth game of group stage and be available for Finals Day

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Apr-2025Australia legspinner Alana King has signed to play for Lancashire in this summer’s Vitality Blast.King will join the club from their fourth match of the group stage, against Surrey at Old Trafford on June 7, and be available until the end of the competition. She is also contracted for two games in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup in July.King, 29, was Player of the Series as Australia secured a 16-0 Ashes whitewash against England earlier this year. She also helped Australia to win the ODI World Cup in 2022 and the T20 World Cup in 2023.Related

Craig Cumming named head coach of the Blaze

Sophie Luff named as Somerset Women's first professional captain

Grace Harris joins Surrey Women for Vitality Blast

Alongside her experience of the 2022 Commonwealth Games and 2023 Ashes tour, she has played in England with Trent Rockets in the Hundred, claiming a hat-trick against Manchester Originals at Old Trafford in 2022.”I am really honoured to be able to represent a great county in Lancashire,” King said. “When I look at the past great names that have represented the county before me, it truly is a privilege to represent this team.”I am looking forward to teaming up with Crossy [Kate Cross], Sophie [Ecclestone], the rest of the Red Rose girls, and driving our charge towards a successful campaign in the Vitality Blast.”It will be fantastic to play at Emirates Old Trafford, one of the world’s most iconic grounds, and I trust that all the Lancs fans will get out and support us during the tournament.”King has taken more than 100 wickets in the WBBL, winning the title with Perth Scorchers in 2021-22, and was a team-mate of Ecclestone at UP Warriorz in this year’s WPL.Lancashire Women’s head coach Chris Read said: “We are thrilled by the news that Alana, one of the leading stars in the recent Women’s Ashes series, will join us at Emirates Old Trafford later this summer.”Alana will bring with her an incredible amount of skill and experience, from both the international stage and in franchise cricket around the world, and we cannot wait to see her in action for the Red Rose.”Spin plays an important role at Emirates Old Trafford, and I have no doubts that Alana will positively impact matches for us in the Vitality Blast, while it will also be great to have her around for a couple of 50-over fixtures later in the season too.”

India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has undergone a surgery on his finger, but is expected to be fit in time for the IPL, where he will lead Rajasthan Royals (RR). It is understood that Samson will take around a month to recover after his surgery took place on Tuesday. That gives him enough time for be ready for the IPL, which will start in the March 21-22-23 weekend.Samson picked up the injury during the fifth T20I against England earlier this month when he was hit by a Jofra Archer delivery early in the game. Samson scored 16 off seven and was later subbed out because of the injury and Dhruv Jurel kept wickets in his place; he went on to take three catches in India’s massive 150-run win.The injury forced Samson miss Kerala’s quarter-final in the Ranji Trophy, against Jammu & Kashmir in Pune from February 8.Samson didn’t have a great T20I series against England, scoring just 51 runs in five games to average 10.20, while striking at 118.60.He last played an ODI in December 2023 – when he scored a century against South Africa – and after India played just three ODIs in 2024, he was left out of Kerala’s one-day squad in the Vijay Hazare Trophy after he failed to show up for their preparatory camp in the lead-up to the tournament.Samson’s next assignment will be leading RR in IPL 2025. RR made the playoffs under his captaincy last season but were beaten by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the second Qualifier.

Former India allrounder comes in with plenty of coaching experience in international and franchise cricket

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Feb-2025Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have signed former India allrounder S Sriram as their assistant bowling coach ahead of IPL 2025. At CSK, Sriram joins a coaching contingent led by Stephen Fleming (head coach), Mike Hussey (batting coach), and Eric Simons (bowling consultant).Sriram brings with him a wealth of coaching experience at various levels. He effectively replaces Dwayne Bravo at CSK, with the latter having joined defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders as mentor.He was Australia’s assistant coach from 2016 to 2022, a role he left to focus on his assignment with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). In August 2022, Sriram was also appointed Bangladesh’s T20 consultant ahead of the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup. In September 2023, he joined Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as assistant coach for IPL 2024, and also returned to Bangladesh – this time as technical consultant – before the ODI World Cup.Sriram has also worked as assistant coach at Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals).CSK’s squad for IPL 2025 includes R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Shreyas Gopal and Noor Ahmad as frontline spinners, with Deepak Hooda and Rachin Ravindra as spin-bowling allrounders.CSK missed qualifying for the playoffs last year as they finished fifth with seven wins and as many defeats in the 14 group matches. Although they were level on 14 points with fourth-placed RCB, CSK’s inferior net run-rate meant they fell just short of making it to the final four.IPL 2025 begins on March 22 with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) taking on RCB in Kolkata, and CSK play Mumbai Indians (MI) the following evening at home in their first match.

Being one of the biggest clubs in world football, Manchester United have completed some hugely exciting signings over the years.

While they don’t always work out, the Red Devils have signed more than their fair share of bona fide superstars over the years, like Paul Pogba and Ángel Di María, just to name a couple.

However, when it comes to the transfer that captured the most headlines and caused the most excitement among the fans, it’s hard to look past Cristiano Ronaldo’s return in 2021.

Interestingly, if reports are to be believed, United are looking to make another signing in that vein this summer.

United working on Ronaldo repeat

While last season was Manchester United’s worst in the Premier League era, the club have had an excellent summer when it comes to transfers.

Transfer Focus

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

While it looked like they’d struggle to bring in their targets at one point, the Red Devils have now overhauled their entire frontline with Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.

Yet, instead of sitting back and being pleased with their efforts, the club look intent on making more signings, and are now looking at a deal which would be very reminiscent of Ronaldo’s in 2021.

At least that is according to a recent report from the Sun, which claims United are interested in David de Gea.

In fact, the report has revealed that INEOS and Co have been making ‘discreet calls’ behind the scenes and have been tipped off that a clause in their former player’s current contract with Fiorentina could see him ‘leave for a relatively small sum.’

It’s unclear what that fee would be, but given Andre Onana’s struggles last year, United should pay it and bring the Spaniard back, just like they did with Ronaldo.

Why De Gea would be Ronaldo 2.0

While there are probably other signings you could compare it to, especially when it comes to the position, there are a few reasons why bringing De Gea in this summer would feel a lot like Ronaldo’s move in 2021.

The first is obviously the fact that it would be United resigning an old player, although more than that, it would be the club bringing back someone who had been one of their very best players for years.

During his time in the North West, the “phenomenal” Spaniard, as dubbed by Rio Ferdinand, made an astounding 545 appearances for the Red Devils, in which he kept 190 clean sheets, averaged 1.84 points per game and won more than his fair share of major honours, including one Premier League title, an FA Cup and the Europa League.

Moreover, like the former Real Madrid star, the shot-stopper would be making his way back to Old Trafford from Serie A, and he would also almost certainly do so under the promise he’d get plenty of first-team football this season.

After all, one of the primary reasons this deal even seems plausible is the fact that Andre Onana has been an issue for the club, and they need someone more reliable between the sticks as soon as possible.

Saves

2.74

2.59

Save %

72.6%

68.9%

Clean Sheets

0.31

0.26

Clean Sheet %

31.4%

31.4%

Penalty Save %

66.7%

25.0%

Passing Accuracy

73.2%

72.6%

Key Passes

0.09

0.03

We can see that the former United star would be able to fulfil that role by looking at both players’ underlying numbers from last season, as in almost every relevant metric from saves per game to save percentage and even passing accuracy, he comes out on top.

Ultimately, while some might argue United shouldn’t go back for a player they sold in the past, it’s clear they need a more reliable goalkeeper this season, and from everything we’ve seen over the last year or two, it’s clear that De Gea is precisely that.

Therefore, just as they did with Ronaldo four years ago, the Red Devils should bring the Spaniard back to Old Trafford.

Bad news for Mainoo: Man Utd to open talks to sign £100m Baleba alternative

Manchester United have made their move for another star instead of Carlos Baleba.

ByEthan Lamb Aug 17, 2025

The Darwin Nunez era has come to an end. However Liverpool fans choose to remember it, they can’t argue that it wasn’t eventful.

The Uruguayan centre-forward arrived on Merseyside to much fanfare, with Jurgen Klopp having hand-picked the raw and powerful talent after his immense breakout year with Portuguese giants Benfica, scoring 34 goals across 41 matches in 2021/22.

That included an eye-catching performance against Liverpool in the Champions League, with goalscoring games against Barcelona and Bayern Munich preceding it.

When Nunez arrived, many thought he would follow in his footsteps of his countryman Luis Suarez. It was expected this maverick of a striker, oozing quality, would leave his mark on Merseyside.

But that wasn’t the case at all.

Why Liverpool had to sell Darwin Nunez

Nunez was given ample chance to make it work at Anfield, but ultimately, two of the finest modern coaches in Klopp and now Arne Slot have failed to unlock this enigma of a number nine.

At times a maverick, Nunez’s wastefulness and ability to get lost in the flow of matches ultimately led to his downfall, with Slot only starting him once in last term’s Premier League edition since Boxing Day. Across 47 matches in all competitions last year, the 25-year-old only scored seven goals.

And when Slot remarked that he “can’t accept if a player doesn’t give everything” following clear dejection when the striker missed a crucial chance against Aston Villa in February.

It’s for these reasons that an initial £46m fee has been agreed with Al Hilal for the transfer of the South American, who is now expected to have a medical with the Saudi Pro League side.

Touted as a talisman, Nunez leaves with a share of fond memories but plenty of moments that left something to be desired. A replacement is needed.

Liverpool preparing bid for Nunez upgrade

As per Spanish sources, Liverpool are preparing a fresh bid for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, having seen an initial £110m offer rejected last week.

This has since been corroborated by Fabrizio Romano.

The press over in Spain believe that Liverpool are prepared to break the British transfer record that they set with the £116m signing of Florian Wirtz in June by pressing ahead with a move for Isak, who, aged 25, wants to join the Anfield side.

Everything hinges on the Magpies’ success in signing a replacement, and with Manchester United having won the race for Benjamin Sesko, uncertainty reigns with that one.

Why Liverpool want Alexander Isak

Having signed Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt for a £79m fee this summer, many observers might consider a record-breaking move for Isak somewhat superfluous on FSG’s part, but Liverpool are depleted up top in regard to numbers, and Isak would be the cream of the crop.

Not just a devastating goalscorer but an artful and athletic player, considered by his United teammate Nick Pope for being “like a wizard” on the ball, Isak is the real deal, and would be worth every penny as Slot looks to build and sustain a dynasty.

The £120k-per-week talent might even have enough talismanic aura about him that he steps up as Liverpool’s new inspiration, something that will weigh heavily on Slot’s mind as the 33-year-old Mohamed Salah enters the penultimate year of his journey on Merseyside.

Scoring 27 goals and supplying six assists for Newcastle last season, Isak certainly plays his role as the line leader with aplomb, and his goal against Liverpool to seal the Carabao Cup title at Wembley underscores his Steven Gerrard-esque quality, stepping up when his side need him most.

Gerrard had such desire and self-belief, and he had it in spades. The Liverpool legend is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation, having played 710 matches for the Reds, scoring 186 goals and supplying 155 assists for his teammates.

But he was often the man for the big occasion, chipping in with his biggest career hauls against some of Liverpool’s biggest rivals, with Newcastle, Chelsea, Man United, Everton and Arsenal all featuring prominently on that list.

Newcastle

27

10

8

18

Bolton

23

7

9

16

Man City

26

6

10

16

Everton

33

10

4

14

Man Utd

35

9

5

14

Arsenal

34

6

8

14

Aston Villa

27

13

0

13

Moreover, who could forget that FA Cup final performance, releasing a howitzer of a strike to force extra time against West Ham United in the 2006 FA Cup final.

The 45-year-old also inspired Liverpool’s historic Champions League triumph the year before, and stood proud as Anfield’s leader, through thick and thin, across the wide span of his unforgettable career.

Isak might not be cut from the same positional cloth, but the centre-forward has that rare quality that few players across the globe boast: the knack at grabbing games by the scruff of the neck and pushing his team forward, through to victory.

He showed as much against Liverpool at Wembley only earlier this year, after all, while his record against the so-called ‘Big Six’ is also nothing to be sniffed at.

A man for the big occasion, the Swede has scored six times in five meetings with Spurs, four in six against both Chelsea and Liverpool, while also netting two apiece against both Manchester City and Arsenal, across six and five encounters, respectively.

Regarded by journalist Harry de Cosemo for having “hero status” on Tyneside, Isak could immortalise himself in Liverpool by completing a transfer to Slot’s side, adding not just world-class ability but a willingness to step up and lead.

Just like Gerrard did. Time and time again.

More important than Isak: Liverpool begin bid for "world-class" £87m star

Liverpool have entered the race to sign a highly-coveted Luis Diaz heir.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 7, 2025

Liverpool have long been an ambitious club, but it feels like FSG recognised just how big a superpower Arne Slot’s Anfield side are, having unleashed the dogs in the transfer market this summer.

Giorgi Mamardashvili has arrived to provide competition for Alisson Becker between the sticks, while Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez will redefine Liverpool’s wide berths over the coming years.

Florian Wirtz, who joined in a British-record £116m deal last month, has been called “the best midfielder in the world” by former Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrick Helmes.

And Hugo Ekitike will now join from Eintracht Frankfurt in a £79m package, bringing his intelligent, all-action striking style to the team.

But that doesn’t mean the Premier League champions are done and dusted just yet this summer.

Liverpool's next move in the summer transfer market

Liverpool have bolstered heavily this summer, but, as has been confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, they aren’t done just yet.

Transfer Focus

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

With Darwin Nunez up for sale, Ekitike will need a strike partner, and Liverpool are gearing up to make an incredible signing that might just top all others this summer.

Indeed, according to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are still weighing up a new bid for Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, though it would take a new British-record bid worth £130m to even tempt Eddie Howe into parting ways with his talisman.

Bailey stated: “Liverpool aren’t going away. If there’s a chance of getting him, Liverpool are going to be there. I think the approach was more to say to Isak and Newcastle, ‘don’t forget, we are here and ready to make our move’. That was intrinsically behind it. If Liverpool think it’s doable, a bid could go in, it’s not beyond the realms of fantasy. They’ve already come in and made it clear they’ll pay £120m, so it’s already a bid in everything but name.”

Last week, Liverpool approached Newcastle for Isak before forging ahead with a bid for Ekitike, rebuffed as they were. Even so, the Reds may yet return to sign their dream target.

How Isak compares to Ekitike

If Liverpool have the financial means to sign Isak this summer (and it appears that they just might), Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes might just come together to pull off something special.

Newcastle signed Isak from Real Sociedad for a club-record £63m fee in 2022, and he’s gone from strength to strength since then, now recognised as one of Europe’s leading centre-forwards.

Since his Premier League debut, he’s even managed to hit the back of the net at a more clinical rate than Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, which highlights just how incredible a deal this could be for the Reds.

1.

Erling Haaland

97

85 (0.88)

2.

Mohamed Salah

108

66 (0.61)

3.

Alexander Isak

86

54 (0.63)

4.

Ollie Watkins

112

50 (0.45)

5.

Bryan Mbeumo

101

38 (0.38)

Moreover, the Sweden international is dynamic and well-rounded as a marksman. As per FBref, he ranked among the top 16% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for progressive passes, and the top 7% for progressive carries per 90.

A far cleaner striker than Ekitike, Isak would unquestionably be the most exciting signing of Liverpool’s remarkable transfer window, hailed for his “limitless potential” by Toon boss Howe.

To think that Isak, 25, still has lofty heights to scale in spite of his meteoric rise in the Premier League over the past few years is quite a thing.

Certainly, Slot’s first-class coaching could unlock some depth of his skill set he doesn’t even know sits latent within.

Intelligent, industrious and ever enterprising, Isak would rock the footballing world, were he to move to Merseyside this summer.

If Liverpool were to complete a deal for Isak this summer, it would immediately relegate Ekitike to the second fiddle up top. If that doesn’t make the decisive comment on who’s more exciting, what does?

A bigger star than Ekitike: Liverpool enter race to sign £100m winger

Liverpool are consolidating their position at the top of the Premier League this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jul 22, 2025

It’s set to be a busy summer transfer window at Newcastle United.

Ahead of the Toon Army’s Champions League return, Eddie Howe will want to bolster his squad, to avoid the mass injury crisis he endured during the Magpies’ last continental campaign two seasons ago.

James Trafford is poised to arrive from Burnley for £40m, thereby seemingly taking over from Nick Pope as the number one goalkeeper, but could Newcastle be about to make some attacking additions too?

Newcastle targeting a new right-winger

As reported by David Ornstein of the Athletic, Newcastle have had a £45m bid rejected by Nottingham Forest for winger Anthony Elanga.

Meantime, speaking on the Totally Football Show, Daniel Storey outlines how Newcastle actually bid £5m more for the Swedish international last summer, who has since enjoyed a “really good season”, and that owner Evangelos Marinakis “will have absolutely none of that”, believing that the “proven, young” winger is worth closer to £60m.

So, with this deal seemingly unlikely to come to fruition, Steve Kay of Football Transfers claims that the Magpies are ready to submit a bid worth £50m to West Ham for winger Mohammed Kudus.

They add that Howe has identified the Ghanaian as a ‘key target’ amidst his ‘uncertain future’ in East London.

Meantime, Jacob Steinberg and Will Unwin of the Guardian note that Kudus’ contract contains an £85m release clause, although he could be available for closer to £60m, given the Hammers’ ongoing concerns surrounding Profitability & Sustainability rules, with Tottenham also looking to do a deal with their fierce rivals.

Transfer Focus

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

So, could Kudus swap the East End for the North East?

Why Mohammed Kudus would be a success at Newcastle

Since joining West Ham from Ajax for a reported fee of £37m two summers ago, Kudus has scored 19 goals and provided 13 assists in 80 appearances for the Irons.

His performances have come in for widespread praise, with host Dan Woffenden labelling him “electric”, while Ben Mattinson of Breaking the Lines describes him as an “explosive, skilful player”, adding that he possesses a “great burst of acceleration”, while his direct dribbling means he has the potential to become a “world-class winger”.

Adam Scully of Total Football Analysis agrees, asserting that Kudus’ primary attribute is ‘undoubtedly his dribbling ability’, impressed by his ‘sumptuous talents and low centre of gravity’.

Well, statistics from the Premier League since the Ghanaian’s arrival certainly back up these observations.

As the table outlines, since arriving in the Premier League, Kudus has topped the charts for attempted take-ons both seasons, while only Jérémy Doku, Eberechi Eze and Matheus Cunha have also featured in the top ten both times.

This goal against Freiburg in the Europa League is rather reminiscent of former Newcastle United hero Hatem Ben Arfa.

During his time on Tyneside, the Frenchman scored 14 goals in 86 appearances, but his occasional flashes of brilliance made him, as noted by Louise Taylor of the Guardian, ‘the sort of footballer fans adore’, praising his ‘exquisite touch… superior vision, perfect balance and elusive movement’.

Meantime, Jean-Baptiste Caillet of Opta’s the Analyst asserted that he was ‘France’s best dribbler since Zinédine Zidane’, while Peter McVitie of Goal will always remember his ‘dazzling firepower’ and ‘awesome displays of skill’.

All of Ben Arfa’s talent was never made more abundantly clear than during this goal against Bolton Wanderers in April 2012.

Fair to say, Kudus and Ben Arfa – both left-footers who can operately centrally or on the flanks – share similar characteristics. Both could be described as precocious talents, who are occasionally unstoppable but often lack consistency.

Thus, if Elanga proves unattainable, Newcastle should do all they can to snap up Kudus, given that the Ghanaian would get Geordie supporters off their seats, if nothing else!

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By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 1, 2025