“We’re going to have a look at the wicket and finalise it [the XI] tomorrow,” says the coach when asked if India’s out-of-form captain will play

Alagappan Muthu02-Jan-20252:51

Gambhir: ‘Chance to draw the series at SCG a good position to be in’

India coach Gautam Gambhir did not confirm whether out-of-form captain Rohit Sharma would be part of the starting XI for the New Year’s Test in Sydney or not.”The head coach is here. That should be enough,” Gambhir said to a room full of reporters wondering why Rohit was not at the pre-match press conference.Rohit had skipped it before the third Test in Brisbane too – Shubman Gill spoke to the press then – but the explanation then was that he had not come for the optional training session at the Gabba where the press conference was being held. Thursday’s training session at the SCG was optional too, but Rohit was there at the ground, on the eve of a Test India must win to draw the series and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.So the question was asked: Is Rohit okay? “Everything is fine with Rohit,” Gambhir replied.And when he was asked again whether Rohit was going to play, he said: “We’re going to have a look at the wicket and finalise it [the XI] tomorrow.”That’s where it all kicked off.Related

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Rohit has been struggling for form. He’s averaging 10.93 in his last nine Tests and only 6.2 in this series. He was late to India’s training on Thursday. Technically, it was an optional session, so it might not be right reading too much into it, but everybody was there.Gill, who was left out of the XI for the MCG Test, was among the first set of batters in the SCG nets. Dhruv Jurel, who hasn’t played since the first Test in Perth, was among them too; it was one of the few times he has worked alongside the first-XI players. Jasprit Bumrah came out from the doors leading into the members pavilion and went straight to Gambhir for a little chat.Still there was no sign of Rohit at the nets. He had been in the main ground playing a game of foot-volleyball and then disappeared. It was only after the others had batted for an hour that Rohit made his way out to join them, without his kit, in just his sweatshirt and shorts. He went down to where the team analyst, Hari, was standing. Then Bumrah joined the two. This had happened at the MCG as well. Rohit took his time to get to the outdoor nets and had a fairly long session facing only throwdowns. The only difference was in Melbourne he also attended the press conference.At the SCG, he had a light, 40-minute hit facing the fielding coach T Dilip and throwdown specialist Daya off the sidearm. The other frontline batters were already done with their stints by this time. Rohit was batting alongside Tanush Kotian and Abhimanyu Easwaran. There were moments that he looked good, a pull shot off the front foot for example, moments that he seemed to have fun, an apology for an awkward throwback down the pitch had him smiling from ear to ear, and moments where he batted like someone not in form, he left one that took out his off stump.Rohit Sharma was a late arrival at training and did not practice like the others did at the SCG•Getty Images

At the end of the Brisbane Test, Rohit had admitted that while he wasn’t batting well, he was still ticking all the boxes that he needed to.”As long as my mind, my body, my feet are moving well, I am pretty happy with how things are panning out for me,” Rohit had said two weeks ago. “Sometimes those numbers can tell you that it’s been a while since he has got big runs. But for a person like me, I think it’s all about how I feel in my mind.”In Melbourne, he seemed to find a semblance of form, or at least a lot more faith in his defence, as he withstood a period of bowling that Pat Cummins said was pretty close to perfect from his side. Australia hunted for his outside edge, he denied them for the first hour, but then gave them their first breakthrough when he played a risky flick shot that ended up in the hands of the gully fielder.”As a batter as well, a lot of the things that I am trying to do is not falling in the place that I would want to,” Rohit said after India went 2-1 down in the series. “But mentally, it is disturbing without a doubt.” Reports emerged in the media that Rohit was already thinking of retiring at the end of the Sydney Test, which then begged the question, if he was thinking along those lines, could he not step away now when the series is still alive?India rarely reveal their XI on the eve of a Test match but Gambhir refusing to confirm whether Rohit will be part of it was odd. Doesn’t the captain walk straight in? Isn’t he the one who decides who plays, not the other way around? The new year has begun with plenty of intrigue for India.

Barcelona have been dealt a brutal blow with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal set to miss at least three matches through injury, sparking a war of words between manager Hansi Flick and the Spanish FA. The 18-year-old winger, already one of Europe’s most dazzling prospects, is sidelined by a stubborn groin problem that has been aggravated during international duty.

Flick's fury over Spain's handling

The saga erupted after Spain fielded Yamal in back-to-back fixtures against Bulgaria and Turkey despite him reporting discomfort before linking up with the squad. Flick didn’t mince his words, accusing La Roja’s coaching staff of negligence for risking the teenager’s long-term health.

"Lamine already went to the national team in pain. He took painkillers and played with the national team in pain," Flick stated. "He had problems, and played 79 and 73 minutes. That's not looking after the players. The Spanish national team has the best players in the world, but we should be looking after the professionals. Also the young players."

AdvertisementGOALYamal's recovery timeline

According toYamal will definitely sit out Barca’s Champions League curtain-raiser against Newcastle on Thursday, while La Liga clashes with Getafe and Oviedo are also expected to come too soon. The most optimistic outlook is a cameo against Real Sociedad, but the club’s medical staff insist the true target is Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on October 1, a game where Barcelona need their young talisman fully fit.

Barca not willing to take any shortcut

Medical sources around Camp Nou confirm that Yamal’s issue is centred on his pubic bone, an injury picked up against Levante and worsened in the bruising contest at Rayo Vallecano. The condition requires careful management and patience – push too hard, and relapse is almost guaranteed.

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AFPYamal has taken to physiotherapy

Yamal is currently undergoing daily physiotherapy sessions, tailored strengthening exercises, and specific treatment designed to speed up recovery. But the club are adamant: there will be zero risks. Away from the treatment table, Barcelona officials are now taking steps to smooth relations with the Spanish federation. Sporting director Deco is set to sit down with RFEF technical chief Aitor Karanka to establish clearer lines of communication around player fitness. The idea is to implement joint monitoring protocols and more transparency so clubs aren’t blindsided when players return in worse condition than when they left. With Yamal seen as a generational jewel, the last thing Barca want is another tug-of-war with the national side.

Leeds United are reportedly in talks for a “quick” ex-Real Madrid player who currently picks up £50,000-a-week with his current club.

Leeds looking at more defensive signings after Bijol, Bornauw, Gudmundsson and Perri

The Whites have brought in seven new senior players this summer, with goalkeeper Lucas Perri being the latest Elland Road arrival.

Joining from Lyon, the Brazilian shot-stopper looks set to take over as first choice under Daniel Farke, who dropped Illan Meslier for the Championship title-winning run-in.

Karl Darlow and Alex Cairns are also still on the books at Yorkshire, meaning Meslier could be sold before the September 1 deadline.

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Centre-backs Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw and left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson have also put pen to paper on Leeds deals, signing from Udinese, Wolfsburg and Lille respectively.

Further signings at the back could be on the agenda as well, providing Isaac Schmidt is wanted by Werder Bremen on a season-long loan ahead of the 2026 World Cup where he hopes to represent Switzerland.

Leeds will need to find a full-back replacement for Schmidt, and it looks as if they may have found their man.

Leeds in talks with right-back Vinicius Tobias

According to reports from Fussball Europa and journalist Andre Oechsner, Leeds are looking at a move to sign right-back Vinicius Tobias from Shakhtar Donetsk.

Signed from Brazilian side International in 2022, Tobias had a loan spell with Real Madrid and their Castilla side, making one senior appearance at the Bernabeu.

Now, Leeds are in talks with Tobias over a potential transfer to Elland Road. The Whites are aware that Shakhtar Donetsk want to receive €20m (£17.4m) plus bonuses for the “quick” full-back, who currently picks up €3m (£2.62m) a season.

That works out at £50,000-a-week, so Leeds will need to splash the cash once again if they are to secure Tobias’ signature to rival Jayden Bogle for a starting spot.

However, Leeds and Farke also know they need to strengthen their ranks in the final third, with the manager admitting that his side aren’t ready for the Premier League in attack.

“We know in the offence we are not ready for Premier League level. We’ve proven we can be ready for one game and for that I am not too concerned at the moment as it stands. We are two weeks away from the first game. I can’t guarantee that for the first game everything is really ready and we are fully equipped. We definitely have to make sure that latest after the first international break we have really a competitive squad for the Premier League. We are not anxious but fully aware we need to do something.”

Therefore, a move for Tobias shouldn’t be a priority for Leeds at this moment in time, instead focusing on attacking additions instead.

Amidst increasing pressure surrounding Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim, the Red Devils have been told by a former Premier League star that former England boss Gareth Southgate is the ideal man to take over at Old Trafford and bring a good feeling back to the club. Southgate had previously been linked with the role before Amorim took over, a decision which has not quite gone to plan thus far.

Southgate could be perfect man for United – Joe Cole

According to former Chelsea and England star Joe Cole, Southgate could be the “perfect” man to take over at Old Trafford if Amorim were to lose his job over the coming months. Cole cited building a new culture and understanding the club and its demands as key aspects in which the former England manager may have excelled more than Amorim.

This comes in a context where the Red Devils have yet to win consecutive Premier League games under Amorim, a disappointing defeat to struggling Brentford undoing the good work from a 2-1 win over Chelsea last time out.

Amidst speculation that Amorim may find himself and his job under pressure if things do not improve soon, Southgate has reportedly been added to a three-man shortlist to replace the Portuguese if the United job becomes available once again.

AdvertisementGettyCould Southgate turn Man United's club culture for the better?

Southgate was not short of criticism during his time as England manager, arguably the only job in English football which comes under more scrutiny than that of the Manchester United boss. On one level, therefore, he should have little issue dealing with the pressure.

Southgate was also credited with bringing back a positive culture to the England dressing room, destroying the ‘cliques’ which had been present under previous managers and forming a fearless, young side which was capable not only of going far into tournaments, but of winning high-pressure penalty shoot-outs.

Arguably the biggest issue surrounding United in recent years has been the culture. Bad eggs within the dressing room, public fallouts between managers and players, multiple star names seeing their careers go off the rails and, most recently, Amorim’s infamous ‘bomb squad’. The likes of Cole believe that Southgate could be the right man to turn these problems around. Some United fans disagree, though, and have expressed their thoughts on social media.

Cole believes Southgate could succeed at Old Trafford

Cole said: “He [Amorim] was the bright young spark, people were talking about him like he was the messiah coming into Manchester United and would sort everything out. That’s how high his stock was when he left Lisbon.

“So, he’s clearly a good manager as well, but the mix and the blend of the whole situation, I think it needs a culture change. I thought Gareth Southgate was the perfect man for the job at the state it was in terms of building culture, understanding the club, understanding the league, understanding the players, working with Jim Ratcliffe and people like that, and they went with Amorim, and it doesn’t look like it’s working.”

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AFPPressure on Amorim will increase unless results improve

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Man United board have clearly put a lot of faith in Amorim, even putting the Portuguese’s judgement first in allowing talented players such as Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho to leave. Kobbie Mainoo could be next.

It would therefore be a major turn of events if Amorim were to lose his job soon. With his continued insistence on using a formation which does not suit his players, though, frustrations within the club could soon reach boiling point.

Should the Red Devils find themselves in the bottom half of the table as we approach the winter period, serious questions will need to be asked. Until then, we may be left continuing to wonder how long Amorim will play Bruno Fernandes in the midfield pivot before he realises the Portuguese is simply not suited to the deeper-lying role.

Southgate and Manchester United may appear an unlikely match but if things continue as they are, the opinion of Cole may become less of a controversial one. It will be intriguing to see which path Amorim’s Red Devils take next.

Liverpool’s Premier League title defence kicked off with three points. Bournemouth were valiant and impressive at Anfield, but the Reds dug in and showcased their quality as they rallied in the final stretch of the curtain-raising game.

While the Reds showcased a remarkable array of attacking talent against the hard-fighting Cherries, they lacked something in defence, with Arne Slot’s side squandering a two-goal lead in the second half.

Antoine Semenyo had a field day against a discordant Reds backline, who must find balance and coherence in the weeks ahead if they wish to rebuff the danger that is bound to spring from title rivals who are expected to improve after last year.

And Ibrahima Konate, in particular, suffered from a rusty performance at the back. It was a display that, perhaps, new recruit Giovanni Leoni and top transfer target Marc Guehi would have taken heed of.

Ibrahima Konate's performance vs Bournemouth

Semenyo’s second-half double proved a blow to Liverpool’s start to their title defence, but the impressive right winger deserved both of his goals and will have felt be got the better of the hosts’ unfluent backline.

Konate was at the epicentre of the struggles, with Jamie Carragher remarking on Sky Sports co-comms that the France international was “all over the place” for Slot’s side, making seven clearances throughout the evening but lacking the control nor composure to ensrue the home side moved toward three points in a smooth fashion to start their campaign.

Completely exposed for Bournemouth’s second and suffering across numerous offensive pushes from the lively south coasters, Konate, 26, will be frustrated with his performance, not least because noise rumbles in the background regarding a potentially forthcoming move for Crystal Palace’s Guehi.

While Konate struggled to produce anything close to his finest form, he wasn’t the only one to have flattered to deceive, with Florian Wirtz leaving plenty to be desired on his Premier League debut.

Florian Wirtz left plenty to be desired

Wirtz joined Liverpool in a club-record £100m move in June, and that may yet rise to a £116m fee with add-ons that would see him eclipse Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo as the record-breaking signing in British history.

But he struggled to produce a befitting performance against a well-oiled Bournemouth side, enjoying some high-level touches and neat layoffs but struggling to lay down his marker as he would have hoped.

Without a doubt, these first two outings have left something to be desired, but they’ve also demonstrated the German international’s first-class quality on the ball, invariably creative and finding openings for his teammates.

After the Bournemouth clash, The Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle handed the 22-year-old a 6/10 match rating acknowledging his playmaking ability but struggle to influence proceedings as would have been desired. Indeed, he would depart after losing the ball on average every 3.6 touches, having lost possession 19 times in all.

He will need to muscle up over the coming weeks, adapting to the rigorous nature of the Premier League, but there’s no doubt that Wirtz is a top talent.

However, as with Konate, he left plenty of room for improvement against Andoni Iraola’s side, and his performance will be under greater scrutiny against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park next week.

He'd get Isak & Wirtz firing: Liverpool could sign "one of the best LWs"

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The left-arm spinner will now have to undergo testing with CA saying he will be supported throughout the process

Andrew McGlashan12-Feb-20250:51

Lyon: ‘Kuhnemann has been our best bowler’

Left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann has been reported for a suspect action following Australia’s Test series in Sri Lanka.Kuhnemann, who claimed 16 wickets in the two matches in Galle, will now have to undergo independent testing at an ICC-accredited centre with Brisbane the likely location. Bowlers are permitted 15 degrees of flex in their actions.Related

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It is the first time in a professional career which began in 2017 that Kuhnemann’s action has been called into question. He is able to continue playing domestic cricket while his action is assessed and while he hasn’t been included in Tasmania’s squad for Thursday’s One-Day Cup match he could feature in the next of the Sheffield Shield.Should he fail the assessment in the coming weeks he would be banned from bowling until remedial work is undertaken and the corrections are approved.”The Australian team was notified of the match officials’ referral following the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle and will support Matt through the process of clearing this matter,” a CA spokesperson said.”Matt has played 124 professional matches since his debut in 2017, including five Test matches and four One-Day Internationals. He has played 55 Big Bash League games since 2018.”This is the first time in those eight years of professional cricket that his action has been questioned.Matt Kuhnemann played a major part in Australia’s success•Getty Images

“Cricket Australia will liaise closely with the ICC and independent experts in line with ICC regulations. No further comment will be made by Cricket Australia or Matthew until the matter is resolved.”Kuhnemann was lauded as Australia’s best bowler in the Sri Lanka series by Nathan Lyon after the duo teamed up to take 30 off the 40 wickets in the 2-0 series sweep.He faced a race against time to be fit for the tour after breaking his thumb in the BBL in mid-January but made a remarkable recovery to be able to take his place in the side.There were no concerns raised about Kuhnemann’s action in the first Test.An ICC media release said: “Australia’s left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann has been reported with a suspect bowling action during the second match of their ICC World Test Championship series against Sri Lanka in Galle.”The match officials’ report cited concerns about the legality of the 28-year-old’s bowling action. Kuhnemann will undergo an Independent Assessment of his bowling action at an ICC Accredited Testing facility to determine the legality of his bowling action.”Kuhnemann has taken 25 wickets in five Tests at an average of 22.20.

Benfica have publicly backed Jose Mourinho amid his ongoing feud with referees, issuing a furious statement condemning what they called 'double standards' in officiating. The club claimed recent decisions have systematically gone against them and demanded accountability from the Refereeing Council, insisting such performances 'cannot go unpunished'.

• Benfica claim 'double standards' in Mourinho's battle with refs

  Benfica took to social media to highlight two controversial refereeing calls made within the space of three days. The club pointed to a foul on Antonio Silva that went unpunished before a goal in their game with Gil Vicente, contrasting it with a soft decision that saw their own goal ruled out against Rio Ave. The outburst comes amid heightened scrutiny of referees following Mourinho’s recent criticism of referee Sergio Guelho for having 'no personality'.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  Benfica release fiery statement

  In a statement released on Saturday, Benfica said: "Sport Lisboa e Benfica is once again challenging the Refereeing Council to standardise the criteria governing refereeing. In the last match against Rio Ave, Benfica had a goal disallowed for a supposedly meaningless foul. Today, Gil Vicente's first goal stemmed from a sole strike on Antonio Silva's Achilles tendon, and nothing was called.

  "What conclusions will the Refereeing Council draw from this duality of criteria in just three days? These performances, which have been systematically detrimental to Benfica, cannot continue unpunished."

• Getty
  

  Mourinho under investigation for referee comments

  Benfica’s official intervention comes at a time when Mourinho is already under investigation for comments made about referee Sergio Guelho. The Portuguese coach claimed it was his "democratic right" to critique officials’ performances after his side’s controversial draw with Rio Ave. The club’s strong stance signals unified support for Mourinho as he continues to challenge what he perceives as bias against Benfica.

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• Special One could face touchline ban for comments

  The Portuguese Refereeing Council is expected to review the incidents and could respond publicly to Benfica’s accusations. Mourinho, meanwhile, faces potential sanctions over his previous remarks, with a fine or touchline ban still on the table. If he sees a suspension, Mourinho will miss the chance to face his former side, Porto, at the Dragao.

Arsenal’s performance against Liverpool was a strange one.

As Arne Slot mused at full time, if you played the same match another ten times, eight results would see a draw, the Reds would win once and the Gunners would win the other.

It was a tight game. Arguably neither side really deserved to take all three points home.

Yet, in title races, you need moments of magic. Dominik Szoboszlai was the man who provided it for Slot and Co in the Premier League on Sunday, striking home a sweet free kick.

Arsenal were craving a moment of similar spice but despite spending nearly £300m, they lacked that moment. It’s safe to say it’ll take time for everything to come together with so many new faces vying for a place in the team.

So, fresh off that 1-0 defeat at Anfield, is there anything for Arsenal to wrap up on deadline day?

Arsenal's transfer deadline day plans

As far as incomings are concerned, it’s unlikely Arsenal will be too busy during Monday’s deadline day.

That said, we are still awaiting official communication that Piero Hincapie will sign from Bayer Leverkusen.

The Gunners have been in talks to sign the defender over the last few week and it was widely reported that he was undergoing a medical on Sunday.

That move will pave the way for Jakub Kiwior to depart the Emirates Stadium and he could be followed out the door by Oleksandr Zinchenko – linked with Marseille – and Reiss Nelson who, is wanted by Fulham.

Transfer Focus

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

Eberechi Eze may well have signed but there is still a craving for a left winger and that was rubber-stamped on Sunday.

Gabriel Martinelli began the game on the left flank but was hauled off on the 70th-minute mark having had one of his poorest games for the club.

The Brazilian was dominated by makeshift right back Szoboszlai, notably failing to register a shot, a key pass or complete a dribble.

So, how can Arsenal solve that issue?

How Arsenal can solve their Martinelli problem

Cast your minds back to the 2022/23 campaign. The Gunners are at their free-flowing best. Grant Xhaka is patrolling things from the middle of the park, Gabriel Jesus is dazzling up top and Oleksandr Zinchenko is inverting from left-back.

Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Martinelli were also combining to create one of the best attacks in the division. All three of them scored 15 goals throughout the campaign.

Since then, it’s been a tale of woe for him with the Gunners. He’s really struggled to replicate that form and the start to 2025/26 has been no better.

FFC handed the Brazilian a 3/10 rating for his efforts in Merseyside and it was justified for a complete lack of involvement. The forward is full of energy and pace but lacks end product, largely due to his indecisiveness when he gets the ball in and around the penalty area.

Minutes played

70

Touches

15

Accurate passes

6/7 (86%)

Key passes

0

Shots

0

Dribble attempts

0

Crosses

0

Duels won

2

What Arsenal need is something different on that side of the pitch. Eze came on for the last 20 minutes and immediately looked a better asset, very nearly scoring.

But, if Arteta wanted to axe Martinelli for good, then signing a new winger would certainly go down a treat on deadline day.

Much of the summer’s chatter has been about Real Madrid’s Rodrygo but another player who could be on the market late on is Rafael Leao, valued at £86m.

Reports on Sunday suggested that Tottenham Hotspur were actually looking at doing a deal for the Portuguese, albeit it would be a very challenging deal to do this late in the window. Arsenal have previously been linked but it’s not known whether they still retain an interest.

So, why would he be a good signing? Well, the 26-year-old has notably been described as “one of the best left wingers in the world” by analyst Ben Mattinson.

The Milan winger has cultivated a reputation as one of the most exciting forwards in the game, scoring 12 times and also providing 13 assists in all competitions throughout last season. One year prior, the electric speedster scored 15 and managed 14 assists, showcasing why he’s so highly rated.

His style of play would also captivate the masses at the Emirates. Back in 2022, Milan coach Stefano Pioli said that “Leao reminds me a lot of the early Thierry Henry.”

Like the Arsenal legend, Leao boasts a quick and long stride pattern. He favours the left channel and he’s a monster if you allow him to cut inside.

Over the last year, the Milan attacker ranks among the best 4% of wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for successful take-ons, via FBref. To put that into context, Martinelli ranks among the best 25%, lagging behind Leao by some distance.

To put it simply, the Portugal international is better than Martinelli.

He has a level of incisiveness, a level of directness that simply isn’t there with the Brazilian. Signing him late in the window, particularly if they beat Spurs to his signature, would be one quick way to move on from their troubled number 11.

Shades of Xhaka: Big-money target to sign for Arsenal in the next 24 hours

Arsenal could conclude their summer business with the signing of a player who’s like Granit Xhaka.

ByMatt Dawson Aug 31, 2025

Newcastle United have had a summer to forget. Of course, the ongoing saga with Alexander Isak, who has gone on strike and is refusing to play, has dominated proceedings at the club, and they have still not signed their primary target, a centre-forward.

With Isak on strike and Callum Wilson no longer at the club, it has meant that Eddie Howe has needed to get creative. Anthony Gordon operated as a makeshift striker against Liverpool in Monday’s 3-2 defeat, but he was sent off for a reckless tackle on Virgil van Dijk and is therefore suspended for the foreseeable future.

With the transfer window slamming shut on Monday, there is still time for the Magpies to sign a new centre-forward.

Latest on Newcastle's transfer pursuit

All summer, it has been clear that Howe wants to add another striker to his squad. Several names have cropped up, and one of the latest is Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, whom the Magpies could make a move for.

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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However, the one player whom the North East giants have been focusing on signing of late is Brentford attacker Yoane Wissa.

According to a report from Craig Hope, the Magpies are set to hold more talks for the DR Congo international, with the “deal still alive” ahead of Monday’s deadline.

This new information has been revealed after it was reported last week that the Bees would demand a fee of £60m for the striker. With Hope confirming talks will resume, this fee has seemingly not put the Magpies off from doing a deal.

Why Wissa would be a good signing

Described as an “unbelievable” player by former manager Thomas Frank, Wissa has certainly developed a strong reputation. Last season, he shone as the Bees equalled their best-ever Premier League finish, reaching tenth.

Last season, the Bees’ number 11 scored the most goals in his Premier League career, finding the back of the net 19 times.

That eclipsed his tally from the previous season, where he bagged 12 goals, the first time he hit double figures.

Indeed, some of the numbers from Wissa’s campaign last season show just how impressive he was.

For example, the 28-year-old averaged 0.8 goals and assists and had a conversion rate of 27.54% per 90 minutes, showing just how creative and clinical he was.

Wissa – 24/25 PL stats

Stat

Per 90 mins

Season total

Goals and assists

0.8

23

Conversion rate

27.54%

27.54%

Chances created

0.9

27

Duels won

3.7

118

Recoveries

2.5

81

Stats from Squawka

With the way Wissa is going about his current transfer situation, it is easy to see how he could become the new Gordon at St James’ Park. The DR Congo star was previously not training with Brentford in an attempt to push a move through to St James’ Park.

Well, that was similar to how Gordon handled the situation of his transfer when he moved from Everton to Newcastle. It was reported back in 2023 that the England international skipped training to try and force a move through to St James’ Park, before submitting a transfer request.

Looking back on that, Magpies fans might he glad he did.

The Liverpool-born star has since gone on to make 107 appearances for the club, scoring 22 goals and assisting 23 in that time, including goals in both legs of the Carabao Cup semi-final over Arsenal last term.

Well, one thing is for sure: Wissa is desperate to play for Newcastle. Skipping training is not something that is done lightly, and if he does manage to force through the move, the Geordie fans in the stands at St James’ Park would surely take to him instantly.

If he can replicate what Gordon has done so far in a Newcastle shirt, then he would be even more loved by the Magpies supporters. Wissa is a player with a fantastic Premier League record already, so building upon that in the North East would be important to win fans over.

It is easy to see how Wissa can be Newcastle’s new Gorson. By missing training, he seems to want to move to the North East desperately, just like their star winger. Now all that’s left is to replicate his incredible impact on the club.

Related He's like Isak: Newcastle make late approach to sign £61m Wissa alternative

Newcastle continue to search for strikers as the summer transfer window enters the final week.

Posts 1 ByAngus Sinclair Aug 25, 2025

While Chelsea have made more than their fair share of transfer mistakes over the last few years, they’ve also signed several outrageously talented players.

However, while Moises Caciedo, Enzo Fernández and Pedro Neto are all examples of great signings, there is one player who stands head and shoulders above the rest: Cole Palmer.

The England international joined the Blues from Manchester City in the summer of 2023, and since then has amassed a sensational tally of 72 goal involvements in 98 games for the club.

Therefore, the Stamford Bridge faithful should be very excited about reports linking them to someone who could become their next Palmer.

Chelsea target their new Palmer

While their draw to Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon has put a bit of a dampener on things, Chelsea have had a brilliant summer in terms of transfers so far.

Transfer Focus

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The board have been able to get rid of a host of players who weren’t at the level required, while also bringing in a handful of young and hungry talents who could develop into superstars, like Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Jorrel Hato.

Yet, with just under two weeks to go until the window slams shut, the West Londoners are still keen to add to their squad, and are now moving for someone who could be the next Palmer.

At least that is according to a recent report from Caught Offside, which claims Chelsea are very interested in signing Rico Lewis.

In fact, the report goes further than that and reveals that the Blues have already made contact with City about a deal for the youngster this summer.

It’s not clear how much the Englishman would cost, but the report has also revealed that Nottingham Forest have already made an offer of around €30m for the youngster, which is about £26m.

While it will likely be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line this summer, Lewis has shown enough in his short career that Chelsea should do what they can to get him, especially as he could be another Palmer.

Why Lewis would be another Palmer

The first thing to say is that, yes, Lewis and Palmer play in entirely different positions on the pitch, and, as a result, play the game in different ways.

However, that doesn’t mean the former couldn’t be a new version of the latter, as the comparison isn’t really about their position on the pitch.

Instead, if this transfer were to happen, it would be another example of City willingly selling one of their young and exciting academy graduates to the Blues.

Not only that, but one who has likely got a future in the senior England setup, as he’s already won five caps for the side at just 20 years old.

In fact, not only would Pep Guardiola and Co be allowing another talented player to move to Stamford Bridge, but they could be letting a genuine superstar in the making move to a rival.

We say this as, when you take a look under the hood, at the right-back’s underlying numbers, they are sensational.

For example, FBref rank the Bury-born gem in the top 1% of full-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for pass completion, the top 4% for through balls, the top 7% for carries, the top 2% for progressive passes, the top 9% for passes into the final third and more, all per 90.

Pass Completion %

91.9%

Top 1%

Passes Completed

59.83

Top 4%

Pass Completion % (Long)

65.2%

Top 4%

Through Balls

0.24

Top 4%

Passes Received

53.11

Top 6%

Carries

43.58

Top 7%

Progressive Passes

6.03

Top 8%

Live-ball Passes

58.86

Top 8%

Passes into Final Third

4.88

Top 9%

Total Carrying Distance

219.04

Top 10%

Touches (Att 3rd)

24.21

Top 11%

In other words, the “exceptional” talent, as dubbed by Guardiola, is showing serious signs that he could be a world-class player in time, much like there would have been signs that Palmer was something special before his move two years ago.

Ultimately, even if the final fee ends up substantial, Chelsea should do what they can to sign Lewis this summer, as he could be an unmissable market opportunity.

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