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'.
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.
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.
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.
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
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
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.
Fewer touches than Sanchez: 5/10 Chelsea star was even worse than Palmer
Chelsea were held to a disappointing draw by Crystal Palace in their opening game of the Premier League.
ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 17, 2025
He will work alongside Italy’s new captain, the former Australia opener Joe Burns
ESPNcricinfo staff07-Mar-2025John Davison, the former Canada captain and Australian state cricketer, has been named Italy’s T20I coach as they push for a place at the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.Italy will take part in the European Regional Finals of the T20 World Cup qualifying pathway in the Netherlands from late June, which will provide two sides for the main tournament in early 2026. They will feature alongside Netherlands, Scotland, Guernsey and Jersey.”I am excited and honoured to be appointed head coach of the Italian T20 men’s program,” Davison said. “I didn’t take much convincing once I heard about the players and people involved.”I have experienced the thrill of qualifying for World Cups as a player for Canada, and I look forward to repeating that thrill with a diverse and dedicated group of players and staff representing Italy.”Davison’s World Cup playing career was highlighted by his 111 off 76 balls against West Indies at Centurion in 2003.Since retiring, he has been a spin-bowling coach and consultant, including with Australia, and he has worked extensively with the likes of Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Swepson and Matt Kuhnemann.Davison will work alongside Italy’s new captain, the former Queensland and Australia opener Joe Burns who started playing for them in May last year having qualified through his mother’s heritage.Alongside Burns, Ben and Harry Manenti have also represented Italy. It’s understood that Tasmania pair Jake Doran and Tim Ward are in contention for the qualifiers through their Italian heritage, although they are still awaiting approval to play. Matthew Fotia, a former Victoria quick, and Jason Ralston, who featured for Australia Under-19s, are also in the mix.”I am honoured to take on this role and represent Italy on the international stage,” Burns said when named captain. “For me, it is a return to my family’s roots. Italian cricket has enormous potential and I am excited to contribute to its growth. Together with my team-mates, we are working to achieve ambitious goals and make our fans proud.”
اتخذ نادي بيراميدز قرارًا رسميًا بشأن ثنائي الفريق الأول لكرة القدم، رمضان صبحي وأسامة جلال، بعد تعرضهما لإصابة وغيابهما عن المشاركة مع السماوي في الفترة الماضية.
وأوضح أحمد زاهر، المدير الإداري لنادي بيراميدز، أنه تقرر سفر الثنائي رمضان صبحي وأسامة جلال إلى ألمانيا، من أجل الاطمئنان على الإصابة التي يعاني منها الثنائي والخضوع للفحص الطبي والبرنامج التأهيلي تمهيدا للعودة في أقرب وقت ممكن للملاعب.
ويُعاني رمضان صبحي من إصابة على مستوى الركبة، فيما يُعاني أسامة جلال من تمزق في الخلفية تعرض له خلال مباراة الأهلي السعودي في كأس إنتركونتيننتال التي أقيمت في جدة وفاز بها الفريق المصري بثلاثية مقابل هدف.
طالع أيضًا | دويدار ينتقد نقل مران الزمالك خارج ميت عقبة.. وإسلام الشاطر: “نكلم الأهلي يتدربوا في التتش”
وأوضح زاهر أن إدارة بيراميدز وافقت على سفر الثنائي للعلاج في ألمانيا مع أفضل الأطباء ومراكز التأهيل، من أجل العودة سريعاً للملاعب، في ظل حاجة الفريق لجميع لاعبيه، خاصة في ظل الارتباطات العديدة للنادي محليًا وقارياً وعالميًا خلال المرحلة المقبلة.
يذكر أن فريق بيراميدز هو حامل لقب دوري أبطال إفريقيا، في النسخة الماضية على حساب فريق صن داونز الجنوب إفريقي، وفاز بلقب كأس القارات الثلاثة على حساب الأهلي السعودي خلال سبتمبر الماضي.
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Fora do Corinthians, após conseguir a rescisão do seu contrato através da Justiça do Trabalho, o atacante Júnior Moraes já era tido como problema no Timão desde o fim do ano passado. Após a última temporada pssar longe de ser a esperada pelo clube alvinegro em relação ao atleta, até por conte dele ter sofrido com algumas lesões, a diretoria corintiana tentou facilitar a liberação do jogador para outra equipe no começo de 2023, mas não conseguiu.
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O salário de Moraes não estava entre os mais altos do elenco, mas a avaliação interna foi de que o custo-benefício era baixíssimo para um profissional que quase nunca estava em campo, pois machucava com frequência, e quando atuava ainda se mostrava fora de forma e não adaptado ao futebol brasileiro. Durante um ano e dois meses, o atacante fez somente 21 jogos, sendo oito como titular, e marcou um gol.
+ Del Valle expõe bagunça coletiva do Corinthians, que dá adeus à Libertadores; veja notas
A situação piora porque as expectativas do departamento de futebol corintiano com Júnior Moraes eram altas, já que o jogador chegou ao clube como solução para a ‘camisa 9’, algo que foi o grande anseio do Timão no início do ano passado. Após tentativas frustradas que envolveram até mesmo os uruguaios Edinson Cavani e Luis Suárez, Moraes apareceu como uma grande oportunidade de mercado e tido como reforço de alto patamar por conta da sua carreira na Ucrânia. O atleta, que havia deixado o Brasil cedo, em 2009, teve uma trajetória de sucesso no futebol ucraniano, o que lhe rendeu até a naturalização como cidadão do país e convocações constantes pela seleção local.
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Porém, como não teve retorno técnico, a diretoria do Corinthians tentou usar Júnior Moraes como moeda de troca enquanto montava o elenco que começaria a atual temporada, mas não encontrou interessados. O clube também sinalizou ao mercado que o atacante estava à venda ao reforçar que o atleta era uma opção quase sempre haviam contatos informais com dirigentes de outros times para tratar sobre assustos diversos. Ainda assim, a tentativa de colocar o jogador em outra equipe não teve sucesso. Além de que o estafe do profissional sequer foi procurado para ajudar na busca de novos ares para o ativo.
+ O Timão ainda briga por uma vaga na Sula, através da Libertadores. Assine o Star+ por apenas R$40,90 por mês e torça onde quiser!
Recentemente, após o técnico Vanderlei Luxemburgo ter afastado Moraes dos trabalhos com o elenco profissional, o gerente de futebol Alessandro Nunes passou a negociar com o atleta a antecipação da rescisão do contrato, que vai até o fim deste ano. Porém, o representante do futebol corintiano foi surpreendido com a decisão do atacante em ter acionado o clube alvinegro na Justiça do Trabalho, o que irritou não só o ex-lateral, que hoje ocupa o cargo diretivo, como outras pessoas da diretoria corintiana.
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O Timão não se posiciona oficialmente sobre processos que estão em aberto, mas internamente a informação de que a equipe tinha dívidas de direitos de imagem com Júnior pegou algumas pessoas de surpresa, porque a impressão é que não havia dívidas salariais com os atletas – o que inclui a imagem, pois é paga mensalmente como uma espécie de ‘complemento’ dos vencimentos dos jogadores, pagos em formato de Pessoa Jurídica.
– Tenho que pedir desculpas para o torcedor corintiano, por uma contratação tão infeliz que fizemos. Vestir a camisa do Corinthians precisa ter coragem, personalidade e este que eu prefiro nem mencionar o nome foi covarde e, principalmente, mentiroso. Lamento que o torcedor corintiano tenha visto ele com a camisa do Corinthians- disse Alessandro após a derrota corintiana para o América-MG, pelo Brasileirão, na semana pasada.
Como contratou Júnior Moraes sem custos, o prejuízo do Corinthians com o jogador foi com as luvas e os salários do jogador no período em que ele esteve vinculado ao clube alvinegro, isso representa algo em torno de R$ 10 milhões.
Desert Vipers dominated the ILT20 2025 league stage like no other. They won six of their first seven matches, became the first side to confirm a playoffs position, and ended the league phase as table-toppers. But… it’s not all been hunky dory.Vipers have played 12 matches so far this season, of which they have only lost four. Three of those defeats, however, have come against their opponents in the final, Dubai Capitals: twice in the league stage and then in Qualifier 1. Having brushed most teams aside with a minimum of fuss, Vipers have come undone each time they have faced Capitals this season.Can they turn that narrative around and pick up a win in the game that matters the most, or will Capitals make a clean sweep and secure their first ILT20 crown?Related
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Both teams know what it’s like to make it to the final and not win. Vipers did that in 2023, when they lost to Gulf Giants, while Capitals lost to MI Emirates in a one-sided final in 2024.There is little doubt that the two best teams in the competition have made it to the final. Vipers were dominant throughout. Capitals started slowly, losing three of their first four matches, but a confident win over Vipers brought their campaign back on track. They have since been unstoppable, winning six of their last seven matches.How the batters from both sides go might well decide the outcome of the final. Of the top ten run-getters in the tournament so far, five are from either Vipers or Capitals. These two teams played out a high-scoring clash at this venue just three days ago, and runs could once again be the theme in the final.Both teams have a great record in Dubai this season – Vipers have won four of their six games here, and Capitals five out of six. And no matter which team wins the final, we are sure to get a new ILT20 winner.
Dubai Capitals WWWLW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Desert Vipers WLLWLGulbadin Naib has been an all-round package all season•ILT20
He is picking up wickets, he is scoring runs, he is flexing his biceps – Gulbadin Naib has turned out to be Capitals’ trump card this season. He is the fifth-highest run-scorer so far this tournament, with 376 runs in 11 outings at a strike rate of 158.64. In addition, he has 11 wickets in as many games and kept teams quiet in the middle overs. But most importantly, Naib has been excellent against Vipers. In three games against them this season, he has scores of 78*, 55* and 62, and picked up three wickets. Naib turned out to be the difference between the two sides in the first Qualifier and will be one of the key elements in the final.After bagging the Player-of-the-Match award in Qualifier 2, Alex Hales reckoned he was most pleased with how still his head was while he was playing his shots. It’s something he has maintained all season. Hales is third on the run-charts as things stand with 400 runs in 12 outings at a strike rate of 138.40. He has a good record against Capitals this season and Vipers will once again heavily rely on him to get them off to a flying start.Lockie Ferguson is unlikely to feature in the final•ILT20
Vipers are likely to miss two of their key players for the final. Captain Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, while Wanindu Hasaranga, their joint-leading wicket-taker, has gone back to Sri Lanka and won’t be available. Sam Curran, who led the side in Qualifier 2, is likely to captain in the final as well. Depending on whether Vipers bat or bowl first, David Payne is likely to be substituted for Sherfane Rutherford and vice-versa.Desert Vipers (possible): 1 Alex Hales, 2 Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 3 Max Holden, 4 Dan Lawrence, 5 Sam Curran (capt), 6 Azam Khan (wk), 7 David Payne/Sherfane Rutherford, 8 Khuzaima Bin Tanveer, 9 Nathan Sowter, 10 Mohammad Amir, 11 Ali Naseer.David Warner scored an unbeaten 93 in his one game for Capitals so far, but has since been out with a back injury. He didn’t look in great shape in a virtual press conference on the eve of the final, and is unlikely to make the cut against Vipers. Capitals had subbed Obed McCoy for Adam Rossington in Qualifier 1 and that could be the case in the final, too.Dubai Capitals (possible): 1 Adam Rossingston/Obed McCoy, 2 Shai Hope (wk), 3 Gulbadin Naib, 4 Sam Billings (capt), 5 Rovman Powell, 6 Dasun Shanaka, 7 Sikandar Raza, 8 Dushmantha Chameera, 9 Farhan Khan, 10 Haider Ali, 11 Qais Ahmad.
It’s Dubai, so the weather will be extremely humid and energy sapping. The teams batting second have held the advantage so far at this venue this season, winning ten out of 14 games. That’s largely because of the dew which has made an appearance late in the day. The captain winning the toss is likely to bowl. The temperature is expected to hover around the late 20s to the early 30s on the Celcius scale.
“When you’ve beaten them a couple of times, that’s the scary part. Sometimes that momentum can break. Hopefully, that doesn’t happen, and we can continue our form.”
“They [Dubai Capitals] have won three games in a row, and I think it is our turn now to beat them in the big stage. I always believe that in the final whoever handles the pressure well has more of a chance to win the game. In the final the margin of error is very less so you have to be on your toes every single time.”
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
1 ByAngus Sinclair Aug 25, 2025
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A novela sobre uma possível volta do meia-atacante Luan ao Grêmio chegou ao fim. A diretoria do clube gaúcho desistiu de contar com o atleta, atualmente no Corinthians. A informação foi publicada inicialmente pelo ‘ge’ e confirmada pelo Lance!.
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O maior interessado na volta do jogador era o técnico Renato Portaluppi, que tinha o desejo de recuperar o futebol do atleta, em baixa desde 2018, ano seguinte em que foi eleito ‘Rei da América’. O título da Libertadores pelo Imortal, em 2017, foi fundamental para que o profissional ganhasse o prêmio individual. Renato era o treinador da equipe na ocasião.
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No entanto, a direção gremista chegou a conclusão que a volta de Luan seria prejudicial para o elenco, já que a necessidade é a contratação de atletas que cheguem em condições de jogo, o que não é o caso do ex-camisa 7 do Tricolor, que não entra em campo desde novembro do ano passado, quando passou três meses emprestado pelo Timão ao Santos.
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Em nenhum momento o Grêmio fez contato com o Corinthians, que aguardou a comunicação e, inicialmente, se mostrou até mesmo disposto a fazer um acordo semelhante ao que fez com o Peixe, na última temporada. No primeiro momento, a equipe alvinegra aceitaria dividir os salários do atleta, que corresponde a R$ 800 mil mensais. Porém, a ideia dos gremistas era que o próprio jogador chegasse a um acordo com os paulistas para a rescisão do contrato, além de aceitar receber uma quantia salarial inferior em Porto Alegre.
Somente em relação ao vencimentos, Luan teria que abrir mão de R$ 4 milhões, já que tem vínculo com o Timão até o dia 31 de dezembro. Além disso, o clube alvinegro deve R$ 4,9 milhões em direitos de imagem atrasados.
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