Eddie Howe has sent a message to Arsenal by revealing his frustration at rumours linking Alexander Isak with a move from Newcastle.
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Arsenal sent Isak messageGunners keen to sign strikerHowe reveals speculation frustrationFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The Gunners have been linked with a move for the Swede this summer as they search for a new centre-forward but Newcastle are not under pressure to sell and Howe has stated the stories are "a source of frustration".
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Howe told reporters: "It’s a source of frustration because I don't see why our players are getting linked, here, there and everywhere with other clubs. I'd like to think the players are happy here. I'd like to think again that they're seeing us grow and develop into a team that hopefully can compete at the top end of the division. Our ability financially to compete during the last few years has been hampered by profit and sustainability rules, but those issues aren’t there for the coming transfer window. So I don’t see any reason why we can’t strengthen, not weaken, ourselves.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Newcastle could beat Arsenal for the fourth time this season when the two sides meet at the Emirates on Sunday and have made huge progress this term, including ending their 70-year wait for silverware in the Carabao Cup. In that context, Howe expects to be able to keep his best players this summer.
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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR NEWCASTLE?
The Magpies would all-but secure their place in next season's Champions League by winning that Arsenal clash. They then face Everton at St James' Park to finish the campaign next week.
Tottenham Hotspur winger Mathys Tel has revealed which player is the best he has ever played with – and it is not Harry Kane or Son Heung-min.
Tel joined Spurs from Bayern Munich in the January window on loan, with Ange Postecoglou’s side holding an option to buy him on a permanent deal for £45m in the summer.
This comes after the Frenchman reportedly rejected Tottenham’s initial offer to sign him in January, when he was also linked with the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal.
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The 19-year-old has had an encouraging to start to his senior career, starring for Bayern in the German Bundesliga and Champions League after signing from Rennes in the summer of 2022.
Last season, Tel scored an eventual winner against Man Utd in the group stages of the Champions League, and has appeared 16 times in the competition, while he was a frequent substitute during the Bavarians’ successful 2022/23 Bundesliga campaign, with Tel winning the title alongside current England boss Thomas Tuchel.
His game time more than doubled last year, but he was unable to stretch Bayern’s winning run in the Bundesliga, despite posting a career best of 12 top-flight goal involvements.
This season, opportunities under Vincent Kompany had been few and far between, starting just four games in all competitions. Since joining Spurs, he has already hit that milestone, and grabbed his first goal in the Lilywhites’ FA Cup defeat to Aston Villa in early February.
Speaking in an interview with TNT Sports, Mathys Tel revealed various things about his career and personal interests, such as his favourite film, his most-hated food and who he has on his phone’s wallpaper.
But perhaps most intriguing was who he believes is the best player he has played with in his career. Despite playing alongside stars such as Harry Kane, Manuel Neuer and Son Heung-min, Tel opted for former Liverpool winger Sadio Mane.
He said: “There are a lot of players, but Sadio Mane was the best. He works hard every day, after training, before and after the game, so he’s an example for me.”
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Given both players share the same position, it is perhaps not a surprise to see Tel snub the likes of Kane and Son, despite their supreme goalscoring exploits in Tottenham colours.
Sadio Mane was at Bayern for the 2022/23 season before swapping the Bundesliga for the Saudi Pro League, where he now links up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr.
Tel and Mane only shared the pitch on 11 occasions, which goes to show the effect the Senegalese star had on the French youngster during their short time together.
So Spurs fans may not need to hold a grudge against the winger, who could yet become a new hero in the years to come if he signs on at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when the season is over.
The former Jamaica national team manager is out of a job six games into the NWSL campaign
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Lorne Donaldson fired by Chicago Stars
Manager removed six games into season
Comes after promising 2024 campaign
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WHAT HAPPENED?
The Chicago Stars announced they parted ways with head coach Lorne Donaldson on Wednesday. Assistant coach Masaki Hemmi will serve as the team’s interim head coach while the team searched for Donaldson’s replacement
Donaldson was in his second year with the NWSL side, after a promising 2024 campaign saw them finish 10-14-2 in the regular season while clinching a spot in the NWSL playoffs, after finishing at the bottom of the table in 2023. However, after a 1-5-0 start to the 2025 season, Donaldson is now out of a job.
“We are grateful to Lorne Donaldson for the culture, respect, and sense of self-belief he helped build within our squad,” the team’s general manager, Richard Feuz, said in a statement. “We appreciate his work and wish him the best for the future.”
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Donaldson was previously the manager of the Jamaica women's national team, where he led them to become the first Caribbean nation to qualify for the knockout stage Round of 16 during the 2023 FIFA World Cup.
Donaldson's firing marks the third coaching change the Stars will have over the past four seasons.
The Stars have struggled in 2025, highlighted by the absence of USWNT star Mallory Swanson, who has been away from the club since January. The forward has been away from the team for unspecified personal reasons.
DID YOU KNOW?
Hemmi will work alongside assistant coaches Ella Masar, Karina Báez, and Brenton Saylor. Masar, a former Stars player, served as interim head coach in 2023.
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WHAT NEXT FOR CHICAGO?
Their head coach search is now well underway, while they return to the pitch this weekend to take on Gotham FC.
It took till the final over of the Australians vs Indians warm-up game for Mohammed Shami to get into action, and what a return it was for him. Virat Kohli helped, with a stunning one-handed catch backtracking at long-on, and Ashton Agar ran himself out, and then Shami went yorker-yorker off the last two balls, to finish with 3 for 4. Match over. The Indians had scripted a come-from-behind win by six runs in Brisbane.With the Australians needing 11 to win off six balls chasing 187, Rohit Sharma called on Shami, back after time away from the format and a bout of Covid-19, and playing his first representative game since mid-July. The target became seven off four, but that’s when all the drama started.Not too long before that, the Australians were 171 for 4, with 16 to get from two overs. But Aaron Finch, after a solid half-century, and Tim David fell off successful balls. Finch was bowled by Harshal Patel with a slower yorker, delivered from wide of the crease, for a 54-ball 76. And then it was a moment of Kohli brilliance, as his pick-up-and-throw on the run from midwicket caught David short. And then it was all Shami.Earlier, asked to bat, the Indians were off to a flier with KL Rahul, particularly, taking the aggressive route from the get-go. By the end of the fifth over, India had raced to 56 for no loss, with Rohit on 1 off 5 and Rahul on 49 off 25. He soon reached his fifty off 27 balls before Rohit too got into the act, smashing Glenn Maxwell for a six and a four.Aaron Finch hit a 54-ball 76 to lead the Australia chase•ICC via Getty
The Australians struck back through Maxwell and Agar, who got rid of the openers in consecutive overs. Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav then got together and kept the scoreboard ticking. With massive square boundaries in use, the two ran brilliantly while also collecting boundaries at every chance.Suryakumar used the angles like he always does, finding the gaps around the square-leg region while also playing inside-out drives over the covers. Kohli struck a six straight down the ground but wasn’t always fluent in his stroke play with a lot of his mistimed shots landing perilously close to fielders. He eventually fell to a Mitchell Starc bouncer, top-edging to deep fine-leg. Hardik Pandya came and went while Dinesh Karthik holed out to deep midwicket for 20.Suryakumar, though, carried on, reaching his fifty off 32 balls. His innings was laced with six fours and a six, and while his dismissal was a tame one – a catch back to Kane Richardson off the leading edge attempting a flick off a full toss – he would have been pleased with the knock. R Ashwin’s first-ball six over point helped India reach 186. Richardson led the bowling for the Australians with 4 for 30, while Starc was at his pacy best.The Australians started their chase positively with Finch and Mitchell Marsh among the boundaries from the outset. It was Marsh who found the fence initially, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh and Hardik bearing the brunt. Finch then lay into Harshal and Ashwin as Australia racked up 64 runs in the powerplay.For the most part, they looked on course. Till they fell apart at the close.
Zimbabwe coach confirms Sean Williams will return for second ODI, but Blessing Muzarabani remains unlikely to feature in the series
Andrew McGlashan30-Aug-2022Zimbabwe coach Dave Houghton is seeing encouraging signs that his players are learning how not to “freeze” against the strongest opposition, and hopes that the batters can put together a complete performance during the remainder of the ODI series against Australia.Having been put into bat, the top order – led by a career-best 72 from Wessly Madhevere after the openers had negotiated the first ten overs – built a solid if an unspectacular platform during the opening game on Sunday, as Zimbabwe reached 185 for 4 in the 43rd over before losing their last six wickets for 15.However, Houghton was buoyed by the performance after their recent displays at home had relied on runs from the middle and lower order, led by the prolific Sikandar Raza.Related
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“I’ve been quoted about fearless cricket,” Houghton said, Yes, we want to play fearless cricket; we want to see guys expressing themselves. I’ve seen these guys play franchise cricket, and I’ve seen what they can do; and [then] see them play international cricket, especially against these strong sides, and freeze a little bit. Somehow, I’m trying to take away that freezing.”For me, to see our two youngsters go out there against [Mitchell] Starc and [Josh] Hazlewood and get us 40 off the first ten without losing a wicket – that was a big plus for us. Now you can sit down in a team meeting and say, ‘Yes, it was a little different and a little scary going out first against these guys but look what you achieved. What can you do the next game and the game after?’.”It’s building blocks all the time. Tours like this don’t happen very often for us, so when you get the opportunity it’s a real learning for us.”Houghton was open in admitting that the skill gap between Zimbabwe and teams such as India and Australia is “huge”, but is focusing on ensuring the team move back up the rankings and compete with sides around them.He hoped that some of what the players learn in Townsville can be put to use in the T20 World Cup next month when they will return to Australia for the Group B qualifiers in Hobart with the aim of reaching the main draw.”The skill gap is huge between us, India, Australia and England – there’s no hiding from that,” Dave Houghton•AFP/Getty ImagesIn the more immediate term, Houghton wanted to see an improvement in the team’s fielding for the second ODI on Wednesday, recalling previous landmark victories and how it is an area Zimbabwe can compete in regardless of batting and bowling skill.”The skill gap is huge between us, India, Australia, [and] England – there’s no hiding from that,” he said. “Your batters are better than us, they’re more experienced, your bowlers are taller and faster than us. What we can do is field competitively, which I wasn’t happy about the other day; [I] thought we were lethargic and looked very jetlagged.”For us to compete with these sides and try to get a win against them – which we’ve done over the years with our giant-killing sides – every part of your game has to be right on song from the beginning. If we put a score on the board, [and] then bowl and field incredibly well, we can put enough pressure on sides [so] that if they aren’t quite on their game we can beat them.”Houghton suggested the batters may take a different approach to trying to finish the innings, having had trouble combatting the short deliveries in the first match, where Cameron Green bagged a maiden five-wicket haul.
“The games we won against Bangladesh – and when we did compete with India – we got all the runs at the middle and back, and nothing at the front. Hopefully we’ll put both ends together on this tour”Dave Houghton wants more from Zimbabwe’s top-order batters
“What we talked about at the end of the game is how we get that last bit of our innings organised a bit better,” he said. “They were all trying to take it on but weren’t quite good enough at it, so is there another way? Can we ramp it a bit? Maybe, if we don’t hook, can we back away and cut?”These are all things for them to solve themselves, but we need to play the backend better which, for us, [is] a new situation. The games we won against Bangladesh – and when we did compete well with India – we got all the runs at the middle and back, and nothing at the front. So hopefully we’ll put both ends together at one stage on this tour.”Houghton confirmed that experienced allrounder Sean Williams would return after an elbow injury ruled him out of the opening match, and would likely replace a fast bowler. However, Blessing Muzarabani is unlikely to feature on this tour as he continues his recovery from a thigh injury with the focus on getting him ready for the T20 World Cup.
Liverpool’s so-called circumspection in the transfer market has been more than offset by sustained success under FSG’s guidance across the past decade or so.
Arne Slot’s start to life as Jurgen Klopp’s successor has been a remarkable thing, more so when you consider the summer spending presented only Federico Chiesa as the sole first-team signing, a wonderful talent but discarded by money-troubled Juventus ahead of the final year of his contract.
Liverpool managerArneSlot
It was an eye-catching buy, something that Liverpool have cultivated something of a reputation for across so many years of prize-winning sustainability. Football is fickle and its legion of supporters are too, but Liverpool have done alright over these past years, and may yet crown a new chapter with a Premier League title, six points clear with a game in hand.
Few foresaw this, however, there’s a German sat in a reclining chair somewhere in a Red Bull, wry smile on his face, who always knew that the time was right to relinquish his power and usher in someone new.
Liverpool may well win the Premier League and perhaps another competition too, but if the Reds wish to stay ahead of their fierce rivals over the coming years, it feels paramount that signings are made this year.
There is a willingness to fork out funds on the right target. Liverpool, after all, held a genuine interest in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Why Liverpool wanted to sign Kvaratskhelia
At the start of January, Liverpool made their interest in Kvaratskhelia known. Rumours were starting to surface of the Georgian’s potential departure from Napoli.
Kvaratskhelia
While Paris Saint-Germain were in the driving seat after holding early talks, Anfield’s sporting director Richard Hughes was attentive and, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, ready to pounce.
Fledgling intrigue failed to materialise into something concrete, with PSG advancing discussions and Liverpool opting against lodging an official bid. The 23-year-old is now formally Parisien property.
It does show that Liverpool would be willing to spend big on a left-sided forward, however, and shines a light on Luis Diaz’s contract situation: the Colombia international, 28, is contracted until 2028 but has long-standing interest from Barcelona.
Liverpool aren’t naive and have already honed their sights on a different target on the wing.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Liverpool monitoring rising talent
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Liverpool have been scouting Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens, though Chelsea are also interested and have already made a formal enquiry.
Gittens might only be 20 but he’s already become a major player for the Yellow Wall and has excelled both in the Bundesliga and the Champions League.
Liverpool would need to fork out an incredible €100m (translating to about £85m) figure to bring Gittens to Merseyside, but if Diaz, for example, is signed by Barcelona, this could be a road worth pursuing.
What Jamie Gittens would bring to Anfield
Gittens might only be in the maiden stage of his career but he’s already proving himself as an important member of a talented Dortmund side, racking up 16 goals and 14 assists across 84 professional appearances for BVB, joining them after leaving the famed Manchester City academy.
With fleet feet, nifty skills and composure during vital moments, Gittens is undoubtedly made for Premier League football, his exciting performances over in Germany translatable.
Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Bynoe-Gittens in action
Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley has even proclaimed Gittens to be “England’s best left winger in 2024/25” after his goal-heavy success under Nuru Sahin’s wing this season.
As per FBref, Gittens ranks among the top 7% of positional peers in the German top flight this season for goals scored while also ranking among the top 1% for progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90, highlighting not only his aptitude in front of goal but also his athletic qualities that could align neatly with Slot’s style.
Liverpool might have missed out on one of the world’s foremost wide forwards in Kvaratskhelia, but Gittens would be an able alternative and, perhaps, one with the capacity to eclipse the Georgia superstar down the line.
Matches (starts)
17 (15)
18 (14)
Goals
5
7
Assists
3
3
Shots (on target)*
2.9 (1.0)
1.9 (0.9)
Big chances missed
2
4
Pass completion
83%
83%
Key passes*
1.7
0.8
Dribble (success)*
1.1 (31%)
3.1 (52%)
Ball recoveries*
2.6
2.1
Tackles + interceptions*
1.1
1.4
Total duels (won)*
4.2 (44%)
5.6 (51%)
Curiously, Gittens is already proving himself to be a clinical striker in front of goal, converting seven of his 11 big chances in Germany this term. Kvaratskhelia is also sharp in the final third, bagging five of seven in Serie A before jetting off to France.
However, you could actually make a compelling argument for Gittens being the more complete player from an attacking standpoint, for the English talent outranks Kvaratskhelia when considering combative and ball-carrying metrics. He might not be quite so heavy with his creative output, but Gittens has actually racked up as many assists as the new PSG recruit in respective leagues this year.
And anyway, the £49k-per-week prospect racked up eight assists last season despite only starting 18 matches across all competitions for Dortmund.
Hailed for one “special” Champions League performance by Romano, Gittens has the world at his feet and could become a major player at Liverpool.
It might actually be beneficial for his development to make the move to Anfield now and learn under the wing of superstars Diaz and Cody Gakpo, always with his sights set on a moveless starting berth down the line.
He’s already outperforming Kvaratskhelia in some interesting metrics and could ascend to the next level in Slot’s thriving system.
Liverpool now want "astonishing" forward to replace Salah; Slot loves him
The Reds are eyeing an attacker who plays for one of Europe’s top clubs.
Middlesex ease to stalemate, bore attending schoolchildren, as all 11 fielders bowl
ECB Reporters Network29-Jun-2022
Sam Robson dug in to secure Middlesex’s draw at Trent Bridge•Getty Images
Middlesex, forced to follow-on 175 behind on Tuesday, secured the draw that always looked the most likely outcome on a benign pitch against Division Two leaders Nottinghamshire by batting through the final day of their LV= Insurance County Championship match one wicket down, with a century apiece for openers Sam Robson and Mark Stoneman.The result rewarded Tim Murtagh’s team for fighting back from 106 for five on day three to post 376 in reply to Nottinghamshire’s 551 for eight declared. They were 261 for one when the draw was declared.Robson and Stoneman, who had come through 20 overs unscathed against the home side’s high-quality attack on Tuesday evening, won another battle by reaching lunch with their wickets still intact and put together a partnership of 201 before they were finally parted.By then Nottinghamshire had opted to rest their frontline bowlers in favour of part-timers, accepting that the chance of a win had gone. By the time the sides shook hands on a draw, captain Steven Mullaney had given at least an over to all his 11 players, including wicketkeeper Tom Moores.Given the benign nature of the pitch, Nottinghamshire needed early successes if they were to put Middlesex under pressure.But there were few opportunities, the clearest of which was offered by Stoneman off Dane Paterson on 19 but not taken by Liam Patterson-White at short midwicket.James Pattinson thought he had Robson leg before on 39 when the former England opener tried to duck a ball that hardly bounced, but was judged to be clearing the stumps when it struck him. The Australian pace man had half a chance of a low caught-and-bowled in the same over but that too came to nothing.Then Patterson-White and virtually the full complement of five close fielders went up in unison, convinced that Stoneman, on 35, had been caught behind. Again the verdict was not out.But these were rare and fleeting moments of excitement and one felt for the teachers trying to keep the attention of a large school party occupying a block of seats in the William Clarke Stand. The opening pair’s achievement in staying together for 100 runs for the first time this season did not much impress them.The pair had added 59 more to their overnight score when lunch arrived at 122 without loss, by which time Ben Slater, the erstwhile part-time off-spinner, had just begun what would by some distance be the longest spell of bowling in his first-class career, stretching to 18 overs before he returned to more customary duties.By then his fellow opening bat Haseeb Hameed was bowling leg breaks from the other end and Robson was celebrating his second century of the season, both against Nottinghamshire, having faced 247 balls and hit a dozen boundaries.Steven Mullaney took the new ball but handed in to Ben Duckett, another very occasional off-spinner, but one with a first-class wicket to his name for Northamptonshire in 2017. To great amusement, he picked up his second with only his eighth ball, Robson tickling one down the leg side to be caught by a diving Moores for 108 out of 201.Stoneman completed his second century of the season off 281 balls. By then Joe Clarke had joined the fun, brushing the rust off his right-arm medium pace for the first time since he bowled two overs for Worcestershire in 2016.As the clock ticked towards the moment the game could officially be declared a draw, Clarke donned the wicket-keeper’s pads and Moores bowled an over of right-arm medium, the first of his career at any level of senior cricket.
Leeds United and the 49ers are now interested in signing a “clinical” striker for Daniel Farke this month, according to a new report.
Leeds United transfer news
After the 3-3 Championship draw against Hull City over the weekend, Farke revealed that he doesn’t “expect much” in terms of incomings this month, as he isn’t a “big fan” of this transfer window. However, given the Whites are desperate to get back into the Premier League, if opportunities present themselves, they could be in the market for one or two fresh additions.
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The Sun have reported that Leeds have opened talks to sign defender Andrew Omobamidele this month. The Ireland international plays for Nottingham Forest but has found himself out of favour under Nuno Espirito Santo, and a move could happen this month. Forest are open to letting the defender leave with a loan and an obligation to buy a real possibility. But Leeds do face fierce competition, as rivals Sheffield United are also interested in signing Omobamidele.
While Omobamidele may arrive at Elland Road, current Leeds defender Junior Firpo could be about to seal an exit. It has been reported that the defender’s team are laying the groundwork for a return to his former side, Real Betis. It is claimed that talks between intermediaries have already taken place between Betis and Firpo’s camp.
Leeds interested in signing "clinical" forward
Omobamidele may not be the only arrival for the Yorkshire side, as according to The Daily Mail’s sports print edition, relayed by Football League World, Leeds are interested in signing Mergim Berisha from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim.
The 26-year-old, who has been described as being a “clinical finisher” by analysts Football Chatters, has been at Hoffenheim since August 2023. The forward impressed for Red Bull Salzburg in the 2020/21 campaign, scoring 14 goals in 28 Bundesliga games, and that form then saw him move to Fenerbahce. He was unable to replicate the same form in Turkey, so he moved to Germany, where he played for FC Augsburg before Hoffenheim.
Patrick Bamford could soon be on his way out of Leeds, so the Whites have their eye on potential replacements, and this report states that Leeds have “shown an interest” in Mergim, who scored 23 goals under former Whites boss Jesse Marsch, despite his lack of goals while playing for Hoffenheim.
Mergim Berisha’s Hoffenheim stats
Apps
24
Goals
1
Assists
1
Despite his current form, that hasn’t put Farke off from looking at the striker, who he may be aware of as he’s managed in the Bundesliga during his managerial career. Mergim’s ability to play as a centre forward, as well as a winger, may also be a reason why he is of interest to the Leeds boss. This is not the first time that the Whites have been linked with a move for the player, as back in 2022, they were in talks to sign Mergim while he was playing for Fenerbahce, and at that time, the Turkish side wanted €5 million.
Leeds United have come back from adversity this season, looking to bounce back after missing out on promotion in the play-off final against Southampton at Wembley.
As if missing out on a return to the Premier League was bad enough, the first-team squad was ransacked, leading to numerous talents departing Elland Road for a move to England’s top flight.
Top scorer Crysencio Summerville departed in a £25m deal to join West Ham United, with top assister Georginio Rutter leaving in a club-record £40m transfer, moving to Brighton and Hove Albion.
The pair combined for 49 goals in the 2023/24 Championship season, undoubtedly a huge loss for boss Daniel Farke, but they tried to combat such losses with new additions over the summer.
However, the upcoming January window presents a new opportunity for the German to improve his attacking options, potentially going back in for one player who was on their radar during the off-season.
Leeds target January move for £8.5m talent
According to Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb, Leeds are pondering a potential move for Hammarby IF’s striker Jusef Erabi in January, having followed the forward of recent months.
The 21-year-old was touted as a potential option for the Whites during the summer, but a move failed to materialise – with the youngster staying in Sweden.
However, fellow Championship side Norwich City and Serie A outfit Genoa are also both named in the report over a potential move for the attacker, who’s currently valued at €10m (£8.5m) by his current employers.
Leeds certainly have the funds available after the huge departures over the summer, with Erabi one player who could be on their list ahead of the winter window.
The forward would provide an upgrade on one player currently plying his trade at Elland Road, handing them a boost in their promotion ambitions between now and the end of the campaign.
Why Erabi would be an upgrade on Bamford for Leeds
Striker Patrick Bamford has certainly had his doubters over the years but managed to be a huge part of their success in the Premier League a couple of years ago.
The Englishman notched 17 goals during the 2020/21 season, helping the club register a top-half finish in the first year after promotion from England’s second tier.
However, since relegation, he’s struggled to replicate such form, scoring just eight league goals, with injuries restricting him to just 77 minutes of action so far in 2024/25.
As a result of his recent tribulations, the hierarchy could be forced into dipping into the transfer market, with Erabi just one option who would provide an upgrade on the 31-year-old.
The Swede has registered nine goals in all competitions during this calendar year, massively outscoring Bamford and offering that added firepower to push them over the line in their promotion battle.
However, when delving into the underlying stats, the Hammarby star has also massively outperformed the current Leeds forward – demonstrating what a superb addition he would be should a deal be completed.
How Erabi compares to Patrick Bamford in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)
Erabi
Bamford
Games played
23
7
Minutes played
1670
77
Goals & assists
10
0
Shot-on-target accuracy
43%
0%
Fouls won
1.8
1.1
Times caught offside
0.7
1.1
Stats via FBref
It’s safe to say it’s been a sad decline for Bamford, failing to consistently produce the goods for the Whites, leaving the supporters wanting more within the attacking area of the pitch.
Erabi, who’s been dubbed “powerful and prolific” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, could be the man to provide that added impetus, having the ability in front of goal to transform the fortunes in the final third in the coming months.
£8.5m would be another huge investment from the board, but it could prove to be one for the short and long term, having an immediate impact but also potentially making them a sizeable profit at some point down the line.
It could also help to finally send that man Bamford packing, with just 18 months left to run on his existing deal.
Farke must sell Leeds flop who Marsch was "convinced" would be "great"
The Leeds United defender must be cashed in on at the earliest available opportunity.
With Martin Dubravka on course to become a free agent and leave the club at the end of the season, Newcastle United have already reportedly lined up a potential replacement.
Newcastle transfer news
The Magpies seem to be thinking ahead this summer in what would be a refreshing change following the disaster of the previous summer window. Spending the majority of the open market on a failed pursuit to sign Marc Guehi, Newcastle ended the summer without several much-needed reinforcements and endured a slow start to the campaign.
Only recently getting back on track, Alexander Isak’s return to goalscoring form has helped Eddie Howe’s side put their slow start behind them and begin to look upwards, especially after defeating high-flying Nottingham Forest before the international break.
Qualifying for European football will undoubtedly be the aim, and that would go a long way towards welcoming a number of targets when it comes to the attraction of Newcastle’s project.
Newcastle now willing to gamble on signing "fantastic" main target in 2025
He’s a former Premier League star…
By
Tom Cunningham
Nov 17, 2024
However, one player who currently looks destined to head in the other direction is Martin Dubravka. The 35-year-old has been an admirable backup over the last few years at St James’ Park, but looks unlikely to sign a new contract and could leave on a free deal next summer.
As clubs in the Saudi Pro League reportedly circle for his signature, those on Tyneside have seemingly set their sights on a replacement. According to the Sunday Mirror, (via Sports View), Newcastle have already lined up James Trafford to replace Dubravka and will pursue the Burnley shot-stopper next summer.
Reportedly valued at just £20m, Trafford should be well within Newcastle’s range. They’ll want to make no mistake this time around, though, having missed out on the 22-year-old’s signature last summer to add to their woes amid profit and sustainability concerns. One of a few deals that they failed to get over the line despite their reported interest, Newcastle must not once again next summer.
"Brilliant" Trafford could push Pope all the way
Now 32 years old, the arrival of a goalkeeper 10 years his junior would no doubt leave Nick Pope at risk of losing his Newcastle place, either as soon as next season or in the years to come. Howe could swiftly swap the old for the new by welcoming Trafford into his side or perhaps wait for Pope to step aside courtesy of his age and have a ready-made replacement raring to go.
James Trafford for Burnley.
The Burnley star earned a lot of praise even as the Clarets were relegated last season, including from Arsenal legend Ian Wright, who said on Match of the Day (via the Burnley Express): “He was brilliant, I was delighted for him. Coming into theBurnley side after a £19m move, Vincent Kompany has shown a lot of faith in him and he made some very, very good saves.
"A lot of the Burnley fans weren’t quite sure simply because of [Arijanet] Muric and how well he had done to come up, but he made some fantastic saves."