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Now that we have some distance from the disappointing loss to Liverpool, there is plenty to be optimistic about for Arsenal this season.

For example, Mikel Arteta was backed in a big way in the summer, with players like Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke.

Moreover, in addition to these new players, Hale End looks to have produced another superstar in the making for the club in the unreal Max Dowman.

The teenager already looks more than comfortable in the senior game and like he has a bright future ahead of him, although there was another academy superstar who was once predicted to do big things and is now worth less than £1m.

Max Dowman's rapid rise

It would be fair to say that, aside from the Champions League run, last season was one of the least enjoyable campaigns Arsenal fans have had for some time, as it felt like everything was going wrong.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

However, the emergence of Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly was a real bright spot, and yet, even as they broke into the first team, there was talk of an even more exciting prospect in the academy – a 14-year-old who was playing well beyond his years.

This was, of course, Dowman, and when you take a look at his statistics from last season, it becomes easier to understand why those in the know, like Jacek Kulig, were going as far as proclaiming him to be the “most exciting prospect” he had seen “since Lamine Yamal.”

For example, in just 23 appearances, totalling 1945 minutes, he put the ball in the back of the net 19 goals and provided five assists for good measure, which comes out to an average of 1.04 goal involvements per match, or one every 81.04 minutes.

Numbers like these forced Arteta and Co to bring the youngster on the pre-season tour this year, and for the first time, fans were able to see why so many are so excited about him, as he came off the bench against Newcastle United and won a penalty in short time.

However, the most significant indication of just how highly the club rate the teenager is the fact he’s now a regular part of the first-team squad, and that not only did he make his Premier League debut against Leeds United, but that the manager felt comfortable subbing him on at Anfield when the team needed a goal.

In all, while it is still so early, the hype around Dowman is starting to feel justified, which unfortunately was never the case with a former Hale Ender who is now plying his trade in Europe.

Arsenal's original Dowman

Every year, there is a new set of exciting academy talents that fans get excited about, but sometimes, there is more than that; there is an expectation, and while Dowman looks like he might fulfil the expectations fans have of him, Charlie Patino was unable to live up to the expectations people had of him.

While it seems a long time ago now, the youngster was expected by many to be the next big thing to emerge from Hale End.

For example, back in October 2021, former Gunners’ wonderkid Jack Wilshere told the press that the youngster was “going to make a name for himself in the future” and that he was “one who everyone at the training ground is talking about.”

As if that wasn’t enough, Arsenal scout Brian Stappleton claimed that Sean O’Connor, the scout who discovered Wilshere, told him Patino was “the best player who has ever walked through the doors at Hale End.”

The hype was only further fueled when the “golden” youngster, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, came off the bench to make his competitive debut for the club in a League Cup match against Sunderland in 2021 and scored.

With regular first-team football the next step, Arsenal sent their exciting wonderkid on a number of loan spells, first to Blackpool and then Swansea City.

However, while he did okay during this time, a total tally of seven goals and eight assists in 72 games didn’t suggest he was quite ready to play under Arteta, and so when the player’s camp made it clear he wanted to leave, the Gunners were forced into accepting a low £1m off from Deportivo La Coruna due to the lack of interest from other sides.

Team

Blackpool

Swansea

Appearances

37

35

Goals

3

4

Assists

4

4

Goal Involvements per Match

0.18

0.22

Unfortunately, things have not worked out for the 21-year-old, as he’s made just 12 appearances over the last year, in which he’s failed to score or assist a single goal.

Unsurprisingly, this has seen his valuation tank, and according to Transfermarkt, the former next big thing is now worth €600k, which is just £518k.

Ultimately, while there is still plenty of time for Patino to forge a great career for himself, it’s probably safe to say the hype and pressure placed on his shoulders were not justified.

Madueke upgrade: Arsenal gem who left for £0 is now "one of the best in the world"

The superstar would be an excellent rival for Saka at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 11, 2025

Harry Kane has been advised to spend another “two or three years” at Bayern Munich, with Alan Shearer offering transfer advice to the England captain in an ongoing bid to retain his Premier League goals record. Ex-Blackburn and Newcastle frontman Shearer is aware that prolific former Tottenham striker Kane may have one eye on returning to his homeland and adding another entry to the history books.

• How many goals does Kane need to catch Shearer?

  Shearer remains top of the charts when it comes to the all-time Premier League list, with the target being found on 260 occasions across his distinguished career. Kane did, however, climb into second spot before bidding farewell to north London in 2023. There are 47 efforts separating two of the deadliest forwards to ever grace the English top-flight.

  Kane would require at least a couple of seasons in which to close that gap if professional steps were to be retraced to the Premier League. It has been suggested that there are clauses in his contract that can be triggered in the summer of 2026. He could be open to a move by then, having broken his trophy duck with Bayern when becoming a Bundesliga title winner in 2024-25.

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• Getty Images/GOAL
  

  Shearer talks Kane's future & importance to England

  Shearer has jokingly urged Kane to remain in Germany for a few more years, amid talk of La Liga giants Barcelona also expressing interest in his services, with one iconic England captain hoping that another does not prioritise individual achievements.

  Shearer told of potentially being chased down by Kane: “It doesn't affect me at all about the record. It's a bit of fun I guess but knowing Harry, I know he'll want my record, but I don't know what his situation is and whether he'll stay in Germany or not but yeah, keep him over there for another two or three years!”

  Kane has plundered 103 goals for Bayern through 106 appearances. He is Spurs’ all-time leading marksman, with 280 efforts there, and has taken his historic tally for England to 74 across 109 caps. He is skipper of his country and a man that the Three Lions will be looking to for inspiration at the 2026 World Cup.

  Shearer added on that bid for global glory: “Harry Kane is crucial to England because we're strong in all positions but are quite light at centre-forward. We've got [Ollie] Watkins as well, but he hasn't started the season great. Harry is crucial, there's no doubt.

  “He may not be running around as much as he did five or six years ago and you may have to compensate for that, but you know that, if you're going to play him, you need runners that are going to go past him. He's one of the best, if not the best goalscorer in the world. His record in Germany and for England is phenomenal. Without doubt, he's key to England.”

• Kane still does not get the recognition that he deserves

  Another former England star, Chris Waddle, is also hoping that Kane can reach next summer’s World Cup in peak form and physical condition. The 32-year-old is nursing an ankle problem at present.

  Waddle told when asked if Kane can lead a bid for the most prestigious of international honours: “I hope so. He’s a great player, and sometimes he doesn’t get the recognition he deserves for how magnificent he has been. People might think his numbers are just because he’s with Bayern, but he scored much the same for Spurs. They were a good side, but not the greatest. Harry’s been great for Bayern, just brilliant. I can see why Tottenham want to bring him back in the summer. If he was coming back, I’d take him.

  “I think he might have got a knock recently, and I know that he always wants to play and score, but we shouldn’t risk him against Wales. I think everything has to be focused on the World Cup and the big games in the season ahead. I know he’ll want to play because he’s chasing records, but for now we can let him sit it out.

  “I think at the turn of the year, that’s when Kane can start being the focal point for England again, but we have to be careful with him. England have to be so cautious with him. They have to keep him fit.”

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  Next up for Kane: Injury issue heading into England fixtures

  England are set to face neighbours Wales in a friendly date at Wembley on Thursday. They will be without Kane for that contest, due to injury, with a decision then needing to be made by Thomas Tuchel on whether his talismanic No.9 sees any game time in a World Cup qualifying clash with Latvia next Tuesday.

افتتح بريان مبيومو، التسجيل لصالح مانشستر يونايتد أمام ليفربول، خلال المباراة التي تجرى حاليًا على ملعب آنفيلد في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

ويحتل مانشستر يونايتد المركز الثالث عشر برصيد 10 نقاط، بينما يحتل ليفربول وصافة جدول ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي بـ16 نقطة.

وجاء هدف مانشستر يونايتد عن طريق مبيومو، في الدقيقة الأولى، بعد صناعة رائعة من أماد ديالو، وسقط إثرها أليكسيس ماك أليستر على أرض الملعب نتيجة التدخل في تلك اللعبة، قبل أن يتلقى العلاج على أرض الملعب. هدف مانشستر يونايتد الأول أمام ليفربول

تشتعل القمة مبكرًا في آنفيلد! 🔥

مانشستر يونايتد يتقدم على ليفربول بهدف منذ الدقيقة الثانية من عمر المباراة! ⚽️#الدوري_الإنجليزي_الممتاز | #ليفربل_مانشستر_يونايتد pic.twitter.com/qTYThRi1LL — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) October 19, 2025

اقرأ أيضاً.. وارنوك: لاعبو ليفربول يعانون من أزمة كبيرة صعب التعامل معها

ويدخل آرني سلوت مدرب ليفربول، اللقاء، بتشكيل مكون من: مامارداشفيلي، كيركيز، فان دايك، كوناتي، برادلي، جرافنبيرخ، ماك أليستر، جاكبو، محمد صلاح، سوبوسلاي، إيزاك.

فيما دخل أموريم مدرب مانشستر يونايتد اللقاء بتشكيل مكون من: لامينز، دي ليخت، ماجواير، لوك شاو، ديالو، كاسميرو، برونو فرنانديز، دالوت، مبيومو، ماسون ماونت، كونها.

Arne Slot has held his press conference ahead of Liverpool’s second Premier League game of the season against Newcastle United, revealing he is happy with the current squad.

“As always, if we think we can improve in a certain position and there’s a player available who can really make us better – which you could see with Giovanni Leoni – then this club has always shown that they can bring these players in, but only if things are right,” said the Dutchman.

Slot also implied the return to form of Federico Chiesa will improve his attacking depth: “I see a totally different Federico now than I did for most of last season.”

When asked about his upcoming opposition, he highlighted the threat they pose going forward: “The main thing we have to be ready for is their midfielders, their last forwards, their three forwards. I assume Isak isn’t playing, but they still have Gordon as a nine, Elanga, Barnes, Jacob Murphy.”

Slot also revealed that Liverpool had been dealt a blow that will affect their ability to deal with Newcastle’s attack, as their new right-back, Jeremie Frimpong, has picked up an injury that will see him out of action until after the international break.

Liverpool’s eyes are on Newcastle in more ways than just the Premier League clash however, as they plot another bid for one of the Magpies’ star players.

Liverpool readying new Isak bid

Liverpool are preparing another bid for Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak. The Reds had previously bid £110 million plus add-ons for the Swedish striker, but that deal was rejected. Now, as Newcastle edge closer to signing Yoane Wissa and also line up Wolves star Jorgen Strand Larsen, Liverpool are preparing a new bid for Isak.

Reports from Spain have indicated that the new bid will be worth somewhere in the region of £138 million. The club view this massive fee as worthwhile, however, as they think “his arrival would bridge the gap following the imminent end of the Salah era”.

The bid may come in after the two clubs face each other on Monday, as Newcastle are unlikely to sell their best player to a team right before they play them.

From the player’s perspective, it has now got to the point where he is publicly pushing for the move, as he put out a statement before the PFA awards, where he spoke of Newcastle’s broken promises and the benefits of “change” for both parties.

What happens to Ekitike if Liverpool sign Isak?

Whilst Hugo Ekitike had an impressive season last year in the Bundesliga, he arrived in the Premier League as something of an unknown quantity, and when it looked like Liverpool might sign him and Isak, the latter looked the safest option of the two.

Ekitike quickly put any doubts about him to rest with his first two performances for Liverpool. During the Community Shield and the opening Premier League game, he registered two goals and an assist, showing that he’s easily adapted to English football.

This means Slot may be faced with the best predicament a manager could find themselves in, as he has two impressive strikers both competing for game time. While Isak may want to come straight into the first team, he’s been away from team training at Newcastle for a while, meaning it may take a few weeks to get up to speed.

An answer to Slot’s issue may arrive before it becomes too much of a problem. This is because in less than a month’s time, the Champions League group stage will be starting, meaning Liverpool will often be playing two games a week, and there should be ample minutes for the forwards to share.

Riley Meredith’s opening spell was key as Hurricanes held off a late rally to set up a home BBL final

Tristan Lavalette21-Jan-2025

Riley Meredith took two early wickets•Getty Images

Speedster Riley Meredith shook up Sydney Sixers’ top-order in a ferocious opening spell before Hobart Hurricanes held off a late rally to set up a home BBL grand final.With Sixers chasing 174 in the Qualifier at Bellerive Oval, Meredith bent his back and rattled a batting line-up no longer with the services of Steven Smith. Sixers were in disarray at 5 for 3 before Kurtis Patterson, Jordan Silk and Lachlan Shaw provided fight.Needing 21 runs off the final over, Sixers fell well short with Shaw and Ben Dwarshuis thwarted by accurate death bowling from Chris Jordan.Sixers will host the Challenger on Friday and face the winner of tomorrow’s elimination final between Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Stars.Hurricanes – chasing their first title – will have plenty of time to rest before hosting the decider on January 27.Meredith sizzles with pace over 150kphOnly Lance Morris can challenge Meredith’s status as the fastest bowler in Australia. After having a breather in the regular-season finale against Melbourne Stars, a refreshed Meredith was fired-up and bowled the fieriest spell of the season.He claimed opener Josh Philippe for a duck in the opening over with a short delivery at 150kph that hurried onto the batter, whose pull shot was skied straight up in the air.After Cameron Gannon dismissed Jack Edwards for a duck, Meredith unleashed a torrid third over and had captain Moises Henriques edging to first slip, where Ben McDermott took a terrific catch diving to his left.He bowled a fierce bouncer clocked at 152 kph straight away to Silk in a delivery that was the fastest this season across any format. Meredith was well supported by Gannon, who had 2 for 10 from 3 overs in just his second BBL match after being an injury replacement for Billy Stanlake.Kurtis Patterson led Sydney Sixers’ fightback•Getty Images

Silk, Patterson fight in vain After such a disastrous start, Sixers mustered their wealth of experience to slowly get back in the hunt. Opener Patterson, replacing Smith, had watched all the carnage at the other end but he was unaffected and combined with SIlk in a 75-run partnership.Patterson has had a career revival in the Sheffield Shield, but it hasn’t translated to BBL success this season. But he batted fluently and notched Sixers’ 50 with a six after dispatching legspinner Peter Hatzoglou for six over deep midwicket.Patterson holed out on 48 in the 12th over, but Silk and youngster Shaw added another half-century partnership to give Sixers a glimmer of hope. But Silk fell with Sixers needing 31 off 9 balls and the task proved beyond big-hitter Dwarshuis.Another flier for Owen, late David fireworksMitchell Owen amid a breakout season has built a reputation as the BBL’s most formidable hitter in the powerplay. He further cemented his standing with another blistering display of power hitting after smashing 36 off 15 balls.Owen couldn’t find his timing from the get-go, but it didn’t matter as he still muscled a six down the ground in a 15-run first over off Edwards. Opening partner Caleb Jewell wisely was intent on giving the strike to Owen, who greeted Sixers debutant Mitchell Perry with a six over backward point.Owen scored 29 of Hurricanes’ 31 runs in the opening two overs as he added another six by dispatching Dwarshuis over midwicket. A massive score beckoned at 43-0 after 3 overs, but they were pegged back once Owen fell immediately after the powerplay.Mitchell Owen got off to a solid start•Getty Images

After starting the season as an opener, Matthew Wade had moved down the order and effectively fulfilled the finishing role on a couple of occasions but was promoted to No.3.He didn’t last long thanks to brilliance in the field from Edwards as Hurricanes were forced to rebuild with Jewell and McDermott struggling for boundaries in the middle overs.Jewell was knocked over by Dwarshuis for 41 in the power surge, taken in the 15th over, and that was probably a good result for Hurricanes as Tim David started with an edge that flew to the boundary followed by a six over the legside.His presence lifted McDermott, who got going late in the power surge with a huge six over midwicket off left-arm quick Hayden Kerr followed by a drive down the ground. David took over with typical late fireworks, hitting 25 off 10 balls, as Hurricanes finished strongly.Edwards’ brilliant catch sparks Sixers’ fightbackAfter being pummelled by Owen in the powerplay, Sixers mustered their experience to peg Hurricanes back. It started with Kerr cleverly mixing his lengths – in a template for the pace attack – to concede just four runs in the fourth over.Jafer Chohan, the Yorkshire legspinner playing his third BBL game, entered the attack after the powerplay and bravely tossed the ball up to Owen, whose eyes lit up but he couldn’t clear deep midwicket.Sixers were back in the game when Edwards brilliantly caught Wade at backward point in one of the best catches of the tournament. It was hit like a bullet, but the high-flying Edwards clung on with his right hand stretched in the air.Chohan bowled well and also claimed the wicket of McDermott but he finished on a sour note when David hit a half-tracker for six. He finished with 2 for 28 off 4 overs, but Sixers were left to rue sloppy bowling in the backend.

كشفت تقارير صحفية عالمية، مفاجأة بشأن أحد المدربين المرشحين والذي كان قد تردد أنه توصل لاتفاق لتدريب النادي الأهلي خلفاً للإسباني خوسيه ريبيرو.

وبحسب موقع “جول” البولندي، فإن فريق بوجون شتشيتسين البولندي كان يبحث عن مدرب بعد إقالة مدربه الساق روبرت كوليندويتش.

وأفادت التقارير أن مدرب الأهلي المحتمل توماس توماسبيرج سيصبح المدرب الجديد لفريق بوجون البولندي، بعدما تمت إقاله من نادي ميتلاند الدنماركي.

وكان صبر جماهير بوجون قد بدأ ينفذ بعد إقالة روبرت كوليندويتش ولم يكن هناك مدرب جديد قد تم تعيينه بدلاً منه، لكن يبدو أن الانتظار قد انتهى.

اقرأ أيضاً.. محترف الأهلي يتعرض لإصابة ويغيب عن مباراة الزمالك

وسيوقع توماس توماسبيرج الذي تمت إقالته من نادي ميتلاند على عقد لمدة ثلاث سنوات مع ناديه الجديد.

وكان توماسبيرج قد تم فسخ عقده بشكل مفاجئ مع ناديه السابق رغم النتائج الإيجابية التي حققها مع النادي الدنماركي.

وسيبقى جميع أعضاء الجهاز الفني الحالي لنادي بوجون في النادي وسينضم المدرب الدنماركي إلى النادي مع مساعدين جدد.

وكان توماسبيرج قد تلقى إشادة من أحد الصحفيين الدنماركيين قائلاً: “إذا كنت تريد لفريقك تحقيق نتائج جيدة كل أسبوع ولا يهمك إن كان أسلوبك أشبه بتيكي تاكا، فهذا هو المدرب المناسب لك”.

وأضاف أيضاً: “توماسبيرج مدرب عملي للغاية ويتبع نهجًا تقليدياً ناجحًا، كما أثبت مع ميتلاند عندما قادهم لبطولتين، وعند إقالته كان يمتلك سلسلة من 18 مباراة بدون هزيمة بمعدل 2.14 نقطة في المباراة الواحدة ولقد أقيل فقط لأن النادي أراد أسلوب مختلف تماماً”.

ويتواجد حالياً توماسبيرج في وارسو حيث يتابع لاعبيه المستقبليين من المدرجات في إحدى المباريات، وكان قد قاد ميتلاند في موسم 2023-2024 للفوز بالدوري الدنماركي وفاز سابقاً بكأس الدنمارك وخاض 115 مباراة.

Tak jak informowali @d_trzepacz, @wlodar85 i @UEFAComPiotrK , nowy trener Pogoni Szczecin Thomas Thomasberg oglada dzisoejsze spotkanie w Warszawie w towarzystwie włodarzy klubu.@PogonSportNet pic.twitter.com/WAv580uh6i — Dominik Markiewicz (@Markiewicz__Dom) September 28, 2025

A first-team Glasgow Rangers player could now seal a return to his former club during the summer transfer window, according to their technical director.

Rangers players who could leave this summer

The Russell Martin era is now in full swing at Ibrox, with the Englishman looking to make his presence felt from the off, bringing in players who suit his style of play and selling some unwanted stars.

Ross McCausland is one player who falls into the latter category, with Aris Limassol and two teams in the MLS among the clubs who are believed to be interested in snapping up the Northern Irishman before the end of the summer transfer window.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Diomande and Nicolas Raskin could leave Rangers for pastures new if big offers arrive in the coming weeks, with Besiktas expected to submit a new bid for the former imminently, though Martin would presumably like to keep them both.

Gers centre-back Robin Propper has been a divisive figure since arriving from FC Twente, not always fully convincing the masses with his performances, and a new update has now emerged regarding his future.

Propper could swap Rangers for Twente

Speaking to De Volkskrant [via Sport Witness], Twente technical director Jan Streuer has claimed that Rangers defender Proppper could seal a return to the club this summer, should Martin not see a future for him at Ibrox.

“We had too many changes at the back last season; something had to be done. It isn’t [very simple], because of all sorts of factors beyond your control. Just before last season, our captain, Robin Propper, left at the last minute. We really missed him. Rangers bought him.

“A Scottish top club, you can’t compete with that. Now there’s a new manager at Rangers, he might play less. Then he could return. But he’ll want to wait and see first whether he’ll actually play less. Do we have to decide: do we wait for that, or do we look further?”

Opinion may be split over Propper leaving Rangers before the new Scottish Premiership season gets underway, with his one-year stint at Ibrox not exactly earth-shattering to date. Ultimately, though, the 31-year-old’s future lies with Martin, who has paid him praise in the recent past, saying he has been “really impressed” with him since coming in as manager.

Given Propper’s age, though, and the fact that he isn’t likely to be seen as a key starter moving forward – he was limited to 21 starts in the Scottish Premiership last season – now does feel like a sensible time to move him on, receiving money for him before his contract begins to tick down.

Streuer does seem to have some doubts about Twente re-signing Propper, however, and if he does end up staying at Rangers, it certainly wouldn’t be a disaster.

As rumours continue to emerge about Alexander Isak’s future, Newcastle United have reportedly reached an advanced stage with their deal to welcome an incoming of their own.

Newcastle remaining stubborn on Isak stance

For the first time this summer, those around St James’ Park have every right to be concerned about Isak’s future. Liverpool have put their cards on the table and are willing to break their club record for a second time this summer to sign the Swede. But Newcastle won’t be swayed that easily. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Magpies’ stance remains that Isak is not for sale this summer.

With Champions League football secured last season and no major PSR concerns to worry about, Newcastle are still in a strong position when it comes to keeping hold of their star man. Whether that changes as the summer goes on remains to be seen, however.

Whilst the line remains that any striker that does arrive this summer will be playing alongside Isak, the names on Newcastle’s shortlist could certainly step up to play the main role if disaster strikes.

On that front, names such as Yoane Wissa particularly stand out. The Brentford forward enjoyed an excellent campaign last time out, scoring 19 Premier League goals, and could yet be on his way to St James’ Park before the end of the summer.

He’s not the only impressive name on Newcastle’s supposed shortlist, though. Reports are now going as far as to suggest that Newcastle have reached an advanced stage in their deal to welcome a Bundesliga star.

Newcastle reach advanced stage in Ekitike deal

According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Newcastle are now expected to submit a second bid to sign Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, with their deal now at an advanced stage. The Frenchman could reportedly cost as much as €80m (£69m) in what would see those at St James’ Park break their transfer record previously set by Isak when he arrived for £63m in 2022.

Interestingly, Romano recently claimed that if Liverpool miss out on Isak then they will turn their attention towards Ekitike in a lose-lose situation for Newcastle. Whether the Magpies have simply pushed on with their move to sign the forward, nonetheless, or it’s a clue about Isak’s future remains an unanswered question, though.

Related As exciting as Ekitike: Newcastle discussing bid to sign "elite" £40m star

Newcastle’s summer transfer window is roaring into life.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Jul 16, 2025

What those in Tyneside are well aware of, however, is the talent that Ekitike has. Described as “dynamic” by German football writer Constantin Eckner, Newcastle could be about to form one of the Premier League’s best strike partnerships in Isak and the Frankfurt star.

Pat Cummins is due in the USA. The Australia fast bowler, last seen in action during the T20 World Cup that took place in America and West Indies, will begin his stint with the San Francisco Unicorns midway through the season at the Major League Cricket tournament.Cummins signed a four-year deal with the franchise. The 31-year-old has previously played in only one overseas T20 league, the IPL, and has not featured in Australia’s Big Bash League since the 2018-19 season due to his international commitments.The Unicorns have won only one of their three games so far this year and will enjoy the boost that Cummins will provide. He made history, picking up back-to-back hat-tricks at the T20 World Cup and, prior to that, led Sunrisers Hyderabad to the final in the IPL. He has played 151 T20s overall, picking up 172 wickets at an average of 26.66 and an economy rate of 8.11.Related

• Visa issues stop Baartman joining Hampshire for Blast

• Pat Cummins signs four-year deal with MLC's San Francisco Unicorns

Cummins’ arrival coincides with Sherfane Rutherford’s departure. The hard-hitting West Indies allrounder has not played any of the Unicorns’ matches so far and will miss the rest of the MLC due to a bereavement in the family.There were changes among the other teams as well with Ottneil Baartman replacing Gerald Coetzee (injury) at Texas Super Kings and Lungi Ngidi taking over from Wayne Parnell (player withdrawal) at Seattle Orcas.Baartman, the South Africa fast bowler, was ruled out of the T20 Blast currently taking place in England due to delays in getting his visa which left his schedule open. He has 107 wickets from 76 T20s and is known for his variations and death-bowling ability.Ngidi suffered a back injury during the SA20 at the start of the year and missed the IPL that followed but has since recovered and was part of South Africa’s squad at the T20 World Cup, along with Baartman.

There’s been a lack of activity in the transfer market so far this summer from Newcastle United, but fans shouldn’t worry; Eddie Howe’s side are looking to make several signings.

Having qualified for the Champions League on the final day of the Premier League season, the Magpies faithful will expect the squad to be rewarded for their Herculean efforts, winning the Carabao Cup too.

But sporting director Paul Mitchell stands down at the end of the month, and frustrations are already reaching boiling point for some given transfer targets like Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo appear to be headed elsewhere.

Mbeumo scored 20 goals across 38 top-flight fixtures, earning praise from Thomas Frank for his “unplayable” attacking performances.

However, with Mbeumo seemingly out of reach, Newcastle are turning their attention elsewhere, and might have found an exciting option perhaps not yet discussed by the biggest channels.

Newcastle enter race for Mbeumo alternative

As per Caught Offside, Newcastle are in the running for versatile RB Leipzig forward Antonio Nusa, though they are joined in their interest by a host of clubs, including Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea.

Valued at €45m (£38m), the 20-year-old has only been playing in Germany for a year but has made good progress, showcasing his range of attacking qualities. Thus, he could be snapped up before his stock rises higher still.

While there haven’t been any official proposals from the suitors yet, bids may materialise quickly, so Newcastle might be wise to act now and bring a top talent to St. James’ Park – one who might even outgrow Mbeumo in the future.

What Antonio Nusa would bring to Newcastle

Hailed as a “future icon” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Nusa has impressed across his maiden campaign in Germany, scoring five goals and supplying seven assists across 36 appearances.

The Norwegian talent has yet to find the kind of goalscoring form that has defined Mbeumo’s time in the Premier League, but there’s more to his skill set than that.

In the Champions League, particularly, he impressed. As per FBref, Nusa ranked among the top 4% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s elite competition for shot-creating actions, the top 7% for progressive carries and the top 5% for successful take-ons per 90.

There’s a long road ahead for Nusa if he wishes to prove himself as a better signing than Mbeumo in the future, but his underlying data certainly suggests he has what it takes.

League Stats 24/25 – Antonio Nusa vs Bryan Mbeumo

Stats (* per game)

Nusa

Mbeumo

Matches (starts)

25 (16)

38 (38)

Goals

3

20

Assists

3

7

Shots (on target)*

1.0 (0.3)

2.2 (1.1)

Big chances missed

1

9

Pass completion

78%

74%

Key passes*

0.8

1.8

Big chances created

6

17

Dribbles*

1.6

1.4

Ball recoveries*

3.1

4.1

Tackles + interceptions*

1.5

1.7

Duels won*

4.1

4.7

Data via Sofascore

Nusa is still very young – five years Mbeumo’s junior, in fact – but you can already see a combativeness and efficiency in his ball-carrying that suggests he too could sustain complete performances in the Premier League.

Moreover, the Norway international might not have converted that many chances, but he only missed one big chance in the Bundesliga last term, highlighting an underlying clinical edge that Howe could harness over the coming years, using the player’s pace and power to get him into dangerous positions.

Mbeumo will cost a pretty penny to prise from Brentford this summer, and given the strength of Newcastle’s existing frontline, adding an up-and-coming talent who can challenge for places might just be the winning formula for Howe’s side, as they step back onto the continent’s biggest stage.

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Posts 1 ByJoe Nuttall Jun 13, 2025