India batter suffered a knee injury on the eve of the match
ESPNcricinfo staff06-Feb-2025
Virat Kohli was at the venue but not fit to play the first game•BCCI
Virat Kohli has been ruled out of the first ODI against England in Nagpur due to a knee injury he suffered on the eve of the game. He was replaced in India’s XI by Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was making his ODI debut along with bowling-allrounder Harshit Rana.India captain Rohit Sharma said at the toss that Kohli had injured his right knee on Wednesday night.Jaiswal was slotted to open with Rohit on the BCCI’s team sheet with vice-captain Shubman Gill, who would have opened if Kohli was fit, listed at No. 4, though it remains to be seen if that order remains. India lost the toss and were bowling first in Nagpur.The three matches against England are India’s last ODIs before the Champions Trophy begins on February 19. They haven’t played ODI cricket since August last year, when they lost a three-match bilateral series 2-0 in Sri Lanka, with one match tied.Kohli’s form has been under scrutiny in recent months, and after a poor tour of Australia where all of his dismissals were edges to the wicketkeeper or slip cordon, he spent a week working with former India and RCB batting coach Sanjay Bangar. He then played one Ranji Trophy match for Delhi – his first appearance in the competition since 2012 – where he was bowled for 6 against Railways.ODI cricket, however, is Kohli’s strongest format, and he is 94 runs away from becoming only the third batter to reach 14,000 runs in the format. Only Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara have got there before, but Kohli is certain to become the fastest to the milestone.
After taking the reins at Tottenham Hotspur, new boss Thomas Frank has already demonstrated his ability to switch his tactics based upon the opposition from game to game.
He’s already operated with a back five and a back four in various games, undoubtedly evaluating the options at his disposal for his debut campaign at the helm in North London.
However, a glaring issue has arisen in the side, with a lack of depth in the final third potentially transforming into a huge problem should no solution be found before the end of the window.
If the Dane is to be successful in the Premier League, he will need various talents at his disposal to call upon, but at present, he’s severely lacking in options in attacking areas.
After the departure of Heung-min Son and injury to James Maddison, the number ten and left-wing positions are massively depleted – with owner Daniel Levy needing to rectify such issues as soon as possible.
Spurs’ attempts to land an Eze alternative this summer
Eberechi Eze appeared to be the player to fill such roles within the Spurs side, after the hierarchy agreed a deal with Crystal Palace for the Englishman’s signature.
The player himself wanted to join Frank’s side, but despite the progress made on a deal to land the 27-year-old – he will not be making a move to join the Lilywhites this summer.
He’s since accepted an offer to join North London rivals Arsenal, subsequently ending Levy’s pursuit of the attacking midfielder – which has seen the club move onto different targets.
Some of the options have previously been on their radar at previous points of the summer window, with Manchester City star Savinho just one name remerging in their sights.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed in recent days that Frank’s side will return to negotiations before the end of the window, after previously failing to strike an agreement with Pep Guardiola’s men.
He also claimed that an offer of €70m (£60m) was being prepared for the Brazilian forward, who managed to notch 14 combined goals and assists in the 2024/25 campaign.
Why Spurs’ latest target would be Frank’s answer to Saka
Bukayo Saka is a player who’s constantly tormented countless backlines in the Premier League over recent seasons – with Tottenham being one of the sides unable to contain the Arsenal winger.
The 23-year-old has scored five times against the Lilywhites in his career – the most of any side he’s faced – often claiming bragging rights for Mikel Arteta’s side in the North London derby.
Such performances have undoubtedly left the Spurs faithful wishing they had a player of his quality, but talents like the Englishman would cost a pretty penny in the modern market.
To make matters worse for the Lilywhites faithful, Saka will be aided in his attempts at the Emirates by Eze – rubbing further salt into the wounds after missing out on his signature.
However, their pain may be short-lived, especially if they can land a deal for Savinho, with the City star able to make the fans forget about the failed move for the 27-year-old.
The Brazilian has been labelled as a similar player to Saka by FBref, a comparison that is understandable when delving into his underlying stats from the previous campaign.
The 21-year-old managed to outperform the Gunners star in numerous key areas, subsequently handing Frank his own version of the top-level attacker.
How Savinho & Saka compared in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Savinho
Saka
Games played
29
25
Goals & assists
9
16
Shot on target accuracy
38%
33%
Progressive carries
7.1
5
Pass accuracy
81%
75%
Passes into the opposition box
2.4
1.9
Take-on success
46%
45%
Carries into final third
2.3
1.6
Carries into the opposition box
3.8
2.6
Stats via FBref
Savinho, who’s been labelled “incredible” by current boss Guardiola, posted a higher shot on target accuracy rate – able to cut inside off the right-hand side trouble the ‘keeper on a more consistent basis.
His ability to get shots off around the 18-yard box is undoubtedly crucial, but the need for a creative presence within the current first-team squad has been evident of late.
The Brazilian could provide just that with any move to North London, bettering Saka in various areas – such as passes completed and passes into the opposition area per 90.
However, Savinho has also caused havoc to the opposition with his talent at driving the opposition – registering more carries into the penalty area per 90, whilst also achieving a higher take-on success rate.
Missing out on Eze will certainly be a bitter blow, but any disappointment could be pushed aside if the hierarchy manage to get a deal over the line for the City youngster.
If he does make the move, the 21-year-old would have all the tools to match Saka’s achievements in the capital, undoubtedly offering the needed threat Frank has been hunting for throughout the off-season.
Bigger talent than Eze: Spurs to make late offer to sign £60m sensation
Tottenham Hotspur are preparing a move for a star who could provide a bigger impact than Eberechi Eze.
Santos e Newell’s Old Boys se enfentarão pela terceira rodada da fase de grupos da Copa Sul-Americana. A disputa entre os times acontece nesta terça-feira (2), a partir das 21h30 (de Brasília).
+Guia Santos: veja a análise dos adversários, onde assistir e tudo sobre o Peixe na Sul-Americana
O Peixe possui uma vitória e um empate na competição. Enquanto isso, o clube argentino acumula duas vitórias na competição e visa manter o 100% de aproveitamento.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasSantosSantos e Argentinos Juniors homenageiam Pelé e MaradonaSantos01/05/2023SantosSantos anuncia renovação de contrato do meio-campista Lucas LimaSantos01/05/2023SantosSoteldo tem lesão na coxa constatada e vai desfalcar o SantosSantos01/05/2023
+ATUAÇÕES: Mendoza tem grande atuação e comanda vitória do Santos na Vila
O elenco comandado por Odair Hellmann enfrenta dificuldades na formação da equipe após lesão de Soteldo, camisa 10 da equipe.
Apesar do bom momento no torneio continental, o Newell’s possui uma colocação mediana na primeira fase do Campeonato Argentino.
NEWELL’S OLD BOYS X SANTOS Copa Sul-Americana – Fase de grupos – Terceira rodada
Data e horário: 1 de maio de 2023, terça-feira, às 21h30 (de Brasília) Local: Estádio Marcelo Bielsa, em Rosário, na Argentina Árbitro: Alex Herrera (VEN) Assistentes: Lubin Torrealba (VEN) e Alberto Ponte (VEN) VAR: Juan Soto (VEN) Onde assistir: SBT, ESPN/Star+ e tempo real do LANCE!
Newell’s Old Boys:Hoyos; Mendez, Velazquez, Ditta e Pitton; Sforza, Gomez e Ferreira; Sordo, Reasco e Recalde. Técnico: Gabriel Heinze.
Desfalques: Francisco González
SANTOS: João Paulo; Nathan, Messias, Eduardo Bauermann e Lucas Pires; Rodrigo Fernández, Dodi e Lucas Lima; Daniel Ruiz (Ângelo), Mendoza e Marcos Leonardo. Técnico: Odair Hellmann.
Desfalques: João Lucas (transição), Lucas Barbosa (transição), Luan Dias (lesão muscular), Soteldo (lesão muscular), Soteldo (lesão do LCA do joelho esquerdo), Zabala (lesão do LCA do joelho esquerdo).
While last season wasn’t exactly the most enjoyable of campaigns for Arsenal fans, 25/26 is looking like it could be one to remember.
Just keeping their star players fit and available would be massive in the Gunners’ hunt for a Premier League title, but the board appear to be going all out in the transfer window to ensure Mikel Arteta has the best chance of success.
Martin Zubimendi is already through the door for a cool £60m, Noni Madueke has passed his medical, Christian Mosquera is set for his, and some real depth has been added to the squad with Kepa Arrizabalaga and Christian Norgaard.
Arsenal manager MikelArteta
That’s not all, though, as Andrea Berta looks to have finally secured the club a leading number nine in Viktor Gyokeres, and if reports are to be believed, he could soon sign another attacker who’s just as exciting.
Arsenal target attacker as exciting as Gyokeres
While there was quite a lot of work that had to be done to improve and reinforce the squad this summer, there is no denying that a new striker was priority number one for Arsenal.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
After all, Arteta’s outfit produced the best defence in the league last season, but just the third-best attack, and a distant third at that.
So, it’s undoubtedly excellent news that, after weeks of speculation, the club appear to be on the brink of agreeing a deal for Gyokeres, one that will cost them an upfront fee of around £55m.
The Swedish marksman, who scored 54 goals in 52 games last season, will be a hugely exciting addition to the North Londoners’ squad, but he might not be the only one.
At least that is according to BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel, who on the latest episode of the Latte Firm podcast confirmed that “Arsenal are very interested in Rodrygo.”
The journalist revealed that the Gunners have “spoken to the relevant parties connected to the player” and, in good news, have received “positive feedback” that he would be open to the move.
However, to get their man, the North Londoners would have to pay up to £80m, but even then, Rodrygo would be worth it, and as exciting a signing as Gyokeres.
Why Rodrygo would be as exciting a signing as Gyokeres
The first thing to note is that, no, Rodrygo has not been anywhere near as prolific as Gyokeres has been over the last two years, but that’s an unfair comparison to make, given his position and the competitions he’s been playing in.
Moreover, the 24-year-old has still been a dangerous outlet for Real Madrid, as, since the start of the 2023/2024 campaign, the “world-class superstar,” as dubbed by Luka Modrić, has found the back of the net on 31 occasions and provided 20 assists in 105 appearances, totalling 7159 minutes.
In other words, the former Santos gem is still able to average a goal involvement every 2.05 games, or every 140.37 minutes across the last two years, which is undoubtedly impressive.
Appearances
51
54
Minutes
3707′
3452′
Goals
17
14
Assists
9
11
Goal Involvements per Match
0.50
0.46
Minutes per Goal Involvement
142.57′
138.08′
Additionally, he has done so while primarily playing out of his preferred left-wing position, and while he’d likely move back there at the Emirates, the fact that he’s so accomplished playing off the right or up top is another reason he’d be a tremendously exciting signing.
Finally, while there are some questions over how the Sporting CP star will cope in the biggest of games due to his relative lack of experience playing in truly elite competition, there are no such concerns when it comes to the Brazilian.
Since moving to Madrid, he has won everything there is to win, including two La Liga titles and two Champions League titles.
Moreover, he’s not just been a passenger for those victories, as he has a stellar record when it comes to Europe’s top competition, scoring 25 goals and providing 14 assists in 64 games.
Ultimately, Gyokeres’ absurd goal tally makes him a seriously exciting signing for Arsenal, but Rodrygo’s record and experience would make him equally so.
He'd be a dream for Gyokeres: Arsenal close in on signing £68m "superstar"
Arsenal are looking to conclude more business after agreeing a deal for Viktor Gyokeres.
David Moyes has signed only three players for Everton this summer, but as the weeks progress, there will likely be several more making the move to Merseyside.
More importantly, however, is the news that Moyes managed to secure defender Jarrad Branthwaite down to a new four-year contract extension with the Toffees.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite
This could be crucial regarding Everton’s chances of breaking back into the top half of the Premier League table next season, especially with several clubs sniffing around the player.
It proves that the club are heading in the right direction, especially judging by the quality of their signings.
Carlos Alcaraz did spend time on loan at Everton last season, but his permanent move will improve Moyes’ midfield options.
With Dominic Calvert-Lewin leaving the club upon the expiration of his contract, signing another striker or two was a key priority for the manager.
As such, a deal to secure the signature of Thierno Barry was completed a couple of weeks ago.
The centre-forward may have cost the Toffees around £27m from La Liga side Villarreal, but this may just turn out to be a wise piece of business.
Why Everton signed Thierno Barry
While Calvert-Lewin didn’t exactly bring goals to the side last season – scoring only three all season – losing a forward meant Moyes had to be active in the transfer market.
Barry was the player earmarked as a major target, and for good reason. Last season, the French starlet scored 19 goals and grabbed four assists for Villarreal across all competitions.
Furthermore, the striker also showcased his creative side by creating seven big chances for his teammates, proving that he offers much more than just a goal threat.
He played in the U21 European Championship for France this summer, scoring once for his country as they reached the semi-finals before bowing out to Germany.
Despite averaging just 37 minutes per game for France, Barry also created two big chances, averaged two shots per game and missed four big chances.
Villarreal's Thierno Barry
If given more of a chance in the team, he may have had a bigger influence, no doubt about that.
This all sets him up nicely for the 2025/26 season, where he will be taking on some of the finest defenders in the world.
Should Barry live up to his potential, Moyes may have unearthed a stunning talent who will certainly secure them a stunning profit in the coming years.
While a promising signing, the Frenchman wont be able to lead the Toffees’ frontline on his own, especially with the pressure to score plenty during his maiden season.
Moyes must now be looking to bring in another centre-forward ahead of the new season, one who could offer similar sort of qualities to those of Barry.
With this in mind, it appears the Scot is targeting a move for someone who shone in what was their debut season in European football.
Everton enquire about move for new striker
Moyes was keen on signing Evan Ferguson from Brighton and Hove Albion, but that ship has now sailed with the Irishman bound for AS Roma. Additionally, Nick Woltemade was also a target, but Bayern Munich were also keen on the German.
One striker who has been on the club’s list for some time is Hamza Igamane, who shone for Glasgow Rangers last season.
Hamza Igamane.
Indeed, it was after his performance against Tottenham Hotspur in December 2024 that initially saw the Toffees linked with the Moroccan.
While a January move was never in the question, it looks as though Igamane could be on the move this summer.
It looked as though Lille were closing in on the youngster, but according to reports on the continent, Moyes might well be back in the frame for him.
The report read: “LOSC Lille struggling in their negotiations with Rangers for Hamza Igamane. Despite a personal agreement with the Moroccan, the deal’s still on hold. In the meantime, Feyenoord entered the race. Everton and Udinese have also made enquiries.”
Rangers have placed a £20m valuation on one of their prized assets, but this shouldn’t be an issue to the Merseyside outfit.
Should Everton win the race, Igamane could turn out to be Barry 2.0 given their similarities on the pitch.
Why Everton must sign Hamza Igamane
Igamane certainly made his mark for Rangers last season. Across 46 games in all competitions, he scored 16 goals, including strikes against Celtic, Spurs and Nice.
It is no wonder several clubs are chasing his signature after his performances for the Gers, especially in Europe.
Metric
Premiership
Europa League
Goals
12
4
Assists
1
1
Goal conversion percentage
13%
29%
Big chances created
10
1
Shots per game
2.6
1.4
In the Europa League, Igamane recorded an impressive 29% goal conversion percentage, while also registering 1.4 shots on goal.
Ben Mattinson hailed his character last season, saying: “Hamza Igamane is such a Barclaysman type forward. Completely unpredictable, tonnes of flair and trickery. The type of player to try outrageous moves/shots just because.”
Interestingly, both he and Barry offered similar traits last season. According to FBref, both players performed well in front of goal, registering 18 and 20 goal contributions across both domestic and European competitions.
Elsewhere, the duo also registered similar figures when it came to shots per 90 (3.88 vs 3.02), shot on target percentage (39% vs 36%), goal-creating actions (4 vs 6 ) and successful take-ons (17 vs 18) last season.
This proves that the pair won’t just offer Everton a threat in front of goal, but that they can also create chances for others and are willing to take on opposition defenders on a regular basis.
Hamza Igamane
With both Barry and Igamane in the same team, there is no reason why Everton can’t make the top half of the Premier League next season.
Indeed, if both players take to the top flight with ease, can a European place perhaps be secured also? It is a long shot, but Moyes has finally rejuvenated the club after years of stagnation.
Another striker is crucial. By bringing in Igamane, Moyes will be able to replicate his Barry masterclass.
Everton in contact to sign "fantastic" defender who pocketed Calvert-Lewin
The Toffees are in the hunt for defensive reinforcements…
La Liga giants Real Madrid have started their brand-new era under Xabi Alonso, and following their disappointment of a 2024/2025 season, Los Blancos are apparently setting their sights on a Tottenham star to help with the rebuild.
Spurs are expected to undergo somewhat of a rebuild themselves, with the Europa League champions ushering in their fifth new manager since 2019.
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Thomas Frank arrives in N17 with the goal of building upon his new side’s triumph in Bilbao against Man United, a result which also gifted them a place in next season’s Champions League draw.
A major thorn in the cap of his predecessor, Ange Postecoglou, was the plethora of injuries his squad sustained last term. The Australian was forced to cope without many key players for extended periods throughout 24/25, and Frank will be keen to avoid a similar scenario as he braces for an equally congested fixture calendar.
Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025
Average match rating
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
They’ve already moved to reinforce the squad with a permanent deal for Mathys Tel and a £5 million move for Japanese sensation Kota Takai, with Tottenham also widely reported to be in talks for West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus.
However, Spurs do face the prospect of losing some key big names before deadline day as well.
West Ham's Mohammed Kudus
Son Heung-min is a reliably claimed target for the Saudi Pro League (The Telegraph), and there is a serious belief that last season could’ve been his final campaign at Spurs – 10 years after he joined from Bayer Leverkusen.
“Son could very well have played his last game for Tottenham, and well, if it was the Europa League final, it would be fitting,” journalist Graeme Bailey told TBR Football last month.
“I am told he still believes he is more than capable of recapturing his best form – but Spurs are ready to make moves this summer and Son leaving could materialise.”
Alongside Son, it is believed star £165,000-per-week defender Cristian Romero is attracting serious interest from Spain.
While reports that Tottenham have reached an “agreement in principle” to sell Romero look wide of the mark, Atlético boss Diego Simeone has publicly confirmed the club’s admiration for him.
Real Madrid expected to make "concrete" move for Cristian Romero
Now, as per CaughtOffside, Atlético are joined by their cross-town rivals in pursuit of the “sensational” Argentine.
Real are “now expected” to make a “concrete” approach to sign Romero from Tottenham, but chairman Daniel Levy won’t be letting him go on the cheap, even if last season’s Europa League Player of the Year has just two years left on his current contract.
Spurs want a minimum £60 million to consider letting him leave, with both Real and Atlético viewing this price tag as excessive for the time being.
The former are boosted by Romero’s openness to joining Real, as is mostly the case when Alonso’s side come knocking, but Tottenham won’t be bullied aside in potential negotiations and are determined to keep hold of him.
A £12,000-a-week Celtic player is eager to seal a move away from Parkhead this summer and looks set to get his wish with a transfer agreement now reached.
Celtic’s 2025 summer signings so far
The Hoops have been busy during the summer transfer window as Brendan Rodgers’ side look to maintain their Scottish Premiership dominance during the 2025/26 season.
Four new signings have been made so far, including permanent deals for Benjamin Nygren and Callum Osmand from Nordsjaelland and Fulham respectively.
Meanwhile, there have also been returns to Celtic Park for left-back Kieran Tierney and goalkeeper Ross Doohan, with Rodgers hailing the Scottish duo recently upon his return to Lennoxtown.
“For Kieran, I’m absolutely delighted. We’re getting a top player back. Sometimes top players like that might come later on in their career, but we’re getting Kieran at 27 years of age. I was with him during the summer so I know first-hand how excited he is to be here.
“And it’s great for Ross to be back. He was here during my first spell and he left to go and gain experience. He’s an international goalkeeper now. He answered the call and got his cap, which is absolutely brilliant. I know where his heart is and I know that in bringing him back to here, he’ll make a real good contribution in that goalkeeper department for us.”
Celtic prepare bid for "quality" £15m star who Rodgers has liked for ages
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However, with four players already through the door, there will also be some Lennoxtown departures. Greg Taylor and Scott Bain have both left after their contracts expired, joining PAOK and Falkirk, and by the looks of things, Celtic are about to cash in on 24/25 star Nicolas Kuhn.
Kuhn desperate to leave Celtic as £17m+ agreement reached
As per Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, Kuhn is on course to leave Celtic for Serie A side Como, with a medical booked for next week.
An agreement worth €20m (£17.2m) was struck on Thursday, and Kuhn will sign a four-year deal with Cesc Fabregas’ side. Bundesliga side RB Leipzig were also keen on Kuhn, however, the £12,000-a-week Celtic star was ‘desperate’ to leave Scotland for Como.
Described as a pathetic fee by a Celtic media outlet, Kuhn was only signed by the Hoops for £3.5m back in 2024, so they are in line to make a significant profit.
In the German’s first full season at Celtic Park, Kuhn scored 21 goals and registered 15 assists, so it isn’t a shock that he would attract interest, and now we could see Nygren look to fill the void left by Kuhn.
After failing to negotiate a new contract with Abdoulaye Doucoure, Everton watched on as the Frenchman departed and are now reportedly eyeing his potential replacement in a £25m deal.
Everton must replace Doucoure this summer
For all his experience and important moments to match, Everton failed to offer Doucoure a new deal in Merseyside in a decision that they’ll be desperate not to regret this time next season. The veteran midfielder spent five years at the club in a spell full of ups and downs, from being dropped by Frank Lampard to thriving under Sean Dyche and David Moyes.
Doucoure was the man who scored the goal to keep Everton afloat in the 2022/23 campaign and he was the man who battled Curtis Jones in what proved to be his final-ever Merseyside derby. A Frenchman turned scouse, there is no denying that replacing his influence will not be a simple task for the Toffees this summer.
Saying goodbye to the fans, Doucoure said at the end of last season: “Hi Evertonians – just wanted to share this message with you that I’m going to leave the football club at the end of the season.
“After five wonderful years, my time at Everton came to an end. Everton means a lot for me. Obviously the past five years it’s been hard but I will always remember my time as a dream for me, to play for Everton Football Club.”
Everton fighting Leeds, Burnley and Sunderland for free agent signing
The Toffees are lining up a bargain transfer…
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It’s a decision that Everton must now justify by signing a younger, improved model this summer and, to their credit, they could do exactly that by welcoming one particular midfield star.
Everton eyeing £25m Yarmolyuk deal
As reported by Caught Offside, Everton are now eyeing a summer swoop to sign Yegor Yarmolyuk from Brentford, who value their young midfielder at just €30m (£25m).
The 21-year-old is represented by the same agent as Everton left-back Vitalii Mykolenko and could now join his countryman in Merseyside to hand Moyes his Doucoure replacement. Joining Everton in pursuit of his signature, however, are Tottenham Hotspur, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds United.
Minutes
1,450
2,564
Progressive Passes
3.91
2.88
Tackles Won
1.74
0.98
Ball Recoveries
7.02
5.26
More robust than Doucoure whilst also outperforming the Frenchman when progressing play last season, there’s even an argument to be made that Yarmolyuk would be an upgrade on the former Everton man rather than just a replacement.
At just 21 years old, the Ukraine-born midfielder has already found himself at the centre of praise and that includes from Ben Mattinson. The analyst dubbed the Brentford star “underrated” and “physical” back in January and could now watch on as he swaps West London for Merseyside.
Yegor Yarmolyuk
In a deal that would reportedly cost around £25m, the Toffees could commence their summer business with an absolute bargain whilst instantly replacing Doucoure in the process.
Newcastle United are in the box seat to qualify for the Champions League via a top-five finish in the Premier League. The Magpies, who lost their most recent outing 1-0 away to Arsenal, currently occupy third spot with one game to go.
With 66 points to their name, a win would guarantee Eddie Howe’s side a place in next season’s premier European club competition, although a draw might not be enough, given they are just one point clear of seventh-place Nottingham Forest. It is in their hands, so they must beat Everton at home.
If they do return to the competition next term, attacking reinforcements would certainly strengthen their case to help them go on a run in the competition.
Newcastle’s latest attacking target
Newcastle seem keen to add strength and depth to their forward line this summer, and one player who has been constantly linked with a move to St James’ Park is Bryan Mbeumo who has been excellent in 2024/25.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Now, according to a new report from GIVEMESPORT, the Magpies ‘are firmly in the race’ to bring Mbeumo to the club this summer.
Manager Howe, who brought silverware to the club this term after 56 years, views the attacker ‘as a standout target for Newcastle’ this summer.
Brentford's BryanMbeumoreacts
However, this is not a deal that will come cheap. The report suggests that the Cameroon international will cost the North Eastern side £60m, with Manchester United, Nottingham Forest and Arsenal all interested in signing the attacker, too.
Why Mbeumo would be a good signing
It has been a really strong season for Brentford in 2024/25, who themselves are pushing for a European spot. It is perhaps no coincidence that the Bees’ excellent campaign has aligned with a personal year to remember for Mbeumo.
The 25-year-old, who came through French side Troyes’ academy, has been one of the Premier League’s standout players this term. He was nominated for the Player of the Season award, which he described as a “crazy” feeling.
Well, the stats don’t lie, and Mbeumo’s goal and assist numbers are exceptional. He’s managed 19 goals and eight assists in 37 games, playing 3,327 minutes. That leaves him with an average of one goal involvement every 123 minutes.
Should the Magpies bring the winger to the club, he could prove to be a wonderful addition to an attack that includes Anthony Gordon. It has also been a terrific campaign for the England international, who has managed nine goals and seven assists in 41 games across all competitions.
One of Gordon’s biggest contributions came in the Carabao Cup. Although he was suspended for the final, the Merseyside-born winger scored in both semi-final legs against Arsenal to help guide Newcastle to Wembley, where they ultimately lifted the trophy.
Well, perhaps Mbeumo can become the right-sided Gordon in this Newcastle side. They play on opposite flanks, and with Gordon being right-footed on the left and the Brentford man left-footed on the right, both like to cut inside on their stronger foot and look to get a shot off.
They are also statistically similar via FBref from this season. For example, the Brentford attacker averages 1.84 key passes and 0.54 goal-creating actions per 90 minutes. In comparison, Newcastle’s number 10 averages 1.92 key passes and 0.45 goal-creating actions each game.
Mbeumo and Gordon key stats compared
Stat (per 90)
Mbeumo
Gordon
Goals per shot on target
0.39
0.32
Key passes
1.84
1.92
Progressive passes
3.74
3.58
Goal-creating actions
0.54
0.45
Take-ons completed
1.38
1.40
Stats from FBref
Football statistician Statman Dave described Mbeumo as a “deadly” attacker, and with the numbers he has put up this season, it is easy to see why. There is no doubt, he would enhance the Newcastle attack, and could well become the second coming of Gordon.
Brentford's BryanMbeumolooks dejected after the match
Although £60m is a large fee, the winger is seemingly worth the money, so perhaps the Magpies should take the plunge and bring Mbeumo to St James’ Park next season.
100% duels lost: 4/10 Newcastle dud must never start for the club again
Newcastle United are now hanging onto third spot in the Premier League after a narrow 1-0 defeat away at Arsenal.
Birmingham City won’t be entering into the Championship happy to just make up the numbers as Chris Davies’ men move back up to the tricky division with a new lease of life.
Last time the Blues were in the second tier, they depressingly sunk down to League One as years of mistreatment off the pitch and dire results on it culminated in the St. Andrew’s giants finally falling off the cliff.
Now, they’re back and better than ever after a monumental 111-point haul saw them coast to the title, with plenty of new signings rumoured to be entering through the door to help them acclimatise back to the EFL’s top league.
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Leeds and Burnley recently made second-tier history.
ByCharlie Smith May 17, 2025
It’s not the most bizarre claim to suggest that Tom Wagner and Co could even go back in for former star Nathan Redmond, considering the 31-year-old has just been released by Burnley and was a breathtaking watch donning a Birmingham strip during the fledgling stages of his career.
Redmond's standout spell at Birmingham
Before the likes of Jude Bellingham put Birmingham on the footballing map as a sensational St. Andrew’s prodigy, Redmond was the original golden child developed by the West Midlands side.
The Birmingham-born ace would excite and enthral his loyal set of supporters in equal measure throughout his stint at the club, leading to Norwich City picking up the pacey winger for around the £3.2m mark in 2013.
Therefore, the temptation to bring him back for nothing must be palpable, with Redmond triumphantly rejoining to add to his sizeable tally of nine goals and 11 assists.
But, Birmingham could also set their sights elsewhere in attempting to land a gung-ho right winger in the same vein as Redmond, with one target constantly linked with a switch to the Blues causing havoc in League One, much like the 31-year-old was once capable of.
Birmingham could now sign their next Redmond
After all, it would be a major risk on Davies and Co’s end to expect their former homegrown product to be as electric as he once was on his return, considering the one-time England international’s last two seasons have been horribly plagued by injury.
Therefore, Birmingham should go all full steam ahead to try and snap up the services of Peterborough United ace and reported target Kwame Poku, with the entertaining Ghanaian perhaps the second coming of Redmond.
Whilst Redmond has only been fit enough to feature 18 times for the Clarets across those two last campaigns, Poku – on the other hand – has been ripping League One to shreds as a captivating attacker down the right flank, much like the injury-prone veteran in his prime.
Last season, Poku would tally up a hefty 23 goal contributions from just 31 games, adding to his equally impressive 20 goal contributions the campaign prior.
Poku’s numbers for Peterborough by position
Position played
Games
Goals
Assists
RW
100
25
19
AM
50
4
8
RM
19
3
5
LW
14
2
3
CF
3
0
0
LM
2
1
0
Sourced by Transfermarkt
Moreover, the 5 foot 10 forward is also capable of playing down the left wing and through the middle as a number ten like his soon-to-be free agent counterpart.
Therefore, Birmingham coming out on top to snap up the “outstanding” star – as he has been lauded by football journalist Lukman Evergreen – would be a real signing of intent, with the 23-year-old superstar also potentially linking up with the likes of Jay Stansfield and Alfie May to devastating effect.
Of course, there will be a lot of sentimentality on the end of Blues supporters regarding that possible reunion with Redmond.
But, with all of his injury issues taken into account, alongside Poku now excelling in what Redmond used to do so well, this might well be a necessary signing for Davies’ men to make in the here and now to unsettle the Championship.
Birmingham closing in on signing their next Iwata for Davies
Birmingham City could soon snap up their next Tomoki Iwata with this summer purchase.