Tottenham Hotspur once had a talent hailed as “the new Diego Maradona”, who Jamie Carragher said was “like watching Pirlo”, due to the way in which he flourished in a deep-lying playmaker role.
Lack of creativity cost Tottenham against Bournemouth
Tottenham spent large parts of the summer transfer window chasing a new attacking midfielder, pursuing Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze before eventually getting a deal for Xavi Simons over the line.
However, the Dutchman, who has picked up a combined 20 assists over the last two Bundesliga seasons, wasn’t available for selection against AFC Bournemouth last time out, and Spurs created very few opportunities.
The Lilywhites were missing a player capable of taking the game by the scruff of the neck and creating something out of nothing, with Son Heung-min departing for LAFC in the summer, while Harry Kane has, of course, been a big miss ever since leaving two years ago.
During his time in north London, Kane received regular plaudits from the media, with some of the highest praise coming from David Ginola, who once said: “The new playmaker at Spurs is Harry Kane. He is like the new Diego Maradona now. Long passes, short passes, he has it all.”
Carragher was also left very impressed with the England captain’s ability to drop deep and create chances.
First refusal clause means Spurs can re-sign Kane
Tottenham are well-known to have a first refusal clause, which means they would hold an advantage in a future race for the 32-year-old, given that Bayern Munich would be forced to sell the striker to his former club if they matched another accepted offer.
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Former Liverpool man Dietmar Hamann has also suggested this season could be the centre-forward’s last in Germany, saying: “I think Harry Kane has a clause that allows him to leave for a certain amount next summer. I believe the reason Bayern Munich wanted to bring Nick Woltemade in this summer was because many within the club think Kane wants to go back to England after the World Cup.”
Signing a player in their early thirties would normally be a gamble, but Kane is showing no signs of slowing down, having maintained a fantastic goal and assist record at Bayern ever since his arrival, making a flying start to the new campaign.
It was a hectic transfer deadline day for Aston Villa. Up until Monday, it has been a quiet summer at Villa Park in terms of incomings, but there was a flurry of late activity, which somewhat redeemed what the club had done in the 2025 summer window.
In total, Emery’s side made three last-minute signings, with one of those on a free transfer. Centre-back Victor Lindelof made the move to the West Midlands after his contract at Manchester United expired at the end of last season.
Versatile attacker Harvey Elliott left Liverpool for the Villans on a loan deal with an obligation to buy him imcluded for a fee of £35m.
The other signing made by Unai Emery’s side saw them sign another attacking player, Jadon Sancho.
What Villa can expect from Sancho
Villa’s new number 19 this season will be Sancho. The English winger will also join on a loan deal from Manchester United, although there is no buy clause in the move, with his contract at Old Trafford set to expire at the end of next season.
Once one of the most exciting wonderkids in world football, Sancho’s career somewhat stagnated at Old Trafford after a fallout with former manager Erik ten Hag. He has played for Borussia Dortmund over two spells and spent last season on loan at Chelsea.
The 25-year-old honed his craft in the Bundesliga, and Jamie Carragher said he was “one of the best young players at the moment in world football” at that time. His best season in that famous yellow shirt came in 2019/20, when he scored 17 goals and assisted the same number in just 32 Bundesliga games. He was scintillating for Dortmund.
Of course, the last few seasons have not been as prolific, but 15 goal involvements for Chelsea in 2024/25, including one in the Conference League final, were impressive.
There is no doubt that Emery would love to help guide the winger back to his very best at Villa Park.
Sancho set a trend in many ways by getting his footballing education abroad. We have since seen other young English stars follow in his footsteps, with Jude Bellingham perhaps the best example.
In fact, there is a former Villa player who is now emulating Sancho.
Carney Chukwuemeka is now emulating Sancho
Sancho certainly set a trend by moving to Germany at just 17 years of age, and Dortmund have become a club known for producing some of the best young talents. Well, one of their latest signings in that mould will be familiar to Villa fans.
21-year-old Carney Chukwuemeka was once regarded as “one of the best young players in England”, according to Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol.
A Villans academy graduate, he made 16 appearances for the club, registering one assist for Ollie Watkins against Norwich City.
Villa didn’t get to see much of their talent before he moved away from the club.
Chukwuemeka joined Chelsea for £20m in 2022, which, in itself, is similar to Sancho, given the Englishman previously played for the Blues on loan.
After limited opportunities at Chelsea, the former Villans star switched to Dortmund on loan last winter and then on a permanent move over the summer. So far, he’s made 18 appearances across the two spells, scoring one goal.
Dortmund certainly platform young players well, because Chukwuemeka has thrived at the club, just as Sancho did during his two successful stints. The stats from his loan last season are a perfect example, with the Austrian-born midfielder boasting an average expected goal involvement tally of 0.8xGI per 90 minutes.
Chukwuemeka for Dortmund 24/25
Stat
Per 90 mins
Total
Key passes
2.7
10
Big chances created
0.8
3
Dribbles completed
2.2
8
Tackles & interceptions
3.8
14
Expected goal involvements
0.8xGI
2.93xGI
Stats from Sofascore
It might well sting Villa fans that they let a talent as good as Chukwuemeka slip through the net. With his limited opportunities at Stamford Bridge, he may have had a better chance at regular first-team football had he stayed in the West Midlands.
Despite that, he is now emulating Sancho’s career path, thriving at Dortmund just as the England international did. If their careers continue to mirror, perhaps he’ll be back at Villa Park before too long.
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Aston Villa have certainly hit gold on this unbelievable star, who is worth more than both new recruits Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho.
After Strikers posted BBL’s second-highest total of 251, D’Arcy Short took 4 for 15 to bowl Heat out for 195
Tristan Lavalette11-Jan-2025Captain Matthew Short returned from a toe injury in spectacular fashion with a blistering century against Brisbane Heat as Adelaide Strikers revived their finals hopes after making the second highest total in BBL history.Sent in to bat on a very flat Adelaide Oval surface, Strikers smashed 251 for 5 highlighted by Short’s 109 off 54 balls after he missed the last three matches. He reached his ton in 49 balls to set a new franchise record.Heat never seriously threatened in the chase and were bowled out for 195 after 20 overs.The result has breathed life into Strikers’ season (three wins in eight games) having entered the match in last position and they moved within striking distance of fourth-placed Heat.Short/Lynn rampage before Carey’s brief knock in season debut There was a lot of anticipation over the season debut of Test wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who was listed at No.3 but made to wait until almost the ninth over after a destructive 121-run opening partnership between Short and Chris Lynn.During Short’s absence, Lynn moved up to open from three and such was his success that he stayed in the position. He dominated the powerplay and thrashed quicks Michael Neser and Xavier Bartlett, normally so reliable with the new ball.Lynn raced to 42 off 13 balls as Strikers motored to 62 for 0 in the most runs hit by a team in the powerplay this season. Short then took over with two sixes off left-arm quick Spencer Johnson as Strikers moved to 81-0 after five overs.Hogging the strike, Short soon sped past Lynn to reach his half-century off 24 balls. In the first seven overs, Short and Lynn smashed seven sixes while they failed to score off just 11 balls.Matt Short and Chris Lynn turn the crowd into umpires•Getty ImagesBut Lynn did lose his rhythm and was also ailed by a tight hamstring before being knocked over by a quicker delivery from left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann.Carey finally came to the crease, but only lasted eight deliveries after being bowled by another faster ball from Kuhnemann. He did, however, hit arguably the best shot of the innings after a classy check drive sailed prettily over extra cover and into the crowd.Short was unperturbed as he fittingly reached his ton with a boundary. Travis Head had held Strikers’ previous fastest century with his famous 53-ball ton against Sydney Sixers on New Year’s Eve in 2015.It was a brilliant knock from Short, who has recently opened for Australia in white-ball cricket, marked by staying still at the crease and clean ball striking. He ruthlessly targeted the shorter boundaries on the legside before finally holing out to deep midwicket.Alex Ross clubbed 44 not out from 19 balls at the death to ensure Strikers’ momentum continued.Spinners Kuhnemann, Swepson try their best With their star quicks Neser, Bartlett and Johnson having rare off performances, unable to hit their lengths, spinners Kuhnemann and Swepson took five wickets between them in battling efforts.They weren’t spared, with 91 runs hit off their eight overs, but at least ensured Strikers didn’t reel in the BBL record score of 273 for 2 set by Melbourne Stars three years ago.Kuhnemann, in his first match since being selected to the Test tour of Sri Lanka, got some zip off the surface, while Swepson cleverly mixed up his bowling to be the most economical of the five bowlers used.Debutant quicks face tough initiation, D’Arcy Short takes four wickets On a surface that rivalled some of the unforgiven pitches seen in the IPL, Strikers debutant quicks Liam Haskett and Jordan Buckingham faced a difficult initiation.Haskett impressed last season for Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield, but had a delayed start to this summer due to a back injury. The tall left-arm quick was unleashed in the second over, but struggled with his lengths initially and whacked over the legside for successive sixes by Neser.D’Arcy Short finished with 4 for 15•Getty ImagesHaskett was later pulled for six by Nathan McSweeney and caught, remarkably, by his father in the terraces. He returned later to dismiss Tom Alsop to finish with 2 for 43 from 3 overs.The 24-year-old Buckingham was given a chance in the BBL having impressed in the Shield in recent seasons. Like almost every other bowler in the match, he copped some punishment but claimed the key wicket of Matthew Renshaw in the 14th over.With bowlers sporting bowling figures that were an eyesore, D’Arcy Short’s handy legspin was used to good effect as numerous Heat batters holed out to him. He finished with 4 for 15 off 3 overs.Munro bats well down the order after injuries in the field Heat’s monumental task was made harder with skipper Colin Munro batting well down the order after dislocating a finger in his left hand and suffering a shoulder injury in a torrid time in the field. He came out at No.7 and made a second ball duck.Neser was promoted to open and ordered to go for broke, but it didn’t do the trick. McSweeney played fluently with several gorgeous drives and he made an attractive 43 off 24 balls.But he was run out attempting a second run as Heat’s slim chances effectively ended despite entertaining cameos from Renshaw, in-form Max Bryant and Johnson, who hit 27 from 13 balls at No.11.
If you are planning to visit the AT&T Stadium for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, we've got you covered!
AT&T Stadium is one of the 12 premier venues selected to host the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, the biggest edition of the tournament yet, featuring 48 teams competing for the ultimate footballing prize.
Having already hosted several major events in the past, including NBA All-Star Games, WrestleManias, NFL matchups, and top-level soccer events, AT&T Stadium now prepares to welcome the best footballing nations from around the world.
Whether you're planning to attend a match during the tournament or simply exploring the venue while in town, this is the ultimate guide for you. GOAL brings you all the key information you need before visiting this iconic stadium, located in the heart of Dallas.
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AT&T Stadium overview
Capacity
80,000
Year opened
2009
Tenant(s)
Dallas Cowboys (NFL)
Address
1 AT&T Way, Arlington, TX 76011, USA
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History of AT&T Stadium
AT&T Stadium completed its construction in 2009 and has served as the home of NFL side Dallas Cowboys ever since. Originally opened as Cowboys Stadium, it was renamed AT&T Stadium in 2013. With a seating capacity of 80,000, it remains one of the largest and most iconic stadiums in the United States.
In addition to its deep affiliation with the NFL, AT&T Stadium has hosted several other major sporting events over the years, including WrestleMania on two separate occasions and the Super Bowl in 2010, just a year after its opening.
The stadium has also become a key venue for soccer events, having hosted major tournaments such as the 2024 Copa America, CONCACAF Gold Cup, and most recently, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, further cementing its status as a world-class soccer destination.
For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, AT&T Stadium is set to host a total of nine matches, including five group stage games and four high-stakes knockout round clashes.
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Which teams play at AT&T Stadium
Since it's inauguration in 2009, The AT&T Stadium has served as home ground for NFL side Dallas Cowboys.
Team
League
Dallas Cowboys
NFL
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How to get to AT&T Stadium
How to get to AT&T Stadium by public transport
Unfortunately, AT&T Stadium is not directly accessible by any public transit. Trinity Metro and trolleys are convenient options, but they do not operate on event days, making it difficult to commute to the venue. Visiting fans often have to rely on shuttles or rideshare taxis to reach the stadium. However, during the World Cup next year, you can expect dedicated coach buses to help ease traffic and reduce congestion.
How to get to AT&T Stadium by car
Fans traveling to the stadium by car can take Exit 28 toward Ballpark Way or Collins Street from I-30. From there, follow the signs for AT&T Way or Randol Mill Road to reach the stadium parking lots.
AT&T Stadium offers plenty of parking, with over 12,000 spaces available on-site. The lots typically open five hours before events, giving fans enough time to arrive early and settle in.
Barcelona are weighing up a sensational move for Harry Kane in 2026, with reports in Spain suggesting the Bayern Munich striker could be available for as little as €40 million (£35m). Deco considers the England captain an “ideal option” to replace Robert Lewandowski, whose contract expires that summer, making the low-cost swoop a realistic possibility.
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Seen as Lewandowski’s ideal long-term replacement
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Lewandowski’s deal runs out in June 2026, and Barcelona are already preparing for his exit. Kane, who will turn 33 that summer, is seen as the perfect successor thanks to his proven pedigree. As per Catalan outlet El Nacional, the most attractive factor, however, is the expectation that Bayern will lower their demands to around €40-50m (£35-43m/$47-59m).
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Barcelona reportedly want to repeat the strategy used when they signed Lewandowski in 2022 — securing a world-class striker at a bargain price. Kane’s market value is expected to fall due to age and his contract with Bayern Munich ending in 2027, making him affordable for the Blaugrana despite their financial limitations. For a club still balancing the books, such a deal is seen as a rare opportunity.
DID YOU KNOW?
Kane has scored freely at Bayern, reinforcing his reputation as one of Europe’s best forwards. Barcelona believe his leadership and experience would provide instant impact in an attack being reshaped around Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
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WHAT NEXT FOR KANE?
Barcelona will keep close tabs on Kane’s situation over the next 18 months. Premier League clubs may also enter the race, but the Catalans hope their sporting project and the chance to play at Camp Nou will swing the deal. The summer of 2026 is being viewed as the decisive moment in their hunt for Kane.
Liverpool won the Premier League last season, finishing ten points ahead of second-place Arsenal. Few gave Arne Slot a chance to establish himself as a title-race outlier, but he took the division by storm.
And he’s been rewarded in the summer transfer market, with FSG green-lighting ambitious moves for Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz, with the latter signing from Bayer Leverkusen for a British-record £116m.
Navigating the transfer market has become a far more delicate matter for Liverpool after the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.
But Liverpool’s forward interest dates back to the start of 2025, with Darwin Nunez transfer-listed while the Reds pursued the Premier League title.
Nunez is still set to leave Liverpool, with the Saudi Pro League’s Al-Hilal among the frontrunners, and FSG have worked to sign a replacement.
While nothing’s set in stone, it looks like that replacement is going to be Hugo Ekitike.
The latest on Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool
Liverpool appear to have won the race for Ekitike, with the 23-year-old submitting a transfer request as he looks to inch a move to Merseyside closer.
Newcastle United were also in the mix, but have dropped out following the Reds’ concrete advancements.
Ekitike’s is an unrefined skill set, but with a few tweaks here and there, he could prove a stunning signing for Slot’s cause. After all, talent scout Jacek Kulig remarked that he “could definitely reach world-class striker levels”.
With 22 goals and 12 assists to his name across the 2024/25 campaign, such a claim certainly seems to have some substance.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
On Friday morning, Sport BILD reported that Ekitike had linked back up with Frankfurt for training and, as things stand, is slated to join his teammates on their pre-season tour in the United States.
The Reds are closing in on their quarry, but they have another target in their sights, too. You might even say he’s an upgrade on the French forward.
Liverpool lining up another striker
According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are still pushing to land Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, in spite of their push for Ekitike’s signature and indeed the rebuffed formal approach for the Sweden striker earlier in the week.
Liverpool were willing to put a £120m offer on the table, but the focus shift to Ekitike in recent days speaks of a roadblock between Anfield and St. James’ Park.
Isak
Elsewhere, Foot Mercato have revealed that Isak and Newcastle have given Al-Hilal the initial green light to commence discussions over a deal that would send shockwaves through the footballing world.
While this is peculiar news, it perhaps suggests that the Isak saga is not quite finished for Liverpool this summer.
Why Liverpool should sign Alexander Isak
Time was when Liverpool’s owners were widely regarded as being frugal, if effective with their resources. But who can call FSG misers now? Having forked out a shedload on new signings this summer, there’s still more yet to come.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal
BBC reporter Sami Mokbel believes that Liverpool’s interest in Isak will remain intact regardless of the outcome of the Ekitike saga. One of the French talent’s underlying qualities to have piqued Slot’s interest is his versatility, with a sharp tactical mind and a nimble athleticism making him, as Kulig alluded to, world-class material.
But Isak’s already there, with pundit Alan Shearer hailing his “world-class” level. Indeed, there’s a case that the Swedish gem’s the finest number nine in the game right now, having scored 27 goals and supplied six assists across all competitions for the Magpies in 2024/25. Certainly, he’s the most complete, with pundit Ally McCoist saying: “In terms of his all-round game, he’s unstoppable.”
Without a doubt, Isak would pack a heavier punch than Ekitike, definitely across the next campaign or two. Sure, the Frankfurt man has the potential to become one of the best, but his Swedish counterpart is already there.
Newcastle signed him from Real Sociedad for what still stands as a club-record £63m deal, and injuries have been his only foible.
Instrumental in securing United as a top-end competitor, scoring as they beat Liverpool at Wembley to lift the Carabao Cup and end a 70-year trophy drought, he would revolutionise a Liverpool frontline already packed with high-level quality.
1.
Erling Haaland
97
85 (0.88)
2.
Mohamed Salah
108
66 (0.61)
3.
Alexander Isak
86
54 (0.63)
4.
Ollie Watkins
112
50 (0.45)
5.
Bryan Mbeumo
101
38 (0.38)
And not just a goalscorer, Isak’s completeness can be observed through his FBref data. The stats-led site reveals the 25-year-old ranked among the top 16% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for progressive passes, the top 7% for progressive carries, and the top 8% for successful take-ons per 90.
The thing is, Liverpool cannot afford to be so reliant on Mohamed Salah for goals, especially now that the right winger has turned 33. In Isak, Slot would sign a striker with a far superior ball-striking ability than Ekitike; certainly, the Swede is more efficient and economical in his efforts, with a conversion rate to be feared and an impressive rate of creativity besides.
The £120k-per-week forward is just one year away from his penultimate year on Tyneside. Then the alarm bells will be screeching down the St. James’ Park hallways. Perhaps Newcastle will want to cash in for a pretty penny while they still can.
Newcastle, for sure, know that Liverpool are willing to break the British transfer record (again) before summer’s out. And from a Reds perspective, sporting director Richard Hughes will be doing all he can to achieve this, for Isak is the cream of the crop and would certainly arrive as a more accomplished and complete player than Ekitike.
Better than Isak & Ekitike: Liverpool make £142m "monster" a dream target
Liverpool have two primary candidates to bolster their forward line; Alexander Isak & Hugo Ekitike.
West Indies completed a clean sweep of the T20I series to underline a period of dominance against South Africa in this format. Since March 2023, they have played South Africa 10 times in T20Is and won eight matches, including back-to-back 3-0 series victories either side of the T20 World Cup. The last of those wins came in a shortened affair in Trinidad.A rain delay caused the series finale to start an hour later than the scheduled 3pm start but no overs were lost when play got underway. Another weather interruption, midway through the fifth over of South Africa’s innings, took 70 more minutes out of the game and reduced it to 13 overs a side.South Africa’s total of 108 for 4 lacked significant individual contributions, which was a concern for them throughout the series. They were kept quiet by two West Indies spinners, Akeal Hosein and stand-in captain Roston Chase, who conceded 22 runs in five overs between them. Only Tristan Stubbs scored more than 30 and West Indies’ target was adjusted to 116.The hosts were on the back foot early when Bjorn Fortuin had Alick Athanaze caught at mid-on in the first over but the rest of the batters grabbed the contest by the scruff of the neck. Shai Hope and Nicholas Pooran shared a second-wicket partnership of 58 off 20 balls to put West Indies in a position to push for victory before an unbeaten 56-run stand between Hope and Shimron Hetmyer ended the match with 22 balls to spare.Shepherd’s double-strike
Romario Shepherd became the leading wicket-taker of the T20I series with two wickets in his first over, and South Africa’s tenth, to push the visitors back in their pursuit for quick runs. His first ball brought success as Aiden Markram went after a back-of-a-length ball and nicked it off. South Africa’s T20 captain has gone past 20 only once in his last seven T20I innings and only twice in his 12 knocks. Three balls later, Shepherd’s slower ball had Ryan Rickelton caught at mid-off to send South Africa from 61 for 1 to 66 for 3, with 20 balls left in their innings.Tristan Stubbs clubbed 40 off just 15 balls•AFP/Getty Images
Stubbs signs off on a high
After registering his first Test half-century in Trinidad earlier this month, Stubbs finished the T20I series as the highest run-scorer and displayed a level of maturity that bodes well for his future for South Africa. With South Africa in need of quick runs, he took on West Indies’ senior seamer Obed McCoy, bowling his first over of the series, to announce himself, even as he got his eye in. Stubbs had faced just four deliveries when he pulled McCoy over backward square leg for his first six, then hit a full ball through cover for four and finally smashed a short ball over deep midwicket for a 101-metre six. Stubbs took 16 runs off three balls and finished his innings on 40 off 15 balls to push South Africa over 100 and towards a competitive total.
Maphaka learns the hard way
Kwena Maphaka’s first IPL match was a baptism of fire when Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma tore him about and he conceded 66 runs in four overs to record the most expensive figures on debut and the lessons have kept coming. Playing his third international in six days and given the ball in the third over of the shortened chase, Maphaka started with a full, wide delivery outside off which he had to bowl again. With the gas ramped up to 141kph, Pooran took one run off his next ball to put Hope on strike and he showed Maphaka no mercy. He sent successive short balls over the leg side for sixes before being foxed by a slower ball. Maphaka could not close out the over quickly and sent down a no-ball and another wide before Pooran whipped him away for the third six of the over to put West Indies in charge of the chase. Maphaka’s first over cost 22 runs.
Hetmyer hits out
It was his first T20I of the year but Hetmyer looked as though he had not missed a beat after he found his feet. It took him seven balls to find his first boundary and it came off the outside edge off Lizaad Williams but runs came easily after that. Hetmyer pulled a Maphaka short ball over long leg for six, then sent Ottneil Baartman to opposite ends of the fields – through mid-off and backward point – for successive fours and finished the over with a third four over fine leg. He was the senior partner in a half-century partnership with Hope and scored 31 runs off 17 balls to ensure West Indies finished in style.
With James Trafford already on his way, Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie reports Newcastle United may soon complete another deal to sign a £60m reinforcement and finally kickstart their summer.
James Trafford set to join Newcastle
While the narrative around Newcastle’s transfer window has so far been failure, that could be about to change. The Magpies are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign long-term target Trafford in what could be the start of their summer finally turning around.
After Trafford, those at St James’ Park are likely to shift their focus back towards their frontline. Although their need for a striker has been somewhat eased by the fact that Callum Wilson has put pen to paper on a new deal, they’ve still got their sights set on signing a new right-winger.
Just who that will be is the question. Already this summer, Newcastle have been rejected by Bryan Mbeumo and then by Joao Pedro, who now looks set to join Premier League rivals Chelsea. It’s rejection that they will be frustrated by given their Champions League place, but rejection that they must move on from.
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Alternatives mentioned so far includes Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott. The 22-year-old enjoyed an excellent U21 Euros tournament – winning Player of the Tournament as England won the competition for a second time under Lee Carsley. Now available for around £50m, Newcastle could make their move.
If not Elliott, however, then it could still be one long-term target who one reporter now expects to complete a move to St James’ Park this summer.
Keith Downie now expects Elanga to join Newcastle
As reported on his YouTube channel, Sky Sports’ Keith Downie now expects Newcastle’s deal to sign Elanga “will get done” this summer with the Swede happy to swap Nottingham Forest for Tyneside.
Downie said on his YouTube channel: “All the noises are that Elanga is the number one choice. Of course, that was Bryan Mbeumo, but it’s now been moved to Elanga, and I can see him being perfect for Eddie Howe’s style.
“I feel that deal will get done. Newcastle aren’t in competition with anyone and they know that they are close in terms of the fee. I think the player would be happy to move here from what I’m being told. And it’s a case of Newcastle coming up with the numbers.”
“They offered £45m last week but Forest want £60m. I feel if Newcastle split the difference and offered £52-53m, they’d get the deal done, and I’d hope there will be some movement on that in the next few days. I expect Newcastle to come back in with an improved bid if they haven’t already.”
After missing out on Mbeumo and then Pedro, signing Elanga would be seen as a huge success for Newcastle who would be turning their fortunes around on the transfer front with the addition of both the Forest star and Trafford.
After watching on as Liverpool seemingly jumped ahead of them in the race to sign Florian Wirtz, Bayern Munich have reportedly turned their focus towards payback in the form of recruiting one particular Anfield star this summer.
Liverpool submit first Wirtz offer
Whilst it was Manchester City and Bayern who found themselves battling for Wirtz’s signature, it has been Liverpool who have grabbed hold of the headlines. Sending shockwaves through Europe, the Reds have stolen a march on their rivals and are reportedly set to sign the Bayer Leverkusen star in what could quite easily be the deal of the summer in all regards.
Having already lifted the Premier League in their first season under Arne Slot, it’s clear that those at Anfield mean business after deciding against splashing the cash last summer.
Alongside Wirtz, rumours have also indicated that Liverpool are pushing to sign the midfielder’s Leverkusen teammate, Jeremie Frimpong, to replace the Real Madrid-bound Trent Alexander-Arnold and Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez.
Liverpool’s interest in Wirtz is a fairly open secret already and Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes had his say on the potential move earlier this week, telling reporters: “There is concrete interest from Liverpool, but there’s no more to say right now. Florian is our player.”
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Meanwhile, on Bayern Munich’s end, they’ve been left with no choice but to turn their attention elsewhere. And that could yet deal the Premier League champions a frustrating blow amid rumours that the German giants have set their sights on signing an Anfield star who Slot loves.
Bayern make contact to sign Cody Gakpo
According to Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg, Bayern Munich have now made contact to sign Cody Gakpo. Club chief Max Eberl is reportedly a fan of the Dutchman and has now added him to a list of left-wing options which already includes Rafael Leao and Brighton’s Karou Mitoma.
What’s more, given that they’re set to welcome Wirtz this summer, Liverpool and FSG are open to selling Gakpo if the right offer arrives. Whether Slot would approve such an exit is the big question. Gakpo has been a man transformed under his countryman, scoring 18 goals in all competitions and claiming a spot in Liverpool’s front three as a result.
Liverpool's Cody Gakpo wins the Premier League
Slot hasn’t hesitated to praise the former PSV man, either. He told reporters when asked about his winger earlier in the season: “In the second half of last season Cody scored a lot of goals so he’s been a good player for Liverpool for a long time now. He continues doing that and that’s a good thing. For me, he is a regular starter.”
Also dubbed “excellent” by former Liverpool and Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole back in October, Gakpo is not someone that Liverpool should be keen to lose in the coming months.
Chelsea’s desire to sign a new defender this summer is no secret. After conceding 57 goals across all competitions this term, it is clear another centre-back or two is needed.
Much will depend on just how much money Enzo Maresca has to spend when the transfer window opens.
Chelsea manager EnzoMarescacelebrates after the match
A few players might be sold in order to balance the books, although if the club achieves Champions League qualification, Maresca will need to strengthen his side.
Several defenders have already been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, although one has chosen Real Madrid instead…
Chelsea targeting defenders in the transfer window
Dean Huijsen was a name on the list of targets for Chelsea, but defender ended up joining Real Madrid, who activated the £50m release clause that was in his Bournemouth contract.
The Blues must move on, and they have already earmarked an ideal alternative to the Spaniard. Ajax defender Jorrel Hato is the latest name linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
AFC Bournemouth's DeanHuijsen
Hato, who is currently valued at £42m, only turned 19 in March and has the advantage of being able to play either at centre-back or on the left side of the defence.
The chance to play Champions League football with the Blues could give them a boost in their pursuit and he would make for an interesting signing.
Despite showing interest in both of these young, talented defenders, Maresca has someone in his squad who came through the Cobham academy and is valued higher than Hato and Huijsen; Levi Colwill.
Why Chelsea have struck gold on Levi Colwill
Colwill may have had to wait until the 2023/24 season to make his debut for Chelsea after a number of loan spells, but he has been a regular ever since.
Under Maresca, the Englishman has played 36 times in all competitions, even breaking through to earn three caps for England.
Metric
2023/24
2024/25
Accurate passes per 90
38.2
67
Clean sheets
4
9
Total duels won per 90
5
4.5
Tackles per 90
2.1
1.4
Possession lost per 90
10
8.9
Colwill has missed just three Premier League games this season for the Blues and, throughout the campaign, he has won 56% of his total duels per match, kept nine clean sheets and recovered 3.5 balls per game in the top flight.
Furthermore, when compared to his peers in the division, Colwill ranks impressively, notably sitting in the top 12% for passes completed (67.32) per 90, along with ranking in the top 32% for aerials won (2.32) per 90 for Chelsea.
He is still only 22, meaning he could be a cornerstone for the club over the next few years. Indeed, his performances have even seen his value rise exponentially with some reports noting last year that the club now value him at a whopping £100m.
This means he is worth even more than both Hato and Huijsen put together, signifying just how impressive a player Maresca has on his hands.
His performances were praised during a loan spell with Brighton and Hove Albion during the 2022/23 campaign, with talent scout Jacek Kulig claiming he was a “world-class talent”.
If he continues on this upwards trajectory, Colwill could become one of the best players for the Blues over the coming years, and they have certainly struck gold on him.
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