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Casemiro wasn’t just on the brink at Manchester United, he looked to have gone over the cliff.

Who can forget that night at Selhurst Park in May 2024, with the Brazilian – albeit deployed in an unorthodox centre-back role – looking all at sea as Crystal Palace ran riot to romp to a 4-0 victory.

Jamie Carragher’s infamous “leave the football before the football leaves you” quotes appeared to hint that the end was nigh for the ageing midfielder, a fact only heightened amid the former Real Madrid man’s dismal start to the following campaign, having been hooked at the break following a disastrous 3-0 loss at home to Liverpool in September.

The arrival of Ruben Amorim, and the shift to a midfield pairing, looked like the final nail in the coffin for his Old Trafford career, with all eyes on the January window and a potential Saudi exit.

Fast forward almost 12 months, however, and the 33-year-old – as he was back in his debut campaign in Manchester – is the glue in this side again, with Saturday’s 2-2 draw away at Tottenham Hotspur outlining the stark drop off that occurs when the five-time Champions League winner is withdrawn.

Manuel Ugarte seemingly can’t cut it, while Kobbie Mainoo is being groomed as Bruno Fernandes’ successor, ensuring a long-term replacement for Casemiro still needs to be found.

Man Utd's record with & without Casemiro this season

It is telling – and rather frustrating – that even in a season of largely just one game a week for the Red Devils, Casemiro still appears unable to complete a full 90 minutes, having been substituted off in seven of his nine Premier League starts this term.

Indeed, the solitary 90 minutes that he has played came recently against Nottingham Forest, in which the £350k-per-week star opened the scoring, with the veteran destroyer far too often withdrawn in the closing stages.

Against Brighton, for instance, United were coasting at 3-0 when the one-time Porto man was replaced on the 70-minute mark, before the Seagulls swiftly staged a stirring comeback in his absence.

A similar scenario occurred last time out, with the away side’s 1-0 lead in north London quickly flipped on its head after Ugarte slotted in alongside Fernandes instead, rubber-stamping Casemiro’s status as arguably one of the most important players in Amorim’s lineup.

That importance is emphasised most notably by the fact of the 20 goals the Old Trafford side have conceded in all competitions this season – including the grim night at Grimsby – 15 of those came when the Brazil skipper wasn’t on the pitch.

Ugarte, a ball-winner and workman-like midfielder by trade, looked to be the perfect successor to his fellow South American upon arrival in Manchester, although now well into his second season, the 24-year-old remains a polarising figure, with Amorim reportedly telling the Uruguayan he no longer recognised the player he had previously coached at Sporting CP.

Hope remains that the aforementioned Mainoo could still thrive alongside Fernandes, rather than act as his deputy, although whether the young Englishman has the defensive nous remains to be seen, with United crumbling when the changes were made in that 4-2 thriller against Brighton.

Non-penalty goals

Top 10%

Total shots

Top 15%

Assists

Top 34%

Pass completion

Top 29%

Progressive passes

Bottom 29%

Progressive carries

Top 35%

Successful take-ons

Bottom 1%

Touches (att pen)

Top 15%

Tackles

Top 1%

Interceptions

Bottom 47%

Aerials won

Top 5%

Clearances

Top 10%

With options limited beyond that in the midfield department, Amorim might have to get creative to find a perfect replacement for Casemiro moving forward.

Man Utd's wildcard Casemiro replacement

Ugarte – unused in the Europa League final – looks destined for an exit before too long. Mainoo, meanwhile, is facing his own uncertainty, having yet to start a Premier League game in 2025/26.

Neither has taken their chance when introduced off the bench, ensuring Amorim could look elsewhere to fill that midfield void, with a potential solution already in-house in the form of ex-Arsenal starlet, Ayden Heaven.

Still just 19, the England youth star has quietly impressed since his arrival from the capital back in January on a £1m deal, with only a cruel injury sustained against Leicester City cutting short his early progress in the first-team ranks.

A powerful, athletic presence, the 6 foot 2 teenager has thus far been deployed in a left-sided centre-back role under Amorim, albeit with his hopes of game time having been hampered this term by the form of Luke Shaw in that starting berth.

With Lisandro Martinez also nearing a return from injury, Heaven could then be nudged into third choice, with a player of his talent and potential arguably far too good to simply be pushed into the periphery.

That is why shifting the Hale End graduate back into midfield could be the answer, with the rangy left-footer having largely featured as a number six or number eight in the Gunners youth ranks in the past.

In the view of respected analyst Ben Mattinson – now a scout for Serie A side Como – the Islington-born sensation “is a midfielder, not a centre-back”, highlighting “his ability to receive the ball under pressure”.

So calm and composed during his early United outings thus far, Heaven has that ability to drive forward from deep with the ball at his feet with ease, with comparisons to a certain Paul Pogba having previously been made by his grassroots football coach Terry Bobie:

The type of player who can dominate a midfield, like Pogba, it would certainly be worth giving Heaven a chance to shine in a more advanced role, having largely passed every test so far in a United shirt.

Indeed, his solitary Europa League start against Real Sociedad saw him win 100% of his duels, while not being dribbled past once, as per Sofascore, producing a performance that simply belied his youth.

With the physical prowess that United appear to be in need of in the absence of Casemiro, the £1m man might just be a bargain solution to Amorim’s longstanding midfield problem.

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Neymar has seen another transfer door open in front of him, with Boca Juniors captain Leandro Paredes claiming that the Argentine outfit are prepared to “wait” for the Brazilian superstar. Neymar is in the process of running down his contract during a second spell at Santos, with it previously being suggested that he could reunite with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami once hitting free agency.

Santos struggle: Neymar ready for another new challenge

The 33-year-old playmaker appears destined to accept another new challenge early in 2026. An emotional return to where it all began for him at Santos has not worked out as planned – with Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer enduring more injury issues while becoming wedged in an unexpected relegation battle.

A parting of ways there appears inevitable, with Neymar looking to make a fresh start ahead of next summer’s World Cup. A return to Europe for the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward has been ruled out, with it likely that he will remain in the Americas.

AdvertisementGettyBoca captain in contact with Neymar

There has been talk of rival outfits in his homeland expressing interest, while a move across the border to Argentina would allow him to link up with ex-PSG team-mate Paredes in Buenos Aires.

With Boca Juniors having Copa Libertadores action on their agenda for 2026, Paredes has told of potentially welcoming a familiar face to La Bombonera: “I talk to Ney a lot. The truth is, I have a very good relationship with him. We're friends. We're always in contact, but he's at his club, we have to respect the other clubs, the decisions of the other players, so I can't say much.”

Paredes went on to say with a smile: “We'll wait for him if he wants!”

MSN reformed: Will Neymar join Messi in Miami?

Boca will likely face competition for Neymar’s signature from Inter Miami, with ex-USMNT goalkeeper Brad Friedel telling GOAL recently of why a deal that could see the fabled ‘MSN’ attacking unit reformed makes sense: “I think it would be a risk on anyone’s behalf; I think it just depends on how you would structure the contract. You also have to weigh the pros and cons — when you sign legends of the game like Neymar, you also have to take into account the commercial opportunities that go with it, and it coincides nearly every time with the salary and wage packet that you are going to give.

“The plus side is, it is a league that is a step down from where he is playing. Lionel Messi is the greatest of all time, but he can play many more years in MLS. It is a league that will allow players to do that, so I think Inter Miami need to weigh the pros and cons of what they can earn off the field and try to get it correct.

“If they can structure the contract correctly, then it limits the risk. Having Neymar alongside Messi again — I am not sure. We will wait and see, but the league needs to do something commercially.”

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GettyHomecoming for Dybala? Another option for Boca

While waiting to discover what Neymar has planned, Paredes has also reacted to the news that Argentina international team-mate Paulo Dybala could head home if he chooses to sever ties with Serie A side Roma.

Paredes, who played alongside his fellow World Cup winner in Italy, added: “Having a player like Paulo on the team, with his quality and stature, would be spectacular. I'll let each person make their own decision; I can't interfere, it's not my place. There are so many things to consider, and he's about to become a father too. I hope he makes the best decision for himself and his family. We're waiting for him here with undiminished hope.”

Dybala’s contract in Rome is due to expire at the end of the 2025-26 campaign. It may be that he decides to head home – having left Argentina for Italy in 2012 – while Neymar also faces a huge decision on what the immediate future holds for him as questions are asked of whether he is still capable of delivering moments of match-altering brilliance.

أعرب إسلام الشاطر، لاعب الأهلي السابق، عن استيائه من بعض المنتمين لنادي الزمالك، مُشيرًا إلى أزمات الفريق الأبيض الفنية التي أدت إلى خسارته أمام المارد الأحمر في نهائي السوبر المصري.

وقال الشاطر خلال تصريحات له في برنامج “اللعيب” على قناة “mbc masr”: “أنا صراحة (تعبت وزهقت من تكرار نفس الكلام) عندما أسمع البعض يُهنئ الأهلي على الفوز، ولكن بعض المنتمين لـ الزمالك يقولون: (لا، أصل المعلق، وآخر يقول الحكم)”.

وتابع: “يا جماعة، النادي الأهلي أفضل من نادي الزمالك في المباراة خلال 90 دقيقة، بعيدًا عن الأمور الخارجية التي يتم التطرق لها (وهل زيزو صافح هشام نصر أم لم يصافحه)”.

وأضاف: “بالنسبة للمشاهدين، عندما تجلس وتتابع المباراة، ترى فريقًا جيدًا أمامك وهو النادي الأهلي، أحد الأصدقاء المنتمين للزمالك قال لي: (ياعم إنتم كسبتم على الواقف)، حسنًا.. هذه شهادة تقدير، ما بالك لو لم نلعب على الواقف كما تقول، هل كنا سنفوز بخمسة أو ستة أهداف؟”.

طالع أيضًا | شوبير: كفى مظلومية في الزمالك والسير بمبدأ “ضربني وبكى وسبقني واشتكى”

وواصل: “شكرًا لك أنك تقول أننا فزنا بهذه الطريقة 2-0 فقط، المفترض أن تُهنئ الأهلي إذًا، لكن إذا سألته عن مشكلة الزمالك، يقول لك (المعلق والحكم) يا جماعة تحدثوا عن أزمة الزمالك، ضعوا أيديكم على الأزمات ولا تتطرقوا للحديث عن أمور أخرى وما يدور حول الملعب، وإن زيزو لم يُصافح فلان أو إن أمام عاشور كان يضحك”.

واستكمل: “يا جماعة، هذا الكلام معروف للجميع، كلنا نعلمه، وكلنا لعبنا مباريات الأهلي والزمالك، الأبيض يُعاني من مشكلة كبيرة جدًا، وعندما أرى نادي الزمالك بهذا الشكل غير الجيد، أشعر بالضيق من داخلي كأهلاوي”.

وأردف: “نادي الزمالك نعم، هو الضلع الثاني، هو والأهلي يكملان بعضهما البعض في كل شيء في كرة القدم، لكن الأسماء الموجودة أمامي في صفقات الزمالك لعام 2025 لا تصلح للعب مع النادي”.

واختتم: “من الذي اختار هؤلاء اللاعبين؟ يجب أن يُحاسب، وإذا لم يقل أبناء الزمالك ذلك لأنهم ليسوا قادرين، فأنا أقولها”.

تحدث أشرف قاسم، نجم الزمالك السابق، عن فوز الفريق الأبيض على بيراميدز في نصف نهائي بطولة كأس السوبر المصري.

وقال أشرف قاسم، خلال تصريحاته عبر برنامج “يا مساء الأنوار” على قناة “إم بي سي مصر 2”: “لو كان بيزيرا موجودًا، كان سيكون له دور إيجابي في المباراة، فالزمالك واجه فريق بيراميدز صاحب الإمكانيات الكبيرة”.

طالع.. أحمد عبد الرؤوف يوضح سبب عدم مشاركة محمد صبحي أمام بيراميدز.. ويؤكد: جاهزون للنهائي

وأضاف: “أحمد عبد الرؤوف تعامل مع المباراة بحكمة وذكاء، ويعرف قدرات الخصم جيدًا، لذلك لعب على هذا الأساس، ولم تكن هناك مساحات في وسط ملعب الزمالك”.

وأتم: “لم تكن هناك أي خطورة لبيراميدز على غير المعتاد، إذ لعب لاعبو الزمالك بخطوط متقاربة وأغلقوا جميع المساحات بشكل مميز”.

Arsenal are now battling Tottenham Hotspur for the signature of a Real Madrid star, with both clubs conducting scouting missions.

Gunners battling Tottenham and Newcastle for new attacker

The Gunners made major improvements to their already fearsome attack during the summer transfer window, bringing in the likes of Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres, with the Swedish striker making an impressive start to life in north London.

Having pushed Liverpool and Manchester City close over the past three seasons, Mikel Arteta’s side clearly have the quality to end their long wait for a Premier League title, and the manager’s tactics are arguably the main thing holding them back.

After the 1-1 draw against Manchester City, Gary Neville criticised Arteta for his cautious approach to the game, saying: “He could have been more attacking at Anfield and he wasn’t and certainly against City from the start he could have been more attacking.”

As such, Arteta adopting a more attacking mindset may be the key to the Gunners winning the league, but there has also now been a suggestion that the manager remains keen on improving his options in forward areas.

According to a report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are now battling Tottenham and Newcastle for the signature of Real Madrid star Arda Guler, who has emerged as a crucial player since the arrival of Xabi Alonso as manager.

Consequently, the Spanish giants have no desire to cash in on Guler, but that hardline stance hasn’t halted the interest from elsewhere, with the Gunners sending scouts to watch the attacking midfielder in action in La Liga.

With Madrid expressing no interest in selling the 20-year-old, who is focused on his future at the club, it remains to be seen whether a deal is possible, but there is certainly interest on the north Londoners’ behalf.

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ByEmilio Galantini Sep 27, 2025 "Exceptional" Guler finding his form in La Liga

After a solid, if not spectacular, first season in Spain, during which the youngster picked up eight La Liga goal contributions, he has really started to find his form this season, picking up three goals and three assists in the opening seven matches.

The Turkey international is particularly adept at setting up chances for his teammates, while he is also an impressive passer of the ball, and strong at winning back possession.

Statistic

Average per 90 (past year)

Assists

0.37 (92nd percentile)

Passes attempted

64.58 (99th percentile)

Pass completion %

86.3% (99th percentile)

Tackles

1.99 (93rd percentile)

Jose Mourinho has been left particularly impressed with the £87k-a-week starlet in the past, describing him as “exceptional”, and he clearly has the ability to succeed at the Emirates Stadium, having established himself as a key player for Real Madrid.

That said, it will not be too disappointing if Arsenal miss out, given that they are already blessed with options in attacking midfield, having signed Eze in the summer.

علق محسن صالح، عضو اللجنة الفنية باتحاد الكرة، على رحيل أسامة نبيه، عن منصب المدير الفني لمنتخب مصر تحت 20 عامًا.

وقال محسن صالح عبر برنامج “الكورة مع فايق” على قناة “إم بي سي مصر 2”: “الظروف كانت معروفة، والإعداد لم يكن كافيًا، لأنه تولى المسؤولية قبل البطولة بأيام، نظرًا لإقالة المدرب الأجنبي وتسلمه المهمة، فتم تصعيده بشكل عاجل”.

وواصل: “لا أعتقد أن رحيل ميكالي كان خاطئًا، لأنك تتحدث عن تكلفة عالية جدًا في مدة قصيرة جدًا، ولم يكن مضمونا أن تصل حتى لو استمر، لأن الأمور لم تكن مرتبة بالشكل الصحيح لهذا الفريق”.

واستمر: “أما بالنسبة لأسامة نبيه، فهو في الحقيقة غير متعاقد، ولم يكن مطلوبًا منه أن يقدم استقالة، لأنه لا يوجد عقد يربطه بالاتحاد، الخطة كانت أن يوجه الاتحاد له خطاب شكر عن الفترة الماضية، مع تقديم بعض العذر له، لأنه لم يحقق المطلوب بسبب ضيق الوقت وبعض الأخطاء التي حدثت”.

طالع.. خاص | هل يريد منتخب مصر تجنيس خوان بيزيرا؟

واستكمل: “بذلك يمكن القول إنه تم قبول اعتذاره أو إقالته أو أيا كان المسمى، لكن في النهاية انتهت علاقته بالاتحاد، وتم توجيه الشكر له”.

وأشار: “بخصوص تولي شوقي غريب المسئولية، لا، لم تطرح أسماء بشكل واضح حتى الآن، لكننا بدأنا كلجنة في مناقشة البدائل”.

وأفاد: “نحن لدينا وقت ولسنا في عجلة من أمرنا، لأنه لا توجد ارتباطات قريبة تجبرنا على اتخاذ قرار سريع، وبالتالي الموضوع يحتاج بعض الهدوء لتقييم المرحلة الماضية ودراستها ومعرفة الأسباب التي أدت إلى عدم التأهل ومن ثم ستقوم اللجنة بعملية سكاوتنج لمجموعة من المدربين المحليين والأجانب”.

واسترسل: “بخصوص الحديث عن اتفاق مع الاتحاد الدولي على مشروع جديد لرعاية الموهوبين والناشئين فهذا الملف لدى الكابتن هاني أبو ريدة وليس لدى اللجنة، ولم يطرح علينا بعد”.

وأتم: “لكن اللجنة تدرس بعض الأسماء وتراجع بعض الملفات الخاصة بالمنتخبات، وليس منتخب أسامة فقط، بل كل المنتخبات سيتم تقييم عمل جميع الأجهزة الفنية ومراجعة أداء كل جهاز، لأنه سيكون هناك تقييم شامل، وقد تحدث تغييرات في المرحلة المقبلة”.

Celtic left it late to bring in Kelechi Iheanacho on a free transfer and could be set to dip into the unattached market once again for another centre-forward.

Kelechi Iheanacho excited to work with Brendan Rodgers at Celtic

In a deal that has triggered plenty of discussion among Celtic supporters, Kelechi Iheanacho is now in the building at Parkhead and may well be in the frame to make his Scottish Premiership debut against Kilmarnock on Sunday.

Speaking to official club sources, the Nigeria forward signalled his excitement at being able to work with Brendan Rodgers again following their successful time together while at Leicester City.

He explained: “He’s been massively important in my career. He looked after me when I was in Leicester and gave me the opportunity to show my talent and help the team to win trophies.

“He’s a great manager and a great person. He’s got a good personality as well so I’m happy to play for him again. I’m happy to be a Celtic player and to play for this great club.”

Of course, Iheanacho’s unsuccessful loan spell at Middlesbrough has put the cat among the pigeons for some, given he netted once in 15 appearances while at the Sky Bet Championship outfit.

Nevertheless, his exploits in the Premier League at Manchester City and the Foxes illustrate what he is capable of, albeit Sevilla fans never got to see the best of him either before he was released to complete a move to Glasgow.

With Celtic short on options through the middle, recent developments suggest they could now enter the free agent market once again to bring in a renowned striker.

Celtic favourites to sign free agent Michail Antonio

According to a report from Claret & Hugh, Celtic are ‘favourites’ to sign former West Ham United striker Michail Antonio, who is a free agent after leaving the London Stadium under freedom of contract.

The Jamaica international, who shares the same agent as summer signing Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, has been using the Hammers’ facilities to keep himself fit over the last few months and his Premier League record speaks for itself; 68 goals and 38 assists in 268 matches.

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Failed moves for David Datro Fofana and Kasper Dolberg late in the window have left the door ajar for another striking arrival at Celtic, though anyone signed wouldn’t be able to take part in their Europa League campaign.

At 35 years of age, Antonio is someone that is definitely in the twilight of his career, even if he is still capable of performing at a high level if granted the platform.

Despite their interest in a deal, it would be harsh if Brendan Rodgers were to block opportunities for Johnny Kenny and Shin Yamada to claim more minutes, which may be a consideration that will need evaluation before the Bhoys make a decision on whether to move for the veteran forward.

Tottenham Hotspur are now eyeing a shock move for a £23m defender, who Thomas Frank is well-known to be an admirer of, according to a report.

Spurs keen to bring in more depth at centre-back

Tottenham are blessed with some fantastic options at centre-back, with Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero being given the nod against Burnley on Saturday afternoon, and the duo played their part by keeping a clean sheet in the 3-0 victory.

However, Ange Postecoglou was left light on options in defence last season, with both Van de Ven and Romero spending time on the sidelines due to injury, meaning Frank may be keen to bring in another centre-back as a back-up option.

Luka Vusakovic finally completed his move to north London earlier this summer, but the Croatian is still only 18-years-old, and there have been suggestions that Frank would be willing to sanction the youngster leaving on a loan deal.

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As such, it would make sense to bring in an older defender, who has experience in the Premier League, and the Lilywhites have now joined the race for one of Frank’s former players.

That is according to a report from The Daily Mail, which states Tottenham are now eyeing a shock move for Brentford’s Nathan Collins, who joined from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £23m on a six-year deal back in 2023.

As a result, the Bees are likely to be in a strong negotiating position, and they may be highly reluctant to sell, having named Collins as their captain earlier this summer.

Frank is said to be an admirer of the defender, having spent time working with him at the Gtech Community Stadium, although the Danish coach could be hesitant to sanction a move, given that he still holds a lot of respect for his former club.

Collins could be ideal signing for Tottenham

Tottenham’s well-documented injury problems meant they were left extremely short on centre-back options last season, with the likes of Ben Davies and Archie Gray receiving more game time than they’d perhaps envisaged.

However, with Davies’ contract set to expire next summer, and Gray still in the infancy of his career, Spurs could do with bringing in a more dependable back-up option, and the Brentford captain certainly fits the bill in that regard.

The 24-year-old is now very experienced at Premier League level, having featured in every single game for Brentford last season, during which time the Irishman also managed to impress Frank, who described him as a “natural leader”.

Collins featured for the most minutes of any outfield player in the Premier League in the 2024-25 campaign, and with Tottenham in need of a deeper squad ahead of a Champions League campaign, he could be a fantastic addition to Frank’s squad.

There is one story that has been dominating the Newcastle United headlines throughout the summer transfer window, and it is showing no signs of stopping.

Will Alexander Isak remain at St. James’ Park or is he going to complete a British record transfer to Premier League champions Liverpool before September’s deadline?

The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealed that Newcastle turned down an offer from Liverpool on Friday, and that the Sweden international did not accept the club’s proposal to sign a new contract with a release clause that activates next summer.

Daily Mail’s Craig Hope then added that the offer from the Reds was worth around £110m, which fell well short of the club’s valuation of £150m.

As you can see in the post above, Eddie Howe is leaving the situation down to the people above him at the club, but he would like to see Isak back in his squad.

Why selling Alexander Isak would be a big blow for Newcastle

It does not take a genius to work out that the Swedish centre-forward is an incredibly important player for the English head coach heading into the 2025/26 campaign.

Only Mohamed Salah (29) scored more goals than Isak (23) in the Premier League last season, as the Newcastle man outscored Erling Haaland (22), Cole Palmer (15), Ollie Watkins (16), and Bryan Mbeumo (20), among others.

This shows that the former Borussia Dortmund marksman is one of the best goalscorers in the top-flight, and potentially the best number nine in the division, given that Salah is a right-sided attacker.

Isak also scored 21 goals in 30 Premier League matches in the 2023/24 campaign for the Magpies, which shows that his form last season was not just a flash in the pan. He is a consistent performer who has proven that he can score goals in the league at an exceptional rate.

xG

20.42

Top 4%

Goals

23

Top 1%

Shots on target

46

Top 4%

xA

3.60

Top 4%

Assists

6

Top 6%

Successful dribbles

42

Top 6%

Touches in the opposition’s box

211

Top 1%

As you can see in the table above, the 25-year-old sensation is not just a prolific goalscorer, he is also excellent for the Magpies in their build-up play with his ability as a dribbler and as a creator.

Isak is the total package as a Premier League number nine, hence why Newcastle want a British record fee of £150m from Liverpool to tempt them into cashing in on him.

This is why losing him would be such a big blow for Howe and his team this summer, although it would provide them with funds to bring in new additions.

Newcastle in talks to sign Premier League forward

According to The Boot Room, Newcastle United are eyeing up a number of potential forward signings to ease the possible blow of losing Isak before the end of the window.

The report claims that the Magpies are in talks to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, but they would also like another striker alongside the Slovenia international.

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It states that the Premier League side are also in talks over a possible deal to sign Senegal international Nicolas Jackson from rivals Chelsea.

Newcastle are pursuing a deal to bring the Blues number nine over to Tyneside in the coming weeks, and he is viewed as an option to come in alongside Sesko, not instead of him, should Isak depart.

Jackson reportedly has a £60m price tag over his head at Stamford Bridge, though it remains to be seen whether or not the Magpies are willing to pay that to snap him up this summer.

Why Nicolas Jackson could be an underrated signing for Newcastle

Supporters may look at the Chelsea striker and see that he scored ten goals from 12.34 xG in the Premier League last season, and be underwhelmed by this potential signing.

The 24-year-old marksman could be an underrated signing for the Magpies, though, because he has the potential to be an Isak clone at St. James’ Park, as outlandish as that may seem right now.

As per FBref, Isak is the most similar player, statistically, to Jackson in the Men’s Top 5 Leagues and European competitions over the last 365 days.

As you can see in the chart above, they are similar in a lot of ways, particularly at getting into high-quality goalscoring positions and creating chances for their teammates.

Like Newcastle’s £150m-rated superstar, Jackson is a well-rounded centre-forward who offers quality in build-up as a dribbler and a creative presence, but he has yet to show the brutal efficiency that Isak has in front of goal as a finisher.

xG

12.34

Top 16%

Goals

10

Top 28%

xA

1.92

Top 22%

Assists

5

Top 10%

Successful dribbles

18

Top 20%

Touches in the opposition’s box

153

Top 14%

As you can see in the table above, the Chelsea forward ranks highly among his positional peers in the division at creating chances, beating opposition players with dribbles, and getting touches in the box.

Jackson, who was described as a “monster” of a striker by John Obi Mikel, has a similar play style to Isak, as they are both strikers who want to get involved in the game beyond just scoring goals.

But, of course, the Newcastle man is significantly better at scoring goals at this moment in time, as evidenced by his return of 13 more league goals than Jackson last term.

If Howe can work with the Senegalese forward to improve his finishing and his composure in front of goal, the Magpies could end up with an incredibly underrated signing by bringing the Chelsea man in as a potential Isak clone due to his all-round game and what he offers as a striker.

Upgrade on Sesko: Newcastle considering move for £23m “nuisance”

Newcastle eye Premier League alternative to RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško

ByWill Miller Aug 1, 2025

Whilst Newcastle and their supporters will not want to lose Isak to Liverpool in the coming weeks, signing Sesko and Jackson as a pair could soften the blow somewhat.

Ellyse Perry and Sarah Bryce led Sixers’ chase but the lower order fell away with Strikers’ legspinners to the fore

Andrew McGlashan29-Oct-2024Bridget Patterson was involved in a nasty incident while wicketkeeping during Adelaide Strikers’ victory over Sydney Sixers at North Sydney Oval where Amanda-Jade Wellington produced a key all-round display.In the fourth over of Sixers’ chase Patterson took a ball in the face from a 119kph delivery by Darcie Brown which pitched in front of her and kicked up, striking near the right eye. Patterson stayed on the ground with a physio and doctor quickly onto the field and after a few minutes was able to walk off. She remained at the venue for remainder of the game and will be further assessed in the coming days.”It was a nasty injury,” Strikers coach Luke Williams said after the match. “Obviously we were all worried about her, but it looks like she’s escaped major injury. It certainly was nasty at the time with the cut.”Patterson had earlier played a key role with the bat as Strikers’ middle-order produced a powerful counterattack to enable the visitors to claim the first win of their title defence.In reply, Ellyse Perry dominated the early stages of the chase with a 26-ball fifty then Sarah Bryce impressed again with 62 off 44 balls but when she fell to Megan Schutt the innings faded swiftly in a collapse of 6 for 18. Legspinners Wellington and Anesu Mushangwe were superb in the closing overs with the former comfortably defending 14 off the last.Patterson, Wellington and Orla Prendergast combined to make 123 between them off 92 balls with 32 runs coming off the two power surge overs. Wellington, inparticular, cut loose inside the restrictions with two sixes and three fours off Ash Gardner and Lauren Cheatle to finish with 40 off 16.Those contributions enabled Strikers to recover from 51 for 4 in the seventh over after Cheatle had made early inroads before Perry held onto a stinging return catch – with a juggle – to claim Laura Wolvaardt.Perry and Bryce added 80 in 50 balls for the second wicket with Perry lacing 11 boundaries although she was dropped at long-on on 17. The impressive, and quick, Brown removed Perry when she top-edged a short ball to fine leg and Sixers suffered another huge blow when Gardner fell for a five-ball duck.But Bryce and 19-year-old Elsa Hunter, on her WBBL debut, put on 53 off 35 balls to bring the target in sight aided by some poor catching from Strikers but they couldn’t finish the job for a Sixers side stretched to the limits by injury.