Revealed: The huge obstacle that could prevent Man Utd from signing Viktor Gyokeres as striker sets key demand ahead of Sporting CP exit

Manchester United's biggest obstacle in signing Viktor Gyokeres in the summer could be a lack of European football in the 2025/26 season.

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Man Utd's biggest obstacle in signing Gyokeres revealedUnited have started looking for alternativesCould go after Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe MatetaFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

United have been interested in signing Gyokeres since Ruben Amorim left Sporting CP to take charge at Old Trafford. They are expected to make a move for the striker in the upcoming summer transfer window, however, the reunion of Amorim and the Swedish striker might not take place due to the club's poor performance in the 2024/25 campaign.

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The Red Devils are currently struggling at the 14th position in the Premier League, and it seems virtually impossible for them to secure any European football next season. The only way they can play in the Champions League is if they win the Europa League this time. Per , if they were to fail to win the trophy, it might become difficult for the English giants to sign Gyokeres as he is desperate to continue playing in the Champions League.

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The report adds that United have already started looking for the Swedish striker's alternatives and have their eyes on Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has scored 15 goals and provided three assists across all competitions this season.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

Amorim's side will be back in action in the Premier League on Sunday as they take on Arsenal at Old Trafford.

Sheffield Wednesday handed double injury boost before Sheffield United

Sheffield Wednesday are preparing for a huge Championship clash with Sheffield United this weekend, and a big double injury update has emerged in the build-up.

Steel City derby on deck as Owls find form

In midweek, the Owls delivered a much-needed response to their shock 6-2 defeat at home to Watford last Saturday, winning 2-0 against Norwich City at Hillsborough. It leaves Danny Rohl’s side sitting 15th in the table after the latest round of action, with a massive occasion now lying on the horizon with a chance to make it three wins in four league games.

Wednesday face their biggest match of the season so far on Sunday lunchtime, as they make the short trip to Bramall Lane to take on bitter rivals United, with the Blades in second place and looking like strong promotion contenders.

It is the first Steel City derby since back in March 2019, due to the Owls spending time in League One and their adversaries enjoying stints in the Premier League, and the whole of Sheffield is holding its breath ahead of a much-anticipated 90 minutes.

Wednesday are understandably the underdogs going into the game, given the respective league positions of both, and the fact that they are the away side, but Rohl will know that he and his players can etch their names into derby folklore with a win. Ahead of the match, an important injury update has emerged.

Key injury update as Wednesday duo return to training

Speaking in his pre-derby press conference on Friday, Rohl confirmed that Sheffield Wednesday pair Nathaniel Chalobah and Michael Ihiekwe are both back on the training pitch again, following respective injury absences.

While neither Chalobah or Ihiekwe are expected to feature for Wednesday this weekend, having them slowly edging towards a return to the pitch is a huge boost, during a relentless season where squad depth is essential as the months pass.

Chalobah hasn’t played a single minute of action in the Championship since securing a summer move to the Owls from West Brom during the summer transfer window, with his only appearance to date coming in the 5-1 win away to Grimsby Town in the EFL Cup.

As for Ihiekwe, having him back feels significant, considering what an important member of Rohl’s defence was during the 2023/24 season, appearing 26 times in the league. He hasn’t featured since late September, however, highlighting why Wednesday will need to ease him back in, rather than rush his return and risk injuring him further.

Injury update on "brilliant" Sheffield Wednesday ace before Steel City derby

A relief for the Owls.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 6, 2024

Hopefully, the pair will be close to a first-team return after the international break, using the next week or two to further build their fitness, before being available for the remainder of the campaign.

West Ham plotting double transfer swoop for Scottish teen sensations

West Ham United are plotting a double transfer swoop on two teen sensations, according to a new report.

The Hammers have had a disappointing 2024/25 Premier League season so far, as many believe they are underachieving under new manager Julen Lopetegui. The poor performances and results have already put the Spaniard under serious pressure as we head into the busiest part of the campaign.

West Ham make "special" £20m player top target to replace Lucas Paqueta

West Ham’s board have identified a player who could be the perfect replacement for one of their key midfielders.

ByBrett Worthington Nov 17, 2024 West Ham transfer news

But despite Lopetegui’s future at West Ham being up in the air, the Hammers are putting plans in place ahead of the January transfer window opening. West Ham are “well-placed” to sign Tariq Lamptey in January, as they are interested in signing the right-back due to Brighton looking to move Lamptey on before he leaves for nothing in the summer.

Games

90

Goals

1

Assists

8

The defender has fallen out of favour with the Seagulls and looks unlikely to sign a new contract, so a move in January looks increasingly on the cards. However, the Hammers are not the only interested side, as several Premier League teams are also keen on signing Lamptey.

As well as Lamptey, a new report has also claimed that the east Londoners have made Manchester City’s James McAtee a top target to replace Lucas Paqueta. West Ham fear they could lose Paqueta in January as he is wanted by Brazilian side Botafogo and could be sold for the right price.

That means the Hammers are on the search for a replacement – and see McAtee as his successor. City could be open to a sale if they receive a fee of around £20 million for McAtee, which is said to not be a problem for West Ham.

Manchester City midfielder James McAtee.

Lamptey and McAtee are more well-known names for Hammers fans, but the Premier League club are also in the market for two young stars who are considerably more obscure.

Tim Steidten plotting double West Ham transfer swoop for teen sensations

According to The Sun journalist Alan Nixon, West Ham are looking to sign Airdrie midfield duo Cole and Dylan Williams. Airdrie currently plays in Scotland’s Championship, where they are bottom of the table after 14 games, winning just one and losing 11.

It has been a frustrating season for the Scottish side so far, but they do have two teen sensations on their books who appear to be wanted by several clubs from England and Scotland.

Nixon states that the Williams pair are of interest to West Ham, who are keen to sign the pair ahead of Scottish giants Celtic. The 16-year-old twins have been putting in some impressive displays this season, and the pair are able to leave their current club, where they are on short-term deals.

Amid the Hammers’ interest, they face competition from Southampton and Celtic. The twins really impressed against Celtic’s youth team recently, and that has led to the Scottish side taking a big interest in them.

Nixon said (as per Hammers.news): “Saints and Hammers have sent spies to Scotland twice in recent weeks and seem to be heading the race.”

Meanwhile, Southampton and West Ham have had people watching the pair in recent weeks and are seemingly leading the race. It seems unlikely that either player would be a major part of the squad were they to join, but the likes of Tim Steidten clearly view this as a potential opportunity to build for the long-term future.

ANÁLISE: Com futebol envolvente, Corinthians de Lázaro entra embalado no mata-mata do Paulistão

MatériaMais Notícias

A vitória por 3 a 1 sobre o Santo André foi cereja no bolo de uma bela campanha do Corinthians durante a fase de grupos do Paulistão. A equipe terminou em primeiro lugar do grupo, se classificou antecipadamente e não perdeu nenhum dos três clássicos disputados.

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+Yuri Alberto faz dois gols e é ovacionado em vitória do Corinthians; veja as notas

Porém, o mais importante foi o nível de atuação e crescimento coletivo da equipe. Do primeiro ao último jogo o grupo evoluiu, e Fernando Lázaro merece créditos por implementar e aperfeiçoar o novo esquema de jogo, seu grande acerto até o momento.

Renato Augusto vive sua melhor fase nesta segunda passagem pelo Timão, Giuliano cresce a cada jogo na nova função, Róger Guedes e Yuri Alberto estão se entendendo cada vez mais, e os jovens estão ganhando oportunidades.

+ Veja as movimentações do mercado da bola no LANCE!

Contra o Ramalhão, Caetano e Matheus Araújo foram titulares. O estreante zagueiro esbanjou segurança na defesa, e o meia teve personalidade com a bola no pé e deu uma assistência para o primeiro gol de Yuri Alberto. Sobrou tempo para Lázaro colocar em campo pela primeira vez Pedrinho, que quase marcou seu gol.

O único porém segue sendo a defesa. Mais uma vez Balbuena falhou e dificilmente será utilizado no mata-mata, onde um erro pode custar a eliminação. Além dele, Fagner oscilou na parte defensiva, embora tenha dado uma assistência.

+ Veja tabela e simule os jogos do Campeonato Paulista

Apesar dos pesares, o torcedor corintiano, que novamente fez bonita festa na Neo Química Arena, deve olhar a situação com o copo meio cheio. O Corinthians está jogando um futebol envolvente e chega ao mata-mata capaz de vencer qualquer adversário, e o “fator casa” ser preponderante para mais uma final.

continua após a publicidade

Joe Mennie announces retirement from state cricket

The seamer, who has taken 297 first-class wickets, played one Test for Australia in 2016

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Oct-2021South Australia seamer Joe Mennie, who played one Test, has announced his retirement from state cricket so he can return to his family in the UK.Mennie, 32, missed the entire 2020-21 Australian season due to the pandemic travel restrictions while he was in the UK and though he had come back for this pre-season with the Redbacks he has opted to call time.”I am extremely grateful towards the Redbacks for backing me across the journey, in particular through a difficult period across last season and into this season,” he said. “To have two young children is an incredible joy, and I need to be as close to them as possible.”They are, and will always be, the most important part of my life, and I can’t wait to get back to the UK and see them again. My journey with SACA has been a long and enjoyable one, but the time has come for me to move into the next phase of my life, and I am excited to do that with those closest to me.”Mennie has taken 297 first-class wickets, 256 of them in the Sheffield Shield, putting him fifth for South Australia in the competition behind Clarrie Grimmett, Ashley Mallett, Chadd Sayers and Tim May.His one Test came against South Africa at Hobart in 2016 after which he became one of the players dropped when Australia were bowled out for 85 and thrashed by an innings. He had previously played two ODIs against South Africa.Mennie’s biggest haul in a domestic season came in 2015-16 when he claimed 51 wickets at 21.21 and he had another standout campaign in 2018-19 with 37 wickets at 19.72.”When looking at the numbers, it is clear that Joe is one of the greatest bowlers the Redbacks have seen; but Joe’s impact on this great state goes well beyond the numbers,” South Australia head coach Jason Gillespie said. “He is a true professional, always willing to put the team first, and someone that we will greatly miss.”Not only has Joe represented South Australia, he also has a prized baggy green cap resting beside his baggy red, and that is something that he will be able to treasure forever. Something that he earned through dedication, hard-work, commitment and passion.”We thank Joe for every delivery he bowled as a Redback and his willingness to get stuck into the task at hand every day. We wish him and his loved ones well. He will always be welcome at Adelaide Oval.”

T20 World Cup prize money: Title winners to get $1.6 million

Runners-up to take home $800,000, and losing semi-finalists get $400,000 each

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Oct-2021Whoever lifts the T20 World Cup trophy on November 14, 2021, in Dubai, will get a cash award of USD 1.6 million to go with it. This was confirmed as the ICC announced the list of prize money for the tournament – a total of USD 5.6 million overall – on Sunday. The losing finalist will get $800,000, while the two losing semi-finalists will get $400,000 each.Every win in the Super 12s stage of the tournament will fetch teams $40,000 – 30 Super 12 games will be played, totalling $1.2 million in prize money. The teams that go out at this stage of the tournament – eight teams in all – will get $70,000 each.Wins in round one of the tournament – 12 matches in all – will fetch $40,000 apiece, and the four teams that don’t make it to the Super 12s will get $40,000 each.ESPNcricinfo LtdEight teams will take part in round one, starting on October 17 – Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands, Sri Lanka (who all constitute Group A), Oman, Papua New Guinea, Scotland and Bangladesh (Group B). The top two teams from Group A and Group B make the Super 12s. Australia, England, South Africa, West Indies (Group 1), Afghanistan, India, New Zealand and Pakistan (Group 2) are already in the Super 12s.All innings to have drinks breaks
The ICC also announced that the tournament will feature official drinks breaks – that is, a two-and-a-half-minute break in play at the 10-over mark in each innings.The UAE’s weather could have had an influence on this decision. While the worst of the summer is over, the country is still transitioning into its cooler months, though temperatures are expected to be relatively pleasant in November.

Spurs could unleash their new Kane, Son & Dele in exciting young trio

Tottenham Hotspur have never had it so good as they did during Mauricio Pochettino’s reign between 2014 and 2019.

During that spell, Spurs reached a League Cup final and the Champions League final, while establishing themselves as one of the best sides in the Premier League, finishing outside the top four just once between 2015 and 2019.

The Argentinian built a solid team that perhaps could count themselves unlucky to not win a major trophy during his spell in charge.

He did form one of the finest triumvirates in the club’s recent history, however, as Harry Kane, Heung-min Son and Dele Ali all thrived under Pochettino.

Kane went from plucky academy talent to one of the best strikers in the world, while Pochettino also managed to bring out the best in Son and Alli during his time managing the pair.

Ange Postecoglou can now only call upon the services of the South Korean star, as both Kane and Alli have since departed the North London side.

Ange Postecoglou and James Maddison celebrate

Under the inspired leadership of the former Southampton manager, Alli registered 103 goal contributions, while Kane and Son registered 196 and 110 respectively, clearly proving how good Pochettino was for the trio.

The club haven’t had three players quite link up in the final third like those three, something which Ange will be desperate to do sooner rather than later.

He could turn to some of the club's hottest young talent to solve that problem. Here's three players vying to be Tottenham's next superstars…

1 Mikey Moore – the next Harry Kane

Kane had to bide his time during his early years at Spurs, going out on several loans before finally grabbing his chance during the 2014/15 season under Pochettino and finally utilising his talents.

Mikey Moore is certainly built similarly to the England icon, showcasing a keen eye for goal during his appearances for the U18 side since the start of the 2022/23 campaign.

For the U18 age group, Moore has been deployed as both a left-winger and centre-forward, scoring 19 goals in just 24 matches, along with chipping in with 13 assists, not a bad set of numbers for a 17-year-old.

Mikey Moore makes his Tottenham debut

During the U17 European Championship, the teenager scored four goals in four games for England, grabbing an assist too, as he demonstrated his qualities on the international stage.

Ange clearly has high hopes for Moore as he gave him his senior debut towards the end of last season, bringing on the teenager in games against Manchester City and Sheffield United, offering him the opportunity to play for the senior side.

With the club in four competitions this term, expect plenty more chances for the young forward as the season progresses.

2 Wilson Odobert – the next Heung-min Son

The Frenchman began his career at Paris Saint-Germain, emerging through the youth system as one of their most promising wingers.

Across 30 games for the U19 and Youth League sides in 2021/22, Odobert scored 19 times and registered four assists, which gave him all the confidence needed to flourish during a loan spell with Troyes the season after.

Wilson Odobert

This allowed him to seal a move to Burnley last summer. Despite the fact they were relegated, Odobert still managed to score three goals and grab three assists, which attracted attention from Spurs.

The North London side splashed out £25m to bring him to the club, which looked like it was going to be an investment for the future.

Metric

Son

Odobert

Goals

17

3

Assists

10

2

Key passes per game

2

1.1

Successful dribbles per game

1.1

1.8

Shots per game

2.4

1.7

Big chances created

20

7

Last term, the 19-year-old created seven big chances in the Premier League, while also averaging 1.1 key passes and succeeding with 1.8 dribbles per game.

These statistics could eventually see him become the ideal heir for Son in the Spurs starting XI, as his potential, noticeably in possession of the ball, is limitless.

Despite playing only 66 minutes for his new club, Odobert has still managed to make one key pass and succeed with two dribbles in their win over Everton recently.

Pressure shouldn’t be placed on his shoulders right now, but if the French gem can settle in and hit the ground running, Spurs may have another talented winger on their hands.

3 Lucas Bergvall – the next Dele Alli

The 18-year-old attacking midfielder joined Spurs this summer having initially agreed a deal to sign for the London side back in February from Djurgarden in the Swedish top flight.

His spell with the club clearly attracted plenty of attention as he scored nine times and chipped in with six assists across all competitions and these sorts of numbers could certainly see the teenager emerging as a player similar to Alli at Spurs. Out of sorts now, the England international is cut from a similar cloth, both capable of finding the net and assisting teammates on a regular basis.

Such is his immense promise and wonderful pre-season, Bergvall has been called up to the Sweden national side for the very first time, signifying that Ange has a prodigious talent at his disposal.

The youngster looked bright on his first appearance for the club, coming on for the final 12 minutes against Leicester City in the first Premier League match of the season.

Despite his limited chance to shine, Bergvall still managed to make a key pass and created a big chance, while finishing the game with a 96% pass success rate and succeeding with two of his three dribbles.

A promising debut indeed, and it gives Ange an indication of what he could expect in the near future.

This trio of young talents could begin to make an impression in the first-team squad throughout the 2024/25 campaign, giving the boss plenty of options to call upon.

While they may not live up to the reputation of Kane, Son and Alli, the three players are among some of the finest prodigies the club has had in a few years and look like a fine crop of young talents.

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ByJoe Nuttall Aug 18, 2024

£200k-per-week Arsenal star now "almost certain" to leave after Saudi talks

Saudi’s PIF have opened talks with an Arsenal star and personal terms have already been discussed ahead of a move to the Middle East in 2025.

Arsenal stars attracting serious interest from Europe and beyond

The London heavyweights have emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting sides under manager Mikel Arteta, who has steered the ship well and truly back on course as he seeks to end Arsenal’s 21-year wait for a Premier League title.

"Extremely quick" player has been in constant contact over joining Arsenal

He’s been reaching out via his representatives.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Sep 19, 2024

They pushed current champions Man City – who’ve clinched title glory in each of the last four seasons – right to the final day last term and accumulated an impressive 89 points, which actually would’ve been enough to win the league in many campaigns prior.

Barring a 1-1 draw at home to Brighton, Arsenal have recorded a promising start to 2024/2025 – most recently beating Tottenham 1-0 in the North London Derby despite fielding a much-weakened team minus Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Oleksandr Zinchenko and captain Martin Odegaard.

Man City (away)

September 22

Leicester City (home)

September 28

Southampton (home)

October 5

Bournemouth (away)

October 19

Liverpool (home)

October 27

Arsenal are set to be without Odegaard for weeks after the Norway star injured his ankle on international duty, so the emphasis falls on other key players to guide the Gunners through a difficult run of games.

Arteta will be heavily reliant on centre-back pairing William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes during their next round of matches, including an all-important trip to Man City on Sunday this weekend.

The pair have starred as Arteta’s first-choice central defenders since the beginning of 2022/2023, with Saliba attracting interest from Real Madrid and PSG as a result of his rapid rise.

“It’s only natural that some of the top clubs in Europe would be interested in the Arsenal defender. PSG’s interest is nothing new – he’s Paris-born and hails from the Bondy region, like Kylian Mbappe and Randal Kolo Muani,” said Ligue 1 expert and CBS reporter Jonathan Johnson to CaughtOffside.

“However, at the moment, whether it’s PSG, Real Madrid or another top European club, it’s very hard to see them being able to prise Saliba away from Arsenal. He’s one of their top talents at the moment, and one of the best defenders in world football.”

Arsenal will also be thankful they kept hold of Jorginho and Thomas Partey in the summer, who will now prove crucial in the midfield to cover both Odegaard and Merino.

Partey has attracted interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia within the last few months, as the Ghanaian’s £200,000-per-week deal ticks down towards expiry in 2025.

Partey "almost certain" to leave Arsenal as PIF open talks

The 31-year-old has started all four of their opening Premier League games this season, featuring in the middle of the park on each occasion, with Partey also given the nod during Arsenal’s 0-0 draw away to Atalanta on Thursday.

He scored away to Aston Villa in their 2-0 Midlands victory as well, and it is safe to say he will play a crucial role in the next two months. Beyond that, it appears the curtain is closing on Partey’s five years at Arsenal.

According to TEAMtalk, Partey is “almost certain” to leave Arsenal when his contract expires next year, with there being no sign of a contract renewal for the ex-Atletico Madrid star who joined for £45 million in 2020.

The Saudi-backed PIF and their chief negotiators have held talks with Partey over personal terms already. PIF’s plan, as per the report, is to agree a pre-contract with the midfielder in January – ahead of a free move later in the year.

Juventus are also contending for Partey’s signature, but as things stand, Saudi have laid the most groundwork. Since his move to England from La Liga, Partey has managed 120 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions, scoring six goals and assisting four others from midfield.

Thomas is a super important player for us,” said Arteta on Partey after he was linked with a move away last year.

“Every time I had a conversation with him, he says he wants to stay with us. There is nothing there at all.”

Deal agreed: Player set to sign for new club after deciding to quit Leeds

A senior player has agreed to join a new club after deciding to quit Leeds United this summer, with a medical now booked in and the formalities of a move apparently completed.

Leeds lose host of key players in summer transfer window

Daniel Farke will be pleased with how his Whites side have begun the 2024/2025 Championship campaign, especially considering how they were forced to sell a host of key players over the summer transfer window.

Leeds fans should be excited about 19 y/o academy gem who's the next Joseph

Leeds United have a top young star on their hands who could soon be ready for first team action.

1 ByKelan Sarson Sep 6, 2024

Crysencio Summerville, who finished last season as Leeds' second tier top scorer with 20 goals, completed a £25 million move to West Ham in what was a tough transfer to take for Farke and supporters – but the Dutchman was always likely to seek a top flight opportunity.

Leeds were also powerless when Brighton triggered Georginio Rutter's £40 million release clause just minutes before it was going to expire, robbing Farke of a crucial asset who scored seven goals and bagged a further 15 assists in the Championship alone last term.

Archie Gray's £40 million switch to Tottenham prompted a heartbroken status from the club too, given the English sensation is widely regarded as one of the country's brightest young talents, and he could've become an Elland Road legend.

Match

Date

Burnley (home)

September 14

Cardiff City (away)

September 21

Coventry City (home)

September 28

Norwich City (away)

October 1

Sunderland (away)

October 4

"Understanding the attraction of Premier League and European football, the club, with a heavy heart, agreed the transfer, but the move has strengthened the board’s resolve to ultimately return Leeds to a position where it can meet the footballing ambitions of even its brightest stars," said Leeds in a statement (via Ben Jacobs).

"Whilst we understand that supporters will be hugely disappointed to lose such a home-grown talent, and a family name so synonymous with Leeds United, the move improves the club’s chance to compete for automatic promotion next season by increasing our ability to build a competitive squad within the league’s financial control regulations. "Everyone at Leeds United is heartbroken to see one of our own depart."

Alongside having to wave goodbye to these former stars, Leeds also bid farewell to faithful club servant Liam Cooper, who left the Yorkshire side on a free after making 284 appearances in all competitions.

Liam Cooper reaches agreement to join CSKA Sofia after Leeds exit

The Scotsman, who spent 10 years at Leeds before the expiry of his contract, has been in talks to join CSKA Sofia in Bulgaria.

According to the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency, via sports writer Metodi Shumanov on X, it is believed Cooper has reached a full agreement to join CSKA Sofia on a free transfer from Leeds, and a medical has been booked in for the 33-year-old.

CSKA are one of Bulgaria's most successful ever sides, having won 31 league titles, 21 Bulgarian cups and four super cups, so it is likely Cooper could now add a few trophies to his personal cabinet before hanging up his boots.

Ornstein: Newcastle in talks to sign £43m ace who’s even better than Guehi

With just ten days remaining in the transfer window, Newcastle United will have to act quickly if they are to make any more reinforcements to Eddie Howe’s squad.

During the off-season, the Magpies secured deals for John Ruddy, Odysseas Vlachodimos, Lloyd Kelly and Will Osula but the club still need more incomings to challenge for a top-four finish in the Premier League once again this term.

Various players have been targeted in multiple positions so far this window, including a new right-winger and a new centre-back, but as of yet, no deals are nearing completion before the end of the window.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe.

With deals yet to progress in such key areas for Howe, he may start to look at alternative targets, including one player who’s being eyed as an excellent option for the centre-back role.

Newcastle in talks to sign £43m defender

According to journalist David Ornstein, Newcastle are in talks with German side Bayer Leverkusen over a potential deal to sign centre-back Edmond Tapsoba before the deadline on August 30th.

Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba.

The 25-year-old Burkina Faso international was a crucial part of Xabi Alonso’s side that won the Bundesliga last season, featuring 28 times in the 2023/24 campaign.

His subsequent form for Leverkusen has ensured that Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr also interested in a €50m (£43m) move, but Tapsoba has reiterated his desire to stay at the German side.

He could prove to be a better addition than one player who has been massively linked with a move to St James’ Park this summer, but with his move no closer to completion, Tapsoba could be the next in line for a transfer to Tyneside.

Why Tapsoba would be better than Guehi for Newcastle

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi has been a constant target for the Magpies during the transfer window, already being the subject of three bids, but all offers have so far been rejected.

There have been rumours about Newcastle placing a fourth bid for the English international, but with a deal yet to be agreed, journalist Ornstein claimed that other targets are being considered, with Tapsoba one of many the club are considering.

Guehi would cost in the region of £75m to move to Tyneside, but Tapsoba’s potential fee in the region of €50m (£43m) would see him prove a much cheaper alternative, as well as a more impressive addition based on his stats from last season.

When comparing the duo on FBref, the “complete” Leverkusen ace, as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, dominated Guehi with the ball at his feet, averaging more progressive carries and progressive passes per 90, whilst also achieving a higher pass accuracy rate.

Games played

28

25

Minutes played

2087

2021

Progressive carries

2.1

0.7

Progressive passes

7.1

3

Pass accuracy

91%

87%

Tackles won

1.1

0.8

Interceptions

1

0.8

Aerials won

1.7

1.3

However, Tapsoba has also blown the Palace defender out of the water defensively, winning more tackles, and completing more interceptions, whilst also winning more aerial battles per 90 – making him a better option for Howe’s defence unit.

In a time when Newcastle’s PSR standing is at risk, money needs to be spent wisely, whilst also making sure that any new addition would drastically improve the options available to the Magpies.

edmond-tapsoba-newcastle-united-transfer-news-opinion-premier-league

Guehi would be a great signing for the club, but the inflated price tag, alongside the lack of progress, could see the club move on to the likes of Tapsoba who would be a better option.

He’s proven he is arguably a better defender with more ability in possession, potentially being a bargain for Newcastle if they can agree a deal for the rumoured £43m fee.

Better than Minteh: Newcastle could end RW search with "Saka regen"

The club’s hunt for a new winger looks set to continue…

ByEthan Lamb Aug 21, 2024

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