علق فيرجيل فان دايك مدافع وقائد ليفربول، بعد تحقيق فريقه الفوز على حساب أستون فيلا، بهدفين نظيفين، على ملعب أنفيلد في الدوري الانجليزي الممتاز.
وقال فان دايك في تصريحات نشرتها “بي بي سي سبورت” بعد اللقاء: “الفوز دائماً شعور رائع والحفاظ على نظافة شباكنا بعد غياب طويل كان شعورًا رائعًا أيضاً، لكننا حققنا مجرد فوز، الآن يتعلق الأمر بالتركيز على المباراة القادمة”.
وأضاف: “لقد كنا جيدين في الاستحواذ على الكرة، ضغطنا عليهم بشكل جيد، حصلنا على انطلاقات جيدة وفرص لتسجيل الأهداف، دافعنا بشكل جماعي بشكل جيد، هذا ما صنع الفارق”.
وواصل: “حتى في الأوقات الجيدة علينا الاستمرار وعدم الاستسلام، هذا ما لاحظته خلال الأسابيع الماضية، كان هناك الكثير من الضجيج الذي لم نملك السيطرة عليه، وعلينا التعامل معه كفريق، بعض التعليقات سخيفة لكننا نتعامل معها، قد يصل الضجيج الخارجي لبعض اللاعبين لكننا نتماسك”.
وتابع: “لن ننزل للملعب للخسارة، أو نخيب آمال الجماهير، بل نريد أن نبذل قصارى جهدنا ونفوز لكن هذا ليس ضماناً، الدوري الانجليزي على أعلى مستوى”.
وأكمل: “حان وقت العمل، لا نبالغ في التفاؤل المفرط، نعيش في عالم حيث يمكن للجميع التعبير عن آرائهم، على منصات متعددة وهم يعرفون أكثر منا وعلينا الابتعاد عن ذلك والتركيز على العمل الجاد”.
وختم: “في الموسم الماضي مررنا ببعض الأمور السلبية لكن الأمور كانت مثالية، الآن يبدو أننا سنخوض معركة هبوط وهكذا تسير الأمور في العالم”.
O destino do Botafogona Copa Sul-Americana é colocado em jogo nesta quarta-feira (9). Às 19h, os comandados de Bruno Lage fazem o jogo de volta das oitavas de final da competição continental com o Guaraní, do Paraguai, no Estádio Defensores del Chaco.
Por ter vencido por 2 a 1 o primeiro jogo, o Glorioso tem a vantagem do empate. Vitória dos “aborígenes” por um gol força a decisão para os pênaltis. Caso o Guaraní vença por dois ou mais gols, obterá a vaga direta para as quartas de final.
+Como toda partida na Sul-Americana, o jogo será muito disputado e os mercados da Lance! Betting estão a todo vapor. Confira!
O Guaraní tende a adotar uma postura mais ofensiva para o embate. A equipe de Juan Pablo Pumpido deve depositar as fichas no trio de ataque formado por Camacho, Romeo Benítez e Federico Santander.
+Tem promoção exclusiva para você abrir sua conta agora! Aposte R$50 e receba mais R$50 de bônus. Clique aqui e aproveite!
O Botafogo, por sua vez, terá a baixa de Tiquinho Soares. O atacante sofreu uma lesão no ligamento colateral do joelho esquerdo e ficará cinco semanas afastado. O mais provável é que Janderson seja o titular no setor.
O comandante alvinegro, porém, deve promover variações na equipe para evitar desgastes musculares. Gatito Fernández será o titular da meta. Philipe Sampaio, Danilo Barbosa e Lucas Fernandes têm chances de iniciar a partida.
+ Copo Stanley a partir de R$120,00. Bebida gelada nos 90′ de jogo do Líder!
FICHA TÉCNICA
GUARANÍ (PAR) x BOTAFOGO
Data e hora: 9 de agosto de 2023, às 19h Estádio: Defensores del Chaco, em Assunção (PAR) Árbitro: Felipe González (CHI) Assistentes: Juan Serrano (CHI) e Miguel Rocha (CHI) VAR: Rodrigo Carvajal (CHI)
Onde assistir: Paramount + e tempo real do Lance!
GUARANÍ (Técnico: Juan Pablo Pumpido)
Muñoz, Raul Cáceres, José Moya, Paul Riveros e Felipe Salomoni; Estivel Moreira, Barceló e Darío Ríos; Néstor Camacho, Romeo Benítez e Federico Santander.
BOTAFOGO (Técnico: Bruno Lage)
Gatito Fernández; Di Plácido, Philipe Sampaio, Cuesta e Marçal; Danilo Barbosa (Eduardo), Marlon Freitas, Lucas Fernandes; Júnior Santos (Gustavo Sauer), Janderson e Victor Sá.
Desfalques: Patrick de Paula, Rafael e Tiquinho Soares (lesionados) e Gabriel Pires (em transição)
Leeds United won the Championship title with a staggering haul of 100 points in the 2024/25 campaign, but they knew that the jump up to the Premier League was still a huge one.
The last six teams to have been promoted to the top-flight have all gone straight back down in the last two seasons, which illustrates the size of the task ahead for Daniel Farke’s Whites, Sunderland, and Burnley.
Leeds United managerDanielFarkeapplauds their fans after the match
Unfortunately, though, Leeds ended the summer transfer window without doing all the business that they wanted to do in the forward areas, as they missed out on a deadline day deal for Harry Wilson.
The only attacker the Whites paid a transfer fee for in the window was Switzerland forward Noah Okafor, who joined from AC Milan for a reported £18m.
The 25-year-old winger only scored seven goals in 57 matches for Milan and Napoli in the last two seasons combined, per Sofascore, and was an unused substitute against Newcastle United last time out.
Another one of the club’s attacking signings over the summer who still has a big question mark hanging over him is centre-forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who joined on a free transfer from Everton.
Why Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a risk signing for Leeds
Speaking earlier this month, Leeds United’s managing director Robbie Evans explained the reasoning behind the signing: “When you acquire a new player, you’re making a sacrifice somewhere as far as their age, their experiences, their ceiling, their character or their injury history.
“Something is not going to be perfect, unless they are the highly expensive player. We’d rather take somebody that’s got the experience, the physicality, the profile, the goal record and the character, and bet on ourselves to keep them healthy, than take somebody who doesn’t have that ceiling.”
These are interesting comments from Evans and understandable to a point. Calvert-Lewin is a vastly experienced Premier League performer who has been there and done it in the past, but the main issue is that his best performances are well and truly in the past.
The former England international has failed to hit double digits for goals in the Premier League in any of the last four seasons, and has underperformed his xG in all nine of his seasons in the division.
Calvert-Lewin’s Premier League career
Season
xG
Goals
24/25
8.85
3
23/24
13.63
7
22/23
6.50
2
21/22
6.22
5
20/21
18.21
16
19/20
16.11
13
18/19
6.17
6
17/18
5.44
4
16/17
1.25
1
Stats via Understat
As you can see in the table above, Calvert-Lewin is a wasteful finisher who has not provided much in the way of quality since the last season without crowds at games.
Evans also mentioned the injury risk, which is a big one with the striker, because the forward has missed 112 matches through injury in his career, per Transfermarkt.
The 28-year-old attacker is, therefore, an incredibly risky signing for Leeds because his goal record and his injury record both suggest that the Whites may struggle to get much of an impact out of him this season.
Time will tell whether or not that risk will end up being worth it or not, as it is now up to Calvert-Lewin to get his career back on track, but Leeds may regret letting go of a number nine who has outperformed the Englishman in recent years.
Where Are They Now
Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.
Spanish striker Rafa Mujica left Elland Road to sign for Las Palmas on a free transfer, per Transfermarkt, in the summer of 2021, and has since gone on to shine in multiple countries.
Why Leeds must regret releasing Rafa Mujica
The young centre-forward went out on loan to various teams across Spain during his spell with Leeds before they ultimately decided that he was not going to make the grade in West Yorkshire and let him join Las Palmas for nothing.
Rafa Mujica
He had failed to score more than four goals in any of his loan spells, per Transfermarkt, which may be why the club were willing to let him go in 2021, but they may look back on that decision with regret considering what the star has gone on to achieve.
Mujica really hit his stride at first-team level after his move that saw him sign for Arouca from Las Palmas in 2022. The Spanish marksman scored 14 goals in 32 matches in his first season in Portgual, per Transfermarkt.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin in action for Everton.
Since the end of that season, from the summer of 2023 onwards, the former Leeds academy starlet has significantly outperformed Calvert-Lewin as a goalscorer in the past two seasons.
Mujica, who signed for Qatar-based side Al-Sadd last year, has scored 44 goals in all competitions for Arouca and Al-Sadd since the summer of 2023.
23/24 + 24/25
Rafa Mujica
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Appearances
65
26
Minutes played
5,297
4,243
Goals
44
11
Minutes per goal
120
385
Assists
9
5
Stats via Transfermarkt
As you can see in the table above, the 26-year-old striker has scored 33 more goals and provided four more assists than Calvert-Lewin in the last two years, with a far more impressive minutes per goal ratio.
Mujica, who was hailed as “magnificent” by former boss Pepe Mel, also outperformed his xG of 16.27 to score 20 goals in the Portuguese top-flight in the 2023/24 campaign, per Sofascore.
These statistics suggest that the Spanish attacker is far more clinical and lethal in front of goal than Calvert-Lewin, having delivered at a decent level in Portugal and, now, in Qatar.
Whilst he is an unproven quantity in England and the Premier League, Mujica appears to be a far better player and far more valuable asset than he was when Leeds decided to let him join Las Palmas on a free transfer four years ago.
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This is why supporters may look back on the decision to release Mujica as a poor one, particularly given the risks that the club have had to take with the signing of Calvert-Lewin in the hope that he can fire them to survival in the Premier League.
Green had hoped to play for WA in the final Shield round but is unlikely to be ready in time
Alex Malcolm04-Mar-2025
Cameron Green is continuing his recovery from back surgery•Getty Images
Cameron Green is unlikely to play any Sheffield Shield cricket before his County Championship stint with Gloucestershire as he continues to recover from back surgery.Speaking at the Australian Cricket Awards last month Green had flagged that his recovery was on track to have him available for Western Australia’s final Shield match against Victoria on March 15 as a batter only. But despite returning to the nets and hitting balls regularly over recent weeks, ESPNcricinfo understands that he is unlikely to be cleared to play before the end of the Australian domestic summer. WA are not expecting him to be available for the contest with Victoria or the Shield final if they qualify.Green has to get regular scans on his back to check on his progress before returning to play, having undergone spine surgery in October. Green’s first match back is likely to be in division two of the County Championship for Gloucestershire against Kent in Canterbury on April 18.Related
Morris set for rare back-to-back Shield games as WA press for another final
Green out for the season as he takes surgery option
Green has signed a five-game deal with Gloucestershire thanks to the help of a “significant donation” from one of the club’s members. Those five matches are against Kent (twice), Leicestershire, Lancashire and Northamptonshire prior to the WTC final at Lord’s. However, it remains to be seen whether Cricket Australia’s medical staff allow him to play five straight first-class matches leading into the WTC final coming off no cricket since September and no first-class cricket in 13 months, despite the fact he will not be bowling in any of them.Green is in the frame to play in the WTC final in June as a batter only having played all 28 of his Tests to-date as an allrounder. Australia also have a three-Test tour of the Caribbean starting late June, but he will not be available to bowl until later in the year in the build-up to the home Ashes series which starts in late November.His availability as a batter only will create a selection squeeze in Australia’s line-up. Green made 174 not out in his second last Test match batting at No. 4 but Steven Smith’s triumphant return to that spot means Green will have to bat somewhere else if he plays in the WTC final against South Africa.Travis Head will also return to No. 5 after opening in Australia’s most recent Tests in Sri Lanka, meaning Australia will need another opener to partner Usman Khawaja. Sam Konstas is in the frame to return after missing selection in Sri Lanka and is keen to play in the County Championship but is yet to secure a deal.Green could possibly bat at No. 3 or No. 6 but that would displace either Marnus Labuschagne or Beau Webster. If the latter were to be left out, it would leave Australia without a fourth seam option, although that may not be a major consideration for a one-off Test in England in June. Josh Inglis’ recent run-spree across all formats makes him an enticing selection prospect for the final as well. Australia do not need to name a 15-man squad until May.
This season marks a new era for Tottenham Hotspur football club, as Thomas Frank leads the side into the 2025/26 campaign after his appointment from Brentford.
It’s already been the perfect start for the Dane, picking up three points in the Premier League opener against Burnley – with a Richarlison double and a strike from Brennan Johnson securing the win.
However, if the side are to continue their charge this campaign, the hierarchy will need to once again back the manager to make the changes he craves to his side.
Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha have made moves from West Ham United and Bayern Munich, respectively, whilst Mathys Tel also made his loan move permanent from the latter.
However, despite the £85m already splashed during this window, the Lilywhites could’ve forked out a much bigger sum, had they managed to complete a deal for another big-money talent.
Spurs’ failed move for Gibbs-White this summer
Earlier this summer, Spurs made a surprise move for Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White, with a deal for his signature seemingly progressing rapidly at the time.
The Lilywhites had gone from being interested in a move for the 25-year-old, to agreeing a deal, and the player himself set for a medical with the North London outfit.
However, the deal wasn’t plain sailing, with the club’s decision to trigger his £60m release clause one that caused controversy with Reds owner Evangelos Marinakis.
The Greek businessman put a halt to the move, after claiming Frank’s side had made an illegal approach for his signature, subsequently threatening legal action against the club.
Morgan Gibbs-White 2024-25 stats (timeless)
A deal for Gibbs-White’s signature subsequently fell apart, leading to the England international signing a new three-year contract at the City Ground – becoming their highest paid player in their history.
After missing out on his signature, other options have been considered by the Lilywhites’ hierarchy, leading to numerous other options being considered in recent weeks.
Spurs’ hunt for a Gibbs-White alternative this summer
Eberechi Eze has been the biggest target for Spurs in recent weeks, with the Crystal Palace star seemingly set for a departure from Selhurst Park between now and the end of the window.
Talks have been held between the two clubs over the last few days, leading to claims that an agreement has been reached to sign the 27-year-old, with a £60m fee currently being mooted.
However, he’s not the only player in their sights this window, leading to Roma talent Lorenzo Pellegrini being labelled as the latest target, according to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport.
They claim that Spurs have made an enquiry to land the Italian midfielder, who made 34 appearances for the Serie A outfit throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
It also states that his current employers will be looking to offload him this window, opening the door to a switch to North London with just one year remaining in his current deal at the Stadio Olimpico.
Why Spurs’ latest target would be their answer to Gibbs-White
After James Maddison’s ACL injury, it has left a huge hole in the number ten position at Spurs, highlighting the need for added reinforcements in such an area.
A move for Gibbs-White would’ve provided added competition for places in the side, but at present, Frank’s side don’t currently have a recognised attacking midfielder to fill the void.
However, after missing out on his signature earlier this window, the need for another talent in such an area is desperately needed before the window’s September 1st deadline.
Tottenham Hotspur managerThomasFrankcelebrates after the match
Whilst Pellegrini won’t be many supporters’ first choice this window, at 29, he could be the perfect squad option, especially if Eze completes his own move to join the club.
To sweeten the deal for the Lilywhites faithful, he’s been labelled as a similar player to Gibbs-White by FBref, able to offer a cheaper alternative to the Englishman.
When delving into their respective stats from the 2024/25 season, the Italian managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, showcasing why he’d be a superb addition to the current squad.
Pellegrini, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by former Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri, managed to complete more of the passes he attempted, with more of which per 90 being defined as key passes.
How Pellegrini & Gibbs-White compared in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)
Pellegrini
Gibbs-White
Games played
25
34
Goals & assists
3
15
Pass accuracy
80%
78%
Key passes made
1.7
1.6
Take-ons completed
41%
40%
Carries into final third
1.7
1.6
Crosses completed
2.7
1.4
Fouls drawn
1.5
1.2
Stats via FBref
Such figures highlight the quality he possesses with the ball at his feet, offering Frank’s side a more creative option to the Lilywhites within the final third.
He also completed more of the take-ons he attempted, whilst also completing more carries into the final third – subsequently being able to drive with the ball into dangerous areas, adding another dimension to the club’s attack.
The Italian has also completed more crosses per 90, whilst drawing more fouls per 90, showcasing the threat he carries when having the ball at his feet – with the opposition unable to contain his talents, as seen by the fouls drawn tally.
It’s unclear how much a deal for Pellegrini would cost this summer, but it’s evident that any move could be a shrewd piece of business that would aid the club in their hunt for success.
If he can match the levels produced by Gibbs-White in the Premier League, it would be an excellent deal, subsequently softening the blow of missing out on the Forest star.
Eze's dream teammate: Spurs chasing late move for "exceptional" £47m star
Tottenham Hotspur have identified their next target to star alongside Eberechi Eze.
قررت رابطة الأندية المصرية المحترفة، برئاسة أحمد دياب، تعديل مواعيد مباريات فرق الأهلي والزمالك وبيراميدز وسيراميكا كليوباترا في بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.
ويأتي هذا التعديل في إطار الاستعدادات النهائية لبطولة كأس السوبر المصري المقامة في الإمارات في الفترة من 6-9 نوفمبر المقبل.
طالع.. الزمالك لـ”بطولات”: ما فعله معنا الأهلي سنرده بالمثل
وتقرر إقامة جميع المباريات الأربع يوم 2 نوفمبر، وتُلعب مباراتا الزمالك وطلائع الجيش، وبيراميدز والاتحاد السكندري في تمام الساعة الخامسة مساءً.
بينما تنطلق مباراتا الأهلي والمصري، وسيراميكا كليوباترا وبتروجيت في تمام الساعة الثامنة مساءً.
ويهدف هذا التعديل إلى تحقيق مبدأ العدالة والمساواة بين الفرق الأربعة المشاركة في كأس السوبر، وهي الأهلي والزمالك وبيراميدز وسيراميكا.
وبفضل هذا القرار، ستحظى جميع الفرق بفترة راحة متساوية قبل السفر إلى الإمارات والمشاركة في مباريات السوبر المقررة في يومي 6 و9 نوفمبر.
Wrexham, with Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney calling the shots, have been told what they must change in order to avoid a relegation scrap.
Records broken with three successive promotionsAdjusting to life in second tier of English footballParkinson advised to tinker with tactical approachFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The Red Dragons have enjoyed a meteoric rise, with the EFL history books being rewritten when celebrating three successive promotions. Hollywood co-owners have helped to lift the Welsh outfit into the second tier of English football.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Competing in the Championship was always going to be difficult, even with big spending taken into account, and Wrexham have picked up four points from as many games at the start of the 2025-26 campaign. They have been warned that they could be dragged into a basement battle if Phil Parkinson does not tinker with his tactical approach.
WHAT GOODMAN SAID
Former Football League star turned pundit Don Goodman told : “If you look at those first five games in all competitions, they conceded 12 goals, so I think the clean sheet away at Millwall will please Phil Parkinson. It's been a baptism of fire. They found it tough. It may surprise some people that they’ve found it difficult because I think some people got a little bit carried away with this rise through the leagues. But I'm really confident it hasn't surprised Phil Parkinson. He would have understood the big, big gulf for most League One teams between League One and the Championship, and that's why there's been so many new signings.
“They've signed Ben Sheaf, and that just tells me there is a recognition that they need to change the way they go about things. Because I think in the Championship, you tend to be in a relegation battle if you're in the low 40s in terms of possession. That's where Wrexham are at, there's only a couple of teams that have had less than them.
“I think only Derby County and Oxford United at this point have averaged less possession than Wrexham, and neither of those two teams have won a game of football yet. The trend is usually that clubs with super low possession, and high thirties or low forties is super low, usually end up in a relegation fight. That is pretty factual, I would say. So, currently I do think that the gap remains similar because Wrexham have got work to do.”
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Goodman went on to say, with it being pointed out that Tom Brady’s Birmingham appear better suited to life in the Championship, as, after landing the League One title with 111 points last season, they like to see more of the ball: “Wrexham, on the other hand, you feel are going to have to adapt a little bit more. But when you look at them bringing in the likes of Conor Cody, Callum Doyle, Lewis O'Brien and Ben Sheaf, these are players with quality on the ball. I do think that Phil Parkinson will recognise that if he wants to win games and get points, they're going to have to control the ball. I'm not saying they need to have 55% of the ball, I'm saying there are pockets of games. where you're going to have control of things. I think the signings that they've made are maybe a slight recognition of that.”
Celtic have now opened talks to sign an “outstanding” striker, who’s open to a move to Parkhead this summer, according to a report.
Hoops looking to sign new goalscorer
The Hoops lost Kyogo Furuhashi during the January transfer window, with the Japanese striker signing for Rennes, meaning Brendan Rodgers could do with bringing in a new striker this summer, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Daizen Maeda’s future.
The likes of Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Brentford and Fenerbahce could battle it out for the Japenese forward, who really stepped up in Kyogo’s absence last season, regularly providing goals and assists in all competitions.
Daizen Maeda 24/25
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Scottish Premiership
34
16
10
Scottish FA Cup
4
0
3
Scottish League Cup
3
6
1
Champions League
9
4
1
Losing a forward who provided so many goal contributions last season would be a real blow for Rodgers, which is why the manager is desperate to keep hold of the 27-year-old, and the reigning Scottish Premiership champions are confident they can agree an extension.
However, the manager may also be keen to bring in an out-and-out striker this summer, and the Hoops are now stepping up their pursuit of a centre-forward who has already proven himself in the Scottish Premiership…
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Celtic have now opened talks with the agents of Crystal Palace striker Odsonne Edouard over a potential return to Parkhead, and the Frenchman is said to be open to the move.
Edouard left the Scottish side for £15m back in 2021, and he could be available for a similar fee this summer, with Palace willing to sanction a departure, given that Jean-Philippe Mateta has emerged as their first-choice striker.
However, there may be some way to go before a deal can be agreed, as the Hoops are unwilling to fork out £15m up front and would prefer to loan the centre-forward until January initially, but a deal of that nature does not appeal to Palace.
"Outstanding" Edouard could be ideal signing for Celtic
The former Celtic star has already proven he has what it takes to be a key player for a top Scottish Premiership side, most notably performing remarkably well in the 2019-20 campaign, during which he picked up 22 goals and 10 assists in 27 league games.
In that season, the Kourou-born forward was described as an “outstanding, talented player” by Neil Lennon, while he also caught the eye in the Europa League, opening the scoring with a well-taken goal in his side’s 1-1 draw against FC Copenhagen.
Not only did the Palace forward impress under Lennon, but he also performed very well under Rodgers, netting 14 league goals in the 2018-19 campaign, so Rodgers will know he can trust his former player.
As such, Edouard could be the perfect addition for Celtic at striker, but the deal looks some way off completion as things stand, given their desire to sign him on an initial loan deal.
Newcastle United have yet to show their hand in the summer transfer market, though Eddie Howe and his transfer coterie are hard at work as they look to strengthen the first-team squad.
Heading back into the Champions League, the 2024/25 Carabao Cup champions are looking for new forwards.
João Pedro is the focus of expected talks with Brighton & Hove Albion, but Chelsea have also reportedly opened communications with a view toward signing the Brazilian forward.
Brighton striker Joao Pedro
Newcastle chasing new forward
It’s not just focal frontmen on the Tynesiders’ agenda. Howe needs more wingers to strengthen his side, and he is currently mulling over a move for one of the Premier League’s most prominent figures.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to Caught Offside, Newcastle are monitoring Jack Grealish’s situation at Manchester City as he prepares to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer.
A host of further clubs – like Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Tottenham Hotspur and Serie A champions Napoli – are all keen, with Everton also interested in pursuing a loan move.
Given Pep Guardiola has issued confirmation of the Three Lions star’s looming exit, Newcastle may well find a smoother path toward agreeing on a financially acceptable deal, one that might set them back around £40m if prior reports are to be believed.
Why Newcastle should sign Grealish
When Manchester City signed Grealish from Aston Villa in 2021, they broke the British transfer record, landing the England international for a fixed £100m fee.
Not quite defined by his prolific output, Grealish’s grasp of the game’s technicalities, his faculty for tricks and flicks and a “little touch of magic”, as has been noted by journalist Henry Winter, set him apart from most other attacking midfielders, bringing something every bit as important as a rifle-crack shooting ability.
But something’s gone awry under Pep Guardiola’s leadership. Now, the 29-year-old is not so much a magician as a machine, limited to a mechanical, structured role that promotes possession play but has clipped the wings of a high-flying player.
Across 157 performances for Man City, Grealish has scored 17 goals and supplied 23 assists. Of course, he’s also won the treble (in perhaps his finest year at City), and many more titles besides.
Howe could bring him back to the fore. In fact, if the Newcastle boss can unlock the door which has barred Grealish’s better football, he might even find a new star man in attacking midfield, better even than Anthony Gordon.
Gordon is an electric and dynamic winger whose performances on Tyneside have been instrumental to the side’s success of recent years, but Grealish at his finest is a cut above.
The City star has a natural bent for the artful side of the game, and it grew his reputation to a record-breaking level at Aston Villa, earning him that mammoth move to Manchester.
Prem Comparison – Jack Grealish vs Anthony Gordon
Match Stats (* = per game)
Grealish 20/21
Gordon 23/24
Matches (starts)
26 (24)
35 (34)
Goals
6
11
Assists
10
10
Shots (on target)*
1.9 (0.7)
2.3 (0.9)
Big chances missed
4
9
Pass completion
83%
82%
Big chances created
14
16
Key passes*
3.2
1.6
Dribbles*
2.5
1.5
Tackles + interceptions*
1.7
1.8
Total duels (won)*
8.9 (61%)
5.3 (49%)
Stats via Sofascore
Here we have Grealish’s Premier League data from his final season in a Villan shirt matched against Gordon’s from 2023/24, his first full term as a Magpie, when he was awarded the club’s Player of the Season.
Bringing power, energy and enthusiasm, Gordon was a “nightmare for anyone” he came up against, something he claimed himself while at EURO 2024.
That’s all well and good, but given that Grealish is the “closest thing to Paul Gascoigne” in the eyes of talkSPORT’s Troy Deeney, Howe might just find he could add a new attacking star who’s more nightmarish yet.
Grealish’s desire to win duels, outfox opponents and create for his teammates is exactly the kind of skill set Newcastle need, especially since their Merseyside-born winger has just come off a less-than-perfect year at St. James’ Park, posting six goals and six assists apiece in the Premier League.
Still, though rumours of Gordon’s summer sale float about, there’s no reason why these two mavericks can’t play in conjunction at Newcastle next season.
Manchester City's JackGrealishbefore the match
PIF’s current target earns a pretty penny, taking home £300k per week, and thus would need to reduce his earnings if he wants to find his finest football once again, but if he demonstrates the willingness to do so, who better than Howe to bring him back to his zenith as United look to build on their recent success?
Dream Gordon replacement: Newcastle eye up move for £40m "big-game player"
Newcastle might need to replace Gordon if he joins Liverpool
Leeds United have now joined the race to sign a £20m Championship star, who amassed more goals than fellow target Gustavo Hamer across the 2024-25 campaign, according to a report.
Leeds looking to raid Championship clubs after promotion
With Leeds securing the 2024-25 Championship title, they are now at liberty to raid some of their former rivals for their best players, and it appears as though that could well be one of the strategies heading into the summer transfer window.
Sheffield United’s Gustavo Hamer is one of the potential targets, with the Whites now said to be plotting a move for the Brazil-born midfielder, who missed out on promotion in gutting fashion, courtesy of Tommy Watson’s last-gasp winner for Sunderland.
It is little wonder that Daniel Farke’s side are keen on the 27-year-old, considering the level of his performances for the Blades, with the maestro regularly chipping in with goals and assists to fuel his side’s promotion charge.
Competition
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Championship
41
9
7
Play-offs
3
1
1
However, Hamer is not the only Championship attacker on Leeds’ shortlist, with a report from The Sun stating they have now joined the race to sign Middlesbrough star Finn Azaz, alongside AFC Bournemouth and Crystal Palace.
Michael Carrick will likely be unwilling to lose Azaz, given the level of his performances over the past two seasons, and he is thought to be valued at £20m, which means the Whites will have to shell out a sizeable fee for his services.
The Irishman is thought to be high on their shopping list, however, and a move to the Premier League could appeal to the attacking midfielder, given that he has certainly earned the chance to prove himself in the top flight.
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By
Dominic Lund
May 27, 2025
Azaz outperforming Hamer in the Championship
Indeed, at 24-years-old the maestro could be entering his prime years, and his performances in the Championship last season suggest he could make a real impact at Premier League level, collecting 12 goals and 11 assists in 45 outings.
The Ireland international outperformed Hamer in terms of attacking numbers, while also placing in the 83rd percentile for assists per 90 over the past year, when compared to other attacking midfielders and wingers.
As such, there was some controversy that the London-born attacker was overlooked for the end-of-season awards, but his omission likely relates to the fact that Middlesbrough finished in 10th place.
While Azaz’s attacking quality wasn’t enough to secure Boro a play-off spot, he could be a real difference-maker in Leeds avoiding relegation next season.