The New York Yankees played—and won—on Opening Day with heavy hearts after the death of former Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner's 14-year-old son Miller, who tragically passed away after falling ill on a family vacation in Costa Rica.
Prior to the national anthem on Thursday, the Yankees honored Gardner's son with a moment of silence. After the Yankees' 4-2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers, team captain Aaron Judge spoke to reporters and shared some heartfelt thoughts about how much Gardner means to him and the organization, adding that the former outfielder's family has been "on his mind."
"I got a lot of phone calls, texts from other guys that when we were young guys coming up—'What do we do? Do we reach out? What's going on?'" Judge said. "Just because of the way that Brett impacted all of our lives. He may not have been the big superstar with all the All-Stars and MVPs and this and that.
"But this guy was a leader of all of us. A second dad to some guys. He poured everything into every single guy. If you were having a tough time, he was always there for you to be someone to lean on, someone to joke on. His family—they've all been on my mind."
During the game, Judge also appeared to make a special tribute to Gardner when the Yankees fans affectionately known as the "Bleacher Creatures", chanted his name during the traditional roll call in the top of the first inning. When Gardner played for the Yankees, he would acknowledge the fans' chants with a flex move.
Over the last few years, Judge has been honoring Gardner by imitating the flex move when he's been in center field, the position Gardner played when he first made it to the big leagues with the Yankees.
On Thursday, Judge again paid tribute to Gardner with the move, this time from right field.
Gardner's son Miller passed away on the morning of March 21 after he had eaten at a restaurant and had fallen ill. Authorities in Costa Rica continue to investigate his death, but possible asphyxiation was ruled out as of Tuesday.
"We have so many questions and so few answers at this point,” Brett and Jessica Gardner said in a statement Sunday. "Miller was a beloved son and brother and we cannot yet comprehend our life without his infectious smile. He loved football, baseball, golf, hunting, fishing, his family and his friends. He lived life to the fullest every single day."
There has been a twist regarding Martin O’Neill’s stay as Celtic interim manager involving his relationship with Dermot Desmond.
O'Neill guides Celtic into League Cup final with win over Rangers
The Hoops have enjoyed a resurgence following O’Neill’s return to Glasgow on a short term basis following Brendan Rodgers’ Parkhead departure.
Celtic won 4-0 in O’Neill’s first game back against Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership and then, days later, got the better of rivals Rangers in the Scottish League Cup.
Goals from Johnny Kenny, Callum McGregor and Callum Osmand saw the Hoops win 3-1 in extra time at Hampden Park, booking their spot in the final against St Mirren.
O’Neill’s attention now turns to a Europa League trip to take on FC Midtjylland before a home fixture against Kilmarnock prior to the international break.
Speaking to talkSPORT reporter Jim White, O’Neill admitted he had to return to London to retrieve his passport ahead of the trip to Denmark. The Hoops caretaker was also asked if shareholder Desmond had more of a ‘persuasive tone’ when they spoke about a longer stay in Glasgow, to which O’Neill said:
O'Neill now willing to stay on as Celtic manager
It has now been reported by 67 Hail Hail that O’Neill is in fact ‘willing to stay on as Celtic manager until the end of the season’.
Despite saying on multiple occasions that his role would be short term, the Irishman is open to remaining at Parkhead until 2026, and that is seen as a ‘genuine possibility’.
67 Hail Hail add that O’Neill’s relationship with Desmond ‘is believed to be a crucial part of this idea, with Celtic willing to take their time to find the long-term replacement’.
Games
266
Wins
200
Draws
26
Losses
40
Trophies
7
Players used
56
As long as results remain positive under O’Neill, then the Hoops will surely be open to the idea of taking their time to find a long-term replacement.
The 73-year-old has steadied the ship at Parkhead, and his next task is to take Celtic higher up the Europa League table. Another three points in the Scottish Premiership will keep the pressure on Hearts, and by the looks of it, there is a real chance we may see the 4-2-3-1 manager in the Celtic dugout until 2026.
He'd revive Reo Hatate: "Insanely talented coach" is keen on the Celtic job Charlie Mulgrew shares "big" contract Celtic should now offer Jurgen Klopp
Manchester United's winning streak is over as the Red Devils were held to a 2-2 draw by Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Saturday. It could have been worse for Ruben Amorim's side, who had Amad Diallo to thank for a stunning volley to level up the scores with less than 10 minutes to play after Forest had scored twice in quick succession to kick-off the second half.
United knew that victory could take them up to second in the table, at least temporarily, after the most successful string of results of the Amorim era thus far, but as the Portuguese head coach celebrated his one-year anniversary in charge, the Red Devils were forced to settle for a point as several of their expensive attacking signings went missing against a Forest side who remain in the bottom three.
United started brightly as Amad forced a smart save from Matz Sels while Benjamin Sesko could not control when played through beautifully by Bryan Mbeumo. But the Red Devils would take the lead just past the half-hour mark when Casemiro headed home from a Bruno Fernandes corner. Forest were incensed as they claimed the ball had not gone out of play for the corner to be given, but the goal stood and United led at half-time.
The home side turned things around in a devastating three-minute period after the break, Morgan Gibbs-White placing a header perfectly into the corner of the net before Nicolo Savona was allowed the freedom of the six-yard box to poke beyond Senne Lammens.
Casemiro could have equalised on two occasions, while Fernandes struck the post from range as United looked set to be frustrated by a resilient Forest defence. But Amad had other ideas as his sweet left-foot volley from the edge of the box flew past Sels to earn the visitors a share of the spoils. One point could have been three, too, as the Ivorian flashed the ball towards goal deep in stoppage time but saw Murillo clear the ball off the line.
GOAL rates United's players from the City Ground…
Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence
Senne Lammens (6/10):
His 100 per cent winning record in United colours is over, but the Belgian could have done little about either goal.
Leny Yoro (5/10):
Was not strong enough against Jesus as he headed the ball down for Savona. Taken off by Amorim as the Portuguese continues his questionable tactic of switching defenders in the second half of matches.
Matthijs de Ligt (6/10):
Solid against Jesus but could have commanded the box better as both Forest goals came from crosses into the middle.
Luke Shaw (6/10):
Made a couple of strong blocks as Forest showed desire to return to winning ways under their new manager.
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Amad Diallo (8/10):
Was United's brightest spark for much of the game as he cut inside to cause danger, before saving a point with a brilliant late volley. Also looked to create as he played a brilliant cross into Casemiro, who should have equalised. Did his defensive work diligently as ever.
Casemiro (6/10):
Rose highest to head home United's opening goal, taking advantage of a lapse in Forest concentration from the controversial corner. The Brazilian threatened to score again in the second period, finding good attacking areas but perhaps lacking the finishing instinct. His lack of pace on the cover remains a key concern, though.
Bruno Fernandes (6/10):
The United captain registered an assist and looked to create opportunities, though he did not quite manage to take full control over the game in the middle. Unlucky when his long-range drive struck the foot of the post.
Diogo Dalot (4/10):
Very poor for Forest's second goal as he switched off to play Savona onside, then barely attempted to put in a challenge as the Italian was afforded all the time he wanted to apply the finish. First player to be substituted as Dorgu replaced him.
Getty Images SportAttack
Bryan Mbeumo (6/10):
Always a threat when he picks up the ball in attacking areas, though he did not turn this into a goal on this occasion. Found Sesko with a brilliant early pass over the top, but the Slovenian could not control the ball.
Benjamin Sesko (5/10):
Had a couple of half-chances in the first half but almost disappeared in the second. The Slovenian must find a killer touch in front of goal, particularly if he continues not to play the biggest role in build-up play.
Matheus Cunha (5/10):
Having scored his first United goal last weekend, Cunha should have kicked on but was largely non-existent. Needs to make more of a consistent stamp on games when the team is not playing well.
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Patrick Dorgu (6/10):
Replaced Dalot and looked to get United forward up the left, though some of the passing into him wasn't quite on point at times.
Noussair Mazraoui (5/10):
Nearly cost the Red Devils their point as he was tackled in his own third by Hudson-Odoi in the final moments, leading to an Anderson shot that was deflected wide.
Ruben Amorim (6/10):
His team were not at their best for much of the match and struggled to react to the home side's quick turnaround. Looked short of ideas off the bench, not bringing on a single attacking player, and had a moment of brilliance from Amad to thank in the end.
Wolves have sacked Vitor Pereira after a disastrous start to the Premier League season, and are now eyeing a shock reunion with Gary O’Neil, the man they dismissed less than a year ago. O’Neil, who guided Wolves to safety in 2023-24, could make a sensational comeback as the club’s hierarchy scrambles to keep the club in the top flight.
Wolves considering O'Neil reunion
Pereira has been dismissed as Wolves manager after a torrid start to the 2025-26 Premier League campaign that saw his side lose eight of their opening ten matches. The Portuguese coach, who only signed a new three-year contract in September, leaves Molineux with the team bottom of the table and winless in the league. His final match in charge, a 3-0 defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage, proved the breaking point for Wolves’ board, who had been under growing pressure to act.
The dismissal comes just ten months after Pereira replaced O’Neil, with the club now considering reappointing the very man he succeeded. Per , O’Neil remains highly regarded by Wolves’ owners Fosun for the work he did in stabilising the side during his first spell, guiding them to 14th place in 2023-24. Also in contention is former Wolves defender and current Middlesbrough boss Rob Edwards, though his appointment would require compensation, while ex-Boro manager Michael Carrick is another name under consideration.
In an official statement, executive chairman Jeff Shi thanked Pereira and his staff for their service but admitted results had forced the board’s hand. "Vitor and his team worked tirelessly for Wolves and helped guide us through a challenging period last season," Shi said. "Unfortunately, the start to this season has been a disappointment and, despite our strong desire to give the head coach time, we have reached a point where we must make a change."
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Horror start to the 2025-26 season under Pereira
Wolves’ decision to part ways with Pereira underlines the deepening crisis at Molineux after another miserable start to a Premier League campaign. The club has now gone ten games without a win for the second consecutive season – a record no side in the competition’s history has ever endured.
Pereira’s tenure, which spanned 38 matches, produced just 14 victories, 18 defeats and six draws, numbers that left Wolves battling to stay afloat domestically. His relationship with supporters also appeared to deteriorate in recent weeks, particularly after a heated confrontation following a loss to Burnley in which the Portuguese had to be pulled away from the crowd. While his previous achievements – including keeping Wolves safe after O’Neil’s departure – earned him early credit, the rapid collapse in form this season proved fatal.
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O'Neil's first stint with Wolves
For O’Neil, the possibility of a return represents an unlikely redemption story. He was relieved of his duties last December after securing just six points from 19 games in the 2024-25 season, but his previous work in guiding Wolves through a chaotic 2023-24 campaign has not been forgotten at Molineux. His pragmatic approach and ability to unite the dressing room have reportedly impressed key figures, who view his familiarity with the squad as an advantage in turning around another bleak situation.
He was first appointed as Wolves manager just days before the 2023-24 season began, following Julen Lopetegui’s abrupt exit. Despite inheriting a squad in turmoil and with limited transfer backing, he steered the side to a respectable 14th-place finish and earned plaudits for steadying the club amid financial uncertainty. However, the following season proved far more difficult as injuries, a lack of goals, and poor form saw him dismissed before Christmas.
Before his time at Molineux, O’Neil had already shown promise at Bournemouth, where he helped the Cherries avoid relegation in 2022-23 after taking over mid-season. His ability to organise teams and instil resilience has earned him a reputation as one of the Premier League’s more level-headed young coaches.
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Wolves facing a very difficult schedule in November and December
For now, Wolves have placed Under-21 head coach James Collins and Under-18 boss Richard Walker in temporary charge while the board finalises its next move. The priority is to steady the squad ahead of a daunting run of fixtures, with upcoming games against Chelsea, Crystal Palace, and Aston Villa to navigate before clashes with Arsenal, Manchester United, and Liverpool loom in December. Any new appointment will need to act quickly to restore confidence and points.
Wolves’ hierarchy are expected to accelerate talks with both O’Neil and Edwards in the coming days, with a decision possible before the November international break.
Attacking approach pays off for visitors despite Dawid Malan’s latest half-century
ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay13-Jun-2025Allrounder Ed Barnard hit an excellent middle-order 67 and then helped close things out with the ball as Birmingham Bears defended a 206-target to claim a crucial Vitality Blast win over Yorkshire at Headingley.Barnard’s 40-ball knock was the centrepiece of a 205 for 8 total which also included a telling late assault of 76 runs in the last five overs from the lower order.Pakistan seamer Hasan Ali hit 22 not out off eight balls and later struck twice with the ball, sealing a third win in six in the North Group – this by 32 runs.Yorkshire, for whom New Zealand quick Will O’Rourke struck three times with the ball, looked well placed to reel in the target thanks to opener and captain Dawid Malan’s 65 off 34 balls. But his fourth successive fifty in this competition was not enough to prevent a fourth defeat in six, the hosts finishing on 173 for 5.Alex Davies, who elected to bat, guided George Hill’s seam to short third – 20 for 1 in the second over. Dom Bess, with his first ball, and O’Rourke then removed Dan Mousley bowled and Sam Hain caught at point as the Bears ended the powerplay at 51 for 3.Tom Latham and Barnard steadied through accumulation to reach halfway with the score on 85. However, the former fell on 24 at the start of the 12th when he top-edged England Lion Hill to long-leg.That was the first of three wickets in successive overs as the Bears slipped back into trouble at 123 for 6 in the 14th over. Moeen Ali was lbw to Jack White for 9 and Kai Smith caught behind off O’Rourke’s pace. But their batters refused to die wondering on a belter of a batting pitch.George Garton whacked two sixes over long-on as 21 came off Bess in the 16th before he skewed O’Rourke to deep cover in the 18th – 160 for 7. Sandwiched in between, Barnard reached a 32-ball fifty.Barnard fell caught in the deep off Jack White in the penultimate, which ended with two Hasan sixes to help the Bears get above 200.Will Luxton skewed Hassan’s pace high to mid-off in the second over of a chase which advanced at pace. Malan hit two slog-swept sixes over midwicket off Danny Briggs’ spin in the fifth over and the score reached 56 for 1 after six.Garton dropped Malan at deep midwicket on 29 off Briggs in the seventh over, though there was success for the Bears when Moeen’s second ball bowled Adam Lyth – 66 for 2 in the eighth.Malan aside, Yorkshire’s batting has been sketchy this campaign. So by now, it felt like Malan or bust for the hosts. By the time he reached his latest fifty, off 29 balls, the hosts were 100 for two early in the 12th over.James Wharton provided impressive third-wicket support in sharing 55 with his skipper, though left-armer Briggs struck a key blow in the 13th when he had Malan caught at short fine-leg off a skied top-edged sweep – 121 for 3.Yorkshire needed 65 off the last five overs before Mousley’s offspin removed powerful Australian Will Sutherland, the target becoming a stiffer 47 off three overs at 159 for 4. Wharton fell for 37 in the penultimate over before Barnard’s seam – nought for 18 from three overs – closed out the last, defending 39.
Mustafizur has been granted a no-objection certificate only for the period from May 18 to May 24
ESPNcricinfo staff16-May-2025
Mustafizur Rahman (left) flew out to Dubai with the rest of Bangladesh’s squad on Wednesday•BCB
Mustafizur Rahman has been “granted” a no-objection certificate to link up with Delhi Capitals (DC) for “the period from 18-24 May 2025,” the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said in a statement on Friday afternoon.That makes him available – in Mitchell Starc’s absence – for DC’s three remaining league-phase games in IPL 2025, but not the playoffs, should DC make it to that stage. The BCB confirmed that Mustafizur would be available for Bangladesh’s first T20I against UAE in Sharjah on Saturday before travelling to India. Whether he is ready for action after reaching India on May 18 for DC’s game the same evening, however, remains to be seen.The arrangement between DC and Mustafizur had run into a bit of a snag earlier in the week, with the IPL and the franchise issuing a statement confirming his acquisition but the BCB then stating that it hadn’t been approached for a no-objection certificate yet.Related
Parvez Hossain Emon hits 53-ball hundred as Bangladesh brush off UAE
IPL 2025: which overseas players are available for the rest of the season?
On Friday morning, Starc confirmed that he wouldn’t be travelling to India for the remainder of IPL 2025, a week after being part of the match that was abandoned in Dharamsala – and will be replayed. Donovan Ferreira, who played one game this season, would also not be returning.The update means that Starc will have a clear runway into the World Test Championship (WTC) final, avoiding the possibility of playing T20s in India a week before the match. Starc is DC’s highest wicket-taker so far in the season with 14 wickets in 11 matches at 26.14.Faf du Plessis and Tristan Stubbs have confirmed their return, but Stubbs will be available only for the rest of the league phase, after which he would be leaving for the WTC final.
For the second year running, frustrations bubbling from the summer transfer window have threatened to slam the brakes on Eddie Howe’s project. But Newcastle United are made of sterner stuff.
Blunted by the absence of Alexander Isak at Villa Park last weekend, Newcastle kept a clean sheet and played well, albeit shaking hands with Unai Emery’s Aston Villa after failing to move forward from parity. But there was much to like, the visitors showing signs of eliteness maintained.
Tougher tests lie ahead – not least the clash with Premier League champions Liverpool at St. James’ Park on Monday night – but there’s every reason that the Tynesiders will find success once again in their travels this season.
As Arne Slot’s side continue to pursue the wantaway Isak, so too does PIF’s resolve remain taut. We’ve only a week until the transfer window slams mercifully shut, but whether the Sweden international remains on Tyneside is anyone’s guess.
The latest on Isak's Newcastle future
Isak’s incendiary comments last week put to rest any confusion or hopes regarding his stance: he is desperate to leave Newcastle and sign for Liverpool.
But ‘I want’ does not always get. The 25-year-old is contracted for three more years, and while he believes it had been intimated that he could leave for a new challenge this year, external forces have made that difficult, and he has little power from which to leverage his position.
While Isak will not play a part against Liverpool, a fixture seemingly dated by fate, all things considered, Howe is firm in his belief that Isak can still be reintegrated, if and when.
And PIF? Their stance has not changed: Isak isn’t for sale. Many figures have been bandied about, but it truly seems like an offer in the region of £150m is required if Newcastle are to part with their prized piece.
But the transfer market is a vicious beast, and every eventuality remains on the cards. With this in mind, Newcastle continue to push for new recruits at number nine.
Newcastle's search for a striker
The protracted bid for Yoane Wissa still hasn’t come to a head. There are parallels to Isak’s situation, for sure, with the DR Congo forward desperate to leave Brentford and join Newcastle within the week.
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Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
However, Isak’s future at Newcastle and the prospect of Wissa joining are not mutually exclusive; Callum Wilson left the Toon at the end of his contract last season, and so two strikers must be signed for Isak to leave.
And in the dreaded event of that happening, Italian outlet Tuttosport have claimed – via Sport Witness – that Newcastle have made a late approach for Paris Saint-Germain star Randal Kolo Muani, who has been slated to join Juventus after his recent loan spell.
Differences between French and Italian terms have proved a sticking point, with PSG looking for €70m (£61m), and if a breakthrough cannot be found, Newcastle could swoop in, having already made an official approach, along with an unnamed Saudi club.
What Randal Kolo Muani would bring to Newcastle
Newcastle need a striker. Kolo Muani would be a fantastic buy in replacing Isak, especially if welcomed along with Wissa, who is far less dynamic and athletic, yet a reliable marksman in front of goal.
Juventus loanee Randal Kolo Muani celebrates.
In September 2023, Kolo Muani left his rich career at Eintracht Frankfurt and signed for PSG in a £76m deal, but his time back in his homeland has been disappointing, posting only 11 goals and seven assists over 54 matches.
However, a short-term move to Juventus in January has built the 26-year-old back up, eight goals scored in Serie A, 13 goal involvements racked up in all competitions, just 22 matches played.
The Les Bleus star’s big move to PSG hasn’t worked out, but that’s okay. He’s still one of the most dangerous strikers around, proven across other divisions, hailed as a “superstar” by German legend Lothar Matthaus during his Frankfurt days.
With Wissa adopting a more straightforward role in Howe’s system, Kolo Muani could step into Isak’s boots, taking the veritable form of the £120k-per-week sensation and preserving his presence, that style of play which has served United so well.
Nick Pope once described Isak as being “like a wizard” after setting up that goal against Everton, but Kolo Muani has a similarly creative slant to his game.
Across his 13 matches in the Serie A last year, the Frenchman averaged 1.1 key passes per game, as per Sofascore, and regularly sparked chances when taking on his man, beating him.
Actually, looking at Kolo Muani’s metrics across the past year in comparison to Isak’s, Newcastle’s interest becomes clearer. He’s the real deal, all right, and has the mobility and roundedness to replace the Swede, should he leave.
Kolo Muani vs Isak (past 365 days)
Stats (per 90)
Kolo Muani
Isak
Goals scored
0.48
0.78
Assists
0.11
0.17
Shots taken
2.45
3.21
Touches (att pen)
6.28
6.31
Shot-creating actions
2.34
3.04
Pass completion
70.2%
75.3%
Progressive passes
1.49
2.94
Progressive carries
1.54
2.80
Successful take-ons
1.54
1.42
Ball recoveries
2.24
1.79
Tackles + interceptions
1.28
0.44
Data via FBref
These are centre-forwards with skill beyond that of merely scoring goals, complete strikers both. While Isak is clearly the more confident and productive man, it’s worth noting that Kolo Muani spent the first half of the 2024/25 campaign languishing in Paris, scoring twice and assisting once across ten Ligue 1 games.
Would Kolo Muani replicate Isak’s output? Perhaps not. Isak scored 27 goals and assisted six more across all competitions last season, with his clinical edge a large part behind his billing as England’s record-breaking man, should Liverpool sign him.
But Kolo Muani would be a more than adequate replacement, retaining some of the Scandinavian star’s same style. With Wissa joining too, it could be a fantastic deal for Howe’s side.
He's perfect for Elanga & Gordon: Newcastle offered "monster" CF for £35m
Newcastle United offered chance to sign Juventus outcast who’s ideal for Elanga and Gordon.
Newcastle United’s search for a striker has become the dominant theme of their summer transfer window.
The uncertainty surrounding Alexander Isak has left the club scrambling for solutions at a time when Eddie Howe is desperate for stability.
Despite playing well in their Premier League opener against Aston Villa, Newcastle looked blunt without a proper No. 9, failing to make their dominance count in a 0-0 draw.
Alexander Isak
Isak’s public fallout with the club has only heightened the urgency. The Swede has made it clear he has no intention of reintegrating into Howe’s squad, regardless of whether a transfer materialises.
His absence has destabilised the attack, leaving Newcastle with plenty of industry in wide areas but little cutting edge through the middle.
Newcastle handed striker opportunity
Liverpool’s approach appears to have unsettled Isak beyond repair, and his Instagram statement about broken promises suggested a player who sees his future away from St James’ Park.
But Newcastle will not sanction his departure without first securing a replacement.
Two bids for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa have already been rejected. Wolves’ Jørgen Strand Larsen and Atlético Madrid’s Alexander Sørloth remain on the list, but neither is straightforward to acquire.
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Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
With time slipping away, Newcastle’s options are narrowing – and Juventus have offered them a striker who could transform their frontline.
According to Sport Witness, Juventus are actively encouraging Newcastle to make a late move for Dusan Vlahović.
Dusan Vlahovic scores at Club World Cup for Juventus.
The Italian giants are under financial strain, with the Serbian forward’s €12m-per-year wages proving prohibitive as they attempt to reshape their squad.
To balance the books, they have put him on the market for €38m (£35m) – a fraction of the €85m (£80m) valuation he once commanded at his peak in 2022.
Vlahović, however, is not pushing for a move.
Although he has muted aspirations to play in the Premier League one day, Newcastle would have to convince him that now is the right moment. Their Champions League qualification could help, as could the prospect of leading the line in front of St James’ Park’s raucous atmosphere.
For Howe, who has watched his team create chances without anyone to finish them, Vlahović represents the kind of focal point Newcastle have been crying out for.
How Vlahović could link with Gordon and Elanga
The appeal of signing Vlahović lies not just in his ability but also in the potential partnerships he could form with Newcastle’s wide players.
This summer has already seen the arrival of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest, joining Anthony Gordon in giving Howe two explosive options on either flank.
Elanga is particularly strong as a supplier.
Last season he recorded 11 assists, ranking in the 94th percentile for assists per 90 according to FBref.
His delivery was equally impressive, with 6.66 crosses per 90 (94th percentile) and 3.09 corners per 90 (93rd percentile).
With a striker like Vlahović attacking those deliveries, Newcastle would finally have a clinical finisher to match the service from wide.
On the opposite flank, Gordon offers direct running and intelligent distribution into dangerous areas.
According to FBref, he ranked in the 85th percentile compared to positionally similar players for passes into the penalty area per 90 (2.03) and in the 83rd percentile for crosses per 90 (4.84).
His ability to cut inside and release balls into the channel would dovetail neatly with Vlahović’s movement across the front line, whether the Serbian drops deep to hold up play or runs in behind.
Vlahovic himself could offer the presence and decisiveness Newcastle lacked against Villa.
Vlahović – Serie A – 2024/25
Matches Played
29
Starts
21
Goals
10
Assists
4
Progressive Carries
27
Progressive Passes
22
Source: FBref
Standing at 1.90m, he combines physical dominance with intelligent movement and a sharp instinct for goal.
Described as a “monster” by Carlo Garganese and as a “better and more complete forward than Haaland” by Serbian FA president Nenad Bjekovic, he scored ten times in Serie A last season, adding four assists, as Juventus secured a top-four finish and returned to the Champions League.
He also netted twice in three games at the Club World Cup, underlining his pedigree on the biggest stages.
Juventus' DusanVlahovicduring the warm up
The tactical balance looks promising. Vlahović thrives when supported by high-volume chance creators, and Newcastle’s wingers fit that mould.
His aerial ability also provides the Magpies with a set-piece weapon, an area where Howe has been keen to maximise output.
Elanga’s and Gordon’s consistent delivery could therefore add another layer to Newcastle’s attacking threat.
Yet there remain hurdles. Newcastle’s recruitment strategy has been cautious since their initial Saudi-backed spending surge, and the wages involved in a deal for Vlahović could test the limits of Financial Fair Play.
Juventus’ willingness to sell does not automatically mean Newcastle can afford to buy, especially after significant outlays already this summer on Jacob Ramsey, Malick Thiaw, and Aaron Ramsdale.
Still, the logic is clear.
Newcastle cannot allow the Isak saga to derail their season, and they need a proven striker to lead their Champions League campaign.
Vlahović, with his blend of power, finishing, and top-level experience, ticks every box on paper.
Whether Newcastle can persuade him to swap Turin for Tyneside, though, will decide if this move is remembered as an opportunity seized – or one that slipped away.
He'd be the new Andy Carroll: Newcastle now chasing £30m Wissa alternative
Newcastle United Consider Move for Atlético Madrid Striker to Replace Unsettled Alexander Isak
The Special One is back on familiar ground! Jose Mourinho, who is set to take charge of Benfica on a two-year deal, will find himself on English soil twice within the next month as the Champions League league phase unfolds. With trips to both Stamford Bridge and St James’ Park on the horizon, Mourinho is set for an early reunion with his former hunting ground..
Mourinho returns to England with Benfica
Mourinho is set to be appointed as Benfica’s new head coach, marking a return to the club where his managerial journey began back in 2000. The 62-year-old will replace Bruno Lage and will immediately be thrown into high-profile European action. Benfica’s Champions League league-stage fixtures pit them against Chelsea and Newcastle in back-to-back away games.
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The Special One's chance to shine again
Mourinho’s return to England is dripping with narrative, especially given his history with both Chelsea and Manchester United. The trips to Stamford Bridge and St James’ Park will rekindle memories of his iconic Premier League reigns, where his presence always drew headlines. For Benfica, these games offer both a sporting challenge and an opportunity to impress under their charismatic new boss.
Mourinho also set to meet Real Madrid again
Mourinho’s Champions League schedule is packed with familiar faces. After the two English clashes, Benfica will later welcome Real Madrid — another of his old clubs — in the final gameweek of the league phase. It means Mourinho will cross paths with two former employers in one campaign, underlining just how decorated his career has been.
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Mourinho looking to steady Benfica after Lage's departure
Mourinho’s immediate focus will be on steadying Benfica domestically, with the club sitting just outside the title race in Portugal. Attention will then turn to Chelsea, where his first big European test awaits against a club he once helped make serial winners. The English spotlight will soon be fixed firmly back on the Special One.
Arsenal are swiftly moving on to their next targets after striking a long-awaited deal for Viktor Gyokeres, who officially joined the Gunners from Sporting CP on Saturday in a deal worth up to £64 million.
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Gyokeres’ arrival comes as a major boost for Mikel Arteta as he seeks to end the club’s two-decade-long wait for a Premier League title.
Arsenal drew more games than any other side in the top 10 last season, and their struggle for goals was a key reason for this. Arteta’s side managed just 69 in the league by the end of 2024/2025, paling in comparison to their tallies of 88 and 91 in the previous two seasons.
Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)
Money on new signings
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
25/26 – summer
£208m
A prolific frontman of Gyokeres’ ilk will certainly help Arteta’s side return to their clinical best, and Arsenal’s manager is thrilled to welcome a centre-forward who’s just bagged 54 goals in all competitions.
“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Viktor Gyökeres to the club. The consistency he has shown in his performances and availability have been outstanding, and his goal contributions speak for themselves,” said Arteta in an official statement.
“Viktor has so many qualities. He is a quick and powerful presence up front, with incredible goalscoring numbers at club and international levels. He brings a clinical edge with a high conversion rate of chances into goals, with his intelligent movement in the box making him a constant threat.
“We’re excited about what Viktor brings to our squad and are looking forward to start working with him. We welcome Viktor and his family to Arsenal.”
After Gyokeres, it is reliably reported that sporting director Andrea Berta is turning his attention towards Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze.
The England international is at the centre of Arsenal’s rumoured interest in signing a new creative number 10, and he reportedly has a £60 million release clause in his contract that could rise to £68m through bonuses (Sky Sports).
Crystal Palace identify Eberechi Eze replacement as Arsenal advance
According to multiple recent reports, there are suggestions that Eze has loosely agreed personal terms with Arsenal already, with Sports Zone even claiming that the 27-year-old has reached a “full agreement” over a proposed contract at the Emirates.
A north London switch for the player appears to be gaining serious traction, and according to Sky Switzerland reporter Sacha Tavolieri, Palace are moving to try and sign a replacement – providing a further indication that Arsenal could be closing in on Eze shortly.
Tavolieri, via X, claims Palace have identified Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss as a potential heir to Eze, but face competition from RB Leipzig.
Eze was released by Arsenal as a teenage academy prospect, but it appears the playmaker who bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last season could be facing his final summer at Selhurst Park.