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.

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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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.

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.

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.

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

By
Will Miller

Aug 24, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Depois da morte da palmeirense Gabriela Anelli, atingida por uma garrafa antes do jogo entre Palmeiras e Flamengo, no sábado (8), no Allianz Parque, passou a ser discutida a possibilidade de jogos com torcida única também para confronto entre rivais nacionais. Segundo o delegado César Saad, da Delegacia de Repressão e Análise aos Delitos de Intolerância Esportiva, isso será pensado após o recente episódio.

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+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Em entrevista coletiva na tarde desta segunda-feira (10), Saad falou da rivalidade que existe entre as organizadas do Verdão e do Rubro-Negro para explicar seu ponto de vista e a necessidade de estender a medida da torcida única para esses jogos maiores. O delegado chegou a citar outras confrontos que acabam sendo problemáticos para a polícia.

– Hoje, quem acompanha futebol, sabe que Palmeiras e Flamengo são as equipes que mais chegaram em finais, mais tiveram títulos nacionais e internacionais. Historicamente, Palmeiras e Flamengo têm uma rivalidade enorme de torcidas organizadas. Eu posso afirmar que a gente faz com total segurança um clássico estadual com muito mais segurança do que um clássico nacional, por você não ter o contato, por você não ter o dia a dia desses torcedores que vêm de fora – disse antes de completar:

– Não apenas Palmeiras e Flamengo, mas a gente acompanhou recentemente Vasco e São Paulo, é um jogo que gera bastante conflito de torcidas. Palmeiras e Botafogo também tem bastante confronto entre torcidas… Então é de se pensar sim que medidas precisam ser tomadas, é do trabalho da polícia, não só para esse jogo, mas para os próximos que tenham torcidas grandes no âmbito nacional.

+ Delegado esclarece caso envolvendo morte de torcedora do Palmeiras antes de jogo contra o Flamengo

Em abril de 2016, José Sinval Batista foi atingido por um bala perdida durante confronto entre torcedores de Corinthians e Palmeiras e acabou morrendo. O homem, que tinha então 53 anos, não participava da briga ocorrida em São Miguel Paulista, na zona leste de São Paulo. O choque entre membros da Gaviões da Fiel e da Mancha Verde também resultou em mais de 50 feridos. Logo em seguida, as autoridades do estado tomaram uma medida drástica e vetaram a presença de torcida visitante nos clássicos estaduais. Desde então, a determinação segue valendo.

As part of Manchester United’s £200m+ shopping spree this summer, Bryan Mbeumo completed a move to Old Trafford to try and improve the situation within the final third.

The Red Devils only netted 44 league goals in 2024/25, with the Cameroonian scoring 20 in the Premier League alone last campaign – a tally which was 45% of the Red Devils’ total.

Whilst he cost a pretty penny, arriving in a £71m deal including add-ons, he does possess the top-flight experience needed to transform the side after last year’s dismal finish.

The 26-year-old has already hit the ground running for his new side, scoring twice in his opening four outings – including in the recent league clash against Burnley at the Theatre of Dreams.

If Mbeumo is to achieve further success during his spell at United, he will likely star alongside one talent who’s been a constant positive influence despite the slump over the last few years.

Bruno Fernandes’ time at Manchester United

Upon his big-money transfer from Sporting CP in the winter of 2020, no United supporter would’ve anticipated the phenomenal level of output produced by Bruno Fernandes.

The Portuguese international arrived as an unknown quantity to many, but he quickly showcased his talents, scoring 12 and registering eight assists in his first 22 outings for the club.

Since his debut campaign, the 30-year-old has gone from strength to strength at Old Trafford, now racking up a total of 99 goals in his 254 appearances for the Red Devils.

Bruno has since taken on the role of captaincy under various managers, highlighting the importance to the side and the faith shown in him to take the club back to their former glory.

Despite the failures under Amorim last campaign, the midfield still managed to thrive, notching 37 combined goals and assists – by far and away the highest tally of any player in the squad.

He continued to be a constant creative threat, extending his tally and remaining as the player with the most through balls completed in Europe since 2022/23 – with his tally higher than those of Kevin de Bruyne and Martin Odegaard.

There’s no denying he’s one of the best additions ever made by the recruitment team, with another player joining him in that department, given his own rise at the club.

The United star who’s been the best signing since Bruno

United have been known to conduct some questionable pieces of transfer business over the last couple of years, which has undoubtedly contributed to their demise.

The likes of Casemiro, Antony and Rasmus Hojlund all joined the Red Devils in deals worth £70m or over, but none of which have failed to make a consistent positive impression on the fanbase.

The latter two of the duo both departed the club in the closing stages of the transfer window, further showcasing the poor business conducted by the board over recent seasons.

However, the same can’t be said for defender Noussair Mazraoui, with the Moroccan international cementing himself as a key player since his move 12 months ago.

The Red Devils paid just £12.7m for his signature from Bayern Munich, making him one of the cheaper additions made by Erik ten Hag during his time in Manchester.

Such a move now appears to be a genius one, as the 27-year-old ended the 2024/25 campaign with 57 appearances across all competitions – the most of any player in the first-team squad.

He operated in various roles such as wing-back, full-back and centre-back, showcasing his versatility which made him such an important aspect of Amorim’s system.

Noussair Mazraoui – Man Utd PL stats (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

37

Minutes played

2848

Pass accuracy

86%

Dribbles completed

60%

Tackles made

2.2

Tackle success rate

60%

Cross success rate

26%

Duels won

6.8

Stats via FotMob

Mazraoui has already earned himself huge admirers behind the scenes at United, with multiple insiders claiming that the former Ajax star is the best signing made by the club in many years.

His underlying stats in 2024/25 further highlight his impressive start to life in England, leading to journalist Umir Irfan labelling the full-back as “incredible”.

The Moroccan won 2.2 tackles per 90 last campaign, winning 60% of the dispossession attempts he entered – subsequently showcasing his tremendous ability out of possession.

He also thrived with the ball at his feet, completing 86% of the passes he attempted, whilst also completing 60% of his dribbles, which allows him to end the year with two assists despite his defensive role.

£12.7m for a player of Mazraoui’s quality is a tremendous piece of business – especially when taking into account the failures of the players before him who accrued mammoth sums of money.

Should he carry on at such a level in 2025/26, there’s no reason as to why he can’t be as important as Bruno in the club’s hunt for success in the near future.

Related Ten Hag sold Man Utd's "young Giggs" for just £15m, now he's like Mbeumo

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Posts 1 ByEthan Lamb Sep 11, 2025

Young batting allrounder Charli Knott has been called up for the last two games of the series

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Mar-2025Ashleigh Gardner’s right index finger injury has been confirmed to be a fracture, and she has been ruled out of the ongoing T20I series between New Zealand and Australia as a result. “She will have further scans and seek specialist advice on return to Sydney,” a Cricket Australia statement on Saturday said.Ellyse Perry will stand in as deputy to captain Tahlia McGrath in Gardner’s absence, while Charli Knott, the 22-year-old uncapped batting allrounder from Queensland, has been brought into the squad as a replacement for the two remaining matches in the series. The second game will be played on Sunday and the last one on Wednesday.Australia lead the series 1-0 after winning the first game in Auckland on Friday, and they pulled off the comprehensive eight-wicket win, with 39 balls in hand chasing 138 for victory, with just 2.2 overs of bowling from star allrounder Gardner.Bowling the 17th over of the New Zealand innings – her third – after New Zealand had opted to bat, Gardner sent in a flighted delivery to Sophie Devine, who went down the track and hit the ball back hard towards Gardner. Gardner got both her hands on the ball attempting the catch, but spilled it and it was immediately clear that she had hurt herself. The physio was out, and Gardner went off the field soon after.The update after the New Zealand innings was that Gardner had been taken for scans and wouldn’t bat in Australia’s chase. That wasn’t required anyway, as Beth Mooney (75 not out in 42 balls) and Georgia Voll (50 in 31) took care of the runs Australia required.

A difficult night in the Champions League for Liverpool was compounded by a tongue-in-cheek social media post from Galatasaray, using the Reds' famous anthem You'll Never Walk Alone against them. Arne Slot's side lost 1-0 on the evening, making it back-to-back defeats following the 2-1 reversal at Crystal Palace in the Premier League last weekend.

• AFP
  

  Slot shot down in Istanbul

  Galatasaray defeated Liverpool 1-0 courtesy of a Victor Osimhen penalty in the 16th minute after Dominik Szoboszlai fouled Baris Yilmaz. Liverpool boss Slot made several changes to his starting line-up, dropping Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak to the bench, and struggled to break down Galatasaray's well-organised defence. Despite dominating possession, Liverpool failed to convert their chances with Gala goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir making crucial saves, including from Cody Gakpo and Florian Wirtz efforts. Liverpool's frustrations were compounded by injuries to goalkeeper Alisson and striker Hugo Ekitike, forcing them to be substituted in the second half. A late penalty awarded to Liverpool for a foul on Ibrahima Konate was overturned by VAR, confirming the home side's victory. 

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• Gala take swipe at Reds

  After the match, a Gala post on their official English X account said: "You'll never walk alone, but sometimes you walk out without points."

• Slot disappointed by referee performance

  Slot pointed the finger firmly at referee Clement Turpin for his side's defeat, suggesting the two major decisions in the match were incorrect. Slot said: "I haven’t seen it back but there was no contact with the feet. The last few weeks I am talking quite a lot about how we are a very fair team and maybe their player was really smart, he felt something and made it feel as if it is an unbelievable hit. The referee thought he could not overturn it, though he did in the last minute when we got one. For me, it was a different loss to the one we had against Palace because there was a lot more to like, especially in the first half. In the second half it became harder and harder for us to create because first of all they were fighting with all they had and you have to give credit to them, and secondly the ball was hardly in play in the second half."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Massive fixtures coming for Reds

  It’s not quite a wobble for Arne Slot and Liverpool just yet, but questions will be asked if performances don’t improve. The club invested heavily in the summer after landing the Premier League title and face a crucial period in the coming weeks, starting with a trip to Chelsea this weekend. There’s the small matter of Manchester United at Anfield after the upcoming international break, with Liverpool's next Champions League outing against Eintracht Frankfurt pencilled in for October 22. The Reds will host Brentford in the league three days later before attention turns to a round of 16 Carabao Cup tie against Crystal Palace.

كسر المدير الرياضي لنادي بايرن ميونخ صمته، وتحدث عن مستقبل دايوت أوباميكانو وإمكانية رحيله عن صفوف الفريق البافاري خلال الفترة المقبلة، وسط إشاعات عن وجود اهتمام من قبل ريال مدريد بضم اللاعب.

أوباميكانو سوف ينتهي عقده مع نادي بايرن ميونخ بنهاية شهر يونيو من العام المقبل، أي بنهاية الموسم الجاري ولم يتم التوصل إلى اتفاق حتى الآن بخصوص توقيع عقد جديد.

ويعتبر أوباميكانو من أهم لاعبي نادي بايرن ميونخ وكذلك في منتخب ألمانيا وأوروبا، في ظل المستويات المتميزة التي يقدمها مع بايرن ميونخ.

أقرأ أيضًا .. نجم برشلونة وتوتنهام السابق: تشيلسي ندم كثيرًا على رحيل محمد صلاح

وفي تصريحات نقلها موقع ”Tribalfootall”، أكد ماكس إيبرل، المدير الرياضي لبايرن ميونخ أنه واثق من تجديد عقد أوباميكانو خلال الفترة المقبلة.

وقال إيبرل عن مستقبل أوباميكانو: “لدينا مدافعون مركزيون ممتازون مثل كيم مين جاي، وجوناثان تاه، وأوباميكانو”.

واختتم إيبرل في حديثه عن أوباميكانو: “هذه هي القضية الرئيسية بالنسبة لنا وهي تجديد عقد أوباميكانو،

وأكدت تقارير إعلامية عديدة خلال الأيام الماضية، أن ريال مدريد وضع أوباميكانو كهدف رئيسي له خلال صيف العام المقبل، إضافة إلى مراقبة وضع إبراهيما كوناتي لاعب نادي ليفربول.

USMNT striker Damion Downs has yet to find his footing at Southampton, drawing criticism in the early weeks of his Championship debut.

Damion Downs doesn't particularly enjoy attention. He told GOAL as much earlier this month. With his hood pulled up, Downs spoke softly about what felt like a life-changing summer for club and country.

"I don't like the spotlight so much, you know what I mean?" Downs said from the U.S. men's national team hotel during the most recent international break. "I like my privacy. I don't really mind people not knowing too much about me. At the same time, I'm not that exciting anyway."

So, when Downs seemingly deleted social media earlier this week, it wasn't too out of character. 

It came, unfortunately, as Downs did find himself in that spotlight, and not for the reasons he'd want to be. Just weeks into life as a Southampton player, the striker has already become a lightning rod for abuse and criticism as the 21-year-old has been unable to hit the ground running.

The criticism, for the most part, has been unfair. Very few players adapt to English football instantly, and even fewer do so before turning 22. Downs arrived at Southampton this summer with a reported $9.5 million price tag, which naturally brought high expectations. In the opening weeks of his first Championship season, those expectations haven’t yet been met. Unsurprisingly, social media has had its say, and with Southampton struggling, Downs has found himself singled out.

So what comes next for the young USMNT star? Just seven games into his first season with a new club, it seems that Downs is already at a turning point as the spotlight is fixed on him.

Getty ImagesThe season so far

Downs's big move to Southampton was preceded by plenty of hype. He arrived fresh off a breakout season in the 2. Bundesliga with FC Koln, whom he helped lead to promotion with 10 league goals. Instead of helping lead Koln into Germany's top flight, he made the move to England's second division, taking a risk to join the Saints. 

The keyword there is . Downs could have easily remained at Koln to play in a bigger league. Instead, he saw Southampton as an opportunity to both develop and, hopefully, get a crack at the Premier League.

“I think Southampton is a big club that should be in the Premier League, and that’s my goal – to help the team as much as I can to bring the club back to the Premier League," he told the club's official website after signing. "The Premier League is the best league you can possibly play in. Being able to promote the team and the whole club to the Premier League would be a big honour for me.

“Obviously promotion is the No. 1 [target], and for me personally I just want to score as many goals as possible, help the club and help the team.”

It started well enough. Downs scored a preseason goal against Espanyol, seemingly impressing USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino, who happened to be in attendance. He assisted a goal in the league opener against Wrexham, too, announcing himself as a difference-maker early on in the Championship season. Now, six games later in all competitions, he remains scoreless as he searches for his first official Saints goal.

There's a caveat, of course. Downs has played just 151 Championship minutes, making just one start this season. In those games, he has generally struggled on the ball. This week, Southampton boss Will Still, who left Downs out of the squad for two fixtures this week, against Middlesbrough and Sheffield United, called for Downs to be more imposing and to use his 6-4 frame more effectively.

“We have to encourage him to pick a fight with someone and make it difficult, and then get into the game that way," Still said.

It is clear, though, that Downs is still in the adjustment phase.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportThe realities of a move

Speaking to GOAL earlier this month, Downs was largely thankful to those who have helped him adjust to life in England. The move from Cologne to Southampton wasn't easy, but his family was helping more than he could explain.

"It's been very, very busy, but, thankfully, I have a good family around," he said. "They've been taking care of most of the things, so I don't have to take care of it, and I'm thankful for that. They've been helping me as much as possible."

The move was just one piece of Downs' summer of change. Prior to his Southampton transfer, Downs made his USMNT debut this summer, and he ended up playing a big part in the team's Gold Cup run. His penalty kick sealed a shootout win over Costa Rica in the quarterfinal round, helping the U.S. survive despite the presence of Keylor Navas on the other side.

In general, it was transition after transition for Downs. From the USMNT, he went straight to Europe for preseason. Just a few weeks into the season, he was back stateside with the U.S. to face South Korea and Japan. It's been a whirlwind, to put it lightly, which could explain some of the early-season difficulties for Southampton's summer signing.

Still, moves like this carry inherent uncertainty. Staying at Koln would have been the safer path, even with the chance to play in Germany’s top flight. Downs chose instead to challenge himself in England during a World Cup year, with no guarantee of immediate success, even if the long-term rewards could be significant.

(C)Getty ImagesUSMNT impact

Ahead of the season, American soccer's striker race centered around the Championship. It seemed that the top two spots on the depth chart were claimed by Folarin Balogun in France and Ricardo Pepi in the Netherlands. Behind them, though, were a group of Championship strikers that looked set to go goal-for-goal in pursuit of a World Cup spot. Downs, one of the newer members of the race, would be directly compared to Josh Sargent, Haji Wright, and Patrick Agyemang as they fought to be part of next summer's team.

Sargent, of course, started hot, scoring for fun before slowing down post-international break. Wright has shined for Coventry City, making his claim to be a part of the upcoming camps. Agyemang, meanwhile, started the season injured, but has already set up two goals for Derby County as he hunts down a goal of his own.

And then there's Downs. He's had chances to score, but so far, that first goal remains elusive. If Downs is to get into the World Cup picture, though, the goals will have to come. Same for Sargent, Wright, and Agyemang, too.

"Seven or eight months is a pretty long time," Downs said earlier this month when asked about the World Cup, "So I'm not too focused on it. I just want to be here and represent my country when I am here. I'm not one to focus on the future and not be there for the present and what's going on right now. I'm focused on the now because the work that I put in right now is what it will take for me to be there."

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Getty Images SportTime on his side

The season is still young, and games come thick and fast in the Championship. The Saints face Agyemang's Derby County on Saturday. Fortunes can change quickly for a striker. Downs, given his pedigree, is a prime candidate for the ketchup theory – once the goals come, they may not stop.

Southampton, though, will need things to change quickly. Through seven games, , one of the relegated Premier League teams, have claimed just seven points. That leaves them 19th and fighting for survival, even this early in the season.

Still is keeping the faith, though, particularly in Downs. He believes that the club's big signing has a part to play, as long as everyone shows the patience needed for him to get there.

“It’s a work in progress," Still said last week. "Not all transfers are going to come in and hit the ground running and click and understand the culture of the league, the opposition, and our team itself. Damion started on Saturday and came on tonight, and played a good chunk of the second half. We just need to keep working with him and helping him."

Until then, the spotlight will remain on Downs. A goal or two will change the reason for that spotlight as Downs looks to finally make his mark on his new club.

Whilst Newcastle United’s focus has been on keeping hold of Alexander Isak, another player could yet be on his way out of St James’ Park amid interest from the Bundesliga.

Latest on the Alexander Isak saga

With less than 10 days left until the transfer window slams shut, Isak is still a Newcastle player. For all his efforts to force a move – from going on strike to releasing a strong statement on social media – Newcastle have remained firm on their stance that he is not for sale unless they manage to welcome an adequate replacement before the deadline.

To their credit, the Magpies have been trying all summer long to find that replacement, but have ultimately missed out on several targets. They initially locked onto Joao Pedro, but he soon chose Chelsea. The same happened with Bryan Mbeumo, who chose Manchester United. Then, in ironic fashion, it was Hugo Ekitike’s move to Liverpool that stood in the way of Isak’s departure.

Sesko finally added the cherry on top and although the likes of Alexander Sorloth have threatened to steal the headlines as of late, it remains to be seen whether Newcastle are willing to seriously pursue what would not even be their third-choice target at this stage.

He's better than Wissa: Newcastle enter the battle for "phenomenal" £30m ST

Newcastle still need to sign a centre-forward before the close of the summer transfer market.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Aug 23, 2025

Having his say on the saga of the summer and responding to Isak’s recent statement, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe told reporters: “I think it is a lose-lose situation to a degree for us because I don’t think we can come out of this winning in any situation.”

As the want-away Swede continues to steal the headlines, however, those at St James’ Park are reportedly at risk of letting another player sneak out of the exit door this month.

Bayer Leverkusen eyeing Osula move

According to Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg, Bayer Leverkusen are now eyeing a move to sign William Osula from Newcastle this month. The 22-year-old is reportedly one to watch as the deadline approaches in what could see the Magpies handed another striker blow.

Given that Isak is currently on strike and may not even play for Newcastle ever again, keeping hold of Osula should suddenly be one of the top priorities at St James’ Park.

Although Howe has preferred to play Anthony Gordon in the forward role in Isak’s absence, Osula still has an important part to play. Without him, the Magpies would not have a single recognised striker in their squad and that simply can’t happen.

Praised for a “brilliant” performance at the U21 Euros by scout Jacek Kulig earlier this summer, the young Dane is still capable of reaching his potential at St James’ Park.

Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli has set summer signing Viktor Gyokeres a huge goal target for his debut season in England. Gyokeres moved to the Gunners after a goal-laden spell with Portuguese side Sporting CP. And while the Swede has failed to score in five games, Martinelli believes that hefty goal target is attainable as Arsenal look to land domestic and continental success.

Getty Images SportGyokeres has struggled in the opening weeks at Arsenal

Gyokeres has struggled in the opening weeks of his Arsenal career following his arrival from Sporting, however. Indeed, the Sweden international, who scored 39 league goals in Portugal last season, has netted just three goals across his opening nine appearances after drawing a blank against Olympiacos in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Goals from Martinelli and Bukayo Saka either side of half time saw the Gunners make it two wins from two to kick off their European campaign as one of six teams to win both opening matches.

AdvertisementGyokeres goals will surely come

The goals, though, will surely come for Gyokeres, who managed three shots in midweek and has had more shots (13) than any Arsenal player in the Premier League this season.

And teammate Martinelli, who has scored in three of his last five appearances for Mikel Arteta's side after bagging the opener on Wednesday night, has set a monster goal target for the 27-year-old despite blanking for five games straight.

Getty Images Sport'He’s one of the top strikers in the world right now'

Following Arsenal's win over Olympiacos, Martinelli, quoted by Standard Sport, was quick to praise Gyokeres, stating: "We are really happy with him. We trust him. We know his qualities and he’s one of the top strikers in the world right now. We trust him and we are trying to give him the confidence to score and to do his best on the pitch to help us."

The Brazil international believes having a player of Martin Odegaard's quality will aid Gyokeres, adding: "It’s really good to play with Martin [Odegaard] there because he’s always trying to find you, when we make the movement. And for Viktor as well, his qualities, he likes to go in behind and attack the opposition’s box. So, I think him playing with Martin as well is going to be good for him. We are going to try to give him the ball as much as possible to make him score, I don’t know, 30 or 40 goals a season."

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Martinelli welcomes competition for club and country

Gyokeres wasn't Arsenal's only summer signing, with Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze joining from Chelsea and Crystal Palace, respectively, but Martinelli, who started Wednesday's win on the right with Leandro Trossard on the left, welcomes the competition at the Emirates and isn't worried about fighting for regular minutes at club level because it's similar with the Brazil national team.

"It’s the same in the national team for me. I’m not going to complain to have Vini and Rodrygo and Raphinha playing with me! I’m really happy to have them there and happy to have the players that we have here as well," Martinelli said.

"With the signings that we brought in, we’ve got a huge squad now. So let’s try to use this squad, because it’s a long season, everyone knows it and sometimes we have injuries and with a big squad, we have more opportunities to win the game.

"We play for Arsenal. We have to use every single one that is available. So, if someone gets injured, we’re going to try to use someone else. This is why we have a huge squad right now I mean, I want to play. I want to start every single game. And as I said, I’m going to help the team as much as possible. 

"The manager is the one that takes the decision. We have to respect him. And when I have the opportunity, I always try to give my best."

MatériaMais Notícias

A Série A do Campeonato Brasileiro é a sétima liga nacional mais valiosa do mundo, aponta um levantamento da Pluri Consultoria, em parceria com o Lance!Biz. O Brasileirão ocupava a sexta posição até o último mês, mas foi ultrapassado recentemente pela Championship, a segunda divisão da Inglaterra.

A mudança tem explicação: três clubes com alto poder financeiro – Leeds United, Leicester e Southampton – foram rebaixados na última temporada da Premier League. Isso resultou em um aumento significativo no valor da segunda divisão de maio para junho.

+ L!Biz & Pluri: Flamengo desbanca Corinthians e lidera crescimento nas redes sociais em junho

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Destaques do ranking:

> Com valor de mercado total avaliado em € 10,1 bilhões, aPremier League, da Inglaterra, é o campeonato nacional mais valioso do mundo. Em média, cada um dos 20 clubes da liga é avaliado em€ 506 milhões.

> Os campeonatos de Espanha, Itália, Alemanha e França completam o top-5 – todos avaliados entre € 3 e 5 bilhões.

> A soma do valor de mercado dos elencos da Championship aumentou em € 670 milhões, alcançando € 1,9 bilhão. O Brasileirão, por outro lado, registra € 1,4 bilhão.

> Dentre as ligas pertencentes ao top 10 de ligas mais valiosas do mundo, apenas a Série A do Brasil e a MLS dos Estados Unidos estão fora da Europa.

> Os recentes investimentos fizeram a Saudi Pro League, da Arábia Saudita, dar um salto no ranking. A liga teve um crescimento significativo em seu valor de mercado e alcançou um total de € 463,88 milhões, ficando na 16ª posição.