All posts by h716a5.icu

Manchester United have established themselves as cool negotiators in the summer transfer window and now look set to step up talks in pursuit of a new record signing.

Manchester United plot more deals after Benjamin Sesko capture

After a dismal Premier League finish last term, the Red Devils appear determined to make sure a repeat scenario doesn’t unravel this campaign and Ruben Amorim has wasted no time in sharpening a blunt attack.

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Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon joining Manchester United for £140.5 million, many thought they would turn their attention to outgoings after missing out on any Champions League or Europa League windfall.

Nevertheless, Benjamin Sesko’s move to Old Trafford has made headlines around the globe, with many expecting big things from the Slovenia international after his return of 21 goals in 45 appearances last term at RB Leipzig.

Many have expected the focus to turn to other positions after fending off Newcastle’s advances for the towering striker. However, free agent Dominic Calvert-Lewin could be next in line at Manchester United after parting company with his agent to try and seal a dream transfer to the English giants.

The former Everton man may only be able to arrive if one of Rasmus Hojlund or Joshua Zirkzee leaves the club, meaning interest in the former from AC Milan has come at a good time for Amorim.

Official sent as Man Utd plot hijack to sign £56m South American prodigy

United have started scouting a promising young striker

ByCallum Kemp Aug 10, 2025

Intriguingly, Fabrizio Romano delivered a promising update on Manchester United’s pursuit of Carlos Baleba over the weekend. Brighton & Hove Albion aren’t keen to let him go, though the Red Devils keep trying to find solutions in spite of existing difficulties.

Marking their intent to recruit players capable of helping the Red Devils at the top end of the table, there has now been another big update on Amorim’s search for a new enforcer.

Manchester United set to submit Carlos Baleba bid

As reported by Rudy Galetti on X, Manchester United are set to be locked in further talks to sign the £100m-rated Baleba in the ‘coming hours’ and are expected to submit an imminent bid for his services.

He stated: “Man UTD and Brighton will hold new talks in the coming hours, with MUFC expected to submit their bid for Carlos Baleba. The player wants the move, and Brighton – waiting for how the negotiation will develop – are already working cautiously on a potential replacement.”

Is Manuel Ugarte or Carlos Baleba a better fit for Man Utd?

Manuel Ugarte in 2024/25 PL

Carlos Baleba in 2024/25 PL

Tackles won – 49

Tackles won – 46

Pass accuracy – 88.6%

Pass accuracy – 87.9%

Accurate long balls – 39

Accurate long balls – 65

Successful dribbles – 18

Successful dribbles – 33

Recoveries – 122

Recoveries – 197

Stats from Fotmob

With the Seagulls looking at potential replacements, Manchester United could look to move on Manuel Ugarte after his transfer to Old Trafford last year, though the statistical comparison between the two shows both excel in different areas.

Last term, Baleba registered four goals and two assists in 40 appearances for Brighton, leading Ryan Adsett to label the star a “powerhouse” due to his excellent form under Fabian Hurzeler. Manchester United are determined to position themselves among the elite again, and the Seagulls star would become their biggest ever signing, surpassing the record set by Paul Pogba’s arrival in 2016

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ECB chief executive confident that process can be game-changing if money is spent well

Vithushan Ehantharajah13-Dec-2024ECB chief executive Richard Gould is confident the Hundred will generate enough money to future-proof the County game for the next “20 to 25 years” after multiple bids were tabled for each of the eight teams earlier this week, in the second round of the equity sales process.Having received over 100 bids from 35 parties in the first round, a broad spectrum of interested buyers remains. They are understood to include eight of the 10 IPL team owners and co-owners, plus US-based sports investors and private equity.Gould confirmed most investors have put in multiple bids. Once it is determined which investors best match the interest of one of the eight host teams, the third and final stage will see clubs and counties decide upon their two preferred partners for a joint venture.The ECB remain increasingly optimistic that they will better their initially stated aim of raising a minimum of £350 million, not least with competition between investors already evident.In September, Vikram Banerjee, tasked with selling off stakes in the Hundred as ECB director of business operations, stated that the final process could be delayed if the right bids and suitors are not found for all teams. Three months and two stages on, Gould says it is “more likely” the 49 percent stakes on offer for each of the eight teams will be sold first time. Host counties can then decide how much of their gifted 51 percent they wish to part with.Related

Yorkshire to start clearing debts of £25 million as Hundred money lands

Paul Farbrace: Hundred windfall will enable counties to plan for 'cricket, not finance'

New PCA chair: Hundred gender pay gap 'needs to be addressed'

Hundred investors express frustration at ECB's 'pure financial' motives

Equity sale in the Hundred could be delayed beyond 2025 – Vikram Banerjee

Most of the money raised from those 49 percent stakes is set to be split among the 18 counties and MCC, with 10 percent portioned off for the recreational game. This means that county game is in line for a massive windfall, But Gould insists it will need to be spent wisely.”My hope is that this will recapitalise the county game for the next 20-25 years, if that money is used really well,” he said in Hamilton, on the eve of the third Test between England and New Zealand.”We’re not counting our chickens yet, but the aim of this is to raise significant investment that is going to go into the game. One of the things that has been attracting the investors is the money they’d be putting in is going to develop the game. A very significant chunk is going into the recreational game, even more is going into the professional game and that is split between the hosts and non-hosts.”The professional counties have been very keen to explain to us that they want guard rails in place. Those are likely to focus on the level of debt a club has, the level of reserves a club should have and also when they are making investments, making sure those are investments for the good of the game – providing financial return or in things like the player pathway.”

Gianluigi Donnarumma has revealed his "dream" is to win the Champions League with Manchester City following his summer switch from Paris Saint-Germain.

Donnarumma eyeing Champions League gloryItaly international joined Man City from PSGDonnarumma lifted CL with PSG in 2024-25Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Donnarumma joined City in a £26 million (€30m/$35m) move from the French giants on transfer deadline day. The 26-year-old had been made surplus to requirements after PSG decided to sign goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier from Lille for £34.5m (€40m/$47m).

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Donnarumma played a key role in helping PSG win the first Champions League trophy in their history in 2024-25, producing a clean sheet in the final as Luis Enrique's side defeated Inter 5-0. And having now had a taste of what lifting Europe's premier club competition is like, the Italy international is hoping to win his and City's second title in his first season at the club.

WHAT DONNARUMMA SAID

Speaking for the first time following his move to City, Donnarumma outlined his ambition to win the Champions League again, saying: "It is one of our goals, I’m not going to hide it.

“Lifting the Champions League trophy with City would be a dream for me. I think the Champions League is the best trophy for a football player. It was an indescribable emotion [winning it with PSG].”

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DID YOU KNOW?

City secured their first and only Champions League crown as part of a historic treble in 2022-23. Pep Guardiola's men also defeated Serie A side Inter in the final, with Rodri scoring the only goal of the game to add the Champions League to City's Premier League and FA Cup titles that season.

He smacks an unbeaten 62 off just 28 balls to help Hurricanes hunt down 187

AAP05-Jan-2025A brutal unbeaten 62 from 28 balls from Tim David helped Hobart Hurricanes to a fourth straight win and the second-highest run-chase of the BBL 2024-25.David hit six sixes and three fours as Hurricanes chased down Adelaide Strikers’ 186 for 5 with eight deliveries to spare and five wickets in hand at the Bellerive Oval. He hit 40 runs during the power surge in the 14th and 15th overs when the game was on the line.Strikers’ Jamie Overton took most of the punishment and finished with 0 for 54 from three overs after also suffering heavy treatment from opener Mitchell Owen.Owen scored 37 from 16 deliveries, which included three sixes in a row off Overton – one landing on the roof of the members’ stand.David came to the crease at 101 for 4 in the 11th over after Strikers spinners Lloyd Pope and Cameron Boyce (2-23) slowed Hurricanes’ chase. David took some time to get going before notching his fastest BBL half-century.”I’m stoked. It was my turn to put my hand up when they needed me,” David said. “I was like two off eight. I was hitting it pretty badly, but thankfully it changed. We knew the pitch was good … just good cricket shots, hit the ball out of the middle of the bat.”Hurricanes, who are gunning for a maiden title, rose to third on the ladder while Strikers remain second last.It is the first time Hurricanes have won four in a row since 2019 and comes after an impressive 50-run victory over the ladder-leading Sydney Sixers.”We’re building towards a finals crack this year, we’re only halfway through, but we’re in a good spot so far,” David said. “Everyone has contributed so far in our batting order and that’s a great place to be.”Earlier, Chris Lynn top scored for the Strikers with 49 from 27 balls after he was struck on the helmet by a 140kmph bouncer from Riley Meredith in the first over.Lynn, who hit five fours and three sixes, was out in the ninth over, caught in the deep off Waqar Salamkheil trying to clear the rope, leaving the visitors 75 for 3.Skipper Alex Ross steadied the ship with Ollie Pope, before Overton inflicted damage late with an unbeaten 27 from 18.Meredith was the pick of the Hurricanes’ bowlers with 1 for 26 from four overs, including the scalp of Pope in the 16th over.

Manchester United have been told to take a leaf out of Sheffield United's book and re-hire one of their former managers. The Championship side sacked Chris Wilder in June before recalling him this week for a third stint and now the Red Devils are being urged to sack head coach Ruben Amorim and bring back an Old Trafford favourite as soon as possible.

Getty Images SportWilder re-hired by Sheffield Utd

Wilder guided Sheffield Utd to a third-placed Championship finish last season before losing in the play-off final to Sunderland, something that cost him his job a few weeks later. Ruben Selles replaced the ex-Middlesbrough boss but he was dismissed earlier this week after losing all six of his Championship games in charge. Following Wilder's return to the Blades, United have been urged to do something similar.

AdvertisementMan Utd told to bring in Solskjaer for another spell

Former Tottenham player Jamie O'Hara believes that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is the right man for United amid Amorim's struggles. He even thinks they could get relegated under the Portuguese.

O'Hara said on talkSPORT: "This is the worst Man United team I’ve seen. Honestly. I can’t believe Ruben Amorim is still in charge, honestly, when are they going to let it go? When are they going to just…do what Sheffield United have done, just swallow their pride [and say] ‘we got this wrong?' Get Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer] back…get Ole back in. They can’t carry on doing this. They’ll go down. They’ll be playing Rotherham next season."

Getty Images SportMan Utd told they could get relegated under Amorim

Red Devils icon Solskjaer led the Premier League side to sixth and second-place finishes, along with reaching the 2021 Europa League final, before being sacked in November 2021. Despite being let go by Besiktas last month, O'Hara backed him to do better than the current man in charge, with United currently 14th in the Premier League.

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What next for Amorim and Man Utd?

Amorim reportedly has just three games to save his United job, even though the Red Devils would have to pay him a hefty compensation package if sacked in that time. The 40-year-old will be under huge pressure to get a result at home to Chelsea on Saturday after overseeing the club's worst start to a Premier League season in 33 years.

Tottenham Hotspur’s summer hasn’t quite been Newcastle United levels of rejection bad, but it has been a trying first few months in the hot seat for Thomas Frank.

While everything would appear rosy on the field, notably defeating Manchester City on Saturday, it’s not been plain sailing off it.

The treatment room has a new visitor in the form of James Maddison, who will reside there for a lengthy time, while moves for Morgan Gibbs-White and then Eberechi Eze fell through.

They were two game-changers capable of taking Frank’s side to the next level. They will have to settle for alternatives instead.

Tottenham's plans for the last week of the window

Missing out on Eze in midweek was a gut-wrenching blow for the Lilywhites but they responded emphatically by beating City this weekend.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Yet, their chances of picking up more vital points across the campaign will depend on what happens in the remaining week of the window.

The Lilywhites still want to do a deal for Savinho and are reportedly preparing a club-record move for the Brazilian to get it over the line.

Also of interest, according to Fabrizio Romano, is Como midfielder Nico Paz.

Claims suggest that Spurs have already come forward with a clear move to sign the Argentine, offering a fee of £60m.

That being said, the Italian outfit, managed by Cesc Fabregas, are reluctant to let the player go. As it happens, the midfielder isn’t too keen on leaving Como behind yet either.

He wants to stay alongside Fabregas for the time being, while Spurs were also faced with fending off his former side, Real Madrid, who are set to match any proposal that comes his way.

How Nico Paz compares to Mousa Dembele

Mousa Dembele, eh? Spurs have longed for a player like him in the middle of the park ever since he left White Hart Lane all those years ago.

Joao Palhinha, scorer at the Etihad on Sunday, may well be a player capable of evoking those qualities in north London again.

But, he’ll have to go some to replicate that impact. After all, in the words of Kyle Walker, “Dembele was probably the best player I’ve ever seen play football.” Former Spurs man Eric Dier also suggested that he was “a freak of nature”.

Very few midfielders have been capable of providing just what the Belgian could for Spurs. To put it simply, he was an all-action machine.

One of his best years at Spurs came in 2015/16 where he was involved in four goals, registered 2.9 successful dribbles per game and won 3.6 tackles per match. He was everywhere, he did it all.

Well, Paz is very similar in that regard. Back in January in a game vs Atalanta, the Como sensation completed four dribbles, won ten duels and also scored. It was a Dembele-esque performance.

As analyst Ben Mattinson notes, he’s capable of “crashing the box” and “playing killer final balls.” Like Dembele, he’s capable of getting forward and influencing play in front of the defence as well.

“One of the best playmakers in Europe” according to scout Jacek Kulig, throughout the course of the campaign, Paz registered 14 goal involvements and his all-round game was akin to that of Dembele.

Shots

3.1

0.8

Key passes

1.5

1.0

Dribbles

2.0

2.9

Times fouled

0.9

1.1

Tackles

1.5

3.6

Analysing the data, what we can gather from Dembele in his prime is that he was more defensive than Paz. The Como superstar had more of an influence in the final third, but their ability to manoeuvre the ball, dribble and progress play via their excellent carrying makes them so similar.

Over the last 365 days, the 22-year-old ranked in the top 2% of positionally similar players in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries, as well as in the top 7% for tackles, via FBref.

So, while Spurs may not quite get the defensive coverage Dembele brought to the Lane, they would be getting another all-action asset who’s capable of dominating in a whole host of phases of play.

He's better than Eze: Spurs make approach to sign "sensational" £80m star

Tottenham Hotspur have already identified a new target after missing out on Eberechi Eze.

ByEthan Lamb Aug 22, 2025

It’s officially FPL season and that means absurd forfeits, creative team names and feeling guilty about cheering a late Bruno Fernandes penalty. Come on, we’ve all done it.

After three gameweeks, a clearer picture is beginning to emerge as to who the must-have players could be. Last season, it was Jacob Murphy who emerged as a surprise option, but in the current campaign the likes of Jack Grealish are proving to be worthwhile transfer coups.

There’s still plenty to think about, however, and with two wildcards at your disposal, there’s still time to ensure that your Dad who still thinks Fernando Torres is Liverpool’s No.9 does not win the family league title for a third straight season.

Best gameweek to use FPL wildcard

The international break is here and, more importantly, the summer transfer window has ended. Using your wildcard now could be wise. It would be an understandable urge, but holding fire and implementing a free hit this time around may be the way forward. That way, any slight gamble taken on a now-underperforming player can be solved for at least one week whilst some much-needed points are gained.

The fixtures are also not the most suitable after the international break. In back-to-back weeks, Manchester City face Manchester United and then Arsenal, which could instantly see potential wildcard pick Erling Haaland struggle to leave his usual mark.

More factors to consider are form, injuries and how far players have travelled during the international break. Whilst it may seem tempting to jump the gun and welcome Alexander Isak into your side, for example, the last thing you want is to spend £10.4m on a player who is unlikely to start until he is deemed ready to go after missing pre-season.

So, when is the best time to wildcard? Well, gameweek six stands out. By that point, it will be clear whether a new signing can hit the ground running or if they are even in a starting role. Any lasting effects of the international break will also be known by this point and the fixtures become more routine for the likes of Haaland and Man City, while Arsenal also have an easier swing coming in October.

Joao Pedro

26

Erling Haaland

24

Hugo Ekitike

22

Richarlison

19

Chris Wood

17

After getting Haaland into your side that week, it would be an ideal time to captain the Norwegian against newly-promoted Burnley at the Etihad.

Best wildcard picks in FPL

By holding out until matchday six, several impressive options should emerge – including Isak. By that point, he should be ready to go and in a Liverpool side that already includes Florian Wirtz, Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike no less. The Swede is almost a guarantee for goals and is far cheaper than Haaland or new teammate Salah, who cost £14.1m and £14.5m respectively.

Mohamed Salah

£14.5m

Erling Haaland

£14.1m

Alexander Isak

£10.4m

Cole Palmer

£10.5m

Bukayo Saka

£10m

To partner the Premier League’s record signing, getting Joao Pedro in is a must at this stage. At £7.6m, he is a bargain buy and should now start most games under Enzo Maresca following Liam Delap’s injury.

Having Ekitike, Haaland and Pedro together – albeit whilst sacrificing Isak and/or Salah – gives you three of the hottest players in the league right now and would leave room for a strong midfield.

Elsewhere, Xavi Simons at £7m is also one to watch as a player who scored 11 goals and assisted eight more for RB Leipzig last season before recently joining Tottenham. The arrival of several fresh faces in North London has thrown up some interesting FPL decisions to make, but Thomas Frank and Daniel Levy did not spend £52m on a benchwarmer, so his minutes should be secure once he settles, perhaps at the cost of Brennan Johnson.

If you’re searching for a differential, new Crystal Palace signing Yeremy Pino (£6.0m) looked fantastic off the bench in his Gameweek 3 debut, and the injuries to Ismaila Sarr and Adam Wharton mean he is almost certain to start most matches from here on out.

In defence, at least one Arsenal defender becomes a must as their fixtures turn from Gameweek 7 onwards, with Gabriel at £6.1m the safest for minutes while Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori – both £5.6m – offer a goal threat.

Continuing that theme, the obvious pick in goal is David Raya, but keep an eye on Marco Bizot at Aston Villa, who now appears to be Unai Emery’s favoured choice at just £4.5m.

The incident occurred in the 47th over when Inglis whipped off the bails when the batter ventured out of the crease before the ball was dead

Andrew Fidel Fernando28-Feb-2025Australia captain Steven Smith withdrew an appeal against Noor Ahmad in the 47th over of Afghanistan’s innings, after wicketkeeper Josh Inglis whipped off the bails at the striker’s end to catch Noor out of his ground before the over was called.Noor had not been attempting a run – he had drifted out of his crease to meet batting partner Azmatullah Omarzai mid-pitch, mistakenly believing that the ball was dead. The ball is live until the umpire calls “over”, however, and umpire Alex Wharf had not yet called.Replays showed Noor to be well out of his ground, but Smith was quick to signal to the umpires that the appeal should not be considered, despite some enthusiasm from Inglis. Noor had just completed a single after Omarzai struck Nathan Ellis through midwicket and called Noor – the No. 10 batter – through, in order to keep strike for the next over.Although Afghanistan were not attempting to gain an advantage, the rules of cricket are clear. Run-outs are a viable dismissal until the ball is dead. If Smith had not withdrawn the appeal, Noor would have been ruled out, likely by third umpire Chris Gaffaney.Noor had been on three off three balls at the time, and went to make six off eight. But of more consequence was the fact that Afghanistan would have been 248 for 9 after 47 overs had Smith not withdrawn the appeal. They were less likely to have hit the further 25 runs they managed if they had only had one wicket in hand. Noor was eventually dismissed off the last ball of the innings.Australia have in the past upheld appeals against batters ambling out of their crease, even if they were not looking to take a run. Most famously, this occurred in a Test at Lord’s against England in 2023, when Alex Carey underarmed the ball into the stumps after Jonny Bairstow had wandered down the pitch before the ball was deemed dead.Muthiah Muralidaran had also been dismissed in similar circumstances in a Test in Christchurch in 2006, when he had wandered out of the crease to congratulate Kumar Sangakkara on completing a century before the ball was dead (though that had not been at the end of an over). Brendon McCullum broke the stumps on that occasion, and captain Stephen Fleming upheld the appeal.In the 2011 Trent Bridge Test, India recalled Ian Bell to the crease after he had been run-out in similar circumstances at the stroke of tea on day three, when he ran a three and proceeded to walk down the pitch and towards the dressing rooms, before the fielder Praveen Kumar had had a chance to throw the ball in from the boundary. India captain MS Dhoni agreed to recall Bell after England captain Andrew Strauss and coach Andy Flower approached him during the tea interval with this request.

If you are planning to visit Lumen Field for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, we've got you covered!

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the biggest the world has ever witnessed, with 48 teams battling it out in a month-long frenzy. The USA, Canada, and Mexico will have the honor of co-hosting this footballing festival across some of the most iconic venues in North America.

Some of the most iconic venues will be part of the spectacle next year, including the home of the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Sounders FC – Lumen Field.

Having already hosted a number of memorable events in the past, Lumen Field is now set to welcome the world’s greatest footballing nations.

Whether you're a fan traveling halfway across the world to watch your team play, or someone just in town looking to explore one of its finest landmarks, this piece is for you! GOAL brings you all the details you need before planning a trip to Lumen Field.

Getty Images SportLumen Field overviewCapacity68,740Year opened2002Tenant(s)Seattle Seahawks (NFL), Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)Address800 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134, USAAdvertisementGetty Images SportHistory of Lumen Field

Lumen Field was completed in 2002 and originally opened as Seahawks Stadium, serving as the home of the Seattle Seahawks. It was later renamed Qwest Field in 2004, CenturyLink Field in 2011, and eventually became Lumen Field in 2020.

The stadium is well known for its electric atmosphere. Its unique roof design amplifies the noise from home supporters, often making it a challenging environment for visiting teams.

Over the years, Lumen Field has hosted several major events, including top-tier soccer tournaments such as the MLS Cup, CONCACAF Gold Cup, and the Copa America Centenario in 2016. It was also chosen as one of the 12 venues for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

In addition to being the home ground for both NFL and MLS teams, the stadium has also welcomed some of the biggest names in music. Artists like Taylor Swift, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, The Weekend, Beyonce and more have all performed here in recent years.

Getty Images SportWhich teams play at Lumen FieldLumen Field has been the home of the Seattle Seahawks since its construction in 2002 and became the home ground for MLS side Seattle Sounders FC in 2009.

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Getty Images SportHow to get to Lumen Field

How to get to Lumen Field by public transport 

Lumen Field is accessible through a number of public transit options. The Light Rail running from the Airport Station stops at both International District Station and Stadium Station, each just a five-minute walk from the stadium.

Several Metro Bus routes also serve the area. Routes 21, 101, 106, 150, 550, and 554 all stop at either 4th Ave S & S Jackson St or the SODO Busway, both within a five-minute walk from the venue.

Rideshares and taxis are also convenient alternatives, though fares tend to surge on event days. 

How to get to Lumen Field by car 

Fans traveling to the stadium by car can take Exit 164A toward Royal Brougham Way on I-5, follow the signs for Lumen Field/SODO District, then turn left onto Occidental Ave S to reach the stadium area.

Newcastle United’s search for attacking reinforcements has defined their summer window, with Eddie Howe desperate to reshape his forward line before the transfer deadline.

The long-running uncertainty surrounding Alexander Isak has complicated matters, while Callum Wilson’s departure to West Ham has also forced the club into action.

The Magpies have already secured one marquee addition up front, with German striker Nick Woltemade set to arrive from Stuttgart in a club-record £69m deal.

The 23-year-old, who impressed at the U21 Euros, is viewed internally as the direct replacement for wantaway forward Isak.

The Swedish international has refused to reintegrate into Howe’s squad after Liverpool made an approach earlier in the summer.

Woltemade’s arrival marks a significant step forward for Newcastle’s recruitment drive, but the club are not finished yet.

Howe and his staff want a second new attacker before the window closes – and another target continues to make headlines as he pushes for a move to Tyneside.

Newcastle ready for next striker swoop

According to Ben Jacobs, Brentford forward Yoane Wissa has made his desire to move to St James’ Park clear and is actively “pushing to join Newcastle” after the Magpies had their most recent bid – £35m plus £5m in add-ons – rejected.

The lure of playing Champions League football is said to play a central role in the forward’s thinking.

Brentford are holding firm on their reported £50m valuation, but Newcastle are expected to return with an improved offer.

At 28 years old, Wissa does not fit the usual recruitment profile favoured by the club’s hierarchy, who typically target players aged 24 or under.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

However, his Premier League track record makes him an attractive option.

Last season he scored 19 goals and registered five assists in just 35 appearances.

Newcastle view Woltemade as the long-term successor to Isak, but Wissa is seen as the ideal replacement for Wilson, who has struggled with injuries over the past two campaigns.

The prospect of pairing the Bundesliga forward with the Brentford star excites Howe’s staff, who may feel the duo would represent a clear upgrade on Wilson and Isak.

Newcastle could be set to upgrade on Wilson & Isak

From a tactical standpoint, the potential combination of Woltemade and Wissa offers Newcastle something they lacked last season – consistency and availability.

Injuries to Isak and Wilson meant the pair missed 38 games between them in 2024/25, leaving Howe short of reliable attacking options.

By contrast, Woltemade and Wissa missed only seven matches combined, underlining their durability across demanding domestic campaigns.

The German striker brings physical presence at 1.98m, aerial dominance, and the ability to link play with intelligent hold-up work.

His Bundesliga return of 12 goals in 28 appearances last season demonstrates his effectiveness, but his underlying numbers point to even greater potential.

According to FBref, Woltemade averages 4.38 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes – more than double Wissa’s 2.13 – and completed 26.1 carries per 90, highlighting his tendency to drop deeper and progress the ball.

Wissa, by contrast, offers ruthless penalty-box instincts and movement in behind. He contributed 23 goal involvements in 25 league appearances last season, placing him among the most efficient forwards in the division.

While his shot-on-target percentage of 45.6% was slightly lower than Woltemade’s 50%, his ability to get into scoring positions consistently is a key asset.

His 1.27 shots on target per 90 closely matches the German’s 1.28.

In terms of progressive metrics, Woltemade edges it again, with 2.89 progressive passes per 90 compared to Wissa’s 2.07 and a passing distance of 58.8 metres against 49.9.

But Wissa makes up ground defensively, averaging more tackles (0.68 per 90) and matching the younger striker’s pressing intensity.

For Howe, the blend of attributes is what makes the partnership appealing.

Woltemade can act as the focal point – a target man capable of holding defenders and bringing teammates into play – while Wissa thrives as a secondary striker or inside forward, exploiting space with his acceleration and sharp finishing.

Together, they could provide Newcastle with a frontline as effective as any in the Premier League.

Stats – 2024/25

Matches Played

35

28

Goals

19

12

Assists

4

2

Progressive Carries

60

31

Progressive Passes

67

52

The only concern is Wissa’s age profile and potential absence due to the Africa Cup of Nations in early 2026.

At 28, he does not represent a long-term investment in the same way as Woltemade, and his participation in AFCON could leave Newcastle short during a critical period of the season.

That said, the contrast in availability compared to Wilson and Isak last season suggests he would still significantly boost squad reliability.

Newcastle have already strengthened across other positions – adding Jacob Ramsey, Anthony Elanga, Malick Thiaw and Aaron Ramsdale – but the club’s ability to truly challenge on all fronts depends on securing the necessary firepower.

Without a recognised striker, they struggled to convert chances in their opening fixtures against Aston Villa and Liverpool, with makeshift options failing to deliver in front of goal.

The pursuit of Wissa, therefore, is about more than depth. It represents Newcastle’s determination to build a balanced and reliable forward line for both domestic and European campaigns.

With Woltemade already in the building and the Brentford forward still pushing to make the switch, Howe could soon have the attacking options he needs to move on from the uncertainty of the Isak era.

Not Woltemade: Big-money Wilson upgrade has said yes to joining Newcastle

Newcastle could be closing in on the signing of a new striker at St James’ Park.

ByWill Miller Aug 28, 2025