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.

India’s captain also hinted that Rahul could edge Pant as wicketkeeper for the England ODIs

Karthik Krishnaswamy05-Feb-20250:52

What will India’s playing XI for the first ODI be?

Are India giving serious thought to adding Varun Chakravarthy to their Champions Trophy squad? For now, the answer to that question is… possibly.Varun’s inclusion in India’s squad for the three-match ODI series against England is one of the most intriguing eleventh-hour selections in recent times. He is yet to make his ODI debut, but his recent T20I performances have made him hard to ignore: since his comeback to India’s squad last year, he’s taken 31 wickets at 11.25.”Yeah, look, he has certainly shown something different,” Rohit Sharma said of Varun on the eve of the first ODI against England in Nagpur. “I understand that it is the T20 format, but he’s clearly got something different about him, so we just wanted to have an option and see what we can do with him. Clearly during this series, it presents us an opportunity to play him at some stage and see what he’s capable of.Related

Rohit and Kohli's form in focus; Rahul or Pant as wicketkeeper?

The India of Rohit and Kohli vs the England of Buttler and Root

“Right now, we are not thinking about whether we’re going to take him [to the Champions Trophy] or not, but definitely he will be in contention. If things pan out really well for us and he does what is required, then definitely there is something that we need to think about.”Varun has always been known for being hard to hit through the middle overs of T20 matches, but the work he has put into becoming less of a pure mystery spinner and more of a conventional wristspinner with a high degree of overspin has turned him into a serial wicket-taker. He has two five-fors in 12 T20I innings since his comeback, and has only once failed to take at least two wickets.While Varun has only played 23 List A games, he has shown the same wicket-taking ability across the last two editions of the 50-overs Vijay Hazare Trophy, finishing as the tournament’s joint-highest wicket-taker in the 2023-24 edition and as the joint-second-highest wicket-taker in 2024-25.While all eight teams have already named their Champions Trophy squads, they still have until February 12 to make changes if needed. India have made such changes ahead of previous ICC tournaments, replacing Axar Patel with Shardul Thakur ahead of the 2021 T20 World Cup and Axar once again with R Ashwin ahead of the 2023 ODI World Cup.At present, India’s Champions Trophy squad includes four spinners in Ravindra Jadeja, Axar, Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav, with Kuldeep having just returned to action after undergoing a hernia operation.Rahul vs Pant – ‘A good headache’
Ahead of the England ODIs and the Champions Trophy, one of the biggest selection debates India face is over their wicketkeeper. KL Rahul has been their first-choice ODI keeper in recent times, and contributed significantly in that role and with runs at No. 5 during the 2023 World Cup. But Rishabh Pant, who missed that tournament while recovering from injuries sustained in a car crash, has since returned to action, and presents an explosive option whose left-handedness is an asset in an otherwise exclusively right-handed top order.Rohit didn’t reveal who India would go with to start the England series, but highlighted the importance of “continuity”, hinting that it could well be Rahul.1:20

India selection questions: Gill or Jaiswal? Rahul or Pant?

“Obviously, KL has been keeping wickets for us in the ODI format for a number of years now, and he’s done pretty well,” Rohit said. “If you look at the last 10-15 ODIs, he’s done exactly what the team required him to do. Rishabh as well, he’s there, we’ve got the option of playing either one of them.”Both are quite capable of winning games on their own, so it’s a good headache to have whether to play KL or Rishabh, but obviously, looking at what we’ve done in the past, having that continuity is also very important for us, so that is where we stand as a team, with KL and Rishabh.”No clarity yet on Bumrah’s availability
Jasprit Bumrah, who is recovering from a back issue, is part of India’s Champions Trophy squad, and was also included in the squad for the third ODI against England. The BCCI release that announced the addition of Varun to the ODI squad, however, made no mention of Bumrah, raising the question of whether or not he was still part of India’s plans for the third ODI.Rohit said the selectors and team management were waiting on results of a scan that Bumrah would undergo “in the next few days”.”Look, Jasprit, obviously we’re waiting on some update about his scan and stuff, which was due to happen in the next few days,” Rohit said. “Once we get that scan, we’ll be able to give you more clarity on where he stands right now.”

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.

Ben Stokes could be one of the candidates to replace Jos Buttler as England’s limited-overs captain, with Rob Key stating it would be “stupid” not to consider the Test skipper as an option to rejuvenate a struggling white-ball set-up.The move, one of many Key is considering as men’s managing director following Buttler’s resignation after a dire Champions Trophy campaign, would see Stokes become ODI captain. In that scenario, the T20I job would likely go to current vice-captain Harry Brook.Stokes has not played ODI cricket since the 2023 World Cup, a tournament that required him to U-turn on his decision to retire from 50-over cricket, during his first summer as Test captain in 2022. He had kept his options open for a potential return for the Champions Trophy, before that decision was taken out of his hands after a second hamstring tear in six months sustained during third Test against New Zealand at the end of last year.Stokes is currently stepping up his recovery in Abu Dhabi with an England Lions training group and is expected to be fully fit to start the summer with Durham. Key was also out in the UAE, and sees no reason why the 33-year-old cannot do as he has done with the Test side and re-energise an ODI team who have lost their way.”I think nothing’s off the table really,” Key said. “You look at every single option and you think, right, what is the best thing to do? How is that going to impact on other things?”Ben Stokes is one of the best captains I’ve ever seen. So it would be stupid not to look at him. It’s just the knock-on effect of what that means.”He’s an unbelievably good tactician, which we’ve seen in Test cricket, but he’s a leader of men. He’s someone who gets the best out of people. He’s someone that, when the pressure is really on, he’s able to throw a blanket around the players and actually say, ‘no, no, this is the way forward. Keep going with it’.”They’re the qualities that you need in leadership. Ben’s, as we know, an outstanding player, an outstanding leader. It’s more about, what would that then mean to him? What would that then mean to his workload?”We don’t want to risk other things as well. But there’s always a way in England, I think, where you start looking at, ‘what if it goes wrong?’ You’ve also got to think, ‘what if it goes right?’. They’re the decisions that I have to make.”Related

• Ben Stokes open to white-ball comeback as McCullum begins new England era

• Ben Stokes ruled out for three months with recurrence of hamstring tear

• Decline and fall: England face up to scale of ODI rebuilding job

• Jos Buttler quits as England's white-ball captain after Champions Trophy exit

• Buttler goes down with the ship as England journey comes full circle

That Stokes has a strong pre-existing relationship with Brendon McCullum, now in charge of England across all-formats, lends extra credence to this plan. McCullum has overseen 10 defeats out of 11 since taking over the white-ball set-up at the start of the year – a stark contrast to his work overturning their red-ball fortunes in cahoots with Stokes. England have won 22 out of their 35 Tests since the pair were brought together by Key at the start of the 2022 season.There is no doubt McCullum would be open to having Stokes on board. He stated last week that he would be open to a different captain for each of the three international formats because of their contrasting strategies. Key, however, sees a synergy between Tests and ODIs that would allow Stokes to succeed with the latter.”When you start looking at it, I believe that Test cricket and 50-over cricket are probably closer than T20s, which is the outlier now. So then that makes different things.”We look at India and the way they play T20 cricket, and they’ve got all these young players coming through, but it’s their Test players that are making the difference in 50-over cricket.”The issue, as Stokes has previously outlined himself, is the schedule. This year sees England face India and Australia in legacy-defining Test series as far as Stokes’ captaincy and the Bazball project are concerned. Should the ODI job be assumed, three-match series against West Indies (May into June), South Africa, Ireland (both in September) and New Zealand (ahead of the Ashes) will be shoe-horned into his itinerary.Brook will have a similar issue, albeit one he already has to contend with as a multi-format batter. Key has no reservations about Brook assuming a leadership role given how he captained against Australia at the end of last summer in Buttler’s absence. And with Stokes on hand to guide him – as well as halve his limited-overs captaincy duties – Key sees no reason why the Yorkshire batter cannot step up another level.”I think Harry Brook would be an outstanding captain actually. I was cautious about Ben Stokes doing it and having too much, and look how that’s gone.”I think he (Stokes) might bring out the best in Harry Brook. Being able to go out there and feel like the extra responsibility sometimes ,for people, is the best thing that can happen for them. Sometimes it’s not. They’re the decisions you have to work out.”

لايزال الجدل قائماً حول مباراة فياريال وبرشلونة في الدوري الإسباني التي ستقام في ميامي، وتحدث أحد لاعبي ريال مدريد عن فكرة لعب هذه المباراة في أمريكا.

وستلعب مباراة برشلونة وفياريال في الجولة السابعة عشر من الدوري الإسباني يوم 20 ديسمبر على ملعب “هارد روك”، وتعد هذه المرة الأولى في التاريخ التي تقام مباراة في الدوري خارج إسبانيا.

ويرى برشلونة والاتحاد الإسباني لكرة القدم أن فكرة إقامة المباراة ضد فياريال في ميامي فرصة لتوسيع نطاق الليجا عالمياً، ولكن ريال مدريد يعارض الفكرة بقوة.

اقرأ أيضاً.. برشلونة يحدد بديل ليفاندوفسكي تمهيدًا لرحيله

وقال داني سيبايوس لاعب خط وسط ريال مدريد لـ برنامج “الشيرينجيتو” أثناء حضوره مباراة لريال مدريد في الدوري الأوروبي لكرة القدم: “لقد كنت أتحدث عنها مع صديقتي”.

وأوضح سيبايوس موقفه: “من الواضح أن الدوري الاسباني يغش وهذه الفكرة تفسد نزاهة الليجا”.

ويرى مسؤولو ريال مدريد أن فكرة إقامة المباراة ضد فياريال خارج إسبانيا فكرة غير ضرورية ومزعجة، ويؤكد النادي على ضرورة بقاء مباريات الليجا في الملاعب التقليدية واحترام الجماهير التي تابعت المسابقة لعقود.

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.

Jorge Jesus has explained why he decided to leave Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench during Al-Nassr's Saudi King Cup of Champions round of 32 clash with Jeddah on Tuesday. In Ronaldo's absence, his compatriot Joao Felix starred for Al-Nassr as the Saudi giants beat Jeddah 4-0. Felix contributed with a goal and an assist to continue his dream start to life in Saudi Arabia.

• Getty
  

  Felix shines in Ronaldo's absence

  It seems Felix has finally revived his career and recovered his long-lost form since moving to Saudi Arabia from Chelsea in the summer, as he has already scored seven goals across all competitions for Al-Nassr and provided two assists. On Tuesday, Felix spearheaded Al-Nassr's attack in their thumping win over Jeddah with two more goal contributions.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Ronaldo left on the bench

  Ronaldo has four goals to his name in the 2025-26 campaign to date and was fresh from scoring a brace in Al-Nassr's 5-1 win over Al-Riyadh last Saturday. Despite his impressive form, Jesus opted not to use the 40-year-old in the cup clash as he remained rooted to the bench.

• Jesus explains Ronaldo's absence

  Speaking to reporters after the match, the Al-Nassr boss said: "I was looking to maintain his fitness and prepare for the upcoming matches in the Saudi Pro League."

  Jesus also spoke highly of his team's dominating gameplay, as he added: "Jeddah was good at times, but no team can confront Al-Nassr's attack."

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• Getty
  

  Ronaldo ready for Al-Ittihad clash

  After a well-earned rest, Ronaldo will likely feature in Jorge Jesus' starting lineup again in a crucial Saudi Pro League encounter against reigning champions Al-Ittihad on Saturday. Al-Nassr are top of the table ahead of Al-Ittihad on goal difference after three games.

Leeds United officially confirmed their latest arrival of the summer transfer window on Friday with the unveiling of Dominic Calvert-Lewin as their new centre-forward.

The former England international became a free agent last month when his contract at Everton expired, which has allowed the Whites to snap him up on a free transfer.

Calvert-Lewin has put pen to paper on a three-year contract at Elland Road, which means that he will be committed to the club even if they suffer relegation at the first time of asking.

The former Toffees marksman is set to compete with Joel Pirore and Lukas Nmecha for a place in the starting line-up, and could make his debut against his former club at Elland Road in the Premier League on Monday.

Daniel Farke has ‘lost’ two number nine options this summer, though, as he told Patrick Bamford that the veteran forward would not be a part of his plans, whilst Mateo Joseph is out on loan at Mallorca.

Despite bringing Nmecha and Calvert-Lewin in, Leeds may need to dip back into the market to sign another centre-forward before the end of the window.

Why Leeds need to sign another striker

It is no secret that the Whites will need to score plenty of goals this season to give themselves a chance of avoiding relegation from the Premier League, which makes the striker position particularly important.

However, Calvert-Lewin and Nmecha do not seem primed to arrive as prolific number nine options who are going to deliver consistent performances in front of goal in the top-flight, based on their form for their previous clubs.

Nmecha, for example, scored just seven goals in the Bundesliga in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 campaigns combined, per Transfermarkt, and missed 47 matches through injury in that time.

These statistics do not suggest that the former Wolfsburg man is likely to be Farke’s own Erling Haaland or Alexander Isak in the Premier League this season, as he struggled for goals and fitness in the last couple of campaigns.

24/25

8.85

3

23/24

13.63

7

22/23

6.50

2

21/22

6.22

5

20/21

18.21

16

19/20

16.11

13

18/19

6.17

6

17/18

5.44

4

16/17

1.25

1

As you can see in the table above, though, Calvert-Lewin also appears unlikely to be a prolific scorer for Leeds when you consider his output in front of goal and his disappointing finishing in recent years.

The English striker has underperformed against his xG in all nine of his seasons in the Premier League to date, and has not scored more than seven goals in a league campaign for four years.

Whilst he has scored some impressive goals, as shown in the clips above, Calvert-Lewin may not be the prolific scorer that the Whites may need to stay in the top-flight.

Leeds eyeing deal for Bundesliga striker

Supporters should, therefore, be pleased to read that the West Yorkshire outfit are reportedly eyeing up another option in that area of the pitch.

Transfer Focus

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

According to Kicker, Leeds United are lining up a potential move to sign Stuttgart centre-forward Ermedin Demirovic to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch.

The report claims that the Whites have a ‘desire’ to buy the 27-year-old marksman, despite the fact that they only signed Calvert-Lewin this week.

It adds that the Bosnia international is not happy with his current role at Stuttgart. Nick Woltemade and Deniz Undav are said to be ahead of him in the pecking order, which could lead to him pursuing a move away before the window slams shut.

Kicker also reveals that it will take a fee in the region of £35m to persuade Stuttgart to part ways with the striker, and it remains to be seen whether or not Leeds are willing to pay that much to bring him to Elland Road.

Why Leeds should sign Demirovic

As aforementioned, Calvert-Lewin and Nmecha, whilst they may prove to be huge successes at Elland Road, have not done enough in recent seasons to suggest that they will carry a significant goal threat for Farke.

This is why Leeds should be pushing to seal a deal for their latest transfer target, because he is an experienced, yet not over-the-hill, striker who could be the talismanic goalscorer they need to avoid the drop.

The former Augsburg marksman, who was dubbed a “special” talent by Stuttgart director Fabian Wohlgemuth, has an incredibly impressive fitness record in his career, with just two matches missed through injury according to Transfermarkt.

This suggests that Farke would be able to rely on him to play week-in-week-out, thanks to his durability, and the same cannot be said for the two other centre-forward arrivals this summer, as aforementioned.

Demirovic, most importantly, has proven himself to be a fantastic goalscorer in the German top-flight, and could provide a clinical presence in front of goal for the Whites.

Appearances

33

34

Starts

33

20

xG

13.59

14.20

Goals

15

15

Minutes per goal

192

124

Conversion rate

19%

23%

Big chances created

8

5

Assists

9

1

As you can see in the table above, the Bosnian attacker has scored 30 goals and provided ten assists in the last seasons in the Bundesliga for Stuttgart and Augsburg combined.

Meanwhile, Calvert-Lewin, who has also missed 83 games through injury in this time, has only scored 15 goals in the last four Premier League seasons combined for Everton, per Transfermarkt, which suggests that Demirovic is way more prolific in front of goal, to put it lightly.

The £35m-rated star has also shown that he can finish chances at an efficient rate, outperforming his xG in both of those Bundesliga seasons, whilst the Englishman has consistently struggled to tuck away the high-quality chances that have been created for him.

Therefore, Demirovic could come in as an instant upgrade on Calvert-Lewin because he has a better fitness record, a significantly better goal record, and is a far more clinical finisher, having proven himself in one of Europe’s major leagues.

He’s Gnonto 2.0: Leeds exploring move to sign "electric" £13m forward

Leeds are not done signing attackers this summer

ByJoe Nuttall Aug 15, 2025

This is why Leeds should be working to bring Demirovic over from Stuttgart before the summer transfer window slams shut at the start of next month, as he can offer way more to the team than Calvert-Lewin as the starting number nine.

There may be some Glasgow Rangers supporters who are currently questioning the board, the recruitment department, and head coach Russell Martin.

You did not have to have super hearing to be aware of the feelings of some fans towards the manager during the 6-0 defeat to Club Brugge in Belgium on Wednesday night.

The Light Blues have conceded 17 goals in ten competitive matches under the new head coach, failing to qualify for the Champions League and failing to win any of their three games in the Scottish Premiership to date.

However, the recruitment department should also take some of the blame because it is, ultimately, the players on the pitch who are significantly underperforming at this moment in time.

Yes, Martin has to put a system and tactics in place that get the best out of the players, but there have been far too many simple mistakes that players signed by Rangers should not be making.

The recruitment team need to get the right calibre of players in the building, and that is why some may be frustrated to learn that Abdallah Sima currently looks set to leave Brighton for a relatively modest fee.

Rangers have missed a trick with Abdallah Sima

The Senegal international is reportedly on the verge of signing for Ligue 1 side Lens in a deal that is worth an initial fee of just £3.9m, plus add-ons on top of that.

For context, Rangers paid £4.5m to sign Oscar Cortes from Lens as part of their obligation to make his loan permanent this summer. The Colombian winger has scored one league goal for Rangers since his arrival, initially on loan, in January 2024.

During Sima’s time on loan at Rangers from Brighton in the 2023/24 campaign, the left-sided attacker proved that he had the quality to make a big impact in Scottish football.

The £3.9m-rated star scored 16 goals in all competitions for the Ibrox giants, per Transfermarkt, and offered a big goal threat in the Premiership for Philippe Clement.

Appearances

25

Starts

17

Goals

11

Big chances created

2

Assists

2

Dribbles completed per game

1.2

Duels won per game

6.4

As you can see in the table above, Sima delivered 13 direct goal contributions in 17 starts in the top-flight for Rangers that season, before he returned to Brighton at the end of his loan spell.

The forward then scored 12 goals in all competitions for Brest on loan in France last season, which shows that he has continued to offer a threat in front of goal.

This is why Rangers missing out on a £3.9m deal, particularly given what they paid for Cortes, could be seen as a blunder by the recruitment team and Martin.

However, the Gers are now reportedly looking at a move for a Premier League attacker who could be a Sima repeat at Ibrox in the 2025/26 campaign.

Rangers in talks to sign Premier League forward

According to RangersReview, Rangers have made contact with Everton over a potential deal to sign Portuguese centre-forward Youssef Chermiti.

The report claims that the Light Blues have enquired about a move to bring him to Ibrox on a season-long loan deal, with talks underway between the two clubs ahead of Monday’s deadline.

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Everton-based reporter El Bobble adds that the Gers are advancing in talks to complete a deal for the versatile forward, which suggests that progress has been made in recent hours.

The account, previously credited by David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano, claims that the Scottish giants are also looking to include an option to make the deal permanent.

It is now down to the club to ensure that they can wrap up a move for the 21-year-old star in the coming days before the window slams shut on Monday.

Why Chermiti could be the next Sima for Rangers

Supporters may take a look at Chermiti’s statistics and be concerned by the fact that he has not scored a goal in over two years with Everton, although he only played four times in the Premier League last season.

The young forward has failed to deliver a single goal or assist in 24 matches for Everton in all competitions, per Transfermarkt, which is not going to instill much hope from fans looking into his career.

However, Chermiti, dubbed an “outstanding” talent by U23 scout Antonio Mango, also came through the ranks and made first-team appearances at Sporting, a huge club, before being signed for a whopping fee of £15m by Everton in 2023.

Despite not scoring a competitive goal for Everton’s first-team, there is potential for Chermiti to arrive at Ibrox as a repeat of Sima, as another loanee from a Premier League club who could make a big impact at Ibrox.

Prior to his loan move to Glasgow, Sima had not played a single game for Brighton and had only scored five goals on loan at Angers, which shows that they were not signing a proven talent at the time.

U21

2

1

U20

4

2

U19

4

3

U18

12

6

U16

12

1

U15

5

1

As you can see in the table above, Chermiti has showcased his goalscoring potential at youth level for Portugal across various age groups in recent years, scoring 12 goals in 22 games since making the step up to U18 football.

He has not had a run of starts to show what he can do at first-team level, yet, and that is why a move to Rangers could make a lot of sense for all parties involved.

Chermiti will have the chance to play regular football and translate his goalscoring prowess at youth level over to the Premiership, and Rangers will have a talented young player who could develop during his time at Ibrox, much like Sima did.

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The key difference between the two deals, though, could be that Rangers may have an option to make the deal permanent next summer, which will be significant if he has a positive impact on the pitch.

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.

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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.

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