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Already thinking about 2026 targets after a chaotic summer window, Newcastle United and PIF are now reportedly eyeing a move to sign a midfield star for Eddie Howe.

Newcastle's early 2026 targets

Now that they’ve solved their striker problem with the addition of Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, Newcastle have the chance to focus on other areas of their side in 2026.

The Magpies have already felt the full effect of balancing Champions League football with domestic action, having drawn at Bournemouth just days after defeat against Barcelona, and Howe has already reiterated that the depth of his squad will play a key part throughout the campaign.

The Newcastle boss also believes that he has a “strong squad” at his disposal this time around compared to the last time that Newcastle played Champions League football. But, on paper, it’s clear that the Magpies could still do with strengthening when 2026 arrives.

On that front, adding to their midfield seems to be one of a number of targets. Whilst Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton provide an impressive foundation, there is a drop in quality beyond them that the likes of Conor Gallagher would solve.

Not Guimaraes: Howe's "incredible" star has been Newcastle's best player

This Eddie Howe signing has been one of the best buys in many years at Newcastle.

By
Angus Sinclair

Sep 23, 2025

The Magpies are reportedly keeping tabs on the Atletico Madrid midfielder ahead of a potential move. But he’s not the only former Premier League star on their radar. Reports are now suggesting that PIF could swoop in for a player that they already know well.

Newcastle eyeing Ruben Neves swoop

According to The Boot Room’s Graeme Bailey, Newcastle are now eyeing a move to sign Ruben Neves, who is keen to leave Al-Hilal amid “unfinished” business in the Premier League.

Of course, PIF already know all about the former Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder, having welcomed him to the Saudi Pro League in 2023. Now, almost three years on, they could swoop in and welcome him back to English football. It almost goes without saying that Newcastle won’t be the only side interested, however.

Bailey told TBR: “I am told that Neves thinks there is ‘unfinished’ business in England – he had a wonderful time at Molineux and he is still highly respected.

“But it is not a given that he moves back to England. A return to Portugal would be considered whilst there is strong interest in Spain and Italy too – he is not going to be short of options.”

Dubbed “incredible” by former Wolves teammate Conor Coady, Neves is still a player capable of making an impressive impact at a Champions League club in the prime of his career. For the right price, Newcastle should go all in on the Portugal international.

Newcastle United won two games of football last week, thumping Benfica in the Champions League before rallying late on at home against Fulham at the weekend to claim three points in the Premier League.

Three much-needed points. Newcastle had only won two of their opening eight top-flight fixtures beforehand, and Eddie Howe’s side were clearly suffering as a by-product of the drawn-out summer Alexander Isak saga.

Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa have arrived at St. James’ Park to replace the Sweden star, and the former is firing on all cylinders, with five goals from his first ten Magpies outings in all competitions. His general play has impressed everyone at the club, and the entire fanbase besides.

But the 29-year-old Wissa has yet to make his debut as he recovers from a knee injury. The former Brentford star is slated to return in the coming weeks.

Despite this, there are a curious number of reports suggesting the Toon are considering adding to their forward ranks next year.

Newcastle eyeing another striker

Newcastle are showing signs of progress after a stodgy start to the season from an attacking standpoint. Woltemade hit the ground running after his £69m club-record move from Stuttgart, but the overall fluency had fallen from its former level.

With Bruno Guimaraes leading the creative resurgence and the likes of Anthony Gordon starting to find their form, there’s a sense that Newcastle’s strikers could hit lofty levels in the coming years.

While it may seem like Newcastle are well stocked at number nine, William Osula is expected to depart if he cannot establish regular minutes, and how Wissa will fare is as yet uncertain.

Because of this, Caught Offside believe technical director Ross Wilson is preparing a bumper bid for Brentford centre-forward Igor Thiago, who has been in fine fettle so far this season.

The Magpies are getting ready to lodge a €40m (£35m) offer for the Brazilian, though it’s felt more would be needed to convince the Bees to pay up. Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are also interested.

Brentford are under no financial pressure to cash in, and thus Thiago may only leave if the Bees lose their sting and sink into the second tier at the end of the season.

What Igor Thiago would bring to Newcastle

Admittedly, Newcastle don’t need three top-class strikers in the long run. Not with Osula still making his presence known and with the likes of youngster Sean Neave just waiting to announce himself.

But if Wissa fails to make the grade after an injury-hit start to life on Tyneside, Thiago would be a compelling replacement, having rebounded from an injury-hit debut year at Brentford to make a prolific start to the new campaign under Keith Andrews’ management.

Six goals from nine Premier League matches is what he has, and despite his prolific returns, his manager has praised him as a “selfless” forward who “always puts the team first”.

The 24-year-old has also completed 60% of his dribbles this season while winning 5.4 duels per game, as per Sofascore, demonstrating his robustness and the desire to get stuck in and contribute.

Key virtues for a striker in a Howe set-up, right?

Hailed by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley for being “relentless in his work rate”, there’s little question that Thiago boasts the energy and tenacity to make waves under Howe’s wing.

FBref highlight this perfectly, showcasing the striker’s defensive qualities across the early Premier League campaign. What’s most curious is his likeness to Woltemade, with both physical and rangy forward blessed with more technical skill than might be apparent at a glance.

Goals scored

0.73

0.75

Assists

0.00

0.00

Touches (att pen)

3.64

4.53

Shots taken

2.43

2.26

Shot-creating actions

1.82

1.51

Pass completion (%)

71.0

76.9

Progressive passes

0.85

1.70

Progressive carries

0.49

0.57

Successful take-ons

0.73

0.57

Ball recoveries

1.58

2.64

Tackles + interceptions

1.58

1.51

Aerial duels won

3.27

1.51

With both stars eager to progress the ball and get stuck in defensively, you can see why Howe has been sold after the early weeks of the campaign.

Woltemade’s link-up play is one of his defining assets on the field. In this, he is similar to the ‘selfless’ Thiago, and it’s curious to note that both stars have enjoyed clinical starts to the season regardless.

Level on six goals with Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, Thiago has only been outscored in the top flight this term by the unstoppable Erling Haaland, who is on 11 strikes.

They are not carbon copies, though, these two strikers. This could work to the advantage of Howe’s project, to be sure, providing equally dynamic forwards to bounce off the likes of Gordon and Anthony Elanga, who has still not got going this season, willing to serve as physical focal points and use crisp passing to play the fleet-footed wingers through.

One of the staples of Howe’s Newcastle project is the collective ability to weather adversity and bounce back stronger. Thiago looks tailor-made in this regard, having featured so little last year under Thomas Frank as he recovered from that knee injury, and yet having played with such confidence and quality across the opening months of the season.

While it doesn’t seem likely that Newcastle would spend a pretty penny on a striker like Thiago without first cutting some costs, he’s been earmarked and has the talent and playing style to become a major player under Howe’s wing down the line.

Not just Joelinton: Newcastle's "true legend" may now be on borrowed time

Newcastle may well part ways with this Howe mainstay at the end of the campaign.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 29, 2025

TORONTO —  There is a laundry list of problems the Seattle Mariners will take into Game 7 of the American League Championship Series tonight. They have struck out almost twice as many times as the Blue Jays (62–34). They don’t win when they don’t hit a home run (13–30 in 173 games this year). And they must win in the toughest place to win this year in the AL.

None of those issues are their biggest problem. The Mariners have a Vlad problem.

To go to their first World Series, they must figure out how to pitch to a smoking hot Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who is having a postseason for the ages. So hot is Guerrero that the best course of action for Seattle pitchers is to swallow their pride and pitch around him in any spot with a smidgen of meaning.

No offense to Alejandro Kirk, who is swinging a hot bat behind him right now, but there is no way the Mariners can go home allowing Guerrero even a chance of beating them. You pitch to him every time in Game 7 as if there are two outs and first base open. He is that good and that hot.

In a too-easy 6–2 victory over a tight Seattle team Sunday (three errors, three double plays grounded into and 13 strikeouts), Guerrero’s night went like this:

• Popped out for only the second time this postseason.
• Grounded out on a slider on one of the seven hardest hard balls he has hit all year (116 mph).
• Ripped a curveball for a home run.
• Shot a classic “how-dare-you” look at the Mariners’ dugout upon scoring after they hit him with a pitch.
• Hit a sinker twice for a single—once as it broke his bat on the handle and again, on the carom, with his barrel.

“He came in the dugout and said, ‘I hit that twice,’” said Toronto center fielder Dalton Varsho. “That’s how hot he is. He knew he hit it twice.

“It’s amazing to watch this.  He’s hitting everything right now. It doesn’t matter where they pitch him—in, out, up or down—and what they pitch him. I mean, he’s so hot right now they flipped him a curveball out of nowhere and he’s on time and hits it out.”

The Mariners have thrown him 77 pitches in this series. Only two have been curveballs. He smoked one for a double and whacked the other for a homer to end the night of a wholly ineffective Logan Gilbert, Seattle’s Game 6 starter.

da 888casino： Leeds United are in crisis up front. The Whites have simply not been good enough in front of goal in the 2025/26 campaign, which is no doubt one of the reasons why they are relegation contenders in their first season back in the Premier League.

da dobrowin： This term, Daniel Farke’s side have only found the back of the net 11 times in just 12 games. That is worse than all but one side in the top flight, bottom-place Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Their expected goals tally is not much better, standing at just 15.21xG. The likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has one goal this term, have not yet got going.

With the January transfer window around the corner, it might not be a surprise to hear the West Yorkshire side are targeting a new number nine.

Leeds’ hunt for a new centre-forward

It is certainly frustrating for Leeds that they are in the position of needing a new striker.

Transfer Focus

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

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Of course, they signed Calvert-Lewin on a free this summer after his deal at Everton expired, and Lukas Nmecha on a free following the expiration of his Wolfsburg contract.

Yet, here we are again, with the Whites back in the market for a number nine.

According to talkSPORT, the player could be AZ Alkmaar and Ireland striker Troy Parrott. The 23-year-old is said to be ‘high on their list of striker targets’.

However, they are not the only Premier League side looking to get a deal for the 33-cap Ireland star.

Fellow strugglers, Wolves are also looking into a deal, with the report suggesting a fee of at least £20m is what it would take to sign him.

Why Parrott would be a good signing

It would certainly be a good addition for Leeds if they were able to bring Parrott to Elland Road this winter.

He has been in scintillating form for Alkmaar, with 14 goals in 15 games this term, taking his total up to 34 strikes in just 62 appearances.

He is certainly a “rejuvenated” striker, according to football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Indeed, his underlying stats are impressive too. This season in the Eredivisie, the former Tottenham Hotspur academy star is averaging 1.04 goals and 0.74 goal-creating actions per game, which rank him in the top 7% and 2% respectively.

Those stats show just how effective he is in the final third.

Parrott – 25/26 Eredivisie stats

Stat (per 90)

Number

Percentile

Goals

1.04

93rd

Shots on target

1.63

93rd

Expected goals

0.93xG

98th

Take-ons completed

0.5

9

83rd

Goal-creating actions

0.74

98th

Stats from FBref

Of course, it is not just for his club where Parrott’s form has been excellent. In November, he became a hero of Irish football, scoring two goals against Portugal and then a hat-trick against Hungary to see his nation reach the World Cup playoffs.

The third goal against Hungary was an extraordinary 96th-minute winner.

If he were to move to Elland Road, the 23-year-old would no doubt love to replicate another former Irish striker who impressed in West Yorkshire.

Robbie Keane spent 18 months at the club between December 2000 and August 2001. After initially joining on loan from Inter, he made the move permanent that summer, before joining Spurs a year later.

He only played 56 times for the club, but certainly left a mark.

Keane bagged 19 goals in that time, which included three goals in the UEFA Cup and a memorable brace away to Manchester City at Maine Road.

It is easy to see the comparison between Parrott and Keane, as two clinical, highly-rated Irish strikers. The younger man, for instance, was even hailed in the past as the “best prospect” to have come out of Dublin since his compatriot, in the view of then-Belvedere F.C. Director of Football Affairs Vincent Butler.

The Alkmaar star is slightly older than the former Inter man was when he signed, yet both additions are examples of the Whites buying into potential and investing in the future.

If Parrott were to make the move to Elland Road this summer, he would no doubt love to follow in the footsteps of Keane and have the same sort of impact as his countryman did at such a young age.

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Posts ByKelan Sarson Nov 26, 2025

Teams set to play an uneven number of Shield matches with finalists to be decided on an average points per game

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Feb-2022Cricket Australia has confirmed the Sheffield Shield and Marsh Cup domestic competitions will recommence on February 9 despite Western Australia’s hard border currently preventing teams travelling in and out without 14 days quarantine.The majority of the BBL-winning Perth Scorchers squad still remain in Melbourne seven days on from winning the title after the WA government’s border stance has prevented them from re-entering the state, although a small number have returned to begin 14 days home quarantine early due to student exemptions.The majority of the players and staff will travel on Saturday February 5 and begin two weeks isolation. Australia coach Justin Langer has also been stuck on the east coast for three weeks since the Hobart Test concluded without returning home to Perth and is also due to fly home on Saturday.There is no timeframe placed on when WA’s border will open but Western Australia’s Shield and Marsh Cup teams, who sit top of the table of both competitions, are scheduled to play a one-day game in Melbourne on March 8 with the final due to be played in the same city on March 11. They are also scheduled to play a Shield match against New South Wales in Sydney starting on March 15 before returning to Perth to host a four-day match against Victoria on March 23. But with the current border rules it remains to be seen how that match will be played.There will be two rounds of Shield matches in February but WA will not participate in any of those four matches. Queensland host New South Wales at the Gabba on February 9 while South Australia host Victoria at Adelaide Oval. All of the potential Australia Test players that are not involved in the concurrent T20I series against Sri Lanka are likely to play in those matches, meaning the likes of Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja, Michael Neser, Mitchell Swepson, Nathan Lyon, Marcus Harris, Scott Boland and Alex Carey could all play at least one match before heading to Pakistan later in the month.WA’s inability to participate in games in February and the Covid issues faced by New South Wales and Victoria prior to the BBL means that teams are set to play an uneven number of Shield games. Queensland are scheduled to play a total of nine matches, Tasmania and South Australia eight, while New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia will play seven under the revised fixture. The Shield finalists will be decided based on average points per game.”Following a fairly challenging BBL period, the medical advice we received recommended a short break post BBL, along with a break somewhere within the remaining fixtures to allow participants a breather from the recommended playing protocols,” Peter Roach, Cricket Australia’s head of cricket operations, said. “Whilst Cricket Australia want to maximise the number of matches played in pivotal domestic competitions, the health and wellbeing of participants is a priority.”All six states are set to play six Marsh Cup matches each with the top two teams on the points table set to meet in the final which is locked in for the Junction Oval in Melbourne.The WNCL will be played between February 22 and March 25 with fixtures due to be confirmed next week.Marsh Sheffield Shield fixtures
Feb 9-12: South Australia v Victoria, Adelaide Oval
Feb 9-12: Queensland v New South Wales, Gabba
Feb 18-21: Victoria v Queensland, CitiPower Centre
Feb 18-21: New South Wales v Tasmania, SCG
Mar 2-5: Queensland v South Australia, Gabba
Mar 15-18: New South Wales v Western Australia, Bankstown Oval
Mar 15-18: Victoria v Tasmania, Junction Oval
Mar 23-26: Western Australia v Victoria, WACA Ground
Mar 23-26: South Australia v New South Wales, Karen Rolton Oval
Mar 23-26: Tasmania v Queensland, Bellerive Oval
Mar 31-Apr 4: Final – TBC v TBC, TBCMarsh One-Day Cup Fixtures
Feb 14: Queensland v New South Wales, Gabba (D/N)
Feb 15: South Australia v Victoria, Karen Rolton Oval
Feb 23: Victoria v Queensland, Junction Oval
Feb 23: New South Wales v Tasmania, North Sydney Oval (D/N)
Feb 25: New South Wales v Tasmania, North Sydney Oval (D/N)
Mar 6: Tasmania v Victoria, Bellerive Oval
Mar 8: Victoria v Western Australia, Junction Oval
Mar 8: New South Wales v South Australia, TBC
Mar 11: Final – TBC v TBC, Junction Oval

The fallout from the Asia Cup 2025 fracas between India and Pakistan, the governance crisis at USA Cricket (USAC), and tensions between the ICC and the World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) over player-image rights are set to dominate discussions across various forums at this week’s ICC quarterly meetings in Dubai. Cricket’s chief executives will meet on November 5, before the Board meeting – of all board heads – takes place on November 7.

Asia Cup fallout

Though the issue is not officially on the agenda, it is likely to come up at the Board meeting on November 7, and is likely to be the subject of informal discussions on the sidelines. Tensions between the BCCI and PCB have mirrored those between the governments of India and Pakistan this year, and matters came to a head during the Asia Cup, where the teams met three times. The games were marred by a no-handshakes stance instigated by the BCCI and four players – Haris Rauf, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah and Sahibzada Farhan – were censured by the ICC for gestures or comments deemed to be political in nature.Related

• Rauf gets two-match ban; Suryakumar, Bumrah sanctioned after Asia Cup drama

• USA cricket crisis worsens as USAC files for bankruptcy

• India can come and collect Asia Cup trophy if they want it, says ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi

• ICC suspends USA Cricket board

• ICC and WCA could clash over player image rights for mobile game

Arguably the thorniest issue will be of the Asia Cup trophy itself. India won it, beating Pakistan in the final, but refused to come out and accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB chair and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) head. The trophy has not been seen since, with reports suggesting it is in an ACC office in the UAE. Naqvi has insisted he, and only he, will hand over the trophy as ACC head.Owing to Naqvi’s political commitments (he is Pakistan’s interior minister), it isn’t clear whether he will be present in person at the meeting or if he joins it remotely.Board members are aware of the need for healthier ties between India and Pakistan because of the rivalry’s commercial impact on the global game. Some members expect a resolution to be chalked out this week.

ICC-WCA NIL rights tussle

Among the ICC’s more important strategic initiatives is its mobile game offering, for which it is looking for a partner. Plans to launch the game, compatible on mobile, PC, and games consoles, have been in the works as the ICC taps into what it believes will be a fast-growing revenue stream.While it remains optimistic about the project, the ICC has run into a potential dispute around the Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) rights for the game with the World Cricketers’ Association (WCA). The WCA recently wrote to the 600 players registered with it globally – Indian and Pakistani players are notably not its members – saying the ICC was developing the mobile game “built on your name, image, likeness (NIL), without agreeing to terms with players collectively.”At the ICC’s annual conference in July, some members suggested that the boards should deal directly with their players over image rights, a move the WCA said was a breach of an agreement it had signed with the ICC. The WCA has accused the global governing body and some member boards of wanting to own the players’ name, image and likeness (NIL) rights beyond terms already agreed. The CEC (chief executives’ committee) will hear an update from members on their progress in terms of securing those rights on Wednesday.Cricket will be part of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles•Getty Images

Medium-term strategic reset

The ICC management is aiming for a medium-term strategy refresh, including looking at ways to exploit new funding mechanisms. This includes looking at ways of leveraging the sport’s presence in an increasing number of multi-sport events such as the Commonwealth and Asian Games and the Olympics. The governing body will also be looking at ways to adopt best practices from other sports like tennis, baseball and football in terms of exploiting the properties they own.

Olympics qualification pathway

The CEC is expected to get an update on the detailed qualification model for Los Angeles 2028, where cricket will feature at the Olympics for the first time since 1900. While the ICC Board had given its nod to a continental qualification system, the CEC is likely to get a broader idea on how the qualifying teams – six each in the men’s and women’s categories – will be shortlisted. The CEC will also get operational updates on cricket’s inclusion at the 2026 Asian Games and the African Games, Pan Am Games and European Games of 2027.The CEC will likely review and approve proposed qualification pathways for four forthcoming ICC events: the 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup (to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia), the 2028 Men’s T20 World Cup (to be held in Australia and New Zealand), the 2027 Women’s Champions Trophy and the 2029 Women’s ODI World Cup. It will also consider a recommendation to retain the 50-overs format for the Under-19 World Cup, which would allow Associate Members to strengthen their domestic structure in the longer white-ball format.USAC is in a tight spot in its bid to secure National Governing Body status, which will allow USA to participate in the LA Olympics•ICC/Getty Images

USAC and its future

On September 23, the ICC Board took the unanimous decision to suspend USAC with immediate effect for serious “breaches” including bringing cricket and the ICC into “disrepute” as well as failing to fulfil ICC membership criteria. In the suspension letter, accessed by ESPNcricinfo, the ICC charged USAC with “reneging on the commitments it made” to the ICC Board at the annual conference in July.USAC escaped suspension in July having committed to fulfil the conditions set by the ICC Board by October 20 including holding fresh board elections. But USAC first terminated its contract with long-term commercial partner American Cricket Enterprise (ACE), and then initiated bankruptcy proceedings, which it said was part of the financial restructuring of the organisation. The ICC did not take kindly to this, especially since it had been working closely with the US Olympics and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) to secure National Governing Body status for USAC (which is necessary for the USA to participate in the LA Olympics). The USOPC had already warned the ICC that it would not allot NGB status to USAC in its current form unless its governance structure was overhauled and the current board replaced with a new one.In October the ICC sent another email to USAC spelling out the steps needed for the suspension to be lifted. Among the various conditions it set, the ICC told USAC that filing for bankruptcy was a violation of membership criteria, but recommended it “exit” the proceedings in a “satisfactory” manner. It is understood that under bankruptcy law, USAC has to provide the court with a financial plan for the next six months. With the ICC suspension halting its funding, the USAC management has been talking to the ICC about a way out. The ICC has told USAC that it will only fund cricketing operations for now, and nothing else.USAC is expected to write to the ICC Board, which is expected to discuss the issue on Friday, to understand the next steps.

Liverpool’s luck has now fully dried up.

Arne Slot and Co. were beginning to be known as the last-minute men, with goals aplenty occurring right at the death this season getting the Reds out of some sticky situations to ensure the victories kept piling up.

However, now, there appears to be significant chinks in their armour, with two defeats in a row, an unfamiliar feeling that the Dutch head coach won’t like one bit.

Come the end of the Champions League clash away at Galatasaray, it was abundantly clear that Liverpool couldn’t handle the intense occasion in Istanbul, with a Victor Osimhen penalty proving to be the decisive winner for the full throttle hosts.

Dominik Szoboszlai would give away that crucial spot-kick, as the Hungarian struggled throughout in his adopted right-back spot.

Szoboszlai's struggles at Galatasaray

After assisting Liverpool’s late winner in the last round of fixtures in this illustrious competition, Szoboszlai would have been hoping he could leave his mark on another European night in a positive manner out in Turkey.

Unfortunately, while the 24-year-old has shown clear signs this season that he can perform as a right-back, he was choppy throughout in this position against Okan Buruk’s hosts, away from just clumsily making contact with Barış Alper Yılmaz in the penalty area to hand the Super Lig giants the lead.

Truthfully, Szoboszlai struggled to contain Yilmaz all night long, with the former RB Leipzig man burnt for pace right from the get-go by the Turkish winger, only to be bailed out by Alisson.

That save was to be in vain, however, as the out-of-sorts Reds number eight’s tangle with the same tricky attacker quite soon after would lead to the disappointing defeat.

Long gone is the same skilful star who struck a delightful free-kick against Arsenal, with Szoboszlai bowing out from his unimpressive showing with just two of his nine duels being successfully won, on top of losing possession a high 13 times to his team’s further detriment, as per Sofascore.

It will be extremely intriguing to see who starts in this right-back spot for Liverpool’s next clash back in the Premier League against Chelsea, with Jeremie Frimpong not covering himself in much glory either as a right winger in Istanbul.

The 4/10 star who must also be benched

There was some method to Slot’s madness here, with Frimpong well-known for his “exceptionally quick” forays forward even when lining up as a full-back, as he was labelled by pundit Stephen Warnock in pre-season.

Still, much like Szoboszlai was exposed as a weak part of the Dutchman’s lineup, his ex-Bayer Leverkusen teammate also notably underperformed throughout as a temporary stand-in for the likes of Mohamed Salah.

Minutes played

62

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

34

Accurate passes

14/19 (75%)

Possession lost

16x

Accurate crosses

1/5

Successful dribbles

0/1

Total duels won

2/9

Indeed, the usually electric forward option for Slot was nowhere to be found on Turkish soil, with Frimpong going on to complete zero successful dribbles from his 62-minute stint, while also infuriating the likes of Hugo Ekitike up top when amassing just one accurate cross from his hour or so on the pitch.

On top of all this, Frimpong would also give up possession a costly 16 times when Liverpool were attempting to put together some meaningful attacks, which is more times than Szoboszlai managed to surrender the ball.

Winner of fewer duels than his Hungarian counterpart, as well, it wasn’t a shock to see GOAL journalist Mark Doyle dish out a sub-par 4/10 rating to the number 30 after the match had finished, with Doyle stating that off-display was yet another performance that highlights his Liverpool career is still yet to get off the ground.

Slot will surely look to start an alternative face down the right channel against Enzo Maresca’s out-of-form Blues, therefore, with Szoboszlai also in grave danger of being left out to make the right-hand side of Slot’s XI look potentially very different at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Liverpool star who's "on par with Salah & VVD" had his worst game under Slot

Liverpool endured a night to forget as they were beaten by Galatasaray in the Champions League.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 1, 2025

Jofra Archer chimes in with 2 for 16 from his 20

ECB Media10-Aug-2025

Southern Brave cruised to a nine-wicket victory and sealed their second win of the season in The Hundred, making it a double for both women’s and men’s teams over Birmingham Phoenix at Utilita Bowl on Sunday.Brave won the toss and chose to bowl, which looked to be a good decision early on, with Phoenix struggling to get the ball away and score freely. Facing 90mph bowling from Jofra Archer, who was sporting a Brave bucket-hat when not charging in, Joe Clarke was the only Birmingham batter to offer some resistance with 36 from 27 balls.Archer finished with 2 for 16 from his 20, with Michael Bracewell taking the starring role with his off-spin on a tricky pitch claiming three wickets for 16 runs from 15 balls. Phoenix finished on a below par 106 for 7.Southern Brave opened with the right-hand, left-hand combination of James Vince and Leus Du Plooy and the pair rarely looked troubled, rotating the strike and picking up boundaries.Although Brave finished the powerplay on the same score as Phoenix, they had the time to build through their innings, which Vince capitalised on and passed the milestone of 1,000 runs in The Hundred in the process – the third player to do so this season, after Nat Sciver-Brunt and Phil Salt.When Vince was caught behind for 41 only 32 runs were needed, and Du Plooy, top-scoring with 48 from 39, and Jason Roy saw Brave home for a comfortable win.Meerkat Match Hero Bracewell said: “Two from two and more of a complete performance. We played some great cricket and it is nice to get another win. We spoke as a spin group about how to bowl. There are big boundaries here which is nice.”The Hundred is fantastic, the crowds are amazing. Cricket has a long history here in England so it is great to be here. The weather is not what I was expecting, but I’ll certainly take it. It’s a beautiful day and we’re happy with the result.”

After winning the opening day Premier League clash against Everton at Elland Road, Leeds United fans had a newfound sense of excitement – but it’s safe to say they’ve come back down to earth with a bang.

Daniel Farke’s side lost 5-0 to Arsenal at the Emirates, before falling at the first hurdle in the Carabao Cup to a youthful Sheffield Wednesday outfit earlier this week.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin made his debut in the game at Hillsborough, coming off the bench, but it was an outing for the new addition to forget – missing three big chances before failing to convert in the penalty shootout.

The 28-year-old took the second spot kick, but blazed his effort over the bar, subsequently contributing to the Whites’ early exit from the cup competition.

However, with the transfer window coming to a close in the next few days, new attacking talent are still being targeted, potentially helping Calvert-Lewin in his quest for success in Yorkshire.

Leeds’ hunt to land a star who’d help Calvert-Lewin

Over the last couple of days, Brighton & Hove Albion star Facundo Buonanotte has been touted with a move to join Leeds, potentially moving to Yorkshire on a temporary basis.

A deal has now collapsed for the Argentine’s signature, with fellow Premier League club Chelsea now set to swoop in and complete a deal for his signature before Monday’s deadline.

However, another option has emerged in their sights, with Sheffield United star Gustavo Hamer a player they could turn to in the coming days, according to journalist Joe Donnohue.

He claims that the Blades are open to letting the Dutchman leave before Monday’s transfer deadline, with a loan with an option to buy of £15m being mooted. As Donnohue notes, Leeds have been in the mix for his signature already this summer.

The journalist also stated that the 28-year-old isn’t pushing for a move away from Bramall Lane, but could be open to a return to the Premier League in the coming days.

Why Leeds’ latest target would get Calvert-Lewin firing

Leeds’ deal to land Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer earlier this summer handed the side an experienced Premier League option, but there were undoubtedly doubts about his injury record.

The Englishman missed 15 games last season through various injuries, with the Whites’ fanbase hoping that the 28-year-old can avoid a repeat of such setbacks during his time in Yorkshire.

However, his debut earlier this week wasn’t the greatest first impression, desperately needing to find the back of the net in the coming games to help him settle into life in Yorkshire.

He’s registered 57 goals in England’s top-flight throughout his career, having the experience and previous record to help play a crucial role in the club’s hunt for survival.

Calvert-Lewin would be aided by Hamer should the Blades star make the move to Elland Road, possessing serious quality in the final third – something which is needed before the window closes.

Such a move would be an excellent one, offering Farke an added presence within the final third – but also softening the blow after missing out on Buonanotte’s signature.

When comparing Hamer’s stats to those of the Argentine from last season, he managed to outperform him in numerous areas, highlighting the quality he would offer to the current first-team squad.

The United star, who’s been labelled “outrageous” by one analyst, registered more combined goals and assists throughout 2024/25, highlighting the threat he possesses when in attacking areas.

His ability to create chances for his teammates was just impressive, notching more progressive passes per 90, with more of his efforts being defined as key passes – able to hand Calvert-Lewin the chance to impress at Elland Road.

Games played

41

31

Goals & assists

16

7

Key passes

2.1

1.4

Progressive passes

6.4

3.2

Shot-creating actions

4.5

3.1

Passes into final third

4.4

2.4

Take-ons completed

43%

33%

Carries into the final third

1.6

1.5

Crosses completed

4.1

2.5

The Englishman’s biggest asset is his aerial ability, as seen by his tally of 4.8 aerials won per 90 last season, something which Hamer could massively aid, given his tally of 4.1 crosses completed per 90 last season.

Other numbers, such as 4.5 shot-creating actions and a 43% take-on success rate – showcase his ability to take the ball into dangerous areas, before either getting a shot off or teeing up a teammate.

A deal for Hamer would be an excellent deal for Farke’s side, subsequently landing a player who has proven his talents in recent months – whilst also finally landing a long-standing target.

If he can replicate his numbers from last season across Yorkshire, he would be a superb addition – and one that could help Calvert-Lewin make himself a fan-favourite during his own spell in Yorkshire.

Better than Calvert-Lewin: Leeds pushing hard to sign £17.5m "nightmare"

Leeds could sign an upgrade on Dominic Calvert-Lewin before the transfer window closes.

ByJoe Nuttall Aug 29, 2025

George and Brewer star with the ball as the Bears dominate at Chelmsford

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay27-Apr-2025Emily Arlott’s maiden List A hundred spearheaded a stirring Warwickshire fightback as they recovered from 22 for five to overcome Essex for their first win in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup women’s competition.The 27-year-old seamer flourished with the bat, hitting 130 from 141 balls and sharing century partnerships with both Chloe Brewer (44 from 75) and Charis Pavely (31 from 40) to propel the Bears to 289 all out at Chelmsford.Essex seamer Eva Gray returned career-best figures of five for 62 – but the home side’s tally of 32 wides did them no favours and they were bowled out for 181 in response, despite half-centuries from Grace Scrivens and Cordelia Griffith.Left-armer Katie George and medium-pacer Brewer picked up three wickets apiece as Essex were dismissed with 11 overs unused.Essex’s decision to bowl after winning the toss appeared to be more than vindicated when Gray wrecked the visitors’ top order by capturing four wickets in the space of 10 balls.Sterre Kalis was first to depart, lbw playing across the line to Kate Coppack before Amara Carr’s diving catch behind the stumps removed Davina Perrin, while George and Abbey Freeborn were both castled by inswingers from Gray.Nat Wraith also fell cheaply, caught at slip, but Brewer – who survived a difficult chance to cover from her second ball – led the Bears’ counter-attack, driving sweetly through the off side and injecting the innings with momentum.However, she was gradually overtaken by her partner, who punched Coppack for four over midwicket to reach her half-century and continued to accelerate after Brewer’s departure as she and Pavely shared another three-figure stand.Dropped at mid-on on 85, Arlott maintained focus and advanced to her century before dispatching Sophia Smale for three successive boundaries and thrashing a huge leg-side six off Gray as the Warwickshire total passed 250.Arlott eventually became Gray’s fifth victim, bowled attempting to paddle, but the damage had already been done and Issy Wong’s belligerent unbeaten 29 from 14 ensured the Bears finished on a high, with 16 coming from the final over.Wong struck with the ball when Essex launched their reply, nipping one back to clatter into Jo Gardner’s off stump, but Scrivens kept the scoreboard ticking over with a lively knock of 53 from 76.Warwickshire’s spinners struck twice in successive overs, with Scrivens edging behind off Pavely and Jodi Grewcock bowled by Georgia Davis, although Griffith took up the baton with gusto, hammering Davis down the ground for the only six of the innings.But Griffith shed partners at regular intervals, with Brewer pouching a trip of catches off George (three for 38) at midwicket and then claiming two wickets in three balls herself as Essex’s lower order fell apart.Four wickets went down for a single run, including that of Griffith for a creditable 72 from 76 and Brewer (three for 18) wrapped up Warwickshire’s success by trapping Munro leg before.