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Richarlison took his tally for the season to seven goals in all competitions, per Sofascore, as Tottenham Hotspur beat Brentford 2-0 in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Brazil international converted from close range after Xavi Simons, who scored the second goal in the match, put it on a plate for the striker with a ball across the box.

Despite a return of six goals and two assists in nine starts in the Premier League for Richarlison, though, the Lilywhites are reportedly looking to add a new striker to their squad in the January transfer window.

Spurs have been linked with an interest in former Brentford striker Ivan Toney, who worked with Thomas Frank at the Gtech, but he is not the only attacker on their radar.

Spurs have strong interest in Spanish striker

The Europa League champions are also looking at a possible move for a number nine who could arrive in North London as the manager’s next version of Toney.

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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According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham Hotspur have a strong interest in signing Porto centre-forward Samu Aghehowa to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch.

The report claims that the Spain international has a release clause in the region of £70m – a fee that would eclipse Spurs’ club-record fee – and that has attracted interest from Tottenham, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United.

Tottenham are said to have done a lot of background work on the striker, whom they hugely admire, and they would like to snap him up to lead their line.

However, the outlet adds that Porto are set to block a January move for Samu, who is not pushing to leave, which could mean that the Lilywhites have to wait until the summer to do a deal.

Why Spurs should wait to sign Samu Aghehowa

Instead of panicking and signing an alternative centre-forward option in the January transfer window, Spurs should wait until the summer to pursue a deal for the Spanish attacker, because he could be a brilliant addition to the squad as Frank’s new Toney.

The England international, per Transfermarkt, scored 72 goals in 141 matches for Brentford in all competitions for the Danish head coach, whilst acting as the focal point for the team with his physical presence.

Toney won 3.2 or more aerial duels per game, per Sofascore, across all three of his seasons in the Premier League with the Bees, never winning lower than 46% of his aerial contests.

Samu, 6 foot 4, has won 59% of his aerial duels in Liga Portugal and 56% of them in the Europa League this season, after winning 51% in the Portuguese top-flight last term, per Sofascore, which shows that he can offer a similar focal point to Toney in the number nine role.

Samu (Liga Portugal)

24/25

25/26

Appearances

30

11

xG

14.07

5.63

Goals

19

6

Minutes per goal

119

117

Assists

3

1

Aerial duel success rate

51%

59%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, though, the Spanish number nine is a terrific goalscorer to go along with his physical attributes, having scored 25 league goals since the start of last season.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig hailed him as a “clinical” player during the 2024/25 campaign, and that still rings true with his return of six goals from 5.63 xG in the league this term.

Samu, who was described as a “freak of nature” by one analyst on X, has the physical and technical attributes to be Frank’s new Toney, as they are both prolific strikers who can also duel with opposition defenders and provide a focal point for their side.

On top of his similarities to Toney and his impressive record for Porto, the Spain international is also 21 and has plenty of time left ahead of him to develop and improve further, which means that he would be a signing to make an immediate impact, but with scope for it to be a long-term move as well.

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Therefore, Samu is a player who is worth waiting for. That is why Spurs should stick with Richarlison, who has a decent goal return this season, until next summer before making a move for the Porto marksman, unless a January deal does become viable in the next seven weeks or so.

Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts missed the team's two-game Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs due to an illness that caused him to lose over 15 pounds. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the Betts started to feel sick the day before the team flew to Japan, but he still went on the trip because the two didn't think the illness would linger as long as it did.

As the Dodgers returned to the United States ahead of their home opener Thursday vs. the Detroit Tigers, Roberts says that Betts is on the mend. According to a report from ESPN's Alden Gonzalez, Roberts said he's "really encouraged" by Betts's progress and thinks he will be ready to play Thursday.

Gonzalez noted that Betts went through a full workout at Dodgers Stadium Monday and is expected to play in the team's final spring training game Tuesday against the Los Angeles Angels.

"He tried solid food, kept it down, got through his workout, and he's gonna go home and eat some more solid food," Roberts said Monday via ESPN.

Betts spoke to reporters Sunday about the scary illness, where he said his body was "just kind of eating itself." He mentioned every time he tried to eat, he'd throw up—unable to sustain any fuel. His spirits seemed fine, though, and ready to get back on the field.

Gonzalez reported that Betts got an IV in Japan and was sent home early. He was scheduled to start in the Dodgers' spring training game Sunday but was a late scratch after another vomiting spell.

Roberts has since said that Betts "turned a corner" and should be ready to go for the team's home opener, barring any setbacks.

Ahead of the Premier League’s return this weekend, Newcastle United supporters are once again excited about the future. Let’s put it this way, it’s a long time since the dreary Alexander Isak saga played out in the north east.

The Magpies enjoyed back-to-back victories prior to the international break, hammering Royale Union Saint-Gilloise 4-0 in Brussels in the Champions League, before beating Nottingham Forest 2-0 at St James’ last Sunday; Bruno Guimarães and Nick Woltemade the scorers.

Next up, Eddie Howe’s team take on Brighton & Hove Albion in Sussex on Saturday, before a certain José Mourinho will bring his Benfica team to Tyneside the following Tuesday.

The Magpies undeniably boast a strong squad, but would this team be even better had they kept hold of talent who’s now giving the skipper, Bruno Guimarães, a run for his money?

Bruno Guimarães' importance to Newcastle

In the Saudi ownership-era, Newcastle United have really had two marquee players.

One is better known on Tyneside as he who must not be named, after he went on strike over the summer to force through a move to Liverpool.

Thus, the actions of Isak has only served to increase the love Geordies have for Guimarães.

Since arriving from Olympique Lyonnais for around £34m in January 2022, the Brazilian has accumulated 163 appearances in black and white stripes, scoring 24 goals and registering 27 assists.

He has been instrumental in Newcastle twice qualifying for the Champions League, as well as winning last season’s EFL Cup, their first major domestic trophy for 70 years.

Speaking on BBC 5 Live, Nigel Reo-Coker asserts that, alongside Sandro Tonalo and Joelinton, Newcastle currently boast the best midfield trio in the Premier League, with Guimarães very much central to that.

However, would this department of Howe’s team be even more formidable had they not been forced to sell a homegrown star?

When Newcastle were forced to sell their new Gazza

Back in the summer of 2024, Premier League clubs in danger of breaching PSR found a loophole involving trading players at massively inflated fees between themselves.

Chelsea, Aston Villa, Everton, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle were all involved in such moves, but the Magpies may have proved to be the biggest victims in the long run.

They were forced to sell Yankuba Minteh to Brighton for just £30m, while a swap, of sorts, was agreed with Forest.

They paid £20m for goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos, who played just 45 minutes for the club, while Elliot Anderson moved to the East Midlands for £35m.

Considering the Greek goalkeeper proved to be a burden more than anything else, currently on loan at Sevilla, essentially, Anderson was sold to Forest for just £15m, which now appears to be an absolute bargain.

His form at the City Ground led to Martin Keown describing him as a “nailed-on” starter for England at next summer’s World Cup, with Peter Crouch adding that he is a “far better player than he is given credit for”.

Anderson has started each of England’s last three matches, set to continue that streak in Latvia on Tuesday, having also started all 33 of Forest’s Premier League and Europa League fixtures since early December.

This underlines how he has become one of the first names on the team sheet for Nuno Espírito Santo and now Ange Postecoglou, as well as Thomas Tuchel, but how did his stats compare to those of Guimarães last season?

Minutes

2,742

3,282

Goals

2

5

Assists

6

6

All statistics below are on a per-90 basis:

Chances created

1.2

1.4

Pass completion %

82%

84%

Duels contested

15.2

12.8

Tackles

3.1

2.3

Ground duel success %

49%

53%

Aerial duel success %

66%

50%

Clearances

2.3

1.1

Interceptions

1.1

0.8

Blocks

0.3

0.3

Ball recoveries

6.8

5.2

Touches

66

67

As the table documents, Anderson and Guimarães’ statistics in the Premier League last season were actually very similar across the board.

While the Brazilian scored more goals and boasts better passing numbers, the England international comes out on top for the majority of out-of-possession statistics, including duels, tackles, clearances and ball recoveries.

His form has seen an exponential increase in his valuation, with Football Transfers estimating that his current market value is around £47m, more than three times the £15m Forest paid for him.

Born in Whitley Bay, Anderson could have been Newcastle’s next Geordie sensation, had he not been sold, compared to another by Craig Hope who, speaking on talkSPORT, asserted that “there’s something of Paul Gascoigne about him”.

Gazza himself came through Newcastle’s academy before being sold to Tottenham in 1988, and is widely regarded as one of the most talented English players of all time, a key figure as the Three Lions reached the semi-finals of both Italia ’90 and Euro ’96.

Given his form for both club and country, Anderson could do something similar in North America next summer and, considering the 22-year-old’s rapid development, Newcastle must regret selling him, because just imagine how good they would be with both him and Guimarães bossing the middle of the park.

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India’s spin allrounders add 99 runs in the session – 100 for their partnership – to erase England’s lead

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Jul-2025

Ravindra Jadeja celebrates his fifty as Washington Sundar looks on•AFP/Getty Images

Tea Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja batted through the afternoon session, frustrating England and helping India creep towards a doughty draw. Washington and Jadeja both made battling half-centuries as England’s bowlers toiled without reward, adding exactly 100 in an unbroken fifth-wicket partnership that took India into the lead.Washington batted at No. 8 in India’s first innings, below Shardul Thakur, but was promoted to No. 5 for the first time in their second. He brought up his half-century by hooking Ben Stokes for six, then pulling him for four, and Jadeja raised his later in the same over thanks to Zak Crawley’s misfield.Dropped first-ball by Joe Root at slip off Jofra Archer’s bowling, Jadeja brought out his trademark sword celebration to mark his fifth half-century in his last six innings. He also became the seventh Indian – and the third this week, following KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant – to reach 1,000 Test runs in England.England’s close fielders were occasionally excited by tight leaves or half-chances, but there were far fewer genuine opportunities than they would have anticipated. Liam Dawson and Root both wheeled away between spells from the four seamers, but found little joy from a pitch which has not deteriorated as much as they must have hoped.India’s slender lead means that England will have to chase down a target if they do manage to run through the lower order, but the draw is the clear favourite. The two captains could shake hands at the start of the last hour if they wish, though Stokes will be reluctant to accept what would be only the second draw of his tenure as captain.

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke will surely be incredibly frustrated by his side’s lack of quality in the final third after what happened at the end of the summer transfer window.

Speaking to Football Insider last month, journalist Pete O’Rourke revealed that the German boss wanted two additions to the squad that never came to pass.

The reporter said: “There will be a hint of frustration for Daniel Farke – they missed out on some targets. They are still lacking a bit up front, Leeds and he fears for them on that front – not getting the deal done for Manor Solomon will be a blow to Farke and the Leeds fans, because he had such a great impact there on loan last season.

“They tried to sign Harry Wilson on deadline day from Fulham and weren’t able to get that deal over the line as well, so they were looking to add some creativity in the final third.”

Instead of landing Manor Solomon, who scored ten goals on loan at Elland Road last season, or Harry Wilson, the club were unable to land any additional attacking signings in the final days of the window.

That recruitment failure from those above Farke has left the manager in a position where Jack Harrison is starting in the Premier League, which is a tough position to be in.

Why Leeds need to move on from Jack Harrison

The English winger returned to Elland Road in the summer after spending the previous two seasons on loan with Everton, which meant that he did not take part in the club’s two Championship campaigns.

Harrison’s form with the Toffees did not suggest that he was likely to return to Thorp Arch to improve their options at the top end of the pitch, as he struggled badly last term.

In the 2024/25 campaign, the left-footed dud scored one from 3.52 xG and failed to provide any assists in 34 appearances and 24 starts in the Premier League, per Sofascore, which shows that he was incredibly ineffective in the final third.

Appearances

7

Starts

1

Goals

0

Big chances missed

1

Key passes per game

0.1

Assists

0

Successful dribbles per game

0.4

Cross accuracy

13%

As you can see in the table above, Harrison has offered very little in possession on the pitch this season, with no goals and just one chance created in seven appearances in the Premier League.

The £90k-per-week flop’s form for Everton last season suggests that he is unlikely to improve much from this point, which is why the club should be looking to move on from him in the summer.

Farke wanted Wilson and Solomon at the end of the window, which suggests that he was not happy with his wide options, and it has been reported that the club will go back in for Wilson in January.

A move for the Fulham forward, who has scored seven Premier League goals since the start of last season (Sofascore), could leave Harrison surplus to requirements.

The English winger is not the only player in the squad who may be on borrowed time ahead of the January transfer window, though, as there are others who have struggled to adapt to the top-flight.

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Brenden Aaronson is one and as as much as this may not be a popular thing to point out, there is a case to be made that central midfielder Ao Tanaka may not be suited to playing in the Premier League.

Why Ao Tanaka may be on borrowed time at Leeds

The Japan international was a star for the Whites when they won the Championship title last season, using his ability on the ball to dominate matches for Farke. After all, his manager described him as “unbelievable” for his performances.

He ranked within the top 7% of midfielders in the division for passes attempted per 90 (72.43) and for progressive passes per 90 (7.03), per FBref, which shows that he excelled in possession in the second tier.

The 27-year-old star also scored five goals from a central midfield position to help Leeds on their way to winning the tite with a staggering 100-point haul.

However, the step up to the Premier League has meant that Leeds have had to alter their style of play as they are unable to dominate matches with the ball as much as they were able to do in the Championship, which has been bad news for Tanaka.

Journalist Graham Smyth raised concerns over the midfielder’s physicality last month, saying: “My concern with Tanaka was physicality in the Premier League. He got run over a few times towards the end of the last season. I worried a little bit, against the most elite athletes in the Premier League.”

The central midfielder’s form in the top-flight so far this season backs up the reporter’s concerns, as he has struggled in his duels across his six appearances so far.

Burnley

0% (0/0)

Spurs

67% (2/3)

Bournemouth

20% (1/5)

Wolves

0% (0/0)

Arsenal

0% (0/6)

Everton

29% (2/7)

As you can see in the table above, Tanaka has only won more than 29% of his duels in one of his six outings in the Premier League this season for the Whites.

Per Sofascore, he has lost 76% of his duels in total, including 80% of his ground duels, and this shows that opposition players have found it far too easy to get the better of him in physical contests.

This may be why Farke has preferred a midfield trio of Ethan Ampadu, Sean Longstaff, and Anton Stach, as all three of them have won over 50% of their duels in the top-flight, per Sofascore.

Tanaka is a brilliant technician, as evidenced by his aforementioned form in the Championship, but the physical nature of a relegation battle in the Premier League seems to have rendered him ineffective in the middle of the park.

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If these issues persist until January, there may be a decision to make on his short-term future at Elland Road in the next January transfer window.

Sunderland haven’t always made Premier League survival look like a painless feat to achieve.

Indeed, the Black Cats have actually fallen victim to the terrible fate of relegation down to the Championship four times since the top division’s rebrand in 1992.

Thankfully, plenty of fight and quality to beat the drop this time around has already been on display, with two wins and two draws picked up from their opening five clashes in the unforgiving league, meaning Regis Le Bris’ men are sitting in a pretty seventh spot currently.

That isn’t to say there weren’t several fan favourites from Sunderland’s previous relegation dogfights, though, with Jermain Defoe a recent hero that sticks out, even as the Wearside outfit tumbled out of the big time.

Defoe's hero status at Sunderland

Defoe would arrive at the Black Cats in 2014 with the reputation for being a clinical goal machine in the Premier League, with a mammoth 126 top-flight goals already notched up, before finding himself in the midst of a relegation tussle at the Stadium of Light.

Joining mid-way through the season could well have unnerved others. Defoe, on the other hand, managed to instantly hit the ground running to guide Sunderland to safety, with his unbelievable first-time effort against fierce rivals Newcastle United still remembered to this day as an iconic goal.

In total, 34 top-flight strikes would be put away by Sunderland’s dependable number 18 across 87 games, with a return to the England set-up even coming the veteran’s way, off the back of such a blistering purple patch of form.

Unfortunately, though, even as he routinely put on the captain’s armband, relegation would still swallow the Black Cats whole at the end of his final goal-laden season in the top-flight.

Regardless, the experienced talisman had still left a lasting impact on supporters in Wearside, with his teammate at the time, Adnan Januzaj, hailing him as “unbelievable” to work alongside.

Defoe would even come back to the Black Cats towards the tail-end of his playing days, but away from the glittering marksman’s extensive career, Le Bris will hope he now has his own much-loved leader figure in a similar vein to the Englishman in this passionate Sunderland presence.

Sunderland's new Defoe

Immediately, the first name that might well spring to mind here in being a Defoe-like hero is Wilson Isidor.

After all, much like the much-loved number 18, Isidor has already proven himself to be a hard-to-contain attacker in the Premier League, with an impressive three goals being fired home this season, steering the Black Cats to some invaluable early victories.

However, even though he isn’t leading the line, the actual figure being touted as the next Defoe here is Granit Xhaka, as the Black Cats thank their lucky stars once more that they managed to pick up a Premier League-experienced pro on the cheap.

As part of an ingenious swap deal that saw Jozy Altidore move to Toronto FC while the attacking veteran relocated back to English shores, Defoe would undoubtedly further affirm his status as a Premier League great.

In the here and now, Xhaka swapping Bayer Leverkusen for the Black Cats for just £17.3m is going down much the same way.

Games played

5

Goals scored

0

Assists

2

Touches*

73.2

Accurate passes*

48.8 (83%)

Key passes*

1.4

Ball recoveries*

4.2

Total duels won*

6.8

Before embarking on a shock return to England, Xhaka did already have 225 Premier League appearances under his belt, with 17 goals and 24 assists next to his name for Arsenal in the daunting league, even seeing him be referred to as a “monster” by Gunners-based writer Connor Humm.

The concern would have been whether the Swiss international could roll back the years on his return to the English top-flight.

However, based on the table above, there didn’t need to be any major worries, as Sunderland has seemingly hit the jackpot on a new talisman – much like they jumped for joy with Defoe – in their tenacious number 34.

Already blending his obvious class with bags of determination to ensure Sunderland punch above their weight, it’s even clearer now why picking up Xhaka had been described as “masterstroke” of a purchase, as it had been labelled by Sky Sports’ Don Goodman when he first arrived on the scene.

Many would have viewed Defoe’s entry into the building way back in 2014 in the same glowing manner, with Le Bris and Co. now well positioned to go against their bleak relegation history and beat the drop with Xhaka placed at the centre of their plans.

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After storming the Championship with 100 points last term, Leeds United were always going to need a busy summer window to prepare for their Premier League return.

Under the stewardship of 49ers Enterprises, the club pushed to strengthen Daniel Farke’s squad, with signings in multiple positions.

Anton Stach, Jaka Bijol, Lucas Perri, Sean Longstaff, Gabriel Gudmundsson, James Justin, Sebastian Bornauw and Dominic Calvert-Lewin all arrived.

Perhaps the most intriguing addition was Swiss forward Noah Okafor, who joined from AC Milan for £18m, bringing Champions League experience to Elland Road.

Departures also shaped the window. Rasmus Kristensen, Maximilian Wöber, Junior Firpo and Largie Ramazani all moved on.

Fans were especially vocal about Ramazani, whose loan to Valencia was seen by some as a risk given his ability on the wing.

The early weeks of the season have been a rollercoaster.

Leeds edged Everton 1-0 at home on the opening day but then suffered a 5-0 hammering at Arsenal.

A hard-fought goalless draw with Newcastle steadied the ship before a cruel stoppage-time own goal from Gudmundsson condemned them to defeat at Fulham.

Amid the mixed results, one problem has stood out above all others. To put it plainly, Leeds are short of goals, they need a talent like Ramazani in their ranks.

Why losing Ramazani has been a blow

Ramazani’s loan departure was framed as a blow to Leeds’ wide options.

The 24-year-old Belgian, valued at £6m via Transfermarkt, joined from Almería and played 29 Championship games last season, registering six goals and two assists.

His pace and direct running gave Leeds an outlet in transition, and his ability to stretch defences created space for others.

Now on loan at Valencia, Ramazani has continued to show flashes of his potential.

For Leeds supporters, seeing him leave after only one season felt premature, particularly given his adaptation to English football appeared to be underway.

However, while losing the wide forward has reduced Leeds’ width, it has not addressed their bigger problem: a lack of reliable goalscorers.

Ramazani’s output, even in the Championship, was respectable but not prolific.

His nine goal involvements across 30 matches last term underlined his inconsistency in decisive moments.

As results so far this season have shown, what Leeds arguably miss more than an extra winger is a forward with an eye for goal.

Leeds real loss came two years ago

If Ramazani left a hole out wide, the departure of Max Dean may yet prove far more costly through the middle.

The 21-year-old centre-forward, who can also operate off the wings, came through Everton’s youth system before joining Leeds’ academy.

He quickly made his mark, scoring 20 goals and adding five assists in 43 appearances whilst on loan at MK Dons.

Dons head coach Mike Williamson hailed him after a brace against Morecambe in December 2023, describing him as “an infectious character.”

It was that blend of energy and end product that led Belgian side Gent to sign him, where he has since scored 13 goals and two assists in 30 appearances.

His trajectory shows a player who has adapted quickly at every step along his footballing journey.

Statistically, Dean is not as active on the ball as Ramazani, but he is far more efficient in front of goal.

Matches Played

17

Goals

6

Assists

1

Progressive Carries

15

Progressive Passes

33

Last season, Dean registered seven goal involvements in 17 games compared to Ramazani’s nine in 30.

His 48.5% shot accuracy also edges the Belgian’s 45%, while his 1.48 shots on target per 90 highlight his ability to test goalkeepers regularly.

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Though Ramazani surpasses him in terms of progressive carries and creative actions, Dean’s finishing instincts arguably address Leeds’ more pressing needs.

Dean’s England U20 debut in 2024 only added weight to the argument that Leeds might have given up on him too soon.

At 21, he still has time to develop into a top-level forward, and his knack for being in the right place at the right time is a trait Leeds could use as they adjust to the Premier League.

For all the discussion around Ramazani, Dean represents the type of player Leeds currently lack: a forward who can turn half-chances into goals.

In a side that has so far relied on penalties and moments of fortune, that cutting edge might have made the difference between mid-table comfort and early-season frustration.

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Leeds United were handed a sobering reminder of the reality of the Premier League when Arsenal hammered five past them at The Emirates on Saturday.

Whilst supporters will not have been expecting an easy game, by any means, the 1-0 win over Everton may have provided a bit of cautious optimism heading to North London.

Unfortunately, Mikel Arteta’s Gunners were firing at their very best and made the game look a bit too easy at times, with Viktor Gyokeres and Jurrien Timber both grabbing two goals, alongside Bukayo Saka’s strike.

There was no single individual player to blame for the result, but Daniel Farke will surely be disappointed with several individual performances across the pitch. Ilia Gruev was given a chance in light of Ethan Ampadu’s injury, for example, but failed to take his opportunity.

Why Ilia Gruev should be dropped

The Bulgarian midfielder was selected ahead of summer signing Sean Longstaff to start at the base of the midfield, but did not look ready for the task at hand.

Gruev played the full 90 minutes in the middle of the park, in a team that was defending for the vast majority of the time, and only won one duel, out of three contested, per Sofascore.

The left-footed lightweight did not offer any, or at least enough, protection in front of Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon to prevent the Arsenal midfield from linking up with the forward line as easily as they did.

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This is why, with the prospect of a physical Newcastle midfield on the horizon, Farke should drop Gruev next weekend. However, he is not the only player whose position in the XI should be in danger, as Joel Piroe must also be ruthlessly ditched.

Why Joel Piroe should be dropped

The Dutch forward, who was handed a 4/10 rating by the Yorkshire Evening Post, does not look up to the physicality of dealing with Premier League central defenders.

In two starts against Everton and Arsenal, Piroe has lost nine of his ten physical duels and has not won a single ground duel, per Sofascore, to go along with one shot on target and zero chances created for his teammates.

With the caveat that he was up against two top-class players, it was too easy for William Saliba and Gabriel to nip in ahead of him to get to balls first, without him even being able to compete for them.

The introduction of Lukas Nmecha, in both matches, has shown Leeds what they need in a centre-forward at that level. He came on in difficult circumstances against Arsenal, but still put himself about and used his frame well to relieve a bit of pressure at times.

Vs Arsenal	Joel Piroe	Lukas Nmecha
Minutes	58	33
Shots	0	0
Passes completed	9	5
Key passes	0	0
Ground duels won	0/0	1/2
Aerial duels won	0/2	1/1
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Nmecha competed in and won more duels in 33 minutes on the pitch than Piroe managed in almost an hour at The Emirates, as the former Swansea man lost 100% of his duels.

Leeds will be battling against relegation this season and that means that there will be a lot of games where they cannot expect to dominate the ball and have it all their way. As Gary Neville put it in the Sky Sports commentary, the front three that started the game – including Piroe – looked like they needed everything to be perfect for them to perform.

Whereas, Nmecha is a physical forward who can play off scraps and make things happen by causing problems for opposition defenders, which is why he may be a better choice to lead the line against Newcastle after the midweek League Cup clash with Sheffield Wednesday.

Therefore, Farke should ruthlessly ditch Gruev and Piroe for the clash with the Magpies to better stand up against the physical battle that they could be faced with.

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Newcastle United are “in the mix” to complete the signing of a player who was described as one of the “biggest revelations” from Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy.

Hopkinson excited about Newcastle role

David Hopkinson has been appointed as the Magpies’ new CEO, in the biggest development at the club since the international break got underway. The 54-year-old Canadian has admitted that he cannot wait to get started in his new role, as he looks to make Newcastle supporters embrace him.

“I’m getting into this with both feet. This is not some sort of transactional assignment for me. This is where I intend to make my home. This is the community I intend to represent on every stage imaginable.

“The CEO role has an ambassadorial component to it and I want to be a great ambassador for Newcastle United and ultimately for Newcastle. My intention is to become an adopted Geordie here, but you have to earn that.”

The summer transfer window may be closed, but that hasn’t stopped Newcastle being linked with potential future signings, with one exciting name now thrown into the hat.

Newcastle "in the mix" to sign Barcelona rising star

Speaking to The Boot Room, journalist Graeme Bailey reports that Newcastle will be “in the mix” to sign Barcelona youngster Marc Casado in 2026.

“Casado is a really interesting name to keep an eye on heading into 2026. Newcastle do need and wanted something extra in midfield and he is someone who does appeal. It remains to be seen if he is attainable in the near future, but if he is available, then Newcastle are likely to be in the mix.

“Newcastle could get a closer look at Casado in the Champions League this season as they welcome Barcelona to St James’ Park in the Champions League later this month.”

Casado is a big young talent with a bright future in the game, so the idea of Newcastle prising him away from Barca is a mouthwatering prospect, if they are able to.

The 21-year-old midfielder has racked up 42 appearances for the La Liga champions, registering six assists in that time, while scout Jacek Kulig hailed him as one of the “biggest revelations” during the 2024/25 campaign.

Whether Newcastle are able to entice Casado to St James’ Park remains to be seen, but if he is struggling to start regularly for Hansi Flick’s side, he may see a move elsewhere as best for his long-term development.

PIF have already signed Newcastle's new Elliot Anderson and he's "terrific"

Eddie Howe will hope he has his own Elliot Anderson now at Newcastle United in this terrific talent.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 8, 2025

At 21, he is a player with so many more years ahead of him, and he could be viewed as a long-term successor to Bruno Guimaraes at the heart of the Magpies’ midfield.

Bangladesh missed direct qualification for the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup after their eight-wicket defeat against West Indies in Basseterre on Friday. They finished on 21 points in the Women’s Championship table, level with New Zealand who had more wins – nine opposed to Bangladesh’s eight – and secured the sixth and final direct spot.New Zealand joined Australia, India, England, South Africa and Sri Lanka in getting automatic places in the World Cup, scheduled to be held in India later this year. Bangladesh, meanwhile, will have West Indies, Pakistan and Ireland for company in the World Cup qualifiers. Scotland and Thailand will also join the competition, with two teams out of these six qualifying for the main event.The third ODI between Bangladesh and West Indies, however, ended up being a meek affair. Batting first, the visitors were bowled out for 118 runs in 43.5 overs. Sharmin Akhter top-scored with 37. Bangladesh were looking good at 94 for 3, before collapsing badly. They lost their last seven wickets for just 24 runs in 13 overs.Karishma Ramharack took a four-wicket haul for the second successive game, this time conceding just 12 runs in her 6.5 overs. Zaida James took two wickets.West Indies reached their target in 27.3 overs, with Qiana Joseph making 39 and Deandra Dottin remaining unbeaten on 33. Marufa Akter and Nahida Akter took a wicket each.Bangladesh’s tour of West Indies continues in Basseterre where they will play three T20Is on January 27, 29 and 31.