Ex-Celtic striker Charlie Mulgrew has told the Hoops exactly what they must offer Jurgen Klopp to become their Brendan Rodgers replacement in what would be a sensational move.

The Bhoys are still looking for their next manager as Martin O’Neill continues to be a success as interim boss. The 73-year-old made it two wins from two on Sunday after defeating Old Firm rivals Rangers 3-1 after extra-time in the Scottish League Cup semi-final.

It was just like old times for O’Neill, who watched on as goals from Callum McGregor and a first goal for Callum Osmand ensured that his side got one over on their biggest rivals once again.

Relieved to earn a place in the final, O’Neill told reporters at full-time: “It was an incredible game. We were terrific and got the goal in front and got one disallowed for offside.

“We were in command, but I was saying to [assistant] Shaun Maloney we needed a goal to kill the game off and six or seven minutes later, Rangers get the penalty. I was 73 on Monday… I’m 94 now!”

Victory against Rangers has done O’Neill’s chances of becoming the next Celtic manager no harm, that’s for sure. Although the Northern Irishman was quick to admit that he’s just keeping the seat warm when first arriving, two wins from two has sparked rumours that he could yet get the job until the end of the current campaign.

With Ange Postecoglou taking a break from football and reportedly pulling out of the race and other candidates such as Nicky Hayen still in a job, O’Neill may make perfect sense. He’s more experienced than most, especially at Celtic Park, and he is already turning things around.

But he’s not everyone’s first choice. Instead, Mulgrew has urged Dermot Desmond to “go big” and turn to a Champions League winner in Klopp.

Mulgrew urges Celtic to "go big" and hire Jurgen Klopp

Speaking on the latest edition of The Warm-Up Show, ex-Hoops player Mulgrew urged Celtic to hire Klopp and offer the former Liverpool manager a contract worth as much as £7m-a-year, which works out at £135k-a-week.

There’s no denying that it would be an incredible appointment. Klopp transformed Liverpool, awaking English giants and taking them back to Champions League glory, but it seems unlikely that he would make a return to the dugout for Celtic.

Not just Osmand: O'Neill has another future superstar for Celtic's next boss

Celtic have another future superstar who is as exciting as Callum Osmand in their academy.

By
Dan Emery

Nov 3, 2025

That said, whilst unlikely, all hope isn’t lost. The Liverpool legend recently admitted on Steven Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO podcast that a return to management is still possible – saying: “I’m 58, that means I could make the decision in a few years, I don’t know. Do I have to make the decision today?

“Then I will not coach again. But thank God, I don’t have to do that. I can just see what the future brings.”

Celtic submit offer for Mark van Bommel

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O confronto entre Corinthians e Bahia, pela 35ª rodada do Brasileirão, estava marcado para sábado (25), dia da eleição presidencial e do Conselho Deliberativo do Timão. O clube alvinegro pediu a mudança de data e teve a solicitação atendida pela CBF, que remarcou a partida para sexta-feira (24), às 21h.

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+ Tudo sobre o Timão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Corinthians

A solicitação do Corinthians foi meramente logística, para ajudar os funcionários e torcedores que estarão envolvidos tanto no duelo na Neo Química Arena quanto na votação no Parque São Jorge. A eleição definirá o presidente corintiano dos próximos três anos, como também as oito chapas que irão compor o Conselho Deliberativo pelo próximo triênio.

O presidente Duílio Monteiro Alves não consultou André Negão, candidato da situação, nem mesmo Augusto Melo, candidato da oposição, sobre a mudança de data. O Bahia foi procurado e concordou com a alteração, assim como o Grupo Globo, detentor dos direitos, que mudou o horário da partida por um ajuste na grade de transmissão. Antes, o jogo em Itaquera seria às 19h, mas a bola vai rolar às 21h.

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+ Veja tabela e simule os jogos do Timão no Brasileirão

Corinthians e Bahia estão na luta contra o rebaixamento no Brasileirão. A situação do Timão é mais confortável, pois a equipe de Mano Menezes está na 11ª posição, com 44 pontos. Já o Tricolor de Aço tem 38 pontos, com apenas um ponto de vantagem para o Cruzeiro, primeiro time dentro do Z4. No primeiro turno do Brasileirão, Bahia e Corinthians empataram sem gols na Arena Fonte Nova.

Manchester United are now back in talks to sign highly-rated Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba in 2026.

The Red Devils’ midfield needs to be a key area of focus next summer, due to Casemiro being out of contract at Old Trafford when the season ends.

The Brazilian has enjoyed a resurgence of late, scoring in United’s 2-2 draw away to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League last weekend, however, he still isn’t the player he was and will soon need to be replaced by a younger model.

Baleba emerged as one of the front-runners to join the Red Devils in the summer transfer window, but in the end, he stayed put for the time being, with no defensive midfielders added to Ruben Amorim’s squad.

The 21-year-old Seagulls ace is sure to have plenty of suitors moving forward, though, with a switch to United still very much on the cards, following a new update.

Man Utd willing to pay £90m for Baleba

According to reports relayed by Caught Offside, Manchester United are once again negotiating over the signing of Baleba from Brighton, and INEOS would be willing to pay as much as £90m for his signature.

An official bid is expected to be incoming for the Cameroonian, as the Red Devils look to complete a significant piece of business next year.

Baleba may not have hit top form yet this season, with his focus arguably affected by the level of interest in him from various clubs, but he has all the tools to enjoy a fantastic career.

He is a force both in and out of possession, averaging 2.3 tackles per game in the Premier League last term, as well as scoring three goals, and Alan Shearer has hailed him as “absolutely wonderful” on Match of the Day.

As mentioned, Casemiro is not the player he once was, no longer being to cover so much ground at pace, but Baleba could bring that to United’s team, suddenly making them far harder to run through.

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The Red Devils could land one of England’s finest youngsters in a cheap deal due to a key reason.

BySean Markus Clifford Nov 3, 2025

He has so much time to improve further as a player, and while his age means that some inconsistency may be a part of his game to begin with, he feels like a leading option for Amorim, as the Red Devils look to bring in the perfect addition to a vital area of the pitch.

Casemiro isn't the only Man Utd star who has saved his career under Amorim

Glamorgan captain Sam Northeast is heading back to his native Kent – the club where he spent the first 11 seasons of his career – after agreeing a new two-year deal.Northeast, 35, was out of contract having spent four prolific years at Glamorgan, during which time he posted a club-record 410 not out against Leicestershire in 2022, then followed up with a further 335 not out against Middlesex in 2024, the highest first-class score ever made at Lord’s.Last season, he also played the crucial innings at Trent Bridge as Glamorgan won the Metro Bank One-Day Cup for the second time in four seasons, and with 780 runs at 48.75 in the County Championship, he has guided the club to the brink of promotion from the second division.Though he is understood to have held talks with Glamorgan about an extension to his contract, a desire to be near his young family – who have remained in Kent throughout his stint – is believed to have been the clincher in his new deal.Northeast made his debut for Kent in 2007 after graduating from the club’s Academy, and went on to make over 300 appearances for the county over ten seasons, scoring over 13,500 runs in all-formats including 24 centuries.He was appointed Club Captain in 2015 and led the team on 134 occasions across formats, averaging 44.79 with the bat in that period. He left for Hampshire in somewhat acrimonious circumstances in February 2018, but is now heading home after an eight-year hiatus.”I’m delighted to be returning home to Kent next season,” Northeast said. “I believe I still have a great deal to contribute across all formats, and while I’ve enjoyed my time away, I know that coming back to Canterbury is the right decision at this stage of my career.”As someone who grew up in the county, Kent has always been close to my heart. I always knew I would return to my boyhood Club, and I’m proud to once again wear the White Horse.”The Club is in an exciting place, with a clear focus on the future, and I hope that my experience can help support and develop the next generation of Kent-produced talent.”Kent’s Director of Cricket, Simon Cook, said: “Sam was our top target when it became apparent that he was available and he will add top-order talent and experience.”We’re delighted that he has chosen to return to Kent next season, and our young batters in both the first-team and Talent Pathway will draw from his vast experience.”I’m sure his return home will be greatly received by our Members and supporters.”

Allrounder adds another century to deepen Kent misery in clash of top versus bottom

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Rehan Ahmed scored his fifth hundred of the summer•Getty Images

Leicestershire 386 for 9 (Rehan 119, Patel 85) vs Kent Rehan Ahmed hit a brilliant 119 as Division Two leaders Leicestershire reached 386 for 9 at stumps on day one of their Rothesay County Championship match against Kent at Canterbury.Rishi Patel, dropped in the first over when he was on nought, made 85 in a stand of 164 for the second wicket with Rehan, who hit three sixes and 17 fours in a flamboyant innings that defied the gloomy conditions and a green wicket. Matt Parkinson took 7 for 104 and is on course for career best figures, if he can better the 7 for 126 he took for Lancashire against Kent at this venue in 2021.Tom Scriven and Josh Hull were not out on 39 and 12 respectively at the close.Kent’s decision to bowl looked reasonable given the weather and the hue of the wicket, but less so when Leicestershire reached 120 for 1 for at lunch, by which time the hosts learned they’d been docked eight points for repeated infractions of the disciplinary code.Given they were already 18 points adrift at the foot of the table, this did little to lighten the mood among the St Lawrence ultras in a crowd of 1200 and the tone was set when Ben Compton dropped Rishi off the fifth ball of the morning, after he’d edged Agar.The only wicket came in the 11th over, when Sol Budinger played on to Agar for 27 and Rishi got a second life when he was on 26 and cut Evison. The ball hit keeper Harry Finch on the glove before falling short of Tawanda Muyeye at first slip.Both Rishi and Rehan reached their half-centuries with sixes, the former with a pull off Agar that flew over square leg, the latter hooking the same bowler over backward square, but the afternoon session was more of a contest.Parkinson broke the partnership when he duped Rishi into charging down the wicket and Finch stumped him and with his next delivery he had Lewis Hill brilliantly caught by a diving Tawanda Muyeye at slip.Rehan reached his century when he nudged Parkinson for a single, but Joey Evison then had Peter Handscomb lbw for 18 and Parkinson got Rehan when Muyeye took an ankle-high catch.By tea Kent were a bowler down, as stand-in skipper Grant Stewart had limped off with a hamstring injury, but Louis Kimber went for 17, caught by the sub Kashif Ali after he’d holed out to Parkinson and for the second time in the match the bowler found himself on a hat-trick when Ben Green went to the next ball, caught by debutant Ben Dawkins at silly point trying to sweep.Logan van Beek survived it comfortably enough but had made just 5 when Parkinson had him caught by George Garrett at short third man. Ian Holland went in almost identical fashion for 49 before the players went off for bad light at 5.49pm.Almost everyone in the ground had left when the umpires called the players back for a 6.25pm restart and Leicestershire added 20 useful runs in the 5.5 overs that remained.

Napoli are training without Antonio Conte this week after the Italian coach took agreed leave in the aftermath of Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Bologna, a result that deepened concerns around the Serie A champions’ fading form. With pressure intensifying after five losses this season and whispers of resignation spreading online, the break arrives at a complicated moment for a team struggling for goals, rhythm and identity.

Conte’s absence highlights Napoli’s mounting concerns

Napoli returned to training after their damaging 2-0 defeat to Bologna, but without Conte on the pitch. As previously agreed with the club hierarchy, the coach has taken several days off, spending time with family in Turin before returning to Castel Volturno on November 17. Assistant Cristian Stellini is leading the sessions, with half the squad away on international duty, according to . The situation is not unusual for the Italian, who has taken similar mid-season breaks in the past, but the unusual length of this one and the timing of it has intensified the spotlight. 

Gli Azzurri have now suffered five defeats across all competitions and sit fourth in Serie A, already two points behind Inter and Roma and just one point ahead of Bologna. Their form has collapsed sharply: No goals scored in their last three games, two defeats in their last five league outings, and increasing tactical confusion. Inside the club, the mood has reportedly fluctuated between frustration, fatigue and tense reflection with Conte’s recent outburst in Bologna adding fuel to rumours about a potential parting of ways. This week’s training session, conducted without the head coach or most of the internationals, underlines the fragility of the moment and sets the stage for Conte’s own words on where the club must go next.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportConte demands accountability after Bologna defeat

Speaking after Sunday’s loss, Conte took full responsibility for the team’s dip and delivered some of his strongest comments of the season: “Everyone has to take responsibility. I'm the first to be held accountable. Heart transplants aren't an option. Each of us needs to rediscover our spirit and our grit. I'm disappointed because I'm not finding the energy in the guys again; it means I'm not doing a good job.”

He also reminded the club of the historical warning signs from 2023-24 season, when Napoli finished 10th, just a year after winning the Scudetto: “We must never forget that in Naples, after a Scudetto, we finished 10th. I'm sorry to have to dig up the bones of the past. I'll talk to the club, who already knew what I thought.”

Conte’s tone made it clear that discussions over direction, standards and responsibility are on the horizon even if no immediate meeting with Aurelio De Laurentiis is scheduled.

De Laurentiis shuts down resignation rumours

In the midst of speculation surrounding the 56-year-old's future, president De Laurentiis moved quickly to silence talk of a resignation. His statement delivered a firm defence of the coach and rebuttal of online reports.

“I came across the fairy tale of Conte's resignation on the web. I love social media a lot because they're a contemporary and fast way to spread thoughts. But you know that thoughts aren't always right or shareable.

"Between me and Conte there has always existed a special harmony that unites men who use the 3 "C"s [Character, Competence, and Courage]… which are very popular with Neapolitans and not only.

"To the fans who've read some nonsense, I say: I'm proud to have by my side, and by the side of Napoli and the players, a real man like Antonio Conte, capable of sacrificing every second of his life for his profession, with extreme generosity and dedication.

"This is the most important guarantee that can be given today to a club, to the players, and to demanding fans like those of Napoli."

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Getty Images SportConte returns next week as Napoli brace for Atalanta test

Conte is expected back on the training ground on November 17. By then, the squad will also begin returning from international duty and immediately face a major test.

Napoli’s next match is a crucial Serie A showdown with Atalanta, a side capable of exposing any defensive or mental fragilities. After three matches without scoring, and with Bologna breathing down their necks, the champions must demonstrate fresh intensity, structure and unity. All eyes will be on Conte’s return and whether a week away provides clarity, renewed energy or deeper complications for a Napoli side teetering between recovery and crisis.

Premier League strugglers Wolverhampton Wanderers have confirmed the appointment of Rob Edwards as their new manager. The 42-year-old has left Championship high-flyers Middlesbrough to sign a three-and-a-half-year contract with the Molineux club, who sacked Vitor Pereira following a torrid start to the 2025-26 season which has left them winless after 11 league games.

• Edwards leaves Middlesbrough after compensation agreed

  As reported by David Ornstein last week, Wolves had been on the brink of naming Edwards as their new head coach after reaching an agreement with Middlesbrough over a compensation package worth in the region of £2 million.

  And now Edwards, whose contract at Boro ran through to 2028, has officially been confirmed as Wolves’ manager, returning to a club with whom he has a deep connection. A former centre-back, he made 111 appearances for the Old Gold between 2004 and 2008, scoring one goal.

  Edwards also acted as Wolves’ interim coach in 2016, taking charge of two games following the sacking of Walter Zenga. After a 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers and a 3-2 defeat against Derby County, Paul Lambert was brought in as the club’s then-permanent manager, with Edwards staying on as a first-team coach.

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• Former Luton Town boss hails 'special' return to Molineux

  Speaking to Wolves’ official website following his appointment, Edwards said: “It means a lot. This club’s really special. It’s special anyway, but it’s special to me because it’s where I’ve spent most of my professional career and where I played most of my football.

  “Then to have done a lot of the roles that I’ve done, I’ve got to be honest, this job was always my aim. This is the dream.

  “I know the situation that we’re in right now, but this is just something that I’ve always wanted, and I’m ready for it. I’m ready for the challenge, I’m up for it, and it’s been great getting around everybody, seeing so many faces that I know, and new faces as well.

  “The staff are all up for it and we’ll meet the players next week when everyone arrives back, and I know the lads will be as well.

  “Jeff (Shi, Wolves’ executive chairman) talked to me about a reset moment. It’s an opportunity for us now and I know we’re in a difficult spot, but there are still 27 games to go, so there’s an opportunity here for us to do something really special, and that appeals to me.

  “I’ve always been a risk taker and I’ve always wanted this job, and you don’t know if it’s ever going to come along again, and the opportunity was there right now. It’s going to be difficult, but there’s an opportunity for us to maintain our Premier League status this year and then grow and continue to grow and build as well.”

• AFP
  

  Report indicates Premier League strugglers have one eye on future

  In the same report from last week, Wolves are also believed to have one eye on the future by appointing former Watford boss Edwards. While the club are hoping Edwards can steer them to Premier League survival this term, they also believe his appointment gives them the best chance of earning promotion from the Championship next season, should they fail to avoid the drop in 2025-26.

  Edwards has experience in both divisions, having guided Luton Town to promotion to the Premier League via the 2022-23 Championship play-offs. The Hatters were competitive in the top tier under Edwards’ tutelage, earning 26 points from 38 games as they ultimately suffered relegation with an 18th-placed finish in 2023-24.

  Middlesbrough were also performing well under Edwards’ stewardship this season. The Teessiders are currently second in the Championship table and just five points behind leaders Coventry City, though the ex-Forest Green Rovers manager was stood down for the 2-1 win over Birmingham City on 8 November, amid speculation over his future.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Edwards' first games in charge of Wolves: Derby clash with Villa on horizon

  Wolves have turned to Edwards following a poor start to the 2025-26 season under former manager Pereira. They remain the only club in England’s top four tiers yet to win a league game this term, losing nine and drawing two of their 11 fixtures. 

  Ex-Porto boss Pereira was subsequently sacked after the 3-0 defeat against Fulham on 1 November, despite signing a new three-year contract on 18 September. In a 10-month spell in the dugout, the 57-year-old guided Wolves to Premier League survival with a 16th-place finish in 2024-25. The club were 19th when Pereira succeeded Gary O’Neil in December last year.

  Meanwhile, Edwards’ first game in charge of Wolves will be against Crystal Palace in the league on Saturday, 22 November. The former Wales international will then face a West Midlands derby when his new club travel to Aston Villa on Sunday, 30 November, before home clashes against fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest and in-form Manchester United on Wednesday, 3 December and Monday, 8 December respectively.

Captain Harmanpreet believes “fearless cricket” is the reason for the team’s success in recent times

Vishal Dikshit11-Aug-20250:45

Harmanpreet on her 171*: ‘A lot of things changed in women’s cricket’

India’s senior duo of Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana is banking on the team’s recent form, collective confidence and their changed methods of preparation to “break the barrier” and lift India’s maiden ODI Women’s World Cup.The 2025 tournament, which features eight teams, will kick off on September 30, with India taking on Sri Lanka in the opening game. India failed to make the semi-finals of the last ODI World Cup, in 2022. Their best result at an ODI World Cup so far has been the runners-up place – twice, in 2005 and 2017, both times under Mithali Raj. They will hope to go one step further with home advantage and recent form on their side.”Playing in front of a home crowd, that is always special, and hopefully, this time we will give our 100% and try to break that barrier which all Indian fans and we are waiting for,” Harmanpreet said at an ICC event in Mumbai to start the 50-day countdown for the World Cup.India have had a good ODI year so far, having won nine of their 11 games. The results include a 3-0 whitewash of Ireland, a tri-series victory in Sri Lanka (also featuring South Africa), and most recently, a 2-1 series win in England, who are ranked second in ODIs.Related

Harmanpreet embraces 'happy headache' with India's depth on the rise

India lift their fielding to the next level in bid to 'dominate no matter what'

India are shedding their over-dependency on Mandhana and Harmanpreet

What are India’s confidence levels like right now heading into the World Cup? “To be honest, very high – because the amount of cricket we have played in the last couple of years, that has really given us a lot of confidence. And touchwood, the way we are playing [for] the last couple of years, we just want to continue with that. I think it is all about mindset and [the] fearless cricket we have been playing,” Harmanpreet said.The ODI series win against England also followed a 3-2 T20I series win – India’s first such win on English soil.”We were not surprised with the results [in England] because we knew the kind of preparation we have done,” Harmanpreet said. “We knew that we can do this easily. I think we have been working very hard for it, but I think at the same time, we kept things very simple, and we knew that we can easily win any series or any tournament. We were only talking about how we can win, how we can improve ourselves. So, for us, it was not like we have done something great. [The result] was because of our routines and we want to keep doing the same things, again and again.”Mandhana, the vice-captain in white-ball formats, said the recent team form was a result of their off-field preparations.”The amount of training we are doing and the efforts we are putting in our training camps, that is finally giving us a result and hopefully this World Cup will be very special for us,” she said. “In the last one-and-a-half month in UK, I just felt that a lot of things. Even off the field was very right about the team, in terms of how everyone came together and we, as a team, are really big on it in terms [of how] we are working hard here each day, day in, day out.1:37

Rodrigues’ memories of the 2017 World Cup as a 16-year-old

“For all the youngsters to come in… and I remember Kranti [Goud] taking six wickets [in the third ODI], I mean to watch her go was just amazing. So sometimes, the environment kind of really helps all of them.”Mandhana has had a dream run since last year, with a tally of 747 in 2024 (average 57.46) and 628 (average 57.09) this year, with a higher strike rate of 107.53 in 2025 compared to 95.15 in 2024. She has struck 12 sixes this year, the most for her in a calendar year, and she is also the highest scorer in ODIs in 2025.”I think more than my mindset, the work ethics have changed quite a lot in the last two or three years,” Mandhana said. “And because of that, there is a lot of calmness around how I want to go about my cricket. So that’s one thing which has changed massively. What happens in the field is a very secondary thing. Our primary job is to do the job. And not only for me – I think the whole team is heading into that direction, [where] we know where we actually have to work hard. So, we all are pretty clear with those sort of things. And that creates a lot of calmness.”I would say that in the last one-and-a-half-odd years, that’s been a massive change for me personally, and also, within the team.”The team’s recent change in regime and mindset has led to a winning streak this year•ICC/Getty ImagesIndia have another assignment before the World Cup – a three-match ODI series at home against defending champions and world No. 1 Australia, which will finish just ten days before the World Cup kicks off.”Well, whenever we play against Australia, that is always challenging because they are very competitive and you always have to know where you are standing, and what are the areas you need to improve [on] as a team,” Harmanpreet said. “I think right before the World Cup, that series is going to give us a lot of clarity, and hopefully along with that, we will play our best cricket, and I think the same momentum will continue before the World Cup.”Australia had, however, failed to make the final of the T20 World Cup last year, which New Zealand won. To see two teams apart from Australia in the final was a welcome change, Harmanpreet said.”Now every team has improved a lot,” she said. “You don’t know which team is going to be there in the top four. So, I think that is something which is really good because earlier, as Smriti said, they were very dominating. One team was always sure they are going to play in the finals. But right now, it’s always open, so it’s only about playing good cricket on that particular day and giving your best.”

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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Although it’s not time to breathe a sight of relief just yet, reports have suggested that one Sheffield Wednesday candidate has travelled to Hillsborough and a bid for the club is expected.

The Dejphon Chansiri era is officially over, but the Owls entered administration as a result and were handed a 12-point deduction to turn their Championship survival push into their very own mission impossible.

The good times, however, are on their way. Fans flooded to the club shop when Chansiri’s exit was confirmed, before they packed out Hillsborough in a 1-1 draw with Norwich City. This is, at long last, a club pulling in the same direction from top to bottom and co-administrator Kris Wigfield took time to thank supporters earlier this week.

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The Begbies Traynor managing partner said: “Ahead of the Norwich game, we wanted to give a brief update as best we can to keep fans informed.

“Whilst we are bound by confidentiality for much of this process, it is worth saying that the fantastic support of the fans through attending matches and buying merchandise from the club shop has been vital to running the club and the ground day-to-day – this includes paying the wages of employees and players.”

Regarding prospective buyers, there’s been plenty of interest in Sheffield Wednesday. Several parties have reportedly presented proof of funds worth £50m and the likes of John McEvoy and former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley have been mentioned.

Administrators have set an loose deadline of November 21 for when they want new owners through the door and the latest update suggests that they are on course to meet that deadline this month.

Sheffield Wednesday takeover candidates take Hillsborough tour

As confirmed by Wigfield, an unnamed Sheffield Wednesday takeover candidate has now travelled to Hillsborough for a tour of the stadium and a look at other facilities such as the training ground. Other parties are set to follow suit and opening bids are expected to commence as the Owls move closer and closer to welcoming new owners.

The 12-point hit dealt Sheffield Wednesday an undeniable blow but with Chansiri finally gone, things are beginning to look up at Hillsborough.

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