da betobet： A experiência de Giovanna Waksman fora do Rio de Janeiro foi bem sucedida. A meia de 12 anos foi eleita a melhor jogadora da final da Copa Nike sub-17 feminina atuando pelo Internacional. O Colorado perdeu a decisão para o São Paulo e a menina já vai se reapresentar ao Botafogo, clube que pertence.
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da poker： + Entre meninos, Giovanna Waksman usa camisa 10, faz gol e classifica Botafogo à final de torneio sub-12
Giovanna, inclusive, já retornou ao Rio de Janeiro. Ela chegou na Cidade Maravilhosa na noite deste domingo acompanhada do pai.
A data inicial para a jogadora voltar à rotina de treinos do Alvinegro é na próxima terça-feira. Giovanna é esperada nas atividades e treinamentos já nesta semana, tendo a segunda-feira para descansar.
A meia fez um gol e deu uma assistência pelo Internacional no empate em 2 a 2 contra o São Paulo na decisão. Nos pênaltis, contudo, o Tricolor levou a melhor e saiu com o título. Mesmo assim, Giovanna levou o prêmio individual para casa.
O Botafogo avaliou a experiência positivamente. Giovanna, que geralmente atua em uma categoria masculina no Alvinegro, pôde jogar com outras garotas em um dos principais torneios de categorias de base do Brasil.
da esport bet： Eddie Howe’s changes for Newcastle United’s mid-week tie versus Tottenham Hotspur in the EFL Cup didn’t disrupt the Magpies’ winning streak one bit.
da dobrowin： Instead, some of the reserves that were thrust into the first-team spotlight for the occasion shone to collect Newcastle’s third straight victory in all competitions, as Aaron Ramsdale proudly kept a clean sheet in place of regular shot-stopper Nick Pope.
Alongside Ramsdale, Joe Willock also picked up an assist to steer the Toon to a 2-0 success to respond to some of his St James’ Park critics, with Fabian Schar – who had been frozen out of Howe’s first team picture in the Premier League as of late – also chipping in with a goal himself.
In the past, Newcastle also would have fallen back on Callum Wilson for ties such as these, with Wilson once a trusty second-in-command figure on Tyneside in the attacking areas, before his career up North began to unravel.
Wilson's goalscoring heroics at Newcastle
Before Wilson was allowed to leave the building this summer, he was viewed as a dependable source of goals in tricky moments.
The 33-year-old striker – who will potentially face off against his old club on Sunday, having signed for West Ham United – managed to bag a high 49 goals for the Magpies from 130 games, despite finding his minutes were depleting after Alexander Isak’s earth-shuddering move to England in 2022.
Amazingly, nine of those league strikes would be put away during the 2022/23 campaign by the top-flight veteran, even as he started just nine Premier League games all season long.
In the end, however, recurring injury issues would be the former AFC Bournemouth attacker’s undoing, with 29 games missed through injury during his final season on Tyneside souring his long-standing affiliation with the club.
Still, Wilson will surely be remembered fondly for his regular heroics from off the bench, with one of his Toon coaches in Graeme Jones, hailing him as “the best matchday finisher” he has worked alongside.
Unfortunately, though, time creeps up on us all.
But, Howe could have his next iteration of Wilson in his star-studded Newcastle camp right now, as the star in question also holds a standout record when being unleashed into games from off the bench.
Howe's new Callum Wilson
The obvious figure who could be considered Howe’s next Wilson is Nick Woltemade, with the towering 6-foot-6 German a similar menace in front of goal.
At the height of his St James’ Park powers, the 33-year-old very rarely needed a second invitation to power home a fierce effort, with the former Stuttgart man very much operating in the same manner right now as a potent marksman.
So far, Woltemade can boast a Premier League goal every 120 minutes, with four strikes finding the back of the net from the lethal goalscoring machine from a mere average of just 28.5 touches per contest.
But, as much as he shares the same instinctive style in front of goal as Wilson, he is leading the line for the Toon week in week out now in the absence of the aforementioned Isak, instead of operating in the shadows.
Barnes’ numbers for Newcastle (25/26)
Stat
Barnes
Games played
14
Minutes played
582 mins
Goals scored
3
Assists
1
Games missed through injury
7
Sourced by Transfermarkt
If you want an example of a talent who often has to make do with scraps off the bench, sometimes owing to injury difficulties, and who still picks up a goal and an assist here and there, Harvey Barnes might well be your better bet when looking at his Newcastle numbers from this campaign in isolation.
All four of the ex-Leicester City man’s goals and assists this campaign have come about when he’s been gifted late cameos, with two whirlwind strikes recently falling into his lap in the Champions League against Benfica – from just 27 minutes of action – very much backing up previous comments that the one-time England international is a “menace” in attacking areas by journalist Mikey Stafford.
17 goals have now come his way from 77 Newcastle appearances, which is a mightily impressive record when you delve into the facts further that he has missed 38 games in total through injury on Tyneside, since leaving the King Power Stadium behind.
But, when he is fit, Howe knows he can count on him to bail his team out of some tense moments, as a new Wilson-like presence is unearthed.
Woltemade, it must be said, is undoubtedly emerging as Howe’s new attacking figurehead, but Barnes is more than a quality weapon in reserve.
He'd surpass Tonali: Newcastle rivalling Real Madrid for £120m "powerhouse"
Newcastle are in the process of succession planning in the middle of the park.
Manchester City are leading the race for a “world-class” star, and they are now prepared to explore a deal in the January transfer window.
Man City looking at signing new forward after slow start
Man City’s opening match was full of promise, picking up an impressive 4-0 victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers, but they have since gone on to lose their last two matches, and Rodri was very critical of the performance in the 2-1 loss at Brighton.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner said: “Some of the mistakes we are making are kids’ mistakes; you are not concentrating and paying attention. The reality is that we have to raise the level if we want to compete.”
Pep Guardiola initially attempted to ‘raise the level’ by overhauling his squad during the summer transfer window, although there were very few additions in forward areas, with the now injured Rayan Cherki the only outright attacker to move to the Etihad Stadium.
That is despite City being heavily linked with a new winger, and at one stage they were preparing an offer for Rodrygo, but the Brazilian ultimately ended up remaining at Real Madrid.
However, there has now been a new update on Man City’s pursuit of Rodrygo, with a report from Caught Offside revealing they are leading the race for the 24-year-old’s signature. It is claimed that the forward is seen as a “perfect fit” and a “key piece” in City’s fluid attacking system.
During the summer transfer window, Arsenal were informed that Madrid would be prepared to listen to offers of around €80m (£69m), which suggests it may take a similar amount to get a deal done this winter, with City now willing to explore a January move.
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Interestingly, Madrid are open to cashing-in on the Brazil international this summer, which may be music to Pep’s ears, given that the 54-year-old is known to be a long-term admirer.
"World-class" Rodrygo could take Man City's attack to next level
Oscar Bobb has made a decent start to the season, scoring at the Club World Cup, before going on to pick up an assist against Wolves on the opening day, but the Norwegian is still yet to truly establish himself at the top level.
As such, Pep may be keen to bring in a more proven winger this winter, and the Real Madrid forward is now a seasoned Brazil international, scoring seven goals in 33 appearances for his country, while also picking up 119 goal contributions in 272 outings for his current employers.
Journalist Kyle Bonn has previously praised the former Santos man for his ability to put away chances, which is evidenced by the fact he has averaged 0.35 non-penalty goals per 90 over the past year, despite being expected to score 0.21 per 90.
Rodrygo could take Man City’s attack to the next level, so it is exciting news that they have now moved into pole position in the race for his signature.
A “powerful” Sunderland player will not only miss the weekend clash with Swansea City but could also be out for the next 13 matches, as confirmed by manager Regis Le Bris.
Latest Sunderland news
The Black Cats’ form has stalled a little in recent weeks, with only one win in their last six Championship matches, following such a blistering start to the season.
Le Bris’ fourth-place Sunderland side are back in league action on Saturday afternoon, making the trip to a Swansea team who are currently sitting ninth in the table. It promises to be another test of their promotion credentials, with further dropped points casting doubt over their hopes of reaching the Premier League automatically this season.
Kristjaan Speakman has spoken positively about the potential for January reinforcements, however, which could be needed to give the Black Cats the added quality that they crave: “We’ve just got to be really diligent in the moment, able to react and action things really quickly within the month of January. I’m really optimistic about what we can achieve.”
Injuries can have the potential to derail any team’s season, though, with Sunderland not without fitness issues this term, and now a fresh blow has emerged.
Injury blow for "powerful" Sunderland ace
Speaking on Thursday, Le Bris confirmed that Sunderland winger Tom Watson is expected to be out injured for around two months, meaning he could miss as many as 13 games leading up to the middle of February.
This is a huge blow for Watson and Sunderland, with the 18-year-old impressing so much for such a young player, scoring twice in six Championship starts so far this season.
Swansea City (A)
December 14th
Norwich City (H)
December 21st
Blackburn Rovers (A)
Boxing Day
Stoke City (A)
December 29th
Sheffield United (H)
New Year’s Day
Portsmouth (H)
January 5th
Stoke City (H) – FA Cup
January 11th
Burnley (A)
January 17th
Derby County (A
January 21st
Plymouth Argyle (H)
January 25th
Middlesbrough (A)
February 3rd
Watford (H)
February 8th
Luton Town (H)
February 12th
With Jack Clarke departing to Ipswich Town during the summer transfer window, he has really stepped up, with Le Bris heading praise on him, saying: “When you have a winger with the ability to run inside and outside and cross, it’s a gift for a coach and a team. He works well.
“The system is well designed for him. We can use him very quickly and play to his main strengths. He’s powerful, he can dribble, he can move inside and outside and he scored. He’s very strong, a very good winger in this league.”
While Watson isn’t necessarily one of the first names on Le Bris’ team sheet, he is still going to be a massive loss in the coming months, having done so well for a player so young.
Sunderland have hit gold on "diamond" who may be sold for more than Clarke
Sunderland could soon cash in on this star for a high amount.
ByKelan Sarson Dec 13, 2024
It means Sunderland immediately lose an attacking threat out wide, with the teenager shining in a left-sided role, and it could be an an extra excuse for the club to look for a new face in the January window.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League triumph at the end of the 2024/25 campaign has injected a newfound sense of excitement into the fanbase for the future of the club.
Ange Postecoglou may have lost his job despite the success, and Daniel Levy’s position as chairman, remarkably, is no more, but with Thomas Frank at the helm, the man tasked with the responsibility of building on the European victory, things look rosier.
The Dane has already made an incredible start to life in North London, winning two of his three outings – including a superb display against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City at the Etihad.
The fanbase mustn’t get carried away with the recent showings, but it’s excellent to see the Lilywhites moving in the right direction after years of failures on the pitch.
However, if the club are to mount any serious charge up the Premier League this campaign, they will likely need to nullify the threat of one big-money transfer in the months ahead.
Alexander Isak's record against Spurs
Despite owner Daniel Levy spending over £120m on new additions this summer, top-flight rivals Liverpool have obliterated such a number – dropping over £400m in the window despite winning the league in 2024/25.
The likes of Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitiké had already completed moves to Merseyside before the Reds dropped an English record £125m fee to secure the services of Alexander Isak from Newcastle United.
Arne Slot’s side now possess a huge array of attacking talent, further strengthening their grip at the top of the table – with the Lilywhites needing to try and keep the Swede quiet after his big-money move.
Over the years, Isak has enjoyed coming up against Spurs, netting six times in his five outings against the club – the joint-most of any side he’s faced in his professional career.
Such a move has left the rest of the division in awe, offering a real fear factor to any side who dares go toe-to-toe with them – but Frank’s side now also possess a player of similar quality within their ranks.
The Spurs player who’s worth more than Isak
In an attempt to bolster the options at the new manager’s disposal, Levy secured the signature of winger Mohammed Kudus, with the Ghanaian joining in a £55m transfer from West Ham United.
He’s already made an immediate impact in North London, registering two assists on his league debut for the club – subsequently nailing down the right-wing position as his own.
However, he could be aided in the final third by another one of the club’s additions – potentially linking up together and creating their own deadly partnership.
Xavi Simons was selected as the man Levy and Co wanted to fill the number ten role in North London for 2025/26 and beyond – forking out a fee in the region of £52m for his signature.
He’s become a recognisable name over the last couple of years after starring for RB Leipzig, but he now has the chance to further impress upon his move to the Premier League.
The Dutchman impressed in the Bundesliga last campaign, subsequently ranking in the 97th percentile for passes into the final third per 90 (2.5) and the 97th percentile for carries into the final third (2.9).
Such numbers highlight the talent the 22-year-old possesses with the ball at his feet, able to provide needed quality to Frank’s side, whether that be in a wide left or central attacking midfield role.
However, it’s all well and good getting into good areas – but it’s another being able to add an end product, something which Simons demonstrated last season, as he ended the year with 17 goal contributions in Germany’s top-flight.
Creating a connection with Kudus is one thing, but his transfer to the club has already generated massive excitement – with the hierarchy getting themselves a bargain given his recent upturn in market value.
Simons’ stats – Bundesliga (24/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
25
Goals & assists
17
Pass accuracy
83%
Chances created
2.2
Successful dribbles
1.4
Tackles won
75%
Duels won
5.7
Stats via FotMob
Simons, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Rafael van der Vaart, has now been valued at a staggering £92.2m by FootballTransfers – a near 100% increase on the fee paid not even a week ago.
Such a figure is higher than that of Isak, with the new Liverpool man only valued at £89.4m despite his recent record-breaking transfer to Anfield on deadline day.
If Simons can replicate the numbers which led to his move to join Spurs, his transfer fee would be a huge bargain – potentially fulfilling the board’s ambitions of building on the Europa League win.
At just 22, he has bags of time to reach the next level in his career, with his value only going to rise higher if he can keep improving under Frank’s guidance. This could well turn out to be an amazing parting gift from Levy.
Spurs have struck gold on "world-class" star who's worth more than Simons
Tottenham Hotspur have showcased their excellent work in the transfer market over recent years.
Can you hear it, the din from the summer transfer window? Newcastle United’s tumultuous market has been placed in the background, now, and Eddie Howe must be delighted that he can crack on and write another chapter into this wonderful story.
But there’s no denying the events of recent months have taken a toll on the Tyneside outfit, who have started their Premier League campaign with just two points from three games, losing that ridiculous clash against Liverpool and blanking in stalemates against Aston Villa and Leeds United.
Still, United are organised and efficient, and having signed forwards such as Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa among a host of other signings, there is hope that the disappointing departure of Alexander Isak can be offset and that targets might still be hit.
But it hasn’t all been sunshines and rainbows. Isak is bound to carry his prolific nature over to Anfield, but perhaps more frustrating is the recent success of Elliot Anderson, who was sold to Nottingham Forest over a year ago to ease the strain of PSR regulations.
Why Newcastle sold Elliot Anderson
The way Isak forced his way out of Howe’s Newcastle will sting for many years. Never again will the Sweden striker receive the ball at St. James’ Park without being the recipient of a venomous chorus of boos.
But Anderson was one of the club’s own, homegrown and sold for pure profit to avoid financial ramifications. His success with Nottingham Forest over the past two years has been quite a thing, and his recent performances for the Three Lions have underscored his value.
Newcastle sold the centre-midfielder to the Tricky Trees for around £35m in 2024, but he has since become something more, hailed by analyst Ben Mattinson as a “do-it-all midfield warrior” and regarded in the Premier League as one of the driving forces of Nuno Espirito Santo’s success last season.
The 22-year-old could have been something special for Newcastle, and now serves as a reminder to keep onto those top talents who show such promise but perhaps aren’t yet equipped to maintain the consistency of their more experienced peers.
Take, for example, Anderson’s countryman Lewis Hall, who has lulled of late but remains one of the most exciting up-and-comers within the Premier League scene.
Newcastle have struck gold on Lewis Hall
Hall has spent more time than he would have liked in 2025 in the infirmary, with the full-back’s fitness problems taking away from him the building noise after an emphatic start to life at Newcastle.
It was not that long ago that Toon reporter Dominic Scurr declared Hall to be “the best left-back in the country, bar none.”
Likewise, talent scout Jacek Kulig called the 21-year-old “one of the best left-backs in the Premier League” in December 2024, with Hall firing on all cylinders and instrumental in building the form that would lead United back toward the gates of the Champions League and the Carabao Cup title.
But injury struck in the days before that Wembley meeting with Liverpool, and Hall would be sidelined for the remainder of the campaign.
Matches (starts)
18 (8)
27 (24)
Goals
1
0
Assists
0
4
Touches*
39.2
70.6
Pass completion
83%
85%
Key passes*
0.2
1.3
Dribble success
55%
61%
Ball recoveries*
3.1
4.4
Tackles*
1.6
2.1
Interceptions*
0.7
0.7
Clearances*
0.9
1.9
Duels (won)*
2.9 (53%)
4.4 (54%)
Hall has also featured twice in the Premier League this season, but both times as a substitute and for a total of 43 minutes as he gets back up to speed. He will hope to reclaim his starting berth in the weeks to come, and on the basis of the evidence, his improvements last season suggest Howe will soon deploy him from the opening again.
Data-led platform FBref reveal Hall to rank among the top 12% of positional peers in the Premier League last year for passes attempted, the top 15% for assists and the top 20% for shot-creating actions and progressive passes per 90, so it’s clear that his technical quality is crucial to erecting the build-up patterns that define Howe’s transitional approach.
It’s also clear that this ball-playing skill aligns with the methods of some of England’s finest. Indeed, Caught Offside revealed in the months preceding the summer transfer window that Liverpool and Manchester City had both registered their interest in the young England international, who Newcastle valued at a floor of £60m.
Of course, this puts Hall above a former Toon talent such as Anderson, who left for £35m and has since seen a market growth toward the ballpark of £45m, as per Football Transfers.
The aforementioned Premier League giants both signed left-backs this summer, which perhaps signals the strength of Newcastle’s response when Hall’s name was discussed in negotiations.
Hall is a defender who can do it all. After all, he played most regularly as a robust central midfielder during his younger days, since refashioned into a wide defender. Perhaps there is a future for him in the middle of the park, where he might rival players such as Anderson for a prominent role in England’s national squad.
Newcastle might have entered something of a transitional campaign, but Howe will remain steadfast in his belief that last year’s success can be used to prop up the riches still to come at St. James’ Park.
In any case, with such exciting talents as Hall set to star for years to come, there’s every reason for excitement.
New Isak: Newcastle have "one of the best teenage prospects in the world"
Newcastle will need to replace Alexander Isak’s goals with a range of different attacking talents.
His first Test century in 14 innings helped the visitors recover from 45 for 3 on the first day in Galle
Mohammad Isam17-Jun-2025What could Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim have wished for after enduring a fairly long time without Test centuries? Couple of helpful pitches in Sylhet and Chattogram, perhaps. But those had come and gone. Under pressure, Shanto and Mushfiqur broke free from their barren run on Tuesday on a Galle pitch that allowed them to play freely yet kept them honest to the fact that they couldn’t just play their shots freely.On the eve of the first Test against Sri Lanka, Shanto had pointed out how Galle is at its best for a batter on the first couple of days before the spinners take charge. However, Bangladesh were reduced to 45 for 3 on the first day itself as ambidextrous spinner Tharindu Rathnayake and seamer Asitha Fernando struck early. But Shanto and Mushfiqur added 247 for the fourth wicket, and went back undefeated on 136 and 105, respectively.It was Mushfiqur’s 12th Test hundred, and his first in 14 innings since August last year. His highest score in this period was 40 against Zimbabwe. After play on the first day against Sri Lanka, Mushfiqur recalled his first innings in Galle from 12 years ago, when he got Bangladesh’s first double-hundred in Tests.Related
Tharindu Rathnayake: I switch bowling arm according to weakness of batters
“I think I get a pretty good wicket every time I have played in Galle,” he said. “I have seen how some other Tests here had a lot of purchase for spinners. We knew that one of us out of the seven batters had to capitalise on the first two days in Galle. If I am not wrong, myself and [Mohammad] Ashraful batted the whole day here in 2013. It was my plan this time too; I was telling Shanto that we need to bat the whole day.”It was Mushfiqur’s fourth century against Sri Lanka, and his second in the island nation. He said that he had told his younger team-mates about what to expect from Sri Lankan pitches.”After Bangladesh, I [most] love playing in Sri Lanka,” Mushfiqur said. “There is always a sporting wicket, whether it is the red or white ball. If you apply your strength here, you can do well – whether you are a batter, quick bowler or spinner. I was telling this to a few of our young players who are playing their first Test in Galle.”I like to play with wind around. I have to adjust when the newer ball turns a bit, or against the older ball. It is really special to play in Galle. I love batting here.”Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim added an undefeated 247 for the fourth wicket•Associated Press
Mushfiqur, though, acknowledged that he wasn’t as comfortable this time. Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva changed the field several times, often putting catchers in different positions and asking the bowlers to switch from conventional lines. Mushfiqur spent 23 balls in the nineties, before reaching the three-figure mark in the 86th over.”These are not easy runs. I took a lot of time in the nineties, as they were not giving me a freebie,” Mushfiqur said. “It shows that they are a tough side to score against. They made smart bowling changes and field placements. I trust my process when I am batting with control. Usually, we see that our opponents send a fielder to the deep after two or three boundaries. Sri Lanka change their fielding according to the conditions. You have to bat patiently against them.”Mushfiqur insisted that taking plenty of singles allowed him and Shanto to put the pressure back on Sri Lanka. He also praised Shanto, who got to his first Test century since November 2023, for dominating proceedings at the other end without giving a sniff to the opposition.”I think rotating the strike is important – maybe as much as hitting fours or sixes,” Mushfiqur said. “Rotation of strike causes problems for the bowlers, especially when there’s a left-hander and a right-hander [combination] in the middle. It is very important to pick singles as the fielding side have to constantly change their placements. This is why we are always in training so that we remain fit.”Shanto has been in good form for a pretty long time. He has a good Test record. He is a good batter. It was nothing special. I was really impressed by his control factor today. He scored a hundred in Kandy some years ago, but I thought this was the right approach. It is important to play a chanceless innings, when you are mostly in control. It is going to give confidence to the next batters.”Mushfiqur said that Bangladesh must look to take advantage of such a start by batting long on the second day.”It is obviously a satisfying effort. Nobody wants to get any less runs after playing for so many years for your country,” he said. “You can’t get runs in every game, but when you do the right things over and over, hopefully the big score will come soon enough. When it does come around, you have to make sure to make it count. I am not finished yet. I will try to maximize tomorrow.”
Newcastle United fans from far and wide eagerly anticipate the advent of Monday night’s Premier League clash, with Eddie Howe’s side meeting Liverpool to St. James’ Park.
Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and the like will want to mete out a kind of retribution on the defending champions after weeks of being embroiled in a bitter transfer saga concerning the future of Alexander Isak, who is on strike as he tries to force a move to Merseyside.
Isak won’t be involved, Howe has confirmed. Whether the Sweden striker will wear black and white again remains a million-dollar question, and one that has disrupted United’s build-up to the 2024/25 campaign.
Though Anthony Gordon gave it his all as a makeshift number nine as Newcastle opened their season with a goalless draw at Villa Park last weekend, it’s clear that a natural finisher is needed.
And though the interminable search for such a forward drags on, there remains hope that Newcastle will get a deal for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa over the line.
The latest on Yoane Wissa to Newcastle
Newcastle have been locked in a battle to sign Wissa for several weeks, and though the 28-year-old is desperate to move to Tyneside, with parallels to Isak’s situation, his outfit are playing hardball, having rejected two bids so far.
Brentford manager Keith Andrews said earlier this week that the DR Congo star had returned to pre-season training, but he played no part in the Bees’ trip to Aston Villa on Saturday.
Wissa scored 19 goals in the Premier League last season, but he’s not as technically gifted or nimble-footed as Isak, and so is not actually viewed as the 25-year-old’s potential replacement.
Callum Wilson, after all, joined West Ham United this summer after his contract expired with the Toon.
So then, Newcastle might need to sign a centre-forward to compete with Wissa, should he arrive, for a place in Howe’s starting 11. And they might have found one who has more about him than the Premier League goalscorer.
Newcastle enter the bidding for new striker
According to Spanish sources, Newcastle have entered the bidding for Atletico Madrid striker Alexander Sorloth, who wants to leave Diego Simeone’s side before the end of the transfer window.
The prolific marksman is available for a cut-price €35m (£30m) figure, which is beneath the £40m offer Newcastle tabled for Wissa earlier this week.
However, Tottenham Hotspur and Serie A champions Napoli are also reported to be interested in the Norway international, so Howe and his transfer coterie will need to act swiftly here.
What Sorloth would bring to Newcastle
The 29-year-old Sorloth might not be a spring chicken, but he’s developed into a devastating striker in Spain, having previously fallen by the wayside when at Crystal Palace seven years ago, scoring just once across 20 matches.
Atletico Madrid's AlexanderSorlothcelebrates scoring their second goal
Afterwards, Sorloth rediscovered himself out on loan in Turkey with Trabzonspor, scoring 33 goals across the 2019/20 campaign. He hopped to Germany and joined RB Leipzig, and that was so-so, but La Liga has proved a hothouse for his shooting skills, having now surpassed 20 goals in successive campaigns, first with Villarreal and then in the capital under Simeone’s wing.
Last term, in fact, Sorloth managed to notch 24 goals across 53 appearances for Atletico, starting only 20 of those matches. Talk about clutch. Simeone remarked that the frontman had been “phenomenal” when finding space in the box.
Sorloth is powerful and prolific, but he’s also mobile and committed during defensive phases. When looking at how he matches up against Wissa over the past 365 days, there’s little question that he’s the more complete man.
Goals scored
0.94
0.57
Assists
0.10
0.10
Shots taken
4.30
2.79
Touches (att pen)
6.37
5.01
Shot-creating actions
1.78
2.16
Progressive passes
1.97
2.06
Progressive carries
1.83
1.87
Successful take-ons
0.84
0.44
Aerials won
5.04
0.92
And that’s okay. Wissa is not targeted for his creativity (although he showed when linking up with Bryan Mbeumo last season that he’s capable of more than just shooting), and he would serve as a neat foil if Sorloth were to be welcomed to the fold.
For such a hulking striker, the 6 foot 4 Sorloth has a spring in his step, and his willingness to get on the ball and drive forward himself suggests that he could provide Howe with a more dynamic and effective focal point at the front of his system.
It’s something that Isak, 6 foot 3 himself, has performed with such aplomb across his three years as a Magpie.
In this way, it feels crucial that Newcastle beat off the competition and sign Sorloth this month, maybe even combining him with Wissa at number nine.
Sorloth is far above the level he performed while playing for Crystal Palace, and given the overarching fluidity that Newcastle’s squad is imbued with, there’s no reason why he couldn’t produce the goods for Howe over the next several years.
As well as his goalscoring success across the 2024/25 campaign, the nomadic forward also won 51% of his duels across the La Liga campaign, further underscoring his robust and combative nature, tailor-made for the rigorous nature of the Premier League.
Though there remains a chance that Isak could be reintegrated into Howe’s Newcastle team, it may well be that irreparable damage has been done over these frantic past weeks.
If that truly is the case, it would be worthwhile to sign a player such as Sorloth, who is progressive, strong and boasts a prolific touch that surpasses even Wissa on his A-game last year.
Higher ceiling than Wissa: Newcastle in talks to sign £80m CF this week
Newcastle United are in talks to sign a star who has an even higher ceiling than Wissa.
Unai Emery's first port of call after finishing his first full season at the Aston Villa helm appears to be signing former loanee Ross Barkley from relegated Premier League rivals Luton Town.
Barkley, aged 30, has enjoyed quite the resurgence on English shores after losing his way these past several years, starting just ten league matches over the past two league campaigns with Chelsea and Nice (on loan in France), yet now hailed for being "not far off Player of the Season" by Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson.
This is a shrewd move for an experienced and cultured midfielder who will add depth and dynamism to a team preparing for the raised bar of competing among Europe's elite, but supporters will hope for further, more lucrative deals to follow.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery
Though Villa have enjoyed immense success, some outgoings will be required to stay in line with Premier League Profit and Sustainability rules, but if certain blocks are shifted then an exciting new name could wind up in the Midlands.
Villa lining up marquee move
As per journalist Graeme Bailey, Aston Villa have joined Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City in registering an interest in Paris Saint-Germain's Xavi Simons, who starred on loan with RB Leipzig in Germany this season.
PSG are expected to list Simons for loan once again this summer but could be tempted to sell if an acceptable offer is put forth, with previous reports suggesting that a sum of €60m (£52m) might do the trick.
Xavi Simons for RB Leipzig
The report does stress that Simons' preference is to move to Barcelona, having cut his teeth in La Masia's fabled academy, but whether the financially stricken giants have the means to bring the 21-year-old back remains to be seen at this stage.
Xavi Simons' season in numbers
An incredible, multi-functioning wide forward, Simons exceeded expectations with Leipzig last season and clinched ten goals and 15 assists from 45 matches in all competitions, placed alongside Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz and Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala as one of the Bundesliga's "three crazy attacking talents" – as per Jacek Kulig.
His versatility and ability to maintain potency wherever he is deployed make him a weapon of singular devastation, allowing Emery to deploy him where he sees fit to cater to the needs of the forthcoming fixture.
Xavi Simons: RB Leipzig Stats by Position
Position
Apps
Goals
Assists
Left winger
23
5
7
Right winger
18
5
5
Attacking midfield
2
0
3
Stats via Transfermarkt
During his German Bundesliga campaign, the 13-cap Netherlands international scored eight goals and provided 11 assists from 32 matches, as per Sofascore, creating 14 big chances, completing 82% of his passes and averaging 2.5 key passes, 2.6 dribbles, 5.2 ball recoveries and 6.3 successful duels per game.
He's truly shaping into one of the elite forwards of his generation, and Villa would hand him the freedom to cement a spot as the attacking fulcrum of an outfit on the rise, perhaps reflecting his own burgeoning potential.
Let's illustrate that point.
As per FBref, Simons ranks among the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 4% for shot-creating actions, the top 11% for progressive passes, the top 19% for progressive carries and the top 15% for successful take-ons per 90.
This level of offensive quality highlights the reason some of Europe's most illustrious teams are desperate to bring him to their stadium, and Villa must surely throw the kitchen sink at getting the deal over the line, with Simons even dubbed a "superstar" by journalist Antonio Mango.
Xavi Simons
It might require sacrifice, but perhaps that's simply part and parcel of rising through the levels to secure a spot at the forefront of the continental game.
Indeed, while it would not be the most popular move Emery has enforced since succeeding Steven Gerrard in the Villa Park dugout, it might be the right time to sell Jacob Ramsey, especially given Simons would mark an almighty upgrade.
How Villa can sign Xavi Simons
Aston Villa might be in the pink in many ways but there is indeed an underlying caveat that summer transfer activity must be conducted with financial fair play rules in mind.
Simons might be an option for permanent or (initially) short-term transfer but there's little question that he would improve Emery's team, and every effort must be exhausted in bringing him to Villa Park.
Jacob Ramsey for Aston Villa
But perhaps a sale would facilitate the move. While it would be met with division, Villa must consider cashing in on Ramsey to fund Simons' signing, and given that Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are involved in a tussle for his services, as per The Telegraph, it might open up the switch.
Villa's boyhood star, who is 22, has impressed in recent years but suffered an injury-affected season as his peers forged a path toward the Champions League, starting just eight Premier League matches and last featuring at the beginning of March – providing just one goal and one assist in 2023/24.
But he's still an excellent talent, predicted to bloom into a “top-class” player in the future by pundit Jamie Carragher, performing wonderfully last season, scoring six goals and supplying seven assists from 31 top-flight starts, as per Sofascore, completing 84% of his passes and averaging 1.2 key passes, two tackles and 4.6 successful duels per fixture.
Ramsey's obvious talent actually makes a deeper argument toward initiating the dynamic midfielder's sale, with David Ornstein even revealing back in January that Villan bosses hold an opinion that they could bring in as much as £50m for the player's departure, something that might not hold the same weight after his recent injury issues but nonetheless speaks of his pedigree.
Ramsey's brother, Aaron, was sold in similar circumstances last summer, joining Burnley for a fee in excess of £12m, and given that his homegrown status would hand Villa pure profit, this could be the ruthless move to make to ensure that the rise continues and Emery is provided with the perfect tools to crafter even greater success next season, and beyond.
Villa chasing £17m Watkins partner who's a better dribbler than Grealish
Unai Emery could score a big hit by signing this exciting talent this summer.
By
Angus Sinclair
May 23, 2024
While the likes of Arsenal and Man City also appear ready to pounce, Villa would be wise to use their newfound Champions League status to do all they can to tempt Simons into making the move to the Midlands.
Lahore Qalandars became the first team to beat Islamabad United in nearly 14 months, snapping a PSL-record ten-match winning streak, beating United by 88 runs. Qalandars, who were also the last side to beat United before this streak, had the path paved for them by a near-perfect T20 batting performance. Each of the top six scored between 22 and 44, four boasting strike rates in excess of 145, as they posted 209. It was followed by a professional bowling performance that picked up enough wickets at regular intervals to ensure – one partnership aside – that United’s response would not be a serious attempt at a chase.United made five changes to a side that had won each of their first five matches, but Qalandars came out hungrier. Mohammad Naeem has struggled for fluency all season, but signalled a shift with three boundaries on the trot against Ben Dwarshuis in the fourth over, which Fakhar Zaman followed up by with a pair of sixes against Naseem Shah. The team nature of the innings was epitomised by Fakhar launching Jason Holder for a six off the final ball of the powerplay, one ball after a superb bit of fielding saw Naeem run out.Hunain Shah, one of the players brought into the side, couldn’t stem the flow at the end of the powerplay as Abdullah Shafique helped himself to three boundaries in the over, but then again, no United bowler, barring perhaps Imad Wasim, could. Imad deceived Fakhar in the flight to send him back for a brisk 44 off 30 before striking again in his following over to remove Shafique.Sikandar Raza added the finishing touches to Lahore Qalandars’s innings•PCB
But Qalandars’ middle and lower order is becoming one of their strengths, and Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings and Sikandar Raza took turns making United pay. Mitchell plundered 18 off the usually electric Holder while Billings helped himself to three sixes off five deliveries as United’s fielding discipline fell apart. The irrepressible Raza topped it off by ransacking Dwarshuis’ 19th over for 21 and Holder’s last for another 16 as 96 came off the final six.United are the last side to give up a pursuit of a large total, but the partnerships they usually put together in such situations never looked like forming. A 69-run stand between Andries Gous and Salman Agha offered a glimpse of United’s ability and mindset in games of this nature, keeping Qalandars honest as the asking rate was kept within the realms of possibility. But once Raza darted one through the defences of Agha in the 12th over, the mess it made of his stumps foretold United’s impending fate. Four balls later, Haris Rauf struck to remove Azam Khan, the first of four wickets for Qalandars’ quickest bowler.When he got Gous playing down the wrong line, he had sent United’s most established threat packing after an entertaining 27-ball 41, and unlike Qalandars, United couldn’t get the rest of their batters chipping in to burrow their way through to the total. Raza picked up another couple as the innings began to disintegrate, and when Rauf coaxed Naseem into carving one straight down third’s throat to wrap the game up, United had lost their last nine for 41.The magnitude of the win took Qalandars up to second place, with the team they had so thoroughly vanquished still sitting comfortably up top.