تعرض الدولي الإسباني، فرانشيسكو إيسكو، لاعب خط وسط الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال بيتيس إلى إصابة خطيرة خلال مباراة فريقه الودية أمام مالاجا، استعدادًا للموسم الجديد 2025/2026.
وواجه ريال بيتيس نظيره مالاجا مساء أمس، السبت، في مباراة ودية ضمن استعدادات الفريقان للموسم المقبل، وانتهى اللقاء بنتيجة 3/1 لصالح مالاجا.
وتعرض لاعب ريال مدريد السابق إيسكو إلى إصابة لكسر جديد في شظية الكاحل الأيسر خلال المباراة، ومن ثم سوف يغيب عن الملاعب لمدة لا تقل عن 3 أشهر، وفقًا لصحيفة “آس” الإسبانية.
اقرأ أيضًا | ريال مدريد يستعد لضم لاعب جديد مقابل 70 مليون يورو
ويعتبر غياب إيسكو، عن ريال بيتيس لمدة 11 أو 12 مباراة في بطولة الدوري الإسباني مع 4 مباريات في بطولة الدوري الأوروبي سيكون عاملًا مؤثرًا بشكل سلبي للغاية نظرًا لحالة التألق الذي يعيشها نجم منتخب إسبانيا.
وكشفت الصحيفة الإسبانية أن بعد إصابة إيسكو، سيكون التعاقد مع سيبايوس أمرًا ضروريًا لتجنب التأثير السلبي الذي سيحدث للفريق، وريال مدريد لن يرفض بيعه في حال تقديم عرض يُقدر بقيمة 15 أو 20 مليون يورو.
Chelsea legend Eden Hazard sent a special welcome message to Olivier Giroud after the French striker joined Lille from LAFC. The French striker has signed a one-year deal with Lille, marking his comeback to Ligue 1 after a 13-year absence. The 38-year-old parted ways with MLS club LAFC by mutual agreement just days ago.
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Giroud has signed with LillePenned a one-year contract with the French clubLille legend Hazard sent a message to the strikerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Giroud is gearing up for what could be one final chapter in his illustrious career, back in the country where it all began. The move sees him don the red jersey of Lille.
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Giroud has collected major honours with top clubs across Europe, including Arsenal, Chelsea, and AC Milan. He’s also a World Cup winner with France and holds the record as the country’s all-time leading goal-scorer, with 57 goals in 137 appearances before retiring from international football last year.
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Among the first to welcome Giroud to his new club was Chelsea and Lille legend Hazard. The Belgian, who made his name at Lille before moving to Stamford Bridge in 2012, where he played with Giroud, sent a playful and heartfelt video message to his former team-mate. “Oh, old man! Look how beautiful is the Dogue! The jersey suits you well,” Hazard quipped in a friendly nod to Giroud’s new kit and age.
Giroud responded: “Red suits me well, the red. I like blue, but red suits me well. I saw your face, when I arrived, drawn on the Berlin Wall, that's class.”
Hazard responded with an emotional nod to his roots: “Bro, that's my club, you know it. You need to take care of LOSC now.”
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Hazard, meanwhile, remains a revered figure at Lille. He began his professional journey with the club in 2007 and quickly blossomed under then-manager Rudi Garcia. His contributions during the 2010-11 campaign were instrumental in Lille lifting their first Ligue 1 title in over 50 years, as well as a Coupe de France triumph. The club even honoured Hazard by naming a training pitch after him. Before his high-profile transfer to Chelsea, Hazard made 194 appearances for Lille, scoring 50 goals and registering 53 assists.
Manchester United are now working on a deal for a “phenomenal” midfielder, with Ruben Amorim giving the move the green light.
Man Utd eyeing talented youngsters
It seems as though there could be a focus on bringing in up-and-coming talents in the summer transfer window, with United recently starting work on moves for a number of youngsters. One such player is Southampton’s Tyler Dibling, with United lodging an enquiry over a potential deal for the 19-year-old forward, having already sent scouts to watch the teenager in action.
Another option, from a little further afield, is Olympiacos teenager Charalampos Kostoulas, with contact being made over a move for the striker, who is expected to cost around £25m this summer, following a breakthrough season in Greece.
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There is an exciting generation of Greek players coming through the ranks, with Konstantinos Karetsas catching the eye recently, scoring in his side’s 3-0 victory against Scotland, and Man United are also in the picture for the 17-year-old attacking midfielder.
However, according to a report from Caught Offside, Sunderland’s Chris Rigg is United’s top priority for the summer transfer window, and they have now started work on a move for the young attacking midfielder.
Sunderland'sChrisRigg
Amorim has given the move the green light, with the manager excited by the prospect of working with Rigg, who is now viewed as a ‘must-have’ signing this summer.
The 17-year-old is viewed as one of the most exciting young prospects in England at the moment, which means there is widespread interest in his signature, with Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion also tracking him.
Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid are also in the picture, with Ange Postecoglou’s side reportedly taking the first concrete step towards getting a deal done by submitting a £38m bid.
"Phenomenal" Rigg could be ready for big move
The teenager has emerged as a vital player for a Sunderland side pushing for promotion this season, making 34 appearances in the Championship, and he has displayed his versatility by featuring in a range of attacking positions.
Having predominantly featured in attacking midfield, the youngster has four goals to his name in the second tier, and he has received high praise for his performances from freelance scout Ben Mattinson.
“One of, if not the best talents in the Championship. Chris Rigg is a phenomenal talent. A technically gifted midfielder capable of moments of brilliance.”
It is a seriously impressive feat to be a first-team regular for a promotion-chasing Championship side at such a young age, and it indicates Rigg could now be ready for a move to a top club, so it is exciting news that Man United consider him one of their top targets.
Arsenal have reportedly made a bid to sign a top target for Mikel Arteta, and he actually has the same agent as defender Gabriel Magalhaes.
Arsenal ready to spend big in Berta’s first summer as sporting director
The Gunners have been left to rue missed opportunities in the transfer market this season, with a number of injuries in the final third derailing Arsenal’s title challenge.
However, the arrival of new sporting director Andrea Berta could see a change in the upcoming summer window ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Reports have claimed that Arsenal could give Berta a £300m war chest to bolster Arteta’s squad, with up to seven new signings on the cards.
A new second-choice shot-stopper behind David Raya, along with a left-back, defensive midfielder, left-winger and striker are also being targeted by Berta.
Contact has already been made with Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, whereas Alexander Isak of Newcastle United appears to be a top target at the Emirates.
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Fabrizio Romano has recently said on Arsenal’s attempts to sign Isak: “Newcastle keep insisting in private and in public that they want to keep Alexander Isak. They hope to be in the Champions League next season but, in any case, they want to keep Alexander Isak at the club, so that’s the message from Newcastle. But I keep telling you that big, big, massive proposals will come to the table for Alexander Isak because Arsenal will be there, Arsenal want Isak. [Benjamin] Sesko is the other name on the list but, for sure, Isak and Sesko are the main names.”
It isn’t just Isak who is attracting interest at St James’ Park from the Gunners, though, with midfielder Bruno Guimaraes also of interest in north London.
Both Isak and Guimaraes helped Newcastle win their first trophy in 70 years last weekend by defeating Liverpool 2-1 in the EFL Cup final at Wembley.
It has been claimed that Berta has tried to sign the Brazilian on three occasions at Atletico Madrid, and a new update on a potential move has dropped.
Arsenal make £58m bid to sign Guimaraes from Newcastle
According to a report from Spain, Arsenal have made a €70m (£58m) offer to sign Guimaraes this summer, who is viewed as a main target for Arteta and co.
The Gunners see Guimaraes as ‘the perfect midfielder to raise the quality of their squad’, with Arteta personally believing the Newcastle star ‘would be a significant upgrade in midfield’.
Those at St James’ Park want to retain the services of the 27-year-old beyond the summer, although ‘the opportunity to join an ambitious project like Arsenal’s could prove enticing’ for Guimaraes.
Man City have also been credited with an interest in the midfielder and were readying a £70m offer, so Arsenal may need to up their opening bid if they are to win the race. The fact that the Newcastle star has the same agency as Gabriel could help the Gunners, though, making this one to watch.
Tottenham Hotspur and Daniel Levy are advancing to sign a new international forward at the peak of his powers.
Tottenham transfer rumours as Ange prepares for Chelsea
Spurs and Ange Postecoglou have had a season to forget in the Premier League this year, sitting in the bottom half of the table for large parts of the campaign.
As a result, Postecoglou is being repeatedly linked with the Tottenham sack, with the likes of Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva and Mauricio Pochettino being linked as potential replacements for the Australian.
However, behind the scenes, early groundwork work is also being laid in north London regarding summer signings while Postecoglou prepares his side to take on Chelsea.
Chelsea (away)
April 3rd
Southampton (home)
April 6th
Frankfurt (home)
April 10th
Wolves (away)
April 13th
Frankfurt (away)
April 17th
Talks have been held over a move to sign Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah, whereas offers have reportedly been submitted for Wolves defender Rayan Ait-Nouri and Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg.
In attack, Spurs have been linked with Chelsea attacker Noni Madueke and Southampton gem Tyler Dibling.
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Now, it looks as if a move for an international winger is on the cards.
Tottenham advancing to sign Gustav Isaksen with Spurs readying £33m bid
According to reports in Italy, relayed by Sport Witness, Spurs are advancing in a deal to sign Lazio attacker Gustav Isaksen.
The Denmark international, who was linked with a move to Celtic earlier this year, has come on to the radar in north London and Tottenham are now willing to bid €40m (£33.3m) to sign Isaksen.
Lazio have been on the search for a winger of their own for next season in Liverpool’s Federico Chiesa, and by the looks of things, a move to England for Isaksen is a possibility.
The 23-year-old began his career with FC Midtjylland before moving to Lazio in 2023 in a deal worth more than €13m. He’s gone from strength to strength in Italy, seeing his Transfermarkt valuation increase from €5m to a career-high €20m in just over two years.
Isaksen, who can play anywhere across the front three but is primarily a right-winger, has made 39 appearances in all competitions this season and has contributed to 10 goals. He was also once called a “flamboyant winger” by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, who compared Isaksen to Leroy Sane.
Now, by the looks of things, a move to Spurs for Isaksen is one to keep an eye on ahead of the 2025/26 season, with Tottenham willing to splash the cash on a winger who is yet to ply his trade in England.
It’s been just over a month since the transfer window slammed shut, and in a bid to stave off relegation, Ipswich Town were one of the busier clubs in the Premier League.
Kieran McKenna’s side signed Ben Godfrey and Julio Enciso on loan, while Alex Palmer and Jaden Philogene put pen to paper on permanent deals.
The latter cost the Tractor Boys around £20m from Aston Villa, and while it is probably too early to say with any absolute certainty whether he’ll be a hit, he has been relativley impressive.
That said, one of the club’s former loan flops, who left in 2022, could be described as an even bigger talent, and so far this season, he’s managed to outscore the incredible Liam Delap.
Why Ipswich signed Philogene
So, when it came to reinforcing the squad in the winter market, why did Ipswich turn their attention to Philogene of all players?
Well, there are likely two key, intertwined reasons, with the first being that he looked like a real talent when he played regular football last season.
For example, in 32 appearances for Hull City, totalling 2811 minutes, the 23-year-old ace scored 12 goals – one of which was nominated for the Puskas award – and provided six assists.
That means the former Villa gem averaged a goal involvement every 1.77 games, or every 156.16 minutes, and so far this year, he’s scored three goals in seven appearances.
The second reason the Suffolk side were willing to splash the cash on him is that, at just 23 years old, there is still plenty of time for the winger to improve and if the club are to be relegated this year, they have a very sellable asset or someone to build around in the second tier.
In all, Philogene looks like he was a great purchase for Ipswich and a special talent who could develop into something special, but a former loan flop who left Portman Road in 2022 might be an even bigger talent.
The Ipswich loan flop who could be a bigger talent than Philogene
Ipswich have had their fair share of loan flops, who have then gone on to prove their worth elsewhere, from Chris Wood to Andros Townsend.
It looks like Louie Barry will be another such case, as when he left the club in January 2022, just five months after joining, he did so with a dismal tally of no goals or assists in six first-team appearances.
A few more lacklustre loan spells followed until the talented forward – who was a Barcelona youth player for a time – joined Stockport County on loan for the 23/24 season, where he racked up an impressive haul of nine goals and four assists in 22 games in a campaign cut short by injury.
The Englishman returned to the now League One outfit on loan this season, and to say he exceeded expectations would be a colossal understatement.
In just 24 appearances, totalling 1812 minutes, the “incredible” talent, as dubbed by England international Declan Rice, scored 16 goals and provided three assists.
Barry’s Stockport record
Season
23/24
24/25
Appearances
22
24
Minutes
1359′
1812′
Goals
9
16
Assists
1
3
Goal Involvements per Match
0.45
0.76
Minutes per Goal Involvement
135.9′
95.36′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
That comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.26 games, or every 95.36 minutes, and means he’s been more productive than Philogene and outscored Delap, who has ten goals and two assists in 30 games this year.
Such a sensational level of output saw Villa recall the 21-year-old and send him on loan to Hull for the rest of the season, but a serious knee injury late last month saw him return to Villa Park after just four appearances and could see him sit out the rest of the campaign.
Ultimately, Ipswich appear to have a potential star on their hands in Philogene, but from how unstoppable he was for Stockport and Villa’s decision to keep and not sell him, an argument could be made that Barry is an even bigger talent.
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Seeing a young player come up through the academy system to establish himself as a star in the first-team is a joy for Manchester United supporters to watch.
The famous class of ’92, including the likes of David Beckham and Paul Scholes, were a great example of the quality that can be unearthed from the youth set-up.
Kobbie Mainoo, who has started 15 matches in the Premier League this season, is the latest player to emerge as a star at Old Trafford after coming through the academy.
It does not always work out perfectly, irrespective of talent, however, and former Manchester United attacking midfielder Jesse Lingard will tell you that.
Jesse Lingard's unfulfilled potential
The English dynamo came up through the academy and starred for the United first-team, after spells on loan at Birmingham, Brighton Derby, and Leicester, as he made 232 appearances for the senior side.
Lingard’s best season in a United shirt came in the 2017/18 campaign. The midfield star scored eight goals and provided six assists in 33 Premier League outings that term.
However, Lingard was never able to kick on and only managed five goals and two assists in his next 49 Premier League matches for the club over the next two-and-a-half seasons before being sent out on loan to West Ham at the start of 2021.
Jesse Lingard
The academy graduate went on to plunder an eye-catching nine goals and four assists in 16 league games for the Hammers, but never recaptured that form at Old Trafford and left on a free transfer in the summer of 2022.
United may, now, have another Lingard on their hands in the form of Marcus Rashford, who is on his way to following in his former teammate’s footsteps.
Why Marcus Rashford could be Jesse Lingard 2.0
Like the former Red Devils midfielder, Rashford came up through the youth ranks and emerged as a star in the first-team for United as an exciting, versatile, attacker.
The England international has had some terrific seasons at Old Trafford, hitting double figures for goals in four Premier League seasons, including a return of 17 goals and five assists in the 2022/23 campaign.
Like Lingard, again, Rashford has failed to hit the same heights in the subsequent 18 months since that impressive haul. He has only managed 11 goals and three assists in 48 league matches since that term.
After the 2-0 loss to Arsenal at The Emirates earlier this season, Manchester United legend Roy Keane described his general play as “shocking”, which speaks to how badly the forward’s performance levels have dropped in the past 18 months. He was also described as a “major, major problem” by writer Liam Canning.
The winger was then sent out on loan to Aston Villa in January of this year and United are reportedly still paying £75k-per-week of his £300k-per-week wages, which means that he is on more than Alejandro Garnacho (£50k-per-week), despite not being at the club at the moment.
Premier League (23/24 + 24/25)
Garnacho
Rashford
Appearances
59
48
Goals
10
11
Big chances created
9
10
Assists
5
3
Stats via Sofascore
There is a £40m option for the Villans to make the deal permanent in the summer and this means that Rashford could officially become Lingard 2.0 by allowing his form to plummet before going on loan to another Premier League side mid-season, before leaving permanently.
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It is a shame that it has come to this for Rashford, who – as aforementioned – has been a great player for the Red Devils in the past, but it appears to be the best for all parties to close this chapter of his career in the summer.
يبدو أن الأزمات المالية ستظل تلاحق نادي الزمالك رغم سداد العديد من الغرامات لصالح المدربين واللاعبين حتى لا يتم إيقاف قيده قبل بداية الميركاتو الصيفي.
وفي الساعات الأولى من صباح اليوم الخميس، أعلن الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم “فيفا” أن هناك إيقاف قيد جديد ضد الزمالك، مع تأكيد القلعة البيضاء أن السبب يرجع إلى مستحقات المدافع السابق للفريق، ياسر حمد.
ورحل ياسر حمد عن الزمالك في صيف 2024، لكن كانت هناك مستحقات بلغت مليون و700 ألف جنيه مصري ورغم ذلك أكدت الإدارة في بيان رسمي أنها ستسدد المبلغ حتى يُفتح القيد مجددًا.
اقرأ أيضًا.. الأعلى الإعلام يتلقى شكوى جديدة من الزمالك
ولكن الغرامة المالية الجديدة تأتي من قبل نادي الاتحاد المنستيري الذي كان يمتلك أحمد الجفالي جناح الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك الحالي.
وانتقل الجفالي إلى الزمالك في فبراير الماضي من المنستيري بمقابل 700 ألف دولار لكن المبلغ مقسم على دفعتين الأولى تم سدادها والثانية لم تسدد وقدرها 300 ألف دولار.
وتواصل بطولات مع علي البحوري الناطق الرسمي لنادي الاتحاد المنستيري، وقال: “بالفعل، هناك مبلغ متبقي من قيمة الصفقة وبالعقد بند غرامة تأخير حالة عدم السداد”.
وأضاف: “الآن نحن تخطينا مهلة السداد وفي مرحلة التأخير، وبالتالي هناك غرامة على الزمالك مع المبلغ المطلوب، ولكن ليس هناك مشكلة بالنسبة لنا حتى الآن لأن علاقتنا بهم جيدة”.
وعن كثرة إصابات اللاعب مع الزمالك: “الجفالي لم يُصاب معنا سوى مرة واحدة فقط، وبالتالي، ليس لديه أي إصابة مزمنة”.
وعما إذا كان في عقد الجفالي شرط نسبة مشاركة بمبلغ مالي لصالح المنستيري: “ليس صحيحًا”.
Marcus Stoinis put paid to hopes of victory in Perth but coach saw plenty to be encouraged by
Tristan Lavalette26-Oct-20220:39
Silverwood on Hasaranga – ‘We will build him back up, support him’
Sri Lanka coach Chris Silverwood remains optimistic his unfancied team can make a push at a semi-final berth despite a seven-wicket defeat to Australia at Optus Stadium, but their cursed injury run continued with quick Binura Fernando suffering a hamstring injury.In foreign bouncy conditions, Sri Lanka sniffed a major upset when under pressure Australia slumped to 89 for 3 in the 13th over chasing 158.But the shorthanded Sri Lanka attack, without Fernando who limped off the field unable to complete the opening over of the innings, succumbed to a furious assault from Marcus Stoinis, who smashed Australia’s fastest T20I half-century to finish with a match-winning 59 off 18 balls.Related
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“We knew Australia had to come hard at us because of their net run rate,” Silverwood said. “The way he [Stoinis] came back at us and struck the ball was exceptional.”It leaves both teams on one victory apiece in Group 1 with Sri Lanka to face New Zealand at the SCG on Saturday in a must win contest.”I truly believe that we can not only challenge this group, but come out victorious,” Silverwood said. “I think we’ve shown we have the capabilities and the skills within the group.Five balls into the first over, Binura Fernando felt some discomfort and left the field•AFP/Getty Images
“We showed that in the Asia Cup and the confidence is growing within the group. The important thing from today is to regroup and get ready for the next game.”Silverwood was particularly encouraged by Sri Lanka’s spirited batters, who were able to mostly thwart Australia’s star quicks on a fast Optus Stadium wicket, which mirrors the famous nearby WACA.”I can’t fault the way the guys at the top of the order played,” he said. “The ball did move around early on. Life was difficult for us. We’re not used to that sort of bounce that we get here in Perth. The way they went about their business to set that platform…they did very well.”Fernando, however, faces a race against time to play against New Zealand after clutching at his right hamstring just five deliveries into Australia’s innings to continue Sri Lanka’s wretched injury run with Danushka Gunathilaka, Dushmantha Chameera and Dilshan Madushanka already casualties.”We’ll obviously assess him [Fernando] and the physios are working with him,” Silverwood said. “We’ll find out exactly the extent of the injury and we’ll have to make some decisions from there.”Starting in Geelong for the first round, Sri Lanka have undergone arduous travel having played in Hobart against Ireland on Sunday before the long trek across the Nullarbor to Perth.”It’s been hectic at times…it’s something you’ve just got to get used to,” Silverwood said. “You’ve got to try and plan the best you can with training and give people time to rest.”
Newcastle United’s air of imperiousness dissipated last weekend, with Bournemouth running riot at St. James’ Park and emerging as 4-1 victors.
Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up. Anyway, the Magpies had sailed through the festive period and boasted a nine-match winning streak before the Cherries came to town.
It’s all relative. Newcastle have bounded into the top four and also dismantled Arsenal at the Emirates to take a commanding two-goal lead back to Tyneside in the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Newcastle United's Lewis Miley celebrates scoring their first goal with Newcastle United'sLloydKellyand Newcastle United's William Osula
Alexander Isak was nullified by Andoni Iraola’s defence, but it was bound to happen at some point. He’s been utterly breathtaking over the past few months.
The importance of Alexander Isak at Newcastle
When Newcastle paid a club record fee of £63m to bag Isak’s signature, there was a general sense of awe in Tyneside. It was a significant sum, yes, but Isak had the capacity to become one of the finest marksmen in the business.
Newcastle forward Alexander Isak
He might have suffered injury problems across his English career, but Isak has simply got better and better under Howe’s wing and is now regarded as “the best striker in the Premier League” – by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher, at least.
Experience over the past few years has fostered in the United fanbase a sense of belonging, a sense of determination among top Premier League and European outfits. The start of the 2024/25 campaign did not reflect the overarching vision, to be sure, but Isak has stepped up over the past few months and scored at an absurd rate.
24/25
20 (20)
15
5
23/24
30 (27)
21
2
22/23
22 (17)
10
1
He’s reminded everyone that he’s one of the deadliest, silkiest and most stylish forwards in the game, endowed with ferocious striking skills but also link-up play and intelligence beyond merely the realm of the goalscorer.
It’s only natural that Europe’s elite outfits should be lining up to secure the Swede’s prized signature, with Arsenal in particular known to have a vested interest.
Newcastle will hope that they can tie Isak down to a bumper new deal at St. James’ Park, but if they fail, sporting director Paul Mitchell is already doing the groundwork to sign a successor.
Newcastle lining up Isak heir
Eddie Howe has assembled one of the Premier League’s standout squads over the past three years, shaping a middling team into one of potential at the summit of the European and domestic game.
Isak’s sale is not something that the Toon want to consider, but if it did occur this year or next, figures as high as £150m have been floated about.
Alexander Isak celebrates for Newcastle
As such, Newcastle would have the means to go after a first-class replacement, and Viktor Gyokeres is the man at the top of the shopping list.
As per Football Transfers, United have actually held fresh talks for the free-scoring Sporting Lisbon striker as they continue to sweat over Isak’s future.
Gyokeres, Isak’s teammate with Sweden, has a €100m (about £85m) release clause in his contract but it’s understood that the defending Liga Portugal champions would be willing to negotiate a lower fee at the end of the season.
What Viktor Gyokeres would bring to Newcastle
Callum Wilson is out of contract at the end of the season, but Gyokeres would not agree to a date with Tyneside to play second fiddle to Isak.
And indeed, why would he? The 26-year-old has been in devastating form since joining Sporting Lisbon in 2023, leaving Coventry City for £17m.
Last year, Reporter Harry de Cosemo called him “one of the most feared forwards in Europe” and it’s clear to see why, with the sharpshooter’s pace, power and potency in front of goal all coming together to put him in some rather lofty conversations.
Sporting won the Portuguese top flight last season and Gyokeres was crucial, posting 43 goals and 15 assists across 50 matches in all competitions. When comparing his Liga Portugal stats to Isak’s (in the Premier League) this season, it’s very easy to see why he is held in such high regard and why Howe wants him leading the line, should Isak depart.
Matches (starts)
20 (20)
18 (17)
Goals
15
22
Assists
5
2
Shots (on target)*
3.0 (1.4)
4.4 (2.2)
Big chances missed
10
11
Pass completion
76%
73%
Key passes*
1.7
1.9
Dribbles*
1.6
1.9
Total duels won*
3.2
5.8
Of course, you’d think that Isak would succeed in raising his level if plying his art in Portugal, an ostensibly inferior league in terms of overall quality, but it still points toward an exciting future for Gyokeres, should he move to Newcastle.
Not just a clinical striker, he’s creative, combative and mobile, bearing all the traits that would be needed to slot right into a dynamic and energetic Newcastle side.
Moreover, he’s proved that he can do it on the biggest stage and against the biggest opponents, notching an incredible hat-trick in November as Ruben Amorim’s ex-side defeated Manchester City in the Champions League.
Hailed as a “powerhouse” of a number nine by data analyst Ben Mattinson, Gyokeres has everything going for him, and while Newcastle would no doubt have to tussle with some big names to sign him up, he might be tempted by his countryman’s success in Howe’s system and look to emulate him.
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