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Leeds United have made a positive beginning to the Premier League campaign and one of their players has been making a huge impact behind the scenes at Thorp Arch.

Leeds winger Daniel James ruled out due to injury

Unfortunately, Daniel Farke has confirmed that Leeds United winger Daniel James has been ruled out due to injury and is expected to be out for four to six weeks, leaving the Whites searching for an alternative out wide.

He said: “Daniel James will be out for a few weeks, he’s rolled his ankle sadly in training. The doctors say he’s likely out four to six weeks so realistically we expect him back just after the November international break. If he would be back before it would be a bonus and a surprise. It’s not great news.”

Joel Piroe may well come back into Farke’s thinking following his exploits last season. Either way, the German coach has shown he can compete with the Premier League elite on a tactical level this term, and he will be keen to build on a draw against Newcastle United that could’ve easily yielded three points.

Wilfried Gnonto and Harry Gray are also on the sidelines until after the international break, compounding Leeds United’s bad luck with absentees since returning to the top-flight.

As it stands, a return of eight points from their opening six league games has bred optimism that a positive season could be on the cards. That may well be the case, though Farke’s ability to make adjustments could determine how many results his side pick up across their coming run of fixtures.

While injuries continue to complicate matters, one of the Whites’ summer signings has been given credit for the impact he has made since arriving at Elland Road.

Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin's telling impact

Speaking to TBR, Graeme Bailey has talked up Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s impact at Leeds United behind the scenes, claiming his teammates have been impressed with how his arrival has raised standards alongside his general contribution on the field thus far.

He said: “Leeds are really happy with how he’s settling in. When you bring in good-quality players, they rub off on each other, and that benefits the rest of the team. Okafor and Calvert-Lewin, coming up from the Championship, are a massive step up in quality for Leeds.

Related Internal excitement amongst Leeds chiefs as new contract sealed behind the scenes

He has been touted to be Leeds’ “breakout player” of the season.

Posts ByCallum Kemp Oct 3, 2025

“They’re both international-calibre players, and their presence raises standards across the squad. Jack Harrison still has a role to play for Leeds. Calvert-Lewin may not be scoring as much as fans would like, but unless someone is hitting 40 goals a season, most forwards will face that criticism.

“Overall, they’re very happy with what they’ve seen so far. These players are influencing each other and the team positively, and they’ve been pretty impressive.”

One goal from five appearances for Calvert-Lewin probably doesn’t tell the full story. His enthusiasm, work rate and desire to lead the line efficiently has been an asset to Farke and has helped the Whites to pick up points over the last few weeks.

The England international looks somewhat revitalised after his spell at Everton came to and end, and supporters will hope he can start scoring regularly to offer the impact his general play deserves to yield.

Heading into today’s Premier League showdown with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Newcastle United found themselves winless from their opening three league fixtures.

Thankfully, that early-season curse has now been lifted as Eddie Howe’s Magpies just about got the better of the travelling Old Gold courtesy of a debut strike from £69m buy Nick Woltemade, who was thrust straight into action by the Toon boss.

Woltemade’s game-winning strike fell at the perfect time for the Tyneside hosts after Wolves had threatened with some early first-half efforts. Thankfully, while Vitor Pereira’s away side were wasteful, the home side were more clinical, with the ex-Stuttgart man heading home a teasing Jacob Murphy cross to break the deadlock.

Woltemade wasn’t the only inspired inclusion in Howe’s XI, however, as the 47-year-old reintroduced Joelinton back into the first team fold, who worked excellently alongside the duo of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali during the 1-0 victory.

Guimaraes and Tonali's relationship

Both Guimaraes and Tonali are solid first-team faces at this point, with both players in question starting every possible league game they can so far this season.

The Magpies’ number 39 wasn’t quite at his accurate best centrally with the ball at his feet, as seen in him relinquishing possession a near costly 19 times, but the forceful Newcastle captain did still make his presence known with six ground duels won during the tight win.

While Guimaraes wasn’t quite at his confident best roaming forward, his Italian counterpart was certainly lively in this capacity, with the energetic number eight even hitting the woodwork with one of his three efforts in a bid to make the victory more comprehensive.

With Joelinton also thrown back in the mix after injury, it must be rather easy for Howe to pick his midfield personnel when everyone is fit and firing, knowing he will get consistent greatness out of those at his disposal.

Other partnerships across the pitch will equally make Howe beam from ear to ear, with one duo, in particular, standing out once more against Wolves to now stake a claim at being even more important than the aforementioned duo of Guimaraes and Tonali.

Trippier & Murphy are looking like Howe's "best" pairing

Woltemade will hope, in time, that he can form a partnership that is held in high regard at St James’ Park, with Alexander Isak once bouncing off the likes of Anthony Gordon for fun, before he exited the building for Liverpool.

Newcastle’s right-hand side clearly boasts a healthy working relationship based on the 1-0 win, as both Kieran Trippier and Murphy worked together in harmony throughout to guide Howe’s men to a much-needed three points.

Minutes played

90

89

Goals scored

0

0

Assists

0

1

Touches

96

51

Shots

0

4

Accurate passes

53/68 (78%)

17/26 (65%)

Key passes

5

1

Successful dribbles

0/0

2/3

Total duels won

4/6

3/5

Between them down the right-hand side, both Trippier and Murphy would amass a whopping six key passes from their combined 147 touches of the ball, with the right winger ultimately picking up the assist that saw Woltemade break his Magpies duck to hand Howe’s men a win.

But, away from their constant creativity, both the hard-working number two and the number 23 also won their fair share of duels to keep Wolves at bay, with a combined duels won count of seven come the full-time whistle.

This split-second ability to create, but also fight for their team’s cause, certainly puts them on the same pedestal as Guimaraes and Tonali, with journalist Craig Hope stating during the match that they make a “big difference” when together on the pitch, as the pair have the “best” understanding as a partnership.

This is high praise, indeed, with Murphy hopeful he can remain a part of Howe’s first team plans, even with Anthony Elanga breathing down his neck as a new £55m recruit.

Trippier, despite being 34 years of age, will also hope he has plenty more first-team minutes heading his direction, as Newcastle tries to build on these three points against Pereira’s visitors, with a Champions League humdinger against Barcelona next on the menu.

Newcastle can get Woltemade hitting Isak levels by unleashing "unsung hero"

Newcastle United take on Wolves at St. James’ Park as they look to get their season up and running.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 13, 2025

Big Picture: Contrasting batting units meet

At first glance, it’s hard to believe that Gujarat Titans (GT) have been more explosive than Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2025. GT have thrived on consistent contributions from B Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler, who has seamlessly slotted in at No. 3. In contrast, SRH have continued to struggle in the powerplay, unlike last year when they were the trendsetters.Travishek haven’t made the same impact, and the in-form Ishan Kishan has failed to build on an excellent initiation with his new franchise, having begun with a century. This has put too much pressure on the middle order of Nitish Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen and young Aniket Verma. Abhishek Sharma has struggled to replicate his explosive batting that saw him make his T20I debut for India. The real test is now to see if they can continue to keep up with the methods that brought them rich rewards last year. SRH have five 50-plus partnerships so far but they only average 21.68 per partnership, which is the lowest among all teams this season.Their troubles aren’t just restricted to batting. Mohammed Shami and Pat Cummins haven’t been incisive and have conceded runs at an economy of 10 and 12.30 respectively and picked up three wickets apiece. They have tried different overseas options in Adam Zampa and Wiaan Mulder but neither of them has managed to impress. SRH average under five wickets per game and have the highest economy rate among all teams this season. They have an economy rate over ten per over in each phase, and are especially bad in the last four overs, where they concede at close to 17 per over.Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill have given Gujarat Titans a strong start•BCCI

In comparison, GT’s top order has been leading them to robust starts. It has meant their undercooked middle order hasn’t had to step in yet. They are coming off two back-to-back wins, the last one against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in particular was dominating from their batting standpoint. They also nearly chased down 244 in their season opener and scored 196 on a slower home surface against Mumbai Indians.

Form guide

Sunrisers Hyderabad LLL
Gujarat Titans WWL

New loyalties

Shami, the purple cap holder when he played for GT in 2023, is now part of SRH’s pace attack, as is Abhinav Manohar, who was previously part of GT’s lower-middle order. GT’s bench has two former SRH players – allrounders Glenn Phillips and Washington Sundar, both of whom are yet to play.2:36

A case for GT to play Phillips vs SRH?

Team news and likely XII

Simarjeet Singh has an economy rate of 13.44 across the nine overs he has bowled in three games so far. Jaydev Unadkat could probably get a look-in for his first game this season. Zeeshan Ansari’s impressive performances could mean he continues as the Impact Player.Sunrisers Hyderabad (probable): 1 Travis Head, 2 Abhishek Sharma, 3 Ishan Kishan (wk), 4 Nitish Reddy, 5 Kamindu Mendis, 6 Heinrich Klaasen, 7 Aniket Verma, 8 Pat Cummins (capt), 9 Harshal Patel, 10 Jaydev Unadkat/Simarjeet Singh, 11 Mohammed Shami, 12 Zeeshan AnsariKagiso Rabada missed the game against RCB and has since flown home for personal reasons. This could possibly mean a debut for Phillips although GT played only three overseas players in their last outing.Gujarat Titans (probable): 1 Sai Sudharsan, 2 Shubman Gill (capt), 3 Jos Buttler (wk), 4 Sherfane Rutherford, 5 Shahrukh Khan, 6 Rahul Tewatia, 7 Glenn Phillips/Arshad Khan, 8 Rashid Khan, 9 Sai Kishore, 10 Mohammed Siraj, 11 Prasidh Krishna, 12 Ishant Sharma

In the spotlight: Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill

Abhishek Sharma made a seamless transition from the IPL to the Indian team after an outstanding run in IPL 2024, where he set the tone alongside Travis Head. However, he has struggled this season with three single-digit scores in four games. Will this challenging start alter his approach as he looks to bounce back?Abhishek Sharma has had a tough start to IPL 2025•Associated Press

Shubman Gill, Abhishek’s closest friend, has slipped down India’s pecking order in T20Is. Unlike Abhishek, Gill has been in sparkling form but hasn’t yet converted his starts into big scores. Hyderabad must elicit happy memories for Gill, who hit an ODI double-century here against New Zealand.

Pitch and conditions

Pitches in Hyderabad have been a belter since IPL 2024. The average first-innings score is 213. This is just the third game in Uppal this season, with pitches still fresh. SRH would welcome a return to home climes, where they hit 286 in their first outing.

Stats and trivia

• SRH have lost ten wickets in the powerplay in IPL 2025, the most by a team.
• SRH’s death-overs economy rate of 16.89 is the worst this season.
• Mohammed Siraj is two short of 100 wickets in the IPL; Unadkat needs one more.
  

  Quotes

  “Three losses in a row, I know everyone’s affected by it, but that doesn’t take anything away from how good a team we are. We’ve still got to keep believing that our style will come off, and we’ll get that win and we’ll get on a roll.”
  “Sometimes we expect and ask a lot of young cricketers, and somebody that has achieved as much as Siraj has, sometimes we are very quick to judge one or two performances. He is exceptional since he joined us.”

MatériaMais Notícias

Mesmo em meio às notícias de que Luís Castro aceitou a proposta do Al-Nassr e estará nesta quinta-feira (29) em seu provável último jogo pelo Botafogo, o clube alvinegro divulgou no fim da tarde uma nota rechaçando a saída do comandante português. De acordo com o Glorioso, a diretoria “não recebeu qualquer comunicado de saída por parte do técnico ou qualquer documento de outra agremiação até o momento”.

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O Alvinegro frisou ainda que o treinador “possui contrato ativo até março de 2024” com a equipe alvinegra.

O Lance! apurou que o treinador comunicou sua saída `à cúpula da SAF. O gestor John Textor volta suas atenções para buscar um novo comandante, e o português Bruno Lage surge como o mais cotado para seu lugar.

Na nota, o Botafogo também destacou o fato de a equipe ter um jogo importante pela Copa Sul-Americana logo mais.

Com relação às notícias que estão sendo veiculadas na imprensa referente ao técnico Luis Castro, o Botafogo informa que o treinador possui contrato ativo até março de 2024. O Clube não recebeu qualquer comunicado de saída por parte do técnico ou qualquer documento de outra… pic.twitter.com/X1LjR4JctZ

— Botafogo F.R. (@Botafogo) June 29, 2023

“Com relação às notícias que estão sendo veiculadas na imprensa referente ao técnico Luis Castro, o Botafogo informa que o treinador possui contrato ativo até março de 2024. O Clube não recebeu qualquer comunicado de saída por parte do técnico ou qualquer documento de outra agremiação até o momento. O Glorioso terá uma partida importante nesta quinta-feira (29), contra o Magallanes, pela Conmebol Sul-Americana. Vale a classificação no primeiro lugar do grupo para a próxima fase e é especial para Joel Carli, que terá uma noite de despedidas. Todos estão totalmente focados na partida de logo mais”.

O Botafogo precisa da vitória para se garantir sem sustos na liderança do Grupo A. Em caso de tropeço e vitória da LDU, a equipe fica em segundo lugar e disputará os playoffs das oitavas.

Matt Short made the one half century for the day and late wickets for Victoria left the game in the balance

AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff24-Nov-2024Marcus Harris and Matt Renshaw both picked up low scores against the pink ball at the Gabba as Mitchell Swepson took four wickets on an even, ball-dominated opening dayHarris made only 2 as Victoria were bowled out for 186 on Sunday, with Queensland tottering on 94 for 5 at stumps.Related

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Swepson claimed 4 for 31 while paceman Mark Steketee and Liam Guthrie also proved a handful for Victoria’s batsmen in the day-night encounter.Harris, overlooked for the opening slot for the first Test against India, had a horror dismissal. The left-hander attempted a glance to a wide leg-side Guthrie delivery but got an edge and wicketkeeper Jimmy Peirson completed a smart catch diving to his right.Harris’s dismissal in the fourth over followed his opening partner Campbell Kellaway falling for a duck two overs earlier, leaving the visitors 5 for 2.Victoria struggled to recover with Mat Short the only batter to capitalise on a promising start. Short top-scored with 54 and struck seven boundaries from 70 balls but fellow top-order batters Sam Harper, Peter Handscomb and Tom Rogers were all dismissed when appearing set.Short was Swepson’s first victim and the legspinner then took the next three wickets as the Victorians slid from 143 for 5 to all out 186.Queensland openers Renshaw and Bryce Street both fell cheaply to Elliott – Street another caught down the leg side – and Jack Clayton made 22 before two late strikes from Victoria’s Xavier Crone left the game in the balance.

It would be fair to say that some of the shine has been taken off Arsenal’s summer over the last seven days.

The atmosphere around the club was excellent going into the game against Tottenham Hotspur last Thursday, only for the team to fall to a dull 1-0 defeat.

Then, instead of wiping the slate clean with an entertaining win over Villarreal on Wednesday, Mikel Arteta’s side fell to yet another defeat.

Fortunately, it’s not all doom and gloom, as the club have made several brilliant signings so far, with the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi the clear standouts.

Moreover, Andrea Berta looks ready to make yet more additions, with Eberechi Eze’s name refusing to go away, and reports suggesting he could pull off the signing of another international ace, someone who’d surely represent his best deal yet.

Berta targets a better signing than Eze

Despite already adding six players to the squad this summer, Arsenal are clearly on the hunt for more first-team additions, and Eze has been someone consistently touted for a move to the club this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

The Crystal Palace star has a £67.5m release clause in his current deal that expires on August 15th, and based on stories from the last week or so, it does seem like the Gunners will be making a move for him once that clause is gone.

However, in exciting news, the Englishman isn’t the only attacker Berta and Co are supposedly after, as it now looks like they’ve got their eye on someone who’d undoubtedly be his best signing of the window.

At least that’s according to a recent report from journalist Graeme Bailey, who has reaffirmed the fact that Arsenal are very interested in Rodrygo.

Bailey has revealed that, alongside North London rivals Spurs, the Gunners are now just “waiting for a signal” from the Brazilian before they make their move.

Interestingly, stories from earlier this summer made it clear that if the winger were to leave, it’d likely require a fee of around £86m, but then more recent reports have stated that a season-long loan with an obligation to buy at the end could be his route out of Spain.

It remains to be seen how Arsenal could eventually sign Rodrygo, but if they have any chance of doing so, they should, as he’d instantly become the best deal under Berta’s watch.

Why Rodrygo would be Berta's best deal

So, when it comes to the deals Berta has already completed this summer, the only two players who would be in with a shout of being his best are Gyokeres and Zubimendi, but we still think Rodrygo would land above both.

The reason he’d do so in the case of the Spaniard is the simple fact that the club do already have several genuinely great options for that role in the shape of Declan Rice, who was initially signed as a six, Christian Norgaard, who has impressed in pre-season, and Mikel Merino.

Moreover, it’s simply the nature of the sport that those who operate in deeper areas of the pitch are viewed as less game-changing than someone who’s up top, banging in goals or creating chances for his teammates.

However, in that case, why wouldn’t the former Sporting CP star be the better deal, as he racked up 67 goal involvements in 52 games last season?

Well, in this instance, it comes down to the fact that, while still outstanding, those numbers were achieved primarily in the Portuguese league, which, according to Opta Analyst, is just the eighth toughest in the world, coming in behind the Championship and Belgian top-flight.

While there is every chance that the Swedish international is a lean, mean goalscoring machine for the Gunners as well, there is still an element of the unknown about how he’ll adapt, especially when strikers like Darwin Núñez have struggled to do so in the past.

In contrast, we’ve got plenty of evidence that the Real Madrid star can more than handle himself in a top-five league.

Appearances

51

54

Minutes

3707′

3452′

Goals

17

14

Assists

9

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.50

0.46

Minutes per Goal Involvement

142.57′

138.08′

For example, across the last two seasons, the Brazilian “superstar,” as dubbed by Luka Modrić, has found the back of the net on 31 occasions and provided 20 assists in 105 appearances, totalling 7159 minutes.

That means the former Santos gem has been averaging a goal involvement every 2.05 games, or every 140.37 minutes across the last two years, which is only made all the more impressive when you take into account the fact he had to play out of his preferred position on the left for most of those games.

Finally, like all top-tier players, the Osasco-born ace has an incredible record in the Champions League.

In his 64 appearances in the competition, totalling 3883 minutes, the 24-year-old has scored 25 goals and provided 14 assists, which comes out to a goal involvement every 1.64 games, or every 99.56 minutes.

Ultimately, when you take everything into account, from his record to the fact that there are plenty of other top sides looking to sign him, it’s easy to see why Rodrygo would represent Berta’s best deal since joining Arsenal.

He'd solve Arteta's Martinelli problem: £68m ace has "heart set on Arsenal"

The Premier League star would be an exceptional addition to Arsenal’s squad.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 7, 2025

Take out Erling Haaland from the equation, and it’s likely most clubs in European football, Arsenal included, would choose to sign Alexander Isak this summer.

The Gunners have had a long-vested interest in the Swede, dating back to before he was even a Newcastle player.

Sadly, after a campaign in which the Toon’s star man bagged 27 goals in 42 games, he looks like he’s staying in the north east.

Asking prices from £150m to £200m have been touted, making this move nigh on impossible for anyone, let alone the Gunners.

Liverpool are reportedly at the table too and if Arne Slot’s men were to prise the forward away from Newcastle, it would be a colossal kick in the teeth for Arsenal.

Still, there are alternatives, and alternatives that share similar traits to the Swedish superstar.

The latest on Arsenal's hunt for new attackers

With moves for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard and Martin Zubimendi set for completion in the not-too-distant future, Andrea Berta and Mikel Arteta are getting a move on with their summer business.

Still, a new forward continues to elude them amid ongoing talks to sign Viktor Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko.

Arsenal have also been looking at wingers, namely Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa and Crystal Palace’s playmaking sensation, Eberechi Eze.

Well, what if they could find a player with the ability to play on the flanks and through the middle? That fact is certainly true of Ademola Lookman.

Transfer Focus

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

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According to Caught Offside, the Gunners are now in active negotiations to sign the Nigerian attacker from Italian outfit Atalanta.

After previous spells in England with Charlton, Everton, and Fulham, Lookman has more than proven himself in Italy and appears to be keen on coming back to the Premier League.

While Arsenal will face competition from Liverpool for his signature, the 27-year-old is said to be valued at around €45m to €50m (£38m – £43m) plus add-ons.

How Ademola Lookman could improve Arsenal

Let’s take you back to the year of 2020 for a moment. Football is being played behind closed doors due to the pandemic and Lookman has just missed one of the worst penalty attempts you will ever see.

A panenka looks great when it comes off, but in this instance, it disgraced and embarrassed a young Lookman.

Since then, the attacker has become “one of the best prospects in Europe”, in the words of former Man City defender-turned pundit Nedum Onuoha.

Why? Well, who could forget the Lookman final, a game where Atalanta won the Europa League in 2024 courtesy of the Nigeria international who scored a stunning hat-trick to seal a 3-0 win over Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen.

It was genuinely one of the best individual performances you will see on a big stage and he’s not slowed down since that moment.

During the 2023/24 campaign, Lookman scored 17 goals and supplied ten assists in all competitions. In 2024/25, he was even better in front of goal, netting 20 and registering seven assists.

Undoubtedly one of the most exciting players in Serie A, his rate of productivity in the final third is captivating, but the player’s versatility is also an enormous plus point. Capable of playing on the flanks, as a striker or behind the leading no.9, that versatile nature should be a big box tick for Arteta.

Such an ability to play in a plethora of positions has led data-led website FBRef to proclaim that Bukayo Saka is the third-most similar winger in Europe to Lookman, while Isak is the third-most similar striker. Not bad indeed. But, what makes them alike? We’ve crunched the numbers.

Lookman vs Isak & Saka: 2024/25 league

Stat (per 90 mins)

Lookman

Isak

Saka

Goals

0.60

0.75

0.31

Assists

0.20

0.20

0.52

Shots

3.24

3.10

3.44

Key passes

2.44

1.34

3.02

Progressive passes

2.98

2.88

3.65

Shot-creating actions

5.41

3.01

6.09

Succesful take-ons

1.48

1.37

2.14

Progressive carries

5.68

2.71

5.00

Stats via FBRef.

Blessed with pace, fleet-footedness and low centre of gravity, Lookman possesses a very similar style on the flanks to Saka and his ability to dart in behind and run the channels can draw comparisons to Isak.

That’s certainly seen in the numbers, where the former Fulham man combines the best of both players here.

He’s more potent than Saka in front of goal per 90 minutes but he creates a similar number of key passes. He’s also very progressive with his actions, only slightly falling behind Arsenal’s number 7 for progressive passes but actually ranking higher for progressive carries.

Like Isak, he completes a similar number of take-ons and they’re almost equal for shots taken as well.

So, if Arsenal are not willing to break the bank to sign someone like Sesko or Gyokeres this summer, Lookman could be the next best thing.

It’s a rare opportunity to find someone who combines the best attributes of two of the best players in the Premier League.

Related £100m star & the "new Haaland" sign: Arsenal's dream summer

Andrea Berta is in for a big summer at Arsenal; here’s how it could play out.

Posts ByMatt Dawson Jun 29, 2025

Leeds United won the Championship title with a whopping 100-point haul in the 2024/25 campaign to earn promotion back up to the Premier League.

Daniel Farke will now be aiming to guide the team clear of relegation, knowing that the last six teams promoted from the second tier have all been relegated at the first time of asking.

The Whites scored 95 goals in their 46 matches in the Championship, and they did so without a natural number ten type magician in the squad, as they had in the past with Pablo Hernandez, and as Farke had in the past with Emiliano Buendia.

Instead, old-school wingers like Manor Solomon and Dan James provided quality in the final third, whilst Brenden Aaronson was the main number ten and ended the season with just two assists in 43 league starts.

Form against the Championship top six

Brenden Aaronson vs

Goals

Assists

Bristol City (A)

0

0

Burnley (H)

0

0

Sunderland (A)

0

0

Sheffield United (H)

0

0

Coventry (H)

0

0

Coventry (A)

0

0

Burnley (A)

0

0

Sunderland (H)

0

0

Sheffield United (A)

0

0

Bristol City (H)

0

0

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the USA international did not deliver a single goal contribution in his ten appearances against the other teams in the top six, as he struggled badly against the better teams in the division.

Why Leeds needs to sign their next Pablo Hernandez

Aaronson’s lacklustre form in front of goal, despite being a regular starter in a dominant team, suggests that he will not be good enough to make the step up to the Premier League next season.

That thought is, of course, backed up by the fact that he only managed one goal in 36 games in the top-flight during his first year in England in the 2022/23 campaign, which shows that he has already failed to make the step up to that level.

Therefore, Leeds need to acquire a new number ten option to score and create goals in the Premier League, and they should target a traditional playmaker in the Pablo Hernandez mould to improve their options in the middle of the park.

The Spaniard delivered 36 goals and 41 assists in 175 appearances for the West Yorkshire outfit in all competitions, which shows that he provided quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals on a regular basis whilst playing on the wing or as an attacking midfielder.

Hernandez was a joy to watch during his time at Elland Road, as shown by some of the fantastic goals in the clips above, and Leeds do not have a similar kind of player in their current squad.

That is why the Whites should make signing their next version of the Spanish maestro a priority between now and the end of the summer transfer window ahead of their return to the Premier League.

Leeds have interest in Championship playmaker

According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds United are ‘believed’ to have a genuine interest in Sheffield United attacking midfielder Gustavo Hamer this summer.

The report claims that the Championship champions are one of the teams eyeing up the Dutch playmaker, although it reveals that he has fallen down the shortlist and is not the number one priority at this moment in time.

Transfer Focus

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

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It adds that the Whites were interested in a deal to sign the Blades star in the summer transfer window in 2024, and that they had an offer of £13m turned down by their rivals.

Given that he is not at the top of their wishlist for number tens, it remains to be seen if Leeds will snap the 28-year-old star up before the window slams shut at the start of September.

He is reportedly valued at a fee of around £18m by Sheffield United, but this latest report by the Yorkshire Evening Post does not reveal if they would be willing to pay that much for the midfielder.

Why Leeds should sign Gustavo Hamer

The Whites should press ahead with a swoop for the Championship star, despite him not being one of their top targets in that position, because he could be their next Pablo Hernandez.

Like the Spaniard, Hamer is a diminutive playmaker who can play out wide or in the middle as a number ten, having played off the left 33 times for Sheffield United this season.

The Dutch star, who was hailed as “outstanding” by former boss Chris Wilder, has showcased his quality in the Premier League and in the Championship with the Blades in the last two campaigns.

In the 2024/25 campaign, the former Coventry City magician scored nine goals, created 11 ‘big chances’, and delivered seven assists in the Championship, which shows that he provided quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

Hamer’s performances for Sheffield United in the Premier League in the previous season, despite their relegation from the division, suggest that the potential is there for him to be a great addition for the Whites.

23/24 Premier League

Gustavo Hamer

Percentile rank vs midfielders

Goals

4

Top 16%

xG

2.98

Top 24%

xA

4.55

Top 12%

Assists

6

Top 10%

Chances created

70

Top 3%

Crosses completed

33

Top 5%

Dribbles completed

28

Top 13%

Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, the Dutchman ranked highly among his positional peers as both a scorer and a creator of goals from a midfield position, as he was directly involved in ten goals in the top-flight.

This shows that he does have the ability to make an impact in front of goal in the Premier League. Whereas, as aforementioned, Aaronson flopped in his last season at that level.

Therefore, Hamer could arrive at Elland Road this summer as a long-term successor to Pablo Hernandez in West Yorkshire, as he is a natural playmaker who has shown that he can make a difference in the final third with goals and assists at an impressive rate.

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It is now down to the club to decide who their number one target is for the number ten position, but these statistics suggest that the Blades star would be an excellent choice.

The mood at Liverpool right now is pretty good. Arne Slot’s side have been crowned Premier League champions, after all.

However, now that Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave his boyhood club has been confirmed, that same mood has unquestionably soured, with the vice-captain expected to join European rivals Real Madrid when his contract expires in less than two months.

Monday morning’s announcement took the wind out of the fanbase’s sails; even the most optimistic of supporters will have known deep down that the 26-year-old was likely to join the Spanish giants, but FSG have the chance to make it all better in the coming weeks.

Yes, Liverpool are gearing up for a summer of significant spending, bolstering Slot’s squad ahead of next season’s title defence. The Reds are hoping to challenge for silverware across other fronts too.

The best way to help fans forget about the heartbreak of losing Trent to Jude Bellingham and Real Madrid? Bringing in some top-brass signings.

Sadly, Alexander Isak isn’t likely to be among such arrivals.

Liverpool's interest in Alexander Isak

With Darwin Nunez reportedly expected to be sold this summer, Liverpool are in need of a new striker. Newcastle United’s Isak is right at the top of the shopping list, but if financial plates fail to shift, FSG simply aren’t going to lodge a formal offer.

Mohamed Salah is the only player in the Premier League to have outperformed Isak in front of goal this season, so you can imagine how good Liverpool would be with both players combining for the same cause.

However, Liverpool’s interest is unlikely to advance to something more concrete, with reports suggesting that the Magpies will look for a payment in the £150m ballpark.

Premier League 24/25 – Most Goals + Assists

Rank

Player

Goals

Assists

G/A

1

Mohamed Salah

28

18

46

2

Alexander Isak

23

6

29

3

Bryan Mbeumo

18

7

25

4

Erling Haaland

21

3

24

4=

Cole Palmer

15

9

24

Stats via Transfermarkt

Liverpool need to strengthen across a range of areas, and signing Isak would be to the detriment of the greater vision. Jurgen Klopp’s decision to drop out of the race for Jude Bellingham and instead target multiple midfield additions would be something to recall at this point.

And anyway, it’s not like Isak’s the only exciting striker on the market.

Liverpool scouting new striker

According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are among the clubs interested in signing RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko this summer, though Arsenal and Chelsea are also keeping close tabs on him.

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It’s understood that Liverpool had scouts present during Leipzig’s recent draw against Bayern Munich, in which Sesko scored, and though the Gunners have conducted extensive groundwork into the potential signing, a move to Merseyside definitely can’t be ruled out.

Indeed, it’s alleged that Liverpool and Arsenal have held talks with the player’s camp ahead of a possible summer switch.

Valued at £70m, Sesko – labelled “the new Erling Haaland” by talent scout Jacek Kulig – might be a raw talent but he’s one who could be willed into a world-class shape under the wing of Slot.

Why Benjamin Sesko is perfect for Liverpool

Sesko is only 21 but has already been making waves in the Bundesliga, hitting 27 goals and seven assists across his first 62 appearances.

In fact, Sesko has clinched 39 goals and eight assists across just two campaigns for Leipzig, hitting 21 goals in all competitions this year.

He’s got the trappings of something special, and it’s hardly surprising that FSG should want to pursue his signature instead of that of Isak, who would cost around £80m more than the Slovenia international.

Harking back to that earlier point concerning Bellingham: Liverpool pulled out of the race for Borussia Dortmund’s prodigious midfielder in April 2023, a decision met with dismay from many of a Reds persuasion.

Where was the ambition? How were Liverpool so resigned to their slumped position? After all, the 2022/23 campaign was one of endurance for a Liverpool side falling apart, ultimately failing to qualify for the Champions League.

But, FSG stuck by their guns and their decision proved the right one. Liverpool welcomed Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo instead, four stars who have each played instrumental roles in winning the Premier League this season.

Back to the present, moving for Isak would leave to similarly anticipated financial ramifications, limiting Liverpool’s scope for improvement this year. And change is needed.

Not only is Alexander-Arnold’s departure going to raise questions about right-back depth, but Liverpool need a left-back, maybe a central defender too.

Moreover, with Diogo Jota joining Nunez in falling by the wayside this season, it wouldn’t be remiss for FSG to consider more than one attacking addition.

Sesko, have no doubt, would be Liverpool’s main man if he signed, though. The 21-year-old has already been remarked to be “rewriting the laws of physics” by talent scout Jacek Kulig for his extraordinary power and precision with both feet.

Sesko, as per FBref, ranks among the top 8% and 4% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for successful take-on and aerial duel success rates, his “elite athleticism,” as has been praised by analyst Ben Mattinson, and tenacity lending itself to such metrics.

Not just a sharpshooter, and further evidence as to why he could be the perfect Isak alternative, who has been described as “the complete striker” by Newcastle legend Alan Shearer.

The Sweden star’s pace and link-up play is second to none, also ranking among the top 7% of strikers for progressive carries and the top 15% for shot-creating actions per 90.

While moving for Sesko would be something of a risk, he’s scored 13 Bundesliga goals this season having missed just ten big chances. He’s powerful and purposeful and intelligent besides, the perfect Isak alternative and for less than half the cost.

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Tottenham Hotspur are now keen on signing a £100k-a-week striker who’s scored 57 Premier League goals, having identified him as their ideal target, according to a report.

Spurs set to pursue new striker this summer

Dominic Solanke returned to the scoresheet on Sunday afternoon, with the Englishman ending his seven-game drought in the Premier League, but Liverpool ultimately came out on top in a dominant performance at Anfield, securing the title with a 5-1 victory.

While Solanke may have found the back of the net against Liverpool, he hasn’t exactly been prolific in the Premier League this season, netting eight goals, and it is now looking increasingly likely that Spurs will attempt to bring in a new striker this summer.

Ange Postecoglou’s side are in a good position to win the race for Feyenoord striker Zepiqueno Redmond, while they are also looking to sign Bayern Munich loanee Mathys Tel on a permanent basis, and they will have the opportunity to do so for a fee of £43m.

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Posts ByDominic Lund Apr 27, 2025

According to a report from Spain, however, Tottenham are also keen to sign a striker who has a plethora of Premier League experience, having identified Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin as the ideal option to bolster their frontline.

Spurs are closely monitoring Calvert-Lewin’s situation at Goodison Park, with the striker’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, which means he will be available on a free transfer.

The Englishman’s availability without a transfer fee is attractive to Spurs, who are looking to bolster their attacking options without spending a significant sum of money, and his refusal to sign a new deal up to this point suggests he is likely to be available this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur’s upcoming fixtures

Date

Bodo/Glimt (h)

May 1st

West Ham United (a)

May 4th

Bodo/Glimt (a)

May 8th

Crystal Palace (h)

May 11th

Aston Villa (a)

May 18th

"Outstanding" Calvert-Lewin could be solid rotation option

The Everton marksman has proven himself in the Premier League over a number of years, scoring 57 goals in the competition during his time with the Toffees, while also receiving high praise from The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland, who lauded him as “outstanding”.

As such, the 28-year-old could be a decent rotation option for Spurs, and his availability on a free transfer is an added bonus, but there are doubts over whether the 11-time England international is capable of taking Ange’s attack to the next level.

Injuries have been a real problem for the £100k-a-week striker throughout his career, and they have continued to hold him back this season, missing the last 12 games due to a hamstring issue.

The last time Calvert-Lewin was on the scoresheet was against Tottenham back in January, bagging a goal and an assist in his side’s 3-2 victory, but constant injury problems mean the Sheffield-born forward can’t be relied upon as a consistent source of goals.