Leeds United are looking to buck a trend in the Premier League this season and avoid relegation in their first season back in the top flight. The last six teams to get promoted have all gone straight back down, but after a strong season in 2024/25 and plenty of new signings, the Whites could rewrite the narrative.

Indeed, Daniel Farke’s side have already signed seven new players. They have added more Premier League experience to their squad in the form of Sean Longstaff, as well as defensive reinforcements by signing three defenders, including Jaka Bijol.

However, Leeds are not done yet, and seem keen to strengthen the squad further ahead of a huge campaign, with another top-flight star linked with a move.

Leeds’ next transfer target

There seems to be a clear emphasis on Farke signing Premier League-proven players to help supplement a squad that got 100 points last season. Signing Longstaff, a man with 171 top tier appearances, certainly ticks that box.

Transfer Focus

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

Now, the Yorkshire side are looking to bring another man with top-flight experience to Elland Road, according to journalist Sebastien Vidal. They are said to be ‘keen’ on signing Manchester City and England under-21 star James McAtee this summer.

The Citizens’ valuation of the attacking midfielder is said to be around £40m, with Sky Sports reporting earlier in the window that Nottingham Forest had a £25m bid rejected.

With Forest also interested in signing the youngster, this will by no means be a straightforward deal for the Whites to do.

Why McAtee would be a good signing

Despite making fleeting appearances for boyhood club City last season, Salford-born McAtee left a real impression when he got his opportunity. Pep Guardiola even called him a “special” player after scoring a hat-trick against Salford City.

Indeed, the 22-year-old made just 27 appearances for the Citizens last season, accumulating just 936 minutes. He still managed to find the back of the net seven times, averaging a goal every 133 minutes.

The 22-year-old captained the England under-21 side to victory in this summer’s European Championships. He played all six games for Lee Carsley’s side, scoring once and grabbing two assists, setting up Omari Hutchinson in the final against Germany.

If the Whites are able to sign McAtee this summer, he could prove to be a huge upgrade on their current number ten, Brenden Aaronson. The USA international played in every single one of Leeds’ games last season in the Championship, but struggled for consistency at times.

On the face of things, his numbers in the second tier last term were strong. He scored nine times and grabbed two assists in 46 games. Yet, spells of six, seven and eight games without a goal involvement were far from ideal for Farke’s side.

On top of that, McAtee has a far better record in the top flight. Aaronson has played one full season in the Premier League, bagging once and assisting three goals, featuring in 36 games and 2383 minutes.

In contrast, the Man City academy graduate has a full season of top-flight football under his belt from Sheffield United. In 30 games, or 1827 minutes, he scored three times and assisted the same number. He also bagged three goals for City in 15 games last term.

The numbers from FBref from their full seasons in the Premier League suggest that McAtee is an upgrade on Aaronson, too.

For example, he averaged 1.23 passes into the penalty area and 2.76 progressive carries per 90 minutes, compared to the American’s 0.61 passes into the penalty area and 1.63 progressive carries each game.

Goals and assists

0.3

0.15

Goals per shot on target

0.25

0.11

Passes into penalty area

1.23

0.61

Progressive carries

2.67

1,63

Take-ons completed

1.63

1.29

Tackles and interceptions

2.12

1.89

For a fee of around £40m, McAtee would be able to massively upgrade Leeds’ midfield. Whilst Aaronson has put in some good performances under Farke, the consistency with which the City star plays, and the impact he can have in such a short amount of time, stands out.

The 22-year-old could be Farke’s dream option to strengthen Leeds’ midfield and bring more Premier League quality to Elland Road.

Even better than Muniz: Leeds lining up move to sign "dominant" £30m star

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing a striker who is even better than Rodrigo Muniz.

ByDan Emery Jul 31, 2025

It would be fair to say that Chelsea have had a good summer so far when it comes to transfers.

While they didn’t look great in the first Premier League game of the season, the likes of Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens are all incredibly talented.

Moreover, even though he’s young, Jorrel Hato has been talked about as one of the game’s next great defenders for years now, and at this point, the club look increasingly likely to sign Alejandro Garnacho.

Yet, while the Argentine is a promising player who has shown flashes of brilliance here and there, Chelsea are also being linked with another international, someone who would be a big upgrade.

Chelsea chase Garnacho upgrade

Chelsea’s interest in Garnacho is nothing new, as the club were reliably linked with him back in the January window.

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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However, the West Londoners have really stepped up their pursuit of the 21-year-old this summer, and as things stand, they appear to be in direct talks with Manchester United over a transfer.

However, while it’s been made clear Garnacho wants the move, the West Londoners have been linked with another international attacker, someone who would be a significant upgrade.

At least that is according to a recent report from Graeme Bailey, who has claimed that Chelsea are in the picture for Ademola Lookman.

The journalist has revealed that following the collapse of his move to Inter Milan, the Nigerian international’s representatives have been in talks with several clubs, including the Blues.

According to other reports from earlier this summer, an offer of around £43m could be enough to tempt Atalanta into selling this summer.

While that is a sizable sum of money, it may prove to be a bargain for someone of Lookman’s quality, especially as he would be an upgrade on Lookman.

How Lookman compares to Garnacho

So, while Garnacho is a talented player and someone who could go on to do great things in the game, Lookman would undoubtedly be the better signing for Chelsea this summer, and the first reason comes down to his versatility.

For example, while the United ace can play in a few positions, he is primarily a left-winger, with 110 appearances coming there, 33 off the right and 27 in attacking midfield.

In contrast, the Atalanta star is far more versatile and can play practically anywhere in the attack, with 100 appearances off the left, 83 as a second striker, 62 off the right, 38 up top and 16 in attacking midfield.

In other words, the Nigerian game-changer could be played wherever he is needed, which in turn gives the manager far more tactical options ahead of and during matches.

The second reason Lookman would be a massive upgrade on the Argentine is his output.

Since moving to the Serie A side in August 2022, the “world-class” attacker, as dubbed by the BBC’s John Bennett, has scored a brilliant 52 goals and provided 25 assists in 118 appearances, totalling 7538 minutes.

That means the former Everton flop has averaged a goal involvement every 1.53 games or every 97.89 minutes since the start of the 22/23 campaign, which is frankly outstanding.

Lookman vs Garnacho since 22/23

22/23

Lookman

Garnacho

Appearances

33

34

Minutes

1858′

1205′

Goals

15

5

Assists

8

5

Goal Involvements per Match

0.69

0.29

Minutes per Goal Involvement

80.78′

120.5′

23/24

Lookman

Garnacho

Appearances

45

50

Minutes

2809′

3574′

Goals

17

10

Assists

10

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.60

0.34

Minutes per Goal Involvement

104.03′

210.23′

24/25

Lookman

Garnacho

Appearances

40

58

Minutes

2871′

3568′

Goals

20

11

Assists

7

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.67

0.36

Minutes per Goal Involvement

106.33

169.90′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

In contrast, the Madrid-born gem star has scored 26 goals and provided 22 assists in 142 appearances, totalling 8347 minutes, across the same period, which comes out to a great, but still less impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.95 games, or every 173.89 minutes.

Finally, the Wandsworth-born dynamo proved that he can do it on the biggest stages when he scored a hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in the 2024 Europa League final, so there he should be able to come right into Maresca’s side and be a difference-maker from the word go.

Ultimately, Garnacho is a talented player, but from practically every way you look at it, it’s clear Lookman would be a massive upgrade.

Related £50m ex-Atletico Madrid sensation has told friends he's joining Chelsea

Stamford Bridge officials have given the player has instruction during talks.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Aug 20, 2025

Denver Summit FC have reached 15,000 season ticket deposits ahead of their inaugural season, the club announced. One of two new NWSL clubs for 2026, the team has already become the quickest expansion franchise to reach 10,000 season ticket pricing, and plan to play their first two seasons at a temporary location.

Club smash season ticket mark

The Summit reached 15,000 season ticket deposits less than a year before they are scheduled to start NWSL play. The expansion franchise initially broke the record of 10,000 just two months after revealing the franchise in full in January 2025. Angel City previously held the record.

Advertisement'Testament to passion'

“Reaching 15,000 deposits is a testament to the passion for women’s soccer across the Front Range. We are excited to keep momentum going while continuing to engage the Denver community ahead of our inaugural season,” club president Jen Millet said.

Busy in acquisition market

Although they won't kick a ball in proper NWSL play for six months, the team have already been busy fleshing out the on-field personnel. They announced former NYCFC and Manchester City Women coach Nick Cushing to lead the side, and have made three signings, including Spain international Nahikari Garcia. 

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ImagnWill start in temporary stadium

The Summit will play two seasons at a temporary 12,000 seat stadium, before moving to a full-time home at Santa Fe Yards in 2028. Season ticket deposits can still be made. 

Arsenal have now received a “formal” bid for one player as Mikel Arteta’s side look to balance their books, with sporting director Andrea Berta and the Gunners recruitment team making their stance crystal clear.

£25m sensation greenlights Arsenal transfer with Eze after "early" talks

He wants to join Mikel Arteta’s side alongside the England international.

By
Emilio Galantini

Aug 5, 2025

The Gunners maintain their serious interest in Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze, according to reliable reports, but Arteta and co are equally keen to seal some outgoings before the deadline on September 1.

Arsenal have already spent well over £200 million on new signings this summer, with just £9 million raised through sales thus far.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)	Money on new signings
19/20 – winter	£0
20/21 – summer	£81.5m
20/21 – winter	£900k
21/22 – summer	£156.8m
21/22 – winter	£1.8m
22/23 – summer	£121.5m
22/23 – winter	£59m
23/24 – summer	£208m
23/24 – winter	£0
24/25 – summer	£101.5m
24/25 – winter	£0
25/26 – summer	£208m

Nuno Tavares completed a permanent move to Lazio earlier this window and Marquinhos swapped north London for Cruzeiro indefinitely, but there is still plenty of work to be done in terms of exits.

Luckily for Berta, Fulham stand to offer Arsenal the chance to offload both Reiss Nelson and Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Marco Silva’s side, according to Ben Jacobs and GiveMeSport, are in advanced talks for Nelson, with an approach also made for Zinchenko – who Arsenal value at around £15 million.

Some uncertainty also surrounds the future of Jakub Kiwior.

The Poland international is behind William Saliba and Gabriel in Arteta’s pecking order, but when the latter was out through injury for an extensive period last term, Kiwior really impressed in the Brazilian’s absence.

However, while he has his uses for Arteta, Fabrizio Romano confirmed earlier this week that it is by no means certain that Kiwior will choose to stay.

Arsenal stance on Jakub Kiwior as FC Porto submit bid

According to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, FC Porto have made a concrete offer for Kiwior, with the Primeira Liga side looking to sign him on loan with an obligation to buy for around £23 million.

Berta’s side responded to this approach, and it was a polite no.

Their stance, as per his Foot Mercato piece, is this: Arsenal will consider a permanent sale for a larger fee, but would rather keep him for another year.

Kiwior showcasing his real talent in place of the injured Gabriel towards the end of 2024/2025 is undoubtedly playing a key role in their decision-making here. The 25-year-old is a solid back-up option, and all Premier League title-winning sides must have strength in depth to carry on performing at the highest level.

Dubbed a “sensational talent” by members of the media, if Kiwior were to leave, it would surely accelerate a potential move for Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, who has emerged as a top target for Berta in recent days.

“It has definitely helped me to get better, be more instinctive, be on my toes, and think correctly at the right moment”

Deivarayan Muthu24-Jan-20252:51

Varun excited for first home game in Chennai: ‘Important day for me’

India spinner Varun Chakravarthy has given a ringing endorsement of the country’s domestic system, more specifically the 20-overs Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, saying it is “almost on par” with the IPL and international cricket.”The level of cricket in the domestic [circuit] is extremely high,” Varun said on the eve of the second T20I against England in Chennai. “I would say [it is] almost on par with IPL and the other international matches we play. I would really suggest everyone to go and play the Syed Mushtaq Ali because we play on small grounds. It is very challenging [for bowlers].”Related

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Varun himself has benefitted from regular game-time in domestic white-ball cricket over the past two seasons. In the 50-overs Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2023-24, his first List A tournament in five years, Varun came away as the joint-highest wicket-taker, with 19 strikes at an average of 13.05. In the most recent Vijay Hazare Trophy, he finished as the second-highest wicket-taker, with 18 strikes in six innings at 12.16. In this season’s 20-overs Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he was put under pressure on the easy-paced, bash-through-the-line pitches on a small ground in Indore. For instance, in Tamil Nadu’s opening game of the tournament, he was taken for 49 runs by Tripura in four overs.”I find it very tough playing SMAT,” Varun said. “It has definitely helped me to get better, be more instinctive, be on my toes, and think correctly at the right moment.”Over the past two years, Varun has also been active in other T20 tournaments like the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) and the DY Patil tournament in Mumbai.Varun Chakravarthy took a match-winning three-wicket haul in the first T20I in Kolkata•BCCI

On Friday, he returned to Chepauk, the scene of his emergence as an international player. His family and friends will turn up at the venue on Saturday to watch him in action in his first international at home. Even before he had featured in TNPL 2018, which first put him on the T20 map, Varun bowled at the Chepauk nets to the Chennai Super Kings batters. It was his first professional stint in top-flight cricket after he had transformed himself from a medium-pacer in tennis-ball cricket to a mystery spinner. Having worked as an architect and made a cameo appearance in a Tamil movie back in 2014, Varun is eager to reintroduce himself as an international cricketer at his home ground.”Definitely [special],” Varun said of his homecoming. “Back to Chennai and in the blues is very important for me. I see it as a very important day for me. I’m coming back to Chennai after a long time. Playing for the country in front of my parents and the home crowd. Yeah, it is very special for me.”At his press conference, Varun was also asked about stepping into the shoes of the recently retired R Ashwin, his former India team-mate and current captain at Dindigul Dragons, under whom he won TNPL 2024.”It’s a big deal for me that you’re making this comparison,” Varun said. “Ashwin has played all three formats. I’m only just coming back into the team, and I’ve not yet done enough to merit this comparison. But still, everyone wants to get into the Indian team, and I’ve been doing my processes, and I’ll go wherever that takes me. I can’t think about filling the shoes of someone like Ashwin – he’s played so many matches, taken 500 [Test] wickets, big shoes to fill, I’m not even close yet.”R Ashwin, Varun’s captain at Dindigul Dragons, has encouraged him to bat up the order•TNPL/TNCA

During TNPL 2024, Ashwin had encouraged Varun to bat up the order and, in one of the games, he even batted above at Ashwin at No.7. Varun said he has also been working on his batting with Abhishek Nayar, the former assistant coach at Kolkata Knight Riders who is now with the India team in a similar capacity.”I have been working on batting for the last six-seven months,” Varun said. “I started my preparation in KKR only with Abhishek Nayar. That kind of helped me. There is still a lot of work to do.”In the first T20I against England, Varun took 3 for 23, including the big wickets of Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone in the same over. With England’s Bazballers gearing up for a backlash, Varun might have to do more work with the ball on a fresh Chepauk pitch, where the ball is expected to slide onto the bat, and he’s prepared for it.”Even when you see Eden [Gardens], it’s a small ground,” Varun said. “Bowlers have the challenge of bowling [with smaller boundaries]. We do plan for that also. If they [England] are looking to have an aggressive approach, that is how T20 is. I cannot complain or be shocked by their approach. I am expecting that. I also have certain plans for that.”

India captain Rohit Sharma has confirmed his participation for the next round of the Ranji Trophy matches starting January 23. There have been questions over Rohit’s form in the longest format after his poor show in his last eight Tests, both in India and Australia. The BCCI also recently made it clear that all contracted India players must participate in domestic cricket except when there are fitness issues.”I will,” Rohit said at the press conference for the Champions Trophy squad announcement, when asked whether he will be playing the next Ranji game. Rohit’s domestic team Mumbai play Jammu & Kashmir at the BKC Ground at home.Rohit missed two Tests out of five in Australia; the last one he sat out because of poor form after he managed just one double-digit score across five innings earlier on the tour. Before that, Rohit played five Tests at home in which he managed just one half-century – against New Zealand in Bengaluru – with four double-digit scores across ten innings. This season, his average stands at a dismal 10.93 from 15 innings.Rohit had recently trained with the Mumbai Ranji squad at the Wankhede Stadium. He had last played in the Ranji Trophy nine seasons ago, in 2015-16, when in his solitary game he scored 113 from No. 4 in a draw against Uttar Pradesh.Virat Kohli is nursing a niggle and will not feature in the next round of the Ranji Trophy•Getty Images

Kohli, Rahul not available for Ranji

Virat Kohli and KL Rahul have told the BCCI medical staff they are carrying niggles which will not allow them to play the next round of Ranji Trophy games from January 23.It is learnt that Kohli had neck pain and had taken an injection on January 8, three days after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy ended in Sydney. Kohli told the BCCI medical staff that he was still experiencing pain, ruling him out of Delhi’s game against Saurashtra in Rajkot.As for Rahul, he has an elbow issue which will keep him out of Karnataka’s match against Punjab in Bengaluru. On Thursday, the BCCI issued an unprecedented list of dos and don’ts for all players, which included mandatory participation in domestic cricket. In case the player is not available to play, he will need permission from the national chairman of selectors.While Kohli and Rahul have another opportunity to play Ranji Trophy, with the final round in the group phase starting on January 30, those matches end close to the start of the ODI series against England from February 6. Both Kohli and Rahul are in contention to play the England ODIs and the Champions Trophy; squads for which will be announced on Saturday.Among the Test regulars who will feature in the next Ranji Trophy round are Rishabh Pant (Delhi), Shubman Gill (Punjab) and Ravindra Jadeja (Saurashtra).

Chelsea were dealt a seismic blow defensively in the last few days, with news that Levi Colwill will now miss the majority of 2025/2026.

He was meant to be one of the pillars of Chelsea’s defence next season, but the 22-year-old has now ruptured his ACL, ruling him out for the majority – possibly the entirety – of the new campaign.

Colwill sustained the problem at the end of his first training session back at Cobham earlier this week, and after he underwent successful surgery, the centre-back’s recovery timeline is expected to stretch to around six to nine months.

The injury is a brutal blow. Colwill was a mainstay last season, starting 35 Premier League matches and playing a key part in Chelsea’s Champions League qualification push – not to mention Club World Cup glory.

With him now sidelined for the foreseeable future, boss Enzo Maresca has declared that his defence is a top-priority position to strengthen during these final few weeks of the window – confirming that Chelsea will dip into the market amid their ongoing talks for Alejandro Garnacho and Xavi Simons.

“It is a priority for me,” Maresca told Channel 5, via Standard Sport. “Levi is a fantastic player. What we achieved last season is because of him. He played a lot of games with me, I love him. We are going to miss him.

“We are trying also to find different solutions.”

Jorrel Hato, signed from Ajax for around £36 million, steps into the spotlight. Despite being just 19, Maresca insists the Dutchman’s senior experience – over 100 Ajax games – makes him “mature enough” to slot into the backline immediately.

However, Chelsea are reliably believed to view the teenager as more of a left-back to cover for Marc Cucurella (Ben Jacobs), and even before Colwill’s injury, the west Londoners were looking at signing another centre-half (Simon Phillips).

Their need for another option has now intensified, with Benoit Badiashile also out till September.

Chelsea open talks with Ajax defender Aaron Bouwman

According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea could turn to another Ajax teenager – Aaron Bouwman – after Hato.

The 17-year-old is yet to make a senior appearance for the Eredivisie giants but is amassing quite the reputation as one of Europe’s rising stars defensively, impressing in the pre-season Como Cup, and Bouwman is a standout in Ajax’s prestigious youth set up right now.

It is unclear whether Chelsea plan to integrate him into the first team, but they’re serious about potentially capturing him.

TT state that Chelsea have opened talks with Bouwman’s agents in the last few days and are in pole position to sign the Dutch starlet ahead of both Man City and Arsenal – who are also looking at him.

If Bouwman isn’t exactly ready to reinforce Maresca’s senior defensive options, then other reports suggest that Chelsea could U-turn over selling Renato Veiga and give the Portuguese a chance to stake his claim in the squad.

دافع المدير الفني لفريق ليفربول، آرني سلوت، باستماتة عن النجم المصري محمد صلاحـ بعد مباراة يوم السبت ضد تشيلسي، في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

واستضاف ملعب “ستامفورد بريدج” مباراة ليفربول وتشيلسي، في الجولة السابعة من الدوري الإنجليزي، موسم 2025/26.

وتعرض ليفربول لهزيمة قاتلة أمام تشيلسي بهدفين لهدف، في مباراة خاضها محمد صلاح بأكملها، ولكنه لم يتمكن من فعل أي شئ.

وسُئل سلوت عن محمد صلاح وما إذا الفريق يفتقد تألقه، حيث رد في تصريحات نشرها موقع ليفربول: “هذا أمر مثير للاهتمام حقًا، هل صنع الكثير من الفرص اليوم لأنه لم يلعب قبل أيام؟ (شارك كبديل ضد جالطة سراي)، أم أنه أهدر الفرص لأنه افتقد بعض الحدة التي كان من الممكن أن يتمتع بها لو لعب ضد جالطة سراي؟ لا نعرف أبدًا”.

وأضاف: “ما يعجني هو تواجده عدة مرات في المراكز الذي يتمنى التواجد بها، والذي أرغب أن يكون فيها كذلك، لأنه أثبت خلال مسيرته، ومنذ وجودي هنا، أنه يستطيع تسجيل الأهداف في تلك المراكز”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. إيكو: محمد صلاح أصبح مصدر قلق في ليفربول

وواصل: “لقد سنحت له فرص عديدة اليوم ليكرر ما فعله كثيرًا، ولكنه إنسان، ليس كل فرص تتُاح له يسجلها وتصبح هدفًا، نشعر أحيانًا أن ذلك يعود إلى ما قدمه في الموسم الماضي وفي مناسبات عديدة (يقصد المعايير المميزة التي وضعها بنفسه بفضل أرقامه التي لا تُصدق في المواسم الماضية)”.

واستطرد: “لكنه أيضًا قادر على اللعب في مباريات تُتاح له فيها فرص، وفي كثير من الأحيان في مراكز واعدة، دون أن يسجل أو يصنع أي هدف”.

وفيما يخص الترابط بين محمد صلاح وألكسندر إيزاك، قال: “كلما لعبا معًا أكثر، زاد تواصلهما، هذا ما رأيتموه في الشوط الثاني، خاصة بعدما اضطررت إلى استبدال كوناتي بسبب إصابته، وعندما لعب جرافنبيرخ في ذلك المركز، تمكنا من الاعتماد أكثر على مهاجمينا في المواقف الواعدة مقارنة بالشوط الأول”.

وأوضح: “بالنسبة لي لم يكن الأمر يتعلق بضعف التركيز أو الوقت الذي نحتاجه للمهاجمين لتقديم أداء أفضل، أعتقد أن الشوط الأول كان يتعلق بشكل أساسي بضرورة أن نكون أفضل في بناء الهجمة، وهذا ما فعلناه أكثر فأكثر في الثاني، ولهذا السبب خلقنا أيضًا العديد من اللحظات والفرص الجيدة التي كان بإمكاننا خلق المزيد منها”.

Newcastle United’s need for a striker before next Monday’s transfer deadline has never been clearer.

With Alexander Isak still on strike and surely out of action when the Toon visit Leeds United next week, regardless of the outcome of his present situation, it was inconceivable that Anthony Gordon should get himself sent off against Liverpool at St. James’ Park.

The Magpies lost to Liverpool on Tyneside, but it was an incredible contest that showcased all the good of Eddie Howe’s side, even when so much went wrong.

But, even so, the desperate need for a number nine was accentuated, and a bid continues for Premier League forward Jørgen Strand Larsen.

The latest on Strand Larsen to Newcastle

Whether Liverpool sign Isak at some point this week is anyone’s guess, but Newcastle’s bid to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers’ rangy frontman remains a priority focus regardless.

The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope corroborated news on Monday that the Magpies saw a £50m offer rejected for the Norwegian, and they are expected to return with an improved bid.

Hope made it clear that Larsen is being chased with a view toward him succeeding Callum Wilson, who left Tyneside at the end of his contract in June and has since signed for West Ham United.

Strand Larsen scored 14 Premier League goals last season, playing an instrumental role for the Old Gold as they staved off the threat of relegation.

But whether he’s the right frontman for Newcastle, for a figure sure to be in excess of £50m, is another question. Especially when there’s a younger and more exciting name on United’s shortlist.

Newcastle discuss move for Strand Larsen alternative

As per The Athletic, Newcastle have discussed a move for Paris Saint-Germain forward Goncalo Ramos as the transfer window is reduced to less than a week before closure.

Ramos, 24, has struggled to nail down a regular starting berth in Luis Enrique’s super-team, but he’s still showcased his quality across the past two years, and was tracked by the Tynesiders during his Benfica days.

PSG appear open to selling, but the Portugal international wouldn’t come cheap. It’s been mooted this month that Ramos would fetch a fee in the region of £55m.

What Ramos would bring to Newcastle

Ramos has started the 2025/26 season strongly, bagging against Tottenham Hotspur in the dramatic Super Cup victory earlier this month before starting PSG’s Ligue 1 opener against Nantes.

Newcastle’s need for a new number nine borders on desperation, but they won’t let themselves be fleeced. Having seen a £50m offer rejected for Strand Larsen, might it be better to instead invest the set-aside funds in Ramos, whose dynamic profile aligns more with what Howe would need if Isak is to leave St. James’ Park this week.

Hailed for his “outrageous” performances on the international stage by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Ramos is a prolific striker, and no mistake. His clinical value in dangerous positions could admittedly do with some work, but he creates space regularly through expert usage of his mobility and physical attributes, and thus maintains a steady goalscoring flow.

25/26 – PSG

3

1

0

24/25 – PSG

46

19

6

23/24 – PSG

40

14

2

22/23 – Benfica

47

27

8

21/22 – Benfica

46

8

4

20/21 – Benfica

12

4

0

19/20 – Benfica

1

2

0

And, according to data platform FBref, the Iberian striker ranks among the top 5% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues for goals scored,

While Strand Larsen has provided proof of his ability to score goals and perform convincingly in the Premier League, whereas Ramos has not, the latter man has highlighted performances at the highest level, including (but not limited to) that hat-trick at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

14 goals were scored by the 25-year-old in last year’s Premier League edition, but he also completed only 65% of his passes, lost 68% of his duels and averaged just 0.2 dribbles per game, as per Sofascore.

There’s nothing wrong with that; Strand Larsen is a powerful target man, after all. But it’s inconceivable that he should replace Isak, one of the most complete strikers in the business.

Of course, Newcastle chiefs have maintained that their interest in the Scandinavian is linked to Wilson’s departure, and not Isak’s possible exit.

Ultimately, Newcastle could do with two strikers, should Isak leave. Efforts are maintained for Brentford marksman Yoane Wissa, but that’s why Ramos’ profile could be so important for the Tynesiders, injecting dynamic athleticism without detracting from goalscoring, that core tenet of the striker’s game.

Wissa, like Strand Larsen, is limited in terms of technical scope, but he’s still proven himself to be a deadly Premier League striker with impressive link-up play besides. Given that the 28-year-old would ostensibly come at a cheaper price than his Wolves positional peer, he should be the priority.

And, in that case, Ramos must be targeted over a second bid for Strand Larsen, with the Portuguese man sure to bring goals and an electric presence too.

After the past few months of misery on the transfer front, it’s anyone’s guess as to whether Newcastle manage to sign a striker worth their salt – let alone two.

But it’s clear who they should move for after the latest series of rejected bids. Don’t blink: Newcastle are bound to ramp up the gas and seal a signature before the end of the month.

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1 ByAngus Sinclair Aug 25, 2025

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