Sunderland will be all too aware of how challenging the Premier League can be, having been relegated four times from the intimidating division since its 1992 rebrand.

The Black Cats will be up against it too when you consider how poorly the newly promoted sides have done in recent memory, with the last six teams to go up triumphantly sinking straight back down with a whimper.

Regis Le Bris, of course, will have other plans as he embarks on his first-ever season in England’s well-known top-flight, but signings galore will need to take place to give the Frenchman and his wide-eyed team a fighting chance at survival.

One dream incoming would have been the amazing return of Amad Diallo to the Stadium of Light, but with his Old Trafford career finally now taking flight, it looks like an unlikely route to explore.

Amad's fan favourite status at Sunderland

Rumours have already begun to circulate that the entertaining Ivorian could be on the Sunderland shopping list, with this deal perhaps even bolder than the Black Cats’ reported attempts to tempt former star Jordan Henderson back to home turf.

A potential reunion will always catch the eye of Sunderland supporters just for how impactful Amad’s first stint at the club was, with his heroics from down the right wing clinching playoff football for Tony Mowbray’s men during the 2022/23 campaign.

They would eventually slip up at the semi-final stages, but nobody could knock the 22-year-old’s efforts during the near-miss season, with Amad picking up a hefty 14 goals and four assists across 42 appearances.

Since then, he has been able to firm up his Manchester United starting spot under Ruben Amorim, scoring 11 goals this season, so a stunning move back to Wearside would surely be a tall order to pull off.

But, Le Bris might well be able to win Sunderland’s next version of the spellbinding 22-year-old if another move comes to fruition.

Sunderland could sign their new Amad

It will be all about striking a fine balance between picking up signings by the bucket load and ensuring the star performers from their promotion heroics are given a fair chance up a level.

As per a new report from GIVEMESPORT, the Black Cats could be about to bolster their attacking arsenal even more away from the likes of Romaine Mundle and Wilson Isidor with the addition of Kwame Poku. Indeed, the Mackems are just one of 26 clubs who are looking to seal the winger’s signature on a free transfer after his contract with Peterborough United came to a close.

The concern on Sunderland’s end, however, will be whether Poku can make that gigantic leap up from League One to the Premier League look seamless.

But, as was the case with Amad, he had never really been exposed to the ins and outs of the English game before his Stadium of Light loan experience – minus one or two United senior chances – with the rest now history as he tears up the Premier League for the Red Devils.

The “unplayable” Ghanaian – as he was hyperbolically labelled by Peterborough United boss Darren Ferguson last season – could well take the top-flight by storm too if given time to impress, with Poku’s trickery, flair and ability to finish off a chance at League One level making him very similar to Amad at his Black Cats peak and shows off a player ready for an increase in quality.

To rubber stamp that comparison, you only need to look at their dribbling numbers from the 2024/25 campaign with EFL hotshot, Poku, averaging 1.9 dribbles per match to Amad’s 1.6. Their eel-like ability on the ball is almost uncanny.

Poku’s overall Peterborough numbers
Stat	Poku
Games played	147
Goals scored	30
Assists	30
Trophies	2x
L1 Player of the Month	2x
LT Team of the Season	1x
Sourced by Transfermarkt

Unfortunately for Le Bris and Co, they were unable to get the very best out of Amad over a long period of time, but with Poku – who is fresh off tallying up an insane 21 goal contributions from only 29 clashes last season – he will have so much more to give the cause permanently, considering he is only 23 and will be surrounded by some top-notch teammates equally eager to succeed up a division.

He might not instantly hit the ground running, but if there’s one location that should be able to get the optimum out of him eventually, it’s Sunderland with the likes of Chris Rigg, Jobe Bellingham and Amad all blossoming here so early into their playing days.

His value's soared 3,868%: Sunderland have struck gold on their new Clarke

Sunderland have hit the jackpot with this star who could be their next Jack Clarke.

By
Dan Emery

May 28, 2025

“If you look back at the short history of this team, I know for a fact that it brings out the best in our guys,” Australia captain said

Andrew McGlashan23-Jun-20241:16

Moody: Haven’t seen an Australian side field so poorly

Mitchell Marsh has backed Australia’s big-game mentality to come to the fore against India after their first-ever defeat to Afghanistan left their T20 World Cup 2024 hopes in jeopardy amid question marks over another lackluster fielding display.Australia have a very short turnaround as they play the day game in St Lucia on Monday – following a finish of close to midnight in St Vincent – and even a victory may not be enough to reach the semi-finals, which shows how quickly a campaign that had been running smoothly can be rocked: had they beaten Afghanistan, progress would have been confirmed along with India.What is close to must-win cricket in World Cups is not a new experience to Australia – they were effectively in that mode for much of the ODI edition last year after a poor start – and Marsh was confident they could dig deep again.Related

'Everything pointed towards Agar' – Marsh on Starc's omission against Afghanistan

Naib orchestrates Afghanistan's historic win over Australia

Naib after historic win: 'Thank god we at last beat Australia'

'Afghanistan continue to produce magical stories'

Scenarios: How Afghanistan's win opens up Group 1

“We have a lot of belief in our group,” Marsh said. “We are a very good cricket team. Yes, tonight we had an off night, but I guess there’s also a positive in the fact that in 36 hours we go again. I think if you look back at the short history of this team, I know for a fact that it brings out the best in our guys, so the boys will certainly be up and about for it.””It’s all about trusting ourselves,” he added. “We’ve got a good bunch of people and I believe our best is up there with the best. So, we need to bring that on whatever day it is in a couple of days’ time and move forward pretty quickly.”For the second time in three matches, Australia were poor in the field with five missed catches – none of which were easy – and a stumping from Matthew Wade, plus some poor groundwork as they were put under pressure by Afghanistan’s running between the wickets.”We certainly pride ourselves on our fielding,” he said. “Can’t question the boys putting in the work. I think it’s no different to any other skill set. We put in the work, we didn’t execute in the field tonight and ultimately it played a part in us losing the game.”I think we don’t want to have too many off nights in the field but I also believe that at our best we’re an unbelievable fielding side so it’s easy to look at tonight and, yes, it was disappointing but ultimately, we have 36 hours to turn it around and I still believe that our best is very good in the field.”In contrast, Afghanistan were excellent, most significantly with Noor Ahmad’s superb catch to remove Glenn Maxwell when he was threatened to guide the chase home.”I think in T20 especially, a short format, where you make those small mistakes, it’s pretty hard for you to come back,” Rashid Khan said. “In ODIs, yes, you have 50 overs where you can have the comeback. But in T20…you don’t have any space where you can come back again into the game. I think fielding plays [as] crucial role as the batting and bowling.”

Tottenham Hotspur will be wanting to right the wrongs of this season’s failure in the Premier League, which saw the club finish just one place above the relegation zone.

Despite winning the Europa League, it was the Lilywhites’ lowly league standing that spelled the end for Ange Postecoglou in North London, subsequently being sacked after two years in the role.

Daniel Levy wasted no time in appointing Thomas Frank from fellow top-flight side Brentford, but it’s crucial that the Dane is handed time to transform the side next campaign.

Alongside the players currently on the books, additions are also needed during the current window to help the 51-year-old in his quest for success during his tenure in charge.

Work appears to be conducted behind the scenes to help the new manager in the market, which could see moves made for various targets this summer.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new signings this summer

In recent days, Spurs have appeared to be stepping up their efforts to land Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo this summer, after it was confirmed the club are set to make a bid for his services.

He’s not the only attacker on their radar, with OGC Nice striker Evann Guessand another option under consideration ahead of Frank’s debut campaign at the helm.

However, another name has now entered the mix, with one Spanish outlet claiming that the Lilywhites hold serious interest in a move for Boca Juniors striker Miguel Merentiel.

The report claims that the 29-year-old’s agent is aware of interest in the forward after he scored a tremendous solo effort against German champions Bayern Munich at the ongoing Club World Cup.

It also states that no formal offer has yet been made, but the hierarchy are monitoring a move for the Uruguayan, who has netted 43 goals in the last three campaigns.

Why Spurs’ latest target could be Frank’s answer to Gyokeres

Spitting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres has been one of the most sought after talents throughout this summer window, looking almost certain to leave the Portuguese outfit ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Various sides across the globe have been touted with a move for the 27-year-old’s signature and, unsurprisingly so given his record of 54 goals in his 52 outings this season.

Manchester United appeared to be the most likely destination given his previous stint under Ruben Amorim, but it now looks as though the Swede is pushing for a move to join North London rivals Arsenal.

Such a move will likely hand Mikel Arteta’s side an added attacking threat next season, with Spurs needing to make a move to land their own talisman this window.

Frank could land his own version of Gyokeres in the form of Merentiel, with the Boca talisman labelled as a similar player to the goalscoring sensation, according to FBref.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats, the Uruguayan has managed to match or better the Swede in various key areas, looking to be a shrewd addition for the Lilywhites this summer.

Merentiel, who’s been labelled “incredible” by journalist Johannes Skiba, has matched the Sporting star for goals per shot on target, but bettered him for shot-on-target accuracy – taking advantage of more opportunities that fall his way.

Games played

22

33

Goals & assists

10

46

Shot-on-target accuracy

62%

52%

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.4

Passes into final third

1.7

0.5

Take-on success

60%

45%

Carries into final third

1.6

1.3

Progressive passes made

3.2

2.1

He’s also completed more progressive passes and completed more passes into the final third, having the all-round ability to provide those around him rather than relying on teammates creating chances for him in the final third.

The Boca star’s talents are further demonstrated with his take-on success and carries into the final third, showcasing his desire to take the ball forward at any given opportunity – therefore handing Frank’s side an added threat.

It’s unclear how much a deal for the 29-year-old would cost this summer, but it’s evident that he has all the tools needed to thrive in the Premier League.

If he can add further goals to his game in North London, he would be an excellent option for the Lilywhites in their quest to be competitive in Europe and England’s top flight next campaign.

Big Johnson upgrade: Spurs open initial talks to sign £70m "monster"

Tottenham are hoping to sign a right-sided forward this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 21, 2025

West Ham United are reportedly leading the race to sign a “phenomenon” for Graham Potter in a £25m transfer, according to one journalist.

West Ham transfer rumours after big 2024/25 spending spree

It is fair to say that the Hammers didn’t live up to expectations in the 2024/25 Premier League season, finishing 14th with 43 points from 38 games.

That came after a big spending spree in the summer under the guidance of ex-technical director Tim Steiden and former boss Julen Lopetegui. They also brought in Evan Ferguson on loan from Brighton in the January transfer window after parting ways with Lopetegui and bringing in Potter.

Max Kilman

Wolves

€47.5m

Crysencio Summerville

Leeds United

€29.3m

Niclas Fullkrug

Borussia Dortmund

€27m

Luis Guilherme

Palmeiras

€23m

Mohamadou Kante

Paris FC

Undisclosed

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Man Utd

€18m

Wes Foderingham

Sheffield United

Free transfer

Guido Rodriguez

Real Betis

Free transfer

Jean-Clair Todibo

Nice

Loan transfer

Carlos Soler

PSG

Loan transfer

Evan Ferguson

Brighton

Loan transfer

This summer, the Irons may have to look at sales alongside signings, with teenage striker Daniel Cummings already agreeing to join the club from Celtic on July 1.

Mohammed Kudus is the West Ham star who is being linked with a move away from the London Stadium, being offered to Chelsea, according to Sky Sports.

In discussions between the Hammers and their London rivals, West Ham asked about the availability of goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, a player Potter knows well from his time at Brighton.

West Ham now racing to sign 24 G/A midfielder who's "out of this world"

The Hammers are now in a straight shoot-out with a rival Premier League club for the signature of a goal-scoring midfielder.

ByDominic Lund Jun 3, 2025

A new shot-stopper to replace the departing Lukasz Fabianski and rival Alphonse Areola is therefore on the to-do list, and an update has emerged on West Ham’s pursuit of Aaron Ramsdale.

West Ham “favourites to sign” £25m Ramsdale

Talking to TBR Football, journalist Graeme Bailey provided an update on Ramsdale’s future with a move expected following Southampton’s relegation.

As well as stating the goalkeeper’s £25m release clause, Bailey said that West Ham like the keeper “a lot” and named the Irons as “favourites to sign” Ramsdale ahead of Leeds United and Newcastle United.

On £120,000-a-week at St Mary’s, Ramsdale, called a “phenomenon” by Ian Wright during his time at Arsenal, would bring plenty of top-flight experience to the London Stadium.

However, the Englishman has been relegated from the Premier League on three separate occasions. In 2020, Ramsdale went down with Bournemouth and a year later, suffered the same fate with Sheffield United.

Should West Ham secure his services, they’ll be hoping it’s not four relegations come the summer of 2026.

Newcastle United await Champions League football next season, with the fifth-place Premier League finish in 2024/25 proving huge in the efforts to drive St. James’ Park to the forefront of domestic and European football.

Financially and from a sporting standpoint too, United are in a fantastic position, positioned to sign high-profile targets while keeping their prized assets on Tyneside.

The Times have reported that PIF are willing to make Alexander Isak the highest-paid player in Newcastle’s history to fend off interest from suitors like Arsenal, Liverpool and Barcelona, and if they succeed, Eddie Howe can turn with greater security toward the wide flanks.

Newcastle open talks for Elanga alternative

While Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga might be the talk of the Toon right now after a £45m offer was rejected earlier this week, the Magpies have actually been reported to have established contacts with an exciting alternative.

Transfer Focus

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

As per TEAMtalk, Newcastle have been in contact with the representatives of Malick Fofana as they look to cover themselves if unsuccessful in their bid to sign Elanga.

The talented Belgian winger is set to leave Lyon this summer after his side’s relegation to Ligue 2 due to financial difficulties, and a host of suitors, including Chelsea and Liverpool, have emerged.

Fofana is valued at around €50m (£43m), although Lyon’s imperilled position may work to Newcastle’s advantage in building a cheaper package.

Why Newcastle should sign Malick Fofana

While only 20, Fofana has already proved his potential on the major stage, becoming an important player for Lyon – who finished sixth in Ligue 1 last year – after joining from KAA Gent in January 2024.

His return of 11 goals and six assists across the 2024/25 campaign certainly underscores his potential as a high-level winger, especially as he notched nine goal contributions from only 16 starts in the league. Moreover, Fofana played a big role during Lyon’s Europa League campaign, scoring six goals.

Principally left-sided, Fofana scored twice from just two matches as a right winger, also laying on one assist. Given his pace and such fledgling potency, this suggests he could prove an even better signing than Elanga, especially since Forest are looking for something in the region of £60m for the Sweden international.

Matches (starts)

29 (16)

38 (31)

Goals

5

6

Assists

4

11

Shots (on target)*

1.1 (0.5)

1.2 (0.6)

Big chances missed

4

6

Pass completion

84%

78%

Big chances created

6

9

Key passes*

0.9

1.3

Dribbles*

0.8

0.7

Tackles*

1.1

0.5

Duels won*

2.9

3.0

Neither player has perhaps maximised their potential across ball-carrying and creative metrics. Elanga, for example, has named himself “one of the fastest players in the Premier League”, while Fofana ranked among the top 2% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

He also ranked among the top 10% for non-penalty goals scored per 90, emphasising an innate scoring ability that is backed up by a steady stream of creativity.

Elanga, 23, is probably the more polished man, but Fofana’s ceiling stretches higher, and he’s already demonstrated that he has a fleet-footed nature to match.

This two-sided winger could prove a stunning acquisition for a Newcastle side already complete and rounded, just in need of some more depth.

Already noted to be a “game-changer” by journalist Antonio Mango, Fofana is the real deal, and with interest in his services swelling now that Lyon have been relegated from France’s top division, Howe will want to get such a deal done promptly.

Dream Pedro alternative: Newcastle advancing move for £40m "goal machine"

Newcastle plan to make a series of attacking signings this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 25, 2025

Quinton de Kock attributed his match-winning 65 off 38 balls against England to his Caribbean Premier League experience, which informed his attacking intent in the powerplay.De Kock has only played seven CPL games, all of them for Barbados Royals in the 2022 season. But three of those came at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in St Lucia, including two day games and one under lights.Related

• New beginnings promise new endings for un-South Africa

• South Africa hold nerve against England to continue unbeaten march

• Buttler: De Kock innings 'the difference' in narrow South Africa win

• St Lucia elements see teams throw caution to the wind

It gave him enough evidence to believe that a par score would be significantly lower in South Africa’s game against England – which started at 10.30am local time – than in the previous four T20 World Cup fixtures at the venue, which were 8.30pm starts. He also quickly realised that the powerplay would be the best time to bat, and so it proved.De Kock scored 49 runs off 20 balls in the powerplay, including sixes off Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer (twice) and Sam Curran, and believed that his fast start had made a “massive” impact. “I’ve played a lot of day T20 cricket in the West Indies and generally that is the most important time to score runs,” he said.South Africa’s total of 163 for 6 looked under-par in the context of the four games in St Lucia across the previous six nights, where Australia and England both chased totals of 181 and Sri Lanka and West Indies successfully defended scores in excess of 200. But de Kock said that when he walked out to bat, he was clear that they would only need a slightly lower total.”I don’t know if the rest of the guys knew, but I had a fair sense: I’ve played here quite a bit in the Caribbean league and it’s the same thing: the wicket looks beautiful. At night, it plays most different but in the day, 160-170 are winning scores here in the day. Generally, it goes like that in the Caribbean: I think the lights and maybe a bit of dew at night help the ball skid on a bit better.”The easier time to score runs is in the powerplay. When the ball’s old and as the wicket deteriorates, it gets harder.” Asked if that phase proved match-winning – as Jos Buttler believed – de Kock said: “There were other moments, but obviously that’s probably one of our better powerplays in this whole World Cup – so it could be.”Quinton de Kock raced away in the powerplay•ICC/Getty Images

He also used the stiff cross-breeze to his advantage, with the wind helping to carry the ball over the boundary when he hit back-to-back sixes off Archer. “Wind’s definitely a big factor, especially opening the batting when you’ve only got two guys out,” de Kock said. “You’ve got to use that wind as much as you can: don’t fight it, just try and use it.”None of England’s XI on Friday have played a CPL game in St Lucia but they have significant experience in the Caribbean due to regular away series against West Indies. They also have significant local knowledge in their dressing room, with Kieron Pollard – the most capped T20 player in the format’s history – involved as an assistant coach at this World Cup.Yet Buttler suggested they were surprised by how the pitch played on Friday, compared to how it had under lights two days previously. “It looked a similar wicket,” he said. “This has been, so far in the tournament, the best batting pitch… I think the wicket was probably a little bit slower than everyone expected. 160 was about a par score. We bowled really well in the back 10-15 overs to restrict them.”South Africa adjusted more quickly to conditions with the ball, limiting England to 41 for 1 the powerplay compared to their own score of 63 for 0. Jonny Bairstow was caught at point off Keshav Maharaj for 17 off 20 in the seventh over, while Buttler himself fell in Maharaj’s next over for 16 off 20 while slog-sweeping to deep midwicket.”I felt like the powerplay was the difference in the game, and the way Quinny could bat at the rate that none of us could bat at… I think the way Quinny played at the top really put us under a lot of pressure,” Buttler said. “[He] played some great shots and we weren’t able to match that.”

England coach says team must block out outside noise and focus on two crucial points

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Jun-2024Matthew Mott, England’s head coach, says he hopes that Josh Hazlewood was joking about the prospect of Australia manipulating an early exit for the T20 World Cup defending champions, but admits his team can do little else but focus on victory against Oman on Thursday and hope the ongoing debate about run-rate calculations ends up falling in their favour.England were a distant second-best to Australia in their meeting in Barbados last week, and having endured a washed-out opening fixture against Scotland – who have since won two from two – they are no longer in control of their destiny in Group B, a situation which echoes their tame and early exit from the 50-over World Cup in India before Christmas.Even England’s own back-to-back victories over Oman and Namibia may not be sufficient to overturn their sizeable NRR deficit to the Scots – a point which Hazlewood highlighted when he suggested that Australia could be tempted to “knock it around and drag it out” when they themselves face Scotland in Group B’s final match in Antigua on Sunday.Such a tactic would echo Steve Waugh’s infamous go-slow against West Indies at the 1999 World Cup – when the target for elimination on that occasion had been New Zealand – but it would come with the risk of a two-match ban for their current captain, Mitchell Marsh, if Australia were deemed by the umpires to have contravened Article 2.11 of the ICC’s code of conduct, which pertains to the “inappropriate strategic or tactical” manipulation of matches.But Mott, who coached Hazlewood during his time at New South Wales, played down the comments as an example of his “tongue-in-cheek” sense of humour.”I think I know Josh pretty well and I know his integrity,” Mott said. “He has got a very good sense of humour and I am hoping it was very much tongue-in-cheek. I actually don’t think it is ever going to play out. Having grown up in Australia, and the will to win every game, I am sure they will come to the fore. I am very much hoping it was an offhand remark by a really good bloke who is having fun.”Either way, the potential for a run-rate rumpus is the sort of distraction that England could do without, given their lack of fluency in the tournament to date. Even before the Scotland match was abandoned, they had been notably off the pace with the ball in conceding 90 wicketless runs in ten overs, and the pressure to perform to the standard expected of defending champions is ramping up again, especially in light of their grim display in their 50-over defence last year.Related

Michael Jones: 'If David Warner opens the bowling it'd be pretty funny'

Rashid: 'Things change quickly… we have the mindset of champions'

Jos Buttler: England must 'earn the right' to worry about net run-rate

Marsh could face ban if Australia manipulate Scotland result to knock England out

England aim to revive rocky title defence against Oman

“Regardless of any outside noise about qualification, run-rates, all that sort of stuff, essentially, we’ve got to win this game and we’ve spoken a lot about that,” Mott said. “We’ve played good T20 cricket for a while now. It didn’t quite come off against Australia last game but I think we’ve got our structure in place, we’re really confident. Those who saw us train yesterday, you can see a buoyant group, up and about, that’s ready for the challenge ahead.”To offset any run-rate shenanigans, England need to beat Oman and Namibia by a combined margin of 117 runs (or the equivalent when chasing), thereby hauling their net run-rate above Scotland’s, so that only a surprise defeat of Australia can prevent them from progressing. But first things first, England must defeat a team that Scotland themselves saw off with 41 balls to spare in a pointedly fast finish in Antigua on Sunday.”We’re treating this game with Oman in isolation,” Mott said. “They’ve got our full attention. If we get into a position where we’re in a dominant position and can push hard, we will. If we have to scrap and fight and get the two points, we will as well. So, we’ll just keep an open mind, as we always will.”But essentially, we want to play that brand of cricket. I think we had glimpses of it the other day. I thought we started well with the bat, but to get a full performance in is really important. Get that on-field confidence. I think we’re really close, but obviously it’s been a bit of a disjointed tournament so far.”

Wolverhampton Wanderers are now in a transfer race with Leeds United to sign a “future star”, with his club already setting their price tag, according to a recent report.

Wolves eyeing deals for two Premier League proven players

The Midlands side had already seen Matheus Cunha leave for Manchester United before Rayan Ait-Nouri departed for Manchester City. Wolves will be disappointed to lose the pair, but that departure means they now have money in the bank to bring in new players in line with PSR guidelines. Vitor Pereira will be keen to avoid a repeat of last season along with everyone else at Wolves, and one way they could improve is by looking at players closer to home.

Wolves join battle to sign "brilliant" free agent who may replace Semedo

They could instantly solve their Ait-Nouri problem.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jun 12, 2025

The Premier League side are keen to recruit new players and have been linked with moves for the likes of Gerard Martin and Evann Guessand in recent weeks, but they are also looking at stars from within the Premier League.

Indeed, according to a report from Caught Offside, Wolves are interested in signing Yegor Yarmolyuk from Brentford. The London side look set to lose Thomas Frank and Bryan Mbeumo already this summer, and they are now keen to keep hold of Yarmolyuk. However, while they want to retain him, they have also set a price tag of £25 million.

Wolves are also in the race to sign Vladimir Coufal on a free transfer.

The defender is leaving West Ham at the end of this month after five years, and he is also wanted by teams such as Everton and Leeds. His arrival could be key at Molineux as Nélson Semedo looks set to depart on a free transfer.

Wolves in transfer race with Leeds to sign "future star" for £8.5m

Signing a new striker will be high on the list of priorities for Pereira given Cunha’s departure, and there is now a new name on their radar. According to Foot Mercato, Wolves are keen on signing Willem Geubbels from St. Gallen.

The 23-year-old has been with Swiss side St. Gallen since January 2023, when he joined on a free transfer from AS Monaco. He has been a key performer for the club in his two and a half years there, but last season was his strongest campaign, netting 14 goals in the league.

That form has now attracted interest from the Premier League and the Championship, as Leeds, Southampton, Sheffield United and Wolves all keep an eye on his situation.

There is also interest from teams in Germany and the Netherlands, and this has led to St. Gallen to place a €10 million price tag on his head, which is roughly £8.5 million.

Willem Geubbels’ St. Gallen stats
Apps	92
Goals	27
Assists	8

Guebbels, who was once dubbed a “future star” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, would be a risky signing for the Midlands side, as he’s never played in England before and, until last season, hasn’t been prolific in front of goal. However, with the right players around him, he could be a player with a very high ceiling, much like a certain Brazilian who arrived from the continent.

Newcastle United await Champions League football next season, with the fifth-place Premier League finish in 2024/25 proving huge in the efforts to drive St. James’ Park to the forefront of domestic and European football.

Financially and from a sporting standpoint too, United are in a fantastic position, positioned to sign high-profile targets while keeping their prized assets on Tyneside.

The Times have reported that PIF are willing to make Alexander Isak the highest-paid player in Newcastle’s history to fend off interest from suitors like Arsenal, Liverpool and Barcelona, and if they succeed, Eddie Howe can turn with greater security toward the wide flanks.

Newcastle open talks for Elanga alternative

While Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga might be the talk of the Toon right now after a £45m offer was rejected earlier this week, the Magpies have actually been reported to have established contacts with an exciting alternative.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

As per TEAMtalk, Newcastle have been in contact with the representatives of Malick Fofana as they look to cover themselves if unsuccessful in their bid to sign Elanga.

The talented Belgian winger is set to leave Lyon this summer after his side’s relegation to Ligue 2 due to financial difficulties, and a host of suitors, including Chelsea and Liverpool, have emerged.

Fofana is valued at around €50m (£43m), although Lyon’s imperilled position may work to Newcastle’s advantage in building a cheaper package.

Why Newcastle should sign Malick Fofana

While only 20, Fofana has already proved his potential on the major stage, becoming an important player for Lyon – who finished sixth in Ligue 1 last year – after joining from KAA Gent in January 2024.

His return of 11 goals and six assists across the 2024/25 campaign certainly underscores his potential as a high-level winger, especially as he notched nine goal contributions from only 16 starts in the league. Moreover, Fofana played a big role during Lyon’s Europa League campaign, scoring six goals.

Principally left-sided, Fofana scored twice from just two matches as a right winger, also laying on one assist. Given his pace and such fledgling potency, this suggests he could prove an even better signing than Elanga, especially since Forest are looking for something in the region of £60m for the Sweden international.

League Stats 24/25 – Malick Fofana vs Anthony Elanga

Stats (* per game)

Fofana

Elanga

Matches (starts)

29 (16)

38 (31)

Goals

5

6

Assists

4

11

Shots (on target)*

1.1 (0.5)

1.2 (0.6)

Big chances missed

4

6

Pass completion

84%

78%

Big chances created

6

9

Key passes*

0.9

1.3

Dribbles*

0.8

0.7

Tackles*

1.1

0.5

Duels won*

2.9

3.0

Stats via Sofascore

Neither player has perhaps maximised their potential across ball-carrying and creative metrics. Elanga, for example, has named himself “one of the fastest players in the Premier League”, while Fofana ranked among the top 2% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

He also ranked among the top 10% for non-penalty goals scored per 90, emphasising an innate scoring ability that is backed up by a steady stream of creativity.

Elanga, 23, is probably the more polished man, but Fofana’s ceiling stretches higher, and he’s already demonstrated that he has a fleet-footed nature to match.

This two-sided winger could prove a stunning acquisition for a Newcastle side already complete and rounded, just in need of some more depth.

Already noted to be a “game-changer” by journalist Antonio Mango, Fofana is the real deal, and with interest in his services swelling now that Lyon have been relegated from France’s top division, Howe will want to get such a deal done promptly.

Related Dream Pedro alternative: Newcastle advancing move for £40m "goal machine"

Newcastle plan to make a series of attacking signings this summer.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Jun 25, 2025

The promotion-winning campaign for Leeds United will live long in the memory of all supporters, taking them back to the Premier League after a two-year absence.

Daniel Farke was the man to lead the Whites back to the top division of English football, finishing top of the table and subsequently claiming the title on goal difference ahead of Burnley.

Such a feat was made all the more impressive after the sales of Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter, who all departed after the play-off final defeat the year prior.

However, such departures allowed the likes of Ao Tanaka to move to Elland Road, securing his place at the heart of the side and subsequently being named in the division’s Team of the Season.

The Japanese international could be about to be partnered by another star at the base of the side, as the hierarchy looks to strengthen the side ahead of their top-flight return.

The latest on Leeds’ hunt for new signings this summer

Over the last couple of days, Leeds have ramped up their efforts in the market as they look to provide Farke with the tools to survive next campaign.

His side have had an offer for Udinese centre-back Jaka Bijol rejected, but it appears as though they are set to return with an improved offer to force the Italian side into selling the 26-year-old.

However, he may not be the only summer arrival from Serie A, with Leeds also having keen interest in a deal to sign Juventus star Douglas Luiz, according to GIVEMESPORT.

The report claims that the Brazilian international has been offered to the Whites this summer, with the hierarchy set to schedule talks over a potential deal with the Old Lady.

It also states that he could be sold for just £30m this summer, only 12 months on from his move from Aston Villa, after making just 26 appearances across all competitions throughout 2024/25.

Why Luiz could be Farke’s very own Phillips

Midfielder Kalvin Phillips was a crucial part of the Leeds squad back in their previous stint in the Premier League, operating at the heart of the side after emerging through the club’s academy.

The 29-year-old spent 12 years with the Whites in Yorkshire, amassing a total of 234 appearances in the first team, being a mainstay in the side and enjoying a huge rise to stardom under Marcelo Bielsa.

Such form led to the midfielder being named in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the European Championships back in 2020, as they fell at the final hurdle and lost in the final to Italy.

However, he would depart his boyhood side in a £45m deal to join Manchester City – a move that would subsequently ruin his career, only featuring 31 times in the last three years, with multiple loan spells at West Ham and Ipswich Town.

From a business perspective, it was great business for the club, with such funds allowing Farke to potentially have his own version of the Englishman in the form of Luiz.

When comparing their respective stats from Phillips’ final season at Elland Road, the former Villa star massively outperformed him, showcasing why he would be the manager’s own version of the fan favourite.

The Brazilian, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one analyst, registered more goals and assists, having the attacking threat to contribute to the Whites’ ambitions within the final third.

Games played

34

20

Goals & assists

5

1

Pass accuracy

83%

80%

Key passes

1.2

0.5

Through balls completed

0.3

0.06

Tackles won

1.5

1.4

Fouls won

1.4

1.1

Aerials success rate

45%

37%

He also managed to complete more passes and more key passes, subsequently aiding attackers ahead of him, as demonstrated by his assist tally back in 2021/22.

Luiz’s dominance doesn’t stop there, winning more tackles per 90 and coming out on top in more aerial battles, having the tools to star out of possession for the Whites.

£30m for a player of his quality in today’s market is an absolute bargain, with the 27-year-old having the experience to thrive in such a division should he return to England.

It remains unclear whether he would be open to a switch to Elland Road, but Farke and the hierarchy must work tirelessly to convince the international star to move to Yorkshire this summer.

He'd be Farke's own Jansson: Leeds preparing bid for "monstrous" talent

Leeds United are set to make a move for a star who could become a fan favourite at Elland Road.

2 ByEthan Lamb Jun 13, 2025