South Africa 278 for 6 (Brits 101, Wolvaardt 75, Fletcher 3-53) beat West Indies 121 (Claxton 43, Alleyne 32, Klaas 4-25) by 166 runs (DLS method)A commanding opening stand of 184 led by Tazmin Brits’ century, later followed by Masabata Klaas’ four-wicket haul gave South Africa a series win with a comprehensive 166-run victory in the decider as they beat West Indies by DLS method in Cave Hill. Klaas took three wickets in her first two overs, which left West Indies reeling on 40 for 6 in pursuit of their revised target of 288, and the hosts were eventually bundled for 121 in the rain-affected match.West Indies had little to feel good about their toss decision to bowl first. They could not get a wicket for 26.1 overs and the opening stand between Brits and the captain Laura Wolvaardt was South Africa’s tied-fifth-highest in WODI history and came at a run-rate of more than seven.
WI duo guilty of Level 1 offence
West Indies’ Aaliyah Alleyne and Qiana Joseph have been found guilty of breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct, for “showing dissent at an umpires decision during an international match.”
Brits started the barrage with two fours against Zaida James in the third over before carting Jannillea Glasgow for a six and four the next over to get South Africa going. Wolvaardt caught up with a couple of fours just before the powerplay ended and they brought up their century stand in the 13th over. Brits reached her fifty off 45 balls and Wolvaardt off 41. A flurry of sixes from Brits helped her bring up her century in 89 balls just after the halfway mark of the innings. Brits fell for a 91-ball 101 when she handed a catch to Hayley Matthews off Afy Fletcher. Fletcher finished with 3 for 35 with twin strikes of Wolvaardt for 75 and Nondumiso Shangase in her last over.The experienced Marizanne Kapp didn’t let South Africa’s advantage slip away, despite them sliding from 200 for 1 to 264 for 6 with a couple of rain interruptions in between. She made an unbeaten 34, and South Africa were on 278 for 6 in 45.5 overs when the next rain break called the end of their innings.West Indies were in deep trouble right from the start as the visitors snapped in-form Matthews for 8 to reduce the hosts to 10 for 4 as their top four managed just ten runs together. They were soon 29 for 5 and 40 for 6 with twin strikes from Nonkululeko Mlaba before Aaliyah Alleyne and Jahzara Claxton added 65 to stretch the hosts past 100. Klaas then returned to break the stand to help South Africa achieve the looming result by bowling out the hosts in 27.5 overs. Stafanie Taylor didn’t bat; she was declared absent hurt.
Pep Guardiola has named the one player that he'd "love" to have back at Manchester City. City have previously shown a ruthless streak when it comes to cashing on players who no longer wish to play for the club, notably Leroy Sane who left the Premier League side for Bayern Munich in 2020. However, Guardiola has revealed that one "performing unbelievably" he'd welcome back.
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Striker left City last summer
Julian Alvarez left Manchester City for Atletico Madrid last summer having become frustrated at a lack of regular game time for the Premier League powerhouse. The 25-year-old started 31 league games in his final season at the Etihad Stadium, but a bulk of those came as a result of absences to either Erling Haaland or Kevin De Bruyne.
With both fit, Alvarez was often dropped to the bench despite scoring 11 goals and providing nine assists in the 2023/24 campaign. As such, the 2022 World Cup winner pushed to leave with Atletico winning the race to secure his services.
While City were keen to retain the forward, they were willing to sanction his exit and the striker shone in his debut campaign with Atletico. While Aleti finished the league season in third, Alvarez still scored 17 times and laid on a further four assists.
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'I'd love to have him'
And Alvarez has started the season strongly, scoring six times in his opening eight league outings though Atletico have made a sub-par start to the campaign, winning only three times. However, Alvarez's performances for the Spanish side have not gone unnoticed, with Guardiola admitting he's one he'd "love" to have back at the Etihad.
Ahead of City's game against Everton, Guardiola said: "Julian had to compete with Erling (Haaland), which was something extraordinary for us.
"Julian Alvarez is top. That's why now he's at one of the best clubs in the world, Atleti, playing for a top class manager, players, performing unbelievably. Maybe I'd love to have him… but I understand why he left."
Alvarez wasn't the only player who left City recently as Aymeric Laporte departed for Al-Nassr in 2023, another who was keen on more playing time under Guardiola, who added: "The Treble year, do you remember the players I left on the bench? Aymeric Laporte, an incredible central defender and a regular for the national team, Julian and others who I would love to have now, but they wanted to play more and left."
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Did Man City replace Alvarez?
City were caught short in attack when Alvarez left last summer as the Premier League powerhouse failed to sign a replacement for the Argentina international. The Manchester side only spent on winger Savinho from Girona and re-signed Ilkay Gundogan following his Barcelona release.
However, after a disappointing start to the season, which wasn't helped by the absence of midfielder Rodri, City splashed the cash back in January, signing Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, Nico Gonzalez and, crucially, Omar Marmoush, the Egyptian joining from Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt to replace Alvarez.
Marmoush scored seven league goals following his move to City though has endured an injury-hit start to the Premier League season having made just two league starts, though he made the bench for Saturday's game against Everton.
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Atletico looking to get back on track
Atletico will look to get their season back on track when they face Osasuna on Saturday night. While Diego Simeone's side have lost just one league game this season, they returned to league duties eight points behind league leaders Real Madrid, who they demolished at home 5-2 last month.
Alvarez is expected to lead the charge for Atleti, who are without the suspended Clement Lenglet for this must-win meeting in the capital. And the former City hitman is looking to add to his six league goals of the season when Osasuna make the trip to the capital.
However, Alvarez has scored in just three of his eight appearances in 2025/26 having bagged a hat-trick against Rayo Vallecano and a brace in the Madrid Derby triumph at the end of September.
Alvarez also drew a blank over the international break as he failed to score in Argentina's 1-0 win over Venezuela in Miami. Lionel Messi sat out the narrow victory but played the full 90 as the world champions eased to a 6-0 win over Puerto Rico, a match Alvarez watched from the sidelines while Lautaro Martinez bagged a brace from the bench.
خسر الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ليفربول بثلاثية نظيفة أمام كريستال بالاس في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات كأس كاراباو.
واستضاف ملعب “آنفيلد” المباراة بين ليفربول وكريستال بالاس مساء اليوم، الأربعاء، في إطار منافسات كأس رابطة الأندية الإنجليزية المحترفة.
وتعتبر هذه أول بطولة يخسرها ليفربول هذا الموسم ليستمر مسلسل الهزائم المتتالية التي يعيشها الفريق على مدار الفترة الماضية.
وتعد تلك المباراة الثالثة التي يخسرها ليفربول هذا الموسم أمام كريستال بالاس، إذ خسر بطولة الدرع الخيرية بركلات الترجيح، كما انهزم بثنائية مقابل هدف في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.
وضرب آرني سلوت رقمًا سلبيًا مع ليفربول إذ لم يحقق الفريق الفوز سوى مرة واحدة في آخر 7 مباريات خاضها الريدز بجميع المسابقات.
اقرأ أيضًا | هاسلبانك: محمد صلاح متذمر ولم يعد النجم الأول في ليفربول
ويغيب النجم المصري محمد صلاح عن تشكيل ليفربول، كما لا يتواجد على مقاعد البدلاء، رفقة عدة نجوم مثل فيرجيل فان دايك قائد الفريق.
وسجل السنغالي سار هدف كريستال بلاس الأول بعد ارتباك دفاعي في منطقة جزاء ليسدد الكرة في مرمى الحارس وودمان، في الدقيقة 41.
كما سجل اللاعب ذاته الهدف الثاني لصالح كريستال بالاس في الدقيقة 45 بعد انفراد تام بمرمى ليفربول.
وسجل اللاعب ييريمي بينو الهدف الثالث لصالح كريستال بالاس في الدقيقة 88 من عمر وأحداث اللقاء.
وشهد اللقاء حالة طرد في الدقيقة 79، إذ أشهر حكم اللقاء البطاقة الحمراء للاعب ليفربول أمارا ناللو.
ليفربول لم يسدد سوى 7 تسديدات على مرمى كريستال بالاس منهم تسديدة واحدة فقط بين القائمين والعارضة، أما الأخير فسدد 12 تسديدة منهم 8 تسديدات على الحارس وودمان. أهداف مباراة ليفربول وكريستال بالاس اليوم في كأس كاراباو
From selling cookies on the streets of Moreno to wearing Argentina’s iconic sky-blue and white, 21-year-old Lautaro Rivero’s journey reads like a football fairy tale. Once a street vendor helping his family make ends meet, the River Plate defender has now been called up to Lionel Scaloni’s senior squad and is eyeing a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
Lautaro Rivero's journey from streets to stadiums
Argentina’s latest national team squad has turned heads, not just for its tactical mix, but for the emotional story behind Rivero.
The 21-year-old centre-back, once a street vendor selling alfajores, a traditional South American cookies, to support his family, now stands on the brink of an international debut. Born and raised in Moreno, a suburb of Buenos Aires, Rivero grew up in a modest home alongside five siblings. His footballing dream began on the dusty pitches of local club Los Halcones, just blocks away from his home.
Football became his escape and his purpose. “We are very humble and hardworking. My biggest wish is to see my family doing well,” Rivero said in an interview with River Plate in 2022. “Thanks to them, I’m here, fighting every day.”
AdvertisementAFPA rising star at River Plate
At just 14, Rivero’s potential was spotted by River Plate scouts, who brought him into their academy, a turning point that changed his life. Originally a left midfielder, his natural left foot prompted a move to centre-back position, where he quickly became a leader, even captaining several youth sides. By 2021, he earned promotion to the reserve team and, two years later, signed his first professional contract with River Plate.
In 2024, his consistency and composure caught the eye of former first-team boss Martin Demichelis, who included him in River’s Copa Libertadores squad. Yet, breaking into a star-studded lineup proved challenging. Seeking regular minutes, Rivero was loaned out to Central Cordoba, where he thrived. His standout moment came in a historic 2-1 victory over Flamengo at the Maracanã, where he dominated defensively, a performance that brought him under the league's spotlight.
Rivero's breakthrough season and national call-up
Rivero’s rise didn’t stop there. In just one season with Central Cordoba, he made 30 appearances, scored two goals, and provided one assist, playing every minute of their Copa Libertadores campaign. His calm under pressure and sharp positional sense made him one of the most promising defenders in Argentina.
Recognising his growth, River Plate activated their buy-back clause this summer, bringing him back for the upcoming Club World Cup. His performances also drew the attention of Argentina coach Scaloni, who has now handed Rivero his first senior call-up for the upcoming friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico on October 10 and October 13 respectively.
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Getty Images SportRivero eyes 2026 World Cup spot with Albiceleste
Still only 21, his rapid rise has positioned him as one of the brightest young defenders in South America. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Rivero is determined to cement his place in Scaloni’s evolving squad. River Plate fans are equally excited, viewing him as part of the club’s new generation of homegrown leaders.
Manchester United have secured their first signing of the summer, agreeing a pre-contract deal for highly-rated Colombian midfielder Cristian Orozco, who will officially join in July after he has turned 18. The club have also handed a trial to Senegal U17 captain Mouhamed Dabo, signalling their intent to reshape midfield options for both the present and future.
Man Utd to sign Orozco next summer
As per the , United have secured the services of 17-year-old Orozco from Fortaleza after his performances at youth international level caught the eye. The teenager helped Colombia reach the CONMEBOL U17 Championship final earlier this year. In a deal similar to the one that saw Paraguayan left-back Diego Leon recently join, he will move to Old Trafford once he turns 18 and is expected to begin in the youth setup before pushing for senior minutes.
AdvertisementRed Devils also set to hand trial to Senegal U17 captain
Alongside Orozco’s arrival, Senegal U17 captain Mouhamed Dabo has been given a trial with United. The Be Sport Academy talent is seen as a player with leadership qualities and potential to develop into a future first-team option. African scouting and recruitment efforts previously unearthed Malian midfielder Sekou Kone, who arrived in Manchester last year.
Getty Images SportAmorim wants to strengthen midfield depth
Ruben Amorim has been keen to add energy and depth to a midfield that has faltered this season. Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo have struggled to consistently impose themselves, while Bruno Fernandes has often been moved out of his best attacking role. Casemiro’s recent red card against Chelsea and current suspension further underlined the need for reinforcements in squad depth.
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AFPMan Utd looking to build a young core under INEOS
Orozco will complete his move in July, with staff set to monitor his progress closely in the academy. Dabo, meanwhile, must impress during his trial period to earn a permanent contract. Both moves highlight United’s push to build a younger core under Amorim while planning beyond the current campaign.
Marseille sporting director Medhi Benatia shed light on the departure of Adrien Rabiot, who joined Serie A giants AC Milan, following the Frenchman's brawl with ex-teammate Jonathan Rowe. Benatia expressed his regret over the midfielder's exit, revealing that he tried to build the bridges again, but also pointed fingers at the player's family for complicating things further.
Benatia opens up on Rabiot's departure
Benatia has revisited this heated episode that marked the start of the club's season. In an interview with on Tuesday, the Marseille sporting director confirmed his close relationship with the French international, but did not hesitate to criticise the attitude of those around him, accusing them of aggravating the situation. These comments bring a sensitive issue back to the table, just a few weeks after Rabiot's transfer to AC Milan.
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The brawl between Rabiot and Rowe
Marseille's season got off to a turbulent start, with controversy overshadowing their opening Ligue 1 defeat to Rennes. The match was quickly forgotten as an explosive incident off the pitch took centre stage, when a physical altercation broke out between Rabiot and Rowe. The situation escalated to the point where security had to intervene to break up the fight. The confrontation took a darker turn when 17-year-old Darryl Bakola, who was caught in the middle of the chaos, was left unconscious. In response to the shocking events, head coach Roberto De Zerbi confirmed that both Rabiot and Rowe were suspended and placed on the transfer list as part of the club’s disciplinary action. Club president Pablo Longoria described the incident as “completely unheard of in the world of football.” However, in an unexpected twist, De Zerbi hinted at the possibility of a return for Rabiot, with the player's mother, Veronique, also reversing her initial stance and expressing a desire for her son to remain at Marseille.
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Benatia wanted to reconcile with Rabiot
"I am very close to Adrien, whom I like very much. I have always said so, before, during and after the episode. But unfortunately, there was this incident which, for me, went too far and then escalated when his family got involved," said Benatia.
"It's a shame, because he's a wonderful person and a great professional. We would have liked to see it resolved differently. On a personal level, I'm just sad that I won't see him anymore when I arrive here… That's it, I wish him all the best."
These words show that Rabiot's departure was not a choice planned by Les Olympiens, but rather the consequence of a climate that had become unmanageable after the brawl in Rennes.
Despite the incident, Benatia says he considered keeping the player. "Either Adrien decided to do what was necessary so that we could reinstate him, or we made it easier for him to go elsewhere. I spoke with him for a good hour a few days before he left to join the national team. I sensed that he was attached to Marseille, but at the same time he felt he had done everything he could to mend fences… So it was better to consider his departure," said the sporting director.
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The Rabiot family's version
Rabiot's mother, Veronique, defended her son after it was announced that Marseille wanted to sell him, saying: "What does 'unprecedented violence' mean? No one was injured, no one went to hospital, there were no broken noses, no split lips, no stitches, so I don't really understand. 'Unprecedented violence', I don't believe it."
Her comments caused some unease, as Marseille's leaders were already seeking a way out of the crisis. In the same interview, she launched a scathing attack on president Longoria, De Zerbi, and Benatia.
Quite often, it is impossible to read too much into pre-season but, if Everton manager David Moyes has learnt one thing, it is that he requires more attacking difference makers.
Across seven pre-season friendlies, the Toffees won only once, beating EFL League One outfit Port Vale, scoring just six goals across these fixtures, most notably defeated 1-0 by Roma on Saturday, which somewhat damped the grand-opener of Hill Dickinson Stadium.
So, ahead of their Premier League opener, taking on newly-promoted Leeds United at Elland Road on Monday night, Moyes has already brought in some attacking reinforcements, but now has his sights set on even more.
Everton's need for goals and creativity
So far this summer, Everton have added striker Thierno Barry, arriving from Villarreal for a reported fee of £27m, and attacking midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who has joined from Chelsea for £25m, the pair having scored 11 and five goals for their former clubs respectively last season.
The signing all Evertonians are excited the most about, though, is the arrival of Jack Grealish, who has moved to Merseyside on a season-long loan from Manchester City, while there is an option to make the deal permanent for £50m.
Should that clause be activated, he would break Everton’s transfer record, currently held by Gylfi Sigurðsson.
So, given the huge sums of money involved, with Grealish currently earning £300k-per-week in wages too, albeit Man City will surely be subsidising a huge proportion of that, could the acquisition of a young talent prove to be the better signing?
Well, as reported by TEAMtalk, Everton are interested in signing Tyrique George from Chelsea, with alternatives to Southampton’s Tyler Dibling being considered on the right flank, having seen multiple bids rejected for the £50m teenager.
As for George, the report adds that RB Leipzig are also ‘keen’, while Chelsea are open to a sale at ‘the right price’, with the Blues’ teenager’s estimated transfer market value around £15m, as per Football Transfers.
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So, could he soon swap Stamford Bridge for Bramley-Moore Dock?
What Evertonians could expect from Tyrique George
George has been on Chelsea’s books since the age of eight, making his senior debut for the Blues a year ago against Servette in the Conference League play-off round, racking up 26 senior appearances across all competitions throughout the campaign.
He scored his first goal for the club against Legia Warszawa in April, opening his Premier League account at Craven Cottage against West London rivals Fulham a few days later, before also netting against Espérance Sportive de Tunis during Chelsea’s victorious Club World Cup campaign throughout the summer.
These performances saw him named Chelsea’s Academy Player of the Season for 2025, a prestigious accolade previously awarded to Dominic Solanke, Fikayo Tomori, Mason Mount, Reece James, Conor Gallagher, Billy Gilmour, Lewis Hall and other high-profile stars since its inception a decade ago.
Ben Mattinson was certainly impressed, labelling him a “monster”, believing there is “not enough hype” about how good he is, while then-teammate Noni Madueke asserted that George’s “talent is through the roof”, adding that he is “quick and skilful” and possesses “everything to be a fantastic winger”.
So, let’s analyse his statistics in last season’s Conference League, the competition in which the vast majority of his minutes came.
Conference League 2024/25 stats
Stats
George
Chelsea rank
Minutes
765
5th
Goals
1
12th
Assists
2
5th
Expected assists
2.9
2nd
Shots
22
2nd
Key passes
14
2nd
Shot-creating actions
30
2nd
Big chances created
4
2nd
Attempted take-ons
25
2nd
Successful take-ons
14
2nd
Progressive carries
38
1st
Carries into the box
27
1st
Average SofaScore ranking
7.08
9th
via FBref.com and Sofascore
As the table outlines, George was a key attacking contributor for Chelsea in the Conference League last season, ranking especially highly when it came to dribbling metrics, namely progressive carries, carries into the opposition’s penalty area and take-ons.
Thus, it is clear that George is an immensely talented teenager, one that could be available for a bargain price, given Chelsea’s constant desire to buy more and more attackers, currently chasing Alejandro Garnacho and Xavi Simons.
Everton could therefore be the team who benefit, potentially signing George at a bargain price, one that’ll prove to be their best signing of the summer in the medium to long term, even better than the arrival of Grealish.
The teenager is a player on the up and, in the right environment, could thrive, so is exactly the profile of player the Toffees need to be targeting, low cost and opportunistic, if they’re going to get back to challenging for major honours and European qualification.
Grealish, on the other hand, is a major risk, having contributed very little at Manchester City across the last two seasons, seeing a miserly 715 minutes of action in the Premier League last season, starting just seven times, scoring a solitary league goal.
Jack Grealish
Thus, while 29-year-old Grealish could have an impact in the immediate future, Everton are aiming to compete in the long-term under new owners, the Friedkins, and George, a decade his junior, could star at Bramley-Moore Dock for many seasons to come.
Better move than Grealish: Everton looking to sign "unstoppable" £17m CF
As Everton look to bolster their forward options, with Jack Grealish potentially on his way, the Toffees could also sign an “unstoppable” £17m striker
فجر فينسنت جارسيا، رئيس تحرير مجلة “فرانس فوتبول” الشهيرة مفاجأة حول فوز عثمان ديمبلي، نجم باريس سان جيرمان، بجائزة أفضل لاعب في العالم لعام 2025، مساء يوم الإثنين.
واستضاف مسرح “دو شاتليه” في باريس مراسم حفل مجلة “فرانس فوتبول” الشهيرة لتوزيع جوائز الأفضل في العالم لعام 2025، وعلى رأسها الكرة الذهبية.
وحصل عثمان ديمبلي، لاعب فريق باريس سان جيرمان، على جائزة الكرة الذهبية لأفضل لاعب في العالم لعام 2025، في حين اكتفى محمد صلاح بالمركز الرابع (لمطالعة التفاصيل كاملة من هنا).
وبينما جاء عثمان ديمبلي في المركز الأول، تلاه لامين يامال نجم برشلونة ثم فيتينها لاعب باريس سان جيرمان.
وقال فيسنت جارسيا، في تصريحات لصحيفة “ليكيب” الفرنسية: “لم تكن هناك منافسة، لأكون صريحًا، فاز ديمبلي بأغلبية ساحقة، فاز بفارق كبير، حظى بدعم كبير من جانب لجنة التحكيم، إنه فائز بالكرة الذهبية عن استحقاق”.
وأكد جارسيا أن مخاوف باريس سان جيرمان حول إمكانية حدوث تشتيت في الأصوات بسبب كثرة لاعبيه المرشحين في الجائزة لم تكن صحيحة، حيث أوضح: “لم يكن هناك تشتت”.
واسترسل: “حصد فيتينها بعض المراكز الأولى (لدى المصوتين)، وكذلك أشرف حكيمي، لكنهما لم يحققا سوى القليل، في حين فاز عثمان ديمبلي بفارق كبير في جميع القارات، سواء في إفريقيا أو أوروبا أو أمريكا الجنوبية أو أمريكا الشمالية، إنها كرة ذهبية مستحقة لا لبس فيها”.
Joao Pedro was the perfect fit for Newcastle United, the ideal profile to nestle into the front ranks and challenge Alexander Isak for the spot at number nine.
The Brazil forward’s range of properties even suggested he could be ferried out wide, matching the fluid positional values Eddie Howe seeks from his players.
However, the Toon could only watch as Pedro opted to become the latest to walk the well-trodden path from Brighton to Chelsea, joining Enzo Maresca’s side for £60m.
Newcastle have since agreed a £52m deal with Nottingham Forest for Anthony Elanga, but a frontman is still needed.
The latest on Newcastle's search for a striker
It’s a marker of PIF’s ambition that they have expressed an interest in signing Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike.
However, the Frenchman, 23, is valued at €100m (£85m), and this is too expensive, with Ekitike’s many suitors all presently hesitant to advance their curiosity.
While Dominic Calvert-Lewin, a free agent after leaving Everton last month, would be a far less costly option, he’s perhaps not quite good enough for Howe’s vision.
Especially when considering Brentford’s Yoane Wissa is an option. As per Caught Offside, the 28-year-old is attracting interest from all the far-flung corners of the Premier League, with the Magpies joined by Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in their interest.
Spurs appear to be leading the pack, having already begun talks ahead of a potential move, although both Newcastle and the Red Devils are set to offer ‘competition’, with the pair said to be ‘both exploring the market’ for a new centre-forward.
He’s been priced at £50m, and that’s no small sum. However, Wissa is a proven goalscorer in England’s top flight and is dynamic enough to play that Pedro-esque role, knocking on Isak’s door or indeed complementing him.
What Yoane Wissa would bring to Newcastle
Wissa has been an important player for Brentford over the past four years, helping Frank to secure a comfortable place in the Premier League after joining from French club Lorient for £8.5m in 2021.
With an interesting blend of pace and power, Wissa is the real deal, stepping up and then some for the Bees over the past year, with Ivan Toney having moved to the Saudi Pro League.
As Brentford’s focal striker last season, he scored 19 goals and provided five assists across 35 Premier League matches, with Frank describing his iconic partnership with Bryan Mbeumo as “unplayable” (after their 4-1 win over the Toon in December 2024).
Wissa’s distinctive style of play has even seen Newcastle’s Isak drawn as one of his most comparable players. FBref’s data pointed toward a likeness, with Wissa ranked among the top 15% of strikers across Europe last year for goals scored, the top 14% for pass completion and the top 18% for progressive carries per 90.
Isak scored 27 goals across all competitions in 2024/25, but he offers so much more than a mere goal threat, with intelligent off-the-ball movement and menacing motions in the final third apt to wrongfoot many an unfortunate defender.
Wissa isn’t Isak, but he does have a wide-ranging skill set of his own that offers shades of the 25-year-old’s game. This is why United wanted Pedro. They missed out, but could sign just as interesting a profile here.
Centre-forward
86
34
8
Left winger
28
6
4
Right winger
7
4
0
Attacking midfield
3
1
0
As you can see, his versatile nature expands his potential in a prospective attacking position at Newcastle. He’s been hailed for his “unbelievable” quality by former Brentford boss Thomas Frank.
In this way, Wissa’s similarity with Isak is further underscored, for the Sweden international, while typically fixed at number nine, has been called “the complete striker” by pundit Alan Shearer, who even went on to liken him to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.
As Howe leads his troops back onto Europe’s elite stage, he’ll need strength in depth to compete and to flourish.
In Wissa, he might just find the perfect man for the job.
Better than Elanga: Newcastle ready to accelerate move for £40m "menace"
Newcastle are looking to add further depth out wide
Nicholas Pooran smashed 66 from just 33 balls, including eight sixes, to inspire a memorable comeback victory for Northern Superchargers in The Hundred. But it was a suspected hamstring injury to England men’s Test captain Ben Stokes that brought his arrival to the crease.Stokes is now a doubt for the series with Sri Lanka which begins on August 21 in Manchester. He will have scans on Monday to determine the extent of the damage.Pooran – who is enjoying a stellar competition – came in at 29 for 2 with over 100 required and everything to do after Phil Salt drove his Manchester team to an intimidating 156 for 3, and walked off Emirates Old Trafford 62 balls later having kept his team in the competition.The game looked to be going the way of the hosts on more than one occasion, firstly when Salt took Originals to the biggest-ever powerplay, and latterly in Superchargers’ chase when they required 124 from 60, but Superchargers’ spinners dragged Originals back to keep the chase manageable, and Pooran, Brook and Adam Hose performed heroics with the bat to carry the day.The Superchargers’ charge continued a theme of top-class batting throughout the day, ably supported by a belter of a pitch at Emirates Old Trafford.After a similar story in the women’s game, Phil Salt and Max Holden enjoyed the early exchanges – the score at 86 for 2 when Holden was dismissed on the 34th ball – but Superchargers didn’t allow Originals to maintain their lightning scoring rate andm at the interval, they were in the game, albeit with a lot to do.For Andrew Flintoff’s team, Pooran then did as he has been doing throughout this competition to dispatch bowlers left, right and centre and make the improbable look routine, with support from Brook and Hose – and with it he kept the Superchargers’ hopes alive.The only bad news for Superchargers – who now need to beat London Spirit at Headingley on Tuesday to progress to the knock-out stages – was Stokes’ injury, which he sustained after running a quick single off the 12th delivery of the second innings.Meerkat Match Hero Pooran said: “It’s definitely one of my better innings, knowing the situation of the game. Walking into bat with 100+ runs to get, and this format it creeps up on you very fast but I was really happy that I could contribute and be there to the end.”I knew he struck it well [Adam Hose], but I was just really happy that he is finding some form as well. You don’t win tournaments with just one person contributing. It’s really good when your teammates can contribute and hopefully we can go to our game on Tuesday and fight.”If we lost the game today we’d be out of the tournament, I’m happy that I can be there to the end, contribute, get the win for the team and hopefully the result will be the same again on Tuesday as well.”