Nottingham Forest have a new manager at the helm in Ange Postecoglou, and he may already be about to sanction his first major piece of business since arriving at the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest boss Ange Postecoglou speaks after appointment

Nuno Espirito Santo has now left the East Midlands after his public fallout with Evangelos Marinakis proved to be the final nail in the coffin for their relationship, in a development offset by Edu Gaspar’s appointment as sporting director.

Ultimately, the Tricky Trees opted to go in a different direction, and they didn’t wait long to secure their replacement. Postecoglou arrives with a Europa League title to his name and the question now surrounds how his high-octane style of play will take shape on the River Trent.

Speaking ahead of his first match in charge of Nottingham Forest against Arsenal, the Australian manager made it clear that his attacking mode of operation will be a key feature of his next career step in the Premier League, even if it isn’t the only trick up his sleeve.

Ange Postecoglou dealt first Nottingham Forest worry amid Arsenal decision

Mikel Arteta’s side are facing him this weekend.

ByEmilio Galantini Sep 11, 2025

With anticipation growing surrounding how Postecoglou will take to life in his new role, he may have already sanctioned his first piece of transfer business at the club.

Nottingham Forest's Jota Silva set to sign for Besiktas

According to Fabrizio Romano on social media platform X, Nottingham Forest winger Jota Silva is set to join Besiktas on an initial loan deal with an option for the Turkish giants to purchase the Portugal international.

In a transaction that could see the Tricky Trees earn £17 million between the fee for his loan agreement and future permanent transfer, Marinakis may earn some funds for Postecoglou ahead of the January window once all is signed and sealed.

With the former Vitoria Guimaraes man flying to Turkey today, he will bring the curtain down on his time in England, which resulted in four goals and three assists in 38 appearances across all competitions.

Dan Ndoye’s arrival has left Nottingham Forest well-stocked in the wide areas, so being able to offload a spare part for a healthy sum is a pleasing development for supporters.

Pep Guardiola and Manchester City’s higher-ups had the unenviable task of replacing Kevin De Bruyne this summer. The Belgian legend departed the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season, upon the expiration of his contract, and now plies his trade in Napoli, where he will be hoping to guide Antonio Conte’s side to back-to-back Scudettos.

Finding the right man to step into the shoes of De Bruyne was never going to be easy. Where on earth do you start looking when you want to replace his 108 goals and 177 assists for the club? Of course, he also vacated the now-iconic number 17 shirt, which is yet to be filled.

Well, one player who won’t be donning that shirt is summer signing Rayan Cherki.

Why Cherki won’t take City’s number 17

Despite picking up an injury so soon into his City career, Cherki is one of the players people believed could fill the creative void left by De Bruyne. He has already made a strong start to life at the Etihad Stadium.

In just six appearances in the Club World Cup and the Premier League, the France international has found the back of the net twice and assisted one goal.

His only strike in the English top-flight came against Wolves on his debut in the competition.

Despite only being a short way into his career in East Manchester, Cherki has already received high praise. BBC Sport analyst Umir Irfan described him as a “genius footballer” following his goal at Molineux.

So, you might think all the signs point to Cherki taking the number 17 at City and looking to follow on from De Bruyne’s legacy. But it does seem unlikely, because at the start of the season, the Frenchman switched to the number ten shirt, vacated by Jack Grealish, who moved to Everton.

Given that Cherki has such an iconic number already, it would be a surprise to see him swap again and take De Bruyne’s old number. However, City have the perfect candidate in their squad.

Man City’s next number 17 in waiting

Over the last few seasons, City’s academy has produced some magnificent players. Some, like Cole Palmer, have now departed the club, whilst others, including Phil Foden, are still playing week in, week out at the Etihad Stadium.

Well, it is an academy graduate who could be City’s perfect option to take on the mantle of De Bruyne’s 17 shirt. Oscar Bobb has established himself as an important player under Guardiola and has impressed during his short professional career so far.

Now 35 games into his career in East Manchester, the Norwegian international has already chipped in with three goals and four assists.

Arguably, his best goal in a City shirt was assisted by De Bruyne, with the Belgian teeing him up with a pass over the Newcastle United defence last year, with the youngster showing great composure to finish.

In recent years, it has not been a surprise to hear a City player be described as “magical”. That is exactly what content creator Steven McInerney said about him at the start of the season, when he assisted Tijjani Reijnders away to Wolves.

It is more than just a great promise shown by Bobb. He has the talent to pick up the creative gauntlet thrown down by De Bruyne. Although it is a small sample size, his numbers are sensational, with the standout being that he created 3.4 chances per 90 minutes back in 2024/25.

Bobb’s City record (all comps)

Stat (per 90)

2023/24

2024/25

2025/26

Games played

26

4

3

Key passes

2.4

3.4

1.4

Pass accuracy

89.7%

89.8%

91%

Dribbles completed

2

2.5

2.5

Stats from Sofascore

There is no doubting Bobb’s talent, and the fact that Guardiola rates and trusts him so much is clear to see. The 22-year-old has averaged 85 minutes per game this season.

He could be the player in waiting to take De Bruyne’s number 17 shirt and continue his legacy.

The Norway international is just 22 years of age, so he has years ahead of him to hit the same heights as the City legend. But, as far as talent goes, it seems like Bobb has it all and could become City’s next number 17.

Related New Silva: Man City plot shock move to sign £65m England international

Man City would be pulling off a huge shock with this move

Posts ByJoe Nuttall Aug 29, 2025

Christian Pulisic vowed to 'work 10 times harder' after his penalty miss cost AC Milan the chance to go top of the Serie A table heading into the international break.

Pulisic acknowledges blunder vs Juventus

Pulisic has publicly shared his heartbreak after his crucial penalty miss in the 0-0 Serie A draw against Juventus on Sunday. According toLa Gazzetta dello Sport, the American international took to social media to express his anguish and make a vow to the club's supporters after the Rossoneri dropped points.

AdvertisementAFPWhat Pulisic said after the penalty miss

The day after the stalemate in Turin, Pulisic posted a message to his followers, apologising for the costly error that denied his team a vital victory. Despite receiving support from his coach and teammates, the forward felt compelled to address the fans directly. "It kills me to disappoint this club," Pulisic wrote. "I'll work 10 times harder to make things right. Forza Milan always." The message was met with an overwhelmingly positive response from the Rossoneri fanbase, who were quick to forgive their top scorer.

A costly miss in a tight affair

Pulisic's failed spot-kick was the defining moment in a cagey encounter at the Allianz Stadium. A successful conversion would almost certainly have secured all three points for Milan and sent them to the top of the Serie A table. In a match with few clear-cut chances, where Milan managed just four shots on target from 13 attempts, the penalty was a golden opportunity to break the deadlock and claim a significant away win.

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Pulisic's strong start to the season

Despite the disappointment, the miss is a rare blemish on what has been an excellent start to the season for the USMNT captain. Pulisic has been Milan's standout attacking player in the opening months of the campaign and currently leads the Serie A goalscoring charts with four goals in six games. His strong performances have quickly made him a fan favourite, and his public apology has only further endeared him to the club's supporters.

Newcastle United are believed to be in the mix to sign an “incredible” player this summer, as they look to hijack Everton’s move for him.

Howe provides new Isak update

The Magpies are preparing to host Liverpool in the Premier League on Monday night, with St James’ Park likely to be at its atmospheric best amid the Alexander Isak saga.

Eddie Howe has confirmed that the Swede will play no part in proceedings against the club who want to sign him this summer, also reacting to his statement about being let down by Newcastle earlier this week.

“It was a sad moment. My preference is these things do not happen publicly. They are better dealt with behind closed doors. But needs must: the club has spoken, and justifiably so in that moment, the club has to act in the best interests of Newcastle United.

“It will do that in every situation. He’s contracted to us. He’s our player. My wish is that he would be playing on Monday. He won’t be, and that’s regrettable. But 100 per cent I want him back in a Newcastle shirt.

Away from the Isak situation, Newcastle are still working hard on possible new signings at both ends of the pitch, and they are reportedly battling others for the signing of a Premier League player.

Newcastle eyeing move for Man City defender Nathan Ake

According to TEAMtalk, Newcastle are potentially looking to hijack Everton’s move for Manchester City defender Nathan Ake this summer. While Everton are already in talks and the Magpies are only “monitoring” the Dutchman, he is represented by the same agency as several Newcastle stars, including Lewis Hall and Harvey Barnes, so there could be a smooth path to personal negotiations.

Ake could be a brilliant addition for Newcastle, bringing a wealth of experience of him, not least six Premier League titles and one Champions League crown. The 30-year-old is capable of thriving at both centre-back and left-back, which Howe has shown he appreciates with his use of Dan Burn, and Pep Guardiola spoke glowingly about him during last season.

In some ways, it seems strange why City are willing to sell a player who still has so much to offer, but if Guardiola no longer sees him as an important part of his plans, Newcastle should pounce.

Hopefully, the lure of a move to St James’, including playing in the Champions League, ultimately appeals more to Ake than joining Everton, even though the Blues are starting a new era at their impressive Hill Dickinson Stadium this season.

Newcastle submit bid for 20 y/o prodigy with "true vintage striker vibes"

The striker was the second-highest goalscorer in Serie B last season.

By
Callum Kemp

Aug 22, 2025

The £160,000-a-week Ake is a class act who has proven himself at the highest level, and at 30, there is no reason why he couldn’t enjoy three or four good years at Newcastle.

South Africa seamer strikes hard on day two to put Kent on the brink of victory at Wantage Road

Vithushan Ehantharajah05-Apr-2025

Northants 143 (Keogh 64, Singh 4-35) and 107 for 7 (Bartlett 54*, Dudgeon 4-32) need 153 runs to beat Kent 231 (Muyeye 72, Leaning 40, Weatherall 3-32) and 171 (Evison 52, Compton 36, Weatherall 3-38) Keith Dudgeon had originally planned on joining Kent for the 2024 season before NOC issues ruled that out. A year on, he finds himself at the club as one of two replacements, alongside Pakistan Test seamer Kashif Ali, to cover for Wes Agar through to May, who was prescribed rest following the end of the Australian summer.Even moonlighting for Agar owed a lot to a referral from a high-profile figure within the English game. Joe Root, having spent time with Dudgeon during an SA20 stint with Paarl Royals, thought he had the skills to succeed in county cricket. His overall record was impressive enough, with 226 red ball wickets at 26.31. With Kent searching for bowlers, Root recommended Dudgeon to England teammate Zak Crawley, who passed it on,The lesson to learn after just two days of the 2025 season is that networking works. Because whatever thoughts there might have been that the 29-year-old South African is an afterthought overseas, the record was set straight on Saturday evening at Wantage Road.The broad-shouldered seamer took Kent to victory’s door against Northamptonshire with a late spell of three wickets in nine deliveries that leaves his new side needing just three more wickets on day three for victory in their Division Two opener. An uncapped Protea he may be, but this was a top-quality fare.That day two saw 20 wickets across three innings tells an accurate story of a crapshoot of an opening fixture on a spicy pitch that would have done plenty without the plethora of batting errors. But Dudgeon’s late burst – which might have been four wickets in 11 balls, and a first five-wicket haul for the club, had a vociferous LBW appeal against Justin Broad been given – was a gut punch to Northamptonshire.At 54 for 2 in pursuit of 260, they looked to have stumbled across some calm amid the chaos of the last two days. Now, closing on 107 for 7, they rest knowing defeat awaits them on Sunday, with only George Bartlett’s unbeaten 54 to hold on to. Bartlett’s presence should be considered a blessing given he was shelled on 17 by Bell-Drummond at third slip.”We’ve had a struggle this year with the Kookaburra (balls) back home, and slower seam conditions at my home ground, Boland Park,” Dudgeon said of South African seamers over their domestic summer. His seven wickets for Boland came at 55.28. Just 20 overs with a Dukes in April have already reaped five at 13.00.”I’m well aware that they’re not all like this,” he added, referring to the surface and conditions, having clocked a few heavy scores around the country. “I know the hard work is only coming, so we need to stay humble.”He need not worry, because humility has a way of finding this modern iteration of Kent, even when they are in the ascendancy. They needed just 40 minutes to wrap up Northamptonshire’s first innings, with Jaskaran Singh doubling his two dismissals from the night before to finish with career-best figures of 4 for 35. But having worked hard to establish a lead of 88, the visiting attack were back in action after the tea break, with 29 overs remaining in the day’s play.What happened in between was down to a super-sized version of the first day’s mistakes. A collapse of 5 for 33 in their first innings was “bettered” by a rather inexplicable 7 for 49 in the second, of which four – all caught through attacking shots – should have been avoided.The first of those was a tame bunt to cover by Crawley, this time for 31 after losing two stumps for just one 24 hours earlier. That it set up the cascade was no fault of Crawley’s; England’s erratic opener had compiled nicely up to that point, dovetailing with Ben Compton to take the opening stand to 66 just after lunch.Jaskaran Singh struck in the first innings before Keith Dudgeon make the key inroads in the second•Getty Images

But when a Broad length delivery sat up, deserving to be smoked through the off side, Crawley snatched at the chance, gifting a simple catch to Saif Zaib at cover. An over later, Zaib was in more or less the exact same patch of field – this time fielding at midwicket – as Bell-Drummond flicked to him for a three-ball nought, and was immediately followed back to the pavilion by Tawanda Muyeye.The reaction to Muyeye’s dismissal for a golden duck said it all, though it was as much down to seeing off a batter who peeled off a composed 72 on day one as the quality of delivery from Raphael Weatherall. An inswinging yorker pinne the right-hander’s front pad on its way towards to the base of leg stump.Yet again, it was Weatherall’s introduction that ripped the guts out of Kent’s line-up. Jack Leaning survived the hat-trick ball, but the former England U19 quick eventually picked up his third, ripping out Compton’s off stump to cap a resolute stay at 101 minutes.Weatherall’s 3 for 38, combined with the first day’s career-best effort of 32 not only doubled his overall first-class tally. To have gone two days in a row showcased the important technical changes made over the winter following a stress fracture of his lower back.Aged 20, his pace – 81/82mph according to analysts at Wantage Road – and ability to hammer the same length to right- and left-handers (including from around the wicket to the latter, which did for Compton) is a huge upside. The energy provided was harnessed beyond his own spell to allow Northants a route back through the seven-wicket flurry spanning 16.3 overs.The problem, however, was despite Kent’s missteps, their lead had made it to 203. With Joey Evison the designated fourth emergency service since moving to Canterbury in 2022, another rescue act was cooking. A gutsy 52 – his 10th first-class half-century for the club – dragged Kent to 171. Evison was the last to fall attempting his first shot in anger, failing to clear Zaib on the fence at deep midwicket.Undoubtedly the crucial part of that late resistance was an eight-wicket partnership of 36 with Dudgeon, which meant Northamptonshire’s target for victory would require them to register the highest innings of the match. Considering that stand was greater than anything the hosts mustered in their first innings, it was clear who were in the ascendancy going into the tea interval.Those odds shrunk at the end of the second over of the evening session. Ricardo Vasconcelos decided to leave a good length ball from Dudgeon, delivered tight to the stumps from over the wicket, despite the fact the right-armer has been consistently moving the ball in to the left-hander, and lost his off stump.It was the first of three bad leaves. The third – Broad wearing one on the pad from Gilchrist – closed out the day’s play. The second, however, was a work of art from Grant Stewart.James Sales had judged the line of the Italian seamer’s delivery to be wide of off stump out of the hand. A wicked deviation sent it back towards its intended target, kissing the middle-and-off bail gently enough that even standing umpire Rob Bailey had to double-take when Sales calmly strode off.Stewart had already seen off home skipper Luke Procter. And when Rob Keogh, Northamptonshire’s first innings top-scorer with a 64 that only ended this morning, became the second of three catches to be pouched by Leaning at second slip, all in Dudgeon’s late spell, all reasonable hope was lost.

رد أشرف حلمي، رئيس اتحاد تنس الطاولة، على تصريحات عمر عصر، بشأن عدم وجود طبيب ومعد لياقة بدنية، مع بعثة منتخب مصر المشاركة في بطولة إفريقيا بتونس.

ماذا قال عمر عصر؟ | “أمور لا تحدث إلا في مصر”.. عمر عصر يكشف تفاصيل صادمة في أزمته مع نجل رئيس اتحاد تنس الطاولة

وكانت مباراة مصر ونيجيريا في بطولة إفريقيا لتنس الطاولة، شهدت مشادة وأزمة كبيرة بين اللاعب عمر عصر وزميله محمود أشرف، نجل رئيس اتحاد اللعبة.

طالع | رئيس اتحاد تنس الطاولة يكشف كواليس أزمة نجله مع عمر عصر في بطولة إفريقيا

وقال حلمي خلال تصريحات عبر برنامج “الكورة مع فايق” المذاع على قناة “إم بي سي مصر 2”: “عمر عصر قال إن محمود أشرف تعرض لإيقاف مباراتين في دوري الجمهورية، لكن ما حدث أنه ألغي له مباراة وتعرض لإيقاف 3 مباريات، والزمالك تقدم بالتماس وأنا رفضته”.

وأضاف: “عمر عصر قال إنه يوجد لاعبون تمت معاقبتهم بـ200 ألف جنيه، وهذا لم يحدث، اللاعبان اللذان تمت معاقبتهما كان بسبب أنهما وقعا لناديين، ومن بينهما شقيق عمر عصر”.

وتابع: “تم إرسال التقرير الخاص بـ عمر عصر وأنه يحتاج إلى راحة حتى يوم 1-11، وهناك بطولة التضامن يوم 6-11 وقلت له طالما تحتاج إلى راحة ولن تلعب حتى 1-11 لذلك فسأرفع اسمك من بطولة التضامن”.

وأكمل: “أنا توليت المسؤولية منذ شهر ديسمبر الماضي، ولم يحدث إن هناك طبيبًا أو معدًا يسافر مع أي بعثة، يمكن هذا من 20 أو 30 سنة، أنا توليت المسؤولية في الاتحاد ونحاول أن نجعل اللعبة تقف مرة أخرى على قدمها لأن الاتحاد مديون بـ 15 مليون جنيه”.

وأتم: “التحقيق في واقعة نجلي محمود أشرف وعمر عصر، لن يتم في اتحاد تنس الطاولة، سنرسل التحقيق للوزارة واللجنة الأولمبية تتولى الأمر”.

Chelsea have pulled off a dramatic late move with very little clues in the build-up, with BlueCo’s latest transfer deal seemingly coming out of nowhere.

Enzo Maresca’s side, once again, have been one of the Premier League’s busiest clubs in terms of incomings and outgoings. The west Londoners have shaken hands on 23 transfers in total, including exit deals and pre-agreed transfers prior to this summer, but that number doesn’t even factor in their various loan deals for the likes of Aaron Anselmino and Marc Guiu.

This number also includes their latest new arrival, winger Alejandro Garnacho in a £40 million deal from Man United, as Chelsea finally reached an agreement after weeks of talks with the Red Devils.

The Argentine bagged 11 goals and 10 assists in all competitions last term, with Garancho arriving at Chelsea after the club completed extensive background checks on his character/personality (Matt Law), not to mention an eight-year scouting mission.

While their deal for Garnacho had been meticulously planned and thought out, the same cannot be said for Brighton starlet Facundo Bounanotte.

We’ve heard precious little about any prior interest from Chelsea in the 20-year-old, but Maresca has now added to his contingent of former Brighton players with a temporary deal for him.

Chelsea agree deal to sign Facundo Bounanotte on loan from Brighton

As per Fabrizio Romano and other reliable media sources, Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Bounanotte on loan, hijacking Leeds United’s long-awaited deal for him in the process.

This also comes after Tottenham hijacked Chelsea’s move for Xavi Simons, with Bounanotte potentially coming as an alternative to the Dutchman.

Whilst not of the same calibre, past praise for the player should have supporters fairly intrigued – as Bounanotte has been likened to footballing icon Lionel Messi.

Sergio Busquets has revealed that he could have continued playing alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami in MLS, but has chosen not to. Instead of prolonging a remarkable playing career, the legendary former Barcelona midfielder has announced that he will be retiring at the end of the 2025/26 season. A break from football is being planned, but he could return to the dugout at some point in the future.

• Getty
  

  Busquets roll of honour: International & domestic trophies

  At 37 years of age, Busquets is choosing to bow out at the top. He moved to America alongside close friend Messi in 2023. He has helped Inter Miami to Leagues Cup and Supporters’ Shield successes, with it possible that his final act will be to take in an MLS Cup celebration. His glittering CV also includes a World Cup win, European Championship triumph, three Champions League crowns and nine La Liga titles.

  Messi’s roll of honour is even more distinguished, as the most decorated player of all-time, and the Argentine GOAT is not prepared to hang up his boots just yet. A contract extension has been mooted in South Florida, taking him beyond his 40th birthday – much like eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr.

Advertisement

• Future call: Why Busquets is retiring with Inter Miami

  Busquets has still been performing at an elite level in the United States, with his quality never in doubt, and there is every reason to believe that he could continue for at least a couple more years. The ex-Spain international is convinced that the right decision is being made to leave Messi and Co to fend for themselves.

  Busquets said after being treated to a special farewell ceremony at Chase Stadium: “I like to finish well in places, to end good stories by my own choice. I think that's how it's been. I could play on, yes, I feel good, I play a lot of games during the season, but I'm not 20, I try to help the team. But I think it was the right decision, not just physically, but mentally, too. There are many more things to go into that, and I'm very happy, as I said in the video, for the decision, for the trajectory, for having lived a dream I've had since I was little in the places where I could choose and where I went, like in Barcelona and here where I chose it. And that's it, now I'll be, hopefully for a few more games, on the other side of the field.”

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Busquets the boss: Midfielder's future plans

  Busquets made his La Liga debut for Barcelona in 2008, going on to take in 722 appearances for the club. He has made over 100 for Inter Miami across three seasons in the U.S. and will be missed by team-mates and supporters. Professional football is, however, unlikely to have seen the last of him.

  Asked about his long-term plans, Busquets admits that he would like to occupy a bench at some stage – allowing his vast experience to be put to good use. He went on to say: “I think in the future, yes [I'd want to be a coach], but for now I'd rather take a sabbatical. It's a long time, with hardly any weekends. Like any footballer, obviously, playing for the national team and everything gives you another plus, but you also have less time.

  “You want to enjoy time with your family, time for me, for them, seeing my children, being with them, traveling more, watching football from a different perspective. And then, in the future, we'll see. In theory, yes, but let's focus on the present, as there's still a long way to go.”

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• MLS Cup bid: Busquets' final act in the United States

  Inter Miami have two more regular season games to take in this season, with the first of those seeing Atlanta United pay a visit to Florida next Saturday. A trip to Nashville will then be taken in. Javier Mascherano’s side are already assured of a playoff berth.

  Busquets knows how to get teams over a trophy-winning line and, with Messi by his side, will believe that he can enjoy a dream end to his career by making history with the Herons as they savour MLS Cup glory for the first time.

Newcastle United’s search for a striker has become the dominant theme of their summer transfer window.

The uncertainty surrounding Alexander Isak has left the club scrambling for solutions at a time when Eddie Howe is desperate for stability.

Despite playing well in their Premier League opener against Aston Villa, Newcastle looked blunt without a proper No. 9, failing to make their dominance count in a 0-0 draw.

Isak’s public fallout with the club has only heightened the urgency. The Swede has made it clear he has no intention of reintegrating into Howe’s squad, regardless of whether a transfer materialises.

His absence has destabilised the attack, leaving Newcastle with plenty of industry in wide areas but little cutting edge through the middle.

Newcastle handed striker opportunity

Liverpool’s approach appears to have unsettled Isak beyond repair, and his Instagram statement about broken promises suggested a player who sees his future away from St James’ Park.

But Newcastle will not sanction his departure without first securing a replacement.

Two bids for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa have already been rejected. Wolves’ Jørgen Strand Larsen and Atlético Madrid’s Alexander Sørloth remain on the list, but neither is straightforward to acquire.

Transfer Focus

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

With time slipping away, Newcastle’s options are narrowing – and Juventus have offered them a striker who could transform their frontline.

According to Sport Witness, Juventus are actively encouraging Newcastle to make a late move for Dusan Vlahović.

The Italian giants are under financial strain, with the Serbian forward’s €12m-per-year wages proving prohibitive as they attempt to reshape their squad.

To balance the books, they have put him on the market for €38m (£35m) – a fraction of the €85m (£80m) valuation he once commanded at his peak in 2022.

Vlahović, however, is not pushing for a move.

Although he has muted aspirations to play in the Premier League one day, Newcastle would have to convince him that now is the right moment. Their Champions League qualification could help, as could the prospect of leading the line in front of St James’ Park’s raucous atmosphere.

For Howe, who has watched his team create chances without anyone to finish them, Vlahović represents the kind of focal point Newcastle have been crying out for.

How Vlahović could link with Gordon and Elanga

The appeal of signing Vlahović lies not just in his ability but also in the potential partnerships he could form with Newcastle’s wide players.

This summer has already seen the arrival of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest, joining Anthony Gordon in giving Howe two explosive options on either flank.

Elanga is particularly strong as a supplier.

Last season he recorded 11 assists, ranking in the 94th percentile for assists per 90 according to FBref.

His delivery was equally impressive, with 6.66 crosses per 90 (94th percentile) and 3.09 corners per 90 (93rd percentile).

With a striker like Vlahović attacking those deliveries, Newcastle would finally have a clinical finisher to match the service from wide.

On the opposite flank, Gordon offers direct running and intelligent distribution into dangerous areas.

According to FBref, he ranked in the 85th percentile compared to positionally similar players for passes into the penalty area per 90 (2.03) and in the 83rd percentile for crosses per 90 (4.84).

His ability to cut inside and release balls into the channel would dovetail neatly with Vlahović’s movement across the front line, whether the Serbian drops deep to hold up play or runs in behind.

Vlahovic himself could offer the presence and decisiveness Newcastle lacked against Villa.

Vlahović – Serie A – 2024/25

Matches Played

29

Starts

21

Goals

10

Assists

4

Progressive Carries

27

Progressive Passes

22

Standing at 1.90m, he combines physical dominance with intelligent movement and a sharp instinct for goal.

Described as a “monster” by Carlo Garganese and as a “better and more complete forward than Haaland” by Serbian FA president Nenad Bjekovic, he scored ten times in Serie A last season, adding four assists, as Juventus secured a top-four finish and returned to the Champions League.

He also netted twice in three games at the Club World Cup, underlining his pedigree on the biggest stages.

The tactical balance looks promising. Vlahović thrives when supported by high-volume chance creators, and Newcastle’s wingers fit that mould.

His aerial ability also provides the Magpies with a set-piece weapon, an area where Howe has been keen to maximise output.

Elanga’s and Gordon’s consistent delivery could therefore add another layer to Newcastle’s attacking threat.

Yet there remain hurdles. Newcastle’s recruitment strategy has been cautious since their initial Saudi-backed spending surge, and the wages involved in a deal for Vlahović could test the limits of Financial Fair Play.

Juventus’ willingness to sell does not automatically mean Newcastle can afford to buy, especially after significant outlays already this summer on Jacob Ramsey, Malick Thiaw, and Aaron Ramsdale.

Still, the logic is clear.

Newcastle cannot allow the Isak saga to derail their season, and they need a proven striker to lead their Champions League campaign.

Vlahović, with his blend of power, finishing, and top-level experience, ticks every box on paper.

Whether Newcastle can persuade him to swap Turin for Tyneside, though, will decide if this move is remembered as an opportunity seized – or one that slipped away.

He'd be the new Andy Carroll: Newcastle now chasing £30m Wissa alternative

Newcastle United Consider Move for Atlético Madrid Striker to Replace Unsettled Alexander Isak

ByWill Miller Aug 24, 2025

Edwards had been frontrunner after Jon Lewis’ sacking in wake of 16-0 Ashes whitewash

Valkerie Baynes01-Apr-20251:27

Edwards as England head coach ‘clear cut’ call

Charlotte Edwards has been appointed England Women’s head coach. Edwards, the former England captain who represented her country over 300 times, takes over from Jon Lewis, who was sacked following England’s 16-0 thrashing at the hands of Australia in the Women’s Ashes in January.”I am so delighted to once again be part of the leadership of the England Women’s cricket team, and I cannot wait to take this team forward and drive us to success,” Edwards said in a statement released by the ECB on Tuesday. “It means the world to me to have the three lions on my chest once again. Leading England as captain was my life for 10 years and I will forever be passionate about this team and our legacy. We have such a talented group of players, and I am excited about working with them and improving them both as individuals and as a team.”During her 20-year playing career, Edwards won two World Cups and the Ashes five times. Since retiring in 2017, she has enjoyed a decorated coaching career, including two titles in three seasons with Mumbai Indians in the WPL and five titles with Southern Vipers, including two in the Charlotte Edwards Cup, the domestic T20 competition named in her honour.She has also coached Southern Brave to three Women’s Hundred finals, winning the competition in 2023, and led Sydney Sixers to the WBBL final in her first season in charge in 2022-23. Edwards will now leave her role with Sixers.Related

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Her first competitive task with England Women will be a home series against West Indies in May followed by India, ahead of the World Cup in India later this year and a home T20 World Cup in 2026.Before that, she must repair team morale after not only the Ashes whitewashing but a surprise group-stage exit at the T20 World Cup in the UAE last October. Speaking last month, Kate Cross, the senior England seam bowler who was part of the Ashes touring party but didn’t play due to a back injury, said the team had work to do to make cultural changes after their humbling in Australia.The Ashes defeat was the final straw that prompted an ECB review, announced by Clare Connor, the ECB’s deputy CEO and managing director of England Women’s cricket, in the immediate aftermath of that tour result, which also cost Heather Knight her job as England captain.Connor described Edwards as a “proven winner”.”She has the experience, passion and expertise to lead this team to success,” Connor said. “The results she has achieved as a head coach in multiple environments, since retiring as one of the greatest ever England players, is testament to her relentless drive and the standards she sets for those around her. She possesses a deep knowledge of the game, both in England and across the world, and she understands the importance of creating an environment that is both challenging and supportive.”ESPNcricinfo LtdEdwards’ appointment means she will leave her post as Hampshire Women’s head coach ahead of the start of the season, the first under the ECB’s new three-tier structure for women’s cricket.Edwards moved to Hampshire in 2017 having previously played for Kent, and became director of women’s cricket at the club in 2018 before taking over as Southern Vipers’ head coach in 2020.”I’ve had an amazing eight years at the club and am so grateful for the support I have received from the players, staff and supporters,” Edwards said. “It has been a truly special time, and it will be very difficult to leave the place that has become my home. I’m sure that Hampshire will continue to enjoy success on and off the field and look forward to returning to Utilita Bowl with the England team.”Knight will continue to play for England, while her successor as captain is yet to be announced.Nat Sciver-Brunt, whose wife Katherine has just given birth to their first child, a son named Theodore Michael, is favourite to be promoted from her role as vice-captain.Edwards and Connor will address the media at Lord’s on Wednesday, where their plans for taking the England team forward will be discussed.Fielding proved key to England’s downfall at the T20 World Cup, where a rash of errors compounded the loss of Knight to injury while batting during their decisive defeat to West Indies.England’s fitness levels were called into question following that loss, with former spinner turned commentator Alex Hartley suggesting that a handful of players were “letting the team down” in that respect. The issue reared its head again in Australia when the hosts proved superior in all departments during the multi-format Ashes, winning three white-ball games by more than 50 runs and the Test by an innings.