Bayern Munich could now give Chelsea a real transfer boost as BlueCo set their sights on an “elite” player, according to a new report.

Chelsea secure dramatic late win over Liverpool

On the field, Enzo Maresca watched on as his side bounced right back from their dismal loss at home to Brighton by overcoming Premier League champions Liverpool 2-1 last weekend.

Maresca was sent off for his jubilant celebrations after teenage sensation Estevao Willian bagged a vital winner deep into added time, with the Italian sprinting in animated fashion to celebrate alongside his players in the corner.

Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool – best performers

Match Rating

Moises Caicedo

7.8/10

Marc Cucurella

7.7/10

Estevao

7.7/10

Cody Gakpo

7.5/10

Reece James

7.3/10

via WhoScored

Moises Caicedo also opened the scoring with one of the goals of the season so far, beating Liverpool’s Giorgi Marmadashvilli from long range just 14 minutes into the goalkeeper’s Premier League debut.

It was an evening to remember for the Blues at Stamford Bridge, and one which could highlight that the title race is still wide open as Chelsea look to build upon their deserved three points against Arne Slot’s side.

That being said, according to some reports, Maresca is personally unhappy with his overall squad choices right now and feels that a few key areas need to be reinforced (Simon Phillips) — with Chelsea expected to rectify certain positions in January.

The big one is, of course, at centre-back.

Maresca publicly stated that Chelsea need another body at centre-half in the summer, but despite allegedly holding talks with Dean Huijsen’s camp and considering other names, the Blues didn’t get one over the line.

Now, Chelsea and Maresca are reportedly in agreement that signing a new defender should be prioritised for January, with a goalkeeper also said to be on their agenda.

The West Londoners held negotiations with AC Milan over a deal for France number one Mike Maignan before the Club World Cup, but a major difference in price meant that Chelsea couldn’t find an agreement.

Chelsea are ready to go back in for Maignan and offer him a pre-contract in the winter (Graeme Bailey), as his contract expires at the end of 2025/2026.

However, they face stiff competition.

Bayern could give Chelsea "huge" transfer boost as BlueCo eye Mike Maignan

One of the clubs who are competing for Maignan is Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, but according to Football Insider and journalist Pete O’Rourke, Vincent Kompany’s side could hand them a “huge” boost by pulling out of the race.

This is because Bayern are in talks to hand long-serving keeper Manuel Neuer, who’s now 39-years-old, a 12-month extension that would keep him in Bavaria until 2027.

Chelsea could now face less competition in the race for Maignan as a result, which definitely would come as good news for Maresca.

Doubts have surrounded Robert Sanchez’s capability as Chelsea’s long-term number one, and you can make a case that they could need to upgrade with the addition of a world-class, elite-level keeper who’s capable of taking them to the next level.

Maignan, especially on a free transfer, fits the bill perfectly.

The 30-year-old Rossoneri captain has kept 64 clean sheets in 170 appearances for Milan, conceding just 173 goals in that time, which are solid numbers, and he’s just won France’s 2024/2025 Goalkeeper of the Season award.

A Ligue 1 champion with Lille and Serie A champion with Milan already in his career, Maignan’s top-level experience would also be invaluable to Maresca’s extremely young squad, making his signing an arguable no-brainer.

علق كرونسلاف يورتشيتش، المدير الفني لفريق بيراميدز، على خسارة السماوي أمام الزمالك، وفقدان فرصة التأهل لنهائي كأس السوبر المصري.

وتمكن فريق الزمالك من الفوز على بيراميدز بركلات الترجيح 5-4، في المباراة التي جمعت بين الفريقين، في نصف نهائي بطولة كأس السوبر المصري للأبطال على ملعب آل نهيان.

طالع|محمد عواد: أتمرن على ركلات الجزاء دائمًا.. ويقدم وعدًا لجمهور الزمالك

 وقال الكرواتي كرونسلاف يورتشيتش المدير الفني لنادي بيراميدز إن التوفيق لم يحالف اللاعبين في تسجيل الفرص التي أتيحت لهم رغم السيطرة الكبيرة على مجريات اللعب وكانت هناك مشكلة واضحة في اللمسة الأخيرة وإنهاء الفرص السهلة، وقي تركيز بعض اللاعبين.

أشار إلى أن بيراميدز كان الأفضل والأكثر استحواذا ويستحق الفوز ولكن في النهاية ركلات الترجيح لم تكن في صالح الأفضل وفاز الزمالك في النهاية، ونتقدم لهم بالتهنئة، ولكنه شدد على أن الفريق تعرض لظلم تحكيمي واضح بعدم احتساب ركلتي جزاء لصالحه على أقل تقدير.

المدير الفني أكد أن الظروف التي قابلها بيراميدز لم تكن الأفضل خلال رحلته في الإمارات لأول مرة في النسخة الحالية من كأس السوبر المصري، خاصة بعدما تم اختيار فندق إقامة هو الأبعد بين جميع الفرق المشاركة عن ملاعب التدريب والمباريات بشكل غير مقبول دون أن يكون هناك أي فرصة لاختيار فندق الإقامة بخلاف باقي الأندية الثلاثة.

أشار إلى أنه ولأول مرة يتم تغيير ملعب التدريب بشكل مفاجئ واختيار ملعب أبعد عن فندق الإقامة ما تسبب في إجهاد اللاعبين أكثر في ظل ظروف طيران لم يعتد عليها بيراميدز بسفر الفريق على أكثر من طائرتين لعدم كفاية المقاعد الشاغرة، ومع ظروف لعب الفريق الكثير من المباريات في عديد البطولات محليا وقاريا.

AC Milan owner Gerry Cardinale has opened up about his bold financial vision for the Rossoneri, revealing how he plans to make the club competitive with Premier League giants. The RedBird Capital founder has set an ambitious goal of transforming Serie A’s global standing as he insisted the Italian top-flight is "the most competitive league".

• Cardinale’s bold Milan vision: competing with England’s elite

  Milan's American owner Cardinale has laid bare his grand ambition to elevate the Rossoneri to the financial level of Premier League clubs. In a candid interview on podcast, the American investor described managing Milan as “the hardest thing I’ve ever done” but confirmed that the project is beginning to yield results.

  Since acquiring the club in 2022 through RedBird Capital & Partners, Cardinale has pushed for a model of reinvestment and sustainability rather than profit-making. “It’s probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” he said. “In three years of owning Milan, we’ve been positive in terms of cash flow for the first time in 17 years. And I don’t keep that money for myself, I reinvest it in the team.”

  The owner also pointed to Milan’s strong summer transfer window as proof of his commitment. “We spent more than any other Serie A team in the last summer transfer window. We are building a new stadium, not to pocket money, but to transform Milan’s financial profile and bring it up to the level of Premier League teams.”

  Cardinale’s message was clear that Milan are not content with being Italy’s biggest traditional powerhouse; they want to be a global economic force capable of competing with the cash-rich English league.

Advertisement

• Financial transformation and the new stadium project

  Cardinale underlined that Milan’s ongoing stadium project is central to his long-term financial plan. The proposed new venue will replace the historic but aging San Siro, which Milan currently share with Inter. The move is expected to drastically increase matchday revenue, corporate partnerships, and global visibility.

  “The new stadium will transform AC Milan's financial profile and bring it to the level of Premier League clubs,” he said. “Because for us, the real competition is there, in the English league.”

  Cardinale’s focus on self-sufficiency echoes his earlier remarks about wanting to innovate like the late Silvio Berlusconi once did. “My PR has gone crazy, but I meant to say that I want to innovate, like he did and like [George] Steinbrenner did with the New York Yankees in their day. But today you can't do it the same way, everything is too expensive, there are billion-dollar funds. We need to find another way.”

  The American executive’s approach marks a major cultural shift for Serie A, where clubs often rely on owner funding or player sales rather than sustainable business models. Milan’s steady financial recovery under RedBird is now being viewed as a model for the future.

• Premier League comparison and European imbalance

  Cardinale also addressed the financial gap between Serie A and the Premier League, which he described as “the biggest challenge in European football today.” “The Premier League has almost four times the TV revenue of other European leagues, which is a problem,” he explained. “However, in Serie A, the last-placed team can beat the first, it's the most competitive league, but it's not paid for that. Distributors only want the best, which is why the idea of the Super League was created.”

  His comments highlight a tension between sporting competitiveness and commercial appeal. Cardinale’s frustration reflects a broader sentiment across European football, that Italy’s domestic product is strong on the pitch but undervalued commercially.

  By positioning Milan as the face of Serie A’s modernisation, Cardinale is not only aiming to close the gap with England but also to reshape the league’s global brand. The planned new stadium, coupled with a focus on digital innovation and fan engagement, could make Milan the Italian club to fully modernise its infrastructure in the 21st century.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  What’s next for AC Milan?

  The Rossoneri have started the Serie A campaign strongly, having lost just one of the 10 matches they have played so far. Milan’s squad, featuring key players like Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Luka Modric, who all hold the experience of the Premier League, embodies Cardinale’s goal of blending European heritage with international appeal. Off the pitch, plans for the new stadium continue to progress, with hopes to begin construction by 2026.

  On the field, Milan will travel to Bergamo on Tuesday night to face an unbeaten Atalanta side in a highly anticipated Serie A clash. Milan are eager to return to winning ways after a frustrating 2-2 draw with Pisa that saw Zachary Athekame rescue a late point. With Massimiliano Allegri’s side unbeaten in their last eight matches and Loftus-Cheek back in contention, the Rossoneri will look to reclaim the Serie A top spot and strengthen their title credentials against a disciplined Atalanta outfit.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Bahia perdeu para o Flamengo por 1 a 0, neste sábado (30), em jogo válido pela 25ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. O atacante Luciano Juba lamentou o resultado negativo, projetou o duelo diante do Goiás no fim de semana que vem e falou sobre uma boa oportunidade desperdiçada segunda etapa.

RelacionadasFlamengoNo primeiro jogo sem Sampaoli, Flamengo supera o Bahia e volta a vencer no BrasileirãoFlamengo30/09/2023Fora de CampoJornalistas detonam Sávio Pereira, árbitro de Flamengo x Bahia: ‘Ridículo’Fora de Campo30/09/2023BahiaAgora no Bahia, Rogério Ceni nunca venceu o Flamengo como técnicoBahia29/09/2023

+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

– A gente lamenta bastante o resultado da partida. Sabíamos que seria um jogo complicado e difícil e sabíamos da qualidade do Flamengo. Complicou ainda mais no segundo tempo com a expulsão, acontece, é do futebol. Agora não tem segredo: é trabalhar durante a semana para que, no próximo sábado, contra o Goiás, a gente possa conseguir o resultado positivo – disse Juba.

+ Você quer trabalhar no seu clube do coração? Matricule-se no curso Gestor de Futebol e entenda como!

– Infelizmente não estava na perna boa. Tentei só acertar o gol para dar trabalhar ao goleiro, que conseguiu espalmar para escanteio. Como falei, agora é trabalhar porque temos um jogo difícil contra o Goiás – completou.

Por volta de 30 minutos do segundo tempo, o atleta recebeu lançamento de Biel e saiu cara a cara com Rossi. No entanto, o chute não saiu como o jogador queria, e o arqueio rubro-negro conseguiu espalmar para escanteio, assegurando os três pontos para sua equipe.

+ Jornalistas detonam Sávio Pereira, árbitro de Flamengo x Bahia: ‘Ridículo’

Com o resultado, o Bahia estacionou nos 25 pontos e se manteve na 17ª colocação do Brasileirão, sendo o primeiro time dentro da zona de rebaixamento. Na próxima rodada, o Tricolor de Aço vai até o Serrinha enfrentar o Goiás, no sábado que vem, às 16h (de Brasília).

Cummins’ 6 for 28 is also the best figures by a captain at Lord’s

Andrew McGlashan12-Jun-20251:53

‘Once the ball gets older, Cummins puts his hand up’

Australia captain Pat Cummins became the eighth from his country to 300 Test wickets as his 6 for 28, the best by a captain at Lord’s, dismantled South Africa on the second day of the World Test Championship (WTC) final.It meant that, for the first time in Test history, a bowling attack had three players with 300 or more wickets: Cummins joined Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon in the group. Josh Hazlewood sits on 280.”It’s great, and I’ve got some family here, which is nice,” Cummins told the host broadcast at the innings break. “It’s way, more than I could have asked for. For any fast bowler 300 is a big number, means you’ve battled a few injuries and niggles, got through it and played well in different conditions.”Related

Australia's Awesome Foursome among the best in Test history

Live Report – Australia vs South Africa, World Test Championship final

Speaking again after the day’s play, Cummins reflected on his journey, which saw him miss six years of Test cricket after a memorable debut against South Africa in 2011.Carefully nursed through the intervening period by the Cricket Australia medical team, he has been almost ever-present since returning in 2017. Cummins missed a couple of Tests against Pakistan in 2018 owing to a back injury, one against West Indies in 2022 with a quad strain, and may have missed the Sri Lanka series earlier this year with an ankle problem if he hadn’t already been on paternity leave.”I’ve had a really good run the last half-a-dozen years or so of not missing too many games,” he said. “For the first few years, I didn’t know where my second Test was coming, so I still feel like I’ve got lots of miles in the legs.2:38

Cummins: Reaching 300 wickets a sign of durability and resilience

“Back in the day, 300 [wickets] felt like you’re close to the end. [Starc], he’s almost [at] 400. So hopefully I don’t feel like I’m going to end any time soon. The medical staff, I really need to thank, the way they looked after me in the early years and continually to get through a Test match, the way they manage the fast bowlers, a lot of that is a nod to them as well.”Cummins, who had removed Wiaan Mulder on the first evening, claimed all five South Africa wickets to fall to bowlers on the second day, the other being the run out of Keshav Maharaj. He broke South Africa’s fightback in the morning session when Temba Bavuma drove to cover. After lunch, he was magnificent in a spell that finished 4.1-1-4-4.There was the lbw to remove Kyle Verreynne after the pair clattered mid-pitch, a leading edge gathered off Marco Jansen, the outside edge off David Bedingham, and finally, Kagiso Rabada brilliant caught at deep square-leg to bring up the 300th.At that moment, he held the fourth-best strike rate for a bowler with 300 Test wickets, behind Rabada, Dale Steyn and Waqar Younis. Overall, it gave him 79 wickets at 23.03 for this WTC cycle.

Former England captain has long association with Lord’s through Middlesex and the Hundred

Matt Roller25-Jun-2025Eoin Morgan has been appointed to the board of directors at London Spirit, where he will represent the interests of Lord’s owners Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) while sitting alongside their incoming co-owners, the ‘Tech Titans’.The ‘Tech Titans’ – officially Cricket Investor Holdings Limited – are a consortium of Silicon Valley technology entrepreneurs led by Nikesh Arora, the chief executive of cybersecurity firm Palo Alto Networks. They bid £144 million for a 49% stake in London Spirit earlier this year, with the deal expected to be ratified soon after lengthy contractual negotiations.Related

Morgan says England head coach aspirations 'far-fetched'

Silicon Valley consortium values London Spirit at £295 million in Hundred coup

Hundred sale process encounters delay over future TV rights

ECB consider 'de-coupling' Women's Hundred in bid for standalone sell-outs

MCC will retain its 51% share in the franchise and their position as majority partners will be reflected on the Spirit board. They will have four out of seven board seats, with their new joint-venture partners appointing the other three directors.Morgan captained London Spirit’s men in the first two seasons of the Hundred, and has a long association with Lord’s dating back to his early years at Middlesex. He has recently been ratified as MCC’s incoming chair of cricket, replacing the former England batter Claire Taylor, and his new role with London Spirit is the result of his experience and knowledge of franchise cricket.MCC has also appointed Rob Lawson, their chief executive and secretary, and incoming committee member Julian Metherell to the London Spirit board, but is yet to choose its final director. Metherell emerged as a key figure during the investment process, and was personally thanked by chair Mark Nicholas for his role in negotiations after the Titans’ investment.The eight Hundred deals are approaching ratification after extensive negotiations around key documents, including the participation agreement with the ECB. Richard Gould, the ECB’s chief executive, told ESPNcricinfo earlier this month that the process had taken “longer than we thought” but that it had reached “a really good state of play”.London Spirit’s women’s team, the defending Hundred champions, have also announced an overhaul of their leadership team, with Charlie Dean taking over as captain from Heather Knight, who has been ruled out of the tournament with injury, and Chris Liddle replacing Ashley Noffke as head coach. Knight, the former England captain, will stay with the squad in a mentorship role, with Kira Chathli, who was part of the title-winning Oval Invincibles side in 2022, taking her place in the squad.Noffke is taking up a new role on the Pakistan coaching staff. “Ashley was a highly respected coach, who will be much missed at Lord’s,” Fraser Stewart, London Spirit’s general manager, said. “I would like to place on record our thanks for the hard work, dedication and excellence he brought to the role, and his key part in securing our first title.”

Surrey 143 for 1 (Wyatt-Hodge 74*, Smith 44) beat Durham 141 for 5 (Armitage 50) by nine wickets Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s blistering 26-ball half-century set Surrey on their way to a thumping nine-wicket win over Durham at the Oval.The England opener struck two sixes and 11 fours in her unbeaten 74 (36), sharing a stand of 94 for the first wicket with skipper Bryony Smith (44 from 28) as the hosts chased down a target of 142 with 43 balls to spare to return to the top of the table.The onslaught came after Durham fought back from 29 for 3 to total 141 for 5, Hollie Armitage anchoring the effort with 50 (49) while Bess Heath (27 from 18) and Mia Rogers (25 from 20) played eye-catching cameos.There were two wickets apiece for Ryana MacDonald-Gay (2 for 16) and Tash Farrant (2 for 25).Durham were soon in trouble, MacDonald-Gay uprooting Suzie Bates’ middle stump after the New Zealand international gave her the charge.MacDonald-Gay was at it again in her next over, spreadeagling Mady Villiers’s stumps and when Emma Marlow chipped one from Tash Farrant into the hands of Paige Scholfield, the visitors were 29 for 3.Durham fought back with Armitage playing the anchor role and Heath and Rogers providing the impetus. Heath twice drove powerfully over cover and then mid-off for four in racing to 27 before Smith clung on to a good catch at mid-off to cut her charge short.Rogers should have been stumped on 12 off the bowling of Dani Gregory, but celebrated the reprieve with some good straight hitting until she too didn’t get enough onto another drive, Scholfield again showing safe hands on the boundary.Armitage ran hard throughout and finally found the fence twice late on while Katherine Fraser hit the last ball of the innings for six to set the target.Smith was quick to take up the challenge clubbing Grace Thompson to the fence four times in her opening over and when spinner Katie Levick came on for the third over she was driven and pulled with equal disdain by the Surrey skipper.Wyatt-Hodge caught the mood, cutting and driving Trudy Johnson to the fence to raise the 50-partnership in 22 balls.Things got worse for Durham when Phoebe Turner dropped Smith a mid-off on 34, but brilliant fielding on the fence at backward square saved a six from the next ball, the England all-rounder parrying the ball back into play and keeping the hosts down to one.Wyatt Hodge produced the first six, hammering Levick over the mid-wicket rope, but with the hundred partnership in sight Smith pulled one from Turner into the hands of Villiers to end the stand at 94.Wyatt-Hodge though continued to brutalize the Durham bowling adding a second straight six to her boundary count as Surrey galloped home.

Manchester City continue their impressive start to this Champions League campaign.

On Tuesday night, Pep Guardiola’s team comfortably swatted aside Villarreal, prevailing 2-0 at Estadio de la Cerámica, with Erling Braut Håland, who else, breaking the deadlock, before Bernardo Silva’s close-range header on the cusp of half time made the points secure.

This takes the Citizens’ points tally to seven, having beaten ten-man Napoli 2-0 on opening night, before that frustrating 2-2 draw with Monaco in the Principality.

Well, considering the Sky Blues finished 22nd in last year’s league phase, only enjoying victories over Slovan Bratislava, Sparta Prague and Club Brugge, they’re in a much better place this time round, with back-to-back home games against Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen up next.

While the goalbot himself will once again earn all the headlines, another Man City star showcased what he can offer at el Madrigal, putting in a fine display reminiscent of a club great from the not too distant past.

Erling Haaland's ridiculous Champions League record

Håland’s opener on Tuesday was his 15th goal of the season already; having also bagged both during the weekend win over Everton, the Norwegian has now been responsible for 65% of all goals his team have scored in the Premier League or Champions League this season.

His record in UEFA’s top-tier competition is also mind-boggling, only getting better and better.

In 51 Champions League appearances, he has now scored 53 goals, thereby averaging a goal every 78 minutes.

Adding Villarreal to the list, Håland has now scored against 20 different opponents in the competition, very much hoping Bayer Leverkusen, Bodø/Glimt and Galatasaray will join his list of victims come the end of the league phase.

Overall, only eight men in history have scored more Champions League goals than the 25-year-old, just three behind Ruud van Nistelrooy and only four adrift of Thomas Müller.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s all-time record of 140 goals in 183 matches may seem a long way off at the moment, but it is very much in his sights.

If Manchester City as a team are going to win the Premier League and Champions League this season, they are going to need their other attacking players to come to the fore, so Guardiola will be encouraged that one certainly did just that in Eastern Spain this week.

Manchester City's Sane-esque star

Arguably, when Manchester City were at their best under Pep Guardiola, during the 100-point season, was back when they had Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sané as their wingers.

The German scored 39 goals and registered 44 assists in 135 appearances in sky blue, reaching double figures for both in back-to-back Premier League seasons, at which point Guardiola described him as “intelligent” and a “fantastic player”, also adding “he’s so fast”.

Well, one could argue Man City have not had wingers of that calibre since then, but is Savinho growing into that role?

Since arriving from within the City Football Group for £31m in the summer of 2024, the Brazilian international has scored just four goals for the club, but shone against Villarreal, as the table below documents.

Shots on target

1

2nd

Big chances missed

1

1st

Successful dribbles

5

1st

Dribbles success %

100%

1st

Key passes

5

1st

Big chances created

3

1st

Duels won

6

4th

Touches

59

7th

As the table documents, Savinho ranks first for the vast majority of attacking metrics, registering five key passes, creating three big chances and completing all five dribbles he attempted, while only Håland mustered more shots on target on the night, which is par for the course in any match.

Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News asserted that this was ‘one of his best games’ for the club, awarding him an 8/10 rating, while Richard Martin of Goal noted that his ‘trickery… tormented Villarreal’ all night.

When he joined the club last summer, Umir Irfan of BBC Sport outlined how Savinho was “Sane-esque”, praising his pressing and pace, as well as the Brazilian’s ball-carrying ability and goal threat.

Well, all of this was on show and more at Estadio de la Cerámica on Tuesday, with Savinho putting in a sparkling display, reminiscent of Sané at his peak in Manchester, both an electrifying winger while also offering genuine end product.

This was actually only his fifth start of the season, one of which came in the Carabao Cup, very much part of Guardiola’s rotation in attacking areas, alongside Jérémy Doku, Oscar Bobb, Bernardo Silva, Rayan Cherki, Omar Marmoush and others.

However, he has started each of the last three Premier League games, thereby very much expected to be in the lineup that walks out at Villa Park on Sunday, and will continue to be a key figure in Man City’s push for silverware.

Not just Haaland: 110-touch Man City star is in the best form of his life

Man City made it nine games unbeaten with a win over Villarreal in the Champions League.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 22, 2025

For the third time this season, Eddie Howe has the job of picking up his Newcastle United players after suffering defeat in the Premier League against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Danny Welbeck’s double secured a 2-1 victory for Fabian Hurzeler’s men, which has left the Magpies currently sitting in the bottom half of the table after the first eight outings.

The result leaves Howe with a huge task on his hands to try and turn the situation around, after winning just 25% of the league outings in 2025/26 to date.

Both of their victories have come on home soil, with their tally of just three points out of a potential 12 away from home certainly becoming a real concern for the 47-year-old.

However, at one stage, it appeared that the Magpies may have been able to get something out of the contest after the brilliance of one first team member.

Nick Woltemade’s brilliance against Brighton

After Alexander Isak joined Liverpool from Newcastle this summer, his replacement was already going to have huge boots to fill given the Swede’s success at St James’ Park.

The hierarchy chose Nick Woltemade as the man to take the responsibility on his shoulders, something which the German has done brilliantly in recent weeks.

He’s made five appearances in the Premier League since his big-money transfer to Tyneside, but has had an immediate impact – netting four goals with his latest coming against the Seagulls.

Such an effort was arguably his best to date, incredibly flicking Lewis Miley’s cross into the bottom left-hand corner past the despairing Bart Verbruggen.

Woltemade also completed a dribble, made five passes into the final third and won two aerial battles – subsequently showcasing his incredible all-round display.

However, despite such a showing, numerous other Magpies players struggled to impress at the AMEX, which could put their places in the starting eleven at huge risk.

The Newcastle player who could be on borrowed time

Losing in the Premier League is to be expected given the competitive nature of the division, but the fashion in which Newcastle did so on Saturday is nothing short of unacceptable.

Howe has instilled huge expectations into the fanbase, given the recent success, but such a showing against Hurzeler’s side fell way below the high stands his men have set.

Anthony Elanga was one player who once again struggled on the South Coast, subsequently being replaced at the break as a result of his first-half showing.

However, he wasn’t alone in that regard, with Brazilian international Joelinton another starter who was withdrawn from the contest after just 45 minutes.

He’s been a player who’s been called into question by the supporters for his lack of impact, with his outing against the Seagulls certainly doing himself no favours.

The 29-year-old only registered a total of 39 touches of the ball, whilst only making three passes into the final third and was unable to create any clear-cut chances.

Joelinton also failed to complete any of the long balls he attempted, even losing possession six times and often being wasteful when having the ball at his feet, having been described as “tough to watch” by Magpie Media.

Out of possession, the Brazilian was dribbled past twice, whilst also losing 100% of the aerial battles he entered in what was an afternoon to forget for the midfielder.

As a result of his dismal showing, he was handed a measly 4/10 match rating by Newcastle World journalist Jordan Cronin – further showcasing how disappointing he was in the defeat.

After such a showing, there’s no denying he needs to be dropped from Howe’s starting eleven, especially after Miley registered an assist after replacing him.

Joelinton has been an excellent addition for the club, but it appears as though he could be on borrowed time given his recent slump in form over the last few weeks.

Fewer touches than Pope: Howe must drop 4/10 Newcastle man after Brighton

Newcastle United suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion this afternoon.

By
Ethan Lamb

Oct 18, 2025

Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed a double injury setback following their Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich, with Achraf Hakimi and Ousmane Dembele both ruled out for several weeks. Hakimi suffered a severe ankle sprain after a reckless challenge, while Dembele sustained a calf issue. Both will be reassessed after the international break, heightening concern ahead of a congested fixture run.

PSG issue medical update after Bayern loss

PSG have confirmed that Hakimi and Dembele will be sidelined for several weeks following injuries sustained during the Champions League defeat to Bayern at the Parc des Princes. The match, which ended 2-1 in Bayern’s favour, proved costly beyond the scoreline as PSG lost two key starters before half-time.

Hakimi was forced off after suffering a severe sprain to his left ankle in first-half stoppage time, with PSG announcing the following day: "Achraf Hakimi has severely sprained his left ankle, which will leave him unavailable for several weeks.”

Minutes earlier, Dembele had already exited the field after signalling discomfort in his left calf immediately following what he believed to be the opening goal. He has “picked up an injury to his left calf and will therefore remain on the treatment table for the next few weeks,” according to the French side.

The club confirmed that detailed updates will arrive “after the international break,” leaving the timeline for both players’ returns uncertain.

AdvertisementAFPLuis Diaz challenge sparks fury and concern

Hakimi’s injury stemmed from a reckless tackle by Bayern winger Luis Daz in the closing moments of the first half. The Colombian initially received a yellow card, but after a VAR review, the referee upgraded it to a straight red due to the severity of contact and the dangerous twisting motion of Hakimi’s ankle.

The Moroccan right-back was visibly emotional as he was helped off the pitch, later confirming his determination to return quickly: "Falls are part of the journey, the comeback makes the difference. Thank you all for your messages."

Hakimi left the pitch in tears and could not put weight on his leg, he now faces a race against time to be fit for the Africa Cup of Nations, with Morocco set to open their tournament on December 21. The national team captain was expected to be one of the poster figures of the campaign.

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany expressed his concern for the full-back post-match, saying: “I hope Hakimi recovers quickly. We know what it’s like to have an injured player in a match of this intensity.” Meanwhile, Colombian international Diaz posted soon after on Instagram: “Wishing Hakimi a quick return to the pitch.”

Another upset for Ballon d'Or winner Dembele

For Dembele, the injury represents another disruptive moment in an already stop-start season. The France forward had only recently returned from a six-week absence due to a hamstring issue sustained in September, and this latest calf injury threatens to derail his rhythm once more. The French superstar headed straight to the tunnel after being substituted, suggesting immediate concern from the medical staff.

This setback comes at a difficult time for PSG, who are also without Desire Doue and Nuno Mendes, stretching squad depth significantly during a crucial stage of their European campaign.

The timing of both injuries is far from ideal for PSG, as the European champions are balancing domestic title pressure with high Champions League expectations, but recent performances have shown signs of fatigue and inconsistency. Luis Enrique's team lacked sharpness against Bayern especially in defence, and losing two key starters only complicates matters.

Hakimi has been instrumental in PSG’s transitional play, while Dembele has slowly grown into Enrique’s tactical framework. Without them, the team may need to rely on less experienced or out-of-position replacements. 

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

AFPChallenges lies ahead for PSG

The upcoming Ligue 1 fixtures and remaining European group matches will test depth and adaptability, as they will hope both players can respond well to treatment after the international break. The club remain confident Hakimi will recover in time to feature at AFCON, but his status will depend on stability and swelling reduction. For Dembele, the key will be avoiding further muscular relapse.

PSG face Lyon next in Ligue 1 before returning to Champions League action in a demanding continental schedule. Enrique will need to reshape his lineup, rediscover rhythm, and keep the squad physically managed to avoid further setbacks.