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Despite Mexico’s recent struggles on the field, the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) remains confident in Javier Aguirre’s leadership as El Tri prepares for the 2026 World Cup. The veteran coach, who took over to stabilize a team in transition, has faced mounting criticism following a series of underwhelming results.

Getty Images SportAguirre locked in for the World Cup

FMF president Ivar Sisniega defended Aguirre’s work and dismissed any talk of change on the bench, insisting that the federation remains confident in the long-term plan. Mexico is coming off a 4-0 loss to Colombia and draws against Japan, South Korea, and Ecuador.

“Javier has created a great atmosphere within the team and transmitted the level of commitment he expects from his players,” Sisniega said. “Things are on the right track. We need patience. It’s a process, and he must continue defining the lineup that will reach the World Cup. There are still several key dates ahead.”

AdvertisementAFPA family under Aguirre’s guidance

Sisniega highlighted that Aguirre’s leadership has been essential in restoring unity and focus inside the locker room.

“He’s been fundamental for this team,” the FMF president said. “He’s built a positive environment and has the full trust of the players. We believe he’s going in the right direction.”

Getty Images SportLong-term project through 2030

Looking toward the future, Sisniega also noted that some young prospects from the 2023 U20 World Cup could begin transitioning into the senior setup, though most are being developed with the 2030 World Cup in mind.

“We all saw the great quality of that generation. Most of that group is more for 2030, but it’s possible that one or two could make the jump,” he said.

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The Mexican national team returns to action during the next international window, facing Uruguay on Nov. 15 in Torreón and Paraguay on Nov. 18 at the Alamodome, with the expectation that Aguirre will field a lineup close to the one that will debut at the World Cup in June.

Surrey in sight of victory after posting 512 in first innings

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay18-May-2025Jonny Bairstow made a belligerent 64 not out and James Wharton an excellent 67 but Yorkshire are still facing defeat against Surrey at the Kia Oval.Surrey took three wickets late on day three to underline their complete dominance in a Rothesay County Championship match they will expect to bring them a second win of the Division One season.The champions were held up by Bairstow and Wharton’s fourth wicket stand of 84 but then Matt Fisher bowled Wharton and Tom Lawes removed George Hill and nightwatchman Jordan Buckingham in successive balls to leave Yorkshire 185 for six at stumps – still 72 runs adrift.Lawes had Hill caught at first slip and then pinned Buckingham leg-before, leaving Matt Revis to keep Bairstow – who has hit two sixes and eight fours in his 66-ball effort so far – company until the close.Nathan Smith and Jordan Clark had earlier Yorkshire up against it in their second innings at 31 for two, although Wharton and Jonny Tattersall then dug in either side of tea and put on 52 for the third wicket.Finlay Bean was the first Yorkshire wicket to fall, for seven, thin-edging a Smith outswinger through to tumbling wicketkeeper Ben Foakes, and five overs later Adam Lyth was also gone, for 16.Lyth, who had looked fortunate to survive an impassioned leg-before appeal from Smith to the second ball of the innings, had made it only to 16 when Clark’s seventh ball bounced steeply at him and he edged to third slip.Clark’s first spell was an impressive 6-5-4-1 and, on his return to the attack after tea, the big all-rounder had Tattersall caught at second slip for 12.Bairstow, however, was soon into his stride and Surrey were forced on to the defensive as he and Wharton added 84 inside 17 overs.The 24-year-old Wharton impressed with some classical strokeplay but it was Bairstow who predictably led the counter-punching as he pulled Fisher over the short long leg boundary for successive sixes on his way to a 39-ball half-century.Fisher, though, hit back by producing a magnificent inswinger to bowl Wharton between bat and pad after he had faced 135 balls and hit six fours.Surrey were already 129 runs ahead at the start of day three when they resumed on 384 for seven, and any hopes Yorkshire might have had of quickly bringing the innings to its conclusion were quashed as Clark and Smith settled in comfortably despite overcast conditions.New Zealand all-rounder Smith looked a quality player to be coming in at No 9, on-driving Jack White early on for a sumptuous boundary – although he did also nick the same bowler down into the ground and clean between keeper and first slip for another four to bring up Surrey’s 400.Smith’s 70-ball 42 was ended when Hill, Yorkshire’s stand-out bowler throughout, angled his medium-pace through a defensive push and deservedly won an lbw shout to complete an excellent five-wicket haul. Hill only bowled one more over after that, finishing with five for 66, but Smith and Clark’s eighth wicket partnership of 94 in 25 overs had taken Surrey’s lead close to 200.They were soon well beyond that, too, Lawes arriving at No 10 to showcase his own all-rounder status with a series of classy strokes against a tiring attack. The 22-year old was off the mark with a lovely lofted straight four off Revis and he also twice pulled the same bowler for further boundaries.Clark, on 41 overnight, had completed 2,000 first-class runs for Surrey before, on 69, playing on against Jordan Thompson after a determined near three-hour knock in which he had faced 147 balls and struck only five fours.Surrey’s final wicket then added 48 more, with Lawes scoring freely in an unbeaten 37 from 33 balls and last man Fisher also contributing some nice shots in 18 before flashing Thompson high to first slip.

Rio Ferdinand has called out one Manchester United player for their performance in the 2-1 victory against Chelsea.

Man Utd back on track after victory over Chelsea

It hasn’t been an ideal start to the new Premier League season for Man United, but they managed to get back on track against Chelsea last time out, securing a narrow 2-1 victory, although they didn’t make things easy for themselves.

With Robert Sanchez being sent off after just five minutes, and the Red Devils racing into a 2-0 lead before the break, the win should’ve been a formality, but Casemiro made things far more difficult for Ruben Amorim’s side by being sent off just prior to half-time.

Wayne Rooney was left particularly annoyed by the Brazilian picking up a second yellow card, with the United legend describing the Brazilian midfielder as “silly” and “naive”.

Despite Trevoh Chalobah scoring with ten minutes left to play, Amorim’s side held on for an important victory, but Ferdinand was unimpressed with one of his former club’s summer signings.

Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents (via Metro), the 46-year-old singled Benjamin Sesko out for criticism, and was left in disbelief at just how poorly he performed, saying: “In the first half, against 10 men, he’s had six touches. Six touches!

“I think the responsibility goes to the striker as well [as other players],

“In today’s game there’s enough at your disposal technology-wise and clip-wise that you can get it in black and white on the iPad and say to your teammates, ‘You know when you got in that position, look where I am.”

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BySean Markus Clifford Sep 22, 2025 Sesko must start showing signs of improvement soon

Amorim will be delighted he managed to stave off some pressure by winning against a strong side in Chelsea, but the manager is also likely to be concerned by Sesko’s display, and the start the Slovenian has made to life at Old Trafford.

It was always going to be a big ask for the young striker to make the step-up, but he has undoubtedly fallen short of expectations, having failed to register a single goal or assist in his opening six games for Man United.

Not only did the 22-year-old barely touch the ball against Chelsea (albeit he had eight, not six), but he was also ineffective in the Manchester derby, recording just 19 touches, the lowest number of any player that started the match.

Ferdinand is not the only former United player that has criticised the centre-forward either, with Kasper Schmeichel claiming he was a needless signing, saying: “It’s nothing personal against Sesko – but we didn’t need the third striker, we needed a centre midfield player who can control that bit of the pitch, and we needed a goalkeeper.

In fairness, Manchester City and Chelsea were always going to be tough tests, and Amorim will be hoping Sesko can get off the mark in one of the upcoming games, which are much kinder on paper, with United set to travel to Brentford next Saturday, before taking on Sunderland at home.

شهد نادي الزمالك خلال الساعات الماضية، تطورًا مفاجئًا داخل الجهاز الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بقيادة البلجيكي يانيك فيريرا، بعدما قرر حازم إمام المدرب المساعد تقديم استقالته من منصبه بشكل رسمي.

وجاء قرار حازم إمام ليزيد من الأجواء المتوترة داخل القلعة البيضاء، بجانب المشاكل المالية لعدم دفع الكثير من مستحقات اللاعبين وكذلك ثمن الصفقات الصيفية.

اقرأ أيضًا.. شيكابالا: الزمالك يواجه خطر الاختفاء ومشروع بيراميدز يعمل بشكل صحيح

وبحسب ما علمه بطولات، فإن سبب استقالة حازم إمام يعود إلى شعوره بالتهميش داخل الجهاز الفني خلال الفترة الأخيرة، رغم محاولاته المستمرة للمشاركة في العمل الفني وإبداء الرأي في بعض الأمور التدريبية.

وشهدت الأيام الماضية مشادات محدودة بين حازم إمام والمدرب البلجيكي يانيك فيريرا، بعد قيام الأول بمنح بعض اللاعبين تعليمات خلال التدريبات، وهو ما لم يلق استحسان المدير الفني.

ووفقًا للمصدر ذاته، فإن فيريرا أبدى تحفظه على تدخل حازم إمام في الجوانب الفنية، معتبرًا أن التعليمات يجب أن تصدر من المدرب الرئيسي فقط، الأمر الذي أثار استياء المدرب المساعد.

شعر حازم إمام بأن دوره أصبح محدودًا داخل الجهاز الفني، وأن وجوده لم يعد مؤثرًا في قرارات الجهاز، مما دفعه لاتخاذ قرار الرحيل النهائي عن الفريق.

حتى الآن، المرشحين في الزمالك لتعويض رحيل حازم إمام هما الثنائي محمود فتح الله وأحمد عبد الرؤوف.

Manchester United’s work in the transfer market this summer has certainly been impressive, landing numerous key attacking targets in their quest for success in 2025/26.

Matheus Cunha has already arrived at Old Trafford during the off-season, costing a fee in the region of £62.5m, likely being brought in to operate in one of the two number ten roles behind the striker.

He’s not the only addition made by the hierarchy in the final third this summer, with Bryan Mbeumo joining in a £71m deal from Brentford – handing Ruben Amorim two Premier League-proven options in attacking areas.

Whilst the pair will add 35 goals to the side based on last season, the club are still targeting added quality and depth to the squad, in an attempt to rise up the table in 2025/26.

A new striker has been at the top of the Red Devils’ shopping list in recent weeks, potentially making a breakthrough in a move for one player over the last couple of hours.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker

Benjamin Sesko is a player who’s been on their radar over recent days, with United finally making a move for the RB Leipzig striker’s signature, according to the latest updates.

Amorim’s side are said to have made a €85m (£74m) bid for the 22-year-old, leaving the player with a decision to make over his future, after Newcastle United also made an offer for his services.

However, whilst the Slovenian will remain as the club’s first choice for the centre-forward role, the Red Devils have been offered a deal to land Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson, according to Ben Jacobs.

He claims that the Blues are looking to offload the Senegalese international this summer after already landing Joao Pedro and Liam Delap during the current transfer window.

Jacobs also states that Enzo Maresca’s side could demand a fee of up to £80m to part ways with the 24-year-old during the off-season, but Amorim’s side could yet make an approach in the coming weeks.

Why United’s latest target would be the perfect Sesko alternative

United’s recent bid for Sesko highlights that the hierarchy are willing to spend big on a striker this summer, but they need to ensure they splash such cash on the right option.

In the past, the Red Devils have been guilty of wasting a lot of money on talents plying their trade outside the Premier League, leading to the recent cost-cutting operation at Old Trafford.

Rasmus Hojlund is arguably the biggest example of their poor dealings, costing £72m from Atalanta back in the summer of 2023 and only netting 26 times in his 95 appearances for the club.

The Danish international has previously been touted as a potential bargaining tool in the Sesko deal, even being allowed to depart Amorim’s side for as little as £30m this window.

There’s no denying that Sesko would be a huge addition, but they could turn to Jackson should they fail to land him, with the Senegalese international a more Premier League-proven option for the club.

He’s also managed to outperform in numerous key areas throughout the 2024/25 campaign, arguably being the perfect alternative for the number nine position this summer.

Jackson, who’s been labelled “one of the best strikers in the world” by Flamengo boss Filipe Luis, posted a better shot-on-target accuracy rate last season, providing a most consistent option when it comes to finishing within the final third.

The Chelsea star also managed to register a higher pass completion rate, whilst posting more key passes per 90, offering a more suitable option for link-up play – allowing the likes of Cunha and Mbeumo to also hit the ground running at Old Trafford.

His dominance doesn’t end there, completing more progressive carries and carries into the opposition’s box per 90, possessing an all-round skillset that would be beneficial to Amorim in attacking areas.

Whilst he may be an expensive addition to Amorim’s side, it’s one that would hand the 40-year-old the added attacking threat he craves in his quest for success.

The bid for Sesko showcases the ambition of the hierarchy, but ultimately, the fanbase shouldn’t worry about potentially missing out on his signature, with Jackson arguably a better option this window.

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Manchester United are making a move to land a star who’d be better than Benjamin Sesko.

By
Ethan Lamb

Aug 5, 2025

Barcelona are lining up a backup plan for their home fixture against Paris Saint-Germain in case Camp Nou is not ready on time to host their first Champions League home game. The Blaugrana have suffered several delays in their efforts to return to the renovated stadium, and are currently targeting the clash against Real Sociedad on September 28, just days before the French giants come to town.

• Plans to host Real Sociedad at home while moving the PSG game away

  According to , Barcelona are confident of securing the final construction certificate in time to host Real Sociedad at Camp Nou at the end of the month. However, the club will only be able to admit around 27,000 spectators, with large sections of the stadium still under renovation. For the clash against PSG, though, Camp Nou may remain unavailable, as a key section with a 45,000 capacity cannot yet be opened. Both PSG and UEFA have already been informed of the possible venue change to avoid any confusion.

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• AFP
  

  Revamping the Camp Nou as part of Espai Barca

  As part of the project, club president Joan Laporta convinced the General Assembly that the revamped stadium was a crucial element of Barcelona’s financial future. In December 2022, the Assembly voted in favour of the renovation plans, which were also approved by the City Council. They initially planned to return to the iconic stadium last year but have faced several delays which have now run into the current campaign. La Liga granted their request to start the season with three straight away matches in order to give them more time to get Camp Nou in order but they yet to confirm when the stadium will be ready to host a match.

• Camp Nou delays and postponement

  Recently, the Joan Gamper Trophy, Barcelona’s annual pre-season fixture which had been scheduled to take place at Camp Nou, was moved to the Johan Cruyff Stadium after the club failed to obtain the necessary licence from the council. Missing the deadline once again, Barcelona were forced to host their home game against Valencia at the Johan Cruyff Stadium for a second time. The situation looked even bleaker when vice-president Elena Fort admitted uncertainty over when the team could finally return to Camp Nou. It is reported that the club have lost close to €90 million (£78m/$106m) in revenue by being unable to play at their iconic home ground.

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  What's in store for Barcelona?

  Barcelona will hope that there will be no more delays in revamping the stadium and they will be able to host big games and Champions League nights at the stadium. Otherwise, they will have to play all of their League phase matches at the stadium in Montjuic. 

  This weekend's game against Getafe will take place at the same 6,000-capacity stadium that hosted the Valencia match.

Kyle Verreynne’s manic sprint to a third Test century lit up the second morning and sent South Africa speeding to a total of 358. But the afternoon and evening sessions belonged to Sri Lanka. Their top four produced their best collective effort in the series so far, with Pathum Nissanka hitting 89 off 157 balls, forging a 109-run second wicket stand with Dinesh Chandimal.With Angelo Mathews not out on 40 at stumps, and Kamindu Mendis unbeaten on 30, Sri Lanka have seven wickets in hand, and are well-placed to take a lead in the first innings. They have for the first time in the series, put serious pressure on a South Africa attack that seemed short of options on a flattening Gqeberha deck.Kagiso Rabada was the most menacing of their bowlers, conceding only 40 and taking the wicket of Dimuth Karunaratne for the third time in the series, in his 15 overs. He’d also had Nissanka dropped by David Bedingham at second slip, on 22. Sri Lanka negotiated Marco Jansen with much more confidence than they had in the first Test, in which he’d claimed 11 wickets. By stumps, Jansen had given away 75 off his 18 overs, and was the only frontline bowler without a wicket.Though there were occasional plays and misses against Rabada in particular, Nissanka was largely watchful, scoring only eight runs off his first 50 deliveries. He eventually began to attack the shorter deliveries, and it was the pull shot that he favoured through the remainder of the innings, taking to Jansen’s shorter balls in particular. Most of his run-scoring came square of the wicket, and he raised his batting tempo in Chandimal’s company, settling into accumulation mode against the spin of Keshav Maharaj in particular.That he got out to Maharaj, whom he had early clubbed for six over deep midwicket, will particularly rankle, especially as he was nearing a century. He merely ran at the bowler, attempted a cross-batted shot to a ball that was full, and essentially yorked himself, the ball going on to clatter into leg stump.Pathum Nissanka brought up his ninth 50+ score in Tests•AFP/Getty Images

Still, the stand between him and Chandimal had provided Sri Lanka a platform. Chandimal was looser with his strokeplay than either opener had been, and collected edged fours behind the wicket early on. He nevertheless stuck at it alongside Nissanka, until a tentative prod against Dane Paterson ended with him being snaffled behind the stumps.Mathews was also somewhat tetchy at the beginning of his innings, but found some boundaries down the ground, and settled into a rhythm later. Kamindu Mendis appeared assured from the outset. The two put on 43 runs together before stumps.The morning, however, had been reigned by Verreynne. Having lost Keshav Maharaj without South Africa adding to their overnight score, Verreynne put on 66 with Rabada, as Sri Lanka turned almost solely to bouncers and short deliveries to blast the final two wickets out. Verreynne crashed three boundaries between deep backward square leg and deep midwicket in one Asitha Fernando over to really get his engine roaring, before venturing even bigger hits when Rabada was bowled by Asitha, and he was left with the No. 11 for company.With 19 runs still to get for his hundred, Verreynne yanked the throttle with even more intensity, first smashing Prabath Jayasuriya over cow corner for six, before mowing Asitha into the banks to get within one strike of a 100. He reached triple figures with another mighty pull in that same over, sending the ball sailing over fine leg’s head.The milestone sparked wild celebrations, a bow from Verreynne to the dressing room, and a bear-hug from Paterson. Verreynne himself likely did not anticipate that a century would be on the cards when the morning’s play began, but finished unbeaten on 105 off 133 balls, having reaped 58 off 50 balls on day two.Lahiru Kumara claimed the last South Africa wicket, and ended with 4 for 79. Asitha and Vishwa Fernando shared five wickets between them.

Leeds United are beginning to wrap up deals swiftly, and Daniel Farke is now eager to thrash out another agreement to bring a talented operator to Elland Road, according to a report.

Leeds United set to sign Lucas Perri from Lyon

Addressing the goalkeeping department ended up being a critical assignment for Farke and company this summer, but they appear to have successfully completed that mission amid confirmation that Lucas Perri will join the Whites from Lyon.

Taking to social media platform X, Fabrizio Romano confirmed Leeds will imminently sign Perri, putting an end to their long-running quest to replace Illan Meslier.

He stated: “Leeds United have agreed deal in principle with OL for goalkeeper Lucas Perri. Medical tests booked and formal steps to follow, as Fabrice Hawkins reported. Deal in place to join LUFC.”

Coming in for a fee in the region of £15 million, the 27-year-old will offer an element of calm between the sticks, but there is plenty more work to be done if Leeds have designs on staying in the Premier League.

Looking to strengthen from middle to front, the Whites are monitoring the situation of Leicester City playmaker Bilal El Khannouss and he is said to be available for £22.5 million following the Foxes’ relegation from the top-flight last term.

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Potentially, the Morocco international could arrive in tandem with Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz, offering Farke a solid source of creativity and goals that may help his side in their fight to stay up.

Nevertheless, the German coach is also concerned with keeping the ball out of the net and is now said to be plotting a surprise move for another goalkeeper after Perri.

Leeds United eager to sign Robin Zentner

According to Transferfeed, Leeds United are eager to wrap up an agreement for Mainz goalkeeper Robin Zentner, and he is viewed as a potential key player who could offer high-calibre competition to Perri between the sticks.

After earning a spot in the Bundesliga’s team of the season in 2024/25, he is someone with notable experience that may help Farke’s mission of having two established goalkeepers fighting it out for the number one jersey rather than being reliant on a sole presence.

Zentner would also continue the trends of Leeds signing physically imposing players this summer, standing at 6 foot 4.

Robin Zentner’s excellent Bundesliga season in 2024/25 (Fotmob)

Saves

102

Save percentage

71.3%

Clean sheets

9

High claims

45

Accurate long balls

210

Enjoying a fine campaign, Zentner, labelled an “incredibly good goalkeeper” by Bo Henriksen, made 34 appearances across all competitions, though he is still to make an appearance for the German national side despite some excellent performances.

Ultimately, Leeds’ two-pronged goalkeeper strategy may leave one player at risk of losing regular minutes. There have been success stories within this mode of operation elsewhere, such as David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale at Arsenal, though it can be a complicated process to navigate.

Either way, you can never get enough competence to support the spine of your team, so it would make a degree of sense to ensure Leeds cover all bases after some goalkeeping mishaps last season.

Arsenal are poised to spend over £200 million this summer at least, if certain deals go through, so they’ll need to eventually balance the books by selling players.

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Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard arrived at the Emirates Stadium recently for a total of around £75 million, not including add-ons, while Noni Madueke also sealed a £52 million switch from Chelsea.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£75m

Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera’s initial £13 million move, not including add-ons which could take it up to £17 million, brings Andrea Berta’s spending up to £140 million – with the player set to undergo his Gunners medical on Wednesday.

After Mosquera, Arsenal are finalising a move for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres after reaching an agreement in principle (The Athletic). Mikel Arteta’s side will pay an upfront fee of around £55 million, plus an extra £10 million in add-ons, which means Berta is set to fork out a minimum £195 million on transfers with the club’s deals so far.

As we’ve seen with Chelsea and Aston Villa recently, UEFA operate strict financial fair play rules, with the Premier League duo fined for breaches and forced to sell squad members so they can register new players for their European campaigns next season.

While there is no indication that Arsenal are in any similar danger, or with regard to PSR, Berta will be keen to err on the side of caution and offload a few surplus men.

Albert Sambi Lokonga, Fabio Vieira, Reiss Nelson, Oleksandr Zinchenko and 19-year-old defender Maldini Kacurri are named as players who Arsenal could likely choose to sell or loan out, with uncertainty also surrounding both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard (The Athletic).

Arsenal have already let Jorginho, Thomas Partey, Kieran Tierney, Nuno Tavares and Marquinhos leave the club this summer, with the north Londoners also terminating Takehiro Tomiyasu’s contract following his injury nightmare.

Arsenal could terminate Karl Hein deal amid Sevilla interest

Now, according to Spanish news outlet Vamos di Sevilla, they could repeat that with 23-year-old goalkeeper Karl Hein.

The 39-cap Estonia captain appears out of Arteta’s long-term plans and has only ever made one senior appearance for the club in a 3-1 Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton in 2022 – a match where he also gave away a penalty.

He spent last season on loan at Real Valladolid in La Liga, starting 31 league games and keeping five clean sheets in that time as they were relegated to the Spanish Segunda División.

However, Sevilla are believed to be keen on him, and Hein is ready to accept an offer from them to leave the Emirates. Vamos di Sevilla also suggest that Arsenal could terminate Hein’s contract, just under 12 months before it is set to expire in 2026, or even green-light another loan.

In any case, he is apparently one of the Sevilla sporting directors’ favourite options, so this could be one to keep an eye on.

The storm that has clouded Newcastle United’s early summer transfer window is perhaps showing signs of abating, even if Eddie Howe’s outfit have seen bids rejected for three top targets.

That’s according to the Times, whose revelation that offers for Anthony Elanga, Joao Pedro and James Trafford were rebuffed will no doubt have been met by a chorus of frustration over on Tyneside.

At the very least, United are showing ambitious intent, and though slapping a £200m price tag on Alexander Isak to ward off interest from Liverpool might have proved a double-edged sword, for clubs will hardball the Toon in their own dealings henceforth, there’s no doubt breakthroughs will be achieved in the coming months.

However, it might be wise for Howe and co to pin some alternative names to the board. Indeed, in Pedro’s case, an exciting backup has been found, and he might even prove the better pick.

Newcastle open talks for elite forward

As per GIVEMESPORT, Newcastle have opened talks with Xavi Simons’ representatives as they look to welcome some attacking additions this summer.

Expected to depart RB Leipzig after they failed to qualify for Europe, the 22-year-old playmaker has a £60m price tag and has expressed a desire to move to the Premier League.

Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have all had discussions with the player’s camp too, so this one’s wide open at the present stage.

Why Newcastle want Xavi Simons

While dynamic, Simons isn’t as out-and-out an attacker as Pedro; instead, the Dutchman merges the creative with the incisive to an emphatic effect.

He’s the real deal, all right, and given the finances involved, would perhaps go on to prove an even better signing than Pedro, if push comes to shove.

Such masterful versatility is hardly something Howe’s going to say no to, and Simons would add a new creative dimension to a side which finished the 2024/25 Premier League season ranked sixth in the division for big chances created (112) after finishing joint-second with Manchester City (97) the term before.

It’s clear Howe needs such a virtuoso to take that next great step, and given that Simons finished the campaign ranked among the top 12% of attacking midfielders and wingers for passes attempted, the top 14% for progressive passes, the top 18% for shot-creating actions and the top 7% for ball recoveries, as per FBref, he clearly knows his stuff.

Athletic and driven, Simons would add a wealth of quality to the Magpies fold, with his haul of ten goals and seven assists across just 25 Bundesliga matches further highlighting his clinical nature.

Left winger

41

10

11

Right winger

17

5

5

Attacking midfield

17

6

7

Centre-forward

1

–

–

Moreover, he missed just two big chances and averaged two key passes and 5.4 successful duels per game. Though Pedro would be a brilliant attacking addition, Simons might just have that little bit more, with his versatility both through positional and prolific value likely to add so much to the United project.

Pedro, sure, is a steady supplier of goal contributions, posting 30 goals and ten assists across 70 matches, but he’s not quite so refined, indeed operating in a more advanced berth that you’d have to think will be occupied by Isak.

Howe makes sure his players know their duties and toe the line, but Simons’ expansiveness is part of what makes him special, a “superstar”, as has even been remarked by analyst Ben Mattinson.

Newcastle need to beat off Premier League opposition to secure this man’s signature, prioritising a deal over the likes of Pedro.

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ByAngus Sinclair Jun 26, 2025