Overlooked by O’Neil: The next Wolves boss must unleash Pedro Neto 2.0

Wolverhampton Wanderers fans will be pleased with how well the likes of Jorgen Strand Larsen and Matheus Cunha have performed this season in attack, even as their side currently sit in the dreaded relegation spaces in the Premier League.

Between them, the on-fire duo up top have scored 13 of Wolves’ 22 top-flight strikes to date, but the defenders at Molineux are very much letting them down having leaked an embarrassing 36 goals.

Regardless, the under-pressure Gary O’Neil will be overjoyed with how well both the Brazilian and the Nordic attacker are doing, with the pair managing to somewhat fill the void left behind by Pedro Neto.

Neto's time at Wolves

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work out that Wolves losing Neto this summer was going to hurt them, with the Portuguese winger a spellbinding watch when at the peak of his powers in the West Midlands.

Unfortunately, injury issues meant the now Chelsea number seven was out of the team for large patches, but he still managed to catch the eye of the Blues when fit with 14 goals and 24 assists picked up donning an Old Gold strip.

Marauding forward with so much pace to burn when at full flow, as seen in this stunning solo strike against Manchester City last year, Wolves would have at least taken some solace from the fact they managed to gain a significant £54m fee for his services when Chelsea did come knocking.

The Premier League strugglers must have thought they’d have found an adequate replacement for Neto this summer in this exciting loan purchase, but unlike both Larsen and Cunha who have starred for the relegation-threatened side despite their team’s lowly predicament, this flashy buy has done very little to date.

Carlos Forbs' time at Wolves

Wolves would leave it to the death to pick up promising Ajax star Carlos Forbs in the last transfer window, with the move finally going through on deadline day.

The loan deal will eventually go through as a permanent switch, as long as certain clauses are triggered, with the Old Gold smug at the fact they’d managed to win another slick and quick Portuguese winger who operates in the same mould as their former maverick.

This breakaway strike Forbs managed for the Amsterdam giants in the Europa League last season versus Olympique Marseille shows off his blistering speed when through on goal, with the ex-Manchester City wonderkid desperate to succeed at Molineux after never making the cut at a senior level for the reigning top-flight champions.

It’s not as if the 20-year-old struggled in the youth set-up at Man City either, with a crazy 24 goals and 23 assists tallied up for the U18s from just 34 games, leading to football analyst Ben Mattinson stating that the “frightening” youngster possessed “world class potential.”

Stat

Forbs

Games played

6

Games started

1

Minutes played per game

35

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

But, for all of the immense hype that has come his way, Forbs has struggled to leap into O’Neil’s first team to try and become the club’s new version of Neto, with a mere 35 minutes handed out to him on average this season in the Premier League from six games.

He was left rooted to the substitutes bench last time out versus Everton too, having underwhelmed versus AFC Bournemouth the match before with zero successful dribbles registered from two attempted, but a new potential manager in the Old Gold dug out perhaps could be willing to give him more of a chance to shine.

It’s fair to say the daring attacker expected the infancy of his playing days at Wolves to be going far more swimmingly than they are now, as Old Gold supporters begin to worry that their exciting recruit will just go down as a flop.

Having been somewhat overlooked by O’Neil thus far, amid his solitary start, a new appointment could be just what is needed for the next Neto to shine.

Wolves may swoop ahead of Liverpool and Arsenal to sign "phenomenal" ace

He’s a man in demand.

ByTom Cunningham Dec 5, 2024

عبد العزيز الزغبي يسجل هدف منتخب مصر الثاني أمام الكاميرون

سجل منتخب مصر تحت 17 عامًا، الهدف الثاني أمام منتخب الكاميرون، خلال المباراة الجارية الآن بينهما في كأس الأمم الإفريقية للناشئين، والتي تستضيفها المغرب لتصبح النتيحة 2-1.

وتقام مبارة مصر والكاميرون، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثالثة من دور المجموعات في كأس الأمم الإفريقية للناشئين، على ملعب البشير بمدينة المحمدية.

طالع..أول تعليق من أحمد الكاس بعد خسارة منتخب مصر تحت 17 عاما أمام بوركينا فاسو

وأحرز هدف مصر الثاني عبد العزيز الزغبي في الدقيقة 66 بعد وصول الكرة له أمام المرمى بعد عرضية فشل حارس الكاميرون في الإمساك بها.

وجاء هدف الكاميرون عن طريق أندريه في الدقيقة 33 من عمر المباراة من ركلة جزاء، بينما تعادل منتخب مصر عن طريق حمزة عبد الكريم في الدقيقة 43 من ركلة جزاء أيضا. وتلقى منتخب مصر الخسارة أمام جنوب إفريقيا في الجولة الأولى بنتيجة 4-3، قبل الهزيمة أمام بوركينا فاسو في الجولة الثانية بنتيجة 2-1.

وددخل منتخب مصر مباراته أمام الكاميرون طامحاً في الفوز وحصد ثلاثة نقاط لتعزيز آماله في البطولة، حيث يتواجد بالمركز الرابع والأخير في مجموعته، بينما يأتي الكاميرون بالمركز الثالث، ولديه نقطة وحيدة.

ويتواجد منتخب مصر تحت 17 عاماً في المجموعة الثانية، رفقة بوركينا فاسو، وجنوب إفريقيا، والكاميرون.

Hasaranga tests positive for Covid-19 again, likely to miss entire T20I series in India

Wanindu Hasaranga is almost certain to miss the upcoming three-T20I series against India, starting on Thursday in Lucknow, after he returned another positive Covid-19 test. Hasaranga, currently in Melbourne, will not be able to link up with the travelling party in India as a result.Related

  • Depleted Sri Lanka face uphill task to upset heavyweights India

  • Rohit 'looking forward to playing all games' but admits managing workload will be key

  • Rajapaksa left out of India T20Is for fitness reasons

  • Injured Chahar, Suryakumar ruled out of SL T20Is

Hasaranga, third in the ICC rankings for T20I bowlers, initially tested positive on February 15, ahead of Sri Lanka’s third T20I against Australia. This forced him to miss the remainder of the tour, but the hope at the time was that following a weeklong quarantine, he would be ready to face India.For that, though, he needed to return a negative RT-PCR test. ESPNcricinfo has learnt that Hasaranga, despite having returned a negative Rapid Antigen Test, had a positive RT-PCR test. That will allow him to leave Australia, but he will not be allowed to enter India without a negative report.According to Arjuna de Silva, the head of SLC’s medical department, Hasaranga’s positive result is down to the fact that Australia requires a higher CT value for the result to be deemed negative; lower the CT value, higher the viral load. de Silva, though, expressed hope that Hasaranga would return a negative test soon.”Wanindu has finished his seven-day isolation. His CT value is very high in any case, so we hope that by tomorrow his PCR should be negative,” de Silva told ESPNcricinfo. “It’s not that he has got a new infection, it’s just that he has not cleared the old infection according to their (Australia’s) level. Each country has a different cut-off for a positive result, Australia’s is fairly high and so to reach that value takes some time.”He’ll miss the first match [against India] for sure. Our job is to get him to India. Of course, whether he plays or not is a different matter. That depends on his fitness and other factors.”We’re doing PCRs daily, so as soon he’s negative, he can fly to India – maybe even tomorrow. He will then have to be assessed by the team doctor and the physio to determine if he can play any part in the tour. At the moment, he has no symptoms.”Sri Lanka will play three T20Is in India, on February 24, 26 and 27, with the action moving to Dharamsala after the first game. They will then play two Tests, the first from March 4 to 8 in Mohali and the second from March 12 to 16 in Bengaluru.As such, Hasaranga might have to stay on in India after the Test series, and join the training sessions for Royal Challengers Bangalore, who bought the legspin-bowling allrounder back at the recent IPL auction for INR 10.75 crore (US$ 1.42 million). The 2022 edition of the IPL is expected to start around the end of March.

Man Utd players 'anxious' to score as Ruben Amorim criticises players' decisions after Diogo Dalot leaves Rasmus Hojlund fuming during Real Sociedad draw

Ruben Amorim admitted Manchester United players are "anxious" to score and criticised the decisions his players made against Real Sociedad.

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Man Utd were held to a 1-1 drawAmorim addressed his team's goal scoring woesCriticised Dalot's decision-making against SociedadFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

United were held to a 1-1 draw by Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie as Joshua Zirkzee's opener was cancelled out by Mikel Oyarzabal from the spot. The attack once again looked disjointed, with limited chances created in the first half. One of the most frustrating moments came when Diogo Dalot galloped down the right wing and found himself in a prime position to deliver a cross to Rasmus Hojlund, who had managed to get ahead of his marker. However, rather than sending in an early delivery, Dalot hesitated, opting to cut back instead of playing the ball into the area, much to the Danish striker's frustration. This delay gave Sociedad’s defense enough time to recover, causing the attack to fizzle out.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT AMORIM SAID

Speaking after the game, Amorim acknowledged Dalot’s effort but emphasised that the full-back should have been more decisive.

"I think it’s hard to say but I’m just imagining Diogo doesn’t know for sure Rasmus has the advantage and he felt that he had a lot of time to think the play," the manager told reporters.

"One thing for sure is they are really anxious to score goals and to win games so they are doing all the best. And sometimes they want the best way in that position but are not deciding the best way in their position. Was a clear position, Rasmus did really well, Dalot did really well, the decision was not the best, the important thing is to move on and not fighting. Let’s move on to the next game."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Despite putting in his best efforts, Hojlund endured yet another frustrating evening in front of goal. The Danish forward has now gone 19 consecutive matches without scoring, failing to register a single shot against Sociedad. However, Amorim remains optimistic about the 22-year-old’s potential, encouraging him to stay patient.

"He is trying really hard, he gave everything, he made the runs," he said. "We know that Sociedad has the high line, he uses his pace to win and to fight. And the other thing is he’s going to appear in the right moment, he has to continue to play and not be anxious. In that position with Diogo, he did a great run, was in position, sometimes the ball comes, sometimes it doesn’t. So he needs to think in the next way and in the next game."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

United’s draw against Sociedad means they will need to step up their performance in the second leg at Old Trafford if they want to advance in the competition. Their struggles against Spanish clubs in Europe have been well-documented, with their last six knockout eliminations coming at the hands of La Liga sides.

However, before their crucial return leg, United must turn their attention to a high-stakes Premier League showdown against Arsenal this weekend. With their domestic campaign faltering, a positive result against the Gunners could provide a much-needed confidence boost before their European clash.

Chelsea could soon be offered £77m forward in swap deal involving Nkunku

Chelsea have been offered the chance to sign a £77m forward in a swap deal involving forward Christopher Nkunku, according to a report.

Nkunku's Chelsea future

Nkunku has found minutes hard to come by in the Premier League so far this season, with his game time mainly being limited to cameo appearances off the bench, which has cast doubt over his long-term future at Stamford Bridge.

Intermediaries are set to open talks with Nkunku over a move away from west London, but manager Enzo Maresca has been quick to quash any rumours that his player is unsettled, saying:

“No, not at all. I spoke to Christo days ago and he did not say he was unhappy. For sure, he would like to play minutes but like many players. We have so many games, especially in December.”

The Chelsea boss has also made it clear he does not want the 27-year-old to leave in the January transfer window, saying: “I completely want Christo to stay with us; I don’t have any idea to let him leave in January.”

Chelsea’s next five Premier League games

Date

Southampton (a)

December 4

Tottenham Hotspur (a)

December 8

Brentford (h)

December 15

Everton (a)

December 22

Fulham (h)

December 26

The manager explained that it is difficult to find a place for the Frenchman in the starting XI at present, given that he has so many options at his disposal, naming the likes of Cole Palmer, Joao Felix and Noni Madueke, but the rumours of an exit won’t go away.

Randal Kolo Muani could join Chelsea in swap deal

Despite Maresca’s reluctance to sell, there could soon be an interesting proposition on the table, with The Boot Room reporting that Paris Saint-Germain are keen to take Nkunku back to the Parc des Princes.

The forward is concerned by his lack of opportunities at Stamford Bridge, although he is yet to give up on his Chelsea career and wants to fight for a place in the team.

The report states that PSG could be willing to swap £77m signing Randal Kolo Muani for the former RB Leipzig man, which could be a deal that works for all parties, although the Blues are not expecting any movement in January.

Agents preparing to open talks with Chelsea over signing £195k-per-week ace

The club are braced for approaches.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Nov 30, 2024

Although Nkunku, a 14-time France international, is yet to set the world alight in a Chelsea shirt, he has shown some promising signs when given the opportunity this season, scoring five goals in four Conference League outings.

As such, it may be unwise to let the £195k-p/w forward leave in January, although there are indications that Kolo Muani could be a solid addition to Maresca’s squad.

France'sRandalKoloMuanireacts

Kylian Mbappe has previously lauded his international teammate, saying: “He is a striker who offers different game options to our team. He is very complete and has an impressive volume of play.”

However, Maresca has made it clear he wants Nkunku to stay, meaning it is unlikely a move comes to fruition this winter.

Wolves may swoop ahead of Liverpool and Arsenal to sign "phenomenal" ace

As Wolverhampton Wanderers look to turn what has been a disastrous campaign around, those in the Midlands could reportedly swoop in ahead of both Liverpool and Arsenal to sign an MLS talent in 2025.

Wolves transfer news

A 4-1 victory at Fulham looked destined to be a turning point in Wolves’ season. It felt as though Gary O’Neil’s side would simply kick on from there and eventually leave their poor start behind. One 4-2 defeat at the hands of Bournemouth – in which they conceded three penalties – and a 4-0 loss against Everton at Goodison Park later, however, and O’Neil’s job has never been in a more fragile state.

Three points adrift of safety and sat as low as 19th on just nine points, things couldn’t be much more bleak for Wolves, who desperately need to January transfer window to arrive. Whether it’s O’Neil in charge by that point or his successor remains unknown, but there’s no doubt that his side need reinforcements if they want to survive.

With that said, according to Caught Offside, Wolves could now swoop in ahead of Arsenal and Liverpool to sign Gabriel Pec from MLS side LA Galaxy when 2025 arrives. The talented winger has attracted plenty of potential after rising to stardom in America and is seemingly on the radar of Wolves alongside their Premier League rivals as well as Atletico Madrid, Napoli and Inter Milan.

Wolves plot to extend £60k-p/w star's contract as transfer interest grows

Wolves are looking to tie down one of their most important players to a new long-term deal.

1 ByBrett Worthington Dec 3, 2024

It would be fairly ambitious to suggest that Wolves are favourites for his signature. In fact, in their current position, they should find themselves low down on the list of suitors, but what they can crucially guarantee the Brazilian over the chasing pack is consistent game time. With the chance to replace Pedro Neto once and for all, Wolves should go all out for Pec.

"Phenomenal" Pec can finally replace Neto

Whilst Carlos Forbs arrived in the summer transfer window, the Ajax loanee has yet to show the level needed to break into O’Neil’s side or go as far as replacing a player of Neto’s calibre. Without that firepower, Matheus Cunha has of course stepped up, but when it’s not him then it’s difficult to find another player who is capable of dragging Wolves to unlikely victory. Fellow Brazilian, Pec, could change that though.

The LA Galaxy star is enjoying a “phenomenal debut season” according to MLS insider Tom Bogert and has deservedly earned the attention of some of Europe’s top clubs as a result.

The 23-year-old has only continued his form since that praise too, scoring 21 goals and assisting a further 18 in all competitions for LA Galaxy in 2024. Involved in 39 goals in 40 games, Pec is clearly one to watch.

Após sofrer goleada, Marcelo Cabo pede desculpas ao torcedor do CRB

MatériaMais Notícias

Na noite da última terça-feira, o CRB encarou o ASA pelo Campeonato Alagoano e o desempenho dentro das quatro linhas foi decepcionante, que culminou em revés por 4 a 1.

– VEJA A TABELA DA SÉRIE B

Na coletiva de imprensa, o treinador tentou explicar o que aconteceu dentro de campo e pediu desculpas ao torcedor.

‘Eu preciso dar mérito ao adversário. O ASA, dentro da sua proposta, teve muita capacidade. Fez dois gols no início do jogo e nos trouxe muita dificuldade quando baixou a linha. Foi um dia muito difícil, eu peço desculpa ao nosso torcedor pela nossa atuação. Não era o que queríamos entregar ao nosso torcedor, estamos muito feridos, chateados, consternados com essa derrota em casa, mas precisamos seguir em frente’, afirmou.

Calendário

Agora, o fim de semana será decisivo, já que o GALO terá pela frente o CSA, fora de casa e precisa vencer de qualquer jeito.

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Injured Deepak Chahar, Suryakumar Yadav ruled out of SL T20Is

Both the players picked up on-field injuries during the final T20I against West Indies

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Feb-2022Deepak Chahar and Suryakumar Yadav will miss the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka at home because of injuries.The two players picked up on-field injuries during the third T20I against West Indies in Kolkata on Sunday. Chahar has sustained a right quadriceps injury while bowling his second over in India’s last T20I fixture, and left the field after bowling 1.5 overs. Suryakumar, Player of the Series for the T20Is, was standing in the slips when he suffered a hairline fracture in his hand in the second innings after scoring a 31-ball 65 in the first innings.Related

Depleted Sri Lanka face uphill task to upset heavyweights India

Rohit 'looking forward to playing all games' but admits managing workload will be key

Samson's got talent; Rohit wants him to 'maximise' it, and fast

Hasaranga tests positive for Covid-19 again, likely to miss entire T20I series in India

Selections are not made from individual's point of view

They will both now be at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru for their recovery, a BCCI statement said.Despite the injury setbacks, the BCCI has not announced replacements. Earlier, the board had named an 18-member squad that included the returning Ravindra Jadeja and Sanju Samson.While Chahar’s services with the new ball will be missed by Rohit Sharma’s Indians, the side is loaded with seam-bowling options, with Jasprit Bumrah returning alongside Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Siraj, Avesh Khan and Harshal Patel around, as the team looks to find its best group of players before the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia later this year.Samson could be a direct middle-order batting replacement for Suryakumar in the XI for the Sri Lanka matches. Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant have been rested.Updated squad: Rohit Sharma (capt), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan (wk), Venkatesh Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, Jasprit Bumrah (vice-capt), Avesh Khan.

'Great businessman' – Jose Mourinho reveals 'good relationship' with Sir Jim Ratcliffe but feels sorry for Man Utd staff losing jobs during INEOS reign

Jose Mourinho revealed he shares a "good relationship" with Sir Jim Ratcliffe but feels sorry for the Manchester United staff losing their jobs.

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  • Mourinho opened up about his equation with Ratcliffe
  • Hailed the INEOS chief as a "great businessman"
  • Shared his feelings on the recent job cuts at Old Trafford
Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    INEOS has been making significant reductions in United’s operations, with many of the lowest-paid employees being affected. The club showed the door to 250 employees last season with another 200 redundancies lined up for next month. The job cuts have caused much distress, particularly in the youth department, where long-serving coaches were asked to put down their papers, reportedly leaving many academy players in tears.

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    WHAT MOURINHO SAID

    Despite the controversial restructuring, Mourinho spoke positively about his acquaintance with Ratcliffe and revealed that while they may not be close friends, they have built a respectful connection over the years.

    "I know Sir Jim Ratcliffe. I'm not saying we are big friends but we have a good relationship," he told

    "I know him well. He invited me to his house a couple of times. I see him as a good person and a great businessman."

    However, the manager also expressed concern for staff members losing their jobs, stating: "To be honest, I don't know much about what's happening. Of course, I feel for some of the people that I know [losing their jobs], but hopefully it goes in the right direction."

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Recent reports indicate that INEOS is considering terminating United’s lease on their London headquarters in Kensington, which was secured two years ago after the club’s lease in Mayfair expired. This move is seen as another effort to reduce operational costs, aligning with the company’s strategy of financial efficiency.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

    Amid the off-field turmoil, United will attempt to bounce back from their FA Cup disappointment as they shift focus to European competition. The Red Devils will face Real Sociedad in the Europa League last-16 first-leg clash on Thursday, a game that will be crucial to their silverware ambitions. Following their continental challenge, United will return to Premier League action in a highly anticipated showdown against Arsenal.

Gyokeres & £113m “monster” included: 5 options to replace Isak at Newcastle

Murillo put Nottingham Forest ahead on Sunday afternoon, and most observers across the country probably concluded that the hosts’ remarkable start to the season would take its latest step toward extraordinary heights. Newcastle United’s chequered start was set to continue.

The stripes might run black and white but there was no patchiness for this team, who rallied and overturned the deficit to win 3-1 and carry their resurgence into the November international break.

Eddie Howe hasn’t had it easy, with injuries taking centre stage last year and frustration reigning throughout the summer transfer window, but things are starting to come together, with Alexander Isak at the spearhead.

For now, at least. The Swedish striker is contracted to St. James’ Park until 2028, but appears non-committal toward signing a new lucrative package, as is the wish of his employers.

Arsenal are lurking, with other high-profile suitors sure to follow. If the unthinkable happens, and Isak moves away from Tyneside in 2025, it’s crucial that a fitting replacement is found.

Luckily, Magpies sporting director Paul Mitchell is busy mapping out the perfect successors at number nine.

1 Viktor Gyokeres

Viktor Gyokeres for Sporting Lisbon

First up we have Viktor Gyokeres, who might just be the most coveted centre-forward in Europe at the moment. The Sporting Lisbon sensation has enjoyed a taste of English football already, failing at Brighton & Hove Albion before succeeding at Coventry City in the Championship and earning himself a nice big £20m transfer to Portugal.

1.

Viktor Gyokeres

Sporting Lisbon

11

16

2.

Robert Lewandowski

Barcelona

13

14

3.

Erling Haaland

Manchester City

11

12

4.

Harry Kane

Bayern Munich

10

11

4=

Omar Marmoush

Frankfurt

10

11

4=

Mateo Regeui

Atalanta

12

11

Now, his career has taken off and then some. Every top-drawer side worth their salt wants to take him on, not least because some pretty exciting rumours are skirting about that the Swede could be

It would be 4D chess, but given that Isak and Gyokeres play together for their country, there’s a possibility that St. James’ Park’s praises have been sung.

Ruben Amorim has just left his seat as Leaoes manager to have a go at Manchester United, and rumours that his number nine might follow have predictably followed like a hungry dog.

But Newcastle have shown an interest. As per GIVEMESPORT, the 25-year-old is firmly on the Toon’s wishlist, and if Isak is to be sold – for a handsome figure, of course – this could be a brilliant move that would see Howe’s side make a profit.

Wow. Just imagine.

2 Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Admittedly, we’ve returned to a more pragmatic platform here. However, there’s reasoning behind Newcastle’s interest in Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with GIVEMESPORT also revealing that the Everton striker is on United’s radar.

The England international, crucially, is out of contract at the end of the season and appears to have put his injury troubles behind him, featuring and starting each of Newcastle’s 11 top-flight fixtures this term.

The caveat, of course, is that he’s not really scoring very much, with just two goals this year. Even so, Newcastle lodged a £40m proposal Goodison Park’s way during the dog days of summer, albeit retracting it after concerns festered.

This might be a shrewd train of thought, but not one of the vim and vigour that the Magpies would require to replace Isak. On to the next.

3 Victor Osimhen

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen

Victor Osimhen rose to fame with Napoli, but that one ended in heartache and he’s now out on loan with Galatasaray until the end of the 2024/25 season after a move to Chelsea fell through.

It’s quite easy to forget that he’s one of the finest strikers in the world, described as a “monster” by analyst Raj Chohan. But he’s a player who could wind up in black and white nonetheless, with affluent Newcastle believed to be among the clubs set to be offered the chance to sign the athletic striker next year, report The Chronicle.

His release clause stands at £113m, though it’s been suggested that Napoli would accept a bid of around €50m (£43m) next summer, swallowing the bitter pill of lost riches after he didn’t complete a permanent transfer away this year.

Newcastle would only be too happy to oblige. Osimhen has scored 56 goals since the start of the 2022/23 season – Isak, by comparison, has 40 goals in that timeframe.

Osimhen is the gold standard, but a similar version, still capable of making his mark under Howe’s wing, would be…

4 Jonathan David

LOSC Lille striker Jonathan David

Jonathan David. It’s a name Newcastle know well. Just after the summer market slammed its shutters closed, Newcastle were reported to be in the driving seat to sign the LOSC Lille centre-forward, albeit with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur also in the mix.

Routinely linked with a move away from his French outfit, the Canadian sharpshooter is like Calvert-Lewin in that he’s playing out the final term of his contract. Howe could do worse, to be sure.

2024/25

19

13

3

0.84

2023/24

47

26

9

0.74

2022/23

40

26

4

0.75

2021/22

48

19

0

0.40

2020/21

48

13

5

0.37

David, aged 24, has posted 13 goals and three assists across all competitions this season and invariably puts up eye-catching hauls. What’s more, his sharp ball-striking ability and technical crispness have seen him compared to Isak by FBref.

That takes us to the last candidate. You know him well…

5 Ivan Toney

Ivan Toney for England

Could Ivan Toney be the man to replace Isak at Newcastle in 2025, nine seasons after last featuring for the Tyneside club? It would be an interesting one, to say the least.

The 28-year-old completed a £40m transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli in August after failing to find a move materialise within the Premier League.

He’s “a special player”, according to Brentford manager Thomas Frank, who has fostered Toney’s skills to the fore over the past several years.

Sure, he’s only just settled into Saudi Arabian football, but the 28-year-old may well be tempted back to the thrill of the Premier League if a team like Newcastle offered him a starring spot in their system.

Newcastle have considered a move for the hulking forward earlier in 2024. If the stars align, this could be a thrilling deal for a player with a point to prove in black and white stripes.

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ByAngus Sinclair Nov 14, 2024

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