Tottenham Hotspur are in the market for an heir to club legend Son Heung-min, who waved an emotional goodbye in Seoul over the weekend.

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It was a tearful Sunday night in South Korea, as Son played what was his final game for Spurs before his MLS record-breaking near £20 million move to Los Angeles FC.

A sunken-eyed send-off befitting a club legend unfolded at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, where 64,773 fans packed in to honour the winger in a friendly against Newcastle. Tottenham drew 1-1, but the attention belonged almost entirely to Son’s farewell, even if it was marred somewhat by an horrific-looking injury to star midfielder James Maddison.

After ten years at Spurs – where he scored 173 goals in 454 games and led them to a long-awaited trophy with their Europa League triumph – Son was given a guard of honour from both sides before exiting in the 65th minute.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

His teammates lifted him shoulder-high, and even Newcastle players joined in the tribute, highlighting just how deeply respected he is.

Thomas Frank described the tributes last weekend as “unbelievable, beautiful scenes,” while Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said the reaction spoke volumes about Son’s character and the mark he left on the Premier League.

The curtain has closed on his golden era at Spurs. But for Son, his legacy lives on – in north London’s history books and the hearts of countless fans across the globe.

Unfortunately for Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange, the Lilywhites are now presented with an almighty task to somehow replace both his contribution on the pitch and his presence in the dressing room.

Son was often credited as a natural leader behind-the-scenes and someone who’d play a key role in helping to ease new players into the squad, which will be very hard to replicate, but the north Londoners are set to give it their best shot.

According to recent reports, Tottenham could attempt to make a real statement by signing Real Madrid forward Rodrygo to step into Son’s shoes.

The Brazil international has been linked with a Bernabeu exit ever since the summer window opened, with Levy reportedly targeting Rodrygo in what would be a very bold, exciting move.

Tottenham await reply to Rodrygo offer after Real Madrid star's U-turn

Spanish news outlet Marca have a very intriguing update on this.

The 24-year-old was apparently determined to stay and fight for his place under Xabi Alonso, but in a U-turn over his future, he’s now leaning more towards the exit door.

In response, various intermediaries have contacted Real to gauge the conditions of a potential deal, and Frank’s side are among the clubs who are offering the ex-Santos sensation a route out of La Liga.

Marca reports that agents are convinced Tottenham have already made a bid for Rodrygo as the N17 club await a reply from Los Blancos, but there’s no disclosure about the details of this alleged bid right now.

Real value their South American star at a minimum £60 million, which could rise to around £70 million, so Levy faces the prospect of potentially having to pay a club-record fee for Rodrygo’s signature.

However, as Son’s farewell leaves a hefty gap, Rodrygo could be the one to fill it.

The Real star has bags of Champions League experience, blistering pace and a flair for the spectacular – cut from a similar cloth to Son.

He already has multiple European titles to his name and thrives drifting in from out wide, bagging 14 goals and 11 assists last season despite falling down the pecking order in recent months.

At Spurs, he’d undoubtedly be the main man, and his versatility is another very attractive trait for Frank in particular.

Southampton have now opened talks to sign an “unbelievable” winger, who could be brought in as a replacement for Tyler Dibling, according to a report.

Saints looking to sign replacement for Dibling amid Everton links

Following the Saints’ relegation from the Premier League, Dibling has been expected to leave the club, and Everton have emerged as one of the most interested parties, with David Moyes’ side having multiple approaches knocked back.

It has been widely reported the 19-year-old is training away from the rest of the squad, amid interest from the Toffees, and reporter Sami Mokbel has recently suggested the youngster could be heading for the exit door this summer.

Mokbel said: “The information varies depending on who you speak to. If you speak to people closer to Everton, they will tell you that the deal has reached an impasse and Southampton are asking for far too much.

“If you speak to those closer to the South Coast, there is a realisation there that maybe Tyler Dibling’s time is coming to an end.”

Amid the major doubts surrounding the starlet’s future at St. Mary’s, Will Still’s side have now set their sights on a replacement, and a report from Football Insider has revealed they have opened talks over a deal for West Bromwich Albion star Tom Fellows.

Fellows has been lined up as a direct replacement for Dibling, who has been the subject of a £40m offer from Everton, and a deal may be relatively inexpensive, with reports from elsewhere revealing the Baggies could look to hold out for just £10m.

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The Saints have joined the race for a “dominant” centre-back.

By
Dominic Lund

Jul 15, 2025

"Unbelievable" Fellows could be perfect replacement for Dibling

Losing one of their prized assets will, of course, be a bitter pill to swallow for the Saints, should Dibling complete a move elsewhere, but there are plenty of signs the West Brom winger could be the perfect replacement.

Most notably, the Solihull-born winger chalked up some very impressive attacking numbers in the 2024-25 campaign, picking up four goals and 14 assists in the Championship alone, leading to some very high praise from teammate Karlan Grant.

Grant said: “He’s an unbelievable young player. As soon as he does that step-over, I know the ball’s going to be arriving at the back stick and there’s going to be chances.

At just 22-years-old, Fellows could still have plenty of room to develop even further, but he is already a top winger at Championship level, and West Brom’s potential asking price of just £10m means the forward could be an absolute bargain.

أشادت إحدى الشبكات التابعة لنادي ليفربول بالنجم المصري محمد صلاح بعد تأهله مع منتخب مصر لنهائيات كأس العالم 2026 في المكسيك وكندا والولايات المتحدة.

ونشرت شبكة “Rushthekop” أن أمس الأربعاء كان يومًا رائعًا لأحد أعظم لاعبي ليفربول على الإطلاق، حيث سجل محمد صلاح هدفين لمصر خلال فوزها بثلاثية نظيفة ضد جيبوتي.

وقد ضمن هذا التأهل لمصر الوصول لكأس العالم 2026 في أمريكا الشمالية وستكون هذه المشاركة الثانية فقط لصلاح على أكبر منصة رياضية في العالم.

وقد كانت رحلة صلاح الوحيدة إلى كأس العالم في عام 2018، حيث سجل هدفين ورغم ذلك فقد غادر منتخب مصر من دور المجموعات، وجاءت أهداف النجم المصري ضد روسيا والسعودية ولكنها لم تكن كافية لقيادة المنتخب لأي فوز في المجموعة.

أقرأ أيضاً.. ديلي ميل: ليفربول يحدد بديل محمد صلاح.. “متألق في فانتازي”

وأصبح صلاح أكثر من سجل عدد أهداف في تاريخ تصفيات أفريقيا المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026 حيث سجل 20 هدفًا خلال 29 مباراة، ليتفوق على إيتو ودروجبا اللذين سجلا 18 هدفًا.

ورغم أن صلاح لم يلعب ضد منتخبات قوية مثل ساحل العاج وغانا والكاميرون والسنغال إلا أن وجوده ساهم في مساعدة منتخب مصر ويشارك الآن للمرة الرابعة في كأس العالم في أهم حدث كروي.

وستساهم هذه النتيجة وسيساعد هذا الأداء في تغيير نفسية محمد صلاح، خاصة بعد بداية بطيئة للموسم الجديد مع النادي وفقاً لمعاييره في السنوات الأخيرة، وسيشعر بشعادة غامرة عند عودته لملعب آنفيلد خاصة بعد التسجيل والتأهل لكأس العالم.

وانضمت مصر إلى تونس والمغرب كدول إفريقية أخرى حسمت تأهلها لكأس العالم، وقد تحمل صلاح إخفاقات منتخب بلاده بعد خسارة كأس الأمم الإفريقية وقد غير ذلك من أدائه في بقية مباريات الموسم.

ويأمل آرني سلوت أن يتم تحويل أداء صلاح القوي إلى جانب اللحظة السعيدة التي يعيشها منتخب مصر إلى العودة لمستويات اللاعب المميزة التي كان عليها الموسم الماضي، وسيشعل ذلك حماس اللاعب لاستعادة مستواه المعهود ومن المتوقع أن يصبح أحد أبرز اللاعبين في مونديال 2026 رغم أنه من المؤسف أن هذه ستكون فقط تجربته الثانية.

Leeds United are looking to finish the transfer window in strong fashion, but not everyone is convinced about the latest name who is set for a move to Elland Road.

Leeds United agree deal to sign James Justin from Leicester City

With their Premier League comeback now underway, Mike McGrath has confirmed that Leeds are set to sign James Justin for £10 million as he enters the final year of his contract at Leicester City.

He stated on X: “Leicester have agreed a deal worth £10m with Leeds for James Justin. The England-capped full-back, 27, having medical at LUFC.”

Earning an instant return after the Foxes’ relegation last season, Justin registered four goals and two assists in 36 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25, though couldn’t help his side reverse the tide under Ruud van Nistelrooy.

More recently, he has featured in two of Leicester’s three opening fixtures, starring in their win against Sheffield Wednesday and 2-1 loss to Preston North End. Still, not everyone is convinced by his arrival at Elland Road.

News UK journalist Charlie Carmichael has claimed the Foxes have done an “unbelievable” job to take in £10 million given his contract situation and recent form at the King Power Stadium, believing he was “miles off” top flight level.

Putting that to the test, there are plenty of conflicting opinions on Leeds’ latest capture as they look to stay in the top-flight for the foreseeable future.

Should Leeds United be bringing Justin to Elland Road?

After a 5-0 defeat to Arsenal that exposed Leeds’ defensive frailties, news that Justin is on his way hasn’t pleased the Yorkshire giants’ support in their entirety, it is fair to say. First of all, his £10 million price-tag is steep, in context, considering he would’ve been available for free next summer.

Albeit, the Whites have spent £91.3 million and he would come in as their joint-sixth most expensive addition of the window alongside Gabriel Gudmunsson. Still, shelling out a reasonable fee for someone out of form is hardly inspiring, especially in a world where adhering to PSR regulations is becoming pivotal to clubs that can establish themselves in the Premier League.

Last term, Fotmob calculate that Justin was dribbled past 23 times and lost the ball 15 times in the top-flight, picking up six yellow cards in the process, with his defensive frailties highlighted by a video circulating on social media. Of course, plying his trade for a side who were nailed-on relegation candidates from the start didn’t help, but he also delivered a dribble success rate of 40.9%, which is hardly ideal when it comes to structuring build-up play efficiently.

Despite possessing significant talent, Justin lost almost 45% of his aerial duels in the same timeframe, emphasising that he still has much to improve on at the elite level if he wants to become a success at Elland Road.

Availability is the greatest ability, according to some, though the fact he has missed 100 matches since 2020/21 due to Achilles issues and a cruciate ligament tear leaves alot to be desired ahead of his involvement at Leeds.

Ultimately, Farke will know Justin has strong traits as a full-back due to his speed and ability to intercept oncoming attacks, though his deficiencies could outweigh his strenghs in the Premier League if recent indications are anything to go by.

New Zealand fight back with bat and ball for eight-run win in series opener

Madushka Balasuriya28-Dec-2024It was a heist for the ages in Mount Maunganui as New Zealand secured an eight-run win in the first T20I, and with it took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. But more importantly it was a lesson in fight from the hosts, one the visitors would do well to take note of.For much of the game it had looked Sri Lanka’s to lose. The first instance was when New Zealand were reeling on 65 for 5 midway through their innings, and the second when Sri Lanka were cruising after a 121-run opening stand needing just 52 off 40 deliveries.On both occasions New Zealand fought back, and hard – initially through a 105-run stand between Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell to post a competitive 172 for 8, and then finally through a late strangle that saw Sri Lanka lose eight wickets for 38 runs after being in total control of proceedings.Jacob Duffy was at the heart of the collapse with a three-wicket 14th over, as he set the wheels in motion for a sterling New Zealand comeback – which also earned him the player of the match award. Sri Lanka though will be at a loss for words in attempting to explain how they let this game slip.A collapse for the agesSri Lanka thought they had done enough – and by all accounts they had. A 121-run opening stand in chase of 173 would in most cases have been more than enough. After all, when Kusal Mendis fell for a brisk 46, Sri Lanka needed only another 52 runs off 40 deliveries with nine wickets in hand.Sure, three balls later that equation changed to 52 needed with seven wickets in hand, after Duffy had made sure Kusal Perera and Kamindu Mendis followed Kusal to the dressing room. But, surely not?Nerves were eased a bit as Charith Asalanka joined Pathum Nissanka in the middle to chip away. But when he fell with 28 still required off 16, more doubts crept in. And then when Matt Henry removed Nissanka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa in the span of a few deliveries, all doubt was removed. Sri Lanka needed 19 off 8, but only Wanindu Hasaranga could be counted on to strike the boundaries needed.Hasaranga being run out without facing a ball in the final over summed up Sri Lanka’s disastrous end to the game.Binura leads Sri Lanka’s early chargeMitchell Santner had been concerned about about a “green tinge” on the surface having been put in to bat, and after the first ten overs his concerns seemed warranted as New Zealand had stumbled to 65 for 5.Pathum Nissanka’s 90 from 60 balls seemed to have put Sri Lanka firmly in control•Getty ImagesBinura Fernando, playing his first T20I in nine months, proved the most effective of Sri Lanka’s three seamers despite never clocking more than 130kph. He showed admirable control and found consistent movement in the air despite bowling mostly on a good length or slightly further back; the wickets of Tim Robinson and Rachin Ravindra were just rewards, and he might have had another had Charith Asalanka not spilled Mark Chapman at mid-off.Binura’s opening burst of three overs went for just 12 runs, before a Hasaranga double-strike in the 10th over really rammed home Sri Lanka’s early dominance.Mitchell and Bracewell counter brutallyIf the first half of the innings belonged to Sri Lanka, the second was well and truly New Zealand’s. After a couple of overs treading water, Bracewell signalled his intent to shift gears with a pair of boundaries off Maheesh Theekshana in the 14th, before unloading on an off-colour Matheesha Pathirana an over later – a flicked six into the grass banks and a monster loft over wide long-off the highlights in a 22-run over.Bracewell’s power was on total display from then on as Hasaranga and Binura were also both taken for maximums over the next few overs. And there would be no respite for Sri Lanka at the other end either, as Mitchell struck in lockstep with his partner, the pair even bringing up their respective fifties off consecutive deliveries.In total, 107 runs were struck between overs 10-20, with 85 of those coming off the six-over period from 13-19. Only an excellent final over from Theekshana, where three wickets fell for just three runs ensured New Zealand were kept below 180.Pathirana’s off dayFour overs for 60 runs and a solitary wicket marked a bad day at the office for Pathirana, but it’s the three no-balls (and subsequent free hits) that will no doubt have Sri Lanka’s coaching staff pulling their hair out. That one of those accounted for the wicket of Mitchell, when he was on eight, will be particularly grating.Pathirana also struggled with identifying an effective length, constantly bowling fuller than ideal – surprising considering the success Binura had had by hitting the deck harder, not to mention the success Pathirana himself has had with similar lengths in the past.

MatériaMais Notícias

O resultado de empate no último sábado (3) entre Santos e Internacional, em 1 a 1, parece ter agradado o técnico Mano Menezes. Ao menos, foi essa a linha de raciocínio estabelecida na entrevista coletiva dada logo depois do compromisso na Vila Belmiro.

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Para Mano, fazendo uma análise do trabalho que vem sendo desenvolvido em 2023, os únicos resultados que podem ser efetivamente questionados foram os reveses por 2 a 0, em sequência, diante de São Paulo, Athletico-PR, Atlético-MG e América-MG.

O treinador do Internacional chegou a falar, também, que enxerga as apresentações da equipe em caráter de evolução, indicando que o time apresentar viés de crescimento para melhorar a sequência:

– Tirando as derrotas por 2 a 0, uma exceção, todo o resto está dentro do normal. Até os gols sofridos, menos de um gol por jogo, é o que as equipes de ponta levam, mas queremos ser mais equilibrados. Sempre acreditei nisso. O equilíbrio passa por sofrer um pouco menos do que sofremos. Já voltamos a marcar. Foi uma dificuldade que passamos. Acho que estamos no caminho para encontrar as soluções.

Mano Menezes também apresentou certo incômodo com as avaliações sobre o desempenho de sua equipe. Chegando a apontar, até mesmo, a existência de certo preconceito.

>Não perca nenhum lance do Inter na Liberta. Assine o Star+ por apenas R$40,90 por mês e torça onde quiser!

– Às vezes, acho que se discute um pouco com preconceito com certas equipes e treinadores. Vejo propostas de todas as maneiras, às vezes sem fazer gol ou chutar a gol. Sabe que o time mais ofensivo do Brasil não faz gol há cinco partidas? Vocês viram Cruzeiro x Atlético-MG? Dois times ofensivos, com muita dificuldade de fazer gol. O gol que saiu foi no meio do campo. No fim do jogo, quem queria atacar, só conseguia botar a bola na área e o outro time com quatro zagueiros. É do jogo. Você precisa ver o jogo como é – apontou o treinador.

O próximo jogo do Inter será na próxima quarta-feira (7), diante do Nacional, às 19h (de Brasília), pela Libertadores.

Mitchell Owen put his name up in lights with an astonishing display in the BBL final

AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff28-Jan-2025

Mitchell Owen celebrates a stunning century•Getty Images

A day before the BBL started, Mitch Owen said he wasn’t sure where he’d be batting – or at all – for Hobart Hurricanes this season.After a record-breaking knock to win the competition for his home-town side, Owen, also the top run-scorer for the league, can start to lift his sights higher. The 23-year-old is set to earn life-changing amounts of money in franchise cricket, potentially starting with a replacement deal at the Indian Premier League.Related

Six to watch for Australia on the road to 2027

Owen's record-equalling 39-ball hundred seals Hurricanes' maiden BBL title

Stats – Owen's record ton and Hurricanes' unbeaten home run

'It's super special, it's a childhood dream' – Owen on Hurricanes' 'surreal' night

Owen’s manager confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that he is available as a replacement player for the IPL, having registered for the auction longlist late last year before failing to make the shortlist. The Pakistan Super League, which virtually runs concurrently with the IPL in April and May, could be another option for him.Owen’s mighty knock of 108 off just 42 balls – the equal-fastest ton in competition history off 39 deliveries – had the sellout crowd chanting his name and won Hobart their first BBL title.”I feel a bit awkward in these situations. I don’t really know how to take it,” Owen said of the adoration. “It’s super special… the most special thing is hearing everyone in the crowd enjoying it. And I’m so grateful, I’m so proud that we could bring this trophy to Tassie.”Owen had played just six matches in the previous two seasons for Hurricanes, for a total of 42 runs. Previously a middle-order hitter, Owen said a decision that he would be batting in the top order came “probably one day, to be honest” out from their tournament opener.Ricky Ponting, Hurricanes’ head of strategy, said he was “amongst that” decision. Declining to elaborate on his role in that move, the Test great happily talked up Owen’s future, saying discussion of him representing Australia in next year’s World Cup was “inevitable”.Mitchell Owen made the equal fastest century in BBL history off 39 balls•Getty Images

“There’s not many players in the world that can do that,” he told AAP of Owen’s heroics in the final. “He’s done it pretty consistently through the tournament… some of his 30s and 40s that he’s got have actually won and set up games for the Hurricanes. And then he ended up getting a hundred in 30-odd balls and the game’s over.”Hurricanes team-mate and 2021 T20 World Cup winner Matthew Wade agreed Owen “would be there or thereabouts” when it came to squad selection for the 2026 tournament.”He can be anything… no stage really worries him too much. It was phenomenal,” Wade told AAP.Owen said he “absolutely” wanted to work towards the squad for the India-Sri Lanka-hosted tournament, which begins in February 2026.However, David Warner suggested such talk was premature. The losing Thunder captain said the Australian team didn’t need a shake-up.”No, no. You’ve got the guys that are there at the moment,” he said. “You can earn your stripes… we can’t be just picking blokes and chopping and changing when the guys that are there have won World Cups.”It will be difficult top order to break into, with Travis Head, Matt Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk and T20 captain Mitch Marsh having claims on those spots.Steven Smith, left out of last year’s underwhelming T20 World Cup campaign, also has to be considered after starring for the Sydney Sixers in the past two seasons when he has played as an opener in between international duties.But Warner was certainly happy to credit Owen with a “phenomenal knock” that meant his side came up short after posting 97 without loss after 10 overs.”We got beat by one player tonight, plain and simple,” he said.0815 GMT – This story was updated to reflect Owen’s availability as an IPL replacement player.

Jose Mourinho marked his Benfica homecoming with a simple sunrise post from the club’s training ground, captioned 'Good morning SL Benfica'. But his first update as Benfica coach sparked chaos online, as Fenerbahce fans swarmed his Instagram with angry comments after his remarks that managing the Turkish side was a 'mistake' and that the club was 'not his level'.

Mourinho marks Benfica move with Instagram return

Mourinho shared his first photo since being confirmed as Benfica’s new head coach, showing the Lisbon side’s training base. The Portuguese tactician recently caused controversy by describing his time at Fenerbahce as a poor career decision. He celebrated his return to Benfica by returning to Instagram and posting a photo of the side's training ground with a beautiful sunrise in the background.

AdvertisementgettyAngry Fenerbahce fans flood comments

The comments section on Mourinho’s post was overwhelmed by Fenerbahce supporters furious at his words. Many labelled the Special One a mercenary, accusing him of chasing money rather than loyalty. Others fired back that Fenerbahce remain a stronger club than Benfica despite his criticism.

Mourinho's bad blood with Fenerbahce

Mourinho’s social media comeback highlights the tension left behind after his departure from Turkey. His comments have added fuel to a rivalry already shaped by Benfica’s Champions League qualifier win over Fenerbahce. While he insists coaching Benfica is “returning to his level,” his blunt words risk souring his reputation further among Turkish fans.

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AFPMourinho faces tough job at Benfica

Mourinho will now turn his focus to steadying Benfica after replacing Bruno Lage in the dugout. The 62-year-old has promised to restore the club’s place among Europe’s elite. All eyes will be on whether his return delivers success on the pitch — or further controversy off it.

Newcastle United’s transfer window has already been dominated by the ongoing saga surrounding Alexander Isak, who continues to push for a move to Liverpool.

The Swedish striker, having refused to train with Eddie Howe’s squad and absent from the opening fixtures of the Premier League campaign, has placed the Magpies in a precarious position.

The lack of a recognised No. 9 has been evident, especially after their narrow defeat at home to Liverpool, where a spirited display was undermined by poor finishing.

To compound matters, makeshift striker Anthony Gordon – tasked with filling the void in attack – was sent off against the Reds, earning a three-game suspension.

With William Osula the only senior forward left available, Newcastle’s striking options are perilously thin.

Newcastle target has said yes to joining

Senior figures from the PIF have attempted to convince Isak to return to training, but the Swede has been clear in his desire to leave, publicly citing broken promises and insisting that change is in everyone’s best interest.

Newcastle failed in approaches for Liam Delap, Hugo Ekitike, João Pedro, and Benjamin Šeško, while two bids for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa were swiftly rejected.

With time running out before the close of the window, Eddie Howe and his recruitment staff have been forced to turn to a new solution.

It’s one that could both ease the immediate crisis and provide a longer-term replacement for Callum Wilson, who left for West Ham earlier in the summer.

Transfer Focus

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

According to TEAMtalk, Newcastle’s pursuit of Wolves striker Jørgen Strand Larsen has accelerated in recent days, with the 25-year-old Norwegian understood to have now ‘said yes’ to a move to St James’ Park.

Wolves have already rejected two significant bids – £50m and £55m – but there remains internal optimism at Newcastle that a compromise can be reached before deadline day, although it may cost them £65m.

Strand Larsen is seen as an ideal stylistic fit for Newcastle’s high-energy system under Howe, but whether or not he’ll still join alongside surprise signing, Nick Woltemade, remains to be seen.

Reports emerged on Thursday evening from Germany suggesting that a deal worth €85m plus €5m in add-ons had been agreed with the Bundesliga outfit, Stuttgart, to bring him to the Toon.

Why Strand Larsen is the perfect Callum Wilson successor

Strand Larsen, who signed permanently from Celta Vigo in July 2025 after a successful loan spell, has quickly become one of Vítor Pereira’s key players.

Last season, he scored 14 Premier League goals and has already underlined his value this term by scoring two quickfire goals off the bench to seal a dramatic 3-2 Carabao Cup victory over West Ham.

Wolves, already reeling from the departure of Matheus Cunha to Manchester United, are reluctant to part with another centre-forward.

With a contract running until 2029, Wolves are under no pressure to sell. Their stance is clear: Strand Larsen is central to their project, and any deal will have to reflect that.

For Newcastle, the attraction of Strand Larsen extends beyond the immediate need to cover Isak’s absence.

The club’s long-standing reliance on Callum Wilson, while successful in bursts, has been undermined by the Englishman’s ongoing fitness struggles.

During his five years at the club, Wilson missed more than 114 games through injury for Newcastle and England combined, leaving the Magpies chronically short of striking depth.

Despite scoring 47 goals across 113 appearances, his unreliability ultimately forced the club to seek an alternative.

Strand Larsen offers a blend of qualities that Newcastle have lacked in Wilson’s absence. Statistically, his 2025/26 numbers show why he is being targeted.

Matches Played

35

Starts

30

Goals

14

Assists

4

Progressive Carries

17

Progressive Passes

29

According to FBref, he recorded 18 goal involvements across 35 matches, boasting a 61.1% shot-on-target rate.

His 1.15 shots on target per 90 minutes compares favourably to many established Premier League strikers, while his ability to contribute defensively (0.66 blocks per 90 and 0.35 tackles per 90) reflects the intensity Howe demands from his forwards.

When compared to Wilson, the Norwegian’s durability and consistency stand out. At 25 years old, Strand Larsen is entering his prime, contrasting sharply with Wilson, now 33.

His physical profile also provides a different dimension – standing nearly 6ft 4in, he can hold up play and bring others into the game, something Newcastle’s current system could utilise to great effect.

The tactical implications are clear. With Strand Larsen leading the line, Newcastle would gain a reliable focal point capable of pressing, linking play, and finishing chances.

Even if Isak does reintegrate, the Norwegian’s presence ensures Howe has depth and flexibility in attack, reducing the risk of being left short in the way they currently are.

Moreover, his international pedigree – 21 caps and three goals for Norway – adds experience at the highest level, complementing Newcastle’s recent influx of players with European credentials.

The club’s summer recruitment of Jacob Ramsay, Malick Thiaw, Aaron Ramsdale, and Anthony Elanga has already improved depth across the pitch.

Adding Strand Larsen would not only stabilise the forward line but also provide a long-term solution that fits with the club’s broader strategy of building a young, competitive squad capable of sustaining success.

The situation with Wolves remains delicate, but with the player keen and Newcastle’s need growing more urgent, negotiations are likely to intensify.

Should the Magpies succeed, Strand Larsen could prove to be more than just a stopgap amid the Isak turmoil. He could be the striker to finally end Newcastle’s reliance on fragile options and lead the line for years to come.

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ByJoe Nuttall Aug 27, 2025

A truly disastrous night for Celtic, one that could have enormous ramifications.

On Tuesday, or the early hours of Wednesday local time, the Hoops were dumped out of the Champions League in the play-off round by Kazakh champions Kairat.

Both legs, as well as extra time, finished goalless, before the Scottish Premiership champions were ignominiously defeated on penalties; Adam Idah, Luke McCowan and Daizen Maeda all seeing attempts saved by Temirlan Anarbekov.

The board gambled on making signings after Champions League qualification was secured, but that has backfired spectacularly.

Thus, Brendan Rodgers’ team will now take their place in Friday’s Europa League draw, but desperately need new recruits if they’re even to be competitive at that level, so could a new winger soon be on his way to Parkhead?

Celtic's need for attacking reinforcements

Across more than three and a half hours against Kairat, Celtic rarely looked like scoring.

Over the two legs, the Celts mustered just six shots on target, creating only three Opta-defined big chances, clearly lacking any sort of cutting edge.

In Almaty on Tuesday, James Forrest, Maeda and Yang Hyun-Jun was the front three deployed by Rodgers, a far cry from an attack containing Kyōgo Furuhashi and Nicolas Kühn, both of whom have been sold this year.

Thus, according to a report by Sky Sports News, Celtic are ‘in talks’ with Swedish side Hammarby​​​​​​​ as they attempt to sign winger Sebastian Tounekti.

They add that the Hoops have seen an opening bid of £2.6m rejected, with the Stockholm-based side holding out for closer to £5m, noting that ‘negotiations are ongoing’.

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Hammarby are currently attempting to win the Allsvenskan title for the first time in 24 years, sat second with nine games to go, but may be under pressure to sell, having been dumped out of Conference League qualifying by Nordic rivals Rosenborg earlier this month.

So, could Tounekti soon swap Stockholm for Celtic?

What Celtic supporters should expect from Sebastian Tounekti

Despite the fact he’s just 23 years old, Tounekti is quite accustomed to changing clubs.

After beginning his senior career at Tromsdalen in the Norwegian lower leagues, he’s since represented Bodø/Glimt​​​​​​​, Groningen​​​​​​​, Haugesund and Ranheim, before joining Hammarby earlier this year.

In 26 appearances for the Swedish side, he has scored two goals and registered five assists, starting all four of their European ties against Royal Charleroi and Rosenborg, very much a key figure, as the table below documents.

The statistics very much crystallise Tounekti’s strengths, namely chance creation and dribbling, given that, among his current teammates, he ranks first for assists, big chances created and successful dribbles per match this year, while also in the top five when it comes to goals and shots.

Tounekti Hammarby’s stats

Stat

Tounekti

Hammarby rank

Minutes

1,522

8th

Starts

19

5th

Goals

2

5th

Assists

5

1st

Big chances created

8

1st

Shots

36

3rd

Big chances missed

4

3rd

Successful dribbles per 90

2.1

1st

Average Sofascore rating

7.09

8th

via FBref.com & Sofascore

Celtic analyst DataBhoys outlines how his strengths are getting to the byline and producing cut-backs, rather than drifting inside and looking to create centrally.

Despite being born in Tromsø​​​​​​​, Tounekti is a full Tunisian international, winning just his second cap during a friendly against Morocco in June, four years after his debut, so he’ll surely be motivated to play at the highest possible level, with an Africa Cup of Nations to come in December, followed by the World Cup next summer.

So, why would he improve Rodgers’ current attacking options?

Well, most Celtic supporters would agree that Yang is not a starting-level player, given that he has scored just nine goals in 71 appearances for Celtic, only a regular due to Jota’s injury and Kühn’s sale to Como.

In fact, it has been reported that big-spending EFL Championship side Birmingham City have made an approach in an attempt to sign Yang, with the South Korean international outlining his desire to explore a new challenge earlier this summer.

With Birmingham splashing the cash, Celtic could probably secure a pretty decent fee for Yang, who arrived for just £2m from Gangwon FC two summers ago.

Thus, most supporters would be content if that money was reinvested in signing Tounekti, who certainly has the potential to be a clear upgrade.

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