كشف جون أوبي ميكيل لاعب خط الوسط النيجيري الدولي السابق عن مرشحه للفوز بلقب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز وذكر اسمين لفريقين آخرين يتنافسان على اللقب.
ويعتقد ميكيل أن آرسنال يملك أقوى تشكيل في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، ويسعى فريق ميكيل آرتيتا للتقدم عن المركز الثاني الذي احتله في المواسم الثلاث الماضية.
ولهذا السبب فقد أنفق آرسنال بشكل قوي لتعزيز صفوفه حيث أنفق أكثر من 250 مليون جنيه إسترليني على ضم ثمانية تعاقدات جديدة، وكان فيكتور جيوكيريس أبرز الصفقات.
وقال ميكيل في تصريحات نقلتها “مترو” البريطانية: “بفضل دعم النادي وملاكه ومسؤولوه وميكيل أرتيتا، قد يكون لدى ليفربول أقوى تشكيل في الدوري الإنجليزي، ولكن من حيث العمق فإن آرسنال الأقوى، هناك لاعبان في كل مركز”.
أقرأ أيضاً.. لاعب مانشستر يونايتد: محمد صلاح من أصعب الخصوم الذين واجهتهم
وأضاف: “آرتيتا يعلم أنه لا عذر له وأنا سعيد لأنه أعلن ذلك بصراحة، عليه الفوز بالدوري الإنجليزي أو دوري أبطال أوروبا، والفوز بكأس الرابطة أو كأس الاتحاد لن يكون كافياً”.
وواصل: “أعتقد أن المنافسة محصورة بين ليفربول وتشيلسي ولدينا فرصة جيدة للفوز”.
وتابع: “حالياً إذا نظرتم للفريق الذي تعتقدون أنه قادر على هزيمة ليفربول، أقول تشيلسي بفضل أسلوب لعبنا، نحن أفضل فريق من حيث البناء من الخلف”.
وختم:” بفضل أسلوب ماريسكا، لا يهم مقدار الضغط علينا لأننا نملك الثقة والشجاعة، نحن قادرين على إيذاء ليفربول ويمكن الصمود حتى نهاية الموسم لذا الأمر بين ليفربول وبين تشيلسي”.
تفاعلت جماهير فريق ليفربول مع مشاركة النجم المصري محمد صلاح في مباراة المنتخب الوطني، مساء الجمعة، ضد نظيره منتخب إثيوبيا، في فترة التوقف الدولي الحالي، لشهر سبتمبر.
وخاض منتخب مصر مباراته في الجولة السابعة من تصفيات قارة إفريقيا المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم 2026 ضد إثيوبيا، حيث فاز الفراعنة بهدفين دون رد.
وسجل النجم محمد صلاح هدف منتخب مصر الأول، من ضربة جزاء، بينما تحصل أصحاب الأرض على أخرى ومنحها لـ عمر مرموش، الذي نفذها بنجاح.
اقرأ أيضًا.. ترتيب هدافي تصفيات كأس العالم 2026 بعد هدف محمد صلاح أمام إثيوبيا
وأشار ليفربول، عبر حسابه الرسمي بموقع “إكس”، إلى أن محمد صلاح سجل هدفًا في مباراة مصر وإثيوبيا، لتتفاعل جماهير الفريق الإنجليزي على النحو التالي:
“الملك المصري”.
Egyptian King — keenn.somi (@keenn_eth) September 5, 2025
“آلة تهديفية”.
Goal Machine ❤️ — Sunil K C🇳🇵 (@FplBatuwa) September 5, 2025
“لا نشك أبدًا في ذلك الرجل”.
Never doubt this man❤️ — 🇮🇹 Leoni Giovanni (@LeoniGiovannii) September 5, 2025
“لست متفاجئًا”.
No surprised — jpremewwcoin 🔥 (@JOHNPRECIO54329) September 5, 2025
“سيعود، هل الدوري الإنجليزي مستعد؟”.
he’s coming back, @premierleague are you ready? — the.best (@thebest_LFC) September 5, 2025
“محمد صلاح لا يستطيع التوقف عن التسجيل”.
👑🇪🇬 Salah just can’t stop scoring. 🔥 — Nkunda Amahoro (@GahoraneIbyiza) September 5, 2025
“أفضل لاعب إفريقي على مر العصور، الملك مو صلاح”.
African goat of all time. King Mo Salah ❤️ — Princedoinbetter (@flenjor99) September 5, 2025
“سجل ومنح ركلته لـ عمر مرموش، أسطورة!”.
And still gave Omar his penalty legend — sleek__ay (@Symplyell) September 5, 2025
The team has most bases covered, going with a good blend of youth and experience
Madushka Balasuriya17-Jul-2024
Udeshika Prabodhani and Inoshi Priyadharshani will both be crucial to Sri Lanka’s attack•ICC via Getty Images
The experienced trio of Udeshika Prabodhani, Achini Kulasuriya and Anushka Sanjeewani have been restored to Sri Lanka’s T20 squad, having been rested for the recent series against the West Indies, as Sri Lanka named their 15-member squad for the upcoming Women’s Asia Cup.The green pair of Rashmika Sewwandi and Imesha Dulani – the former yet to make her debut – unsurprisingly make way, while there’s also no room for the veteran spinner Oshadi Ranasinghe, who had just returned to the T20 side following a nine-month absence, and wicketkeeper-batter Kaushini Nuthyangana.This, however, remains a squad with a good blend of youth and experience. The highly-rated left-arm wrist spinner Shashini Gimhani is the youngest member, turning 16 only later this year. But while she’s yet to stake a claim in the starting XI, 18-year-old Vishmi Gunaratne has already locked down an opening berth alongside skipper Chamari Athapaththu.Related
India vs Pakistan at the Women's Asia Cup 2024 – a ready reckoner
Meet the Women's Asia Cup teams: Thailand, UAE, Nepal and Malaysia
Women's Asia Cup 2024: Key contests, the return of Nepal, and everything else
Spin-bowling allrounder Kavisha Dilhari, seamer Kawya Kavindi and leg spinner Sachini Nisansala are three more under the age of 25, with the latter’s strong showing against the West Indies proving enough to retain her spot in the squad.That’s the future and much of the present when it comes to this Sri Lankan outfit, but there’s also considerable know-how across the rest of the squad. Much of Sri Lanka’s strength lays in their batting, led by the incomparable Athapaththu, who has formed a formidable partnership at the top with Gunaratne. Wicketkeeper-batter Sanjeewani’s inclusion bolsters the lower order alongside Nilakshi de Silva, but it’s the resilience of a middle order containing Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera and Kavisha Dilhari that has formed the spine of Sri Lanka’s recent successes.On the bowling front, this is a spin-heavy attack, with the veteran pairing of Inoshi Priyadarshani and Sugandika Kumari supplemented by Nisansala, Gimhani, Dilhari and Athapaththu. The returning Prabodhani and Kulasuriya firm up Sri Lanka’s pace options in a contingent that also includes Ama Kanchana and Kavindi.Full squad: Chamari Athapaththu (capt), Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani, Sugandika Kumari, Udeshika Prabodhani, Achini Kulasuriya, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Kawya Kavindi, Sachini Nisansala, Shashini Gimhani, Ama Kanchana
Liverpool are the reigning Premier League champions, but are they resting on their laurels? Absolutely not.
£116m man Florian Wirtz is in the building, joined by the exciting duo of Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, signed for £29.5m and £40m apiece. The top-flight’s second-best defence in 2024/25 will seemingly have a fresh feel to it next season.
Indeed, Kerkez looks destined to usurp the long-serving Andy Robertson at left-back, while Frimpong will battle Conor Bradley to replace he-who-shall-not-be-named on the right flank.
With Giorgi Mamardashvili also set for his belated arrival at Anfield, there could even be a decision to be made in the sticks, not least with current number one, Alisson, having been beset with injury problems in recent years.
A further shake-up could also lie in store with regard to Virgil van Dijk’s new partner at centre-back, with the uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konate’s future only heightening the need for competition at the heart of the defence.
Van Dijk
Van Dijk aside, there is a chance for Arne Slot to deploy an almost completely new-look defensive unit for 2025/26, with the search for a new centre-back still underway.
Latest on Liverpool's centre-back search
With Konate attracting interest from Real Madrid, with just a year left on his current deal, the Reds must surely acquire a senior centre-back for the first time since the Frenchman’s own arrival in 2021 – not least with Jarell Quansah joining Bayer Leverkusen.
Marc Guehi, skipper down at Crystal Palace, is currently the name on everybody’s lips, with recent reports even going as far as to suggest that personal terms have been agreed with the 24-year-old Englishman.
That said, alternatives are still being considered according to further speculation, with the Daily Mail’s Simon Jones noting that the Merseysiders are plotting whether to proceed in talks for Guehi or Ajax starlet, Jorrel Hato.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The latter man – who is reportedly valued at around £40m – has previously been touted with a move to Anfield, with now perhaps the chance to ramp up that interest in the highly-rated 19-year-old.
Guehi, of course, provides proven Premier League quality and experience, but the young Dutchman must just be even better…
Why Hato could be an upgrade on Guehi
It’s fair to say that the Reds have already reaped the rewards of signing a Dutch talent schooled in the Netherlands, with former Groningen starlet Van Dijk making his way to Merseyside in January 2018, via stints at Celtic and Southampton.
Now the captain and leader of Liverpool, the 6 foot 5 titan has been a truly monstrous figure for the club to date, with former striker Michael Owen even going as far as to suggest that the 33-year-old is the “best centre-half of all time”.
While Hato – who operates at left centre-back like Van Dijk, as well as left-back – has some way to go to reach the levels of his compatriot, the likeness between the pair has already been noted, including by journalist Jorn Alders:
Tipped to follow in Van Dijk’s footsteps, Hato has been praised for his “immense” quality by talent scout Jacek Kulig, having already made 111 appearances for Ajax before turning 20. For comparison, the aforementioned Guehi was 19 when he made his debut at senior level for Chelsea in the League Cup.
Hato’s League stats in 2024/25
Stat (*per game)
Record
Games (starts)
31 (30)
Goals
2
Assists
6
Big chances created
6
Key passes*
0.6
Pass accuracy*
90%
Tackles & interceptions*
2.6
Balls recovered*
4.2
Dribbled past*
0.3
Stats via Sofascore
Not only more versatile than the Englishman due to his ability to feature at full-back, the teenager also appears to possess greater composure and quality in possession, as shown by his 90% pass completion rate in the Eredivisie last term, as per Sofascore, alongside averaging 0.6 key passes per game. Guehi, meanwhile, averaged 84% and 0.5 for those same two metrics, respectively.
While both men made 2.6 tackles and interceptions per game in 2024/25, interestingly, Hato appeared the more resolute defender, having been dribbled past on just 0.3 occasions, while the Palace captain averaged 0.5 in that regard.
Arguably “one of the most talented CBs of his generation in Europe”, according to Kulig, the Netherlands U21 star is already shining at the age of just 19, with it truly exciting to imagine what he can go onto achieve.
Guehi, of course, may represent a ready-made solution, but as potentially the man who could prove to be the next Van Dijk, Hato may well have the higher ceiling.
Not Isak: Liverpool chasing "world-class" CF who's more exciting than Wirtz
Liverpool are interested in signing a new striker this summer.
كشف محمد كوفي، مدير منتخب بوركينا فاسو، ولاعب الزمالك السابق، أن غياب لاعب منتخب مصر عن التشكيل الأساسي، أعطى منتخب بلاده أريحية في المباراة التي أقيمت بين المنتخبين مساء أمس الثلاثاء.
وتواجه منتخب مصر مع بوركينا فاسو، في إطار الجولة الثامنة من مباريات المجموعة الأولى لـ تصفيات كأس العالم 2026، وانتهت المباراة بالتعادل السلبي بدون أهداف.
وقال كوفي، خلال تصريحات عبر برنامج “أوضة اللبس” المذاع على قناة “النهار”: “التعادل مع منتخب مصر يعد نتيجة إيجابية لعبنا عليها”، مشيرًا إلى أن مواجهة الفراعنة دائمًا ما تكون صعبة نظرًا لقوة اللاعبين وخبراتهم الكبيرة.
طالع | محمد فضل يوجه نصيحة إلى حسام حسن بسبب مصطفى محمد: طبطب عليه
وأضاف: “دخلنا المباراة بهدف الفوز، لكن في النهاية الخروج بنقطة أمام منتخب مصر يُعتبر جيدًا ويُبقي على حظوظنا في المنافسة، ونحن نحترم المنتخب المصري كثيرًا لأنه يضم نجومًا كبارًا”.
وتابع: “استعدينا جيدًا لإيقاف محمد صلاح وتريزيجيه، لكنني شعرت بالارتياح عندما لم يبدأ مصطفى محمد المباراة أساسيًا، لأنه مهاجم قوي وخطير جدًا في الكرات الهوائية”.
وأتم: “التعادل منح مصر فرصة كبيرة لحسم التأهل، خاصة أن المواجهة المقبلة للفراعنة ستكون أمام جيبوتي”.
ويحتل منتخب مصر صدارة ترتيب المجموعة الأولى من تصفيات كأس العالم برصيد 20 نقطة، بعد مرور 8 جولات، فاز في 6 وتعادل في مباراتين.
ومن المقرر أن يلعب منتخب مصر ضد جيبوتي، في إطار الجولة التاسعة ثم يلاقي غينيا بيساو في الجولة العاشرة والأخيرة، خلال فترة التوقف الدولي القادم بشهر أكتوبر.
Former England allrounder discusses impact of physical and mental injuries sustained in 2022 for new TV documentary
Matt Roller05-Aug-2024
Andrew Flintoff has returned to cricket and currently coaches Northern Superchargers in the men’s Hundred•PA Photos/Getty Images
Andrew Flintoff believed he “should not be here” and that he was given “a second go” at life when he escaped a high-speed car crash alive – though expects he will have to deal with its physical and psychological effects “for the rest of my life”.Flintoff, the former England allrounder, underwent a series of operations on his face after crashing while filming for the British TV show in December 2022. He has rarely spoken publicly since but addresses the crash and its effect on his mental health in the upcoming second season of the BBC show .”I genuinely should not be here, with what happened,” Flintoff said in footage, filmed from his bed in the weeks after the crash, which will be broadcast next week. “It’s going to be a long road back and I’m only just starting. I’ve got to look at the positives, don’t I? I’m still here. I’ve got another chance, I’ve got to go at it. I’m seeing that as how it is: a second go.”Related
Flintoff airlifted to hospital after car crash during filming
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Flintoff kept a low public profile in the months after the incident while his injuries healed. The series shows him speaking to Kyle Hogg, his close friend and former Lancashire team-mate, in July 2023. “I thought I could just shake it off. I wanted to shake it off and say ‘here am I, I’m alright’ but it’s not been the case, it’s been a lot harder than I thought,” Flintoff said.”As much as I’ve wanted to go out and do things I’ve just not been able to… Everywhere I go at the moment, I’ve got a full face mask and glasses on. I struggle with anxiety: I have nightmares, I have flashbacks. It’s been so hard to cope with. But I’m thinking if I don’t do something, I’m never going to go. I’ve got to get on with it.”In the first series of , Flintoff and Hogg brought together a disparate group of teenagers in Preston, Flintoff’s hometown, and introduced them to cricket, forming a team which played a series of friendlies in 2022. In the second series, they take them on tour to Kolkata – though the trip was delayed by a year due to Flintoff’s crash.Flintoff was asked by one of the boys, Finn, if he was “feeling 100%” before the trip. “Not really,” he replied. “I don’t know if I will again, to be honest… I don’t know what ‘completely better’ is. I am what I am now. I’m different to what I was. It’s something that I’ll probably have to deal with for the rest of my life. Better? No. Different.”Following his injuries, Flintoff has gradually returned to cricket in a series of different coaching roles. He has worked with England’s white-ball teams as an assistant coach, including at June’s T20 World Cup, and is also head coach of Northern Superchargers in the men’s Hundred, who have won three of their first four games.Flintoff took his team to Kolkata for the second series of •BBC/South Shore
Following Matthew Mott’s sacking as England’s white-ball coach, Flintoff has been touted as an outsider for the job. He was first brought into the England set-up as an unpaid consultant by Rob Key, the team’s managing director, though footage from the series suggests he has been considering a coaching role for some time: “If I do apply for the England coach’s job, I might not put these on my CV,” he joked as his team trained in September 2022.Flintoff has declined to give any interviews to independent outlets since his appointment, though was involved in a Q&A with the producer Clyde Holcroft during a promotional event for . He joked he had fallen into “a TV trap” after his playing career and said he would “love to do more coaching” moving forwards following “a perfect introduction” to it.”I’d always wanted to do something in cricket. I was never quite sure what it was,” Flintoff said. “I’ve done a bit of commentary which I don’t particularly like, or it’s not really me. I’ve always had an ambition to coach, but I’m not quite sure of my route to doing that or who I’d coach – or, let’s be honest, who would have me.”He explained that his ambition with was to alter the perception of cricket as “a posh sport” – and said that was among the reasons he thinks the Hundred has been a success. “It’s not for everyone, the Hundred,” Flintoff said. “But I think that it’s done so many good things. You look at the crowds who go and watch it; it’s on free-to-air [TV] as well as Sky.”It’s still perceived in some areas as being a posh sport, as being elitist, and we just need to break that down but I think we’re going in the right direction. We can always do more, but I think there’s a definite shift in recent times towards it being more popular… We’ve seen how popular it is in India. If you could take 10% of that [in England], we’d be happy.” will be shown on Tuesday August 13 at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer
Rangers are starting to make some serious moves in the transfer market.
On Wednesday, in a double-deal day, the Light Blues unveiled both Joe Rothwell and Emmanuel Fernandez as their latest new recruits.
They follow Max Aarons and Lyall Cameron through the door at Ibrox already this summer, but Russell Martin’s squad rebuild is far from finished yet.
Rangers targeting midfield reinforcements
Martin will take charge of Rangers for the very first time this weekend, with Club Brugge the opponents for a pre-season friendly at Ibrox on Sunday.
Meantime, it’s now less than three weeks until the serious business begins, with Panathinaikos visiting Govan for the first leg of the Champions League second qualifying round tie on 22 July.
With speed very much of the essence in the transfer market, a report by Joshua Barrie of the Rangers Review claims that the club are in ‘advanced talks’ with Luton Town as they aim to sign midfielder Thelo Aasgaard, adding that Rangers are ‘confident’ that a deal will be finalised in the coming days.
Meantime, the Daily Mail believe the Norwegian international will cost more than £3m, with the Hatters looking to cash in and cut costs, following back-to-back relegations which leaves them in EFL League One.
Born on Merseyside, Aasgaard was in Liverpool’s academy, but made his senior breakthrough at Wigan Athletic, accumulating 163 appearances for the Latics, scoring 30 goals.
He only signed for Luton as recently as January, starting all 17 of their EFL Championship fixtures following his arrival, scoring against both Cardiff City and Bristol City.
These performances earned him senior international recognition for the first time too, handed his debut by Norway manager Ståle Solbakken against Moldova in a World Cup qualifier in March, marking the occasion by scoring the third goal of a 5-0 victory in Chișinău.
Now, Aasgaard appears set to take his game to the next level again by moving to Glasgow.
Why Thelo Aasgaard could thrive with Joe Rothwell
The aforementioned Rothwell had arrived at Rangers from Bournemouth to much excitement, with writer Kai Watson labelling him an ‘excellent passer’, adding he is exactly what Rangers need, hence why he believes he will prove to be ‘a very smart signing’.
The 30-year-old has plenty of EFL experience, spending last season on loan at Leeds United, winning the Championship title, having previously represented Blackpool, Barnsley, Oxford United, Blackburn Rovers and Southampton, also appearing 31 times in the Premier League for Bournemouth.
Nevertheless, seven years his junior, Aasgarrd could prove to be the bigger of the two talents.
Shaun Maloney, who was his manager at Wigan, described the Norwegian as a “machine” physically, adding that he is “really intelligent… and a leader on the pitch”, also labelling him “incredibly talented”.
Luton Town's Thelo Aasgaard in action against Sunderland.
So, let’s assess how Rangers’ two new midfielders compared last season.
Thelo Aasgaard vs Joe Rothwell 2024/25 comparison
Statistics
Aasgaard
Rothwell
Appearances
48
39
Minutes
4,054
2,500
Goals
14
Zero
Assists
3
4
All statistics below are per 90
Shots
1.4
0.3
Passes attempted
25.1
66.9
Pass completion %
76.3%
91.1%
Chances created
0.8
2.5
Duels contested
11.6
4.4
Ground duels won
4.5
2.2
Tackles
1.2
1
Clearances
1.7
0.6
Interceptions
0.6
1
Touches
45.9
81.7
Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt and Squawka
The table makes for interesting reading, because it actually suggests that these two could form a good midfield partnership.
Rothwell is much more of a tempo-setting, controlling in-possession player, underlined by the fact he attempted significantly more passes per 90, as well as creating more chances and registering more touches of the ball.
Meantime, Aasgaard is an all-action midfielder, hence why he comes out on top for defensive metrics, namely duels, tackles and clearances, but is also a goal threat, scoring more goals and registering almost five times as many shots per 90.
Thus, at 23 years old, Aasgaard still has plenty of time to develop and get even better, so could prove to be a bargain signing for Rangers and a dream partner for Rothwell.
Rangers "hopeful" of signing £75k-p/w international alongside Rothwell
The Gers are looking to secure another signing once they complete a deal for Joe Rothwell.
Chelsea have missed out on a transfer target, with reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano sharing news that the player is poised to remain at his club instead.
Enzo Maresca has watched BlueCo orchestrate a fairly productive transfer market thus far.
Maresca is now pushing Chelsea to sign £150k-per-week World Cup winner
The Italian and his staff are big fans.
2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 28, 2025
The Blues sealed a £30 million move for highly-rated young English striker Liam Delap, who’s already got on the scoresheet with his first-ever goal for Chelsea at the Club World Cup, and it is believed that optimism is growing over a deal for Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens.
Chelsea’s best performers in the Premier League last season
Average match rating
Cole Palmer
7.33
Moises Caicedo
7.02
Enzo Fernández
6.95
Nicolas Jackson
6.88
Noni Madueke
6.82
via WhoScored
They haven’t had it all their own way, though, as Dortmund rejected three bids from Chelsea for the 20-year-old before the last transfer deadline on June 10.
Chelsea also failed with an attempt to sign AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, with the Rossoneri insisting on a far higher price tag than Maresca’s side were willing to pay, and talks surrounding a pre-CWC move for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitiké didn’t go anywhere either.
Maresca’s side are in the market for a centre-back too, but according to Romano, they’ll have to move on from Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite – who’s now been added to the list of players who Chelsea won’t be signing.
Jarrad Branthwaite set to reject Chelsea and sign new Everton deal
Earlier this month, journalist Simon Phillips reported that Chelsea were planning to push for Branthwaite, and there was a possibility that the 23-year-old could ask to make the move to Stamford Bridge.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite
“Chelsea intend to push for him [Branthwaite] again and there is a possibility that they offer players to Everton in an attempt to get the fee down and make the deal more appealing on both sides,” said Phillips.
“We’ve also heard that he is a little frustrated, on Everton putting such a big valuation on his head. We had initially heard that Branthwaite would not actively push for a move. But it has now transpired that he is keen on Chelsea and could end up asking for the move.”
However, despite Chelsea’s intention, the £70 million-rated centre-back has just been put out of Maresca’s reach.
Romano confirms that Branthwaite will commit his future to Everton by signing a new long-term deal until 2030, dealing a blow to Chelsea and other suitors, who are poised to miss out on the Englishman tipped for a very bright future.
The former PSV Eindhoven loanee was also a wanted man at Tottenham, according to some reports, but any potential move to London will have to be put on the back-burner for a long while.
Newcastle United squeezed into the Champions League by the skin of their teeth at the end of last season.
Eddie Howe won’t be complaining, but the Englishman will be desperate to bolster several areas of his first-team squad ahead of next season.
The club will have money to spend thanks to securing a spot in Europe’s top club competition, but Howe must spend it wisely to ensure Newcastle give a better account of themselves next term.
One area of concern is the defence. Across 48 matches in all competitions, the Magpies conceded 58 goals.
As such, bringing in another centre-back or two could be a shrewd move by the manager, no doubt about that.
Both Fabian Schar and Dan Burn are on the wrong side of 30, and while they did a solid job throughout the 2024/25 campaign, the latter notably earning an England call-up, it is evident that replacing them sooner rather than later is a priority for Howe.
Schar, in particular, was impressive at times in the heart of the Newcastle defence.
Fabian Schar's statistics in 2024/25
The Swiss defender has been with the Magpies since the summer of 2018, and he has been a regular under a succession of managers at St James’ Park.
Winning the League Cup last term was the culmination of seven years of consistency for Schar, and it was well deserved. Like a fine wine, he seems to just get better with age.
Fabian Schar’s Newcastle statistics
Season
Games
Goals
Assists
2024/25
42
6
1
2023/24
47
5
3
2022/23
41
1
3
2021/22
26
2
2
2020/21
19
1
0
2019/20
27
2
0
2018/19
28
4
1
Via Transfermarkt
The 33-year-old has played 230 competitive matches for the club and last season saw him feature in 42 games, his second-highest tally for a single season since arriving in 2018.
Across his 34 Premier League games for the Toon in 2024/25, Schar helped them keep ten clean sheets. Furthermore, the defender won 46% of his total duels, averaged 1.1 tackles per game and recovered 3.9 balls per game.
It was his attacking statistics that stood out more than most, however. When compared to his positional peers in the top flight last term, Schar ranked in the top 7% for non-penalty goals (0.12), in the top 1% for total shots (1.23) per 90 and in the top 9% for progressive passes received (0.67) per 90.
These attacking abilities certainly helped play a big part in the club securing a top-five finish in the Premier League, and it is likely that Howe will keep Schar around for another season at least.
With just one year left on his deal, next summer could be the perfect time for him to bow out of St James’ Park.
This summer should be spent eyeing a long-term replacement for the Swiss titan. Might Howe have eyes on a major upgrade?
Newcastle among favourites to sign Schar replacement
Howe has spent the early days of the summer eyeing up attacking talent. Names such as Anthony Elanga, Jack Grealish and even Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo have all been linked with moves to the northeast this summer.
Any one of those players would instantly improve Howe’s side, that’s a certainty. But taking a step back and realising that building from the back should be his main priority.
The club have been keen on Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi for quite some time now. Might this summer be the perfect opportunity to strike?
Marc Guehi for Crystal Palace.
According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Newcastle and Arsenal are battling head-to-head in order to land the Englishman before the end of the summer window.
Being in the Champions League next season has made the Magpies one of the favourites in the pursuit of the defender, as this is the level he will be looking to play at next season.
His contract expires next summer, meaning Palace will be keen to cash in when the iron is hot. As such, he should reportedly be available for around £40m.
There is no doubt that Guehi would be a much better option for Howe than Schar next season, especially after coming off the back of another strong Premier League campaign.
Why Newcastle must sign Marc Guehi this summer
Schar enjoyed a solid season, but switching him for Guehi would make Newcastle favourites to secure another top-five spot in the top flight.
Despite the Swiss’ ability in the final third, Guehi actually outshone him here, registering more goals and assists (five vs four) compared to Schar in the Premier League last season, but he also recorded a higher shots-on-target percentage (46.7% vs 27.5%) and generated more shot-creating actions (44 vs 37) over the course of the season.
Furthermore, the Englishman also won more tackles (34 vs 21) than Schar in the top flight, while tackling a higher percentage of dribblers (66% vs 40%), making more blocks (55 vs 38) and winning more aerial duels (68 vs 56) compared to the Swiss defender.
This comparison indicates that Howe must be doing everything he can in order to bring Guehi to the north of England.
Previously hailed as “unbelievable” by podcast host Aaron Moniz, Guehi has plenty of Premier League experience, having clocked up 132 appearances in the competition.
CrystalPalace's Joel Ward and Marc Guehi hold the trophy with teammates during the Victory celebrations
Add in the fact that he has been capped by England 23 times, it becomes evident that the 24-year-old is one of the country’s standout defenders of his generation.
If Newcastle miss the boat on the Palace star, it will likely haunt Howe. There are other areas in the squad that need to be strengthened also, but with attacking stars like Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes, Howe is stocked in this regard.
With three of his four senior centre-backs aged 31 or older, this department needs some freshness injected into it ahead of 2025/26.
Guehi would be a wonderful signing and his profile fits what Howe is searching for in a defender. With Arsenal also looking to secure his signature, the Toon need to act fast to sign their man.
"I've been told" – Crystal Palace could receive "reliable" Newcastle player in Guehi swap
Tottenham Hotspur have now internally “discussed” appointing a former Premier League manager as a replacement for Ange Postecoglou this summer, according to reporter Ben Jacobs.
Levy set to make decision on Ange's future this week
There have been conflicting reports about Ange’s future as Tottenham boss, but Sky Sports News have now clarified that a decision is likely to be made at some point this week, when chairman Daniel Levy returns from his holiday.
Levy has a very difficult decision on his hands, as there are differing opinions as to whether the Europa League victory sufficiently papers over the cracks of Spurs’ performances in the Premier League, with Ange’s side finishing in just 17th place after a dismal campaign.
While a final decision is yet to be made, the north Londoners have already started to identify potential replacements for Ange, having held direct talks with Brentford boss Thomas Frank, and internal discussions have now taken place over a move for a different manager.
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That is according to Jacobs, who recently told GiveMeSport that Roberto De Zerbi has now become a potential option for Tottenham, saying: “Levy will also know having Champions League football next season makes Spurs an attractive prospect to managerial candidates.
“Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva have definitely come under consideration, but Bournemouth expect the former to stay. And Silva has said publicly he plans to remain at Fulham.
“I would keep an eye on Thomas Frank if a change is made. Roberto De Zerbi has also been discussed, but Marseille also got Champions League under him this season.”
"Genius" De Zerbi impressing in Ligue 1
After making the decision to leave Brighton & Hove Albion at the end of the 2023-24 campaign, the Italian manager has gone on to impress in Ligue 1, leading Marseille to a second-placed finish and securing qualification for the Champions League.
As such, the 45-year-old, who prefers to use a 4-2-3-1 formation, could be tempted to remain at the French club for at least another year, but if he does become an option for Tottenham, there are plenty of signs that he could be a solid replacement for Ange.
Statman Dave was left particularly impressed by the former Brighton boss during his time in the Premier League, describing him as a “genius”, and he managed to lead the Seagulls to sixth place in the 2022-23 season, securing Europa League football in the process.
De Zerbi’s Premier League experience could serve him well in the Tottenham hot seat, but many will feel that Ange has earned one last chance in the job, having led his side to Europa League glory despite suffering numerous injury setbacks in a difficult campaign.