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Dermot Gallagher has now revealed why one Arsenal star wasn’t sent off in a controversial moment during the 2-1 victory against Newcastle United on Sunday.

Gunners come from behind to win at St. James' Park

Prior to Sunday’s encounter, Newcastle had won four of their previous five matches against the Gunners at St. James’ Park, but Mikel Arteta’s side sent out a statement by ending their hoodoo, picking up all three points in dramatic fashion.

Arteta has received widespread criticism for his decision to persist with Mikel Merino in recent weeks, but the Spaniard rewarded his manager for his faith by bagging a late equaliser, before Gabriel headed home in stoppage time to secure an important victory on the road.

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Speaking after the match, Arteta insisted his side thoroughly deserved the victory, saying: “When you get what you deserve at the end there’s no better feeling. I’m so proud of the team and the way we controlled our emotions and navigated through the different stages of the game. We showed the conviction, the courage the desire and the quality we need to get where we want to be.”

However, things could’ve been very different. Gabriel may not have even been on the pitch to bag the late winner if Nick Woltemade had made more of a bust-up with the Brazilian earlier in the match, where the defender appeared to punch the Newcastle striker away from the ball.

Speaking Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, Gallagher said: “I think he’s lucky he didn’t actually strike him properly, because where he’s got lucky is is the referee hasn’t seen it, it’s gone to VAR and the VAR say red card or nothing, and it’s decided it’s not a red card. I don’t think it’s a red card, but I think if the referee sees it he’s certainly going to get a yellow card.”

Gabriel fortunate Woltemade didn't go down

Had the Newcastle striker made more of the incident and gone to ground, the Arsenal centre-back could have been in trouble, given that he clearly makes contact with the German’s face, albeit without a great deal of strength.

That said, the Magpies can also consider themselves fortunate that the decision to award Arsenal a penalty in the first half was overturned, with VAR getting involved after Jarred Gillett pointed to the spot for what he perceived to be a foul on Viktor Gyokeres.

Decisions went against both teams during the match, but Arteta’s side ultimately showed great character to come out on top, moving just two points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool in the process.

Sunderland’s first summer back in the Premier League was always going to be a test of ambition and planning.

After a decade away, the club made headlines with a remarkable £141.5m transfer outlay.

Their recruitment drive was both bold and targeted, bringing in Habib Diarra from Strasbourg, Simon Adingra from Brighton, Chemsdine Talbi from Club Brugge, Brian Brobbey from Ajax, and Nordi Mukiele from PSG.

The early signs suggest that Sunderland’s gamble is already paying off.

A 3-0 win against West Ham on opening day at a sold-out Stadium of Light was the dream start, even if reality soon bit with a 2-0 defeat away at Burnley.

A last-gasp Wilson Isidor winner against Brentford restored momentum, before a gritty goalless draw with Crystal Palace added another point.

With Aston Villa the next visitors, Sunderland are still finding their rhythm, but their blend of youth and experience has drawn comparisons with sides that built stability quickly after promotion.

At the centre of this are two midfielders at very different stages of their careers. One, a veteran leader who has seen it all across Europe.

The other, a 20-year-old whose performances are already hinting at a future transfer value more than double what Sunderland paid.

Granit Xhaka's importance to Sunderland

When Sunderland secured the signing of Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen for £17m, many questioned whether the 32-year-old would be the right fit for a newly promoted side.

But Xhaka’s pedigree speaks for itself.

Over seven seasons with Arsenal, he made 297 appearances, won two FA Cups, and established himself as one of the Premier League’s most combative midfielders.

His return to England comes after a remarkable spell in Germany.

Joining Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen side in 2023, Xhaka played a pivotal role in guiding the club to their first ever Bundesliga title, going unbeaten in the process.

He was also part of the squad that came agonisingly close to an unbeaten treble, only to be stopped in the Europa League final by an Ademola Lookman hat-trick for Atalanta.

Statistically, Xhaka remains one of the most progressive passers in European football.

Matches Played

33

Goals

2

Assists

7

Progressive Passes

318

Progressive Carries

42

Source: FBref

Last season, he averaged 9.91 progressive passes per 90, ranking him among the best in his position.

His 50.2 carries per 90 also show how comfortably he advances play, while his aerial duel win rate of 61.2% underlines his utility in both boxes.

Now captain of Sunderland and still wearing the armband for Switzerland, he has spoken about embracing “solidarity and suffering” as part of his new challenge.

For Sunderland, his presence provides stability when it is crucial.

Noah Sadiki is Sunderland’s jackpot signing

If Xhaka represents Sunderland’s steadying hand, Noah Sadiki embodies the excitement of the club’s new era.

Signed from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise for £15m, the 20-year-old Congolese midfielder is already proving to be one of the bargains of the summer.

According to the CIES Football Observatory, his value has soared to as high as €36m (£31m) after just a handful of games in the Premier League, exceeding the fee splashed out on Xhaka.

Sadiki had already built an impressive reputation in Belgium before his move, with The Athletic’s Seb Stafford-Bloor describing him as a “properly complete midfielder”.

Since arriving at Union SG from Anderlecht in 2023, he made over 100 appearances and helped the club win the Belgian Pro League title.

Similar to Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo, according to analyst Ben Mattinson, and capable of playing both in midfield and defence, his playing profile is one of his strongest assets.

At Sunderland, however, he has been used predominantly in midfield, where his blend of energy and intelligence has stood out.

Last season, he averaged 1.75 progressive carries per 90, slightly higher than Xhaka, while also posting stronger defensive metrics such as 1.78 tackles and 1.34 blocks per 90.

Despite his youth, he has shown composure on the ball, registering a 30% shot accuracy rate and 0.75 shots on target per 90 – higher than Xhaka’s 0.64.

These contributions have helped him quickly adapt to the physicality and pace of English football.

While Xhaka brings control, leadership, and passing range, Sadiki offers drive, athleticism, and the potential for game-changing contributions.

One thrives on experience and authority, the other on potential and versatility.

Together, they represent a midfield balance that could define Sunderland’s survival and growth in the Premier League.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

Sunderland’s summer was a gamble, but the early evidence suggests they may have struck the right balance between established leaders and rising stars.

In Xhaka and Sadiki, they have captured the two poles of football development – a captain who has experienced everything and a 20-year-old who could yet become one of Europe’s most sought-after talents.

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While they’ve faced more than a few questions over the transfer policy in recent seasons, Chelsea have built a squad stacked with sensationally talented gems.

Enzo Maresca has some incredible players all throughout his squad now, but it’s still easy to point to his most important: Cole Palmer.

The Englishman has only been at the club for two seasons, but has already amassed an unreal haul of 43 goals and 29 assists in 98 games.

When fit, the former Manchester City gem is the first name on the teamsheet, and so fans should be delighted about reports linking Chelsea with someone who could be their new Palmer.

Chelsea chase their new Palmer

In a shock to nobody, Chelsea have had another busy summer when it comes to transfers this year.

Transfer Focus

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

On top of selling a host of players for a tidy profit, the Blues have made a number of exciting additions to Maresca’s Conference League-winning side.

The likes of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap should make the frontline far more potent, while Jorrel Hato looks like he could be one of the club’s star defenders in a few years.

Yet, with the window still open until Monday night, the West Londoners appear intent on adding more quality to the squad, and could be in with a chance of landing someone who may well be their new Palmer.

At least that is according to a recent report from Caught Offside, which has reaffirmed Chelsea’s interest in Kobbie Mainoo.

More than that, though, the report has revealed that the Manchester United gem is now open to the idea of leaving Old Trafford after being left on the bench against Arsenal and Fulham.

While a price has not been mentioned in the report, other updates from this week revealed that the Red Devils could allow the Englishman to leave for just £45m.

It remains to be seen if Chelsea will be able to work out a deal for Mainoo in time, but if they do, they could be getting themselves their new Palmer.

Why Mainoo could be Chelsea's new Palmer

Now, while Palmer and Mainoo tend to play in different positions on the pitch, there are several other reasons why the latter could be seen as Chelsea’s new version of the former.

The first is the simple fact that, like the former City prospect, this potential transfer would see the United gem move from Manchester to West London after being deemed not good enough to play regular first-team football by his current manager.

Moreover, it would be another example of the Blues signing an academy graduate from one of the Manchester sides, and one that is widely considered to be tremendously exciting, even if Ruben Amorim does not seem to rate him.

On top of that, both midfielders are English, although instead of signing someone who was thriving in the youth setup, the Blues would be getting their hands on someone who has shone in the senior side this time.

However, perhaps the most important way in which Maresca could be getting his hands on another Palmer is that Mainoo could well develop into a world-beater at Stamford Bridge.

After all, even though he is still young and has been out of the Red Devils’ side since Amorin took over, the 20-year-old has already shown us that he could be something really quite special.

For example, FBref rank him in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for shot-creating actions stemming from his take-ons, the top 2% for tackles in the attacking third, the top 4% for carries into the penalty area, the top 5% for take-ons attempted, and more, all per 90.

What these numbers show is that, even though he’s still young and not getting the game time his talent warrants, he’s a sublime ball-carrier and someone who can help break up attacking high up the pitch.

In other words, he has the tools to be an elite all-action midfielder, and as teammate Rasmus Hojlund described him, looks to be a “generational talent.”

Ultimately, while it might be difficult, Chelsea should be doing all they can to sign Mainoo before the window shuts next week, as they could just land themselves another Palmer-esque gem.

Better deal than Lopez: Ornstein expects £50m "diamond" will join Chelsea

As Chelsea make a move to sign Fermín López from Barcelona, will the Blues also snap up a “diamond” attacker for £50m who is an even bigger talent?

By
Ben Gray

Aug 27, 2025

خاض منتخب البرتغال، مساء يوم الثلاثاء، مباراته في إطار تصفيات قارة أوروبا المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم نسخة 2026 ضد خصمه منتخب المجر.

واستضاف ملعب “جوزيه ألفالادي” مباراة منتخبي البرتغال والمجر، في خضم التصفيات المؤهلة إلى النسخة المقبلة من كأس العالم، حيث تعادلا بهدفين لمثليهما.

تقدمت المجر بهدف مبكر في الدقيقة الثامنة من عمر الشوط الأول عن طريق اللاعب أتيلا سالاي.

وفي الدقيقة 22 من عمر الشوط نفسه، تمكن النجم كريستيانو رونالدو من تسجيل هدف التعادل لصالح البرتغال، قبل أن يحرز التقدم قبل نهاية الشوط في الدقيقة الثالثة من الوقت المحتسب بدلَا من الضائع.

واستمر تفوق البرتغال حتى الدقيقة 91 حيث تمكن دومينيك سوبوسلاي من تسجيل هدف التعادل القاتل لصالح المجر، ليتأخر حسم تأهل كتيبة رونالدو إلى كأس العالم إلى شهر نوفمبر المقبل.

بتلك النتيجة، ارتفع رصيد منتخب البرتغال إلى 10 نقاط في صدارة المجموعة السادسة، بينما ارتفع رصيد المجر إلى 5 نقاط في المركز الثاني.

تحدث علاء عبد العال، المدير الفني لنادي غزل المحلة، عن التعادل مع الزمالك، في المباراة التي أقيمت بينهما اليوم السبت، ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وتعادل الزمالك مع غزل المحلة، 1-1، في الجولة العاشرة من عمر منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري.

طالع.. فيديو | غزل المحلة يخطف نقطة ثمينة ويُزيد معاناة الزمالك في الدوري المصري

وقال عبد العال خلال تصريحات عبر قناة “أون سبورت”: “هذه هي كرة القدم، تجميع نقاط، نحن كنا نواجه فريقًا كبيرًا، الزمالك كان لديه دوافع ليعوض الهزيمة أمام الأهلي”.

وأضاف: “لعبنا بشكل جيد تكتيكيًا، بعض الهفوات الدفاعية أوصلت الزمالك مرة أو مرتين داخل المنطقة”.

وأتم: “مباراة صعبة خارج ملعبنا، نقطة مهمة في مشوارنا طالما لا نخسر ولا نهدر نقاط، هذا أمر إيجابي”.

ويحتل فريق غزل المحلة، المركز الرابع عشر في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري، برصيد 11 نقطة، ذلك بعد مرور 10 جولات، حقق فيهم 8 تعادلات وخسر في لقاء وفاز في مباراة واحدة.

Chelsea’s have suffered another injury setback after midfielder Dario Essugo picked up a thigh problem while away with Portugal’s Under-21s. The Blues, already without several key players including Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill, will now be sweating on the youngster’s fitness ahead of their Premier League clash with Brentford after the conclusion of the international break.

Chelsea confirm fresh injury blow with Dario Essugo sidelinedBlues already missing Palmer, Colwill, Lavia, Delap and BadiashileSetback adds pressure ahead of Brentford Premier League clashFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Essugo, who joined Chelsea from Sporting CP in June for £18.5 million, has been serving as an understudy to Moises Caicedo and was pushing for more minutes this season. He has so far only featured as a substitute at the Club World Cup. With injuries galore at Chelsea so far, it was expected that he would get minutes in the Premier League. However, the Portuguese FA has now confirmed that Essugo has suffered a muscle issue.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT PORTUGAL FA'S STATEMENT READ

The Portugal FA released a statement which read: “The Chelsea midfielder was excused from training due to a muscle problem in his right thigh, which he suffered after training. The athlete was evaluated by the Portuguese Football Federation’s Health and Performance Department and was declared unavailable.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Chelsea’s injury problems continue to mount, leaving Enzo Maresca short on depth. Colwill is already out long-term, while Palmer, Romeo Lavia, Liam Delap and Benoit Badiashile are also sidelined. Essugo’s absence could force the Blues to dig deeper into the squad if he isn't fit to at least feature on the bench against Brentford.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

Chelsea face Brentford in a west London derby this weekend and will assess Essugo’s condition before then. The Blues hope his setback is only short-term as they manage a growing fitness crisis. Maresca’s squad depth will be tested further if the midfielder is ruled out for longer.

India overcame Marco Jansen’s blitz to win the high-scorer by 11 runs

Firdose Moonda13-Nov-20244:26

India’s batting in 2024: Intent > consistency

Tilak Varma became India’s second centurion in the space of six days and ensured they cannot lose the four-match T20I series. They lead 2-1 with the final match to be played on Friday, and the hosts left with only the option of a draw. South Africa have not won a bilateral T20I series since beating Ireland 2-0 in August 2022 and have lost five and drawn two series in that time.At a time when the next major tournament is 15 months away, and with the knowledge they reached this year’s T20 World Cup final, that may not worry South Africa much. But there will be questions over their depth and some of their strategies after they conceded heavily and stumbled in the chase for the second time this series.South Africa’s seam strength without Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje, is, as expected, inexperienced. It showed in a messy display at Supersport Park which included 10 wides and three no-balls. Those numbers pale in comparison to that of Tilak, who, at 22 years and five days old, became India’s second youngest centurion after Yashasvi Jaiswal, and took just 51 balls to get to his hundred. He shared a 107-run second-wicket stand with Abhishek Sharma, and a 58-run fifth-wicket partnership with Rinku Singh, in which Tilak contributed 45. Though India were set for a total above 240, after bringing up 100 in the ninth over, Tilak still made sure they had enough.Related

India look to add more shine to already glowing T20 credentials

Tilak asks Suryakumar for No. 3 spot and owns it with dazzling century

With an asking rate of 11 needed, South Africa fell behind early on. They needed close to 12 runs an over by the end of the powerplay and as much as 17 an over in the last five. At that stage, they had their two biggest hitters, Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller at the crease and their partnership had reached 58 off 35 balls. In an eerie reminder of Suryakumar Yadav’s catch on the long-off boundary in the T20 World Cup final in June, Axar Patel timed his jump at deep mid-wicket boundary to perfection and Miller had to depart.Tilak Varma leaps in celebration after bringing up his first international century•AFP/Getty Images

Marco Jansen kept South Africa in it until the last over and ensured the result flattered them. He scored his first T20I half-century and blitzed four four and five sixes, three down the ground, to threaten a coup. But South Africa had left themselves with too much to do. Jansen was dismissed lbw to Arshdeep Singh with three balls left in the innings and 18 to get. South Africa lost by 11 runs.South Africa strike early; India strike backJansen got South Africa off to a perfect start when his second ball scythed through Sanju Samson. Samson’s all-or-bust time continued, with his last four T20I scores reading 111, 107, 0, 0 but India did not spend too much time dwelling on that. They promoted Tilak to No. 3 with astonishing results. He hit the second ball he faced through backward point for four and then smashed Jansen over third for six. Abhishek, who was dismissed for single-figure scores at both coastal venues, quickly rectified that when he took 14 runs off Gerald Coetzee’s opening over, and he showed the full range of his repertoire.Abhishek went through midwicket, over point and then through the covers. Coetzee was swiftly replaced by Lutho Sipamla, who Tilak pulled behind square, and Jansen by Andile Simelane, who bore the brunt of Abhishek’s aggression. He struck back-to-back sixes to opposite corners of the ground and India were running away with the powerplay. They were 70 for 1 after six overs, and South Africa were yet to bring on the spinners.Andile Simelane celebrates with his team-mates after removing Suryakumar Yadav•AFP/Getty Images

Maharaj and Simelane apply the brakesIndia brought up 100 inside nine overs when Abhishek launched Keshav Maharaj over long-on but the spinner had the last laugh. Three balls later, he dragged a delivery wide of Abhishek, who reached out to try and send it through the leg side but missed and was stumped. In the next over, Simelane gave Suryakumar width and tempted him to cut but the India captain could only slice it to deep point. Maharaj’s second over cost 10 runs but he was kept on for a third, with success. Hardik Pandya missed a sweep, was hit on the pack pad and given out lbw. India lost 3 for 25 in 26 balls and South Africa pulled them back.But there’s no stopping TilakMaharaj is known for his ability to slow things down but by his last over, Tilak had had enough. He used his crease well to go 4-6-4 over extra cover, deep square leg and deep mid-wicket and Maharaj finished with 36 off his four overs. That was the warning shot. Coetzee took a pasting in his next over, which also included three wides, with Tilak finding the long and short boundaries. Jansen bowled a boundary-less 17th over and Rinku was bowled by a Simelane yorker in the 18th. But by then Tilak was unstoppable. He brought up his hundred when he smoked Sipamla past mid-off for his seventh four. Tilak went on to hit one more four to add to his seven sixes and ended unbeaten on 107.Flying ants stop playWe’ve had bees at the Wanderers but this is, to this amateur historian’s mind, the first time flying ants have stopped play. What, you may ask? Maybe you call them or or or but you probably know the ones. They come before the rain, are attracted to light and shed their wings upon landing, and there were so many of them at SuperSport Park, the umpires were concerned they would fly into the players’ eyes. The players were taken off after an over of South Africa’s chase and a light pylon at SuperSport Park was turned off in the hope the flying ants would go somewhere else. After 28 minutes, play could resume, with no overs lost. It’s wild out in Africa, they say, and so it was.India and South Africa players walked off the field due to flying ants•AFP/Getty Images

Varun the victorForget everything history says about spinners struggling on the Highveld and just look at Varun Chakravarthy. He came into this match as the leading wicket-taker in the series (with double the number of wickets as his nearest rival) and added another to his name with his most unplayable delivery. South Africa have had no idea about his googly and Reeza Hendricks was done for a second time. He advanced on Varun, slogged wildly, missed and was stumped. South Africa finished the powerplay on 55 for 2.South Africa may have thought they had the better of Varun when Aiden Markram hit him for two sixes over long-on in his third over but it was a case of the opposite. Markram should have put the last ball away over mid-wicket but hit it straight to debutant Ramandeep Singh and extended a miserable run for himself. He has gone 27 innings without a T20I fifty and has not gone past 30 in his last 12 innings. Klaasen was the only player who could take some bragging rights after he hit Varun for three successive sixes, including the biggest of the match at 109 meters, in an over that cost 23. Varun finished with his most expensive T20I analysis but made two crucial breakthroughs and in the end, that’s all that matters. South Africa needed 86 off the last five overs and it was a bridge too far.

Chelsea are through to the quarter-final of the Club World Cup, but they have also been keeping up on the transfer front while progressing in the tournament.

Chelsea see off Benfica to reach Club World Cup quarter-final

While their Premier League rivals are preparing for pre-season, Chelsea are in action over in the States, and they progressed to the Club World Cup quarter-final in dramatic fashion against Benfica despite having to endure extra time and a two-hour delay due to thunderstorms.

Speaking after seeing off the Primeira Liga giants, Enzo Maresca hit out at the lengthy stoppages the Blues had to navigate in their 4-1 victory despite eventually claiming the outcome they wanted.

“It’s a joke. That’s why I said it. if they’re already suspended six games, probably there is something that is not working. I’m not here to decide the rule. I’m no one to decide the rule. I’m the last one. I’m talking as a manager. As a manager, it’s difficult to manage two hours suspended.

“There is some problem for me personally. But I’m not talking – I’m talking as a manager. Because when you are two hours inside and you try to keep them in the game, but for two hours, they are speaking with the family outside for safety reasons.”

Nevertheless, Chelsea could face Manchester City in the semi-final if both sides progress that far.

The Blues have also encountered some alternative good news off the pitch as Borussia Dortmund star Jamie Gittens has agreed a move to Stamford Bridge and they have also agreed a deal for Brighton star Joao Pedro. The Brazilian is said to be ready to pen a seven-year contract and join the Blues in a deal in excess of £50m.

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Imaginably, Chelsea are set for an exciting summer as they prepare to re-enter the Champions League for the first time since 2021/22, and they could now be set to ramp up their interest in their next target.

Phillips: Chelsea add Antonio Silva to defender shortlist

According to Simon Phillips on Substack, Chelsea have added Benfica defender Antonio Silva to their shortlist after scouting him for the duration of the season.

Of course, they got an additional opportunity to watch him up close in their 4-1 victory over the Portuguese giants in the Club World Cup last 16, while his teammate Tomas Araujo is another potential recruit now on their radar.

Chelsea’s two new defensive targets in 2024/25 – all competitions

Antonio Silva

Appearances – 46 Goals – 2 Assists – 3

Tomas Araujo

Appearances – 44 Goals – 1 Assists – 3

Araujo primarily features as a right-back, which has somewhat deterred the Blues from making a move in their pursuit of an ‘out-and-out central defender’ at Stamford Bridge.

Nevertheless, Silva, who has been labelled “incredible” by former Manchester City assistant coach Lillo, is said to have heavily impressed scouts while competing against Chelsea and is now under consideration by the club’s hierarchy.

With Maresca claiming Conference League glory alongside a top five finish last term, Silva could be the man to take Chelsea to the next level in their hunt for further silverware.

Leeds United’s summer transfer business is now in full swing.

Lukas Nmecha is their first official surprise capture, with the news coming out of the blue that the former Manchester City striker will link up with Daniel Farke’s men after his Wolfsburg contract expired.

The newly promoted Whites don’t look to be content with just Nmecha joining the building to improve their attacking potency, however, with Leeds chasing down the services of Fulham forward Rodrigo Muniz as well.

Leeds enter advanced talks for £29m striker

It remains to be seen whether the club’s pursuit of Muniz goes on to be a success story – considering Fulham have already turned down a whopping £32m approach.

However, Leeds are now reportedly setting their sights elsewhere in attempting to further bolster their centre-forward options.

As per a new report from Sky Italia – which has been relayed by Sport Witness – Leeds have now submitted a significant bid in the £29m range for the services of US Lecce star Nikola Krstovic.

The report states that Krstovic may need some convincing to relocate to England, with the Serie A hotshot perhaps waiting it out, instead of jumping at the Whites’ advances, for a move to come his way up the Italian top division.

At this stage, however, no Serie A outfit has expressed an interest in the Montenegro international, with Leeds perhaps in the driver’s seat now over a deal if their bid is to be believed.

How Krstovic compares to Nmecha & Muniz

Amazingly, despite just landing Nmecha, Leeds could win an instant upgrade on the German by the 25-year-old’s arrival through the door.

Moreover, if the Cottagers aren’t willing to budge on Muniz, Krstovic might be deemed as a dream alternative to the pricey Brazilian, with the Lecce number 9 a constant source of entertainment in Serie A last season.

Between them last campaign in league action, Nmecha and Muniz powered home a combined 11 goals, with the in-demand Fulham man doing a lot of the heavy lifting with a hefty eight coming from him alone.

Krstovic would manage that amount just on his own when leading the line for Lecce in Serie A, whilst also managing to find himself on the scoresheet in Coppa Italia action for his relegation-threatened outfit.

Games played

37

19

31

Goals scored

11

3

8

Assists

5

0

1

Shots*

3.7

1.1

1.3

Shots on target*

1.1

0.5

0.6

Big chances missed

9

5

5

Big chances created

5

0

1

Total duels won*

4.9

2.1

3.7

Of course, the Lecce attacker did start a lot more games for his Italian employers last season in the league, but when it comes to looking at all their respective statistics side-by-side, only one individual looks ready to lead the line for Leeds week in week out, and that’s Krstovic.

The 25-year-old immediately sticks out with more goals and assists next to his name, but when you delve even deeper, he also shines brighter when winning more duels on average and also creating more big chances as a valued teammate.

Additionally, the Serie A gem wouldn’t feel too fazed by the prospect of being a marksman that Leeds have to rely on to push to safety, with a remarkable 11 of Lecce’s 27 overall league strikes last season – as the Italian minnows just finished above the relegation zone in 17th – coming courtesy of the dangerous Montenegrin.

For £3m cheaper than Muniz, it’s a no-brainer to go after this striker target instead of chasing after the expensive Fulham man, with Krstovic even previously being hailed as possessing a “hunger for goals” by one of his former bosses in Roberto D’Aversa.

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Celtic enjoyed another successful season in 2024/25 under Brendan Rodgers, winning another Scottish Premiership title while also lifting the Scottish League Cup.

The Hoops narrowly missed out on a domestic treble, however, attention is already turning to the new campaign with additions already made in the transfer market.

Kieran Tierney’s return to Celtic Park has now been confirmed, with the left-back joining on a free transfer after his contract at the Emirates expired. Talking after re-joining Celtic, Tierney was delighted.:

The Scot will be looking to add to his tally of 11 Celtic honours over the coming years, but who else could join Tierney and Fulham youngster Callum Osmand through the Parkhead door this summer?

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Grok the AI tool on X, has predicted five more signings Celtic could make this summer, totalling more than £20m.

AI predicts 5 players Celtic will sign this summer 1 Mathias Kvistgaarden Brondby (£8m)

A new attacking addition looks set to be on the to-do list at Parkhead, with Mathias Kvistgaarden a long-term target for the Hoops.

Wanted by Celtic over the last 12 months, they have once again been linked with a move this summer. The closest Rodgers’ side have come to signing Kvistgaarden was in January after Kyogo Furuhashi left to join Rennes.

Grok have put an estimated £8m transfer fee on a deal as Celtic search for their Kyogo replacement.

2 Lennon Miller Motherwell (£5m)

Lennon Miller continues to be a man in-demand after starring at Motherwell, with Celtic among the many clubs looking to sign the talented teenage midfielder.

Recent claims have suggested that the Hoops are set to go back in for the 18-year-old after seeing a bid turned down in January, and Grok thinks a transfer could be worth £5m for the now Scotland international.

Amid reports of Sunderland looking at signing Miller for £10m, Celtic may well be delighted if they can sign him for half the price.

3 Harley Mills Peterborough United (£2m)

Despite already signing Tierney, Celtic could still yet bring another left-back to Glasgow to replace Greg Taylor.

Peterborough United’s Harley Mills may well be that man to provide competition to Tierney, with an approach made by the Hoops for the EFL ace.

Mills starred at Wembley for Peterborough against Birmingham in their Vertu Cup final victory, scoring a free-kick, and he could cost up to £2m according to Grok.

4 Nilson Angulo Anderlecht (£5m)

Celtic have been predicted to bring in a South American winger over the coming months, and Nilson Angulo, dubbed as “the next Neymar” in the media, may well be that man.

An Ecuador international, the Hoops recently expressed an interest in signing Angulo, who can play on either flank. He has already played in the Europa League for Anderlecht and is still just 21 years of age.

Grok say a ‘young, dynamic winger would fit Rodgers’ vision for Champions League impact’, and Angulo could be that man in a deal potentially worth up to £5m.

5 James Penrice Hearts (£2m)

Described by Grok as a domestic solution for defensive depth, Hearts left-back James Penrice is another who has been backed to move to Celtic Park this summer in a deal worth up to £2m.

This comes after Celtic scouted the 26-year-old, who impressed at Tynecastle in what was a struggling Hearts side.

As well as playing in his primary left-back role, Penrice can also turn out as a left midfielder or as a central midfielder, providing plenty of versatility for Rodgers.