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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke was fairly ruthless in the summer transfer window when he told Patrick Bamford that he would not be a part of the squad for the 2025/26 campaign.

It may not have come as a huge shock, given that the striker did not start a single game in the Championship last season, but it was still a ruthless move by the manager.

In July, Daniel Farke revealed that he had an “honest” conversation with Bamford and how he felt that the forward needed to go somewhere else to be the main man at a new club.

Later in the summer, Leeds and the former England international agreed a mutual termination of his contract to part ways, allowing him to be a free agent to find a new team.

Despite the fairly impressive record in the graphic above, Bamford often found himself as the scapegoat among the fanbase in tough times at Elland Road, which is understandable as a striker who is always going to miss chances and attract criticism.

Another player who could have been described as a scapegoat at points in the last 13 months or so is Brenden Aaronson, but he seems to slowly be winning the supporters over.

Why Brenden Aaronson is winning Leeds fans over

The USA international is unlikely to develop into a regular Premier League starter who can contribute with ten goals or assists from an attacking midfield or wide position. His statistics up to this point in his top-flight career illustrate that.

Aaronson has scored one goal and provided three assists in 42 outings in the division, in the 2022/23 and 2025/26 campaigns combined, which shows that he has failed to deliver consistent quality.

The former RB Salzburg star’s form against the better sides in the Championship last season, despite the Whites picking up 100 points in the league, also did not do much to change the perception of him among the fanbase.

Aaronson failed to deliver a single goal or assist for his team in his ten appearances against the other five teams that finished in the top six in the second tier in the 2024/25 campaign.

However, some of the American attacker’s performances in the Premier League this season have earned him some credit among the fanbase, as he has worked his socks off for the side out of possession.

Goals

0

Bottom 3%

xA

0.83

Top 17%

Assists

0

Bottom 3%

Fouls won

10

Top 8%

Tackles won

12

Top 7%

Duels won

28

Top 15%

Duel success rate

50.9%

Top 23%

Ball recoveries

16

Top 26%

As you can see in the table above, Aaronson ranks highly among his positional peers in a host of defensive metrics, whilst he also has not had the assist that his xA deserves.

His performance against Bournemouth on Saturday led to Leeds supporter and TEAMtalk editor James Marshment questioning whether it was his best display for the club in the top-flight, which shows that he is starting to earn some respect from the fans.

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Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Whilst Aaronson is slowly moving away from being a scapegoat, another Leeds player who played on Saturday is quickly on his way to becoming the new Patrick Bamford.

Central defender Pascal Struijk is in danger of becoming this season’s scapegoat and the new Bamford after the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth at the weekend.

Why Struijk may become the new Bamford

As is the case with strikers and missing chances, it can be easy for centre-backs to become scapegoats because they are typically the players fans and pundits look straight to when a goal goes in.

Some fingers were pointed in Struijk’s direction for Eli Kroupi’s last-gasp equaliser because Marcos Senesi beat him too easily in the air to knock the ball in the direction of the striker who scored to make it 2-2.

That was not the only time that the Dutch defender, who was given a 5/10 player rating by MOT Leeds News, was questioned by fans or media during the match, though.

The Athletic’s Beren Cross noted that there were “murmurs of anxiety” in the ground when Struijk or Karl Darlow had the ball at their feet, whilst Yorkshire Evening Post’s Graham Smyth stated that the centre-back “had a couple of nervy moments” in the first half.

Senesi beating him to the header for the equaliser in stoppage time did not do much to silence any doubters, with some on social media questioning why Jaka Bijol, who won 67% of his aerial duels in the Serie A last season, has not played a minute in the Premier League this term.

Appearances

6

Pass accuracy

93%

Error led to shot

0

Error led to goal

0

Dribbled past

1x

Ground duel success rate

40%

Aerial duel success rate

46%

As you can see in the table above, it is fair to question Struijk’s proficiency in duels because he has lost the majority of his battles on the ground and in the air this season in the Premier League.

However, a pass accuracy of 93% without a single error that has led to a shot or a goal for the opposition in six matches suggests that supporters do not need to feel nervous when the left-footed star is passing the ball out from the back under pressure.

Struijk, like any player, has strengths and weaknesses to his game. Given the nature of Bournemouth’s second goal and his statistics in aerial duels, it is fair for supporters to be unhappy with his performances in that particular aspect of the game.

However, the Dutchman also brings quality and composure to the team on the ball and has only been dribbled past once, which shows that opposition attackers have struggled to beat him for pace.

Not just Longstaff: 7/10 Leeds star is now completely undroppable for Farke

Leeds drew 2-2 at home to Bournemouth on Saturday and this star made himself undroppable.

ByJoe Nuttall Sep 28, 2025

Therefore, Struijk should not be this season’s scapegoat because he brings a lot to the team in spite of some weak points in his performances, but some of the concerns emerging from Saturday’s match suggest that he may be on his way to becoming this year’s Bamford.

Linsey Smith takes 4 for 33 to give Hampshire their fourth victory in six matches

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay11-May-2025

Georgia Adams celebrates her century•Dave Vokes/Hampshire Cricket

Hampshire 273 for 5 (Adams 110*, Southby 61) beat Essex 256 for 8 (Scrivens 101, Smith 4-33) by 17 runsGeorgia Adams won the battle of the century-making captains as Hampshire beat Essex by 17 runs in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup women’s competition.Adams’ 110, with assistance from Rhianna Southby’s 61 and Ella McCaughan’s 44, helped Hampshire to a healthy 273 for 5.Essex skipper Grace Scrivens replied with a classy 101, her second ton in successive innings, to put herself firmly in the frame for England selection.But left-arm spinner Linsey Smith took 4 for 33 to give Hampshire their fourth victory in six matches to remain amongst the pacesetters, while Essex remain rooted to the bottom of the table.Maia Bouchier zoomed off with four boundaries in a 12-ball 19 but two quick Kate Coppack wickets punctured Hampshire’s fast start, having been put in. Bouchier had her off stump flattened before Charli Knott tickled behind to Amara Carr to leave Hampshire 32 for 2.But McCaughan continued her magnificent form, which started with Manly in Australian Grade Cricket over the winter and carried on in the One-Day Cup with scores including 64, 133 not out and 57.She rebuilt with an initially scratching Adams – who was dropped on 28 at midwicket – before missing a sweep to get pinned lbw by Abtaha Maqsood, six runs shy of a fourth 50-plus score.That stand of 72 was merely the amuse bouche for the innings-defining 144 that Adams added with Southby.Everything the pair did was done with the lowest of risk as they barely let the run-rate dip below five an over with crafty batting.Adams became the final member of Hampshire’s top five to record a fifty this season, doing so in 77 balls, before Southby followed to the milestone – for the second time this year – in 68 balls.Southby was bowled with seven overs to go, with the latter stage of the innings coming with the sub-plot of ‘can Adams get to three figures?’ She was on 82 when Southby departed.Abi Norgrove gamefully rotated the strike until she was run out, with Adams still eight runs away, but a pair of offside boundaries drew the bat raise out of Adams.The innings, which had showcased all her trademark effortless swinging and placement, came in 125 deliveries and was her fourth in List A cricket. She ended up unbeaten on 110, and Hampshire just above par on 273, with Nancy Harman replicating Norgrove’s earlier endeavour.Scrivens was supreme from the off, showing complete control over where her shots were going. The innings wasn’t built around big shots, but constant accumulation.Her top-order all rolled with her. Lissy MacLeod was brisk in her 25 – adding 47 for the opening stand – before Jo Gardner came in.Gardner wasn’t in the starting XI, but fielded the majority of the innings after Flo Miller injured herself trying to stop a boundary in the second over, before formally entering the match after Cordelia Griffith suffered a concussion while fielding.She took her chance by keeping the scoreboard ticking in a 71-run alliance with Scrivens, but departed for 23 when she slapped to mid off.Jodi Grewcock followed on, scoring at over a run-a-ball but only scoring three boundaries, in her 33, with 70 runs added with the accelerating Scrivens.She chipped to cover with 86 still required, with Essex stumbling as the required rate climbed, and Smith gained complete control of the game and put herself at the top of the wicket-takers in the One-Day Cup.Eva Gray, Scrivens, Coppack and Esmae MacGregor were caught, and Amara Carr stumped, all trying to keep the visitors in touch, but they fell 17 runs short.

Tottenham Hotspur’s ambitions of strengthening the first-team squad this summer have been brought into question over recent weeks – and rightly so given the lack of activity.

Mohammed Kudus and Mathys Tel have been the only two senior first-team additions during the off-season, with Joao Palhinha also joining the Lilywhites during the off-season.

However, given the side’s lowly Premier League finish of 17th in 2024/25, new boss Thomas Frank would surely have wanted further reinforcements to help bolster his squad.

Morgan Gibbs-White was once seen as the club’s biggest target, but in typical Daniel Levy fashion, he was unable to get a deal over the line – with the Englishman subsequently penning a new deal at Nottingham Forest.

Such a deal isn’t the only one the owner has scuppered in recent weeks, but the latest one has certainly been inexplicable given the situation around the potential transfer.

Spurs’ failed pursuit of Eberechi Eze this summer

Eberechi Eze was seen as Spurs’ alternative to Gibbs-White this summer, making key moves with Crystal Palace to complete a move for the 27-year-old.

It was reported last week that the player himself was keen on a move to join Frank’s side, with the prospect of Champions League football undoubtedly appealing to the attacking midfielder.

Talks were at an advanced stage, on the player’s side and between the two sides, leading to a £60m deal being in place for Eze to move to the Lilywhites for the 2025/26 season and beyond.

However, despite all the work conducted for the Eagles star’s signature, their failure to complete a deal has seen rivals Arsenal swoop in and take the player from their clutches.

A total agreement has been reached between Eze and the Gunners, with the England international missing the Europa Conference League qualifier against Fredrikstad to finalise his transfer.

As a result, the Lilywhites hierarchy desperately need to delve back into the market to land other targets, with the September 1st deadline rapidly approaching on the horizon.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for an Eze alternative

After missing out on the Englishman’s signature, Spurs have turned their attention to his compatriot, Morgan Rogers, in an attempt to bolster the number ten position.

However, after making enquiries to land the 23-year-old this summer, it appears a deal could be unlikely, with Aston Villa currently demanding around £80m for his signature.

He’s not the only player currently in their sights at present, with Frank’s side ramping up their efforts to land Manchester City star Savinho, according to The Times.

Their article states that the Lilywhites could be set to return to talks with Pep Guardiola’s side over a move for the Brazilian, after previously entering negotiations to land the 21-year-old this summer.

It also claims that the Citizens don’t want to lose the Brazilian before the end of the window, but could listen to offers in the region of £60m for the attacker who notched 14 goal contributions in 2024/25.

Why Spurs’ £60m target would be a better signing than Eze

Missing out on Eze, to a direct rival too, will undoubtedly be a bitter blow to the Spurs faithful, which has no doubt fuelled their disappointment towards owner, Levy.

He desperately needs to land a new talent or two within the final days of the transfer market to bolster the side, subsequently handing Frank the tools he needs to push for success in England’s top-flight.

It’s evident that money is available to spend, as seen by the moves for Eze and Gibbs-White, but this time around, the owner needs to be meaningful in his dealings to complete any signings.

The club are still being linked with various top-level players, as seen by their attempts to land Rogers, but it seems more likely at present that a deal for Savinho is more achievable this summer.

A deal for the Brazilian, whilst being an expensive one, would allow for a versatile option, with the youngster able to operate in central and wide areas when called upon.

Should talks progress, it would see the hierarchy spend a similar fee on Savinho as they would’ve with Eze, but they would be getting a talent six years younger in the process.

Despite his tender age, the City star managed to outperform the soon-to-be Arsenal man in numerous key areas, showcasing why he’d be a better addition for the immediate and long-term future.

Games played

29

34

Goals & assists

9

16

Shot on target accuracy

38%

27%

Pass accuracy

81%

74%

Key passes made

2.4

2

Passes into the 18-yard box

2.4

1.3

Take-ons completed

2.7

2.3

Progressive carries

7.1

2.4

Carries into the 18-yard box

3.8

0.7

Savinho, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by current boss Guardiola, posted a higher shot on target rate in the Premier League last season, subsequently providing the side with an added threat in front of goal.

However, whilst goalscoring is partly important for a supporting player in Frank’s system, chance creation is something that is crucial – a talent which the Brazilian possesses in abundance.

He bettered Eze for key passes and passes into the opposition box per 90, tallies which highlight his ability to either find the net alone, or provide golden chances for those around him.

Whilst the aforementioned assets are two of the 21-year-old’s strong points, he’s also showcased his superb dribbling ability at the Etihad – registering more take-ons and progressive carries per 90 – allowing him to beat the opponents before putting the finishing touches on any attack.

There’s no denying the Eze saga will leave a sour taste in the mouth of the Spurs faithful, but it could prove to be a blessing if they can land a deal for Savinho.

In his first year in English football, he’s already demonstrated his top-level quality, able to develop further during Frank’s tenure and potentially catapult the side to added glory in the years ahead.

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Tottenham Hotspur have already identified a new target after missing out on Eberechi Eze.

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Shifting their focus towards further incomings, Aston Villa are reportedly ready to launch their second offer to sign a versatile target for Unai Emery.

What Aston Villa could do after Ramsey sale

It’s been an open secret all summer long that Aston Villa need to sell before they can buy. The big question that remained unanswered for some time was just who would be sacrificed in order for them to push on with their own business. Now, however, those at Villa Park have received their answer and Jacob Ramsey has joined Newcastle United for an initial £39m fee.

Whilst there has been plenty of disgruntlement over the sale of an academy graduate – mainly aimed towards PSR rules more than anything else – the Villans may now at least be in a position to spend.

As such, the rumours have already started circulating. Names such as Nicolas Jackson have particularly threatened to steal the headlines amid reports that Emery is a huge admirer of the Chelsea forward.

After being dropped at Stamford Bridge, Jackson desperately needs a move before the transfer window slams shut at the start of September. Whether that move comes courtesy of those at Villa Park remains to be seen, however.

Of course, the Midlands club have already welcomed one attacking addition in the form of Evann Guessand this summer. The former OGC Nice forward snuck through the door to hand Emery an instant boost.

So it would come as no surprise if Villa decided to boost their backline rather than their attacking options this month, which could see a versatile addition arrive.

Aston Villa ready to launch improved Canvot offer

As reported by RMC Sport, Aston Villa are now ready to make an improved offer for Jaydee Canvot after seeing an opening bid rejected by Toulouse last month. The versatile defender is reportedly valued at around €20m (£17m), but it remains to be seen whether the Villans decide to match that fee and leave no room for further rejection with their next bid.

A player who would be an “exciting signing for Aston Villa” according to U23 scout Antonio Mango, Canvot can play both in midfield and a centre-back in what would kill two birds with one stone for Emery.

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He’s on the verge of leaving Villa Park permanently.

BySean Markus Clifford Aug 18, 2025

Also described as “strong” by Mango, it should come as no surprise that Canvot is on Villa’s radar. At just 19 years old, he’s someone who is likely to get even better with time and potential Premier League opportunities.

Sydney Sixers have maintained their unbeaten start to the BBL with an eight-wicket demolition of Brisbane Heat.With the Gabba a sell-out for the rematch of last year’s final, the 30,122 – mostly home fans – were kept quiet for most of the Heat innings as the Sixers bowlers turned the screws to restrict the hosts to 138 for 9. Sixers made short work of the chase with opener Josh Philippe (66 not out) and No. 3 Kurtis Patterson (32 off 20) severe on Heat bowlers, who were mostly too short.Philippe was all class in his 17th BBL half-century and was the rock on which the run chase was built as Sixers reached their target off the first ball of the 17th over.Sixers captain Moises Henriques became the fourth player in BBL history to score 3000 runs.Left-armer Ben Dwarshuis (4 for 32) earlier continued his outstanding form for Sixers and is now the leading wicket taker in this summer’s BBL with 10 wickets. He was on a hat-trick in the final over when Matthew Kuhnemann smashed a return catch low and to his right but the ball burst through his outstretched hand. He was named the Player of the Match and said it was another step towards Sixers’ ultimate goal after the heartbreak of last year’s final loss to Heat.”It doesn’t quite get revenge for what happened last year but we are a step closer to getting into the final and going a step further this year,” Dwarshuis told AAP. “It’s been a really good team start to the season. With the bat and ball everyone has contributed.”Josh is in great touch and it makes a big difference when guys at the top of the order are scoring runs. We are building pressure throughout the innings with the ball. All the bowlers are doing their job and I am the one getting the wickets for now. It is nice to be getting the accolades.”Jordan Silk held a spectacular catch to remove Jimmy Peirson•Getty Images

Heat opener Tom Banton (19 off 12) launched spinner Akeal Hosein for six off the second delivery of the match with an audacious reverse sweep but Sixers kept the hosts to just 24 runs in the powerplay. Heat captain Colin Munro is yet to reach double figures in this BBL campaign and was out of sorts again before being brilliantly caught at deep midwicket by Jordan Silk, who sprinted to his right before diving to complete the dismissal.It was Silk’s 81st catch in the BBL but his 82nd was from another planet when he sprinted and dived full length to snare the ball in his right hand millimetres from the turf to dismiss Jimmy Peirson, also at midwicket.Nathan McSweeney (34 off 29) top scored for the Heat but lacked support.The victory took Sixers to eight points after four matches, four clear of five other sides including the defending champions Heat, who have now lost two in a row.Sixers were far superior in the field where Silk set the bar high and his teammates all lifted. Heat bumbled in the field. Munro and Paul Walter were left looking at each other as the ball bounced between them when Philippe skied a swipe early in his innings.

MatériaMais Notícias

Enzo Bastos é um dos principais nomes do São Caetano no Campeonato Paulista Sub-20. O meia comemorou o momento que vive com a camisa do Azulão.

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– Estou muito feliz de poder estar ajudando dentro de campo e correspondendo a expectativa colocada em mim – afirmou.

O jovem jogador ajudou a sua equipe na última partida com uma assistência e projetou a sequência da competição.

– Fico feliz de ajudar dentro de campo e espero continuar fazendo bons jogos para poder ajudar o São Caetano ainda mais – finalizou.

Sam Konstas moves to No. 4 for the game against India A at the MCG with strong signs the selectors are close to their decision

Andrew McGlashan and Alex Malcolm05-Nov-2024Nathan McSweeney will open for Australia A in the second four-day match against India A at the MCG in the clearest indication yet that he is a strong contender for the vacant role in the Test side.McSweeney, the Australia A captain, has never opened in first-class cricket but will partner Marcus Harris in a move that confirms they are the two frontrunners for the Test role, with Cameron Bancroft listed at No. 3 and 19-year-old Sam Konstas moving down to No. 4.Related

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“As flagged prior to the series the batting order was subject to adjustment throughout the two-match series,” chair of selectors George Bailey said. “We will use the opportunity this week to gather our final information before the announcement of the Test squad for the Border-Gavaskar Series following the Australia A match.”Australia will name a 13-player squad for the first Test with two batting spots up for grabs as a reserve will also be carried.McSweeney was the standout batting performer for in the first match against India A in Mackay, guiding the chase home with an unbeaten 88 having made 39 in the first innings batting at No. 4.”I’m really confident in my game. I’m progressing and I’m batting some of the best innings I’ve played,” McSweeney told reporters in Mackay after the match. “Hopefully I can continue to learn and get better. If the opportunity comes, I feel like I’m ready.”If it doesn’t, I’ll keep working hard and hope that one day I get that call-up. All I can worry about is making sure my game is in good order. I’ve got to continue to try and punch out runs.”Between the three specialist openers in the XI, Harris’ 36 in the second innings was the highest score they managed.McSweeney has also only batted at No. 3 15 times in first-class cricket and averages 30.86 in that spot with one first-class century. His best work has been done at No. 4 where he averages 44.06 and No. 5 where he averages 57.20.This week will also be just the second time McSweeney has played a first-class game at the MCG. He only previous appearance came when played for Queensland in 2019 where he returned scored of 0 and 16. He has played one BBL match there. McSweeney has also never played a first-class match at Perth Stadium or the SCG, although he has played four BBL games across the two venues. He has also only played one day-night pink ball match in his first-class career, for Australia A against New Zealand A in Mackay last year.But despite all that McSweeney is now a realistic candidate to take the position for the first Test against India in Perth. Another option would be for him to bat at his usual No. 3 spot with Marnus Labuschagne moving up, something captain Pat Cummins did not rule out.”You could do,” Cummins said before the first ODI against Pakistan. “Maybe once we we kind of start discussing who’s in the side, then you start looking at the batting order.”Ronnie [coach Andrew McDonald] and I have said it quite a bit – where you bat isn’t that important. You try and work out how the batting order as a whole is going to function best. I don’t think anyone should be super protective around a certain spot on that.”The lack of cricket that both McSweeney and Konstas have played on the Test venues has been a cause of concern within Cricket Australia in recent weeks. Discussions have been held about the year-on-year decline of the total number of Sheffield Shield matches played on the Test grounds, given there is a significant difference between the way the pitches play compared to first-class venues like the Junction Oval, Karen Rolton Oval, Allan Border Field and Cricket Central.CA’s scheduling department has not been blamed. It is widely acknowledged how difficult their task is due to ground availability constraints but there is a push to try and address the issue in the future in order to better prepare players for Test cricket. It is part of the reason why three day-night Shield fixtures were added to this year’s schedule at short notice last month, despite the entire season initially being fixtured as day games.Australia A XI 1 Marcus Harris, 2 Nathan McSweeney (capt), 3 Cameron Bancroft, 4 Sam Konstas, 5 Ollie Davies, 6 Beau Webster, 7 Jimmy Peirson (wk), 8 Michael Neser, 9 Nathan McAndrew, 10 Scott Boland, 11 Corey Rocchiccioli

Newcastle United are at a bit of a crossroads this summer. The Magpies’ latest transfer target was clear: sign a right winger.

Yet, their reported number one target, Bryan Mbeumo, rejected Eddie Howe’s side, as well as North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, in favour of a move to Manchester United, as per David Ornstein.

The North East giants were forced to move on to their next target, Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga. However, their bid for the Sweden international, worth a reported £45m according to Ornstein, was rejected by the City Ground side, although they could return with a new offer.

So, that leaves Newcastle somewhat in limbo, although they have been linked wth a few more players who could become their new right-winger.

The latest on Newcastle's pursuit for a winger

Finding a new right-sided attacker has certainly been a frustration for the Magpies. They have missed out on two primary targets and must now go back to the drawing board to figure out their next move.

Transfer Focus

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

Well, Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has recently broken the news that they are ‘exploring other options’ with regards to wide options. Two of those include PSV Eindhoven starlet Johan Bakayoko and West Ham United attacker Mohammed Kudus.

If the Magpies are to move for Bakayoko this summer, it seems like it could be a bargain move. According to reports, the Eredivisie side could accept as little as £17m for their winger this summer.

He has just one year left on his contract, and a move seems inevitable, which could give Newcastle a perfect opportunity.

How Bakayoko compares to Kudus

At just 22 years of age, Bakayoko has already made a great impression across Europe. He is clearly deemed Premier League quality by some sides, after a move to Brentford fell through a couple of years ago.

Now, two years on from that potential move, he is still making waves in the top flight of the Netherlands. Last season for PSV, the Belgium international played 47 times across all competitions, scoring 12 goals and grabbing three assists.

However, that is not Bakayoko’s best season for PV, whose academy he is a graduate of. His quality was really on show in the 2023/24 campaign. The winger featured in 33 Eredivisie games that season, and scored 12 goals, whilst grabbing nine assists.

Of course, the Magpies might pursue a move for Kudus, but there is no guarantee that they will secure the services of the Ghanaian international. He has been offered to other clubs, including Chelsea, as recently as the 6th of June, according to Sky Sports.

He certainly has a good record in the Premier League for West Ham. The 24-year-old has made 65 appearances in the English top flight, scoring 13 goals and grabbing 12 assists in that time. His best season came in 2023/24, when he contributed eight goals and nine assists.

However, he hasn’t hit the heights for the Hammers that Bakayoko did for PSV a couple of years ago. This certainly suggests that the Belgian could be an excellent alternative to Kudus if the Magpies decide to move for him instead.

The underlying stats on FBref also suggest that it is the case, too. When looking at their numbers from 2023/24, Bakayoko averaged 0.76 goals and assists and 7.11 progressive carries per 90 minutes.

In comparison, Kudus averaged 0.54 goals and assists and 4.32 progressive carries each game.

Goals and assists

0.76

0.54

Key passes

2.45

1.08

Progressive passes

3.50

2.87

Shot-creating actions

5.20

3.75

Progressive carries

7.11

4.32

The stats are there to suggest that, if they bring Bakayoko in this summer, he would be an excellent alternative to Kudus. Not only is he a “clinical” goalscoring winger, as Antonio Mango described him, but he is a fantastic ball carrier too, as the stats show.

For just £17m, this could be one of the bargains of the summer for Newcastle. It hasn’t been an easy summer so far, with the rejections they have faced, but this could be a huge turning point and key addition.

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ESPNcricinfo staff06-Jul-2024

Samit Patel was the mainstay of Derbyshire’s chase•Getty Images

Veteran allrounder Samit Patel tormented Leicestershire Foxes for the second time this Vitality Blast season as Derbyshire Falcons completed a double over their East Midlands neighbours in the North Group to lift their hopes of qualifying for the quarter-finals.The 39-year-old Falcons skipper, whose 64 was the difference when the sides met at Edgbaston at the start of the campaign, hit nine fours and two sixes in an unbeaten 67 as Derbyshire chased down 185 to win by four wickets with four balls to spare.Ben Cox hit four sixes in a 30-ball unbeaten 61 and Lewis Goldsworthy 48 from 41 as the Foxes finished strongly to post 184 for six. Former Leicestershire seamer Zak Chappell took three for 42 and Patel two for 27, with Pakistan left-arm quick Mohammad Amir wicketless on his Derbyshire debut.Derbyshire had been well ahead of the required rate by posting 64 in their batting powerplay but had lost three of their key batters. Luis Reece edged behind off Mike, who then held a good low catch in the deep to remove the dangerous Aneurin Donald. Tom Scriven marked his return from a six-week injury absence by bowling David Lloyd, each of the trio falling to the eighth ball they faced.Yet with fellow veteran Wayne Madsen (46) and Patel using their nous to find the gaps in the field, the Falcons were more than halfway to their target at 96 for three after 10.They put on 80 in nine and a half overs before Madsen smacked Hull straight to New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham on the cover boundary. When Mike had Ross Whiteley leg before for a golden duck in the next over, the outcome looked less certain with 52 still needed off 33 balls.Brooke Guest was caught off a top edge to give 19-year-old Sam Wood his first senior wicket but there was no pinning down Patel, who continued to find the rope as the last over arrived with the scores level, Chappell hitting the winning boundary.Earlier, Patel had seen a quick reward for deciding to field first as the Foxes lost three wickets for 45 in the powerplay, with early indications that taking the pace off would be an effective tactic.Chappell, hit for two fours and a six, responded by bowling Sol Budinger with a slower ball and held another one back a touch to similarly dismiss Rishi Patel, with Paul Stirling run out in between, his first innings for the Foxes ended by Madsen’s direct hit from midwicket.The home side slipped to 78 for five by the 11th over. Neesham’s first innings as a Leicestershire player encompassed a stumping chance survived off Alex Thomson before he was bowled by Patel, with Louis Kimber following a big six over the leg side by hitting the left-arm spinner’s next ball down straight to long off.But Goldsworthy and Cox sensibly gave themselves time to get the measure of the pitch and their 48 off four and a half overs until the former was caught on the cover boundary created an opportunity for Cox to attack in the last four overs.He had some luck on 10, his first attempt to clear the ropes dropped by Thomson, who lost the ball in the sun, but cashed in by hammering four sixes in the last four overs, scoring 44 of the 58 runs added.

Arsenal are ready to spend big this summer and could now gain the upper hand on Chelsea in pursuit of a talented star plying his trade at the Club World Cup, according to a report.

Arsenal ready to make statement signings

The Gunners hope to establish themselves as a frontrunner in the race for the Premier League title and Mikel Arteta is set to be backed this window as high-profile targets are identified at the Emirates Stadium.

In an honest assessment of his former side’s hunt for a striker, Arsenal icon Theo Walcott has pointed out that the club need to pursue someone in Liam Delap’s mould as they search for a new source of goals.

Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres are Arsenal’s two main striking targets, and the latter has given his priority to Arteta’s side following an excellent campaign at Sporting.

That development comes in spite of interest from Manchester United, which will undoubtedly provoke optimism among a support desperate to see the final piece of the jigsaw added over the coming months.

Arsenal approach £170k-per-week forward with Berta ready to pay £53m

The Gunners are making “real moves” for him.

3 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 14, 2025

However, it has to be taken into account that signing a forward isn’t the only requirement to exceed their rivals’ points tally next season; you also need an effective foil to maximise attacking output across the board.

With that in mind, Arsenal now have a winger on their radar that they could steal from under the nose of rivals Chelsea, according to reports.

Arsenal prepare bid to sign Borussia Dortmund star Jamie Gittens

According to reports in Spain, Arsenal are preparing a bid to sign Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens, and he is viewed internally as someone who would fit their philosophy to develop talent over the long-term.

Berta and company are ready to put forward an offer that could amount to roughly £42.5 million, while Chelsea have also been heavily linked with Gittens and came close to signing him before the Club World Cup registration window closed. There have even been claims the Blues still want him and could make a new bid in days.

Jamie Gittens in 2024/25 – Bundesliga (FBRef)

Shot-creating actions

73

Goals-creating actions

10

Progressive carries per 90

5.53

Touches in opposition penalty area per 90

5.53

Successful take-ons per 90

3.57

Labelled “fantastic” by Nuri Sahin, the England Under-21 international registered 12 goals and five assists as Borussia Dortmund left it late to secure Champions League qualification.

Bukayo Saka’s injury issues throughout the campaign demonstrated that additional depth is needed for the Gunners to juggle domestic and European endeavours. Taking that into consideration, what better way for Arsenal to secure another talented outlet out wide than to beat Chelsea to Gittens’ signature.