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Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Newcastle shift focus to West Ham star in £75m summer move
Newcastle Eye Kudus as Summer Heir to Right-Flank Ambitions Positive EFL Cup bounce brings transfer momentum Newcastle United's return to relevance has been measured in more than just silverware. Their EFL Cup success and top-four finish have reignited belief at St James' Park, prompting the board and recruitment team to prepare for a proactive and targeted summer transfer window. Advertisement According to Football Fancast, the club are working through a four-player wish list: a new goalkeeper, a right-sided centre-back, a right-winger and a versatile forward. As journalist Keith Downie explains, the additions are deemed essential unless Newcastle are forced into reactive deals in the event of high-profile exits such as Bruno Guimarães or Anthony Gordon. Photo: IMAGO While Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo has long been viewed as the frontrunner for the right-wing slot, recent developments have brought a new name into sharper focus — West Ham's Mohammed Kudus. Kudus now seen as viable alternative to Mbeumo Pete O'Rourke, speaking to Football Insider, claims Newcastle 'can afford' Kudus' £75 million release clause, though there's belief they can negotiate a reduced price, particularly due to West Ham's financial position and Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules. Advertisement 'Newcastle can afford a deal for Kudus,' O'Rourke said. 'As it stands, Bryan Mbeumo is their top target for that right-sided forward position. Kudus is on their list and has admirers within the Newcastle hierarchy.' Photo: IMAGO With Manchester United reportedly in pole position for Mbeumo, Newcastle have shifted attention towards Kudus. While stylistically different, both players offer dynamic attacking attributes. Kudus, who has been praised for his dribbling, explosiveness, and power, may lack Mbeumo's consistency, but certainly matches his ceiling. Player profile makes Kudus a compelling fit Kudus is no unknown quantity in Premier League circles. His performances at West Ham have prompted widespread recognition, with teammate Aaron Cresswell once remarking: 'He's a top, top talent and I think we haven't seen the best of him yet… You just can't get near him. He's so strong, so quick, so sharp.' Advertisement This versatility and raw athleticism make Kudus a compelling fit for a Newcastle system that thrives on transitional moments and physical intensity. He is more than just a stopgap solution; he could be the cornerstone of a restructured attack. Photo: IMAGO Market realities could make deal feasible With Newcastle's Champions League campaign secured, there's every incentive to add proven quality. While £75 million may be excessive in this market, there's growing confidence that West Ham will listen to offers significantly below that threshold. Ultimately, if Mbeumo ends up at Old Trafford, Kudus becomes more than just Plan B — he is a statement of intent. A signing that signals Newcastle's continued ambition and confidence in the recruitment model that helped them climb from mid-table stagnation to European contenders. Photo: IMAGO Our View – EPL Index Analysis Missing out on Mbeumo would hurt, no question — he's a proven Premier League performer. But Kudus? He feels like the sort of wild card who could blow the doors off this project. Advertisement What's exciting is how well he'd slot into Eddie Howe's system. We've seen what the coaching staff have done with players like Joelinton and Isak — give Kudus that kind of attention, and the sky's the limit. His close control in tight spaces and that burst of acceleration? Perfect for unlocking deep defences, something Newcastle have struggled with when teams sit back at St James'. And let's be honest, they're past the point of shopping small. If they want to compete with the best, they need players who believe they belong at the top. Kudus has that swagger. He's got Champions League-level flair. This would be a proper signal to the rest of the league that Newcastle aren't just here for the ride — they're building something serious.
The Journal
2 days ago
- Business
- The Journal
Ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher completes permanent move to Brentford
LAST UPDATE | 56 mins ago CAOIMHÍN KELLEHER has completed a move to Premier League side Brentford from Liverpool. Shortly after Brentford confirmed the exit of their Dutch international 'keeper Mark Flekken to Bayer Leverkusen, the club announced the arrival of Kelleher. Kelleher has signed a five-year contract at Brentford, with the option of a further year. The reported transfer fee is an initial £12.5 million (€14.8 million) that may rise to £18 million (€21.3 million) if a series of performance-related add-ons are reached. Kelleher's schoolboy club Ringmahon Rangers are due a windfall thanks to a 20% sell-on clause brokered with Liverpool. The club do not yet know precisely what they will earn and when it will be paid, as it depends on the size and the structure of the deal agreed between Liverpool and Brentford. A portion of their windfall will also be owed to Kelleher's former club, Rockmount. Based on reported figures, Ringmahon's windfall could be between €2.5 million and just shy of €3 million. 'I'm buzzing, I'm really happy to be here,' said 26-year-old Kelleher. 'I don't think it was very difficult for me to leave [Liverpool]. I felt for my own career that the time was right for me to go, to be a no.1 and to play every week. 'I heard of some interest a number of weeks ago. Once I knew Brentford was in for me, it was definitely one I was really excited about and wanted to do as quickly as possible. Advertisement 'I like the way the manager and the coaching staff go about their ways. It seems like a really close, tight knit, family club. They've got a really good track record of improving and developing players which is really what's drawn me to the club.' Kelleher joined Liverpool from Ringmahon when he was 17, and made his first-team debut under Jurgen Klopp in an EFL Cup tie in 2019, having been an unused substitute in the Champions League final over Tottenham earlier that year. Kelleher was also part of the Liverpool squad that won the Premier League in 2019/20, though did not make a league appearance. He made Premier League and Champions League debuts for Liverpool the following season, and scored the winning penalty in the 2022 Carabao Cup final shootout victory over Chelsea. He also played all of the victorious 2024 final win over the same opponents, but tasted defeat in last season's decider against Newcastle. Though unable to dislodge first-choice 'keeper Alisson Becker, Kelleher was an able deputy during the Brazilian's injury absences, and he played 10 games in each of the last two seasons, thus playing an important role in Liverpool's league title victory last season. He also saved a Kylian Mbappe penalty in a long-awaited 2-0 victory over Real Madrid in the league phase of the Champions League. Kelleher made 67 senior appearances at Anfield, winning a record four penalty shootouts as a Liverpool player, the most of any 'keeper in the club's history. Klopp described Kelleher as the 'best number two in the world', but across the last two seasons, Kelleher made no secret of his desire to establish himself as a number one, either at Liverpool or elsewhere. His Anfield days were numbered from the moment Liverpool signed Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia last summer on a deal that sees the Georgian international arrive this summer. Kelleher might have left Liverpool a year ago, but the club rejected a late offer from Nottingham Forest. He ultimately stayed to pick up another major medal, before moving to the side that finished ninth in the Premier League last season. Written by Gavin Cooney and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won't find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women's sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here .
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
‘Bruno Fernandes will always be a red': Fans react as Manchester United midfielder's exit rumours gain momentum
Fans of English football club Manchester United are reeling from reports suggesting that club captain Bruno Fernandes could be sold during the upcoming transfer window. The Portuguese midfielder, who has been a central figure at Old Trafford since his arrival in January 2020, is reportedly being targeted by Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal with a potential bid exceeding £100 million. The speculation intensified after multiple outlets reported that United may consider letting Fernandes go if the offer proves financially irresistible. With the club facing pressure to revamp the squad and balance its books, Bruno's sale is seen by some as a strategic move, albeit a controversial one. Supporters took to social media to express their dismay and gratitude. 'If this is really the end, then I'm just sad we couldn't win more trophies with you. In good and in bad, you always were there when we needed you. Bruno Fernandes will always be a red,' wrote one fan. Another added, 'Bruno Fernandes. If this is goodbye, it has been the absolute finest of pleasures.' Since donning the red jersey, Bruno has consistently been the team's most productive attacking midfielder. In the Premier League alone, he has created 538 chances—the highest by any player since his debut. He's also scored 61 goals, placing him sixth on the list during that period, and has delivered 51 assists, ranking third. During his time at the club, Fernandes has won the EFL Cup and the FA Cup, while also finishing runner-up twice in the UEFA Europa League. Despite the silverware, many feel he deserved more, given his contributions and leadership. Both Fernandes and incoming manager Ruben Amorim have made it clear they are not looking for a departure. Amorim has referred to Fernandes as the 'most important player' in the current squad, while Bruno himself has stated that he has no intention of leaving unless the club makes that decision for financial reasons.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Matt O'Riley's Brighton future ‘uncertain' as Premier League rivals target Celtic hero just nine months after £25m move
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IT hasn't even been a year since Matt O'Riley sealed a bumper exit from Celtic for £25million. But just nine months on from his megabucks switch to Brighton, the midfielder could be on the move again. Sign up for the Celtic newsletter Sign up 3 Matt O'Riley scored for Brighton against Tottenham on the final day of the season Credit: EPA 3 His spell with the Seagulls got off to a nightmare start Credit: Getty 3 The midfielder was a star man at Celtic Credit: PA O'Riley had established himself as Celtic's main man and enjoyed a stunning 2023/24 campaign. He scored 18 goals in 37 Scottish Premiership appearances as the Hoops retained the league title in Brendan Rodgers' first season back as manager. O'Riley had been a revelation at Celtic Park following his £1.5million switch from third tier English side MK Dons back in January 2022 under Ange Postecoglou. His performances quickly caught the attention and by the time the summer transfer window came around last year, it looked like an uphill battle for Celtic to keep the fans' favourite at Parkhead. And so it turned out, as in late August, O'Riley sealed a Scottish record £25m-plus transfer to Brighton and he signed a five-year contract. The big move began in nightmare fashion for the Denmark international. He made his debut in an EFL Cup clash against Crawley the day after completing his move but lasted just nine minutes. A horror tackle resulted in O'Riley having to undergo ankle surgery and he wasn't able to return to action until November. He made his comeback in style, netting a late winner for the Seagulls in a memorable 2-1 win over Manchester City. All in all, however, it was a frustrating season for O'Riley. Matt O'Riley limps off just minutes into Brighton debut after horror Crawley tackle Despite returning to fitness, he failed to hold down a regular starting spot in Fabian Hurzeler's side. Carlos Baleba has been a first pick in the German boss' midfield, while January signing Diego Gomez has also slotted in since his arrival from Inter Miami. The likes of Yasin Ayari, Brajan Gruda and Jack Hinshelwood have also been used more regularly. That's meant O'Riley has largely been restricted to a substitute's role although he did mange a few more starts towards the end of the season, starting six of the last eight matches. O'Riley netted from the spot in the final day 4-1 win over Tottenham after coming off the bench. He's already been linked with an exit from Brighton this summer, with unnamed clubs from England, Germany and Italy credited with an ongoing interest in him. Now, Sky Sports claim that Everton are 'keen' on signing O'Riley should Brighton be willing to let him leave. The report says that there is 'uncertainty' surrounding his future but that the Seagulls also believe O'Riley can play a significant role next season. Meanwhile, Everton have also been linked with a move for Rangers star Mohamed Diomande. The 23-year old joined the Light Blues on an initial loan deal from Danish club Nordsjaelland in January 2024, before the move was made permanent last summer. Diomande is under contract at Ibrox until 2028. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Teenager Kpakio in Wales squad for qualifiers
Wales head coach Craig Bellamy has named Cardiff City teenager Ronan Kpakio in his squad for next month's World Cup qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Belgium. Right-back Kpakio, who turned 18 this week, is included for the first time having been part of Wales' training camp in Spain earlier this month. Cardiff academy product Kpakio has only six senior Bluebirds appearances to his name. He made his debut in the EFL Cup last August before his first league start came on the final day of the Championship season. Bellamy welcomes Ethan Ampadu and Harry Wilson back to his squad for games against Liechtenstein at the Cardiff City Stadium on Friday, 6 June and against Belgium in Brussels the following Monday. Leeds United captain Ampadu, 24, and Fulham attacking midfielder Wilson, 28, were injured for the opening games of the campaign in March. While two of Bellamy's key men return, captain Aaron Ramsey is missing through injury and there is no Joe Allen after he announced his retirement earlier this month. Bellamy heads for Spain without Wales' Premier stars World Cup player? Boss? Ramsey's uncertain future Wales sit second in Group J after beginning their bid to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup with a 3-1 win against Kazakhstan and a 1-1 draw in North Macedonia. Several players will report for international duty after a successful end to the season at club level. Brennan Johnson scored the only goal as Tottenham - with Ben Davies also included in their squad - beat Manchester United in the Europa League final, while Connor Roberts, Karl Darlow, Joe Rodon, Ampadu, Daniel James and Chris Mepham all secured promotion to the Premier League with their respective clubs. North Macedonia currently top Group J ahead of Wales on goal difference, though top seeds Belgium are yet to start their campaign. The group winners seal a place at the World Cup while four remaining berths will be determined by play-offs involving the 12 group runners-up and four teams from last year's Nations League phase. Wales are already well placed to secure a play-off place - should they need it - having topped their Nations League group. Goalkeepers: Karl Darlow, Danny Ward, Adam Davies Defenders: Neco Williams, Jay Dasilva, Connor Roberts, Ronan Kpakio, Ben Davies, Chris Mepham, Ben Cabango, Joe Rodon Midfielders: Josh Sheehan, Charlie Crew, Ethan Ampadu, Jordan James, Ollie Cooper, Harry Wilson, David Brooks, Sorba Thomas Forwards: Liam Cullen, Nathan Broadhead, Lewis Koumas, Rabbi Matondo, Kieffer Moore, Mark Harris, Brennan Johnson, Daniel James
