Latest news with #EPLIndex
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report: Goalkeeper on United radar as Newcastle make strategic approach
Nick Pope on Man United's Radar as Ramsdale Eyes Newcastle Move Ramsdale's Rebuild Under Howe According to talkSPORT, Newcastle United are actively pursuing goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale in a bid to reunite him with Eddie Howe, who managed the shot-stopper at Bournemouth. Ramsdale is believed to be keen on a Premier League No.1 role to strengthen his claim for a spot in England's squad for the 2026 World Cup. This prospective move could have significant consequences at St James' Park. Should Ramsdale arrive, it would cast serious doubt over Nick Pope's future as Newcastle's first-choice goalkeeper. Man United's Goalkeeping Dilemma The uncertainty surrounding Pope has reportedly caught the attention of Manchester United. With Ruben Amorim still seeking a reliable alternative or challenger to Andre Onana, Pope's experience and profile are seen as an ideal fit. The 33-year-old, whose contract is set to expire next summer, could become a smart and cost-effective option. Photo IMAGO talkSPORT state: 'Nick Pope could emerge as a target for Manchester United if Newcastle sign Aaron Ramsdale.' This domino effect could see one England international replace another at two of the Premier League's top clubs. Leeds Interest Fades as Perri Signs Earlier this summer, Leeds United were also credited with an interest in Pope, though they have since turned to Lucas Perri from Lyon to fill their goalkeeping vacancy. This likely leaves Manchester United and possibly other top-flight sides as potential destinations should Pope seek pastures new. Goalkeeper Carousel Could Define Season Ahead This transfer chain could see Ramsdale move for more minutes, Pope seek redemption at another top club, and United recalibrate their options after another Onana rocky campaign. It's a rare moment where multiple Premier League clubs could benefit from one bold move — if each piece of the puzzle falls into place. Our View – EPL Index Analysis From a Manchester United supporter's perspective, this report presents both opportunity and intrigue. Nick Pope might not be the most glamorous name linked with Old Trafford, but he represents consistency, maturity and Premier League experience — qualities sorely missed during Andre Onana's erratic time England. While Onana did improve after his disastrous start, there's still a lingering sense among fans that he lacks the authoritative presence that United keepers like van der Sar or De Gea once brought. Pope's possible arrival would not necessarily spell the end for Onana but would provide genuine competition — something many believe is crucial in elite squads. Also, from a fan's standpoint, the idea of acquiring a current or former England international — especially one with something to prove — aligns with the mentality Ruben Amorim is trying to instil. Pope's professionalism and quiet leadership might be just what the dressing room needs.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ornstein: Newcastle shift focus to Brentford as forward search continues
Newcastle Explore Yoane Wissa Move After Ekitike Setback Ekitike Stalls as Newcastle Rethink Forward Strategy Newcastle United's hunt for a new striker has taken a fresh direction. After stepping away from a move for Hugo Ekitike, who was previously top of their list, the club are now exploring a deal for Brentford's Yoane Wissa. As reported by David Ornstein in The Athletic, Newcastle are expected to make contact with Brentford soon, although no formal approach has yet been made. Photo: IMAGO Newcastle had an €80 million bid for Ekitike rejected by Eintracht Frankfurt and are 'not actively working on the situation at present'. With Liverpool now circling the 23-year-old, attention in the North East has shifted. Photo IMAGO Wissa Among Alternatives Considered At 28, Wissa represents a more experienced profile and is coming off an impressive season, scoring 19 non-penalty goals in 35 Premier League matches. It was the highest total of its kind across the division last term, showcasing Wissa's efficiency in front of goal. Photo: IMAGO His contract with Brentford runs until 2026, with an option to extend for another year. Nottingham Forest have already tested Brentford's resolve, but their bid was turned down. Newcastle, aware of the financial pressures within their own recruitment structure, may need to proceed with care depending on the outcome of Manchester United's pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo. Brentford's Summer Shake-up Influencing Sales Wissa's future is intertwined with major changes at Brentford. Head coach Thomas Frank has departed for Tottenham, along with several members of his coaching staff. Captain Christian Norgaard has joined Arsenal and set-piece coach Keith Andrews has been promoted to head coach. Any deal for Wissa must be framed within this wider reshaping of the club's identity and resources. Our View – EPL Index Analysis There was hope that this summer might bring real attacking intent, the sort that would allow Newcastle to finally break free from patchwork back-up forward options. Yet here they are, switching focus from Ekitike to Wissa, a player who, while productive, does not spark excitement in the same way. Fans will be asking: where is the ambition? Ekitike was young, hungry, and clearly rated across Europe. Instead, the club has pulled out after one rejected bid and now pivot to a 28-year-old who has only just had his breakout year? Wissa may well prove to be a clever signing, but this feels like compromise rather than conviction. Newcastle want to challenge for the top four again, yet they appear to be shopping reactively, not decisively. There is a lingering feeling that Newcastle are searching for a plan without truly having one.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Brighton star reacts to Bayern Munich transfer interest
Brighton Determined to Tie Down Mitoma Amid Outside Interest Mitoma signals Brighton commitment Kaoru Mitoma has expressed his desire to remain at Brighton & Hove Albion, with the Japan international keen to extend his current contract. Despite two years left on his existing deal, both club and player are looking to move forward with discussions on improved terms. According to Sky Sports, Mitoma wants to continue under new head coach Fabian Hürzeler. Photo: IMAGO Advertisement The Seagulls have made it clear they value Mitoma highly and are eager to reward his impact since joining the club from Kawasaki Frontale. His electric performances down the left flank have caught the attention of major clubs, including Bayern Munich, while Saudi side Al Nassr failed with offers during the January window. Bayern and Saudi clubs monitoring situation Mitoma's name has surfaced as one of Bayern's targets for the left-wing position. That level of attention is hardly surprising after a standout campaign in the Premier League, where his mix of acceleration, composure and tactical awareness elevated Brighton's attacking play. Photo: IMAGO Advertisement Still, Brighton's resistance to selling remains firm. 'We try to keep our best players,' said manager Fabian Hürzeler. 'Mitoma played a great last season but it's only because we as a club worked together. Then you can shine as individuals.' Hürzeler focused on growth The club believe Mitoma's development is still far from complete. Hürzeler added, 'I still think his limit is not reached yet. That's our job, his job, the job of the whole club to get the best potential out of the players.' Photo: IMAGO With pre-season on the horizon, Brighton are determined to keep one of their most dynamic attackers within their evolving project. Our View – EPL Index Analysis For Brighton fans, this is welcome news and reassurance at a time when top players at Premier League clubs are frequently lured away by richer suitors. Mitoma's willingness to commit to the club, despite interest from Bayern Munich and Saudi Arabia, reflects a player who clearly values development, purpose and environment over money and glamour. Advertisement There is a growing belief at the Amex that this squad can push on under Hürzeler. Mitoma remaining at the core of that ambition makes sense. He is a player whose talents are still unfolding and who fits the Brighton ethos, high work rate, tactical intelligence and team-first mentality. Supporters will rightly feel proud that Brighton have resisted the temptation to sell quickly. It signals a level of ambition that aligns with long-term growth rather than short-term gain. Mitoma committing to a new deal would not just be about keeping a key player, it would symbolise the club's shift from being a stepping stone to being a destination.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report: Liverpool 'have the funds' to try for Newcastle star striker
Could Liverpool Really Test Newcastle's Isak Resolve This Summer? Isak's Future Under Scrutiny Amid Liverpool Links Alexander Isak is one of the hottest attacking properties in Europe right now, and it's no surprise his name is being linked with a host of top clubs – Liverpool, Barcelona and Arsenal among them. As Sky Sports reports, Liverpool have the funds to test Newcastle's resolve to keep the 25-year-old Swede, even if a new striker isn't currently top of their wishlist. Advertisement The Times initially broke the story, claiming Liverpool would be ready to make a move should Isak be made available. Newcastle, for their part, are keen to fend off any interest by offering their star striker an improved contract, one that would make him the highest-paid player in the club's history. Isak's Staggering Rise and Newcastle's Stance After a sensational Premier League campaign in which Isak scored 23 goals, Newcastle's commitment to keeping him at St James' Park is unwavering. He's under contract until 2028, and, as Sky Sports note, 'There are no signs he wants to leave St James' Park.' Still, with Liverpool 'reportedly having the ammunition' to strike again after the recent signing of Florian Wirtz for a British-record fee, the potential for another blockbuster remains. Newcastle are believed to be ready to raise Isak's wages beyond £150,000 per week, underlining their intent to protect their top scorer from big-club interest. With Isak still young, prolific, and adaptable in various forward roles, the club clearly views him as central to their project under Eddie Howe. Photo IMAGO Liverpool's Summer Strategy: Priorities Elsewhere? For Liverpool, Isak presents an interesting proposition. Striker is seemingly next on the priority list, especially with Darwin Núñez, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz future's up in the air, Isak's pedigree could tempt the Reds into reshaping their attack – particularly if one or more of their current forwards departs. Why Interest in Isak Might Be Real There's no smoke without fire. Liverpool's name doesn't get thrown around lightly, especially when it comes to big-money signings. As Sky Sports rightly point out, 'Liverpool… reportedly have the ammunition to make another potential blockbuster move.' The question is, will Newcastle's stance harden or soften if the right number appears? Advertisement Isak's loyalty can't be overlooked, but in today's transfer market, even long-term contracts and big wages don't guarantee retention. For now, Newcastle hold the cards. But if Liverpool come knocking, it'll take more than sentiment to keep the Swede on Tyneside. Our View – EPL Index Analysis From a Liverpool fan's perspective, this potential move would be both exciting and slightly puzzling. On one hand, Alexander Isak is a top-tier talent. His technical quality, composure in front of goal, and physical presence make him an attractive prospect for any club, especially one like Liverpool who may need added firepower with strikers potentially leaving. Ultimately, this rumour might be more about Liverpool sending a message: they're back at the top table for elite-level talent. Whether that translates into a concrete bid is another matter, but for now, fans are watching closely.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Chelsea are Out of the Race to Sign AC Milan Star This Summer
Chelsea's Goalkeeping Dilemma: Stability Over Star Power? Chelsea's decision not to pursue AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan this summer, as reported by Sky Sports News' chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol, reveals a clear shift in recruitment strategy under the current regime. It was confirmed that 'they were offered the AC Milan goalkeeper but walked away from a potential deal before the first window of the summer.' That move, or rather the lack of one, speaks volumes about the direction the club is heading under sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, with Enzo Maresca now preparing for his second campaign in charge. Advertisement It's important to note that 'Chelsea did not make a bid for Maignan,' indicating a deliberate cooling of interest rather than an inability to strike a deal. There is currently 'only a small chance they will sign another goalkeeper this summer,' signalling that Chelsea are content with their current options, at least for now. Photo IMAGO Depth Without Certainty Between the Sticks Chelsea find themselves with four goalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Djordje Petrovic and Mike Penders. Solhekol adds, 'One will go on loan to Strasbourg and one will be sold.' Such depth could suggest healthy competition but also reflects a potential lack of decisiveness in nailing down a clear number one. Advertisement Djordje Petrovic, who made several promising appearances last season, and Robert Sanchez, who arrived from Brighton with a strong pedigree, are likely the leading candidates for the top spot. However, the inclusion of young Filip Jorgensen and Mike Penders hints at future planning, not necessarily present assurance. Financial Prudence or Missed Opportunity? It's difficult to separate Chelsea's lack of movement in the goalkeeper market from their ongoing balancing act with Financial Fair Play. Having spent heavily across the last three transfer windows, their restraint here might not just be strategic — it might be necessary. Passing on Maignan, a top-level talent who would have likely commanded a hefty fee, could be as much about the books as it is about belief in their squad. That said, one has to question whether skipping such a deal could come back to haunt the Blues. As European ambitions intensify and domestic stability remains elusive, a reliable shot-stopper could be the difference between a solid season and another frustrating rebuild. What It Says About Maresca's Confidence This development might signal that Enzo Maresca is satisfied with the tools at his disposal. Rather than bringing in a headline name to replace or compete with the current options, Chelsea appear to be leaning on cohesion and internal development. The Italian manager's preference for building from the back might see Petrovic or Sanchez given time to grow into the role, rather than be replaced by a marquee signing. Advertisement It's a gamble, but perhaps a calculated one. Our View – EPL Index Analysis From a Chelsea supporter's perspective, this update is mildly unsettling. While it's reassuring to see the club refraining from reckless spending, the lack of urgency in solidifying the goalkeeping position raises concerns. Let's be honest — neither Robert Sanchez nor Djordje Petrovic inspired total confidence last season. Petrovic showed flashes, sure, but he's still raw. Sanchez, while experienced in the Premier League, has had consistency issues. If Enzo Maresca really wants to instil calmness and control in his back line, then surely a world-class keeper like Mike Maignan would have helped. The fact we walked away so early, without even bidding, just feels like a missed opportunity. Advertisement The idea of relying on quantity over quality isn't exactly comforting either. Having four goalkeepers and saying, 'one will go to Strasbourg and one will be sold' doesn't address the main issue: we don't have a clear number one capable of leading us back into the top four. Maresca's system demands trust and control from the back. That begins with the goalkeeper. Supporters are right to ask — is either Sanchez or Petrovic that man? Or are we simply waiting until it becomes a problem again in the middle of the season? In truth, many fans were hoping for a statement of intent, especially in goal. Instead, this feels more like compromise. Let's hope it doesn't cost us.
