The 2025 summer transfer window was a crazy period for Newcastle United. Eddie Howe’s side lost their star player, Alexander Isak, at the 11th hour, and whilst they had already replaced him with Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, it took them some time to land their new pair of number nines.

The two strikers were not the only additions the Magpies made in the summer, but they were arguably the most important. With Isak and Callum Wilson leaving, there was certainly a need to add quality depth up front to combat the loss of their former strikers.

Whilst Wissa is yet to play a game due to injury, Woltemade has really hit the ground running.

How Woltemade and Isak’s Newcastle starts compare

There was always going to be lots of pressure on German striker Woltemade. The former Stuttgart star was a target for Bayern Munich too, but Newcastle ended up paying a club-record fee of £69m to secure his services.

However, it has been a fast start to life in the Premier League for the 23-year-old.

He’s only played four Premier League games so far, but has already bagged three goals in that time, including a strike on his debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Interestingly, that is the exact same start that Isak had in that famous Black and White shirt. In the same number of Premier League games, the Swede had bagged three goals, which included a strike on his debut.

To build on that even further, they both scored on their debut, a game in which both players came off the bench. They didn’t find the back of the net on their second appearance, but in the two that followed, each of the strikers scored.

There are certainly some interesting parallels between Woltemade and Isak’s first four games as a Newcastle player.

Despite Bayern’s honorary president, Uli Hoeness, suggesting the German “isn’t worth” the money they spent – having also been criticised by Karl-Heinz Rummenigge for their ‘idiotic’ deal – he’s made a fast start to life at St James’ Park.

However, the same cannot be said for another of their summer signings, who hasn’t performed at his best yet.

Newcastle’s summer signing who has struggled

Moving to a club the size of Newcastle is always going to be a challenge, especially after the PIF takeover back in 2021. Yet, Woltemade seems to have dealt with that pressure well, and Magpies fans will be hoping he can continue that form.

One of their summer signings hasn’t quite hit the ground running in the same way. Anthony Elanga, the Magpies’ “mega money” signing, as Statman Dave put it, has certainly not found his best form at St James’ Park yet.

Elanga cost the North Eastern giants £55m this summer, a fee which Jamie O’Hara said was an “inflated valuation” of the Swedish star.

Indeed, in ten games so far for the club, the former Manchester United academy graduate is yet to score or set up a goal. He did pick up the player of the match award in the Champions League, gameweek two.

Yet, the winger certainly has lots to offer his new club, despite the slow start he’s made in that famous Black and White shirt. He was excellent for Forest last season, racking up 17 goals and assists in 38 top-flight games.

That included this sublime solo effort against Man United.

On top of that, his underlying numbers from last term highlight his quality.

For example, Elanga averaged 1.8 chances created and made 3.2 ball recoveries per 90 minutes, showing how good he is both on and off the ball.

Goals and assists

0.7

17

Chances created

1.8

49

Take-ons completed

0.9

25

Fouls won

1.7

47

Ball recoveries

89

3.2

So far, Elanga has not lived up to the huge price tag that Newcastle spent on him, with there perhaps a feeling that the club and PIF might have overpaid, considering his current market value only rests at €42m (£36m), as per Transfermarkt.

Certainly, though, Newcastle fans will be hoping the Swede’s Magpies career can take more of an upward trend and he can start chipping in with goal involvement.

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Leeds United will be hoping they can win successive Premier League games following their 3-1 away win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux last weekend.

Daniel Farke’s side picked up their second win of the campaign, thanks to goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Anton Stach, and Noah Okafor.

On Saturday afternoon, they host Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth at Elland Road, in what will be a tough clash. It presents a good opportunity for the Whites to pick up another three points against a side flying high this season; the Cherries are already up to fourth in the Premier League.

It remains to be seen if Farke plays the same team that beat Wolves. Brenden Aaronson is one player who could be dropped from the side.

Aaronson’s start to the season

Based on Farke’s team selections over the last few weeks, it might come as something of a surprise if Aaronson were to lose his place in the side. The United States international has started three of the six games he’s played in this season.

In the last couple of games, the forward, who was born in Medford, New Jersey, has started twice for Leeds, operating on the right-hand side. He even played 90 minutes in their win in the West Midlands last weekend.

Yet, despite featuring for the full game, the 24-year-old did struggle at times. Leeds Live journalist Isaac Johnson gave the attacker a 6/10 for his efforts at Molineux, and said he was “chastised by teammates or his manager of being either too erratic or too cautious” in possession.

This season, Aaronson has yet to score or assist for Farke’s side. In the Premier League, he’s only played three key passes and created two big chances. It certainly feels as though his slow start to the season needs to pick up soon, to both help the team and cement his place in the side.

If Farke does decide to drop Aaronson from the starting lineup this week, it could be perfect timing with one possible replacement back from injury.

The Leeds star who could replace Aaronson

In the last few weeks, the Whites have had to deal with a couple of injuries. Farke confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Wilfried Gnonto and Lucas Perri would both remain sidelined, but there is more to come at Elland Road.

One of those is full-back Jayden Bogle, who picked up a slight knock. The other is winger Daniel James, the man who could step in for Aaronson. Farke confirmed the Welshman “has a chance to be involved” at the weekend, but it “will take a late decision” to determine how ready he is.

It could well be the case that James is ready to play from the start. The 27-year-old would certainly add a different dynamic to the Leeds attack, thanks to his “unstoppable” direct threat, as Statman Dave once described him.

Although the former Manchester United star is yet to score this season, his form in the Championship last term was impressive. He scored and assisted 21 times in just 36 games, 10 more than Aaronson’s tally in 46 games.

The Leeds number seven also edged out Aaronson in key stats from last season. For example, the Welshman averaged 1.3 crosses completed and 8.7 forward passes per 90 minutes, compared to the USA star’s 0.4 completed crosses and 8.4 forward passes each game.

Goals

0.5

0.3

Assists

0.4

0.1

Chances created

1.5

1.9

Crosses completed

1.3

0.4

Forward passes

8.7

8.4

James’ pace on the counterattack could play into Leeds’ hands against Bournemouth. According to Sofascore, the Cherries average 48.8% possession this season compared to 43.8% for the Whites.

If they have less of the ball, James’ pace and direct dribbling would surely be more potent in transitional situations. Elland Road could see a lot of that if Bournemouth dominate the ball, as the stats suggest they will.

On top of that, the 27-year-old’s superior crossing ability would suit Calvert-Lewin far better. The Englishman has already scored a header this season, and with James’ proficiency from those areas, a similar opportunity could well arise.

If James is fit to start against the Cherries this weekend, it might well be the case that Farke chooses to start him over Aaronson.

He can steal #9 from DCL: Leeds star looks like the best since Archie Gray

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has now identified an “incredible” midfielder as one of his main targets in central midfield.

Guardiola looking to sign new midfielder with Gonzalez struggling

Nico Gonzalez is yet to establish himself as a key first-team player for Man City, often being limited to appearances as a substitute in the Premier League so far this season, and the midfielder has received criticism for some of his performances.

City’s first major setback of the campaign came in the 2-0 defeat at home against Tottenham Hotspur back in August, and former Chelsea man Frank Lebouef claimed Gonzalez was at fault for the visitors’ second goal.

The commentator said: “Yes, Trafford made a mistake of giving the ball, but what about Nico [Gonzalez]?”

“Why did Nico ask for the ball? And you can see that again when he really asked for the ball, when he has two guys behind him and forces the goalkeeper to give him the ball.”

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Since then, the Spaniard has continued to struggle, giving away the penalty in the 2-2 draw against AS Monaco in the Champions League, which was converted by Eric Dier in the 90th minute.

With fellow midfielder Rodri struggling on the injury front, Man City are now looking to strengthen their options in the middle of the park, according to a report from Spain, which claims Bayern Munich’s Aleksandar Pavlovic has been identified as one of Pep’s main targets.

The City manager is looking to revamp his midfield, and Pavlovic is described as his ‘favourite’ target, having put in some outstanding performances for Bayern, who are extremely reluctant to sanction a departure.

As such, a ‘significant offer’ will be required to prise the 21-year-old away from the German club, with it previously being revealed the Blues could be willing to shell out over £43m.

"Incredible" Pavlovic could be the "next Toni Kroos"

The central midfielder is held in very high regard by journalist Manuel Veth, who has suggested he could be capable of emulating a former Bayern Munich and Real Madrid star.

It is vital that any midfielder playing under Pep is an assured passer of the ball, and the Bayern star certainly ticks the box, having shown a remarkable ability to pick out his teammates over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90 (past year)

Passes attempted

97.42 (99th percentile)

Pass completion %

92.6% (98th percentile)

Progressive passes

8.39 (95th percentile)

It is clear to see that Pavlovic could be the perfect signing for Man City, given that he shares similar traits to Rodri, who attempted 95 passes in just 60 minutes during the 2-0 win over Napoli, and the young German could be the ideal successor.

There’s no doubt that Manchester United’s dismal displays on the pitch over the last couple of seasons have fallen way below the expectations placed on the side by the supporters.

The Red Devils faithful have been treated to constant success, as seen by their tally of 13 Premier League titles – all of which came under Sir Alex Ferguson’s guidance.

Ruben Amorim is the latest manager to try and add himself to the list of managers to achieve such a feat, with the club now going 12 years without an English top-division title.

However, the club’s 15th-placed finish in 2024/25 highlights the work he and the first-team squad have to do before being able to achieve such a feat in the near future.

Whilst the prospect of battling for a title this campaign remains extremely slim, the 40-year-old will have certainly seen improvements in numerous players within his ranks.

Man Utd’s star performers in 2025/26 to date

In an attempt to get back to their former glory, United forked out a fee in the region of £71m for the signature of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford during the recent summer transfer window.

Given the nature of the fee, the supporters have no doubt had big expectations of the forward to thrive, but he’s already shown glimpses that he’s able to live up to the hype.

The 26-year-old has netted two goals and registered an assist in his first eight outings for the club, already cementing himself as one of Amorim’s most important attackers.

He’s not been alone in impressing in such an area, with Amad Diallo also making an impression and picking up where he left off from the closing stages of last campaign.

The Ivorian has failed to register a single goal or assist, but has ranked third in the squad for chances created – subsequently highlighting his ability to cause the opposition endless chaos.

However, despite the performances of the aforementioned duo, one other first team member has managed to impress and managed to turn his career at the club around.

The United star who’s been their Player of the Season so far

Given the lowly league finish last time around, it’s a surprise to no one that many United players struggled to make the desired impact at Old Trafford.

Numerous players were moved on during the summer transfer window, as Amorim looked to complete an overhaul of his first-team squad to help suit his 3-4-2-1 system.

Part of the reason behind the departures was to make room for the £200m spending spree, which allowed the likes of Mbeumo to complete their own moves to the North West.

However, some of the below-par performers did stay put at the Theatre of Dreams, with Matthijs de Ligt just one talent who the manager decided to keep hold of ahead of 2025/26.

The Dutch international was often dug out for his lack of impact last season, with former Red Devils fan favourite Paul Scholes also voicing his disappointment with the defender.

Speaking on The Overlap last season, the 50-year-old described his lack of form as a “big concern” amid his move to Manchester – but us safe to say the former Bayern Munich star has started to prove his doubters wrong.

De Ligt has started all seven of the club’s 2025/26 league games to date, featuring for every minute and helping Amorim’s men keep a clean sheet in the recent win against Sunderland.

Games played

7

Minutes played

630

Pass accuracy

88%

Duels won

6.2

Aerials won

3.6

Interceptions made

1.2

Dribble success

50%

Tackles won

2.2

His underlying stats are just as impressive, subsequently winning 6.2 duels per 90 – a tally that ranks him within the top 16% of all players in the Premier League.

He’s also won 3.6 aerial battles and made 1.2 interceptions per 90, with such numbers undoubtedly handing the side the defensive presence they lacked last season.

In possession, the 26-year-old has been just as impressive, completing 88% of the passes he’s attempted – arguably being the perfect all-round defender for the Red Devils.

Given his lack of form last campaign, and prior to joining United, it truly is a credit to the player for his remarkable turnaround, with De Ligt arguably one of the first names on the teamsheet at present.

His performances have certainly made him the club’s Player of the Season to date, with real hope that he can maintain such levels for the remainder of 2025/26.

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MLS, in partnership with EDGE Sound Research, will debut “Embodied Sound” during the Oct. 29 playoff match between LAFC and Austin FC – which also marks Son Heung-min’s first MLS postseason appearance. The technology uses real-time object tracking to isolate the soccer ball as its own audio source, letting viewers hear and feel every touch, pass, and strike with unprecedented clarity.

• Getty Images
  

  Revolutionary ball-tracking audio system

  The technology marks the first-ever use of isolated ball audio in a live soccer broadcast, offering audio engineers unprecedented control and clarity. By routing the ball's sound into a dedicated channel, the broadcast mix will deliver more precise and immersive effects, capturing the energy of each kick, post hit, and player reaction without being overwhelmed by ambient stadium noise.

  This innovation provides mixers with a clean, controllable "ball channel," enabling them to emphasize key moments in real time without affecting other ambient sounds.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  MLS's commitment to technological innovation

  EDGE Sound Research, a U.S.-based leader in multimodal audio, has collaborated closely with Major League Soccer over the past year to adapt their Virtual Sound Engine platform specifically for soccer broadcasting. The company's CEO, Valtteri Salomaki, explained that the development process involved optimizing audio-focus tools to leverage tracking data and automatically generate field effects mixes for broadcasts.

  “Over the past year, we’ve collaborated closely with Major League Soccer to adapt our Virtual Sound Engine platform supporting the automation and enhancement of broadcasting [for] soccer,”  Salomaki said as per Sportsvideo.org. “Early on, we optimized our audio-focus tools to leverage tracking data and automatically generate the field FX mix for broadcasts. 

  “As we began working in various stadiums, we quickly realized how the sheer loudness of the crowd can wash out the sounds from the field of play. That challenge led us to build a new machine-learning and DSP infrastructure that allows us to rapidly fine-tune models to specific sports sounds, such as the kick of a ball.”

• Evolution of technology

  EDGE Sound Research, a member of the MLS Innovation Lab, had previously applied earlier versions of this technology in stadium environments, including the Minnesota Twins' Target Field, where it enhanced the in-venue experience for hearing-challenged fans. The company later tested iterations of the technology at the NBA's Summer League in Las Vegas earlier this year.

  The MLS application represents a significant evolution, taking the ball-tracking capability from venue enhancement to broadcast application, with this week marking the first live production where the full Virtual Sound Engine platform will be deployed for MLS.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  MLS Innovation Lab's impact

  The audio initiative comes through the MLS Innovation Lab, which identifies, supports, and accelerates startups driving the next wave of sports technology, fan engagement, and on-field performance.

أعلن الاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم “يويفا” عن الفائز بجائزة رجل مباراة برشلونة وكلوب بروج في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

واستقبل كلوب بروج البلجيكي خصمه برشلونة الإسباني، في إطار مباريات الجولة الرابعة لمرحلة الدوري ببطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

المباراة المثيرة بين الفريقين، انتهت بالتعادل الإيجابي بثلاثة أهداف لمثلها، حيث تمكن برشلونة من العودة أمام كلوب بروج بعدما تقدم الأخير أولاً.

وتم اختيار كارلوس فوربس لاعب كلوب بروج، كأفضل لاعب في المباراة من قبل مجموعة المراقبين الفنيين بالاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم.

فوربس أحرز هدفين لصالح كلوب بروج في شباك برشلونة، وقد سجل لفريقه في الدقيقة 17 و63 من عمر اللقاء.

ويملك برشلونة في رصيده 7 نقاط، ويحتل المركز 11 في الترتيب، وكلوب بروج لديه 4 نقاط في المركز 22.

MatériaMais Notícias

Neste domingo (17), Flamengo e São Paulo disputam o jogo de ida da final da Copa do Brasil, no Maracanã. E como não poderia deixar de ser, a venda clandestina de ingressos rola livre, leve e solta nos arredores do estádio, como presenciou a reportagem do Lance!.

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Cambistas não se importam com qualquer fiscalização e agem livremente próximos aos pontos de controle de entrada no palco da decisão. O público-alvo maior é, obviamente, o torcedor flamenguista, que é o mandante e tem uma carga maior à disposição.

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O ingresso para o setor Norte do Maracanã é o que mais está disponível nas mãos dos cambistas. O preço negociado é R$ 300. Na venda oficial, esse valor variou entre R$ 100 e R$ 200 para os sócios-torcedores dependendo do nível de cada um. Já o público geral pagou R$ 400 (inteira) ou R$ 200 (meia).

Há também disponibilidade para o setor Sul do estádio, com bilhetes variando entre R$ 250 e R$ 300. Na comercialização oficial das entradas, esse ingresso variou entre R$ 175 e R$ 350 para os sócios-torcedores, enquanto o público geral pagou R$ 700 (inteira) ou R$ 350 (meia).

+ Acompanhe o tempo real pré-jogo de Flamengo x São Paulo

Na sexta-feira (15), a Secretaria Nacional do Consumidor (Senacon) notificou a CBF, o Flamengo e o São Paulo sobre os preços dos ingressos para os jogos da final da Copa do Brasil. A pasta ligada ao Ministério da Justiça entende que os “valores excessivo dos ingressos” inviabilizam participação de alguns consumidores.

Antes, o Flamengo já havia sido notificado pelo Procon-RJ por causa dos preços dos ingressos para a decisão e justificou os valores pela “oferta e demanda”.

Australia legspinner available for four matches from July 6

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Jun-2025

Adam Zampa has signed to play for Surrey in their next four Vitality Blast matches.Legspinner Zampa will arrive ahead of the double-header featuring Surrey’s women’s and men’s teams against Essex at the Kia Oval on July 6.The highest wicket-taker for Australia in T20I cricket with 117 wickets, Zampa became the first Australian to pass the 100-wickets mark in the format and was part of the teams that won the T20 World Cup in 2021 and the 50-over World Cup in 2024.His 363 T20 wickets include appearances at the IPL, Big Bash and the Hundred, where he was part of the Oval Invincibles teams which won consecutive titles in 2023 and 2024.His IPL stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad this year was cut short in mid-April when he suffered a recurrence of a shoulder injury. He played the first two games of the tournament as the Impact Sub, taking 1 for 48 and 1 for 46 but missed the next four games with soreness in his bowling arm and ultimately flew home to Australia.”I can’t wait to get going for Surrey and to play in front of the Kia Oval crowd once again,” Zampa told Surrey’s website. “It’s one of the great grounds in the world to play the game and I know how much playing for Surrey means to the lads so I’m looking forward to seeing what it’s all about.”Zampa will also play for Surrey against Gloucestershire in Bristol, then at home against Glamorgan on July 11 and Somerset two days later.Australia are in the Caribbean playing the first of three Tests against West Indies, which will be followed by a five-game T20I series starting in Kingtston on July 21.Should Surrey reach the knockout stages of the Blast, Zampa will be available for the quarter-finals and Finals Day in September.Alec Stewart, High Performance Cricket Advisor at Surrey CCC, said: “Adam Zampa is one of the finest T20 spinners in world cricket and I’m excited to welcome him to Surrey for the Vitality Blast. He brings a wealth of experience and technical skills on the pitch and great character off it.”

Weather could have a say in what has shaped up as a blockbuster finish to the Headingley Test between England and India. The early-morning forecast for Leeds is of showers in the lead up to 11am local time (3.30pm IST) start and intermittent showers through the day thereafter, which, if it does come true, could mean a stop-start flow to the day.The game is tantalisingly poised after the two teams finished on an even keel after the first-innings exchanges, India first scoring 471 and England replying with 465, just six runs between them. India have since scored 364 in their second innings, leaving England a target of 371, of which they have shaved off 21 with a day to go. And 350 runs don’t seem too many in 90 overs for a team known to score quickly, come rain or shine.”[We will] just go for the win. That’s the clear message in the changing room,” Josh Tongue, who cleaned up India’s tail in the second innings for figures of 3 for 72, said after the fourth day. “It’s just [about] being as positive as we can. They’re going to bowl well at times tomorrow. It’s just crucial we soak up that bit of pressure and reapply it. I don’t see why we can’t chase that down.”All of which, in what promises to be overcast conditions at Headingley, will likely bring Jasprit Bumrah & Co into play in a big way.”There’s definitely going to be a result,” KL Rahul, century-maker in India’s second innings, said. “That’s what England have said very openly, and their style of cricket suggests that as well. It gives us a good opportunity to pick up ten wickets. We know how they’re going to come out and bat on day five.”The wicket today was a very tricky wicket: I spent a lot of time batting there and I didn’t feel set at all at any given stage. The wicket’s taken a beating, and tomorrow might break even more… We know their style of cricket, so [we’ll] try to keep that in the back of our heads and try to see what lines and lengths we can bowl and how we can get them out.”

“He’s pretty calm and measured when he speaks, but on the field, he’s got a bit of fight about him”

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Jun-2025Shubman Gill’s leadership will combine the “intensity” of Virat Kohli and the “more laid-back” leadership of Rohit Sharma in his first series as India’s Test captain against England, according to Jos Buttler.Buttler played under Gill’s captaincy in the IPL this year, with his Gujarat Titans (GT) side qualifying for the playoffs and both men scoring more than 500 runs each in the campaign. Speaking on , his new podcast with Stuart Broad, Buttler said that Gill will be “his own man” while combining the best traits of his two predecessors.”He’s a really impressive player and an impressive young man,” Buttler said. “He’s pretty calm and measured when he speaks, but [it’s] interesting, I feel like on the field he’s got a bit of fight about him; a bit of intensity, quite passionate. I think he’ll be a mix of Kohli and Rohit.Related

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“Kohli [was] that sort of real aggressive [character], really transformed the Indian team, in your face, up for the contest. Rohit [was] a bit on the other side, a bit more laid back, very cool, calm, collected customer, but with that sort of fight. I feel like, from my time knowing Shubman so far, he’ll be a bit in the middle. He’s obviously learned from those two guys… but he’ll be very much his own man.”Buttler has spent more time in India than any other England player of his era, and said it is hard for English fans to comprehend the “stardom” of India’s best players. He predicted that one of Gill’s biggest challenges will be to ensure that he does not let the captaincy affect his batting – as happened with Buttler towards the end of his England’s white-ball captaincy.”He talked about compartmentalising batting and captaining; so when he’s batting he just wants to be a batter, and then he will try and work on his captaincy and try and separate the two roles,” Butler said. “When you’re doing such a big job as being captain of the Indian cricket team, he’ll have to try and do that well and have some good people supporting him.”I don’t think we can quite understand the level of interest and the stardom that these guys have. You see it around the IPL, you’re aware of it, but actually living that yourself… I think they say the Indian Test captain is like the third or fourth-most influential person in India, behind the Prime Minister etc. – so you really are put up on that pedestal.”It’s going to be a huge job for him. He’s obviously captained two seasons of IPL cricket, which is a big, pressurised job and he’s sort of the prince. Kohli is the king, Shubman is the prince: that’s the narrative that they spin out there, and I feel that he’s the coming man… Stepping into that No. 4, it’s big shoes, isn’t it? Coming behind Virat, and Sachin Tendulkar before that as well. That’s obviously a huge role.”India’s tour of England will begin with the first Test in Leeds from June 20.