Barcelona's next forward? Levante star ready to reject other offers to wait with La Liga champions eager to snap up Robert Lewandowski successor for bargain transfer fee

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Barcelona are reportedly interested in Levante striker Etta Eyong ahead of the 2026 summer transfer window. The Cameroonian forward, who joined Levante in August, has a €30 million release clause and is under contract until 2029. Barcelona view Eyong as a potential long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski, although the club are also considering several other attacking targets.

Eyong's asking price and Barcelona's failed attempt

According to Spanish outlet , Eyong has a €30m (£25m/$35m) release clause, but Levante may have to accept an offer as low as €15 million (£10m/$18m), with Villarreal retaining a right-to-match clause. The Cameroonian striker has also attracted interest from several clubs in Spain and England, but Barcelona are said to have the upper hand, having already agreed personal terms with the player. The Catalan club had attempted to sign him last summer but were unable to activate his release clause at the time.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportEyong's strong start to life at Levante

Eyong scored 19 goals and provided six assists last season for Villarreal B in the Primera Federacion. Despite making an impact with Villarreal’s first team during their strong start to the 2025–26 season, the club could not guarantee him a regular starting spot. As a result, he joined Levante in August, who assured him consistent playing time. Since his move, the Cameroonian striker has impressed, registering four goals and one assist in his first five games.

Potential successor to Lewandowski

Barcelona have identified Eyong as a potential replacement for Polish striker Lewandowski, who could leave the club at the end of the season amid interest from several clubs, including AC Milan. Alongside Eyong, Barcelona are also monitoring Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez and Borussia Dortmund's Serhou Guirassy as alternative options, with president Joan Laporta aiming to secure a high-profile signing next summer.

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Getty Images SportEyong's challenge for the season

Eyong will hope to maintain his strong start to the season and build on his impressive performances, with the possibility of securing his dream move to Barcelona in the summer transfer window of 2026.

Rahane rounds on KKR batters, Bravo says they've 'lost confidence'

by csb10.top Uncategorized

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane has “no complaints” with the bowlers and said that his faltering batting unit was the reason behind their fifth defeat in eight games. KKR mentor Dwayne Bravo went a step further and said the defending champions have “lost confidence.”After KKR elected to bowl, Gujarat Titans (GT) notched up 198 for 3. In reply, KKR were blown away, succumbing to a 39-run loss after finishing on 159 for 8.”I thought 199 was chasable, I thought we came back into the game really well with the ball,” Rahane told the host broadcaster after the game. “When you are chasing 199, you expect a good opening start with the batters, that’s what we are struggling [with] throughout this tournament. We bowled really well, we faltered with the batting, but we need to learn as quickly as possible and then keep going.”Related

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Bravo echoed those words in the press conference when responding to a question about Andre Russell’s returns (55 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 119.56) in IPL 2025. “We as a team didn’t bat properly. That’s just the reality. Russell isn’t the only one struggling right now. We need to keep the players mentally focused but IPL is that kind of tournament that when you don’t start well, batsmen go into a period where they’ve lost confidence. That’s what’s happening at the moment.””When Russell walks in to bat every time, the run rate is at 14-15. The work needs to be done at the top so that he has a chance to finish the game like he’s accustomed to at KKR. He’s been out to legspinners a few times but that’s not a concern. We just need to bat better so he can finish games.”1:43

Finch: Venkatesh Iyer’s lack of intent was mesmerising

KKR’s issues start right at the top. In eight games, none of their three opening partnerships have clicked regularly. Monday’s new pair in Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sunil Narine also lasted only five balls. Their openers have the worst batting average this season (19.00) and Rahane said that was one area they’ve been lagging behind in.”When you are chasing a big target, you expect a good start with your opening batters; that’s what we are looking to get better as a batting unit,” he said. “No complaints with our bowlers, I thought bowlers are doing a really good job. Game by game, they are improving a lot.”We know these conditions really well, [but] we need to bat properly, we need to bat well in the middle overs, that’s what we are struggling [with] as a batting unit.”Barring Rahane’s 36-ball 50, none of the KKR batters really stood up. Angkrish Raghuvanshi, their only other in-form batter, came in at No. 9 as an impact player, with Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Russell and Moeen Ali all pushed up ahead of him. Raghuvanshi dazzled with a few good shots but the game was all but done by then. Bravo said the batting order changes were a result of KKR chasing a left-right combination to tackle Rashid Khan and Sai Kishore.”We tried to create a left-right combination, we are a team that is blessed with quality left- and right-handers in our top order. So we tried to use that to the best of our ability, especially against a team of quality spinners. Unfortunately, Angkrish had to keep slipping down the order,” Bravo said. “When you’re chasing 200, you’re trying to maximise as much as possible and try to get in the guys who have the ability to really hit the ball in the middle.”But again, our batters are low on confidence. Normally, runs bring confidence, form brings confidence and now it’s time to be honest. The batters don’t have confidence at the moment, but the guys are preparing and practising. They are not sitting back and missing practice. We cannot fault their effort, it’s just not working out at the moment.”Rahane backed his team to come good in the next few games. “This format is always about being brave, whatever has happened in the past, you cannot think too much about it. You need to learn from your mistakes,” he said.”If you think about getting out, you will get out as a batsman. If you think about getting runs, scoring or hitting a boundary or a six, I think it’s always about that. I am sure our batters are thinking about it, it’s just a matter of time, I feel.”

Tottenham now plotting £60m opening bid for "sensational" English star

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a £60m opening bid for a “sensational” English star, who could now be open to a move to N17.

Tottenham looking to bolster attacking options despite Simons capture

Tottenham managed to get a deal for Xavi Simons over the line in the final stages of the summer transfer window, with Thomas Frank eager to bring in a new playmaker, given that James Maddison has been ruled out with an ACL injury.

However, Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard has since suggested there are some doubts over the signing of Simons, given that he was not always consistent enough in an RB Leipzig shirt due to concerns about his attitude.

Tottenham confirm takeover "interest" after Levy exit, several parties keen

There have been suggestions that ENIC could look to sell Tottenham Hotspur…

By
Dominic Lund

Sep 8, 2025

It remains to be seen whether the Dutchman can adapt to life in the Premier League, but it appears as though ENIC are pressing ahead with a move for a different attacker regardless.

According to a report from The Boy Hotspur, Tottenham are now plotting a £60m opening bid for Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers, who is capable of playing on both wings and through the middle.

Spurs are said to be implementing a more aggressive transfer strategy following the departure of Levy, and they are now planning to test Villa’s resolve, although Unai Emery’s side are probably not inclined to accept £60m, given that they value Rogers at £100m.

The English attacker could now be open to a move to north London, with Frank’s side taking more concrete action towards securing his signature than Chelsea, who have also been named as potential suitors.

"Sensational" Rogers could kickstart new era at Tottenham

While ENIC have made it clear they have no plans to sell, Levy’s departure marks the start of a new era for Tottenham, who are now expected to be more willing to spend big in the transfer market.

As such, Spurs may be able to compete for Rogers’ signature, and there is every indication he could be a fantastic acquisition, having once again performed very well for Villa last season, picking up 19 goal contributions in 37 Premier League games.

Journalist Eduardo Hagn lauded the England international as “sensational” back in April, and he also proved himself in the Champions League, picking up four goals and three assists in 12 outings.

Rogers is clearly ready to take the next big step in his career, and with Tottenham planning to be more ambitious following Levy’s exit, a move to N17 could be ideal.

Brevis wasn't out, but 'lack of awareness' cost him his wicket

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

“It was a big moment,” as Stephen Fleming put it, and CSK lost it because of their batters – Dewald Brevis and Ravindra Jadeja – not being alert enough

Ashish Pant04-May-20253:10

Brevis’ late review down to lack of game awareness?

On an evening where the contest ebbed and flowed all the way through, there was also a contentious decision, which led to a long argument in the middle at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.The incident took place on the third ball of the 17th over of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) chase of 214 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Lungi Ngidi bowled a knee-high full toss on middle and leg stump. Dewald Brevis missed, and was hit on the pad. The umpire’s finger went up in a jiffy. As per the rules, the ball became dead at that point, and the 15-second timer kicked off.However, Brevis and his partner Ravindra Jadeja, seemingly unsure of what was happening, continued running the single, and the fielder fired in a direct hit at the non-striker’s end from the point region. After a bit, Brevis chatted with Jadeja and asked for a review only to be told that the 15-second time limit had elapsed.Related

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It led to an argument with Jadeja and Brevis on one side and the on-field umpires Nitin Menon and Mohit Krishnadas on the other. Eventually, a disgruntled Brevis had to walk back for a first-ball duck. To add to CSK’s misery, replays confirmed that Ngidi’s delivery was comfortably sliding down leg and Brevis would have been saved had he taken the review on time.”Yeah, it was a big moment,” Stephen Fleming, the CSK coach said after the game. “In talking to Jaddu [Jadeja] and Brevis, there was a lot going on with running straight away. I think they saw the ball ricochet and actually went to the boundary for four. And lost in that was whether Brevis took the review in time. I don’t know the answer to that. He wasn’t sure, given that they were running at the time.”As soon as you’re given out, I understand the timer starts. There was a fair bit eaten up with the play still being completed, and whether they just ran out of time… in the umpire’s view, it did. The other part about it, because he was given out, we wouldn’t have got the runs. While we would have maintained the wicket, it certainly wouldn’t have given us the five runs, which would have been nice.”But it’s a big moment in a big game. There was twists and turns all the way through.”According to the IPL 2025 playing conditions, “The total time elapsed between the ball becoming dead and the review request being made shall be no more than 15 seconds. If the on-field umpires believe that a request has not been made within the 15-second time limit, they shall decline the request for a player review.”Dewald Brevis is struck high on the pads off a Lungi Ngidi full toss•BCCI

ESPNcricinfo’s match experts felt that it was a case of “lack of awareness” on Brevis and Jadeja’s part.”Why are you saving your reviews? Do you cash those in? Do you get some money at the end of the game?” Danny Morrison said on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out show, while suggesting that it was a “mistake” from Brevis and Jadeja to not go for the review right away.Piyush Chawla had a similar view, especially with Brevis being an in-form batter.”You don’t need to discuss. Three-and-a-half overs left, two reviews remaining, you could have gone for the review straightaway,” he said. “When you are batting, with the angles, as a batter you also know it might slide [down the leg side] because of the rule sometimes when it hits directly onto your pads, from there they take it straight with the tracker.”Brevis had scores of 42 and 32 in two innings coming into the game. When he fell, CSK required 42 off 21 balls, but they fell short by two runs in a tense finish.

Ice-man Avesh holds his nerve as LSG edge past RR in last-over classic

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Needing to defend eight off the final over, Avesh nailed yorker after yorker to concede only six runs in the 20th over

Shashank Kishore19-Apr-20251:57

What could have RR done differently in their chase?

For the second game in a row, Rajasthan Royals (RR) stumbled in a seemingly straightforward chase, unable to score nine off the final over. In Jaipur on Saturday night, Avesh Khan’s ice-cool death bowling turned a cruise into chaos, as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) snatched victory from under RR’s nose.Up until 17 overs of their chase, RR seemed set to break their three-match losing streak. But with 25 needed off 18, Avesh got his execution dead right in a double-wicket over that went for just five. He first dismissed a well-set Yashasvi Jaiswal for 74 when he backed away to scythe a yorker-length delivery behind point. Then, four balls later, Riyan Parag’s attempt to play a cheeky scoop to a full ball that reversed in to strike his toe caught him plumb in front.RR went into panic mode, and stumbled at the finish line as LSG celebrated a jailbreak that didn’t seem possible.The last-over dramaFour nights ago in Delhi, RR failed to knock off the two runs they needed off the final ball. Here, they needed four. Shubham Dubey had just been dropped off the previous delivery by David Miller at long-on. This was his shot at redemption, but Avesh stuck his left arm out on his follow-through to stop a straight hit.But there was more to the final over than just those last two deliveries.

With RR needing eight off five, Shimron Hetmyer swung wildly to get a thick outside edge to third where Shardul Thakur fumbled to concede a second that wasn’t on. Thakur was immediately sent off to square leg because of the misfield. And guess what happened next?Hetmyer played a powerful flick to an attempted leg-stump yorker to a waiting Thakur at backward square-leg.Avesh then nailed a pin-point yorker off the fourth ball before the Miller drama and his own nifty effort off the final ball to seal an improbable win.The thrill before the spillThe spark came early, and it came young when Vaibhav Suryavanshi, all of 14 years and 23 days, strode out for his debut as the youngest player in IPL history when he was brought in as an Impact Player for their 181 chase. And the moment didn’t faze him one bit.Early impressions are that Suryavanshi is fearless. How else can you show that kind of audacity, where you make room and pummel your first ball in the IPL for six over cover? Thakur couldn’t believe it, clearly.Related

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Surely that was a one-off. Maybe it was nervous tension. Nope. His second attempt, off just his third ball, was even more audacious. He cleared his front leg, exposing all three stumps, and bludgeoned a six down the ground off Avesh.Fifth ball, there was even more drama. Avesh thought he’d done enough by banging in a short ball that Suryavanshi top edged. Prince Yadav, running back from midwicket, ended up dropping it and Ravi Bishnoi parried the ball to the boundary.Rishabh Pant quickly brought on his trump card, Digvesh Rathi, hoping the youngster would swing at one blindly. Suryavanshi showed smarts in playing him out. But before long, he climbed into Rathi, muscling him for a six over deep midwicket an over after hitting Bishnoi straight down the ground.But on 34, Suryavanshi was deceived in flight by Aiden Markram, who was operating because the accomplished bowlers had been taken to the cleaners by Suryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who put on 85 off just 8.3 overs. He got one to turn sharply to beat a lunging Suryavanshi. His back foot was in the air, and Pant whipped the bails off.The Suryavanshi show was over, but not before he had left viewers asking for more.Jaiswal soon raised a half-century off just 31 balls – his fourth half-century in five innings – and seemed set to see the chase through. His picking of lengths against spin was impeccable, until one grave mistake gave LSG an opening they burst through.

Samad turns heroTheir bowlers may have given LSG the win, but Abdul Samad’s contribution – an unbeaten 10-ball 30 – was as important.LSG were 54 for 3 when Pant fell cheaply and Samad was held back for him to be able to maximise damage in the end overs along with Miller. This meant LSG summoned Ayush Badoni as their Impact Player to stabilise the innings, replacing Mitchell Marsh.The consequence of this move was that they couldn’t bring in Mayank Yadav, listed as one of the Impact Subs, even if they had him in their plans.Badoni repaid the faith, scoring 50 in 34, to repair the innings with Markram, who top-scored with 66. But it was truly Samad’s pyrotechnics in the end that lifted a floundering innings.Holding his shape and picking deliveries out of Sandeep Sharma’s hand, Samad picked his arc between deep squares and deep midwicket to pummel four sixes in a 27-run final over that gave LSG momentum.In terms of overall contribution, this was worth its weight in gold, one that combined with Avesh’s to strengthen LSG’s position in the top four – all with ten points.

More exciting than Simons: Spurs chasing "one of the best LWs in the world"

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

Thomas Frank must be wondering what the fuss is all about. Managing Tottenham Hotspur isn’t that tricky, is it? Think again.

Spurs kicked off their Premier League campaign with back-to-back wins over Burnley and Manchester City. They even led PSG 2-0 in the UEFA Super Cup. However, a mini crisis is always around the corner at Spurs.

While crisis may be pushing it a bit, their 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday did raise some alarm bells. The Cherries managed 20 shots. Spurs managed just five and failed to create a single big chance.

Well, the arrival of Xavi Simons should certainly help in that regard, but is there more to come for the Lilywhites? Quite possibly.

Spurs transfer deadline day plans

If there’s one area that Spurs could recruit in during the dying hours of the transfer window, it’s in attack where you sense some quality is still left to be found.

A number of players, including Ademola Lookman and Savinho have been touted, with both players hoping to move before the window slams shut.

Savinho, in particular, is pushing for a move to north London and has been left frustrated by Manchester City’s stance this summer.

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

Well, it would appear an alternative has been lined up. According to The Independent this Sunday, one player Spurs are said to be ‘looking’ at is AC Milan winger Rafael Leao.

The report states that Spurs would ‘prefer’ to sign a winger before 7pm on Monday, although a move for Leao is seen as a difficult one to do at this moment in time.

AC Milan's RafaelLeaobefore the match

Why Leao is as exciting as Simons

After James Maddison suffered an ACL injury it was imperative that Spurs went out and signed another no.10.

They failed with their pursuit of Eberechi Eze but it matters no more as far as Frank and Co are concerned. Simons is now a Spurs player.

He was unveiled in front of Tottenham supporters prior to the defeat to Bournemouth and he must have been wishing he was on the field to help his new teammates.

Help is exactly what he’ll provide, specifically from a creative point of view. He’s also a goalscorer and could transform this Spurs attack.

In 2024/25, the former Leipzig man scored 11 goals and supplied eight assists. The campaign prior, the young Dutchman was even better, netting ten times and registering 15 assists.

Games

25

Goals & assists

17

Pass accuracy

83%

Chances created

2.2

Successful dribbles

1.4

Tackles won

75%

Duels won

5.7

Yet, Leao, who has been causing chaos for Champions League defences in recent years, would be an even more exciting addition.

The primary reason is that, in the words of data analyst Ben Mattinson, he is “one of the best left wingers in the world”.

Why is that the case? Well, back in 2022, Milan coach Stefano Pioli said: “Leao reminds me a lot of the early Thierry Henry, who started wide then came inside.”

It’s safe to say he’s one of the most captivating forwards in the world, something backed up by the numbers. In 2024/25, the Portuguese winger scored 12 times and also provided 13 assists in all competitions. One year prior, the electric speedster scored 15 and managed 14 assists.

He’s a duel threat packed with speed, chaos and energy. He’s like a younger Heung-min Son in that sense.

Over the last year, the 26-year-old ranks inside the top 4% of wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for successful take-ons. He’s so lively and that ability to beat a player and get in behind a backline will be game-changing alongside Simons.

AC Milan's RafaelLeaocelebrates scoring their first goal

The Netherlands international is a superb pick-up for Spurs but Leao is a true game-changer. He’s been renowned as one of the best wingers in European football for a number of years now and would be the maverick forward Frank needs to really push on domestically and on the continent this season.

Simons will love him: £69m star wants to seal deadline day move to Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur could conclude a late deal after bringing Xavi Simons to the club.

2 ByMatt Dawson Aug 31, 2025

Celtic signing who Rodgers has snubbed sends cryptic social media message

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Celtic are back from the international break and find themselves preparing for a tough run of fixtures, including the start of their Europa League campaign under Brendan Rodgers.

The Irishman has spoken in frank fashion about the frustration he faced during the summer transfer window, claiming his side ‘weren’t ready’ for their Champions League playoff match against Kairat Almaty after the Parkhead hierarchy failed to push critical deals over the line.

Not Nygren: Rodgers must bench Celtic flop to hand new signing a debut

Brendan Rodgers must drop this Celtic lightweight to unleash one of his new signings.

By
Dan Emery

Sep 14, 2025

Nevertheless, the Bhoys brought in ten new players by the end of the market period before Kelechi Iheanacho was released from his Sevilla contract to sign as a free agent.

However, the lack of synergy between the Celtic board and Rodgers has been on show for all to see, and one of his lesser-spotted summer signings has now sent an intriguing social media message that may explain his own situation in a little more detail.

Celtic loanee Jahmai Simpson-Pusey sends cryptic Instagram message

Taking to Instagram, Celtic summer signing Jahmai Simpson-Pusey changed his profile picture on the platform to reflect a message that said ‘Delays teach patience, which prepares you for blessings’ after failing to make a first-team appearance since arriving on loan from Manchester City.

Becoming the Hoops’ eighth addition of the window, the 19-year-old has also been left out of the Bhoys’ Europa League squad by Rodgers alongside Callum Osmand, Shin Yamada and Hayato Inamura, causing some to question why he was acquired in the first place.

For now, Lennoxtown product Dane Murray appears to be ahead of Simpson-Pusey in the pecking order and is usually first in line to come off the bench when Rodgers decides to shuffle his backline around.

Regardless, there is a long season ahead for the reigning Scottish Premiership champions, and there is every chance that the England youth international could have a part to play as his loan club pursue another domestic treble.

What has Brendan Rodgers said about Jahmai Simpson-Pusey?

Shortly after his arrival in Glasgow was confirmed, Rodgers admitted to the press before his side defeated Aberdeen in August that Simpson-Pusey may be some way off featuring regularly due to his lack of a full-intensity pre-season.

He stated via Sky Sports: “He’s a little bit away in fairness to Jahmai. He’s been training with the small group at Manchester City and isn’t quite up to speed yet. You can see his quality straightaway and it’s just going to take a bit of time in terms of his fitness and the intensity.”

Clearly, Simpson-Pusey is a man with plenty of talent, given he claimed the Premier League 2 Player of the Season award last term and also made six appearances in the first-team under Pep Guardiola.

Now, he faces the challenge of nailing down a regular slot in Celtic’s backline, which may require persistence as the Manchester-born man looks to unseat the likes of Liam Scales, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty over the coming months.

It's not Kudus: Spurs sensation could become their best forward since Kane

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

Tottenham Hotspur’s ability to pull top-level talent in the transfer market has been reflected by their move to land Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United this summer.

The Ghanaian has been a key threat in the Premier League over the last couple of years, scoring 13 times in his two seasons across the capital with the Hammers.

Before moving to join the Lilywhites, the 25-year-old was on the radar of the likes of Chelsea and Bayern Munich – but decided in favour of a move to join Thomas Frank’s men.

He’s already made an immediate impact with his new side, registering two assists in his first four Premier League outings – the most of any player in the first-team squad.

Whilst it’s still early days for Kudus in his career in North London, he has already adhered himself to the fanbase – potentially benefitting from one player’s talents had the board kept hold of him.

Harry Kane’s record-breaking spell as a Spurs player

No Spurs fan would have ever expected Harry Kane to have had the impact he did in North London after making his senior debut for the club as a youngster back in August 2011.

He would have to wait three years for his first start, but once he forced himself into Mauricio Pochettino’s plans, there was no looking back for the former academy star.

Fast-forward to the present day, the 32-year-old managed to rack up 280 goals for the Lilywhites in his 435 appearances – scoring over 30 goals in 50% of his decade-long spell in the first-team.

Such a record makes him the club’s highest-ever goalscorer, whilst also sitting second in the Premier League’s all-time scoring chart – with only Alan Shearer scoring more at present.

However, despite his phenomenal nouse for scoring goals, he was unable to catapult the Lilywhites to any silverware, which led to his transfer to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023 for £82m.

Since joining the Bundesliga outfit, the Englishman has netted 93 goals in his 102 outings, further highlighting his talent in attacking areas – undoubtedly going down as one of the best English forwards in football history.

His move away from North London has left a huge void over the last couple of seasons, with new boss Frank hoping that one player can step up to the plate over the next couple of campaigns.

The Spurs player who could be their best forward since Kane

Whilst Kane was more often the man to finish off chances for Spurs, he also struck up an incredible partnership with Heung-min Son in the final third over countless years.

The Englishman and the South Korean linked up for 47 Premier League goals throughout their time together, sitting at the top for the most goals created by a single two-player partnership in Premier League history.

However, the latter of the pair also departed the Lilywhites this summer, joining LAFC in a £20m transfer – leaving yet another huge hole for Frank to fill in his first year at the helm.

As a result, the hierarchy delved into the transfer market and completed the £52m signing of forward Xavi Simons from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.

The 22-year-old can either operate in a central role behind the striker or off the left-hand side, subsequently offering the Dane a versatile option within attacking areas.

The Dutchman has arrived in England with huge expectations, and understandably so given his record in Germany last campaign, with the youngster registering 19 goal contributions in just 33 outings.

Whilst he’s yet to notch his first goal for the Lilywhites, he’s already caught the eye in his first two outings – even registering an assist for Pape Matar Sarr in the 3-0 triumph over West Ham United last weekend.

Simons, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one analyst, has already racked up over 160 senior appearances despite his tender age, with his underlying stats from his first handful of Spurs games already catching the eye.

The Dutchman has already created three chances in his first two outings – the most of any Lilywhites player in that time – showcasing the creative spark he possesses despite his youthful age.

Games played

2

Minutes played

148

Assists

1

Shots taken

3

Pass accuracy

80%

Successful passes

52

Chances created

3

Dribble success

75%

Dribbles completed

4

Fouls won

3

He’s also completed 75% of the dribbles he’s attempted, whilst winning three fouls – tallies which highlight the danger he has already caused to the opposition during his bedding-in period.

Simons’ tally of 1.5 shots per 90 also highlights he’s more than capable of going alone when needed, but he just needs his first goal in English football to help kickstart his spell under Frank.

£52m may appear to be a mammoth investment by the board, but it’s one that could be worthwhile if he can continue producing the calibre of performances he has in the early stages of his Spurs career.

Given the levels produced by Kane in North London, he certainly has a long way to go before getting near his cult hero status, but there’s no disputing he has bags of time on his hands.

If he can carry on his superb start in England, there’s no reason why he can’t be the club’s best attacker since the English international – potentially able to write a new history for the side under Frank’s guidance.

Spurs flop was prematurely sold by Conte, now he's outperforming Kudus

One former Tottenham Hotspur star has recaptured his best form after leaving the club under Antonio Conte.

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Kent fold on fourth morning as Derbyshire maintain top-two form

by csb10.top Uncategorized

Luis Reece led Derbyshire’s victory charge as they rolled over Kent before lunch on the final day of the Rothesay County Championship Division Two match at Derby. The allrounder picked up two wickets to claim outstanding figures of 3 for 21 from 10 overs with Derbyshire beating the visitors by an innings and 14 runsAfter Zak Chappell struck with the first ball of the day, Kent folded in feeble fashion, losing four wickets in eight overs, to slump to 247 for 9, the injured Jake Ball unable to bat.It was Derbyshire’s second win of the season which takes them above Glamorgan to second in the table while Kent have now lost four matches in a row.Kent’s slide to another defeat started when Tawanda Muyeye was caught behind taking on a short ball from Chappell. Muyeye clearly thought it had come off his shoulder but given his side were still 104 runs behind with three wickets already down, it was not a great shot for the situation.That was a straightforward catch for Brooke Guest but the wicketkeeper took a much sharper one five overs later standing up to Luis Reece when Chris Benjamin pushed forward and edged into his gloves.Kent’s hopes of at least frustrating Derbyshire now rested with Jack Leaning and Harry Finch but the pair were quickly parted with Reece celebrating a second success of the morning. Leaning failed to get over a drive and substitute fielder Nick Potts took a good tumbling catch diving forward at deep mid-off.Derbyshire were now all over the visitors and in the next over, Finch went to turn Anuj Dal off his legs but the ball came off his thigh pad and onto the stumps.Matt Parkinson had resisted well as nightwatcher in the first innings but this time he lasted only seven balls before he went half forward to Jack Morley and was lbw. Grant Stewart struck some muscular blows , pulling Pat Brown for six, but the end came 15 minutes before the interval when he sliced the fast bowler to third man where Potts pulled off a superb diving catch.

"Outstanding" Newcastle star is now on borrowed time because of Elanga

by rastrear-estafeta.com Uncategorized

Newcastle United entered this season with big expectations following their Champions League qualification, and after summers of frustration in the market, the club finally spent heavily in the summer.

Competing on multiple fronts requires options, and this recruitment drive ensured Howe could rotate while maintaining quality.

The need was particularly pressing in attack, where Newcastle have struggled to click in the early stages of the season.

They currently rank among the bottom clubs in expected goals across the Premier League.

Yet, their 4-0 win over Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League showed a glimpse of what this new-look attack could produce.

It was their first win of the European campaign and their biggest-ever victory in the competition, giving fans a reason to believe their forwards were beginning to gel – Anthony Elanga, in particular

Elanga's performance vs Saint-Gilloise

When Newcastle splashed £55 million on Elanga in the summer, eyebrows were raised.

The 23-year-old winger had been seen as a bright spark at Manchester United’s academy before joining Nottingham Forest in 2023.

Last season, he impressed with six goals and 11 assists across 38 appearances.

For all his promise, critics questioned whether he could justify his price tag at a club with Newcastle’s ambitions.

Howe, however, has been steadfast in his backing of Elanga, stressing that adaptation takes time.

That patience looked to pay off in the Champions League win over Union Saint-Gilloise.

Elanga was electric down the flank, winning a penalty and constantly driving at defenders. His pace, directness, and ability to stretch the pitch gave Newcastle’s attack a dimension it had been lacking.

He was named man of the match, and while there remains plenty of room for improvement, his performance offered a glimpse into why Howe views him as central to Newcastle’s long-term project.

His stats underline his impact that night.

7.8km distance covered, 13 sprints, and 54 touches, as per Sofascore.

With 30 passes completed at 83% accuracy, he also created a big chance and won his team valuable territory with his relentless running.

These are numbers that show not just effort, but the effectiveness of a player starting to find his rhythm.

Newcastle’s attack may still be bedding in, but Elanga’s contribution suggests he is the man for the future.

The biggest loser from Elanga's rise at Newcastle

While Elanga’s arrival signals promise, it also leaves question marks for one of Newcastle’s longest-serving wingers.

Jacob Murphy, the 30-year-old boyhood Newcastle fan, has been with the club since 2017 after joining from Norwich City.

Over his eight years at St James’ Park, he has made 224 appearances, scored 21 goals, and provided 36 assists.

Murphy’s best campaign came last season, where he registered 12 assists, many of them coming from his productive link-up with Alexander Isak.

Throughout the season, he received much acclaim — including from Craig Bellamy, who said he was an “outstanding professional.”

Matches

35

Goals

8

Assists

12

Progressive Carries

79

Progressive Passes

83

His ability to deliver crosses into dangerous areas was a huge part of Newcastle’s attacking arsenal, particularly in transition.

He ranked in the 99th percentile for assists per 90 (0.50) and the 84th percentile for crosses per 90 (4.99).

Isak’s struggles to adapt to life at Liverpool only reiterate how important Murphy was for both him and the side as a whole.

But football moves fast, and with Newcastle targeting Champions League success and looking to the future, Murphy’s role has already started to diminish.

Elanga has shown flashes of why Howe is building around him, and with competition for wide positions fiercer than ever, Murphy risks finding himself limited to a rotational role.

While his work rate and loyalty are beyond question, the brutal reality is that Howe is assembling a squad to challenge on multiple fronts, and sentimental ties are unlikely to outweigh tactical needs.

Murphy remains an experienced option from the bench, but the trajectory suggests that Elanga’s emergence will increasingly push him out of the starting XI.

For a boyhood fan who has lived the highs and lows of Newcastle’s resurgence, it’s a tough reality.

Yet his journey highlights the cutthroat nature of football where loyalty and service are often overshadowed by the relentless pursuit of progress.

Not Bruno & Tonali: Newcastle "monster" looks like one of PIFs best signings

Newcastle have been wise in the transfer market since their momentous club takeover in 2021.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 3, 2025

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