All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Leeds United have also shared the news of an injury blow to a “key” star after getting knocked out of the EFL Cup to Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday evening.

Leeds knocked out of EFL Cup with embarrassing Sheffield Wednesday defeat

Daniel Farke said he was embarrassed and apologised to Leeds fans after his side crashed out of the EFL Cup on penalties. Against an extremely young Owls side, the Whites fielded a strong side and required Jayden Bogle to cancel out goalkeeper Karl Darlow’s second-half own goal to take the tie to penalties.

However, misses from Joel Piroe, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Sean Longstaff saw the Whites lose 3-0 in the shootout. Talking after the game, Farke said:

“We have to take all of the criticism and we are self-critical because out of all the chances we should put four or five goals to bed. It’s always a bit annoying and you feel a bit embarrassed as a Premier League side, but we have been involved in so many games on this level, especially in the cup – this is why there are so many surprises and shock results.

“Even the team in the lower league can win such a game. Today was one of those days and congratulations to Sheffield Wednesday.”

When asked for his message to Leeds fans, Farke said: “You can feel for them. We’re sorry anyhow. We feel a bit embarrassed that we don’t go through in such a game. We can just say ‘sorry’ because they made the trip and wanted to celebrate.”

Leeds signings

From

Fee

Noah Okafor

AC Milan

£18m

Anton Stach

Hoffenheim

£17.4m

Jaka Bijol

Udinese

£15m

Lucas Perri

Lyon

£13.9m

Sean Longstaff

Newcastle

£12m

Gabriel Gudmundsson

Lille

£10m

James Justin

Leicester City

£10m

Sebastiaan Bornauw

Wolfsburg

£5m

Lukas Nmecha

Wolfsburg

Free

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Everton

Free

Farke reveals injury to Leeds star Tanaka

Missing from the defeat at Hillsborough was midfielder Ao Tanaka. The Japan international was replaced in the 5-0 defeat at the Emirates on Saturday and, like Ethan Ampadu, has suffered an MCL injury and will be out for weeks. When asked about Tanaka’s injury, Farke said:

Tanaka starred in the opening day win over Everton and has been a vital player for Leeds since joining from Fortuna Dusseldorf last summer for just £3m.

However, with both Ampadu and Tanaka sidelined for the foreseeable, Farke will have to rely on Longstaff, Anton Stach and Ilia Gruev, or look to bring in another midfielder before the transfer deadline.

Celtic’s lack of top-end attacking talent was made abundantly clear in their biggest game of the season.

On Wednesday night, the Hoops were held to a dire goalless draw by Kairat at Parkhead in the first leg of their Champions League play-off, having just three shots on target all night and mustering a solitary big chance.

Thus, next Tuesday evening, Brendan Rodgers’ side must win in Kazakhstan, something the Celts have never previously achieved in three attempts, losing two of them, to book their place in the Champions League league phase.

Raucous chants of ‘sack the board’ could be heard throughout the second half of Wednesday’s, potentially disastrous, draw, with supporters frustrated by the club’s lack of spending, but could that be about to change?

Celtic's lack of attacking options

For the crucial mid-week tie against Kairat, Rodgers deployed a front three of Daizen Maeda, Adam Idah, and James Forrest.

After a less-than-productive first half, Idah was hooked at the interval, with Maeda deployed down the middle, and Yang Hyun-Jun was introduced.

Within seconds of the restart, Yang found Forrest, who forced Aleksandr Zarutskiy into a very smart save down to his left, but this was followed by little else, with unproven summer signing Shin Yamada thrown on towards the end, but this merely underlined Rodgers’ lack of proven options in forward areas.

As they seek to address this, according to Dutch outlet Voetbal International, as relayed by Daily Record, Celtic have been told the fee they’ll need to pay to secure the signature of Calvin Stengs.

They claim that Feyenoord are ‘willing to cooperate in a sale’ for a player whom they value at £5.1m, but it remains to be seen whether or not the Premiership champions are willing to pay the asking price at this moment in time.

55 years ago, Celtic and Feyenoord met in the European Cup Final at San Siro, but just six men have represented both clubs, namely Colin Kazim-Richards, Regi Blinker, John Guidetti, Glenn Loovens, Pierre van Hooijdonk and, of course, the king of kings himself Henrik Larsson, so could Stengs add his name to that list?

What Calvin Stengs would bring to Celtic

Stengs joined AZ Alkmaar as an 11-year-old, and his senior breakthrough came while representing the Cheese Farmers, scoring 24 goals and registering 22 assists in 113 appearances for AZ, with five of these goals coming in Europe.

This earned him an £8.6m move to Nice in the summer of 2021, but he made almost no impact on the French Riviera, scoring just a solitary goal during his one season with the Ligue 1 outfit.

After a decent campaign on loan at Royal Antwerp, scoring three goals but racking up nine assists in Belgium, he returned to the Netherlands by joining Feyenoord, thereby reuniting with Arne Slot, who’d previously been his manager in Alkmaar.

As the table below outlines, Stengs certainly produced impressive statistics during his first Eredivisie season in Rotterdam.

Minutes

2,095

113th

Goals

6

40th

Assists

12

3rd

Expected assists

8.6

3rd

Shots

44

47th

Key passes

71

2nd

Shot-creating actions

129

6th

Goal-creating actions

17

6th

Big chances created

13

6th

Accurate final 3rd passes

397

14th

Average SofaScore rating

7.51

7th

As the table documents, despite somewhat limited minutes, Stengs was one of the chief creators in the Eredivisie, ending up third for assists, while also ranking highly for expected assists, key passes, shot-creating actions, and big chances created.

The highlight of his Feyenoord career actually came against Celtic, marking his Champions League debut by scoring this long-range free kick at De Kuip, one that Joe Hart believes he should’ve kept out.

Last season, however, things did not go to plan for Stengs, seeing a miserly 797 minutes of action due to knee, hamstring and ankle issues, starting just eight matches across all competitions.

To commence the new campaign, the 26-year-old has been an unused substitute for all four of Feyenoord’s fixtures, including both legs of their Champions League qualifying exit at the hands of Fenerbahçe, as manager Robin van Persie seemingly prepares for the winger’s departure.

Nevertheless, he is still a highly-rated talent.

Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labels him a “flamboyant winger”, praising his pace, dribbling ability, and creativity, while Nils Mackay of Opta adds that he is a “serious talent”.

Stengs is certainly a versatile player, predominantly deployed as an attacking midfielder during his time with Feyenoord, having made a name for himself as a right-winger at AZ, earning all eight of his senior Netherlands caps in that position out wide too, most recently bagging a hat-trick against Gibraltar at Estádio Algarve.

Following the sale of Nicolas Kühn, the aforementioned Forrest is currently Celtic’s starter wide-right but, at 34 years old, having scored just one goal last season, the club legend is no longer the elite-level difference-maker he once was.

Thus, there is a clear spot up for grabs, one that Stengs could come in and make his own, and all available evidence suggests he would be an excellent addition, which would result in Forrest dropping down to the bench after he started the last two games in the Premiership and the Champions League on the right flank.

Idah upgrade: Rodgers would love Celtic to sign "world class" star for free

As Adam Idah continues to find Celtic goals hard to come by, Brendan Rodgers would love to sign a “world class” striker available on a free transfer.

ByBen Gray Aug 19, 2025

For Newcastle United, strikers have always been at the heart of the club’s identity.

From Alan Shearer’s record-breaking heroics to the short but sparkling spells of players like Demba Ba and Papiss Cissé, Newcastle’s frontmen have shaped eras on Tyneside.

Shearer is the undisputed benchmark, a local hero who scored 206 goals for the club and remains the Premier League’s all-time top scorer. But Newcastle’s striker lineage is full of memorable names.

Ba’s 29 Premier League goals earned him a big move to Chelsea, Cissé’s wonder strikes helped fire the Magpies to fifth under Alan Pardew, and Ayoze Pérez developed from a Tenerife prospect into a Premier League regular.

Even Salomón Rondón, who spent just a single season on loan, left an impression with his strength and work rate, although Mike Ashley’s refusal to sanction a permanent deal frustrated supporters.

Yet the hunt for a true successor to Shearer’s crown has often defined Newcastle’s modern history. In the recent past, one player in particular has carried the burden of comparison: Alexander Isak.

How Isak compares to Shearer's start

When Shearer arrived at Newcastle for £15m in 1996, he did so as the most expensive player in the world.

Shearer was the archetypal English centre-forward. Powerful, commanding in the air, and unerringly ruthless in front of goal.

He embodied grit and consistency, traits that made him one of the most revered strikers in football history.

Isak, meanwhile, represents a new generation. His acrimonious transfer to Liverpool in 2025 for a British-record £125m confirmed his status as one of the continent’s top forwards.

Signed from Real Sociedad in 2022, the Swedish striker gave Newcastle exactly what they had been missing: goals at the highest level.

In just 109 appearances, he scored 62 times and provided 11 assists, his efficiency and composure drawing attention from Europe’s elite.

That included 54 goals across his three Premier League campaigns at St James’. For context, Shearer’s first three seasons at the club – albeit while impacted by injury in 1997/98 – yielded only 41 league goals.

Isak somewhat differs from Shearer in style, however. Where Shearer bulldozed through defenders and imposed himself physically, Isak glided past opponents with skill, pace, and creativity.

He was as comfortable linking play outside the box as he was finishing inside it.

His 23 league goals last season helped Eddie Howe’s side to reach the Champions League last season, stretching defences and creating space for teammates such as Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy along the way.

Like Shearer, Isak thrived under pressure, scoring in big games and shouldering the weight of expectation from a fanbase that reveres its strikers.

Though his time on Tyneside was shorter than his predecessor, Isak proved that Newcastle could still nurture world-class forwards capable of defining an era. Could there have been another player of Shearer-ilk lost along the way, however?

Aleksandar Mitrovic was meant to be Shearer 2.0

Before Isak, it was Aleksandar Mitrović who was one of many players tipped as Newcastle’s long-term number nine.

Signed from Anderlecht in 2015 for £13m, the Serbian striker arrived with raw potential and a reputation for physical dominance.

Matches Played

59

Starts

33

Goals

13

Assists

10

Shots on Target

49

At the time, manager John Carver was bold in his assessment:

Stylistically, the comparison made sense.

Mitrović, like Shearer, thrived on aerial duels, physical presence, and link-up play. But while Shearer channelled his aggression into goals, Mitrović often let his emotions boil over.

The Serbian received two red cards in black and white. It was only after leaving St James’ Park that Mitrović truly blossomed.

At Fulham, he became one of the Championship’s most feared strikers, scoring 111 goals in 206 appearances and breaking the all-time record for goals in a single season with 46.

He dragged Fulham back into the Premier League, becoming a cult hero at Craven Cottage.

His career then took him abroad. At Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, he scored 68 goals in just 79 appearances, forming a lethal partnership with Serbia teammate Sergej Milinković-Savić.

In 2025, he moved again, this time to Qatar Stars League side Al Rayyan, where he hopes to continue delivering elite numbers.

Mitrović may not have fulfilled the Shearer prophecy at Newcastle, but his career proves he was always capable of being a prolific scorer.

He simply needed the right environment to thrive.

Newcastle may have an Ekitike & Isak hybrid in "absolutely ridiculous" star

Newcastle have quietly enjoyed a successful transfer window, even with the late sale of Isak to Liverpool.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Sep 5, 2025

Unlike the team he inherited over five years ago, Mikel Arteta could point to a number of world-class players in his Arsenal squad.

From the centre-back partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães to the likes of Declan Rice and potentially Martin Zubimendi, this team is full of talent.

However, when it comes to the most essential player in the North Londoners’ squad, it’s impossible to look past Bukayo Saka.

At just 24 years old, the talismanic winger has already made 265 appearances for the side, in which he’s scored 71 goals and provided 71 assists.

Moreover, it appears that the club have already got another version of him coming up through the ranks, and despite his unreal performances over the last week, we are not talking about Noni Madueke.

How Madueke is impressing fans already

While we do not think Madueke is going to be Arsenal’s next Saka-esque star, that doesn’t mean we think he’s not going to be a success for the club.

After all, the last couple of weeks have more than shown the kind of impact he can have both at club and international level.

For example, even though he didn’t score at Anfield, the former Chelsea ace was undoubtedly the Gunners’ best attacker on the day, completing 100% of his dribbles, registering a shot on target and taking 29 touches on a day when both teams struggled for chances.

Then, over the last week, he has proven that he’s one of England’s most effective wingers by forcing an own goal against Andorra and scoring his first international goal against Serbia.

In all, the former Chelsea ace looks like a player ready to explode and play a crucial role in Arsenal’s title charge this season.

Yet, he’s still not the closest thing the club have to their next Saka, that accolade belongs to another star in the making.

Arsenal's next Saka

Some may point to Ethan Nwaneri as being the closest thing Arsenal have to another Saka in the side, and while that makes sense, it looks like he will be spending far more time in the middle of the park this season.

Chalkboard

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

Instead, the youngster who looks set to battle it out with Madueke on the right is Max Dowman, and, for our money, he is the closest thing Arteta has to another Saka-esque star.

For example, unlike the former Chelsea ace, the teenage sensation is another product of the incredible Hale End academy, and therefore has that bit more of a connection to the team.

Moreover, despite being so young, he has already made himself impossible to ignore.

For example, even though there was talk of easing him in slowly this season, the manager has already given him his Premier League debut and given him minutes away to Liverpool.

Not only that, but he’s also been included in the club’s Champions League squad, and should he get any minutes before the turn of the year, he’ll become the youngest player in the competition’s history.

It also looks like he’s going to share the trait of being constantly fouled with Saka, as thanks to his incredible control of the ball and impressive agility, opposing players often have no option but to bring the youngster down.

We saw this in the pre-season friendly against Newcastle United and then in the league against Leeds United, where his quick movement won a spot kick for the side.

Finally, just as the Gunners’ mercurial number seven has become an output machine for them in recent seasons, the “insane” 15-year-old, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, looks like he could follow the same path.

Appearances

23

Minutes

1945′

Goals

19

Assists

5

Goal Involvements per Match

1.04

Minutes per Goal Involvement

81.04′

For example, in just 23 appearances last season, totalling 1945 minutes, he scored 19 goals and provided five assists, which comes out to an average of 1.04 goal involvements per match, or one every 81.04 minutes.

Ultimately, Saka is a world-class star, and while it is still early in his career, everything we have seen and know about Dowman suggests he has the potential to become world-class in time.

Their homegrown Isak: Arsenal may regret selling "special" Hale Ender

The talented goalscorer could have become something really special at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 10, 2025

When it rains, it pours, at least that seems to be the case with Chelsea.

In his pre-match press conference yesterday, Enzo Maresca confirmed that, in addition to the players already out injured, Cole Palmer would not play again until after the international break, and both Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo are out of contention.

However, even with these injuries, the Blues still have the talent to get a result against Brighton & Hove Albion this afternoon.

To ensure the team has the best chance of securing all three points, Maresca must make a few changes outside of just the defence, such as dropping Jamie Gittens and Enzo Fernández.

Why Maresca must drop Gittens & Fernandez

Starting with Gittens, the reason Maresca has to take him out of the lineup for today’s game is straightforward: he’s currently offering nothing in attack nor defence.

Chalkboard

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

The former Borussia Dortmund gem might well have a high ceiling and a bright future ahead of him, but as things stand, we have yet to see any of the dynamic attacking play for which he was signed.

In his five appearances for the club, the Englishman has failed to score or assist a goal, and considering he started against League One side Lincoln City during the week, that is concerning.

So, for his own sake and the team’s attack, Maresca should take the Reading-born ace out of the team for now, and perhaps use him as a late impact player to try and get him up and running.

Things are a little less black and white when it comes to Fernandez, though, as we have seen what he can do when he’s at his best in this Chelsea side.

Unfortunately, the Argentine international has been nowhere near his best this season, has struggled in the league, looked out of place in the Champions League and was terrible in the League Cup.

In fact, it was his hospital pass that led to Lincoln taking the lead on Tuesday night, and if it weren’t for Tyrique George, he could have been in for an almighty hammering from the press.

Minutes

70′

Goals

0

Assists

0

Accurate Passes

44/55 (80%)

Crosses (Accurate)

1 (0)

Long Balls (Accurate)

8 (3)

Shots on Target

0

Duels (Won)

6 (2)

Lost Possession

16

Dribbled Past

2

Errors Leading to a Goal

1

Therefore, like with Gittens, the manager should remove the World Cup winner from the starting lineup for today, especially since there is already someone who could come in and do a far better job.

The Chelsea players to replace Gittens & Fernandez

Again, starting with Gittens, there is one obvious candidate to replace him on the right for today’s game: Estevao.

Yes, Maresca should replace the Englishman with the Blues’ newest “world-class” prospect, as dubbed by scout Jacek Kulig.

The Brazilian may still be young, but he has already shown far more attacking intent and all-around quality in his short amount of time at the club this season.

For example, in his first start for the club, against West Ham United, he provided an incredible assist for Joao Pedro and generally had their defence terrified whenever he had the ball at his feet.

Moreover, if he really is the “future Ballon d’Or winner” that respected analyst Ben Mattinson claims, then the club should be getting him on the pitch whenever possible.

Moving into the middle of the park, then, and the man who should come in for Fernandez is, of course, Moises Caicedo.

The former Brighton star has a real shout for being the club’s best player, and so when the Argentine is underperforming so much, it makes sense to bring him in and play him alongside the promising Andrey Santos.

On top of adding some real bite and defensive solidity in the midfield, the unstoppable “machine,” as dubbed by Kulig, has also become more of an attacking threat.

For example, he has already scored two goals in just five league appearances this season, including that stunner against Brentford.

Ultimately, Chelsea need to get back on track today, and one of the ways Maresca can help make that happen is by starting Estevao and Caicedo in place of Gittens and Fernandez.

Maresca has a bigger talent than George who's "the future of Chelsea"

The sensational youngster looks the real deal for Chelsea.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 26, 2025

It was another night to forget for Celtic on the European stage as they were condemned to another defeat by SC Braga, but it was VAR that stole the biggest headlines.

Rodgers admits he must find Celtic "solution"

Whilst Rangers’ struggles have taken much of the focus in Scotland this season, Celtic are quietly enduring a frustrating season of their own by their standards. The Bhoys haven’t won in three games and now sit second in the Scottish Premiership courtesy of a surprisingly quick start from Hearts, with things not getting much better on the European stage.

Playing host to Braga in their first home game of the Europa League campaign, Celtic were put to the sword and found themselves behind in the first-half courtesy of Ricardo Horta’s effort from range, before Gabri Martinez sealed the three points from the bench in the 85th minute.

After another disappointing evening, Brendan Rodgers admitted that he must find a “solution” to his side’s current problems.

It’s not just Celtic’s performance that the manager will be frustrated by, though. It was also an interesting night in the VAR room, with the officials deciding to rule Kelechi Iheanacho’s goal out to deny Celtic their equaliser in controversial fashion.

The Nigerian has been in excellent form since arriving in Scotland, but had his best moment yet chalked off in a decision that has left Celtic and Rodgers fuming.

VAR audio exposes why Iheanacho had goal ruled out

The VAR audio, shared by commentator Jamie Lyall, exposed why officials denied Celtic an equaliser. Lyall said: “Officials are saying there is a clear brush of the left arm somewhere in the footage.”

Chris Sutton named Celtic legend his "best" ever teammate and as good as Shearer

He was full of praise…

ByTom Cunningham Oct 2, 2025

Now, this is where things begin to get controversial. In the replay of the goal, it’s difficult to spot just where this “clear brush of the arm” is that the VAR officials have spotted. The more that the moment is replayed, the more it seems as though Celtic have every right to be frustrated.

Rodgers had his say on the moment after the game, telling reporters: “I can’t understand why the referee isn’t asked to go and have a look at it.

“Even if you look at it once, twice, and I’m assuming the guys in the VAR will have watched it more than that, because of the time it took, there’s absolutely no way from every angle you look at that he’s touched it. It’s hit his face, he’s gone on and finished it really, really well.”

West Bromwich Albion’s inconsistent performances in the Championship so far this season let them down again versus Millwall.

After a 1-0 away win at Norwich City, spirits must have been somewhat high among the travelled Baggies contingent at the Den, only for all that positivity to be replaced by doom and gloom when a 3-0 loss was served up.

Truthfully, it was a car-crash showing, as every single big chance that fell to the hosts was put away, while Aune Heggebo, up top for Ryan Mason and Co, failed to fire a single on-target effort at the Lions’ net.

Again, Isaac Price also didn’t cover himself in much glory at the full-time whistle as the wheels continue to come off his own individual Championship season, after being heralded as a fan’s favourite early on.

Price's drop in form for West Brom

It has now been six straight second-tier games for the former Everton youth product without a goal or assist.

Amazingly, at the start of the campaign, Price chipped in with a breakneck four goal contributions from his opening three league clashes. But, since then, his form has dramatically declined.

Against the stern test of Millwall, long gone was the same confident performer who powered home two goals in quick succession against Wrexham, with the out-of-sorts Northern Ireland international managing just one effort – which was blocked – across his unmemorable 62 minutes on the Den turf.

Moreover, only 65% of his passes would find their intended target, with Price now no longer held in such high esteem as a potential Fellows replacement.

Mason would love to have Fellows available for selection right now, after the lightning-quick winger amassed 14 assists across all of last season, to be a constant thorn in the side of Championship sides up and down the division. Unfortunately, he moved to Southampton in the hectic summer transfer window.

However, even with Price going off the boil, the rookie head coach could well have a Fellows-like figure still up his sleeve.

West Brom's new Tom Fellows

The new Baggies manager will believe firmly in his ability to get the best out of the exciting attackers at his disposal in the long run, having worked with the likes of Mikey Moore at Tottenham Hotspur, who was tipped once upon a time to move to the Hawthorns.

That move not working out might well be a blessing in disguise now, however, with Samuel Iling-Junior recruited instead as a tricky and slick winger ready to leave a lasting impact on proceedings, out on loan from nearby Aston Villa.

Iling-Junior certainly showed off a similar burst pace to that of Fellows when gliding forward against Leicester City at the end of September, with the 22-year-old also possessing the necessary composure to finish off the opportunity after such a gung-ho gallop forward.

Sky Sports’ Jobi McAnuff would label the new Baggies’ number 22 as “brilliant” for his ability to open up the Foxes in a split second, with similar praise once handed out to Fellows, too, by former Hawthorns teammate Karlan Grant, who noted his “unbelievable” skill to carve out openings to change tense games.

Games played

172

Clubs played for

5

Goals scored

26

Assists

26

The 16-time England U21 international will also hope – in a similar fashion to the now Southampton number 18 – that he can use this formative stint in the West Midlands as a springboard to be a success elsewhere, having already been around the block with five different clubs in his early career, before moving to West Brom temporarily.

Despite once being lauded as a starlet who has “everything” in his locker to be a success by ex-youth coach Saul Isaksson-Hurst, Iling Junior has yet to make a senior appearance at Villa.

Still, time is very much on the 22-year-old’s side, and if he goes on to fire home even more spectacular efforts to guide the Baggies to promotion, he will surely go on to be successful in the higher league, after becoming a short-term Fellows-style hero for Villa’s near neighbours.

88% passing, 7 duels won: 8/10 West Brom star was even better than Maja

This West Bromwich Albion colossus was even better than a returning Josh Maja away at Norwich City.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 2, 2025

Who is Liverpool’s star forward? Is it still Mohamed Salah?

Only in May was the 33-year-old handed many individual awards to surmount his team triumph with Liverpool. For his defining role in Arne Slot’s triumphant debut campaign, Salah has put to rest any doubts that he is one of the greatest players in Premier League history.

But even Salah will one day retire, and his start to the 2025/26 campaign has brought to mind the concerns that he has passed his prime and is part of the problem Slot is wrestling with, Liverpool having lost three in a row this season and lacking any of the fluency and zip on show for most of last season.

Given that the Egyptian King signed a new two-year contract on Merseyside in April, it’s clear that he and FSG feel that this story is not yet over, but sporting director Richard Hughes has nonetheless added quality to Liverpool’s attacking ranks, with Alexander Isak the showpiece.

Why Liverpool signed Alexander Isak

For nine years, Liverpool have boasted Salah as their star goalscorer, but the record-breaking addition of Isak from Newcastle United on transfer deadline day underscores a shifting of the plates at Anfield. The balance of offensive power has swung.

Last season, Isak scored 27 goals across all competitions for Newcastle. He scored what proved the decisive second strike in a 2-1 win over Slot’s Reds at Wembley in March. It was there that he lifted the Carabao Cup.

Many attacking departures this summer led to FSG deciding to break the bank for a striker already established as one of the best in the business. Isak, now, will be expected to produce the goods over many years to spearhead a trophy-laden chapter.

Salah, Liverpool’s adopted son. But he’s getting old, and should he recover that same giddy level of 2024/25, it is sure to be a short-lived thing when viewed against the potential of some of his Liverpool teammates.

Like Isak. The Sweden international is 26 years old and fully settled into his Premier League career. Already, he has been described by pundit Ally McCoist as being “the best all-round centre-forward” in England.

However, he’s not Salah. Instead, Liverpool might find another within their ranks to look more like the natural replacement for the £400k-per-week superstar, albeit not quite positionally.

Slot's own Salah-type signing

When Salah first arrived at Liverpool, he arrived under scrutiny. Scroll through the archives and you will find plenty of criticism when Jurgen Klopp oversaw a £34m purchase of Roma winger Salah, formerly of Chelsea, where he failed to impress.

But nine years later, he is a Liverpool legend, having won more than his share of silverware and scored more than his share of goals.

With Salah now winding down, Hugo Ekitike could step up as the new version of the talisman, with some interesting parallels between the two.

Having joined the club from Eintracht Frankfurt this summer for an initial £69m fee, Liverpool felt they had signed one of the finest young forwards in the business. Indeed, talent scout Jacek Kulig said of the Frenchman during his days with Eintracht Frankfurt: “He could definitely reach world-class striker levels.”

But that’s a big some for a 23-year-old who had previously struggled at a big club. Before moving to Germany, Ekitike had swapped Reims in his homeland for the Paris Saint-Germain superpower, arriving in July 2022 for a €35m (about £30.5m) fee.

But, described as a “goal machine” by Liverpool correspondent David Lynch, Liverpool have landed themselves a far more complete and primed verison.

Four goals were all he scored in the French capital, having played 33 matches. This is somewhat similar to Salah’s return at Chelsea, posting two goals and three assists for the Blues before being sold to Roma.

Liverpool’s scouting team have long known their stuff, though, and Ekitike’s underlying data is a thing to behold. In fact, looking at his performance across the past year, it’s hard to distinguish the up-and-comer from the mighty Isak, which is a towering testament to his quality.

Goals scored

0.76

0.50

Assists

0.21

0.24

Shots taken

3.13

3.65

Shot-creating actions

2.96

3.15

Touches (att pen)

6.16

6.46

Pass completion (%)

75.4

75.0

Progressive passes

3.23

1.96

Progressive carries

2.65

2.78

Successful take-ons

1.38

1.61

Ball recoveries

1.93

2.38

Aerials won

0.89

1.83

There’s not a lot to separate the two. Isak is the more refined and effective goalscorer, but Ekitike is more complete and aggressive when on the ball, and better with his head besides.

These are rare breeds of centre-forward, and Liverpool now have frontmen with the quality to take the reins from Salah over the next couple of years and lead Slot’s side to more glory. Isak is a product of several years of successful development in the Premier League, but Ekitike knows what it’s like to fall by the wayside at one of the continent’s biggest hitters, and he shares that with Salah.

With five goals and an assist across his first ten matches as a Liverpool striker, Ekitike has started life as a Red on strong footing. Salah did too, breaking the record for goals in a 38-game Premier League campaign when he first returned to English shores.

Whether Ekitike will quite achieve the same degree of success is debatable, to be sure, but the fact remains that Liverpool have pulled off some exceptional business this summer, and while FSG must turn toward identifying a successor on the right wing in the coming windows, Salah’s proverbial heir has been located and welcomed in the form of Ekitike.

He is set for the top.

Liverpool determined to sign Salah upgrade who's 'one of the world's best'

Liverpool’s up-and-down start to the season has caused FSG to glance at the transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 10, 2025

Tottenham are reportedly ready to pay over £50 million for a striker who manager Thomas Frank has already called “remarkable”, with the Lilywhites currently struggling for creativity in the final third.

Tottenham linked with new centre-forward amid attacking struggles

On paper, Spurs have made a very solid start to the new season under Frank.

Only Arsenal, Man City and Chelsea boast more Premier League goals so far this season, with Frank’s side losing just two of their opening eight top flight matches and by very narrow margins.

Matches

12

Wins

6

Draws

3

Losses

3

Points

18

Points per game

1.75

However, there’s been a recurring criticism surrounding Spurs’ most recent encounters, and that is their failure to convince going forward.

Xavi Simons is at the centre of debate following his lack of goal contributions since a £52 million move from RB Leipzig in the summer. His arrival was largely tipped to fill the void left by James Maddison’s long-term injury and the continued absence of fellow creator Dejan Kulusevski, but Simons has just one assist to show for his efforts so far.

Worries also surround the north Londoners’ striker options.

Mathys Tel, despite scoring against Leeds United at Elland Road before the international break, proved largely ineffective in Tottenham’s 2-1 loss to Aston Villa last weekend. This came after Tel was given the starting nod again ahead of Richarlison, who’s come under fire from certain sections of the media for a lack of consistency.

Dominic Solanke should return soon after undergoing minor surgery on an ankle problem, but the England international’s struggles with fitness have been pretty consistent since his club-record move from Bournemouth last summer.

Rank

Player

Fee

Signed from

Year

1

Dominic Solanke

£65m

Bournemouth

2024

2

Tanguy Ndombele

£62.8m

Lyon

2019

3

Richarlison

£60m

Everton

2022

4

Mohammed Kudus

£55m

West Ham

2025

5

Xavi Simons

£52m

RB Leipzig

2025

As a result, Spurs are being linked with new strikers ahead of January, and one of them is former Brentford star Ivan Toney.

The England international, who bagged 20 Premier League goals during his best season at the G-tech under Frank’s tutelage, has been scoring for fun in the Middle East since his £40 million switch to Al-Ahli last year.

The 29-year-old has bagged 39 goals in 56 appearances for Al-Ahli, but Toney’s decision to move to Saudi Arabia threatens his place in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup plans.

Toney, apart from one nod earlier this year, has largely been excluded from the Three Lions squad, and the prospect of a Premier League return to better his chances of an England re-call may appeal to him.

Tottenham ready to bid £52m for ex-Brentford star Ivan Toney

Some reports suggest that Frank has personally contacted Toney about joining Spurs on loan in January, and now there’s been another update on the club’s interest.

As per Spanish media sources, if a mid-season loan turns out to be impossible, Tottenham are prepared to bid £52 million for Toney and bring him back to the Premier League in 2026, with the north Londoners described as more advanced than Chelsea in a potential move for him.

It is worth noting that West Ham have also been linked with a swoop for Toney as well, so it appears a host of London clubs are weighing up the prospect of his signing.

However, there could be major hurdles to navigate, the main one being his seismic £427,000-per-week pay packet.

Toney would almost certainly need to take a massive wage cut to seal a return to England, but if Spurs’ co-sporting directors Johan Lange and Fabio Paratici find a realistic way to do it, there is little denying that Frank would be thrilled to have the number nine.

Goalscoring, leadership and world-class quality are just three expressions used to describe the talents possessed by Harry Kane during his decade spell at Tottenham Hotspur.

The Englishman rose through the youth ranks in North London before making himself a staple of the club’s first-team setup between 2013 and 2023, before his move to Bayern Munich.

The centre-forward made 435 appearances and found the back of the net on 280 occasions – a tally which still sees him stand at the top of the club’s all-time goalscoring charts.

His goalscoring record, coupled with his link-up play and creativity, has made him one of the best players to ever play for the club – with Thomas Frank no doubt wishing he could rely on a player of his calibre.

Whilst Kane has moved on to pastures new in recent years, the new manager has already added one top-level talent to his ranks, with the summer addition making an immediate impact in North London.

The underlying stats behind Palhinha’s start to life at Spurs

Joao Palhinha joined Spurs on loan from Bayern Munich this summer, with such a deal that the fanbase wasn’t totally convinced by upon the announcement.

However, a couple of months on from his switch back to the Premier League, the Portuguese international has certainly proved a lot of the doubters wrong.

Despite his defensive midfield role, the 30-year-old has impressed in the final third, already registering four goals and two assists – two of which came in Tuesday’s Champions League win over Copenhagen.

However, out of possession is where the midfielder has thrived, as seen by his phenomenal tally of tackles won in the Premier League over the last few months.

He’s already made 44 tackles in his 10 league outings for the Lilywhites, with such a tally the highest of any player in the entire division at present.

Other figures such as 8.5 duels won per 90 – at a success rate of 63% – with his tally of 1.8 aerials won also highlighting his dominant ball-winning ability at the heart of the side.

Palhinha has immediately handed Frank the number six the side has greatly lacked over recent years, with such an addition one that has been their best in recent years.

The Spurs star who is becoming the best player since Kane

There’s little denying that Palhinha is rapidly making himself one of the first names on the Spurs teamsheet, with no other player in the squad able to do the job he does.

Many supporters have voiced concerns over his lack of progression with the ball at his feet, but ultimately, his main responsibility is to allow those ahead of him to create the magic in attacking areas.

Players such as Xavi Simons, Lucas Bergvall and Pape Sarr are more than capable of feeding off Palhinha and providing the goods with the ball at their feet – with the latter crucial in the Lilywhites’ three-man midfield.

However, his recent exploits in the final third showcase he is a lot more capable in forward areas than the fans give him credit for – with the 30-year-old now on more goal contributions than Mohammed Kudus.

He’s not alone in overperforming in forward areas, with centre-back Micky van de Ven another player who has taken his game to the next level in the attacking department.

The 24-year-old was brought to North London in a £40m deal back in the summer of 2023, undoubtedly being signed to provide needed quality to the backline.

However, in 2025/26, the Dutch international has massively impressed in the attacking department, already scoring five times this season – including a double in the Premier League win over Everton.

Van de Ven also managed to get on the scoresheet in the hammering of Copenhagen this week, running from the edge of his own box before coolly slotting him – just like Kane would do during his time in North London.

The centre-back, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by one analyst, has also dominated defensively this season – as seen by his tally of 1.1 tackles won and 1.3 aerials won per 90.

He’s been phenomenal at picking out a teammate too, completing 92% of the passes he’s attempted, subsequently contributing to his tally of 0.6 chances created per 90.

Games played

15

Goals scored

6

Pass accuracy

92%

Chances created

0.6

Tackles won

1.1

Aerials won

1.3

Dribble success

50%

Recoveries made

3.6

His all-round quality at both ends of the pitch has made him one of the best signings in the club’s recent history – arguably being their best player since Kane left.

Whilst the pair operate in hugely different positions, Van de Ven has assumed the role of being a crucial player in the first team and leading them to new heights in the process.

Spurs star is now "very similar to Saka" and he's better than Johnson

Tottenham Hotspur already have a star who could reach the levels achieved by Bukayo Saka.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 6, 2025