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Leeds United completed their first signing of the summer transfer window on Tuesday as Joe Rodon officially joined the club on a permanent deal.

The Wales international has put pen to paper on a four-year contract at Elland Road and committed his future to the Whites after spending the 2023/24 campaign on loan from Tottenham Hotspur.

A fee of £10m has reportedly been paid for the towering central defender to ensure that the star titan remains in West Yorkshire for next season and beyond.

Academy graduate Archie Gray has, in a separate transaction, signed for Spurs for a fee in the region of £40m after just one season in the first team for Leeds, which has opened up a gap at right-back and in midfield within the squad.

The summer transfer window still has just under two months left to run and this means that Daniel Farke and his team have plenty of time to dip into the market to find players to plug those gaps.

Leeds United interest in English midfielder

Rodon may not be the only player Leeds sign from Tottenham Hotspur this summer as the Whites are reportedly keen on a deal to sign another talent from the Premier League side.

According to GIVEMESPORT, Farke wants to sign former England U21 international Oliver Skipp from the Lilywhites to bolster his options in midfield.

The report claims that the West Yorkshire outfit want to add him to the squad after signing Rodon from the North London team, particularly after Gray's departure.

It adds that Skipp is a big admirer of the German head coach, as they worked together during Norwich City's title success in the 2020/21 campaign, and that could give them an advantage in this transfer pursuit.

However, GIVEMESPORT reveals that the 23-year-old talent could also attract interest from the Premier League and may be hesitant to drop down to the Championship.

Spurs are also reluctant to allow him to move on from the club as Ange Postecoglou views him as a squad option who could be called upon next season, despite being behind the likes of Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma, Pape Matarr Sarr, and potentially Gray now too.

It is now down to Farke and his team to work hard to convince Tottenham to part ways with the English maestro and then to persuade the player to drop down to the second tier to be a part of their attempt to return to the Premier League at the second time of asking.

If the ex-Canaries tactician can get a deal over the line for the right-footed metronome then he could come in as a fantastic partner for Ethan Ampadu.

Ethan Ampadu's debut season at Leeds in numbers

The Whites swooped to sign the defensive midfielder from Premier League side Chelsea on a permanent deal to anchor Farke's midfield last summer.

He started the campaign playing alongside the likes of Gray and Glen Kamara in the middle of the park but was eventually called upon at centre-back during the second half of the season due to Pascal Struijk's absence through injury.

Despite playing in different positions in either half of the term, the Welsh titan remained a consistent and impressive force in the spine of the team as they competed to secure promotion out of the Championship.

Appearances

46

Sofascore rating

7.24

Tackles and interceptions per game

2.9

Ball recoveries per game

6.9

Ground duel success rate

57%

Aerial duel success rate

63%

As you can see in the table above, the 23-year-old battler provided a fantastic defensive presence for Leeds throughout the campaign with his ability to make tackles, interceptions, and recoveries on a consistent basis.

He was also a monster in duels with opposition players, with a high success rate in physical contests both on the ground and in the air last term, which shows that the Welshman has the quality to dominate matches.

Struijk is due to be back from injury for pre-season and this suggests that he could return to the team alongside Rodon at the start of the campaign, which would then allow Ampadu to return to his favoured midfield role, potentially next to Skipp.

He could be a dream partner for the English midfielder as they are both defensive workhorses who can also provide progressive quality in possession.

Why Leeds should sign Oliver Skipp

Firstly, Ligue 1 side Rennes are reportedly interested in a deal to sign Kamara from the Whites and that would open up a starting spot next to Ampadu in midfield.

Secondly, Skipp is a young player, at the age of 23, with plenty of time left ahead of him to develop and grow, which means that he could be brought in as an immediate starter whilst still having the potential to improve and increase in value moving forward.

The right-footed whiz has racked up 77 Premier League appearances for Spurs, and over 100 outings in all competitions for the club, and showcased his quality in and out of possession last term.

Skipp won 58% of his ground duels and completed an impressive 92% of his attempted passes across 21 appearances in the top-flight last term, which shows that he can dominate players on the deck and retain possession at a fantastic rate at the top level.

The former England youth international, who Farke once hailed as a "perfect" lad, is also a proven performer in the Championship who knows what it takes to earn promotion to the Premier League.

Pass accuracy

87.6%

88.1%

Progressive passes

4.86

5.15

Progressive carries

1.63

1.20

Tackles

2.33

1.52

Interceptions

1.17

1.39

As you can see in the table above, Skipp provided a progressive presence in the midfield as Norwich won the second division title with Farke at the helm that term.

His ability to win possession through tackles and interceptions coupled with his quality on the ball makes him a well-rounded midfielder who could star alongside Ampadu, as they are both dominant talents who could boss games for Leeds next season.

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ByDan Emery Jul 2, 2024

Therefore, Skipp, who has already worked with the manager could hit the ground running, could be a fantastic signing for the club to make after their deal to bring Rodon back.

With the transfer window now officially open, Arsenal can begin making the necessary additions to close the gap on Manchester City and finally win the Premier League.

The Gunners have already been linked to a plethora of talented footballers, from Nico Williams to Victor Osimhen, but to accommodate bringing in new faces, Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar have to axe those deemed surplus to requirements.

Based on recent reports, one of such players could be on his way out of the Emirates, and in doing so, he'll free up some significant room in the wage budget as he currently earns more than Bukayo Saka and William Saliba.

Arsenal transfer news

According to a recent report from Football Insider, Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is now 'closing in on a summer move to Saudi Arabia.'

The report has revealed that the 31-year-old's representatives are already in talks with the interested team and that the offer on the table is particularly lucrative for the 30-year-old.

No fee has been reported, but considering his mammoth wages and lack of game time last season, it won't be more than the £45m the Gunners paid back in 2020.

That said, the report claims that the player is expected to leave by the end of the window, which is probably best for all involved.

Thomas Partey's wage

The first thing to say is that when Partey is fit and playing, he is one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League, but therein lies the major problem: he's never fit.

2020/21

3

81

21

2021/22

3

152

19

2022/23

2

29

6

2023/24

2

143

34

Total

10

430

78

In all, the Ghanaian international made just 16 appearances for Arteta's title chasers last season, starting ten and totalling just 882 minutes of action – in which he failed to score or provide an assist.

In comparison, Saka and Saliba, two of the club's most essential players, made 47 appearances and 50 appearances, respectively.

What's worse, despite barely featuring last season, the former Atlético Madrid star still earns more than both.

The Englishman makes £195k-per-week, and the Frenchman earns £190k-per-week while the former midfield "monster", as he was dubbed by football presenter Adam Keys, takes home a whopping £200k-per-week.

Transfer Fee

£45m

Wages (Total)

£200k (£38.4m)

Total Cost

£83.4m

Appearances

115

Cost per Appearance

£725k

Goals

5

Cost per Goal

£16.6m

Assists

4

Cost per Assist

£20.8m

Goal Involvements

9

Cost per Goal Involvement

£9.2m

When combining his original transfer fee and total wages thus far, the 6 foot 1 titan has cost the Gunners around £83.4m, or £725k-per-appearance, £16.6m-per-goal or £20.8m-per-assist.

Ultimately, while Partey is an undeniably talented footballer, he's now on the wrong side of 30, cannot stay fit and is on a massive wage, so if Arsenal have the chance to offload him this summer and get a fee, they should take it.

Could leave for £35m: Arsenal must sell a star who earns more than Sesko

It’s high time the Gunners cashed in.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 14, 2024

The two countries meet for the first time in the shortest format with a global event looming not far off

Firdose Moonda18-Jul-2021

Big Picture

After a first last week – when Ireland beat South Africa in an ODI for the first time – there’s another coming this week. The two teams will face off in the shortest format for the first time. Both are entering the final stages of preparation for the T20 World Cup later this year, with South Africa gearing up for a group that includes England, Australia and West Indies, and Ireland needing to go through a qualifier against Sri Lanka, Netherlands and Namibia.The hosts have the more difficult task, having last played T20I cricket over a year ago, in March, against Afghanistan. Since then, they have had series against Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, New Zealand and Pakistan cancelled but will play at least eight matches (three against South Africa and five against Zimbabwe) in the lead-up to the global event in October.South Africa have fewer matches, just six (three against Ireland and three against Sri Lanka, after a series against India has had to be postponed again because of the IPL) and plenty of questions remain over their strategy. Despite beating West Indies 3-2 earlier this month, they have yet to settle on combinations but aim to use the Ireland matches to solidify their plans. Coach Mark Boucher indicated there is a level of fatigue in the camp, made worse by news of unrest at home, but with just a week left on the road, they have promised to give it their all.

Form guide

(last five completed matches, most recent first)
Ireland TLLLW
South Africa WLWWL

In the spotlight

Ireland’s headliner Kevin O’Brien will be back to try and find form as he prepares for the T20 World Cup. O’Brien has played five international matches this year – all ODIs – and managed just 27 runs, with three scores in single-figures and a duck. He has also had a tough time in the Irish inter-provincial T20 tournament, with 47 runs in six matches and a top score of 16. His last international milestone came almost two years ago, a century in a T20I against Hong Kong. It is Ireland’s only hundred in the format and they will want him to summon the spirit of that knock tomorrow.Tabraiz Shamsi has been a strong influence on South Africa’s limited-overs cricket recently•Getty Images

The world’s top-ranked T20I bowler, Tabraiz Shamsi , has been vocal on social media on topics including the challenges of life in bio-bubbles but has also seen the lighter side of having limited contact with others and will want to combine his frankness and good humour to end the tour on a high note. Shamsi was outstanding in the West Indies, where he was South Africa’s joint-leading wicket-taker and maintained the lowest economy rate for any bowler on either side (4.00) and will challenge both the Irish defence and run-scoring ability.

Team news

O’Brien has retired from ODIs but remains available in the shortest format, and is expected to open the batting alongside Paul Stirling. A middle-order of Harry Tector and George Dockrell, who were successful in the ODIs, will precede the power-hitting Shane Getkate and ODI centurion Simi Singh. Ireland are likely to have four seamers at their disposal in Getkate. Barry McCarthy, Josh Little and Craig Young.Ireland: (possible) 1 Paul Stirling, 2 Kevin O’Brien, 3 Andy Balbirnie (capt), 4 Harry Tector, 5 George Dockrell, 6 Lorcan Tucker (wk), 7 Shane Getkate, 8 Simi Singh, 9 Barry McCarthy, 10 Josh Little, 11 Craig YoungSouth Africa seem to have settled on Temba Bavuma to partner Quinton de Kock at the top in T20Is with Aiden Markram likely to feature at No.3. David Miller was rested for the final ODI but could make a return in the middle order, which may also include both a seam-bowling (Wiaan Mulder) and spin-bowling (George Linde) allrounder. With bowling a big focus for South Africa, expect them to play their first-choice attack.South Africa (possible): 1 Quinton de Kock (wk), 2 Temba Bavuma (capt), 3 Aiden Markram, 4 Rassie van der Dussen, 5 Heinrich Klaasen/David Miller, 6 Wiaan Mulder, 7 George Linde, 8 Kagiso Rabada, 9 Anrich Nortje, 10 Lung Ngidi 11 Tabraiz Shamsi

Pitch and conditions

The third ODI on Friday showed that big runs are possible in Malahide and we can expect more of the same in the opening T20I which may bolster the ground’s average first-innings score of 152. There have only been three scores over 200 in 13 T20Is played at this ground, all achieved by the teams batting first, and all successfully defended. The highest successful chase at this venue is 182. Monday’s weather is set to be fine and warm, with no rain.

Stats and trivia

• Ireland and South Africa have never met in a T20I
• Andy Balbirnie needs 55 more to become the fifth Irish player to reach 1,000 T20I runs
• South Africa have won two out of their last eight T20I series dating back to March 2019

Quotes

Some of the things is making sure we are confident in our death bowling. We have clear plans, it’s a matter of executing that over a long period of time. And also by the end of the Sri Lankan tour, that we can trust the formula we have been working on over the last couple of months.

“Leave the football before the football leaves you” was the message that Jamie Carragher handed to Manchester United midfielder Casemiro in early 2024.

It was one of the aggressive forms of criticism we’ve seen on Sky Sports in recent years and it was arguably deserved.

The Brazilian was one of the best midfielders in the world at Real Madrid. He was a serial winner, a Champions League legend.

At Old Trafford, however, his career has started to wane. Who could forget Casemiro’s tired and laboured display against Crystal Palace at the back end of 2023/24?

He was dribbled past a remarkable eight times during that game. For no context, no player in the whole of that Premier League campaign was dribbled past on more occasions in one match.

Since then, however, Casemiro has enjoyed something of a revival under Ruben Amorim in 2025/26. Long gone are the days of Erik ten Hag fielding the veteran at centre-half. He looks like a proper midfielder again.

The Brazil international has been one of United’s most consistent players this term, scoring three goals and supplying an assist. Yet, that should not distract supporters from the fact that he is still a problem.

He’s now 33 years of age and cannot be trusted to play for 90 minutes. Because of that, the transfer chiefs at United are considering launching a big-money move for a new midfielder in 2026.

The search for a Casemiro heir at Man United

While many problems linger in the air at Old Trafford, the biggest arguably lies at wing-back and in the centre of midfield.

United bolstered their attacking line significantly in the summer with the additions of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha but the midfield went untouched. That needs to change in January or next summer.

There are three players who appear to be at the forefront of their minds. Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson would appear to be the dream target but he is also being chased by rivals Manchester City and could cost a fortune.

Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is another long-term target and could finally make his big move in 2026. He gave Casemiro the runaround during United’s 2-1 win on Sunday. Samuel Luckhurst noted that the Brazilian looked “haunted” by his experience at Selhurst Park just a couple of years ago.

The other target is Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba but his form has taken a downturn in 2025/26 and he doesn’t look like a player worthy of a previous £100m price tag.

Touches

48

Accurate passes

23/29 (79%)

Key passes

1

Accurate crosses

1/3

Shots

1

Tackles won

3/3

Interceptions

1

Clearances

2

Recoveries

7

Duels won

5/7

Anderson and Wharton would be the ideal solution to United’s woes and according to the numbers, it’s the former who should be the priority target.

He’s a bigger threat in the final third but he doesn’t shirk his defensive duties. He’s won more duels and made more ball recoveries per 90 minutes this season than his England colleague. According to Thomas Tuchel, he’s “one of the best midfielders in the Premier League”.

Yet, what if United had already signed their answer to Wharton and Baleba?

Man United have found their own Wharton and Baleba

United have taken a vested interest in improving their youth ranks since INEOS completed their takeover of the club.

Towards the beginning of 2025 they signed young Malian midfielder Sekou Kone in a bargain deal and while he is yet to appear for the first-team just yet, he has endured an injury-hit first few months at Carrington and looks a real superstar in the making.

There is also left wing-back Diego Leon, the young defender who looks well set to replace either Patrick Dorgu or Diogo Dalot in that position before too long.

The latest talent who looks set to arrive is a 17-year-old midfielder by the name of Cristian Orozco.

It was reported last week that United were set to complete a move to sign the teenager, with Orozco flying to the UK over the weekend to formalise a $1m move from Colombian side Fortaleza.

So, who is the budding youngster? Well, he’s notably been compared to both Casemiro and Moises Caicedo. Already it’s clear to see why comparisons are also being made to Baleba, the man Brighton actually tasked with replacing Caicedo at the Amex.

Having captained Colombia at U17 level, he already boasts natural leadership skills but it’s his skillset in and out of possession that makes him so exciting.

Como scout Ben Mattinson has outlined that Orozco is capable of ‘controlling the game from deep in midfield’. His best attributes are his press resistance and footwork to turn past defenders, while he’s ‘so composed under pressure’ and is capable of ‘recycling possession’ superbly well.

On that evidence, it’s easy to see why comparisons to Wharton are being made. The Palace midfielder is one of the most press-resistant midfielders in the English top-flight and that was clear for all to see when he supplied the pass that led to Palace’s penalty on Sunday. He evaded his marker with ease and then picked out a punchy forward pass.

Orozco, however, isn’t just about making things look pretty. Further labelled as “a midfield destroyer with leadership maturity far beyond his age” by one analyst on social media, he also brings the best of Baleba who is more defensively minded than Wharton.

United’s new signing is unlikely to provide them with too much threat in the final third but like Wharton he’ll evade the press and manoeuvre the ball nicely. Like Baleba, he’s also capable of sitting in front of the defence and breaking up play.

The teenager certainly isn’t ready for first-team football just yet but INEOS could well save themselves a fortune in the transfer market here.

Not just Zirkzee: Man Utd star who was a "waste of time" is now undroppable

This Man Utd player starred in their 2-1 win away to Crystal Palace

1 ByJoe Nuttall Nov 30, 2025

Seven members of the squad will be bringing their CPL experience into this year’s global event

Danyal Rasool05-Jun-2024No one really watches the CPL in Pakistan. For much of the tournament’s history, the league’s broadcast arrangements have offered no legitimate way to follow it live in Pakistan, and with many games beginning around 4am local time, most people simply don’t bother. Those who are motivated enough can find underhand workarounds.But over the past few months, every stakeholder in Pakistan cricket has been casting a beady retrospective eye on what has been going on in this Caribbean tournament. Bowlers Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir’s excellent CPL form prompted the PCB to coax them out of retirement months ago to get ready to participate in the first T20 World Cup to be played in the West Indies (and the USA) since 2010.Imad has taken 61 wickets in the CPL, while conceding only 6.20 runs per over (among spinners, only Sunil Narine has more wickets at a better economy). Amir’s three seasons have seen him hoover up 43 wickets at 6.5 runs per over. No other fast bowler in the CPL who has bowled at least 40 overs has a better economy rate. No overseas fast bowler has more wickets in CPL history than Sohail Tanvir.Perhaps it’s surprising that the CPL hasn’t gained more traction in Pakistan in some ways, given 29 of the country’s players have participated in the tournament across the years, more than they have in any other league; the only overseas side with more players who have CPL experience is South Africa. And no overseas nation boasts more CPL winners than Pakistan.Shoaib Malik is Guyana royalty, having played three seasons with Amazon Warriors, including the legendary 2019 season where he captained them to the final with 11 successive wins.No wonder, then, that Pakistan are focusing all their energies into a World Cup they feel they have a natural advantage in. There is a sense that their players have knowledge of local conditions to rival any other side there.”The main thing I’ve learned is how to utilise the wind there,” Imad says. “Because they’re islands, they can be windy, and you can use it if you’re skilful enough. You try to restrict runs from the windy end and it’s the opposite when you bat. That’s a tactical battle going on inside each ground.”Most players who have spent any time at the CPL reference the wind. Sohail Tanvir, who played for Warriors, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots and St Lucia Zouks, goes so far as saying controlling the wind can often prove a decisive factor. Just as he made up for lack of pace with canny variations in his own bowling, Tanvir believes that versatility will be key.Azam Khan: “In league cricket, I get ten matches in a row, which is good for me. My batting position is such that I don’t feel I can win ten matches for my team, but I can win three to four”•Ashley Allen/CPL T20/Getty Images”You won’t have seen genuine pacers there achieve as much success,” Tanvir says. “On those pitches, the quicker delivery is easy to handle and put away. Because there’s a lot of humidity there, a bowler who has the skills to swing the new ball will be successful up front. And with the old ball in the second half of the innings, variation is the key.”Amir, who has played for Barbados Royals and Jamaica Tallawahs, says there is early swing regardless of whether the games are during the day or at night. However, he says that the dew later on, especially in Barbados – where Pakistan will play two of their three Super Eights games, should they qualify – will make it easier to chase down higher scores in night games.The varied nature of the wickets means players will need to think on their feet and adapt mid-game.”I don’t notice the batter,” Imad says, “but [focus on] what the wicket demands of me. Does it require me to bowl the slower ball, quicker ball, or just the arm ball? If I have 24 balls, I try to bowl 20 that use the conditions. In Pindi the wicket is flat, and you do something different, like go for wide yorkers. But the CPL won’t have Pindi- or Lahore-style wickets; sometimes even 120 is a winning score.”That makes the first few overs of an innings particularly important. “While the ball is new and hard, it’s easier to score runs there,” Tanvir says. “The older it gets, the more difficult. The West Indian players are able to use their power and score runs at the death too but it requires serious power-hitting.”But it also highlights the value of strikers who can find ways of muscling the older, softer ball past the boundary in the latter part of an innings. Pakistan have agonised over what to do with late-overs hitter Azam Khan, who has by and large been unable to translate T20 league form to international cricket. His record at the CPL, though, potentially makes a case for him as a middle-to-late overs bludgeoner at this World Cup.Over the last three seasons, only nine players have scored more runs in the league, and only one of those – Faf du Plessis – is not a local player. Only three batters with more runs boast a higher strike rate than Azam’s, but it is in the last six overs of an innings that his CPL value really sparkles. In that time, no non-West Indian has a higher strike rate than his 180.81 (min runs scored: 150). And the only man to hit more sixes than his 26 in the final six overs of innings? Andre Russell.Azam accepts that consistency will never be his selling point, instead making the case for what he feels is his ability to win games.”There’s a lot of difference between franchise and T20I cricket,” he says. “In league cricket, I get ten matches in a row, which is good for me. My batting position is such that I don’t feel I can win ten matches for my team, but I can win three to four. And it’s better if you do it in the later part of the tournament because that’s what people remember.”But Pakistan would do well not to focus on the Caribbean alone. One of the unique features of this World Cup is, it’s the first one to host main-round games in more than one country, with Pakistan playing their first four games in the United States. That country is virgin territory for a tournament as significant as this, and there’s an aspect of the unknown, particularly with New York, which hosts the India-Pakistan clash, and has a new stadium with a drop-in pitch from Adelaide.Imad Wasim: “I focus on what the wicket demands of me – slower ball, quicker ball, or the arm ball. If I have 24 balls, I try to bowl 20 that use the conditions”•CPL T20 via Getty ImagesIn Imad, though, Pakistan have tried to cover some bases there, too. “I played in Major League Cricket last year in Dallas and Fort Lauderdale, Miami, so I know those wickets very well, and wind is a huge factor in Dallas and Miami too. They are similar conditions to the CPL, but better for batting because the ball comes on to the bat. I think New York and Dallas will have high-scoring games.And while Imad jokes that if the New York wicket behaves exactly like Adelaide, Pakistan had best go in with “seven fast bowlers”, he also highlights the value of a spin bowler on almost any surface.”Spinners are necessary from a tactical point of view, because if the batter is set on one pace, spin breaks his rhythm. For this reason, one or two spin options are handy.”It seems lack of eyeballs on the CPL has not meant Pakistan don’t appreciate the significance of what happens there. And this summer, at least, T20 cricket in the West Indies will not want for viewers from the country whose players have made it a home away from home on the other side of the world.

The Gunners have come agonisingly close to landing the Premier League in the last three years and Manchester United legend Patrice Evra has pointed the finger of blame at the fans for boasting about winning the title too early in the season. The Gunners have finished second three times on the bounce, but the fans have been starting to crow again with boss Mikel Arteta’s side at the top of the table, and Evra has a message for them.

Can Gunners ditch 'also-rans' smear?

It’s been a story of what might have been for Arsenal over the previous three seasons, mounting strong Premier League title challenges but ultimately finishing as runners-up on each occasion under Arteta. In the 2022-23 season, Arsenal held a substantial lead for much of the campaign, but a late dip in form allowed Man City to overtake them and lose the title by five points. The 2023-24 season saw an even closer title race, going down to the final day. Arsenal amassed 89 points, their second-highest ever Premier League tally, but still finished second, a mere two points behind champions City. And most recently, the 2024-25 season saw another second-place finish, this time behind Liverpool, who secured the title by a margin of ten points after Arsenal could only manage 74 points. This makes Arsenal the first team to finish as runners-up three seasons in a row in the Premier League era.  

And while the Gunners have sat at the top of the table for the vast majority of this season, their lead has been significantly reduced after dropping points in recent matches to Sunderland, Chelsea and Aston Villa and Evra has issued a word of warning for the fans. 

AdvertisementAFPEvra: 'They need to chill'

United legend Evra told Stake: "I don't know if Arsenal can handle the pressure. I always loved Arteta as a player and I know he’s a great manager. But at the end of the day, Arsenal fans are the problem. They are the ones every time saying, 'this year we're going to win'. They need to chill. It’s the same when England fans say 'it’s coming home'."  

He added: "They just have to chill, to not be too noisy because that's why they get that banter and this backlash because they’ll say they are the best team in the world and better than this team and so on. But we never know, if they bottle the league again this year, imagine them winning the Champions League? Anything can happen with Arsenal. But I just feel like the winning mindset is missing at Arsenal."

Scholes joins list of Arsenal doubters

Another Old Trafford hero, Paul Scholes, believes Arsenal’s title bid will falter once again unless Arteta finds a way to improve his team's record in the Premier League’s biggest fixtures. Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes said: "Until they start winning big games they’ve got no chance of winning the league," he said. "They lost to Liverpool, they couldn’t beat Man City at home when they were struggling. Aston Villa are a good team, don’t get me wrong, but Arsenal just can’t win big games. They couldn’t beat Chelsea after they went down to ten men. If you’re going to win the league you’ve got to start winning some big games, you’ve got to beat your rivals, and they can’t do it. Historically Man City always get better after January. They were in the Club World Cup so they didn’t really have a pre-season."  

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Getty Images SportGunners face Wolves test 

Arsenal are in action in Europe on Wednesday evening, away in Belgium to face Club Brugge, but will be hoping to get back to winning ways at the weekend with a Premier League clash against bottom-of-the-table Wolverhampton Wanderers. And it’s a good time to be playing Wolves, who remain winless in all 15 Premier League games this season, with only QPR in 2012-13  with 16 games and Sheffield United in 2020-21 with an incredible 17 games having longer runs from the start of a campaign.   

The Red Sox bolstered their starting pitching rotation on Thursday, having agreed to acquire right-handed starting pitcher Johan Oviedo in a trade with the Pirates.

The deal reportedly includes five players in total, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The highlight of the package Boston is sending to Pittsburgh is the Red Sox’s No. 3 prospect and top outfield prospect, Jhostynxon Garcia.

Oviedo, 27, made nine starts for the Pirates in 2025. He registered an ERA of 3.57 and had 42 strikeouts across 40 1/3 innings. Oviedo missed the entire ‘24 campaign and part of last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. His last full season of work came in 2023, when he made 32 starts and had a 4.31 ERA.

In addition to Oviedo, the Red Sox will also receive left-handed pitcher Tyler Samaniego and catching prospect, 2025 fifth-round pick Adonys Guzman. The Pirates will also acquire another player alongside Garcia.

Garcia, 22, saw his first taste of MLB action in 2025, when he appeared in five games for the Red Sox. He struck out five times in a total of seven at-bats. Across 114 games in the minor leagues last season, he had a .810 OPS with 21 home runs and 75 RBIs.

Oviedo is now the second starting pitcher the Red Sox acquired this offseason. The team traded for Sonny Gray in late November, and now will add Oviedo to the mix, too.

Newcastle United and Eddie Howe have inched closer to a successful Carabao Cup title defence, beating Bradford City in the third round and then drawing Tottenham Hotspur.

There’s a tough test, but Newcastle have a fine recent record against the Lilywhites, and the fluency of Howe’s side is building by the day.

It’s quite understandable in hindsight that the sale of Alexander Isak would disrupt the harmony and snap of United’s frontline, with goals scored in only two of their five Premier League games so far.

Isak left for Liverpool on deadline day, and Newcastle banked a record-breaking £125m fee. They lost one of the world’s finest strikers, who scored 27 times in black and white last season and who bagged against Arne Slot’s Reds at Wembley.

Newcastle did replace the Sweden striker with Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade, but William Osula is also staking his claim for a big role this term.

William Osula's early-season form

Howe issued rotation as the top-flight and European action took a breath. Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon and brace-scoring Joelinton all featured, but so too did the likes of Aaron Ramsdale, Lewis Hall and Lewis Miley get some more minutes under their belt.

However, Osula might feel he was the biggest winner, scoring twice against the high-flying League One side to take his haul to three goals this season, also scoring in that frantic game against Liverpool in August.

Having signed from Sheffield United for £15m last summer, Osula scarcely played across his debut campaign at St. James’ Park, scoring once in the league.

But he’s making headway now.

Osula got himself on the scoresheet before 20 minutes had been played, and then again in the closing stages, sealing his side’s 4-1 victory.

He might have had a hat-trick save for some poor finishing after neat work from Gordon, but, as Howe noted during his post-match press conference, the Danish forward offered more than just goals, holding up well and linking up with his teammates. He looked dangerous and dynamic when playing down the wing.

“He’s done his chances no harm,” Howe said, discussing the potential of the 22-year-old starting in the Premier League once again.

However, Newcastle turned down a £30m approach from Eintracht Frankfurt for the fringe forward this summer, and Howe may come to regret rejecting such a hefty sum, especially when the Magpies have an academy talent who might be even better than his peer.

Newcastle have a bigger talent than Osula

The word on the street is that Newcastle still expect to sell Osula, perhaps next summer. There’s a player in there, but Osula is very much unrefined, and after what Howe described as a “turbulent” summer for the number nine, he finds himself third-fiddle on Tyneside.

Wissa is currently sidelined with a knee injury and has yet to make his debut after joining from Brentford, but Woltemade has shown plenty of promise after completing a club-record £69m move from Stuttgart, scoring on his debut and showcasing his talent thereafter.

Osula has been left somewhat in the lurch, even after scoring against Liverpool.

And with an up-and-coming talent like Sean Neave knocking on his door, Osula may well find himself completing that transfer away next summer.

A natural-born finisher, Neave, 18, has been riding the crest of a wave in Newcastle’s academy. He has always been a reliable goalscorer, but the youth’s ability to carry his form up the levels with relative ease suggests he may soon be knocking on Howe’s door. In fact, he might already be.

Six games into the season for Newcastle’s development side, Neave has scored three goals and provided one assist. No longer playing for the U18s, he is a regular starter in the Premier League 2, despite having reached adulthood only at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

Sean Neave – Career Stats so Far
Club/level	Apps	Goals (assists)
Newcastle U18	37	21 (7)
Newcastle U21	15	7 (3)
Newcastle YL	6	1 (1)
Newcastle	–	–
Data via Transfermarkt

Neave is a “good finisher”, all right, as has been said by Newcastle blogger TomTalksToon, and he already stands at 6 foot 1. A gangly frame that does not inhibit his pace and athleticism, the teenager is akin to Isak, but let’s just wait and see if he can match the former Toon man’s almighty scoring record in the English top flight.

Perhaps Neave was somewhat frustrated to have been left out of the matchday squad against Bradford. However, his professional debut is sure to be right around the corner, with his electric pace and threat in the final third sure-fire ingredients for success in the Premier League.

Osula is more refined physically, but Neave is on a programme that is giving rise to his strength and athletic focus on the field. It’s only a matter of time.

And when that time comes, might Howe and co not regret cashing in on Osula when they had the chance? If Neave continues his meteoric rise with such speed, he may well overtake his goalscoring rival, which would do United’s chances of shipping him out for a big fee no favours.

Newcastle’s 4.6 xG (expected goals) total in the Premier League this season puts them 16th. Not great, but neither is it an accurate representation of the talent and the creativity coursing through Howe’s team.

Instead, Newcastle will continue to go from strength to strength, and Wissa and Woltemade will too.

It’s difficult to see how Osula surpasses either, so unpolished is the Denmark U21 international. And when considering Neave is waiting in the wings and bound to make his senior debut sooner rather than later, Howe may come to wish he had taken the £30m and ran.

Howe could unleash Newcastle's own Yamal in 18-year-old "elite talent"

Newcastle’s academy setting has changed for the better in recent years.

By
Angus Sinclair

Sep 24, 2025

Danny Rohl has warned his players they “gave me a lot of information” following Rangers’ damaging 3-0 Europa League defeat to Brann in the Europa League on Thursday.

The 36-year-old head coach was installed as Russell Martin’s successor on Monday but there was no dream debut in Norway. Emil Kornvig opened the scoring five minutes before the break, Jacob Sorensen added a second after 55 minutes and Noah Holm fired in a third after 79 minutes for a comfortable win for the home side.

Rangers writer and podcaster David Edgar called for two sackings immediately following the game as pressure continues to mount on Chief Executive Patrick Stewart and Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell.

"Disgrace" – Cavenagh told who to "fire" after Rangers defeat to Brann

Gers fans are furious after Danny Rohl’s first match in charge.

1 ByBen Goodwin Oct 23, 2025

Rangers are bottom of the 36-team table as they turn attention to the visit of Kilmarnock in the William Hill Premiership on Sunday.

Rohl warns players after defeat to Brann

Rohl appeared to fire a warning to the players who took part in Thursday’s humiliation, telling Rangers TV they “gave me a lot of information” and that they were not up to the required standard.

The new boss did however take responsibility for what is to come, with over two months before he gets the chance to change his squad in the January transfer window: “I have to develop and improve the players. I have to develop and improve the group. This is what I have to do. This is my job.

“We played a team who were organised, aggressive and did the basics right, and we didn’t.

“But my job is to lift them again, give them the solutions, and be ready on Sunday.”

Ally McCoist told talkSPORT he is struggling to commentate matches involving his old team.

Ally McCoist on punditry for TNT Sports.

“The three teams Rangers have played (in the Europa League) are bang average,” said the Ibrox legend on Friday morning.

“I’ll be brutally honest, last night I was as depressed as I’ve been throughout this whole debacle. I actually feel for the manager. I don’t know what he’s going to do. He might improve them in terms of a little bit of organisation.

“But I don’t think there’s anywhere near the level of improvement in that team that will be required to even get them up the league domestically. They’re just absolutely miles off it.”

The Gers will be seeking just their second win in the league this season when they host Kilmarnock on Sunday afternoon. They could be 16 points off the pace at the start of play if Hearts beat Celtic in the earlier kick-off.

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😬 Рост цен на оперативку может затянуться до 2028 года — считают аналитики

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