أعلن الإسباني بيب جوارديولا، المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي مانشستر سيتي تشكيل فريقه لمواجهة سندرلاند ضمن منافسات الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.
ويواجه فريق مانشستر سيتي نظيره سندرلاند، في مباراة قوية ومرتقبة، مساء اليوم، السبت، في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.
ويستضيف ملعب “الاتحاد” مباراة مانشستر سيتي وسندرلاند في إطار منافسات الجولة الخامسة عشر من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي، في تمام الخامسة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، السادسة مساءً بتوقيت مكة المكرمة.
اقرأ أيضًا | جوارديولا: على القنوات التلفزيونية أن تعطيني “زجاجة نبيذ” بعد مباراة مانشستر سيتي وفولهام
ويحتل مانشستر سيتي المركز الثاني في جدول ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز “بريميرليج” برصيد 28 نقطة، في حين أن سندرلاند لديه 23 نقطة في المركز السادس.
ويجلس عمر مرموش على دكة البدلاء كعادة المباريات الأخيرة مع مانشستر سيتي إذ يعتبر البديل الأول للنرويجي المهاجم إيرلينج هالاند.
ويجلس على مقاعد البدلاء كلًا من: ترافورد، ريندرز، آكي، مرموش، آيت نوري، سافينيو، خوسانوف، بوب، لويس. تشكيل مانشستر سيتي أمام سندرلاند في الدوري الإنجليزي
في حراسة المرمى: دوناروما.
في خط الدفاع: ماتيوس نونيز – روبن دياز – جفارديول – أوريللي.
في خط الوسط: نيكو – برناردو سيلفا – فيل فودين.
في خط الهجوم: جيريمي دوكو – ريان شرقي – إيرلينج هالاند.
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco has been officially charged for illegal possession of a handgun, ESPN reported. The charge comes after an incident in November in the Dominican Republic that resulted in guns being drawn and Franco’s arrest.
Franco was involved in an altercation in a San Juan de la Maguana parking lot where guns were drawn. No one was injured, but a gun was found in Franco's car that was licensed to his uncle, not him. He was arrested then.
Franco is already on trial for charges regarding sexual abuse of a minor. He was arrested last July after allegations circulated in August 2023. The specific charges include "sexual abuse of a minor, sexual and commercial exploitation against a minor and human trafficking," via ESPN. If he is convicted, Franco could face up to 30 years in prison.
The 24-year-old is alleged to have had a relationship with a 14-year-old girl and to have paid her mother for her consent to continue the relationship. Prosecutors allege that Franco paid the girl's mother thousands of dollars and even gifted her a car.
The Rays stopped playing Franco after Aug. 12, 2023, when the allegations first circulated. He has been on MLB's restricted list since July, while on trial. Back in 2021, Franco signed an 11-year, $182 million deal with the Rays.
Labuschagne released from ODI squad to play Shield cricket while Hazlewood and Abbott will miss back-end of T20I series to play a Shield game
Alex Malcolm24-Oct-2025
Jack Edwards has been added to Australia’s ODI squad•Getty Images
New South Wales allrounder Jack Edwards has been called into his first international squad after being added to Australia’s ODI side for the final match in Sydney while Glenn Maxwell and Ben Dwarshuis are fit to return for the latter stages of the upcoming T20I series against India, with young WA quick Mahli Beardman also called up for the T20Is.Cricket Australia confirmed a host of changes to the two white-ball squads on Friday with Marnus Labuschagne released from the ODI squad ahead of the final game in Sydney on Saturday to prepare for Queensland’s Sheffield Shield clash with NSW that starts on Tuesday at the Gabba.Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott will both miss the back-end of the T20I series against India in order play the round four Shield match for NSW against Victoria which starts at the SCG on November 10. Hazlewood will only play the first two T20Is while Abbott, who is recovering from split webbing in his hand, will leave Australia’s squad after the third T20I in Hobart.Related
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Abbott first to be subbed out under new Sheffield Shield injury rule
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Matthew Kuhnemann, who played in the first ODI against India in Perth but then missed the second in Adelaide when Adam Zampa returned, was recalled to the squad for the third game in Sydney alongside Edwards. Josh Philippe, who also played the opening ODI and then was left out of the second when Alex Carey returned, was added to the T20I squad as the spare wicketkeeper with doubt remaining over Josh Inglis’ fitness as he is yet to return from a calf strain.Maxwell will return for the last three matches of the T20I series having been ruled out of the first two after fracturing his wrist while bowling in the nets in New Zealand late last month. Dwarshuis was ruled out of the ODI series and the first three T20Is with a calf injury but has been named to return for the fourth and fifth matches in Queensland.Mahli Beardman has been called up to Australia’s T20I squad•CA/Getty Images
Beardman, 20, is a surprise call-up for the last three T20Is. The former Australia Under-19 quick was a shock inclusion as an injury replacement on Australia’s 2024 white-ball tour of England having played only one List A game for Western Australia. He is also coming off stress fractures over the winter but he has made an impressive start to his T20 and List A career for Perth Scorchers and WA. He took 3 for 17 in his second BBL game, his last T20 appearance in January, and has 12 wickets at 17.75 with an economy rate of 5.75 from his first four List A games for WA, including 3 for 48 and 2 for 55 in his only two games so far this season coming back from injury.Edwards’ call-up to the ODI squad has come on the back of some excellent performances for Australia A on the recent tour of India. He made 88 in the second four-day game in Lucknow and then took 4 for 56 and 89 off 75 in the second and third 50-over matches in Kanpur respectively while captaining Australia A.His addition to the squad does provide Australia the opportunity to extend their batting and trial an allrounder heavy line-up in the dead rubber in Sydney. Such an XI would present the selectors with the chance to rest either one or both of Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc given there is just one day of rest between the second and third ODI.Australia ODI squad for the third ODI vs IndiaMitchell Marsh (capt), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey (wk), Cooper Connolly, Jack Edwards, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe (wk), Matt Renshaw, Matthew Short, Mitchell Starc, Adam ZampaAustralia T20I squad vs IndiaMitchell Marsh (capt), Sean Abbott (first three matches only), Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman (last three matches only), Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis (last two matches only), Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood (first two matches only), Glenn Maxwell (last three matches only), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe (wk), Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
Celtic are consulting the managerial market in an attempt to bring in a new boss and are reportedly now ready to present a formal approach to their preferred candidate.
Undoubtedly, the feeling around Parkhead has changed dramatically in the last couple of weeks since Martin O’Neill was appointed in interim charge to lead the Scottish Premiership champions.
Joyous scenes against Falkirk and Rangers were tempered by a disappointing first-half collapse against FC Midtjylland in the Europa League last Thursday. However, Celtic signed off for the international break with a 4-0 victory over Kilmarnock to close the gap on Heart of Midlothian to seven points.
Furthermore, a game in hand will serve as an opportunity to move within four points of the league leaders, though, who will be in charge to lead the Bhoys’ defence of the Scottish top-flight crown?
Wales boss Craig Bellamy has ruled himself out of the Celtic vacancy. Nevertheless, Cardiff City head coach Brian Barry-Murphy is the latest name to enter the running after his strong start to the campaign at the League One outfit.
Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna, Nicky Hayen, and Efrain Juarez are also on the Bhoys’ radar. Meanwhile, Wilfried Nancy is the wildcard choice after his sterling work at Columbus Crew.
With several pivotal fixtures to come and off-field tension between supporters and the hierarchy continuing to linger, there is a feeling that Celtic must get this appointment right to move forward in unison.
Difficult away clashes against St Mirren, Feyenoord and Hibernian linger on the other side of the international break, so it is fair to say time if of the essence if the Bhoys are to bring someone into the fold on a full-time basis, and they may just be about to pull off that feat.
Celtic readying formal approach for Kjetil Knutsen
According to TEAMtalk, Celtic are readying an official approach for Bodo/Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen after discovering that the 57-year-old is keen to take on a new challenge and is excited by the thought of taking over at Parkhead.
The report make it clear that he is still the standout foreign candidate, albeit the Bhoys also want an interview with Ipswich boss McKenna despite the fact Dermot Desmond may have to pay £5 million to secure him from Portman Road.
Kjetil Knutsen’s record at Bodo/Glimt
Wins
209
Draws
72
Losses
70
Trophies
Eliteserien x4
Ferencvaros boss Robbie Keane, a former Celtic player, has yet to receive a phone call regarding the vacant position. Still, it is said that he would ‘sprint to the table if asked’ to succeed O’Neill at the helm of the Scottish champions.
The Bhoys want to come to a resolution by December at the latest and they could now be closer to finding their next permanent manager if Knutsen was able to finalise contract terms.
An alternative Celtic manager candidate has a secret release clause
Nevertheless, nothing is signed and sealed until ink physically exists on paper, so there is still a long way to go before supporters know who their next leader will be.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad are also in the West Zone squad
Edited PTI copy01-Aug-2025India and Mumbai allrounder Shardul Thakur has been named the West Zone captain for the 2025-26 Duleep Trophy, starting on August 28.The 15-member squad includes India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, and middle-order batters Sarfaraz Khan and Shreyas Iyer. A total of seven Mumbai players have been named in the team.Ruturaj Gaikwad is among the 15, while Saurashtra’s Harvik Desai and Maharashtra’s Saurabh Nawale are the wicketkeepers.There was no place for Cheteshwar Pujara or Ajinkya Rahane in the West Zone squad.Earlier in the week, South Zone had also named their squad with Tilak Verma as captain. East Zone have also named their squad, to be led by Ishan Kishan, with Mohammed Shami in the mix.The six-team Duleep Trophy is returning to the zonal format, with squads picked by the zonal selectors, and the tournament will start the 2025-26 domestic season. Last season, the tournament had four teams – India A, B, C and D – that were picked by the national selectors.South Zone were the winners when the Duleep Trophy was held in the zonal format in 2023-24.West Zone squadShardul Thakur (capt, Mumbai), Yashasvi Jaiswal (Mumbai), Aarya Desai (Gujarat), Harvik Desai (wk, Saurashtra), Shreyas Iyer (Mumbai), Sarfaraz Khan (Mumbai), Ruturaj Gaikwad (Maharashtra), Jaymeet Patel (Gujarat), Manan Hingrajia (Gujarat), Saurabh Nawale (wk, Gujarat), Shams Mulani (Mumbai), Tanush Kotian (Mumbai), Dharmendrasinh Jadeja (Saurashtra), Tushar Deshpande (Mumbai), Arzan Nagwaswala (Gujarat)
Manchester United are now planning to push for an “amazing” midfielder, who has been identified as their top target in the middle of the park, and a £52m offer is in the works.
Man United made it three Premier League wins on the spin for the first time under Ruben Amorim at the weekend, defeating Brighton & Hove Albion 4-2, which means Frank Ilett, also known as ‘The United Strand’ is just two wins away from finally getting a haircut.
The United supporter has already gone over a year without getting a trim, having vowed not to do so until Amorim’s side win five games on the bounce, and only Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur stand in their way after the victory over the Seagulls.
Things are finally looking up for the Red Devils, who have overtaken Liverpool and moved up to sixth in the Premier League table, and Gary Neville has revealed the players have fully bought into Amorim, who has finally staved off some speculation about his future.
Neville said: “The players really like him, they like him a lot … The players really like him and want to do well for him, and I think that’s come through in the last week or so.”
That said, Amorim is still keen to make improvements to his squad, with it well-known the manager wants to bring in a new central midfielder, and Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher has emerged as a target, with the United boss approving the move last week.
There has now been a new update on Man United’s pursuit of Gallagher, with a report from Spain revealing the former Chelsea man is their top target in midfield, and they are considering submitting an offer of around €60m (£52m) for his services.
Casemiro replacement: Man Utd prepare to make offer for £60m "duel monster"
Manchester United are preparing to make a move to sign a star who could replace Casemiro in midfield.
ByDan Emery Oct 27, 2025
The Red Devils are planning to push for the midfielder’s signature, and could make a move in the January transfer window, although it is unclear whether Atletico would be willing to sanction a departure.
"Amazing" Gallagher could be solid option for Amorim
Once lauded for his “amazing character” by Frank Lampard, the Englishman is well-known for his stamina, with Nathan Dyer saying: “His work rate is insane. It’s one of the best I’ve ever seen. He just doesn’t stop.”
However, not only does the 25-year-old have a good attitude and work hard, but he is also very skilled at winning possession, placing in the 97th percentile for interceptions per 90 over the past year, when compared to other midfielders.
The 22-time England international isn’t prolific in front of goal, but he is certainly capable of contributing on the front foot, chipping in with 18 goals and 13 assists in 136 Premier League appearances, while also scoring once at international level.
Gallagher arguably wouldn’t be the flashiest of signings, but he could be a solid option for Amorim in midfield, given his ability at both ends of the pitch.
Everton’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday emphasised the rekindled spirit with David Moyes at the helm.
Work is still being plied in the hope of finding consistency across the park, but after such a fierce stream of summer departures, the Friedkin Group and Moyes and technical director Angus Kinnear can only be praised for reshaping the squad with talented and committed players.
Everton have 11 points after seven matches, and they are eighth in the standings.
However, there are still improvements to be made. Moyes made the point that multiple windows would be needed to lift the squad to the desired, collective standard, and the issues in the final third so far this season have been an illustration of that.
Everton's striker struggles
Dominic Calvert-Lewin left Everton at the end of his contract in June. He played on Merseyside for nine years and was at times considered among the finest strikers in the country.
But injuries and poor form across his final campaigns at Goodison Park made a renewal for the high-salary star difficult. And anyway, Beto had found form in Moyes’ system, scoring seven goals in the Premier League before the end of the campaign.
Beto has struggled to maintain a purple patch since that burst last spring, and with £27m summer signing Thierno Barry yet to adapt to the English game, the Toffees are being hindered by poor quality in the final third this term.
Even so, Everton have come on leaps and bounds, with the likes of Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye spearheading a sharp upturn in general attacking skill.
If the nines fail to raise their game, there’s little question that a new striker will be on the agenda in 2026. With the club going from strength to strength, a focal talisman of the likes of some of the former heavyweights would be nice.
Take, for example, a new version of the man Wayne Rooney believes is Everton’s best scorer for two decades.
Everton's finest modern striker
In 2020, when Rooney was interviewed by The Times and asked to name his finest Everton XI of players he’s played with, he admitted reluctance not to name Duncan Ferguson as his striker, but Big Dunc had to fall behind another.
Five years is a long time, but it’s hard to stake a compelling argument that any who has played for Everton in the intervening years surpasses Romelu Lukaku.
Rooney’s finest Everton XI
GK – Nigel Martyn
RB – Seamus Coleman
CB – Phil Jagielka
CB – Sylvain Distin
LB – Leighton Baines
CM – Thomas Graveson
CM – Idrissa Gueye
RW – Tim Cahill
CAM – Marouane Fellaini
LW – Steven Pienaar
CF – Romelu Lukaku
Speaking to The Times, Rooney waxed lyrical over the Belgian: “Lukaku is the best goalscorer Everton have had in the last 20 years. His link-up play isn’t the best but he just scores and with his power was another like Fellaini who, when he was on it, was almost impossible to play against.
“I know the fans will expect me to choose Duncan, and as good as he was and as much as I loved him as a player, I can’t ignore Lukaku. His goalscoring for Everton was phenomenal.”
The hulking centre-forward has wandered across Europe, playing for a vast range of clubs and winning plenty of silverware. However, there’s a case to be made that he was at his most fearsome when leading the line at Everton.
A knack for scoring goals was built around the usage of his physical attributes, with powerful, sinewy strength coupled with lethal bursts of pace, darting into dangerous positions and brushing aside defenders.
Romelu Lukaku for English Clubs
Club
Apps
Goals (assists)
Everton
166
87 (27)
Manchester United
96
42 (12)
Chelsea
59
15 (2)
West Brom
38
17 (4)
Stats via Transfermarkt
Former Blues boss Roberto Martinez once hailed the 32-year-old’s “elite brain”, proving he was more than just his muscles, and indeed four terms at the club, between 2013 and 2017, saw him hit 20 goals on three occasions, with Martinez also claiming him to be an “iconic figure of Belgian football”.
Given that he was sold to Manchester United for an initial £75m fee at the end of that stint, it’s hard to argue against Farhad Moshiri and the Blues having hit the jackpot. If only they had better applied the recoup and avoided years of struggle.
Ferguson holds a greater legacy, having played 272 games for Everton and having scored 72 goals, but in terms of sheer quality and wow factor when plying their trade in Liverpool, Rooney’s probably fair in his argument that Lukaku takes the cake.
How Moyes must long for such a centre-forward now. It’s easier said than done, but if the Scotsman can land himself a new version of the powerhouse, this Everton project might just become a whole lot more exciting.
Moyes must ditch £56m Everton duo who have been holding Grealish back
Moyes’ Everton have made improvements but there are some stars who need to be dropped.
B Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh have been picked in India’s Test squad for the first time, while Karun Nair and Shardul Thakur have made comebacks for the five-match series in England that starts on June 20.The 18-man squad is led by 25-year old Shubman Gill, who was appointed India’s new Test captain by the selection panel headed by Ajit Agarkar at a meeting in Mumbai on Saturday. Agarkar said Jasprit Bumrah, who was India’s vice-captain on the recent tour of Australia, was unlikely to play all five Tests in England due to workload management and that was a factor in him not being given the captaincy.Gill succeeded Rohit Sharma, who retired from the format in May following poor returns over the past season, especially during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Rishabh Pant was appointed vice-captain of the squad.Related
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The batting group includes Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Abhimanyu Easwaran in addition to Gill, Pant, Sudharsan and Nair, with Dhruv Jurel as the second wicketkeeper.The squad has four allrounders (two pace, two spin) in Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur and Nitish Kumar Reddy.There are five specialist fast bowlers – Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep – with Kuldeep Yadav the only specialist spinner in the 18.The series is India’s first since the retirements of Rohit, R Ashwin and Virat Kohli from Test cricket, and Mohammed Shami was also missing from the squad. Shami had not yet built up to Test match workloads during his recovery from the ankle surgery he had in February last year.Sarfaraz Khan and Harshit Rana are the only two players who were part of the original Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad to be dropped for the England tour. Tanush Kotian and Devdutt Padikkal, who came in as replacements during India’s tour of Australia, were not picked either.The five Tests against England will be India’s first in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. They play the first Test at Headingley (from June 20), the second at Edgbaston (from July 2), the third at Lord’s (from July 10), the fourth at Old Trafford (from July 23), and the final at The Oval (from July 31).They begin the tour with a four-day match against India A at Beckenham on the outskirts of London between June 13 and 16.
With his AC Milan contract expiring next summer, goalkeeper Mike Maignan is set to become one of the world's most sought-after free agents. Italian rivals Juventus are positioning themselves to make a move, but face a huge battle with deep-pocketed European rivals Chelsea and Bayern Munich for the France No. 1's signature after the World Cup.
Juventus target Maignan as a free agent
Juventus have identified Milan goalkeeper as a prime target for a free transfer next summer as the player's contract negotiations with the Rossoneri remain at a standstill, according to a report from Italy's . The Bianconeri are looking to add experienced, high-calibre players to their squad and see the France international as a perfect opportunity to upgrade a key position without a transfer fee.
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Maignan's Milan contract situation stalls
The 30-year-old's current deal at San Siro is set to expire in June 2026, and with renewal talks having stalled for some time, there is a growing belief he will seek a new challenge. This situation has alerted a host of Europe's top clubs, with Maignan poised to become one of the most sought-after free agents in the upcoming summer transfer window. His leadership and world-class shot-stopping have been a cornerstone of Milan's success since he joined in 2021.
Chelsea and Bayern provide stiff competition
Juventus are not alone in their pursuit of the former Lille goalkeeper. Chelsea reportedly made an attempt to sign Maignan last summer, only to be rebuffed by Milan, while German giants Bayern Munich have also recently registered their interest with Manuel Neuer's future uncertain. The Bianconeri will have to fend off significant competition, particularly from the Premier League side, to secure his signature.
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Potential impact on Juventus' goalkeeping ranks
The potential arrival of Maignan raises questions about the future of Juventus' current No. 1, Michele Di Gregorio. While publicly backed by coach Igor Tudor, the report suggests that signing Maignan would be seen as a clear upgrade in both quality and personality. Should Juventus succeed in landing the Frenchman, they would likely look to sell Di Gregorio, with clubs in England reportedly holding a long-standing interest in the Italian shot-stopper.
The striker situation at Newcastle United has developed into one of the defining sagas of their summer window.
Alexander Isak’s desire to leave the club has left Eddie Howe and the recruitment team scrambling for solutions, with each failed pursuit only heightening the sense of urgency.
Newcastle have already missed out on Liam Delap, Hugo Ekitike, João Pedro, and Benjamin Šeško – all of whom might have paved the way for Isak’s departure had they been secured.
As things stand, the Swede’s future remains unresolved.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their second goal
He has made it abundantly clear he does not wish to reintegrate with the squad, even if no sale materialises.
A move to Anfield remains his desired outcome, but Newcastle have been equally firm: no replacement, no transfer.
Newcastle's new contender
That replacement hunt has taken them down multiple avenues. Brentford’s Yoane Wissa has long been admired, but negotiations have stalled.
The Congolese’s absence from Brentford’s win over Aston Villa raised eyebrows, though nothing concrete has yet been agreed.
Jørgen Strand Larsen of Wolves has also been sounded out, though Vítor Pereira’s reluctance to part with the Norwegian makes that transfer unlikely.
With time ticking down, Newcastle have turned their attention to a different profile of forward.
According to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, Newcastle hold an interest in Atlético Madrid striker Alexander Sørloth.
Hope stated: “He has been discussed. He is the latest one in the orbit of players they could move for. It’s Alexander Sorloth at Atletico Madrid. His goal record is quite incredible. Absolutely in the mold of his countryman, Strand-Larsen. Sorloth is one of the names being considered and there are others too.”
The 29-year-old Norwegian is a familiar name to Premier League fans, though his first spell in England was far from remarkable.
Transfer Focus
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Signed by Crystal Palace from FC Midtjylland in 2017, Sørloth failed to score in 16 appearances before eventually being moved on.
Described as “phenomenal” by Diego Simeone, any deal would likely be complicated. Newcastle would need to convince the Spanish club to part with him, likely at a fee north of his current market value of £30m.
But with Isak’s situation dragging on and the clock ticking, pragmatism may force their hand.
Newcastle's new Andy Carroll
After leaving the south-east London club, Sørloth established himself at Real Sociedad, and then flourished at Villarreal, where his goalscoring exploits earned him a move to Atlético last summer.
Standing at 1.95m, he offers the kind of aerial dominance and physical presence that Newcastle fans associate with Andy Carroll.
His numbers back up that comparison.
Andy Carroll
In La Liga last season, Sørloth scored 20 goals in 35 appearances, a remarkable tally that underlines his development into one of Europe’s most reliable finishers.
Alexander Sørloth – La Liga – 2024/25
Matches
35
Minutes
1,566
Goals
20
Assists
2
Progressive Carries
32
Progressive Passes
31
The advanced metrics paint an even clearer picture of his value: according to FBref, he ranks in the 99th percentile for non-penalty goals per 90 (0.90), 97th for total shots per 90 (4.29), and 94th for aerials won per 90 (5.05).
Far from being just a target man, Sørloth also excels in his movement inside the penalty area, ranking in the 93rd percentile for touches in the opposition box.
This blend of attributes would address one of Newcastle’s most glaring issues.
Against Villa, Howe’s side controlled large periods of the game but lacked the cutting edge to make their dominance count.
With Isak unavailable for selection, there was no focal point to convert their possession into clear chances.
Atletico Madrid's AlexanderSorlothcelebrates scoring their second goal
Sørloth, who already played at St James’ Park this summer in a pre-season friendly, could provide precisely that.
For Newcastle supporters, the prospect of Sørloth evokes memories of Carroll, who embodied the traditional number nine spirit with his strength, aerial ability, and goalscoring instinct.
Across two spells at the club, Carroll made 134 appearances, scoring 34 goals and adding 26 assists.
His big-money move to Liverpool in 2011 highlighted just how much Newcastle relied on his presence at the time.
Sørloth is not a like-for-like replacement, but the comparison is clear. Both men stand at virtually the same height, both are capable of bullying defenders, and both bring a blend of physicality and technical competence.
Where Carroll was at times let down by injuries, Sørloth has shown resilience in rebuilding his career after early setbacks.
His resurgence in Spain suggests he could thrive in the right system, and Eddie Howe’s structured, attacking side might be the perfect environment.
There is also a strategic angle.
Newcastle’s summer recruitment has been careful, even cautious, reflecting the club’s need to stay within the boundaries of the Premier League’s financial regulations.
Having already brought in Jacob Ramsey, Anthony Elanga, Malick Thiaw, and Aaron Ramsdale, the addition of a proven goalscorer would bring balance to the squad.
Sørloth, available for a fraction of the fee Isak might command, would also represent value in a market where reliable strikers are scarce.
But above all, Sørloth’s candidacy illustrates Newcastle’s willingness to adapt.
Their pursuit of Wissa and Strand Larsen indicates they are exploring different striker types: mobile forwards who press aggressively, and more traditional target men who can hold up play.
Sørloth sits firmly in the latter camp, a player who could give Howe a tactical alternative while easing the transition away from Isak. Whether he is the long-term solution or a stop-gap remains to be seen, but the logic is hard to ignore.
Newcastle’s aspirations extend beyond domestic stability; they are preparing for another European campaign and require depth to compete on multiple fronts.
Sørloth offers something they currently lack: presence, pedigree, and proven productivity at the top level.
Their answer to Guehi: Newcastle weigh up late move to sign £30m "monster"
Newcastle aren’t just looking at forwards as the transfer window enters the final stretch.