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Erling Haaland was back to his very best as the striker led Manchester City to a thumping derby win over Manchester United on Sunday. The Norwegian made yet more history, becoming the joint-top scorer in the fixture as well as the fastest player to reach 90 Premier League goals. And a beaming Pep Guardiola declared that Haaland was in the best form of his career.

"Erling has been incredible since the start but this season he is better than ever. I would say better than the Treble year," Guardiola said after the demolition derby. "Erling never disappoints us. He is a special player." 

The Norwegian's brace against City's greatest rivals saw him move ahead of the legendary Didier Drogba in the league's all-time scorer list, despite playing less than half the amount of seasons as the former Chelsea hitman.

And with Haaland closing in on a century of goals early into his fourth season, the time has come to ask where he ranks among the league's greatest strikers of all time…

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  10Michael Owen

  Owen's career is often remembered as for what might have been had it not been for his hamstring injuries and he managed to alienate fans of all the clubs he played for. But no one should forget what an exciting player he was when he burst onto the scene, scoring on his debut for Liverpool at Wimbledon while still 17 and then scoring 18 goals in the season when he turned 18 plus 12 assists.

  Owen struck 118 times in his seven full seasons at Anfield and in 2001 became the first English player in 21 years to win the Ballon d'Or after firing Liverpool to a cup treble. He remains the last Englishman to have won the game's most prestigious individual prize. His career never really recovered from leaving his boyhood club to move to Real Madrid and he never got the return to Liverpool he craved.

  But when he was fit, he continued to score with impressive consistency for Newcastle and Manchester United, where he picked up two Premier League titles and netted a thrilling winning strike in a 4-3 win over City. He kept going despite the toil of all his hamstring injuries until 2013, bowing out aged 33 with 150 Premier League goals to his name.

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  9Eric Cantona

  'Le God' was not as prolific as the modern day strikers, but his influence on the Premier League in its infant stage was utterly astounding. Put simply, he guided United to the title in every full season he played, the Red Devils missing out in 1994-95 when he was suspended in January for his infamous 'kung fu' kick on a Crystal Palace fan.
  He joined United four months into the league's inaugural season, when United had made a pitiful start to the campaign of four points from four games which has only just been matched by Ruben Amorim's crop of misfits. His nine goals and 11 assists fired United to a first title in 26 years and he followed it up by inspiring them to a league and cup double, with 18 goals and 13 assists. We'll never know how prolific he could have been in the 1994-95 season as he was on 12 goals when he was hit with his long ban. 

  He returned in irresistible fashion, scoring on his comeback against Liverpool and helping United reclaim the title with 25 goal contributions. His six goals in as many games between March and April were worth 11 points, none more valuable than his winner in the title showdown away to Newcastle. His retirement one year later after captaining United to another title came as a massive shock but he ensured he bowed out at the very top of his game. 

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  8Andy Cole

  "He gets the ball, he scores a goal, Andy, Andy Cole." No one could argue with the words to the chant dedicated to one of the deadliest strikers the league has ever known. Cole made his Premier League debut 32 years ago but he still remains in the top five scorers of all time, only being knocked down from fourth to fifth by Mohamed Salah on Sunday.

  In his very first season in the top flight after firing Newcastle to promotion, he scored 34 goals in one season, a record which stood along with Alan Shearer's as the most strikes in a season for 29 years until Erling Haaland broke it. Cole's feats made him the most expensive English player when he switched to Manchester United in 1995 and he overcame some difficulties to become Alex Ferguson's most reliable hitman. His goals helped the Red Devils win five titles, including the decisive strike to clinch the crown in 1999 – the first step of the historic treble. 

  Cole was not without his critics, among them England coach Glenn Hoddle who declared, somewhat unfairly, "I don't think he's international class, he needs five chances to score one." Cole had the last laugh, scoring regularly for Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City and Fulham to retire as the league's second top scorer, only trailing Alan Shearer at the time.

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  7Sergio Aguero

  The deadly Argentine's signing for City from Atletico Madrid in 2011 for £35m was greeted with the usual doubts about his price tag and his suitability to the league but he quickly made a mockery of his critics, scoring twice on his debut against Swansea after coming off the bench. He finished the season with 21 goals, the last proving the most famous in the league's history as it gave City their first title in 44 years, snatching it from Manchester United's grasp. 

  It was the first of five crowns he would win with City, becoming the club's all-time top scorer midway through his seventh campaign. He scored 20 goals or more in six of his 10 seasons at the Etihad Stadium and were it not fo injuries he would have got far more. 

  A lot has been made of the fact that Pep Guardiola wanted him to contribute more than goals and used him less and less in his last couple of seasons, and yet Aguero still played a crucial role in the 2017-18 'Centurion' triumph and to beating Liverpool by one point in 2018-19, bagging 21 goals in each campaign. He signed off with 184 league goals to his name, with a statue soon erected one year later recreating his iconic, history-making goal against Queen's Park Rangers.

Hansi Flick admits he is aware of the physical size and strength of Newcastle United ahead of Barcelona’s Champions League opener at St James’ Park on Thursday night. The German coach praised Eddie Howe’s work in transforming the Magpies into a dynamic and physical side, while stressing the need for his own players to adapt quickly in what he expects will be one of the toughest atmospheres in Europe.

• Barcelona to face challenges against 'tall' Newcastle

  Barcelona begin their Champions League campaign with a trip to Newcastle in Gameweek One. Flick has been clear about the challenge awaiting his team, describing Newcastle as a tall, intense, and physically strong outfit, especially following their signing of 6ft 6in Nick Woltemade this summer.

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  Flick expects aerial threat – praises Howe's job at Newcastle

  Speaking to the media, Flick said: "I have never been here [St. James' Park]. My players tell me it is maybe the best atmosphere in the Premier League. I expect a really strong team, a tall team with a high intensity, with a lot of dynamic to go in the second balls vertically. They are playing really well. It is a team that has been built over the last years. Eddie Howe and his coaching staff have done a fantastic job."

  He added: "We have to adapt to the opponents, and we will do it. Every match plan is like that to adapt to what we have to do against the style of the opponents. We do not have a long time to train because every three or four days we are playing but it's normal. But I think that the players are able to play against this style.",

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  Barcelona's plan against Woltemade

  Barcelona know they must adapt to Newcastle’s intensity, but the aerial threat of Woltemade is viewed as a key challenge for the relatively short Blaugrana backline. The German forward has already shown his ability to make an impact, and his 6ft 6in frame poses a major problem for any defence. As per SPORT, Flick is relying on Ronald Araujo to step up and neutralise him, with the Uruguayan’s physicality and aerial strength seen as Barcelona’s best answer. However, Araujo faces a lot of pressure after his slow start to the season, which has seen Eric Garcia replace him as a starter.

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• Barcelona looking to kick off UCL campaign with statement win

  Barcelona will aim to get their Champions League journey off to a winning start, though Flick knows it won’t come easily. Araujo’s ability to contain Woltemade could be decisive in determining the outcome. For Newcastle, it’s a chance to prove themselves against one of Europe’s heavyweights in front of a raucous home crowd.

Manchester United have now made contact with the agents of a “wonderful” £100m rising star, who could join after RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

Sesko set for Man Utd medical

Man United now look set to win the race for Sesko, despite rival interest from Newcastle United, and Romano has revealed that a deal is edging closer to completion.

In fact, the Slovenia international is now “ready to fly” to England to complete a move to Old Trafford, having struck an agreement on personal terms, with United trying to get the deal over the line as soon as possible.

Should the Red Devils complete a move for Sesko, it will be a huge relief for Ruben Amorim, having chased a new centre-forward throughout the summer, but it is not the only position in which the manager is looking to strengthen.

According to a new update from Romano on X, Man United are also keen to get a new defensive midfielder through the door, having made an approach to the agents of Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba.

After wrapping up the deal for Sesko, United plan to try and bring in a new midfielder, but a deal for Baleba could be difficult, given that he is valued very highly by his current employers.

In fact, transfer expert Graeme Bailey believes the Seagulls could hold out for £100m, adding: “I am told that Brighton are not contemplating a Baleba sale this summer and are not encouraging it either. They are saying he is not for sale.”

"Wonderful" Baleba could take Man Utd's midfield to next level

Man United already have Manuel Ugarte at their disposal in defensive midfield, but the 24-year-old received widespread criticism for his debut season at Old Trafford, and the more experienced Casemiro hasn’t always set the world alight either.

In fact, former Liverpool man Jamie Carragher infamously suggested the Brazilian’s time at the top level is over.

Consequently, it is no surprise that Amorim is looking to bring in a new defensive midfielder this summer, and the Brighton star clearly has what it takes to succeed at Old Trafford, having been lauded by Alan Shearer for a fantastic all-round performance against Manchester City last season.

Shearer said: “He was absolutely wonderful and he just changed the tempo of the game. He changed the performance of Brighton. Not only on the front foot but he did his bit defensively as well and he got wired in which no one really did in the first half.”

With Baleba also placing in the 90th percentile for interceptions per 90 over the past year, and the 85th percentile for blocks, he is evidently a very talented defensive midfielder, but the £100m asking price could be prohibitive.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk slammed his team-mates after a frustrating loss to Crystal Palace but the Dutchman thanked Alisson for keeping the score down, while hailing the Brazilian as the "best goalkeeper in the world". Liverpool suffered their first defeat across all competitions in the 2025-26 campaign as Eddie Nketiah's late winner helped Palace secure a crucial win.

• Van Dijk concerned after Palace loss

  Van Dijk expressed his concern over Liverpool's 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday as the Reds captain believes the team need quick fixes after their first defeat of the season. Federico Chiesa had equalised for the champions just three minutes before the end of regulation time, but Eddie Nketiah's later winner sealed crucial points for the hosts.  

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  Van Dijk slams team-mates but hails Alisson as the "best"

  Speaking to reporters after the match, the Dutch defender said: "I’m disappointed in the loss, but especially the way we went about it. I don’t think there is any need to worry but we have to improve quickly. It was the basics that we didn’t do very well. Hopefully, this is the only day this season we do that. They are very difficult to break down. Very disciplined, they defend deep and they don’t mind that. They have the quality on the break to hurt you. But it all started with ourselves. We were sloppy, and we were lucky that we have the best goalkeeper in the world to save us." 

• "Biggest challenge now is to stay calm"

  The Liverpool skipper further added: "If you look at the first half, everybody has to improve. Everyone deals with it in their own way, but as a team, we have to deal with it as well. The biggest challenge now is to stay calm. We know when we can do better and everyone knew that." 

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  Tough week of football awaits Arne Slot's side

  Arne Slot's men need to work on their shortcomings quickly as they have a tough schedule to tackle in the coming week. Their action starts with a Champions League clash in Turkey against Galatasaray on Tuesday, before they make their trip to Stamford Bridge during the weekend to take on Chelsea in a key Premier League fixture on October 4.   

The Premier League is finally back, but things are not looking so great for West Ham United.

Graham Potter’s side were tasked with a visit to the newly promoted Sunderland yesterday afternoon but, instead of picking up some early points, were comfortably beaten 3-0.

The result is a real wake-up call that unless the club do something dramatic in the closing weeks of the transfer window, they’ll be in real danger of going down come the end of the campaign.

Fortunately, it looks like West Ham are keen on bringing in an incredibly exciting talent, someone who could be their new Declan Rice.

West Ham target their new Rice

It would be fair to say that, so far this summer, West Ham’s dealings in the transfer market have been nothing more than fine.

Transfer Focus

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

While the additions of Kyle Walker-Peters, Mads Hermansen and El Hadji Malick Diouf improve the squad, they aren’t really enough for a side that ended last season five points off the drop zone.

Luckily, it looks like the club are keen to make at least one more significant addition to the team as they circle someone who could be their new Rice.

At least that is according to a recent report from Eduardo Burgos, who has claimed that West Ham are interested in Andrey Santos.

In fact, the Spanish journalist has revealed that the Hammers sent Chelsea a €53m offer, which is about £42m, but it was rejected.

As things stand, it appears that the Blues do not want to sell the Brazilian, but if the last few windows have shown us anything, it’s that they will move on most players if the fee is right.

So, while it would be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, West Ham should be doing all they can to sign Santos, especially as he could be their new Rice.

How Santos compares to Rice

It should probably go without saying that we are not suggesting Santos is quite on the same level as Rice at the moment, but it might be closer than you’d think, and there are some undeniable similarities between the pair.

The first is, unsurprisingly, where they play on the pitch, as, like the Arsenal star, the Brazilian is someone who thrives as either a central or defensive midfielder and is a monster when it comes to breaking up play and helping out his defence.

For example, while respected analyst Ben Mattinson described him as a “duel monster” who is “brilliant at screening the backline,” talent scout Jacek Kulig arguably went even further and called him a “one-man war machine in midfield.”

However, just like the former Irons captain, the Blues gem is able to match up his tireless running and defensive attributes with an eye for goal and an ability to make things happen at the sharp end of the pitch.

In 34 appearances for Strasbourg last season, the 21-year-old phenom scored 11 goals and provided five assists and was praised by Mattinson for the way he “crashes the box” and his seriously impressive ability to “progress the ball.”

Finally, on top of being so similar to such an incredible international, the Rio de Janeiro-born ace has some sensational underlying numbers to his name.

According to FBref, he ranked in the top 3% of midfielders in Ligue 1 for tackles won, the top 5% for non-penalty goals and goals per shot, and the top 8% for dribblers tackled, among other metrics, all per 90.

These numbers help to justify the image of the Brazilian star as someone who can help snuff out opposition attacks in his half before kick-starting a counter and bringing the ball all the way up the other end.

Ultimately, West Ham need to add some real quality to the side this summer, and while it will be difficult, they should be doing all they can to get Santos, especially as he could be their new Rice.

Potter's own Xhaka: West Ham now targeting "technically gifted" £15m star

The brilliant midfielder could become West Ham United and Graham Potter’s own Granit Xhaka.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Aug 16, 2025

Newcastle United are “looking” at a potential move for another attacking player hailed as a “pure baller” this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Ramsey completes move to Newcastle

The Magpies’ summer transfer window hasn’t been a happy one, with key targets choosing other clubs instead, and the Alexander Isak saga hanging over them.

On the plus side, Newcastle have now completed the signing of Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey, with the Englishman looking forward to his new challenge at St James’ Park.

“I’m delighted to be here. It’s been a mad two or three days, but I’m really happy to be here and I can’t wait to get started. This is a big move for me, but as soon as I knew the gaffer was interested and really liked me, it didn’t take much time to decide. His track record of developing players, especially those who have gone on to become internationals here, speaks for itself.

“It was always a tough game playing for Villa against Newcastle – the team is full of energy, so athletic and the fans are so passionate. I feel my game will suit that and I’m excited to be on the other end of it now.”

Now, another gifted young player has also been mentioned as a target for Newcastle, with two weeks of the transfer window remaining.

Newcastle "looking" at move for "pure baller"

Speaking to Football Insider, O’Rourke claimed that Leicester City ace Bilal El Khannouss is a target for Newcastle this summer, with offers expected to arrive for him from clubs.

“He isn’t letting the speculation effect him at the moment, he started for Leicester in their opening game of the season and got a couple of assists as well. Newcastle have been looking at him while pursuing Jacob Ramsey. They could potentially sign both to strengthen the squad in that position.

“Eddie Howe needs a bigger squad this season with Champions League football to contend with. Leicester are open to selling him and they’ll face a real battle to convince him to stay in the Championship if he does have Premier League offers. It’s one to keep an eye on before the end of the window. I expect offers to come in for El Khannouss before the end of the window.”

El Khannouss is a huge talent with so many good years ahead of him, so he could be a superb long-term signing in attacking midfield areas.

The 21-year-old has already bagged two assists in as many games in the Championship this season, while analyst Ben Mattinson has described him as a “pure baller” because of his natural ability.

Shades of Ekitike: Newcastle given "encouragement" to sign £56m striker

Newcastle United are still interested in securing a £56m deal for this striker who is similar to Hugo Ekitike.

By
Kelan Sarson

Aug 18, 2025

Granted, El Khannouss plays in a similar position to Ramsey, so minutes could be hard to come by initially, especially given the quality already in Newcastle’s midfield. That said, he should still feature plenty, and has the potential to be a future star at St James’.

Benjamin Sesko has yet to impress on the field for Manchester United since his big summer move from RB Leipzig. The Slovenian has faile to score a goal for the Red Devils despite playing close to 300 minutes. The search goes on, but a picture from training has shown Sesko mimic Old Trafford icon Mark Hughes and his famous 1989 volley against Manchester City.

• Sesko shows off skills in Man Utd training

  Sesko's arrival from RB Leipzig this summer was supposed to bring with it a flurry of goals to a struggling Manchester United side. However, the same form he displayed in Germany has not been showcased on the field in England.

  But fans were given a treat on Thursday when the club shared a picture of Sesko attempting a side-on scissor volley, the type of which Hughes was a master of in his 1980s and 1990s heyday.

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  Sesko shows sharp form in training

  While Sesko's overall form on the field has failed to suggest it, reports from inside the Manchester United camp have suggested that the Slovenian has been doing well behind closed doors since joining the club, described as “very sharp” in front of goal. He has also, at times, drawn “ripples of applause” from teammates marvelling at his finishing.

• Sesko's stats so far at Man Utd

  Sesko has played five games so far, totalling nearly 300 minutes in the Premier League and the Carabao Cup. However, the striker has only managed to take five shots, with just one of them troubling a goalkeeper. Additionally, the Slovenian has only managed a total of eight touches in the opposition's box and won nine of his 17 aerial duels despite his dominating 6ft 5in stature.

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  Man Utd to face off against Brentford with Sesko starting

  Sesko will likely be a starter in Manchester United's crucial Premier League clash against Brentford on Saturday, as the Red Devils look to string together two wins for the first time this season.

In the end, Xabi Alonso had just one word for Real Madrid's 5-2 loss to Atletico Madrid on Saturday: "bad". Well, duh!

Los Blancos had enjoyed an undefeated start to the season and, heading into the first Madrid derby of the year, seemed well-equipped to make something happen – perhaps even continue that run. Atleti were an unpredictable shambles of a side, a summer spending spree leading to mid-table irrelevance (albeit in a small sample size). Madrid were in fine form. Kylian Mbappe was scoring for fun. Arda Guler looked a wonderful fit under Alonso. All of the pieces were in place here. 

That prediction aged like milk. Madrid were woeful against their crosstown rivals, a self-inflicted mess of disastrous defending and lack of effort in central areas, leading to a comprehensive 5-2 defeat. And in truth, it really could have been more. 

It all leaves Madrid searching for answers a bit. They have leaned heavily on Mbappe thus far, but also looked really rather good as a unit. However, as soon as they faced a team that likes to disrupt, they crumbled. And that's the bigger worry. Madrid derbies are testy things, full of hard tackles and fierce individual duels. 

And under real pressure for the first time this season, Los Blancos collapsed, meaning Alonso has had his rude awakening at Real. Now the new boss has to figure out how to react, maybe even rebuild, and prepare for more stern challenges that lie ahead. This job is never easy. But Alonso now knows just how hard it can be. 

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  Early warning signs

  Some will tell you that they could have seen this coming. Madrid's first real test under Alonso, arguably, came earlier this summer. Whether Madrid truly to win the Club World Cup is up for debate. But they certainly approached the transfer window like they wanted to. 

  A glut of new arrivals showed up in America for the tournament, and Alonso was the man tasked with piecing them all together – despite having less than two weeks as actual manager of the club.

  They looked beleaguered in the group stage, and when it came down to the big names, they were miles off the pace. Madrid were battered by somehow-not-champions PSG in the semi-final, and, in truth, never appeared remotely capable of turning that result around. Alonso claimed after the game that the loss was the final match of the previous season, and by no means an indication as to how things might look going forward.

  "At the moment, we need a proper break. This is not the beginning of next year, this is just the end of this season," he said after the defeat.

  And there's some sense to that. Los Blancos endured a disastrous 2024-25 campaign. The Club World Cup felt like a bit of a wash. Sure, the loss stung, but it was perhaps a chance to refresh – not an indictment on the strength of the side. Well, so much for that idea…

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  Getting the XI wrong

  Atleti are not as good as PSG, but they certainly exposed the same weaknesses in Madrid's team. 

  The first, and most obvious problem that Alonso will repeatedly face here is the lack of balance in the side. For the first time this season, the manager started Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham together. It's a dangerous thing, trying to get all three into the same side. Say what you want about tactical adjustments and positional play, one fact is simple: the trio don't quite click together on either side of the ball.

  Yes, there were some moments of individual magic, but when Los Blancos lost the ball, the results were calamitous. It was laughably easy to see how Atletico might attack. Mbappe doesn't like to run. Vinicius and Bellingham don't either. As soon as Los Rojiblancos counter, they are playing against eight, taking on a remarkably disorganised unit immediately. And although set-pieces proved to be their ultimate undoing, all of the moves started from direct vertical counters. 

  It was a familiar story, the way Madrid have been attacked by opponents for 12 months now. Alonso simply fell into the same trap as his predecessor Carlo Ancelotti in the Italian's final year at the Santiago Bernabeu.

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  Leaning on Mbappe

  And that won't be easy to counter. In all likelihood, one of Bellingham or Vinicius will need to be benched – especially in the big games. Madrid's remedy to that – or, at least, their method for picking up results – is to lean on their stars. And in Mbappe, they have arguably the best forward in the world. 

  The Frenchman has been in electric form to start the campaign. Alonso seems to have won him over somehow, encouraging him to play in a more central role, and simply getting better consistent showings out of the team's talisman. Against the lesser sides, that helped paper over some cracks. Madrid haven't been excellent to start the season, but Mbappe's penchant for finding the net has ensured that some of the shortcomings – and there are a fair few – haven't proven fatal. 

  However, against a far more organised Atleti, he couldn't play hero-ball. Sure, he scored a wonderful goal – a clinical dart in behind and finish. But that alone could not save a Madrid team that actively struggled. 

  Mbappe's reluctance to defend was also illustrated. Ancelotti, the great vibes guy who was able to lay down the law in a dressing room full of egos, could never solve that conundrum in the big games. Thus far, Alonso hasn't, either. That goal was lovely for the highlight reel. Substantively, though, it meant little.

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  A midfield imbalance

  The midfield could also do with some scrutiny here. Thus far, Alonso has stuck with a familiar formula: a trio of Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, and one other (usually Arda Guler as a No.10). It has worked well enough. But against Atleti, who simply packed the middle of the pitch, it was underwhelming. 

  There are a number of reasons why. A lot of them surround a certain Englishman who was regarded as a Ballon d'Or candidate not 12 months ago. 

  Bellingham isn't lazy per se. But his work rate isn't excellent, either. He doesn't quite seem to know how to defend as a No.10. When the attackers don't press, Bellingham never knows when to run forward or drop deep. The result is a bit of lethargy, half-committed to defending. It leaves Madrid wide open. 

  Furthermore, for all of his undoubted talent, Bellingham clearly doesn't like it when things don't go his way. Too often, he throws his arms in the air in frustration, or doesn't track back at all. Atleti took advantage of that ill-discipline. 

  And then there is the form of Federico Valverde. Last year, he was immense, full of legs and providing some attacking quality, too. This year, he is still a willing runner, but looks a little slower. There were times, last season, where he could play two vs one. Not anymore.

With West Ham United scrambling to welcome the reinforcements they need to avoid the drop, they’ve reportedly been offered the chance to sign a Champions League-level striker.

Potter: "Hurting" West Ham need unity

It was another defeat for West Ham in midweek and arguably their most frustrating yet as they crashed out of the Carabao Cup to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Just when the Hammers looked on course to pick up a much-needed victory, Jorgen Strand Larsen struck twice late on to compile Graham Potter’s misery.

Things reached boiling point at full-time to make matters worse, with captain Jarrod Bowen caught in an ugly confrontation with a disgruntled fan in the aftermath. And whilst he has since apologised, there’s no denying that it summed up just where West Ham find themselves at this current point in time.

Potter also admitted that his side are “hurting” after how they’ve started the season and called for unity, telling reporters: “We’re all in pain so we need everybody to help. We need everybody’s support. We need to push forward and on to the next match.

“The team’s suffering at the moment, we all are, we’re all hurting. I can assure you no-one’s happy. Our supporters have been fantastic. They are hurting because of the results we’ve had and Jarrod obviously cares about the club and the team.

Their new Rice: West Ham now exploring move for £17m star after Magassa

The combative star would be an excellent signing for Graham Potter and West Ham.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Aug 28, 2025

“It’s just an exchange of views by people who care. Everyone is hurting, rightly so because we haven’t had the results we’d like. Jarrod has been a fantastic captain and servant for the club.”

Those at the London Stadium are in need of a solution and with just three days left of the summer transfer window, reports are suggesting that they’ve been offered exactly that.

West Ham offered Boniface deal

According to GiveMeSport, West Ham have now been offered the chance to sign Victor Boniface from Bayer Leverkusen. The Nigerian striker stole the headlines for all the wrong reasons recently when he failed a medical at AC Milan to end any chance of that move taking place. Now back to square one, the Hammers could swoop in and offer the forward a last-gasp move.

Despite how desperate all parties are for Boniface to get his move away from Bayer Leverkusen, West Ham could still be forced to pay a premium price. Milan’s recent agreement was reportedly a straight loan with an option to buy worth as much as £21m and the German club are unlikely to change that demand.

For a player once described by Xabi Alonso as “powerful” and “quick”, however, West Ham would be wise to at least seal an initial loan move as the transfer window comes to a close.

Newcastle United will hope to challenge for silverware once again this season after lifting the Carabao Cup last term, even in the wake of Alexander Isak’s high-profile rebellion at St. James’ Park and ultimate transfer to Liverpool.

Isak cost a pretty penny when arriving from Real Sociedad in a club-record £63m deal in 2022, but he has since lined the pockets of the owners, contributing toward a period of newfound success and joining Liverpool for a British record £125m fee.

In Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, Eddie Howe has a few new forwards with enough talent to lead the line with confidence through the Premier League and Champions League seasons, though it might be a tall order to expect them to hit the same heights as the Sweden striker from the beginning.

Newcastle's tough task replacing Isak

Wissa has plied his craft in the Premier League for four years, joining Brentford from Lorient in France, and he struck a new level of form last year, scoring 19 league goals and being praised by Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam for his “sensational” ability in front of goal.

However, Wissa isn’t on the same level as Isak, who didn’t just bang them in for the Tynesiders but played with such smoothness and creativity too, with pundit Ally McCoist even hailing him as the “best all-round centre-forward”.

Woltemade arrives with potential, but he’s not Isak. Howe’s Newcastle system is steeped in efficient and slick transitional play, and that requires a striker both intelligent and coaxing a big chance into being and then deadly with the finishing touch.

The jury is out for both of them, however, Newcastle once had a number nine who has proven their quality at the very highest level in the Premier League and may well have been a success in Howe’s current title-challenging team.

Newcastle sold their original Isak

A decade ago, Newcastle signed young centre-forward Ivan Toney from Northampton Town. He was 19 at the time and considered one of the most underrated prospects in England.

It didn’t work out for the England international, who left for Peterborough in League One in a mere £500k deal before unearthing his prolific potential in front of goal, leading to destructive displays with Thomas Frank’s Brentford, with the manager hailing him as “a monster”.

With Posh, he enjoyed a mighty time of it, scoring 49 in 94. With the Bees, he was even better, netting 72 in 141 outings.

Indeed, after four loan stints while a Newcastle player, the 29-year-old has now realised his capacity to thrive as one of the most physical and threatening forwards in the business, with his tall frame and clever link-up play certainly reminiscent of Isak at the front of Howe’s set-up.

He might not have the same high-speed running as Isak, but Toney is unquestionably a striker of merit, versatile and confident in creating for his peers.

Toney’s clinical performances in the Saudi Pro League, having joined Al-Ahli for £40m in 2024, are merely a continuation of his consistent success in the Premier League, and while there are those who begrudge his decision to leave for the riches of the Gulf, there’s no question that he’d still make the cut at a team like Newcastle.

He scored 30 goals for Al-Ahli last season, and also with a five-goal return in his trail this season, so Toney actually outscored Isak last season, having previously hit 36 Premier League goals across three terms with Brentford.

While it would have been unreasonably expensive to sign Toney this summer, there’s no doubt that the previous Toon regime blundered with this one, and that a young Toney within the current project might have found the perfect environment to have realised his plentiful talents.

He's outscoring Woltemade: Newcastle must regret selling the original Wissa

Newcastle could do with this striker’s quality after selling Isak to Liverpool.

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By
Angus Sinclair

Sep 2, 2025