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Premier League fans, particularly those of a Tottenham Hotspur persuasion, were left disappointed this week when Harry Kane declared that he has no plans to come home as he is enjoying life with Bayern Munich so much. And why would he? He is primed to add another Bundesliga title to his maiden trophy won last year after firing Bayern to an explosive start to the season.

Kane is in the best form of his career, even pipping Erling Haaland and Cristiano Ronaldo to goal records these days and being hailed for his selfless work by coach Vincent Kompany. While he initially saw his stint in Germany as a short-term move due to his desire to become the Premier League's all-time top scorer, he is now open to prolonging his stay in the Bundesliga.

English fans will still get plenty of opportunities to see Kane in action though as he remains as committed as ever to his country. Take the fact that he was taken off in Bayern's last game with Eintracht Frankfurt with an ankle injury but still linked up with the England squad as usual. He is a doubt for Thursday's friendly with Wales but he is working hard in the gym to be fit for the trip to Latvia next Tuesday, where he will hope to help the team rubber-stamp their ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

Kane wanting to stay at Bayern is good news for national team coach Thomas Tuchel, who worked with him for one season at the Bavarian giants. It means he is settled out in Germany and can use his insatiable club form as a springboard to take the Three Lions all the way next summer in the United States and finally cement his status as England's greatest player of all time…

Getty Two goals per game

Kane broke all sorts of goal records in his first season with Bayern but this is proving to be his most prolific yet. He has a ludicrous 18 goals in 10 games in all competitions and in his last six matches he has averaged two goals per match. 

He has only failed to score once for his club this season and in that game against Augsburg he contributed two assists in the 3-2 win. His strike against Frankfurt helped Bayern make it six league wins from six and saw him become the first player in Bundesliga history to score 11 times in the opening six games of a season. 

Two weeks before, Kane became the first player to score 17 consecutive penalties in the Bundesliga when he scored two spot-kicks at Hoffenheim. It is now 18 successive penalties after also burying the ball in the net from the spot against Werder Bremen.

He is not just making Bundesliga history with each week either; he is surpassing modern greats of the game. 

AdvertisementAFP'Best striker of his generation'

Kane recently became the fastest player to score 100 goals for Bayern, doing so in 104 games. He smashed the previous record of Robert Lewandowski, who got to his century of goals in 136 games. And he even pipped Haaland and Ronaldo, who took 105 games to score 100 times for Manchester City and Real Madrid, respectively.

Given the head start he has given himself, it is easy to see Kane eclipsing Lewandowski's record of 41 Bundesliga goals in a single season. At his current rate of 1.8 goals per game, Kane will have overtaken Lewandowski just 22 matches into the season. That date might seem unrealistic, but he should at least get there by the end of the campaign. He is the leading top scorer in Europe's top five leagues despite playing two games fewer than Kylian Mbappe in La Liga and Haaland in the Premier League. 

Given the esteemed company he is keeping in the scoring charts, Tuchel was not exaggerating when he told this week: "He is undoubtedly the best striker of his generation. He has reached a new level and is now scoring two goals per game. 

"He’s in full flow; you can feel the confidence he carries Bayern Munich and the Three Lions with ease on his shoulders. He’s in top form, and I’m glad to have him as captain."

Getty 'Watch his work!'

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany has grown tired of lavishing Kane with praise after each goalscoring feat but he is willing to point out the less appreciated aspects of the striker's game.

"I don’t have much to say about the things everyone can see. What I can say is: watch his work off the ball," the Belgian said after Kane scored twice to down Chelsea 3-1 in the Champions League. "Watch him press, help the team, recover the ball. It’s important for him, if he spends that much energy, to get rewarded and get chances to score. We can talk about talent and quality, but I keep highlighting that side because you need a lot of hard work to be where he is."

Kompany repeated the message after Kane plundered a hat-trick at Hoffenheim a few days later. He said: "When a player scores so many goals and then wins his first title, you can't always expect him to help defend, to give his all in every training session. Okay, at this absolute top level, maybe. But not everyone can do that. And the fact that Harry, despite all these goals, still helps so much in defence and inspires the others in every training session, of course, makes my job easier."

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Getty Pushing himself

Kane has embraced that side of the game and, like Kompany alluded to, he claimed that ending his decade-long wait to win a trophy last season has in fact made him even hungrier. "When you win a title maybe it could be easy to go the other way and be like: ‘OK I’ve done what I wanted to achieve,'" Kane told English media this week. 

"But it's given me motivation to do more. My numbers are 11km a game, a lot of high‑speed running. Sometimes when I’m watching the games back, I’m more looking forward to watching tackles or one of my defensive actions than watching my goals back. I don’t know if that means I’m getting a little bit bored of my goals or like the tackling part as well but it’s been enjoyable.

"I was interested in how I would feel after winning a trophy. It could have been easy to be a bit more relaxed. I pushed myself the other way, being even better, eating even cleaner, doing more gym."

Despite defeat at Anfield before the international break, Arsenal return to action against Nottingham Forest on Saturday lunchtime to much excitement.

However, Mikel Arteta will be without key figures William Saliba, Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka, the latter facing a race against time to be available for next Sunday’s huge clash with Manchester City in North London.

In the past, injuries have derailed the Gunners’ title hopes and dreams, because they’ve simply not had the squad depth to cope with key absences.

Now though, after spending over £250m in the summer transfer market, that has changed, so Arteta must unleash a few of his summer signings, one who some are forecasting could become even better than Saka.

Eberechi Eze's home debut

Ahead of Arsenal’s first home game of the season, a 5-0 demolition of Leeds United, Eberechi Eze was presented to the Emirates crowd.

It was a genuinely spine-tingling moment, with Eze himself taken aback by the welcome home he received, 14 years after being released as a child, thinking his dream was dead.

Now though, after he was given a mere brief cameo at Anfield, Eze is ready to take centre stage, with those attending Saturday’s clash with Nottingham Forest doing so in anticipation of witnessing a home debut to remember.

As noted by Match of the Day, Arsenal have the second-lowest expected goals from open-play in the Premier League this season, their figure of 1.57 above only that of newly-promoted Sunderland, continuing a problem that has hampered Arteta’s team for a while.

This underlines why Eze has been signed, adding that much-needed creativity, but he may not be the only summer signing Arsenal will be hoping can shine this weekend and beyond.

More than just Arsenal's Bukayo Saka back-up

When Noni Madueke was recruited from Chelsea for £52m in the summer, plenty of eyebrows were raised, but the early signs are that this could be a shrewd piece of business.

In defeat to Liverpool, the 23-year-old was the Gunners’ most dangerous attacker throughout, always giving Miloš Kerkez something to think about, even if the end product was lacking.

Nevertheless, based on what he has produced so far, speaking on the Arscast, Philippe Auclair believes Madueke is simply far too good to merely be considered a Saka back-up, and his statistics last season support this argument.

Shots

80

14th

Shots per 90

3.54

4th

Big chances missed

14

18th

Progressive carries

154

3rd

Carries into the box

93

3rd

Attempted take-ons

102

25th

Touches in the box

184

5th

As the table notes, Madueke ranked behind only Jérémy Doku and Mohamed Salah when it came to progressive carries last season, also ranked in the top five in terms of shots per 90 and touches in the opposition’s penalty area.

He has certainly impressed Thomas Tuchel, starting three of England’s last four World Cup qualifiers, including both this month, scoring his first-ever international goal against Serbia at Stadion Rajko Mitić in Belgrade on Tuesday.

During the international break, former Manchester United defender Paul Parker was so impressed with Madueke that he exclaimed “I actually think he’s better than Bukayo Saka”, praising his frightening pace and ability to strike fear into defenders.

Given that Saka has been consistently excellent since first breaking into the Arsenal team in early-2020, this is a bold claim.

However, this competition for places can only be a good thing for Arteta, given that his star man is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, having sat out more than three months last season due to the same issue, missing 19 games, unquestionably derailing the Gunners’ title aspirations.

On Saturday specifically, it is tough to forecast who Ange Postecoglou will deploy at full-back, given that Ola Aina is set to spend three months on the sidelines, after sustaining a serious hamstring injury during Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with South Africa in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.

It won’t be Oleksandr Zinchenko at left-back, he’s ineligible to face his parent club, but whoever it is will not relish coming up against Madueke, who will surely start in Saka’s place, looking to score his first Arsenal goal.

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MatériaMais Notícias

Após mais de um mês parado por conta de uma lesão no ombro direito, o zagueiro Murilo deu mais um importante passo para reforçar o Palmeiras e treinou normalmente com os companheiros neste domingo (18), na Academia de Futebol.

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+ Lance! estreia nova marca e se reposiciona no mercado de mídia esportivas

O defensor está em fase de recondicionamento físico e deverá ser relacionado pelo Verdão na partida contra o Bahia, fora de casa, pelo Brasileirão, na próxima quarta-feira (21). O camisa 26 disputa posição com Luan, que embalou uma sequência no time titular durante o último mês.

+ Todos os jogos do Brasileirão você encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe o seu time do coração!

Por outro lado, Abel Ferreira recebeu a notícia da lesão de Jailson. O volante teve diagnosticado um estiramento do ligamento colateral do joelho esquerdo após um trauma no treino e já iniciou tratamento no Núcleo de Saúde e Performance.

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O clube alviverde não divulgou o por quanto tempo o atleta ficará afastado dos gramados, mas o tempo de recuperação para um estiramento no joelho varia de duas semanas a um mês. Na temporada passada, Jailson rompeu o ligamento cruzado do joelho direito e ficou afastado por oito meses.

+ Verdão briga pelo título? Veja tabela e os próximos jogos do Brasileirão

Após um dia de folga, a comissão de Abel Ferreira realizou dois trabalhos simultâneos para o elenco alviverde. Em uma metade do campo, foi colocada em prática uma atividade técnica com dois times de sete componentes e com a permissão de poucos toques na bola por atleta.

continua após a publicidade

Na outra metade, os jogadores foram orientados a focar na construção de jogadas e quebras de linha, usando como referências estacas posicionadas ao longo do gramado.

Com 22 pontos, o Palmeiras é o vice-líder do Brasileirão, dois pontos atrás do Botafogo. O Verdão irá medir forças com o Glorioso no dia 25 de junho, e o clube já divulgou o preço dos ingressos.

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.

Sunderland are believed to be looking to sign an “elite” attacking player during the summer transfer window ahead of rivals Leeds United.

Sunderland agree Alderete fee

It has been a relentless summer for the Black Cats in the market, with Regis Le Bris adding a huge amount of depth to his squad ahead of their return to the Premier League.

The latest addition for Sunderland looks likely to be Getafe defender Omar Alderete, with a £10m deal reportedly agreed to sign the 28-year-old. The Paraguayan started 34 La Liga matches last season, proving to be a key man, winning an average of three aerial duels per game.

Black Cats supporters will certainly be hoping that the club’s summer business still isn’t done there, however, with Sevilla centre-back Loic Bade also strongly linked with a move to Stadium of Light in recent days.

Now, a new name has been thrown into the mix for Sunderland, as they look to bring in additional quality at the other end of the pitch ahead of their Premier League opener at home to West Ham on Saturday.

Sunderland make contact to sign Leeds striker target

According to Il Messaggero [via Sport Witness], Sunderland have made an approach for Roma forward Artem Dovbyk ahead of fellow promoted side Leeds United.

The 28-year-old is wanted by both promoted Premier League clubs, and West Ham, with his current club demanding over £23m for his signature this summer, with the Black Cats making an enquiry.

Dovbyk is an experienced attacker who could add much-needed firepower to Sunderland’s squad, having scored 17 goals in 45 appearances for Roma, not to mention 11 in 36 caps for Ukraine.

The attacking ace is right in his peak years, so it wouldn’t be a case of the Black Cats signing a youngster who is still maturing, and journalist Zach Lowy has described him as an “elite” player.

“Victor Osimhen is going to be the most pursued center forward this summer but I don’t think Artem Dovbyk will be too far behind. He’s approaching the prime of his career as a CF and has proven to be not just a fantastic finisher, but an elite target man with link-up ability too.”

If Sunderland were able to beat Leeds and West Ham to Dovbyk’s signature, it would feel like an added bonus, especially in terms of getting the better of one of the other promoted sides from last season, as they have already done with midfielders Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki.

Sunderland are "very hot" in pursuit of "elite" £30m Europa League winner

It’s a potential big boost for Regis Le Bris.

ByHenry Jackson Aug 11, 2025

Plenty of goal threat is needed if Le Bris’ men are to stand a good chance of avoiding a return to the Championship, and Dovbyk could be a strong addition to aid that issue.

Hosts prevail in thrilling finish despite Mady Villiers’ heroic final over

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Sep-2024

Aimee Maguire claimed a five-wicket haul for Ireland•Getty Images

Ireland 155 for 7 (Lewis 72) beat England 153 (Beaumont 52, A Maguire 5-19) by three wickets (DLS)Ireland’s women held their nerve in an exhilarating finish to their ODI series in Belfast, as Alana Dalzell overcame a team hat-trick in Mady Villiers’ final over to strike a last-ball four, and seal her team’s first victory over England since 2001.The winning moment was aided by a terrible misfield from Hollie Armitage at long-on, who ran past her attempted gather while looking into the sun, with nothing less than a boundary needed for victory.Up until that moment, Ireland’s cruise towards victory had seemingly been derailed by a collapse of five for 13 in 22 balls – including three in three, as Villiers bowled both Alice Tector and Jane Maguire for first-ball ducks after Una Raymond-Hoey had been run out coming for a second run.And yet, Ireland’s result was richly deserved, not least after the efforts of Aimee Maguire, who landed a five-wicket haul just two days after her 18th birthday, and Gaby Lewis, who top-scored with 72 from 56 balls, and whose dismissal at 137 for 3 was the cue for her team’s jitters.After a four-and-a-half-hour rain delay, the skies cleared sufficiently for a 25-over contest, which was then reduced to 22 a side after a further interruption early in England’s innings.As it transpired, Ireland needed only 20.5 overs to roll England aside for 153, with Maguire – the left-arm spinner – claiming career-best figures of 5 for 19 in 3.5 overs.England had won very comfortably in the opening two fixtures, with their senior pros, Kate Cross and Tammy Beaumont, the stand-out performers with 6 for 30 and 150 not out respectively.And though Beaumont was once again England’s stand-out batter, with 52 from 42 balls, the support proved to be lacking from the rest of the order, and Maguire was primed to take advantage.Emma Lamb was the first wicket to fall, brilliantly caught by Maguire’s sister, Jane, at cover, to end a disappointing series with scores of 4, 18 and now 11. Hollie Armitage then over-reached on a sweep to be caught behind for 15 (65 for 2), but England still seemed well placed when Beaumont reached her fifty from 39 balls, the fastest of her career.However, Jane Maguire made the key breakthrough three balls later, as Beaumont holed out to deep midwicket, before her sister launched her killer spell with the first-ball dismissal of Freya Kemp, who ran past a slog to be stumped for 3.Paige Scholfield had been badly dropped in the deep on 16, but Orla Prendergast’s error was not costly, as Aimee Maguire lured her into a big swipe across the line to be bowled for 21. Freya Sargent continued the spin dominance as Bess Heath top-edged to short fine leg, and the collapse had reached crisis proportions at 118 for 7 as Cross dragged on for 3 to give Aimee Maguire her third.Ryana Macdonald-Gay stopped the rot with a cameo of 17 from 13 before falling to Prendergast, whereupon Aimee Maguire picked off Mady Villiers and Lauren Filer in the space of five balls to complete her superb spell.In reply, Lewis set the tempo in emphatic fashion, dominating the powerplay with five early boundaries to set Ireland on their way. Aimee Hunter contributed a run-a-ball 18 before she was bowled by Kemp at 51 for 1 after 6.2 overs, and though Prendergast was kept to 11 from 14 before falling lbw to Villiers, Lewis’ 41-ball half-century had her side in total command going into the back-end of the innings.When she was caught behind off the extra pace of Filer, however, the rest of the chase didn’t prove quite so straightforward.

The new state-of-the-art NCA campus likely to be operational in early 2025

Shashank Kishore15-Aug-2024

VVS Laxman took over as the Head of NCA from Rahul Dravid in 2021•BCCI

VVS Laxman, the former India batter, will extend his term as head of the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru by at least a year. His initial three-year contract was until this September.Laxman was being pursued by an IPL franchise for a head coach position, a role that is now not possible because of his NCA duties. He is likely to be assisted by his team of coaches, including Shitanshu Kotak, Sairaj Bahutule and Hrishikesh Kanitkar, all stalwarts of Indian domestic cricket.The extension of Laxman’s contract comes ahead of the inauguration of a new state-of-the-art NCA campus in the outskirts of Bengaluru, the foundation for which was laid in January 2022, 14 years after the land was sanctioned by the Karnataka government on a 99-year lease.Believed to be equipped with at least 100 pitches, indoor facilities with 45 pitches, three international-sized grounds, a modern rehab centre, lodging facilities and Olympic-sized pools, apart from a host of other amenities, the NCA is in its final stages of construction. It is likely to be operational from early next year.One of Laxman’s challenges will be to build on an already comprehensive India A tour program that he has carried forward from Rahul Dravid’s tenure. It has, however, been hampered lately by a busy international calendar.During his first three-year term at the NCA, Laxman has built on the robust processes set for injury management, player rehabilitation, coaching programmes and preparing roadmaps for the senior teams, age-group and women’s cricket.

The highs of two compelling batting performances in the T20Is gave way to a timid end during a tough all-format tour for South Africa in Chennai on Tuesday.On the same surface where they made 189 and 177, the visitors folded for 84 to all but concede the game at the halfway mark. India’s chase was a mere formality, with Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma building on Pooja Vastrakar’s great work – she picked up a career-best 4 for 13 – to complete a series-leveling win in just 10.5 overs.

South Africa stumble in powerplay

Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp were out early, trying to manufacture strokes in the powerplay after India elected to field. But Tazmin Brits, fresh off back-to-back fifties, appeared to have set herself in, picking up pace in the sixth over when she struck Shreyanka Patil for two boundaries. But in trying to push the pedal, she holed out to a brilliant catch by Harmapreet Kaur at mid-off to give Deepti Sharma a wicket. South Africa were 45 for 3 in 7.4 overs.

Vastrakar, Radha make a splash

Two balls after Brits fell, Deepti could’ve had a second wicket if she had held on to a return chance offered by Chloe Tryon. In the following over, the ninth of the innings, Tryon survived a close lbw shout off Arundhati Reddy as she played all around a full-blooded inswinger, only to be saved by the angle. Reddy would eventually win the head-to-head a few overs later with a hard-length delivery that Tryon skewed to point.Between the lbw reprieve and Tryon’s wicket, Vastrakar left her imprint on the game with a game-changing over as South Africa went from 57 for 3 in 10 overs to 61 for 5 in 11. She trapped Anneke Bosch lbw with a length ball that zipped in to trap in her front as she shuffled across. It was a sweet comeback after being threaded behind point for a boundary off the previous delivery. Two balls later, Vastrakar had Nadine de Klerk chop on with a fuller-length delivery.In all, South Africa lost 7 for 23 to fold for 84 in the 18th over. The end was hastened by Radha Yadav’s double-wicket maiden in the 17th over; she finished with 3 for 6 off her three overs.

Mandhana, Shafali finish it off

At no stage during India’s innings was there even a semblance of pressure on the openers. For this, much credit should go to Mandhana, who carried on her sparkling form in what was some of the most aesthetically pleasing hit-through-the-line batting.She began by taking Ayabonga Khaka for two fours in the very first over to lay down a marker, before a slice of luck came her way when she was beaten by a superb delivery from Kapp that hit the seam and nipped away to beat the outside edge.That was perhaps the only moment of uncertainty in a knock where Mandhana stamped her authority over both pace and spin. She hit eight fours and two sixes, including one that brought up her fifty and India’s victory off the same delivery.At the other end, Shafali showed shades of her dominating best by mercilessly pulling the seamers in front of square, playing her trademark slaps and shovels with no pressure to contend with. It couldn’t have been any easier.

Newcastle United are confident that they will keep Alexander Isak in the squad this summer, but a new striker is being chased all the same.

Eddie Howe wants more firepower in the attacking third, with Callum Wilson ageing and out of contract, and William Osula, 21, drifting through his maiden year as a Magpie.

Well, The Telegraph understand talks with Brighton & Hove Albion are on the brink of kicking off for the transfer of Joao Pedro, who is valued at £60m and who the Seagulls are willing to sell this summer.

Newcastle open talks for sought-after star

Pedro, 23, is proven in the Premier League and has the dynamic faculties to complement Isak, rather than outright replace him. However, there may be an even bigger fish Howe could add to the Tyneside pond.

As per transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Newcastle have held talks with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, putting their name in the hat as Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool all tussle for the striker’s signature.

Ekitike might be the talk of the town, but it doesn’t seem like any suitor would be willing to meet the Bundesliga club’s €100m (£85m) valuation of the 22-year-old. Saying that, the player’s entourage have informed the relevant parties that a reduced figure may yet be agreed.

Newcastle agreed an initial £26m deal to sign Ekitike when he was at Stade de Reims way back in 2022, but he rejected their interest when Paris Saint-Germain came calling.

What Hugo Ekitike would bring to Newcastle

Newcastle might have felt the force of Ekitike’s rejection in the past, but he was a teenager who had been presented with a proposal to remain in his homeland with the cream of Ligue 1’s crop.

PSG didn’t work out for him, only scoring four times across 33 senior showings before being rehoused in Germany with Frankfurt, but it’s here where the striker has found his feet, with his first full campaign at the club ending with 22 goals and 12 assists across all competitions.

His displays have actually led analyst Ben Mattinson to praise him as “one of the best strikers out there.”

As far as Pedro’s concerned, Ekitike is the superior player, and if Bailey’s on the money (quite literally) with his claims that Frankfurt’s £85m demands might be slashed, putting every effort into convincing the Frenchman feels like a no-brainer.

Goals scored

0.53

0.46

Assists

0.28

0.28

Shots taken

4.00

1.94

Shot-creating actions

3.55

3.33

Touches (att pen)

6.88

5.64

Progressive passes

1.86

3.60

Progressive carries

3.27

3.05

Successful take-ons

1.83

1.34

Ball recoveries

3.06

2.73

Tackles + interceptions

0.81

1.16

As you can see, the two forwards are matched up rather well, but Ekitike clearly has the edge, outperforming his South American counterpart across most relevant metrics.

Indeed, should you strip away Pedro’s penalties in the Premier League last season, he would rank among the bottom 21% of the division’s forwards for goals scored per 90.

Oh, Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard has praised the Brighton man’s “magical” ability on the ball, but Ekitike might just be ‘Europe’s most elegant striker’, so say the Bundesliga, in any case.

But the proof is in the pudding, and Frankfurt’s number nine passes the eye test, all right. There’s a certain lightness to his dribbling, with an underlying creativity that would see him hit the ground running on English pitches, in Howe’s system.

Pedro is a talented footballer, but Ekitike is simply that bit better, and Newcastle have got to aim for the stars as they go from strength to strength.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig believes Ekitike “could reach world-class striker levels.” Pedro is a talented guy, but is the same scale of potential also applicable to him?

This is a tough case, with Frankfurt proving stubborn in their appraisal of the striker and rival interest against top-drawer outfits making PIF’s task difficult.

But just imagine if they pull it off; it would remind the footballing world that there’s a new superpower on the block.

Schar upgrade: Newcastle among favourites to sign "unbelievable" £40m star

Newcastle will be looking to improve their defence this summer

ByRoss Kilvington Jun 16, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are now ready to trigger an “unbelievable” player’s release clause this summer, according to reports, with chairman Daniel Levy and co apparently eager to make him a Spurs player before 2025/2026.

Tottenham kickstart summer transfer plans regardless of Postecoglou

Right now, the uncertainty surrounding Ange Postecoglou and his long-term future at Spurs is taking centre stage.

Manager officially quits club after Paratici urges Tottenham to hire him

The ex-Lilywhites director is widely rumoured to be nearing a return to Spurs.

1 ByEmilio Galantini May 20, 2025

Postecoglou’s immediate focus is on ending Spurs’ 17-year wait for a major trophy and guiding them to a place in the Champions League draw for next season, but even if he seals a fairytale ending to an otherwise dismal campaign, the Australian is still expected to part company.

Son Heung-min

7.00

Pedro Porro

6.98

James Maddison

6.98

Dominic Solanke

6.85

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

David Ornstein and other reliable media sources report that Postecoglou will likely leave Tottenham, even if they win the Europa League, so Levy and the Lilywhites could soon have a managerial conundrum to resolve before next term.

That being said, there are suggestions that the club have still kickstarted summer transfer plans, regardless of who is eventually confirmed as their head coach.

French newspaper Le Parisien recently stated that Tottenham are in talks with Lille star Jonathan David, after the striker confirmed that he’ll be leaving when his contract expires this summer.

The north Londoners could sense a real opportunity here to strengthen their ranks at zero transfer cost, which is made all the more imperative by credible information that Tottenham could be set for a ‘sell to buy’ summer (The Telegraph).

Davie’s potential arrival would also allow Spurs to free up funds for other targets, like Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

The England international has enjoyed another terrific campaign at Selhurst Park, ending it by scoring the FA Cup final-winning goal for Palace at Wembley on Saturday, which clinched the club’s first ever piece of major silverware at the expense of Man City.

Tottenham ready to trigger Eberechi Eze's release clause

Eze added to his tally of 13 goals and 11 assists in all competitions against City, and it seems pretty inevitable that an elite club will make a serious effort to prise him away from south London.

His contract expires in 2027 too, and the attacking midfielder hasn’t committed his long-term future to Palace, indicating that he could be open to another opportunity away from Palace, five years after he joined from QPR.

Tottenham are believed to be contenders for Eze this summer, with one Spanish media source sharing a pretty significant update on the matter.

Indeed, the report from Spain states that Tottenham are ready to pay £68 million for Eze and trigger his release clause, and the £100,000-per-week forward could be living out his “final months” at Palace.

Postecoglou’s side will, of course, have competition for his signature, so it is by no means a certainty that they win the race for Eze, but there is little doubt he’d be a serious upgrade to the squad.

“Who’s a better player than Eze? For me he’s absolutely top, if he was luckier this season he would have five or six goals,” said Oliver Glasner about Eze at the very start of the season.

“He’s always dangerous because he has the quality and ability at 1-1, he’s such an unbelievable finisher. In some situations, he can improve, he’s a guy who can always score, and he’s someone who everyone likes.

“This is why he’s on the pitch, because he’s able to score goals.”