Newcastle United find themselves in a delicate situation as the Premier League transfer window approaches its final weeks.

The Magpies are in urgent need of a striker to fill the void left by Alexander Isak, whose refusal to reintegrate with the squad has caused disruption ahead of the new season.

While the club has made several signings, including Anthony Elanga, Malick Thiaw, Aaron Ramsdale, a permanent solution in attack remains elusive.

Isak’s unsettled stance stems from an approach by Liverpool, and he has made it clear that he does not intend to train with Newcastle despite continuing to receive his reported £140k-per-week wages.

The side’s need for a replacement is immediate, although any potential new signing will not be available for their opening fixture against Aston Villa this Saturday.

Adding further complexity to Newcastle’s forward planning, the club recently missed out on Benjamin Sesko, who opted for Manchester United, while deals for other targets such as Yoane Wissa slowly edge towards completion.

This leaves Newcastle in a challenging position.

They must secure a striker capable of stepping into the squad and maintaining Premier League standards, without overpaying or rushing a decision.

Premier League striker keen on Newcastle switch

Enter a 24-year-old striker whose profile has drawn both excitement and cautious scrutiny.

Nicolas Jackson has emerged as a potential replacement, with his performances at Chelsea generating interest across Europe.

While there has been no formal bid from Newcastle yet, this “monster” of a player, as noted by John Obi Mikel, is reportedly ‘keen on a move’ to St James’ Park, as has been reported by Mark Douglas of the i.

Douglas notes that despite the striker’s willingness to move to Tyneside, the Magpies have yet to lodge a bid for the Blues exile.

If that deal does progress, the comparison to Anthony Gordon is unavoidable.

Transfer Focus

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

Gordon, who joined Newcastle from Everton in 2023 following an acrimonious exit, was initially considered a gamble by fans and pundits.

At the time, his record was respectable but not spectacular, with just seven goals scored at Goodison Park in all competitions.

However, since his move, Gordon has thrived under Eddie Howe, recording 22 goals and 23 assists in 106 appearances for the Magpies.

Jackson represents a similar gamble for Newcastle.

Like Gordon, he is young, somewhat untested, and carries a notable price tag – reportedly as much as £80m.

Yet the potential upside is significant, especially for a team seeking a clinical finisher to partner with the likes of Wissa this coming season.

Why Jackson could be another Gordon for Howe

To understand the potential for Jackson at Newcastle, it helps to examine Gordon’s trajectory.

At 24, Gordon’s profile mirrored Jackson’s in several ways: a relatively young player with talent but inconsistent performances at his previous club.

Gordon’s 2023/24 season was his breakthrough.

According to data from FBref, he produced 4.30 progressive carries per 90, 3.15 progressive passes per 90, and 4.45 shot-creating actions per 90.

He contributed significantly both in terms of attacking output and defensive work, registering 1.71 tackles and 0.84 blocks per 90.

Gordon’s touch volume in the attacking third (22.8 per 90) highlighted his influence in key areas, a benchmark Jackson may aim to emulate at Newcastle.

In 65 Premier League appearances for Chelsea, Jackson has scored 24 goals and contributed ten assists.

Notably, he was on the scoresheet in the Conference League final against Real Betis in May, underlining his capacity to perform on bigger stages.

While Jackson has demonstrated his attacking prowess, he has also attracted scrutiny for disciplinary issues, including red cards against Newcastle in a 2-0 defeat at St James’ Park and against Flamengo at the Club World Cup.

These incidents suggest an element of volatility, though they also reflect the intensity and commitment he brings to the pitch.

In terms of performance metrics, Jackson’s numbers, as per FBref, highlight a player capable of influencing games in multiple ways.

He averages 3.08 shots per 90 minutes, with 1.38 on target, translating to a 44.7% shot-on-target rate.

His progressive carries (1.90 per 90) and passes (1.54 per 90) are slightly lower than more creative forwards, but his shot-creating actions per 90 of 2.80 demonstrate his ability to generate opportunities.

Pass completion sits at a solid 75.9%, while his progressive passing distance per 90 of 35.8 meters shows an emerging ability to link play beyond the immediate attacking third.

Matches Played

30

Starts

28

Minutes Played

2,220

Goals

10

Assists

5

Shot on Target Percentage

44.7%

Pass Completion Rate

75.9%

Shot Creating Actions per 90

2.80

Tackles

22

Blocks

15

Yellow Cards

7

Red Cards

1

Gordon’s success underscores the potential payoff of taking calculated risks on younger forwards with room for growth.

Just as Gordon has adapted and flourished under Howe’s management, Jackson could follow a similar path, benefiting from clear guidance, consistent playing time, and the confidence of the coaching staff.

What’s more, Newcastle’s interest in Jackson comes at a pivotal time The club is navigating the financial pressures of PSR while managing high-profile departures and arrivals.

Securing a striker who can hit the ground running, and potentially blossom into a top Premier League talent, is a priority.

Jackson’s style, combining physical presence with technical flair, could offer Howe tactical flexibility.

If Newcastle can integrate him effectively, Jackson might not only replace Isak but provide a long-term solution in attack.

Of course, there are risks.

Yet the upside is clear: a young, talented forward with a proven scoring record in Europe and the mentality to succeed under the right management.

For Newcastle, the gamble may well be worth taking, just as it was with Gordon a year ago.

More of a bully than Isak: Newcastle set to submit bid for £70m "monster"

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3 ByWill Miller Aug 14, 2025

“Beware of us,” was the message Mumbai seemed to convey as they marched into the semi-final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Six days after hunting down a record 230 against Andhra, Mumbai mowed down a target of 222 against Vidarbha, with six wickets and four deliveries in the bank.Ajinkya Rahane showed the way by bashing 84 off 45 balls, and adding 83 in just seven overs with Prithvi Shaw. Dipesh Parwani had Shaw caught at long-off to check Mumbai’s flow, and the wicket slowed them down for just a little while. Shaw had cracked 49 from 26 deliveries, including five fours and four sixes.Yash Thakur eventually dismissed Rahane to start the 16th over, by which time he had carved ten fours and three sixes himself but Mumbai still needed another 65 to win. Seeing the hefty requirement, Suryansh Shedge went 4, 6, 6, 6 off Mandar Mahale to pick up 24 runs off the 17th over. Shivam Dube then started the 18th by clubbing two more sixes, off Parwani, to all but kill the contest.That Vidarbha had 221 on the board was down to half-centuries from Atharva Taide and Apoorv Wankhade, who added 81 for the third wicket. Vidarbha were 100 for 2 after ten overs – by then, Taide had reached his fifty – before both batters smashed 46 off the next four overs. Atharva Ankolekar then trapped Taide in front for 66, and Shedge bowled Wankhede for 51, but Shubham Dubey (43 off 19 balls), Mahale (13 off 5) and Jitesh Sharma (11 off six) blasted 54 off the final three overs.By the time the game was done, a total of 39 fours and 22 sixes had been smacked in Alur.

Liverpool’s 2025/26 campaign is upon us. This weekend, Arne Slot will lead his troops out for the first time this term, looking to claim the Community Shield against Crystal Palace, who won the FA Cup in May.

The curtain-raiser is little more than a prelude to the campaign, but for the Premier League champions, it’s an opportunity to showcase the new quality added to the ranks, and to set the tone for the years ahead.

The likes of Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike will be gunning for starts up top, while full-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong will hope to kick off a long and fruitful partnership on the flanks. Giorgi Mamardashvili may make his debut following Alisson Becker’s departure from pre-season due to a personal issue. The Brazilian has since returned to training.

One player who will not feature for the Reds is Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, who desperately wants to sign for the Merseysiders and has already been the subject of a rejected £110m bid.

But will sporting director Richard Hughes manage to pull it off?

The latest on Alexander Isak to Liverpool

Newcastle’s struggle to sign a new centre-forward has inhibited Liverpool in their quest for “the best striker in the Premier League”, as Isak has been described by Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher.

Isak’s position at Newcastle appears untenable, for he was not included in the club’s recent barbecue, a get-together involving the squad, staff and family members, and he has also been ordered to train alone.

With the Magpies actively searching for a new number nine, it feels like Isak will be granted the chance to move at some stage this summer, albeit that is hardly a certainty. For their part, Liverpool are said to be readying a fresh approach, according to reports.

24/25

42 (41)

27

6

23/24

40 (36)

25

2

22/23

27 (18)

10

3

Should Liverpool fail to capture their quarry, FSG have earmarked several alternatives, with one in particular appearing a curious choice.

Liverpool open talks for Isak alternative

According to Empire of the Kop, Liverpool are interested in signing Yoane Wissa from Brentford this summer, should they fail to prise Isak away from St. James’ Park. It’s understood that initial enquiries have been made.

Wissa, 28, was one of the Premier League’s most prolific forwards last season and is valued at £50m. Suitors will hope to pay less. Newcastle have led the race over recent weeks, but Tottenham Hotspur and Al-Nassr have also expressed a desire to snap him up.

The DR Congo international has now returned to training after previously going on strike, though he still targets a move away from the Gtech Community Stadium.

That said, if Liverpool were to bump up the intensity of their intrigue, there’s perhaps a sense that Hughes might inadvertently add to the Magpies’ woes, for Wissa would surely be enticed by a one-way trip to Anfield.

Why Liverpool are interested in Yoane Wissa

Wissa might not be the flashiest name on the market, but he’s a clinical goalscorer and he’s proven in the Premier League. Last season, he scored 20 goals across all competitions, including 19 in the Premier League.

Hailed by Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam for his “absolutely sensational” finishing, Wissa might not have Isak’s dynamism or staggering technical ability, but he’s rather good at what he does, and would provide the perfect counterpoint to Ekitike.

Last season, Ekitike ranked among the top 10% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues for assists, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, and the top 4% for progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

He does, however, mirror Isak’s ready-made clinical nature, and that’s something that could prove important given that Ekitike is not the finished product.

There’s a partnership there, for sure. Wissa and Ekitike might not be stylistically similar as number nines – and that bodes well for Liverpool’s long-term fluency – but the Bees star could become the Reds’ next version of the former Eintracht Frankfurt man all the same.

That’s because Newcastle have a vested interest in the £25k-per-week talent, with their interest longer-standing too (the Tyneside outfit first bid for Ekitike in 2022, before ultimately signing Isak).

For Liverpool to steal ahead and pile more misery onto the Carabao Cup champions would be a cruel blow to those of a Toon persuasion, but the argument for signing Wissa is strong.

Forking out another British-record fee on Isak is understandable, but that doesn’t mean Liverpool should spend a ridiculous amount on an alternative just to tick a box. In Wissa, an astute purchase could be made, and one which would enhance and progress the team all the same.

With Darwin Nunez on the cusp of completing a permanent transfer to Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, this would be a necessary move to make, and one which would see Wissa establish himself as Liverpool’s next version of Ekitike.

Wissa might not have Isak’s show-stopping name, but there’s no question that the DR Congo star boasts a wealth of Premier League experience and would serve as a welcome counterpoint to the expansive Ekitike.

Liverpool have already stolen one centre-forward target from Newcastle this summer, and they could do the same again by completing a shrewd move for Wissa, should a deal for Isak fall through.

He's like Gerrard: Liverpool preparing formal offer for £120k-p/w "wizard"

Liverpool are looking to close several more transfer deals this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 8, 2025

Rohit Sharma is set to continue as India’s ODI captain; this was confirmed when the BCCI announced he will sit in as captain on the press conference scheduled for January 18, when the squads for the Champions Trophy and the ODIs against England will be announced. The three ODIs against England will be India’s last in the format before they begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20.Rohit’s future came into sharp focus after he had stood down from India’s XI in the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this month. He, however, clarified that the decision shouldn’t be misconstrued as a retirement.Related

• Rohit joins Mumbai training camp in bid to rediscover form

• Rohit says he 'stood down' for SCG Test: 'It is not a retirement decision'

Rohit, 37, has been struggling for form and during the home series against New Zealand, he also admitted to captaincy errors, which contributed to India’s 3-0 whitewash. In six Test innings against New Zealand at home, Rohit managed only 91 runs at an average of 15.16 and then in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, his average slumped further to 6.20 in five innings.In a bid to rediscover his form, Rohit had linked up with the Mumbai squad for training sessions in the lead-up to the start of the second phase of the Ranji Trophy.Having ended his T20I career by winning the T20 World Cup title in Barbados last year, Rohit now has the chance to lead India to an ODI world title at the Champions Trophy. India will play all their three league games in Dubai, which will also stage one of the semi-finals and possibly the final too, if India get there.India have played just six ODIs since November 19, 2023, when they lost to Australia in the World Cup final in Ahmedabad.

Steven Gerrard could become a future star of ‘Welcome to Wrexham’, with Bryan Robson claiming that the opportunity to work with Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney “would interest” the Liverpool legend. Gerrard has been out of management since severing ties with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq in January, but is leaving himself open to enticing offers.

Change at Wrexham? Questions of Parkinson

There is no coaching role to be filled at Wrexham for now, with record-setting Phil Parkinson still at the Red Dragons’ helm. Questions are, however, being asked of his future following a testing start to the 2025-26 campaign.

AdvertisementGetty/GOALHollywood co-owners aiming for the Premier League

The ambitious Welsh outfit, who saw Hollywood co-owners help to fund another elaborate spending spree in the summer transfer window, have made no secret of their desire to reach the Premier League as quickly as possible.

Wrex appeal: Gerrard still a big draw

Many have suggested that a bigger name will be appointed in the dugout to help guide the club down that path, with ex-England captain Gerrard still a huge draw around the world. He may be of interest to Reynolds and Co if a vacancy opens up in North Wales.

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Getty/GOALRobson explains why Gerrard may fancy challenge

Another former England skipper, Manchester United legend Robson, has told of Gerrard returning to management in front of documentary cameras: “It's whether Stevie wants to get back into the game. I mean, he's had a good experience now in Saudi but you know a job like that would definitely interest him if he does want to go back into management.

“I think Wrexham at this moment of time should give Phil a bit more time because he has done a great job for them. Well, they've done fantastic to get where they are from where they were to get into the Championship in a short period of time. For me, if they can consolidate in the Championship, even if they finish mid-table, that would be a really good season from where they've come from.

“But yeah, the charisma that the U.S. lads have is fantastic, and the good thing about Wrexham, they've got a good fan base that’ll get right behind them so there’ll always be a good atmosphere within the stadium. Then with the sponsorship Ryan Reynolds has brought in too, that can only hold the club in good stead.”

Manchester United officially confirmed the signing of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig on a permanent deal to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch on Saturday.

The Slovenia international was unveiled to the crowd before the friendly against Fiorentina, and had the chance to soak up the atmosphere from the stands before he gets the chance to play for himself.

Since Sesko’s arrival, journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed that Rasmus Hojlund has been told that he will need to leave the club to play regular football in the 2025/26 campaign.

AC Milan are said to be interested in signing the Danish centre-forward and are willing to sign him on loan with an option to buy for £40m, with talks seemingly ongoing.

Former Premier League striker keen on Man Utd move

The Red Devils may need to dip into the market to sign a replacement for Hojlund, should he complete a move to Milan, as it would leave them light on back-up for Sesko if not.

Transfer Focus

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

According to The Sun, free agent centre-forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin is hoping to seal a transfer to Manchester United this summer to join Ruben Amorim’s squad.

The report claims that the former England international has parted ways with his representatives to negotiate with clubs himself, and is targeting a move to Old Trafford.

It adds that United would have to sell one of Zirzkee or Hojlund in order to make room for Calvert-Lewin, which means that Milan’s interest in Hojlund could open the door to a deal for the striker, who left Everton at the end of last season.

Why Man Utd should sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin

The Red Devils should consider signing the ex-Toffees star on a free transfer because he could be a dream replacement for Hojlund as a back-up striker.

Whilst the Danish forward may leave in search of regular football, Calvert-Lewin is an experienced forward who has not played for one of the biggest clubs in the country yet, and this latest report shows that he is keen to join, despite knowing he would likely be behind Sesko.

The 28-year-old marksman, who was once hailed as a “monster” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, scored 71 goals in 273 appearances in all competitions for Everton.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s Premier League career
Season	Appearances	Goals
24/25	26	3
23/24	32	7
22/23	17	2
21/22	17	5
20/21	33	16
19/20	36	13
18/19	35	6
17/18	32	4
16/17	11	1
Stats via Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, Calvert-Lewin is an incredibly experienced Premier League forward who has scored plenty of goals at the level, albeit not as consistently as he may have liked.

United cannot expect, without European football, to sign a top-quality centre-forward who can score 20 or more goals to come in and sit on the bench behind Sesko week-in-week-out, potentially only getting run-outs as a substitute.

That is why signing a striker like Calvert-Lewin to replace Hojlund as a back-up could be the perfect stop-gap for the 2025/26 campaign, before they can address it next year.

The plan could be to sign the English forward on a one-year deal, as a free agent, to provide an experienced and proven back-up centre-forward presence, and hope that the team qualifies for the Champions League, or another European competition.

Then they could go back into the market next summer knowing that they would have more football to offer a back-up option, which could attract a higher calibre of striker to compete with Sesko, knowing that they will still get game time.

Therefore, signing Calvert-Lewin may not be an exciting prospect, given his three-goal haul last season and the fact that he is a free agent, but he could be a shrewd short-term addition for Amorim.

Gary Neville names the best Premier League XI of all-time with no Man Utd legends

The Red Devils legend had some tough decisions to make.

By
Charlie Smith

Aug 10, 2025

Australian also expected to be available for County Championship window

ESPNcricinfo staff31-Jan-2025Lancashire have signed Australia allrounder Ashton Turner for the Vitality Blast group stage. Turner will also be available for Lancashire’s two County Championship fixtures at the end of June.Turner, 32, has been capped 28 times in in limited-overs internationals but his most recent appearance for Australia came in 2023. He spent the last three seasons playing county cricket for Durham, averaging 33.00 with a strike rate of 148.07 in the Blast, as well as making an unbeaten century in one of his two first-class outings.He also featured in the Hundred in 2022 and 2023, making 13 appearances for Manchester Originals, whose home ground is Emirates Old Trafford.”To have the opportunity to join one of the biggest county cricket clubs in England is a really exciting one for me,” Turner said. “Emirates Old Trafford is a stadium that I know well, following my two years with Manchester Originals – I am looking forward to making it home again this summer and pulling on the red rose for the first time.Related

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“The Blast is a competition that I have loved playing in, while testing myself in the County Championship is something I have always wanted to do, so I can’t wait for that.”Turner will join fellow Australians Marcus Harris, who has signed a season-long deal, and Chris Green (T20 Blast), as well as West Indies quick Anderson Phillips (first 11 rounds of the Championship), in the overseas contingent at Old Trafford.Mark Chilton, Lancashire’s director of cricket performance, said: “We are really pleased to get the signing of Ashton over the line for the full group stage of the Vitality Blast, while he will also provide another high-quality overseas option for the County Championship matches throughout that period.”Ashton fits the role of a powerful middle-order player that we have been looking to add into our T20 side, who also provides another spin bowling option. He knows Emirates Old Trafford very well following his time with the Originals, which means he will feel at home with conditions right away.”From my conversations with Ashton, I got the impression that he was very keen to come and play for Lancashire. He is a strong leader who has captained Perth Scorchers for a number of the years in the Big Bash and his experiences around the world will serve our dressing room well.”

Glasgow Rangers have one foot in the play-off round of Champions League qualifiers after they hammered Viktoria Plzen 3-0 at Ibrox on Tuesday night.

Djeidi Gassama continued his electric start to life in Glasgow with two goals on the night, making it four goals in four matches after an impressive opening three outings against Panathinaikos and Motherwell.

Minutes

15

34

83

Shots

1

1

2

Goals

1

1

0

Key passes

0

0

1

Dribbles completed

2/2

0/1

2/3

Cyriel Dessers also scored from the penalty spot and assisted the opening goal for the former Sheffield Wednesday man against the Czechia outfit.

There was also an Ibrox debut given by Russell Martin. Oliver Antman is still unpacking his boxes after a switch from Go Ahead Eagles, yet was able to put in an impressive performance.

Oliver Antman's impressive debut for Rangers

The Finland international did not need any time to settle into life at Ibrox, as he was thrown into the starting XI and heavily contributed to two of the three goals.

It was his driving run, coming inside from the right, that resulted in him being tripped up inside the box, forcing the referee to award the penalty that Dessers scored from.

Antman also delivered a peach of a cross from the right flank to tee up Gassama for his second goal of the night, whipping an inch-perfect ball onto his head.

Whilst the Finnish forward may share the same name as an Avenger, it is another Rangers star who has emerged as their own superhero – Nasser Djiga.

Why Nasser Djiga is the new Rangers superhero

The Burkina Faso international was even better than Gassama and Antman on the night, as he put in a virtually fautless display at the heart of the defence, whilst the two wingers still lost possession and fluffed attacks to go along with their impressive contributions.

Playing Martin’s style of football is not easy. Rangers need players who are mobile enough to recover situations when the team commit turnovers in their own half, as well as players who are confident and composed enough to make passes under pressure.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast’s Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

Djiga showed that he is the perfect central defender for the way that the manager wants to play, as he was a colossus defensively and immaculate in possession.

His best contribution in the match came when the Gers were 1-0 up. Matej Vydra had the ball with time and space to pull the trigger around the penalty spot, but the Wolves loanee seemed to come out of nowhere to make a sprawling, goal-saving, block.

There was also moment in the 60th minute when John Souttar played a careless pass that put his side in danger, but Djiga used his pace to recover the ball in behind and retained possession with a clever first-time pass to Max Aarons.

He had countless moments like that throughout the game, including one to cover for an out of position James Tavernier in the closing seconds, to prevent the away side from creating anything of note, making numerous blocks and recoveries to keep Jack Butland quiet.

His faultless defensive performance was even more impressive than Gassama and Antman’s exploits on the wing because of how difficult it it to play the way Martin wants to play, which is why it was such a brilliant showing from the defender.

Rangers could unlock Gassama's full potential in move for "offensive" star

Glasgow Rangers could unlock Djeidi Gassama’s full potential in a move for this star.

ByDan Emery Aug 5, 2025

Djiga may not be Antman, but the 22-year-old titan could be the Man of Steel for Rangers.

With seven goals conceded, one goal scored and no points on the board, it would be fair to say that West Ham United’s Premier League season has got off to just about the worst start possible.

Graham Potter’s side looked utterly hopeless on Friday night, were played through with ease and are in desperate need of some serious steel in the middle of the park, someone like Declan Rice.

While things didn’t always go his way in East London, the former Hammers captain was determination personified, and if he were still in the side, we do not doubt that the situation would be far better at present.

Fortunately, while the Englishman is plying his trade elsewhere in the capital, it now looks like West Ham are eyeing a late move for someone who could be their new Rice.

West Ham target their new Declan Rice

West Ham’s midfield situation was not great heading into the summer, and in recent weeks it has only got worse.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

After a couple of rather uninspiring campaigns, Mexican international Edson Alvarez has left the club to join Fenerbahçe on a season-long loan with an option to buy.

The departure of the former Ajax star has left an already leggy-looking midfield in even greater need of reinforcement, specifically with younger, more energetic players.

Fortunately, the club seem to have realised the same thing, as they appear to have identified the perfect recruit, someone who could be their new Rice.

At least that is according to a recent report from Foot Mercato, which has claimed West Ham are still very interested in Soungoutou Magassa.

The report reaffirms previous claims that the Hammers made an offer of around €16m for the Frenchman, about £14m, but that Nottingham Forest have made an even better offer of €17m, about £15m, and that Atalanta are now interested as well.

It looks like the Irons are going to have something of a battle on their hands to land the AS Monaco ace, but he seems like he’d be worth it, especially as he could be their new Rice.

Why Magassa could be West Ham's new Rice

Now, while fans obviously shouldn’t expect Magassa to be on the same level as Rice to begin with, there are some apparent similarities between the two.

The first is that, like the former West Ham captain, the young Frenchman first started as an impressive centre-back, before slowly moving up the pitch and finding his best position at the base of midfield, as a six.

Therefore, if he does end up making the move to East London before the window slams shut next week, he’d be doing so to fill in where the Englishman thrived during his time at the club.

However, the similarities go deeper than just a position, as, just like the former Irons star, the tremendously “effortlessly” brilliant Monaco ace, as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, is both a monstrous presence in the midfield and a technician with the ball.

We can clearly see these two parts of his game when examining some of his outstanding underlying numbers.

Magassa’s Scout Report

Statistics

Per 90

Percentile

Dribblers Tackled

1.88

Top 1%

Ball Recoveries

7.59

Top 1%

Tackles (Mid 3rd)

1.81

Top 2%

Dribbles Challenged

3.62

Top 2%

Tkl+Int

5.22

Top 2%

Tackles

3.48

Top 3%

Interceptions

1.74

Top 4%

Passes Blocked

1.39

Top 6%

Switches

0.77

Top 7%

Through Balls

0.42

Top 10%

Blocks

1.74

Top 10%

Successful Take-Ons

1.11

Top 12%

Tackles (Def 3rd)

1.25

Top 14%

Touches (Mid 3rd)

42.70

Top 14%

Passes into Final Third

5.78

Top 18%

Tackles Won

1.60

Top 18%

All Stats via FBref

For example, when it comes to the defensive side of the game, FBref ranks him in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe for ball recoveries, the top 2% for tackles plus interceptions and the top 6% for passes blocked per 90.

When it comes to his ability with the ball, he’s ranked in the top 7% of midfielders for switches, the top 10% for through balls and the top 12% for successful take-ons, also all per 90.

Finally, despite still being so young, Mattinson has described the midfielder as being “composed when under pressure” and someone who has a “forward-thinking mindset,” which sounds an awful lot like the former Hammers star.

Ultimately, West Ham need young and dynamic midfield reinforcements this summer, and even though he’s not reached his full potential just yet, Magassa looks like he’d be the perfect addition, especially as he could be the club’s next Rice.

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Posts 2 ByKelan Sarson Aug 25, 2025

Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Luis Campos has poured cold water on suggestions that Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal should win the Ballon d’Or, insisting the award has “no discussion” and must go to Ousmane Dembele. Yamal enjoyed an extraordinary season with Barcelona, but Campos highlighted Dembele’s treble-winning heroics with PSG as decisive.

• Barcelona star’s Ballon d’Or case questioned by PSG chief

  PSG’s sporting director Campos dismissed Yamal’s Ballon d’Or chances during an appearance on . He praised the teenager as a huge talent for the future, but argued that the award is about one season, not potential. In his view, Spaniards record, limited to winning La Liga with Barcelona was not enough compared to what others achieved.

  The 18-year-old was central to the Catalan giants' domestic treble of La Liga, Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana. His creativity, goals, and maturity lit up Spanish football, cementing him as one of the brightest prospects in the game. But despite his rise, doubts remain whether that resume is enough to challenge PSG’s headline star.

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• AFP
  

  Campos shuts down comparisons with Lamine Yamal

  "We're looking at Lamine Yamal as a huge player for the future. But we're talking about a very specific season. The record has been decisive in all the previous years, and what has Lamine Yamal won? The Spanish league," Campos said.

  He added: "PSG has nine nominees for the Ballon d'Or. We're very happy and very proud. Other players also deserve to be there, like [Bradley] Barcola and [William] Pacho. Ousmane Dembele scored 35 goals and provided 16 assists. He was voted best player in the Champions League, best player in his league. He finished as the top scorer in his league. He won everything. Whether his name is Leo Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, there's no discussion."

  The sporting director also expressed frustration at the possibility of Dembele being overlooked: "If he doesn't win the Ballon d'Or, it's because the people who voted don't have the skills to vote for the Ballon d'Or. Because the stats he has and everything he's won are very strong. In my opinion, the one who clearly deserves the Ballon d'Or is Ousmane Dembele. For me, there's no discussion. I'm talking about the past season, not a projection on Lamine Yamal in the coming years. In this season, the player with the best stats and the most prominent in all competitions is Ousmane Dembele. [Achraf] Hakimi and Vitinha, who also won the Nations League, also had extraordinary seasons, but the truth is that the best player in the Champions League and Ligue 1 is Ousmane Dembele. The Ballon d'Or should be him."

• Dembele tipped as clear favourite after historic treble

  The French forward, who left Barca for PSG in 2023, spearheaded the club’s first-ever Champions League triumph last season. His 35 goals and 16 assists were backed by individual honours, including Best Player in the Champions League and Best Player in Ligue 1.

  Dembele’s dazzling false nine role and big-game moments made him indispensable as Les Parisiens secured a historic treble. Campos insisted that if the Ballon d’Or were judged purely on numbers and trophies, there could be no debate.

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  What lies ahead in the Ballon d’Or race

  The Ballon d’Or will be announced on September 22, with both Yamal and Dembele named among the contenders. PSG boast nine nominees overall, including Hakimi and Vitinha. Both Dembele and Yamal will miss the opening round of Champions League group matches due to injury, but could go head-to-head on October 1, when Barcelona face PSG in a high-stakes clash.