All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Things couldn’t be going much better for Chelsea this summer.

The Conference League Champions are just one win away from being World Champions, and they’ve been as effective as ever off the pitch as well.

In addition to potentially making a tidy profit on Noni Madueke, the Blues have bolstered Enzo Maresca’s squad with several highly promising signings, including Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, and Jamie Gittens.

The latter ended up costing the West Londoners around £48m, and if reports are to be believed, the club are now looking at another addition who could be his dream striker.

Chelsea look for more goalscorers

Even though they’ve already added several exciting attackers this summer, Chelsea continue to be linked with more, like Malick Fofana.

Transfer Focus

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

The young Lyon gem, who could be available for around £42m, enjoyed a stellar personal season in France last year, in which he scored 11 goals and provided six assists in 41 games.

However, while he can play across the frontline, he seems to be most effective off the right, so he isn’t likely to develop into a dream striker for Gittens, unlike Hugo Ekitiké.

Yes, according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are still in the picture for the Eintracht Frankfurt star.

In fact, the Italian journalist has revealed that the West Londoners have been “calling” after the player and remaining informed about him “for weeks” now.

In terms of the Frenchman’s potential cost, reports from last month claimed that a fee of around £85m would be enough to tempt the German outfit into selling.

It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but based on Ekitiké’s ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could be Gittens’ dream striker.

Why Ekitiké would be Gittens dream CF

So, even though it’s a rather simplistic way of looking at things, the first and most crucial reason why Ekitiké would be Gittens’ dream striker is his output.

We say this because it’s not just that the Frenchman is effective in front of goal, but because he’s simply sensational.

For example, in 48 appearances last season, totalling 3644 minutes, the former 23-year-old marksman scored a mammoth 22 goals and provided 12 assists to boot.

Appearances

48

Minutes

3644′

Goals

22

Assists

12

Goal Involvements per Match

0.70

Minutes per Goal Involvement

107.17

In other words, the former Paris Saint-Germain prospect averaged a goal involvement every 1.41 games, or every 107.17 minutes for a team that finished 22 points behind the top spot in the Bundesliga.

In addition to his unreal level of output, the Reims-born dynamo whom journalist Graeme Bailey once dubbed the “next Mbappé,” also has some staggering underlying numbers.

According to FBref, he sits in the top 4% of forwards in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive carries and successful take-ons, all per 90.

This suggests that, in addition to his ability to put away chances like a machine, the Frankfurt star can also create plenty for his teammates through his carrying and dribbling.

Therefore, it’s hard to imagine a world in which Gittens does not see his assists and goal numbers soar, playing off the left of the French dynamo.

Moreover, when you factor in Cole Palmer in the ten and Pedro Neto off the right, it’s not hard to conceive a situation in which the Blues end up as the league’s top scorers next year.

Ultimately, while it’d cost an arm and a leg, Chelsea should do what they can to bring Ekitiké to the Bridge this summer, as he’d supercharge their attack and help Gittens reach the next level.

Chelsea "close" to agreeing "excellent" player's exit after Thursday update

The west Londoners need to trim their squad.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 10, 2025

Fulham have now approached the agents of an “incredible” player over a potential move to Craven Cottage, but it may take an offer of £34m to get a deal done, journalist Orazio Accomando has revealed.

Cottagers set sights on new midfielder

The Cottagers are yet to make any additions to their squad this summer, but the recent news that Kenny Tete is set to sign a new deal is a bonus, given that the Dutchman had been linked with a move to Everton.

In terms of potential new arrivals, Marco Silva appears to be particularly keen on strengthening his midfield options this summer, having identified a number of targets over the past month.

Target

Current club

Potential cost

Nadiem Amiri

Mainz

£15m

Kalvin Phillips

Manchester City

£21m

Joao Palhinha

Bayern Munich

£25m

Rocco Reitz

Borussia Monchengladbach

£17m

Having solidified themselves as a Premier League club, the west Londoners may now be in a position to be a tad more ambitious with their targets, and they have now made an approach for a 2025 Champions League finalist.

That is according to an update from Accomando on X, with the reporter stating that Fulham have now submitted an enquiry over a deal for Inter Milan star Hakan Çalhanoğlu, making contact with the midfielder’s agents.

Inter aren’t willing to let the maestro leave on the cheap, however, with the Italian club set to hold out for a fee of €40m (£34m), which may be prohibitive for fellow potential suitors Galatasaray, who are only willing to offer €15m (£13m).

Leeds leading Fulham in race to sign £8.5m defender alongside Bornauw

Leeds United are now in a race to sign a defender who has been impressing in Germany.

ByBrett Worthington Jul 1, 2025

The 31-year-old “wants” to join Galatasaray, but the Turkish champions may find it difficult to win the race for his signature if a bidding war breaks out, with Manchester United also expressing an interest.

Çalhanoğlu could be "incredible" coup for Fulham

It would be a real statement of intent if Fulham were able to sign a 2025 Champions League finalist, particularly one who played a major role in the Italian side reaching that stage of the competition.

The Inter star was a key player throughout the campaign, regularly providing goals and assists in all competitions, despite often featuring in a deep-lying role.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Serie A

29

5

6

Champions League

12

4

2

Italian Cup

4

2

0

The Turk is also vastly experienced at international level, scoring 21 goals in 97 outings for his country, including a remarkable effort at Euro 2024.

Turkey assistant manager Daniele Russo was subsequently left impressed by the Germany-born midfielder, saying: “It goes without saying that he is an incredible player. He is also very good at protecting his young teammates.”

As such, Çalhanoğlu could be a statement signing for Fulham this summer, but Galatasaray and Manchester United’s interest could pose a problem.

Newcastle United have now tabled an offer for a “superb” international forward, with a reply given in the last 24 hours.

The Magpies had a frustrating summer in 2024, with both Eddie Howe and Paul Mitchell reportedly left disappointed by the lack of funds available.

Howe has spoken far more positively about how the current transfer window may pan out at St James’ Park, however, discussing the “different mindset” within the club.

Newcastle have reportedly opened talks with Brighton striker Joao Pedro over a summer switch to St James’ Park, and now there has been a fresh development.

Newcastle submit offer for Joao Pedro, reply received

According to The Telegraph‘s Luke Edwards, Newcastle have launched an offer of around £50m for Pedro, as well as moves for Anthony Elanga and James Trafford.

The 3-cap Brazilian is seen as a strong option to provide added firepower to Howe’s attack this summer, having proven himself in the Premier League last season, but The Times have since revealed Newcastle’s bid for Pedo has been rejected.

Pedro would be a brilliant signing for Newcastle if they up their bid, bringing something different to the attack to Alexander Isak, in terms of dropping deep and linking with the midfield.

The 23-year-old has an impressive tally of 30 goals in 70 appearances for Brighton, as well as chipping in with 10 assists, and he should only grow as a footballer by being surrounded by top-quality players.

Pedro’s quality hasn’t been lost on Newcastle legend Alan Shearer, with the Englishman lauding aspects of his game during one performance last season.

“This for me is a brilliant centre-forward goal. The way he follows it up and he is expecting the rebound to get there. He reacts before anyone else does and then he gets his reward. His hold-up play was superb at times when he had to keep hold of the ball and bring his team-mates into play.”

It remains to be seen if Newcastle will manage to complete the signing of Pedro this summer – Brighton are understandably desperate to keep hold of him – but he is the calibre of player that the club need to bring in.

He'd be a dream for Elanga: Newcastle open talks to sign "magical" £60m ace

Eddie Howe is looking to bolster Newcastle’s frontline this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 27, 2025

With Champions League football back at St James’ in 2025/26, some elite additions are required in Howe’s squad, and it promises to be an exciting few months in the transfer market.

Birmingham City are reportedly in talks to complete the long-term signing of a top target in their third deal of matching kind this summer.

Birmingham have to be "picky", says Davies

The Blues are preparing for life back in the Championship, following such a dominant and memorable title-winning season in League One, with the club in an exciting place currently.

Manager Chris Davies has outlined Birmingham’s approach this summer, admitting that they now need to be “picky” with signings, which hasn’t always been the case under him.

“Last season we found that we were convincing players and selling them a project. I was saying to them, ‘Look, come here and in 10 months’ time we won’t be in League One, we’ll be a Championship team’. Now they’re coming to us. A lot more are coming to us, ‘We want to be part of this’.

“You’ve got to be a bit more picky now about who you engage with. Birmingham is a club that is going somewhere and everybody wants to be at a club that’s going somewhere. A lot of people are talking about the club around the country, and internationally as well, so people want to come here. It’s important now that we make sure we pick the right ones.”

Birmingham are being linked with some exciting players, from Tommy Doyle to Demarai Gray, and now it looks as though they are looking to get another important piece of business over the line.

Birmingham in talks to sign Davies permanently

According to a new update from Birmingham World, Birmingham are in talks with Ben Davies over completing a permanent move to the club, following a successful loan stint from Rangers last season.

The Englishman only has one more year remaining on his current deal in Scotland, so they may be happy to cash in on him now, with his current market value said to be £2m.

The club have already completed two deals of this kind this summer, turning the loan moves of Alfons Sampsted and Taylor Gardner-Hickman into permanent signings.

In Davies’ case, the former Liverpool defender made 35 appearances in League One overall, 32 of which were starts, and he averaged 6.2 clearances and 4.1 aerial duel wins per game en route to the Blues comfortably securing promotion to the Championship.

Appearances

35

Starts

32

Minutes played

2959

Clearances per game

6.2

Aerial duel wins per game

4.1

Tackles per game

1.1

Goals

1

Assists

1

Now 29, Davies is a hugely experienced head who could be a great squad option for Birmingham, with Klopp speaking fondly of him after he arrived at Liverpool in a shock deal in January 2021.

“He’s a really good footballer, looks like a proper leader in this Preston team, good in challenges, looks football smart, can play different positions because he played in a back three and a back four and all these things. That makes him really interesting so I’m really looking forward to working with him.”

After Kyogo: Birmingham want to sign new ST who's better than Stansfield

Birmingham are interested in signing a forward who would be even better than Jay Stansfield.

1 ByDan Emery Jun 26, 2025

There are few negatives to Birmingham snapping up Davies this summer, and if he performs like he did last season, the Blues’ hopes of a good campaign will be improved instantly.

With Newcastle United still chasing a deal to sign Anthony Elanga, Nottingham Forest have reportedly set their sights on signing a young Premier League gem who could replace the Swede.

Nottingham Forest battling to keep Elanga

Those in the Midlands managed to keep hold of Elanga last summer and that victory quickly paid dividends in an excellent season at the City Ground. The interest in the winger hasn’t gone away, however, and this time Newcastle have money to spend. The Magpies have already reportedly made an enquiry about signing the former Manchester United man and Forest face another fight to keep hold of one of their star players.

Elanga, himself, chose to remain coy when asked about his Nottingham Forest future whilst on international duty with Sweden recently, telling reporters: “There’s a lot of talk. I’m focusing on what I can do and my focus today was on the game. In football there are always rumors. The most important thing is that I focus on what I can control.”

After missing out on the Champions League even after a fantastic campaign, there may be some concern around the City Ground that Nuno Espirito Santo could lose his top players this summer.

Nottingham Forest submit bid to sign "brilliant" £13m ace from Norwich

Nottingham Forest have now made an official bid to sign a player from the Championship.

ByBrett Worthington Jun 12, 2025

As ever, Evangelos Marinakis has already set his sights on incomings of his own, though. The Greek owner and Nottingham Forest have recently been linked with moves for the likes of Igor Jesus and Real Valladolid star Raul Moro. What’s more, the Tricky Trees are also reportedly interested in signing an impressive Premier League gem if Elanga chooses to leave the club in favour of Newcastle this summer.

Nottingham Forest assessing Oscar Bobb move

According to Football Insider’s Mick Brown, Marinakis is now assessing a Nottingham Forest move to sign Oscar Bobb from Manchester City this summer. The young winger returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines towards the end of last season and will be desperate to get up to speed with some much-needed game time.

Brown, a former Premier League scout, told Football Insider: “A Premier League loan move is exactly what Bobb needs. After the injury he had, he has to prove to everybody that he is still capable at this level.

“It’s difficult to come back from something like that, he has some proving to do, but he has to be playing regularly to do it. If you take him out of that Man City side and put him in another Premier League team, a Crystal Palace or a Nottingham Forest, it will show where he’s at. Palace and Forest are both clubs I’ve heard are having a look at the deal.

The 21-year-old is a player who Pep Guardiola believes has “incredible potential”, but his short-term future could lie at the City Ground. It’s there that he could step into Elanga’s role and discover his best form following a frustrating injury setback.

Celtic are taking some time to assess where they need to strengthen in the transfer market and are now looking to close in on a talented young star who could improve their backline, according to a report.

Celtic's left-back situation remains in a state of flux

Although there hasn’t been an official parade of Kieran Tierney back at Parkhead yet, the Scotland international is returning to Celtic on a free transfer after his Arsenal contract expires.

Brendan Rodgers will be delighted to secure the services of a modern-day club icon who won eight trophies during his first spell at the reigning Scottish Premiership champions, but who will provide competition for the 27-year-old next season?

Jeffrey Schlupp has held discussions over a permanent Celtic transfer following his loan spell in Glasgow and is available for nothing due to his time at Crystal Palace drawing to a close.

However, the Ghana international earned £60,000 while on the books at Selhurst Park, which may complicate matters if the Bhoys decide he is the man to strengthen their left-hand side of defence.

Another player set to be a free agent before too long is long-serving Celtic full-back Greg Taylor. After six years as first-choice, it appears he may move on this summer despite Rodgers’ desire to retain the Greenock-born man.

Dream XI Celtic could build: Idah axed for "sensational" CF, Tierney starts

The dream starting XI that Brendan Rodgers could build for Celtic next season.

2 ByDan Emery May 31, 2025

Time is on Celtic’s side as they plot how best to proceed with adequate cover for Tierney, who has played just 20 matches this season following a spate of injury issues over the last few years.

Now, the Bhoys have reportedly made an approach for an exciting talent that could deputise when needed under Rodgers’ stewardship.

Celtic make approach for Peterborough United left-back Harley Mills

According to Football League World, Celtic have made an approach for Peterborough United left-back Harley Mills, and Fulham have also previously offered £1 million for his services.

Spending the first half of the campaign on loan at Enfield Town, he shot to prominence after returning to Posh due to scoring a delightful free-kick in their famous Vertu Cup final victory over Birmingham City earlier this year at Wembley Stadium.

Harley Mills at Enfield Town and Peterborough United

Appearances

25

Goals

2

Assists

2

Lauded for his ‘wand of a left foot’ by Darren Ferguson, the youngster has completed 66.7% of his dribbles and won the same percentage of tackles on League One duty this term.

Admittedly, his inexperience may be cited by some as a point of contention. Still, Celtic have identified gems such as Moussa Dembele and Matt O’Riley from the lower leagues of English football, so it may not be a total surprise that the Scottish champions could repeat the trick.

In more recent times, Finnish goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo was signed from Aston Villa after a productive loan spell at Exeter City, demonstrating that the Bhoys have their ear to the ground regarding emerging talent.

Ultimately, the ball is now in Peterborough’s court. Mills has the offer of a fresh contract on the table at the Weston Homes Stadium, but he only has 12 months remaining on his current terms and seems to be exploring his options.

Next season will be the start of a new era for Everton.

On Sunday, the Toffees played their 2,791th and final match at Goodison Park, waving goodbye to their home since 1894 with a 2-0 victory over Southampton; Iliman Ndiaye the scorer of a first half brace.

​​​​​​So, come August, the Blues will commence the new campaign at their new home at Bramley-Moore Dock, with a renewed sense of optimism, given that the team have stabilised since David Moyes’ return, while new owners the Friedkin Group offer hope for the future too.

However, with one of Everton’s most-prized assets, potentially, on his way out this summer, have they already identified an ideal replacement?

Everton targeting defensive reinforcements

According to a report in Africa Foot, Everton are ‘considering’ making a move to sign defender Sinaly Diomandé, adding that ‘negotiations between the various parties are… underway’.

Transfer Focus

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

Indeed, the report adds that the Toffees are said to have ‘begun talks’ with the player’s representatives regarding a potential move.

The 24-year-old Côte d’Ivoire international began his career at Olympique Lyonnais, making 85 appearances for les Gones, before joining Auxerre last summer on a free transfer, albeit, according to L’Équipe, Lyon will receive 50% of any future sale.

So, could the young defender be on the move again, this time to Merseyside?

How Diomande compares to Jarrad Branthwaite

Once again, as was the case last summer, Jarrad Branthwaite’s name features prominently in the transfer rumour mill.

Mick Brown of Football Insider claims that Chelsea are ‘considering’ a move to sign the centre-back, while it would be no surprise to see Manchester United come back into the equation this summer.

A year ago, as noted by Andy Hunter and Ben Fisher of the Guardian, Everton rejected two bids from Man United, the second of which was worth £50m, with Branthwaite valued at closer to £70m.

Nevertheless, even if Everton stand firm, interest in the England international will remain.

So, would Diomandé be a good replacement? Well, let’s find out.

Appearanes

30

23

Minutes

2,510

1,945

Pass accuracy %

83%

85%

Successful tackles

36

39

Clearances

188

96

Interceptions

27

30

Blocked shots

23

18

Ball recoveries

93

86

Duels contested

186

160

Duels won

118

94

% of aerial duels won

59%

54%

% of ground duels won

69%

61%

Touches per 90

56

59

Average Sofascore Rating

7.02

6.89

As the table outlines, the duo’s statistics are very similar across the board, with Branthwaite having the slight edge overall, albeit Diomandé does boast a better passing accuracy, while also registering more tackles and interceptions, as well as more touches per game.

One analyst noted that Diomandé is a talented youngster who has “shown some great things” during his time in Ligue 1, while Sébastien Denis of Foot Mercato believes he has “incredible qualities”.

Meantime, João Ruivo of Total Football Analysis praises his aerial prowess​​​​​​​ as well as his ability to register plenty of interceptions, assertions that are supported by the data, while Dom Corrigan of Target Scouting is impressed by his ‘calming presence’, adding that he is ‘capable of brilliant last ditch defending’.

Thus, it is clear that Diomandé is a young defender with serious potential, so, given Everton’s ongoing financial constraints, if they’re able to secure him at a cut-price, he could be an excellent addition to fill Branthwaite’s possible void.

​​​​​​​

Everton join race to sign "elite" £17m+ defender also wanted by Aston Villa

The Toffees are now in the frame to sign a centre-back, who is attracting widespread interest from the Premier League.

ByDominic Lund May 21, 2025

Newcastle United have now moved ahead of Chelsea in the race for an “amazing” Premier League defender, having taken concrete action to secure his signature, according to a report.

Magpies set sights on new centre-back

With current centre-back options Fabian Schar and Dan Burn now in their 30s, bringing in a new defender is expected to be a major focus for Newcastle this summer, and there has been a positive development in their pursuit of AS Monaco’s Wilfried Singo.

Paul Mitchell is now increasingly confident that a deal for Singo will be possible this summer, having previously sent scouts to watch the Ivorian defender in action, and there is a feeling the 24-year-old would be keen on a move to the Premier League.

Singo is not the only option on the shortlist, however, with it recently being revealed the Magpies have now joined the race for Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah, who is set to leave the German club on a free transfer when his contract expires this summer.

Newcastle could now keep Tonali and still sign £135,000-p/w Juventus star

The Magpies are making some smart moves…

BySean Markus Clifford May 12, 2025

Newcastle are also weighing up defenders who have already proven themselves in the Premier League, and TEAMtalk have now provided a positive update on their pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who has been a long-term target.

According to the report, Eddie Howe’s side have now moved ahead of Premier League rivals Chelsea in the race for Guehi, and his price tag has now been drastically reduced, with the Eagles now willing to sanction a departure for a fee of just £46m.

The Tynesiders have now taken concrete action to sign the England international, placing them in the driving seat, as the Blues have not taken any steps towards securing his signature, but the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest could also provide competition.

"Amazing" Guehi could be ideal signing for Newcastle

Schar and Burn have played a major role in transforming Newcastle into major contenders for trophies, with the latter even scoring in the EFL Cup final, but with both players now approaching their mid-thirties, a younger option may be required at centre-back.

At 24-years-old, the £50,000-a-week Palace captain fits the bill in that regard, and the defender’s vast Premier League experience could make him an ideal option, having now made 132 top-flight appearances.

During that time, the Englishman has caught the eye of compatriot Harry Maguire, who described the Palace star as “amazing”, which is underlined by the fact he is among the Eagles’ most consistent performers in the Premier League this season.

Guehi could be the perfect addition to the Newcastle squad this summer, and the fact that he is now set to be available for just £46m is an added bonus for the Magpies, given that the Ivory Coast-born star has previously been valued at around the £75m mark.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have had a strong end to the 2024/25 campaign. Although they have lost the two most recent outings, Vitor Pereira’s side have managed to get themselves up to 14th in the Premier League, after they were certain relegation candidates at one stage in the season.

Even though they were mathematically safe a while ago, they have now reached the magical 40-point tally, which is usually enough to guarantee a spot in the top flight for another year. It certainly gives the Midlands club something to build on for next season.

The upcoming summer transfer window will be key for the Old Gold, and they have been linked with one player who could enhance the quality of their midfield.

Wolves could sign new midfielder

One of the areas in their squad where Wolves are strongest is in midfield. The West Midlands outfit have plenty of options in the middle of the park, but could look to add to that this summer, if recent reports are true.

Transfer Focus

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

Journalist Graeme Bailey alluded to the fact that Wolves could reignite their old interest in Chelsea midfielder Keirnan Dewsbury-Hall. He claimed that the Chelsea star, who has struggled for regular game-time this term, is someone who ‘quite possibly’ fits the profile Pereira is looking to add to his midfield.

Indeed, Bailey referenced that there is ‘historic interest’ in the player from Wolves, meaning a deal to bring him to Molineux could be on this summer. The price isn’t clear at this stage, but he cost the Blues £30m last summer from Leicester City.

Where Dewsbury-Hall would fit into Wolves' midfield

It has not really been the debut season at Stamford Bridge that Dewsbury-Hall may have hoped for. He has struggled to break into the team in the Premier League after following former Foxes manager Enzo Maresca to West London.

The 26-year-old has featured in just 29 games for the Blues across all competitions, with only 12 of those appearances coming in the Premier League. Incredibly, he has played 254 top-flight minutes, the equivalent of 2.8 full 90-minute games.

However, in Chelsea’s UEFA Conference League run, Dewsbury-Hall has had a more substantial role to play. He’s played 12 games in their run to the final, scoring four times and grabbing two assists. He bagged the only goal of the game in his side’s 1-0 home win over FC Copenhagen in the last 16 second leg.

Despite his struggles in 2024/25, Dewsbury-Hall is a “top talent” in the words of data analyst Statman Dave. He really showed just how good he is in 2023/24, the season Leicester won the Championship. That season, he managed 12 goals and 14 assists in 44 games from midfield.

The 26-year-old has impressive underlying stats from that campaign, too, courtesy of FBref. For example, he averaged 2.7 key passes and 0.77 goal-creating actions per game, which ranked him in the top 2% and 1% of Championship midfielders that season.

Goals and assists

0.64

98th

Key passes

2.7

98th

Progressive passes

6.73

92nd

Shot-creating actions

5

96th

Goal-creating actions

0.77

99th

Given the attacking impact he could have on this Wolves side, it could mean Dewsbury-Hall partners well with Joao Gomes. The Brazil international has been a key player for the Old Gold this season, featuring in all but two of their Premier League games so far.

A superb ball-winner, he could be someone who sits behind the potential new Wolves midfielder and does the dirty work off the ball while allowing Dewsbury-Hall to thrive further forward.

Indeed, as per FBref, he averages 4.12 tackles and interceptions per game and 130 in total this season, which is the most in their squad.

It seems like a match made in heaven. Gomes can just sit at the base of the Old Gold midfield and look to break up play. With his excellent defensive output, it certainly takes the responsibility off Dewsbury-Hall somewhat.

A price is not confirmed yet, but this seems like the dream deal for the Old Gold. He could form an excellent partnership in midfield with Gomes, and add to the quality in attacking areas that Wolves have. This could be the perfect way to kick-start their summer.

He can help fill the Neto void: Wolves looking to sign "special" £50m star

Wolves have joined a host of clubs in eyeing a move for a Premier League midfielder

ByRoss Kilvington May 12, 2025

A “very interesting” Newcastle United transfer target is believed to be open to joining the club this summer, potentially coming in as an Alexander Isak replacement.

Isak's Newcastle future still unclear

There have been many standout performers for the Magpies throughout this season, but Isak has been their star man, leading the line superbly and maturing into one of Europe’s top strikers.

Isak has scored 21 goals in 30 Premier League appearances in 2024/25, with only Mohamed Salah (27) netting more times in the competition, and his performances have inevitably seen him linked with a move away from St James’ Park, with the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal seeing him as an ideal target.

For that reason, alternatives are already being looked at, should the worst-case scenario happen for Magpies supporters, with Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic mentioned as an option- the Turin giants are willing to sell him this summer.

While not a like-for-like replacement for Isak, Manchester City winger Jack Grealish has also been linked with a move to Newcastle at the end of the current campaign, having fallen out of favour under Pep Guardiola of late.

Emanuel Emegha open to Newcastle move this summer

According to a fresh update from L’Equipe, Emanuel Emegha is open to joining Newcastle this summer, with the Strasbourg forward seen as a target for the Magpies. The 22-year-old has been identified as a replacement for Isak, should the Swede depart St James’ at the end of the season, with Chelsea also still trying to sign him.

Ideally, Isak will remain at Newcastle for many more years to come, with Emegha coming in as competition, replacing Callum Wilson in Eddie Howe’s attack. Should the Dutchman only arrive as a direct replacement for the Magpies superstar, though, he would still represent an exciting option with a huge amount of promise, with his peak years still some time away.

Emegha has scored 22 goals in 58 appearances for Strasbourg, which is a strong return, and he has been capped across four different age groups at youth team level for the Netherlands. Meanwhile, talent spotter Jacek Kulig has described the young attacker as a “very interesting” player.

The importance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League is huge when it comes to Newcastle signing footballers of his quality, especially if they pip Chelsea to a place in Europe’s leading club competition.

Netherlands Under-21s

9

3

Netherlands Under-20s

1

2

Netherlands Under-19s

7

5

Netherlands Under-15s

1

0

As mentioned, the Magpies not signing Emegha this summer will hopefully mean that Isak has stayed put, but if he departs, the towering 6 foot 5 Strasbourg ace looks like an eye-catching option to replace him.