Premier League

Around the clubs - insight, analysis and fan views

  1. 'Dithering and almost statuesque' - fans on Newcastle's transfer activitypublished at 15:16 6 August

    Your Newcastle opinions banner
    Eddie HoweImage source, Getty Images

    We asked for your views on a perceived lack of urgency and assertiveness from Newcastle United in this summer's transfer market.

    Here are some of your comments:

    David: Need to be much more aggressive and proactive with transfers. No disrespect to the players, but without new targets, survival in Europe will be challenging, not to mention the Premier League. It is quite disheartening not to see top-quality players arriving.

    Alex: Disheartening? I'm absolutely gutted, with a mix of anger, frustration and dismay! The bottom line is that the senior leadership needs to have a serious look at themselves, since Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi left the club feeling directionless. We have just won our first trophy in a lifetime and have European football again - we should be the strongest we have ever been, on the field and off it. However, the club feels lost, discombobulated. Instead of being proactive, we are reactive.

    Wayne: Unfortunately, Newcastle's transfer attempts have been inept, making low-ball offers and tipping off rivals about their intentions. Too slow and too timid. Also, there is no transparency or accountability, so no-one is sure who is responsible for this mess - certainly not Eddie Howe, who is sent out to face the media, apparently with zero knowledge of what is going on.

    Tom: Disastrous transfer window so far. Alexander Isak hasn't helped matters with his childish behaviour and the timing of it. Just a reminder, Newcastle United won a cup and qualified for the Champions League last season. The reason players aren't coming is greed - it's as simple as that. Newcastle don't have the income yet to match the 'septic six'.

    Rich: This whole saga takes me right back to the 1980s when we were simply a transition club. Great players like Paul Gascoigne, Chris Waddle and Peter Beardsley would raise the hopes and aspirations of us being a great club. Yet we failed to keep them or attract similar players to take us to the next level.

    Andy: Howe said so himself that Newcastle had to move quickly in the transfer market. We have been far from it - slow, sluggish, dithering and almost statuesque. Yoane Wissa, Benjamin Sesko, James Trafford, Bryan Mbeumo - I wonder who else will be on the oh-so-close list.

  2. Andrews 'understanding' of Wissa's situation published at 13:17 6 August

    Keith Andrews Image source, Getty Images

    Brentford boss Keith Andrews has praised Yoane Wissa's professionalism and attitude amid ongoing uncertainty around the forward's future.

    The 28-year-old is back with the group after leaving the Bees' pre-season trip to Portugal early last week.

    Andrews admitted Wissa is still building up match fitness but underlined the forward's value to the squad, calling him an "outstanding talent" and a player any coach would want to work with.

    Despite the speculation, Andrews insists their relationship remains respectful as the transfer window plays out.

    "Wissa came back from Portugal - that was the right thing for all parties," Andrews told BBC Radio London.

    "He was working very hard in the training ground in the build-up to the QPR game, obviously lacking in fitness. The players had yesterday off, and today was the first day we trained together as a group, and Yoane was there.

    "Every coach would want him at the football club and every fan would want him at the football club, because he is an outstanding talent. He has proved to be an amazing football player for this club because of his importance within the group.

    "I can't say that it has put me under a lot of stress because I do things one at a time. I am very understanding of the situation, having been in this industry for a long time.

    "Transfer windows are always similar. I try to keep a good relationship with Wissa, and that's the way it has to remain.

    "It's underpinned with mutual respect."

  3. Liverpool 'have heeded wisdom of one of their greatest icons'published at 11:51 6 August

    Pat Nevin
    Former footballer and presenter

    Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez warm up before the pre-season game against Athletic BilbaoImage source, Getty Images

    Will Liverpool be even better this season than last?

    They have an army of modern technical advisers but they have heeded the wisdom of one of their greatest historic icons.

    Former manager Bill Shankly is remembered for his iconic one-liners, none more than: "Football isn't a matter of life and death - it's more important than that."

    For those who now think that trite or even tasteless, it was meant as a joke, an exaggeration, a bit of fun with words - nothing more.

    I was always more impressed with his idea that "you must always strengthen when you are at the top, before your power starts to fade". Chinese philosopher Sun Tzu would have been proud of that ideology.

    It is easier said than done, however. Bringing an expensive bunch of new players into the group after winning a major trophy can put some of the current squad's noses out of joint. Some might think: "Are they replacing me already, after all I have done for them?"

    Liverpool cannot afford to damage the brilliant team spirit they have, so the personalities of the new recruits are as vital as how you sell their arrival to the rest of the players.

    They cannot be allowed to upset the on-field balance either. Some players just work perfectly together - there is a synergy that cannot be measured by stats. They understand each other and help each other, sometimes even without knowing they are doing it.

    There is also the thought that one day Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk will slow down with age or get injured more frequently. While everybody still backs the Reds as favourites, could these problems beset Arne Slot's team this season?

    Almost certainly not. They have recruited brilliantly and are still the team to beat, even if some of us are flailing around trying to find a weakness - which probably is not there.

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  4. Who does Opta's Supercomputer put in the title race?published at 11:51 6 August

    Opta's Supercomputer has once again predicted the upcoming 2025-26 Premier League season by using a model to simulate every match 10,000 times.

    Opta Supercomputer predicted final Premier League positions 2026-26: 1 Liverpool, 2 Arsenal, 3 Manchester City, 4 Chelsea, 5 Aston Villa, 6 Newcastle United, 7 Crystal Palace, 8 Brighton, 9 Bournemouth, 10 Brentford, 11 Nottingham Forest, 12 Manchester United, 13 Everton, 14 Tottenham Hotspur, 15 Fulham, 16 West Ham United, 17 Wolves, 18 Burnley, 19 Leeds United, 20 SunderlandImage source, Opta

    Last season promised a thrilling title race between Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool - but in the end it was anything but.

    Arne Slot was given just a 5.1% chance of winning the Premier League in his debut season, but expectations are far higher now.

    Despite major changes - including the departures of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luis Diaz, and the tragic loss of Diogo Jota - Liverpool have rebuilt with the signings of Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, and Hugo Ekitike.

    The Opta supercomputer now makes them title favourites, winning in 28.5% of simulations.

    Arsenal have finished runners-up for three straight seasons. This could be their moment, especially with Viktor Gyokeres finally giving Mikel Arteta a true number nine. Their title odds have nearly doubled to 24.3%, though another second-place finish remains the most likely outcome.

    City were aiming for a historic fifth consecutive title but stumbled, largely due to Rodri's long-term injury. With him fit again, Pep Guardiola will demand a return to form. Their supercomputer-backed chances have dropped sharply this season however, - from 82.2% to just 18.8%.

    Fresh off a Club World Cup win, Chelsea are aiming for their first league title since 2017. Enzo Maresca's young side has potential, but consistency is the big question.

    They win the league in 8.8% of sims, with another fourth-place finish considered the most likely.

    Read Opta's full Supercomputer breakdown here, external

  5. 'Everyone wants to make up for last season' - Fodenpublished at 07:57 6 August

    Phil Foden in action for Manchester City at the Club World CupImage source, Getty Images

    Manchester City's Phil Foden says he wants to continue "getting back" to his "very high level" after an uncharacteristically difficult Premier League campaign in 2024-25.

    "I think everyone wants to make up for last season, we all want to come to our best and winning titles," the 25-year-old told BBC Sport.

    "We have got a lot of experience in the dressing room. With Bernardo [Silva] being captain, hopefully he can push the lads on. We have got all the experience and we have done it before.

    "That's a positive - you know and what it takes so hopefully we can get back there."

    After being named the Premier League Player of the Season for the 2023-24 campaign, Foden only registered seven goals and two assists in the league.

    However, he looked more comfortable during the summer Club World Cup in the USA - managing three goals and an assist in four games even as City were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Al-Hilal.

    "I thought I was much better at the Club World Cup and my performances definitely got better from the season before," Foden said.

    "I want to continue getting back to my level, which is very high. You just have to put the work in training and believe in yourself.

    "I am not sure where the manager sees me this year, I can play in different positions but we all know my position is the insides, in the pockets, so let us see what happens.

    "I am not here to replicate what Kev (de Bruyne) did because we all know how good he was and what he did for the club.

    "It is about trying my best, getting to the level where I won Player of the Year. You can only train and get back to it - that is what I am trying to do."

  6. 'Quite a gamble' but Man Utd 'should take a risk' - fans on Sesko bidpublished at 17:49 5 August

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    Benjamin Sesko looks on for RB Leipzig in red away kitImage source, Getty Images

    Following the news that Manchester United had submitted a bid to RB Leipzig for Benjamin Sesko, we asked for your views on a possible deal for the striker.

    Here are some of your comments:

    Charles: Sesko is a player with huge potential and Manchester United should take a risk on him because there are no better, affordable, young and established strikers out there. Rasmus Hojlund should be either sold or sent on loan to ease the deal financially.

    Mark: Could be quite a gamble having not played in the Premier League. If he is given a good enough ball supply then he will score, but you could say that about any half-decent striker. I think the money should be spent on trying to improve the defensive unit.

    Christine: Sesko is a top striker in the same mould as Alexander Isak - height, strength and skill that would fit with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to interlink for attacks on goal. An exciting player who has age on his side to turn out to be the world-class player he could be.

    Paul: If we are to be serious moving forward then we need top-class players like Sesko. If we want them, we've got to pay the going rate. As long as our legendary scouting network have done their jobs properly, then I'm good with it. That's a big if, however, looking back at previous purchases in the recent past.

    Danyal: Are we doing another expensive buy like we did with Hojlund? Is Sesko going to be the game-solver? I do think he will bring something different to the attack and compliment Mbeumo and Cunha. But, personally, I think we should target a midfielder before a striker. It's all good to have strikers but when the midfield is empty we wont be scoring much. But still, it will be an exciting signing after a busy transfer window.

    Mathias: Sesko is a young player who is over-priced. The Premier League is difficult and he would need to adapt to it. It would be a bit hard for him, especially the first season. I would prefer Ollie Watkins because he is used to the Premier League and mature.

    Kevan: Would be a great signing but we don't want to get into a bidding war. £74m is enough.

  7. 'I don't think about it' - Wirtz on price tagpublished at 12:13 5 August

    Florian WirtzImage source, Getty Images

    Florian Wirtz says he does nt think about his transfer price tag as he settles into life at Liverpool and prepares for Sunday's Community Shield fixture against Crystal Palace.

    The German, signed from Bayer Leverkusen for an initial £100m, featured in Monday's friendly win over Athletic Bilbao and said: "I don't think about it. I just want to play football and how much money the clubs pay between each other, it doesn't matter.

    "Of course the big challenge is to win the title again and it is the most difficult thing so (I will) try and just create chances and also work against the ball.

    "I can also run a lot so (I will) bring this to the team and then with the ball I can make the team better and bring my team-mates into better situations.

    "I came because I thought I could fit in this team and I am enjoying to play with these players and getting every time a little bit better so I am happy with how it is going."

    Wirtz, 22, scored 57 times in 197 outings for Leverkusen.

    He found the net for Liverpool in their victory over Yokohama F. Marinos last week and hit the bar with a header in Monday's win over Bilbao.

    "I am a player who needs freedom on the pitch and the manager gives it to me because I have to respect the position and the players around me," he added.

    "I will try to find the right places to be and the right spaces to get the ball and to be dangerous and create chances - I have not played a match in the Premier League but I am looking forward and that is why I came."

  8. Might Levy be 'more fondly remembered'?published at 11:04 5 August

    Media caption,

    Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has given a wide-ranging interview to The Overlap and on BBC Radio 5 Live, the Monday Night Club team debated elements of it.

    The iPaper's Daniel Storey offered insight into how Levy is viewed while former Premier League defender Stephen Warnock pondered what more trophies may mean for Levy's legacy.

    Speaking to The Overlap, Levy said: "I think it's one of those situations (in which) when I'm not here I'm sure I'll get the credit. When you come here and look at this wonderful (stadium), and the fact that other clubs are now trying to copy what we're doing, that should be a sign that maybe we did do something bold, and something right."

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  9. Was Farke sending a message?published at 08:52 5 August

    Media caption,

    Daniel Farke has been outgoing in stating Leeds lack some quality in attack as they prepare for the Premier League.

    BBC Radio Leeds' Jonny Buchan and Simon Rix of the Kaiser Chiefs pondered Farke's comments on the latest episode of Don't Go To Bed Just Yet.

    Was he trying to "make a point"? Or was he genuinely concerned?

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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  10. Does Nunez move raise questions over PIF priorities?published at 17:42 4 August

    Charlotte Robson
    Fan writer

    Newcastle United fan's voice banner
    Darwin Nunez plays for Liverpool against NewcastleImage source, Getty Images

    To add to a deeply frustrating transfer window for Newcastle fans, it now looks like Darwin Nunez could make a move from Liverpool to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.

    Allowing Liverpool to sell Nunez to free up the cash to potentially pursue Alexander Isak again makes so little sense to me. Al Hilal and Newcastle have the same overall owners, and they must know how much we do not want Liverpool to suddenly have a glut of cash available.

    It is particularly galling when taken in the context of Eddie Howe's recent comments - that players have to "earn the right" to train with the rest of the squad.

    The team are back from pre-season and back in training this week, which represents a real opportunity to have a serious conversation and hopefully move forward without all this noise and distraction.

    It also makes me think about what the priority is for our majority owners PIF. More and more discontent has been felt in the fanbase lately over where Newcastle sit on PIF's list of priorities, and allowing another of their clubs to benefit at the potential expense of us feels even more like we are being overlooked.

    Perhaps it is their clever way of getting money into NUFC, but I think most fans would say we would rather an improved contract was given to Isak, the dust of the summer settles, and he stays with us a little while longer.

    Find more from Charlotte Robson at the True Faith: Newcastle United Podcast, external

  11. Chelsea lead league in player salespublished at 15:38 4 August

    Tom McCoy
    BBC Sport

    Kiernan Dewsbury-HallImage source, Getty Images

    Chelsea are reportedly ready to sell Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to Everton and have accepted an offer from Burnley for fellow midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu.

    The Blues have spent approximately £240m on new players this summer but have already recouped over half of that total by moving on eight unwanted players.

    Selling the likes of Noni Madueke, Joao Felix and Djordje Petrovic has brought approximately £129m into the club, more than any other Premier League side.

    Should Dewsbury-Hall and Ugochukwu also depart, that figure could rise by a further £50m.

    Graph that shows income from player sales this summer with Chelsea earning the most ahead of Liverpool, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth
  12. 'We've picked up but not enough' - Moyespublished at 09:06 4 August

    Iliman Ndiaye celebrates scoring Image source, Getty Images

    Everton boss David Moyes was happier with the way his team performed against Manchester United in the final match of the Premier League Summer Series in the United States.

    The friendly, which took place overnight in Atlanta, finished 2-2 and saw James Tarkowski get some valuable minutes under his belt as he continues his return from his hamstring injury.

    "We had a team which was more equipped to have a chance of being more competitive," said Moyes. "We were nowhere near in the first or the second game as we didn't have enough players fit enough, but we're just starting to get one or two back.

    "In the first game we were five players out of position trying to find a team. But I thought it was better [against Manchester United], I thought we played much better.

    "We've picked up, but not enough, and I would have hoped that we'd be much further down the line than we've been.

    "I think there will be deals next week. I think we're getting much closer, but I've got to say that I felt that four or five weeks ago as well. But obviously we're getting near the tickly bits and we've got to get some things done.

    "We know that we have to make several additions and more. Even for the numbers, we might even have people in the squad who we'd like to put them out on loan or do other things with them. So we're needing generally to add to the squad and we need to get some of the main players in quickly."

    Following the conclusion of the Premier League Summer Series, the Toffees will return home and turn their attention to hosting Roma at the Hill Dickinson Stadium for the first time.

    "That'll be a great occasion for us all," added Moyes. "For us all to go down there and see what it looks like, and hopefully a good day of weather and fill the place out.

    "I would love to be able to have a couple of players which I could tell the crowd 'this is the start'.

    "But if not, the big sign is that we should have Jarrad [Brainthwaite] back in training when we return on Wednesday - with a bit of luck."

  13. What Palhinha would offer Tottenhampublished at 09:00 4 August

    Matthew Hobbs
    BBC Sport journalist

    Joao Palhinha of Bayern Munich applauds the fans after the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and FC Bayern München at Red Bull Arena Image source, Getty Images

    Tottenham are closing in on the loan signing of Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha. The destructive number six joined the German giants in a £42.3m deal last summer and called it "the happiest day of my life" – although the move has since soured due to injury and a lack of playing time.

    Palhinha has started just 10 games in all competitions for Bayern in the last year, prompting a potential move back to the Premier League where he excelled during his two seasons with Fulham between 2022 and 2024.

    The 34-cap Portugal international proved to be a real bargain after swapping Sporting Lisbon for Craven Cottage for around £17m, comfortably topping the Premier League rankings for tackles with a total of 300 during his initial two-season stint – 109 more than any other player. He also ranked sixth for interceptions (92).

    His combative style of play, however, does carry risks. The 30-year-old received 27 yellow cards across 2022-23 and 2023-24 – at least five more than anyone else.

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    A graphic showing the Premier League's top tacklers across the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. 
Player	             Tackles
Joao Palhinha	300
Moises Caicedo	191
Tyrick Mitchell	176
Casemiro	        171
Idrissa Gueye	170
  14. 'My honest feeling is trepidation' - fans on season to comepublished at 08:12 4 August

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    Aston Villa midfielder Leon Bailey #31 makes a move in front of Nashville SC midfielder Matthew CorcoranImage source, Getty Images

    We asked for your views on Aston Villa's pre-season preparations after Sunday's 2-2 draw with Nashville SC.

    Here are some of your comments:

    Steve: The bare minimum we require by the end of the window is to have last seasons' squad intact. At least we won't have gone backwards. But all the teams above us have spent plenty so will have pulled away. Can't see us making any game-changing signings so we'll be fighting with Forest and Spurs for the minor European places.

    Prit: My honest feeling is trepidation. I understand that the club will struggle financially with the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City but we do need cover in defence and support for Watkins. I would have liked to have seen Louie Barry given a chance as he is a very special player, but Unai will need to bat very clever in bringing in real value. It just highlights the impact of not turning up for the FA Cup semi-final and the nightmare at Old Trafford last season.

    Paul: Not overly concerned about the results. I can see us finishing ninth or 10th next season. Top six have gone to another level. Hope I am wrong and we can manage top five.

    Martin: With very little movement in the transfer window so far, it's hard to predict how our season will go! There is an underlying feeling of disappointment after failing in FA Cup and Champions League qualification in the final few weeks. Hopefully we make a decent start.

    Martyn-Paul: These games are nothing more than training sessions and the results are meaningless. But what does seem inevitable (due to FFP) is that Unai is going to have to work with the same squad as last season and that could lead to complacency and mid-table obscurity. Basically we're in a financial mess!

    Ian: A little concerned at lack of activity in transfer market. Assuming we don't sell anyone we still need cover at centre back, we need another wide man up front and a back-up striker for Ollie. Now if we sell anyone then it puts a different complexion on things. I just hope Unai has got appropriate plans in place to cover all our options. We need to build and move forward again after a couple of very good years. Keep the faith.

  15. How does Ramsdale compare to Newcastle's goalkeepers?published at 17:04 2 August

    Jordan Butler
    BBC Sport journalist

    When Nick Pope started against Italy at the San Siro in September 2022, he became the first Newcastle goalkeeper to win a senior England cap for 121 years.

    Three years later, the Magpies could now have another England international keeper on their books.

    But Newcastle fans could be forgiven for any apprehension around potentially signing a goalkeeper that has suffered relegation with four different clubs.

    Stats of Newcastle goalkeepers compared with Aaron Ramsdale

    Aaron Ramsdale was in the Southampton side that went down with 12 points last term and he also dropped out of the Premier League with Sheffield United in 2020-21, Bournemouth in 2019-20 and even endured a League Two demotion while on loan at Chesterfield seven years ago.

    The 27-year-old conceded 66 goals and kept three top-flight clean sheets in a disastrous 2024-25 campaign for the Saints, with his numbers understandably below average because of playing behind such a porous defence.

    His experience cannot be questioned, however, and he has 183 Premier League appearances to his name - only 38 fewer than Pope.

    Ramsdale's Premier League career profile is similar to Eddie Howe's back-up keeper Martin Dubravka - both are less accomplished shot-stoppers than Pope, but more accurate passers.

    Dubravka did well when called upon last term but he will turn 37 in January and the opportunity to sign a player almost 10 years younger with comparable ability could prove to be shrewd business.

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  16. Milner changes shirt number to 'pay tribute' to Jotapublished at 18:49 1 August

    Diogo Jota and James Milner during their time at LiverpoolImage source, Getty Images

    Brighton midfielder James Milner says he will wear the number 20 shirt for the 2025-26 season as a "mark of respect" to former Liverpool team-mate Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash last month.

    Milner played alongside Jota for three seasons between 2020 and 2023 before leaving Anfield to join Brighton. The 39-year-old also travelled to Portugal for the funeral of Jota and his brother Andre Silva at the start of July.

    Liverpool have retired the number 20 shirt worn by Jota in his five seasons at the club but Milner has opted to take the vacant shirt number at Brighton, after team-mate Carlos Baleba decided to switch numbers for the upcoming season.

    Speaking to MyAlbion TV, external about his decision, Milner said: "Once I heard Carlos [Baleba] was looking to change his number and 20 was available, I wanted to do it as a mark of respect and to obviously pay tribute to Diogo Jota.

    "He was an amazing player, who I was fortunate to play with, and he was a great friend as well.

    "It will be a great honour to wear his number in the Premier League this year."

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  17. A 'damaged relationship' but chance to add 'depth'published at 16:30 1 August

    Matthew Raisbeck
    BBC Radio Newcastle reporter

    Newcastle United expert view banner

    Alexander Isak is Newcastle's best striker since Alan Shearer.

    He is the player who scored the decisive goal at Wembley - one of many special moments in black and white - and he was worshipped on Tyneside.

    But that relationship has been damaged.

    There is an acceptance Newcastle need to become better at selling players.

    It's something former sporting director Paul Mitchell alluded to last year to when he described their transfer strategy prior to his arrival as "not fit for purpose".

    It is the first time since the takeover in October 2021 another club has come for one of their big names.

    Many fans are worried about the impact on the dressing room and fear others will see a move away from St James' Park as the best thing for their careers.

    The ownership have invested hundreds of millions of pounds in Newcastle over the last four years and the message is that they remain committed to taking the club to the top.

    The Isak money, should they sell, will boost their PSR position and hopefully enable them to add more depth and quality to their squad - something they have really struggled to do in this transfer window.

    It has certainly been a tough few months.

    But, they were in a difficult place 12 months ago with PSR pressures, changes at executive level, and speculation about the manager's future. What followed was the most successful season the club has had.

    With Eddie Howe in charge and some outstanding players in his squad, anything is possible.

    Read more from Matthew Raisbeck and fans here

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  18. Isak saga - view from the terracespublished at 15:57 1 August

    Matty Renton
    Fan writer

    Newcastle United fan's voice banner
    Media caption,

    Newcastle fan contributor Matty Renton says he is ready to move on from Alexander Isak and is focused on the potential arrival of Benjamin Sesko.

    He explains: "If we get that Isak money, there is no excuses - we have no PSR or FFP problems for a few years. We can rebuild, get Champions League ready and go again."

    Find more from Matty Renton at The Magpie Channel, external

    Meanwhile Lee Johnson from the Newcastle podcast True Faith told BBC Sport: "We've just had an amazing season, in which we won our first trophy in 70 years, and he helped us win that.

    "The hope was that this summer would have been a transformation for ourselves but it seems to be turning into a bit of a nightmare now."

    Supporter and True Faith podcaster Charlotte Robson added: "Make no mistake: losing Isak without a replacement ready would be catastrophic for Newcastle United.

    "I don't think it is controversial to say it is going to be very difficult to progress in the Champions League without a striker in the squad."

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  19. 'Dibling gets rave reviews'published at 11:50 1 August

    Adam Blackmore
    BBC Radio Solent sports editor

    Everton expert view banner
    Tyler Dibling during a pre-season friendly between Eastleigh and SouthamptonImage source, Getty Images

    Tyler Dibling gets rave reviews when I speak to senior players and former players about him. They see a young English talent who has great potential and huge natural ability.

    Dibling has great balance, poise, power and strength for his age. The ball sticks to his feet when he is dribbling and he can win free-kicks by sucking defenders in only to shift the ball away from them in a Jack Grealish style.

    Last season was a steep learning curve for him. It was a tough campaign for a teenager to deal with. He was brilliant at times but as the season faded for Southampton, it also faded for Dibling.

    His niggling injuries impacted him as well as the vagaries of trying to play at the highest level week in week out, which few 18-year-olds can do.

    He is a quiet and thoughtful teenager, who doesn't look for the centre stage, but his talent is good enough to demand it at some point in the future, if he keeps growing as he has.

    I've said all summer that Southampton should be trying to get £40-50m for him, so we will see what the club accept at the end of the day, if he wants to go to Everton of course.

    He went to Chelsea as a youngster but didn't like it and came back to Saints, so that in itself says a lot about what is important to him.

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  20. Long-term Sesko or short-term Watkins?published at 11:43 1 August

    Split image of Ollie Watkins and Benjamin Sesko

    Manchester United "can't keep taking punts" on young players with potential, says ESPN senior writer Mark Ogden.

    The Red Devils have invested in talented forward prospects like Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee in recent seasons, but these players are yet to show significant returns for the outlay.

    They appear to be approaching this transfer window differently with the signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo who both already have Premier League experience.

    The question is whether they will continue this through pursuing experience in Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins or if they will opt to move for 22-year-old Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.

    "United over recent years have taken too many gambles on young players," Ogden told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast. Rasmus Hojlund being one and Joshua Zirkzee being another. They had a very, very young strike force last year and it could barely score a goal.

    "It is a dilemma, though. They go for a guy [Watkins] who is 29, you probably get a season or two out of him, but if he has a good season and gets them back in the Champions League then it is a return on the investment, however, I think United's view is they would rather play the long game.

    "They have signed two players in their mid-20s in Cunha and Mbeumo and I think with Sesko, the worry is that he could be another Rasmus Hojlund. Although, I feel Sesko is more developed and he has had more time in a top league than Hojlund. He basically had one season at Atalanta, whereas Sesko has had a couple of years in the Bundesliga, plus Champions League experience when playing for Salzburg, so he is the better option.

    "What I think United need is a proven, seasoned goalscorer, but their view is that the investment in Sesko is a better, more long-term option. However, you need to win today and tomorrow rather than just the long-term and United can't keep taking punts for four or five years down the line, they need to be winning now."

    Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds

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  21. Chelsea-Strasbourg connection reaps rewardspublished at 11:04 1 August

    Nizaar Kinsella
    BBC Sport football news reporter

    Mamadou Sarr ChelseaImage source, Getty Images

    Chelsea's close ties to Strasbourg are highlighted by the five deals from the bigger English club into the smaller French club.

    Defender Mamadou Sarr completes a maximum of three loans into the Ligue 1 club this summer, with midfielder Kendry Paez and goalkeeper Mike Penders also moving to the Alcase-based club this week.

    All three of those loaned were looked at by Enzo Maresca and his coaching staff at the Club World Cup and were in contention to make his squad for the coming season but in all cases it was decided a loan move would be more productive for their development.

    Sarr was pleased to re-join Strasbourg while Penders is going to be number one and earn valuable experience. There was some confusion around Paez who had hoped he would make Chelsea's squad for the Club World Cup but travelled to the United States without being registered instead.

    Argentine defender Aaron Anselmino was also considered for a loan move by Strasbourg.

    In addition to the three loanees, Strasbourg have signed Chelsea academy defender Ishe Samuels-Smith for £6.5m and midfielder Mathis Amougou for around £12m.

    There are further signs of the connection between the clubs with Strasbourg led by English manager Liam Rosenior, who secured a seventh placed finish last season to allow the club to qualify for the Conference League.

    They previously signed Diego Moreira from Chelsea and have Sam Amo-Ameyaw, Maxi Oyedele and Andrew Omobamidele who have spent time in the English academy system.

    Chelsea have also discussed signing Strasbourg's star striker Emanuel Emegha next season as part of his ongoing contract negotiations to keep him for a further year at Stade de la Meinau.

    To some, multi-club models feel wrong but Chelsea are just the latest club from England after the likes of Manchester City, Brighton and Bournemouth to benefit from such a connection.

    The Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital ownership are understood to prefer a small but mutually beneficial connection - similar to the one between RB Leipzig and RB Salzburg - rather than a bigger model like the 12-club City Football Group, led by Manchester City.

  22. Liverpool reveal 2025-26 home and away kitspublished at 09:46 1 August

    A split graphic showing Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah in Liverpool's 2025-26 kitsImage source, LIVERPOOL FC CLUB WEBSITE

    Liverpool have launched their home and away kits for the upcoming 2025-26 season.

    Entering a new era with sponsor Adidas, the club have labelled their home kit 'Red, redefined' while a cream and black theme runs through the away strip.

    What do you make of the Premier League champions' new threads?

    Choose your verdict here

  23. Wissa still in exile with Brentford back in Londonpublished at 15:26 31 July

    Nizaar Kinsella
    BBC Sport football news reporter

    Yoane Wissa BrentfordImage source, Getty Images

    Brentford striker Yoane Wissa continues to train away from the first team amid uncertainty over his future and interest from multiple rival clubs.

    The 28-year-old arrived at training on time before meeting manager Keith Andrews and sporting director Phil Giles to indicate his preference to continue training alone.

    Wissa has previously threatened he will never play for Brentford again in past talks with Giles amid reports a £25m bid from Newcastle was rejected last week.

    Tottenham and Nottingham Forest are also believed to be interested in the Congo international.

    Andrews is preparing his team to face QPR on Saturday which will also be the first time he speaks about the situation publicly.

  24. Holding leaves Palacepublished at 15:10 31 July

    Rob Holding of Crystal Palace during the pre-season friendly match between Bromley and Crystal Palace at CopperJax Community StadiumImage source, Getty Images

    Crystal Palace have confirmed Rob Holding has left the club with a year left on his contract.

    The defender joined the Eagles in September 2023 from Arsenal, but didn't make a single senior appearance, before going on loan to Sheffield United at the latter end of last season where he played 12 times.

    The 29-year-old has been linked with a move to Major League Soccer side Colorado Rapids.

    "The club wishes Rob all the best for his future career," Palace said.