Noor Ahmad jumps to No. 2 on Purple Cap table after KKR vs CSK game

Orange Cap table

Mumbai Indians’ (MI) Suryakumar Yadav continues to lead the run-scorers’ chart with a tally of 510 runs from 12 innings. One run behind him is B Sai Sudharsan of Gujarat Titans (GT) with his captain Shubman Gill occupying the third spot with 508 runs from 11 innings.Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) Virat Kohli isn’t too far away, with 505 runs, while GT’s Jos Buttler is at No. 5 with 500.Noor Ahmad struck twice in his first over against KKR•BCCI

Purple Cap table

CSK’s left-arm wristspinner Noor Ahmad, who starred with 4 for 31 against KKR, has drawn level with GT’s Prasidh Krishna in terms of wickets at the top of the Purple Cap table. Both have 20 wickets each, but Prasidh retains the Purple Cap thanks to his better economy rate – 7.65 compared to Noor’s 8.02.RCB’s Josh Hazlewood is third with 18 wickets, the same as MI’s Trent Boult. Again, Hazlewood has a better economy rate.Meanwhile, KKR’s Varun Chakravarthy has jumped to fifth place after his 2 for 18 at Eden Gardens. He now has 17 wickets from 12 outings.You can also take a look at what the ESPNcricinfo MVP table looks like at this stage.Here are some other IPL 2025 tables.

  • Highest batting strike rates
  • Best bowling economy rates
  • Most sixes
  • Best bowling figures in a match

Cotado para deixar o Santos, Marcos Leonardo tem números impressionantes com Turra

MatériaMais Notícias

Cotado para deixar o Santos desde antes da abertura da janela de transferências de julho, Marcos Leonardo vive momento especial com Paulo Turra no comando da equipe.

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Nas últimas três partidas disputadas pelo camisa 9 — contra Goiás (vitória por 4 a 3), São Paulo (derrota por 4 a 1) e Botafogo (empate em 2 a 2) — ele marcou cinco gols. Ou seja, em média, o atacante soma quase dois gols por jogo.

O mais impressionante, na verdade, é que Marcos Leonardo anotou os cinco gols tendo finalizado exatamente cinco vezes nos últimos três confrontos. O centroavante de 20 anos acumula, então, 100% de aproveitamento nas respectivas partidas, portanto ele marcou um gol em cada chute que tentou. Além dos ótimos números de gols, o atacante foi importante contra o Goiás e concedeu ótima assistência para Mendoza.

Marcos Leonardo teve seca incômoda no início da temporada e ficou oito jogos sem marcar. Depois de retomar o caminho dos gols, ele foi convocado pela Seleção Brasileira Sub-20 e desfalcou o Santos também por oito partidas.

Quando retornou, balançou as redes contra o Newell’s Old Boys, da Argentina, e ficou os quatro duelos seguintes que disputou (Coritiba, Corinthians, Flamengo e Cuiabá) sem marcar. Hoje, Marcos Leonardo é o artilheiro alvinegro da temporada, com 14 gols — cinco a mais que Mendoza, vice-líder do ranking.

+ Já atualizou sua camisa de 2023? Confira os novos uniformes do Peixe!

TURRA É O RESPONSÁVEL?

O centroavante atuou em quatro dos cinco jogos de Turra como técnico do Santos (Cuiabá, Goiás, São Paulo e Botafogo) e só não jogou contra o Blooming, da Bolívia. O Menino da Vila não marcou somente diante do Cuiabá, quando o Peixe perdeu por 3 a 0.

VAI SAIR?

Marcos Leonardo e Santos ainda nutrem expectativa de chegarem propostas oficiais da Europa, que até agora não se concretizaram. Quem mais avançou em conversas foi a Lazio, da Itália, que esfriou o interesse.

Samson to return as RR captain after being cleared to keep wicket

In Samson’s absence, Parag had led RR during their first three matches this season

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Apr-2025

Sanju Samson scored a half-century coming on as an impact sub in Rajasthan Royals’ opening fixture•Associated Press

Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson has been cleared by the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru to return to wicketkeeping after having played the side’s first three games in IPL 2025 as a specialist batter. Samson, who had undergone finger surgery last month, has now recovered to take back the captaincy from Riyan Parag and also slot in as keeper.In his absence – Samson had played as an Impact Player in RR’s first three games this season – Parag had stood in as captain while Dhruv Jurel kept wicket.”With this positive development, Samson will return to his full leadership role and resume captaincy from the team’s next match against the Punjab Kings,” RR said in a statement. “The franchise is encouraged by Samson’s progress and looks forward to having him back in action behind the stumps and leading the side.”Under Parag, RR lost their first two games, against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), but bounced back to beat Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Guwahati on March 30. With Samson back as captain and keeper for their next match, against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Mullanpur on April 5, RR can be more flexible with their Impact Player strategy.For example, against CSK, after Samson had been dismissed for 20, RR brought in Kumar Kartikeya as an Impact Player in the first innings and he ended up bowling just a solitary over in RR’s successful defence of 182.Samson has scored 99 runs in three innings so far in IPL 2025 at a strike rate of just under 155. RR are currently second from bottom on the table, with two points.

Perfect for Kolo Muani: Spurs considering late move for £52m England gem

Transfer deadline day is always an exciting one for fans all over England, but today could prove to be a huge day for Tottenham Hotspur in their quest to end the window on a positive note.

Up to now, the business conducted by Thomas Frank has been a huge success, spending around £155m on new additions, with Xavi Simons being the latest big-money signing in North London.

The Dutchman joined in a £52m deal last week, adding to the £55m signing of Mohammed Kudus and a permanent move to land Frenchman Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich.

However, new boss Frank is evidently still hunting for further additions to help boost his chances of securing any form of success in Europe and or the Premier League this campaign.

Numerous names have emerged on their shortlist throughout deadline day, with progress being made on deals to land various top-level European talents.

Spurs’ hunt to land new talent on deadline day

Despite Simons’ transfer in recent days, Spurs have been hunting for the signature of Ademola Lookman over the last couple of hours – potentially costing a fee in the region of £43m.

The Nigerian, who scored 20 goals for Atalanta last season, has been desperate for a transfer this summer, potentially getting himself a move to North London before tonight’s deadline.

However, another name has emerged on their radar in recent hours, with Football Insider reporting the Lilywhites are keen on a late move for Conor Gallagher.

They claim that the Atlético Madrid star is available for €60m (£52m) in the coming hours, with Newcastle United also battling Frank’s side for a potential switch back to England.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be perfect for Kolo Muani

Alongside Lookman, Spurs are negotiating a deal with PSG for the signing of striker Randal Kolo Muani – despite the Frenchman looking certain to join Juventus this summer.

It’s been reported this morning that the Lilywhites are close to agreeing personal terms with the forward over a deal to North London – with a loan with an obligation to buy mooted before tonight’s deadline.

Such a deal has advanced after Dominic Solanke suffered a setback with his current ankle issue, with no timeframe currently placed on his return to first-team action.

Kolo Muani, who scored 10 goals in 22 appearances on loan in Italy last campaign, would offer another impressive option in the final third – potentially being aided by Gallagher in his quest for goals in 2025/26.

Whilst the former Chelsea star is primarily a ball-winning option, he’s also showcased his ability to break the lines and play key passes into attacking areas – having the tools to be a perfect box-to-box talent in Frank’s side.

His underlying stats from the 2024/25 campaign showcase the talent he possesses, with £52m potentially being an excellent price – should he replicate such figures in North London.

The 25-year-old, who’s been labelled “sensational” by journalist John Cross, ranked in the 89th percentile for tackles won (1.8) and in the 90th percentile for recoveries made (5.9) in LaLiga – showcasing his ability to regain possession should he move to Frank’s side.

However, in possession, the England international also impressed, making an average of 3.5 progressive passes per 90 at a pass completion rate of 85% – tallies which could provide Kolo Muani with constant chances in dangerous areas.

Conor Gallagher – LaLiga stats (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

32

Goals & assists

6

Pass accuracy

85%

Progressive passes

3.5

Passes into final third

2.5

Tackles won

1.8

Interceptions made

1.1

Recoveries made

5.9

Stats via FBref

2.6 of his progressive passes last season were made into the final third, further showcasing his talent with the ball at his feet, offering added ammunition for the Frenchman should he join the Lilywhites.

£52m would be another huge investment from the Spurs hierarchy, but it’s a deal that could add further quality into Frank’s already impressive midfield department.

If he can replicate his numbers from LaLiga last season, it would be a sensational pickup and one that could allow Kolo Muani to adhere himself to the supporters in the process.

Frank's next Wissa: Spurs close to agreeing terms to sign £50m star

Tottenham are set for a frenetic finish to the summer transfer window.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Sep 1, 2025

Dan James upgrade: Leeds lining up late move for "sensational" £20m star

Leeds United are still in the market to add more quality to their squad before the summer transfer window officially slams shut at the start of September.

The Whites have set about bolstering their defence and midfield so far, with the additions of Jaka Bijol, Lucas Perri, and Sean Longstaff, among others, and now it is time to focus on the attack.

It will be interesting to see what areas of the attack the Championship champions look to strengthen in, as it may be telling as to who Daniel Farke believes has the quality to make the step up as a regular starter in the Premier League within the current squad.

Anton Stach’s brilliant strike against AC Milan on Saturday, as shown in the clip above, suggests that he could offer a goal threat from midfield, but Leeds also need goals from their forward line.

Leeds eyeing deal for Bundesliga winger

The Whites are reportedly looking at a move for a new attacking option who could come in to trouble Dan James for his spot in the team on the right.

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 Boot Room, Leeds United are one of a number of clubs that are lining up a potential deal to sign Nathan Tella from Bayer Leverkusen this summer.

The report claims that the West Yorkshire outfit sent scouts to watch the Nigeria international in action against Chelsea in a friendly on Friday, with a view to a possible move for him.

It adds that Forest, Brighton, Brentford, and Burnley also had scouts in attendance, although Forest are the only side specifically said to be keen on Tella, along with Leeds.

Why Leeds should sign Nathan Tella

The Whites should swoop to bring the forward, who was signed for £20m from Burnley in 2023, to Elland Road because he could come in as an upgrade on Dan James.

Bayer Leverkusen's Nathan Tella celebrates scoring their second goal with JeremieFrimpong

As aforementioned, Leeds need to find players who can score goals in the Premier League next season, and Tella’s form for Leverkusen and Burnley suggests that he has the potential to provide more than the Welshman in front of goal at the top level.

The Nigerian forward has scored 11 goals and provided nine assists in the last two seasons in all competitions, including seven goals in the Bundesliga in that time.

James, meanwhile, scored two goals and provided one assist in 24 matches in the Premier League in his last season at the top level with Fulham in the 2022/23 campaign.

Appearances

39

36

Goals

17

12

Big chances missed

7

7

Conversion rate

24%

12%

Minutes per goal

148

218

Goals from inside the box

15

10

Goals from outside the box

2

2

As you can see in the table above, the Leverkusen forward’s season in the Championship with Burnley was far more prolific than the Leeds winger’s last term.

Tella, who was described as “sensational” by U23 scout Antonio Mango during his time with the Clarets, has shown in a top five league – in the Bundesliga – and in the Championship that he has the potential to offer a greater threat in front of goal than James.

Celtic can finally replace Jota with swoop for "flamboyant" £6m "dribbler"

Celtic could finally replace the injured Jota with a swoop for this reported transfer target.

ByDan Emery Aug 10, 2025

Although he is unproven in the Premier League, the 26-year-old wing wizard appears to have the potential and pedigree to come in as an upgrade on James on the right flank as a goalscoring threat.

Ugarte upgrade: Man Utd lining up move for "the strongest DM in the world"

Manchester United hit their nadir last season, but Ruben Amorim is a stoic sort and has knuckled down and made tentative progress with the Premier League giants.

Maybe the Portuguese tactician was a little too frank during interviews, but at least he understands where the cracks lie for the Old Trafford side, who finished 15th in the league and lost the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur.

There have been positives throughout the Premier League Summer Series in America, for sure, but the Red Devils still have improvements to be made, irrespective of who might be welcomed to the fold.

Saying that, the recent draw against Everton corroborated Amorim’s desire for a new midfielder, with Manuel Ugarte flattering to deceive.

Why Man Utd need to replace Manuel Ugarte

Ugarte, 24, joined Man United from Paris Saint-Germain last summer in a deal rising to £50.5m. Last season, he left much to be desired, but did feature 45 times across all competitions, scoring twice and laying on six assists.

Man United showed some promise against the Toffees, but Vitalii Mykolenko dispossessed Ugarte in in the build-up to Iliman Ndiaye’s first-half goal, leading Bruno Fernandes to claim that his team “looked a bit lazy” at times.

Much has been made of United’s need for a focal frontman, but with Casemiro getting on, a secure and confident midfield anchor is equally as crucial to the success of the project.

That’s why INEOS are weighing up a move for Atalanta’s Ederson. As per TEAMtalk, the Brazilian could be available for around £52m this summer, which makes him the most expensive man on United’s midfield shortlist.

But there’s a reason for that. Man United have a ‘long-standing interest’ in Ederson, and if it proves financially viable, he could complete a midfield that needs reinforcing.

Why Man Utd want to sign Ederson

Ederson is a 26-year-old midfielder who has established himself as one of the best in the business over in Italy. Across 139 appearances in all competitions, he has scored 13 goals and supplied four assists.

Atalanta's Ederson in action

Hailed as a “machine” of a midfielder by reporter Carlo Garganese, this is exactly the kind of hardy, dynamic player that Amorim needs to welcome to his squad, should he wish to return to European competition and challenge for silverware at the Old Trafford helm.

Instrumental in winning the Europa League in 2023, Ederson has the strength, self-belief and roundedness to succeed under Amorim’s wing in the Premier League, with the right balance in his performances to nestle into the United centre, acting as a tough-tackling six but also a progressive force.

Matches (starts)

37 (32)

29 (22)

Goals

4

1

Assists

1

2

Touches*

65.9

43.2

Pass completion

87%

89%

Big chances created

6

3

Key passes*

1.1

0.3

Dribbles*

0.6

0.6

Ball recoveries*

5.0

4.2

Tackles + interceptions*

2.3

3.6

Duels won*

4.9 (56%)

5.0 (53%)

On the surface level, it doesn’t look like Ugarte did all that badly across his first Premier League campaign, but he’s susceptible to a poor error of lapse of focus, with one Man United content creator online even saying he “is frightened to death of passing forward.”

No such problem for Ederson, who ranked among the top 12% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.

Though Amorim and INEOS will continue to push ahead with a deal for a new number nine, this one could prove to be equally important.

Described by Italian journalist Damiano Er Faina to be “the strongest defensive midfielder in the world”, Man United might just hit the jackpot if they push ahead and complete their midfield with his many-faceted player.

'He’ll take his time' – Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni says Lionel Messi’s decision on 2026 World Cup still unclear

The Inter Miami star recently cast doubt on his participation in the next World Cup.

  • Messi will not face Ecuador
  • The forward has prioritized MLS action
  • Could be his sixth World Cup if he participates

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  • Getty Images Sport

    WHAT HAPPENED?

    Lionel Messi’s recent comments suggesting he may skip the 2026 World Cup made headlines around the globe, as fans are still hoping to see the Argentine captain have one last dance on football’s biggest stage and defend the trophy. 

    Ahead of Tuesday’s qualifier against Ecuador – a match Messi will miss after choosing to prioritize his fitness for the remainder of the MLS season – Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni admitted he has not discussed those remarks with the star forward.

    “I don’t think it’s right to put a percentage on it today because I honestly don’t know,"  Scaloni explained. "Many things can happen. We already have a core group of players; everyone knows that. From there, when we know how many spots we’ll have, we’ll make decisions. As for Leo, I haven’t talked to him about it. I only know what he said publicly, and he’s going to take his time with this decision.”

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  • Getty Images Sport

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Messi will be the notable absentee against Ecuador, having already returned to Miami to rejoin Inter Miami under Javier Mascherano’s supervision. Argentina, however, have already secured top spot in the CONMEBOL standings with 38 points, holding a commanding 10-point lead over second-place Brazil with one match left to play.

  • AFP

    WHAT LIONEL SCALONI SAID

    This was also Scaloni’s final press conference of the World Cup qualifying campaign, as Argentina will wrap up their run against Ecuador in Quito. The coach left his own future beyond the World Cup somewhat open but reflected positively on his tenure so far.

    “I focus only on what’s next, I’ve never been one to think too far ahead. I don’t think it’s right because it distracts from the present. Right now, we’re focused on tomorrow’s match and the upcoming friendlies. What happens beyond that, we’ll see. For now, I feel good here,” he said.

    Scaloni highlighted the work ethic and identity his staff has instilled: “From Day 1, we aimed to build a sense of belonging, to play for the shirt without it feeling like an obligation, with the right mindset and respect for teammates. That has been achieved. Winning obviously helps, but even without the trophies, the players and everyone around the team lived up to the values we set out to build.”

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    WHAT NEXT FOR ARGENTINA NATIONAL TEAM?

    will visit Ecuador this Tuesday in the final match of the qualifiers.

Mushtaq praises Shakib and Mushfiqur for creating a positive atmosphere

The spin-bowling consultant says the team is heading in the right direction and could start winning more away from home

Mohammad Isam15-Aug-2024Bangladesh’s spin-bowling consultant Mushtaq Ahmed says that Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim have lifted the team’s morale ahead of the Test series against Pakistan.”All the players are excited about the first Test match,” Mushtaq said. “Shakib and Mushfiqur Rahim are the senior players. They are playing a positive role with the guys. I also give credit to the management who has been good with the players. The focus is on cricket now.”The Bangladesh players arrived in Pakistan on August 13 upon invitation from the PCB, after the BCB could not arrange a full team practice session with head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe due to political upheaval in Dhaka. Shakib reached Lahore on Wednesday and joined the team in their training sessions hours later.Related

T20 WC blues behind them, Pakistan and Bangladesh switch focus to red-ball cricket

Shakib and Mushfiqur: the yin and yang of Bangladesh cricket

Hathurusinghe on the protests in Bangladesh: I hope the students' questions will be answered

Bangladesh look to shut out the noise and find rhythm in Rawalpindi

Injured Mahmudul out of first Test against Pakistan

Before that, he was playing for Bangla Tigers Mississauga in the Global T20 Canada where he had an eventful week. He played a match on August 5, mere hours after the Awami League government fell in Bangladesh and the prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India. As a result, Shakib lost his seat in the parliament and was booed by fans during the game.He was then embroiled in controversy for not showing up for the toss in Bangla Tigers’ eliminator match against Toronto Nationals, which led to his team forfeiting the game.Mahmudul Hasan Joy was among several Bangladesh Test regulars to get some game time ahead of the Pakistan Tests•PCBMushfiqur is currently playing a four-day game against Pakistan A in Islamabad. This is a rare occasion when a Bangladesh A tour is connected closely to the senior team’s tour of the same country. Although the match has been affected by rain, it provided much needed game time for Mushfiqur, who last played a Test ten months ago. Other red-ball regulars – Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Nayeem Hasan and Hasan Mahmud – are also playing in this match.Bangladesh have only won one Test series of two or more matches abroad, against West Indies in 2009. But Mushtaq believes they could start winning more Test matches away from home.”A cricketer has to have basics and belief to do well at this level, otherwise he loses the battle,” Mushtaq said. “Skill-level looks after itself. We will give them the belief that you can beat anyone. Bangladesh is a good side. You saw that they challenged good teams in the World Cup. They are getting good fast bowlers. They are going towards a good direction. If they keep learning and keep believing in themselves, hopefully, they can start winning games outside.”Mushtaq also praised the Bangladesh spinners, saying they were eager to learn and quite receptive to his suggestions Legspinner Rishad Hossain has really levelled up under Mushtaq’s guidance and was the joint fifth-highest wicket-taker at the recent T20 World Cup.”The spinners are very mature. They are keen to learn. My role is to talk about tactical and technical things. You have to wait for the technical things for after the match. Tactically, you have to tell the spinners which angle to use, how to read the pitch, what pace to use, field settings for particular batters. You need reminders despite your experience.”Taijul [Islam] and [Mehidy Hasan] Miraz are match-winners. They are a great bunch of guys. They are coachable people. They are good listeners. I am honoured to be working with them. Hopefully, I can make a difference for them.”

£180,000-a-week Arsenal forward considering leaving as Bayern Munich reach out

Arsenal have plenty of time on their hands to bring in stars to strengthen their bid for the Premier League title, but may now face a battle to retain one of their key men, according to a report.

Arsenal closing in on Martin Zubimendi deal

In what appears to have become a long-running saga, Arsenal are close to signing Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi after the Spain international was in London over the weekend to try and iron out the finer details of his move.

With Thomas Partey set to leave the Gunners on a free transfer amid interest from Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, there is definite scope for Mikel Arteta to reshape his engine room ahead of another campaign where his side are expected to lead the fight on all fronts.

Nevertheless, there is still no clear direction on whether Arsenal will sign Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres to lead the line as the financials involved between the club and either RB Leipzig or Sporting remain to be determined.

Of course, the Gunners have plenty of capital to play with in North London, but they need to factor in the best possible way to use it without being short-changed in their hunt for reinforcements.

Taking a measured approach to signings makes a degree of sense, though there is always a sense of impatience among supporters desperate to see new arrivals.

Arsenal ready move to sign £40m+ Chelsea star with Maresca open to offers

The Gunners are reportedly ready to launch a surprising move.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 23, 2025

Jorrel Hato is another long-term Arsenal target. Still, there may need to be one or two departures to bankroll their summer spending spree.

Looking ahead to potential events that could occur, the Gunners now have a major decision on their hands involving one of their most important contributors.

Arsenal could face battle to retain Gabriel Martinelli

According to TBR, Arsenal could struggle to retain Gabriel Martinelli after Bayern Munich made contact over a potential move for the Brazil international.

Lodging an enquiry, the Bundesliga champions have tempted the 24-year-old to think about his future, and he is said to be ‘exploring his options’ and hasn’t made a conclusive decision over whether to stay in North London or otherwise.

Gabriel Martinelli’s Premier League campaign in numbers – 2024/25 (Fotmob)

Chances created

40

Successful dribbles

33

Shots

55

Shots on target

25

Successful crosses

22

Labelled “brilliant” by teammate Gabriel Jesus, Saudi Pro League clubs have also expressed an interest in his services, though it feels unlikely that he would opt to leave Europe’s top-five leagues during a relatively early stage in his career.

Enjoying a productive time of things last term, £180,000 per week earner Martinelli registered ten goals and six assists in 51 appearances across all competitions and wouldn’t be easy to replace at the Emirates Stadium.

Intriguingly, Arsenal have looked at Chelsea’s Noni Madueke after missing out on Nico Williams to Barcelona, so there is a possibility that wingers will form a key part of their transfer strategy regardless of the outcome elsewhere.

He could be better than Mbeumo: Newcastle enter race for £38m "future icon"

There’s been a lack of activity in the transfer market so far this summer from Newcastle United, but fans shouldn’t worry; Eddie Howe’s side are looking to make several signings.

Having qualified for the Champions League on the final day of the Premier League season, the Magpies faithful will expect the squad to be rewarded for their Herculean efforts, winning the Carabao Cup too.

But sporting director Paul Mitchell stands down at the end of the month, and frustrations are already reaching boiling point for some given transfer targets like Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo appear to be headed elsewhere.

Mbeumo scored 20 goals across 38 top-flight fixtures, earning praise from Thomas Frank for his “unplayable” attacking performances.

However, with Mbeumo seemingly out of reach, Newcastle are turning their attention elsewhere, and might have found an exciting option perhaps not yet discussed by the biggest channels.

Newcastle enter race for Mbeumo alternative

As per Caught Offside, Newcastle are in the running for versatile RB Leipzig forward Antonio Nusa, though they are joined in their interest by a host of clubs, including Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea.

Valued at €45m (£38m), the 20-year-old has only been playing in Germany for a year but has made good progress, showcasing his range of attacking qualities. Thus, he could be snapped up before his stock rises higher still.

While there haven’t been any official proposals from the suitors yet, bids may materialise quickly, so Newcastle might be wise to act now and bring a top talent to St. James’ Park – one who might even outgrow Mbeumo in the future.

What Antonio Nusa would bring to Newcastle

Hailed as a “future icon” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Nusa has impressed across his maiden campaign in Germany, scoring five goals and supplying seven assists across 36 appearances.

The Norwegian talent has yet to find the kind of goalscoring form that has defined Mbeumo’s time in the Premier League, but there’s more to his skill set than that.

In the Champions League, particularly, he impressed. As per FBref, Nusa ranked among the top 4% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s elite competition for shot-creating actions, the top 7% for progressive carries and the top 5% for successful take-ons per 90.

There’s a long road ahead for Nusa if he wishes to prove himself as a better signing than Mbeumo in the future, but his underlying data certainly suggests he has what it takes.

Matches (starts)

25 (16)

38 (38)

Goals

3

20

Assists

3

7

Shots (on target)*

1.0 (0.3)

2.2 (1.1)

Big chances missed

1

9

Pass completion

78%

74%

Key passes*

0.8

1.8

Big chances created

6

17

Dribbles*

1.6

1.4

Ball recoveries*

3.1

4.1

Tackles + interceptions*

1.5

1.7

Duels won*

4.1

4.7

Nusa is still very young – five years Mbeumo’s junior, in fact – but you can already see a combativeness and efficiency in his ball-carrying that suggests he too could sustain complete performances in the Premier League.

Moreover, the Norway international might not have converted that many chances, but he only missed one big chance in the Bundesliga last term, highlighting an underlying clinical edge that Howe could harness over the coming years, using the player’s pace and power to get him into dangerous positions.

Brentford's BryanMbeumoreacts

Mbeumo will cost a pretty penny to prise from Brentford this summer, and given the strength of Newcastle’s existing frontline, adding an up-and-coming talent who can challenge for places might just be the winning formula for Howe’s side, as they step back onto the continent’s biggest stage.

Mbeumo & Pedro hybrid: Newcastle confident of signing "dangerous" £55m star

Newcastle are looking for a versatile forward

1 ByJoe Nuttall Jun 13, 2025

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