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So, Dan Ashworth is, at long last, an official employee of Manchester United. It took a while but the Red Devils can finally now start getting to work in the transfer market.

Together with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Omar Berrada and, of course, Erik ten Hag, United need to be a lot smarter with their recruitment during the new regime.

One order of business simply has to be on improving the defence. Due to injuries to both Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez last term, there were moments where Ten Hag had to rely on the likes of Jonny Evans and Casemiro to fill in.

Now, while Evans shone, notably hailed for being "Man Utd’s best centre-back this season [2023/24]" by content creator Liam Canning, his Brazilian colleague had a far worse campaign.

Lacking the athleticism and pace to thrive in the Premier League, he was swarmed by opponents on an all too regular basis. One error saw him lazily fail to step up with the rest of the defence in the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, a decision that subsequently led to the only goal of the game.

Lambasted by many, it was a pretty awful year for a player who has achieved so much throughout his career. So, where do the Red Devils go from here?

Man Utd's centre-back targets

One of the main contenders to take a spot in United's backline is Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt.

The Dutchman has been the subject of fierce speculation linking him with a move to Old Trafford with recent reports suggesting talks have happened over a prospective deal this summer.

However, there is another option and it's not Jean-Clair Todibo after his potential move from Nice was blocked.

Indeed, according to reports in Spain, Barcelona sensation Ronald Araujo is on their list of targets and an attempt has even been made to prise him away from Catalonia.

The report suggests that United will have to battle Chelsea and Bayern for his services, with all three sides having made a bid. That said, it will take a seismic offer to secure him. It's stated that Barca expects a larger fee than Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo (£115m).

So, while a deal would seem unlikely, is he a better option than De Ligt?

How Ronald Araujo compares to De Ligt

The Dutch colossus has always been thought of as one of the best centre-backs on the planet. After all, there is a reason he appears twice on the list of the most expensive players ever in his position.

10. Achraf Hakimi

£60.9m

9. Marc Cucurella

£63m

8. Ruben Dias

£65m

7. Lucas Hernandez

£68m

7 = Matthijs de Ligt

£68m

5 = Wesley Fofana

£75m

5 = Virgil van Dijk

£75m

3. Matthijs de Ligt

£77.1m

2. Josko Gvardiol

£77.6m

1. Harry Maguire

£80m

Does he live up to that billing? Well, after starring for Ajax during their run to the Champions League semi-finals a few years ago, even captaining the side as a teenager, it's clear to see why he has always attracted interest from the biggest sides in Europe.

That said, he has struggled to truly catch the eye at Bayern since moving to Munich. A mix of injury and form meant he wasn't the irremovable object he once was at Ajax. The fact he's also failed to play a single minute at Euro 2024 for the Netherlands substantiates that viewpoint too.

Still, he ranks inside the best 10% of centre-backs on the continent for progressive passing and the top 4% for pass completion. This is a typical modern defender, one who plays with confidence and assurance out from the back and between the lines. But how do his numbers compare to the aforementioned Araujo?

Passing & creativity

Pass success %

89%

94%

Key passes

0.36

0.19

Progressive passes

4.55

6.36

Shot-creating actions

0.99

0.84

Defensive actions

Tackles won

0.99

0.78

% of dribblers tackled

71%

55%

Aerials won

2.70

2.66

% of aerials won

73%

59%

Ball carrying

Successful take-ons

0.36

0.13

Progressive carries

1.08

1.04

On the evidence of the above, it's easy to see why Barca boss Xavi described Araujo as "one of the best centre-backs in the world".

While he doesn't quite possess the same level of passing ability as a player like De Ligt, when it comes to the defensive side of the game he looks a more complete profile, notably winning a much higher percentage of aerial battles he competes in.

He also makes more successful take-ons, which should come as no surprise given the Uruguayan also played at right-back on six occasions last term. That adds another string to his bow; versatility.

So, although he'd cost a rather pretty penny, if Ratcliffe and Co can prise Araujo away from Spain, he would be a mighty fine addition.

Man Utd in talks to sign 51m "monster" who'd star with De Ligt

Manchester United are starting to make moves in the summer transfer window.

1 ByMatt Dawson Jul 1, 2024

Manchester United were hoping to quickly announce Ruben Amorim as Erik ten Hag's successor but Sporting CP are set to make them wait to seal a deal.

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Amorim has 30-day notice period in contractSporting want €5m extra in compensation for staff and early releaseUnited have already agreed deal with new managerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Sporting are looking to ensure that proper protocol is followed as they prepare to lose their manager to Manchester United. The Premier League giants have agreed to pay Amorim's €10 million (£8m/$11m) release clause, while the 39-year-old is also understood to have told his club he wants to move to Old Trafford. However, Sporting are looking to 'defend their interests' after being blindsided by Amorim's departure, having previously expected their manager to remain at the club until the end of the season.

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According to Sporting are looking to ensure they do not 'roll over' for Man Utd, with some fans disappointed by the low release clause in Amorim's contract. In addition to the €10m clause, Sporting are seeking an additional €5m to release three of Amorim's coaches (Carlos Fernandes, Adelio Candido and Jorge Vital) and to allow him to join United immediately. Amorim is currently expected to serve the 30-day notice period in his contract and Sporting are not looking to budge without extra compensation, having been displeased by their coach's desire to leave in the middle of the season.

DID YOU KNOW?

Amorim is expected to triple his wages with his move to Man Utd, with his current contract believed to be earning him a net salary of €2.5m per year.

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR AMORIM AND MAN UTD?

United had hoped to have Amorim in place for their Premier League fixture against Chelsea this weekend, however, Ruud van Nistelrooy is expected to be in the dugout now after being named interim boss following Ten Hag's sacking this week. Amorim is now unlikely to be named as United's new boss until the international break in the middle of November, although talks with Sporting will continue in the hope of reaching a compromise.

Cristiano Ronaldo skied a last-minute penalty as Al-Nassr were dumped out of the King's Cup by Al-Taawoun.

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Al-Nassr beaten 1-0 by Al-TaawounRonaldo missed from spot in stoppage timePressure growing on Pioli after cup setbackFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportTELL ME MORE

After an encouraging start to Stefano Pioli's reign, Al-Nassr are once struggling to win matches. A late Anderson Talisca penalty saved their blushes against Al-Kholood last Friday but on Tuesday evening they were knocked out of the cup competition following a 1-0 defeat.

The first half was a snooze-fest with Ronaldo & Co. hardly able to pose any serious threat to the opposition goal. The Portuguese talisman tested the goalkeeper with a direct free-kick but Mailson dos Santos dived at the nick of time to keep it out. In fact, it were the hosts who got the better chances to score on the counter and if it was not for a last-ditch tackle from Mohamed Simakan in the final minutes of the opening half, Pioli's men would have been chasing the game much earlier.

With his team struggling to create any significant scoring opportunities, Ronaldo was forced to drop deep and get more involved after the break. Although it did add some more teeth to attack, his efforts were not enough which forced Pioli to make a triple substitution after the hour mark as Otavio, Abdulrahman Ghareeb and Sultan Al-Ghannam were thrown into the mix. But the manager was left clutching his face with his hands after Al-Taawoun drew first blood from a corner as his defence was caught napping by Waleed Al-Ahmed. With time running out, Al-Nassr did show some urgency and were even lucky to earn a spot-kick deep into stoppage time, but Ronaldo fired his attempt over the crossbar which condemned the Knights of Najdto a disappointing loss.

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Al-Ahmed's 71st-minute strike was the difference between the two sides as Al-Nassr were sent packing from the competition. The defender was unmarked and he ran in fiercely from the edge of the six-yard box to attack the ball. It was a bullet header which gave the goalkeeper no chance to keep it out.

Getty ImagesTHE BIG LOSERS

Pioli must shoulder the blame for the shocking result. Alarm bells were already ringing after their lacklustre performance against Al-Kholood and Tuesday's defeat highlights the deeper malaise within the team. The Italian manager must go back to the drawing board and chalk out a fresh blueprint which would extract the best out of the likes of Ronaldo, Marcelo Brozovic and Sadio Mane. There's no dearth of talent but a clear lack of ideas and strategy.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo also cannot escape the wrath of the fans after missing the spot-kick. The stage was set for the Portuguese to emerge as the saviour but this time it was not meant to be. He slightly tweaked his run-up and decided to go for power down the middle, but couldn't keep his shot down as the ball sailed into the stands behind the goal.

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WHAT COMES NEXT?

Al-Nassr have little time to regroup as they face Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Hilal in a fierce top-flight contest on Friday.

Leicester City will know that they have a significant portion of cash to now play around with in the transfer market after offloading star midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to Chelsea for £30m.

The Foxes managed to acquire their own midfield talent from Stamford Bridge in the process, winning the services of 18-year-old starlet Michael Golding for £4m as cash begins to be splashed at the King Power Stadium.

The newly promoted Premier League side are unlikely to stop there when it comes to new recruits, but there will be a temptation to be more frugal, especially with a reported transfer target available for free.

Leicester eyeing up free-agent attacker

According to the Athletic, Steve Cooper's Foxes are considering a move for free agent attacker Callum O'Hare this summer after signing Bobby Decordova-Reid.

O'Hare had been with Coventry but didn't sign a new contract with the Sky Blues and is now available as a free agent.

However, Leicester aren't alone in their alleged interest of the entertaining 26-year-old, with suitors from the likes of Leeds United and Southampton previously keen on the ex-Aston Villa man also.

What O'Hare can offer Leicester

This could be an ingenious move from Leicester to ensure they don't dent the bank too much, considering Cooper and Co are also sniffing around for the services of Celtic star Matt O'Riley, but his extortionate price tag could prove to be a major stumbling block here.

The Sun have reported that the Glasgow titans have slapped a £50m asking price above their prized asset to unsettle suitors, with the Foxes one keen party.

So, that's benefit number one. Benefit number two is their current lack of attacking midfield options, owing to Dennis Praet being released by the Foxes. As a result, O'Hare feels like a smart signing to make with the 26-year-old eyeing up the Premier League after being a nuisance for many a Championship defence over the past couple of seasons.

Leicester also have the likes of Harry Winks and new recruit Golding that can do a job in the central midfield ranks where O'Riley slots into, with a move for £25m-rated Benfica gem Florentino Luis also in the works, away from attempting to get a bumper deal over the line for the much talked about Celtic man.

O'Hare had shone for Mark Robins' Sky Blues in the second tier before leaving, a league which O'Riley has never competed in away from previously playing in League One for Milton Keynes Dons, with the 26-year-old picking up ten goals and four assists last campaign from all competitions.

Games played

31

Goals scored

6

Assists

3

Shots*

1.3

Big chances missed

4

Big chances created

4

Ball recoveries*

3.3

Total duels won*

3.4

Missing the start of the season recovering from a serious injury, it didn't take long for the ex-Villa youngster to blow off the cobwebs and excel under Robins again, as can be seen glancing at the table above.

Premier League fans will already know what O'Hare is capable of if they tuned into Coventry's unbelievable FA Cup journey last campaign, with the "dangerous" attacking midfielder – as he has been described in the past by football journalist Josh Bunting – running rings around Wolverhampton Wanderers in a memorable 3-2 victory at Molineux.

O'Hare would attempt four dribbles and win five duels from just twenty minutes of action against the top-flight side, with his mazey darts forward playing a huge part in the plucky Sky Blues eventually progressing at the expense of Wolves.

The capture of O'Riley might look like more of a statement purchase, but if there isn't a bottomless pit of money to play with even with the sale of Dewsbury-Hall injecting cash, snapping up the former Coventry man for free would be a shrewd bit of business.

Imagine him & Fatawu: Leicester keen on signing ex-Messi teammate

Leicester City could pull off a very impressive free transfer deal with this summer buy.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 4, 2024

The Renegades folded for 60 after the defending champions had taken 130 off their last 10 overs

Andrew McGlashan13-Dec-2020Sydney Sixers 4 for 205 (Philippe 95, Silk 45*) beat Melbourne Renegades 60 (Dwarshuis 4-13) by 145 runsJosh Philippe is still waiting for his first Australia cap, but it can’t be far away. He fell five runs short of a maiden T20 hundred as his superbly-paced 95 set up defending champions Sydney Sixers for their first win of the season, before the Melbourne Renegades put in an embarrassing batting display to slump to the heaviest defeat in the BBL.Philippe, who struggled to get into top gear and was dropped on 24, formed stands of 78 with stand-in captain Daniel Hughes and a destructive 70 in five overs with Jordan Silk who finished with 45 off 19 deliveries. Despite losing a wicket to the first ball of the Power Surge, the Sixers took 32 off the two overs – the best so far in the tournament.The Renegades only avoided beating their own record for the lowest total in BBL history (57) when Kane Richardson connected with a late six but two balls later he was cleaned up by Ben Dwarshuis who finished with 4 for 13.A hug from the coachThe maturing nature of Philippe’s batting stood out last season when he was a central figure in the Sixers’ title – including the match-winning innings in the rain-reduced final – and it was on display again here. He wasn’t slow at any point but things weren’t quite flowing as he sat on 27 off 24 balls after eight overs. By then the Sixers had lost two wickets, including the in-form James Vince who edged a sharp delivery from Richardson, and Philippe had been given his life when Beau Webster spilled a caught-and-bowled chance in the seventh over.But as the innings approached the halfway mark, Philippe found his touch, ending the 10th over with a six and a four against Jon Holland. During drinks, and the tactical chat, he got a hug from coach Greg Shipperd which suggested things had gone to plan. Two overs later he had a half-century off 36 balls.A proper surgeThe Power Surge has been a mixed bag so far with wickets often falling in the quest to make the most of those two valuable overs. The Sixers were building nicely when they called it at the start of the 15th over but, first ball, Hughes cut a short delivery from Peter Hatzoglou to backward point and you wondered if it would pay off for them. Well, it most certainly did. Hatzoglou’s over went for a useful 12, but it was the next one, from the experienced Richardson, that really did the damage as Silk, who had struggled to 13 off 12 in the opening match against the Hurricanes, struck five fours in six deliveries. The Sixers were charging into the death overs.Philippe short, but others go longSilk continued to locate the middle of the bat including a leg-side six that registered 95 metres just as he was talking to the TV commentators. Philippe had the strike for the final over, needing five for his century, and though he middled his drive off Josh Lalor, he picked out Aaron Finch at short cover. Dan Christian sent his first delivery into the stands as Lalor struggled to land his yorker and another Silk boundary brought up the 200 from the penultimate ball of the innings. In all, the last 10 overs had cost 130 runs.Renegades nowhereIt was a tough chase, but a forgettable attempt. From the moment Finch picked out mid-off in the second over things came off the rails. A standout feature was the Sixers’ fielding: Steve O’Keefe (third man), Carlos Brathwaite (third man) and Silk (deep square) all made brilliant outfield takes which typified a team on song. After his first two overs, Dwarshuis had figures of 3 for 6 and Brathwaite helped himself to a brace in his opening over. At one stage five wickets fell in 13 deliveries with the Renegades appearing set for a new low before they at least avoided that.

Barcelona's financial troubles will continue despite them signing a new lucrative sponsorship deal with Nike.

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Barca's financial problems won't be solved with new Nike dealYet register Olmo for the second half of the seasonBarcelona face Real Sociedad on SundayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Barcelona, who have Nike as their sponsor since 2000, is all set to sign a brand new lucrative deal with the American sportswear giant that will tie the two reputed organisations together for the next decade-and-a-half. Under the terms of the new contract, Nike will pay €45million (£37m) more per season to the Blaugrana.

AdvertisementGettyTHE EXPLANATION

However, reports that despite the new deal, Barcelona's financial woes will continue and that will impact their future transfers. Last month, president Joan Laporta confirmed that the club still have a €60m deficit which they need to manage before they make further signing. While many thought that the new Nike deal would solve their problems, in reality, it would reduce their burden by just €10m.

DID YOU KNOW?

New signing Dani Olmo was registered as a Barcelona player with La Liga until the end of 2024. Unless the club manage to generate more funds before that, Olmo will not be able to take the field for the Catalan club from January 2025.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

Despite their off-the-field problems, Hansi Flick's side continue to shine on the pitch as they currently find themselves at the top of La Liga table, nine points above arch-rivals Real Madrid. They will play their final league game before the international break against Real Sociedad on Sunday night.

Arsenal have made their approach to sign an out-of-the-ordinary target, with both Edu Gaspar and Mikel Arteta personally in agreement over one key transfer wish.

Arsenal eye new midfielder as Thomas Partey could leave

According to recent reports, Arsenal chiefs still expect midfielder Thomas Partey to leave this summer, as the Ghanaian enters the final season of his contract at the Emirates Stadium.

Arteta reconsiders signing £200k-per-week star with Arsenal poised to move

The Gunners have pulled a U-turn.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 20, 2024

Partey made just 14 Premier League appearances for Arsenal in a 2023/2024 season blighted by fitness issues, so the 31-year-old is being regularly linked with a north London exit.

Saudi sides are believed to hold an interest in Partey, as well as clubs in the Turkish Super Lig, but it is unclear as to how much Arsenal will want for their star who they signed for around £45 million from Atletico Madrid in 2020.

Appearances

115

Goals

5

Assists

4

Bookings

24

Red cards

1

Minutes played

7,794

In any case, they've been scouring the market for potential Partey replacements, and midfielders who can come in to provide that extra bit of competition for Declan Rice and Jorginho in the centre of the park.

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has been on Arsenal's radar for some time, and his contract includes a £51 million release clause. Arsenal are apparently willing to pay the £51m price for Zubimendi, but the difficulty lies in persuading the Spaniard to leave his club.

“Midfield is still a high priority, and we know that Arsenal have had a long-standing interest in Martin Zubimendi," said journalist Ben Jacobs to GiveMeSport.

“And the challenge there is about persuading the player to leave Real Sociedad because he's very much in love with the club and the culture, lifestyle, so he's settled. But because he's in his mid 20s, not early 20s or a teenager, it's kind of a crossroad, because once you turn 26, even though that's your peak, a lot of clubs like to buy a little bit younger. So we wait and see whether Arsenal move in that direction.”

Meanwhile, another previously reported target for Arteta's midfield, Amadou Onana, has now joined Aston Villa – shutting the door on any proposed move to Emirates for now.

Benfica starlet Joao Neves has been linked with an Arsenal move, but reports suggest he could cost as much as £102 million to prise away from the Primeira Liga.

Arsenal make approach for Mikel Merino after Edu and Arteta wish

According to The Daily Mirror and journalist Ryan Taylor, another midfield player in their thinking is Zubimendi's club and international teammate, Mikel Merino.

The former Newcastle United man enjoyed a terrific Euro 2024 campaign with Spain, scoring the winner against hosts Germany in the quarter-finals, and has entered the final year of his contract at Sociedad.

The Mirror claim Arsenal have made an approach to sign Merino and gauge the costs of a potential deal, with separate reports claiming he'll cost around £25 million.

Both Edu and Arteta are said to be keen on signing a new midfielder and agree that it is something they should pursue before deadline day. Taylor says Merino is an out-of-the-ordinary target for Arsenal who does not fit their usual profile, but his experience and availability are big draws for the club.

What the Gabba and Galle results mean for each of the three teams, and New Zealand

S Rajesh19-Jan-2021The World Test Championship points table after the Border-Gavaskar series•ESPNcricinfo LtdIndia
India have moved to the top of the table, with a points percentage of 71.67, with New Zealand currently second. To stay ahead of New Zealand’s 70, they need 80 more points out of 120 in the four-Test home series against England. They can get there with a 2-0 series win; if they lose one Test in that series though, they will need to win three. Given India’s home record in the last eight years – 28 wins, one loss in 34 Tests – they should fancy their chances of securing those 80 points.Australia
The unexpected series defeat against India has severely dented Australia’s chances of making the top two. Their points percentage has dropped to 69.2, and they will need 89 points from the three-Test series against South Africa – which is yet to be confirmed – to go past New Zealand. That can only happen if they win at least two Tests and draw the third, in which case they will get 93 points from the series.This series defeat also brings into sharp focus the four points they dropped due to slow over-rate in Melbourne. Had they not dropped those points, they would have been on 70 even with this defeat at the Gabba. If teams are tied on points percentage, the runs-per-wicket ratio comes into play in determining the WTC finalist (since teams have played an unequal number of series in this cycle, the series wins criteria isn’t being considered); Australia’s ratio is currently 1.39 while New Zealand’s is 1.28.This means Australia would have stayed ahead of New Zealand if they hadn’t been docked those four points. Now, they will have to hope that the series against South Africa goes ahead and they win that at least by a 2-0 margin, or hope that India drop some points in the series against England.England
England’s win in Galle has brought them into the conversation as well, but for them to go past New Zealand, they will need to win the second Test in Sri Lanka, and then beat India 3-0. Even a 2-2 drawn series will not be enough for England to go past India and finish among the top two.

Ruben Amorim has been left stunned by the lack of intensity shown by his Manchester United players in his first training sessions, per a new report.

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Amorim joins United from Sporting CPPreparing for his first game in chargeAlready identifying players he may sellFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Per , Amorim has been left reassessing the size of the job on his hands at Manchester United after his introductory training sessions. According to the report, the successor to Erik ten Hag believes there has been a lack of intensity on the training ground, as he attempts to drill his new charges to play in a 3-4-3 formation.

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United's biggest stars have largely been away on international duty but Amorim is said to have been disappointed with the efforts of some of those players not picked by their countries. He was consistently encouraging them to speed things up, and the report suggests he has already identified a number of players who will not fit into his style of play.

DID YOU KNOW?

United are currently 13th in the Premier League after a dismal start in which they have won just four of their first 11 fixtures. However, they are only four points behind fourth-placed Arsenal, such is the compressed nature of the table.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

Amorim will manage United for the first time on Sunday when the Red Devils visit Ipswich.

Kieran Trippier has been pivotal to Newcastle United’s success in recent years, providing a cool-headed among a fairly youthful Magpies side.

The former Atlético Madrid right-back joined the club in a £12m deal back in January 2022 – the first of many big-name additions to Eddie Howe’s squad after the Saudi PIF takeover.

Since his move to Tyneside, the England international has made 92 appearances for the Magpies, scoring four and registering 20 assists – an impressive tally for any full-back.

However, in recent months, he’s looked past his best for Newcastle, with his injury suffered in the first half of 2024 undoubtedly hampering his progress – the player himself noted the drop in his own "standards" late last year.

The 33-year-old could be sold this summer, leaving a huge hole at right-back, with Howe and the Saudi PIF targeting one player to fill the void should Trippier leave.

Newcastle targeting international star this summer

According to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Newcastle are eyeing a move to sign Almeria full-back Marc Pubill after their relegation to the Spanish second-tier.

The 21-year-old, who scored for Spain at the Olympic Games this week, also has admirers from sides such as Bologna and Roma, with the Magpies potentially in the middle of a tug-of-war for his signature.

Whilst it’s unknown how much a deal would cost for the Spaniard, he could potentially be available for a reasonable fee considering his side’s relegation from La Liga at the end of last season.

He made 23 appearances at right-back for Pepe Mel’s side, registering three assists, potentially benefitting one key member of the Newcastle squad.

Why Pubill would be perfect for Isak at Newcastle

Striker Alexander Isak has been a hugely successful addition since his £60m move to St James’ Park from Real Sociedad back in the summer of 2022.

He’s been a constant source of goals for Howe, scoring 35 times in his 67 appearances – 21 of which came in 2023/24, finishing the campaign as the division’s third-highest goalscorer.

He’s certainly benefitted from Trippier’s threatening delivery, but the potential arrival of Pubill this summer could allow the Swedish international to keep up his excellent goalscoring record.

The “fantastic” Spaniard, as described by one talent scout, is a very attacking full-back, who averaged 2.8 progressive carries and 1.6 successful take-ons.

He also averaged 3.3 crosses per 90 last season in La Liga, a tally that could allow Isak to be presented with more frequent opportunities, potentially boosting his already impressive record in front of goal.

Games played

23

Goals + assists

4

Tackles won

2.3

Clearances

4

Aerials won

1.2

Progressive carries

2.8

Successful take-ons

1.6

Crosses attempted

3.3

However, being a defender, his primary role is to be solid defensively, with the Spanish U23 international excelling in regaining possession for his side over the last 12 months.

He averaged 2.3 tackles per 90, whilst making four clearances – showcasing his key defensive attributes despite Almeria’s relegation in 2023/24.

Trippier has been an excellent player for Howe over the past couple of years on Tyneside, but, with the full-back turning 34 by the end of the upcoming season, it’s crucial the club cash in on him to try and recoup as much of the £12m fee they spent on him.

Pubill would be the perfect replacement for the England international, demonstrating his abilities offensively and defensively, hugely boosting the Magpies’ chances of a Champions League return in the next 12 months.

Newcastle and PIF racing to sign £30m "monster" with same agent as Trippier

The Magpies are still looking to strengthen this summer…

ByTom Cunningham Jul 25, 2024