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Sunderland will be resigned somewhat to the fact they could lose some of their most exciting talents during the upcoming summer transfer window, with work to then be done to bring in plenty of incomings to soften those blows.

Chris Rigg reportedly looks to be stalling when it comes to making his mind up about his future at the Stadium of Light, with the 16-year-old starlet a hot property, whilst Jack Clarke was always going to be tipped for a major move away after such a scintillating personal season, amidst a dire collective one for the Wearside outfit.

However, there is a target who could raise a smile on the faces of Sunderland fans, despite all the news suggesting a number of key individuals will flee.

Sunderland looking at Dutch gem

According to Dutch outlet FCUpdate, Sunderland are eyeing up a move for versatile star Ar'jany Martha, who has just been freshly released by Eredivisie giants Ajax.

It hasn't quite worked out for Martha in Amsterdam, and so Sunderland could offer the 20-year-old a lifeline, with Burnley also interested in the exciting gem to bolster their own left-hand side.

How Maratha could be Sunderland's next Van Aanholt

Sunderland will try to replicate the success story of signing Van Aanholt in the process if they can get a deal over the line, having managed to sign the Dutch defender for cheap back in 2014, after coming through the PSV Eindhoven ranks as a youngster.

Equally capable playing as a left or right winger, alongside filling in at left-back, Martha also mirrors Van Aanholt's boldness when he pulled on a Sunderland shirt when featuring for Ajax before his release, having amassed 18 goal contributions for the once Premier League club during his memorable three seasons there.

Martha was meant to be the next best thing playing in the Dutch capital, another star unearthed from the Academy at Ajax who would set the world alight.

Unfortunately, that hasn't quite worked out for him, with the Mackems also offering Van Aanholt a way to prove doubters wrong after being let go of by Chelsea back in 2014.

Making 110 appearances in total for the U21s, with nine goals and five assists tallied up, there must have been some real disappointment on everyone's end at Ajax that Martha never quite made the grade in the senior mix, only going on to make 12 total appearances in the men's fold.

Ajax boss John van 't Schip even had to state that the club isn't a "charity" when leaving Martha out of his Europa Conference League squad earlier this season, with the cracks visible for all to see that his long-term future wasn't going to be in the Netherlands, despite showing himself to be an adaptable and versatile presence in youth football.

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Playing 70 times down the right wing for the U21s, as can be seen glancing at the table above, means Sunderland would be getting a player flexible playing all over the pitch, with more bodies potentially needed in the right-wing spot if Patrick Roberts and Romaine Mundle continue to flounder.

Robert was notably off the pace last season, failing to score across 32 appearances. He also only registered two assists.

But, with a whole host of injury issues plaguing the left-back spot in Wearside still, Martha will be purchased to fill that gap immediately and he could potentially be the club's next Van Aanholt subsequently.

Martha will hope he can excel in a similar fashion too, with Van Aanholt making Sunderland some substantial profit down the line, when sold on to Crystal Palace for an eye-watering £14m in 2017.

Sunderland could sign £0 Clarke replacement who scored in the playoffs

Sunderland could sign this absolute bargain to replace Jack Clarke.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 3, 2024

The shirt that Cole Palmer wore when making history with four first-half goals for Chelsea could break an auction record set by Cristiano Ronaldo.

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Record books rewritten against BrightonBids now being invited for historic shirtCR7 posted previous best while at Man UtdFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

A piece of record-breaking Premier League memorabilia is coming up for grabs. The jersey that England international Palmer donned when stealing the show against Brighton is being made available by – with bids being invited from interested parties.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Palmer put in a stunning display against the Seagulls, which also saw him have one effort disallowed before the interval had been reached. The talented 22-year-old is maintaining the form that saw him register 25 goals for Chelsea last season.

DID YOU KNOW?

His historic Blues shirt has already attracted a bid of £16,000, with his employers at Stamford Bridge set to make a donation from all of the auctions that they are involved with to the Chelsea FC Foundation. Palmer is expected to bring in a sizeable sum.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

Palmer could break another record in the process, with five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo in his sights. The mark for most expensive shirt sold by MatchWornShirt stands at €43,000 (£36,000) – with a CR7 jersey from his second spell at Manchester United fetching that price. A flurry of late bids could see Palmer soar above that.

Van Dijk says he is relishing Liverpool's daunting fixture list and wants his team to compete for the Premier League "until the final day".

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Liverpool top of the Premier LeagueDaunting fixture schedule looms largeVan Dijk relishes challengeFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Ahead of facing the likes of Chelsea, RB Leipzig, Arsenal, Brighton, Bayer Leverkusen, and Aston Villa over the next month, Liverpool captain Van Dijk has spoken about this "tough" run of matches. The 33-year-old is looking forward to these challenges ahead and says his team are focusing on competing for the Premier League crown.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT VIRGIL VAN DIJK SAID

He said, via the Daily Mail: "We want to improve, we want to challenge, we want to compete until the final day and win and be successful. That's what we're focusing on – not what other expectations are. We've got a lot of points until now but we want to have a lot more. We know how tough the fixture list will be after the international break but why not enjoy it? I'm really looking forward to that and hopefully everyone involved with Liverpool is as well."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The Reds sit top of the table, with new manager Arne Slot overseeing six wins from seven matches. But, this run of upcoming fixtures will be a real test of his team's credentials as they try and compete on multiple fronts for the biggest trophies. It is early days, but Slot is doing a good job of carrying the Liverpool torch after Jurgen Klopp's hugely successful era.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?

When the upcoming international break comes to an end, Van Dijk's Liverpool return to Premier League action on October 20 at home to Chelsea, before travelling to RB Leizpig in the Champions League three days later.

Mitchell Starc claimed two wickets in his first bowl of the summer but Labuschagne dominated Nathan Lyon

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Oct-2020Marnus Labuschagne made it two centuries in his first two innings of the season on a compelling day against New South Wales, highlighted by his duels with Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon.A fifth-wicket stand of 136 between Labuschagne and Jimmy Peirson lifted Queensland from 4 for 115 although New South Wales struck late with the second new ball, including the wicket of Labuschagne in the final over of the day to Trent Copeland, to even up the contest.In his first outing of the season Starc claimed two wickets, but Lyon went wicketless through 15 overs and was dominated by Labuschagne. In the 41 deliveries Lyon bowled to him, Labuschagne scored 44 runs which included consecutive reverse sweeps to reach his century from 151 balls.His contest with Starc had been equally good viewing as the left-arm quick tried to ruffle his Australia team-mate. He struck Labuschagne on the shoulder with the final delivery of the morning session – with Labuschagne’s response to just turn and walk off for lunch – and then in the afternoon gave him a warning for backing up.

Mitchell Starc gives Marnus Labuschagne a warning#SheffieldShieldpic.twitter.com/TRWPMRECf2

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 30, 2020

“If I have to keep my foot behind the line, the batters can keep their bat behind the line,” Starc said. “I’ve never taken the stumps and appealed for it, but if they are going to keep doing it I may have to change my approach.”Labuschagne was within two deliveries of being able to resume his innings on the second morning but missed a straight delivery from Copeland as Queensland lost 3 for 22 to the new ball in the final eight overs on a day of high-quality cricket.The Queensland openers had laid a solid platform after being put into bat until Bryce Street edged to third slip in the 18th over. Test opener Joe Burns got himself set before a loose dismissal, top edging a half-hearted pull.Sean Abbott followed that by producing a beauty to trim Usman Khawaja’s off stump, then Starc got his season up and running by finding Matt Renshaw’s edge.But Labuschagne had got himself set and found an impressive partner in Peirson for a stand that occupied 37 overs. Peirson’s innings was given a kickstart as he took 14 off an over against Starc – the same one in which Labuschagne had his warning – although he did not know much about the top-edged short ball which flew over the keeper for six.His half-century came from 87 deliveries and when he and Labuschagne were present for the second new ball, they looked like they would see out the day. However, Peirson gloved Starc down the leg side with the bowler convinced he had a repeat dismissal against Jack Wildermuth, and replays suggested the batsman was lucky to survive, but he was soon pinned lbw by Copeland.

Leeds United have made an approach to sign a Championship star in a free transfer, according to a new report.

Leeds’ transfer plans

The Whites and manager Daniel Farke are preparing for another season in the second tier after suffering a playoff final defeat to Southampton last month.

That loss looks set to have consequences, with the 49ers Enterprises needing to balance the books to comply with P&S. Chairman Paraag Marathe recently confirmed that Leeds will need to sell but also revealed there will be some incomings.

"Unbelievable" player "open" to signing for Leeds from rivals

An approach has been made.

ByCharlie Smith Jun 13, 2024

“We have the funds that we need to do what we need to do. The reality of being in the Championship is that Profitability and Sustainability (P&S) plays a role. We also inherited a challenging situation, so naturally there are going to be some trade-offs. But also, we have a really good team, and it is not just about outs, but ins.

"We're looking at scouting possibilities and players that we can bring in. We will have to make some trade-offs because of P&S but we have the investment commitment to do what we need to do.”

In regards to specific ins and outs, Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto have all been linked with Elland Road exits in the past few weeks, whereas Chelsea defender Alfie Gilchrist, Tottenham midfielder Oliver Skipp and recent Wales loanees Joe Rodon and Connor Roberts have been those mooted as possible arrivals.

Now, another name has emerged on the radar of the Yorkshire club, with Leeds appearing to make their first move.

Leeds make Callum O’Hare approach

According to TEAMtalk, Leeds have expressed their interest in signing Callum O’Hare from Coventry City on a free transfer. Contact appears to have been made, with the Whites battling Burnley and Southampton in the race for the attacking midfielder. O’Hare has rejected new deals with the Sky Blues and will depart for nothing at the end of the month and Leeds are ready to do battle for his signature.

The 26-year-old, who currently picks up £10,000-a-week, began his career on the books of Aston Villa before sealing a permanent move to Coventry in 2020. Since then, O’Hare has gone on to make 182 appearances for the Championship club, scoring 22 goals and registering 30 assists.

He did suffer from injury last season but still managed an impressive individual campaign as Coventry finished in the top half and made the FA Cup semi-final.

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O’Hare has also come in for praise from manager Mark Robins, who said late last year: “I think he has been incredible because I mean looking back at Boxing Day last year and to see him was heart-breaking after the injury and then to see him come to terms with the injury and then go through that.

“The journey that he's been on this this year has been really tough and lonely and we've given him space. We've given him time he's worked really hard in between those times but he's deserved a little bit of time off. He's been away on holiday a couple of times where he's just recharged and got ready again to go for his next phase of training. The way he is around the place is really infectious and effervescent and he really deserves that.”

Yet to make their first signing of the summer transfer window, Liverpool have reportedly made contact with a free agent in an attempt to kickstart the Arne Slot era at Anfield.

Liverpool transfer news

Despite no official arrivals, the rumours have certainly been circling regarding potential signings on their way to Anfield this summer, from the likes of Anthony Gordon to Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich. The former particularly stole the headlines recently as Liverpool eyed a move to help their boyhood fan realise a dream transfer this summer.

As things stand, however, Gordon remains a Newcastle player and with the profit and sustainability deadline passed, the Magpies should be in a far stronger position when it comes to negotiations for their star players. Nonetheless, his arrival would no doubt be an ideal way for Michael Edwards to truly announce his return to Merseyside.

The Liverpool chief may yet opt for a more subtle deal, however, in what could see the Reds land a summer bargain ahead of rival clubs in the coming months. According to CalcioMercato, Liverpool have made contact to sign Adrien Rabiot this summer following the midfielder's failed negotiations over a new contract with Juventus.

PSV now plotting along with Liverpool talent's agent to drive price down

He could be leaving Anfield for a bargain this summer.

ByTom Coates Jul 3, 2024

The Reds aren't alone in their interest though, with Manchester United also linked to the midfielder and the Frenchman reportedly dreaming of a move to Real Madrid. A player at the heart of France's Euro 2024 midfield and someone who has plenty of experience at the top these days, signing Rabiot on a free would represent wise business from whoever lands his signature this summer.

Liverpool will, of course, hope that his next destination is Anfield, despite his hefty reported wages of £146,000-a-week. With contact reportedly made, Rabiot is certainly one to keep an eye on when it comes to Slot's first arrivals this summer.

"Extraordinary" Rabiot can replace Endo

Although Wataru Endo surprised many with an excellent debut season at Liverpool, even he admitted that his side could do with another defensive midfielder now that he is 31 years old. The Japan international said via Anfield Watch: "I don’t care about those reports, but I also think it would be better to get a No. 6 midfielder. I think there is a possibility that they are viewing Mac Allister as a No. 6, but at the moment there aren’t many No. 6 players to begin with."

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The Frenchman's ability on the ball particularly stands out compared to Endo, perhaps highlighting his strength compared to the former Stuttgart man's weakness at the heart of midfield.

After another impressive season at Juventus, David Trezeguet was full of praise for Rabiot, saying via JuveFC: “We are talking about a problem for Juventus because in Italy he may have been targeted for criticism, but in France it’s completely different. He is world class, an extraordinary player. Now he will evaluate his options and will go back to being the important player he always was.”

Will Pucovski was finally dismissed – for 202 – then Shaun Marsh scored another hundred

Daniel Brettig09-Nov-2020Cameron Green appeared set to deliver a strong riposte to Will Pucovski’s second double century in as many Sheffield Shield innings for Victoria, before spinner Jon Holland intervened with a spell that demonstrated that assistance was in fact available from the pitch at Karen Rolton Oval, just not so much for the West Australian all-seam attack.WA’s captain Shaun Marsh, with his third century of the season, was left in the company of the nightwatchman Matthew Kelly after Holland’s twin strike in the final session, finding appreciable turn alongside admirable economy in the sort of display he had been unable to deliver first up against South Australia at Glenelg.Victoria’s skipper Peter Handscomb had set the game up nicely with an enterprising declaration before lunch, showing that he had perhaps learned from a couple of recent failures to defeat South Australia outright on flat surfaces when his team had run up enormous first innings tallies that had nonetheless eaten into the time available to bowl the opposition out twice.Handscomb fell short of his own century, having witnessed Pucovski make it as far as 202 before flicking a catch to midwicket, giving him a Shield average of 457 from his two innings so far – numbers of the sort the Australian team coach Justin Langer had demanded in order to force a change to a settled Test match batting line-up. He was the first batsman to make back-to-back double hundreds in the Shield since Dene Hills in 1997-98.The short session before lunch proved highly fruitful for the Victorians, as Scott Boland delivered a beauty from around the wicket to find the edge of a pushing Sam Whiteman, which Handscomb snapped up expertly in the slips. On the stroke of the interval, Cameron Bancroft was pinned lbw in front of all three stumps by the young paceman Mitch Perry, despite his apparent annoyance at the decision.Marsh and Green then accumulated soundly against the seamers, the latter commendably upright and straight as he has been in so many innings of his young career, and with their stand worth 141 inside the final hour, the Warriors looked set to be well established for day three.However, Holland had dropped onto a tantalising length that prevented free scoring while also teasing the outside edge of the bat, and after several of his left-arm orthodox deliveries spun nicely away from Green, the 21-year-old was eventually beaten by the perfect ball, pitching in line with middle and leg before turning enough to sail to slip off the edge.Hilton Cartwright, once considered a potential international allrounder in the manner Green is currently being feted, soon followed in more spectacular manner, playing back to a ball that popped and turned sharply, flying more or less straight up in the air off the shoulder of the bat for Handscomb to claim his third catch out of four.These wickets will have made a mark as much by their manner as by the changes to the scoreboard, after WA had named an all-pace bowling unit in their XI and then granted Victoria first batting use of a surface now clearly friendly to spin.

For the Alternate MLS Awards, GOAL selects the best and worst kits of the 2024 season

Reviewing a soccer kit based just on photos can be challenging. There are times where can a kit can look awful in the picture, but make a ton of sense when seen on the pitch. And vice-versa.

But whether it's just imagery, or live and in-person, most can agree on the characteristics of a great kit design: it should be eye-catching, bold, unique, fashionable, and instantly recognizable (and occasionally with a throwback nod). The worst kits? Just the opposite. 

So in wrapping up the 2024 Alternate MLS Awards and with the season coming to a dramatic close Saturday, GOAL US writers take a look at what worked – and what should never be referenced again – for this year's kits across the league.

ImagnJacob Schneider: Minnesota's Starry Night (Best), Miami's Throwback (Worst)

There's no doubt about the favorite kit of 2024. Any bias from a Minnesotan aside, the unquestioned winner is Minnesota United FC's Starry Night. It's spectacular, and something that is versatile enough for streetwear, as well. A close second is the Portland Timbers' retro shirt. The maroon color works so well with their branding.

The least favorite is the throwback Inter Miami shirt, the one with Miami Dolphins-like feel. Why does it even exist? Does it look cool? Sure. But does that matter? No. Throwback to what? It's all just so silly.

AdvertisementImagnAlex Labidou: Sporting KC's Wizards (Best), St. Louis' Confluence (Worst)

Let's dive into the bad news first: St. Louis CITY SC's Confluence edition is among one of the worst kits ever seen rolled out by an MLS club.

The prominence of the Purina sponsorship is understandable and acceptable when the rest of kit overpowers it as shown with their standard uniform. It's another when its on a bland, uninspired white colored thing that makes it feel like watching a 90-minute advertisement for the pet food brand as opposed to a professional soccer team. It seem as if this kit might have been one of the reasons why CITY was so cursed this season. Abandon it immediately.

On the other end, Sporting KC's Kansas City Wizards kit is glorious. It's the type of fit you could rock on all occasions and feels like it'll be a collectors item down the road.

ImagnTom Hindle: Portland's Throwback (Best), FC Dallas (Worst)

OK, so here's the thing. Franchises that have been around for less than 10 years do not deserve throwback kits. But the Timbers, 15 years old as an MLS club and so effortlessly cool, deserve every single bit of theirs. And it's a real beaut, with the retro lettering, lovely color, and simple accent. Part of the appeal here, too, is that it looks as good on the pitch as it does in the streets.

Top tier. No notes. Well done, Portland.

On the other end, it's not that this FC Dallas kit is that bad, it's just so disappointing. The color scheme presents so many opportunities for creativity (give us the red and black stripes again). Instead, we're left with this weird color changing thing. Not a shocker, but just potential wasted.

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Sporting KC InstagramRyan Tolmich: Sporting KC's Wizards (Best), Toronto FC/St. Louis (Worst)

You can go any way for best kit, depending on your personal style. The Seattle Sounders crushed it this year. Minnesota United and the New York Red Bulls did, too. But we're all vulnerable to nostalgia, right? And if you like nostalgia, it's all about Sporting KC.

They did it. They actually did it. As part of the Archive Collection, SKC threw it back to the Kansas City Wizards, paying homage to an all-time great '90s vibe. It's spectacular, and something teams need to lean into even more instead of the bland, monotone nonsense we always seem to get. That's not cool and classy, it's boring.

Knowing that, there are a variety of contenders for worst kit. Toronto and St. Louis are the two biggest offenders of going with the most basic white kits. Please provide us with a little bit more spice next year. We all deserve it.

Australia assistant coach also backed captain Aaron Finch to come good

Alex Malcolm22-Nov-2020Steven Smith will have no issues if the Indian bowlers try to attack him with short-pitch bowling in both the limited-overs and Test series, according to Australia’s assistant coach Andrew McDonald.Smith himself has encouraged India to pepper him in Test cricket but McDonald thinks they may well try it in the limited-over series as well.He was concussed by Jofra Archer in last year’s Ashes and subsequently targeted by New Zealand’s Neil Wagner last summer but he also missed Australia’s most recent ODI series in England due to a concussion he suffered in the nets.Smith had a lean IPL by his standards for Rajasthan Royals, where McDonald was his coach. He scored 311 runs in 14 innings with three half-centuries. Ten of his 12 dismissals came against pace bowling, with Pat Cummins dismissing him twice, while Jasprit Bumrah, Anrich Nortje, and James Pattinson also got him cheaply.”I don’t think it’s actually a weakness,” McDonald said. “I think they’re taking a shot at that area to get him out early and then what you’ll see after that initial potential plan, they will go to a more standard plan to try and negate the runs.”I think they’ve used it before and as I’ve said he’s done well before so I’m suggesting that plan hasn’t necessarily worked to its full effect. I know in the Test match he had that moment with Archer where it got him but in terms of coming back off that he was able to score runs. Even in one-day cricket he was able to score and in T20 cricket he’s been able to score runs with that plan being adopted by opponents. I don’t necessarily see it as a weakness but they can keep approaching that way if they want.”McDonald cited Australia’s last ODI series against India in January where Smith made scores of 98 and 131.”They had a clear plan early on in the innings where they had a leg gully, a deep square, and a man deep in front of square and everyone up on the offside in the powerplay,” McDonald said.”That’s a tactic that they’ve used before and as I said it’s probably to negate the runs that he scores and try and give themselves the best opportunity to potentially get him out in that area. But he was able to combat that in India last time. He got a magnificent 131 in the last ODI at Bangalore and he made a significant contribution at Rajkot. But he’s had that before and he’s worked his way through it and I see this series as being no different in the way that he approaches.”McDonald is currently looking after the small group of players who have returned to Australia from the IPL in a quarantine hub in Sydney, with the help of Ricky Ponting who has been seconded by Cricket Australia to coach during the quarantine. The Australian government’s strict quarantine rules on international travellers mean the players and coaches can only leave their hotel room for three-and-a-half hours a day to train at Blacktown, with nets and centre-wickets being made available, before spending the rest of the time in isolation until their mandatory 14-day quarantine ends on Thursday ahead of the opening ODI against India on Friday.Aaron Finch looks back to see his stumps disturbed•BCCIMcDonald said each player had been able to work on an individual program in the first week, with some players opting to put rest for a week while others opted for high volume training depending on how they fared in the IPL.McDonald was also unperturbed by captain Aaron Finch’s form. Finch was dropped by Royal Challengers Bangalore during the IPL for fellow Australian Josh Phillippe, who was left out of the ODI and T20 squads but has been training with the group in quarantine.”He definitely struggled a little bit in the IPL,” McDonald said. “I think he’s got his game back under control. He’s building nicely to the game on the 27th. There’s a couple of little things that he’s working on in the last couple of weeks to make sure that he can rectify that potential lack of form in the IPL. They’re little technical things and mindset things that he always defaults back to, to build into series.”When you’re in a tournament sometimes you don’t get that time to get away from it and rebuild it a little bit so I think these two weeks, for players who probably didn’t have the IPL that they wanted to have, gives them a little bit of time to breathe and go back and work on the key focus points in a training environment where there are not as many pressures and stresses. I think he’s making some good gains there and I think he’ll be right.”

Newcastle United look set for a busy summer, looking to make multiple signings and bolster their squad in several positions.

Having suffered 14 losses in the 2023/24 Premier League campaign, nine more than their five in the prior season, the Magpies will be looking to bounce back and make some additions to their side to rectify their drop-off this season.

One of the names being linked could be a brilliant complement to forward Alexander Isak, who scored 25 goals in all competitions last season for Newcastle, also providing two assists and playing 40 games in total.

Newcastle transfer news

According to reports from Football Insider, Newcastle are interested and keeping tabs on Leeds United winger Crysencio Summerville.

The report states Summerville alongside another option in West Ham's Jarrod Bowen, whilst also mentioning there are other names on their radar.

If Newcastle manage to make a right-winger signing, Miguel Almiron will reportedly be allowed to leave the club this summer, with strong interest in the Paraguay international.

How Summerville complements Isak

The 22-year-old winger is coming off the back of his POTY campaign for Leeds United, scoring 21 goals, providing ten assists and making 49 appearances for the club.

The Dutchman was awarded with the Championship POTY at the EFL Awards, after scoring 17 goals and providing eight assists in the Championship this season.

Primarily, Summerville excels as a creative outlet, posting exceptional metrics on that side of his game. The star produces 6.1 shot-creating actions per 90, has an xAG (expected assisted goals) of 0.3 per 90, and makes 2.88 key passes per 90.

He would instantly offer that extra creative edge for Newcastle, making more key passes, producing more xAG and more shot-creating actions than the club's current wide forwards.

This would perfectly complement the Magpies' clinical goalscorer in Isak, who, as mentioned previously, scored 25 goals in all competitions last campaign. The Sweden international does create his own shots at a good rate, producing 2.7 shot-creating actions per 90, however by adding more creativity around him, it would allow the talisman to flex those goalscoring muscles even more.

But it's not just Summerville's creative passing that would help Newcastle. His ability to drive the ball forwards, beat his man and progress play would help get the side up the pitch with intention, and add more attacking thrust.

The Dutchman completes 5.04 progressive carries per 90, 2.52 successful take-ons per 90, and 3.01 carries into the final third per 90. The attention he draws by driving forwards and beating his man 1v1 creates space for others.

This is another factor that could help Isak go up another level, giving him more space to operate and stopping teams from doubling up on the talented centre-forward.

Adding the "world-class" Summerville – as he was described by journalist Jake Winderman – would not only improve Newcastle as a whole with the metrics being quoted, but also help to raise the level of their talisman, forcing attention to be focused elsewhere and creating more chances for the Swede to unleash that lethal right-footed strike of his.

Newcastle could sign "unstoppable" Calvert-Lewin alternative

He has a release clause this summer

ByJoe Nuttall Jun 26, 2024