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Another Sunderland player is set to miss his side’s Championship clash with Plymouth Argyle this weekend, according to manager Regis Le Bris.

Sunderland suffer Abdullahi injury blow

The Black Cats are looking to continue their pre-international break form on Saturday afternoon, as they make the trip to lowly Plymouth. Another win would make it five victories in a row for Le Bris’ side, which would further suggest that they are genuine promotion contenders this season.

Ahead of Sunderland’s long trip to the south west, they have been dealt a blow with the news that summer signing Ahmed Abdullahi will be out for the foreseeable future, potentially even missing as much as three months of action.

Le Bris himself has given an update on the situation, saying: “Ahmed is different because he will have surgery. He will probably have ten to 12 weeks off the pitch. It wasn’t so clear when we signed him. We need an expert to understand exactly what the problem was. Now, we know. The diagnosis is clear and it will be solved after this surgery.”

Sunderland will know the importance of keeping players fit throughout the season, with fitness woes having the potential to derail any campaign, and another individual is now also confirmed to be unavailable for the Plymouth game this weekend.

Sunderland also without Salis Abdul Samed vs Plymouth

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Thursday [via Sunderland AFC News], Le Bris said that new loan signing Salis Abdul Samed also won’t be available for selection for another week or 10 days, despite returning to training. “Salis is now training in the first part of the sessions, and he will be available for selection in eight or ten days.”

It makes sense for Le Bris not to rush Samed into the team too quickly, as he searches for full fitness in training, but it’s still a shame not to have him in contention to feature this weekend, even if it was from the substitutes’ bench.

The 24-year-old has the potential to be an important signing for Sunderland, coming in on a season-long loan deal from Lens, looking to give them an extra spark in midfield. He is a 19-cap Ghana international, which immediately stands out when assessing his pedigree, and he has also made 91 appearances in Ligue 1, showing that he can perform in one of Europe’s big five leagues, while Ghana manager Otto Addo has said of him:

“The way Abdul Salis was running and how he controlled the game was really, really impressive. But all the others did well too. To hold them with ten-men in their half and pin them was a massive thing. We had good possessions; we helped and supported each other in the right timing, especially Abdul Salis.”

Sunderland could soon sell “wonderful” ace for more than Jack Clarke

Sunderland could soon see this star go for millions.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 12, 2024

Hopefully, Samed’s debut won’t be too far away, perhaps coming at home to Middlesbrough next weekend (Saturday, 12.30pm), should he show enough progress in training in the coming days.

Newcastle United will hope both Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak remain fit and healthy for the duration of the season, as they might be the duo to fire the club back into the Champions League.

So far in the Premier League this season, the pair have scored two of the club’s four goals, as seven points have been picked up from nine.

The recent international break also saw both Isak and Gordon starring for their respective nations. Gordon started both of England’s matches against the Republic of Ireland and Finland, averaging 1.5 key passes per game, creating a big chance and also succeeding with 50% of his dribble attempts each game.

The winger was also strong in the tackle, winning 70% of his ground duels per game, while making one tackle per game, and he could emerge as a key player over the next few months,

Isak was also in superb form for Sweden. Not only did he score three goals in games against Azerbaijan and Estonia, but the striker averaged 2.5 key passes and succeeded with one dribble per game, enjoying a wonderful international break.

If both players perform like they have over the previous few international games during the clash against Wolves, then the Magpies will surely have three points wrapped up.

How much are Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak worth

The winger and centre-forward have seen both their market valuations rise due to their performances in recent months, becoming two of the highest-valued players at Newcastle.

Indeed, Isak, according to Transfermarkt, is now currently worth €75m (£63.3m), which will only continue to rise as he scores more and more goals for both club and country.

Gordon is now valued at €60m (£50.6m) according to Transfermarkt, and, like Isak, if the Englishman maintains his recent momentum, there is no doubt this valuation will get higher.

Eddie Howe has two excellent players in his squad who will surely begin to attract serious attention sooner rather than later. When the time comes that both of them depart Newcastle, the manager will be aiming to make a substantial profit on the duo.

It wouldn’t be the first time the Magpies have secured a solid return on their initial investment for an attacking player. Nearly 30 years ago, one of the most prolific strikers in their recent history was sold to a league rival – Andy Cole.

Andy Cole’s Newcastle statistics

In February 1993, Newcastle broke their club record by signing Cole from Bristol City, splashing out £1.75m in the process for one of the brightest young centre-forwards in England at the time.

Cole had made just one appearance for City, but Kevin Keegan clearly saw something in the player, and he was spot on.

During the second half of the 1992/93 campaign, Cole scored 12 goals in 12 league games as the Toon secured promotion to the Premier League for the first time, yet this was just the start.

Across 45 matches the following season, the Englishman netted a stunning total of 41 goals, which included 35 in the top flight, and it was clear he was destined for bigger and brighter things.

Club

Games

Goals

Manchester United

275

121

Blackburn

100

37

Newcastle

84

68

Fulham

54

17

Man City

23

10

Portsmouth

23

4

Burnley

13

6

Nottingham Forest

11

0

Sunderland

8

0

Birmingham

5

1

Arsenal

2

0

Bristol City

1

0

Via Transfermarkt

Another 15 strikes came during the first half of the 1994/95 season, yet he wasn’t quite at the same level as the year before. There were rumours linking Manchester United with the player and Keegan was keen to make a deal, especially considering the profit they would make.

How much Newcastle sold Andy Cole for

Sir Alex Ferguson spent a then British record fee of £6m plus Keith Gilliespie going in the opposite direction to secure the services of Cole at the start of 1995.

It was obviously too good a deal to turn down, despite Cole being one of the best players in the squad. Eventually, the Magpies would sign Les Ferdinand and Alan Shearer to soften the blow, but it was clear United had signed a striker who was only keen on winning trophies.

The Toon certainly hit the jackpot on the former England international, especially considering just how much he would be worth in the transfer market today…

Andy Cole’s 2024 market valuation

In 2024, money, however – with Totally Money having adjusted for inflation over the years – this £6m transfer fee would be worth a staggering £122m if he made the same move just now.

This valuation is currently worth more than Isak and Gordon’s values combined, which proves just how much of a profit the club made when they sold Cole to Man United in 1995, clearly hitting the jackpot as they cashed in for a gigantic fee, relative to the time.

Cole enjoyed a stellar career in the Premier League, seeing plenty of success during his spell at Old Trafford between 1995 and 2001.

What Andy Cole did after leaving Newcastle

Although the striker couldn’t power the club to a Premier League and FA Cup double during his first six months at United, the following six and a half seasons saw him win the title five times, the FA Cup twice, and the Champions League in 1999, not a bad haul.

Overall, he netted 121 goals for the club before joining Blackburn Rovers in 2002, where he went on to claim the only trophy he failed to get his hands on at United – the League Cup.

Further spells came at Fulham, Manchester City, Portsmouth, Birmingham City, Sunderland, and Burnley before he wound down his career with a spell at Nottingham Forest during the 2008/09 season.

The centre-forward enjoyed a career most could only dream of. Howe will be hoping that his two star players at the Magpies will hit heights like Cole did at the club and go on to generate a substantial profit in the process.

The way things are going right now, the pair will certainly move on for lavish fees in the future, no doubt about that.

Howe must drop Joelinton & unleash "gifted" Newcastle star instead

The Magpies could end the weekend in a top-four spot…

1 ByAngus Sinclair Sep 14, 2024

Arsenal are poised to battle it out for the Premier League title once again, and while Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino have been signed, the frontline needs some work before the day is done.

Emile Smith Rowe has joined Fulham while Eddie Nketiah is closing on a £30m transfer to Crystal Palace; Fabio Vieira has also re-joined Porto on loan. Mikel Arteta boasts one of the most talented teams in Europe, but surely some added depth is needed to fire across all cylinders over the coming campaign.

Arsenal transfer news

As per ESPN, Arsenal are holding internal talks over whether to strengthen their frontline before the transfer deadline this evening, with Chelsea's Raheem Sterling offered Arteta's way.

The England international, as Fabrizio Romano also reports, is at the core of late-stage discussions in north London to determine a possible transfer, but with Manchester United also interested, Arsenal are also weighing up an alternative option.

However, Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman is also an option and could be the perfect alternative, with the German giants hoping to collect a €40m (£34m) fee for the 28-year-old.

Why Arsenal should sign Kingsley Coman

Coman has led a storied career, draped in hordes of silverware, and while he has a lucrative offer from the Saudi Pro League, he might feel that he wishes to try his foot in the Premier League.

Bayern wish to get the versatile winger off the wage bill but that certainly does not mean that he is past his sell-by date, carrying athletic and creative properties that could see him thrive among Arteta's squad.

And while his injury record leaves something to be desired, Coman would not be expected to shoulder a hefty workload, for Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and co all compete for starring spots in the Gunners' starting team.

Sterling might be a decorated Premier League icon, but the 29-year-old has not been brilliant since transferring to Chelsea for £47.5m two years ago, scoring just 19 goals and adding 12 assists across 81 matches. It's not a bad haul but still a regression from his Manchester City days.

His underlying metrics are also not the best, with Coman outperforming him across a sweep of ball-playing and ball-carrying statistics, which suggests that Arteta's dynamic project might find better use of the Frenchman's qualities.

Goals scored

0.31

0.32

Assists

0.21

0.19

Shots total

2.36

2.74

Shot-creating actions

3.51

4.21

Pass completion

73.4%

80.5%

Passes attempted

31.73

50.93

Progressive passes

3.46

5.35

Progressive carries

5.24

5.74

Successful take-ons

1.94

2.74

Ball recoveries

4.03

4.27

As the statistical analysis shows, Coman has outstripped Sterling across every aspect, highlighting the gains that could be found from adding him to the Arsenal accord.

His former coach Patrick Gonfalone has even said: “His reading of the game and his technique stand out and make him formidable." Such traits would go down a treat at the Emirates.

Arteta, having parted with several stars, will need to sign someone before the transfer window concludes, ensuring that the frontline is in a fitting condition to charge across multiple fronts this year.

Arsenal offered last-gasp move for "unplayable" Trossard rival

He’s been offered to Mikel Arteta…

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 30, 2024

West Bromwich Albion missed out on the Championship play-offs by just three points as they finished ninth in the table at the end of the 2022/23 campaign.

Carlos Corberan now has the summer transfer window to bolster his squad with the aim of competing for promotion to the Premier League next season.

One area in which the Spanish head coach may look to strengthen in is the forward department. No Baggies player managed more than seven goals and Karlan Grant, in particular, endured a difficult year in front of goal.

The former Huddersfield gem only scored three goals in 31 Championship matches for the club and the service to him was not the issue as he missed nine 'big chances'.

Corberan could land an upgrade on the profligate dud by signing Jerry Yates in the coming weeks, as both players are strikers who can also play on either flank.

How did Jerry Yates perform last season?

Despite Blackpool's relegation from the second tier, the 26-year-old marksman enjoyed an excellent campaign for the Tangerines and his form suggests that the potential is there for him to be a superb addition to West Brom's squad.

Yates, who is a reported £4m transfer target for the Baggies, plundered 14 goals in 41 league appearances, whilst he only missed eight 'big chances'.

The English finisher proved himself to be a reliable goalscoring option at that level, which is something Corberan did not have in his roster last term.

He scored twice as many goals as any member of the Spaniard's side and almost five times more than Grant, who played out wide or through the middle, produced. This means that the 5 foot 9 dynamo could, therefore, provide the club with a huge attacking boost.

Along with his predatory instincts in the final third, the £6.1k-per-week hotshot also showcased his creative ability with four assists and nine 'big chances' created for his teammates.

Meanwhile, Daryl Dike was the only Baggies no9 with at least one assist as Grant failed to create a single 'big chance' or register any assists in the Championship.

Yates' 0.8 key passes per match would place him in the top five performers for West Brom and above every other centre-forward at the club, which means that he provided his fellow attackers with more opportunities in front of goal.

These statistics suggest that the Blackpool ace, who was lauded as "immense" by journalist Sean McGinlay, would be a significant upgrade on Grant due to the threat he poses at the top end of the pitch as a goal scorer and creator.

Spider-Man actor and Tottenham Hotspur supporter Tom Holland has urged both Harry Kane and Son Heung-min to join Real Madrid this summer.

What’s the latest Harry Kane and Tottenham transfer news?

The England captain is entering the final 12 months of his contract this summer, so there has been plenty of talk about his future.

For instance, the likes of Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid have all been linked with his name in the press of late.

However, it remains to be seen if he will push for an exit and whether chairman Daniel Levy would even be open to selling the club’s prized assets.

Well, it appears that even Spurs’ own supporters would happily see their key men leave this summer if it meant they finally had the opportunity to go and win something.

Indeed, while speaking recently to the press (via @thfc_co on Twitter), Hollywood star Holland urged Kane and Son to both move to La Liga in order to fulfil their potential.

What did Tom Holland say about Spurs?

“Tottenham have never won anything, and supporting them is incredibly difficult,” he began.

He went on to explain what he’d tell Kane if he had the chance to speak to him, saying: “I’d say go to [Real] Madrid. Go and be the best football player in the world, that you deserve to be.”

On his favourite player Son, Holland added: “I’d say go with him, go together, go win the Champions League together, please.”

Evidently, the Spider-Man actor has had enough of his team’s persistent failures over the last number of years, and seeing as they haven’t won a major trophy since 2008, it’s not hard to see why.

This, of course, means both Kane and Son haven’t won anything for Tottenham. To make things worse, neither man has even won any domestic silverware during the course of their club careers.

Despite Holland’s warning, however, it at least seems that the South Korean will be sticking around in north London for the foreseeable future.

When quizzed about his future, he recently told the press: “I have many things to do in the Premier League and the pride of playing football, to play in my favourite league is important.

“I want to play more for Tottenham in the Premier League. I’ll prepare well when I’m back to Spurs.”

“Money doesn’t matter to me now.”

Tottenham Hotspur are among the contenders for the touted Netherlands prospect Xavi Simons, who is expected to leave Dutch Eredivisie outfit PSV this summer.

What's the latest on Xavi Simons to Tottenham?

That's according to esteemed transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, who claims that while PSG have the option to exercise a €6m (£5m) buyback clause for the dynamic midfielder next month, Spurs are also firmly in the mix.

Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion, Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig are all considering a move too, but Tottenham will fight hard to secure the signature of a precocious talent who could assume a driving role in Ange Postecoglou's rebuilding job.

Just 20-years-old, Simons is in the maiden phase of his career but has already caught the eye with his stellar showings, and if Tottenham prevail in their bid, it would represent a major coup.

Should Tottenham sign Xavi Simons?

The Lilywhites' framework needs some tinkering over the next few months if the demons of the past season are to be exorcised, and while the appointment of Postecoglou from Scottish champions Celtic is both astute and befitting, the transfer market must be utilised aptly after a dismal year that yielded no European football.

Indeed, Spurs finished eighth and stretched their barren trophy run to 15 years, with the acrimonious dismissal of Antonio Conte in March the fourth in as many years by chairman Daniel Levy.

The time for rejuvenation is now and Simons would fortify this framework with a steely foundation, with the Dutch talent having been in sensational and prolific form for Der Boeren this year, plundering 22 goals and assisting 12 more from 48 matches across all competitions, dubbed a "magic" ace by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Typically utilised as a No. 10, Simons has also found fruit from the flanks and in a more centrally-placed striking deployment, and this level of versatility could provide Tottenham with an invaluable and "unprecedented" new option – as Simons' skill set has been described by Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Given his aptitude at both scoring and creating goals, he could be the dream heir for beloved former Tottenham playmaker Christian Eriksen, who also plied his trade in the Eredivisie, with Ajax, before making the £11.5m switch to north London in 2013.

Now a phenom with Manchester United, the Danish star would forge 305 appearances for the N17 side, scoring 69 goals and supplying 90 assists, and was heralded by former teammate Kyle Walker for his innate ability to salvage results, with the right-back saying you would "put your house on him".

Also heralded as a "world-class player" by Craig Bellamy, the 31-year-old has revelled in an excellent career as a reliable conduit between the central and final third, capable of devastating defences with his multi-faceted tool kit.

Praised as a gem who "has the X-factor” by journalist Antonio Mango, Simons perhaps offers more of a direct threat than his creative peer, but given Eriksen was of a similar age when he joined Tottenham and both boast a superlative talent as attacking midfielders, joining the fold at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could be a stunning partnership and a rebirth of a first-rate player at the club.

Newcastle United still want to try and add Kieran Tierney to their squad this summer, and it looks like they could launch a bid for the defender soon according to Football Insider.

Are Newcastle signing Kieran Tierney?

The defender still managed to play on 27 occasions for Arsenal in the Premier League this season, despite not feeling as much of a first-team regular as he did previously. That's likely because most of those showings came from off the bench – the former Celtic man managed just six starts for the Gunners over the course of the campaign, showing he has fallen down the pecking order thanks to the arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Despite that, the youngster remains a superb option at left-back, which is showcased when you compare him to other players in his position amongst the Men's 'Top Five' big leagues in Europe. His highest ranking stat is his shots per 90 rate, which is 1.20 and puts him within the top 13% for that. It shows he is not afraid to drive forward and get into positions to test the opposition goalkeeper. Even better is that he ranks highly for converting those opportunities too, with Tierney also managing to sit in the 73rd percentile for goals per 90.

That could be why Newcastle have been so keen to snap him up – they didn't get much attacking contribution from Dan Burn this season – and it looks like they could make a bid for his services soon.

That's because according to a report from Football Insider, the Toon are still in pole position to add him to their ranks, and he remains one of their biggest priorities as they look to strengthen at left-back. It states that he is their most wanted to fill that position and they are planning to launch a "formal bid" at the end of the month, with the player keen on a move.

What is Tierney's transfer value?

CIES Football Observatory suggest that his value could now be around 15 million Euros (or £12.8m) and it means that if a fee is around that amount, it could be a steal for Newcastle considering Arsenal initially forked out £25m for his signature.

He's been praised for his efforts since making the move to the Gunners, with football journalist Josh Bunting stating that the player is "brilliant" in a previous game for the side. His stats suggest he remains a solid player at left-back too and that means Newcastle would be getting both an experienced and talented defender if they do manage to sign him this transfer window.

Leeds United reportedly see Daniel Farke as a "serious" candidate to take charge at Elland Road this summer, according to a fresh claim.

Who is favourite to take Leeds job?

The search to be the next Whites boss is ongoing currently, with the club working diligently to ensure that the correct appointment is made this time around.

It could be argued that all three of Jesse Marsch, Javi Gracia and Sam Allardyce were the wrong choices to sit in the Elland Road hot seat, and it has ultimately led to Leeds being relegated from the Premier League.

Since Allardyce's recent departure, endless names have been linked with the vacant Whites job, with Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard arguably at the front of the queue, along with the likes of Brendan Rodgers, Carlos Corberan and Scott Parker, to name a few.

Farke is also a name that has recently been thrown into the hat, however, with journalist Phil Hay name-checking Leeds' interest in him on Saturday, and a new update further suggests that their interest is genuine.

Could Farke be the next Whites manager?

According to Sport1, Farke is a "serious" option to become the Whites' new boss, with "loose" talks being held over a move to Elland Road, having parted ways with Borussia Monchengladbach recently.

The takeover of Leeds by 49ers Enterprises has happened at the same time, suggesting they see Farke as more of a strong appointment that the previous owners, although the timing could simply be coincidence.

The former Norwich City manager could be a really shrewd choice as manager by the Whites, considering he has guided the Canaries to two title-winning seasons in the Championship in the past, showing that he is an expert at getting out of arguably one of the most competitive leagues in Europe.

It is imperative that Leeds make a fast return to the Premier League and don't allow years of good work to completely go to waste in no time at all, and Farke is a strong choice for that reason, compared to the likes of Gerrard and Corberan, who haven't achieved as much to date.

It feels like one of the most pivotal summers at Leeds in many years, in terms of picking the right manager and making key signings to take the team forward – in the 46-year-old Farke, the Whites have a reliable choice who could jump at the chance to return to English football.

Manchester United will find it "very difficult" to sign Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane this summer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Is Harry Kane leaving Tottenham?

Kane is facing an uncertain future in north London, as he has just 12 months remaining on his contract, and interest in his signature is growing, from a number of top clubs across the continent.

Bayern Munich are reportedly hopeful the England captain could be persuaded to move to the Allianz Arena, while Real Madrid have also identified him as a target, and the Spanish side are currently in the process of preparing their first bid.

Man United have made the 29-year-old their top target for the upcoming window, however transfer insider Dean Jones reports Daniel Levy does not want to let him switch to Old Trafford at any price.

Romano also believes the Red Devils do not stand much chance of signing the forward this summer, recently telling GiveMeSport: "Manchester United are aware of how difficult it will be to sign Harry Kane. It will be really complicated because Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy will fight to keep the player and will make life very difficult for Manchester United to sign Kane, so that's not going to be easy for them."

Will Kane join Man United?

At this stage, it appears as though the only way the Tottenham star will be able to move to another Premier League club is if he runs down his contract, meaning he might not be on the move until next summer.

However, considering a new striker is a priority for Man United in the upcoming window, Erik ten Hag will probably be unwilling to wait that long, which indicates it is very unlikely he makes a move to Old Trafford, unless Levy softens his stance.

If the Red Devils do end up missing out on the £200k-per-week forward, it will be very disappointing, given his fantastc scoring record in the English top flight, currently second only to Alan Shearer in the all-time charts, having scored 213 goals.

Hailed as "incredible" by Tottenham coach Ryan Mason, Kane could be the final piece of the jigsaw for Ten Hag, and the Man United boss will be disappointed that he will seemingly be unavailable until next summer.

However, United still have some exciting alternative options on their shortlist, including Benfica's Goncalo Ramos, who scored 27 goals in 47 games last season.

Manchester United could end the season on a high today as they take on Manchester City in the FA Cup final, with victory ensuring they finish the campaign with two trophies for the first time since 2016/2017.

Regardless of the outcome, Erik ten Hag has restored some pride in the Red Devils and with the summer transfer window just around the corner, he could further bolster his team in order to claim more prestigious prizes in the future.

Strengthening his attacking options seems to be the priority, with Rasmus Hojlund and Randal Kolo Muani key targets, however there will surely be improvements all over the pitch.

The Old Trafford side have been linked recently with defender Goncalo Inacio according to O Jogo (via Sport Witness) and Sporting CP will demand a fee in the region of £45m should Ten Hag look to make a bid for the player, which is well within their budget.

A move for Inacio could see the Dutchman move on a few defenders, with Victor Lindelof surely one that could be departing United this summer.

Could Goncalo Inacio replace Victor Lindelof at Manchester United?

The Swedish defender found himself down the pecking order behind both Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez during the opening months of the season, yet when the Argentinian suffered a season-ending injury in April, he managed to find some form.

During the win over AFC Bournemouth in May, he was lauded as “unbelievable” by journalist Liam Canning, and he averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.12 across his final five league matches, looking resurgent under Ten Hag.

However, if United sign Inacio, he could find himself further down the pecking order, with Varane, Martinez and the 21-year-old potentially ahead of him next season.

Indeed, the 21-year-old possesses a bigger attacking threat from centre-back than Lindelof, registering more shot-creating actions (1.98 to 0.4) per 90 and touches in the attacking third (140 to 35) per 90, which could be a bonus for Ten Hag.

Additionally, the Portugal international also ranks in the top 1% for progressive passes and top 3% for progressive carries across Europe’s big five leagues over the previous 365 days, with the Swede ranking in just the top 59% and 48% in the same metrics, suggesting Inacio is far better at bringing the ball out of defence and starting attacks from the back than the current United defender.

Journalist Zach Lowy has even dubbed the 6 foot 1 defender as “underrated” and gaining experience in the Premier League and Champions League for United next term could see the youngster break through to the next level.

Ten Hag must act sooner rather than later, as for the aforementioned price tag, the move could represent wonderful value over the coming years.