Setting their sights on the future, Newcastle United have now reportedly joined the race to sign a rising star who’s been dubbed the Swedish Lionel Messi and attracted interest from the likes of Barcelona.
Newcastle transfer news
The Magpies may have disappointed in the January transfer window, but that’s quickly been forgotten thanks to Eddie Howe’s side and their success in the Carabao Cup. Reaching the final after easing past Arsenal to win 4-0 across two legs, Newcastle will now square off against Liverpool in search of their first piece of domestic silverware since 1955.
What certainly helped that search was their FA Cup victory over Birmingham City, in which Joe Willock netted a well-timed brace to get his side over the line in a frantic 3-2 victory against the League One opposition.
Meanwhile, sat just two points outside the Premier League’s top four, the prospect of completing a move to St James’ Park is certainly becoming increasingly attractive for potential reinforcements, which could yet include a rising star.
According to The Boot Room, Newcastle are now racing to sign Roony Bardghji from FC Copenhagen ahead of huge teams like Barcelona and Manchester United when his contract comes to an end this summer.
The young winger, who’s been dubbed the Swedish Messi, is certainly one to watch and already knows how to hurt English opposition, having scored against Manchester United in the Champions League in November 2023.
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Yet to feature this season after suffering an ACL injury in the last campaign, Europe’s biggest clubs are eagerly anticipating Bardghji’s return, including those in Tyneside.
Manchester City's Mateo Kovacic in action with FC Copenhagen's RoonyBardghji
Still just 19 years old, concerns over Bardghji’s ability to bounce back from such a serious injury should be eased by just how young he is and, therefore, how much time he has to hit previous heights once again.
"Unreal" Bardghji could be ultimate bargain
Winning the race to sign Bardghji, alone, would be an impressive achievement for Newcastle, but to secure his signature for free would represent an act of genius from those at St James’ Park. A future star who’d undoubtedly be worth a hefty fee if it wasn’t for his contract situation, the Magpies could be about to land the ultimate bargain.
Dubbed “unreal” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig before his injury, the future is certainly still bright for Bardghji when he recovers from what was an ill-timed blow last season.
After scoring 11 goals in the previous campaign, the teenager will be desperate to make his return sooner rather than later and instantly hit the ground running wherever he finds himself.
Newcastle, meanwhile, could finally end their search for an impressive reinforcement by securing one of the bargains of the summer.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has been blasted by fans for a "categorically unacceptable season" following Saturday's defeat to Bournemouth.
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Arsenal fans not happy with OdegaardCaptain criticised for performances this seasonGunners up against PSG nextFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Arsenal dropped points again on Saturday as Mikel Arteta's side were beaten 2-1 by Bournemouth. Odegaard was at fault for Bournemouth's winner, after allowing Evanilson to get the wrong side of him, and came in for criticism from supporters afterwards.
AdvertisementWHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING
Supporter @joojobryte posted on X: "Arteta needs to start benching this dude, he does more talking off the pitch than playing football."
And @LFCRayy added: "The most washed arsenal player playing the strong mentality card is insane to me."
Elsewhere, Arsenal fan @aliladiere was not happy at all, posting: "I just don’t get how you can go the whole season of Arsenal Football Club and be as poor as Odegaard has been. They need to tell us if something is going on cos this is categorically unacceptable."
Another Gooner, D@EideballHater99, said: "Odegaard is either giving the ball away or making a 5 yard sideways pass to Saka, this guy provides absolutely no value to this team on the pitch."
And @Bxshhyy posted: "Odegaard why are you scared to shoot the ball bro I promise it won’t blow up."
WHAT ODEGAARD SAID
Odegaard spoke of his disappointment after the final whistle. He told Sky Sports: "Massive disappointment. I think we started the game pretty well. We got the goal and felt like we controlled pretty much everything, but they score and we lose control of the game. We never find the rhythm after that, it is too chaotic and too sloppy from us. The second half is not acceptable. We have to move on as we have a massive game coming up. We have to get ready for that and analyse this game as well. This is what we want – we want to compete in every competition. We wanted to come here and do a good game and win, but that wasn't the case."
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Odegaard's form has been in the spotlight throughout the campaign. The captain has just two goals and seven assists this season in the Premier League, a big difference from the 15 goals he managed in 2022-23 and the 10 assists he conjured up last term. The Norwegian also struggled in the Champions League semi-final first leg against PSG and his form will be a major concern for Mikel Arteta going into the return. The Arsenal boss has called up his team to use the "anger, frustration and rage" from the Bournemouth loss as motivation against PSG and will hope Odegaard can step up.
Matthew Mott backs star to “do what’s right for English cricket” ahead of 2023 tournament
ESPNcricinfo staff14-Nov-2022After his starring roles in two gripping World Cup final victories, could Ben Stokes be persuaded to go for the hat-trick by coming out of ODI retirement in time for England’s defence of their 50-over crown in India next year? Matthew Mott, England’s white-ball head coach, is hopeful that he can be tempted.Stokes made a crucial 52 not out in England’s T20 final run-chase against Pakistan in Melbourne, to follow on from his 92 unbeaten runs (84 plus eight more in the Super Over) against New Zealand at Lord’s in 2019, to cement his status as one of the greatest “clutch” players in international history.However, he stepped down from the 50-over format earlier this year, stating that it was “unsustainable” for him to maintain his peak levels of performance across all three formats of international cricket, given that he is also captain of a Test team that has transformed its own reputation in recent months, with six wins in seven memorable performances in the 2022 home season.Mott, who took over as England white-ball coach at the start of the summer after a record-breaking stint in charge of Australia women, told reporters in Melbourne that he had not yet discussed the notion of Stokes reversing his ODI retirement. However, Mott added, he backed Stokes to “do what’s right for English cricket”.”When he spoke to me about his ODI retirement one of the first things I said was that I’d back any decision he made,” Mott said. “But I said to him he didn’t necessarily have to retire – he could just not play 50-overs for a while.”I did say you could always unretire. That’s his decision. It’s going to be a World Cup year and we don’t play much T20 cricket for a while but it will be a decision that’s up to him.”The more we can get him is great. He’s doing an amazing job with the Test captaincy but he is a very big cog in the wheel when he comes back to white-ball.”Speaking at the time, Stokes spelt out in some detail the reasons for his ODI retirement. He admitted that his body was unable to take the strain of staying match-fit across three formats, and added that – with Jos Buttler new in the role of white-ball captain following the retirement of Eoin Morgan – he did not want to feel that “I am taking the place of another player who can give Jos and the rest of the team their all”.”The England shirt deserves nothing less from anyone who wears it,” he concluded.Stokes’ decision is vindicated by the relentless nature of England’s winter schedule, with three ODIs coming up against Australia this week, even as the Test squad gathers in the UAE ahead of their three-match tour of Pakistan.Moeen Ali – who will be involved in those matches only days after the World Cup win – described the prospect as “horrible”, with Mott adding that “it’s not ideal, I can’t lie”. And yet, the sudden switch of emphasis, from 20 overs to 50, reinforces the sense of a change of priority in the white-ball schedule, with the 2023 World Cup looming in India in less than 12 months’ time.Rob Key, the managing director of men’s cricket, was guarded when asked about the prospect of Stokes reversing his retirement in an interview with Sky Sports on Monday. “Nothing is forever, but who knows what will happen,” he said. “At the moment, we’ll just keep thinking about trying to enjoy what we’ve done now and then we’ll be thinking about Test cricket.”Ben Stokes will be thinking about Test cricket and I don’t want him to have to worry about anything else apart from what’s in front of him right now, which is the Test series in Pakistan; and then you’ve got New Zealand and then Australia after that. You don’t have to worry about anything else.”What will be, will be. I don’t think you ever rule anything out but at the moment, we’ll just try and enjoy what we’ve done so far and Ben can enjoy it. I’m sure he’s enjoying it as much as he possibly can.”While Stokes made it clear that he did not wish to treated as an exception in England’s white-ball planning, his record as a World Cup match-winner would seem to make the case for him.Related
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“He’s a three-dimensional player and he has so much to offer,” Mott added. “In this team he was the glue – I think we have a lot of guys who can do extraordinary things but he was the player you knew that if he was in you’d win the game.”I’ll let him dust off today. He’s his own man and he’ll make his own decisions. He’ll do what’s right for English cricket and he always has.”That was part of his decision to retire from ODI cricket. He didn’t think he could give it his all and credit to him for making that decision because he’s such a special commodity for English cricket. We want what’s best for the whole system as well.”In the midst of England’s celebrations – which included a shaved head for Mott after a wager with Sam Curran (whose hair is set to be dyed a colour of the coach’s choice in return) – Mott admitted that his thoughts had turned to those integral members of the squad who had not been present at the moment of victory, most particularly Reece Topley, who suffered an ankle injury after arriving in Australia, and Jonny Bairstow, who is recovering from a freak golfing accident in which he broke his leg.”Reece Topley was a big part of our preparation for here,” Mott said. “I was absolutely gutted for him, such an innocuous injury. Seeing him leave our group was hard.”I must admit he was one of the first blokes I thought of – and Jonny as well.”
Veteran of 2005 tour prepares to play first Test in country in 19-year international career
Vithushan Ehantharajah29-Nov-2022If you’ve been paying even vague attention, you’ll have heard that James Anderson is the only member of this England touring party to have played international cricket in Pakistan prior to this winter.Back in the winter of 2005, a younger, sprightlier but no less downbeat Anderson was part of the squad that last played Test cricket in the country. He did not get on the park during the three-match series, which the hosts took 2-0, but did take part in the subsequent ODI series, finishing with seven wickets. That included 4 for 48 in the final match – a consolation win with England losing 3-2 overall – at Rawalpindi, the venue for the first Test of this series.Given his lack of red-ball action on that tour and the time between visits, the 40-year-old Anderson is reluctant to play the role of wise old sage when it comes to predicting how things could pan out. Heading into the first Test, he and the rest of the team are happy to take cues from the conditions, while maintaining Brendon McCullum’s assertion earlier in the week that, however things pan out, a draw is not on the agenda.”No, not at all,” Anderson said, when asked if he had anything to pass on. “Seventeen years is a long time. It would be wrong if I said ‘the pitch is going to play like this, or this is what to expect’. It’s a completely different team we’re playing against, completely different conditions.”It’s about adapting when we get out there. We talk a little bit about the opposition but mainly concentrate on what we do well – that’s what we did in the summer. We don’t know how it’s going to play. Traditionally it is flat. We’ve seen Tests in recent times – the Australia game was very flat. It ended in a draw. We’ve got a captain and coach that don’t want draws. We’re not playing for draws. We’ll come out and try to win the game – we might have to be creative in how we do that.”The extent of England’s adaptation will be dictated by the varying conditions over the next month, and indeed over this first Rawalpindi Test match. England have noticed there has been dew for their morning training sessions, which will no doubt play a part early on given the 10am starts on match days, adding a bit of juice in the air and moisture into the pitch. Both of which bring Anderson to the front and centre of their plans.England have also been concentrating on honing their reverse-swing skills in anticipation of what might lie ahead. The training camp in Abu Dhabi last week saw them experiment with an assortment of balls worn to varying degrees. Anderson had also been fine-tuning his technique with the Lions in Dubai since the start of November. Both he and Ben Stokes will be the main proponents of the craft this week, with Mark Wood out recovering from injury. However, Anderson doesn’t expect it will play too big a part in the first Test.Related
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“Just looking at the pitch out here and the outfield, it looks quite lush so whether reverse will play a huge part here, I’m not sure, at this particular ground,” he said. “But we will try and cover all bases and make sure we’ve got options, if and when we need them.”As Anderson approaches the 20th anniversary of his England debut, this Test bow in Pakistan represents a new and final frontier. It will be the ninth country he has graced in the format, and even coming into this series with 175 caps and a seam bowler’s record haul of 667 wickets, there is a palpable excitement from the usually reserved Lancastrian.”Firstly, it’s amazing to be back here,” he said. “I want to say thank you on behalf of, not just myself, but the whole team for the welcome we’ve had. We know how many cricket fans there are in Pakistan and how much they love and support, not just Pakistani cricket, but cricket in general around the world. I’ve not played a Test match here so I’m delighted to have the chance to be able to play here.As for who that first red-ball victim in Pakistan might be, Anderson claims he isn’t fussed, even if he recognises that one man in particular is likely to be a key adversary in the days ahead.”We are well aware how important a wicket Babar is for Pakistan, being the captain, as well as I’d say their best player. Yes, we will give him attention, but also we need to focus on the other guys as well because they’re very strong.”And I don’t care who it is, as long as I get a wicket and try and help the team towards a win. That’s what we’ve come here for – we want to win the series, so that’s our main focus.”
Former Arsenal defender William Gallas has torn into the Gunners, declaring them the Premier League's flops of the season.
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Ex-Arsenal defender tears into GunnersBrands them flops of the seasonBelieves injuries are no excuseFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Gallas, who played for Arsenal between 2006-10, insists his former side have not been good enough and that he is "disappointed" with their efforts, despite their progression to the Champions League semi-finals.
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Gallas told : "In the Premier League, Arsenal are my flops of the season. If you compare last season and the one two years ago with this season, their performance has not been good at all. I’m sorry, I’m still disappointed in them, regardless of the Champions League. After those high quality and world class performances against Real Madrid, I wanted more from them in the league."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The Gunners have been missing Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus for long spells of the campaign, falling behind newly-crowned champions Liverpool. Gallas is "furious" about their domestic efforts and says they have one level of performance in the Premier League and another in the Champions League.
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The Gunners take on Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday, but much of their focus will be on the second leg of their European semi-final against PSG on Wednesday. They trail the tie 1-0.
Leeds United went through the January transfer window, which closed for business at the start of this month, without making an addition to their first-team squad.
The Whites were reportedly looking at potential signings to come in and bolster their squad, however, as they were said to be interested in a deal to sign Emiliano Buendia on loan from Premier League side Aston Villa.
Bayer Leverkusen eventually swooped in to sign the Argentina international on loan from the Villans, which ended Daniel Farke’s chances of a reunion with the former Norwich playmaker.
Farke and his team have been flying without any extra help, from Buendia or anyone else, as they smashed Watford 4-0 away from home in their last match in the Championship.
The West Yorkshire outfit are now five points clear of Burnley in third place, and two ahead of Sheffield United in second, as they aim to secure automatic promotion back to the Premier League at the second time of asking.
Despite there still being plenty of football left to be played, Leeds are reportedly looking ahead to the summer transfer window and who they could bring in to bolster their squad for a season in the top-flight.
Leeds eyeing German forward
The recruitment team at Thorp Arch are already hard at work to identify targets who could come in to improve Farke’s options across the pitch to deal with the step up to Premier League football.
According to TEAMtalk, Leeds are now one of a number of clubs eyeing up Celtic forward Nicolas Kuhn ahead of a potential swoop for his services at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
The report claims that Premier League sides Brentford and Brighton & Hove Albion have both sent scouts to watch the left-footed forward in action this season, whilst other unnamed teams in England and abroad are interested in the attacker.
TEAMtalk adds that the Whites have a long-standing interest in the former Bayern Munich academy star and that they will have a chance to secure his signature if they win promotion out of the Championship this season.
The outlet reveals, though, that Celtic are not going to let the German dynamo leave without a fight and that they want a club-record fee of ÂŁ26m from any team looking to sign Kuhn in the summer transfer window.
Transfer Focus
It also states that Leeds have an interest in Sheffield United midfielder Gustavo Hamer, Manchester City playmaker James McAtee, and Krasnodar star Eduard Spertsyan, which shows that they have plenty of targets that they are ready to pursue upon promotion later this year.
Leeds are fully aware of how difficult the jump from the Championship to the Premier League is, which is why they will need to get their recruitment spot on, and current star Dan James is a great example of the difference between the two divisions.
The duality of Dan James
The Wales international’s career at Leeds is the perfect example of how big the gap between the Championship and the Premier League is, if you look at his production at the top end of the pitch.
James joined the Whites from Manchester United on a permanent deal in the summer of 2021 and ended his first season with a return of four goals and four assists in 34 appearances in the top-flight.
The 27-year-old flop was then sent out on loan to Fulham for the 2022/23 campaign and only managed a haul of two goals and one assist for the Cottagers, before returning to Elland Road to play in the Championship.
Appearances
58
66
Goals
6
23
Big chances created
8
26
Assists
5
13
As you can see in the table above, James has been incredibly more productive at the top end of the pitch at Championship level in comparison to his form in the Premier League with Leeds and Fulham.
These statistics suggest that he is more suited to second division football and that, despite his impressive form this season, he could be one of the players who Farke needs to sign an upgrade on in the summer transfer window.
Why Nicolas Kuhn could be a Dan James
Signing Kuhn from Celtic could ensure that the German head coach has the upgrade that he needs on the right flank, as his form in Scotland this season suggests that he has the potential to offer more than the Welshman.
Nicolas Kuhn
The left-footed wizard has racked up an eye-catching return of 17 goals and 12 assists in 34 matches in all competitions for the Scottish giants so far this term.
That is particularly impressive when you consider that Leeds’ top-scorer, Joel Piroe, has only managed 14 goals and six assists in 34 matches for the Whites this season.
This illustrates how big of a threat Kuhn could be for the Whites at the top end of the pitch as both a scorer and a creator of goals, in comparison to both Piroe and James.
There could be questions raised about the quality of the Scottish Premiership compared to the Premier League, but the German winger has also excelled in the Champions League for Brendan Rodgers this term – playing against the likes of Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Aston Villa, and RB Leipzig.
Appearances
9
xG
0.88
Goals
2
Big chances created
4
Assists
1
As you can see in the table above, Kuhn has produced six goals and ‘big chances’ created combined in nine appearances in Europe’s premier cup competition for the Hoops this season.
The 25-year-old star, who was once hailed as “magical” by Rodgers, is also unfortunate not to be on three goals in the Champions League, as he had a strike chalked off because of Adam Idah being ‘involved’ with play in an offside position against Bayern Munich.
Overall, Kuhn has shown that he has the quality to make a difference at the top end of the pitch against some of Europe’s best teams, whilst he has also been on fire across all competitions for Celtic, as shown by his return of 29 goals and assists.
The left-footed wizard has the potential to come in as a big upgrade on Dan James, who has consistently struggled against high-quality opposition in the Premier League, and as a bigger goal threat than Piroe, who he has outscored in all competitions this season.
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Therefore, Farke should push for the recruitment team to win the race for the former Bayern starlet’s signature if Leeds secure promotion to the top-flight ahead of the summer.
He, however, is happy with his progress and says he will be available to bat and bowl in the IPL
Alex Malcolm05-Jan-2023Australia allrounder Cameron Green has revealed he is “touch and go” for the first Test in India following finger surgery but he has allayed any doubts over his bowling availability in the IPL.Green broke his right index finger during the Boxing Day Test against South Africa in Melbourne. He was able to bat in Australia’s first innings with the fracture and made an unbeaten half-century but was ruled out of the Sydney Test after requiring surgery to repair the fracture.Related
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Speaking on SEN WA in Perth on Wednesday night, Green revealed his recovery timeline will be tight ahead of Australia’s first Test of a four-match series against India in Nagpur starting on February 9.”I think me and Starcy [Mitchell Starc] are maybe touch and go for that first one but obviously we’ll give ourselves the best chance,” Green said.”[It’s] going well. Had successful surgery in Sydney and the surgeon is really happy with how it went. I think he did Tim Paine’s successful surgery so it fills me with a lot of confidence.”The rehab is having two weeks of time, then two weeks to start running and get the shoulder and back moving just to double-check they haven’t frozen over. Then probably at the four-week mark I’ll try and hold a ball and see how that works. Try and hold a cricket bat and see how it feels. At the moment [the finger] feels really good, pain-free, so that gives me a bit of confidence in four weeks time that it will be all good. We meet [as a team] over in Sydney for the Allan Border Medal [ceremony], then we leave the next day to go to India.”Starc is also recovering from a left hand middle-finger tendon injury that also occurred in the Melbourne Test and ruled him out of Sydney.The Allan Border Medal ceremony will be held on January 30. The plan for Australia’s Test squad was to have an optional three-day training camp ahead of the India tour in Sydney to coincide with the event. The squad will then travel to India and have seven days of centre-wicket practice before the first Test with no warm-up game.That leaves Green with roughly ten days between holding a ball and bat for the first time and playing in the first Test in India, with two days lost to travel.Green is set for a monster stint in India as he is likely to remain after the completion of the Test series to play in the IPL following Mumbai Indians’ major purchase at the IPL auction.There had been written correspondence sent to the IPL franchises on December 23 prior to the IPL auction stating that Green would be unavailable to bowl for four weeks following the conclusion of the fourth Test on March 13.But Green was unaware of where that correspondence originated, stating that it was incorrect and that he would be available to bowl for Mumbai Indians from the start of the IPL.”No, that’s not correct,” Green said.”I’ve heard about this for quite a while now. I don’t know where it’s come from. We’ve spoken to the selectors.”I’ve heard that I’m 100% available for both skill sets in the IPL at the start, so yeah, I’m not too sure where that’s come from.”Obviously my first priority is the Test series that’s beforehand, getting myself right for the first Test.”Green was excited to be joining Mumbai Indians alongside three fellow West Australians in Tim David, Jhye Richardson and Jason Behrendorff.”It’s awesome,” Green said.”The Mumbai Indians feels a bit more like home than Australia. There’s more people from WA playing in the Mumbai Indians than there are in the Australian team. I think it’s the ideal situation that I hoped for to be in a really good team with great players around you and a great captain and a great coach and a great franchise, but obviously, having those four guys from WA is awesome.”
The Colombian musician was seen with the San Diego FC trio following his sold-out concert at Pechanga Arena during his San Diego stop
The music sensation posed with the three San Diego starsPlayers present J Balvin with customized No. 25 SDFC kitSDFC face St. Louis CITY next in MLSGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED
Following his energetic performance at Pechanga Arena as part of his 2025 North American tour, J Balvin welcomed San Diego FC stars Christopher McVey, Tomas Angel, and Pablo Sisniega backstage. The trio posed with the reggaeton superstar and even presented him with a personalized San Diego FC jersey featuring his name and the number 25. Balvin, a known soccer fan, spent time discussing both music and soccer with the players.
AdvertisementWHAT SAN DIEGO FC POSTEDTHE BIGGER PICTURE
San Diego FC have actively sought to establish cultural relevance within Southern California's diverse community since joining MLS as an expansion team in 2025. The club's outreach to global entertainment figures like J Balvin reflects the broader strategy of modern sports franchises to build fan connections through music, fashion, and cultural touchpoints beyond the pitch.
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J Balvin will continue his North American tour with upcoming stops in Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Houston. San Diego FC, on the other hand, return to action with a match against St. Louis CITY SC. They currently sit fourth on the Western Conference table with 17 points after 11 league games, thanks to a recent 5-0 win over FC Dallas.
West Ham United are now keen on signing a “superstar” striker, having identified him as their top target for the summer transfer window, according to a report.
West Ham's striker issues
The Hammers never seem to have much luck when it comes to signing strikers, with some big-name signings such as Sebastien Haller and Gianluca Scamacca failing to adapt to life in the Premier League.
Niclas Fullkrug was also brought in last summer, but the German struggled to replicate his form in the Bundesliga prior to picking up a hamstring injury, while Michail Antonio is set to be ruled out for the foreseeable future due to a car crash.
Jarrod Bowen is always a reliable source of goals, once again getting on the scoresheet in the 1-0 victory against Arsenal yesterday, but Graham Potter is keen to bring in an out-and-out striker in the summer transfer window.
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He’s keen on a new challenge.
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Talks have been opened with Corinthians forward Yuri Alberto, but the 23-year-old may just be a back-up option, as The Guardian have now revealed West Ham’s top striker target is Lille’s Jonathan David.
David is set to be available on a free transfer in the summer, upon the expiration of his Lille contract, and he is attracting the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with Inter Milan and Juventus also keen.
The report claims the Canadian now looks certain to leave Lille at the end of the season, but it remains to be seen whether the Hammers will be able to meet his high wage demands.
"Superstar" David destined for the top
The 25-year-old has been lauded as a “superstar” by Canada teammate Jonathan Osorio, and he has a very impressive goal record over the course of a number of years in Ligue 1, arriving in 2020 after impressing in Belgium with Gent.
Season
Appearances
Goals
2020-21
37
13
2021-22
38
15
2022-23
37
24
2023-24
34
19
2024-25
21
12
The Brooklyn-born forward also has 31 goals in 59 games for his national side, so it is little wonder he is attracting the attention of some big clubs, and it is promising news that West Ham are in the race for his signature.
Fullkrug has struggled in his debut season at the London Stadium, scoring just twice in the Premier League, but even if he finds his feet, the 32-year-old is not of an age to lead the line for the long-term future.
The same applies to Antonio, who is now arguably in the twilight years of his career, so a younger striker will be a necessary signing in the summer, and David fits the bill at 25-years-old.
Given the Lille star’s ability, it may be difficult for the Hammers to get a deal done this summer, especially considering they are very unlikely to have European football on offer, but if they are able to pull it off, he could be an excellent long-term addition to the squad.
West Ham United have reportedly made contact with a ÂŁ34m striker as Graham Potter looks ahead to his first full season in charge at the London Stadium.
West Ham transfer rumours
The Irons are currently 16 points clear of the Premier League relegation zone, sitting in 15th position. However, they are closer to the top four than they are the bottom three, with the club’s campaign on course to fizzle out.
There will be more optimism under Potter next season, though, and after a big summer spending spree last year, transfer rumours are already circulating ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Recent speculation has linked West Ham with a move to sign Club Brugge full-back Maxim de Cupyer ahead of Arsenal, whereas Southampton centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis is also on West Ham’s radar.
West Ham could also move for "magnificent" 11-goal striker alongside David
Graham Potter is keen to sign a striker this summer.
ByDominic Lund Mar 5, 2025
A new striker is once again set to be on the agenda for the Hammers, even though West Ham managed to sign Evan Ferguson on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion in January.
The Irishman is unlikely to make his move to the London Stadium permanent, though, resulting in rumours linking West Ham with a move to sign Jonathan David and Tammy Abraham.
David, currently at Lille, is out of contract at the end of the campaign and appears to be Potter’s top target. Reports have even claimed West Ham have tabled a £16.5m contract offer to sign the Canada international ahead of Barcelona.
Roma paid ÂŁ34m to sign Abraham from Chelsea, and he is now on loan at AC Milan. The Irons were exploring the possibility of a move earlier this month, and a new update on the Englishman has now emerged.
West Ham in contact to sign Abraham from Roma
According to TEAMtalk, AC Milan have no intention of making a move for Abraham permanent at the end of the season, opening the door for a return to the Premier League.
AC Milan'sTammyAbraham
The 138-career goal forward is open to the idea of returning to England, and West Ham have made contact by asking for preliminary information on Abraham.
West Ham aren’t alone though, with Everton doing the same in their own attempts to sign the 27-year-old, who actually shares the same agent as Irons star Mohammed Kudus.
AS Roma
120
37
11
Chelsea
82
30
9
Bristol City
48
26
4
Aston Villa
40
26
3
Swansea City
39
8
4
AC Milan
34
8
4
England
11
3
1
Abraham has come in for praise during his time in Italy from former England boss Gareth Southgate, who previously said the forward has “improved” after leaving England: “Tammy is having very good matches with the Roma shirt. Sometimes, a player is considered new by the staff, the team, but also by the fans. However, he has only improved and we are happy with what he has given on the field.
“He plays in a team that is fighting to be at the top, so every game is important. In Italy you have to work hard to find spaces. The fact that he plays in Serie A is a very good opportunity for him.”