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A shock battle is brewing at Borussia Dortmund, as €22.5 million signing Fabio Silva aims to usurp star striker Serhou Guirassy in the starting XI. Nico Kovac has praised the ex-Wolves man as "accurate and clean" after his goal in the Champions League in midweek while Guirassy struggles with a thigh injury and a dip in form. With Silva pushing for a start against Koln, it comes as Guirassy's release clause puts Barcelona on alert.

• Kovac praises 'clean and accurate' Silva

  Guirassy is facing an unexpected challenge for his starting place from new signing Silva, according to a report from . While Guirassy battles a persistent injury and a rare goal drought, the €22.5m (£19m/$26m) summer acquisition has earned high praise from manager Kovac for his impressive substitute appearances.

  The 29-year-old Guirassy, who has been nominated for the 2025 African Player of the Year, is reportedly in danger of being benched for the first time this season for Dortmund's upcoming Bundesliga match against Koln.

  Kovac has been deeply impressed by Silva, 23, who has brought a new dynamic in his five substitute appearances, culminating in his first goal for the club during the 4-2 Champions League victory in Copenhagen on Tuesday.

  notes Silva is seen as the "exact opposite" of the struggling Guirassy, describing the Portuguese as "lively, hard-working, and technically strong." Kovac's praise highlighted Silva's tactical suitability and ball retention.

  "He's been very diligent in training," Kovac said. "Very accurate, very clean in his execution, very team-oriented. Fabio is coming in more and more. I'm trying to give him more and more minutes because he deserves them."

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  Guirassy struggling with persistent thigh injury

  Silva's emergence coincides with a difficult period for Guirassy. The Guinea international has scored just once in his last six matches across all competitions, a significant drought for a player of his calibre. According to , the slump is not merely tactical but physical. Guirassy is reportedly struggling with persistent thigh problems that have hampered him for weeks, an issue that flared up just before the recent international break.

  This injury is visibly affecting his performance, with reports noting he "can barely control the ball and appears insecure." This is a sharp downturn for the striker, who started the 2025-26 campaign in strong form with four goals in six Bundesliga appearances, on top of goals in the DFB Cup and Champions League. It pales in comparison to his explosive 2024-25 season, where he hit 21 top-tier goals and finished as joint-top scorer in the Champions League with 13 goals.

• Kovac backs 'insurance policy' Guirassy despite form

  Despite the internal pressure from Silva and Guirassy's physical struggles, Kovac recently offered his star striker a public vote of confidence. Speaking to , Kovac dismissed concerns over the temporary drought and insisted the 29-year-old remains central to his plans.

  "For me, Serhou is very, very important. He remains our insurance policy because he is a key part of this team," Kovac stated. The manager attributed the slump to increased defensive attention following his prolific scoring. "They are clearly trying to take our top striker out of the game. That’s why it’s not so easy for him. But I know that in the coming weeks, he will again give us what we need: his goals."

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• Guirassy’s contract situation attracts Barcelona

  The competition for the starting role comes amid fresh speculation over Guirassy's long-term future. According to Sky Germany, the striker's contract, which runs until 2028, contains a release clause that progressively decreases. After a clause valued around €75m (£65m/$87m) went un-triggered last summer, a new, lower figure will reportedly become active in 2S026.

  This has reportedly put clubs like Barcelona on high alert as they seek long-term striking options. Guirassy's record justifies the interest, with the forward scoring 44 goals in all competitions. In that period, only Harry Kane, with 59, Kylian Mbappe (58), Erling Haaland (46) and Robert Lewandowski (46) have scored more across Europe's top five leagues.

Being the massive club they are, Arsenal have had some genuine world-class stars play for them over the years.

Most fans will go straight to the likes of Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Robert Pirès, but there is another who perhaps deserves more respect: Cesc Fàbregas.

The Spaniard certainly tarnished his reputation in the way he left and then joined Chelsea, but during his time in North London, he was utterly incredible, racking up a tally of 57 goals and 95 assists in 303 appearances.

Arsenal have had their fair share of unreal midfielders since, but there is one player in Mikel Arteta’s current squad who could be on his way to emulating Fabregas at his very best this season.

Ranking Arsenal's best midfielders since Fabregas

A name that springs to mind when thinking about some of the best offensive midfielders Arsenal have had since Fabregas left is Aaron Ramsey.

The Welsh international was never on the same level as the Spaniard, but there were points in his tenure at the club when he was near enough unplayable.

For example, in the 13/14 season, the Cardiff-born monster scored 16 goals and provided nine assists in 34 appearances, and while he left for free in 2019, he did so with three FA Cups to his name, and as something of an Emiratés icon.

Another icon of the Emirartes era and one who arguably was as talented as the Como manager, but supremely unlucky with injuries, was Santi Cazorla.

The 40-year-old magician joined the club for under £15m in the summer of 2012 and went on to score 29 goals and provide 44 assists in 180 games before leaving in 2018.

However, the numbers alone don’t do the Lugo de Llanera-born star justice, as, at his best, watching him play football was breathtaking. He could use both feet with ease, could spot a pass way before anyone else and had sensational close control.

The firm fan favourite is perhaps one of the best examples of a ‘what if’ player, as at his best, he could do whatever he wanted.

Finally, when it comes to superstar midfielders in the years after Fabregas, you cannot ignore Mesut Ozil.

Yes, his last couple of years at the club were nothing short of a disaster, but for a significant period of his time in North London, he had a fair chance of being the best ten in the Premier League.

By the time he left the club, the former Real Madrid star had made 254 appearances, in which he scored 44 goals, provided 77 assists and won four FA Cups.

And now, it looks like one of Arteta’s signings could reach the levels Fabregas did this season.

The Arsenal star who could reach Fabregas levels

There is plenty of excitement around the potential of Ethan Nwaneri, and the arrival of Eberechi Eze has bolstered Arteta’s midfield options.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, in this instance, the player who could potentially reach the level of a prime Fabregas this season is Martin Odegaard.

Now, it’s undoubtedly true that last season was the Norwegian’s worst in an Arsenal shirt, and led many to consider whether he was good enough to lead the club.

However, it’s essential to remember that he suffered an ankle injury early on, and in the two previous campaigns, the “world-class” talent, as dubbed by ex-Arsenal star Paul Merson, was named the club’s Player of the Year.

Moreover, based on his performance in the last two games, he looks to be getting back to his very best, if not surpassing it.

For example, once he came off the bench against Newcastle United, his passing was perfect, and he got the ball to Declan Rice for him to cross to Mikel Merino for the equaliser.

Then, on Wednesday night, he started against Olympiacos and delivered what might be his most impressive performance in years, living up to the billing that he is “more complete than Bergkamp and Ozil” in the words of fellow Norwegian John Arne Riise.

The manager seemed to give him more license to roam, and so, instead of sticking to the right-hand side, he was popping up here, there and everywhere, and it was difficult to keep track of every brilliant pass through the Greek side’s backline he played.

While he did finally get his assist courtesy of a Bukayo Saka finish towards the end, on another night, he could have ended up with two or three.

Now, when you combine this renewed “sensational” passing ability, as one content creator put it, with the fact he’s being allowed to play more of a central midfield role and roam, it doesn’t feel absurd to suggest he could start putting in the sort of performances Fabregas once did at his prime.

Ultimately, there is still so much of the season to go, so if this is just the start of a fully fit Odegaard, then Arteta and Arsenal could have an incredible campaign with him pulling the strings in the middle of the park.

Arsenal have signed a "powerhouse" who looks like a new Saka-type player

Arsenal may have found a new talisman, akin to Bukayo Saka.

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By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Oct 2, 2025

GOAL reviews the major takeaways from Americans playing in Europe, including consequential goals from Pepi and Adams

There were two U.S. men’s national team stars on the scoresheet this weekend. One was expected – Ricardo Pepi, given how often he scores. The other? Not so much. Who had Tyler Adams popping up with a goal?

Pepi's goal came off the bench in a win. Adams, meanwhile, wasn't so lucky as his Bournemouth side succumbed to Manchester City, as so many do.

They weren’t the only ones to impress. While Christian Pulisic, Malik Tillman, and Antonee Robinson were unavailable, several other USMNT regulars made their mark at the club level. Chris Richards helped Crystal Palace keep a clean sheet, while Weston McKennie showed another layer to his game under a fresh manager.

The November international break is around the corner, and there will be some difficult decisions to make with that squad. This weekend, though, was largely a good one, setting the scene for the roster selection to come later this week.

GOAL looks at the major takeaways from this weekend's Americans Abroad.

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  PSV's Pepi problem

  Since making his return from injury, Pepi hasn't been starting for PSV. Instead, they've been leaning on Guus Til and Ismael Saibari to lead the attack. Peter Bosz, the club's manager, is the first to acknowledge that, while Til and Saibari have done so many things right, it is a bit unlucky that Pepi isn't getting his chance, too.

  "Pepi is my first striker," Bosz said. "It's just that things are going so well right now…. And he understands that."

  To Bosz's point, PSV have been scoring without Pepi. Saibari and Til both found the back of the net on Friday, but Pepi made sure he got in on the fun, too, scoring to send a message to his coach that things could be even better with him in the XI.

  Pepi netted PSV's fourth in a 5-2 beatdown of Fortuna Sittard, finding the back of the net in the 82nd minute. The goal came as part of a 30-minute cameo, one that Pepi, as always, made the most of. He now has three league goals in less than 300 minutes played. You can mix in his goal and assist in a six-minute cameo against Napoli in the Champions League, too.

  It seems, then, that it's a matter of when, not if, Pepi gets back into the starting XI. For now, though, PSV have a good problem: too many goal scorers scoring too many goals.

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  Adams stars, but Man City too much for Bournemouth

  Adams doesn't score often. In fact, he hadn't scored a single goal since arriving at Bournemouth. That changed on Sunday against Manchester City. For a few minutes, it seemed as if Adams' first Premier League goal would make a difference. It didn't happen that way because Erling Haaland exists, but it's still worth acknowledging what Adams' goal means in the big picture.

  After conceding an early goal to Haaland, Bournemouth fought back on Adams' first for the club: a scrappy finish to cap a set piece. What followed was, largely, not Adams' fault. City added two more goals of their own, one from Haaland and one from Nico O'Reilly, to effectively bury in the first 60 minutes en route to a routine 3-0 victory.

  Back to Adams, though. He has taken his game to a new level this season, running the show from the midfield. He's also now adding goal contributions to his game, which has long been the big knock against him. At this level, there are few better defensive midfielders in the world. Adams is proving that every week.

  Bournemouth will hope that the Adams' late injury scare Adams – he limped off the field – is just that and nothing more serious. They can’t afford to lose him. Sunday was further proof of that.

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  Reason for Reyna optimism

  It's no secret that Gio Reyna hasn't had the easiest season, or few seasons, to put it frankly. Maybe this weekend was a sign of progress, then, even if that was ever so slight.

  Having played just 36 minutes this month, Reyna got 12 minutes to work in Borussia Monchengladbach's 4-0 win over St. Pauli. In those 12, he looked something like the old Reyna. He created a chance, completed 16 of his 18 passes and completed two passes into the final third. Reyna, to put it simply, was dangerous.

  Yes, there are obvious caveats when it comes to the state of the game and the time left in it. But when it comes to Reyna, any sign of progress is worth applauding. The hope is still that, at some point, he can break into the starting XI, but, for now, this cameo provided some reason for optimism for a player that sure could use a little bit of that right now.

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  Richards' usage an issue?

  Richards has been playing a lot of soccer recently. He logged another 90 minutes on Saturday in a 2-0 win over Brentford. Even ahead of that game, Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner took aim at the USMNT for Richards' workload.

  “My only complaint is the U.S. team didn’t talk to us because Chris was struggling with his calf for many weeks,” he said on Friday. “We talked to them and said he should rest as they were just friendlies. But they played him twice, every single minute. That’s a little bit disappointing. On the other side, we’ve tried to manage his minutes here, resting him against AEK Larnaca, but you can’t cheat your body."

  Glasner became the second coach to raise concerns about USMNT duty, following AC Milan’s frustrations over Christian Pulisic’s usage. Yet the U.S. find themselves in a unique situation as World Cup hosts. Yes, they’re playing “friendlies,” but those matches are all they have to prepare without qualifiers.

  International soccer is part of every top player’s workload, and it naturally brings fatigue. The USMNT, as a result, are facing growing scrutiny – fair or not. It's a good problem, in a way. It's an indication that Richards is as vital for club as he is for country. As long as that continues, expect Richards to continue being among the first names on Glasner's starting XI. 

Aaron Ramsey’s disappointing tenure in Mexico has come to an end. The Welsh midfielder has officially parted ways with Pumas after terminating his contract, following a muscle injury and a personal ordeal involving the loss of his dog during a vacation in Mexico. The Mexico City club has yet to issue an official statement.

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  Move in the works for weeks

  According to ESPN, the club was simply waiting for Ramsey to appear at Cantera to complete the termination process. The former Arsenal and Juventus player made just six appearances for the Mexico City side, starting in three of them and totaling only 235 minutes on the field – though he did manage to score once.

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  The numbers Ramsey left behind in Mexico

  Ramsey’s time in Mexico was marked by inactivity. He arrived already carrying a long-term injury that delayed his debut with the team. And once he was finally fit to play, recurring muscle issues prevented him from maintaining consistency and kept him sidelined for much of the season.

  The situation worsened during the last FIFA window. While preparing to travel with his family to Wales, Ramsey lost his dog, which was staying behind in Mexico. The incident affected the midfielder, who ended up missing the call-up to his national team due to injury – and also failed to report back to Pumas for his rehabilitation.

  Reports indicate that Ramsey remained in Guanajuato searching for his pet, a situation that ultimately prevented him from returning to training with the university side.

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  Pumas lose key player ahead of the Liguilla

  Pumas lose Ramsey at a crucial moment in their bid to qualify for the Liguilla, as the team currently sits 14th in the standings and Efraín Juárez will no longer be able to count on one of his key players. 

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  What comes next?

  The Blue and Gold side will host Tijuana this Saturday in a must-win clash in the Apertura 2025.

Despite already having concerns about the depth of their attacking quality, Leeds United could now lose one of their most dangerous stars amid reported interest from Saudi Arabia.

Roy Keane delivers Leeds survival verdict

Leeds and the rest of the promoted sides have so far shocked the rest of the Premier League. Alongside Burnley and Sunderland, those at Elland Road are out to end the curse of the newcomer and become the first side in six to survive at the first time of asking back in the top flight.

As things stand, Leeds are four points above the dropzone and could even push into the top-half if results go their way after the international break. After Daniel Farke spent much of the summer airing concerns that his side lacked enough attacking quality, he will be delighted with how they’ve already secured a number of results.

Leeds now ramping up January move to sign "excellent" Serie A attacker

He could solve their attacking problems…

By
Tom Cunningham

Oct 8, 2025

Alas, the German’s work is far from done. Leeds must get back to winning ways after losing against Tottenham Hotspur last time out and continue what has been a solid start. Then, when January arrives, it will be all about keeping hold of their best players and, if reports are anything to go by, fending off interest from the Saudi Pro League.

Saudi billionaires readying Gnonto move

As reported by MOT Leeds News, Saudi billionaires Neom and Al-Ittihad are readying January moves to sign Wilfried Gnonto from Leeds. Backed by the riches of PIF, the two clubs could hand all parties a difficult offer to turn down, but those in Yorkshire must remain firm on their transfer stance.

With just less than three years remaining on Gnonto’s current deal, Leeds should be in no rush to cash-in on their talented winger midway through the current campaign. What’s more, when considering Farke’s attacking concerns, it’s clear that the Italian still has a role to play.

After featuring from the start in three of the four Premier League appearances to his name before a calf injury disrupted his season, Gnonto should have all eyes on returning to full fitness with a bang following the international break.

At 21 years old, he remains one of Leeds’ brightest attacking sparks and someone who has already earned praise from the likes of Jermaine Beckford, who once said: “He’s very direct, I’m a huge admirer of him.”

That said, not many have rejected the riches of Saudi Arabia in European football and Leeds may face an uphill battle to stand in the way of Gnonto when January arrives.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have tweaked their pitching plan for their upcoming NLDS series against the rival San Diego Padres.

Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman told reporters Thursday that Jack Flaherty will no longer take the ball in Game 1. Instead, the Dodgers will send rookie Yoshinobu Yamamoto to the bump on Saturday in order to have the 26-year-old available to pitch in a possible win-or-go-home Game 5.

Jack Flaherty, who the Dodgers acquired from the Detroit Tigers at the trade deadline, will get the start in Game 2.

In 18 starts this season, Yamamoto logged a 3.00 ERA with 10.5 strikeouts per nine innings. He landed on the injured list in mid-June with a rotator cuff strain and missed over two months until making his return Sept. 10.

Yamamoto made four starts after returning from injury last month, and he allowed six earned runs on 16 hits in 16 innings (3.38 ERA).

Flaherty pitched 55 1/3 innings for the Dodgers after the trade deadline and logged a 3.58 ERA and four quality starts in 10 outings.

Game 1 between the Dodgers and Padres is scheduled for 8:38 p.m. ET on Saturday. The Dodgers will host the Padres again in Game 2 on Sunday before the series shifts to Petco Park for Game 3 and, if necessary, Game 4.

Josh Allen treated his fellow Buffalo Bills quarterbacks on Tuesday night and took them to Game 4 of the World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees.

Allen wanted to show his gratitude to his quarterbacks, but he also knew Mike White is a huge Yankees fan. But, who was Allen supporting?

The quarterback admitted he roots for anyone "who's playing the Dodgers" since he grew up a San Francisco Giants fan. The Dodgers are one of the Giants' big in-state rivals. So, by default, Allen said he's rooting for the Yankees to capture a 28th World Series title, even though they're down 3–1 in the series.

Allen also said he wants to support the "local teams" in New York.

Allen picked a good game to take his quarterbacks to as the Yankees won 11–4 to stay alive in the World Series. White was probably happy with the outcome.

The Yankees will host Game 5 on Wednesday night before heading back to Los Angeles for a Game 6 on Friday if necessary.

Manchester City are said to be preparing for Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Junior, but rivals Manchester United are also among the clubs battling to sign him from the Spanish giants.

The Brazilian is one of the best wingers in world football currently, becoming a superstar at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Carlo Ancelotti heaping praise on him during their time working together.

“Right now, I think he is the most decisive player in the world. Everything he does is a dribble away from a defender, an assist or a goal, and he does it for the full 90 minutes – he just never stops.”

His current situation at Madrid isn’t necessarily the happiest, however, and journalist Guillem Balague has explained why there is some friction with Xabi Alonso.

“The manager has insisted Vinicius will not finish every game, that he needs to rest more, and Rodrygo will challenge him for a place on the left side of the attack. Xabi Alonso’s stance is rooted in authority and planning. Vini Jr, used to being indulged, has found it hard to adapt.”

Man City preparing offer for Vinicius

Now, a report from Spain claims that Manchester City are preparing a bid for Vinicius, with Premier League rivals United and Chelsea also in the mix to sign him.

There is apparently “no apparent intention to renew” his current contract, with Pep Guardiola’s side waiting to pounce and complete a stunning piece of business. He reportedly “doesn’t feel valued as he expected” at the Bernabeu, leading to “mounting tensions” emerging.

It goes without saying that the idea of Vinicius in a City shirt is an incredible prospect, given his status as one of the best footballers on the planet.

The 25-year-old possesses remarkable natural talent and skill, but most importantly, he backs that up with strong end product, bagging 64 goals and 44 assists in 217 appearances for Madrid.

Vinicius has also netted eight times for Brazil, and will likely be one of the star attractions at next summer’s World Cup, with former England international Owen Hargreaves lauding him last year.

“His finishing is crazy. His decision-making in front of goal is amazing. He looked very angry in the second half. I don’t know what Carlo [Ancelotti] said to him, but if he plays like that, he’s definitely unstoppable. We saw those clips there – four or five bodies around him, and they can’t even deal with him.”

Erling Haaland's Man City "escape route" as striker's opinion about Real Madrid shared

This would be a disaster.

By
Henry Jackson

Nov 1, 2025

If City were able to pair Vinicius with Haaland in their attack, it would make for stunning viewing, and he has the ability to be a future Etihad great if a move does materialise.

Pep can make Haaland even better by unleashing Man City's "proper maverick"

Didier Deschamps has confirmed he has received approaches from the Saudi Pro League regarding a coaching role after his tenure with the France national team concludes with the 2026 World Cup. The Bleus boss also categorically denied reports linking him with a return to Juventus or taking over the Brazil national team, reiterating his commitment to his pre-determined departure from the French setup.

• Deschamps acknowledges Saudi Pro League contact

  The successful manager of the French national team, has admitted to having discussions with a Saudi club regarding his career plans after he steps down from his role with Les Bleus following the 2026 World Cup.

  Deschamps told : "I may have had some contact, not specifically with them. I'm not going to name names, but they know my situation." 

  Deschamps had previously announced his departure from the French national team in January, marking the end of a reign that began in 2012. However, he was asked if there is a chance he will stay should they win the next World Cup.

  "That's false, absolutely," he said. "From the moment I made a decision – and I won't go back on it, that's clear – I'll be free after the scheduled deadlines, and I'm not ruling anything out."

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  Deschamps dismisses Juventus and Brazil links

  Deschamps moved to quash several persistent rumours about his post-France future. He firmly denied any interest in a return to Juventus, where he both played (1994-1999) and managed (2006-2007), leading them back to Serie A. 

  Similarly, the two-time World Cup winner (1998 as a player, 2018 as a coach) rejected claims linking him to the Brazil national team. A Brazilian media outlet had reported that the former Marseille coach might consider leading the Selecao, but Deschamps retorted: "False. Never say never, but I don't see myself managing another nation. Given what the French national team, La Marseillaise… mean to me, I can't imagine myself on the bench with another anthem."

  This strong declaration effectively rules out a significant portion of potential future roles, narrowing his options to club football, with a return to Paris Saint-Germain also not being ruled out entirely. "I'm not ruling anything out, I'll be available," he replied to a question about PSG. "But I don't have anything in mind at the moment. Depending on the offers, I'll choose. I'm not ruling anything out. I'm not focused on anything specific. I don't know and I don't want to know what my future holds. It doesn't concern me. I repeat, I'm not closing any doors except for managing another national team, unless I change my mind. But I highly doubt that."

• Dembele injury saga and PSG tensions

  Meanwhile, Deschamps has had to navigate ongoing tensions with Paris Saint-Germain concerning player injuries, particularly that of Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele. Dembele was forced off after just 25 minutes during PSG's Champions League defeat against Bayern Munich last week, exacerbating a frustrating season for the 28-year-old who has suffered a string of injuries.

  Speaking at a press conference where the France squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers was announced, Deschamps expressed his sadness. "I'm especially sad for Ous. Last season, he was spared from injury, and now he's been hit with a string of injuries," he told reporters, as highlighted previously. He made it clear he would not "add fuel to the fire" in the ongoing feud between Les Bleus and PSG over player fitness.

  "I'm not interested in controversy. We have one thing in common: his absence isn't good for PSG or for us. I hope he recovers quickly," Deschamps maintained, careful to avoid direct criticism of the club's management. The history of injuries to French players while on international duty, including Dembele and Desire Doue in a World Cup qualifier against Ukraine, has led to public anger from the Ligue 1 champions, who claimed the injuries were "serious and avoidable."

  Deschamps reiterated the inherent risks of football. "What happens at PSG is their business; I don't have all the information. I wouldn't presume to say anything about any club; they decide, they have the information to decide. Just like us. There have always been exchanges, as is the case here with Ousmane's injury. When tests are done, they are communicated both ways. Of course, the interests of clubs and the interests of national teams aren't the same. But there have always been exchanges regarding the tests and diagnoses. I'm not here to change the medical protocol. The fact that clubs can be given more decision-making power than national teams isn't up to me to decide. I'm not in Luis Enrique's position, just as he's not in mine. From the moment his players are on the pitch, there's a risk."

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• France's World Cup qualification push

  Despite the off-field discussions about his future and the ongoing injury concerns, Deschamps remains focused on his immediate objective: securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup. France currently leads Group D standings in the qualifiers with 10 points from their four games.

  Les Bleus face Ukraine on November 13 and Azerbaijan on November 16 in their final set of qualifiers. With only one more point required to guarantee their place at the World Cup, Deschamps' men will be determined to secure maximum points against Ukraine. This would not only confirm their qualification but also ensure they top the group, potentially allowing Deschamps to rest key players against Azerbaijan and provide opportunities to those who have had fewer chances.

Newcastle United and PIF have now made their first move in the race to sign Brentford striker Igor Thiago, who has matched Nick Woltemade all the way for goals so far this season.

Whilst the Magpies have clear problems in front of goal in the Premier League – proven by their 3-1 defeat against West Ham United last weekend – their problems once again disappeared on the European stage.

Easing to a 2-0 victory over Athletic Club, both Dan Burn and Joelinton got themselves on the scoresheet in a refreshing change for Eddie Howe. With a trip to face Brentford up next, the Newcastle boss will simply be hoping for a repeat.

Speaking to reporters after securing a third-straight Champions League victory, Howe said: “Yes, it’s a big prize for us and our eyes are very much on it, and I want the players to be feeling the same.

“We said at the start of the Champions League campaign that we didn’t want to have that feeling that we were just pleased to be in the competition. It’s serious. We want to progress. We’ve put ourselves in a stronger position now to do that after the first defeat, but there are still many challenges ahead.”

Progressing on the European stage has certainly been no problem for those in Tyneside so far, but there’s no denying that their Premier League form has suffered at the same time.

Howe must boldly drop Newcastle star who has now moved clear of Isak

Newcastle fought their way to a 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League.

By
Angus Sinclair

Nov 6, 2025

Finding the balance and squad depth needed to thrive in both competitions should be Newcastle’s priority in 2026. As things stand, they’re six points adrift of the top four and, to make matters worse, it is Sunderland who sit in fourth place.

Following a slow start, those at St James’ Park should set their focus on the January transfer window and potentially welcoming attacking reinforcements.

Newcastle launch first Igor Thiago move

As reported by Trivela and ESPN Brazil and relayed by Sport Witness, PIF have now launched their first enquiry to sign Thiago for Newcastle in an addition that would certainly help solve their recent goalscoring woes.

Just like in their search for a striker in the summer, however, the Magpies aren’t alone. Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa have also reportedly enquired about Thiago’s availability to spark an all Premier League race for his signature.

Having matched Woltemade for goals so far this season, Newcastle’s interest in Thiago should come as no surprise. Dubbed “powerful” by Brentford boss Keith Andrews earlier this season, the towering forward also crucially earned Alan Shearer’s seal of approval.

The Newcastle legend said: “He barely played last season because of injury but he got his two goals in that half and that’s what a striker is going to get judged for. He looks like he can fill the void left by Mbeumo and Wissa.”

After signing Yoane Wissa in the summer, Newcastle should make a return to West London to sign Thiago when 2026 arrives.

Newcastle hold internal talks to sign Ederson