Aston Villa star reveals what John McGinn told the squad amid Emery's "lazy" claim

Aston Villa star Ezri Konsa has claimed Unai Emery was right to call the players “lazy” after the draw against Sunderland, and revealed what was said in private by captain John McGinn.

Emery under pressure amid "lazy" comments

After Villa surrendered their one-goal lead and drew against newly-promoted Sunderland last weekend, it would be fair to say Emery was left very disappointed, saying: “As well, we were lazy sometimes defensively. For example, the way we conceded, we were lazy.

“When we are playing here, we have to fight in the duels and we were not fighting in all duels. I watched the goal we conceded and we were lazy.”

The comments have sparked a mixed reaction, with Danny Murphy querying why the Spanish manager doesn’t rotate his starting XI, if he believes the current crop aren’t giving maximum effort.

With the Villans without a win in their opening five Premier League games, pressure is starting to mount on Emery, who will be looking for a reaction from his players in the Europa League tie against Bologna this evening.

It is a bold strategy for a manager to be so publicly critical of his players, but Konsa has since leapt to the 53-year-old’s defence, insisting he was right to make the comments.

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The centre-back said: “Yeah, it’s a fair comment. I think everyone has seen the picture, seen the goal.

“Here we pride ourselves in trying to play a high line, it is something the boss has instilled since he first came. We didn’t quite get it right. Things have not been good for us so far this season. But there are blips in the season and we are going through that now. Hopefully we can move on.”

When asked whether Emery had made the comments privately, the defender said: “No. The boss is not a big speaker. Sometimes he keeps himself to himself.”

Konsa reveals that the Villa captain, on the other hand, did try and motivate the squad, saying: “People will talk about crisis meetings and things like that but we have got a great captain in John McGinn, who really takes the lead in stuff like that.

“After the game, he said a few words to keep us going, to keep encouraging us.”

Villa must respond against Bologna

There can be no denying that Aston Villa’s start to the campaign has been worrying, having scored just one Premier League goal, while also struggling to create chances despite scoring against Sunderland.

Moreover, the 3-0 loss against Crystal Palace is likely to be particularly concerning, with the defeat ending their imperious record at Villa Park, having previously gone 19 Premier League games undefeated on home soil.

Emery should be safe for the time being, given that the Spanish manager is responsible for transforming Aston Villa from a relegation-threatened side into Champions League quarter-finalists, but results must start improving soon, starting this evening against Bologna.

Amorim's next Gyokeres: Man Utd open talks to sign "phenomenal" £67m CF

Manchester United fans may be feeling a sense of disappointment after it was confirmed that Viktor Gyokeres would be joining Arsenal over a move to Old Trafford.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that a deal had been reached between the Gunners and the 27-year-old for a fee in the region of £63.8m including add-ons.

Ruben Amorim will undoubtedly have wanted to secure a reunion between himself and the forward after enjoying a successful stint together at Sporting CP.

However, his loss is Mikel Arteta’s gain, with the Red Devils’ hierarchy needing to identify other targets to help strengthen the club’s frontline ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Numerous players have previously been mentioned as possible targets, potentially needing to re-enter negotiations with multiple talents after missing out on Gyokeres’ signature.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker this summer

During the current transfer window, United have been touted with moves for a whole host of attacking stars who could change the club’s fortunes in front of goal.

The likes of Dušan Vlahović, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ollie Watkins have all been discussed as possible targets, but as of yet, no deals have been agreed for any of the aforementioned trio.

Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic

However, moves have been made elsewhere, including a deal for Benjamin Sesko after progress was made for his signature, according to TEAMtalk.

They claim that the Red Devils have already made contact with RB Leipzig over a move for the 22-year-old, who netted 21 goals for the German side across all competitions last season.

It also states that United’s director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, has pushed a move for the Slovenian international, who’s available for £67m, after missing out on a deal for Gyokeres’ signature.

Why United’s £67m target would be Amorim’s next Gyokeres

Given Gyokeres’ tally of 54 goals in his 52 appearances last season, it’s no surprise to see the Swede being a man in demand this window, having the tools to inject quality into any frontline.

Sporting Club's Viktor Gyokeres.

Having previously featured under Amorim before, a move to Old Trafford would’ve made sense for all parties, but ultimately, the club’s lack of Champions League football has cost them in their pursuit.

The prospect of facing the 27-year-old in the Premier League is certainly a frightening one for the Red Devils, undoubtedly highlighting the talisman they missed out on this summer.

However, the hierarchy shouldn’t be disheartened, desperately needing to back Amorim in his quest for success and pushing for other alternatives before the end of the window.

Sesko could prove to be the perfect alternative, being a younger option than Gyokeres, but also a just as effective striker given the stats produced by both last campaign.

When comparing their respective figures, the Leipzig talent managed to outperform him in various departments, handing the manager his next version of the impressive talisman.

Sesko, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by analyst Antonio Mango, may have been outscored, but did post the same goal per shot on target rate – highlighting he’s just as clinical with the opportunities that fall his way.

Games played

33

33

Goals & assists

18

46

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.4

Key passes made

1.1

0.5

Take-ons completed

52%

45%

Carries into final third

1.4

1.3

Aerials won

2.7

1.2

Aerial success rate

59%

50%

He also registered more key passes per 90 and completed more of the take-ons he attempted, subsequently able to get the ball into attacking areas and finish chances himself or provide others with the opportunities to improve their own tallies.

The Slovenian’s dominance doesn’t end there, winning more aerials and more of the battles he contested – handing Amorim the focal point he craves at Old Trafford.

£67m may appear to be a steep fee for a player who’s never played in England, but it would be a shrewd investment given the stats produced and the potential he holds.

Missing out on Gyokeres would’ve been a bitter blow, but ultimately it could be a blessing in disguise if Sesko can build on his impressive form from the 2024/25 campaign.

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New name: Everton join Tottenham in race to sign "absolutely brilliant" goalscorer

As The Friedkin Group look to kick on with their £150m spending spree, Everton have reportedly joined the race to sign an impressive winger who scored 33 goals last season.

Friedkin planning £150m spending spree

After already signing Thierno Barry, Mark Travers and Carlos Alcaraz, Friedkin are reportedly looking to make further statements this summer by completing a £150m spending spree. As part of that spree, David Moyes wants to sign a new right-back, a new No.6 to replace Abdoulaye Doucoure, a No.8 and a right-winger ahead of next season.

To that end, there are already several targets who could fulfill that quota. James McAtee reportedly remains Everton’s top target this summer and he could solve their No.8 problem. Meanwhile, an offer has reportedly been made to sign Juventus’ defensive midfielder, Douglas Luiz in what would be an excellent addition.

That would instantly be two tasks ticked off the list for the Toffees and two ideal additions. McAtee, in particular, would be one to watch after he showed glimpses of his talent at Manchester City even as he was denied consistent opportunities last season.

Earning the praise of Pep Guardiola when he did feature, the City boss told reporters after the young midfielder scored a hat-trick against Salford City: “I am so happy for him, he is a special player. A hat trick is not easy. He has an incredible sense in front of goal, he has the right tempo, he changed the rhythm to score and I am very happy for him.”

After potentially ending their midfield search, meanwhile, Friedkin could yet welcome their most impressive signing yet in the form of a clinical winger.

Everton enter race to sign Daizen Maeda

According to TeamTalk, Everton have now entered the race to sign Daizen Maeda from Celtic alongside Tottenham Hotspur, Brentford and West Ham United this summer. Whilst the Japan international won’t come cheap at £25m, his numbers suggest that such a fee could quickly prove to be an impressive bargain.

Appearances

51

Goals

33

Assists

12

With 33 goals to his name in all competitions as Celtic strolled towards another Scottish Premiership, it’s no surprise that Maeda found himself at the centre of praise.

Brendan Rodgers told reporters when asked about the winger: “If you are a young player coming through and want to give your honesty to the game, work, intensity and everything. No cheating, no nothing – even away at St Mirren, the penalty we got last week he tried to stay on his feet – he’s so honest to the game. Natural isn’t it? He’s been absolutely brilliant.”

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Maeda has the quality for the Premier League, there’s no doubting that, and Everton should do everything to land his signature this summer.

Their next Duran: Aston Villa considering move to sign "special" £60m CF

Aston Villa have a lot of work to do before their Premier League season gets underway next month with a home tie against Newcastle United.

Several summer departures will likely take place, with Emiliano Martinez reportedly keen on a move to Manchester United, while Jacob Ramsey is attracting interest from Nottingham Forest. But, with their PSR concerns now a thing of the past, plenty of new signings could also arrive through the door soon.

Aston Villa manager UnaiEmery

In particular, some confidence-boosting attacking additions look to be a priority, particularly if Ollie Watkins ends up joining Martinez as another first-team face to have left the building.

Aston Villa considering move for £60m striker

Watkins does look to have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to who he could pick as his next club after Villa, with it being reported that Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United are all keen on adding the England international to their respective sides.

Losing Watkins would be a notable blow, but Villa could begin to repair their depleted attack by adding reported target Alejandro Garnacho to their camp from the aforementioned Red Devils, alongside raiding Enzo Maresca’s men when going after a fresh centre-forward purchase.

An update from journalist Ben Jacobs via X indicates that Villa are in the running to land hot-and-cold Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson this summer, with Villa considering his name as they hunt down some more personnel up top.

It’s revealed that Chelsea won’t be pushing the ex-Villarreal attacker out the door – despite his hit-and-miss finishing ability – but they would consider bids if some are forthcoming, with Jackson reportedly available for around the £60m mark.

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How Jackson could be Villa's next Duran

It would be an almighty gamble on Villa’s end to splash out some significant bucks on such an inconsistent performer but there are similarities, not just in the way they arrived in the country, but in their play styles too.

Indeed, the Villans took a risk when they landed Jhon Duran for £18m back in January of 2023, only to be immediately vindicated when he became a clinical hero for Unai Emery and Co.

After all, Duran didn’t dive into the English game boasting the most mind-blowing numbers for Chicago Fire, with only eight goals coming his way from 28 appearances in the Windy City.

Yet, he instantly became a favourite in the West Midlands for his high-octane performances in attack, culminating in a huge chunk of his 20 goals for Villa coming last season when he bagged 12 strikes from just 29 outings.

Goals

7

3

Assists

0

0

Goal conversion percentage

23%

21%

Goal frequency (minutes)

89

79

Shots per game

1.6

2

Chelsea purchased Jackson for around the £32m mark in the same year the Colombian arrived in England, knowing plenty more could come from the 24-year-old in his new location, with Villa already on the receiving end of Jackson’s lethal bursts when he headed home this effort against them during his debut campaign in West London.

Indeed, Jackson fired home a promising 13 strikes in Spain before embarking on this daunting adventure with the Blues, and whilst there have been plenty of grumbles at Stamford Bridge over his wastefulness, he has shown in spells that he can be a deadly and impactful presence on his day, just as Duran has.

Amazingly, despite squandering a costly 43 big chances across his two top-flight seasons at Chelsea, Jackson does still have more strikes next to his name in the Premier League alone than Duran mustered up across his entire Villa Park stint, with 24 goals in 64 league clashes.

Despite that, there are stylistic similarities between the pair, as the numbers showcase.

Shots

3.08

4.27

Shots on target

1.38

1.93

Completed passes

12.3

16.2

Progressive passes

1.54

1.83

Shot-creating actions

2.97

2.54

Successful take-ons

0.73

0.42

Analysing the data, we get a sense that neither are particularly involved in the play in large spells, registering fewer than 20 passes per game.

Likewise, neither striker particularly grabs the ball and takes a player on, completing fewer than one dribble per 90 minutes. Crucially, they both possess the ability to play on the shoulder of the last man and have a gangly playstyle associated with their height. Duran is 6 foot 1, while Jackson is 6 foot 2.

Nicolas Jackson

The 24-year-old Jackson might well welcome a fresh opportunity at Villa, particularly when taking in Emery’s transformative powers that worked wonders on the likes of Marcus Rashford last season. He had experienced an equally challenging time at Manchester United before bouncing back well with the Villans, amassing a blistering four goals and six assists in claret and blue.

Moreover, it’s even clearer from the Spaniard’s track record with Duran that he could be the manager to get even more out of a scapegoated Jackson, with the Senegal international once being labelled as a “special” talent by journalist Rahman Osman.

Of course, this move might well backfire if the 24-year-old’s wasteful displays rear their ugly head once more in the West Midlands. But, much like with Duran, it feels like a shot in the dark worth taking.

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Newcastle eyeing move to sign 6'5 "freak" after completing scouting mission

Already closing in on a deal to sign James Trafford, Newcastle United are now reportedly eyeing a move to sign a towering midfield star who their scouts have already seen in person.

Newcastle "closing in" on James Trafford

It has been far from routine, but Newcastle look set to welcome their second signing of the summer following Antonio Cordero’s earlier arrival. As reported by Fabrizio Romano, the Magpies are “closing in” on securing Trafford’s signature in a deal that will see those at St James’ Park land a long-term target at long last.

Following an incredibly impressive season in the Championship, in which he played a key role in Burnley’s promotion, Trafford looks destined to become Newcastle’s new No.1 ahead of Nick Pope in the coming months.

The England international, who is still just 22 years old, represents an instant upgrade on the ageing Pope and will hand Eddie Howe one of the most promising young goalkeepers that European football has to offer.

It’s not just upgrades between the sticks that Newcastle are targeting this summer, however. Having already missed out on Joao Pedro and given up on their pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo amid his preference for Manchester United, the Magpies have set their sights on some fresh names.

That reportedly includes Anthony Elanga. The Nottingham Forest man instantly entered Newcastle’s radar following Mbeumo’s rejection and they’ve since had an offer rejected by those in the Midlands for his signature. Even after that rejection though, a deal could still take place with those in Tyneside expected to return with an improved offer.

That said, it’s not just Elanga on the shortlist with reports now suggesting that Newcastle have set their sights on signing a towering midfield star this summer.

Newcastle considering Amir Richardson move

According to NUFC Blog, PIF are now considering a move to sign Amir Richardson after Newcastle completed their scouting mission on the Fiorentina midfielder.

A player with a “freak athletic profile” according to analyst Ben Mattinson, Richardson stands at a staggering 6’5 yet remains an impressive technical player and one that Newcastle should push to sign.

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At just 23 years old, the Fiorentina star would be making his biggest move yet by swapping Italy for the Premier League and St James’ Park. Whether he would sink or swim is the big question, but all signs are pointing towards a player full of potential. As Newcastle look to add depth to Howe’s squad, Richardson could be one to watch this summer.

Approach made: Wolves now in direct contact to sign "amazing" £15m defender

Wolverhampton Wanderers have now made direct contact over a deal for an “amazing” defender, who could be tempted by a move to Molineux this summer, according to a report.

Summer rebuild needed at Molineux

The departures of Rayan Ait-Nouri and Matheus Cunha have left Vitor Pereira with work to do in the summer transfer market, but Steve Bull believes his former club could be capable of taking major strides next season.

Bull said: “Pereira had to pick up the pieces last season from Gary O’Neil and he guided us to safety.

“I am not sure he wants to do that this year. I think he wants to sell himself and get us at least in the top half of the table this season.”

Achieving a top-half finish after losing Ait-Nouri and Cunha would be a major achievement for Pereira, which would be sure to attract the attention of some top clubs, but a summer rebuild will be needed in order to make that goal a reality.

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One of the main reasons the Old Gold were drawn into a relegation battle last season was their very poor defensive record, shipping 69 goals in the Premier League, the highest number of any club outside the relegation zone.

As such, it is little wonder Wolves are looking at bringing in a new centre-back, and they have now held direct talks with Brighton & Hove Albion’s Igor Julio, according to El Diario Vasco (via Sport Witness).

Indeed, the Old Gold have called Igor over a potential move to Molineux, which could be of great appeal, given that Pereira’s squad is full of Brazilian and Portuguese players.

However, the Brazilian is currently prioritising a move to Real Sociedad, as he is keen to seal a move away from England this summer, and believes the La Liga side could be a good fit.

Julio could be "amazing" signing for Wolves

Wolves will be hoping the defender’s head can be turned, despite the interest from Sociedad, as he impressed considerably for Brighton last season, being singled out for praise by manager Fabian Hürzeler.

Hürzeler said: “He played now a good game against Newcastle. And I wasn’t surprised by this because I see him every training session and he’s an amazing professional player.

“He always wants to give the best. He always wants to be the best version of himself and that’s very impressive.”

The 27-year-old, who signed for Brighton for €17m (£15m) in 2023, also ranks in the 99th percentile for blocks per 90 over the past year, when compared to other centre-backs, and the 88th percentile for his pass-completion rate.

Having proven himself in the Premier League, Igor could be exactly the type of signing to help Wolves kick on and push for a top-half finish, but the interest from Real Sociedad could pose a major problem.

Terms agreed: Wolves breakthrough in move for "number 10" to replace Cunha

Wolverhampton Wanderers have agreed terms with a new “number 10” who could become Matheus Cunha’s replacement at Molineux.

Wolves aiming to replace Cunha after Man Utd transfer

The Old Gold are in need of a summer rebuild following a disappointing 24/25 Premier League season coupled with the fact they have already lost two of their star players in the transfer market.

The first to leave was Cunha, with Manchester United triggering the Brazilian’s £62.5m release clause in the opening days of the window.

Matheus Cunha

Then, just before the first transfer window was set to shut, Manchester City announced a deal for Rayan Ait-Nouri, with the left-back being named in Pep Guardiola’s squad for the Club World Cup.

As a result, Vitor Pereira should have some money to spend, and they have been linked with numerous players in June. In attack, Wolves are thought to be showing an interest in FC St Gallen striker Willem Geubbels, who is valued at just £8.5m.

Meanwhile, when it comes to full-back signings, Wolves are keen on Vladimir Coufal, who has left West Ham United after five seasons and is available on a free transfer.

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Pereira will be hoping the club can get some players through the door before the end of the month ahead of pre-season in July, and it looks as if Wolves have made a breakthrough in regards to an attacking addition.

Wolves agree terms with Celta Vigo’s Fer Lopez

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Wolves have agreed terms with Celta Vigo attacker Fer Lopez. A long-term deal has been agreed between the Old Gold and Lopez, and Wolves now just need to shake hands on a fee with Celta Vigo.

Interestingly, Lopez, who shares the same Gestifute agency as Jose Sa and other Wolves players, was spotted away on holiday with Wolves striker Jorgen Strand-Larsen, with the pair knowing each other from their time with the La Liga side.

Should Lopez join Larsen in the Midlands, Wolves would be getting a versatile left footed attacker. Capable of playing on the wing or as an attacking midfielder, ESPN editor David Cartlidge even described Lopez as a “unicorn”.

After coming through the Celta Vigo academy, Lopez, still just 21 years of age, has only made 20 senior appearances for his current employers, scoring four goals. However, a move to England with Wolves looks like it could be on the cards following the breakthrough on personal terms.

Better than Joao Pedro: Newcastle plotting offer for £85m "monster"

Newcastle United have accepted that a move for long-time transfer target Bryan Mbeumo may not work out this summer, with the Brentford forward reportedly preferring to sign for Manchester United.

Whether that will happen is another matter, and no longer the Magpies’ concern, for Eddie Howe and the powers that be have turned their attention to alternative options, Anthony Elanga and Mohammed Kudus among the targeted.

While Newcastle are in talks with Callum Wilson for a new contract, the ageing striker failed to register a goal contribution in the Premier League last season as he battled through injury problems, and some extra firepower to complement Alexander Isak wouldn’t go amiss.

Newcastle plotting to sign new striker

Brighton & Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro is right at the top of the shopping list, but Newcastle may well be plotting to sign an even more exciting centre-forward.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to Football Insider, Newcastle are considering an official move for Porto’s Samu Aghehowa in the coming months, having been keeping tabs on the prolific striker.

Though the 21-year-old has an £82.5m release clause in his contract, he could be sold for considerably less, with a fee of £63m mooted.

FC Porto's SamuOmorodioncelebrates scoring their first goal

Manchester United are also interested as they search for an upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund, and the Premier League competitors may well battle it out for the number nine.

What Samu Omorodion would bring to Newcastle

Tall, powerful and blessed with swift pace, Aghehowa has the fundamental skills to become a fearsome marksman in the Premier League, more still a perfect counterpoint to ther breezy dynamism of Isak.

He might not be the finished article, but this wouldn’t actually be a negative: Aghehowa would join a Newcastle team blessed with “the best striker in the Premier League” in Isak, as has been said by pundit Jamie Carragher, and Wilson, an experienced poacher.

It’s a fantastic mix, and one which could see Aghehowa springboard into the ascendency. Who knows, he might even prove an even bigger star than Pedro with some careful man-management over the coming years.

Though Pedro has impressed since joining Brighton from Watford in a deal worth around £30m two years ago, scoring 30 goals and providing ten assists across 70 matches, 18 of those strikes have come from the penalty spot.

Aghehowa’s ceiling is higher.

Joining Porto from Atletico Madrid last summer just weeks after a move to Chelsea collapsed, Omorodion has thrived in Portugal, scoring 25 goals across 42 matches in all competitions, including a six-goal haul in the Europa League that saw him fire two past Man United.

Pedro

Matches (starts)

30 (23)

27 (23)

Goals

19

10

Assists

3

6

Shots (on target)*

2.7 (1.1)

1.7 (0.7)

Big chances missed

18

7

Pass completion

79%

75%

Big chances created

5

11

Key passes*

0.6

1.1

Dribbles*

0.4

1.1

Duels won*

3.3

4.9

Hailed as a “monster in the making” with a “complete profile” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Aghehowa has the mark of an elite-level goalscorer, and while Brighton’s Brazilian forward is more creative and dynamic, Newcastle must invest their chips in the man who could become one of the deadliest number nines in the business.

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49ers now enter transfer talks to sign £16m+ star "open" to Leeds move

Leeds United are tooling up for a return to the Premier League and could now be closer to making their first signing of the summer window, according to reports.

Leeds United look towards Premier League comeback

Following playoff heartbreak against Southampton, Daniel Farke finally led his side to the Championship title this time around and will now focus on navigating the challenges top-flight football has to offer.

The Whites could have a transfer budget of over £100 million to play with this summer, which may go a long way to securing the survival that the 48-year-old craves in charge at Elland Road.

Ipswich Town act as an example that capital spent doesn’t necessarily guarantee a sustained place among England’s footballing elite, but there are valuable lessons to learn from promoted sides’ ill-fortune over the past few years.

Looking to buck that trend, Leeds are eyeing a statement move for former star Kalvin Phillips and have held internal talks to hatch a plan that could tempt him back to Yorkshire from Manchester City.

Evan Ferguson is another potential Whites signing with Premier League credentials that could thrive in the correct surroundings. Admittedly, he has stalled since his injury troubles, though his age may work in his favour if a deal were to be agreed.

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Callum Wilson and Jamie Vardy have been mentioned as free agent options to bolster Farke’s frontline. Again, any possibility of a swoop would depend on whether they would fit the wage bracket at Elland Road.

Focusing on the foil behind the main men, Leeds and the 49ers have now stepped up their pursuit of a talented attacking midfielder to support their pool of centre-forward options.

Leeds United hold talks over Emiliano Buendia move

According to TBR’s Graeme Bailey, Leeds have now held talks to sign Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendia. Having spent the second half of the campaign on loan at Bayer Leverkusen, the former Norwich City man is “open” to a move to Yorkshire and is someone who Farke trusts as his side look to retain their Premier League status.

Five most similar players to Emiliano Buendia (FBRef)

Eliesse Ben Seghir

Monaco

Enzo Millot

Stuttgart

Facundo Buonanotte

Leicester City

Jude Bellingham

Real Madrid

Xavi Simons

RB Leipzig

Labelled “delightful” by Dean Smith, Buendia registered five goals in 34 appearances across all competitions at his parent club and in Germany, though it is clear he needs to find a platform to gain regular minutes after a series of injury troubles.

Now, it remains to be seen if Leeds can pull off what would be regarded as a bit of a coup should they come to an agreement on a deal with the 28-year-old.

Buendia was regarded as one of the Premier League’s most talented stars outside the ‘Big Six’ not too long ago, so there is every chance Farke could reignite the Mar del Plata-born man.

Earlier this week, the Whites were said to be preparing a £16.8 million offer for the man in question, indicating there could be something in the water.

Eddie Howe battling to keep hold of "unsettled" £150k-a-week Newcastle ace

An “unbelievable” Newcastle United player is “unsettled” at the club amid doubts over his St James’ Park future, according to a fresh claim from journalist Graeme Bailey.

Newcastle players linked with summer exit

The Magpies will know the importance of signing some stellar players in the summer transfer window, but keeping hold of key men is equally as vital for Eddie Howe, as they look to become a force in the Premier League and Champions League.

Various Newcastle stars are being linked with moves away from St James’, including Anthony Gordon, who is reportedly once again the subject of interest from Liverpool. The 24-year-old was considered an option for the new Premier League champions last summer, but he ended up staying put.

Anthony Gordon looks dejected for Liverpool

Retaining the services of Alexander Isak is arguably more important than anything for the Magpies, with the Swede also linked with a summer switch to the Reds, as well as some other top clubs.

There is no indication that he wants to leave, and Newcastle will demand an eye-watering amount of money for him, but it is still a concern for supporters. Now, a new update has emerged regarding one of those players mentioned above.

"Unbelievable" Newcastle player is "unsettled"

According to The Boot Room‘s Bailey on X, Gordon is “unsettled” at Newcastle, with Howe doing his best to persuade him to stay at the club:

“TBR Football understands Anthony Gordon is attracting interest from several Premier League clubs ahead of the summer transfer window. Gordon is unsettled – but Eddie Howe wants him to fight for his place at Newcastle.”

Losing the £150,000-a-week Gordon would be an undoubted setback for Newcastle, considering what a dangerous attacking player he is, providing strong end product since arriving from Everton.

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What a superb signing he could prove to be.

ByHenry Jackson May 24, 2025

The England international has chipped in with 17 goals and 15 assists in the Premier League over the past two seasons, and Bruno Guimaraes absolutely loves his Magpies teammate, saying of him:

“He has been amazing, he is so quick, and when we get the ball to him, we know he is going to do something special. No one at the club deserves to be in the England squad more than him.

“He has been unbelievable, always scoring and giving some assists. He is a lovely guy as well, I am very happy for him and hope he can get some minutes for England.”

Hopefully, Gordon realises that Newcastle are the perfect club for him moving forward, especially if they can offer him Champions League football next season, helping him develop into a regular starter for England.

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