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Ryan Mason currently has his West Bromwich Albion troops out at a pre-season camp in Austria ahead of the new Championship campaign getting underway next month.

A behind-closed-doors friendly match will take place between the Baggies and Dynamo Kyiv this coming Friday to officially get the second-tier side’s pre-season up and running, with Mason perhaps selecting brand-new £4.7m buy Aune Heggebo from the get-go to see what he’s made of in attack.

Mikey Johnston will also be linking up with the pre-season camp shortly, although this isn’t the planned-out route the ex-Celtic winger would have envisaged for himself this summer, as a move to Brazilian giants Flamengo, unfortunately, collapsed at the final hour.

The lowdown on Johnston's failed move to Flamengo

It was a deal that suddenly arrived from left field, but it had been reported that Johnston was going to move out to South America for a fee around the £5m region.

It’s stated that a move fell through – according to reports from Brazil – over concerns emerging over the Republic of Ireland international’s long-term availability fitness-wise, with Johnston prone to significant time out of the Baggies side through injury.

This will have come as a devastating blow to Johnston, considering it was rumoured that the 26-year-old was in line to earn a whopping £1.2m a year at his new Rio De Janeiro home, as opposed to banking £650k a year at the Hawthorns.

It remains to be seen whether the 5-foot-9 winger will be content with staying put at the Championship side after such an ordeal, with the potential loss of Johnston obviously hurting Mason and Co. after he fired home a promising three strikes in league action last season, even as West Brom’s promotion push fell to the wayside.

However, not all hope will be lost if Johnston does move on to another suitor down the line, especially if Mason can flex his past Tottenham Hotspur connections to land this rising North London talent to replace the outgoing Irishman.

Mason's dream Johnston replacement

West Brom has been a hotbed for some exciting, young talent from the Premier League in the not-so-distant past, with Romelu Lukaku once calling the Hawthorns his temporary sanctuary on loan away from parent side Chelsea.

Mikey Moore could be the next future star that gets his senior career up and running in style in the West Midlands, with reports last month speculating that the 17-year-old Spurs prodigy is being looked at by the new Baggies boss, having worked with the teenage sensation when coaching at the Premier League side.

He has already made a splash in the senior side at Thomas Frank’s men, with this sublime solo strike in Europa League action kickstarting his men’s career at Spurs, but he will be desperate for more long-standing first-team opportunities if a move to the Hawthorns is finalised.

Moore might well be ready to take over from Johnston down the left wing if given the chance to do so, with the 17-year-old’s main skills resting on his ability to play across a wide array of attacking positions – away from his blistering powers of picking up goals and assists for fun – including down the ex-Celtic man’s trusty left-hand side.

Moore’s career G/A record by position
Position played	Games played	Goals scored	Assists
LW	18	4	6
AM	8	6	4
CF	7	11	4
RW	6	1	0
Sourced by Transfermarkt

Indeed, when looking at the above table, it’s clear that Moore can shine all across the attacking positions. But, his preferred position does look to be on the left wing, with a stunning four goals and six assists coming his way here from 18 outings in the English capital.

Therefore, any gaping hole left behind by Johnston down the line could be effectively filled in by the “future superstar”, as he’s been referred to by football analyst Ben Mattinson previously.

After all, he has also been donned as “fearless” by Spurs teammate James Maddison recently, meaning he could take to the pressures of being one of West Brom’s main options here in his stride, with the troubling issue of Johnston wanting to move on resolved by this promising loan capture.

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By
Kelan Sarson

Jul 7, 2025

In what would be a major boost for their transfer plans, Newcastle United are now reportedly confident of landing a bargain deal to sign an £85m star this summer.

Losing out in the race for Bryan Mbeumo and then Joao Pedro, Newcastle have struggled to land their top targets even after qualifying for the Champions League last season and now they must go back to the drawing board. The money is there for PIF to spend, as highlighted in offers for Anthony Elanga as well as Pedro, but it looks as though whoever arrives will not be Eddie Howe’s top choice.

That’s not to say there is no plan B, however. Since Pedro’s decision to join Chelsea, Newcastle have been linked with moves for the likes of Samu Aghehowa whilst fresh reports have emerged that they’re set to return with another bid for Elanga.

Signing both attacking reinforcements would quickly make their Pedro and Mbuemo failures an afterthought while handing Howe the attacking depth that he has needed for some time.

Starts

31

23

Goals

6

19

Assists

11

3

Expected Goals

4.5

14.1

The partnership that Aghehowa and Elanga could form alongside Alexander Isak is a mouth-watering prospect for those at St James’ Park, who could see their side pick up where they left off after reaching the Champions League and winning the Carabao Cup last season.

Having already seen their first bid rejected for Elanga, the big question will be whether Nottingham Forest will change their stance. After qualifying for Europe themselves last season, the Tricky Trees are in no position to sell their best players and could deal Newcastle an instant blow as a result.

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If that does prove to be the case, then the Magpies will be forced to turn towards their third-choice option.

Newcastle confident of landing cut-price Kudus deal

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, PIF and Newcastle are confident of landing a cut-price deal to sign Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United this summer. The Hammers reportedly need to sell their winger in the coming months, which should see his price-tag drop from his £85m release clause towards a far more affordable price.

Leaving Newcastle to take full advantage, Kudus represents an excellent Elanga alternative – especially if he rediscovered his most clinical form at St James’ Park following a tough season in London.

Starts

31

31

Goals

6

5

Assists

11

3

Successful Take-ons

25

92

Key Passes

50

31

Although Elanga outperformed Kudus on the output front last season, Kudus still stood out at times in a struggling West Ham side and his direct take-on success would provide Newcastle with a unique ball-carrier next season.

Even as the Hammers stuttered, manager Graham Potter was full of praise for his winger, telling reporters in March: “Speaking personally, he’s been great with us in terms of how he’s worked every day, fantastic. He has built his fitness up, built his condition up to the point where he can sustain things a lot better now.”

Celtic are looking to retain their Scottish Premiership title next term and could look to bring in a talented competitor for Kieran Tierney at left-back, according to a report.

Kieran Tierney's Celtic return kicks off busy summer of transfer activity

Brendan Rodgers could be a busy man at Celtic this summer in the transfer window. Tierney’s homecoming at Parkhead should officially be announced any minute as fans wait for confirmation of his return to Glasgow’s east end.

Joining on a free transfer from Arsenal, the Scotland international comes back to his boyhood club on a mission after winning eight trophies during his first spell and establishing himself as a modern-day icon.

Bowing out with a goal in his final appearance for the Gunners at Southampton, Tierney is expected to be joined by Aberdeen goalkeeper Ross Doohan at Celtic.

The Lennoxtown academy graduate came through at the same time as Tierney and will report back to Parkhead once his contract at Aberdeen expires.

Speculation over Rodgers’ future as he enters the final year of his deal has become a talking point in the off-season. Regardless, former scout Mick Brown expects Celtic to spend big this summer following their Scottish Cup final defeat last weekend.

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He stated: “There’s been some talk about the manager’s future as well, and I’m sure he expects to be backed. The board have to show that they’re behind him and they share his ambitions.

“So I think they’ll be prepared to spend big this summer, it’s something they have to do because otherwise they risk that gap closing.”

Tapping into that theme, Celtic are now reportedly eyeing a swoop for a competitor to Tierney who could arrive to strengthen the ranks at left-back.

Celtic enter race to sign Peterborough United left-back Harley Mills

According to The Scottish Sun, Celtic have entered the race to sign Peterborough United full-back Harley Mills as they seek depth to supplement Tierney’s arrival.

The 19-year-old started the campaign at Enfield Town on loan, but returned to his parent club and scored in their famous 2-0 victory over Birmingham City in the Vertu Trophy final at Wembley Stadium earlier this year.

Harley Mills in League One for Peterborough United (Fotmob)

Duels won

53

Tackles won

16

Dribble success

66.7%

Interceptions

11

Aerial duels

17

Recoveries

26

Combining his outings at both clubs, Mills made 25 appearances across all competitions this term and has previously been labelled “outstanding” by Jamal Campbell-Ryce.

Fulham have been interested in the youngster and Peterborough are said to be mulling over a £1 million offer made for his services, though Celtic may now hope to swat aside rival suitors to land their man.

Greg Taylor appears set to leave Parkhead under freedom of contract and no indication has come forth regarding Jeffrey Schlupp returning after his loan spell, which has opened up a space for Mills to potentially join Celtic and rival Tierney if they can push a deal over the line.

Everton are on the verge of entering a new era under David Moyes and he has now identified an exciting transfer target that their hierarchy are willing to heavily pursue, per reports.

Everton look forward to a new dawn under David Moyes

The Toffees are on the verge of ending their lengthy association with Goodison Park, and it isn’t in the least bit surprising that supporters are fighting tooth and nail to witness their final match against Southampton in L4. David Moyes has steadied the ship at Everton and secured their Premier League status for another year, paving the way for an exciting summer under the guise of The Friedkin Group.

PSR regulations will ensure that clever additions need to be uncovered to avoid any conflict, though it is fair to say the Blues aren’t alone in that regard. According to reports, Everton are eyeing a move for Lazio loanee Nuno Tavares, who is expected to complete a permanent switch to the Italian giants this summer and then be sold on for profit.

He could be set for an immediate return to the English top-flight if circumstances align. The former Benfica man could be joined by Emanuel Emegha after the Dutch forward emerged as another Toffees target.

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Everton are in the market for a new centre-forward this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 1, 2025

Richarlison arriving to kickstart Everton’s new era hasn’t been ruled out and fans are rightfully ecstatic at the prospect of heading for Bramley Moore Dock, albeit a little emotional about leaving Goodison Park behind.

Change is needed to a playing squad that looks set to encounter mass surgery, with several established stars leaving to make way for fresh blood. Now, further information has come to light on who Moyes could look to bring into the fold during the off-season.

Everton board ready to back Moyes move for Gustavo Hamer

Per Football Insider, Everton’s interest in Sheffield United midfielder Gustavo Hamer is growing as their hierarchy are willing to back Moyes with funds to strengthen their starting XI come the summer.

The Scot wants to add creativity to his industrious side and the former Netherlands Under-20 international is seen as an ideal option to help fashion chances from the engine room, having initially been added to a shortlist of several targets earlier this week.

Gustavo Hamer’s record in 2024/25
Appearances	42
Goals	9
Assists	7

Enjoying a campaign where he has been red-hot after winning the Championship player of the season award, Hamer has completed 45 successful dribbles and laid on 71 opportunities for his teammates.

Abdoulaye Doucoure’s uncertain future on Merseyside has hastened the search for a new midfielder as his contract runs into its final few weeks. Notably, West Ham United’s Tomas Soucek and Sunderland wonderkid Chris Rigg have been mentioned as alternative targets.

Furthermore, any move for Hamer may hinge on whether Sheffield United claim promotion from the Championship, where they are set for the playoffs after Leeds United and Burnley sealed a return to the top-flight.

Everton are in the market for talent to rejuvenate their squad and Hamer would be a terrific asset that would please supporters should he arrive this summer.

It’s unfortunate but undeniable: the wheels are coming off for Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham Hotspur.

The Australian’s time in North London started so positively as a ten-game unbeaten streak actually had them at the top of the Premier League for a time.

However, this season has been a total disaster, and while there is still a chance they win the Europa League, it feels like his time is up in N17.

With that said, even though so much has gone wrong, Postecoglou has overseen some brilliant signings, including one now worth millions more than Micky van de Ven.

Postecoglou's best Spurs signings

So, before getting to the player in question, it’s worth reviewing some of the best additions made under Ange’s tenure, starting with perhaps one of the best bargains in recent years: Lucas Bergvall.

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The midfield maestro only cost the club around £8.5m last winter, and since officially joining up with the squad at the start of this summer, he’s seen his valuation explode with Football Transfers now valuing him at €31.3m, which comes out to about £27m.

It’s not hard to understand why this has happened as, despite being just 19 years old, the “generational” talent, as dubbed by journalist Mitch Fretton, has made 44 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring one goal, providing four assists and making some of the team’s senior midfielder look bad.

Drop back into defence, and we come across another of the manager’s best signings, Van de Ven.

The Flying Dutchman joined the North Londoners for around £43m in the summer of 2023, and while he has undoubtedly had more than his fair share of injury problems since then, he’s been incredible when he’s played.

While the 24-year-old is a “complete & dominant” centre-back, as talent scout Jacek Kulig described him, it’s no secret that one of his greatest strengths is his sensational speed, which is what allows the team to play such a high line at times.

For example, in a game against Brentford last season, the Wormer-born titan set a new Premier League record for fastest sprint, coming in at an incredible 37.38km/h.

Since joining the club, Van de Ven has seen his valuation increase to €62m per Football Transfers, which is about £53m, and yet even with that increase, there is another Postecoglou signing who is worth millions more.

The Ange signing worth millions more than Van de Ven

So, while some of you may be thinking of players like Dominic Solanke or maybe even Brennan Johnson for the goals he’s scored this season, you’d be wrong.

Instead, the man in question is none other than teenage sensation Archie Gray, who only joined the club for around £30m from Leeds United last summer.

However, in the almost ten months since that deal was agreed, the youngster’s valuation has exploded, with Football Transfers now pricing him at an astounding €72.5m, which comes out to around £62m, or £32m more than his transfer fee and £9m more than Van de Ven’s current valuation.

Now, that might sound rather absurd to some of you out there, but we reckon it’s not far off the mark, as while he’s seen his game time reduced somewhat in recent weeks, the Englishman has undoubtedly been one of the Lilywhites’ most impressive performers this term.

For example, due to the injury crisis earlier this season, the “ridiculous” talent, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, had to step into the defence, and despite being a central midfielder by trade, he did a commendable job.

Centre-Back

19

Right-Back

8

Left-Back

5

Defensive Midfield

3

Other

5

Across all competitions, the Durham-born gem has made 19 appearances at centre-back, eight at right-back, five at left-back and just three in defensive midfield, lending credence to Kulig’s description of him as a “Swiss army knife.”

Ultimately, this season has been a trial by fire for the Lilywhites’ exciting crop of youngsters, and like the rest of them, Gray has come through it with flying colours and is looking better than ever.

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She reined her batting in at the start as the WACA conditions demanded, before unleashing boundaries all around the strip to break records in front of her proud parents and awed opponents

Tristan Lavalette16-Feb-2024In the last over before tea on day two, just 10 runs away from a historic Test double-century, Annabel Sutherland was desperate to reach the milestone. With Australia’s first innings lead nearing 450 runs against South Africa at the WACA, she was unsure when her captain Alyssa Healy would declare.Sutherland made her intent clear by smashing seamer Nadine de Klerk for a gorgeous boundary through mid-on off the first ball. Just six runs away, Sutherland then swung wildly across the line aiming to hit over midwicket but did not connect. The crowd of 1300, a figure that had surpassed expectations with history in the air, almost simultaneously groaned.”I was keen to just get it out of the way and played a dodgy shot… tried to hoik one over midwicket. I had to take a bit of a breath,” Sutherland told reporters after play.Related

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She had words of encouragement from batting partner Kim Garth and regained her composure. Sutherland smashed boundaries off the last two balls before tea to become just the 10th player in women’s Test cricket history to score a double-century.”It’s pretty special, probably hasn’t quite sunk in yet what exactly it means to me,” she said. “So nice just to spend the day out there and soak up what a great place it is to bat on the WACA.”Having reached the landmark on her 248th delivery, she had easily smashed the fastest double-ton – the previous record (308 balls) was held by Australian great Karen Rolton. At 22, Sutherland became the youngest batter to reach the feat behind only India’s Mithali Raj.Sutherland was within reach of the world record women’s Test score – 242 by Pakistan’s Kiran Baluch against West Indies in 2004 – but firstly she needed to surpass the Australian highest score of 213 by team-mate Ellyse Perry – a player she has often been compared to.Shortly after tea, unaware of the records in her wake, Sutherland fell agonisingly short on 210 after failing to execute a scoop shot off left-arm spinner Chloe Tryon.”I’m very happy for her to keep that record, she deserves it,” Sutherland said of Perry. “I’ve definitely picked her brains along the way.”The dismissal ended her 256-ball masterpiece, which included 27 fours and two sixes. Sutherland earned a standing ovation from the crowd, including from her parents. James Sutherland, her father, was a long-time former Cricket Australia chief executive.”I just gave him a hug before. I think they’re just super proud and so nice for them to be here,” she said of her parents.

“I’m very happy for her to keep that record, she deserves it. I’ve definitely picked her brains along the way.”Sutherland on not beating Perry’s record for highest women’s Test score by an Australian

With a number of batters in the match undone on a green-tinged surface by driving on the up early in their innings, a cardinal sin at the WACA, Sutherland superbly implemented a disciplined approach.She was extremely watchful early and only scored seven runs off her first 35 balls faced. Once settled, Sutherland unfurled belligerent strokes around the wicket. She confidently counterattacked the second new ball to smash consecutive fours off debutant quick Masabata Klaas – who had torn through Australia’s top order on day one – and registered her second Test century shortly before lunch.”First 20 to 30 balls… the most challenging at the WACA, just getting used to the bounce and the pace,” Sutherland said. “I was thinking about that and felt like I left pretty well early.”It was just about staying sharp, but if the ball was there to hit, keep in good position and go with it.”It continued a superb all-round performance for Sutherland, who had taken 3 for 19 in South Africa’s first innings of 76.Sutherland’s knock earned high praise from her opponents. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen that good an innings live,” de Klerk said. “She put bowlers under pressure and was aggressive even when we took the new ball and just took us on.”Spin didn’t work, seam didn’t work and she was just smashing us all around the ground. That was a brilliant innings.”

That they managed to score 180 despite a wobble suggests the opportunity cost of going hard all the way is not that high

Sidharth Monga03-Apr-20221:30

Did Punjab Kings get their tactics spot on?

It was clear at the auction table the kind of cricket Punjab Kings were going to play this season. They went after big hitters, and managed to successfully put together an exciting team. Eleven matches into the tournament, they are the only team batting at more than 10 an over in the powerplay. In fact, their 10.94 is 2.11 an over better than the next best. They are averaging 11 sixes per innings, only 1.5 behind the leaders Rajasthan Royals on that count. They have also lost 23 wickets, which makes it higher per innings than any other team.Some of this proactive batting approach has been dictated by their losing two tosses out of three, which means they have had to undertake the task of putting on dew-proof totals on two occasions. On both occasions, they have given it a red-hot go. That they haven’t been able to post those above-par totals is a different story; they still have one win out of two batting first.But it is refreshing to see them adopt the same approach against Chennai Super Kings even after getting bowled out for 137 against Kolkata Knight Riders in their previous such attempt. In that match, only when they had lost five wickets did they do something conventional: hold Odean Smith back for the death overs. Having lost that match, it must have taken a strong commitment to that style, especially after they lost two early wickets against Super Kings.Related

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Liam Livingstone, though, unleashed an all-out attack to threaten to take them past 200. That they couldn’t post such a huge total will be a matter of a small concern for them despite managing to win by a massive margin of 54 runs. Kings are clearly one of the most exciting teams to watch this IPL, but if they are missing one thing, it is depth in batting.Jonny Bairstow’s arrival will add to quality in the middle overs, but it won’t stretch their batting line-up beyond No. 7, which is where Smith bats. When the pitches get slower, it might become a bigger issue for them, but they still acknowledge that they can’t afford to play conservatively especially when batting first.Mayank Agarwal, their captain, spoke of the importance to keep playing in this manner but having the “emotional intelligence” to not get bogged down if it doesn’t come off. Agarwal himself hasn’t had a great start to the tournament – scores of 32, 1 and 4 – but he has come out batting with the same intent.That they managed to score 180 against Super Kings despite the wobble in the second half of the innings is a good example that the opportunity cost of going hard all the way is not that high. If it does come off, though, they can get to the kind of totals that provide you insurance against the dew.If they keep batting this way, it goes one of the two ways. They can get better at it, and it starts to come off spectacularly. Even when it doesn’t come off, it isn’t necessary they always end up with a below-par score. That’s something they seem to be aware of. You can file it under emotional intelligence or avoiding panic at losing wickets or even a match or two because sides batting first are losing anyway.Once pitches start to slow down, it will be another story. That can wait.

One of Carrington’s most impressive players left media stunned as Manchester United’s U18s thrashed rivals Liverpool 7-0 in the U18 Premier League.

Man Utd's U18s thrash Liverpool

The present-day Man United side may not be firing on all cylinders, but their academy continues to produce some absolute gems. It’s been responsible for Marcus Rashford and, more recently, Kobbie Mainoo in recent years – not to mention Scott McTominay – and could have more young stars on the way.

The Red Devils’ U18s side even got some revenge for their first-team this weekend by thrashing Liverpool U18s 7-0 in ruthless fashion. Goals from Bendito Mantato, Louie Bradbury, Jim Thwaites, Samuel Lusale and a hat-trick from JJ Gabriel saw those at Carrington make a statement on Saturday afternoon.

Of course, the success of the academy has always been a priority for those at Old Trafford and Ruben Amorim recently ensured that he extended their record of having a homegrown gem in every matchday squad since 1937.

After handing Jack Fletcher a place on his bench against Tottenham Hotspur, Amorim told reporters: “It’s really important. I think again we are in the moment [where] if we are going to take some corners and succeed right away, it’s the wrong thing.

“There are some things especially in our club that we need to be bulletproof. It’s the way we behave, the way we feel the club and all these small things. We are not going to stop with the Academy players.”

It may not be too long before 15-year-old Gabriel gets the call to the first-team, either. The young forward left media stunned in an incredible display against Liverpool’s U18s.

JJ Gabriel "better than half" the Man Utd first-team, says reporter

Among those blown away by Gabriel was the Daily Mail’s Lewis Steele, who went as far as claiming that Gabriel “looks better than half their first team” at Man United.

After netting a hat-trick, the teenage sensation has taken his total for the season to seven goals and one assist in nine appearances in the U18 Premier League.

It won’t be long before Gabriel is progressing through the ranks in Man United’s academy and he looks destined to make his mark on the first-team in years to come. If some believe he looks better than some of the current stars now, he may be a world-beater by the time he turns 18.

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The future is still bright at Old Trafford even if Amorim’s first-team are struggling for consistency. Like it has done so often in the past, Man United’s academy could yet provide the spark that the Red Devils need to return to Europe’s top table.

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Micah Richards was left blown away by the performance of one Sunderland star in the Tyne-Wear derby victory against Newcastle United this afternoon.

Sunderland win first Premier League game vs Newcastle since 2016

The Black Cats managed to get one over on their biggest rivals in the first Premier League meeting with Newcastle since 2016, courtesy of a bizarre own goal from Nick Woltemade in the second half.

Regis Le Bris’ side have made a dream start to life back in the top flight, but today’s victory is undoubtedly the sweetest yet, moving four points clear of the Magpies after managing to hold out for a well-earned 1-0 win.

A lot of credit has to go to the defence, with the visitors being limited to an xG of just 0.26, never really managing to create any big opportunities throughout the match.

However, Richards was also quick to praise Granit Xhaka after the match, with the former Manchester City man saying: “This man, we talked about him before the game, was brilliant again, absolute warrior in that midfield. What a player he’s been, what a signing. I’m gonna say he’s been the signing of the season so far, that’s how big I’m going.”

“He’s been absolutely immaculate in everything he does, even the way he speaks is just brilliant. Wow.”

Xhaka deserves all the plaudits after another impressive display

The Basel-born midfielder has been absolutely indispensable for Le Bris this season, starting all 15 Premier League games, during which time he’s chipped in with five goal involvements.

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However, the Swiss maestro is perhaps best known for his defensive qualities, which were on show again today, making a number of important contributions.

Granit Xhaka’s key stats vs Newcastle

Number completed

Ground duels (won)

3 (2)

Aerial duels (won)

3 (3)

Clearances

4

Tackles

2

The Black Cats managing to sign the former Bayer Leverkusen man is starting to look like a real coup, with Jamie Carragher describing him as “fantastic” and the “most influential” player for a Premier League team this season.

The sky is the limit for this Sunderland side, who are firmly in contention to qualify for Europe, but Xhaka is likely to be paramount to their success, and Le Bris will be hoping for a similar display when his side travel to Brighton for their penultimate game in 2025 next weekend.

Ryan Mason is certainly feeling the pressure of being an EFL manager on his shoulders right now at West Bromwich Albion.

Three wins from his opening four games in the Championship as the Baggies’ new head coach helped to lift some early tension, but with seven defeats now next to West Brom’s name in the competitive league, he isn’t looking at ease in the Hawthorns hot seat.

It could have been so different for the West Midlands outfit last time out on the road to top-of-the-table Coventry City, though, as a Aune Heggebo brace saw the visitors race into an unlikely 2-0 lead.

Yet, a red card to Jayson Molumby would ultimately aid the free-flowing Sky Blues, as a 3-2 victory was eventually secured.

Mason will hope he can guide his underperforming team out of this sticky patch and that no knee-jerk decisions happen from the powers that be, with lots of contracts set to expire down the line, which he could have a say over.

Contract issues at West Brom

A number of contracts are set to expire at the Hawthorns next summer, with Mason hopeful he will still be manager for the foreseeable future, regardless of his side underperforming as of late in 17th spot in the second tier.

Josh Maja is one notable name that catches the eye when running through those whose contracts are in play until June 2026, with the injury-prone attacker only starting four games this season, having had to now settle for fewer minutes up against the aforementioned Heggebo.

Only one goal has come the £17k-per-week striker’s way from those limited starts, too, next to the Norwegian’s heftier tally of four, with his injury issues another factor to consider as to whether West Brom will hand him an extended deal or not.

Karlan Grant will also be worrying about his future up until the mid-point of next year, with zero goals or assists next to his name this season, while Daryl Dike will surely be sensing that the end of his injury-plagued Baggies career is in sight next year when his deal ceases to be, as the American remains unsurprisingly sidelined still.

He also takes home a whopping £25k-per-week salary, despite his long-standing injury troubles.

However, he isn’t the only high earner that could soon be taken off the Baggies wage bill, as this Hawthorns veteran – who earns more than first team personnel Heggebo and Mikey Johnston – potentially waves goodbye to the Championship club shortly.

The West Brom high earner who could soon be axed

During West Brom’s slump in form, former Celtic winger Johnston has still been a regular scorer of some sweet strikes, such as the one that was hammered home back in October.

Amazingly, though, when looking at West Brom’s wage costs, Jed Wallace comes in as earning more than the standout duo, having also banked £25k-per-week this season, like Dike, as per Capology, even when consistently finding himself out of Mason’s starting XI.

Games played

9

Games started

4

Goals scored

1

Assists

0

Wage costs

£25k-per-week

Contract expiry date

June 2026

Once upon a time, though, in the West Midlands, Wallace was seen as a constant source of creativity down the flanks, with six goals and eight assists picked up during his debut season at the club seeing his former boss Steve Bruce hail him as a “massive asset” to have around the place.

Unfortunately for the ex-Millwall forward, he isn’t producing those same electric numbers now, though, with only two goals coming his way across his last 40 outings in the demanding Championship.

Heggebo managed to put away that same amount just from the tie at the CBS Arena, yet, the former Brann striker only takes home a £15k-per-week pay packet.

Moreover, Johnston, who terrorised Coventry during the first half with two assists, also falls behind with a £12.5-per-week salary.

Therefore, although Isaac Price has been complimentary of his fellow Baggies midfielder this season by stating that he “leads the dressing room”, and he has had past moments of magic, Wallace could soon be shoved to the exit door when his contract expires this coming June – alongside the likes of Dike and Grant – off the back of his performances continuing to dip.

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