Scott McTominay could be on his way back to the Premier League, just over a year after leaving Manchester United for Napoli. Despite guiding the Italian giants to a Serie A title and becoming a fan favourite in Naples, reports claim the Scottish midfielder has struggled to adapt to the intensity of life off the pitch — with sources describing the attention as ‘suffocating’.

• McTominay dazzles in Italy

  After a glittering debut campaign in Italy, McTominay’s time at Napoli has taken an unexpected turn as per The Sun. The Scotland international joined the club from Manchester United in the summer of 2024 for around £25 million and played a pivotal role in their title triumph, scoring 12 goals and earning Serie A’s Player of the Year award. His performances even saw him finish 18th in the Ballon d’Or rankings.

  However, as per The Sun’s report, things have become more complicated this season. While McTominay has scored three times in the opening weeks of the new campaign, Napoli have found consistency harder to come by and sit third in Serie A, trailing AC Milan by two points, before their win over Inter Milan on Saturday. The midfielder is reportedly finding life off the pitch more challenging than on it, prompting talk that he could consider a return to English football sooner rather than later.

  That speculation has only grown after The Sun reported that McTominay is finding the overwhelming passion of Napoli’s fanbase increasingly difficult to manage. Despite being adored in the city, the constant public attention and limited personal freedom are said to have taken a toll. The same report suggests that several Premier League sides are already monitoring his situation closely ahead of next summer’s transfer window.

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• AFP
  

  McTominay 'suffocated' in Serie A

   According to a source quoted in the report, McTominay’s struggles have more to do with lifestyle than footballing matters. “Scott loves elements of Italian life and had a wonderful first season,” the source said. “But the passion of the fans can be a blessing but also make things difficult. He is treated as a god over there but it means he finds it difficult to do simple things when he’s not training. The attention can be suffocating.”

  The Scot’s profile in Naples has skyrocketed following his heroics last season, where he was often the driving force in Antonio Conte’s midfield. His blend of physical strength, late runs into the box, and leadership have made him indispensable to the reigning champions.

  Still, McTominay’s fame has brought challenges few expected. The streets of Naples are football-mad, and top players are treated like royalty — a status that comes with constant attention from fans and media alike. However, the same fanfare can quickly turn into rage if performance levels drop and results fail to back the team.

• McTominay still scoring

  McTominay’s transition to Italian football was viewed as a bold step in his career after 22 years at Manchester United, where he came through the academy and became a reliable figure under multiple managers. His £25 million transfer to Napoli was primarily driven by United’s need to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules, with the club reluctantly sanctioning his sale despite Erik ten Hag’s preference to keep him. The move allowed United to generate “pure profit” in their books while McTominay sought a new challenge abroad.

  In Naples, the midfielder wasted no time silencing any doubters. He became the heartbeat of a Napoli side that dethroned Inter Milan to lift their fourth Serie A crown. His goals, leadership, and physical presence earned him player of the year honours and widespread praise across Europe. McTominay’s success even sparked debates among pundits, with some calling United’s decision to sell him “a mistake,” given how integral he became in Italy.

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  What comes next?

  Despite the growing talk of discomfort off the field, McTominay remains a central figure in Conte’s plans. His professionalism and form continue to make him one of Serie A’s most valuable midfielders, and there has been no formal indication from Napoli that they are willing to part ways. However, with several Premier League clubs reportedly keeping tabs on his situation, the prospect of a return to England cannot be ruled out.

  Much will depend on how McTominay adapts to life in Naples over the remainder of the season. Should the off-field pressures persist, a summer move might suit all parties, especially given Manchester United hold a 10% sell-on clause for his transfer. The Red Devils are not expected to re-enter the race, but mid-to-upper-table Premier League sides could see him as an ideal addition due to his experience, leadership, and proven goal threat from midfield.

For the first time this season, Newcastle United have finally won two games in a row. Eddie Howe’s side have struggled to get a good run of form going, with some tough fixtures including visits from Liverpool and Arsenal in the Premier League, and Barcelona in the Champions League.

Yet, the Magpies will surely be relieved to be heading into the October international break with two consecutive wins. They thrashed Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise 4-0 away from home in Europe, before beating Nottingham Forest 2-0 at St James’ Park last weekend.

New signing Nick Woltemade scored in both games to continue his excellent start to life in the North East.

Woltemade’s Newcastle career so far

There was certainly a lot of pressure on Woltemade when he made the move to St James’ Park from Stuttgart this summer. The £69m fee Newcastle paid was a club record, and stepping into the shoes of Alexander Isak was never going to be easy.

Yet, the German international has certainly hit the ground running so far. The 23-year-old is only seven games into his Magpies career so far, but he’s already bagged four goals. That includes three strikes in just four games in the Premier League.

The latest of those goals came in Sunday afternoon’s 2-0 win against Ange Postecoglou’s Forest side. Woltemade scored from the penalty spot, emphatically firing home into the top right corner from 12 yards out.

There has certainly been high praise for the German attacker, with legendary Magpies striker Alan Shearer complimenting his form so far.

The all-time Premier League top goalscorer said he should be “really pleased” to have made such a “promising” start to life in the North East.

The 23-year-old has shone for the Magpies over the past week. With that being said, there was a striker once on Newcastle’s books who has outscored Woltemade this season already.

Looking back on it, perhaps the Magpies wish they’d have kept him at the club.

The ex-Newcastle star outscoring Woltemade

Newcastle have had some impressive number nines at the club in recent seasons. Of course, Isak made a name for himself at St James’ Park, although he left in the summer. His namesake, Premier League cult-hero Alexander Mitrovic, also played for the club.

Yet, one name that constantly goes under the radar when it comes to former Magpies strikers is England international Ivan Toney. The 29-year-old only made four appearances in that famous Black and White striped shirt, and never found the back of the net.

After several loans in the EFL, the Northampton-born striker made a name for himself at Brentford before securing a move to Saudi Arabia. He now plies his trade in the Saudi Pro League for Al-Ahli.

It has been a strong start to Toney’s second campaign for Al-Ahli. He’s only played ten games so far, but already has eight goals and one assist to his name, doubling Woltemade’s tally for the season. Three of those goals have come in the Saudi Pro League, in four games.

Those stats do not tell the full picture, though. The England star has put up some impressive numbers during his time in Saudi Arabia so far.

For example, he’s averaged 0.8 goals per game across each season in the top flight.

Goals

0.8

0.8

Shots on target

2

1.1

Big chances missed

1

0.8

Key passes

1.2

0.8

Aerial duels won

1.3

1.6

If only Newcastle had kept hold of Toney, they could have had a “clinical” striker at the club, as Statman Dave called him. The fact that he’s already doubled Woltemade’s tally this season shows how deadly he is in front of goal.

Certainly, selling him to Peterborough United all those years ago for just £350k seems like a huge error now. Toney is flying now in the Saudi Pro League, and Newcastle fans can only look back on this and wonder what could have been.

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خيم التعادل السلبي على نتيجة مباراة الأهلي والمصري، في المواجهة التي جمعت بينهما مساء اليوم ضمن منافسات الدوري الممتاز.

وأقيمت المباراة بين الأهلي والمصري، على أرضية استاد برج العرب في الإسكندرية، في إطار لقاءات الجولة الـ13 من الدوري الممتاز.

وعقب مباراة اليوم، وصل رصيد الأهلي إلى 23 نقطة، من الفوز بـ6 مباريات والتعادل 5 مرات بجانب هزيمة وحيدة حتى الآن، خلال مشواره في الدوري المصري.

ويخوض الأهلي المواجهة القادمة أمام سيراميكا كليوباترا على استاد هزاع بن زايد بمدينة العين الإماراتية، ضمن منافسات السوبر المصري بنظامه الجديد بمشاركة 4 أندية.

طالع | ترتيب الدوري المصري بعد فوز الزمالك وبيراميدز وتعادل الأهلي

ويأمل الأهلي في التتويج ببطولة السوبر المصري، ساعيًا لكسب ود جمهوره بسبب تذبذب أداء ونتائج الفريق منذ بداية الموسم الحالي. موعد مباراة الأهلي وسيراميكا كليوباترا في السوبر المصري

من المقرر أن يلتقي الأهلي مع سيراميكا كليوباترا، يوم الخميس 6 نوفمبر 2025، في تمام الساعة الخامسة مساءً بتوقيت مصر، السادسة مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، والسابعة مساءً بتوقيت الإمارات.

وتُنقل المباراة عبر قناة أون سبورتس الناقل الحصري للبطولة.

Key allround display dents high-flying Warwickshire to tighten the permutations in Women’s Blast

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay08-Jun-2025

Lancashire Thunder opened the Women’s Vitality Blast table right up with a five-run victory over Warwickshire at Edgbaston.Eleanor Threlkeld’s side shrugged off a slow start with the bat to reach 162 for seven, much of it compiled in heavy drizzle. That was a strong recovery from 31 for four, led by Ailsa Lister 39 (26) and Tara Norris (33 not out, 24) against an accurate Warwickshire attack in which all six members took wickets,The home side replied with 157 for nine. Davina Perrin provided a fiery start with 34 (23) and Natasha Wraith late power with 58 not out (34) but Lancashire closed the game out as Norris completed her excellent all-round day with three for 24.Put in, Lancashire soon lost Emma Lamb, off-stump flattened by Issy Wong, and then lurched from 29 for one to 31 for four in nine balls. Seren Smale was beautifully stumped behind her legs by Wraith, Fi Morris sliced her second ball, from Charis Pavely, to backward point and Threlkeld top-edged her third to short third to supply Hannah Hardwick’s first Blast wicket.The support that opener Tilly Kesteven needed finally came from Lister. They rebuilt with a stand of 69 from 53 balls before falling in successive overs. Lister missed with a slog-sweep at Hannah Baker and was lbw. When Millie Taylor turned one through Kesteven (29, 37) to bowl her, the first six wickets had fallen to different bowlers.The prospect of all ten falling to different bowlers disappeared when Alana King’s punchy counter-attack (21, 13) ended with a smart catch by Perrin at deep mid-wicket off Taylor. The recovery continued as Norris struck Pavely for a glorious six over long off in an innings turned the target into tricky.Perrin gave Warwickshire’s reply a dynamic start with four fours and a six but then had her leg-stump struck by Grace Johnson. Sterre Kalis chipped Norris to mid off and Sophie Morris then struck two huge blows in three balls. Abi Freeborn fell lbw, reverse-sweeping and Laura Harris, 132 from 55 balls behind her from her first two games at Edgbaston, skied a catch back to the bowler.Pavely’s breezy 27 (20) ended when she lifted Johnson to long off. Wong was bowled trying to cut Norris, leaving Warwickshire needing 61 from six overs with six wickets down. Wraith responded with some spectacular hitting on the way to a 29-ball half-century which sent her side into the last over needing 14 but Grace Potts, back on her former home ground, delivered it for just eight.

MatériaMais Notícias

Uma fornecedora de material esportivo lançou neste domingo (01) uma coleção de camisas de times brasileiros que irão homenagear o Outubro Rosa. A campanha é para conscientizar sobre a importância da prevenção ao câncer de mama.

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No mês de outubro é comum que as fornecedoras façam campanhas em seus clubes patrocinados para alertar sobre a necessidade das mulheres se previnirem contra o câncer. Nesse sentido, a Umbro não ficou de fora dessa mobilização e lançou a coleção que irá abranger o Fluminense, Santos, Grêmio, Sport, Athletico-PR, Avaí e Chapecoense.

+ Garanta a sua vaga no curso que Pet, Dante e outros craques da bola participaram também. Cupom: LANCE400

A camisa dessa temporada conta com um tom de rosa mais moderno e possui detalhes especiais. Os modelos apresentam alguns grafismos que advertem sobre a importância de identificar de maneira precoce e conhecer sobre o câncer de mama. Os desenhos presentes na camisa fazem alusão a como fazer o autoexame de forma correta, com o objetivo de conscientizar a população.

As vendas das camisas começaram a ser vendidas neste domingo (01), nas lojas de material esportivo e possuem diversos tipos de tamanho.

VEJA FOTOS DAS CAMISAS:

Ben Duckett’s 62 in a 122-run stand with Pope held England’s response together after India finished on 471

Vithushan Ehantharajah21-Jun-2025Stumps Saturday in Leeds was a day of opportunities taken and spurned. Unfortunately for India, it was their contribution to the latter that has changed the complexion of this Test match.Having begun the day with Rishabh Pant’s thrill-filled 134, the third century of the innings, India proceeded to lose 7 for 41 to cap their first innings at 471. And yet more profligacy in the field not only allowed Ollie Pope to move to his ninth Test century, but England to close on 209 for 3.Related

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Pope, unbeaten on 100, rests satiated with a second Test hundred in a row following his 171 against Zimbabwe, at a time when his place has been questioned with the precocious yet century-less Jacob Bethell, who is waiting in the wings.Pope rests dreaming of mimicking his Hyderabad epic that dug England out of a similar-sized hole. But India will rue a drop on 60 by Yashasvi Jaiswal at third slip, after Pope had played in the air through that region earlier (when on 48), and where fourth would have been at the very start of his innings when on 10. That he had made all three errors off Jasprit Bumrah was no surprise, particularly as the demonic quick ended up accounting for all three wickets.But just when it looked like Bumrah would head to stumps with a clean record, a third front-foot no ball in his final over of the day ended up giving Harry Brook a life on 0. A brutal short ball was clothed amateurishly by Brook towards midwicket. Umpire Chris Gaffaney, having stuck his arm out for the previously delivery, put his hand to his ear before doing so once more as news of another infringement came through from the television umpire.2:22

Duckett: Bumrah the best in the world

That would have made it 208 for 4 at stumps. India’s frustration was carried in spades by the searing bouncer Bumrah delivered to close out a thrilling day’s play. They could have batted a victory out of England’s reach but instead, the hosts have seven wickets left to claw back more if not all of the remaining deficit of 262.Was it a lack of ruthlessness on Shubman Gill’s first day in the field as India’s Test captain? If so, it was not something anyone could have predicted when he and Pant recommenced India’s first innings on 359 for 3. The first 90 minutes of play was a reassertion of their day one dominance, with Pant at his mischievous best.He was a one-man circus of heaves and tumbles, the first of them coming when he greeted Shoaib Bashir’s first delivery with a fall-away paddle over his shoulder. The second was more choreographed after lifting Bashir over wide midwicket to bring up his seventh hundred as wicketkeeper, from his 146th delivery, this a third century on these shores – no other keeper-batter has more than one – that also sits top of his three-figure knocks for most sixes (six).There were no chances offered, per se, until, on 124, he ran past a delivery from Bashir and was forced to reclaim his ground on his hands and knees, having flung the bat away towards fine leg. Jamie Smith failed to capitalise on the error, but his blushes were saved when Josh Tongue, hidden in the field for most of this session, was able to catch Pant not playing a shot to trap him lbw.2:33

Manjrekar: The world knows how special Pant is

By then, Gill’s own century had been cut off at 147, when he lifted Bashir to Tongue at deep square-leg, angling for his second six and 21st boundary, ending the fourth-wicket stand on 209. Karun Nair had also come and gone, an eight-year hiatus amounting to a four-ball duck when he was plucked gloriously out of the air by Pope at cover.And so, with lunch looming, the thought was India would take it to the break and regroup. Alas, Shardul Thakur brought about an early break when chasing a very wide delivery through to Smith. It gave Ben Stokes figures for 4 for 66, once again the England captain standing out as the best bowler on show.He was soon joined on a four-for by Tongue, who wagged when the tail did not to clean up some untidy figures. The Nottinghamshire quick went from nursing 0 for 78 from 17 to parading 4 for 86 from 20.A tame but delaying shower meant England’s first innings only began at 2.55pm, with ominous looking clouds and a ground illuminated by the floodlights promising movement for Bumrah. He needed just six deliveries to get one bending reality; Zak Crawley turned inside out with one that swung in late and seamed away later, flying through to Nair at face height at first slip.That he would only take 1 for 21 in his opening five overs was through no fault of his own. Though Gill kept a packed cordon for the first 20 overs, the desire to cover more than one position with just one fielder led to Pope’s initial pseudo life on 10 – a Schrödinger’s fourth slip, if you will. But it was at the end of his fourth over that Bumrah had Ben Duckett dropped on 15, by Ravindra Jadeja of all people, at backward point.Duckett would end up moving to his 19th score of fifty or more from 68 deliveries with a fine sweep off Jadeja, marching forward with Pope in a stand of 122 that for the most part actually felt easier than it maybe should have been.On 62, Duckett drove a thick edge onto his stumps to hand Bumrah his third, met with an exclamation from the 31-year-old that spoke of the fact his frustration was steadily morphing into anger. From that point on, it was Pope who seized the initiative a little more, dwarfing Joe Root (42 to 28) in an 80-run stand where he seemed like the more established pro.Mohammed Siraj emerged from a patchy first spell to hold his own and one end, and seemingly had Root on toast. For a moment, he thought he had him outright, lbw for 7, with the impact in front of the stumps and the right-hand batter selling it well with a stumble over to the off side. But a review would take that from Siraj, with HawkEye projecting the delivery would miss leg stump, forcing umpire Paul Reiffel to overturn his decision.Pope, though, was making hay while Bumrah was powering back up. He had already got away with a flinch outside off that Jaiswal, diving low to his right, should have held. Bumrah’s reaction was to open his arms out to the cordon as if to ask “WHY?!” Understandably, given he had opened the evening session and been immediately dabbed through a vacant third by Pope, who moved to 52 from 74 deliveries.1:12

Manjrekar: Stokes makes England a dangerous side

The remainder of the No. 3’s crisp 100 took just 51 deliveries more, helped by Thakur’s lack of pace, which allowed him to drive on the up through the covers, before a stylish back cut off Prasidh Krishna’s extra pace. The latter decided to be more forceful in his approach to Pope, offering a few choice words along with some short stuff. Pope responded with a well-executed pull-flip over to the fine-leg fence for a one bounce for, clearing the man up around the corner with ease, and taking deep square-leg out of the game entirely.Bumrah’s return for two overs at the end was always going to give us a final shot of drama. A thick inside edge into the leg side brought Pope his century, and as good a reason as any to let the frustrations of talk in the media and behind his back flow out in a cathartic, satisfying roar, punching the air with a mix of relief and glee. It was by no means a convincing way to move to such a landmark, but the fact he walked at Bumrah was an apt reminder of the guts he showed throughout this knock.Joy was short-lived when Root finally succumbed to a teaser outside off. But an over later, Bumrah’s journey to anger had been completed. Brook’s reprieve was all the more irksome for India considering the efforts of Siraj to take the catch running back at midwicket.India still have the surer footing in this match, with England resuming on Sunday 63 off the follow-on target. But they have relinquished the opportunity to be the sole drivers of this match.

Essex’s hopes of claiming their first win of the season in the Vitality Blast were thwarted by the rain when they were well on top against Sussex Sharks at Hove.In a game reduced to 17 overs a side, Jordan Cox – making only his second appearance in the competition this season after being involved with England Lions – hit four successive balls from offspinner Jack Carson for six on his way to a 47-ball 82 in an imposing total of 177 for 4.Shane Snater then took three wickets without conceding a run as Sussex slumped to 23 for 3 after 3.1 overs when the rain which had delayed the start returned at 9.35pm. Umpires Martin Saggers and Hassan Adnan abandoned the game shortly afterwards as the rain set in.It was a frustrating outcome for an Essex team who did not play like a team beaten in their first five games and that was largely down to a high-class contribution from England international Cox.Together with left-hander Paul Walter, he added 115 in 9.1 overs for the third wicket with Walter contributing 35 from 22 balls, after opener Dean Elgar had got the innings off to a rumbustious start with 33 from 18 balls, seven of which he hit to the boundary.The best way to describe Sussex’s bowling effort would be mixed, with three overs costing a combined 70 runs. Skipper Tymal Mills had to take himself out of the attack after bowling two bouncers in his first five balls, which went for 25 and had to be completed by Tom Clark.The eighth over went for 30 as Cox struck Carson for three leg-side sixes before going down the pitch to loft the off-spinner for a straight maximum and Cox hit another six off James Coles in the tenth over which went for 15.It wasn’t all bad. Ollie Robinson was economical and Henry Crocombe, in his first T20 appearance for nearly two years, finished with 2 for 28 and picked up both Walter – lbw to a fast, full and straight delivery – and Cox, who was well caught at deep backward square by Harrison Ward off the first delivery of the final over. Cox’s runs came from 47 balls and he also hit six boundaries.Carson had the consolation of removing Elgar with his first ball, courtesy of a juggling catch at long-off by Robinson but Sussex were left to score at 10.40 runs an over.Sussex made the worst possible start. Zimbabwean Snater bowled Ward through the gate with the first ball of the reply and skipper John Simpson was taken at short fine leg off the fifth. Cox then took a terrific catch standing up off the first ball of Snater’s second over to remove James Coles and at 23 for 3 Sussex were in considerable strife before rain saved them.

At long last, Rangers have got their next manager after officially announcing the appointment of Danny Rohl. The former Sheffield Wednesday manager was not their first choice, that’s no secret, but one former Ibrox star has already pointed out one similarity with club legend Walter Smith.

Danny Rohl: "No time to waste" at Rangers

It’s not Steven Gerrard, it’s not Kevin Muscat, but it is Rohl. Rangers have finally filled their managerial vacancy and must now put full faith in their 36-year-old coach to turn things around after a disastrous start.

For all his inexperience, it’s worth noting that the former Sheffield Wednesday boss has worked with the likes of Hansi Flick and was Ralph Hasenhuttl’s assistant when his Southampton side were at their very best. He is one of the best young managers around and has been handed the biggest job of his career to date.

In an ideal world, Rohl would have all the patience needed to make his mark in Scotland. However, the reality is that he must get off to a solid start following the disaster of Russell Martin’s tenure.

The German is well aware of how urgent things are at Ibrox, though, having told the club’s official website: “We have no time to waste, we start straight away.

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“I respect that trust is earned and understand we have to give the supporters confidence in what we are doing by showing it on the pitch from the start. The expectations are huge and I love this challenge because I set high standards for myself and the team too.”

Some have already hit out at his inexperience, but one former Rangers star has highlighted a key similarity with Walter Smith which may just buy Rohl some time.

Andy Halliday reveals similarity between Rohl and Walter Smith

Speaking on Clyde1 Superscoreboard, former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday revealed a similarity between Rohl and the legendary Smith.

Indeed, Rohl has no experience as the main man in the pressure environment of a top level club with huge support, but cut his teeth behind the scenes at Bayern Munich as Hansi Flick’s assistant. Similarly, Smith arrived at Ibrox with no senior managerial experience, but had coached Scotland’s youth sides.

Of course, Smith is a once in a generation manager, but Halliday’s point stands. The jury should not deliver their verdict until Rohl has had a chance to impress at Rangers.

There will be many who have been left scared by Martin’s time in charge, but Rohl’s reputation suggests that he is a different calibre to the former Southampton boss.

Thursday’s game against Brann in the Europa League hands the young manager the perfect opportunity to prove Halliday right and get his era off to the best possible start.

When you think of Newcastle United, you don’t first think of a full-flowing youth system.

While Alan Shearer began his youth in his home city, he did not play for Newcastle and signed an academy deal with Southampton before the Magpies could swoop. On the south coast, he was schooled and developed into the superstar the Toon would one day welcome home.

Newcastle have since sharpened their academy ranks, with the PIF investing in young talent to underlay Eddie Howe’s first-team squad. It is by supporting the seniors with promising up-and-comers that the chances of sustained success are raised, forging a closer bond with the city besides.

But Newcastle are still putting their emphasis on bringing over impactful additions to help Howe achieve his goals. However, one of these recent arrivals, Anthony Elanga, has struggled to get going so far, and a continuation of his woes could see a young prospect rise up and take his place.

Elanga's start to life at Newcastle

Let’s scale it back a bit. It’s transfer deadline day, August 2024. Newcastle need a right winger, need one badly.

And Elanga has been profiled as the man for the job, with Newcastle persistent after an initial £35m offer was rejected by Evangelos Marinakis. A second £50m bid arrives, proving the scale of Newcastle’s ambition, but Marinakis doesn’t want to play ball, and Tyneside do not welcome their man.

One year on, Elanga has signed for Newcastle in a £55m deal, and this tells us of a clear strategy for a player who has been scouted and analysed. He fits Howe’s vision and racked up 31 goal contributions across two Premier League terms with the Tricky Trees.

But he’s struggled thus far in the north east, having gone 12 matches in all competitions this term without a single direct goal involvement. Limited in attacking quality, Howe, and Elanga himself, will expect much more over the coming months.

The jury remains out, of course, but there’s a lot to be excited about, with Elanga’s fleet-footed pace and creative flair singled out by pundit Jamie Carragher as being perfect for Woltemade, who has suffered no such slowness in his start to life at SJP.

However, if Newcastle’s speedy signing fails to improve, he may fall quickly down the pecking order, with Jacob Murphy racking up an assist in midweek.

But it’s not just the 30-year-old stalwart who could threaten Elanga’s berth, with a Lamine Yamal-esque youngster looking to make headway on Tyneside after arriving from overseas this summer.

The Newcastle teen who's 'like Yamal"

Newcastle have a wave of youth talent incoming on Tyneside as has not been seen in many years. The likes of Elliot Anderson (sadly sold to Nottingham Forest) and Lewis Miley are among the brightest rising stars.

But that’s not all. An impetus has been placed on signing formative players and developing them. Seung-soo Park is a fine representation of this, having been dubbed ‘the Korean Lamine Yamal’ by one Asian football writer, who understands the teenager has been given his own locker at St. James’ Park, which tells much of Howe’s belief in the youngster’s potential.

Aged 18, Park joined the Magpies from K League 2 side Suwon Bluewings this summer, fee undisclosed. He had featured 18 times for the Suwon first team, scoring once and providing three assists.

Instantly among the senior fold, journalist Liam Kennedy marvelled at the “surprise package”, with the high regard he was held in clear from the off.

Like Elanga, Park is endowed with speed and power, and he’s versatile enough to play across the frontline. Across two matches in the EFL Trophy this term, he has shown much promise, combative in the challenge while being creative and enterprising on the ball.

Minutes played

62′

90′

Goals

0

0

Assists

0

1

Touches

26

49

Shots (on target)

0 (0)

2 (1)

Accurate passes

16/18 (89%)

23/28 (82%)

Chances created

1

3

Dribbles

2/3

3/3

Recoveries

2

3

Tackles won

0/0

0/1

Ground duels

3/4

5/7

Those ball-carrying statistics tell a tale. Park has the trappings of an elite dribbler, and in this, he could rival Elanga in the years to come at St. James’ Park.

The comparisons to Yamal are not without substance, and if the talent can develop his prolific edge in front of goal, he could topple Elanga and maybe even rival the likes of Anthony Gordon and Nick Woltemade for the talismanic crown among Howe’s star men.

After all, the evidence thus far shows a player whose creativity and flair on the ball is cut from a similar cloth to those at the highest step of the Newcastle pyramid. To put that another way, it’s only a matter of time.

Hailed as a “real find” by Toon correspondent Charlier Bennett, Park is billed for big things, all right, with the reporter going on to whether the versatile forward “should remain with the first team this season?”

He has now made eight appearances for the U21s, and while Park continues to search for his first goal in black and white, like Elanga, he is adapting to a wholly new environment and could find himself fast-tracked with a bit more match action.

The five-cap South Korean U20 international, with one goal to his name, is one of the most exciting young talents to emerge from Asia in recent years, and though he faces stiff competition for a place on the Newcastle flanks, he has a big fan in Howe, and boasts the ability to leapfrog Elanga down the line, should the Swedish winger fail to kick on at the senior level.

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أعلن إبراهيم حسن، مدير منتخب مصر الأول لكرة القدم، رسميًا عن استبعاد لاعب الأهلي من معسكر الفراعنة المقبل بمدينة العين بالإمارات، وذلك استعدادًا لخوض البطولة الودية الدولية قبل انطلاق منافسات كأس أمم إفريقيا.

ويستعد منتخب مصر لمواجهة ودية ضد أوزبكستان يوم الجمعة المقبل الموافق 14 نوفمبر، على أن يواجه الفائز من مباراة إيران وكاب فيردي في الدور التالي، في حال تحقيق الفوز على أوزبكستان.

وكشف إبراهيم حسن في تصريحات رسمية، أن استبعاد محمود حسن تريزيجيه جاء بسبب الإصابة التي تعرض لها في نهائي كأس السوبر المصري أمام الزمالك، والتي حالت دون جاهزيته للمشاركة في معسكر المنتخب خلال الفترة من 10 إلى 18 نوفمبر.

طالع أيضًا | شيكابالا: انضمام لاعب الأهلي لـ منتخب مصر قرار مثير للجدل.. وناصر ماهر أخطأ في تصريحاته

وأضاف مدير منتخب مصر أن الجهاز الطبي للفريق الوطني، بقيادة محمد أبو العلا، تواصل مع الجهاز الطبي للنادي الأهلي لمتابعة حالة اللاعب، حيث أظهرت الفحوصات والإشاعات صعوبة لحاقه بالمعسكر، مما دفع الجهاز الفني لاتخاذ قرار استبعاده حرصًا على سلامته واستقرار الفريق.

ويعد تريزيجيه أحد العناصر الأساسية في تشكيل منتخب مصر، حيث يُعرف بسرعته وقدرته على المساهمة في الهجوم، وهو ما يجعل استبعاده ضربة فنية للفراعنة قبل انطلاق الاستعدادات النهائية لكأس الأمم الإفريقية.