Liverpool had a surprisingly quiet summer transfer window in 2024. In Arne Slot’s first window since taking charge of the Merseysiders, the consensus seemed to be that he might well look to add new players to a squad built under Jurgen Klopp.

However, the Reds made just two signings. One of those players will not join the club until next season. New goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili returned on loan to Valencia, the club who Liverpool paid £29m including add-ons to sign the Georgian from.

Federico Chiesa was the other signing made. The Italian reportedly cost just £12.5m from Juventus, but has only played three times due to injury.

Despite a quiet summer, Liverpool already seem to be planning for future windows and have recently been linked with someone who could add quality and depth in attacking areas.

Liverpool target Bundesliga attacker

The player in question here is Eintracht Frankfurt and Egypt attacker Omar Marmoush. According to a report from German outlet Bild, the Reds have ‘officially expressed their interest’ in the 25-year-old as they look to the future once Mohamed Salah leaves.

However, they could have to go up against Manchester United to sign the winger. Bild reports the winger is valued at just £33m at this stage and does not have a release clause in his contract, which expires in 2027.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

It adds that the Reds have made their interest known to the Bundesliga side and it now remains to be seen whether or not they are prepared to meet their valuation.

Why Marmoush would be a good signing for Liverpool

Few players have been in better form across Europe this season than Frankfurt’s number seven. He has scored 11 goals and has provided seven assists in just 13 games in all competitions. That includes an eye-catching 13 goal involvements in eight Bundesliga games.

Impressively, the 25-year-old is one of just ten players across Europe’s big five leagues who has 10 or more goal involvements in their domestic league so far this term, as per FBref. In fact, there are only two players who have more than him; Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski and Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane, who have 16 and 14 goals and assists respectively.

Players with 10+ G/A in Europe’s big 5 leagues 2024/25

Player

Club

Goals

Assists

Robert Lewandowski

Barcelona

14

2

Harry Kane

Bayern Munich

9

5

Omar Marmoush

Eintracht Frankfurt

9

4

Mateo Retegui

Atalanta

10

3

Cole Palmer

Chelsea

7

5

Raphinha

Barcelona

6

6

Erling Haaland

Man City

11

0

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool

6

5

Lamine Yamal

Barcelona

5

6

Bukayo Saka

Arsenal

3

7

Stats from FBref

Should the Reds get this deal done, it could be a repeat of when they signed Roberto Firmino. Liverpool’s former number nine signed from the Bundesliga, costing £29m from Hoffenheim. That, in itself, is similar to Marmoush, who would also make the move to Merseyside from the German top flight.

Firmino is a modern-day legend at Anfield, forming a deadly partnership with Salah and Sadio Mane. He scored 111 goals and grabbed 75 assists in 362 games for the club, helping to win a Premier League and Champions League title during his time at the club.

The similarities between the Frankfurt forward and the former Brazilian international extend further than the fact they have both spent time playing in Germany. The pair are versatile, and whilst they both excel at centre-forward, can play just off the striker or even out wide.

Marmoush, an “electric” player, as football presenter Dougie Critchley described him, has showcased his versatility this season. He has started the majority of games leading the line, just as Firmino did at Liverpool. However, he has also played on the left wing and even as a number 10, a position in which the Brazilian ace excelled when called upon.

There are certainly several comparisons to be made between Liverpool’s legendary centre-forward and their reported transfer target Marmoush, even down to the fact both are right-footed attackers. He is a player that Klopp never really managed to replace, but it could well be Slot who finds the perfect player to do so.

Given the fact the Egyptian forward would move from the Bundesliga and the versatility he possesses, there are clear similarities between Firmino and the Frankfurt number seven. It is a signing that would surely excite the Anfield faithful and someone who could potentially replicate the success of the legendary Brazilian in that famous Red shirt, given his incredible form so far this season.

Related Sky Sports: Liverpool keen to sign Viktor Gyokeres in cut-price £50m deal

He’s one of the most in-form strikers in Europe…

Posts ByTom Cunningham Oct 30, 2024

لا يزال مستقبل محمد صلاح مع ليفربول يزداد غموضًا، مع اقتراب نهاية عقده في صيف 2025 دون أي بوادر واضحة من الإدارة بشأن التجديد، مما يفتح المجال أمام التكهنات حول إمكانية رحيله مع نهاية الموسم الجاري.

وفي ظل استمرار صمت ليفربول، بدأت الأحاديث تتزايد عن البديل المحتمل لصلاح، وسط ترشيحات عديدة، أبرزها أديمولا لوكمان، الذي خطف الأنظار مؤخرًا وتألق مع أتالانتا في الدوري الإيطالي، ما يجعله أحد الأسماء المرشحة لخلافة الفرعون المصري كذلك هناك جناح بورنموث، أنطوان سيمينو.

اقرأ أيضًا.. رسميًا | لاعب ليفربول يغادر معسكر هولندا مصابًا قبل مواجهة إسبانيا

الغياب التام لأي تصريحات رسمية من إدارة ليفربول حول مستقبل محمد صلاح يثير التساؤلات، فهل هناك خطة بديلة؟ أم أن النادي يراهن على صبر اللاعب في ظل تزايد الشائعات عن اهتمام أندية كبرى بضمه؟.

وعلى الرغم من ذلك، تشير بعض التقارير إلى أن النادي لا يزال يأمل في الإبقاء على نجمه الأول، لكن الشروط المالية تبقى حجر الأساس في أي اتفاق جديد، مما يجعل مستقبل صلاح معلقًا حتى يتم حسم الأمور بشكل رسمي.

وفي هذا السياق، كشف الصحفي الموثوق ديفيد أورنستين عبر صحيفة “ذا أثلتيك” عن موقف النادي من المفاوضات قائلًا: “كل ما أعرفه هو أن ليفربول متفائل منذ فترة بشأن التوصل إلى اتفاق، لأنهم في النهاية يريدون بقاء محمد صلاح، وهناك اعتقاد بأنه سعيد ويرغب في الأمر ذاته”.

وأضاف أورنستين: “بالطبع، يجب أن تكون الأرقام المقدمة من ليفربول مناسبة إذا كان يرغب في حسم الأمر”، مما يشير إلى أن العقبة الوحيدة أمام التجديد قد تكون مالية، وهو ما يترك الباب مفتوحًا لجميع السيناريوهات، سواء بتجديد العقد أو رحيل مفاجئ خلال الفترة القادمة.

Arne Slot addressed Virgil van Dijk's future at Liverpool and insisted that he looks forward to a long partnership with the "outstanding" defender.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Van Dijk's contract ends in less than six monthsDefender recently refused to commit his future at AnfieldHowever, Slot hinted that the Dutchman could pen an extensionFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Van Dijk, alongside fellow key players Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, is currently in the final months of his contract at Anfield. However, there is still a strong belief within Liverpool that the Dutch international will extend his stay, especially given that his performances continue to be at an elite level.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT SLOT SAID

Speaking in a pre-match press conference on Friday ahead of an FA Cup tie, Slot did not hold back in his praise for Van Dijk’s influence at the club.

"Virgil deserves every compliment he gets," Slot told reporters.

"He's been outstanding for this club for so many years and, since I've been here, he's been outstanding for me as well. Yesterday [in the 4-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur] was an example of that. He was, in a good way, aggressive, led the team with and without the ball, he was sharp and ready. It was no coincidence it took 80 mins for Tottenham's first shot on target. Virgil, just like many others, has had a good season but he wants to make it a great season."

When asked about Van Dijk’s future at Anfield, Slot belted out an optimistic response and said: "Good health is the first thing I wish him, and I hope to continue working with him for a long time, although I don't think that will surprise you."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Despite the positive outlook from Slot, Van Dijk himself has been more reserved when discussing his future. Following Liverpool’s recent Carabao Cup semi-final win, the Dutch international was questioned about his next move but offered little clarity.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he stated: "I am feeling good, what the future brings I have no idea. Anyone who says they know, they are absolutely wrong."

This lack of certainty has left some Liverpool fans anxious, especially given his previous hints about wanting to continue competing at the highest level for several more years.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

AFPWHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

After a commanding performance against Tottenham to secure a place in the Carabao Cup final, Liverpool will now shift their focus to the FA Cup. Their next challenge comes in the form of a fourth-round clash against Championship side Plymouth Argyle this weekend, as they continue their pursuit of silverware under Slot’s leadership.

Mohamed Salah's former team-mate Dejan Lovren believes Liverpool do not "respect him enough" and that he's "closer to leaving than staying".

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Salah in last months of Liverpool contract
• Told Reds "don't respect him enough"
• Ex-team-mate says he's closer to "leaving than staying"

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Former Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren played alongside Salah for three seasons and says he still keeps in touch with the Egyptian. He added, "I know a lot of things" when speaking about Salah's ongoing contract situation, that an Anfield transfer exit beckons this summer, and that Liverpool should satisfy his wage demands as he is delivering on the pitch.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  WHAT DEJAN LOVREN SAID

  He said, via The Mirror: “We are still in touch. We talk every now and then, yes. I have to be careful what I say now, because I know a lot of things. Honestly, I don’t know the exact numbers, but whatever he’s asking for, I think he deserves it. It’s simple, this guy is doing his job on the pitch.

  “Don’t look at his age, some will say he’ll be 33, but look at Ronaldo, he’s 40 and still playing. Mohamed Salah is still scoring goals, he’s in great physical and mental shape. He’s still playing for the national team, so what’s the problem? He’s seven or eight years younger [than Ronaldo]. So what’s the problem with Salah? Nobody can find an answer, that’s why I find it difficult.

  “I can talk in more detail. Salah believes that there are things missing from the club side, and I hope they’ll be resolved soon. But the current reality is that he’s closer to leaving than staying. Everyone wants him to stay, and I personally want him to stay. I called him one day and said: 'Mo, you have to think about yourself. Look at everything you've given this club and what you can still give.'

  “In the end, I came to the conclusion that the club doesn't respect him enough, or at least not as much as they think they deserve, but that's another side of the story, it's all about what goes on behind the scenes. Everyone can agree when they look at the numbers, there is no player who has the statistics like Mohamed Salah, not only this season, but over the last 5-6 seasons in a row, they are not just amazing numbers, they are crazy.

  “I think he does not get enough attention despite these numbers, because if it was Messi or Ronaldo, we would see talk every day about why his contract was not renewed and why the right offer was not made to him, but unfortunately, I think Mohamed Salah does not get this attention.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Salah said last month that he and Liverpool were "far away" from a contract extension, with the 32-year-old's deal expiring this summer. The ex-Roma star has scored a whopping 26 goals and bagged 18 assists in 34 appearances and is, arguably, playing some of the best football of his career. But there is a real chance this could be his last season at the Reds.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  While contract talks between Liverpool and Salah continue, he has a Merseyside derby to look forward to in a Premier League clash at Everton on Wednesday.

Nine-day tournament starts in Edgbaston on July 29 2022 with the gold medal match scheduled for August 7

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Nov-2021Women’s cricket will debut at next year’s Commonwealth Games with a re-match of the 2020 T20 World Cup final. Australia and India are set to lock horns again on July 29 as a nine-day tournament kicks off in Edgbaston with the gold medal match scheduled for August 7.Seven of the eight teams in this competition were confirmed in April earlier this year. The final one will be determined through a qualifying tournament that will be taking place in January 2022. Their first match of the Games will be against England on July 30. The next day will feature a match that brings the entire cricket world to a standstill. India vs Pakistan.The teams have been split into two groups of four and the top two from each group will qualify for the semi-finals which take place on August 6.Save the date: It’s Australia vs India at the Commonwealth games on July 29 2022•Getty ImagesEngland were an automatic pick into the Games as a result of their being the hosts. The other six teams were chosen based on their place in the ICC T20 rankings as of April 1 last year. Barbados became the West Indian representative on the basis that they won the domestic title in 2020. The 2021 competition had to be postponed.”We have seen tremendous growth of the women’s game over the past few years and the Commonwealth Games will undoubtedly be another major moment on that journey,” ICC acting chief executive Geoff Allardice said.This is only the second time that cricket finds a place in the Commonwealth Games, and it will be kicking off the 22nd edition of the event along with Netball.

Manchester United fan/pundit Mark Goldbridge has been left confused by one of the club’s summer signings after an Erik ten Hag decision in the game against West Ham United. It was another disappointing weekend for the Red Devils, as their lack of finishing and a controversial refereeing decision cost them all three points in London.

Ten Hag must axe 5/10 Man Utd star after losing the ball 16 times

The Man Utd star struggled on Sunday against West Ham United.

ByJoe Nuttall Oct 28, 2024 Pressure mounting on Erik ten Hag

Defeat to the Hammers means it is now four losses in the Premier League for United this season, and it was another game that showed their poor finishing at the top end of the pitch is costing them week in and week out.

However, Ten Hag was left upset and feels his side have felt injustice three times this season after questionable refereeing decisions: “Three times this season we feel injustice. We have to score; we created so many chances, we should have been two or three goals up.

“In the second half, we were forcing it, but we allowed them into the game. When you are losing 1-0, you need big personality and character in the team, and we showed resilience to get back into it. It is unfair and unjust the way we conceded the penalty.”

Meanwhile, Gary Neville believes the pressure on Ten Hag will become “unbearable” if United lose to Chelsea next Sunday: “I don’t think there can be another defeat next Sunday at Old Trafford. I genuinely don’t.

“I think it’s getting to that point now where there is a real worry. I’m worried because the results, the lack of goals, the lack of performances, it’s stacking up week after week after week, and there will be some sort of reasons given [on Sunday] – I’m not going to say excuses – but reasons given around missing chances. But they keep missing chances. These are the players that have been recruited over the last couple of seasons mainly.

“It’s a sobering time because the feeling was after winning the FA Cup final and investing well, having a more smooth transfer window, that now it’s looking like here we are again at that moment where it’s going badly wrong. It’s getting to that point where it’ll become unbearable.”

After the game against West Ham, Goldbridge was left baffled by one of the club’s latest additions, as he didn’t feature against the Hammers.

Goldbridge stunned by what Ten Hag has done with Manuel Ugarte

Mark Goldbridge was left confused by the signing of Manuel Ugarte after he didn’t feature for Manchester United in their game against West Ham on Sunday. Ten Hag decided to go with a midfield of Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, and Bruno Fernandes for the game against the Hammers, despite Ugarte performing very well on Thursday night in the Europa League against Fenerbahçe.

Ugarte, who is on a weekly wage of £120,000 at Old Trafford, was named amongst the substitutes, but he failed to add to his four appearances in the Premier League already. United made three substitutes in the game, and given the situation, as towards the end of the match they were chasing a result, Ten Hag opted against using the Uruguayan, and the fact Casemiro scored their only goal also may have played a part.

Apps

7

Starts

4

Minutes played

348

Goals

0

Assists

0

However, Goldbridge has been left confused by Ugarte’s signing after he failed to appear against West Ham. He took to X after the game and labelled Ugarte’s addition as a “baffling signing”, as United are struggling for form and they are not using their biggest signing of the summer, ending by describing the situation as “weird”.

MatériaMais Notícias

A molecada comandada por Fabio Matias já encerrou a preparação, nesta terça-feira, e está pronta para representar o Flamengo na estreia do Carioca, cuja adversária será a Portuguesa, às 21h35 de amanhã, no Estádio Luso-Brasileiro. E os relacionados já foram divulgados pelo Rubro-Negro.

RelacionadasFlamengoGramado, banco de reservas e mais: os últimos preparos de Flamengo e Portuguesa para o Luso-BrasileiroFlamengo24/01/2022Futebol NacionalGALERIA: veja imagens do Luso-Brasileiro, casa de Flamengo e Fluminense em jogos do CariocãoFutebol Nacional24/01/2022FlamengoPontos de troca de ingresso, preços e mais: todas as informações para ver a estreia do Flamengo no CariocaFlamengo24/01/2022

Os destaques vão para as badaladas joias Lázaro, Matheus França e Mateusão.

>GALERIA: veja imagens do Luso-Brasileiro, casa do Flamengo no Carioca

Ainda não é assinante do Cariocão-2022? Acesse www.cariocaoplay.com.br, preencha o cadastro e ganhe 5% de desconto com o cupom especial do LANCE!: GE-JK-FF-ZSW

Na preparação para o Carioca, o grupo de Fabio Matias, que é treinador do time sub-20, disputou dois jogos-treino no Ninho do Urubu (contra Nova Iguaçu e Boavista), que indicam que uma escalação próxima a: Matheus Cunha; Wesley, Gabriel Noga, Cleiton e Marcos Paulo; Igor Jesus, Yuri de Oliveira e Matheus França; Thiaguinho, Lázaro e André.

> Confira a tabela do Cariocão

Pressionado pela “cultura da vitória”, o Flamengo busca o tetracampeonato na competição. Enquanto um time alternativo de jovens representa o clube, o grupo principal, de Paulo Sousa, segue treinando e só deve estrear na quarta rodada, que será o clássico contra o Fluminense, no dia 6 de fevereiro.

VEJA TODOS OS RELACIONADOS

The team wants “matters of an extreme or serious nature” like racism in cricket “to be met head on”, England captain says

Matt Roller05-Nov-2021Eoin Morgan has insisted that he does not mind England’s T20 World Cup campaign being overshadowed if that ensures Azeem Rafiq’s allegations of institutional racism at Yorkshire are “met head on”, adding that bringing about “significant change” would be “bigger than… any of the trophies that we win”.Cricket has been on the front and back pages of British newspapers throughout the past week after government intervention into Azeem’s case against his former club, with England’s unbeaten record at the World Cup in the UAE going under the radar in comparison.Related

Last chance for South Africa to stay alive as they come up against formidable England

Azeem Rafiq racism report: Ten questions for Yorkshire

Roger Hutton resigns in racism probe fallout

Former Yorkshire player Rana Naved-ul-Hasan says he heard Vaughan's alleged racist comments

Morgan said that his squad was “very serious” in its desire to bring about “meaningful change” and said that the ECB’s decision to strip Yorkshire of hosting rights for international fixtures showed “how seriously the ECB are taking how this has been handled”.”In matters of an extreme or serious nature like these are, they need to be met head on,” Morgan said. “For us as a team, that’s exactly what we want to see. The investigation’s ongoing and live at the moment so only time will tell what happens, but I think the actions by the board have demonstrated how seriously the ECB are taking how this has been handled. Yes, we want to see the sport in a great light but equally if there’s an issue as serious as this we want it dealt with as well.”First and foremost, probably more so for the last two to three years, our culture has been built around inclusivity and diversity. It’s actually been quite a strong part of our game. For that period of time we have been active about talking and actioning things that show meaningful change.”We are very serious about it. We firmly believe that there is no place in our sport for any type of discrimination, and I think the actions of the ECB board to Yorkshire have indicated how serious they are about dealing with issues like this.”England have taken a knee before games throughout their World Cup campaign and wore anti-discrimination t-shirts during a “moment of unity” at various points during their home summer. Morgan said that “continuing to give that strong message” was important and that England were “making good ground” towards meaningful change.”There is only so much we can do as a team,” he said. “I think having had a lot of chats with the team, being a part of the significant change [is something] that we feel will lead to something that will be bigger than any of our careers, or any of the trophies that we win. What we do at the moment to try and achieve that, it’s not perfect, but we are making good ground towards change that we want implemented.”Outside of that, we are actually limited to what we can achieve. Continuing to give that strong message, particularly in our moment of unity, and opportunities to speak to you guys [the media], and I suppose ultimately to be ourselves. In teams you have to be yourself. It should feel a little bit like being at home. Obviously it won’t feel like being at home, being around your family, but it should be relaxed, and give you that freedom to feel comfortable in your own skin.”We want to do things that make a difference, and I believe we’ve made strides forwards as a group in doing that in various parts of our game”•Getty Images

“From our point of view as a team, we can only do so much in role-modelling what we believe is right. Yes, we talk about it, but equally we want to do things that make a difference, and I believe we’ve made strides forwards as a group in doing that in various parts of our game. We have found things that are not only pushing things forward, or taking the cap forward, but also feel very authentic to individuals and where they have come from, the journeys they have been on.”Adil Rashid, England joint-highest wicket-taker at the World Cup to date, played with Azeem for a number of years and has been directly involved in the case, having been named in Yorkshire’s report as a victim of an alleged racist remark from Michael Vaughan, the former England captain. Morgan insisted that Rashid was “travelling okay” and that he was “not concerned at all” that it would affect his performances.”Adil is one of our players that, in the normal scheme of things, doesn’t require a lot of support,” he said. “Given what’s happened so close to home for him, I think it’s great that he does have a great support network around him. The team is here, his family are here, which is fantastic but there is no indication at the moment that anything out of the ordinary is happening.”Being away in a different country detaches you slightly from things as opposed to being at home but certainly he’s a guy that has been very close with Azeem Rafiq growing up at Yorkshire. But he’s travelling okay at the moment. I’m not concerned at all.”

Hoping to make a statement in the form of a rare Anfield victory, Chelsea have received an injury boost at the perfect time, with one player now in line to return for the first time this season.

Chelsea injury news

Despite boasting one of the biggest squads in the Premier League, Chelsea still struggled with their injury issues last season. Ultimately, a number of other factors caused the end of Mauricio Pochettino’s spell, but Enzo Maresca has since fared far better on that front, with the results arriving in the early stages of the Italian’s tenure.

The Blues have looked the closest to their best since Thomas Tuchel’s time in charge, with Maresca finally turning things around for Todd Boehly at Stamford Bridge – and Cole Palmer unsurprisingly playing a central role of stealing the headlines.

Their toughest test yet under their new manager now awaits in the form of Arne Slot’s Liverpool side at Anfield. Losing just once and going stride for stride with Manchester City and Arsenal so far this season, the Reds have conceded just two goals in seven Premier League games under their new boss – representing the task ahead for Maresca’s team.

The 10 best clashes between Liverpool and Chelsea

Liverpool and Chelsea usually serve up a treat, so here’s a look at their best clashes.

By
Barney Lane

Oct 18, 2024

What could help unlock a stubborn Liverpool defence is the return of a star man. As confirmed by Maresca, Reece James is now in line to return against Liverpool and could feature for the first time this season after missing the last 11 games in all competitions due to hamstring problem.

Maresca told reporters, as relayed by Goal: “He [James] is finally available. He worked with us over the international break. It’s good news, especially for him because being injured is not a good feeling. Finally, he is back.

“It’s complicated when you get injury, injury, injury again. It’s not easy, so you are always looking for a solution. Probably, the solution with Reece is the same solution we are using with Romeo [Lavia] and Wes [Fofana] in terms of using them just once a week, in one game, because probably in this moment, for different reasons, Reece’s body cannot play twice a week.”

Now or never for "decisive" James

Whilst James’ return should be seen as a positive, those around Stamford Bridge have seen how this story plays out one too many times before, and they, alongside their captain, will be desperate for a twist to the tale this time around. No one can doubt the £250,000-a-week defender’s quality, but that quality becomes void when he’s forced to watch on from the sidelines.

Dubbed “decisive” by former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, if Maresca manages James’ workload, he may just have one of the best right-backs in European football at his disposal on a consistent basis for the first time in what feels like forever.

Hoping to take a permanent step back among the world’s best, Newcastle United have now reportedly entered the race to sign two Croatian starlets alongside a number of Europe’s elite clubs.

Newcastle transfer news

It’s shaping up to be a busy 2025 for those at St James’ Park if recent transfer rumours are anything to go by. The Magpies have been linked to the likes of Antoine Semenyo and Bryan Mbeumo as they look to finally upgrade on Miguel Almiron and add another attacking spark to Eddie Howe’s side. It could be a much-needed spark too amid reports that Alexander Isak could decide to depart in 2025, recently stealing the headlines on and off the pitch.

After failing in their recruitment last summer, losing Isak would undoubtedly be a major blow – particularly to a Premier League rival. The last thing that sporting director Paul Mitchell needs is to have the job of replacing one of England’s best forwards on top of the targets that he may have already identified, including two Croatian starlets.

Related Another "brilliant" Newcastle ace to miss several games after injury update

The Magpies’ list of absentees continues to grow…

Posts ByTom Cunningham Nov 14, 2024

According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, Newcastle are now among Europe’s elite in the race to sign Martin Baturina and Petar Sucic from Dinamo Zagreb. The likes of Manchester City, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool have all reportedly been keeping tabs on at least Baturina or both of the young midfielders.

Baturina – 21 years old and more of an attacking player – would undoubtedly be a major coup given the interest in his signature. Sucic, meanwhile, who is also just 21 years old but a defensive midfielder, could offer Howe an instant upgrade on Sean Longstaff alongside Bruno Guimaraes at the heart of his Newcastle side next year.

"Talented" Sucic could replace Longstaff

A player at the heart of the current Dinamo Zagreb side, Sucic has more than earned the admiration of several top clubs and now Newcastle could land an instant upgrade on Longstaff, especially for the future. Sucic’s best form is yet to come, but he has still managed to enter the radar of Newcastle’s scouts who may well have the vision of a partnership between the Croatian and Guimaraes in mind.

Unsurprisingly, the young midfielder has earned plenty of praise throughout his recent rise into importance for Zagreb, including from U23 scout Antonio Mango, who described his performances earlier this season as “brilliant” as he also got an assist to his name.

As for Baturina, if Newcastle are looking for an attacking injection then he’d certainly offer that in the middle of the park, having been involved in nine goals in just 17 appearances so far this season.

With all eyes on the future, the Magpies could swoop in and land two of the most exciting players that Croatia has to offer.