New Era released its special new hats for every MLB team and while they aren't the best looking ones you'll ever see, one team's hat had to be pulled from stores because it looked way to much like a vulgar word.
In case you missed the release, New Era, the official hat of MLB, dropped its Overlap 5950 collection on Monday. The hats have the logo of each team over the team's nickname.
Here's what some of them look like:
@NewEra
The Rangers' hat has a big T over Texas, which makes it looks like it spells out a Spanish slang vulgarity.
shared these details:
Not great! It's also not the first time New Era has made a mistake like this, as A's fans surely remember.
London Spirit snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in Cardiff to clinch a last-ball thriller against Welsh Fire in the Hundred and maintain their 100% record at the start of this year’s competition.Having been bowled out for 124, Spirit were staring down the barrel with Welsh Fire well set on 73 for 1 in reply, but the home side stumbled as the finish line approached and ultimately fell short.With just 24 runs needed from the last 20 balls, and eight wickets in hand, the result seemed a formality but Sophia Dunkley and Jess Jonassen fell as Spirit inched their way back into the contest, and Grace Harris held her nerve with ball in hand to defend seven runs from the final five balls.That the visitors were in the game at the halfway mark at all, despite having been bowled out, was predominantly due to Charli Knott, who made 47.Knott’s effort – for which she was awarded Meerkat Match Hero – knitted together what was a strange innings, with wickets falling in clusters. Legspinner Katie Levick took two in two and recorded figures of 3 for 26.Levick and her fellow bowlers would have thought they may have done enough, but while Welsh Fire looked favourites for much of the game – with Hayley Matthews and Dunkley classy as ever – they weren’t able to get over the line.It signals a second consecutive defeat for Tammy Beaumont’s side, but for Charlie Dean’s defending champions it’s top place and two from two.Match Hero Knott said: “I was definitely a little bit nervous out on the boundary there at the end. I think we knew we were in the game, Gracie pulled off a great over, and we’re very excited to get the win there.”It was a little bit tough when I started my innings. I tried to just get into my innings and hit the sweepers hard, and then I was able to cash in a little bit at the end. I think the wicket just held up a little bit, and we got caught out playing across the line a little bit so the gameplan was to hit the sweepers hard and it paid off for me in the end.”I think in close games like that everyone just has to try and stay nice and level. I think we knew we were in the game from the start, it wasn’t a road by any means, so everyone was on their toes hunting from the get-go, which was great to see. To pull off a win like that, everyone will be in high spirits, so we’ll take the momentum for sure and hopefully keep rolling through.”
Manchester United are continuing to build under Ruben Amorim, and they will look to move in the right direction over the coming weeks, even if the Portuguese boss has shared a little bit of frustration over one matter at Old Trafford.
Roy Keane drops verdict on Ruben Amorim's Man Utd future
Undoubtedly, the future of Amorim has been the main talking point at Manchester United this season, a topic that has gained attention after Sir Jim Ratcliffe made it clear he will have three years to build a legacy at Old Trafford.
In years gone by, the Red Devils have changed managers, but it hasn’t necessarily brought long-term success or stability to the club in their Premier League finishes. For some, it would be only fair for the Portuguese boss to get an extended crack of the whip to craft his system.
Nevertheless, Roy Keane has cast doubt on whether three years will be afforded to Amorim, claiming in the build-up before Manchester United’s win at Liverpool that results will ultimately determine his fate.
He said on Sky Sports: “I’m not so sure about that. It’s all well and good getting the backing off the board, but results have to improve. You hope, of course, any manager is given time. Whether he will get three years to play with depends how they do over the next few months. They have picked up a little bit – with the new attacking players they look more of a goal threat.”
While Manchester United continue to invest in young talent for the future, the here and now is what is important and the stars that are in the building are the ones in control of building consistency on the pitch.
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Despite this, Amorim has let out a little bit of frustration regarding one of his players’ recent exploits, even if his comments come in good faith.
Ruben Amorim opens up on Bruno Fernandes' penalty duties
In comments relayed by GOAL before the win at Liverpool, Amorim expressed frustration at Bruno Fernandes missing penalties for Manchester United against Fulham and Brentford, though confirmed he will remain on duties regardless.
Ultimately, £300,000 per week earner Fernandes has been a big game player for Manchester United over the years and never shirks responsibility, setting up Harry Maguire’s winner at Anfield, and unfortunate events will happen from time to time, given that he is their go-to man.
Nevertheless, nobody will argue that his contribution at Old Trafford isn’t absolutely pivotal to the cause, which is why Amorim retains full trust in his captain to deliver when called upon.
Lisandro Martinez is back in Manchester United training after eight months on the sidelines following a serious knee injury but Ruben Amorim has warned the defender not to rush his return to action. The Argentine centre-back was keen to face Nottingham Forest this weekend, yet Amorim has confirmed he will not feature as the Red Devils continue to manage his recovery carefully.
Martinez returns to training after eight months injured
Manchester United received a major fitness boost this week as Martinez returned to first-team training for the first time since February. The Argentine defender has been out of action for eight months following an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury sustained in the 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. After undergoing a lengthy rehabilitation programme at Carrington, the 26-year-old was finally spotted back on the training pitch with his teammates on Wednesday.
Despite his visible excitement to return, Martinez will not be part of the travelling squad to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday. Amorim revealed in his pre-match press conference that the centre-back had pleaded to be included, but was told “no” as the Red Devils continue to prioritise his long-term fitness. Martinez’s recovery marks a key milestone for the club’s defensive unit, which has been stretched at times since last season, but Amorim is adamant that the process cannot be rushed.
The Reds are currently enjoying a fine run of form, with recent victories over Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton propelling them up the Premier League table. A win at The City Ground could momentarily take Amorim’s side up to second place, but the United boss remains focused on easing Martinez back into action gradually to avoid any setbacks.
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Amorim denies Martinez's pleas for Forest squad inclusion
Asked about Martinez’s potential inclusion for the Forest clash, Amorim made it clear that he had to step in and slow things down: “He wants to go to this one [Forest], he isn’t going to this one. He’s going to need time.” The Portuguese coach added: “He has started training with us. Slowly, he is going to get better.”
Amorim also highlighted the importance of Martinez’s influence around the squad, even while working his way back to full fitness: “It’s really good. He gives us that edge in every training session, that is also really good for us. The rest of the guys we have one day. I don’t know about Harry Maguire, the rest are fit.”
The World Cup-winning defender has been out since February and underwent surgery earlier this year, making Amorim’s conservative approach both expected and necessary.
Martinez still a ways away from full playing fitness
Martinez’s long-awaited return to training marks a key moment in his United journey. Since joining from Ajax in 2022, the Argentine has become a fan favourite for his passion, defensive aggression and leadership qualities. He has made 91 appearances for the club, contributing three goals and helping United to lift both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup under Erik ten Hag.
The 26-year-old’s absence since February was deeply felt across the backline, as United often struggled with defensive consistency. During his time on the sidelines, the team Red Devils through several centre-back pairings, with Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro, each taking turns to anchor the defence. Martinez’s return to full fitness promises to restore a level of composure and aggression that United have occasionally lacked, but Amorim is acutely aware that returning too quickly could risk aggravating his knee injury.
His rehabilitation at Carrington has been a long but steady process. After surgery on his ACL, Martinez spent months in individual recovery before gradually rejoining team drills. United’s medical team and Amorim’s staff have kept a close eye on his progress, and while his return to training has been hailed as a “significant step,” full match fitness is still some distance away.
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Martinez facing a lot of competition for starting spot
Manchester United face a crucial run of fixtures heading into November, with Saturday’s trip to Nottingham Forest followed by a visit to Tottenham Hotspur before the international break. While fans may be eager to see Martinez back in competitive action, Amorim’s stance suggests the centre-back’s return could come only after the break. That timeline would give the Argentine ample time to build sharpness and reintegrate fully into matchday training routines.
The competition for defensive spots is fierce, with Maguire rediscovering form and De Ligt providing valuable depth— meaning Martinez will need to prove his readiness before reclaiming a starting berth.
A former Manchester United employee who worked closely with Sir Alex Ferguson has heard the Red Devils are eying a “top” Ruben Amorim replacement.
Man Utd manager targets with Amorim under pressure
It feels as if Amorim’s sacking at Old Trafford could be a matter of when and not if following a poor start to the Premier League season.
Reports have even suggested that Man Utd will wait until November to part ways with the Portuguese coach, which will lower the compensation due to Amorim as that figure currently stands at £12m.
In regards to replacements, a number of managers have been heavily linked with taking over from the 40-year-old.
Their own Pep: "Incredible" manager favourite to replace Amorim at Man Utd
Manchester United look set to turn to one other manager in their hunt to replace Ruben Amorim.
ByEthan Lamb Oct 1, 2025
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is thought to be open to the idea of taking over from Amorim, Sir Gareth Southgate has been in direct contact with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Xavi Hernandez is another thought to be among the favourites.
However, another name is thought to be under consideration at Old Trafford by INEOS.
Ex-Man Utd employee says Man Utd are eyeing “top” Amorim replacement
Former Red Devils scout Mick Brown, who worked closely under Ferguson during Man Utd’s dominance for more than 10 years, has been talking to Football Insider regarding potential replacements for Amorim.
Brown remains very well-connected at United and has heard that Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler is a “top option” those at Old Trafford would consider.
Hurzeler, who is just 32 years of age, has already been quizzed on the rumours linking him with a move to Manchester, but was quick to respect Amorim.
Games
53
Wins
25
Draws
15
Losses
13
Points per game
1.70
“Of course it is always an honour to be part of the rumours but I really respect the coach, Ruben Amorim, there. I think it is not the right thing to talk about this.
“Overall, I can say it is a privilege to work with Brighton. I am very happy to be the coach here and we have a lot of work in front of us.”
Marcus Rashford has been warned by England manager Thomas Tuchel that, despite all that he has achieved, his undoubted talent could still go to waste. Manchester United academy graduate Rashford is, at 27 years of age, in the process of rebuilding his career. Having been deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford and overlooked by the Three Lions on a regular basis, the jet-heeled forward is now enjoying a loan spell at Barcelona.
No regrets: Important challenge put to Rashford
That deal includes the option for a permanent transfer to be pushed through in 2026. That could prove to be a productive summer for Rashford, who is also hoping to make Tuchel’s squad for the next World Cup – with England on the verge of confirming qualification for that event.
Rashford, who made his senior international debut in 2016, is being asked to put his experience to good use. He has, however, found consistency hard to come by in recent seasons and needs to prove that he is no fading force. Tuchel is eager to ensure that Rashford is left with no regrets when it comes to maximising his talent.
AdvertisementGettyRedemption arc: Rashford rebuilding his career
Tuchel said when discussing a forward that burst onto the scene with United at 18 years of age: “That is the headline for him. To keep on pushing himself to the limit. The limit for him is very, very high. Maybe higher than for others. He has the potential, but potential is a dangerous word with high-level sports. You have to reach your personal best on a regular basis. It’s not a question of talent, it’s a question of whether he can prove the point at club and international level. Whether he starts for us or comes off the bench he has to constantly prove himself.
“He can be one of the best in the world. The quality I see in training, the finishing with both legs and with the head. He is explosive, he is fast, he is strong in the air so where are the limits? There are no limits, but the numbers don’t reach the potential. He needs to push himself into goal involvements. That means goals and assists. He knows that from me.”
Rashford has registered 18 goals for England through 64 appearances. He has failed to reach double figures at club level across the last two campaigns, leading to him spending 18 months in the international wilderness before making Tuchel’s first squad as Three Lions manager in March 2025.
Tuchel added on Rashford’s redemption arc: “He is still on that. He still has to make these decisions. He is in that moment, he is young enough to take the right decisions and not let go. Otherwise, he will be disappointed in 10 years at what could have been and what he made of it.”
Loan benefits: Aston Villa & Barcelona spells for Rashford
Rashford began to rediscover a lost spark during a loan spell at Aston Villa last season, with Tuchel pleased to see a proven performer step out of his comfort zone and challenge himself. The German tactician said: “That was quite a bold move because to go in a working team, and a team that was well settled and played a hard-working style, that was a very, very good move for him and he settled in very quickly.
“And for the work-rate against the ball I selected him. And still he had not as many goals and not as many goal involvements as he could have. He creates quite a lot of chances, but for the quality and finishing that we see with training, he just doesn’t score enough. That’s the next step.”
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GettyEngland fixtures: Next up for Rashford & the Three Lions
Rashford is now on the books of La Liga giants Barcelona. He has registered three goals and five assists for them through 10 appearances this season, with it being suggested that an extended stay in Catalunya can be earned.
His next outing could come in England’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Latvia on Tuesday, with Tuchel looking for attacking inspiration in that contest after seeing all-time leading goalscorer Harry Kane pick up a knock and Ollie Watkins withdraw from the fold after suffering a freak injury in the Three Lions’ 3-0 friendly victory over Wales.
Ex-Tottenham midfielder Jamie O'Hara has called for Manchester United to hire former captain Roy Keane as manager, in a bid to reverse the Red Devils' atrocious form under Ruben Amorim. The talkSPORT pundit lauded the fiery Irishman for his leadership skills, saying the 58-year-old would "not allow poor standards". O'Hara did acknowledge the club was highly unlikely to make the move, however.
O'Hara praises Keane's leadership skills
Speculation over Amorim's future has predictably resurfaced after United fell to a lacklustre 3-1 defeat away to Brentford this past weekend. O'Hara believes the paucity of standards within the United dressing room needs an urgent fix, something a hard taskmaster like Keane could provide.
The former Tottenham midfielder went as far as to suggest it was "unbelievable" that nobody at United had reached out to Keane for his involvement in the increasingly shambolic goings on at Old Trafford
Speaking on Wednesday on Sky Sports, O'Hara said: "I'm amazed that no one has phoned Roy Keane and said, 'Can you come in at Man Utd and be part of what we're doing here?' because he is arguably Man Utd's greatest captain.
"He is a leader. He's unbelievable. When you watch him, he's ferocious, you listen to him, when he walks into a dressing room, you're going to listen.
"He's going to lead by example. He's not going to allow poor standards. I can't believe Manchester United have not phoned Roy Keane.
"Maybe it's because he can't be the manager.
"Maybe it's because he's too hot-headed, I don't know. They want someone in with more tactical nous or whatever.
"How Roy Keane isn't in there at that football club, in the dressing room, in there every day at the training ground telling them this is the standard, this is what's Man Utd, this is what we've built, this is how we do it… I cannot believe they've not done something like that."
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United's terrible form under Amorim
Whether O'Hara's idea has any legs, it's clear something needs to change at United. The Red Devils have won just two of their first six Premier League games this season, with Amorim criticised for failing to get the most out of notable summer signings like Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, while steadfastly sticking with a faltering 3-4-2-1 system.
His 34 points in 33 league games as United boss is a paltry return on his tenure. The 3-1 loss at Brentford is the Portuguese's 17th loss in the Premier League.
Keane's managerial record
While O'Hara's rousing call to arms for Keane to return to Old Trafford in some guise may resonate with some embattled United supporters, there's little evidence to suggest the Irishman could right the ship. The 54-year-old as not held a managerial position since leaving Ipswich Town in 2014. While he has experience as a number two since then, most notably alongside Martin O'Neill for the Republic of Ireland, his abrasive style which O'Hara seemingly thinks would return to the club to a golden age is just as likely to cause discontent in a modern dressing room.
Keane, of course, has not played the game since 2006 and played in a completely different era; however, he does know what success looks like, winning seven Premier League trophies, as well as four FA Cups and the Champions League during his time at Old Trafford. United's current woes would surely have him tearing his hair out.
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Keane to stay in media, but farewell to Amorim?
For all of his intimation that he does not enjoy working in the football media, it seems Keane is very content with his current workload. His comedy double act alongside Ian Wright on Stick to Football and ITV's international coverage never fails to deliver, while his diatribes against the 'babies' in the Premier Leagues on Sky Sports makes for appointment viewing. It's unlikely he will want to return to the club in any guise given just how poorly it seemingly being run. O'Hara might just fancy nipping in a couple of Keane's vacant punditry spots rather than genuinely feeling the Irishman should involve himself in the Manchester United melodrama.
To outsiders, the fact that Manchester United have not sacked Ruben Amorim yet is one of the great mysteries of our time. There have been several occasions when the Portuguese would have been given his marching orders at many other top clubs. Can you imagine Real Madrid sticking with a coach that had lost eight out of 12 league games between last December and February?
Would Bayern Munich have backed a manager that lost six out of their final nine league matches last season? Or even Borussia Dortmund? And would Juventus, Inter or AC Milan have stuck with a coach that had presided over the club's first ever defeat to a fourth-tier team and then lost three of their six league games, including being humiliated by their local rivals? The answer is obvious: no.
Now let's move the conversation on from the owners. Would the supporters of any of those elite European teams refrain from demanding such a struggling manager be dismissed? Clearly not. And would they be chanting his name at each game or holding up supportive banners for him at home and away matches? No chance. They would be much more likely to boycott games by way of protest or even invade the training ground to confront the coach and his players.
That United fans are still supporting the manager, at games at least, has a lot to do with the legacy of having Sir Alex Ferguson in charge for 27 seasons and a lack of appetite for a never-ending churn of managers. When Ferguson ended his glorious reign in 2013, he urged the Old Trafford faithful to "stand by the new manager" and that is largely what they have done, from David Moyes' nightmare tenure through to the metronomic football of Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho's mood swings and the many thrashings Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag oversaw.
But why is Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a man who had no qualms about sacking 450 workers and gleefully took away employees' free lunches, keeping the faith? GOAL tries to explain the conundrum facing the United co-owner…
Getty Images SportRatcliffe likes the cut of his jib
There are quite a few similarities between Ratcliffe and the fictional media tycoon Logan Roy from the HBO smash hit television series . Both men rose to become self-made billionaires after working class upbringings and have a particularly ruthless side. They also place a big value on first impressions.
Roy takes an instant liking to Swedish entrepreneur Lukas Matsson and then to right-wing presidential candidate Jeryd Mencken, never dwelling on the negative consequences of either choice. And in a similar way, Ratcliffe simply likes Amorim, in a way he did not take to Erik ten Hag or the short-lived sporting director Dan Ashworth.
Ratcliffe secretly flew out to Lisbon to meet personally with Amorim last year when Ten Hag was still in the role and was immediately impressed with him. When describing him to last December he described the Portuguese as "intelligent, thoughtful" and hailed him as "a fantastic coach".
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Given United's form had nosedived by the time Ratcliffe spoke to last March, he modified his tone somewhat, but still made excuses for Amorim. "You know, you’re a young guy, you’ve come into the Premier League for the first time in your life, you’ve come in mid-season, it’s not your natural language," the Briton said. "I think coaches are emotional and Ruben’s no exception to that. And he’s a young coach. And he’s not perfect. But give Ruben a break. I think he’s a good guy, he’s working hard and I think he’s doing a great job."
He also emphasised, once more, his personal connection with the coach. "I really, really like Ruben. He’s a very thoughtful guy. Every time I go to the training ground, I speak to Ruben," Ratcliffe revealed. "I sit down and have a cup of coffee with him and tell him where it’s going wrong, and he tells me to f*ck off. I like him."
Amorim gave more details of the pair's relationship in the summer during United's pre-season tour. "We speak on the phone. He sends me messages, he sends me GIFs. I think it's really easy to deal with Jim," the Portuguese said.
"I will say whatever I need to say with, of course, a lot of respect. Like with everybody, I know that he's the owner of the club, I know my place. But when I need to say something, I will say it naturally. With no bullsh*t. I'm not around the subject, I'm really direct. I think it's something that he likes a lot."
Getty Images SportCharisma and good looks go a long way
Ratcliffe's rapport with Amorim goes some way to explain why he has been so reluctant to fire him despite the dire results and poor performances. It is difficult not to agree with the assessment of Jamie Carragher, who said: "If he wasn’t so charismatic in the press conference, and wasn’t such a good-looking man, he might have lost his job a lot earlier. When you look at the results, they are horrendous."
But Ratcliffe's relationship with Amorim would not be the only thing at risk if he were to fire him less than a year after hiring him. The United co-owner has staked his reputation on the coach being a success. He has admitted to making a huge mistake by giving Ten Hag a vote of confidence after the FA Cup final win over Manchester City, having tried to find a new coach before extending the Dutchman's contract.
And when he hired Amorim, he went over the head of Dan Ashworth, who favoured an English manager like Graham Potter, Gareth Southgate or Eddie Howe. The disagreement over who should replace Ten Hag reportedly played a big part in Ashworth being fired five months into his role as sporting director, although Ratcliffe claimed the problem was a lack of "chemistry".
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Getty Images SportFinancial considerations
That leads us to another factor protecting Amorim from imminent sack: financial concerns. Firing Ashworth cost United around £4m ($5.3m) in redundancy payments, in addition to the £10.5m ($14.1m) it took to remove Ten Hag. Then there's the fact United paid an additional £11m ($14.8m) to release Amorim from his contract with Sporting CP.
With Amorim under contract until 2027, it would take at least another £10m ($13.4m) to part ways with the Portuguese. That would mean the club squandering around £35m ($47m) on hiring and firing fees in less than 12 months, which would be extra sensitive given the club sacked 250 workers in 2024 in order to save an estimated £10m per year.
Then there is the £220m ($295m) the club invested in new players over the summer. You can see why they would be keen to give the coach more time to work with Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko. And that is only one element of transfer dealings the club have done to support the coach. They also sanctioned the departures of Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony, taking a massive loss on all of them, because Amorim did not see them fitting into his team.
Giorgio Chiellini and Juan Mata have become the latest high-profile names to enter British football ownership, following in the footsteps of Luka Modric and Wrexham’s Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The pair have joined Mercury13’s investment in Bristol City Women, marking a significant new chapter as the legends turn their focus to shaping the future of the game.
Mata and Chiellini buy stake in Bristol City Women
Mata, currently with Melbourne Victory in Australia, and Chiellini, who retired after his spell at LAFC, have invested in the Mercury13 group. The company already owns Como’s women’s team in Italy and has now taken a majority stake in Bristol City Women. Both legendary footballers are now expected to play an active role, attending matches and offering support behind the scenes.
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Upwards trend of investing in English clubs
Their move is part of a growing trend of football stars investing in clubs, following Modric’s minority stake in Swansea, and the move made by Hollywood stars Reynolds and McElhenney to purchase Wrexham in 2020. Mercury13 plans to inject £73 million into the women’s game, hoping to attract elite talent to their clubs. Bristol City Women now stand to benefit as they aim to compete with ambitious rivals like London City Lionesses, who recently made the climb up into the Women's Super League.
Mercury13 co-owner believes Mata and Chiellini will help growth
Victoire Cogevina Reynal, co-founder of Mercury13, said: “Yes, absolutely (they will attend some matches). They’re incredible footballers, but they’re also incredible human beings who truly believe in what we’re building. They’ve been very helpful behind the scenes for Como, and I’m sure they will do the same for Bristol City.”
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Bristol City Women: A growing force in WSL2
Mata and Chiellini’s presence at Ashton Gate will shine more light on the growth of women’s football in Britain. With significant investment promised, Bristol City Women could emerge as a serious force in the Women's Super League 2, emulating what the London City Lionesses and Tom Brady's Birmingham City Women achieved last season.
With Alexander Isak pushing for a move to Liverpool and Benjamin Šeško firmly on the radar of Manchester United, Newcastle United’s hunt for a new striker has taken on renewed urgency.
A replacement who can offer a consistent goal threat, hold-up play, and experience at the highest level is now a top priority for Eddie Howe and his recruitment team.
Newcastle United managerEddieHoweshakes hands with assistant manager Jason Tindall after the match
Though Šeško has long been considered Newcastle’s ideal replacement for Isak, the difficulty of securing the Slovenian this summer has forced the Magpies to explore alternatives.
RB Leipzig are open to a sale, but with growing interest from Manchester United, Newcastle are unlikely to match the wages on offer at Old Trafford.
What they need is a reliable, Premier League-proven scorer who can slot straight into Howe’s system without a lengthy adaptation period.
And crucially, someone who wants to join.
Newcastle looking at Sesko alternative
Enter Yoane Wissa.
The 28-year-old Brentford forward has emerged as a frontrunner in Newcastle’s striker search, and with good reason.
Yoane Wissa scores late on for Brentford vs Crystal Palace.
While not their first-choice profile due to age, Wissa has made it clear he wants to move to Tyneside, refusing to train with Brentford in a bid to push the transfer through.
Well, there seems to be an expectancy that the move goes through. Speaking to Football Insider, former Manchester United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown revealed this week:
“He’s made it clear he wants to leave, he’s told Brentford that and he’s refusing to train, so Brentford have to decide whether they want an unhappy player at the club. I expect they’ll reach an agreement at some stage.”
Despite competition from Tottenham, Wissa’s priority is reportedly to join Newcastle.
Brentford, who have already lost Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United and Christian Nørgaard to Arsenal, may be forced to lower their original £50m valuation.
Mbeumo and Wissa
So why are Newcastle willing to consider a player much older than their usual recruitment age of 24 and under?
Comparing Wissa to Šeško
The answer lies in Wissa’s output.
In the 2024/25 Premier League season, only Mohamed Salah scored more non-penalty goals.
Wissa notched 20 goals and four assists in 3,072 minutes, a remarkable return in a Brentford side that struggled for form at times last season.
His efficiency in front of goal is particularly eye-catching.
Though he only averaged 1.26 shots on target per 90 minutes, his movement and composure inside the box meant he made those moments count.
Thomas Frank was keen to point this out: “Wissa, we knew, has always been a goalscorer. It’s remarkable. I definitely think he is best as a No. 9. He’s got that nose for goals.”
However, he’s also far more than a poacher. According to FBref, he ranked higher than Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland for completed passes (76.5%) and recorded more shot-creating actions per 90 than Dominic Solanke.
Wissa’s mobility and involvement in buildup play give him an edge over other traditional No. 9s.
Joao Pedro
43.5
Alexander Isak
33.5
Yoane Wissa
28.5
Liam Delap
23.7
Erling Haaland
21.0
Still, comparisons with Šeško are inevitable.
The 22-year-old is a more natural fit for Newcastle’s long-term vision, standing at 194cm with a powerful frame that mirrors Erling Haaland.
His age, athleticism, and contract until 2029 at Leipzig make him a major investment, but potentially a transformative one.
Šeško scored 21 goals in 45 appearances last season, including 13 in the Bundesliga.
Data from FBref also revealed that he offered 1.78 progressive carries and 1.74 progressive passes per 90, alongside a solid 43.9% shot-on-target rate and 2.50 shots per 90.
While Šeško remains an exciting long-term project, Wissa is ready-made.
He has performed under Premier League pressure and is pushing to join a club where his profile suits the manager’s tactical outlook.
One point of concern, however, is availability. Wissa is likely to miss part of the 2025/26 season due to AFCON commitments with DR Congo, something Newcastle will need to weigh carefully.
At nearly 29, he also lacks the resale value that players like Šeško might offer.
Still, in terms of what he offers now, Wissa could be the stopgap solution that Newcastle need.
Newcastle may yet revisit their interest in Šeško if Isak is sold for a huge fee, but in Wissa, they’ve found a player who ticks more boxes than he’s given credit for, and who is desperate to prove he belongs at a higher level.
Elanga's new Wood: Big-money CF has agreement in principle to join Newcastle
A striker has reportedly agreed to join Newcastle United.