After being brought back down to reality this season, Newcastle United have reportedly turned their attention towards the summer transfer window, where they could land an in-form striker to bridge the gap between the Premier League's top four in the next campaign.

Newcastle transfer news

On paper, it looks as though it could be a difficult summer at St James' Park, given that they'll likely be without Dan Ashworth and teams are already circling for some of Eddie Howe's best players.

This includes Bruno Guimaraes, who has reportedly attracted the interest of Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain in what could be a big-money move this summer. Given that the Magpies have been walking a fine line when it comes to profit and sustainability rules in the last year too, they may be left with no choice but to sell at least one key man in the coming months.

Newcastle strong favourites to sign "outstanding" Dan Burn upgrade

He recently rejected a new contract at his current club.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 16, 2024

That key man will not be Alexander Isak, however, according to the striker himself. The Sweden international reaffirmed his commitment to Newcastle in a recent interview, saying: "Of course I want to be here in the future. I came here for the project, I absolutely love playing here, I really feel at home. I want to finish this season in a good way for me and the team. I love playing here.”

After a fantastic season, Isak may now even find himself next to a new strike partner next season. According to La Gazette Du Fennec, Newcastle are in the race to sign Mohamed Amoura from Union Saint-Gilloise this summer. If they want to sign the striker, however, they must fend off interest from West Ham, who reportedly saw an opening bid worth €15m (£13m) turned down by the Belgium club who are demanding no less than €20m (£17m) for their forward this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton & Hove Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers are also interested in Amoura, creating a busy race for his signature in the coming months.

"Prolific" Amoura can form deadly Isak partnership

With Callum Wilson now 32 years old and still injury-prone, it's no surprise that Newcastle have turned their attention towards finding another striker to either partner or compete with Isak. The former Real Sociedad forward has enjoyed an excellent campaign, but adding Amoura alongside him would only add to his numbers and create an unstoppable attacking duo at St James' Park.

Goals

18

17

Assists

3

1

Expected Goals

10.7

15.9

Key Passes

17

19

Successful Take-ons

28

31

Whilst it's easy to look impressively at the goals that Amoura has scored, his expected goals are also incredibly impressive and highlight just how clinical he has been this season. The stats show that the Algerian has outperformed by a stunning eight goals in the current campaign in the type of finishing needed to take Newcastle back into the Champions League next season.

Described as "prolific" by Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig, Amoura has shown all the signs of being just that no matter where he ends up this summer.

MatériaMais Notícias

Em partida válida pela quarta rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro 2021, o Palmeiras superou o Juventude por 3 a 0, no Estádio Alfredo Jaconi, em Caxias do Sul.William Matheus (contra),Deyverson e Breno Lopes marcaram os gols da partida.

Veja o ranking dos treinadores mais longevos da Série A do Brasileirão

No próximo domingo (20), às 11h, o Verdão, que chegou aos sete pontos, recebe o América-MG no Allianz Parque, enquanto o Papo, que soma dois pontos e ainda não venceu no Campeonato Brasileiro, enfrenta o Sport no Alfredo Jaconi, às 20h30.

COMEÇO MORNO EM CAXIAS

A primeira finalização do jogo foi do Palmeiras. Com 2 minutos, Raphael Veiga arriscou de fora da área, e a bola foi ao lado do gol.

Após o susto inicial, o Juventude organizou seu posicionamento defensivo e conseguiu equilibrar a posse de bola nos 15 minutos iniciais. Mas novamente o Verdão chegou com perigo.

Deyverson recebeu dentro da área, girou em cima do zagueiro e bateu, para a defesa de Marcelo Carné.

BRUXA SOLTA NO ALFREDO JACONI

Ao longo do primeiro tempo, os dois treinadores foram forçados a realizar alterações em seus times. Do lado dos mandantes,Alyson sentiu um desconforto muscular, e foi substituído porWilliam Matheus.

Já Abel Ferreira optou por colocar Zé Rafael no lugar do lesionado Luan, recuando Felipe Melo para o zaga palmeirense.

A primeira etapa terminou com o Juventude negando espaços ao Palmeiras, que tocava a bola mas não conseguia causar perigo aos gaúchos.

VEJA TABELA E SIMULE AS PRÓXIMAS RODADAS DO BRASILEIRÃO

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BOLA PARADA DECISIVA

+ Conheça o novo aplicativo de resultados do LANCE!

TantoMarquinhos Santos como Abel Ferreira decidiram não fazer alterações após o intervalo. Os primeiros minutos da segunda etapa seguiram a mesma pegada do primeiro tempo: Papo se defendendo bem, e o Verdão com dificuldades para criar.

Se com a bola rolando, o Palmeiras mão ameaçava, a situação era diferente em bolas paradas. Aos 9 minutos, Gustavo Scarpa cobrou escanteio. Renan disputou comWilliam Matheus no alto, e o atleta do Juventude cabeceou contra a própria rede, abrindo o placar para os visitantes.

DEYVERSON VOLTA COM TUDO

Após o gol sofrido, o Juventude ensaiou uma reação. Em contra-ataque, Chico deu ótimo passe para Elton. Ele tentou tocar por baixo, Jaílson evitou o gol.

Mas o Verdão, que cresceu após o gol, ampliou a vantagem. Gustavo Scarpa deu cruzamento açucarado para Deyverson. Livre, o centroavante cabeceou com estilo no canto do gol. Esse foi o primeiro gol do camisa 16 após retornar ao clube paulista.

GAÚCHOS NA BRONCA COM A ARBITRAGEM

Mesmo com dois gols de desvantagem, o Papo chegou a balançar a rede após cobrança de escanteio. No entanto, a arbitragem flagrou uma falta em Jaílson, e anulou o tento dos gaúchos.

A equipe da casa teve nova chance, aos 36 minutos. Rafael Forster aproveitou falta cobrada e testou firme, obrigando Jaílson a fazer difícil defesa.

LEI DO EX EM CAXIAS

Se o Juventude tentava, mas não conseguia marcar, o Palmeiras cresceu de produção no segundo tempo e chegou ao terceiro gol. Gustavo Scarpa rolou para Breno Lopes. O ex-jogador do Papo pegou de primeira, de fora da área, fazendo um bonito gol contra sua ex-equipe, sacramentando o placar.

FICHA TÉCNICA – Juventude 0 x 3 Palmeiras
Data: 16 de Junho de 2021, quarta-feira
Horário: 21h30 (horário de Brasília)
Local: Estádio Alfredo Jaconi, em Caxias do Sul/RS.
Árbitro: Marielson Alves Silva – AB/BA
Assistentes: Alessandro Álvaro Rocha de Matos – FIFA/BA e Elicarlos Franco de Oliveira – AB/BA
VAR: Rodrigo D’alonso Ferreira – AB/SC, Alex dos Santos – AB/SC e Sergio Cristiano Nascimento – CBF/RJ
Público/renda: Portões Fechados
Cartões amarelos:Marcos Rocha, Gabriel Menino e Breno Lopes (PAL)
Cartões vermelhos:
Gols: William Matheus (contra) (9’/2ºT) (0-1); Deyverson (44’/2ºT) (0-2) e Breno Lopes(41’/2ºT) (0-3)

JUVENTUDE: Marcelo Carné; Michel Macedo, Vitor Mendes, Rafael Forster e Alyson (William Matheus, 14/1ºT); Elton, Guilherme Castilho e Chico (Paulinho Boia, 23/2ºT); Capixaba (Fernando Pacheco, 23/2ºT), Wescley(Bruninho, 41/2ºT) e Marcos Vinicios(Matheus Peixoto, 23/2ºT)Técnico:Marquinhos Santos

PALMEIRAS: Jailson; Mayke, Luan (Zé Rafael, 25/1ºT), Renan e Victor Luis; Felipe Melo, Gustavo Scarpa e Raphael Veiga;Gabriel Menino (Mayke, 28/2ºT), Deyverson eWillian(Breno Lopes, 28/2ºT)Técnico: Abel Ferreira

Bayern Munich are no longer interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen and Germany defender Jonathan Tah this summer despite an earlier agreement.

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• Bayern won't sign Tah this summer
• Had an agreement with Leverkusen star
• Bayern management opposed transfer

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Bavarian club were linked with a move for the German national team defender for a long time and he was reported to be eager to make the move, even deciding against committing to a new deal with Leverkusen. However, claims that Bayern are no longer keen on signing the player and the deal is off.

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• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  earlier reported that the reigning Bundesliga champions set a deadline for the transfer and if they did not receive an offer by the weekend, Tah would have to stay at his current club. However, the deal will now no longer take place after a section of the Bayern management opposed the transfer.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The 28-year-old centre-back, who has made more than 350 appearances for Leverkusen since 2015, was an important member of Xabi Alonso's team that won the historic league title last season.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR JONATHAN?

  The former Hamburger player has only a year left in his current contract and has reportedly refused to put pen to paper on a deal. Leverkusen may still aim to sell the player soon as they are would rather not see him leave for free in 2025.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are flying high in the Premier League at the moment, but thoughts will soon begin to turn towards the summer transfer window.

Gary O’Neil has enjoyed a solid debut campaign managing the Old Gold and if they secure a top half finish in the top flight, he could attract some talented players.

Wolves transfer news

O’Neil will have to wait until the end of the season to see just how much money he will have to spend during the summer, but he may have to move on a few players in order to raise some funds.

Bolstering his defence could be one of his main priorities. Will this lead him to perhaps reignite a move for a Brazilian defender?

According to Fabrizio Romano, Fabricio Bruno is reportedly open to a move to Europe this summer, with Flamengo valuing the centre-back at as much as €15m (£13m) following some solid performances.

Romano goes on to state that Wolves, along with Atalanta and Nottingham Forest all approached him in 2023 regarding a potential move, but nothing ever materialised.

Wolves have the ninth-best defensive record in the top flight, conceding 44 goals so far, but improvement can always be made. Craig Dawson also does not have long left at the top, suggesting that Bruno could be an ideal replacement.

Fabricio Bruno’s statistics for Flamengo

Dawson has started 25 league matches this season, emerging as a key member of O’Neil’s side, but his contract is due to expire in 2025, and it is clear some new blood is required at the heart of the defence.

Throughout 2023, Bruno played a staggering 64 matches for Flamengo, scoring three goals and grabbing two assists, proving to be a reliable member of the first-team squad.

Fabricio Bruno's league stats in 2023 for Flamengo
Accurate passes per game	58.7
Total duels won per game	3.4
Tackles per game	1.4
Interceptions per game	0.7
Clearances per game	4.2
Via Sofascore

In the Brazilian top flight, Bruno ranked third among his teammates with regard to overall Sofascore rating (7.12), along with ranking first for accurate passes per game (58.7) and accurate long balls per game (4.2), demonstrating his wonderful passing ability.

His ability to bring the ball out from the defence could also be key for O’Neil going forward. When compared to his positional peers, Bruno ranks in the top 5% for progressive passes per 90 (5.91) in the men’s next 14 competitions, suggesting he is a forward-thinking defender with an eye for a pass.

Dawson, on the other hand, currently ranks in the bottom 19% for progressive passes per 90 (2.35) when compared to his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues, and it clearly shows he is more of an old-school centre-back, preferring to use his physical strength rather than play the ball forward on a regular basis.

There are merits for both a combative defender and one who plays out from the back and thinks of advancing the ball, but with O’Neil looking to push his side to the next level, making a move for the 6 foot 3 Brazilian this summer could be a wise one.

Dawson may have another year left in him, but there is no doubt Bruno – who has been dubbed a "colossus" by insider All Things Brazil – could be a wonderful replacement for the Englishman.

Wolves leading the race to sign dream Hwang rival in “clinical” star

The 27-year-old striker would be a brilliant addition to the Wolves squad.

By
Tom Lever

Mar 27, 2024

An "unbelievable" £25,000-a-week player has admitted he wants to join Rangers in the future, with his current deal expiring in the summer.

Rangers transfer news

The Scottish Premiership giants continue to be linked with a host of players ahead of the summer, as they look to get some important business over the line.

One area of focus appears to be on making Fabio Silva's loan move to Rangers a permanent one, with the young Portuguese likely to be allowed to leave Wolves at the end of the season.

Rangers gifted boost as £40,000-a-week signing Clement loves now possible

A huge boost for the Gers.

ByTom Cunningham Apr 5, 2024

Left-back is a position that the Gers may have to add to, assuming Borna Barisic leaves when his contract runs out in the summer, and FV Twente ace Gijs Smal has emerged as an option. He has enjoyed an impressive season for his current club, starting 19 Eredivisie matches and chipping in with two assists.

Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland has also been a long-time target for Rangers and could jump at the chance to join them in the coming months, especially considering he supported them growing up.

"Unbelievable" player wants Rangers move

Speaking on the Stomping Ground podcast [via The Daily Record], Sheffield United striker Oli McBurnie admitted that he would like to join Rangers before retiring, talking them up hugely and admitting he has always admired them:

"Listen, it's a special club. Have you ever been to the Old Firm? I've been to plenty of Old Firms and I've never experienced a game like it, either playing or watching. Most people who have ever been to them will say the same.

"Growing up, I was always a big Rangers fan and it's something I've always wanted to do. It's just about timing. I hope one day, by the end of my career, I play for Rangers. I hope I get to experience that side of it. If I don't, I don't. But I hope by the end of my career I can say I've played in an Old Firm at one point."

The £25,000-a-week-earning McBurnie could be a great option for Rangers this summer, possibly coming in as a player who has proven himself in English football, making 125 appearances in the Championship and also 93 in the Premier League. He has scored 12 times in the latter, showing that he can be effective in arguably the best and toughest league in the world. Meanwhile, Blades teammate John Egan has heaped praise on him in the recent past, saying:

"We went long to him early on and he was winning every header so why go away from what’s working. You know, he’s a big man, he’s game and he was unbelievable up top. I don’t know if they’ve given him the goal but he celebrated like it was his anyway."

Premier League

93

12

Championship

125

44

League One

15

0

League Two

8

3

The fact that McBurnie is on course to be available on a free transfer may make it even more of a no-brainer for Rangers, should they take the forward up on his offer. He is also still only 27, so it wouldn't be a case of the Gers bringing him in past his peak, making this one to watch.

رغم انتقاله في الميركاتو الصيفي إلى نادٍ جديد إلا أن هدف الأهلي السابق، كيفن كارلوس أمام قرار هام بشأن مستقبله الدولي في الأشهر المقبلة.

كان كارلوس أحد أهم الأسماء التي دخلت رادار الأهلي عندما كان يلعب في يافردون السويسري قبل الانتقال إلى بازل في نهاية الميركاتو الصيفي الماضي.

ويعد الإسباني صاحب الأصول النيجيرية أحد أهم المهاجمين الشباب في القارة الأوروبية وكان هدافًا في الموسم الماضي لبطولة الدوري السويسري.

اقرأ أيضًا | فرصة للثأر من مدرب الأهلي السابق.. كارتيرون يقترب من نادٍ جديد في مسيرته التدريبية

ولكن الآن، هناك إمكانية لتمثيل كارلوس منتخب إسبانيا بعد تألقه في سويسرا مع بازل عقب تسجيله 5 أهداف في آخر 5 مباريات.

وتحدث كيفن كارلوس عن الأمر في حواره مع شبكة “Relevo” الإسبانية، وقال: “إذا جاء لي العرضان بتمثيل المنتخبين، علي الجلوس مع وكيلي وعائلتي لاتخاذ القرار”.

واستمر: “أنا فخور بامتلاكي جنسيتين مختلفتين الإسبانية والنيجيرية، فخور بعائلتي بأكملها، بفضلهم وصلت لما أنا عليه الآن، لقد ضحوا بالكثير”.

Zimbabwe have a new captain in Chamu Chibhabha, who is returning to the side after 19 months

The Preview by Mohammad Isam29-Feb-2020Big pictureThe Mashrafe Mortaza retirement speculation circus has taken the spotlight in Bangladesh, turning the ODI series against Zimbabwe into a bit of a sideshow. To add more spice to the unfolding melodrama, BCB president Nazmul Hassan has already said that this is going to be Mashrafe’s last series as captain.But we mustn’t get carried away and consider the fact that Bangladesh are playing their first ODI after seven months with several changes in personnel, which certainly warrants a discussion. To start with, the team management could hand an ODI debut to Mohammad Naim, who impressed against India in November. Meanwhile, Liton Das could be given the No. 3 role, a position he has batted in on nine occasions averaging a paltry 15.87.Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah will then have to bat around Mohammad Mithun and Afif Hossain, who is a like-for-like replacement for Sabbir Rahman. Mohammad Saifuddin is returning from a back injury, although it is likely that the team management will be monitoring his workload.For Zimbabwe, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza and Craig Ervine will form the batting core, but how a new combination at the top – most likely Chamu Chibhabha opening with Timycen Maruma – and an iffy lower order shape up could determine their fate. Bowling-wise, a bit of pace and some accurate legspin from Tinotenda Mutombodzi could make the difference.Form guide
Bangladesh LLLLL
Zimbabwe LLLLL
Chamu Chibhabha has taken over as the new Zimbabwe ODI captain•Getty ImagesIn the spotlightMashrafe, sure, Mushfiqur Rahim is in the side too. In the one-off Test last week, Mushfiqur completed his third double-hundred in Tests, looking in sublime form. Bangladesh will expect their most experienced batsman to play the dual role of anchor and enforcer depending on the situation of the game. All in the shadow of the ongoing drama around his choosing not to travel to Pakistan.Chamu Chibhabha will have a lot to prove as he not only returns to the ODI team after July 2018, but also takes over as first time captain . A sedate top-order batsman who bowls brisk medium-pace, Chibahbha made a total of 77 runs in his last first-class match.Team newsFrom the squad against Sri Lanka last year, Anamul Haque, Soumya Sarkar, Sabbir Rahman and Rubel Hossain have made way for captain Mashrafe, Saifuddin and Liton. Naim could make his debut, while Bangladesh have Taijul Islam, Al Amin Hossain and Shafiul Islam as bowling options.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tamim Iqbal 2 Mohammad Naim, 3 Liton Das, 4 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 5 Mohammad Mithun, 6 Mahmudullah, 7 Afif Hossain, 8 Mohammad Saifuddin, 9 Mehidy Hasan, 10 Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), 11 Mustafizur RahmanChibhabha and Maruma are the likely new opening pair, though Tinashe Kamunhukamwe could also be in the picture. Zimbabwe also have 19-year-old spin-bowling allrounder Wesley Madhevere fresh out of the Under-19 side.Zimbabwe (probable): 1 Chamu Chibhabha (capt), 2 Timycen Maruma, 3 Craig Ervine, 4 Brendan Taylor (wk), 5 Sean Williams, 6 Sikandar Raza, 7 Tinotenda Mutombodzi, 8 Donald Tiripano, 9 Ainsley Ndlovu, 10 Chris Mpofu, 11 Carl MumbaPitch and conditionsSylhet typically offers a pitch without much grass and with even bounce. Plenty of runs are available if batsmen give it a bit of time. The weather should be clear.Stats and triviaTamim Iqbal is 108 runs short of becoming the first Bangladesh batsman to score 7000 ODI runs.Bangladesh have won the only ODI played at this venue, against West Indies in December 2018.

Bayer Leverkusen continued their incredible unbeaten run under Xabi Alonso with yet another late winner against Borussia Monchengladbach on Friday.

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Leverkusen scored injury-time winnerUnbeaten in 35 league matchesChampions kick off defence in styleWHAT HAPPENED?

Bundesliga champions Leverkusen kicked off their title defence with a stunning victory over Borussia Monchengladbach, thanks to a remarkable late goal. Granit Xhaka and Florian Wirtz had given Xabi Alonso's side a commanding 2-0 lead, but strikes from Nico Elvedi and Tim Kleindienst brought Gladbach level. Wirtz, though, scored in the 11th minute of injury time to extend Leverkusen's unbeaten league run to 35 matches.

AdvertisementAFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE

In addition to Leverkusen's remarkable unbeaten run, they also have a record of scoring 12 game-tying or go-ahead goals in injury time since the start of last season. In 2023/24, of course, Leverkusen lost just one game they played: the Europa League final. They went unbeaten in the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal.

DID YOU KNOW?

Bayern Munich will have winced at seeing Wirtz's late winner, having finished third last season. They lost eight games throughout the campaign and finished 18 points behind Leverkusen, as well as one point behind second-placed Stuttgart.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?

Leverkusen are next in action on Wednesday in a DFB-Pokal clash with Carl Zeiss Jena, who play in the fourth tier of German football. Their next Bundesliga fixture comes against RB Leipzig.

Forecast for Thursday in Sydney is bleak, and there are no reserve days for the semi-finals

Alex Malcolm03-Mar-2020

The rain intervened in Sydney•Getty Images

Who are in the semi-finals?With both matches in Sydney called off today, India will be facing England at 3pm local time in the first semi-final, while Australia will be taking on South Africa at 7pm in the second match.What is the minimum number of overs for the match to count?
Normally, five overs per side are needed to constitute a T20 match, but the rules are different for ICC tournaments, with ten overs per side required. That means there will need to be at least 40 overs of play – 20 in each game – to get two results. The nature of the double-header will mean there will only be a spare 30 minutes for both games before overs are lost due to rain. The first game is scheduled to finish at 6pm local time, while the second game is scheduled to finish at 10pm.Who play the final if both games are washed out?
If both games are washed out, then the highest-ranked team from the two groups will progress to the final. India finished on top of Group A and South Africa finished on top of Group B. They would progress to play in the final.Is there a reserve day for the semi-finals?
No. The two teams that progress to the final are required to travel from Sydney to Melbourne on Friday, the day after the semi-finals, ahead of Sunday’s final at the MCG.Is there a reserve day for the final?
There is a reserve day available if the final is washed out at the MCG on Sunday with an option available to return on Monday. However, the forecast looks good for Sunday in Melbourne with no rain forecast and pleasant temperatures likely.

Wolverhampton Wanderers suffered yet another Premier League defeat in midweek, this time to AFC Bournemouth, as the Old Gold’s chances of finishing in the top half took another major hit.

While Gary O’Neil’s debut campaign in charge of the Molineux side has largely been positive, the previous few weeks have seen an injury crisis derail their progress.

Players such as Pedro Neto, Hwang Hee-Chan, Matheus Cunha, and Craig Dawson have been in superb form throughout the 2023/24 season, yet they have all suffered injuries just when Wolves were banging on the door of a top-half finish.

It proves that O’Neil has a real lack of squad depth at his disposal and he will certainly be hoping to bring in a few players during the summer transfer window.

Much will depend on how big his budget will be, however, as the Old Gold seek to comply with financial fair play rules, which suggest the manager might need to sell a few players in order to balance the books.

With regard to future incomings, it appears he is showing interest in a current South Korean international who knows Hwang fairly well…

Wolves transfer news

According to reports in Serbia earlier this week (via Birmingham World), Wolves are reportedly showing interest in Red Star Belgrade midfielder Hwang In-beom as they look to strengthen their squad this summer.

Indeed, both Wolves and fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace sent scouts to watch over the player during Red Star’s Serbia Cup semifinal win over Partizan Belgrade, with the South Korean star playing the entire match during their victory.

The centre of midfield is certainly an area which could do with some reinforcements ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

The 27-year-old has only been in Serbia for a year, moving to Red Star from Olympiacos last summer, but it appears his performances have caught the eye in recent months, especially as Wolves sent representatives to watch his display.

With Hwang enjoying his finest season in terms of goals scored at Wolves this season, could signing his compatriot take his game to a new level next season?

Hwang Hee-Chan’s statistics for Wolves this season

The centre-forward initially joined the club on loan in the summer of 2021, before signing permanently just six months later.

Across his first two full seasons, Hwang scored five and four goals respectively, struggling to make an impact in the team as the club failed to build on Nuno Espírito Santo's success under new manager Bruno Lage.

This season has been a different story for the South Korean, finally emerging as a main goal-scoring threat under the leadership of O’Neil.

Not only has he scored ten Premier League goals in 25 games, but the 28-year-old currently ranks highly among the rest of his teammates with regard to various performance metrics.

In terms of goals and assists in the top flight, Hwang ranks second in the squad with 13, while he also ranks fourth for shots on target per game (0.6), big chances created (four) and fifth for successful dribbles per game (1.4) which demonstrates how important he has been to their cause this term.

O’Neil has deployed the former RB Leipzig gem across the front three this season, while he has even dropped deep into an attacking midfield role at times, depending on the formation the manager uses.

This could see him link up well with his compatriot should he make a move to the Midlands in the summer, as their chemistry will already be established heading into the new season.

Hwang In-beom’s statistics this season

The 27-year-old has shown his positional versatility this term, either playing as a defensive, central, or attacking midfielder for the Serbia side, contributing five goals and five assists across 30 appearances.

This suggests he has plenty of attacking traits which could prove useful for Wolves as he tends to burst forward from the heart of the midfield on a regular basis.

Goals

4

Assists

4

Accurate passes per game

42.3

Big chances created

8

Key passes per game

2.2

The former Olympiacos dynamo currently ranks second among his teammates for overall Sofascore rating (7.64) in the Serbia top flight, along with ranking fourth for big chances created (eight), fifth for accurate passes per game (42.3), second for key passes per game (2.2) and fifth for tackles each match (1.5), showing a real desire to help out either when his side has the ball and are attacking, or if they are defending.

Slotting just behind Hwang, the current Red Star midfield general could create plenty of chances for him while offering support in the final third. Across the whole Wolves’ midfield this season, only Mario Lemina has scored more than twice, indicating a need for a player who can assist the front three when the Old Gold are attacking.

The Red Star player isn’t just shining in his current squad either. When compared to his positional peers in the men’s next 14 competitions, Hwang currently ranks in the top 3% for shot-creating actions (4.75), the top 4% for total shots (2.21), the top 13% for non-penalty goals (0.17) and in the top 7% for tackles (3.23) per 90, proving he is among the best in his position for these metrics.

The midfielder has plenty of experience starring at the highest level, representing South Korea at the 2022 World Cup, where journalist Konstantinos Lianos dubbed him a “top, top player” as the Asian nation made the knockout stages for only the third time in their history.

He started all four games in Qatar and showed plenty of willingness to get on the ball and make things happen, evidenced by the fact he averaged 70 touches per game while succeeding with 80% of his passes each match.

There is no doubt the South Korean midfielder would improve the current Wolves' midfield setup. The main question is, will they be able to afford him?

He has a contract at Red Star until 2026, which suggests they will have to pay a sizeable fee – especially considering his performances this season – to secure his signature.

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