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Leeds United’s stance on recalling Joe Gelhardt from Hull City in January has now been revealed.

Gelhardt starring at Hull on loan from Leeds

The Whites have been struggling in front of goal in the Premier League this season, with only bottom of the table Wolves scoring fewer than Daniel Farke’s side.

The 49ers Enterprises arguably failed to bolster the final third as well as they should’ve, with free transfers Lukas Nmecha and Dominic Calvert-Lewin joined by Noah Okafor as Leeds’ only attacking additions.

They did decide to loan out Gelhardt to Hull once again, and the 23-year-old has been in fine form for the Tigers in the second tier.

In 15 Championship games, Gelhardt has already scored seven goals and provided two assists, coming in for praise from manager Sergej Jakirovic.

“When I watched him in last season’s games, I begged Mr Chairman (Acun Ilicali) to bring him back here.

“He likes playing here and he wanted to come back here. He has a completely different profile to the players we have. He has the quality to play in a number of positions and is able to pass, shoot and has speed, which is special.

“He’s 23 years old and maybe he can reach the Premier League. But, right now, he’s made the difference.”

As a result of Gelhardt’s form, there has been speculation over a potential recall in the New Year to help Leeds in their Premier League survival push.

The forward played his part in the 2021/22 season as a teenager to help the Whites remain in the top flight, scoring a memorable winner against Norwich City and providing a late equaliser for Pascal Struijk against Brighton in the penultimate league fixture.

Hull want Harry Gray

However, according to TEAMtalk, ‘Leeds have no plans to bring Gelhardt back to Elland Road’ in the New Year.

The Whites are happy for the forward to remain with Hull until the end of the season and Gelhardt’s form could help the 49ers sell him for £4m, which would result in a 300% profit following his move from Wigan in 2020.

As well as keeping hold of Gelhardt, Hull also have their eyes on a potential loan move for Harry Gray after the Leeds teenager penned his first professional contract in Yorkshire.

Gray, 17, is yet to feature under Farke in 25/26 after being handed his debut on the same day Leeds won promotion to the Premier League. He’s also being eyed by Charlton Athletic, Derby County and Swansea City.

Leeds are considering allowing Gray to leave for the second half of the season so he can get regular senior game time, but when it comes to Gelhardt, don’t expect to see him in a Leeds shirt in the New Year.

Academy star who's never played a senior minute for Leeds could replace Bijol

Arsenal are now looking to sign a £87m striker with the same agent as Kai Havertz, joining a number of their Premier League rivals in the race for his signature.

Gunners looking to sign new striker amid Gyokeres criticism

Having knocked on the door in each of the last three Premier League seasons, finishing second on each occasion, the Gunners look like they are finally in a strong position to take the final step and win the title, most recently defeating Crystal Palace 1-0.

The narrow victory ensured Mikel Arteta’s side moved four points clear at the top of the table, with their stellar defensive record one of the main reasons they continue to set the pace, having shipped just three goals in their opening nine league games.

At the opposite end of the pitch, summer signing Viktor Gyokeres was seen as the final piece of the jigsaw, but the Swedish striker has already developed a reputation of a ‘flat track bully’, having scored just three league goals, two of which coming against Leeds United in August.

Troy Deeney has recently made it clear he doesn’t believe Gyokeres is in the same bracket as Harry Kane or Erling Haaland, given that Brighton & Hove Albion’s Danny Welbeck is outscoring the former Sporting CP man in the Premier League this season.

Gyokeres is regarded as one of the best strikers in the world, but there has now been a suggestion that Arsenal are already planning to bring in another new striker, with a report from Caught Offside stating they are keen on FC Porto’s Samu Omorodion.

Omorodion is protected by a monster release clause of €100m (£87m), so the Gunners would need to be willing to spend big to get a deal done, and they are not the only English club keen, with Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest also in the race.

The north Londoners have sent scouts to watch the Porto star in action in recent weeks, and they are likely to have been left impressed by his performances…

Arsenal now rivalling Real Madrid for "powerful" £61m maestro who Arteta loves

The Gunners are looking to sign another midfielder.

By
Dominic Lund

Oct 26, 2025

"Box dominator" Omorodion on fire in Portugal

The 21-year-old is off to a very impressive start to the season, amassing eight goals in all competitions for Porto, and the youngster is showing signs he could be on course to have his best season to date, having progressed year-on-year since breaking through in Spain.

During that time, the former Alaves man also caught the eye of scout Ben Mattinson, who hailed him as a “box dominator” back in February.

Omorodion could be capable of becoming a top-level striker, but there are doubts over whether he would be a necessary signing for Arsenal, given that Gyokeres and Havertz are also on the books, with the Spain international interestingly represented by the same agent as the German.

The Dodgers were able to win their second straight World Series title on Saturday night by beating the Blue Jays 5-4 in a legendary Game 7 at the Rogers Centre.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who pitched six innings in Los Angeles' Game 6 win on Friday night, entered Game 7 with one out in the bottom of the ninth and then worked 2 2/3 scoreless innings to lead the Dodgers to their dramatic victory. He was named the World Series MVP for his heroic efforts, which also included a complete game gem in Game 2.

The righthander had a very subtle classy move in the bottom of the 11th inning that the Fox Sports cameras were able to pick up. Yamamoto was seen tipping his cap to Toronto's Vlad Guerrero Jr. as the slugger prepared to step into the batter's box with his team trailing by a run.

Here's how that played out:

That was such a great moment at such a pivotal moment of the game. Guerrero would go on to hit a double but then Yamamoto was able to close things out thanks to a double play that was brilliantly turned by Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts.

Yamamoto gave up just one hit and had one walk in his relief appearance. He finished his second season with the Dodgers with a 12-8 record and then really became a force in the postseason. Along with his complete game in the World Series, he also had a complete game win over the Brewers in the NLCS.

Fans loved that hat tip from Yamamoto:

Newcastle United are believed to have made a contract offer to one of their most important players, as they look to stave off potential interest from Saudi Pro League clubs.

Ross Wilson "delighted" with Newcastle job

The Magpies have made huge progress on the pitch in recent years, excelling under Eddie Howe, but important figures off the field have also played their part in the club’s success.

Earlier this week, Ross Wilson was confirmed as Newcastle’s new sporting director, taking on the role vacated by Paul Mitchell, and he has spoken of his delight at coming in at St James’ Park.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be here at Newcastle United. This is such a special club, and I fully understand the passion, ambition and expectations of our incredible supporters, as well as the ambition and desire of our ownership to keep developing and building an even stronger Newcastle United.

“My conversations with ownership have been extremely positive, and I’ve also been in regular contact with Eddie Howe and David Hopkinson. The trust, cohesion and alignment we’re building already feels strong, and we believe that being united as a team will be so important as we continue to move the club forward together. I’m excited to work with everyone across the different areas within our football department.”

Now, a significant piece of Newcastle contract news has emerged, as the club look to tie down one of the most influential players at the club.

Newcastle make contract offer to star player

According to UOL [via Sport Witness], Newcastle have offered Bruno Guimaraes a new deal until the summer of 2030, continuing to see him as a huge figure.

The Magpies are wary that Saudi clubs could come in with bids for the Brazilian at some point in the future, so they are looking to tie him down for the next five years.

Bruno signing a new contract at Newcastle would be huge for anyone associated with the club, with his influence and passion at the heart of the midfield huge ever since he arrived at the club.

The 27-year-old’s quality was on show in last weekend’s 2-0 win at home to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, with Howe lauding him after the game.

“I thought we had control of the second half and we needed a moment to bring us the goal. Bruno’s goal was a moment of magic from an unbelievable player. He makes a difference more often than not.”

Anderson re-signs; £75m PL star joins: Ross Wilson's dream XI at Newcastle

Newcastle continue their hierarchal re-structure with the appointment of a new technical director.

By
Angus Sinclair

Oct 11, 2025

At 27, the £160,000-a-week Bruno is at the peak of his powers, and there is no reason why that will change in the next three or four years, so giving him a contract extension is a no-brainer, also putting them in a strong position if another club does make a move for him, in terms of being able to demand huge money.

With the 2025 MLB trade deadline upon us, there are some teams expected to take bigger swings than others as they look to gear up for a postseason push.

Different front offices face different amounts of pressure to improve their rosters in the pursuit of success. Some teams are stuck in a lengthy World Series drought that fans are eager to see end, while others have the make-up of contenders and are simply missing a piece or two.

Regardless of why, there will be a few front offices in the market for a seismic move, and we'll take a look at what organizations may be feeling the most pressure to make a big splash before Thursday's deadline.

New York Yankees

The hit by pitch has become so common—and dangerous—that twice last week benches cleared on hits by pitches that were . Even accidental plunkings are putting hitters in a fighting mood.

The Padres and Dodgers confronted each other Thursday after Fernando Tatis Jr. was hit by a 27-year-old pitcher making his major league debut in a 5–0 game. San Diego manager Mike Shildt touched off the bench-clearing episode when he stormed out of the dugout toward Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts.

“Intentional, unintentional, the fact of the matter is I took exception to it,” said Shildt after watching Tatis get hit for a fourth time in seven games by the Dodgers. He’s been hit once in all other games.

The next night, the Angels and Astros went at it after Angels shortstop Zach Neto took exception to getting hit by a Hunter Brown sinker for the second time .

“I know he’s not trying to hit me,” Neto said, “but it’s definitely frustrating.”

Since spring training, Chris Taylor (hand), Sean Murphy (rib), Thairo Estrada (wrist), Andrew Benintendi (hand), Jake Cronenworth (ribs), Paul DeJong (nose), Joc Pederson (hand) and Luke Keaschall (forearm) all suffered broken bones on pitches. Stars such as Corbin Carroll, Bryce Harper and Christian Yelich were fortunate to avoid major injuries on scary hits by pitches.

What’s going on with hits by pitches? Are hitters getting too sensitive? Is this the price for pitchers getting rushed to the big leagues? Are injuries forcing pitchers into the big leagues when they don’t belong there?

It’s time to set aside the myths and sloppy narratives. Let’s examine the facts of the hit by pitch epidemic to find out what’s going on.

1. Hitting has never been more dangerous than these past eight seasons.

The eight seasons with the highest rates of hit by pitches since 1901 are, in order, 2020, 2023, 2021, 2024, 2022, 2019, 2025, 2018. Notice a trend? In 117 seasons from 1901 to 2017, the hit by pitch rate never reached 0.8 per game (both teams combined). Now it has done so eight straight years. (That’s also before and after the sticky stuff crackdown.)

Hits by pitches have become so common and dangerous, it is rare to see a player go to the plate without some kind of armor on their hands, wrists, arm or elbow.

2. The biggest factor in the rise of hits by pitches is the rise of pitch-shaping.

The trend toward lab-grown pitches (tweak their shape and spin) has overtaken pure velocity as the guiding force of pitching. Most pitchers now want to move the ball to both glove side and arm side. That has given rise to more same-side sinkers (i.e., right-on-right two-seamers running in) and off-side cutters (i.e., right-on-left cutters).

Of the 914 hits by pitches this year through Saturday, more have been caused by sinkers and cutters than any other type of pitch. More telling, the rate of HBP from sinkers and cutters is much higher compared to their overall use. Nothing else is close. Sinkers and cutters account for only 23.4% of pitches but 34.2% of HBPs.

2025 HBP by pitch type

“I don’t think [pitchers] pitch in as much as they used to,” says Rangers manager Bruce Bochy, the dean of active managers who is in his 28th season. “So, they don’t quite have that command for that pitch. And a lot of it is elevated in, too. You pitch on that top rail, in with the sinker that gets away from you a little bit, you’re gonna hit somebody. Those are the scary ones.”

3. The youngest pitchers are not the worst culprits.

Pitchers 25 and under hit batters at a 7% lower rate than pitchers 26 to 30 years old.

Hit by Pitch rate by age of pitcher, 2025

4. That said, there is a general correlation between age and control.

Pitching control metrics by age, 2025

5. Hitters share the blame.

Brown yelled back at Neto that standing close to the plate and “diving” into a pitch puts a hitter in harm’s way. He is not wrong.

Here are the two right-on-right sinkers from Brown that hit Neto:

Monaco midfielder Paul Pogba has surprised the sporting world by purchasing a stake in Al Haboob, the first-ever professional camel racing team, with the World Cup winner revealing a passion for the sport nurtured on YouTube and stating an ambition to one day own the world's most expensive camel to complete a "beautiful full-circle moment" in his career.

• Pogba enters a new sport

  The French international has never been one to shy away from the spotlight or unconventional career moves, but his latest venture has taken him from the manicured pitches of the Champions League to the dusty tracks of the Middle East. Pogba, currently plying his trade in Ligue 1 with Monaco, has been announced as a strategic investor in Al Haboob, a ground-breaking outfit in the world of camel racing.

  While the crossover between elite European football and the traditional Bedouin sport may shock some, the 32-year-old insists he is fully committed to the sport. His interest in the "techniques and strategies" of the race track resulted in hours of online study.

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• AFP
  

  Pogba's YouTube research and 'dedication'

  Speaking about his decision to invest, Pogba revealed that he has become an avid spectator of the sport, using his downtime to educate himself on the nuances of a discipline that commands massive cultural significance in the Gulf region.

  "I've watched my fair share of [camel] races on YouTube and spent time doing research in my spare time trying to understand the techniques and strategies," Pogba explained.

  For a player who has won the biggest prizes in football, including the World Cup with France and multiple Serie A titles, the midfielder recognises elite application when he sees it. He was keen to draw a parallel between the commitment required in his primary profession and the rigours of his new investment.

  "And what stood out to me is how much dedication it takes from everyone involved," he added. "At the end of the day, sport is sport. It demands heart, sacrifice and teamwork.

  "People might not realise it, but sport always connects in some way," Pogba said. "Whether it's football, camel racing, boxing – the foundations are similar. You need determination, you need focus, you need discipline and grit. That's what makes champions at the end of the day."

• Chasing the 'most expensive' title again

  Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of the announcement was Pogba's reflection on his own history with price tags. In 2016, he became the most expensive footballer in history when he returned to Manchester United for £89 million. It was a label that brought immense scrutiny, but one he now views with a sense of perspective.

  "Being the world's most expensive footballer was an honour, but it also came with a lot of hard work, pressure and responsibility," he admitted.

  Now, he has a new financial milestone in his sights, albeit in a very different marketplace, as he dreams of replicating his footballing record in the animal kingdom.

  "Owning the world's most expensive camel one day would be a beautiful full-circle moment – something fun, something meaningful and something that excites me," he said. "Maybe one day we make it happen."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  A 'transformational' partnership

  For Al Haboob, having a global superstar like Pogba on board is a major coup. The team are aiming to modernise and globalise a sport often viewed through a purely traditional lens. Omar Almaeena, a key figure at Al Haboob, believes the arrival of the Monaco star will change the perception of the sport entirely.

  "Paul's involvement is transformational," Almaeena stated. "His influence, leadership, and passion for cultural storytelling reflect exactly what Al Haboob stands for. This partnership is about more than racing; it is about sharing a heritage that deserves global recognition."

  As Pogba continues his season with Monaco, fighting for domestic and European honours, he will now have one eye on the race schedule in the Gulf. Whether he achieves his dream of owning the world's most expensive camel remains to be seen, but his entry into the sport has undoubtedly already achieved Almaeena's goal of global recognition.

Mohamed Salah’s name has dominated the headlines at Liverpool for so many years, but never as intensely, and as negatively, as in recent days.

The Egypt international’s incendiary interview after Arne Slot’s side blew their advantage and drew at Leeds United has torn at fraying fabric and left Liverpool in dangerous and unknown territory.

The iconic forward, an all-time great on Merseyside and in the Premier League, is facing the very real possibility of leaving Liverpool in January. There is a good chance he has played his last game for the club.

This is a painful situation, to be sure, but Salah is ageing and ostensibly past his prime.

Slot does, however, need to get a tune out of the club’s expensive summer signings, with Florian Wirtz’s struggles a stark representation of the dysfunctional tactical set-up.

Why Wirtz has struggled under Slot

It’s fair to say Wirtz has not been good enough this season, far below the standard expected when Liverpool signed the German midfielder for a £116m fee. It’s also fair to say he’s walked into a burning building, making it difficult to shine against the backdrop of the flames.

It is clear that when Liverpool signed Wirtz this summer, they had landed one of the most talented playmakers in the world. It was also clear that Slot planned to reorient Liverpool’s creative supply line after Trent Alexander-Arnold left for Real Madrid.

So many variables have been at play this season, but there is no excuse for the toothless, spineless performances that Liverpool have laboured through this season. Slot has to take responsibility, and he has to get more out of Wirtz, who won the Bundesliga Player of the Year in 2023/24 after steering Bayer Leverkusen to an invincible title.

Wirtz has what it takes to succeed. Claims that he lacks physicality are simply untrue. Moreover, he ranks among the top 6% of positional peers in the Premier League for progressive passes and shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref, so he needs just a little nudge in the right direction, with an uptick from Liverpool’s wider system too.

Liverpool need results, and they need them quickly.

Liverpool lining up Slot replacement

According to Anfield Index, FSG chiefs Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes have held talks with Como manager Cesc Fabregas as they continue to weigh up Slot’s future.

Fabregas, 38, is one of the brightest young coaches in the world, and he’s enjoyed a stunning start to life in Serie A, his Como side sixth in the standings.

The Spaniard’s expansive, free-flowing brand of football is not too dissimilar from Slot’s own vision, and this suggests he could dovetail into Liverpool’s first team, taking the reins at the season’s midpoint and restoring balance and confidence.

He may also be the perfect coach to give rise to Wirtz’s latent quality.

Why Liverpool should appoint Fabregas

Fabregas is a young and talented coach, but some would understandably have reservations over his youth and inexperience. However, were FSG to make the appointment, they would no doubt reference Arsenal’s meteoric rise under Mikel Arteta’s wing as a yardstick which they could follow.

Fabregas knows the Premier League, having featured 350 times in the division as a player, having scored 50 goals and supplied 117 assists across stints with Arsenal and Chelsea.

Moreover, Fabregas knows a thing or two about playmaking in the Premier League, lauded as a world-class “maestro” by former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho during his trophy-laden spell at Stamford Bridge.

Truly, he was a “genius” of a footballer, as claimed by former boss Antonio Conte, and he has translated that wealth of footballing knowledge to the coaching scene, with Como playing some slick attacking football this season while maintaining a steely defensive line, for the most part. In the words of one notable analyst on X, he’s “football’s next elite manager.”

This foundation could be perfect for Wirtz, who shares certain tactical tendencies with the rising managerial star. Look at Nico Paz, for example, who has been immense this season ahead of his much-anticipated return to Real Madrid.

Paz, 21, is one of the hottest creative talents in the business, and he has been in fine fettle for Como this season, posting five goals and five assists apiece across 15 matches in all competitions this term.

Like Wirtz, he’s as naturally gifted as they come, but he has also been tasked with defensive responsibilities that have given him a coating of completeness that Fabregas’ tactics would play into Wirtz’s own game.

One thing’s for certain, Liverpool have crumbled under Slot’s wing. After that blistering start at the beginning of last season, the Reds have slowly tapered off, shipping so many goals and losing so many games.

Liverpool have a whole host of problems that have shown little sign of abating this season, but among the most egregious issues are the woes of Wirtz and Alexander Isak, who look shells of their former selves.

This cannot continue. Changes are needed. While FSG will continue to persist with Slot for the time being, given that Hughes has held preliminary talks with Fabregas (and who knows who else?), we can be sure that the plug will be pulled if improvements are not seen quickly.

Fabregas, with fresh and innovative ideas, could be the shrewd solution.

Sell him before Salah & Konate: FSG must bin Liverpool's "major issue"

Liverpool have collapsed this season, and some tough decisions need to be made.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

6 days ago

Alan Gardner is joined on the pod by Vithushan Ehantharajah in Wellington, and Andrew Miller and Matt Roller in the studio, to pick through England’s victory over New Zealand

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Dec-2024England hit the ground running in the first Test, in large part thanks to several catches hitting the ground during a shoddy New Zealand fielding display at Hagley Oval. On this week’s pod, Alan Gardner heard from Vithushan Ehantharajah on arrival in Wellington, and was then joined in the studio by Andrew Miller and Matt Roller. Topics for discussion included Bryson Carse outdoing Anderson and Broad, Jacob Bethell’s composed debut, and Ollie Pope’s best spot – as well as a row brewing between English T20 freelancers and the ECB.