Exclusive interview with Chris Waddle: Newcastle should get £100m and Darwin Nunez for Alexander Isak, Isak will get a hostile reception at St James’ Park, Chelsea are a great bet to win the title, Benjamin Sesko is a gamble for Man Utd, Viktor Gyokeres could turn out like Thierry Henry.
Speaking exclusively with talkSPORT BET, England icon Chris Waddle has given his thoughts on the Premier League, including the future of Newcastle’s Alexander Isak. Waddle has also discussed the reception that Isak might receive on his return to St James Park and why Chelsea are a good outside bet to win the title this season. The former Spurs star has also discussed how Viktor Gyokeres could turn out to be like Thierry Henry in firing Arsenal to major silverware next season.
Should Newcastle splash the cash on Marc Guehi this summer?
Chris Waddle: “I think Dan Burn and Fabian Schar have been good servants to Newcastle and I’m not saying their days are over, but they are not getting any younger.
“We know Jamaal Lascelles is back but he had a cruciate injury which is a big injury to overcome, so I think Marc Guehi would be a good acquisition.
“Crystal Palace, to be fair, in the transfer market, they stick to their guns. They put a price on somebody’s head and if you don’t pay it, he’s not leaving.
“Newcastle could go and get £150million for Alexander Isak which gives them more money to play with, but a replacement striker will be an expensive acquisition.
“Guehi would be a big plus for Newcastle because the two defenders in there at the moment are 33, reports say that Newcastle have offered £40m but Palace want £50m and they were always going to ask for more than any initial bid.
“In modern day football, £10million looks like nothing. So if that is their price, then I think Newcastle should go and get him.”
What have Alexander Isak’s actions told us about his intentions?
Waddle: “Alexander Isak has made it obvious that he wants to leave and I think it was smart for Eddie Howe to leave him out up to now or every single question would’ve been about Isak.
“They said he had an injury and then it came out that he wants to leave, we all saw that he did a bit of training in Spain to get his fitness up, but he hasn’t played at all in preseason and it looks like he has made his mind up.
“I can’t see it being Arsenal now, it could be Liverpool, but the links to PSG would be a really good move for him if he is to leave – they haven’t got a centre forward like him.
“Ousmane Dembele did a great job there last year, but I can see why they might see Isak as a great acquisition. All we know is, he has his mind set on leaving.”
Can Newcastle bounce back stronger from losing Alexander Isak?
Waddle: “Newcastle have been linked with Benjamin Sesko, who’s had an exceptional couple of years with RB Leipzig, but it is a very different league to the Premier League.
“He’d be a gamble as the more centre forwards are, Newcastle were linked to Liam Delap but he went to Chelsea, I think the options are running low with Callum Wilson going to West Ham.
“Could Eddie Howe play Harvey Barnes up front instead of playing on the wing as a false number nine? They could probably do that quite easily with the players they’ve got.
“However, you do need that number nine who you back to score when that ball goes in the box. They need an out and out goal scorer.
“There were always going to be links for Isak but they are coming at the wrong time, you don’t want to let your best players leave, but the timing has been terrible.
“Why didn’t he say at the end of season that he has enjoyed his time here but that he wanted to move on, that would’ve given Newcastle a lot of time to find a replacement.
“Other teams would have been on the mark, but it took four or five weeks after the season finished for him to decide that he wanted to leave and I think that’s why the Newcastle fans have turned on him.
“Unfortunately this is part and parcel of football. He’s a legend one minute and he’s an absolute public enemy number one the next. That’s football.”
Who would you look at to replace Alexander Isak?
Waddle: “It’s interesting because the talk is that Alexander Isak still might go to Liverpool, so why don’t Newcastle take a look at their squad?
“Liverpool have also brought in Hugo Ekitike, who Newcastle were after, and although they won’t sell him just after signing him, where does that leave Darwin Nunez?
“Why not ask for £100million plus Nunez for Isak. He will find his form someday. He is scoring in preseason and has proven over the years that he can do it, he’s just had a terrible time at Liverpool.
“I think at Newcastle, a changed environment, it could just work out – and Newcastle need a number nine.”
What will the reception be like for Alexander Isak from Newcastle fans?
Waddle: “For Alexander Isak against Newcastle, it would be very hostile.
“Newcastle’s second game of the season is at home to Liverpool and if he goes there, it might be a good idea to say he’s not match fit and leave him out.
“If he plays against Newcastle, unfortunately, he’s going to have to deal with a lot of stick, that’s just how football works.
“Football is funny, in five years time he might want to come back to Newcastle and then be a hero again. Good times are great, but when the fans get upset, you’ve got to live with it. It’s not nice, but you have to get on with it.”
Would Rodrigo Muniz be a good replacement for Alexander Isak?
Waddle: “Rodrigo Muniz is a goalscorer, he’s a box player, the thing about Alexander Isak is that he used to create his own goals out of nothing.
“He could pick up the ball and beat two men, run past players, he could score with good service but could also create and score goals out of nothing, I’m not sure Muniz can do that.
“For Newcastle it’s going to be a headache to find somebody who can do what Isak did because the way the team played suited Isak.
“He created his own goals and the strikers that Newcastle are linked with don’t really do that. They like service, they want crosses, they want the ball through so they can tap it in.”
Is Anthony Elanga a guaranteed starter at Newcastle?
Waddle: “Newcastle have spent a lot of money on Anthony Elanga thanks to his stats last season and we know he likes to play on the right.
“Jacob Murphy did really well last season but he split the fanbase. When he was playing well they were right behind him but when he made three or four mistakes it was all about looking for a replacement.
“But you do feel for him, he’s worked his socks off and had a really good season and he is probably a little disappointed that they’ve bought a player to replace him really, let’s be honest.
“If you spend that much money, you’re not going to sit him on the bench. So we know Elanga’s going to have the shirt to start with.
“Having said that, Murphy is a player that can play in numerous positions and Newcastle are in the Champions League as well as the Premier League and both cups, so he will get his run outs.
“He’s just got to keep going and believing in himself and he does have a lot of confidence about him now, he will get opportunities and it’s up to him to take it.
“Look at Harvey Barnes on the left who came into the team when Anthony Gordon was injured and he kept the shirt, he was very patient and did a great job.
“When you’re not starting every week it’s not always about knocking on the manager’s door, it’s about working hard and making the most of your game time, which I’m sure Murphy will get.”
Are Newcastle a better option for Benjamin Sesko than Manchester United?
Waddle: “A club the size of Manchester United have to get a centre-forward that will get them challenging and it looks like they haven’t worked that out at the moment.
“Sesko seems to be low down on the list, everybody has bought in or bid for other strikers and now he is being linked to clubs but nothing is getting over the line.
“We know RB Leipzig like to hold out for their money, so they’re not going to be in a rush to sell. It’s up to Newcastle to make an offer which Leipzig are going to accept. But are they looking at him and thinking again, will he fit into the system?
“He’s a young guy. We know he’s a big, strong kid, and has good pace. He’s a big lad and he could be a success in the Premier League, no doubt about that. You just wonder why has nobody taken a gamble on him? “Is he overpriced? Is the deal ridiculous? Is it add-ons where you think we’re not really benefiting here? But Newcastle, as I say, they need a centre forward before this season starts.
“I’m not having a go at William Osula, but they need a centre forward who you think is going to score 20 goals and Sesko could be the answer.
“It all depends on how much they get for Isak if he were to leave. I’m sure Leipzig might put the price up if they do get a lot of money.”
Is Callum Wilson a good signing for West Ham this summer?
Waddle: “With Callum Wilson, it’s all about keeping him fit. His issues are injuries that keep him out for weeks and not just the odd twinge or knock where you miss one weekend.
“He’s had a lot of injuries during his career, he had two cruciates when he was younger, but he’s a very good centre forward. He’s quick. He’s technically good. He can score. We know all that, but it’s getting him on the football pitch.
“I think West Ham have brought him and told him that he will be getting game time but it might be off the bench for him to nick a goal, but he needs looking after.
“Maybe he needs to train differently, with certain players like Callum you need to manage them right, but if you do, you’ve got a good centre forward who can chip in with a lot of goals.”
Has Aaron Ramsdale gone to Newcastle to sit on the bench?
Waddle: “Aaron Ramsdale will have ambitions of going to the World Cup, as well as Nick Pope.
“Since Pope came back from his injury, he hasn’t looked the same to me. We know he doesn’t really like the ball at his feet, but I don’t think Ramsdale does either, so they’re quite similar on that front.
“I’m sure Pope is number one at the minute, but that can change with injuries, loss of form or a few mistakes that make the confidence go.
“Ramsdale will have to be patient, he will get his chance and if he is playing well he will keep the shirt. It’s a great chance for him at a big club in the Champions League and England will be watching so he could end up on the plane.”
How good a signing is Sean Longstaff for Leeds United this summer?
Waddle: “Sean Longstaff is a decent player and he probably knew he wasn’t going to get game time at Newcastle with their options and Joe Willock there too.
“There’s a lot of players who can occupy that midfield and are ahead of him in pecking order, so getting £12million is good money for Newcastle.
“Longstaff will want to play, no one wants to sit on the bench or in the stands and Leeds have paid good money for him so he’s going to get a good opportunity to play and who knows, it could end up with England recognition.
“I always say this about players, maybe a good career over ten years, but you want to play. If it means you sit on the bench every week, I don’t see the sense in that to me, especially when you get to a certain age.
“When you get to your late 20s you need to play football so I think fair play to the lad. He could have sat on a contract and been comfortable. But he’s made the decision to leave and go and hopefully Leeds will benefit from it.”
How can you see Newcastle vs Aston Villa going?
Waddle: “Unai Emery’s done a great job there, I’ve got to say. He’s made some good signings but there have been a few exits recently, there has been a bit of a turnaround there.
“But, Villa will be looking at the top four or top five this year and Newcastle will be similar, I think this could be a very very close game in which the teams cancel each other out.
“Newcastle and Villa have both had good results in these games of late, but I think this will be tight and if Newcastle don’t get a striker, I’ll edge towards Villa as the home team.”
How big of a blow for Spurs is the injury to James Maddison?
Waddle: “James Maddison has had a lot of injuries and this injury on tour doesn’t look good. What I will say is that Spurs have got an absolutely massive squad.
“A lot of loans came back, they have made acquisitions, it’s probably one of the biggest squads in the Premier League on paper.
“A few of the young players will go out on loan again, Son Heung-min has left, but they have three players in each position and Thomas Frank needs to figure out his XI.
“There are big things expected and I know he did a good job with Brentford, so I think we will see a counter-attacking style which soaks up the pressure. Brentford had Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa on the break so it will have to be different at Spurs.
“Spurs fans want to be entertained and preseason has been okay, but Maddison will be a miss. Pape Matar Sarr has had a great preseason with his energy levels and I could see him playing behind the striker.
“He’s scoring goals at the minute, he’s confident, he’s got great energy, he can run off the ball very, very well and he’s quite intelligent at that.
“He’s the sort of player who could fit in behind Dominic Solanke. This is something that Frank will be looking at. I’m not saying Sarr’s got the ability of Madison, but he’s a very willing runner.
“Maybe it could be like Harry Kane with Dele Alli behind him, who had great success. I’m sure Thomas Frank will be working on who he’s going to play in that role.
“You need somebody with legs who can get around a bit and that’s going to be interesting. When the season starts we will see the team he wants to play, they need momentum and mixing the team up every week might not bring that.”
Could Harvey Elliott go and have an impact at Spurs?
Waddle: “Harvey Elliott is a good player and was a big part of the England team that won the UEFA European Under-21 Championship.
“For Elliott, the competition at Liverpool makes it really hard to get in, but the manager might say that he will get minutes off the bench and eventually will get his chances in the team.
“It’s a hard team to get into with the quality they’ve got but I think he would be a good acquisition for any club, including Spurs. We know he’s got ability.
“He is looking like a future England player and he will have his eye on the World Cup next year, he could go out on loan in the Premier League to help that.
“He’s not going to get picked for the national team playing in the reserves or sitting on the bench. He needs to be playing regular football.”
Could Randal Kolo Muani be a great signing for Spurs?
Waddle: “Randal Kolo Muani is in a good position because a lot of clubs are looking for a number nine. It didn’t really work out for him at PSG. But why did they buy him? Because he was doing the business elsewhere.
“So just because it hasn’t worked out at PSG, who play lovely and very technical football, doesn’t mean it won’t work out somewhere else. There will be a lot of clubs looking at him, depending on the price, and a swap deal could even be involved.
“There are a lot of options, but he’s somebody I’m sure many clubs are looking at. With the Premier League season starting in a couple of weeks, people will know they need to get a centre forward in and he could be in that bracket of top targets.”
How can you see Spurs performing in the UEFA Super Cup?
Waddle: “Thomas Frank, he’s a very conservative manager. I think he’ll park the bus. We saw what PSG did to Inter Milan and what they can do to teams. They were sensational last year.
“Thomas Frank isn’t going to go to a game and say, ‘Let’s have a shootout.’ He’s not that type of guy or manager.
“So I can see them going in thinking, ‘Listen, park the bus. If we get a result, that’s great. If we get beat 1 or 2 nil, it doesn’t look too bad.’ That’s how I see it going.”
Is Burnley at home a dream start for Thomas Frank?
Waddle: “Spurs vs Burnley could be a banana skin, we know that. We don’t know what players are penciled in to start, probably only five or six for Spurs.
“Thomas Frank probably knows his team but he hasn’t played it yet. We also know when you come up from the division below, you’ve got a lot of energy.
“Burnley didn’t give goals last year, they will this year. It’s not the Championship anymore. When you’re playing against people like Erling Haaland, and Mohamed Salah they will concede goals.
“But, Spurs have got to get it right, they’ve got to have a lot of confidence about them. Burnley have nothing to lose in a way. Everybody’s basically said Burnley will get relegated.
“Scott Parker will be working on it, but they will get really tested by Spurs and by every club in the Premier League. They will get a severe test of how they’re going to defend.
“Burnley will go there thinking that they didn’t have a great season in the league last year, while knowing that, they expect to be in the top six next year.
“It’s a great fixture for Spurs to start with, but if they don’t have that attitude and they don’t get the tactics right, it could be an awkward game.”
Has Son Heung-min made the right call in leaving Spurs?
Waddle: “I’ve noticed over the last couple of years that he’s lost a bit of pace. He used to be rapid, and people forget he had a lot of pace. He could do step-overs and tricks, but his speed was a key attribute. I think he’s lost a bit of that.
“He’s also played a lot of football and many games for years, so I think it’s a good time for him and for Spurs to say thank you very much.
“He’s brought millions into the club through his fan base and TV appeal and he’s been a true gentleman at the club; nobody ever speaks ill of him.
“He’s been great for Tottenham Hotspur and will go down as a Spurs legend. For the MLS, it’s going to be great because we know how popular he is in South Korea and Asia.
“They’re going to focus a lot now on the MLS, which is great for them. The football there should be great for Son.
“Let’s be honest, it’s like dropping a league or two, so he should be able to handle that with his knowledge of the game. I’m not saying he’s an old-age pensioner or on his last legs, but the Premier League is a very demanding, quick league, and I think he’s made the right move.”
Is Son Heung-min a bigger Spurs legend than Harry Kane?
Waddle: “Harry Kane will go down as a legend; his goal return is phenomenal and he’s still scoring goals now. Harry Kane is a different type of player from Son, but I’d put them in the same bracket.
“Son has been there for ten years, and Harry Kane came through the ranks. When they played together, they were great. People will remember not just Harry Kane and Son individually, but also their partnership.
“Those two were on fire for a few years and will definitely both go down as Spurs legends. They are different players, obviously, but to me, they’ve both been fantastic servants to Spurs.”
Who are your favourites to win the Premier League this season?
Waddle: “Liverpool going forward will score a lot of goals. Defensively, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson are not getting younger. They brought Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth, and while Trent Alexander-Arnold left, Conor Bradley is available all season.
“They also brought in Jeremie Frimpong, who is more of a wing-back. I think going forward Liverpool will be fantastic to watch, but I do think they’ll concede goals.
“It’s not as easy as people think. People assume Liverpool will walk it due to their acquisitions, but I don’t think they will.
“Manchester City has seen big changes over the last couple of years and will definitely have a say in the title. Could they win it? Yes. Am I 100% sure they will? No.
“I think Arsenal, if Viktor Gyokeres hits the ground running and becomes the goalscorer everyone hopes he’ll be, there’s no reason Arsenal can’t win it. That’s what they’ve been lacking.
“We’ve been talking about this for two years, and they actually have a proper number nine now. Let’s just hope he ends up like Thierry Henry and players of that quality who they’ve had over the years, consistently putting the ball in the net, and not like a few who haven’t done the job required.
“There’s a lot of pressure on them, I think. Expectations are so high now that they’ve signed him.
“But a real dark horse, because I think the bookies are very generous with them, is Chelsea. Chelsea are a great bet. When they get going as a club, they just win trophies.
“Last year they were hit and miss. They had a great patch where you thought, “Wow, they’re on a run,” and finished strong. Another year on, and yes, a lot of signings going in and out the door again, but Liam Delap is a good signing for them in the Premier League.
“He will get chances, and you’d expect him to get 15 to 20 goals. So, I have this slight feeling that Chelsea are going to have a massive say in who wins the league. But it’s between those four without a shadow of a doubt. I wouldn’t say one is better than the other.
“I’ve got to say that I think whoever wins it will be out of those four, and if they do win it, it’s not a surprise to me.”
Who are your three teams to be relegated?
Waddle: “Leeds will probably think they shouldn’t be in the relegation battle, but the quality you need in the Premier League isn’t about having two or three good players; you need eight or nine, with legs and technique.
“It’s not easy to find players of that level. When clubs come up and aren’t spending two or three hundred million quid, they haven’t really got a chance.
“Brentford have sold two key players, and a third one could go. If they lose Yoane Wissa, you do start asking questions about Brentford, they’ll definitely be in that pack.
“I don’t think Wolves have really brought in a lot of players. They’ve lost Matheus Cunha, who was a key player for them, so Wolves could again be in for a hard slog to stay in the league.
“Brentford and definitely the three promoted teams will be in the mix, and after that, you just don’t know. Will teams like Crystal Palace, who probably overachieved a little, feel the effects of last season? If they lose key players, will they be in the mix?
“There are teams that had a good season, but can they repeat it? There’s a lot to talk about with the bottom seven or eight, but especially the three who came up.
“Listen, if you offer them fourth bottom, they’d snap your hand off. It’s such a hard league, and we’ve seen over the last couple of years, teams who come up just cannot compete the majority of the weeks.
“You feel for them; the dream is to get in the Premier League, but you’ve got to have a plan of saying, “When we do go up, we have X amount of pounds to make sure we are not coming down.” Unfortunately, these clubs don’t have it.”
Is appointing Henrik Pedersen a good step for Sheffield Wednesday?
Waddle: “Henrik Pedersen has to bring in his own staff, which will take time, as the previous staff were let go. Barry Bannan signing a new contract is positive news.
“I think Sheffield Wednesday currently only have about eight players over 21. Leicester away is not a great game to start the season, and they are expected to be reasonably strong despite their own financial issues. However, the team will go out and give their all.
“The fans understand that the anger is directed at the owner, not at Henrik or the team. Sheffield Wednesday have fantastic fans, and I truly feel for them. People work hard, travel for every away game, and support the team home and away. They feel shortchanged.
“They battled with the club, spent a few years in League One, and were always there, home and away. They got out of that league, had a decent season last year, and were looking to build on it, but this is what happens.
“It just shows you what happens when you get an owner taking over a Championship club that is a big club and wouldn’t look out of place in the Premier League, and running it poorly. It’s a shame. I really feel for the fans who work hard for their money to buy season tickets and away tickets, and they are getting a raw deal, which is wrong.
“People who run football should look at these owners. After two years, when he didn’t get promoted to the Premier League, everyone knew he was struggling. He’s just been limping along, trying to make as much money as he could as quickly in as possible.
“Apart from the first two seasons, he’s been a disaster. For me, the quicker he gets out of the club, the sooner the better.
“He’s run the club so badly; I don’t know how low the situation can get. As I say, the people suffering are those who truly love Sheffield Wednesday. You saw what happened to Morecambe, a small club compared to Wednesday. If things continue, Wednesday could follow that trend, and it’s unthinkable for a club of that size to get into a predicament like this.
“It’s all down to one man whose intentions are all wrong. Wednesday needs people to come in and buy this club. Until they do, it will continue to get worse every week.
“For the good of the club, I just wish Dejphon Chansiri would come to his senses and do a deal. We don’t want him to be out of pocket, business doesn’t work like that, but I’m sure he’s asking over the odds from what we’ve heard.
“He needs to get real and think of these fans who care about Sheffield Wednesday, but obviously, he doesn’t.”
How good a signing is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for Marseille?
Waddle: “Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has always been a goal scorer and popular figure. He performed well at Marseille, and now, despite his age, he’s returning on a free transfer.
“While he’ll be on a decent wage, he’s a good signing, whether he plays 30 minutes or 90 – that’s for the manager to decide based on his fitness.
“Even if he comes off the bench, he can score goals and seems very energetic and enthusiastic about returning to Marseille. He’s a good acquisition; if players are still mobile and fit, they understand the game, and he certainly knows how to find the back of the net, provided he gets good service.
“Marseille had a strong season last year, and while they can’t compete with PSG, finishing second is a significant achievement, almost like winning the league. He can definitely help them achieve that again this season.”
Should Angel Gomes be in the England squad?
Waddle: “Angel Gomes attracted interest when he was called up for England, which led to clubs thinking about offers, but maybe he prefers the style of play in Ligue 1.
“He likely would have received a better offer if he had moved to the Premier League, as the French league, which does pay well, we know doesn’t match Premier League wages.
“For Gomes he’ll be playing in the Champions League with Marseille and expects to be a starter. He’s a player the manager values, someone who keeps the ball, moves it well, and brings good energy. He probably feels at home in the league.
“It’s refreshing to see a player turn down the Premier League. I’ve always believed that if players were paid the same money across leagues, not everyone would choose the Premier League.
“It’s good to see Marseille secure a player who seemed destined for the Premier League. He’s a strong acquisition for Marseille as they continue to build and strive to challenge Paris Saint-Germain, which is incredibly difficult. A top-three finish is now crucial for Marseille.”
Sunderland are going after Marc Guiu, do they need more experience?
Waddle: “Sunderland usually buy young. Granit Xhaka has joined, which is a strange move I can’t really work out. I know they were supposedly after Jordan Henderson originally, looking for an experienced midfield player.
“Xhaka cost quite a bit of money at 32. Will he make a difference? Time will tell. They’re a young side. They’ve not had a good pre-season. They lost to Hearts, Hull and Betis.
“They’ve lost quite a few games pre-season and aren’t scoring goals. Yes, there’s been a turnaround, but their philosophy is to buy young. If they get relegated, they’ll sell two or three to balance the books. That’s how Sunderland has operated for the last four or five years.
“I think the fans will be saying, “Yes, we’re spending money, but on who?” To stay in the Premier League, you can’t just buy young, unproven players.
“You can’t expect these players to perform against the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, Spurs, or Chelsea.
“I think they’ve had an investment because of the money they’ve generated, but that’s basically for the future so that when they get relegated, they can sell players on, make some money, and still have a strong enough squad to come back up.
“People have said they’ve spent money, but they haven’t spent money on a truly impactful signing. It’s more about who will develop into a footballer. I think, again, for Sunderland, it’s going to be a season of “Can we possibly finish fourth from bottom?””
Do Leeds United have a bit more than the other promoted sides?
Waddle: “People like Sean Longstaff and other players have been brought in. You look at Leeds and yes, they were a very good side in the Championship, but teams did give them good games and sometimes felt unlucky not to get a result or even a draw.
“They played at a high tempo, getting in teams’ faces. They were exciting to watch in the Championship. But looking at the personnel they’ve got, yes, they’ve signed a few players, but I just don’t think the squad’s strong enough to compete in the Premier League over a season.
“I think a lot of teams will play around them and get past their high press. A lot of teams are technically very good and will play around them. Let’s be honest, the Championship is an exciting league, but the quality of the Championship is not comparable to the Premier League and it never will be.
“Their tempo, and pace were great for Leeds last year and worked well. They were the best team in the Championship, but for them, if they can finish fourth from bottom, that would be an amazing season.”
Where should Jack Grealish go to reignite his career?
Waddle: “If Jack Grealish stays at Manchester City, I don’t see him playing. But then again, is he priced out of the market? He’s on a lot of money, so what would the transfer fee be?
“I could actually see him going out on loan. I think City may have no alternative. Could they use him in a swap deal with someone who does want him?
“I’ve always said, and I’ll defend Jack on this, he’s not a winger. He’s a midfield player in a three, and that’s where I think you’d see the best out of Jack Grealish.
“So if I were buying Jack Grealish or trying to get a deal to get him, I’d be looking to put him in that midfield three as an attacking player. Yes, we know he can do a job on the wing; he keeps the ball well, but he doesn’t dribble, and he’s not got pace.
“If I were Jack Grealish, I’d also be looking to tell whoever wants him, “I want to play as a midfield player.” But at the minute, I could probably see City saying, “Look, we don’t really want to sell him in England. We could loan you abroad for a year.”
“You could see teams in Italy, maybe Spain, Germany, somebody like that in those top bigger clubs thinking, “We’ll take him on loan.”
“But he’s on unbelievable wages, and so a lot of clubs might be scared off because he’s never been guaranteed to start at Man City.
“The market, let’s be honest, has been very quiet on Jack Grealish. There have been a lot of people trying to start stories about him, saying Spurs wanted him and Newcastle wanted him.
“Personally, I think Jack Grealish would be better going abroad and playing as a midfield player.”
Can Dan Burn be starting for England at the 2026 World Cup?
Waddle: “I think Dan Burn could be starting for England at the World Cup. Thomas Tuchel doesn’t consider age, he focuses on performance.
“Dan Burn had a great season last year, and his contributions are there to see. While he lacks pace, he’s excellent in the air, reads the game well, and is experienced. Having said that, his experience at the highest level is limited, having primarily played in the lower leagues and then the Premier League with Brighton.
“His England call-up was likely a surprise to him. We lack depth in certain positions, similar to how we don’t have numerous top-tier centre-forwards like in past years.
“The same applies to centre-backs. Apart from Marc Guehi, there aren’t many standout options. Therefore, if Dan Burn maintains his fitness and plays well for Newcastle, there’s no reason he wouldn’t be on the plane. If he keeps his form up, why not?
“There aren’t many centre-backs who are definite inclusions for the World Cup squad. We have a shortage of high-level centre-forwards too, take Harry Kane away, and there’s nobody else on his level. We relied on Harry Maguire for years.
“Marc Guehi is definitely a strong candidate. We could consider converting a midfield player or a fullback like Kyle Walker to play centre-half. It’s an option to explore. But for now, Dan Burn has earned his place and deserves it.”
Can Tino Livramento be starting for England at the 2026 World Cup?
Waddle: “Tino Livramento is a player everyone seems to like. He’s quick, good on the ball, and can play wing-back, full-back, or even left-back. He’s a very good footballer who uses the ball exceptionally well.
“I’ve always liked him as a player, and for me, he should definitely be involved with England. He should be playing this season, in my eyes, he should be the starting right-back.
“We know Kyle Walker is still playing at Burnley, and I think Kyle is an outstanding full-back, you can’t fault what he’s done. As time moves on, I still think Kyle could play in a back three or even as a centre-half. So I wouldn’t write off Kyle Walker, but I think Livramento needs to play right-back. I think he has everything he needs to be a top full-back.”
Is Liam Delap the man to replace Harry Kane for England?
Waddle: “It’s a great time to be a centre-forward if you’re English because, without Harry Kane, no disrespect to the rest, they’re all quite ordinary. Nobody stands out after him for me.
“I could picture Thomas Tuchel eventually playing a false nine because we aren’t blessed, let’s be honest. Ollie Watkins had an in-and-out season last year; he was flying, then he got dropped and was on the bench quite a lot.
“Ivan Toney is playing in Saudi Arabia, but it’s not the greatest league in the world in my eyes. I don’t think he gets a lot of tests in that league. He has played in the Premier League and did well, we know that.
“Dominic Solanke is sometimes injured. Is he the quality of Harry Kane? Will he score goals like Harry Kane? I really fear for the number nine situation. We haven’t really got an outstanding nine.
“A lot of people say “there’s Harry Kane,” but when he’s not playing and he’s not around, we’ll miss him.
“I know there’s always somebody who pops up; we’ve always had good number nines in a way. But I look down the line, and I think, yes, we’ve got some decent number nines, but nothing outstanding in my eyes, at Harry Kane’s level.
“Even coming through the U21s and whoever, I don’t really see anybody where I actually think he’s going to get the England shirt after Harry Kane.
“I think it’s going to be a hard decision. Let’s keep our fingers crossed Harry Kane doesn’t get injured for the World Cup. All the players will go in, they’re all good players, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t see another Harry Kane goal-scoring type.
“If I were to pick someone if Harry Kane isn’t playing, even though he’s not playing in the strongest league in the world, I think Ivan Toney would probably be the most likely to be the goal scorer.”
