The Athletic FC Podcast: Ornstein Transfer Latest – Isak, Eze, Donnarumma

Release Date: August 13, 2025

Introduction

Host: Ayo Akinwolere
Guests: David Ornstein (The Athletic), Jack Pitt Brook

In this episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, host Ayo Akinwolere engages in an in-depth discussion with transfer expert David Ornstein and Spurs analyst Jack Pitt Brook. The conversation delves into the latest transfer rumors and updates surrounding high-profile players Alexander Isak, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Gianluigi Donnarumma, alongside insights into Tottenham Hotspur's recent moves and challenges.

1. Alexander Isak’s Transfer Saga

Timestamp: [04:03]

Ayo: "Alexander Isak talks to me because last week he said he thinks by the time the window shuts on the 1st of September, there's a very good chance Isak will have departed and his preference is to join Liverpool this week. You say he said he's not playing for Newcastle ever again. Bring us up to speed on this one."

David Ornstein:
David outlines a sensitive situation at Newcastle United, where Alexander Isak has expressed a desire to leave and a strong preference for joining Liverpool. Currently, Isak is not involved in training with Newcastle's first team under Eddie Howe and has not featured in preseason matches. Newcastle holds Isak under contract until 2028, making the transfer dependent on negotiations over a potential £110 million fee and the availability of suitable replacements. Despite Isak’s intentions, the final outcome remains uncertain as Newcastle controls the situation.

Notable Quote:
"Alexander Isak is not training with Eddie Howe's squad at Newcastle United... Newcastle are in control of this situation." ([04:50])

Jack Pitt Brook:
Jack comments on Newcastle's transfer strategy, suggesting that the club may be missing an opportunity by not capitalizing on Isak's peak market value. He believes that selling Isak now could enable Newcastle to acquire high-quality replacements, thereby elevating the entire team. However, he feels that Newcastle is not currently in a position to seize this moment effectively.

Notable Quote:
"I think a moment like this can be a moment of opportunity for a club, but it feels at the moment like that's not really the position that Newcastle find themselves in." ([06:33])

2. Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s Move to Leeds United

Timestamp: [07:28]

Ayo: "One in particular. Ex Everton. Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Lewin, you dropped that today. What's the deal with him?"

David Ornstein:
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is set to join Leeds United as a free agent. After his contract with Everton expired, several clubs showed interest, but Leeds have now reached an agreement in principle. At 28, despite past injury concerns, Calvert-Lewin brings proven goal-scoring ability, which Leeds are anticipating will bolster their attacking options for the upcoming season.

Notable Quote:
"Leeds will feel a lot calmer, I think, and more comfortable heading into their season opener with Calvert-Lewin on their side." ([07:52])

Jack Pitt Brook:
Jack highlights Calvert-Lewin's potential impact at Leeds, emphasizing his past performance, including his contribution to England's Euro 2020 squad. He expresses optimism that if Calvert-Lewin regains his former form, he will be a significant asset for Leeds, enhancing their offensive capabilities.

Notable Quote:
"I think Leeds fans, I'm sure Leeds fans would love to see him back to his best." ([09:02])

3. Ebere Eze’s Transfer Speculations: Spurs vs. Arsenal

Timestamp: [09:32]

Ayo: "Just because of the Arsenal interest. Ebere Eze, Crystal Palace wonder boy... is it Spurs or is it Arsenal?"

David Ornstein:
Ebere Eze is currently at Crystal Palace, with both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur expressing interest. Crystal Palace values Eze highly, quoting his release clause at around £68 million. While Arsenal has a sentimental connection to Eze, Spurs see him as a potential game-changer to fill their creative void. However, neither club has yet met Crystal Palace's valuation, leaving Eze's future uncertain as the transfer window progresses.

Notable Quote:
"Unless that changes or those clubs are suddenly more willing to pay that amount of money, then he will stay with Crystal Palace." ([12:54])

Jack Pitt Brook:
Jack advocates for Spurs as a more fitting destination for Eze, arguing that his creativity and skill set would make a more substantial impact at Tottenham compared to Arsenal, where he might be considered a luxury signing. He believes Eze would thrive and become a pivotal figure in Spurs' lineup, addressing their current lack of creativity in midfield.

Notable Quote:
"He's such a good player who would be elevated by the quality of the players playing around him. But I think at Tottenham he would be a bit more game changer." ([13:15])

4. Tottenham Hotspur’s Recent Transfers and Squad Challenges

Timestamp: [14:38]

Ayo: "Tottenham announced their new captain on Wednesday morning. Who is it?"

Jack Pitt Brook:
Cristian Romero has been appointed as the new captain of Tottenham Hotspur. Having previously served as vice-captain alongside James Maddison, Romero's leadership was notably evident during the Europa League final in Bilbao, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership and composure. His appointment comes at a crucial time as the team grapples with significant injuries.

Notable Quote:
"He really proved his leadership skills. And what an amazing, what a kind of passionate but also really convincing leader he can be in those big games." ([22:28])

Jack Pitt Brook:
Jack discusses Tottenham's injury woes, particularly the ACL injury to James Maddison and knee surgery for Dejan Kulusevski, leaving gaps in their creative midfield and attacking options. Despite recent signings like Molina and Harris, Jack emphasizes the need for additional reinforcements to address creativity and goal-scoring deficiencies before the season commences.

Notable Quote:
"I think they need at least two more players to keep the fans happy before the start of the season." ([15:38])

5. Gianluigi Donnarumma’s Future at PSG

Timestamp: [18:59]

Ayo: "We have to start David with PSG and Donnarumma. Oh my goodness. Madness. A player who won the Champions League. A player that was pivotal to what they did last season and looking like there's no space for him in this squad."

David Ornstein:
Gianluigi Donnarumma faces uncertainty at PSG despite his pivotal role in their Champions League victory. PSG has secured a highly-rated replacement, making it challenging to retain two elite goalkeepers. The contractual situation complicates matters, as PSG is reluctant to let Donnarumma enter his final contract year without a suitable transfer fee. Potential interest from clubs like Manchester City exists, but no definitive moves are underway.

Notable Quote:
"This will be an incredible signing for somebody, but it's easier said than done and so we'll have to wait and see how the next couple of weeks go." ([19:20])

Jack Pitt Brook:
Jack reflects on Donnarumma's decision to leave PSG, speculating that it might stem from a desire for a new challenge or differences in playing style preferences with the current management. He acknowledges Donnarumma's exceptional performances but notes that strategic changes at PSG could necessitate his departure.

Notable Quote:
"Maybe he’s not the best with his feet. Maybe Luis Enrique might think it's a time to change the style a bit." ([21:24])

6. Liverpool’s Transfer Interests and Other Rumors

Timestamp: [31:37]

Ayo: "Liverpool need a center back... Where are they looking at the moment?"

David Ornstein:
Liverpool is interested in Crystal Palace's Mark Gahey, who is in the final year of his contract. However, Gahey expresses contentment at Palace and aims to retain his position in the England national team. Liverpool may also target Leone from Parma and explore other defenders, but these negotiations are ongoing and uncertain.

Notable Quote:
"They're looking at Leone from Parma and there are negotiations taking place and so that's one that could get done." ([33:30])

Jack Pitt Brook:
Although Jack is not directly involved in this segment, the context suggests that multiple clubs, including Tottenham and Manchester City, are active in transfer markets, seeking to bolster their squads amidst injuries and strategic changes.

Notable Quote from Jack on related topics:
"If he was to leave there, I think Liverpool would be the choice." ([33:00])

7. Additional Transfer Insights: Jack Grealish’s Loan Move

Timestamp: [36:37]

Jack Pitt Brook:
Jack discusses Jack Grealish's loan to Everton, positing that the move is aimed at revitalizing Grealish's career by providing him with more playing time and creative freedom compared to his tenure at Manchester City. He suggests that the environment at Everton, under manager David Moyes, could allow Grealish to flourish and regain his form.

Notable Quote:
"I really hope that the fans at Goodison will really warm to Grealish and get behind him because if they can, I think he's a player who, if he feels the support of the manager and he feels the support of the fans, he can do anything he wants." ([36:56])

Jack Pitt Brook:
On why Grealish struggled at Manchester City, Jack attributes it to the structured, possession-based style under Pep Guardiola, which may have limited Grealish's natural creativity and expression. He believes that Grealish thrives better in environments that offer him more autonomy on the pitch.

Notable Quote:
"So, if you play for City, you don't really get the same freedom that he would have earlier in his career at Aston Villa." ([38:08])

Conclusion

The episode provides a comprehensive analysis of current transfer situations involving key football figures. From Alexander Isak's potential move to Liverpool, Dominic Calvert-Lewin's acquisition by Leeds United, Ebere Eze's speculative transfers between Spurs and Arsenal, to Gianluigi Donnarumma's uncertain future at PSG, the discussion underscores the complexities and strategic considerations in modern football transfers. Additionally, insights into Tottenham Hotspur's squad management and Liverpool's defensive reinforcement plans offer listeners a deeper understanding of the evolving dynamics within top-tier clubs.

Final Notable Quote:
"Football is ruthless, man." ([22:13])

Key Takeaways:

• Alexander Isak desires to leave Newcastle for Liverpool, but Newcastle holds significant control over the transfer process.

• Dominic Calvert-Lewin secures a move to Leeds United, providing them with a proven striker despite previous injury concerns.

• Ebere Eze remains a hot topic, with both Spurs and Arsenal interested, but Crystal Palace's valuation poses a barrier.

• Tottenham Hotspur appoints Cristian Romero as captain amidst injury challenges and seeks further reinforcements to address creativity and depth.

• Gianluigi Donnarumma’s future at PSG remains uncertain due to contractual and squad dynamics, with potential interest from top clubs like Manchester City.

• Liverpool explores options to strengthen their defense, with interests in players like Mark Gahey and Leone from Parma.

• Jack Grealish’s loan move to Everton is seen as an opportunity for revitalization, contrasting his constrained role at Manchester City.

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