Newcastle cult hero insists he was faster than Mbappe and Ronaldo in his prime

Former Newcastle United striker Obafemi Martins has boldly claimed he was faster than some of the most renowned speedsters in football history, including Kylian Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Martins, known for his blistering pace throughout his career, made this audacious claim during an interview with ESPN Africa. When presented with a list of players known for their speed, including Mbappe, Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, and even Usain Bolt (as depicted in the video game Pro Evolution Soccer), Martins confidently declared he was quicker than all of them.

“Faster than him for sure,” he responded when asked about Tottenham defender Micky Van de Ven. He echoed this sentiment when comparing himself to players like Walker, Robben, Salah, and even Theo Walcott.

Martins’ career was a whirlwind of speed and skill. He burst onto the scene at Inter Milan, showcasing his explosive pace and acrobatic goal celebrations. His move to Newcastle further solidified his reputation as one of the most exciting players in the Premier League. He scored 35 goals in 104 appearances for the Magpies, including a memorable winning goal in the 2011 League Cup final against Arsenal.

His career took him across Europe, Russia, the United States, and China, where he enjoyed success at clubs like Rubin Kazan and Seattle Sounders. In the United States, he formed a formidable partnership with Clint Dempsey, winning the MLS Supporters’ Shield.

While his claims of being the fastest might be considered bold, there’s no denying Martins was an electrifying player with exceptional speed. His career, filled with memorable moments and trophies, solidified his place as one of the most exciting strikers of his generation.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly considering selling midfielder Yves Bissouma in 2025, as the club looks to streamline its squad and potentially recoup some of the investment made in the player.

The Mali international joined Spurs from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2022 for a fee of £25 million. However, Bissouma has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter at Tottenham, often finding himself on the fringes of the first team.

Despite his undeniable talent and potential, Bissouma has failed to live up to expectations at Tottenham. His performances have been inconsistent, and he has struggled to adapt to the demands of the Premier League. As a result, the club is now considering selling him to free up funds for other transfer targets.

Tottenham are reportedly willing to accept a fee of around £16 million for Bissouma, which would represent a significant loss on their initial investment. However, the club may be willing to accept this loss in order to offload the player and reinvest the money elsewhere.

If Bissouma does leave Tottenham, it will be interesting to see where he ends up. He is a talented player, but he needs to find a club where he can play regularly and develop his game. A move to a less demanding league could be beneficial for him, as it would give him the opportunity to regain his confidence and rediscover his form.

Ultimately, Bissouma’s time at Tottenham has been disappointing. The club will be hoping to sell him for a reasonable fee and reinvest the money in other areas of the squad.

Meanwhile, Tottenham are reportedly considering a move for Brazilian goalkeeper John Victor, who currently plays for Botafogo. The 6ft 5in tall goalkeeper has impressed in the Brazilian league, attracting interest from several top European clubs, including Manchester United and Galatasaray.

However, it is Tottenham who are believed to be the frontrunners for Victor’s signature. The Premier League club is in need of a new goalkeeper, as their current first-choice keeper, Guglielmo Vicario, is currently injured. Vicario is expected to be out for several weeks, and Tottenham are keen to bring in a replacement to cover for his absence.

Victor is available for a relatively low fee of around £8.2 million, making him an attractive option for Tottenham. The club is looking to strengthen their squad in the January transfer window, and Victor could be a valuable addition to the team.

The Brazilian goalkeeper is a talented player with a bright future ahead of him. He has the potential to develop into one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and Tottenham could be the perfect club for him to continue his development.

If Tottenham can sign Victor, it would be a major coup for the club. The Brazilian goalkeeper could provide competition for Vicario and help to improve the team’s goalkeeping department. However, it remains to be seen whether Tottenham will be able to complete a deal for Victor. There are several other clubs interested in the player, and it is possible that a bidding war could ensue.

In addition to Victor, Tottenham are also considering other transfer targets. The club is in need of reinforcements in several areas, including midfield and attack. It will be interesting to see what moves Tottenham make in the January transfer window.

The club’s fans will be hoping that the club can strengthen their squad in the January transfer window. With the right signings, Tottenham could challenge for a top-four finish in the Premier League and potentially even win a trophy.

The January transfer window will be a crucial period for Tottenham. The club needs to make the right signings to improve their squad and challenge for trophies. If they can do that, then they could have a successful season.