All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Wolverhampton Wanderers enjoyed the new manager bounce over the weekend as Vitor Pereira led the Old Gold to just their third Premier League win of the season.

It was a commanding display against Leicester City, with goals from Goncalo Guedes, Rodrigo Gomes, and Matheus Cunha in a frantic first half.

The same players that had been guilty of underperforming under Gary O’Neil over the previous few weeks certainly turned up against the Foxes on Sunday afternoon. This could be a turning point in their season.

The January transfer market will open in just over a week and it comes at the perfect time for the new manager to strengthen his squad ahead of the second half of the season.

Vitor Pereira could lose key Wolves players in January

The former Porto manager may have to sell a player or two once the winter window opens to strengthen his first team.

Several players fit the bill in this regard. Rayan Ait-Nouri has attracted interest from Liverpool in recent months as the defender has enjoyed a wonderful start to the campaign.

Cunha is another star who has consistently delivered for the Old Gold throughout 2024/25, which has naturally led to interest from bigger clubs in the Premier League.

Manchester United are reportedly keen on adding him to their squad and one of Pereira’s first jobs will be to convince both of these players that staying in the Midlands is the best course of action for their careers, at least until the summer.

Plenty of managers in the past have been guilty of selling players far too hastily in the past. One good example came in the summer of 2023 when Julen Lopetegui sold someone who had shone for the club since joining permanently in 2019.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast's Where Are They Now series.

Raul Jimenez’s time at Wolves

Since he left, Raul Jimenez has showcased his true talents for Fulham in the top flight, and it is clear that the club must regret selling him, especially for such a low transfer fee.

Following the club’s promotion to the Premier League in 2018, Nuno Espírito Santo was keen on bolstering his team ahead of new challenges.

Jimenez joined on a season-long loan from Benfica and went on to score 15 league goals as Wolves finished seventh in their first season back.

2022/23

20

3

1

2021/22

36

6

5

2020/21

11

4

0

2019/20

55

27

10

2018/19

44

17

7

This led the club to splurge around £30m to keep him at Molineux permanently and it turned out to be money well spent.

The 2019/20 campaign saw the Mexican forward score a total of 27 goals while grabbing ten assists as another seventh-place finish was combined with a run to the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

This would turn out to be Jimenez’s finest season for the Old Gold, as over the next three years, a succession of injury issues would limit his effectiveness for the club.

Indeed, he missed 53 games in total, managing to find the back of the net on just 13 occasions as he struggled to get back to full fitness.

In the summer of 2023, it was clear his future lay elsewhere, which led Julen Lopetegui to sell him.

With first-team football hard to secure in the Midlands, Fulham spent just £5m to bring the Mexican to London last summer and the move has turned into an inspired one.

Jimenez struggled to gain much first-team football for Wolves, despite shaking off his injury issues, and it was clear that a fresh start was required for the veteran striker.

Might the club regret this move, however? Jimenez is now in stunning form and is even comparable to a striker who is lighting up Serie A for Inter Milan…

How Jimenez is performing at Fulham

The 2023/24 season saw the former Wolves hitman score seven league goals in 24 matches as he acclimatised to life in the capital, but he is on course to score more this term.

In 17 top-flight matches, the striker is currently on five goals and two assists, as Marco Silva has brought the best out of him clearly.

Along with his goals, Jimenez has also created five big chances, averages 0.5 key passes per game and registers 2.1 shots per game as he looks lively in the opposition penalty area.

His performances have also allowed him to star for Mexico, scoring against the USA in a match between the two recently, and he was praised by manager Javier Aguirre, who said:

“He came back very well [from his injury], very well. He’s scored goals, he’s made assists. He looks mature and in good form, having completely overcome his injury. I think he is definitely a leader for us.”

According to FBref, Argentine sensational Lisandro Martinez is now the sixth-most ‘similar player’ to Jimenez. The Inter forward is valued at around £90m by Inter after a wonderful few seasons, so it is an amazing comparison.

The pair have registered similar statistics domestically this season across a range of metrics including goals and assists (both 7), shots per 90 (3.07 vs 2.93), shot-creating actions per 90 (2.08 vs 2.43), goal-creating actions (4 vs 6) and touches in the attacking penalty area (68 vs 54) in their respective top flight leagues, indicating their poacher-like qualities.

These statistics prove that Jimenez is on par with one of the finest centre-forwards in Europe’s top five leagues, showcasing just how impressive he has been in recent months.

Pereira would love to have someone of this quality at his disposal as Wolves aim to move away from the relegation zone. Did they sell him too hastily? Based on his performance this term, the answer is yes.

Pereira could turn "lightning" Wolves flop into his very own Neto

This Wolverhampton Wanderers flop could turn around his time at Molineux under Vitor Pereira.

ByKelan Sarson Dec 17, 2024

Liverpool look to be coasting to the Premier League title at this moment in time, but Arne Slot’s Reds will want to guard against any complacency seeping in heading into what could be a sensational 2025.

Of course, it’s hard not to get carried away if you’re a fan of the Anfield giants currently, especially when you consider the Dutchman has steered his side to just one defeat all season long from 18 clashes to sit pretty at the top of the pile on a mammoth 45 points.

Still, January could see the ex-Feyenoord boss add some more numbers to his super-confident group in the hope some fresh blood can get his table-topping team further across the line to an unbelievable top-flight triumph.

Liverpool preparing move for "sensational" defender

As per reports from Spain, Liverpool are allegedly preparing a mega move for Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi this January to bolster their options at the back.

Unfortunately for the Reds, personnel in the centre-back positions isn’t plentiful at this moment in time, with Joe Gomez coming off injured versus West Ham United last time out, alongside Ibrahima Konate remaining sidelined.

Therefore, a big money move for the Eagles captain is now said to be in the offing, with a £65m offer reportedly heading Palace’s way shortly.

With the future of Virgil Van Dijk also up in the air owing to his contract running down, it is crucial that Liverpool start looking for more bodies in the heart of defence, with Guehi looking to be their desired man once more having been linked with a switch to Merseyside back in August.

He could be ready for this step up in quality, having once been labelled as “sensational” by Palace chairman Steve Parish, on top of his many similarities to Reds colossus Konate.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

What Guehi could offer Liverpool

England centre-back Guehi deserves all the praise that has come his way since making the switch to South London, with his appearance total at Palace now stretching to 133 games.

From those clashes, Guehi has shown off his ability to be a reliable goalscorer coming up from the back with seven goals next to his name, alongside also being a brute force in the air with 5.5 duels won on average this season in the Premier League.

The in-demand 24-year-old is just a very well-rounded presence with his composure on the ball another standout attribute from his repertoire, displayed in the clip above and in his 44.2 accurate passes averaged per top-flight game this campaign to date.

Konate is much the same for Slot’s men when he’s at the top of his game with the pair perhaps striking up an imposing partnership if a move for Guehi does take place in January.

Attempted passes

53.99

69.92

Pass completion %

83.9%

88.7%

Progressive passes

4.43

3.93

Progressive carries

0.56

0.67

Shot-creating actions

1.16

0.89

Tackles

1.58

1.48

Blocks

1.54

1.00

Clearances

4.43

3.82

Aerials won

2.38

3.30

Said to be similar players as per FBRef, it’s clear to see where the parallels lie but Guehi does actually come out on top in various different aspects of his game compared to the Frenchman, with more tackles and clearances registered over the last year on average, on top of being a competent passer out from the back.

Although it would be obviously disheartening to lose Van Dijk, Liverpool fans would certainly feel less aggrieved about their superstar defender departing if a statement move for Guehi materialised.

This move would cost Slot’s men a bumper amount, but it might well prove to be a worthwhile investment in further strengthening Liverpool’s defensive options ahead of a nervy title run-in.

He wants to leave: Liverpool must sell star earning more than Jota & Gakpo

Slot’s Liverpool ace is looking to leave the club in 2025.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 30, 2024

Ruben Amorim has the opportunity in January to make his own mark on the Manchester United squad after taking the reins from Erik ten Hag at the end of November.

The 39-year-old has had to work with the additions made by his predecessor, only winning two Premier League matches since his appointment, coming against Everton and local rivals Manchester City.

Incomings and outgoings are to be expected this month, as the hierarchy look to back the manager to allow him to be a success during his stint at Old Trafford.

Ten days into the window, there’s yet to be any movement in either direction, but numerous names have already been linked with a move to the North West.

However, two deals could fall into place as a result, potentially handing the new manager with ammunition needed to turn around the poor early season form.

Manchester United January transfer update

In recent days, it’s been confirmed that United are willing to part ways with academy star Alejandro Garnacho this month if an acceptable bid comes their way this month.

Atlético Madrid are one of the sides who have already been linked with a move to re-sign the Argentine after he joined the Red Devils from the Spanish side back in 2020.

The 20-year-old has scored eight goals in 29 outings across all competitions, but has since been left out of multiple matches by Amorim in what he described as a “tactical decision”.

Such a departure could open the door for a new arrival, with Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia already touted with a big-money move to Old Trafford this window.

The Georgian international could leave the Serie A side for €80m (£67m), but United would face major competition from Chelsea, Liverpool and PSG for his signature.

He’s undoubtedly an elite-level talent, scoring 30 goals in the last three seasons, but could potentially be out of the hierarchy’s price range given the cost-cutting operation in place.

A reason for concern? Perhaps not…

Man Utd's own version of Kvaratskhelia

Should Garnacho be offloaded, many supporters would undoubtedly view Kvaratskhelia as the perfect player to come in and replace the youngster at Old Trafford.

However, Amorim may already have his own version of the Georgian international in the form of academy star Ethan Ennis, who has caught the eye in recent months.

The 20-year-old has made 12 appearances for the U21 side in all competitions during 2024/25, scoring six times and registering two assists – featuring in the EFL trophy in recent months.

Ennis already has a professional contract at the Theatre of Dreams but is yet to make a single appearance for the club’s first team, but could do just that in the next few months should the Argentine depart.

He’s since been ranked as a similar player to potential new addition Kvaratskhelia by talent scout Jacek Kulig, with his ability to feature all across the frontline undoubtedly of use to the United manager.

His “explosive” pace, as described by Kulig, could also be of use, but his end product is also something that catches the eye, producing a superb catalogue of goals for the academy side.

There’s no denying that there’s a huge jump between the youth setup and first-team, but Garnacho is evidence that when handing opportunities to youngsters, the benefits are there to be had.

Ennis could be the latest beneficiary of the club’s superb academy, possessing a lot of qualities that could see him jump into Amorim’s plans in the near future.

Given his comparison to the Napoli star, the homegrown gem would help to save the club millions if he is promoted, fitting into the board’s cost-cutting scheme, whilst also furthering his development and allowing the fans to forget about current ace Garnacho.

He's like Vinicius Jr: Man Utd chasing exciting £33m Rashford upgrade

Manchester United may have already found the perfect Marcus Rashford replacement.

ByEthan Lamb Jan 10, 2025

Chelsea are seriously pursuing a £12.6 million signing, and have been within the last few days, as the club look to replace a “big” player in Enzo Maresca’s squad.

Chelsea tipped to green-light host of January exits

Renato Veiga most recently sealed a loan move to Juventus, and many more are being tipped to follow the Portugal international out of Chelsea’s exit door by deadline day on February 3rd.

Chelsea could make January move for £80m Brazil striker "at any moment"

The South American is “definitely one to watch” at Stamford Bridge.

3 ByEmilio Galantini Jan 23, 2025

Veiga’s desire was to play as a centre-back, and the former FC Basel star has been granted his wish, as he’s expected to be deployed by Thiago Motta in the heart of Juve’s defence rather than at full-back.

Alongside the 21-year-old, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Carney Chukwuemeka, Christopher Nkunku and Ben Chilwell could all depart Stamford Bridge in the coming days, according to various reports.

Man City (away)

January 25

West Ham (away)

February 3

Brighton (away)

February 14

Aston Villa (away)

February 22

Southampton (home)

February 25

Dewsbury-Hall and Chukwuemeka are attracting interest from West Ham, while it is believed Nkunku has agreed personal terms with Bayern Munich. Chelsea have been looking to offload Chilwell since way before the January window opened (Simon Phillips), so he’s another one to watch when it comes to outgoings.

Meanwhile, former Inter Milan gem and Chelsea midfielder Cesare Casadei is attracting serious interest from Serie A as well, with Lazio convinced they can strike a deal for the 22-year-old after making a £10 million bid.

Called “very big” and “physically strong” by Maresca in terms of stature, Casadei hasn’t exactly been a mainstay under the tactician, and it appears a move back to his homeland is firmly on the cards.

Chelsea pushing for Cesare Casadei replacement in Reda Belahyane

According to Sky Sports transfer reporter Gianluca Di Marzio, writing on his personal website, Chelsea already have their eyes on a replacement for Casadei in Hellas Verona midfielder Reda Belahyane.

Reuters/Daniele Mascolo

The Morocco international is a mainstay of Verona’s midfield, impressing with convincing displays this season, and Di Marzio writes that Chelsea are pushing hard for the signing of Belahyane – who’d cost around £12.6 million.

Di Marzio writes that this has occurred within the last few days, and as soon as Casadei’s future is 100 per cent resolved, they’ll swiftly move on to a deal for Belahyane.after identifying the African as his ideal replacement.

As they look to push clear in the title race and seal Championship promotion in the second-half of the season, Leeds United have reportedly set their sights on one of the best young talents in the EFL.

Leeds transfer news

As things stand, the Whites are on course to return to the Premier League at the second time of asking under Daniel Farke but they, perhaps more so than anyone else, know just how quickly things can change in the Championship.

Sunday’s meeting with Sheffield Wednesday will once again be a test of their nerves in their first league game since Ilian Meslier’s mistake gifted Hull City a point in a 3-3 thriller at the start of the month.

The January transfer window could swiftly put an end to any nerves surrounding potential promotion failure and send the Whites clear at the top of the league, with names such as Kelechi Iheanacho already mentioned.

Those at Elland Road have reportedly registered their interest in signing the former Premier League striker who has struggled at Sevilla. However, it’s not just experienced options that they are reportedly looking at this month.

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Leeds are now racing to sign Tyler Goodrham from Oxford United ahead of Sunderland, Coventry City and Swansea City this month.

Leeds admire "outstanding" Farke favourite who'd be perfect for Struijk

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing the Premier League centre-back.

ByDan Emery Jan 17, 2025

The 21-year-old winger is largely deemed one of the best young talents that the EFL has to offer and could now see that recognised courtesy of a mid-season switch to Leeds.

As Oxford continue their fight to survive at the first time of asking since promotion to the Championship, they could lose a key man and one of their few bright sparks to potentially seal their fate. Leeds, meanwhile, could welcome quite the boost.

"Wonderful" Goodrham is one to watch

With over 100 appearances to his name already at just 21 years old, Goodrham has become undeniably crucial at Oxford, but that may not stand in the way of Leeds’ pursuit. Farke and several other Championship managers should be watching on with intent as the young winger continues to impress in the middle of a relegation scrap – scoring four goals and assisting a further three in all competitions.

Goodrham has often found himself at the centre of positive headlines as a result of his rapid rise and earned deserved praise from former manager Des Buckingham, who told reporters as relayed by beIN Sports last season: “Tyler Goodrham’s a wonderful young man who has grown massively. It’s a pleasure to watch him and to have a player here who is so bright and so mature for his age.”

Of course, Leeds know all about losing young players to those in a better position after Archie Gray swapped Yorkshire for Tottenham Hotspur last summer. Now they’ve got the chance to flip that narrative, however, and land a young talent of their own. As the January transfer window rolls on, their interest makes Goodrham one to watch.

Manchester United are close to completing their second signing of the January transfer window, with an official announcement expected soon, according to a new report.

Amorim relaxed over transfers as Man Utd breeze through in Europa League

United booked their place in the last-16 of the Europa League as they beat Romanian club FCSB 2-0 at the National Arena in Bucharest on Thursday night. Second-half goals from Diogo Dalot and Kobbie Mainoo secured victory for Rubem Amorim’s side, with the Portuguese manager hailing the win as an important one for the club.

“That is massive for us,” Amorim said after the match. “The joy of winning, the feeling of winning, but we will have two [free] weeks to work on our idea and to prepare for the games. It’s really massive for us.”

After a difficult start to his tenure at Old Trafford, Amorim’s side have now won their last three games in all competitions, and lost just once this month – that sole defeat coming at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion almost two weeks ago.

“It’s [becoming] more natural, the feeling of winning,” said the former Sporting head coach, who took over at United in November, after the win over FCSB.

“That’s really important. You can feel the dressing room is more relaxed but more relaxed in a good way because we know that everything can change on Sunday, but you feel it’s a different environment. You want to keep that feeling to work in a better way.”

Heaven on the horizon

To help continue his side’s upturn in form, Amorim has delved into the January transfer market to acquire a couple of new additions. The first is Lecce full-back Patrick Dorgu, who has an agreement in principle to join the Red Devils and is expected to fly to Manchester over the weekend to complete a medical.

Man Utd now reach verbal agreement with one step left in Patrick Dorgu deal

He will be Ruben Amorim’s first new signing at Old Trafford.

ByBen Browning Jan 29, 2025

The second, according to transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano, is Arsenal youngster Ayden Heaven. Romano reported earlier this week that the 18-year-old centre-back was set to join United after rejecting a new contract at The Emirates, as well as an approach from German club Eintracht Frankfurt.

On Friday, Romano then shared an update on Heaven’s proposed move to Old Trafford, writing on X that the teenager had arrived in Manchester ahead of completing the formal steps to make him a United player. An official announcement is expected soon.

Heaven played in a pre-season game for Arsenal against United back in July. After the game, which Arsenal won 2-1, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta said of the defender: “Very impressive. At 17, I don’t know how many players are able to do that on a stage like this.”

He added: “He’s lost a duel against one of the strongest and fastest players in the world, it can happen, but the reaction afterwards, the composure, the quality, the body language that he had were all remarkable. I’m really happy with him.”

An “outstanding” Premier League player has emerged as a target for Newcastle United in the summer transfer window, according to a new claim.

Newcastle transfer news

This season threatens to be a truly memorable one at St James’ Park, with the Magpies reaching the final of the EFL Cup earlier this week following their 4-0 aggregate triumph over Arsenal in the semi-finals. Liverpool await in a mouthwatering clash at Wembley next month.

Newcastle are also pushing for a top-four finish in the Premier League to get back into the Champions League, although fifth place could be enough to qualify this season.

When the summer does arrive, new signings will be essential for Eddie Howe as he continues to build one of the most impressive squads in the club’s history. Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has been mentioned as a hugely exciting option for the Magpies, with the Nigerian currently on loan at Galatasaray.

Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri has also emerged as a rumoured transfer target for Newcastle amid doubts over the long-term futures of Nick Pope and Martin Dubravka between the sticks.

The 27-year-old has started 20 Ligue 1 games this season, as well as seven in the Europa League. Now, an alternative in goal has seemingly been lined up, following a fresh claim.

Newcastle want to sign £10k-a-week ace

According to The Boot Room, Newcastle are interested in signing Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher this summer, but they aren’t alone.

Fellow Premier League pair Chelsea and Bournemouth are also in the race to snap up the 26-year-old, who has proven to be an impressive deputy to Alisson at Anfield in recent years.

The £10,000-a-week Kelleher could be an excellent signing for Newcastle ahead of next season, with his future at Liverpool in doubt due to Giorgi Mamardashvili coming in from Valencia this summer.

As good as Willock: 8/10 star just saved Newcastle's FA Cup hopes

Newcastle were saved by someone who had started just once for the club before the game…

1 ByRoss Kilvington Feb 9, 2025

The Republic of Ireland international had a big moment at St James’ this season, albeit for all the wrong reasons. His error gifted the Magpies a 3-3 draw with a late mistake back in December, but he has still been an excellent performer, with Steve McManaman lauding him in the recent past:

“It’s almost disrespectful calling him a number two, because of course, he does play second in command when Alisson is fit, but he’s played too many games now to be associated as one. He’s an outstanding goalkeeper, outstanding when called upon.”

While some Newcastle fans may worry about the club signing a second-choice goalkeeper, Kelleher has shown for some time that he is far too good to be warming the bench most weeks.

He is good on the ball and capable of making great saves – he denied Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe from the penalty spot in the Champions League earlier this season – while at 26, his best years are surely still yet to come.

Thomas Tuchel begins his tenure as England manager with two World Cup qualifiers in March, with Albania and Latvia visiting Wembley Stadium.

The start of a new era under the German for the Three Lions, England will be hoping this is the beginning of a story that will end with a World Cup triumph in New Jersey on 19th July 2026.

Tuchel’s appointment could also open the door to a number of rarely seen or new faces on the international stage, so we’ve looked at 10 players who could get their first call-up or be brought back into the squad.

Date

Opposition

H/A

Competition

Fri 21st Mar

Albania

H

World Cup qualifier

Mon 24th Mar

Latvia

H

World Cup qualifier

Sat 7th Jun

Andorra

A

World Cup qualifier

Sat 6th Sep

Andorra

H

World Cup qualifier

Tue 9th Sep

Serbia

A

World Cup qualifier

Tue 14th Oct

Latvia

A

World Cup qualifier

Thu 13th Nov

Serbia

H

World Cup qualifier

Sun 16th Nov

Albania

A

World Cup qualifier

10 England players who can shine under Thomas Tuchel

The German will be planning for the 2026 World Cup.

ByCharlie Smith Oct 16, 2024 1 Morgan Rogers Aston Villa

Morgan Rogers is turning into a Premier League star under Unai Emery at Aston Villa, but he’s only ever had one England call-up.

That came from interim manager Lee Carsley in 2024, and since then, Rogers has continued to impress in the top flight. Capable of scoring goals and providing assists, he’s into double figures for goal contributions in the 2024/25 Premier League season.

Rogers also has the versatility of playing out wide or behind a striker, and on current form, you’d think he has a serious chance of making Tuchel’s first squad.

2 Myles Lewis-Skelly Arsenal

Myles Lewis-Skelly has enjoyed a breakthrough season at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta this season, featuring regularly at left-back in recent months.

Still just 18 years of age, Lewis-Skelly scored his first senior goal for the Gunners in the recent win over Manchester City. On the international stage, the teenager has only represented England up to U19 level, but there has been talk that Tuchel is ready to fast-track him into the senior Three Lions squad.

3 Ethan Nwaneri Arsenal

Another Gunners teenager starring at the Emirates Stadium this season is attacker Ethan Nwaneri, so it could be a matter of time until Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri share the international stage.

The 17-year-old is another who has yet to perform above England U19s, but he has scored seven goals in all competitions for Arsenal and looks to be a star in the making for club and country.

4 Liam Delap Ipswich Town

At some point, England will have to find a long-term replacement for Harry Kane, and Liam Delap has been showing signs he could be that man this season.

After making a permanent move to Ipswich Town over the summer from Manchester City, Delap has impressed in a struggling Tractor Boys side, scoring nine times in the top flight.

The only Englishmen to score more than Delap in the Premier League this term are Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins, so a call-up could be on the cards.

5 James Trafford Burnley

Tuchel is also reportedly looking at the Championship when it comes to selecting his England squad, making Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford a standout candidate to earn a senior Three Lions debut.

Of course, Trafford has plenty of international experience at youth level, starring for the Young Lions as they won the U21 European Championship in 2023 under Lee Carsley, with six clean sheets and his last-minute penalty save crowning them as champions.

Called up in the past, Trafford is still awaiting his first senior cap, but has been excellent for the Clarets this season, with Scott Parker’s side on course to beat a number of defensive records. His two late penalty stops against promotion rivals Sunderland will surely have caught the eye recently.

6 Jamie Gittens Borussia Dortmund

Exciting winger Jamie Gittens has been following in the footsteps of Jadon Sancho after swapping Manchester City for Borussia Dortmund as a teenager.

He has been starring in the Bundesliga – a league Tuchel knows well – and has also been progressing for England as an U21 international. The next step would be a senior call-up, something the ex-Dortmund head coach can now hand him.

7 Jobe Bellingham Sunderland

With Tuchel keeping his eye on the second tier in England, Sunderland star Jobe Bellingham – younger brother of Jude – could be another player in line for a senior call-up sooner rather than later.

The 19-year-old has been attracting interest from a number of Premier League clubs after his starring displays at the Stadium of Light. He can play in a variety of midfield roles, so perhaps he’ll be lining up alongside Jude in the near future.

Imagine him & Mainoo: Man Utd register interest in £20m "freak of nature"

Manchester United could be about to land their own version of a European talent.

1 ByEthan Lamb Jan 17, 2025 8 Archie Gray Tottenham Hotspur

Although Tottenham Hotspur have been struggling in the 2024/25 season, Archie Gray has impressed in his first Premier League campaign after joining from Leeds United.

Primarily a midfielder who has been used at right-back and centre-back for large parts of his senior career, Gray is showing maturity beyond his years, and it seems to be a matter of when, rather than if, he will be called up by England.

9 Elliot Anderson Nottingham Forest

Arguably going under the radar at Nottingham Forest is Elliot Anderson, who left Newcastle United for the City Ground last summer. The 22-year-old has been a regular under Nuno Espirito Santo, with the flying Reds pushing for a European spot next season.

Anderson has been one of Forest’s top performers, as per WhoScored, and due to the fact he has represented both England and Scotland at U21 level, Tuchel may want to pip the Tartan Army by offering him a competitive England cap.

Will England get a 5th Champions League place? UEFA's rules explained

Plenty of clubs could be eyeing 5th place if the Premier League earns an extra CL slot.

1 ByRoss Kilvington Feb 10, 2025 10 Chris Rigg Sunderland

Alongside Jobe Bellingham, there is another exciting young midfielder at Sunderland in Chris Rigg. Still just 17 years of age, Rigg is already being courted by the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United.

It seems as if it is a matter of time until he is playing Premier League football and representing England, so Tuchel may be tempted to give Rigg a senior call-up if he needs a left-footed midfielder.

5 reasons the FA hired Thomas Tuchel as England manager

England’s successor to Gareth Southgate is ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel – but why was he so popular with the FA?

ByBarney Lane Oct 16, 2024

Ruben Amorim has struggled to make a huge impact as Manchester United’s manager, with expectations needing to be dialled back until next season.

The 40-year-old took the reins from Erik ten Hag back in November, only having one transfer window to make his mark on the squad and having to utilise the players already at Old Trafford before his appointment.

He has added Patrick Dorgu to the squad in recent weeks, but the Dane is still acclimatising to life in the Premier League, as seen against Ipswich Town, which saw him make a mistake for the visitor’s opener before being sent off in the first half.

Dorgu

Undoubtedly, given the lowly league standing, Amorim will want to offload numerous players to allow for incomings to enable him to be a success at Old Trafford.

As a result, he could decide to cash in on a player who’s failed to deliver since his appointment, with issues starting to rear their head over the last couple of weeks.

Alejandro Garnacho’s stats at Man Utd in 2025

Winger Alejandro Garnacho has endured a huge rise over the last couple of years, making the jump into the first team and cementing his place as a regular starter.

However, since the turn of the year, the Argentine has struggled to produce his best form, contributing to the club’s dismal run and lowly league standing.

The 20-year-old has failed to score and registered just two assists in his last 12 matches, with the club potentially making a mistake not cashing in on him after the interest from Chelsea and Napoli in January.

He was replaced just before the break in the draw with Ipswich in midweek after Dorgu’s dismissal, walking down the tunnel at full-time without applauding the supporters – with Amorim left unimpressed by his antics.

As a result, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him out of the side in the coming weeks, with the boss needing to hand a United teenager the chance to shine at the Theatre of Dreams.

The United academy star who could be their own Foden

Phil Foden has been a player who has starred for rivals Manchester City over the last couple of years, showcasing the rewards for putting faith in the academy setup.

The Englishman has registered over 300 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side, winning multiple awards, including the PFA Player of the Year award for his form last season.

However, United could unleash their own version of the England international in the form of winger Shea Lacey, who’s previously been dubbed a “young Phil Foden” by talent scout Antonio Mango.

The comparison is understandable given his playstyle, with the teenager a left-footed player who favours cutting off the right side onto his stronger foot – similar to how Foden operates at the Etihad.

At youth level, Lacey has already impressed despite his tender age of just 17, scoring five times and registering an assist in the UEFA Youth League, undoubtedly knocking on the door of the first team.

He’s also demonstrated his ball-carrying skills in the past, making the step up to action after his previous injury lay-off – possessing the fearlessness that United have often lacked in the final third in 2024/25.

Competition

Games

Goals

Assists

U18 Premier League

25

5

5

UEFA Youth League

4

0

2

FA Youth Cup

2

0

0

Total:

31

5

7

The Red Devils’ frontline has struggled to produce the goods, as seen by their league goals tally, scoring just 33 times in 27 games, with just five sides in the division scoring fewer this campaign.

Given Amad Diallo’s injury setback, coupled with Garnacho’s run of form, Amorim could be tempted into putting faith into youth, potentially handing Lacey the opportunity to stake his claim for a senior place.

The summer presents an opportunity for the 40-year-old to strengthen, but he may not need to spend as heavily should any of the youngsters impress in the near future.

The next couple of months could be used as a trial period ahead of next season, with the teenager needing the platform to showcase that he can follow in Foden’s footsteps and be a success with a Manchester outfit in England’s top-flight.

Amorim must offload Man Utd flop who's been a worse signing than Onana

Manchester United desperately need a clear out this summer, with one player needing to be offloaded.

ByEthan Lamb Feb 28, 2025

Manchester City still have plenty of work to do under Pep Guardiola as the season nears a conclusion, but the 54-year-old already has an eye on potential arrivals at the Etihad Stadium this summer.

Manchester City's core of serial winners at a crossroads

Despite emerging as the Premier League title favourites at the beginning of the campaign, City lie 20 points behind leaders Liverpool and won’t be celebrating a record-shattering fifth English top-flight triumph come the close of play.

Enacting a mini-rebuild in January, Pep Guardiola brought in Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, Nico Gonzalez, Vitor Reis and Juma Bah to ease the pressure on an underperforming squad containing a core of ageing serial winners that may be ready for a new challenge elsewhere come the summer.

Kevin De Bruyne has been heavily linked with a move to San Diego FC, while Kyle Walker departed for AC Milan last month and is likely to bring the curtain down on his spell permanently sooner rather than later.

In truth, some of Manchester City’s most-cherished heroes are now beginning to depreciate in value. That isn’t a criticism, but merely a reality as time can become a ruthless commodity if you aren’t careful.

Manchester City players who are aged 30 or over

Ederson

31

Stefan Ortega

32

Scott Carson

39

Nathan Ake

30

John Stones

30

Mateo Kovacic

30

Bernardo Silva

30

Kevin De Bruyne

33

Ilkay Gundogan

34

Kyle Walker (on loan)

34

That isn’t to say their ability to produce magic moments has waned. However, anyone who has watched the Citizens this term can understand that a mix of injury issues and inconsistent form has seeped away at their collective hunger to win another title.

Nothing lasts forever despite the level of sentiment attached to any situation. Still, Manchester City could be involved in a transfer saga that will attract global attention this summer.

Manchester City hold talks over potential Ederson successor

According to CaughtOffside, Manchester City have held talks over signing Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa as a potential replacement for Ederson, who could be set for a move to the Saudi Pro League this summer.

Last year, the Brazil international came close to sealing a switch to the Middle East and may see the opportunity open up again. In response, the Blues have held ‘initial’ discussions regarding the Swiss-born Portugal international, who has kept 15 clean sheets in 37 appearances this term across all competitions.

Man City hit the jackpot on £76m ace who has genuine Ballon d'Or potential

The Man City star has been brilliant this season

1 ByJoe Nuttall Feb 28, 2025

Referencing his one-on-one save to deny Benjamin Sesko during his side’s penalty shootout victory against Slovakia at Euro 2024, Roberto Martinez commended Costa’s ‘incredible’ reflexes to deny the RB Leipzig striker during extra-time.

Nevertheless, Ederson’s monumental contribution during Manchester City’s modern-day history has cemented a legacy few could replicate. During his eight-year spell between the sticks, the reigning English champions have won 18 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League.

Understandably, he may have designs on a money-spinning move before the twilight of his career. Either way, Ederson would be an extremely difficult influence to replace inside the Etihad dressing room.