All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Wednesday evening is a huge night for Liverpool football club, with the side having the opportunity to claim the Premier League title without even kicking a single ball.

Arne Slot will claim the trophy if second-placed Arsenal fall to a defeat against Crystal Palace at the Emirates, subsequently securing the Reds’ second league triumph in five years.

It would be a superb achievement for the Dutchman after taking the reins from Jürgen Klopp in the summer, producing a seamless transition which has played a huge role in their success.

However, when the title is in the bag, attention will certainly turn towards the summer, with additions and departures needed if the side are to sustain the success they’ve endured in recent months.

One area of the pitch in particular has been subject to huge attention, with key signings needed in such a department to take Slot’s side to the next level in 2025/26.

The latest on Liverpool’s pursuit of new attackers this summer

Over the last couple of days, news emerged that Liverpool are set to sell striker Darwin Núñez this summer, just a couple of years after his big-money move to Anfield.

Any funds generated will likely hand the club a decent chunk to splash on a new talisman, with Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitiké just one name touted with a move to Merseyside.

However, despite their interest, the Bundesliga side undoubtedly don’t want to lose their star man, subsequently hiking his price tag to a staggering €100m (£85m).

Such a decision could see the hierarchy return to the drawing board and go back in for fellow target Alexander Isak after previously registering interest in his services.

According to Ben Jacobs via GIVEMESPORT, the Reds are set to make a bid for the Swede this window, but won’t be stumping up the Magpies’ £150m asking price.

Why Liverpool’s top target would be a huge upgrade on Diogo Jota

Striker Diogo Jota cost the club a fee in the region of £45m back in the summer of 2020, looking to inject added quality within the final third under former boss Klopp.

The Portuguese international has been a phenomenal addition, registering 65 goals in his 178 appearances for the Reds on Merseyside – but has endured a decline in recent months.

The 28-year-old has only scored six league goals in 2024/25, starting just 13 matches, with injuries starting to hamper his progress and restricting him from playing a key role.

Such a record could see the hierarchy cash in on his services along with Nunez, further handing Slot with the added cash to make key additions in the final third.

As a result, the club could fork out a huge sum for Isak, with the current Newcastle star undoubtedly offering the Reds a huge upgrade on Jota ahead of 2025/26.

When comparing their respective figures from the Premier League this time around, it’s evident how much of a phenomenal addition he would be, adding a different dimension to the club’s star-studded attack.

Isak, who Anthony Gordon admitted is the “best striker in Europe”, has massively outscored Jota, whilst also posting a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – highlighting his clinical nature within the final third.

Games played

30

22

Goals scored

21

6

Shot-on-target accuracy

41%

30%

Shots on target per 90

1.5

1.1

Pass accuracy

75%

70%

Successful dribbles

1.6

0.9

Dribble success

50%

38%

He’s also managed to complete more of the passes he’s attempted, whilst achieving a higher dribble success rate, offering Slot a more all-round presence at the top end of the pitch.

Given his form on Tyneside this campaign, it’s likely that competition will be fierce for his signature, but it’s crucial that the board back the manager to help him land one of their key targets.

Whilst a deal would likely cost upwards of £100m, it certainly would be money well spent, with the Swedish international arguably the final piece of the attacking puzzle after Mohamed Salah’s contract extension in recent weeks.

A new Van Dijk: Liverpool want to sign "the most in-demand CB in the world"

Liverpool are looking to sign a new central defender this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 22, 2025

It’s been evident for a while, but even the most determined of anti-Liverpool observers would have a hard time arguing against Arne Slot’s side being the ones to lift the Premier League title in the coming weeks.

Liverpool have been expected to win the division for several months, such has been their dominance.

Arsenal have wobbled through inconsistencies and injuries while four-in-a-row champions Manchester City finally fell by the wayside and are embroiled in a desperate fight just to reprise their place in the Champions League.

All this is true, but Reds fans have known heartbreak before and have beeen rightly hesitant to jump ahead of the whistle. However. The shiny Premier League trophy has hove into view, with Sunday’s win over West Ham United putting them potentially within one win of a coronation, should results favour them next weekend.

Virgil van Dijk ensured it would be so, smacking his head against Alexis Mac Allister’s last-gasp corner to make amends and bag three points. The skipper looks set to continue his Anfield journey, but it was Mohamed Salah whose fate has already been sealed, and he repaid his city’s faith with a stunning trivela assist for Luis Diaz to open the scoring.

There’s life in the old dog yet. However, Liverpool are going to need to address their issues at centre-forward this summer, lest Salah be worn down by the chains of responsibility that might be too much to repeat in his twilight.

Mohamed Salah

32

27

18

45

Harry Kane

27

23

9

32

Omar Marmoush

27

21

11

32

Mateo Retegui

30

23

5

28

Ousmane Dembele

26

21

7

28

The 32-year-old has scored 32 goals and laid on 23 assists in all competitions this season, a matchless feat across the continent. That said, Liverpool desperately need a new source of goals up top, and they’ve found their dream signing.

Liverpool ready to sign new centre forward

Darwin Nunez won’t make Slot’s second grade, and neither is Diogo Jota proving himself to be of the highest station at number nine this season. Now that contractual bother has effectively been wrapped up, full attention will turn on signing a focal superstar.

And who better than Alexander Isak? According to Spanish reports, FSG are willing to break the Premier League transfer record to sign the Newcastle United striker, with a mammoth €150m (roughly £130m) offer prepared.

Isak, 25, is Liverpool’s priority, but he’s also Magpies’ property and they will fight in trenches to keep him at St. James’ Park. Much hinges on Champions League qualification, but such a staggering offer might just hold sway at the negotiating table.

Why Liverpool should sign Alexander Isak

Sporting director Richard Hughes will have his work cut out, all right, but he’s shown his skills through securing Van Dijk and Salah’s immediate futures as Slot looks to transition away from Jurgen Klopp’s blueprint and toward his own vision.

Isak would be the perfect poster boy to lead Liverpool through this exciting new era. Hailed by Jamie Carragher as “the best striker in the Premier League,” the Sweden native has been immense, notching 24 goals across 36 season appearances.

Goals are great, but it’s the overall play that has left Isak earning such acclaim. He moves like a cheetah, loping gait and deadly menace that blends with a sharp intelligence, giving rise to darting runs and clever passes to improve Newcastle’s wider attacking fluency.

As per FBref, the 6 foot 3 striker actually ranks among the top 11% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for progressive passes and the top 6% for both of progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90.

Quite the player, one whose dynamic ability could certainly elevate Salah’s already considerable numbers over the next couple of terms. In fact, Isak may well find himself eclipsing the Egyptian King’s numbers across the 2024/25 campaign, should he nestle into a talismanic role in Slot’s system.

No team has created more big chances than Liverpool over the past five seasons, something that emphasises the joy Isak would find on Merseyside. Albeit, their creative flair will take a hit when Trent Alexander-Arnold completes his expected free transfer to Real Madrid, but the club will be able to adapt, no problem.

Hailed as “world-class” by Alan Shearer, Isak, for sure, will rival Salah as Liverpool’s chief goal-getter, but his high rate of shot creation and overall playmaking talent suggest that he could shake a fair haul of assists into the mix.

He is, after all, touted as Thierry Henry’s heir apparent, thus capable of the Arsenal legend’s incredible campaign of 2004/05 reaping 24 goals and 20 assists, the latter of which still stands (for now).

Thierry Henry

02/03

37

20

Kevin De Bruyne

19/20

35

20

Mohamed Salah

24/25

32

18

Kevin De Bruyne

16/17

36

18

Mesut Ozil

15/16

35

18

Cesc Fabregas

14/15

34

18

Frank Lampard

04/05

38

18

Salah will have his eye on beating that long-standing record before the season’s up, but in Isak, Liverpool might just get their hands on a versatile and potent striker capable of emulating the all-time great.

FSG will have to break the bank, but if two of Nunez, Jota or Diaz are cashed in, it might not be the most ridiculous idea in the world.

He was better than Van Dijk: Liverpool star is now as undroppable as Salah

Liverpool overcame West Ham United 2-1 on Sunday afternoon.

ByDan Emery Apr 13, 2025

Right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold looks almost certain to depart Liverpool this summer, with his contract set to expire at the end of the current campaign.

The 26-year-old has largely been touted with a free transfer to join Real Madrid, with numerous publications already claiming that a deal is complete for him to join the LaLiga giants.

Such news has angered supporters, with his potential move leaving Arne Slot’s side shortchanged and unable to receive a fee for a talent who’s been a leading player in their success.

He’s made over 300 appearances for his boyhood side, playing a vital role in various levels of success, claiming one Premier League title, with another set to follow in the coming weeks.

The defender isn’t the only player to depart Anfield on a free in recent years, albeit in different circumstances to another player who captured the hearts of the fanbase during his spell on Merseyside.

Daniel Sturridge’s time as a player at Liverpool

Striker Daniel Sturridge formed a deadly partnership with Luis Suárez during his stint at Liverpool, with the pair firing the Reds to title contention under Brendan Rodgers over a decade ago.

The Englishman scored 67 times in his 160 appearances during his six-and-a-half years on Merseyside, producing countless moments of magic including his effort against former side Chelsea.

However, despite his goalscoring exploits, he was unable to prove his talent on a regular basis, with injuries massively plaguing his time and subsequently spending long periods on the sidelines.

During his stint on Merseyside, the now-retired striker suffered 15 separate injuries, missing a total of 121 matches – missing an average of 18.5 matches per season he was on the club’s books.

Such a record left the hierarchy with no choice but to offload him in the summer of 2019, but six years on, Slot has found a new version of the Englishman, desperately needing to offload him to avoid losing another talent for nothing.

Why Slot needs to sell Liverpool’s new Sturridge this summer

Despite Slot’s impressive first season in England, which has seen him take the top-flight by storm, he may have a job on his hands to sustain such a success next season.

Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah could all depart the club on a free transfer this summer, giving the Dutchman a huge task in replacing the trio given their importance to the side.

However, he may want to offload numerous other first-team members this summer, including Diogo Jota, who’s fallen well beyond the high standards he set for himself during his early days on Merseyside.

The Portuguese international joined the Reds in a £45m deal from Wolves in the summer of 2020, notching 34 goals during his first two years after his big-money transfer.

However, he’s struggled to achieve such levels in 2024/25, scoring just nine times across all competitions, with injuries starting to prevent his progress at Anfield.

2020/21

Knee

85

19

2020/21

Foot

12

4

2021/22

Ankle

15

4

2022/23

Hamstring

32

5

2022/23

Calf

117

24

2023/24

Calf

29

8

2023/24

Knee

52

13

2023/24

Hip

23

4

2024/25

Hamstring

54

14

2024/25

Fatigue

17

4

Total:

10

436

99

Jota has only been able to start 12 league outings so far during Slot’s reign, leading to reports that the club were willing to cash in on him this summer to fund a move for a new talisman.

The 28-year-old has two years left on his contract, but with the former Atlético Madrid ace now entering the latter stages of his professional career, the upcoming window could present the last opportunity to recoup the majority of the fee paid for his signature.

Given his injury issues and lack of form when fit, Slot must look to offload him this window, joining Trent in not featuring in his plans as he looks to continue his impressive start as the club’s manager next season.

It may seem a brutal call, but the football industry is an unforgiving one, with decisions needing to be made for the better of the club, subsequently leading to fresh blood arriving to fill the void.

The next Michael Owen: Liverpool plot move for "phenomenal" £40m striker

Liverpool could be about to land a new version of Michael Owen this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 9, 2025

Football’s back for those of a Liverpool persuasion, and it’s a big one at that.

Having sat out last weekend due to an early exit from the FA Cup, Arne Slot’s Liverpool return to action in the Premier League as they host resurgent Everton.

The international break is typically a gruelling thing, stunting progress and halting anticipation as teams fight for their respective goals. Liverpool, however, may have found the sojourn to have been a blessing, falling in the Champions League before losing the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United.

Ah well, there’s always next season – for those honours, anyway. Liverpool are still hunting down the Premier League title, 12 points clear of second-place Arsenal with nine matches to play.

Everton have been reborn under David Moyes’ wing, the Scotsman replacing Sean Dyche in January and crafting a nine-match unbeaten run after losing his league opener to Aston Villa at Goodison Park.

24/25

Goodison Park

2-2 draw

23/24

Goodison Park

2-0 loss

23/24

Anfield

2-0 win

22/23

Anfield

2-0 win

22/23

Goodison Park

0-0 draw

Everton’s patch of Merseyside was left giddy, exalted, after James Tarkowski hit parity in the dying embers last month, but Slot will hope for a different outcome here as his side look to end their dip in form across recent matches.

Liverpool team news

Trent Alexander-Arnold, who looks set to join Real Madrid when his contract expires this summer, is still sidelined after injuring his ankle against Paris Saint-Germain.

Compounding the issue, Conor Bradley is not quite ready to return to the starting line-up after his period of convalescence; with Joe Gomez also out, Slot is likely to pick Jarell Quansah to deputise at right-back once again.

Ryan Gravenberch and Alisson Becker, however, are both expected to be fit following respective scares for their nations over the past two weeks.

This is all well and good, but Liverpool’s recent issues derive from a dried-up pool of attacking fluency. Indeed, Liverpool have been a day late and a dollar short of late, and fans online have been murmuring about freshening things up with a tactical tweak to the frontline.

However, Federico Chiesa may not be the answer for this one, not in Slot’s mind.

Slot must unleash Liverpool's "special" forward

Liverpool struggled to get going at Wembley, but it was substitute Chiesa who latched onto Harvey Elliott’s tidy through ball in stoppage time to spark fleeting hopes of a comeback.

But Liverpool failed to stage the desired response; time had been exhausted. Chiesa, however, did show off a glimpse of the quality that prompted the Anfield side to pay Juventus for him back in August, a quality that is illuminated given the ongoing profligacy of Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz.

The international break will hopefully have served as a reset button for the wasteful bunch, but it more importantly means a fully-fit Cody Gakpo is ready to return from Netherlands duty brim-full, having only just returned from injury before the break and indeed last starting a Premier League fixture in mid-February.

It’s been a big blow for the Merseysiders, for Gakpo has been in fine fettle this season, scoring 16 goals and providing six assists across all competitions. The 25-year-old is currently level with last term’s haul, but he’s matched it in over 800 fewer minutes across all fronts.

Gakpo has to start against Everton, his clinical shooting giving rise to the success of his frontal peers. Diaz’s makeshift dynamism in a central striking role, for example, is heightened by the Dutchman’s presence, easing the goalscoring burden on Salah.

1.

Mohamed Salah

15

2.

Cody Gakpo

12

3.

Luis Diaz

7

4.

Diogo Jota

4

5.

Darwin Nunez

3

5=

Dominik Szoboszlai

3

5=

Alexis Mac Allister

3

The table above makes for somewhat grim reading, with Liverpool’s lopsided frontline clear through the shooting success clinched on home turf.

However, it does highlight Gakpo’s confidence on home soil, scoring three-quarters of his strikes this year at Anfield. Indeed, the Netherlands star has actually bagged in each of his past eight starts at Liverpool’s home ground.

His quality has been streamlined by Slot’s decision to field him in a more structured role off the left flank, as opposed to Jurgen Klopp’s choice of deploying across myriad points of the pitch.

This, of course, has meant Diaz’s qualities have been required in a more central position, but since Gakpo is now fit and ready to fire once more, would it really be wise to unleash Chiesa from the outset in an important derby fixture?

The stakes are high. With Arsenal narrowing the gap after beating Fulham, Liverpool cannot afford to fumble at this stage. The need for Chiesa’s finishing is effectively neutered by Gakpo’s return as he restores the balance and balance of potency up top.

The £120k-per-week Gakpo, after all, ranks among the top 4% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League this term for goals scored per 90 (0.51), as per FBref. It’s no wonder he’s been praised by Fabrizio Romano for “flying for Liverpool this season.”

Conversely, Chiesa has struggled to buy a game. Though he’s posted two goals and two assists apiece across 11 matches in all competitions – just three starts – Slot has thus far been unwilling to hand him any starting roles in the Premier League, and that’s not going to change in an important league fixture against heated rivals Everton, who are in hot form at that.

While we’d all like to see Liverpool’s nifty Italian earn some more action, it doesn’t feel probable that he will play from the opening bell in this one.

That said, if Gakpo can work toward establishing a healthy lead for Slot’s team, Chiesa could surely enter the fray in the second half – and with a point to prove.

Better than Kerkez: Liverpool will have £40m bid accepted for "insane" star

Liverpool are ready to sign a new left-back this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 1, 2025

It would be fair to say that, so far, this season has been a topsy-turvy one for Newcastle United.

For example, Eddie Howe’s side had a really disappointing start to the campaign, winning just two of their first six Premier League games.

However, in recent weeks, they’ve also had some seriously impressive results, like beating Manchester City, Athletic Bilbao, and, most recently, destroying Everton.

One of the players who has had a real uptick in form recently has been Harvey Barnes, who looks like a player reborn, although, if reports are to be believed, Newcastle are looking at someone who’d be a huge upgrade.

Newcastle target Barnes upgrade

With the transfer window just over a month away now, Newcastle are starting to be linked with a host of exciting and potentially game-changing signings who could bolster Howe’s side.

Transfer Focus

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

AS Roma’s promising Manu Kone, for example, has been touted for a £44m move, as has Inter Milan’s Italian international Davide Frattesi.

However, while both players would be fine additions to the Magpies’ squad, neither could be described as an upgrade on Barnes, unlike Raphinha.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Newcastle are now one of the clubs interested in signing the Brazilian superstar.

In fact, the report has revealed that the Toon view the Barcelona star as someone who could be the cornerstone of their attack moving forward and are determined to fight hard to secure his services.

However, the former Leeds United star has shown no desire to leave the Spanish giants, and even though he’ll have just a year left on his deal in the summer, other reports have claimed that it could cost up to £88m to get him out of Catalonia.

Even so, given Raphinha’s immense ability and experience, this is a transfer Newcastle should fight tooth and nail to get over the line, even if his arrival could spell trouble for Barnes.

How Raphinha compares to Barnes

Now, one of Raphinha’s many qualities is that he can play on either wing, which would allow Howe some extra flexibility were this transfer to happen.

However, during his time with Barcelona, he has primarily played on the left, which is also where he has been most effective.

Therefore, it would make sense for Newcastle to keep him there, which in turn would put him in direct competition with Barnes, which, based on several reasons, he would win, and comfortably at that.

The first reason is the simple fact that he is far more productive than the former Leicester City star.

For example, in his 40 appearances last season, totalling 2121 minutes, the Burnley-born ace scored nine goals and provided five assists, which came out to a reasonably impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.85 games, or every 151.5 minutes.

In contrast, the Barca star scored 34 goals and provided 26 assists in 57 appearances, totalling 4661 minutes, which came out to a world-class average of 1.05 goal involvements every game, or one every 77.68 minutes.

This season, the former Leeds star has scored three goals and provided three assists in ten appearances, totalling 571 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.66 games, or more importantly, every 95.16 minutes.

Games

57

40

Minutes

4661′

2121′

Goals

34

9

Assists

26

5

Goal Involvements per Match

1.05

0.35

Minutes per Goal Involvement

77.68′

151.5′

Games

10

20

Minutes

571′

996′

Goals

3

7

Assists

3

2

Goal Involvements per Match

0.6

0.45

Minutes per Goal Involvement

95.16′

110.66′

The Englishman, on the other hand, has produced nine goal involvements, but has done so in 20 appearances, totalling 996 minutes, which comes out to one every 2.22 games, or every 110.66 minutes.

Now, on top of putting up numbers that are frankly absurd, the Porto Alegre-born superstar is also a proven winner, having played a crucial role in the Blaugrana’s last two La Liga triumphs, as well as last year’s Copa del Rey.

Ultimately, Barnes is a great player, but thanks to his output, experience and trophy haul, it’s hard to disagree with Romario’s assertion that Raphinha is “one of the best players in the world.”

Therefore, Newcastle should do what they can to sign him next year, as he could be the star who takes them to the next level.

Forget Barnes: Newcastle have a "world-class" star who can end Gordon's stay

Newcastle’s Three Lions winger has flattered to deceive for some time now.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 27, 2025

Is Wilfried Nancy going to become the new Celtic manager?

Well, it was reported last week that Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney will remain in interim charge for Saturday night’s short trip to St Mirren, but for how much longer will that remain the case?

Other reports suggest that the Hoops are close to agreeing a £2m compensation package with Nancy’s current club Columbus Crew, with the aim for the Frenchman to take charge for the first time when the Celts visit Easter Road to take on Hibernian at Easter Road on Sunday 30 November.

Should Nancy swap Ohio for Glasgow, he would have plenty of work to do and numerous issues to solve, but ensuring Daizen Maeda stays in Scotland will no doubt be of great importance.

The latest on Daizen Maeda's future

Back in September, after the transfer window had closed, Maeda revealed that he had requested to leave Celtic this summer.

However, with the club struggling to replace Nicolas Kühn and Adam Idah, who were both sold, the Japan international was informed that he would not be allowed to depart.

Well, potentially as a result of this uncertainty, Maeda has not been at his blistering best so far this season, bagging just four goals to date, having netted 33 times across all competitions last season, four of which came in the Champions League.

After adding to his goal tally against Kilmarnock last time out, the 28-year-old started at left-wing-back as Japan beat Bolivia 3-0 in an international friendly on Tuesday, so could he push for a January move to help increase his chances of being included in Hajime Moriyasu’s World Cup squad?

Well, according to Fabrizio Romano, it is a “possibility” that the forward will be on the move in January, with Brentford, Everton, Leeds and two other Premier League clubs purportedly interested.

Considering that, since netting four minutes into his debut against Hibs in January 2022, Maeda has scored 66 goals in 175 appearances in hoops, he would be a massive loss, but could the incoming boss, Nancy, fill this void by bringing with him a star he knows rather well?

Celtic's potential Maeda replacement

When Ange Postecoglou arrived from Yokohama F. Marinos, he utilised his knowledge of the J League, an undervalued market, to sign gems for a cut-price, bringing in Kyōgo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate and Maeda himself.

Well, with Major League Soccer in a similar position, could Nancy follow this blueprint?

According to a report by the Daily Record, should Nancy arrive, his number one transfer target would be Columbus Crew star Diego Rossi, who has previously hinted that he would like to return to European football.

After beginning his career at Peñarol, Rossi really burst onto the scene at LAFC, scoring 59 goals in 121 appearances for the Black and Gold, picking up the 2020 MLS Golden Boot, form that earned him a £4.5m move to Fenerbahçe.

However, after a pretty underwhelming stint in İstanbul, he returned to Major League Soccer in the summer of 2023, and has taken his game to a whole new level under Nancy in Columbus.

To date, the Uruguayan international has scored 45 goals in 101 appearances for the Crew, bagging 16 MLS goals in 2025, comparing favourably to other players across the league.

Goals

16

13th

Shots

91

13th

Shots on target

40

10th

Goals – xG

+2.6

8th*

Big chances missed

13

23rd

Shot creating actions

94

37th

Progressive carries

106

11th

Touches in box

165

5th

Average rating

7.38

7th**

*minimum 15 goals. **forwards only.

Worth reiterating that MLS is a gigantic league with 30 teams, while 882 players made an appearance in the competition this year, so to be in the top ten or even top 20 for the attacking metrics included is impressive.

His tally of 16 goals is noteworthy, albeit it could’ve been even better had he not missed 13 Opta-defined big chances, something that has also been a tendency of Maeda’s game, so perhaps he would be a ready-made replacement.

According to Football Transfers, Rossi’s estimated market value is around £7m, having increased again in recent months after it plateaued in 2024, following his exploits in, according to Global Football Rankings, the tenth-strongest league in the world, a humongous 23 places above the Scottish Premiership.

Speaking ahead of MLS Cup Final in 2023, Carlos Vela, who was Rossi’s teammate in California, labelled the Uruguayan a “really good finisher”, adding that he’s “fast” and “technically good”, while Bob Bradley, his coach at LAFC, adds that the forward is “deceptive” and “such a good player to have” as part of your attack.

Now 27, in a similar way to Maeda, now may well be the time for Rossi to take the next step in his career, aiming to get into Uruguay’s World Cup squad, having not featured for los Charrúas since June 2023.

Unlike in European leagues, MLS’ primary transfer window is in the winter, something that will change in 2027, meaning January moves are a lot more common.

Thus, with Rossi into the final year of his contract in Columbus, he appears to be the perfect fit for a Celtic side lacking attacking firepower, irrespective of whether Maeda departs or not.

Palma 2.0: Celtic's £5m star is going to be on borrowed time under Nancy

With Wilfried Nancy poised to become the new Celtic manager, which “terrific talent” could be on borrowed time and may well become the new Luis Palma?

ByBen Gray Nov 17, 2025

Thomas Frank’s position as Tottenham Hotspur manager is under scrutiny following the 4-1 North London derby defeat against Arsenal.

Tottenham’s humiliating defeat at the Emirates Stadium was arguably the low point of the Frank era so far, hardly laying a glove on their bitter rivals, with their only goal coming from a piece of Richarlison magic and just 0.07 expected goals (xG) recorded by the visitors.

Spurs have fallen to ninth in the Premier League table, but they are still within touching distance of the Champions League places, despite picking up just one point in their last three games.

It is the manner of the loss that will be particularly concerning, however, with Frank’s side once again looking extremely poor going forward, having also struggled to create any opportunities in the 1-0 home defeat against Chelsea.

As such, the manager is undoubtedly under pressure, and there has now been a new update on his future in north London.

Tottenham players concerned by Frank's tactics and lineups

In a report for The Telegraph, journalist Matt Law has revealed the Tottenham hierarchy are determined to give the Dane time to put things right, despite the disappointing loss against the Gunners, but some players have two very worrying concerns.

Indeed, some members of the squad believe the 52-year-old has been focusing on the opposition too much, instead of concentrating on the strengths of his own players, with sources around Spurs also of the belief he has chopped and changed his forward line too much.

Only Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea have rotated their starting XI more often than the Lilywhites this season, which is named as one of the reasons for the inconsistent results, but Frank seemingly remains safe in his job for the time being.

Games

19

Wins

8

Draws

5

Losses

6

Points per game

1.53

It would be a little early to relieve the manager from his duties, given that Spurs are within touching distance of the play-offs, but the negative approach has to be called into question.

When asked whether he was surprised by Tottenham’s defensive approach, Leandro Trossard said: “Yeah, maybe a bit. Because as I said, it’s still Spurs. But we have been facing a back five a lot of times this season, so we’re kind of used to it.”

It is understandable not to play an extremely high line away against Arsenal, given that they have the joint-best attacking record in the Premier League, but the lack of attacking threat is inexcusable.

It is a short turnaround for Tottenham, who face another tough test away against reigning Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night.

Where Thomas Frank ranks among the 20 current Premier League managers Every current manager in the 2025/26 Premier League ranked

Every current Premier League boss ranked from best to worst.

ByCharlie Smith Nov 8, 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers are on the verge of appointing their successor to Vitor Pereira as Rob Edwards closes in on a move from Championship side Middlesbrough.

The EFL outfit have already confirmed that their head coach is in talks with the Premier League club over a switch to Molineux, and he did not take charge of their match at the weekend.

It has been reported that he has agreed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Wolves, who are set to pay a fee of around £3m in compensation for the former Luton boss.

The biggest changes Rob Edwards needs to make at Wolves

It is fair to say that Edwards will have plenty of work to do when he gets his feet under the desk at the training ground, as the Old Gold are bottom of the Premier League with no wins after 11 matches.

Per FBref, Wolves are 18th in the division for xG created (9.6) and 20th for goals scored (seven), which shows that the new boss will have to find a way for the team to create more chances and score more goals.

On top of that, the club’s goalkeepers currently rank 20th in the league for post-shot xG minus goals conceded (-4.3). This means that Jose Sa and Sam Johnstone have combined to be the worst two shot-stoppers out of the 20 teams.

Edwards could address both of those problems by switching formations and making two key signings when the January transfer window officially opens for business.

The dream Wolves XI Rob Edwards could build in January

The English tactician played a 4-2-3-1 formation in four of his last five matches at Middlesbrough, per FBref, whilst Wolves have played with three or five at the back in eight of their 11 games, and have not played a 4-2-3-1 at all.

Moving from a formation with five defenders to four could provide the team with more chances to create opportunities at the top end of the pitch, by getting more attacking players in the team in the 4-2-3-1 system.

It will take more than a change in shape to turn the tide, though, and one signing that could make a lot of sense is Hayden Hackney. It was reported in the summer that the club were willing to splash £30m on the England U21 international.

The central midfielder has produced eight goals and five assists in the Championship since the start of last season, per Sofascore, and could add an attacking threat to Wolves’ midfield, playing at the base alongside Andre.

Bringing the English youngster in for £30m in January would provide Edwards with more attacking quality and creativity, as well as a player who already knows his system and way of working, having played under him for Boro.

Another signing that could turn the club’s season around is Lazio goalkeeper Christos Mandas, who is a reported £25m target, as he could solve the shot-stopping issues that Wolves have had.

GK

Christos Mandas

RB

Jackson Tchatchoua

CB

Ladislav Krejčí

CB

Toti Gomes

LB

Hugo Bueno

CM

Andre

CM

Hayden Hackney

RM

Jhon Arias

AM

Joao Gomes

LM

Hee-Chan Hwang

CF

Jorgen Strand Larsen

The Serie A star has fallen foul of a manager change, as Maurizio Sarri came in and preferred Ivan Provedel, but his form in the past suggests that he would be an upgrade on Johnstone and Sa.

Mandas prevented 1.9 goals based on post-shot xG minus goals conceded, per FBref, across the 2023/24 and 2024/25 campaigns combined in the

Serie A for Lazio, whilst the two Wolves goalkeepers have combined to concede 4.3 more than expected in the Premier League this season.

The Greek international also prevented 3.6 goals on the same metric across nine appearances in the Europa League last season, per FBref, which suggests that he is a strong shot-stopper who can bail out his defenders on a consistent basis.

Overall, paying £55m to sign Hackney for £30m and Mandas for £25m could significantly improve the team in two key areas that Edwards needs to address, whilst the change in formation could also help to facilitate more attacking play.

Gary O'Neil favourite is on borrowed time at Wolves after Edwards arrival

Rob Edwards could look to immediately ditch this Wolverhampton Wanderers flop when he enters the Molineux dug-out.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 9, 2025

It may not be enough to survive this season, as the manager is arriving in a horrendous position, but it could give Wolves their best chance of avoiding the drop, or at least preparing well for a promotion tilt in the Championship next term.

Manchester City are said to be preparing for Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Junior, but rivals Manchester United are also among the clubs battling to sign him from the Spanish giants.

The Brazilian is one of the best wingers in world football currently, becoming a superstar at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Carlo Ancelotti heaping praise on him during their time working together.

“Right now, I think he is the most decisive player in the world. Everything he does is a dribble away from a defender, an assist or a goal, and he does it for the full 90 minutes – he just never stops.”

His current situation at Madrid isn’t necessarily the happiest, however, and journalist Guillem Balague has explained why there is some friction with Xabi Alonso.

“The manager has insisted Vinicius will not finish every game, that he needs to rest more, and Rodrygo will challenge him for a place on the left side of the attack. Xabi Alonso’s stance is rooted in authority and planning. Vini Jr, used to being indulged, has found it hard to adapt.”

Man City preparing offer for Vinicius

Now, a report from Spain claims that Manchester City are preparing a bid for Vinicius, with Premier League rivals United and Chelsea also in the mix to sign him.

There is apparently “no apparent intention to renew” his current contract, with Pep Guardiola’s side waiting to pounce and complete a stunning piece of business. He reportedly “doesn’t feel valued as he expected” at the Bernabeu, leading to “mounting tensions” emerging.

It goes without saying that the idea of Vinicius in a City shirt is an incredible prospect, given his status as one of the best footballers on the planet.

The 25-year-old possesses remarkable natural talent and skill, but most importantly, he backs that up with strong end product, bagging 64 goals and 44 assists in 217 appearances for Madrid.

Vinicius has also netted eight times for Brazil, and will likely be one of the star attractions at next summer’s World Cup, with former England international Owen Hargreaves lauding him last year.

“His finishing is crazy. His decision-making in front of goal is amazing. He looked very angry in the second half. I don’t know what Carlo [Ancelotti] said to him, but if he plays like that, he’s definitely unstoppable. We saw those clips there – four or five bodies around him, and they can’t even deal with him.”

Erling Haaland's Man City "escape route" as striker's opinion about Real Madrid shared

This would be a disaster.

ByHenry Jackson Nov 1, 2025

If City were able to pair Vinicius with Haaland in their attack, it would make for stunning viewing, and he has the ability to be a future Etihad great if a move does materialise.

Pep can make Haaland even better by unleashing Man City's "proper maverick"