All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Leeds United can enjoy Christmas Day knowing that they are in the automatic promotion places in the Championship after their win over Oxford United on Saturday.

The Whites beat the visitors to Elland Road 4-0 and remained in second place in the table, as they aim to get promoted back to the Premier League at the second time of asking.

Dan James, Jayden Bogle, Brenden Aaronson, and Manor Solomon all got their names on the scoresheet in the emphatic win for the West Yorkshire outfit.

Daniel Farke’s side fell short of their objective of earning promotion back to the top-flight when they were beaten 1-0 by Southampton in the play-off final at the end of last term.

They will, therefore, be eager to avoid the lottery of the play-offs this time around, and they are currently on course to do that by finishing in the top two.

The German head coach has won automatic promotion from the Championship twice before, both times with Norwich City, and had the phenomenal talent of Emiliano Buendia to help him in both seasons.

Emi Buendia's title-winning form for Farke

The Argentina international, who currently plays for Champions League side Aston Villa in the Premier League, was a crucial part of the Canaries team that won the second tier in the 2018/19 and 2020/21 campaigns.

Buendia was a target for Leeds in the summer transfer window but Angus Kinnear confirmed that the player did not want to drop back down to the Championship, and Villa were unwilling to let him go at the time.

Signing the Argentine wizard from the Villans would have been a huge coup for the Whites because his form for Norwich under Farke in the second tier was incredibly impressive.

As you can see in the clips above, his two seasons at Championship level with the Canaries were littered with sensational moments of magic from the diminutive forward, who could create and score goals with relative ease.

Buendia played a key role in both promotions with his contributions in the final third, although it was his form in the 2020/21 campaign that earned him a big move to Aston Villa in the summer of 2021.

Appearances

38

39

Goals

8

15

Big chances created

7

18

Key passes per game

2.4

3.1

Assists

12

16

As you can see in the table above, the Norwich star provided regular quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals, particularly in the second title-winning season.

His form in the 2020/21 campaign also illustrates why Buendia may not want to return to the Championship, as the magical dynamo has already proven that he is too good for that level.

Farke could, however, unearth his next version of the Argentine ace by swooping for one of Leeds United’s reported transfer targets in the upcoming January window, which officially opens for business next week.

Leeds United linked with Premier League star

It was reported in November that the Whites are preparing a move to sign Manchester City attacking midfielder James McAtee on loan next month.

Transfer Focus

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

Cityzens boss Pep Guardiola opted to keep hold of the England U21 international in the summer, but he has only made two appearances as a substitute in the Premier League this season, which suggests that the Spanish boss overestimated how much he would need the midfielder.

The Whites are now hoping that the Premier League champions change their mind and make him available for a loan move in the second half of the season, so that they can swoop in and bolster their squad for a promotion push.

Speaking to Football Insider in November, ex-Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson claimed that the club have made an offer to sign the English dynamo, but added that there are other clubs in the race to secure his services.

The former Premier League goalkeeper said: “Leeds have made an audacious bid for him. He’s had two really good loans at Sheffield United, West Ham have been in the mix and he’s been linked with Fulham, but it’s not just going to be them.”

It now remains to be seen whether or not a loan move for McAtee is realistic for Leeds in January, but he could come in as a Buendia-esque option for Farke in the second half of the season if the club can get a deal over the line for him.

Why James McAtee could be Emi Buendia 2.0

Like the Argentine sensation, the Manchester City outcast is a diminutive playmaker with superb close control who can provide a threat as both a scorer and a creator for his teammates.

The 22-year-old spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan with Sheffield United in the Premier League and showed signs of promise at the top level, with three goals and three assists in 20 starts.

His form in the 2022/23 season in the Championship, during his first loan spell with the Blades, is what suggests that he could come in as an excellent signing for the West Yorkshire outfit in January, though.

McAtee’s performances were impressive enough for Blades striker Carl Asaba to compare him to Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, who has been named in the PFA Team of the Year in the Premier League in each of the last two seasons.

Asaba said: “He’s like Odegaard. You play him in midfield so he’s defending for you, he’s another body for them to try and navigate away from but he likes the ball 30 yards out because he can go past you like you’re not there.”

That is incredibly high praise, when you consider that Odegaard scored 23 goals and provided 17 assists in his last two full league seasons, and illustrates how impressive the Englishman was during his time at Bramall Lane.

Starts

21

35

Goals

9

8

Big chances created

6

7

Assists

3

12

Dribbles completed per game

1.1

1.4

As you can see in the table above, McAtee produced similar numbers to Buendia’s 2018/19 form in his Championship promotion-winning season with the Blades, with the same number of goals and ‘big chances’ created combined.

The English dynamo ranked within the top 1% of midfielders in the division that term for non-penalty xG and Expected Assisted Goals per 90 (0.50), and the top 18% for shot-creating actions per 90 (3.41).

This shows that he was one of the best midfielders in the Championship at making an impact at the top end of the pitch, with his ability as a goalscorer and a creative threat shining through for Paul Heckingbottom’s side.

Ampadu repeat: Leeds eyeing move for £6m star with "crazy athleticism"

Leeds United are interested in a swoop to sign the defensive midfielder in January.

ByDan Emery Dec 24, 2024

Leeds must, now, persuade Manchester City to loan McAtee to them for the second half of the season, so that Farke can unearth his next 2018/19 version of Buendia at Elland Road.

Once Luis Diaz swept a strong finish past the gallant Alphonse Areola, few onlookers sat in the London Stadium would have bet on anything other than a Liverpool victory.

West Ham United were crushed, picked apart and played with by Arne Slot’s unstoppable side. Liverpool are now eight points clear of second-placed Nottingham Forest with a game in hand – they are firm favourites for the Premier League title.

It’s all the more incredible when considering the variables. Jurgen Klopp stood down at the end of a 2023/24 campaign that tapered off for the Merseysiders; Federico Chiesa was the sole summer signing for £12.5m and he’s started just one game; arguably the three pre-eminent Liverpool players are out of contract at the end of the term, each able to discuss a pre-contract agreement with clubs from overseas.

Ibrahima Konate has also been injured for the best part of a month after a sensational start to the campaign, hailed for reaching the “elite category of defenders” under his Dutch coach’s tactics by one journalist.

The France international is still out, and Joe Gomez has joined him in the infirmary.

Joe Gomez's injury concern

Gomez scarcely featured in the Premier League over the first few months of the season, perhaps slightly knocked out of kilter after a move to Newcastle United failed to reach the final stage in August.

You wouldn’t think that the 27-year-old, Liverpool’s longest-serving first-team player, would harbour too many grudges after the botched and prospective transfer, especially now that he’s thriving in Slot’s project.

One Serie A reporter has hailed him as a “coach’s dream,” with his versatility and multi-faceted technical quality making him an invaluable asset.

injuries have been the bane of his career, however, and he appeared to pull his hamstring as Liverpool romped past West Ham, reducing him to merely 37 minutes of action and potentially an extended spell on the sidelines.

To be sure, Liverpool could do with another part at the rear, and FSG may sanction a move in 2025 after one Premier League star has expressed his desire to play under the Anfield lights.

Prem centre-back wants to sign for Liverpool

As per reports relayed by the Metro, Liverpool are interested in signing Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi – and the attraction is understood to be reciprocated.

Guehi starred for the Three Lions at Euro 2024 and has been a rock at the back of the Eagles backline for several years, with Newcastle United lodging four unsuccessful bids for his signature in the summer, the final of which totalled £65m.

With Palace keen on bringing Ben Doak – who is currently shining away from Anfield for Middlesbrough – to Selhurst Park, perhaps on loan, Liverpool could shift a few pieces to align with Slot’s vision, bolstering the backline with the perfect new part.

Guehi is also out of contract at the end of the 2025/26 campaign. The time to pounce is nearly upon us.

What Marc Guehi would bring to Liverpool

Crystal Palace signed Guehi from Chelsea in a transfer worth £18m in 2021 and he’s since gone through the gears to reach England’s senior squad and attract interest from some of the Premier League’s finest outfits.

He’s a wonderful centre-half, endowed with a lion’s bite and a cheetah’s easy movement in front of the goal. Oh, and a devotion toward protecting his goal and snuffing out attackers’ efforts. His former England U21 teammate Joe Bursik, a goalkeeper, has hailed him as “an absolute tank” of a defender in the past.

Oliver Glasner’s side have struggled to recapture the dreamy form of the last few months of the 2023/24 season, but without Guehi, there’s no doubt that the Eagles would be stuck in the pit of the Premier League.

Matches (starts)

18 (18)

Goals

2

Assists

1

Clean sheets

4

Touches*

66.3

Pass completion

84%

Key passes*

0.4

Dribbles (completed)*

0.5 (82%)

Ball recoveries*

4.2

Tackles + interceptions*

2.2

Clearances*

4.8

Total duels (won)*

5.5 (64%)

Analyst Ben Mattinson has claimed that the Englishman is “one of those versatile CBs who can play both sides equally as comfortably,” shifting with ease. This could be crucial as Van Dijk enters the later stage of his brilliant career, for his playing time may need to be mitigated if he does indeed extend his contract and captaincy on Merseyside.

As per FBref, Guehi also ranks among the top 7% of central defenders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists and the top 9% for successful take-ons per 90, making a convincing comment on his ball-playing and carrying skills. Skills that are tailor-made for Slot’s system.

Whether Liverpool succeed in their endeavour remains to be seen and probably won’t become clear until the summer sun stretches down onto Anfield.

However, given Guehi’s dynamism, technical quality and monstrous defensive skill set, there’s every reason why he could be the perfect arrival at Liverpool, taking Slot’s system to the next level and elevating an already imperious backline.

Gomez may still want a fresh challenge, and if he does get his wish next year, this man, a man who wants to make the move, is the one to go for.

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

Rangers chiefs have reportedly made contact to sign a Sweden international on loan for Philippe Clement in the January transfer window.

Rangers eyeing new defender in January

It has been an eventful start to 2025 at Ibrox, with Rangers defeating arch rivals Celtic in their first Scottish Premiership fixture of the calendar year before dropping points on the road at Dundee and Hibernian.

As a result, pressure has been building on Clement once more, however, CEO Patrick Stewart recently revealed that the club are backing the Belgian. Talking to Sky Sports, Stewart said:

“I need to make some tough decisions, it comes with the role, but I am committed to making the right ones for Rangers, not just the popular ones. So cutting to the chase, we are backing Philippe at this time as a board.

“It’s about taking a deeper look at the issues, addressing those problems, and staying focused on building a stronger future for the club.

“Changing a manager isn’t a silver-bullet solution. You know where I’ve worked previously, and that isn’t something that has been effective there, it’s not effective at a lot of football clubs where there’s constant change of manager.”

Stewart also spoke about Rangers’ plans for the January transfer window, admitting the need for a centre-back is on the club’s wishlist despite the winter market being difficult to do business.

“The January window generally isn’t a particularly fruitful window. Most selling clubs do not want to sell their best players. We have no intention of selling the players that are performing on the park at the moment and why would we expect any other club that’s challenging for trophies to do so.

“All of that said… I think there are a couple of scenarios where it can be really effective. Firstly where a club has suffered injuries such as we have – particularly a centre-back – it is an opportunity to make a reactive signing. This is a position we’ve been looking at since December and so we have been active in discussions.”

Stewart and technical director Nils Koppen have been linked with a number of centre-backs, including Manchester United’s Jonny Evans, Norwich City’s Grant Hanley and Cavalier FC’s Richard King, however, a new target has now emerged.

Rangers make approach for Sweden international

According to Swedish outlet Expressen, Rangers have made contact to sign Burnley defender Hjalmar Ekdal. The Gers aren’t the only club keen on a move for the Clarets centre-back though, with Stoke City, QPR, Middlesbrough also making approaches for the 26-year-old.

Ekdal, a Sweden international, is expected to be loaned out by Burnley this month, and there is also interest abroad from Sampdoria, Empoli, Brescia and Groningen.

Enquiry made: Rangers could sign a "vastly experienced" Barron upgrade

Rangers could target a player who can potentially leave his club for free

ByRoss Kilvington Jan 11, 2025

Former Burnley boss Vincent Kompany praised Ekdal and Ameen Al-Dakhil back in 2023, calling the duo “intelligent”. “They’re intelligent players and that helps. They communicate, they understand when asked to do certain tasks and they’ve got the athleticism.

“In times when they’re not quite in the right position, or they haven’t done something perfect, they’re able to compensate. They’re centre backs who are quite mobile, you could go on a run in the forest and they’ll run with the midfielders.”

Middlesbrough have reached agreements to complete two new permanent signings for Michael Carrick this month in a big boost to their promotion chances.

Latest Middlesbrough news

Ryan Giles has already returned to the Riverside Stadium for a second loan spell at the club, arriving from Hull City until the end of the current campaign. The 24-year-old also played the 2022/23 season, registering 12 assists in 48 appearances.

The permanent signing of George Edmundson has also been mooted in recent days, with the Englishman having been on loan at Boro from Ipswich Town. He has started 20 matches in the Championship this season, averaging 4.6 clearances per game.

Young Aston Villa attacker Louie Barry has also been linked with a move to the Championship side this month, having shone on loan at Stockport County so far this season. He is the current top goalscorer in League One, scoring 15 times in the competition.

Meanwhile, West Brom midfielder John Swift is another player who has emerged as a rumoured transfer target for Boro. He is now in the final year of his contract at the Hawthorns, meaning the Baggies could be ready to cash in on him.

Exciting double Middlesbrough transfer update emerges

According to a new update from Sky Sports, Middlesbrough have now reached an agreement to sign Edmundson on a permanent two-and-a-half-year deal this month. The fee in question is “understood to be worth more than £1m including performance related add-ons”, with Ipswich initially recalling him after failing to agree a transfer fee.

Not only that, but Boro have also reportedly agreed a fee with Plymouth Argyle for attacking ace Morgan Whittaker, which has the potential to be an exciting piece of business.

This is great news for Boro fans, firstly considering what an impressive performer Edmundson has been for them on loan since the beginning of the season. The 27-year-old has been a model of consistency at the heart of the defence, with Carrick speaking highly of him just last week.

“We brought him in on loan. It was one of those where it fitted all parties. “I’ve said it a number of times, it’s not always simple, there’s a lot of parties involved. Sometimes you go in and you know exactly what you’re getting out, sometimes it’s a little bit in the balance. George has done fantastically well for us. He’s settled in really well. We’re really happy with him.”

Seeing Edmundson head back to Ipswich this month would have been a real blow, or in the summer of that, but ensuring that he is now at the Riverside until the end of the 2026/27 season is fantastic news.

Meanwhile, Whittaker could be a brilliant option for Boro at the other end of the pitch, having scored 33 goals in 103 appearances for Plymouth, also registering 16 assists for good measure, being called “amazing” by Neil Dewsnip.

Championship Table: Latest standings for the 2024/25 season

Latest English Football League Championship standings 2024/25.

ByStephan Georgiou Apr 22, 2025

The 24-year-old will provide Carrick with the added firepower needed in the Championship promotion battle, and the fact that he knows the division so well can only be a good thing.

Aston Villa and NSWE have submitted a proposal to sign a “superb” star who Unai Emery knows well, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Aston Villa transfer news

The Villans have already brought in two new players this month in the form of Donyell Malen and Andres Garcia, and in the process, they have also said goodbye to Diego Carlos, who has joined Turkish giants Fenerbahce on a permanent basis.

As Carlos has now left, Villa have been linked with a move for Loic Bade, but while a potential deal has hit a snag in recent days, reports have emerged that they could be about to make a new offer.

Sky Sports: Club in talks to sign £75k-p/w Aston Villa player open to exit

Before the transfer window closes, there could be a big departure from Villa Park.

ByBrett Worthington Jan 26, 2025

Carlos may not be the only departure from Villa Park this month, as Jhon Duran is continuing to be linked with a move away. Paris Saint-Germain are the latest team to show a significant interest in the forward, and given they are only willing to offer as much as £59 million, they are now willing to throw Marco Asensio in the mix to sweeten the deal.

The exit talk doesn’t stop there for the Premier League side, as Florian Plettenberg has reported that Bayer Leverkusen are working on a deal to sign Emiliano Buendia. The Argentine has fallen down the pecking order at Villa Park, and Xabi Alonso is keen to bring him to Germany.

However, David Ornstein has reported that Buendia has reached an agreement with Villa to extend his contract by one year, as the Villans are not willing to sanction a permanent exit this month.

Aston Villa submit proposal to sign "superb" star

Bade is not the only defender on Villa’s radar, as according to Fabrizio Romano, Aston Villa are in talks to sign a new defender, and Juan Foyth is one of their main targets.

Romano reports that Villa have sent their initial proposal to La Liga side Villarreal already, and he is someone who knows the Premier League, as he played for Tottenham Hotspur between 2017 and 2021. It is unclear how much Foyth would cost the Midlands side, but he is under contract until 2026, so the Spanish side could be open to a possible sale this month.

Foyth, who has been dubbed “superb” by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, is someone Emery knows very well, as the defender and manager worked together during Emery’s time at Villarreal. The 27-year-old’s arrival at Villa Park would see him join a side that already has a wealth of options in the heart of defence, as Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, and Pau Torres fight for a regular starting spot in Emery’s team.

Apps

4

Starts

2

Minutes per game

48

Interceptions per game

0.8

Tackles per game

0.8

Balls recovered per 90

1.3

Clearances per game

3.8

But Foyth’s ability to play as a right-back as well as a centre-back means he would give the Villa boss more of an option when it comes to putting him into his team. Furthermore, his versatility could be a key reason why Villa are pushing to land his signature in this transfer window, as they continue to fight in the Premier League and the Champions League.

Newcastle United have now agreed to sell an “incredible” player in a £15m move in the current transfer window, according to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies experienced a bitterly disappointing day at the office on Saturday, losing 2-0 at home to Fulham in the Premier League, despite taking the lead.

While Eddie Howe has assembled one of the strongest Newcastle squads in recent memory, that’s not to say that new signings late in the winter window wouldn’t be appreciated. Young Malaga winger Antonito Cordero has been linked with moving to St James’ Park, with the 19-year-old also wanted by Barcelona and Real Madrid. Talks have even reportedly opened with the Magpies.

Samuel Chukwueze is another player who has emerged as a rumoured option for Howe’s men, with AC Milan offering their winger to them, as they look to make money to help their current financial issues. A right-sided attacker by trade, he could be considered a strong replacement for the departed Miguel Almiron.

Exactly the same applies with Milan attacker Noah Okafor, in terms of them being willing to move him on, and Newcastle have again been mentioned as one of the clubs who have been offered him.

Newcastle agree deal to sell "incredible" player

According to Romano on X, Newcastle have agreed a deal to sell Lloyd Kelly to Juventus in a loan move with an obligation to buy for £15m, bringing an end to his short time at the club:

If Magpies supporters had been told that the defender would leave the club less than a year after joining, they would have been surprised, considering what a shrewd addition he looked last summer, with Gary O’Neil once saying of him:

“I thought Lloyd was incredible. I think he had a 12-week ankle injury followed by a six-week calf injury. Didn’t have much time in between, and then came back today having not trained much, to play left back against one of the best wingers in the world. I thought he showed everything, the potential he has to be a top defender. I thought it was a very, very impressive performance against a top attacker.”

Appearances

10

Starts

4

Minutes played

302

Goals

0

Assists

1

Clearances per game

1.5

Tackles per game

0.5

Pass completion rate

81.2%

It simply hasn’t worked out for Kelly in a Newcastle shirt, however, with only four starts coming his way in the Premier League and a total of 10 appearances in the competition.

Newcastle now open talks to sign "direct" Almiron heir in bargain deal

He’s a rising star…

ByTom Cunningham Feb 1, 2025

The likes of Fabian Schar, Dan Burn and Lewis Hall have been stronger options for Howe, so it makes sense to move him on, even if it does weaken the Magpies’ squad depth between now and the end of the season.

Liverpool are believed to have made contact with a key figure at a huge club as they seek to secure the signing of a “world-class” midfielder in the summer transfer window.

Liverpool transfer news

After two quiet windows for Arne Slot, which have seen Federico Chiesa and Giorgi Mamardashvili the only players to come in, a far busier summer is expected at Anfield next time around.

One player who has been linked with a move to Liverpool at the end of this season is Netherlands and RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Xavi Simons. The 21-year-old has only recently signed for the German side permanently from Paris Saint-Germain, but they will reportedly look to move him on in the summer for a handsome profit.

Another player who has been mentioned as an option for the Reds is Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Hugo Larsson, who is a hugely exciting young player. The Merseysiders are reportedly ahead of the likes of Manchester City and Real Madrid in the race to snap up the 20-year-old Swede.

Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool future still isn’t sorted, with a new deal not yet signed, so potential replacements will need to be eyed up, should the worst-case scenario happen. West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen has been backed to come in, with the England international enjoying another impressive season in the Premier League, scoring six goals and registering four assists in the competition.

Liverpool make contact over signing "world-class" ace

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool have been in contact with Barcelona sporting director Deco over the signing of Frenkie de Jong this summer.

Richard Hughes has talked about a move for the 27-year-old midfielder, with Barca thought to be willing to sell him at the end of the season.

De Jong has been mentioned as a target for Liverpool for some time now, with a transfer not yet materialising, but it is easy to see him thriving for the Reds in the middle of the park.

The Dutchman possesses the technical expertise to slot right in alongside the likes of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. He has a 94.6% pass completion rate in La Liga this season, with football talent scout Jacek Kulig calling him “world-class” back in 2019. Former manager Xavi also once said of him:

“Frenkie de Jong is playing at a spectacular level, he gives us a lot. I think he’s one of the best midfielders in the world right now.”

However, there is a reason why Liverpool may have reservations about signing De Jong, if Barca are so willing to let him move on to pastures new in the summer.

At 27, he arguably hasn’t kicked on like many expected he would since his Ajax days, at which point he was seen as one of the future star midfielders of his generation.

Forget Quansah: Liverpool have already sold a "complete" Van Dijk heir

Liverpool still haven’t reached a positive conclusion to their long-dragging contract issues.

ByAngus Sinclair Feb 8, 2025

That’s not to say that Slot wouldn’t necessarily like to have a player of De Jong’s class in his squad, but there would be risks when it comes to signing him, so a younger alternative may make more sense this summer, as well as a more naturally defence-minded option in order to add balance to the squad.

Manchester City simply cannot wait for this season to end.

On Tuesday night, despite leading 2-1 with less than five minutes to play, the Sky Blues were beaten 3-2 by Real Madrid in the Champions League at the Etihad, Jude Bellingham’s winner coming deep into stoppage time.

This leaves the Citizens on the brink of elimination from Europe, while they’re currently down in fifth in the Premier League table, ahead of Saturday’s huge clash with Newcastle, leaving the FA Cup as their only hope of avoiding a trophyless season, with Plymouth Argyle, who’ve just dumped out Liverpool, their fifth round opponents.

So, with this campaign having been, as Zak Garner-Purkis of Forbes puts it, a “disaster”, will Pep Guardiola, who signed a new two-year contract extension back in November of course, start to look towards the future?

Man City's push for youth

As noted by Jamie Jackson of the Guardian, Man City currently have an ‘ageing squad’, which Guardiola insists is not the primary reason behind their poor campaign, but there was a clear strategy to get younger in the January transfer window.

Players

Age

Fee

Selling club

Abdukodir Khusanov

20

£34m

RC Lens

Vitor Reis

19

£30m

Palmeiras

Omar Marmoush

26

£59m

Eintracht Frankfurt

Juma Bah

18

£5.1m

Real Valladolid

Nico González

23

£50m

FC Porto

As the table shows, Man City signed two teenagers, a 20-year-old and a 23-year-old in January, Omar Marmoush the slight outlier at 26, but they are clearly looking to the future, underlined by the fact that Juma Bah, snapped up from Real Valladolid, having paid his €6m (£5m) release clause, was immediately loaned out to Lens.

On the flip side, 34-year-old Kyle Walker was allowed to join AC Milan on loan, while Kevin De Bruyne and İlkay Gündoğan, who are 33 and 34 respectively, could depart at the end of the season as their contracts expire; Ederson, Stefan Ortega, John Stones and Bernardo Silva, all of whom are aged 30+, are out of contract the following summer.

Thus, the four-in-a-row Premier League champions could look rather different in the coming months and years, so could an exciting 18-year-old, who has also just joined the club, but we’re yet to mention, break into the first team?

Man City's future left-back

Given Man City’s January transfer spree, spending more than the other 19 Premier League clubs combined, one move rather went under the radar, this being the arrival of Christian McFarlane from MLS side New York City, one of the many other clubs owned by City Football Group.

In The Pipeline

Born in Basildon in Essex, McFarlane moved to the United States at the age of three, joining NYCFC’s academy as an 11-year-old, progressing through the ranks, featuring for the MLS Next Pro team before making his senior debut last year.

He came off the bench in June against Columbus Crew at Yankee Stadium, prior to starting for the first time when the boys in blue faced Querétaro in the Leagues Cup a month later.

Back in 2021, he became the third-youngest player in Major League Soccer history to sign a professional contract, doing so at the age of 14, and despite departing having made just 13 senior appearances, he has earned rave reviews.

Tom Bogert and Sam Lee of the Athletic labelled him a “highly-rated…top talent”, with Manuel Veth of Transfermarkt reporting that Brighton, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund all “showed interest” before his move to Manchester.

NYCFC sporting director David Lee expects him to “surprise people”, considering he has been training with the first team since he was “15 years old”, while his former MLS Next Pro manager Matt Pilkington believes “his ability to adapt to the level… sets him apart”.

Writing in the Guardian’s Next Generation of 2024 series, Oliver Connolly describes McFarlane as a “flying left-back”, adding he is “intelligent, quick and a solid defender in one-on-one situations”.

McFarlane featured in a Man City shirt for the first time on Wednesday, coming on for the final 13 minutes of a UEFA Youth League tie against Midtjylland, which his team won on penalties, the debutant converting from 12 yards during the shootout, so he’ll be hoping to see more action when the Sky Blues take on Hoffenheim in the round of 16 next month.

As noted by Jacob Schneider of Goal, McFarlane was the second-fastest player in MLS in 2024, and the sixth fastest of all 633,000+ players in the entire Wyscout database for the calendar year, “even surpassing Kylian Mbappé”, hence why the young dual-national, English-American could be Man City’s left-sided Walker in the future.

Cost £5m, sold for 400% more: Man City must rue selling big Walker upgrade

As Man City overhaul their aging squad, did the Sky Blues just sell a ready made Kyle Walker replacement who’s value has exponentially increased?

1 ByBen Gray Feb 14, 2025

Celtic suffered only their second defeat of the 2024/25 Scottish Premiership season when they travelled to Hibernian and lost 2-1 on Saturday.

The Hoops had only lost one of their opening 26 matches in the division, a 3-0 loss to Rangers at Ibrox, but were stunned by a first-half double from Josh Cameron.

Hibernian’s attacking midfielder got the better of Cameron Carter-Vickers to finish past Kasper Schmeichel for his first, before he beat Auston Trusty in the air to head in his second.

A second-half poacher’s finish from Daizen Maeda, who scored his 23rd goal of the season in all competitions, was not enough to spark a comeback for the league leaders.

The Japan international has been in sensational form in the current campaign, as shown by his incredible goal return, and he should, absolutely, be in the starting line-up this evening.

However, Brendan Rodgers must consider dropping German winger Nicolas Kuhn to the bench for this evening’s clash with Aberdeen at Paradise after his off-colour performance against Hibernian last time out.

Why Nicolas Kuhn should be dropped

There is no doubt that the former Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig youngster has enjoyed a sensational season at Parkhead in his first full year as a Hoops player.

The left-footed magician has racked up 18 goals and 12 assists in 37 appearances in all competitions for the Scottish giants, which shows that he has provided a regular threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals at the top end of the pitch for Rodgers.

Kuhn, who scored three goals in the club’s ten-match Champions League campaign, has been a revelation for the Bhoys and they may have to battle to keep hold of him in the summer if his impressive form attracts attention from clubs across Europe.

However, all of this does not mean that the 25-year-old star is immune to criticism or that he is undroppable. In fact, Rodgers should ruthlessly ditch the forward from the starting XI for tonight’s clash with Aberdeen after his display against Hibernian.

Minutes

90

Shots on target

0

Dribbles completed

1/4

Pass accuracy

71%

Key passes

1

Big chances created

0

As you can see in the table above, Kuhn played the full 90 minutes last time out and struggled badly with his use of the ball in the final third against Hibs, as he did not cause many problems at all for the opposition defenders.

The Hibernian players found it far too easy to stop him, ending three of his four attempted dribbles, and Jordan Smith did not have to make a single save from the German attacker.

Kuhn has now scored one goal and provided zero assists in his last five matches in all competitions and should be dropped to the bench for tonight’s game to provide him with a rest ahead of the weekend.

Chalkboard

Despite being substituted at half-time in the loss to Hibernian, Rodgers should, however, keep Ireland international Adam Idah in the centre-forward position.

Why Adam Idah should start

Like Kuhn, the former Norwich City marksman endured a frustrating afternoon last time out in the Premiership, so much so that the manager opted to withdraw him from the action at the break.

Idah missed one ‘big chance’ and only completed two of his five attempted passes, without creating a chance for any of his teammates, in the first half before being taken off by Rodgers, as he failed to offer much to the team in the first half.

Despite that showing, the 6 foot 3 centre-forward should be provided with another chance to impress against Aberdeen this evening, as his recent form has been impressive – with five goals in six games before the loss to Hibs.

Idah is the only senior, recognised, centre-forward at the club, although Maeda can play there, after Kyogo Furuhashi’s move to Rennes in January, and Rodgers should hand him as many chances as possible to build his confidence and rhythm as the first-choice number nine.

So, instead of dropping Idah and Kuhn, the Hoops head coach should only ditch the German forward from the starting XI in order to bring Jota back into the side.

Why Jota should be unleashed

The January signing from Rennes, who returned to Parkhead 18 months on from his move to Al-Ittihad, should be brought back into the starting line-up against Aberdeen on the left wing this evening, with Idah in the middle and Maeda on the right.

Although it did not lead to any goals, the Portuguese speedster did provide a threat off the bench against Hibernian with one shot on target and two chances created – more than Kuhn managed in 90 minutes – in the second half.

The Celtic wizard, who was described as a “revelation” by Alex McLeish during his first spell at Parkhead, started the previous game against Bayern Munich in the Champions League and was incredibly unfortunate not to register an assist.

Jota created a ‘big chance’ for the team when he cut inside on the left flank and produced a fantastic cross for Kuhn, who brought the ball down and saw his weak cleared off the line.

Appearances (starts)

4 (2)

Shots on target per game

1.3

Goals

2

Big chances created

2

Key passes per game

2.0

Assists

1

As you can see in the table above, the former Benfica starlet has made a fast start to his return to the Premiership with two goals and two ‘big chances’ created in four outings.

His statistics in the league this season, as well as his form in his first two years at the club in the graphic above, show that he is a terrific option for Rodgers to call upon, and a player who could be perfect for Idah at the top end of the pitch.

The Irish centre-forward struggled against Hibernian but he did not play a single minute with Jota in that game, which is why the manager should unleash both of them from the start this evening to see how they fare alongside each other in the final third against Aberdeen.

Celtic wanted "world-class" star, now he's worth more than Jota & Kuhn

Celtic were once interested in a deal to sign the now-Premier League star.

ByDan Emery Feb 22, 2025

Arsenal are scouting a former Real Madrid youngster who has been lavished with praise by former Gunners midfielder Cesc Fabregas, according to a new report.

Arsenal look to summer transfer window as title charge stalls

In a matter of just a couple of months, Arsenal’s season has been almost completely derailed. Since the turn of the year, the Gunners have been ejected out of both the FA Cup and EFL Cup by Manchester United and Newcastle respectively, while their chase for the Premier League title has also all but come to an end.

An unlikely defeat to West Ham United and a draw with Nottingham Forest in their two most recent games has left them trailing league leaders Liverpool by 13 points with just 11 games to go.

Speaking after his side’s 0-0 draw with high-flying Forest, head coach Mikel Arteta highlighted where it’s gone wrong this year.

“For many years, that (our defensive record) has not been a problem, but in order to win, you have to score goals,” he explained. “We need to find ways to convert more chances and get goals from different areas of the pitch. That’s something we certainly need to improve.”

Arteta’s side do remain with one shot at silverware this season, however, in the form of the Champions League, where they take on PSV Eindhoven in the round of 16 on Tuesday night.

“It’s a competition we’ve performed tremendously well in this season,” said the Spaniard. “We fought hard to get into this position, and now, as we enter the knockout stages, the building starts now.”

Arsenal eyeing Como sensation Nico Paz

To find more goals, Arsenal will now, of course, have to wait until the summer transfer window, where fans will be hoping Arteta can finally add a world-class striker to his squad after years of unanswered pleas. According to Caught Offside, however, Arteta is also keen to revitalise his midfield in the summer, and has his eyes firmly on Como star Nico Paz.

Paz joined Como from Real Madrid’s youth set-up in August and has since been enjoying a fine debut season for Cesc Fabregas’ side, scoring six goals and producing five assists in 25 Serie A games.

Caught Offside report that Arteta wants the 20-yer-old to provide competition for Martin Odegaard in attacking midfield, but will face competition for his signature from both Manchester City and Inter Milan. Madrid also have a rather bizarre clause to buy back Paz for either £6.6 million in the summer of 2025, £7.4 million in 2026 or £8.2 million in 2027, with Como perhaps not realising his potential to fetch a much bigger fee when they signed that deal.

Paz, who earned his first Argentina cap back in October, has been described by Fabregas as a “a special player” who “must be free to express himself”. Fabregas also made it clear recently that he wants to keep Paz at Como for the forseeable future.

“Nico is a Como player. Real Madrid can buy him back, but at a certain price,” he explained. “Nico is a young player, and our relationship with his family is very stable.”

“They [Paz’s family] are very happy, they thank us for all this, and it is a great pleasure for us to have him here. Nico is our brand, and we want him to continue with us for many years to come.”