All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

What was looking like a rather dull summer for Arsenal fans just a week or so ago has since burst into life.

Kepa Arrizabalaga might be the only signing to have been officially announced as things stand, but that doesn’t look likely to remain the case.

The paperwork for Brentford star Christian Norgaard has reportedly been signed, and Martin Zubimendi is expected to be unveiled before the end of the week.

On top of that, Mikel Arteta looks to finally be getting some attacking stars in, with Eberechi Eze looking like a likely addition, and now reports linking the club to someone who’d be the perfect teammate for him.

Arsenal target dream Eze teammate

While the start of the window was dominated by stories linking Arsenal to one of Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres, Eze has now taken centre stage.

Transfer Focus

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

Stories touting him for a move to the Emirates started to gain traction midway through last week, but then really gained momentum in recent days, with some claiming that Arteta had been involved in positive talks with him over the weekend.

Then, in yet more good news, some of the most recent reports have stated that the Englishman is now “desperate” to join the Gunners.

That desire to move to N5 might only increase now that the North Londoners have also been linked with someone who’d be the perfect teammate for him: Ollie Watkins.

That is according to insider Team news and ticks, who, on the latest episode of The Inside Foreward podcast, revealed that Arsenal have once again made contact with the Aston Villa player.

They claim that even though the Englishman is not currently the club’s priority striker signing, he is high up on the list, and that, as a boyhood fan, he would personally “love to play” for them.

In terms of the money involved, other stories from this summer indicate that a fee of around £40m could be enough to tempt the Claret and Blue into selling.

At that price, this potential transfer feels like a no-brainer, especially as he’d be an incredible teammate for Eze.

Why Watkins would be perfect for Eze

Unsurprisingly, the first and without a doubt the most significant reason Eze would love playing alongside Watkins at Arsenal, or anywhere for that matter, is his output.

For example, since the start of the 23/24 season, the often unplayable “nightmare,” as dubbed by Conor Coady, has scored a staggering 44 goals and provided 29 assists in 107 appearances in all competitions, totalling 7901 minutes.

In other words, the former Exeter City gem has averaged a goal involvement every 1.46 games, or one every 108.23 minutes, which really has to be considered world-class.

Appearances

53

54

Minutes

4323′

3578′

Goals

27

17

Assists

15

14

Goal Involvements per Match

0.79

0.57

Minutes per Goal Involvement

102.92′

115.41′

Now, just imagine how much better Eze’s already impressive numbers of 25 goal involvements in 43 games last season would be next year if he were playing just behind a striker as effective as the Villa ace.

Moreover, another reason the Palace star could love playing alongside the 29-year-old is that they are both now England internationals.

Therefore, they could have the chance to further develop their partnership at both the domestic and international levels, which in turn could help them secure more game time under Thomas Tuchel.

Ultimately, the best players in world football want to play alongside the best, and based on his performances for Villa in recent years, we expect Eze would be thrilled to start alongside Watkins at Arsenal.

Therefore, Andrea Berta and Co should be doing all they can to sign both of them this summer.

Saka will love him: £68m "superstar" is now "desperate" to sign for Arsenal

Arsenal could sign Bukayo Saka’s dream teammate this summer.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 3, 2025

The supporters of Tottenham Hotspur will undoubtedly have a sense of excitement building among the fanbase, as they start a new era in the 2025/26 campaign.

Thomas Frank is set to lead the side in North London, hoping to build on the Europa League triumph they achieved at the end of the previous season.

Many may have seen the dismissal of Ange Postecoglou as harsh given the European success, but his side’s lack of quality in the Premier League led to his departure.

The Dane will be looking to avoid suffering a similar fate, needing to strike a balance between success in the league whilst also being competitive in the Champions League.

However, if the new boss is to be a success during his maiden campaign in the role, he will undoubtedly need backing from the hierarchy within the transfer window.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

In the last couple of days, Spurs have made their opening offer to West Ham United for the potential signing of talented forward Mohammed Kudus – but their bid was immediately rejected.

However, they’re set to make another offer in the coming days, with the new boss wanting to accelerate a deal for the Ghanaian attacker this window.

Despite the move for the 24-year-old, another Premier League forward has emerged on their shortlist in recent days in Rodrigo Muniz, according to Brazilian outlet BolaVIP.

They claim that a £32m bid has been made for the Fulham striker after he scored eight times in England’s top flight throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

It also states that the Lilywhites will face stiff competition from Leeds United, after the newly promoted side made an offer for his services earlier this window.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be Frank’s answer to Haaland

Erling Haaland is a player who’s constantly tormented countless backlines within the Premier League, scoring endless goals for Manchester City over the last few years.

The Norwegian moved to the Etihad back in the summer of 2022 and has since scored 124 times in his 146 appearances – a simply staggering record in the modern day.

He’s registered four goals in his six appearances against the Lilywhites, often causing the club countless issues, with the fanbase undoubtedly wishing they had their own version of the forward.

However, talents like Haaland don’t come around very often, and if they do, they will likely cost a small fortune – especially given the money in the current climate.

They could be about to land their own version of the talisman with Muniz this summer, with the Brazilian labelled as a similar player to the City star by FBref.

Whilst he’s undoubtedly been massively outscored throughout 2024/25, he’s managed to outperform Haaland in numerous key areas, showcasing what an excellent addition he’d be to Frank’s side this summer.

Muniz, who’s been labelled as “one of the best strikers in the Premier League” by teammate Willian, has registered a better goal per shot on target rate – demonstrating his clinical edge in front of goal.

Games played

31

31

Goals & assists

9

25

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.3

Passes into final third

1.2

0.3

Progressive passes

2.5

0.6

Take-ons completed

0.9

0.4

Fouls won

2.9

0.4

Aerials won

6.3

1.8

He’s also registered more progressive passes per 90, with more passes completed into the final third, having the ability to provide others around him with chances in attacking areas.

The Fulham star has also completed more take-ons per 90, whilst also winning more aerial duels, offering Frank an all-round option at the top end of the pitch that he will likely desire.

It’s unclear if Marco Silva’s side will accept the latest offer for Muniz’s signature, but it’s evident that, from the stats produced, he would be an excellent option for Spurs.

If he can replicate the levels produced by Haaland over the last couple of seasons, it would be a superb signing and one that could catapult the club up the table next campaign.

Better signing than Mbeumo: Spurs make enquiry for "world-class" £20m star

Tottenham Hotspur have wasted no time making moves within the summer transfer market.

2 ByEthan Lamb Jul 5, 2025

Manchester United’s side is one that has massively struggled over recent seasons, struggling to match the levels that were produced during Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign.

The Red Devils have now gone 12 whole seasons without a Premier League triumph, with current boss Ruben Amorim the latest to try his luck at Old Trafford.

However, so far, the 40-year-old has been unable to transform the situation, achieving a 40% win rate in his 42 games in the role, leading to a 15th-place league finish this season.

Leeway should be handed his way, however, only having the January transfer window earlier this year to make the additions he wanted to help him in his quest at the club.

However, this summer is a huge period in his stint in charge at the Theatre of Dreams, needing to find the right players for his system if he is to be a success in the role.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions

Viktor Gyokeres is a player who has been firmly on their radar over the last couple of years, but United now appear to be in pole position for his signature after the latest update on his future.

Warren Zaire-Emery is another surprise name on the club’s shortlist, after the hierarchy made an enquiry to sign the PSG youngster, who’s currently valued at £85m.

However, a new name has entered the mix over the last couple of days, with Borussia Dortmund’s midfield star Felix Nmecha on their radar, according to one Spanish outlet.

They claim that the Red Devils are preparing an offer to land the 24-year-old this summer, with a £28m price tag mooted for his signature in the coming months.

It also states that the former Manchester City academy star could have his head turned by the Red Devils ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, but that the Bundesliga side have no intention of offloading him.

Why United’s £28m target would be perfect for Mbeumo

Bryan Mbeumo has been a name on the lips of all supporters over the last couple of weeks, understandably so given the keen interest in his signature.

The 25-year-old has been a player who’s thrived in the division over recent years, but he produced his best-ever campaign last time around, scoring 20 times in the Premier League for Brentford.

However, a deal hasn’t been easy up until now, with the Red Devils having two separate offers rejected, the latest being a fee in the region of £60m.

A deal should be completed smoothly if a fee is agreed, after the Cameroonian international has agreed personal terms with Amorim’s side over a move to Old Trafford.

He could be boosted in his chances of success should Nmecha move to the club, as the German possesses a lot of qualities that would aid the forward in attacking areas.

When delving into his stats from this campaign, he’s thrived in numerous key areas, making him the perfect box-to-box option within Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.

Nmecha, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by former boss Nuri Şahin, has registered an 88% pass accuracy along with 5.1 progressive passes per 90 – subsequently showing why he’d be perfect for Mbeumo and having the tools to provide him with the opportunities needed.

Games played

26

Goals & assists

5

Pass accuracy

88%

Progressive passes

5.1

Passes into final third

5.4

Progressive carries

1.3

Take-ons completed

65%

Tackles won

1.3

Interceptions made

1.4

Aerials won

1.4

He’s also completed 65% of the take-ons he’s attempted, whilst also registering 1.3 progressive carries per 90, further demonstrating his desire to take the ball into forward areas.

The German has also starred without the ball, winning 1.3 tackles per 90 and 1.4 interceptions per 90, making him the perfect ball-winning option in the middle of the park.

£28m for a player of Nmecha’s calibre could prove to be one of the bargain additions of the summer, offering Amorim a new dimension to his midfield and taking the side to new heights.

If he can excel without the ball and provide Mbeumo with added chances in front of goal, it would be a sensational signing and one that could push them back up the table in 2025/26.

Bruno will make him world-class: Man Utd hold talks for "phenomenal" star

Manchester United appear to be making a move in a deal to sign a new talisman.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 28, 2025

Celtic are in the process of making some significant moves this summer and look to have reignited their interest in an exciting attacker, according to a report.

Celtic searching for attackers to offer final third variation

Brendan Rodgers opted to operate with Daizen Maeda and Adam Idah as central options during the second half of last campaign, taking a look at the market before deciding to stick rather than twist in January.

However, Celtic are set to conclude a deal for Fulham youngster Callum Osmand after the Wales international turned down the opportunity to sign professional terms at Craven Cottage, offering an alternative threat through the middle.

Nevertheless, Frank McAvennie believes the Bhoys should offer a shock deal to Jamie Vardy amid their efforts to strengthen across the front four positions, with free agent Danny Ings also recommended by the former Scotland international.

The ex-Celtic explained: “Vardy. I would take Vardy. I know they are talking about him going to Rangers, but I would take Vardy at Celtic.

“They (Vardy and Danny Ings) are goal scorers. Two of them are goal scorers. They are just natural predators. Get them up here. Good names.”

Celtic can forget about Kvistgaarden with move to sign "gifted" £0 striker

With Celtic seemingly set to miss out on signing Mathias Kvistgaarden from Brøndby, they should instead go for a “gifted” free agent.

ByBen Gray Jun 10, 2025

While it feels unlikely that either of the duo mentioned would arrive north of the border, there is an appetite for another striker and winger at a minimum to bolster squad depth.

Marco Tilio’s return from Melbourne City could also intrigue Celtic, but it has always felt likely that the Bhoys will dip into the market to acquire new creative threats.

Speaking of which, Rodgers’ men have now reportedly opened talks with a familiar target as they look to push a deal over the line, per recent developments.

Celtic hold discussions to sign Michel-Ange Balikwisha

According to Sacha Tavolieri on X, Celtic have made contact and opened discussions with Michel-Ange Balikwisha’s camp to begin ‘new discussions regarding personal terms’ involving the Royal Antwerp man.

Retaining an interest in the former Belgium Under-21 international since last summer, further updates are expected on his future in the coming days as Rodgers looks to land his man.

Labelled “unpredictable” by Ben Mattinson, Balikwisha is someone the Irishman has personally expressed an interest in signing and his small sample size on the pitch over the campaign has illustrated why.

Despite having injury issues, the 24-year-old registered four goals and three assists in 18 matches across all competitions. Valued at roughly £4.2 million by Transfermarkt, it remains to be seen what the ballpark figure is for Celtic to secure his services.

Everton are now ready to make an offer to sign an “intelligent” new striker who is loved by his manager Jose Mourinho, according to a recent report.

Everton targeting Premier League proven signings

As the Toffees head into their new stadium, they hope the prospect of being a part of a new era at the club will help them when it comes to signings this summer. This is a chance for David Moyes to put a real stamp on this Everton team, and from recent rumours, it is clear the Scotsman is targeting Premier League captures.

Everton now make bid to beat Man City in race to sign £1.5m EFL rising star

Everton are among the Premier League teams to make an offer to sign a young Championship player.

ByBrett Worthington Jun 5, 2025

It’s already been reported that the Toffees are eyeing a surprise double raid on their arch-rivals Liverpool, as they are interested in signing Ben Doak and Joe Gomez, both players who could be free to leave Anfield. As well as looking at Liverpool, it’s also been reported that Burnley duo Josh Brownhill and Maxime Estève are firmly on their radar, as both players impressed for the Clarets during their Championship promotion campaign.

Adding more creativity to his team seems to be a priority for Moyes this summer, as Sky Sports reported earlier this week that the Toffees are keen on striking a deal to sign Matt O’Riley from Brighton & Hove Albion. The Dane suffered a frustrating season with the Seagulls due to a pre-season injury, and it is now unclear if he remains a part of their plans heading into the new campaign.

Everton ready to make an offer to sign Oguz Aydin

Doak and O’Riley are not the only attacking options under consideration, as according to Sporx, relayed by Everton News, Everton are ready to test the waters and make a move to sign Oguz Aydin from Fenerbahçe.

The report states that Moyes is looking to add more depth and quality to the wide areas of his team, and that has taken them to Aydin. The 24-year-old joined the Turkish giants last summer and finished the campaign with seven goals and four assists in 25 Süper Lig games.

Despite the fact that he is under contract until 2028, the Toffees are ready to “test the waters” and make an offer to Fenerbahçe for the winger. In fact, Everton sent scouts to watch Aydin in action last season, and he is obviously a player they have kept a close eye on and are now ready to make a concrete move for.

Aydin is a player who can play on both flanks, and given his importance last season and the fact he has only just joined Fenerbahçe, it is likely going to take a big offer to tempt them into selling.

Apps

30

Starts

20

Goals

7

Assists

8

Aydin has done really well since Mourinho brought him to the club; in fact, the Fenerbahçe boss hasn’t hidden how much he rates the winger, labelling him “intelligent”: “He is a good player physically and tactically and very intelligent.

“With all due respect to (Vincenzo) Montella (Turkey manager), he should be happy. I suppose the team that did not sign him will be unhappy. We brought him in at the last minute. I asked him to give me time. He was not ready, but, after 4-5 months, he has reached an optimal level. I am very happy for him.”

With Matheus Cunha seemingly on his way to Manchester United this summer, Wolverhampton Wanderers are now reportedly set to submit a £29m bid to sign their potential replacement.

Man Utd close in on Cunha

Cunha’s Wolves departure has looked inevitable rather than possible ever since he put pen to paper on a deal which included a £63m release clause in January. The Brazilian stayed put in the winter window, but on that one condition. Now, according to Fabrizio Romano, it’s Manchester United who are set to take full advantage of that release clause this summer.

The inevitability of Cunha’s exit hasn’t always seen the forward keep his home fans onside, either, and he has done himself no favours throughout the campaign by keeping up a poor disciplinary record on the pitch.

What those suspensions have done, however, is hand Vitor Pereira a glimpse into life without Cunha. And whilst it would have been easy to assume that glimpse would spell undeniable disaster for Wolves, the reality couldn’t be more different.

Without their star man, Wolves put together an impressive three game winning run, which then turned into six once he returned. It was a run that led to their Premier League safety and one that Pereira celebrated by joining his supporters at the local pub.

Whether a toast was raised to Cunha is doubtful, but there’s no denying that Wolves will still need to replace the Man United-bound star regardless of that impressive run without him. And that has reportedly seen them turn their attention towards another Brazilian forward.

Wolves set to table Yuri Alberto offer

According to reports in Brazil, as relayed by Sport Witness, Wolves are now set to table an offer worth €35m (£30m) to sign Yuri Alberto this summer. Pereira has reportedly specifically requested the 23-year-old Corinthians forward who he worked with during his time at the Brazilian club and could now get his man when the summer arrives.

Appearances

28

Goals

11

Assists

2

A young forward who was just finding his best form at the time, Alberto has since blossomed into an impressive striker who is ready for a move into European football.

Described as “clinical” by South American football expert Nathan Joyes, the Brazilian could instantly form a partnership full of promise with Jorgen Strand Larsen, who has enjoyed an impressive season in his own right under Pereira.

Wolves battle Borussia Dortmund for 18 y/o starlet with £10m release clause

Wolves are among the teams chasing a young star, who is out of contract in December.

ByBrett Worthington May 19, 2025

Get things right and Cunah will be a name of the past, rather than a regretful star lost. Pereira has already proven that he is more than capable of getting the best out of his current squad without his standout star, but the arrival of Alberto could help the Portuguese manager take Wolves beyond simply surviving in the Premier League.

With how poorly this season has gone for Arsenal, it’s hard to name too many of their players who have at least matched their level from last year, let alone taken a step forward.

For example, it wouldn’t be controversial to say that the likes of Martin Odegaard, William Saliba, and Leandro Trossard have all taken a step back this term.

Yet, a couple of Mikel Arteta’s stars have done themselves proud, such as Bukayo Saka, who has managed to rack up a brilliant haul of 12 goals and 14 assists in 35 games despite missing almost four months of football with a hamstring injury.

Appearances

23

9

3

Minutes

1633′

764′

119′

Goals

6

6

0

Assists

11

2

1

Goal Involvements per Match

0.73

0.88

0.33

Minutes per Goal Involvement

96.05′

95.5′

119′

The Hale Ender has been a rare bright spot for the North Londoners this season, so fans should be excited about recent reports linking the club with an international attacker who could be a dream teammate for him.

Arsenal transfer news

The good news is that plenty of the players touted for a move to Arsenal in the last few weeks would certainly make great teammates for Saka, such as Jamie Gittens and Nico Williams.

Transfer Focus

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

Thanks to his tally of 12 goals and five assists in 47 appearances this term, the former would bring some more dynamism and threat to the left flank, freeing up space on the right and all for around £55m.

It’d be much of the same from the latter, who’s racked up an impressive tally of 11 goals and seven assists in 44 games this season and has a release clause worth around £48m in his current deal with Athletic Bilbao.

However, to really help the Gunners’ number seven reach another level, Andrea Berta and Co need to bring in a dangerous and dynamic centre-forward like Benjamin Sesko.

According to a recent report from respected journalist David Ornstein, the Slovenian international remains a genuine option for Arsenal, who have “done a lot of work” to get a deal for the 22-year-old done.

A potential price is not mentioned in the report, but according to a report from Sky Sports’ Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, the RB Leipzig ace now has a release clause worth €80m, which is about £67m.

It would be a costly transfer to get over the line, but given Sesko’s immense ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could be a dream for Saka.

Why Sesko would be a dream for Saka

Now, there are likely any number of small reasons why Sesko would be such an excellent signing for Saka, from how he trains to those unquantifiable aspects like his personality and how he meshes with the team.

However, when it comes down to it, the most significant reason the Slovenian would help the Englishman reach another level is his output.

It’s the 22-year-old’s ability to put the ball in the back of the net or create chances for his teammates that will help the Gunners’ mercurial number seven get even better, and from every angle, it’s something he’s better at doing than the North Londoners’ starting number nine: Kai Havertz.

For example, prior to his injury, the German had scored 15 goals and provided five assists in 34 appearances, totalling 2776 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.7 games, or every 138.8 minutes.

In contrast, the Leipzig “monster,” as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, has scored 21 goals and provided six assists in 44 appearances, totalling 3255 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.62 games, or every 120.55 minutes.

Appearances

44

34

Minutes

3255′

2776′

Goals

21

15

Assists

6

5

Goal Involvements per Match

0.61

0.58

Minutes per Goal Involvement

120.55′

138.8′

On top of producing more goal involvements, the Radeče-born dynamo is simply more clinical.

For example, according to Understat, his 13 league goals this season have come from an expected goals figure of 10.84, whereas the Gunners’ number 29 has scored his nine league goals from an expected goals figure of 11.76.

Ultimately, while Havertz would still be a valuable squad player, Sesko is clearly a better striker and someone who’d not only put away more of the chances created for him but also likely create more space for the lies of Saka to exploit.

Therefore, Arsenal should do all they can to sign him as soon as possible.

A Martinelli upgrade: Arsenal ramp up move to sign "unplayable" £42m winger

Arsenal could sign an upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli on the flanks this summer.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 13, 2025

West Ham United have struggled in front of goal this season, which has surely been a reason why they have been unable to find consistency in the Premier League. There have been just four teams who have found the back of the net less than the Hammers in 2024/25, with three of those the relegated trio.

Worryingly, the Hammers’ 40 goals in the top flight are far below where they are expected to be. As the stats on Understat show, they have an expected goals tally of 46.61xG, an underachievement of just over six goals.

The Hammers seem to know this is an issue to address in the summer, given they are linked with a new striker from within the Premier League.

West Ham target Premier League striker

Perhaps the most sought-after player in the top flight this season is Liam Delap. The Ipswich Town triker has impressed despite his side’s woes this term, and is now linked with a whole host of Premier League clubs.

Transfer Focus

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

Well, according to a recent report from GiveMeSport, one of those clubs interested in Delap is West Ham. He seems to be a player on their radar, as they look to improve their fortunes in front of goal next season. For just £30m, the value of his release clause, it seems a bargain.

However, they will not be the only club in the race. The Hammers will be ‘facing competition’ from London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, as well as the North West pair Manchester United and Everton.

It is not clear who will win the race, but West Ham are certainly interested.

Why Delap would be a good signing

It has been a hugely disappointing season for Ipswich in 2024/25. They were the final side to be relegated from the Premier League, the latest club to fall victim to the unforgivable nature of the English top flight for a newly promoted side.

However, Delap was a real standout. In 34 appearances so far this term, he has managed to find the back of the net 12 times, and with an expected goals of 11.29xG, he is pretty consistent, which the Hammers certainly need in their side.

Delap has proven to be a man who can score in the biggest of games. This season, he has found the back of the net against Aston Villa in two games, Spurs, and grabbed a goal and an assist against Chelsea. He also scored against the Hammers, in a 4-1 win for the East Londoners.

One of Delap’s best traits is the way he can hold the ball up and then fashion chances for himself, often carrying past opposition defenders to create space. That was perfectly summed up by Sky Sports’ Lewis Jones, who described him as a “wrecking ball” earlier in the season.

Delap’s underlying numbers via Sofascore also show just how well-rounded his game is, with Statman Dave describing it as “unique”. For example, the Englishman has completed 39 dribbles and won 56 aerial duels for the Tractor Boys this term.

Shots on target

1.1

31

Key passes

0.8

21

Dribbles completed

1.4

39

Aerial duels won

2

56

Expected goal involvement

0.38xGI

10.67xGI

Should Delap make the move to the London Stadium, he could make Hammers talisman Jarrod Bowen even more unplayable. This season, the England international has ten goals and nine assists in 31 top flight games.

Not only would his directness in behind work well with Delap’s hold-up play ability and the way he fashions chances, but Bowen can also become even more creative with the former Manchester City man in their side.

This season for the Hammers, Bowen has created the most big chances with ten, the only player to reach double figures. He also plays the most key passes per game, with 1.6, as per Sofascore. Given he has only managed nine assists, Delap could certainly help raise those numbers.

This really could become a dream duo for West Ham. Bowen is a creative machine. On top of that, with the threat he poses on the last line, he can hurt opposing sides in partnership with Delap, with his hold-up and ball-carrying ability.

For a fee of around £30m, this seems like a deal West Ham must do, to really bring more goals into their side.

Not Soucek: Potter must axe West Ham dud who Rice once called "outstanding"

The West Ham star has struggled to get into the team this season

1 ByJoe Nuttall Apr 27, 2025

Manchester United are set to head into yet another summer window with question marks surrounding their first-choice goalkeeper, with it having been just two years since Erik ten Hag opted to replace long-serving star, David de Gea, with his former Ajax stopper, Andre Onana.

There may be those now ruing the decision to let De Gea leave on a free transfer, although it’s worth remembering that the Spaniard had become a costly figure in his own right in that final campaign, with the £375k-per-week asset notably enduring an error-strewn display away in Seville, having also failed to keep out Ilkay Gundogan’s tame volley in the FA Cup final.

The decision to part ways with the former Premier League winner arguably remains the correct call, albeit with the Red Devils seemingly getting it wrong with regard to his placement, not least in having forked out £47.2m for a player that they could have signed for nothing in 2022.

The ex-Inter star has since made more errors leading to a goal in all competitions than any other Premier League goalkeeper, with Thursday’s 2-2 draw away in Lyon marking almost the final straw with Onana at fault for both of the hosts’ goals on the night.

Frustratingly for Ruben Amorim, the decision to remove the Cameroonian from the firing line for Sunday’s trip to St James’ Park failed to have the desired effect, with one-time FA Cup hero, Altay Bayindir, enduring an afternoon to forget on Tyneside.

Altay Bayindir's game in numbers vs Newcastle

With Onana dominating the headlines in midweek – amid both his display and pre-match spat with Nemanja Matic – it appeared the appropriate time for Amorim to make a change in the sticks, ahead of the weekend clash with Newcastle United.

Signed for just £4.3m from Fenerbahce back in 2023, Bayindir has been patiently waiting for his chance at Old Trafford, with the meeting with the Magpies remarkably marking just his first Premier League start since arriving from his native Turkey.

The 27-year-old – who made just two appearances under Ten Hag – had previously caught the eye following his penalty shootout heroics against Arsenal in the FA Cup third round, with that standing out as a rare high point in an otherwise forgettable United career.

Finally afforded his opportunity in the top-flight, Bayindir – unfortunately – could not take his chance, having been particularly culpable for Newcastle’s fourth goal after producing an errant kick which led to Bruno Guimaraes’ strike.

In all, the struggling understudy made just two saves up against the rampant hosts, having also finished with a meagre pass accuracy of just 49%, as per Sofascore, after looking particularly uncomfortable with the ball at his feet.

The 68-touch ‘keeper also only successfully completed ten of his 37 long balls, with such woes emphasising just why he has largely been on the periphery across his two seasons in Manchester.

That performance will likely ensure that Onana is reinstated for Thursday’s reverse fixture with Lyon, although that is hardly the ideal situation. Could Amorim look elsewhere to find a much-needed solution?

How Man Utd can replace Andre Onana

With Onana – who has made three errors leading to a goal in the league this season – still producing a catalogue of mistakes, and with Bayindir also failing to convince, there could be a desire to throw veteran backup, Tom Heaton, into the mix this week.

Goals against

1.32

Top 36%

Save percentage

69.8%

Top 48%

Save % (penalties)

25%

Top 30%

Clean sheet %

29%

Top 25%

Touches

40.52

Top 33%

Passes launched

29.1%

Bottom 39%

Crosses stopped

5.7%

Bottom 45%

Defensive actions outside of area

0.65

Bottom 17%

The United academy graduate has, however, only played three times since returning to Old Trafford on a free transfer back in the summer of 2021, with recent reports suggesting that the 39-year-old is set to depart amid the expiry of his contract in June.

The former Burnley man could represent a short-term option for Amorim, although his lack of game time over a consistent period should certainly be a concern, having also been hampered by injury in recent months.

That absence – alongside Bayindir’s own spell on the sidelines – did see young Elyh Harrison thrown into the matchday squad for a string of games in February and March, with the 19-year-old notably making the bench for both legs of United’s Europa League last-16 tie with Real Sociedad.

It could represent a huge call to chuck the teenager in at the deep end, yet having seen the woes of the senior stoppers ahead of him, could the Englishman really do much worse?

Equally, unlike Heaton, the academy starlet has enjoyed regular action this seen both in the youth set-up and during a stint on loan at National League North outfit, Chester, in the first-half of 2024/25.

That temporary spell saw the England U20 international concede just 16 goals in 18 league games, while keeping seven clean sheets, with manager Calum McIntyre full of praise for his performances:

With United ultimately opting to cut that loan short to bring him back to Carrington, it could be time for Amorim to put his faith in another rising star, having already handed senior debuts to the likes of Harry Amass and Chido Obi in recent months.

Previously described as ‘one of the most promising homegrown goalkeepers of his generation’ by the Manchester Evening News, Harrison could potentially represent the future of United’s goalkeeping ranks.

He might also be a wildcard option for the present too…

Worse than Bayindir: 4/10 Man Utd flop should be nowhere near Amorim's XI

Manchester United were battered by Newcastle United on Sunday evening.

ByMatt Dawson Apr 13, 2025

Rangers have now been in touch to sign a versatile attacking target who is wanted by the likes of Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.

Rangers out of Europa League after defeat to Athletic Club

The Gers’ hopes of lifting the Europa League came to an end on Thursday night, with Barry Ferguson’s side losing 2-0 to Athletic Club in Bilbao.

Heading into the second leg at a stalemate, Rangers were second best overall but could still have had a penalty in the first half after a pull on Cyriel Dessers.

However, Athletic Club were awarded their second penalty of the tie shortly before half-time which was converted by Oihan Sanchet, with star winger Nico Williams doubling the scoreline late on.

Talking after the defeat, Ferguson was asked about his Rangers future, to which he said: “Where this leaves me now is I’m going to finish the season as strongly as possible. I’ve not sat down and talked about it – but it needs to get sorted soon because as a club we need to do a lot of work.

“The club needs to get back challenging. I just want my club to get back to where it should be, whether it’s me or someone else.”

Attention off the pitch will now be on the 49ers Enterprises’ takeover being completed, a new manager being appointed and several incoming and departures in the transfer market ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Rangers make contact to sign in-demand attacker

In recent days, Rangers and the 49ers have been linked with a move for Crystal Palace youngster Jesse Derry, with the 17-year-old rejecting an offer of professional terms at Selhurst Park.

Now, according to TBR Football, Rangers have made their first move to sign Derry by making contact. It is claimed that both Aston Villa and Manchester City have held talks to sign the forward, whereas Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Eintracht Frankfurt, FC Porto, Juventus, Monaco, PSG and RB Leipzig have all made some contact.

Games

38

Goals

20

Assists

6

Yellow cards

7

Minutes played

2,578

Rangers are named as another club who have made an approach for Derry alongside rivals Celtic. Derry, who has been likened to Jack Grealish due to his hairstyle and low socks, is described as an attacker who can play on either wing, in an attacking midfield role or even as a striker, so should he move to Glasgow would provide plenty of versatility.

Rangers: Attacking 4-3-3 manager wanted at Ibrox is now "ready" for return

He’s been linked with a move to Glasgow.

ByCharlie Smith Apr 17, 2025

A move away from Crystal Palace looks likely given the number of clubs who have made an approach for Derry’s services, and who knows, Rangers could have a chance if they can offer a quicker pathway into first-team football than some of the other huge clubs who are keen.