All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Manchester United are currently busy behind the scenes trying to secure a number of signings to bolster Erik ten Hag's squad.

The Dutchman penned a new contract at Old Trafford last week and now looks set to get backed by the new ownership group headed up by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

That said, they must learn from the mistakes of the past. No puzzling signings like Antony; they must be wiser with the way they spend their money.

Fortunately, it looks as though they could be doing exactly that as they hone in on a multitude of defensive targets.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Owner

December 24th 2023

Dan Ashworth

Sporting Director

July 1st 2024

Jason Wilcox

Technical Director

April 19th 2024

Jean-Claude Blanc

CEO

April 30th 2024

Omar Berrada

CEO

TBC

Man United's centre-back targets

With Raphael Varane leaving, Jonny Evans now 36 and Lisandro Martinez rather injury-prone, it's a necessity that Ten Hag welcomes one or two new centre-backs to United this summer.

It is no secret that Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite is a key target with the Red Devils having now reportedly lodged two bids for his services, although both have been rejected.

Talks have been ongoing to secure the signature of Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt while a deal has even been agreed to sign wonderkid Leny Yoro from Lille.

The difficulty with that one is that the teenage defender prefers Real Madrid and is waiting for them to make the call.

So, what should the new recruitment team do? Well, Teddy Sheringham has had his say.

What Teddy Sheringham has said about United's transfer plans

At this current moment in time, De Ligt seems the most likely man to arrive at Man united.

The latest is that they have been given the green light to sign the player. However, Sheringham doesn't think he'd be a worthwhile acquisition.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast on behalf of Crypto Sports betting, he stated: "I don’t think that he is a player that Manchester United need. They need leaders and strong characters."

Who should United go for instead? Well, the former England striker recommended one of his fellow countrymen.

Sheringham continued: "Marc Guehi is believed to be heading to Manchester United and I would prefer a big strong defender than another ball player, they need more winners and more leaders on the pitch now.

"Any top player heading to Manchester United can improve the team and they need to get signings right to be able to push on next season."

Guehi endured a rather injury-hit campaign with Crystal Palace last season, playing 25 times in the Premier League. However, he has risen to prominence with England at Euro 2024.

The defender missed the quarter-final victory over Switzerland through suspension with Ezri Konsa taking his place. It's expected he will come back into the starting lineup for the semi-final against, ironically, De Ligt's Netherlands side.

Games played

4

Clean sheets

2

Touches *

91.8

Pass accuracy

93%

Interceptions *

0.5

Tackles *

0.5

Ball recoveries *

5

Duels won *

4

Yellow cards

2

Guehi has been nothing short of exceptional in Germany this summer and could quite possibly be hailed as England's Player of the Tournament.

Is that enough to convince United to move for him? Well, with a reported asking price of £65m, he could be cheaper than the aforementioned Branthwaite who has been touted at around £80m.

Better than Branthwaite: Man Utd plot bid for "monster" CB on top of Yoro

This would be a colossal statement of intent from INEOS.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 9, 2024

Chelsea have now lodged a formal bid to sign a centre-back who Man United are targeting as an alternative to Everton starlet Jarrad Branthwaite.

Chelsea eyeing another centre-back after Tosin Adarabioyo

It didn't take long for the west Londoners to seal their first piece of business this summer, having put pen to paper on a deal for defender Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer from Fulham.

Boehly now prepared to sell £175,000-per-week Chelsea star after Maatsen

The Blues could orchestrate an overhaul this summer.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 20, 2024

The former Man City starlet enjoyed a successful spell at Fulham, but opted to move just across west London to Stamford Bridge upon the expiry of his contract at Craven Cottage. Tosin's arrival will do wonders to fill the void left by fan favourite Thiago Silva, who has left Chelsea to re-join boyhood club Fluminese.

Despite the 26-year-old putting pen to paper on a four-year deal, it is believed that Chelsea could sign another centre-back after Tosin, as new manager Enzo Maresca seeks to reinforce his new backline further.

Appearances

132

Goals

5

Assists

2

Bookings

10

Red cards

1

Minutes played

11,382

Co-sporting directors Laurence Stewat and Paul Winstanley are expected to undergo a busy summer of recruitment. In the past week, Chelsea have held talks over signing Jhon Duran from Aston Villa, as well as pushed to seal a deal for Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise (Fabrizio Romano).

Amidst all of this activity, as Maresca's side pursue a new forward, there remains a distinct possibility that Chelsea could bring another defender on top of this – with Romano tipping them to potentially bring in multiple central defensive options.

"It will continue to be a busy summer at Chelsea," said the journalist on his Dailybriefing. "It won’t be completely crazy but they will try to make smart things happen, including a new goalkeeper and I expect them to try for at least one new centre-back, but it could be two. I also expect Chelsea to be busy with the striker position."

Bayern Munich star Dayot Upamecano has been linked with a move to Chelsea as one option, but rather than negotiate with the Bavarians, it is believed they could instead look to pinch a transfer target of Man United's.

Indeed, Ten Hag's side are said to be monitoring Boca Juniors defender Aaron Anselmino as an alternative to Branthwaite – with the Red Devils looking priced out of a move for the Englishman after having a bid rejected, according to widespread reports.

Chelsea make formal bid to sign Aaron Anselmino

According to South American journalist Uriel Lugt, Chelsea have made a "formal" bid to sign Anselmino, and offered the 19-year-old a four-year contract.

The teenager appears very highly-rated in Argentina, despite not making many first team appearances for Boca, and clearly Chelsea's scouting network have been doing their homework on him.

In truth, the number of crazy talented young prospects at Chelsea is rather ridiculous, with almost the entirety of the squad yet to reach the peak of their careers.

Household names such as Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, and Moises Caicedo are all thriving, while the likes of Levi Colwill still have so much potential to reach.

The aforementioned Chelsea defender struggled to really develop last season with injuries hindering his campaign, but there’s no doubt that he can become a future Blues great.

However, Chelsea are currently in the market for an even younger star than Colwill, who may just have the quality to become even better than the Englishman.

Chelsea’s search for another wonderkid

According to a report from The Athletic, Chelsea are closing in on signing Aaron Anselmino of Boca Juniors.

It’s said that despite no ‘final agreement’ being struck just yet, ‘talks are moving positively and personal terms are no considered an issue at this stage.’

The teenager won’t come cheap, however, as with add-ons included, he will arrive for a fee of around £17m.

A plan is already in place for the Argentines’s future, as he will sign a six-year deal and be swiftly sent on loan to Strasbourg.

Why Aaron Anselmino could be a bigger talent than Colwill

At 19 years old, Anselmino’s name has been making waves across Europe, having impressed in the Boca Juniors academy.

The centre-back has now been implemented into the first-team squad, and he’s certainly not looked back despite spending the majority of the time on the bench.

However, when he was handed an opportunity, he certainly made his mark, hence why Chelsea have moved to sign him this summer.

Although there’s very little data on Anselmino, his performance in the CONMEBOL Sudamericana against Trinidense gives us a flavour of what he’d provide.

Goals

1

0.04

Touches

75

62.5

Passes completed

59

38.2

Pass accuracy

94%

83%

Possession lost

6

10

Clearances

4

2.8

Duels won

6

5

Aerial Duels won

3

1.9

As you can see, the Argentinian is an extremely complete centre-half who has all the attributes needed to thrive at the very top of the beautiful game.

Firstly, Anselmino is brilliant with the ball at his feet, displaying confidence and composure on the ball that enables his side to remain dominant throughout a game, regardless of the score line or game state.

His touches and high pass accuracy serve as evidence for that, as well as the fact that he only lost the ball on six occasions and completed 100% of his long balls during the tie.

Having such technical quality at his age is simply incredible, and when compared to Colwill’s Premier League stats, it’s hard to not see that Anselmino could become an even bigger talent than the Chelsea ace if he continues on the same trajectory.

The “exciting” 6 foot 1 ace, as dubbed by football analyst Ben Mattinson, can already hold his own against the opposition, as shown by his six duels won out of a possible seven.

This includes a 100% aerial duel rate, which proves that he’s extremely dominant when it comes to defending crosses and set pieces, while it also makes him a threat in the final third, as shown by his goal in the game.

Anselmino is also extremely solid defensively, having good positioning to make tackles and clearances, and he plays like a player years his senior.

Overall, the Argentine is most certainly a star for the future rather than the present, but it’d be a huge surprise to see him not be a starting star for Chelsea within the next five or so years.

No Jackson, £226m trio sign: Enzo Maresca's dream lineup at Chelsea

Chelsea are set for a busy summer with plenty of signings expected.

ByTom Lever May 29, 2024

Aston Villa are now considering a January move for a “fantastic” Champions League player, but they will have to shell out a huge fee to get a deal over the line.

Villa looking to boost push for Europe by strengthening in January

Villa have surged up the Premier League table in recent weeks, courtesy of winning seven of their last eight matches, although there have been some suggestions that their current run of form could end soon, given that they have been defying xG.

The Villans’ 16 goals this season have come from an xG of just 11.88 xG, and they have been relying on players scoring from outside the box, with Boubacar Kamara the most recent example, firing home from distance in the 1-0 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Regardless of how they’ve managed to win games, Unai Emery’s side have placed themselves very much in contention to qualify for Europe yet again, and they are now looking to strengthen in January to bolster their chances.

That is according to a report from Leonino (via Sport Witness), which states Aston Villa are now considering a January bid for Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande, but they may have to break the bank, with the Portuguese club demanding his €80m (£70m) release clause is paid in full.

Sporting have been struggling to tie Diomande down to a new contract, with his current deal set to expire in 2027, which could open the door for a move to Villa Park. However, several Premier League clubs are in the race for his signature, including Crystal Palace.

With Sporting unwilling to listen to winter bids, Villa may have to wait until the summer to pursue the centre-back, unless they trigger the release clause, although it is unclear how feasible that would be, given their well-documented PSR issues.

"Fantastic" Diomande could be exciting long-term addition for Villa

The 21-year-old, who is represented by the same agency as Harvey Elliott, is at the right age to be a long-term success at Villa Park, and he impressed right across the 2024-25 campaign, as highlighted by scout Jacek Kulig.

A modern defender, the Ivorian, who has made three Champions League appearances this season, is very comfortable in possession of the ball, as showcased by his performance across some key statistics over the past year, while the youngster also has a keen eye for goal.

Ousmane Diomande’s key statistics

Average per 90 (past year)

Non-penalty goals

0.09 (88th percentile)

Passes attempted

67.57 (90th percentile)

Pass completion %

92.7% (98th percentile)

That said, Villa have one of the best defences in the Premier League, having conceded just 11 goals, so there is no pressing need to sign a centre-back, and it may be better to wait until next summer to sign Diomande, at which point Sporting’s asking price will hopefully drop.

Curtis Jones said it best. However, it’s probably best to glaze over the exact details of the Liverpool star’s post-match thoughts, his team having been wrecked at Anfield by PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.

But Liverpool are in the lurch, and this has formed into a crisis of unimaginable depths for Arne Slot, who believes he has the backing of FSG and the board, but with each miserable defeat is cashing in more credit from the bank of his Premier League title success last season.

Liverpool have lost their past three matches by an aggregate score of 10-1. Since the November international break, Anfield has hosted Nottingham Forest and now PSV, and the Reds have been turned over both times.

So deep is this malaise that Liverpool are beginning to become a team not just struggling to identify tactical answers but lacking any conviction or confidence in their performance. In many ways, they are victims of their own self-combustion.

And Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are, sadly, representations of that.

Liverpool's deteriorating defence

Across Liverpool’s past three matches in all competitions – three defeats – they have recorded an xG score of 6.59; their opponents have combined for a 5.39 total. As already mentioned, the aggregate score stands at 10-1 to the opposition.

As the boss, Slot has to shoulder the blame. However, he must be dumbfounded by the manner of Liverpool’s defending, the absence of coherence. There is an inability to perform the basics of football that has rattled this cage too hard.

Konate is a perfect example of this, with the French centre-back so shorn of belief that mistakes are becoming a part of his daily routine.

When Liverpool concede, Konate is at the heart of it. And Liverpool are conceding in droves.

But the typically unflappable Van Dijk is deteriorating too. He inexplicably shot his hand into the air like a curious schoolchild in the early stages against PSV, and that sealed a spot kick for the visitors. Moments into the game. Converted. Set-piece concession. Again.

He might be 34, but the skipper remains one of the best defenders in the world. Still, his leadership skills have been swept from under his feet, so disjointed is this Liverpool backline.

VAN DIJK KONATE GRAPHIC

Slot needs to fix this mess, and no mistake. But Liverpool’s problem stretch far wider than just the inconsistencies of centre-backs. Where to begin? Where is the end of this remarkable rut?

The boss was brought in for his cool-headedness and tactical ingenuity. But that’s not been on show this season, and the repeated hammering of two stars into a combination that just isn’t working is an illustration of this bitter situation.

Slot cannot start them together again.

Slot must never start Liverpool duo together again

Liverpool have so many tactical imbalances. It is quite incredible how Slot’s side have regressed so deeply after cantering to the Premier League title last term.

But this is the club’s reality, and Slot needs to prove he can find the answers, else his tenure will be cut painfully, regrettably, short.

To spark positive change, the Netherlands tactician has to end this partnership of Milos Kerkez and Cody Gakpo down the left flank. There is no harmony on show between the left-back and winger.

Kerkez is fast, and, when he’s firing on all cylinders, furious. Analyst Sam McGuire observed that “a potential break is nullified by our own players” when the Hungarian threw himself down the line, only for those around him to remain rooted to their spots.

Sure, Kerkez, who joined Liverpool from Bournemouth for £40m this summer, is showing himself to be unintuitive defensively. But awareness and understanding can be worked on, and such flaws have been exacerbated by the squad’s wider issues.

Gakpo is a seasoned Liverpool star now, having joined from PSV in a deal rising to £45m in January 2023. He needs to play with more conviction and more maturity. He also needs to connect with Kerkez and help this young and talented left-back grow into his skin.

Minutes played

90′

90′

Goals

0

0

Assists

0

0

Touches

66

66

Shots (on target)

1 (0)

3 (1)

Accurate passes

31/35 (89%)

28/35 (80%)

Crosses

1/5

3/9

Key passes

1

4

Dribbles

0/2

1/4

Tackles won

4/8

1/2

Clearances

2

0

Duels won

9/14

4/9

Twice Kerkez and Gakpo have started together in the Champions League, and twice Liverpool have been beaten, first at Galatasaray, a miserable evening, and then this week, at Anfield against PSV.

It is unfair to heap all the criticism on these. The sum of Liverpool’s downfall is greater than its individual parts. Against Manchester City earlier this month, Slot lumped them on together with just over half an hour on the clock; they were already three goals down.

But they aren’t working together, not one bit. You can see why Liverpool are so interested in completing a winter deal for the electric Antoine Semenyo, Kerkez’s former teammate at the Vitality Stadium.

The 22-year-old was part of the PFA Premier League Team of the Year last season. He was immense at Bournemouth. But that player has not been found at Anfield this season, with content creator Mark Goldbridge remarking that he has been “such a bad signing” for the champions.

In fairness to Kerkez, he is being shoehorned into a role that does not suit him. It is hard to believe that he, a ferocious touchline full-back, moved to Merseyside on the premise of being utilised in a build-up-focused role.

Journalist Henry Winter said after the match that it’s “pointless writing him off”, and that he “shines most when overlapping a left winger who reads his movement”.

This is not Gakpo. Though the Dutch forward probably receives undue criticism at times, he is not an uncoded winger, given artistic license to roam and do as he pleases – to an extent. No, Gakpo is quite limited in what he does, but he does it well, and that offered a nice counterpoint to Luis Diaz last season, both forwards notching 25 goal involvements across all competitions for league-winning Liverpool.

With four goals and three assists this term, Gakpo isn’t providing the clinical output needed, and Kerkez’s woes behind him are certainly factoring into this tough equation.

The fact of the matter is Liverpool are in a mess of a situation, and Slot’s tenure teeters on the edge of a precipice.

The Dutch coach has just a handful of games to save his Liverpool tenure, and if he continues to persist with this Kerkez-Gakpo combination, he will only be writing his own dismissal note.

Slot must drop 3/10 Liverpool flop who was just as bad as Konate vs PSV

Arne Slot must now axe this Liverpool flop after he put in an extremely poor display at Anfield against PSV Eindhoven.

1 ByKelan Sarson Nov 27, 2025

Although they have yet to win the Premier League since leaving Highbury, Arsenal have had some sensational players represent them at the Emirates Stadium.

The likes of Mesut Özil, Cesc Fàbregas, and more recently Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice were, or are, world-class internationals, but perhaps the best of them all was Alexis Sanchez.

The former Barcelona star might have sullied his reputation among the fans by joining Manchester United in 2018, but during his time in North London, he was practically unplayable and racked up a monster tally of 124 goal involvements in 166 games.

So, fans should be seriously excited about reports linking Arsenal with another international superstar who could be their new Sanchez.

Arsenal target another Sanchez

Unlike last season, Arsenal aren’t finding it too difficult to score goals this year, with four players on four or more goals across all competitions this season.

Transfer Focus

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

However, injuries have once again become a problem, and while Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli have stepped up this year, it would be unwise for Arteta and Co to solely rely on them to hold down the left flank for the rest of the campaign.

It seems that the club share this opinion, as they now appear ready to go all in for a potentially game-changing Sanchez-esque winger in the winter window.

At least that is according to reports from Spain, which claim Arsenal have maintained a significant interest in Rodrygo.

In fact, the report goes further than that, revealing that as things stand, the Gunners are ready to spend €90m on the Real Madrid star, which is about £80m.

It won’t be an easy deal to get over the line, particularly with Liverpool and Chelsea supposedly interested, but it’s one worth pursuing, especially as Rodrygo could be another Sanchez-type signing for Arsenal.

Why Rodrygo would be another Sanchez

Now there are more than a handful of apparent similarities between Rodrygo and Sanchez, with one of the biggest being where they’d be coming from were the former to join Arsenal.

Like the Chilean superstar, the Brazilian international would be coming from one of Spain’s big two, and more than that, he would be leaving a side where he’s a bit-part player to become a leading figure at the Emirates.

Furthermore, while he has spent a lot of time on the right, he, like the former Barça star, is primarily a left-sided attacker, and that’s where he’d play in North London.

And finally, if Arteta can get the best out of him, the 24-year-old could have a similar game-changing effect on the Gunners’ attack.

After all, while he’s not having the best of seasons this year, he has been incredible for Real in the past, and were he platformed correctly out on the left, he could elevate Arteta’s attack.

Appearances

283

Starts

181

Minutes

16512′

Goals

68

Assists

53

Goal Involvements per Match

0.42

Minutes per Goal Involvement

136.46′

For example, even though he has been forced onto the right for much of the last two years or so, the “world-class superstar,” as dubbed by Luka Modrić, has amassed a tally of 68 goals and 53 assists in 283 appearances, totalling 16512 minutes.

In other words, the former Santos gem has averaged a goal involvement every 2.33 games, or every 136.46 minutes for Los Blancos.

Moreover, he has scored 25 goals and provided 16 assists in 67 Champions League games, with eight of those goals coming in the knockouts.

Ultimately, while he is not having a great season, Rodrygo’s immense talent and ability to turn games around are undeniable.

Therefore, Arsenal should do what they can to sign him in the winter window, as he could be another Sanchez-type signing.

Rasmus Hojlund is thriving out on loan at Napoli currently and a new update claims that a permanent switch there from Manchester United is already close.

The £87,000-a-week Dane found it tough to shine in a Red Devils shirt after joining in a big-money move from Atalanta, proving to be one of many disappointing young signings at Old Trafford in recent years.

Last season, Hojlund only managed four goals in 32 appearances in the Premier League, not offering enough consistency leading the line, and it felt right for him to enjoy a new challenge.

The 22-year-old was shipped out on loan to Napoli during the summer transfer window, and he is enjoying a far more fruitful time of things in Germany, already netting twice in five Serie A outings, and also bagging a couple of goals in the Champions League.

It remains to be seen if Ruben Amorim sees a long-term future for Hojlund at United, but a new update suggests that a permanent exit is far more likley than him returning to Old Trafford.

Napoli close to permanent Hojlund move and now want Mainoo

According to a key claim from Caught Offside‘s Mark Brus, Napoli now want to trigger the buy clause in Hojlund’s Manchester United contract once this season comes to an end. Talks have been held and a deal looks set to be finalised ready for the summer.

“Napoli are confident. They’re in a strong position with the buy clause and they’re ready to activate it. Talks have been taking place and it should be finalised soon, ready to formally go through at the end of the season.”

It is also stated that Napoli want to sign Man Utd midfielder Kobbie Mainoo in the January transfer window, with the England international “likely to push for a move away” from the club.

There is a certain risk in United allowing Hojlund to leave, considering he is still young, but they now have Benjamin Sesko in their ranks, suggesting that they have moved on from the Denmark international.

With all due respect to Serie A, it is a weaker division than the Premier League, so he is naturally standing out more – Scott McTominay was arguably the best player in the whole league last season, which speaks volumes – and he has struggled with the pace of English football.

Hojlund may simply be one of many transfers that just hasn’t worked out for United, but that’s not to say he can’t still enjoy a strong career for club and country. He possesses plenty of attributes, from speed to power, but his finishing is inconsistent and the Red Devils need a far more prolific figure to lead the line.

Carragher said Man Utd star was "terrible", now he's Amorim's key player

Manchester United now have a talent who has managed to transform his career at Old Trafford.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 30, 2025

Granted, Sesko is still finding his feet and hasn’t exactly been perfect yet, but the likes of Amorim and Jason Wilcox seem to be confident in him being an upgrade on Hojlund, and they need to be trusted after this recent improved run of form.

As for Mainoo, on just £25,000-a-week, it would be a shame to see such a talented homegrown player leave, but if United’s manager doesn’t see him as an important part of his plans, a move away may be best for all concerned.

Man Utd flop Rasmus Hojlund has seen value fall £20m since Amorim was hired

Many Rangers supporters want to see sporting director Kevin Thelwell replaced, and now a big claim has emerged regarding his position of power at Ibrox.

Thelwell feeling the heat at Rangers

The Gers’ 3-0 defeat away to Brann in the Europa League on Thursday has done little to silence the dissenting voices, with Danny Rohl experiencing a sobering life in charge at Ibrox. It is hard to blame the German, but this will only increase the magnitude of the job being asked of him.

There are high-profile characters galore at Rangers who are under huge pressure, including sporting director Thelwell, with former defender David Weir mentioned as an option to replace him by Heart & Hand.

There is no doubt that Thelwell hasn’t hit the ground running in his role, having arrived from Everton at the end of last season, and unless something drastic changes, it is hard to see him remaining in the job for too long.

The same applies to chairman Andrew Cavenegh and CEO Patrick Stewart, and now a big claim has dropped that highlights the level of power Thelwell has at Rangers at the moment.

Thelwell influencing team decisions at Ibrox

Speaking on Hotline Live [Ibrox News], journalist Keith Jackson claimed that Thelwell actually helped pick Rangers’ starting XI against Dundee United last weekend, and may have also influenced the line-up vs Brann.

“What I’ve heard, whether it’s right or wrong, but I suspect it’s correct – I think Thelwell had a hand in picking the team at the weekend when Steven Smith was in charge. Would it surprise me if there was a little bit of influence from the sporting director in that lineup (vs Brann)? Not in the slightest.”

This update perfectly illustrates the control Thelwell has at Rangers, and many will feel that him picking the team at home to Dundee United only undermined the job that Smith was doing. Not only that, but the Gers failed to win the game, falling further behind Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts in the process.

The 51-year-old Englishman has a huge amount to do if he is to win round the masses, and despite only being sporting director for a matter of months, the writing is arguably already on the wall for him, having blown a huge amount of money on the struggling

Youssef Chermiti and decimated the defensive ranks in the transfer window.

Rangers now told to replace Kevin Thelwell with "recruitment mastermind"

Would this be an upgrade for the Gers?

1 ByHenry Jackson Oct 24, 2025

Thelwell’s biggest hope of staying on at Rangers is enjoying a strong working relationship with Rohl, and helping oversee massive improvements on and off the pitch, but even then, his critics are unlikely to go away any time soon.

The last few months have been a rollercoaster of emotions for Newcastle United.

We don’t dwell too much on that transfer saga during the transfer, but despite the form of new fan favourite, Nick Woltemade, the Toon have struggled to find consistency.

In the league, Eddie Howe’s men have won just two of their first eight games but in the Champions League, they are soaring high.

Defeat to Barcelona is no embarrassment and since then they have bounced back well, beating Union Saint Gilloise 4-0 in match week two and then seeing off Jose Mourinho’s Benfica 3-0 on Tuesday evening.

This was one of Newcastle’s best performances of the season, Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes both on the scoresheet.

While Howe was missing Sandro Tonali, it was arguably no surprise that one of the best results of the campaign came when Anthony Elanga and Joelinton were both on the bench.

Elanga has failed to score since his mega-money £55m move from Nottingham Forest while it does look as though we’ve now seen the best of Joelinton in black and white.

Newcastle's Joelinton problem

After suffering a 2-1 defeat to Brighton last weekend, Howe rang the changes for the visit of Mourinho’s men.

Jacob Murphy – who assisted Gordon’s strike – came in for Elanga on the right flank while in midfield it was all change.

Jacob Ramsey and Lewis Miley came into the team at the expense of the unavailable Tonali and the out-of-form Joelinton.

The Italian is likely to walk back into the team once he returns to full fitness but the future of their Brazilian warrior is less certain.

The £40m man’s time in the north east has been that of a movie. He joined as the club’s record signing during the Steve Bruce era and was initially acquired as a centre-forward.

Yet, after bagging just two goals in his debut Premier League campaign with the Toon, an alternative solution was thought of.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Howe’s arrival at St James’ Park coincided with Joelinton’s transition to become a central midfielder. Since then, he’s been a wonderful asset to the club. He’s been a mainstay, missing just nine top-flight games last term.

He was also vital as Newcastle ended their trophy drought in 2024/25. Journalist Craig Hope remarked that the 29-year-old had his “greatest game in black & white” during the final at Wembley.

Yet, 2025/26 has been a tale of woe for such a much-loved figure. The nadir of his season so far came in that game against Brighton.

Hauled off at half-time, he was criticised by various sections of the media, including Toon reporter Mark Douglas who said that he is now “nowhere near his best”.

Minutes played

45

Touches

39

Accurate passes

21

Dribbled past

2

Dribbles

0

Shots

0

Key passes

0

Crosses

0

Aerials lost

100%

While Joelinton’s downfall is sad, for the sake of Newcastle’s season, Howe needs fresh blood and that’s exactly what he got against Benfica on Tuesday.

Newcastle's Joelinton solution

During their 3-0 win in midweek, Howe turned to a midfield trio we have never seen play together before.

Bruno Guimaraes kept his place in the middle of the park but he was joined by summer signing Ramsey and young Miley.

Ramsey has missed a lot of football since moving to St James’, largely due to injury, and did perhaps struggle on Tuesday. The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder noted that the former Aston Villa man ‘did not fully grasp his opportunity’.

Yet, Miley certainly did. In fact, he’s grasped his opportunity incredibly well in the last two games. Hailed as “the next young English superstar” by BBC Sport’s Pat Nevin, it’s easy to see why comparisons to fellow academy graduate Elliot Anderson have begun to be made.

It was Miley who produced the assist for Woltemade’s goal against the Seagulls a few days ago and it was Miley who ran the show in the middle of the park against Benfica.

The aforementioned Ryder summed up his performance well, writing that ‘the teenager stepped up to the challenge with ease. He battled well against seasoned European campaigners and passed with purpose and showed no fear.’

No fear is precisely what the 19-year-old has showcased since bursting onto the scene. After all, it was the young Englishman who dazzled PSG as a 17-year-old during Newcastle’s last Champions League venture.

Miley’s career has been rather stop-start since then due to injury, but the few cameos we’ve seen from this week are a timely reminder of just how good a player Howe has on his hands.

His performance against Benfica was remarkably complete, something the numbers help substantiate.

Minutes played

90

Touches

51

Accurate passes

37/41 (90%)

Shots

2

Expected goals (xG)

0.53

Key passes

1

Tackles

2

Interceptions

2

Recoveries

5

Duels won

4/6

He completed 90% of his passes and completed 100% of his pass attempts inside his own half, dictating the play beautifully. While he did not pick up an assist on this occasion, he did register a key pass and also had two shots.

Miley also demonstrated what a marvellous ball winner he is, winning both of his aerial battles and winning 50% of his ground duels.

This performance, in particular, should have made him undroppable for the game versus Fulham on Saturday. In the process, he may well put a permanent end to Joelinton’s Newcastle career too.

For the Brazilian, this should be the end of his time as a regular starter and it would not be a surprise if new sporting director Ross Wilson soon deemed him surplus to requirements.

West Ham United have made a £25 million bid to sign a striker who they once tried to capture for ex-boss David Moyes, with Julen Lopetegui’s side now receiving a reply to their latest offer.

Tim Steidten eyeing new striker for West Ham in January

Hammers technical director Tim Steidten is tasked with leading their pursuit of a fresh centre-forward option next month.

West Ham could attempt January deal for "tailor-made" £60m striker

The Hammers need a prolific alternative to Danny Ings and Niclas Fullkrug.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 19, 2024

Michail Antonio is set to be out for the foreseeable future after his horrific car crash near the start of December, while summer signing Niclas Fullkrug has bagged just one goal in all competitions so far, owing to his persistent achilles tendon problem which kept him sidelined for nearly three months.

Match

Date

Opponent

Competition

Result

#18

16/12/2024

Bournemouth (A)

Premier League

1-1

#17

09/12/2024

Wolves (H)

Premier League

2-1

#16

03/12/2024

Leicester City (A)

Premier League

3-1

#15

30/11/2024

Arsenal (H)

Premier League

5-2

#14

26/11/2024

Newcastle United (A)

Premier League

2-0 win

#13

09/11/2024

Everton (H)

Premier League

0-0 draw

#12

02/11/2024

Nottingham Forest (A)

Premier League

3-0 loss

#11

27/10/2024

Man United (H)

Premier League

2-1 win

#10

19/10/2024

Tottenham (A)

Premier League

4-1 loss

Lopetegui’s lack of faith in Danny Ings means that he’s been forced to turn towards winger Jarrod Bowen as a makeshift striker option, with the England international scoring West Ham’s ‘El Sackico’ winner against Wolves and ultimately helping to save his manager’s job.

However, West Ham don’t plan on sticking with Bowen in that role, and reports suggest they’re firmly on the hunt for a new striker. The club have been tipped to bring in a fresh option in that area for quite some time, with West Ham’s former scout Mick Brown telling Football Insider that they were after a striker as far back as October.

“When you think about clubs that need a striker, there are a few of those in the Premier League, and he’d be a worthwhile contender,” said Brown on West Ham’s previous links with Greece star Vangelis Pavlidis.

“I know clubs have been having close looks since before he moved to Benfica.

“From what I know the likes of West Ham are looking for a striker, and have looked at him before. I’ve also heard that that interest could still be there, and I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see their name in the running if he is to move again.”

Brighton star Evan Ferguson is a rumoured striker target for West Ham also, and it is believed they’ve reignited their interest in Corinthians forward Yuri Alberto.

Corinthians reply as West Ham make £25 million bid for Yuri Alberto

The Brazilian has just secured his country’s Golden Boot award after a phenomenal 2024 campaign, where he bagged 31 goals in all competitions, and he’s a long-time target for West Ham.

Corinthians president Duilio Monteiro Alves confirmed that he rejected a £13 million offer from the east London club last year when Moyes was in the dugout, but that hasn’t stopped them from trying their luck yet again.

According to South American journalist Neto, via Sport Witness and Soutimao, West Ham have made another offer to Corinthians for Alberto.

They’ve apparently tabled a £25 million bid for his services, but president Alves has yet again rejected their advances. As a result, a transfer away for the 23-year-old looks more likely to be in the summer rather than January.

“I had said that he (Yuri Alberto) would be sold for £25m to West Ham, but that will no longer happen, because he will stay until the July 2025 window,” said Neto.

“Corinthians received an offer of €30m, but did not want to sell Yuri Alberto at that moment.”