All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Tottenham Hotspur are a club desperate for some form of tangible success after failing to win a trophy since 2008.

Their move to the new Tottenham Hotspur stadium has allowed them to own one of the finest stadiums in the Premier League – hoping to attract some of the best talents in the world to the club.

The appointment of serial winner Ange Postecoglou tried to instil the winning mentality needed to compete at the top level, but they narrowly missed out on Champions League football during his first season at the helm.

He’s since shifted the club’s recruitment strategy to focus on younger talents to improve the first-team, whilst also hopefully making the club a hefty profit later on down the line – subsequently making them more sustainable.

However, the change in focus was needed, especially after the transfer window during the summer of 2020, which saw Spurs fork out some hefty sums on players not up to the level required in the Premier League.

Spurs’ transfer window in the summer of 2020

The COVID pandemic put a real impetus on spending money wisely given the lack of income due to the absence of supporters surrounding the restrictions around mass gatherings.

However, Spurs failed to do so during the aforementioned transfer window, splashing huge fees and unfortunately failing to gain their money’s worth with their new additions.

Midfielders Giovani Lo Celso and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg both arrived in North London, with the club paying a combined fee of over £50m for the duo.

A real expectation was placed on the shoulders of the pair to lead the side forward and take them to the next level – however, the moves never lived up to the hype with the club finishing seventh during their debut campaign in North London.

Just over four years on from their big-money moves, neither player remains at Tottenham, with Lo Celso now at Real Betis, with Hojbjerg plying his trade for Marseille in France.

However, despite their respective moves, one player who also arrived during the same window remains in North London and looks to be one of the worst signings in the club’s recent history.

Sergio Reguilon’s market value in 2024

Four years on from his transfer to the club under Jose Mourinho, left-back Sergio Reguilon still remains a Spurs player despite not featuring for the first team since the end of the 2021/22 season.

The 27-year-old has made 67 appearances for the club, following his £32m move from Real Madrid in 2020, but has failed to be the addition many expected him to be.

He infamously scored one of the most bizarre own goals in Premier League history, somehow finding the back of his own net after an attempted clearance against Aston Villa.

The Spaniard has since had loan spells away from London with the likes of Atlético Madrid, Manchester United and Brentford but has never demonstrated his quality enough for any of the sides to sign him on a permanent basis, with United presenter Beth Tucker dubbing the full-back as “awful” during his time at Old Trafford.

Market Movers

Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?

As a result of his lack of games for Spurs, his market value has massively plummeted, with the former Real Madrid star now only valued at £2.8m as per Football Transfers.

Per appearance

67

£477,000

Per goal

2

£16m

Per assist

8

£4m

Per clean sheet

21

£1.5m

Per booking

11

£2.9m

Reguilon has only been named in the matchday squad once this season, coming in the Carabao Cup victory over Coventry City, showcasing Postecoglou’s lack of trust in the Spaniard.

Given his lack of first-team action, he’s sat earning a living without having to lift a finger, with the club desperately needing to cut their losses and cash in on the 27-year-old.

It’s unfortunate to see such a highly rated player fail to make the grade, but unfortunately, his move has been a disaster and one that the club undoubtedly must regret.

Spurs wasted £14m on Conte signing who earned 2x more than Solanke does

His move to join Spurs didn’t work out as he would have anticipated.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 12, 2024

Manchester United have not had the best of starts to the new Premier League season, and their weekend defeat to West Ham United proved to be the final straw as Erik ten Hag was sacked by the club.

The Dutchman was initially backed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS in the transfer market, having guided the Red Devils to the FA Cup last summer amid a disappointing 8th-place finish in the league.

But Ten Hag, who signed a new deal over the summer, eclipsed the unwanted record of Man Utd’s worst start to a Premier League season, making a poorer start than the previous year.

Ruud van Nistelrooy is now in interim charge of the club, with the former striker now surely a prime candidate to replace his fellow Dutchman in the role full-time.

But who else could United turn to? Here are some of the options facing INEOS and Ratcliffe as another manager bites the dust…

All 20 Premier League managers' salaries (lowest to highest)

How much each Premier League gaffer earns.

ByCharlie Smith Oct 21, 2025

Manager

Current team

Odds

Ruud van Nistelrooy

Man Utd (assistant)

1/2 fav

Ruben Amorim

Sporting CP

7/2

Thomas Frank

Brentford

5/1

Gareth Southgate

n/a

7/2

Graham Potter

n/a

7/1

Michael Carrick

Middlesbrough

7/1

Xavi

n/a

9/1

Kieran McKenna

Ipswich

12/1

Edin Terzic

n/a

14/1

Simone Inzaghi

Inter

18/1

1 Ruud van Nistelrooy Man Utd (assistant)

Top of the list is Ruud van Nistelrooy, who only returned to Old Trafford over the summer to become Ten Hag’s assistant manager. He has previous experience as a manager with PSV Eindhoven.

Van Nistelrooy will be interim boss “whilst a permanent head coach is recruited”, though given his experience and history at the club, there’s every chance a good spell in the hot seat could see the Dutchman land the role permanently.

2 Ruben Amorim Sporting CP

Ruben Amorim was heavily linked with replacing Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool prior to Arne Slot’s arrival, but the Portuguese boss stayed with Sporting CP, where he has been since 2020.

Man Utd’s famous relationship with Sporting CP has seen Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes swap Portugal for England, so perhaps the Red Devils could look at Amorim to replace Ten Hag.

Sporting are flying high in the Portuguese top flight and the Champions League, so it would be a big deal to prise him away from Lisbon, but Manchester United will be keen to show they remain one of the biggest clubs in the world.

3 Thomas Frank Brentford

Brentford boss Thomas Frank always seems to be in the running for a number of high-profile jobs given the brilliant job he has done with the Bees.

He was mooted with the position in the summer and could be there or thereabouts again now United have made the call to sack Ten Hag.

Man Utd supporters will know all about his high-pressing football after Brentford embarrassed Ten Hag’s side in August 2022, leading 4-0 at half-time.

He recently commented on the prospect of leaving Brentford for a ‘bigger’ club, but reiterated his love for his current team, saying that moving on would not necessarily be a positive:

“For sure if I ever got the offer to go to a big club and I decided to go there, it would probably not make my life better. I think we all know that. Maybe it is a challenge you need to try. I don’t know. It is not something I am thinking about,” he told The Sports Agents podcast (via JOE).

4 Gareth Southgate Free agent (last job: England)

Gareth Southgate has been linked with the Man Utd vacancy for months, and with his time as England manager now up after leaving the Three Lions following the European Championship, his next job could be at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils previously poached Louis van Gaal from the Netherlands after a successful World Cup campaign, and with Southgate taking England to the Euro 2024 final, a return to club football with the Red Devils could be an option.

However, Southgate has recently indicated that he will spend some time away from the game, though it seems he is still being heavily backed to return to club football.

5 Graham Potter Free agent (last job: Chelsea)

Graham Potter has been out of a job for over a year and is seemingly waiting on the perfect opportunity to return to the dugout, having rejected advances from the likes of Leicester City and Ajax since his departure from Chelsea.

He may well see Old Trafford as a brilliant chance to prove he can succeed at a huge club, so Potter could be one to watch now that United have a fresh vacancy.

Manager

Tenure

Win%

Trophies

David Moyes

2013-2014

52.9%

0

Ryan Giggs (caretaker)

2014

50%

0

Louis van Gaal

2014-2016

52.4%

1

Jose Mourinho

2016-2018

58.3%

2

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

2018-2021

54.1%

0

Michael Carrick (caretaker)

2021

66.7%

0

Ralf Rangnick (interim)

2021-2022

37.9%

0

Erik ten Hag

2022-2024

56.3%

2

6 Michael Carrick Middlesbrough

Like Van Nistelrooy, Michael Carrick knows all about playing at Manchester United and even being an assistant at Old Trafford after spending time alongside Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Carrick was even named as Man Utd’s caretaker manager for three games in 2021, but since 2022, he has been making a name for himself as Middlesbrough boss. The 43-year-old has his eyes on promotion to the Premier League at the Riverside and may well have admirers in Manchester for the work he has been doing in the second tier.

7 Xavi Free agent (last job: Barcelona)

Xavi has a La Liga winners’ medal from his short tenure at Barcelona, where he spent many glittering years as a player. There isn’t much to go on in terms of convincing others that he is truly an elite manager – indeed, it was his Barcelona side that was beaten by United in the Europa League under Ten Hag just over 18 months ago.

United have hired many big names since the deaprture of Sir Alex Ferguson, and Xavi would no doubt be a continuation of that theme. But whether he is what the club needs right now is another matter.

He may have succeeded with the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal at his disposal, but could he get a tune out of this United team? The jury may be out on that one.

8 Kieran McKenna Ipswich Town

Former Man Utd U18 manager Kieran McKenna was linked with a number of top clubs over the summer, including a return to the Red Devils, but he decided to stay put at Ipswich Town after taking them from League One to the Premier League.

He committed his future to the Tractor Boys by signing a new four-year deal at the end of May, but it wouldn’t come as a shock if his name is mentioned again when it comes to the Old Trafford hot seat.

9 Edin Terzic Free agent (last job: Borussia Dortmund)

Edin Terzic recently left Borussia Dortmund after taking the Bundesliga side to the Champions League final, ending his six-year association with the club after also working as an assistant, caretaker and technical director.

The German also has experience in the Premier League as an assistant to Slaven Bilic at West Ham, and his attacking style of football could appeal to Ratcliffe and INEOS. His chances of actually getting the job may depend on the hierarchy’s preference for a long or short-term appointment.

Man Utd move for "high-intensity" 41 y/o manager to replace Erik ten Hag

The Red Devils are “very impressed” by him.

1 ByHenry Jackson Oct 19, 2024 10 Simone Inzaghi Inter

There’s no doubting that Simone Inzaghi has impressed while in charge of Inter, guiding the Nerazzurri to two Coppas Italia and last season’s Scudetto.

He also went to toe-to-toe with Manchester City in the 2023 Champions League final, and earned a credible draw at the Etihad Stadium earlier this season.

Given his success at Inter to this point, it seems fanciful that he would give that up to join Manchester United, though we all know how much of a pull the Premier League can be to the best in the business.

Hoping to make it five games without defeat in the Premier League, Sean Dyche has been boosted by the news that one Everton star is set to make his return from injury against Fulham.

Everton injury news

The Toffees initially looked destined for the foot of the Premier League table after making such a poor start to the campaign, but two wins and two draws in their last four games represents the progress they’ve made ever since. Victory over relegation rivals Ipswich Town last time out particularly showcased that progress and the level above the newly promoted sides that Everton should find themselves at.

Now looking to stretch that unbeaten run to five games, those at Goodison Park will once again have to take to the pitch without Armando Broja and Youssef Chermiti following Dyche’s recent update.

The Toffees’ boss told reporters via Everton News: “Broja is getting on the edge of coming into training, he’s doing loads of work with the sports science team but not yet. Soft start for him and we’ll see where that goes, but hopeful he can continue because he’s making good progress.

“Chermiti is making good progress but obviously it’s a very strange injury. The tendon coming off the big toe, very odd injury. But he is beginning to make progress but he’s still a number of weeks away.”

Everton wasted £29m on Moshiri flop who earned 7x more than Gordon

Everton wasted £29m on star who earned 7x more than Gordon.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 25, 2024

However, Everton will be boosted by the return of Jarrad Branthwaite against Fulham after the defender missed the last two games against Ipswich and Newcastle United. The £35,000-a-week central defender has endured a stop-start campaign thus far but now finally has the chance to hit the ground running and pick up where he left off last season.

"Calm" Branthwaite is the key to Everton survival

Everton’s best player last time out, Branthwaite should once again prove to be vital in their battle to not only survive in the Premier League, but also push on and return to the top-half once and for all. The defender is returning at the perfect time too. Everton have weathered the early storm and now he can step in and take things up another level or two against Fulham.

Everton boss Dyche is one of many who are well aware of Branthwaite’s quality, having told reporters via the Daily Mail last year: “You can never define someone’s character, but even last season speaking to him on the phone a couple of times when I first got here, I could tell he was very level, he was enjoying the experience (on loan at PSV).

“He seemed to be quite an assured character, quite a calm character. I like that in all players, but particularly in centre halves. His adaptation has been clear to the pace and the detail of Premier League football. He continues to improve, and physically he is a good specimen.”

Manchester City return to action in the Premier League this evening as they prepare to travel away from home to take on Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Cityzens have lost their last three matches in all competitions, including a 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth in the top-flight last weekend, and were hammered by Sporting on Tuesday night.

Viktor Gyokeres scored a hat-trick against Pep Guardiola’s side in a 4-1 win for Ruben Amorim’s men in the Champions League, in a result that City have to bounce back strong from.

Whilst Gyokeres put his name in the spotlight with a huge performance, Manchester City’s number nine – Erling Haaland – continued his recent struggles.

Erling Haaland's recent struggles

The Norway international has scored 11 goals in ten Premier League games and three goals in four Champions League outings this season, which makes it seem fairly ridiculous to be critical of his performances.

However, Haaland has underperformed, by his high standards, and has struggled in recent weeks, failing to score in four of his last six outings in all competitions.

xG

3.46

Shots

17

Big chances missed

5

Goals

1

Assists

0

As you can see in the table above, the former Borussia Dortmund star has been incredibly wasteful in his last four outings in the Premier League, with one goal from 3.46 xG.

Haaland also missed two ‘big chances’, one of which was a penalty, in the 4-1 defeat to Sporting, which further shows that the striker is not at his best right now.

Guardiola, though, could get the centre-forward firing again by unleashing Kevin de Bruyne from the start against Brighton at the Amex this evening.

Why Kevin de Bruyne should start

The Belgian wizard made his return from injury off the bench against Sporting and should now return to the starting XI, if he is fit enough to do so, today.

Chalkboard

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

De Bruyne started the first four games of the Premier League season for City and the team won all four matches, whilst Haaland scored a staggering nine goals.

Since the midfielder’s absence with a hamstring injury, the Norwegian star has only scored two goals in six Premier League appearances for the Cityzens, which suggests that he has struggled without the 33-year-old ace’s presence in the middle of the park.

The experienced campaigner, who Thierry Henry claimed is “on another planet” when it comes to creating chances, was also restricted to just 18 games in the top-flight last term and, yet, managed to create a stunning 21 ‘big chances’ for his teammates.

In his first season with Haaland, in the 2022/23 campaign, de Bruyne racked up a staggering 31 ‘big chances’ created and 16 assists in 32 Premier League matches.

The striker’s career record whilst playing alongside the Belgian playmaker is 54 goals and nine assists in 50 Premier League games, with nine hat-tricks in that time, with 20 goals and three assists in 26 matches without him.

This suggests that Haaland is at his best when playing with de Bruyne, which is why Guardiola can get the forward firing again by unleashing the midfielder from the start.

Man City battling to replace Rodri with "specialist" open to new challenge

He’s a man in-demand…

ByTom Cunningham Nov 8, 2024

After finally earning their first Premier League victory since gaining promotion back to the top flight, Ipswich Town could reportedly fall victim to their own success, with Juventus sending their scouts to watch one particular star man in action.

Ipswich transfer news

Following Wolverhampton Wanderers’ victory over Southampton earlier in the weekend, Ipswich travelled to Tottenham Hotspur as the only remaining side without a Premier League victory this season. Saving their best moment for when they needed it most up against a top six side, however, the Tractor Boys shocked the North London club to take home what they will hope to be the first of many historic wins this season.

Now out of the Premier League’s bottom three by a single point, victory over Spurs could prove to be crucial come the end of the season. It came as little suprise that it was Liam Delap who scored what turned into the winning goal late in the first-half. The summer signing has been one of the brightest sparks in the bottom half this season and his rise may not end with Portman Road.

Ipswich want to sign future "Premier League star" who's outscoring Delap

The sensational winger would make Ipswich much more dangerous.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 14, 2024

According to Tutto Juve, Juventus have sent scouts to watch Delap this season as the European giants potentially begin to plot a move to secure the forward’s signature.

Having arrived from Manchester City for a reported £20m in the summer, Delap has enjoyed an excellent run of form – perhaps far better than anyone could have expected – and has become the player most likely to spearhead Ipswich to safety. So, to lose such a talent this early into his time at the club would represent a major blow.

Whether the former Machester City academy star can resist the temptation of a top club remains to be seen, however.

Ipswich cannot afford to lose "powerful" Delap

Whilst it’s easy to doubt Ipswich in their battle to survive in the Premier League, they have an asset that many clubs in a similar position often struggle to find and suffer the consequences as a result. At his disposal, Kieran McKenna has a natural goalscorer who looks likely to reach double figures for goals, having already found the back of the net six times in 11 Premier League games. Such a record is simply invaluable for any side, let alone a relegation candidate.

If European clubs of Juventus’ calibre come calling, then the Tractor Boys have to hold them off until at least the summer transfer window when they’ve potentially got survival secured and preparations are underway for a second consecutive campaign in the top flight.

£20,000-a-week Delap has, of course, earned plenty of praise throughout the season, including from current England U21s boss Ben Futcher told Henry Winter, as relayed by the East Anglian Times: “Liam was an absolute handful. If you want to go and fight him, he’ll match you. If you want to race him, he’ll win the race.

“He’s very difficult to deal with, he’s quick, he’s powerful, he’s in good form in the Premier League. Liam’s a top number nine and he’s going to keep developing.”

Arsenal have reportedly begun their all-important search for Edu Gaspar’s replacement, following the sporting director’s resignation at the start of November.

Rumoured Arsenal candidates to succeed Edu as director

News of the Brazilian’s departure took most by surprise, given the swift nature of its arrival, and it was seen by many as a real blow for manager Mikel Arteta – who waves goodbye to a key ally at the north London club.

Arsenal expected to sell £150k-per-week ace, no longer in Arteta's plans

The exit door apparently beckons.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Nov 19, 2024

Assistant director Jason Ayto has taken up the sporting director role on an interim basis while the club assess who is best to seize the mantle long-term, and it is believed the club chief has a slim chance of succeeding Edu permanently, considering just how closely he’s worked with the Brazilian over these past 12 months (Charles Watts).

However, Ayto is by no means the club’s only potential candidate.

Nottingham Forest (home)

November 23

West Ham United (away)

November 30

Man United (home)

December 4

Fulham (away)

December 8

Everton (home)

December 14

There are reports that Real Sociedad’s Roberto Alabe is tempted to replace Edu at Arsenal, with the Spanish director leaving his own post at the end of the season. Alabe has held many past conversations with Arsenal over the transfers of Mikel Merino, Nacho Monreal and Kieran Tierney, so there is already a working relationship there.

Meanwhile, members of the Arsenal camp are believed to be championing Luis Campos for the role, considering his glowing reputation as one of the world’s best talent spotters, which also saw him linked with Tottenham in the past.

There are a few interesting options on the table, but a slightly more left-field name to be mentioned is West Ham’s technical director, Tim Steidten.

The German has endured a mixed spell in the West Ham boardroom and has come under fire recently for his role in appointing Julen Lopetegui, the signing of crocked striker Niclas Fullkrug and a £120 million-plus summer expenditure which hasn’t paid dividends thus far.

Mick Brown "staggered" after hearing Steidten could replace Edu at Arsenal

Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League scout Mick Brown, turned pundit, has expressed his disbelief as Arsenal reportedly consider Steidten for the sporting director post.

“I couldn’t believe when I heard his name linked,” he told Football Insider.

“You’re instrumental in getting Werder Bremen relegated, then you go to Leverkusen and leave under a cloud, then you come to West Ham, against the wishes of the then-manager, and eventually play a part in getting him sacked.

“Then out of all of that, you’re mentioned with the Arsenal job? It’s madness. I’m staggered. You’d think, looking at his record there, the powers that be at Arsenal would look elsewhere.

“A lot of these moves are agent-driven, so that has almost certainly played a part. But his record with managers is very poor. Even just at West Ham, he’s clashed with Moyes and now he’s clashed with Lopetegui.

“Moyes even had to ban him from the training ground because he was always in the ears of the players. We know Arteta is a strong influence there, and it wouldn’t shock me to see them clash as well.

“I just can’t see this happening. I think it’s highly unlikely and everything points to it being media talk rather than any serious interest from Arsenal.”

Arsenal are now prepared to swoop for an alternative to star playmaker and club captain Martin Odegaard, with manager Mikel Arteta and the club’s hierarchy said to be in pursuit of back-up options for key stars.

Arsenal target new attacking midfielder as Arteta scours for strength in depth

The Gunners were without Odegaard for nearly two months earlier this campaign, after the £240,000-a-week midfielder suffered ankle ligament damage on international duty, and it’s safe to say he was a sore miss.

Real Madrid want to sign another £83m Arsenal star after William Saliba

The Galacticos could raid north London for world-class new options.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Dec 5, 2024

While Arsenal managed to cope well at times in Odegaard’s absence, the Premier League title hopefuls dropped points in four out of their seven league matches minus the 25-year-old, which was a stark reminder of just how crucial he is to the cause.

Fulham (away)

December 8

Everton (home)

December 14

Crystal Palace (away)

December 21

Ipswich Town (home)

December 27

Brentford (away)

January 1

Since his return to the starting eleven, Arsenal have rediscovered their goalscoring mojo, with Odegaard putting in a truly exceptional display against Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League, being the “driving force” behind their 5-1 victory.

It is little surprise that, in the event Odegaard is forced to sit out through injury again, Arteta wishes to acquire a quality stand-in for the ex-Real Madrid man.

Reports have suggested that Arteta believes Arda Guler could complement Odegaard at Arsenal, with the Real playmaker starring at Euro 2024 for Turkey but finding his chances limited at the Bernabeu right now. Guler could leave Real on loan in January, so this may well be one to watch in the build up to next month.

Meanwhile, other reports believe that Arsenal could mimic Odegaard’s signing by capturing Guler in the winter, with the 19-year-old finding himself in a very similar situation to the Scandinavian when he was stuck on the fringes of Real’s first team.

While the ex-Fenerbahce sensation comes as a very prudent option for Arteta, there are other La Liga stars who are viewed by Emirates Stadium chiefs in a similar light.

Arsenal prepared to bid for Las Palmas "standout" Alberto Moleiro

Indeed, Spanish media now claim that Las Palmas attacking midfielder Alberto Moleiro is on their radar ahead of 2025.

The 21-year-old, who’s racked up four goals in 15 La Liga outings so far, primarily plays on the left-wing but can also slot into Odegaard’s position – as he’s done on three occasions this term.

Arsenal are apparently prepared to bid for Moleiro, who is rumoured to command a price tag of just £17 million, has been a “standout” performer for the Canary Islanders as Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal also take an interest in the Spanish Under-21 international.

Moleiro’s potential signing is seen as a “strategic” move to ease their dependence on Odegaard, with the starlet lauded for possessing pace, vision, creativity, football IQ and a silky touch to his all-round game (Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig).

At below £20 million, there is every reason to believe he could be an ideal alternative to Odegaard, but the competition from Saudi Arabia will be a major obstacle in the way.

The Saudi Pro League continues to offer vast money to players, but who could be moving there during the January transfer window?

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has come to the fore in modern football, giving players staggering wages and tempting them away from the European game.

The likes of Neymar, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino are just a few of the big names who have headed to the Middle East in recent years, receiving big paydays in the process.

5 potential replacements for Kevin De Bruyne at Manchester City

With Kevin De Bruyne into his 10th season at Manchester City, here are 5 possible successors if he says goodbye to the Etihad.

ByBarney Lane Oct 20, 2024

To some fans, joining the SPL is a sign of players accepting they are past their best, or simply taking the money instead of having the ambition to play at the highest level possible.

With the January transfer window fast approaching, here are seven players we believe could move to the Saudi Pro League.

1 Casemiro Manchester United

Casemiro has been one of the leading defensive midfielders in Europe for many years now, but there is no question that his influence is starting to wane.

The Brazilian no longer has the ability to cover ground like he used to, and while Manchester United will hope that Ruben Amorim can get more out of him than Erik ten Hag did, cashing in on him in January could make sense.

Casemiro has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, in what he could see as the final payday of his career, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see him depart United midway through the season.

2 Miguel Almiron Newcastle United

Newcastle United continue to search for right-sided attacking options ahead of the January window, suggesting that they are not happy with their current options in that position.

One of those options is Miguel Almiron, who has always been a willing performer for the Magpies, but has lacked the elite level of end product to be seen as a genuine force.

Should Newcastle sign a right-winger in January, it could pave the way for Almiron to seal a move to Saudi Arabia, with a move to Al-Shabab mooted earlier this year. At 30 years of age, the Paraguayan could see this as a great chance to earn huge money during the autumn of his career.

3 Paulo Dybala Roma

Paulo Dybala has enjoyed a fantastic career, even though he arguably hasn’t quite kicked on and reached the heights some expected during his younger years.

Still at Roma and now 31, the Argentinian is one of many players to be linked with a Saudi move, and it is easy to envisage him deciding to move there in January.

Dybala may feel that he has achieved all he can in the European game, and given the fact that he isn’t getting any younger, he may look at the bigger picture and feel that a stint in the Saudi Pro League makes sense financially, even though he rejected a move there during the summer.

4 Antony Manchester United

When Antony joined United from Ajax for £85m in the summer of 2022, big things were expected.

Things haven’t panned out that way, with the Brazilian almost becoming a figure of ridicule because of his lack of end product in wide attacking areas.

For now, Antony has been linked with a switch to the Saudi Pro League, and while he turned down the chance in the summer, his lack of playing time at Old Trafford could sway his thinking in January.

5 Kevin De Bruyne Manchester City

Kevin De Bruyne has been one of the greatest players in the history of the Premier League, with his creativity almost unmatched in the 32 years of the competition.

However, the Belgian is now showing signs of being injury-prone and past his absolute peak, which has naturally led to him being backed to join the Saudi Pro League.

De Bruyne will likely reject the idea of it and stay put at Manchester City until the end of the season at least, potentially inspiring them to title glory once again upon his return, but a switch to Saudi Arabia in the future can’t be completely ruled out.

6 Son Heung-min Tottenham Hotspur

Son Heung-min has been a magnificent servant for Tottenham Hotspur over so many years, proving to be one of the Premier League’s leading attacking players.

Now 32, time is potentially beginning to catch up with the South Korean, with some of his performances not as electric as they once were.

In truth, it would be a surprise if Son opted to leave Spurs and move to the Saudi Pro League in January, but the idea of it happening isn’t unthinkable, and he has been linked in the recent past.

It feels less likely than some of the players mentioned above, but money still talks and the winger may want one last huge payday in his career.

7 Mohamed Salah Liverpool

Of all the players on this list, Mohamed Salah leaving for Saudi Arabia midway through the campaign would come as the biggest shock.

That’s despite the Liverpool legend being out of contract at the end of the season, with the Reds desperately trying to tie him down to a new deal – though he is yet to agree an extension at Anfield.

Al-Ittihad saw a reported £150m offer for Salah rejected last year, and the Saudi Pro League would see him as a poster boy for the division, given his worldwide fame.

To see the 32-year-old depart in January when Liverpool are in the middle of a thrilling Premier League title battle doesn’t bear thinking about, and would be a strange decision by the player himself.

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Jurgen Klopp left an everlasting legacy at Liverpool Football Club. It was confirmed at the backend of last season that he would depart the club after nine campaigns in charge, leaving one of the greatest modern-day legacies in English football.

He managed just short of 500 games for the Reds, taking charge of 489 in total. In that time, the German boss won 304 games, drew 100 and lost 85, an impressive record over such a large space of time. He also won eight trophies, including the Champions League and the club’s first-ever Premier League.

His replacement, Arne Slot, has been superb as Liverpool boss so far, with his side top of the Premier League. However, things were not made easy in the summer, with minimal signings made.

Liverpool’s 2024 summer transfer window

It was certainly a strange summer transfer window at Anfield. Normally, when a new manager takes over at a club, there is an influx of new signings and sales to help shape the squad exactly to their preference.

Surprisingly, that was not the case for Slot at Liverpool. The Reds made two notable signings and two notable sales. There is a caveat to that, with one of the new additions not actually joining until next summer. Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili signed from Valencia but stayed at the Spanish giants for an extra season.

The other incoming at Anfield over the summer was Italian winger Federico Chiesa. He cost the Reds for just £12.5m including add-ons, but has had a terrible time with injury.

The 27-year-old has played just three times in all competitions so far. However, if he can get fit, his quality is undeniable.

There were some major sales at Anfield, too. Arguably the biggest name to depart the club was Fabio Carvalho. He made the move to London, joining Brentford for £27.5m, representing some good business from Liverpool.

The other sale was perhaps even better business for the Reds and represented an incredible profit for the Merseysiders. That man is Sepp van den Berg.

The profit Liverpool made on Van den Berg

Young Dutch defender Van den Berg made the move to Anfield from PEC Zwolle in the summer of 2019 for a fee in the region of £1.3m.

He was lauded by Klopp when he made the move to Anfield. The legendary German boss described him as an “outstanding talent” during preseason in 2019.

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However, things did not really work out so simply for the young defender on Merseyside. In total, he managed just four appearances for the club, none of which came in the Premier League. He never really managed to play a part in the first team.

However, there were several loan spells for the youngster during his time at the club. He enjoyed temporary spells at Championship side Preston North End, and German clubs Schalke and Mainz, the latter a club whom Klopp once managed.

Over the summer, Thomas Frank’s Brentford came calling, ten days after they acquired the services of Carvalho. Van den Berg moved to the Bees for £25m including add-ons, with a sell-on percentage of 17.5% included.

That is impressive work from the Reds, especially when factoring in the fee they paid, just £1.3m. That leaves them with an 1823.08% increase on the deal overall, factoring in add-ons Brentford could pay.

The young centre-back has impressed for the Bees so far. He has started 12 out of the 13 games he has played so far and has statistically caught the eye. There are not many statistical differences between Van den Berg and Virgil van Dijk according to Squawka.

For example, the Brentford man wins 3.1 aerial duels per game, compared to 3.3 for Van Dijk, and wins 2.3 ground duels as opposed to the Liverpool number four’s 1.1 ground duels per game.

Stat (per 90)

Van den Berg

Van Dijk

Passing accuracy

82.18%

91.24%

Tackles made

1.7

0.8

Aerial duels won

3.1

3.3

Ground duels won

2.3

1.1

Ground duel success rate

51.92%

50%

Clearances

3.3

4.9

Ball recoveries

3.2

3.2

It has certainly been a good move for all parties. Van den Berg is starting week in, week out, for a Premier League side, with Brentford securing a player who isn’t too dissimilar to Van Dijk.

Liverpool on the other hand, made a good amount of profit that they can reinvest for Slot to improve his side in the future. Overall, many Liverpool fans might well agree that Slot hit the jackpot on this one.

Manchester City got back to winning ways on Sunday, beating Leicester City 2-0 at the King Power.

Savinho, belatedly, opened his account for the club, on target in his 24th appearance in Sky Blue, before Erling Braut Haaland made the points secure in the East Midlands.

This though was just a second victory in 14 matches for the Citizens, moving the four-in-a-row champions back up to fifth, with Pep Guardiola himself admitting his team are “at risk” of missing out on next season’s Champions League.

With Guardiola having signed a new two-year extension back in November, Man City will need to undergo a major rebuild in 2025, so who will be top of incoming sporting director Hugo Viana’s wishlist?

Erling Braut Haaland's recent concerning form

After arriving from Borussia Dortmund, Haaland ripped up all the record books during his first two seasons at Manchester City.

Thus, despite the fact he’s currently the second-top scorer in the Premier League, behind only Mohamed Salah, this is considered a down-season for the Norwegian centre-forward, with the table below outlining why.

Statistic

22/23

23/24

24/25

Appearances

35

31

19

Minutes

2,769

2,552

1,709

Goals

36

27

14

Goals per 90

1.17

0.95

0.74

Goals – xG

+7.6

-2.2

-0.8

Shots

116

113

77

Shots per 90

3.77

3.99

4.06

During his debut campaign, Haaland broke the single-season scoring record, netting 36 times, while his goals – xG figure of +7.6 made him the second-most clinical forward in the division, although he’s currently performing below his expected goals figure, having more shots-per-90 than ever before this season, with these yielding fewer goals.

So, could a high-profile edition help get Haaland back to his best?

How Jamal Musiala would improve Manchester City

As reported by Caught Offside earlier this week, Manchester City are interested in signing Bayern Munich superstar Jamal Musiala, with Real Madrid, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain also interested in securing his services.

The 21-year-old is being targeted as a potential replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, whose contract expires next summer, although the Bavarian giants are currently negotiating a new contract with Musiala, hoping to tie down their most prized asset until 2029.

That aforementioned report claims Musiala is valued at €180m (around £149m), which would more than treble Bayern Munich’s record departure, selling Robert Lewandowski to Barcelona in 2022 and Matthijs de Ligt to Manchester United last summer, both for €50m (£42m).

Meantime, this would also smash Man City’s transfer record, the £100m splashed on Jack Grealish in 2021.

So, would Musiala be worth this heavy investment? If anyone is, it’s got to be him.

Germany’s all-time most-capped player Lothar Matthäus compared his compatriot to Lionel Messi, exclaiming his delight that the “best player from the young English generation” chose to represent die Mannschaft.

Back in September 2022, during a UEFA Nations League fixture at Wembley, Musiala was in the very unique position of being booed by opposition fans due to the fact that he was facing his former nation; he previously represented England at youth level.

For his national team of choice, Musiala has scored seven senior goals to date, on target against Scotland, Hungary and Denmark during Euro 2024.

For Bayern Munich meantime, the youngster has a more than impressive 14 goals to his name already this season, coming in just 22 outings, breaking the deadlock inside 30 seconds as the Bundesliga leaders smashed RB Leipzig 5-1 in the final fixture before the winterpause.

Having scored 16 and 12 goals across the previous two seasons, it’s easy to see why Martin Rogers of Fox Sports has described Musiala as one of the best players on the planet, so it would be quite the coup if Man City were able to secure his signature.

Indeed, it would also prove fruitful for that man Haaland, with the German superstar possessing that innate creative touch having laid on six ‘big chances’ in the Bundesliga this season. Such creativity is being lapped up by teammate Harry Kane at Bayern, with the England skipper – who has 11 joint goal contributions with Musiala – describing his club colleague as “fantastic to play with”.

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The playmaker’s desire to wreak havoc in the final third – as shown by the fact that he ranks in the top 4% in Europe for touches in the attacking penalty area – could help to drag City closer to the opposition goal, thus enhancing the opportunity for Haaland score.

Such a youthful combination could certainly be tantalising one at the Etihad, if this marquee deal can be pulled off.

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