All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Manchester City are now reportedly ready to hijack Manchester United’s move to sign a Premier League star worth as much as £100m in 2026.

Man City make Semenyo a top target

It’s not just their local rivals that Man City are looking to frustrate. The Citizens are also reportedly interested in signing Antoine Semenyo and have made the Bournemouth star a top target. In what would deal Liverpool an untimely blow, City could land one of the most in-form wingers that the Premier League has to offer.

It’s clear that Semenyo likes the idea of linking up with Erling Haaland, too, after saying: “Haaland is number one. You see it on TV, scoring all these goals and thinking, surely he’s not like this in person… That man is tall, my goodness. Tall, strong, fast, can finish.

“He’s got everything you need as a striker. I remember Man City just bopping, and I’m thinking, okay this is normal that they bop it. Ruben Dias wraps the ball to him, the ball’s like this high, I’m thinking ‘how’s he going to deal with this?’ just takes it on his chest like this – I am thinking: Haaland, the man.”

It’s also easy to see why City have set their sights on another direct winger. Aside from the improved Jeremy Doku, Pep Guardiola’s wide men have struggled to leave their mark, with Savinho receiving his fair share of criticism from those at the Etihad in recent weeks.

The Brazilian was part of a much-changed Man City side against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League, but to say that he failed to make his opportunity count would be an understatement.

Alas, it’s not just wide men that Guardiola wants. The Spaniard and Man City have now reportedly turned their focus towards midfield star Elliot Anderson, who is represented by the same agency as Omar Marmoush.

Man City ready to hijack Man Utd's Anderson move

As reported by the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, Man City are now ready to hijack Man Utd’s move for Anderson. The Citizens have made the Nottingham Forest star a top target and could splash out as much as £100m to secure his signature in 2026.

Man City now considering move for £65m forward who Pep called "extraordinary"

City have identified a forward as a priority target ahead of the January transfer window.

ByDominic Lund Nov 27, 2025

The England star is quickly becoming one of the most wanted players in the Premier League and that should come as no surprise.

England boss Thomas Tuchel has quickly made the Forest star one of his main men and has showered him with praise a number of times, telling reporters: “He is an elite player with the right attitude and a lot of talent. He is fulfilling his role in the best way possible so we are very happy with him.”

Man City now frontrunners to sign "world-class" £80m star, Pep's a big fan

Whilst there are few certainties for the future at Anfield, Fenway Sports Group and Liverpool are looking to make sure that one star player is a part of it.

Latest Liverpool transfer news

With the news of Jürgen Klopp's departure having finally sunk in for Liverpool fans, work has now started envisioning what the post-Klopp era may look like on Merseyside.

On top of the search for a new head coach, FSG will have to address the other vacancies left by the members of staff who have left the club alongside the German. Once the backroom staff posts have been filled, the top of the in-tray for a prospective manager will be to reshape the playing squad.

In line with the vast majority of Premier League sides, the January window saw no incomings at Anfield with the only high-profile outgoings being loan deals. With a number of young players departing Merseyside in search of minutes in the EFL, attention has quickly turned to the summer.

Liverpool willing to pay £51m for "great player" this summer

He has been compared to Xabi Alonso as a footballer.

ByHenry Jackson Feb 9, 2024

Star players Mohammed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all set to see their contracts expire in the summer of 2025. Whilst the departure of Klopp may have an influence on the player's eventual decisions, FSG are confident that they can get all the deals over the line and have already made significant progress in securing the future of one key player.

Alexander-Arnold set for new Liverpool deal

Whilst a knee issue saw Alexander-Arnold's game end at half-time on Saturday, the news of a new deal for the 25-year-old will offset any disappointment caused by the injury.

Sources have told Football Insider reporter Pete O'Rourke that the deal on the table will be the “biggest” and “longest-term deal” out of himself, van Dijk and Salah. With his current wage of £192,000 a week dwarfed by that of Salah and van Dijk, the new deal will represent a substantial pay increase for Alexander-Arnold and shows just how important he is to his side.

Unlikely to push for a move away from his boyhood club, the news of a fresh contract shows a massive vote of confidence in the fullback. Racking up a record-breaking 58th Premier League assist this weekend, Alexander-Arnold has pretty much revolutionised the fullback position, turning an unassuming defensive role into the focal point of attacks.

Shots

1.66

98

Assists

0.22

84

Shot creating actions

5.49

99

Progressive passes

8.49

98

Successful take-ons

1.39

95

Whilst defensive frailties have sometimes been the frequent criticism of Alexander-Arnold's game, his transition into midfield over the last couple of seasons has nullified this potential weakness. An elite crosser with a set-piece in his locker, the England international has mastered stepping into an advanced position to create space and cause chaos on the attack.

With Connor Bradley's breakthrough this season suggesting a potential competition at right back, it may actually be the catalyst for his teammates' transition to a full-blown midfielder. Regardless of where on the pitch his future lies, as long as that pitch is Anfield, he will look to continue to cement his legacy as one of the best to ever pull on the famous red shirt.

To say that Arsenal are unrecognisable as a club today from the one Mikel Arteta took charge of over five years ago would be an understatement.

The Spaniard has helped to completely overhaul the club from top to bottom and has signed some incredible players in the process.

One of his very best additions to the squad has undoubtedly been Declan Rice, who was once again incredible in the Champions League this week.

And now, it looks like another of Arteta’s signings is transforming into a Rice-type player this season.

Rice's best European nights for Arsenal

Since joining the club for £105m in the summer of 2023, Rice has made 26 appearances for Arsenal in the Champions League, in which he has scored four goals, provided four assists and averaged 2.12 points per game.

Chalkboard

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

It would be fair to say that across those 26 games, he has been pretty incredible for the North Londoners, but when it comes to picking out his best European nights in red and white, there are three that stick out, the first of which is the home game against Paris Saint-Germain in the league phase last season.

It was a game the Gunners comfortably won 2-0, and one in which the former West Ham United captain totally bossed the Parisians’ smaller and, at the time, out-of-form midfield.

The Englishman didn’t pick up a goal or assist in that game, but he did do that in his second-best Champions League display for the club, which came on Wednesday this week.

Arteta started his record signing in the left eight against Atlético Madrid, and as fans have now come to expect, he was cool, calm and composed on the ball and a physical monster off of it.

Moreover, he provided the assist for Gabriel Magalhães’ opener, and then it was his corner that eventually led to Viktor Gyokeres’ second goal, and the team’s fourth.

However, while the 26-year-old was great against Atleti, he was out of this world against Real Madrid in the quarter-finals last season.

The midfield machine put in an extraordinary shift at the Bernabéu, but it was the home leg where he was utterly sublime, stopping everything in the middle of the park and then scoring those two world-class free-kicks.

In short, while he cost a lot of money, Rice has been worth every penny for Arsenal, and now another of Arteta’s signings is starting to embody some of his best traits.

Arsenal's new Rice-type star

Due to Arteta’s brilliant signings and Hale End’s production of talent, there is no shortage of incredible players in Arsenal’s squad, but the player who is becoming something of a Rice-type star is Riccardo Calafiori.

Now, it’s worth noting that this doesn’t mean they are the same type of player, as that would be a silly thing to suggest.

However, there are some increasingly obvious similarities between the pair, with the first being their mentality.

Like the Englishman, since coming back from his string of injuries that kept him out for most of last season, the former Bologna star has played like a man possessed.

Not only is he someone who can and does bound forward with the ball at his feet, but he’s also more than happy to get into a physical duel with an opponent to try and keep the ball or win it. As The Telegraph’s Sam Dean aptly put it, he plays like a “wild horse on the loose.”

On top of that, he is also a sensational striker of the ball, and while he isn’t delivering set-pieces, it has been on show in the goals he has scored over the last year, and even those that have been disallowed, like that unreal volley against Fulham last weekend.

Moreover, like the former West Ham man, the Italian international seems to have limitless energy, and this season has been allowed the freedom to roam here, there and everywhere on the pitch.

This “positionless” approach in games, as one analyst puts it, makes him a nightmare for opponents to defend against and could help him snuff out counters before they have a chance to get out of their half at times.

Finally, the Rome-born titan is also one of the best in his position in the league, as according to FBref, he ranks in the top 2% of full-backs for expected goals, shots, goal-creating actions, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, the top 17% for tackles in the attacking third and more, all per 90.

xG: Expected Goals

0.28

Top 2%

npxG: Non-Penalty xG

0.28

Top 2%

Shots Total

2.35

Top 2%

SCA (Fouls Drawn)

0.29

Top 2%

Goal-Creating Actions

0.73

Top 2%

GCA (Defensive Action)

0.15

Top 2%

SCA (Shot)

0.44

Top 6%

GCA (Shot)

0.15

Top 6%

Touches (Att Pen)

3.96

Top 6%

Goals + Assists

0.44

Top 10%

SCA (Defensive Action)

0.15

Top 10%

GCA (Live-ball Pass)

0.44

Top 10%

Goals

0.15

Top 13%

Assists

0.29

Top 13%

Non-Penalty Goals

0.15

Top 13%

npxG/Shot

0.12

Top 13%

Tackles (Att 3rd)

0.44

Top 17%

Ultimately, Calafiori has been unreal for Arsenal this season, and as he has got better, he has become more and more of a Rice-type player.

Gyokeres can help Arsenal's "unbelievable" star reach Mesut Ozil's level

Gyokeres could play a key role in helping the incredible Arsenal star reach the levels of Ozil this season.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 23, 2025

Manchester United made it three wins out of three in the Premier League on Saturday when they beat Brighton & Hove Albion 4-2 at Old Trafford.

Bryan Mbeumo, who joined from Brentford in the summer, scored twice, whilst Casemiro and Matheus Cunha also got on the scoresheet in front of the home fans.

Bruno Fernandes, as shown in the clip above, played a crucial role in the fourth goal with his brilliant dummy, but his influence in the final third is beginning to wane.

Why Bruno Fernandes's influence is waning

The Portugal international has hit double figures for both goals and assists in all five of his full seasons at Old Trafford to date, per Sofascore, which speaks to the consistent impact that he has had at the top end of the pitch.

However, Bruno only has two goals and one assist in ten appearances in all competitions so far this term, scoring two goals from 4.29 xG in the Premier League, per Sofascore, which shows that his influence is waning.

Do not get it twisted, the 31-year-old star is still an influential player who can produce moments of magic for United, but the arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko mean that he does not need to carry the team on his back anymore.

Chalkboard

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

He still has two years left on his contract and only turned 31 last month, which means that he does still have plenty of gas left in the tank, but there is another player at United who may have Bruno’s captaincy in his sights, Matthijs de Ligt.

Why Matthijs de Ligt is a future Man Utd captain

The Netherlands international is five years younger than Bruno and may have more of a long-term future at Old Trafford, which could see him eventually snatch the captaincy if he continues to shine at the back.

After the 4-2 win over Brighton, content creator Liam Canning described his performance as “monstrous”, stating that he has “been United’s best player this season” and that the defender is “a future captain in the making” for the Red Devils.

It is hard to argue with that assessment from Canning after watching the former Bayern Munich and Juventus centre-back strut his stuff against Brighton on Saturday.

Minutes

90

Interceptions

1

Clearances

6

Blocks

1

Ball recoveries

5

Aerial duel success rate

100% (2/2)

Pass accuracy

91%

As you can see in the table above, De Ligt was ‘monstrous’ at the back for Ruben Amorim by winning 100% of his aerial duels and making several important defensive interventions.

This season, per Sofascore, the United defender has won 61% of his duels across nine starts in the Premier League. This shows that he has provided a dominant defensive force at the heart of Amorim’s back three.

Rio Ferdinand recently claimed that the Dutchman should be “the first name on the teamsheet”, which is usually reserved for the captain and main star of the team, and that is high praise coming from a player who won Premier League titles whilst playing in the same position.

De Ligt, of course, has also shown that he is a leader. He was the youngest captain in the knockout stage of the Champions League when he played for Ajax in the quarter-finals at the age of 19, per Transfermarkt, which shows that he can be a leader and a captain.

Therefore, Bruno may need to watch out as his powers seem to be waning whilst De Ligt’s stock is rising and he potentially has more years left ahead of him than the Portugal international to lead the club forward as captain, should Amorim decide that he is suitable for that role.

Forget Sesko: Man Utd have Van Persie 2.0 who's 'one of the best in the PL'

Manchester United have found their next Robin van Persie in this star, and it is not Benjamin Sesko.

ByDan Emery Oct 27, 2025

West Ham are looking at signing a 28-year-old who has an admirer in former Irons captain Declan Rice, according to broadcast giant Sky Sports.

Moyes after new January additions

Manager David Moyes watched on as his West Ham side crashed out of the FA Cup on Tuesday evening, with Bristol City sealing a 1-0 win over the east Londoners at Ashton Gate.

"Very interesting" – Sky reporter surprised as West Ham eye "unique" target

Michael Bridge says they’re looking at him.

ByEmilio Galantini Jan 16, 2024

West Ham fielded a pretty weakened eleven and were forced to pay for their considerable lack of depth. The hardly-seen Maxwel Cornet partly made up a front three of the Ivorian, exit-linked Said Benrahma and out-of-favour striker Danny Ings – with the trio failing to find a way past the home side's defence.

It is believed Moyes is keen to make January signings in key areas to bolster the squad before January 31. Michail Antonio will be absent for an extended period after his injury setback alongside Lucas Paqueta, while Mohammed Kudus is currently at the Africa Cup of Nations with Ghana.

The Hammers are targeting a new forward in particular, with technical director Tim Steidten thought to be eyeing up Sunderland winger Jack Clarke among other options. It will be interesting to see if they can add more quality and strengthen yet another charge for European qualification under Moyes, with Sky now claiming Steidten and co are interested in Man City outcast Kalvin Phillips as well.

West Ham looking at signing Phillips

As per the broadcaster, West Ham are looking at signing Phillips in January alongside a few other English top-flight sides.

The 28-year-old is surplus to requirement at Eastlands with City willing to let him go before the deadline. Alongside West Ham, it is thought Crystal Palace, Everton, Newcastle and Serie A giants Juventus are targeting Phillips.

The England international will prove a costly deal, which is West Ham's main obstacle in their pursuit, but he's been heavily endorsed in past seasons by former star Declan Rice. Rice, commenting on Phillips to talkSPORT, called him "one of the best" for his sheer professionalism – which could be an attractive trait for Moyes.

Shoulder injury – 2022/2023

18

Hamstring injury – 2021/2022

16

Calf injury – 2020/2021

6

Shoulder injury – 2020/2021

7

“He’s one of the best professionals I’ve ever seen, if I’m honest with you," said Rice.

“I’ve seen players who don’t play and throw their toys out of the pram completely and with Kal, every time he comes back here he pops on a shirt and puts in 110 per cent."

However, a sticking point may be Phillips' injury record and his wages – which Sky claim are at around £135,000-per-week.

Manchester United caused something of a stir last weekend after announcing the shock capture of Omar Berrada from rivals Manchester City, with the highly-rated figure having been named as the new CEO at Old Trafford – taking the reins from the outgoing Richard Arnold.

Formerly the Chief Football Operations Officer for City Group, Berrada has been a key cog in the Etihad machine over the last decade or so, playing his part in forming a side that has dominated the Premier League in recent times – winning five of the past six league titles.

As much as it may pain United to admit, the club need to try and replicate the success of their city neighbours amid their own 11-year barren run without a league crown, with Berrada hopefully set to bring his obvious expertise to the table at the Theatre of Dreams.

One facet of the Red Devils' inner workings that this statement appointment can help to improve is recruitment, with Berrada having notably played a part in the signing of Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund back in 2022.

Having also been involved in the capture of another influential City figure – Rodri – the incoming chief could replicate that success by making a key signing in the near future at Old Trafford.

Man Utd eyeing the next Rodri

According to a report from TEAMtalk earlier this month, United are among the top European clubs who are showing an interest in Argentine youngster, Federico Redondo, with the 20-year-old having caught the eye amid his displays for Argentinos Juniors in his homeland of late.

Joined by Real Madrid and Liverpool in their admiration, Erik ten Hag's side could reportedly be able to snap up the 6 foot 2 gem for just £8m this month – a modest fee in the modern market.

If a deal is not done before the end of the window, Berrada – who is likely to take on his new role at the end of the season – could lead the charge for Redondo's signature this summer, with such a bargain move likely to set the tone for a move away from the club's costly and scattergun transfer approach of recent times.

3 dream signings Berrada could make at Man Utd including his next Haaland

Omar Berrada is to enter Manchester United as their new CEO.

ByMatt Dawson Jan 23, 2024 How Redondo compares to Rodri

It was Berrada who helped to broker the deal to sign Rodri from Atletico Madrid back in 2019, with the Spaniard joining for a fee of around £62.8m, amid reported interest from United at the time.

Since winning the race for the former Villarreal man's signature, City have certainly reaped the rewards, with Rodri arguably developing into the "best" in his position in world football, according to his manager Pep Guardiola, having even scored the winning goal in last season's Champions League final.

To then find the heir apparent to the 27-year-old in the form of Redondo could allow the Red Devils to find their own midfield monster, with the Argentine U20 international having been likened to the City star by talent scout, Jacek Kulig.

Described as "something special" by journalist Roy Nemer, the £8m playmaker can be the beating heart of Ten Hag's midfield, having notably averaged 7.07 progressive passes per 90 across the last 365 days as a marker of his ball-playing quality – not far off what Rodri has achieved in Manchester (9.63 per 90).

Also a towering presence like the 6 foot 3 Rodri, the defensive-minded asset is a true "midfield controller" – as described by Kulig – who can dictate the tempo of a game, with that again much like the former Atleti man, who Kulig lauded as a "deep-lying orchestrator".

With Rodri having been a central figure in Man City's treble success last season – making 56 appearances in all competitions – he is certainly the type of talent that United should be chasing, hence the wisdom in acquiring a perfect successor such as Redondo.

Chelsea are interested in signing a “magnificent” ace who could be available for £16.7m, according to a new report.

The Blues are likely going to be busy when the January transfer window opens as Enzo Maresca and co. will have their eyes on areas of the team that they would like to improve amid their bid for a Champions League place.

Chelsea leading the race to sign £45k-p/w international in 2025

Chelsea are ahead of the rest when it comes to signing a player at the end of this season.

ByBrett Worthington Nov 17, 2024 Chelsea transfer news

It could be a busy month for Chelsea in terms of incomings and outgoings, as they have their eye on a few potential players, while players that are already at the club are being looked at by other teams.

One player that Chelsea are keen on signing is defender Jonathan Tah, but his arrival would only happen in the summer. The defender looks set to leave Bayer Leverkusen when his contract expires at the end of the campaign, and the Blues are looking to beat several interested teams to Tah’s signing by securing an agreement in the new year.

Chelsea could have their eyes on one or two players leaving the club in January, with midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall attracting interest from Aston Villa. The former Leicester City man has struggled since moving to Stamford Bridge, and a move, whether it be a permanent switch or a temporary one, could be on the cards in early 2025.

Villa hold an interest in the midfielder, but it depends on whether Chelsea and Maresca are willing to let Dewsbury-Hall leave for a rival also fighting for a European spot.

But while Chelsea have their eyes on the likes of Tah for next summer, they also have their eye on a player who could arrive in January.

Chelsea plotting £16.7m swoop for Lyon ace

According to a report from Spain, relayed by CaughtOffside, Chelsea are interested in signing Rayan Cherki from Lyon in January – and have even placed a €20m (£16.7m) offer. The Frenchman has been with Lyon since July 2010 and has firmly established himself as a key member of their starting XI in recent years.

Last season, he played 33 times in Ligue 1, scoring one goal and registering six assists. This season, Cherki, who has been dubbed “magnificent” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, has played seven league games and has one goal and one assist to his name.

But given the French club’s financial issues, Cherki could be about to leave them when January arrives. This report states that Chelsea and Liverpool are interested in signing Cherki, who is considered statistically similar to Ousmane Dembele by analysis site FBref.

Metric

Cherki

Dembele

Apps

33

26

Goals

1

3

xG

5.2

4.4

Goals per 90

0.05

0.18

Assists

6

8

xAG

4.2

6.7

Assists per 90

0.31

0.48

Shots (on target)

57 (17)

43 (14)

Shots per 90

2.98

2.57

Progressive carries

93

160

Progressive passes

138

133

Despite the Blues’ offer – which has reportedly been matched by Liverpool – the Ligue 1 side will look to get more than that price as the 21-year-old is contracted to the club until 2026. The cash-strapped club will aim to recoup as much money as possible given their financial issues, which leaves them under threat of relegation from the French top flight.

Newcastle United are keen to add a new forward to their ranks after a difficult start to the season in front of goal, according to reports.

The Magpies have scored just 13 goals in the Premier League this term, which is the joint fourth-lowest total in the division. Having been beaten 2-0 by struggling West Ham United on Monday night, they’ve also now failed to find the net in three of their last six top-flight matches.

Club

Goals

League Position

Southampton

9

20th

Crystal Palace

10

19th

Everton

10

15th

Newcastle United

13

10th

Ipswich Town

13

18th

Manchester United

13

12th

After the defeat to the Hammers, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was asked if his side’s goal return this season is a cause for concern. He replied: “Yes, it is. I can’t say anything other because it’s the most important aspect of the team.

“We need to score, we need to feel that confidence, to feel that belief, and we’ve had that for such a long time. “We’re probably still not as fluent as we have been previously, and so that’s stuff for us to try to fix.”

Semenyo wanted at Newcastle

To fix the problem, Newcastle are reportedly eyeing a move for Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo. According to Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas, the Cherries frontman has emerged as a January target for the Magpies following his impressive displays on the South Coast this season and last.

Semenyo has scored four goals in 12 games this term for Andoni Iraola’s side, while last year, he managed eight in 33 games.

Thomas claims that Newcastle are keen on the 24-year-old, ideally in the New Year, but would be unlikely to sign him in the upcoming transfer window unless other players leave the club.

Liverpool are also tracking Semenyo, according to Thomas, who says the Reds are assessing future targets that could play for Arne Slot.

Cook on Semenyo: "He's got a lot better"

Semenyo, who is valued at £16.7 million by Transfermarkt, joined Bournemouth in January 2023 from Bristol City, where he made 125 appearances and scored 21 goals across six seasons.

Though he had a slow start to life at the Vitality Stadium, he’s come into his own since the appointment of Iraola last summer, establishing himself as one of Bournemouth’s top stars.

Almiron upgrade: Newcastle may have already sold their own Semenyo

Newcastle already sold their own Semenyo in “special” talent.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 26, 2024

Following Bournemouth’s 3-1 victory over Southampton back in September, in which Semenyo was on the scoresheet, Cherries midfielder Lewis Cook heaped praise on the Ghana international, who has been capped 25 times by his country.

“As a team, we knew the quality he has and we saw that last year. He’s got to just keep working hard – being aggressive and being clinical.

“He’s got a lot better at running back and helping out the team too. He’s a powerful lad and has all the ability in the world. Hopefully he can continue to show that.”

Wolverhampton Wanderers fans must be sensing a change is desperately needed at Molineux in the manager department, especially after Monday night’s defeat to West Ham United.

That was the third straight defeat the Old Gold had tasted in Premier League action, which leaves them with just two wins next to their name in a lowly 19th spot, as Gary O’Neil attempts to cling onto his job position for dear life with a basement clash versus Ipswich Town up next.

He might not be so lucky to last until that big game at the foot of the league, however, with a number of rumoured names being lined up to replace the 44-year-old now.

Managers who could replace O'Neil

Although talkSPORT have come out and said that it’s looking likely that O’Neil will still amazingly be in charge for this tie with Kieran McKenna’s men, there must surely be some movement on Wolves’ end now in putting together a list of replacements if the plug is pulled soon.

Rumours had circulated that West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberan was in some conversations to oust the former AFC Bournemouth boss from his precarious job post, with the close geography between the two sides one obvious factor behind the link.

Of course, the Spaniard has also made the Baggies regular promotion contenders in the Championship, with the 41-year-old perhaps ready for a test up a level at nearby Wolves.

There had also been some talk of David Moyes being lined up to replace O’Neil, but one face really would be an ideal successor to O’Neil if a move could get off the ground, with the manager in question an improvement too on Corberan.

Wolves could look to appoint "genius" manager

It had been reported that the relegation-threatened Old Gold were holding talks with Graham Potter to come in before Monday night’s defeat to the Hammers, with the temptation to appoint the former Brighton and Hove Albion boss even more palpable now after this crushing loss.

Even West Ham have been eyeing up Potter in their attempts to get rid of Julen Lopetegui, but it’s much more pressing for the Old Gold to improve on O’Neil, with the 49-year-old offering the West Midlands side a lot more than their under-pressure boss.

Whilst he will still feel the agony of how poorly his spell at Chelsea went, Potter managed to oversee an impressive ninth-placed finish for the Seagulls during his final full campaign at the South Coast, alongside also lifting his side way above the bottom three during his first two seasons.

Wolves fans will take some comfort in the fact Potter has been there and done that when it comes to relegation battles, with a hope he could also help the Old Gold soar back into the top half of the league standings over time, having captivated fans at Brighton with some exciting displays of attacking football when things were all going smoothly.

Manager

Matches

Wins

Losses

Draws

Potter

374

144

114

116

Corberan

220

88

61

71

O’Neil

87

25

16

46

Sourced by Transfermarkt

It’s clear looking at the table above that Potter boasts more experience than both Corberan and O’Neil, with Potter even boasting 41 Premier League wins next to his name as a manager that could get the best out of the likes of Rayan Ait-Nouri using his expansive 4-2-3-1 set-up.

Whereas, Corberan wouldn’t be able to make Wolves quite so entertaining, as his Baggies side have only found the back of the net 21 times in the Championship this season to date, where he has also only collected a weak six wins from 19 league outings.

A beloved figure throughout his time on the South Coast before his exit to Chelsea – leading to suggestions that he was a “genius” by journalist Sam Morton – Potter will hope he can repair his managerial reputation at the Molineux helm if he is decided to be worthy of replacing O’Neil.

Of course, O’Neil hasn’t officially been let go of yet, but with faces such as Potter readily available, it might not be long you presume until a decision on the 44-year-old’s future is finally out there.

10x ball lost: The next Wolves boss must ruthlessly ditch 5/10 Wolves dud

Gary O’Neil could be relieved of his Wolverhampton Wanderers duties very soon.

ByKelan Sarson Dec 10, 2024

Despite picking up a gigantic 11 draws from 21 Championship contests so far this season, Carlos Corberan’s West Bromwich Albion are still very much in the conversation for promotion.

The Baggies’ 2-1 loss to Watford last weekend was amazingly their first defeat in 13 games, as Tom Cleverley’s Hornets just about got the better of the stern away side through a Vakoun Bayo brace.

Corberan will want his troops to immediately bounce back when Bristol City travel to the Hawthorns this coming Sunday, but will know this clash will be yet another contest that Daryl Dike won’t be deemed fit for as his nightmare in the West Midlands goes on.

Dike's continued injury issues

Dike hasn’t donned a Baggies strip since going down with an unfortunate Achilles tendon injury versus Ipswich Town back in February, with the American well-known to those in the treatment room at this point.

Staggeringly, the ex-Barnsley man has been absent for a colossal 117 games due to recurring injury troubles since making a bumper £7m move a reality.

Thankfully, Corberan has been able to rely on the likes of Josh Maja and Karlan Grant to fire in the goals this season whilst Dike remains sidelined, with Maja boasting ten goals on his own in the Championship whilst Grant has an ever-growing five next to his name.

The Spaniard will be glad that this duo in question have found their shooting boots, having had to wave goodbye to Brandon Thomas-Asante this summer after he switched allegiances to Coventry City.

But, that sale doesn’t hurt as much now when you consider Thomas-Asante’s ongoing struggles with the Sky Blues.

Thomas-Asante's time at West Brom

The ex-Salford City attacker was a top performer for West Brom on his day, with the 25-year-old wearing the tag of being the club’s top scorer last season in the second tier when powering home 11 strikes.

In total, Thomas-Asante would score 21 times for Corberan’s men across 78 games, which would pique the interest of fellow Championship side Coventry this summer on their hunt for some fresh blood up top.

In the end, Thomas-Asante would live up to then West Brom manager Steve Bruce’s glowing words after his arrival at the club in 2022, who stated that the striker would be of “great value” as a “young” and “hungry” option to call upon.

But, although Bruce was ultimately justified in dishing out these compliments, the Ghanaian has since gone on to look goal-shy in his new surroundings, whilst Corberan and Co simply just get on with business with Maja and Grant to call upon.

Stats (*per game)

Thomas-Asante

Maja

Grant

Games (starts)

20 (7)

21 (21)

21 (19)

Goals

1

10

5

Assists

1

2

2

Big chances missed

1

10

3

Shots*

1.0

1.8

2.0

Minutes per goal

794

167

314

Key passes*

0.4

0.9

1.0

Big chances created*

1

6

4

Touches*

12.3

27.0

35.3

Worryingly for the 25-year-old, he has only been able to find the back of the net once from 20 clashes in the league this season, with that solitary strike coming all the way back in October versus Blackburn Rovers.

To pile on the misery even more, Thomas-Asante – as per Transfermarkt – has a lesser transfer value than the aforementioned Dike, with the ex-West Brom man only worth £2.4m when contrasted next to his injury-prone counterpart’s slightly higher £2.6m price tag.

Dike will pray that he can make a miraculous recovery from injury soon to become a key part of Corberan’s side again, but Thomas-Asante – on the contrary – will worry that his game-time at Coventry will only lessen now with Frank Lampard in charge.

Whilst it could’ve been a sale that damaged the Baggies severely, the promotion chasers show no visible scars from the departure now, as another playoff finish continues to be eyed up.

Forget Maja: Corberan could have found West Brom’s next Thomas-Asante

West Bromwich Albion could now have a new Brandon Thomas-Asante in their ranks.

ByKelan Sarson Dec 15, 2024