All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Chelsea got back to winning ways against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the League Cup on Wednesday night.

It wasn’t the perfect performance from the Blues, far from it, but they were certainly the better team and scored some wonderful goals.

Moreover, had Liam Delap not got himself sent off, Enzo Maresca’s side would likely have had a far easier time of things.

The former Ipswich Town star hasn’t had an easy start to life at Chelsea, and now it looks like he could soon have more competition coming from Cobham.

Liam Delap's Premier League record

Chelsea paid Ipswich Town around £30m for Delap in the summer, and while his stock isn’t exactly high at the moment, that was still a brilliant deal.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

After all, during his time at Manchester City, he was regarded as one of the next big things, scoring 35 goals and providing nine assists in 36 appearances for their Under-23 side.

Moreover, once he got his first move to the Tractor Boys last summer, he quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young forwards in the Premier League.

For example, despite playing for a team destined for relegation, the Winchester-born poacher was still able to rack up an impressive tally of 12 goals and two assists in 37 appearances, totalling 2616 minutes.

In other words, the Englishman was able to average a goal involvement every 2.64 games, or every 186.85 minutes for the Suffolk side, which is not bad going considering he’d made just ten appearances in the competition for City in the years before.

Appearances

10

37

3

Minutes

47′

2616′

93′

Goals

0

12

0

Assists

0

2

0

However, he has not been so lucky this season.

Prior to his hamstring injury, the summer signing made just three appearances in the competition for the Blues, two of which came off the bench, in which he failed to score or assist a goal.

He won’t even have the chance to open his account this weekend either, as his second yellow against Wolves means he’s suspended for the game against Tottenham Hotspur.

In all, Delap is a player with plenty of promise, but at a club like Chelsea, forwards aren’t always allowed a great deal of time, especially when there is a particularly exciting forward making his way through the academy at the moment.

The Cobham star who could replace Delap

As is the case every season, Chelsea have an abundance of incredibly exciting players at Cobham this season, with Chizaram Ezenwata being one of the most notable.

The 17-year-old phenom, whom U23 scout Antonio Mango claims fans should “get excited for”, joined the Blues from Charlton Athletic and has already become one of the star players for the club’s U18 side.

For example, in 20 appearances last season, totalling just 1279 minutes, the dynamic gem managed to score 12 goals and provide three assists, which works out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.33 games, or every 91.93 minutes.

Impressively, the youngster has become even more of an attacking threat this season.

In just six appearances for the U18s, totalling 534 minutes, he has scored seven goals and provided one assist, which comes out to an average of 1.33 goal involvements per game, or one every 66.75 minutes.

Appearances

26

Minutes

1913′

Goals

19

Assists

4

Goal Involvements per Match

0.88

Minutes per Goal Involvement

83.17′

In fact, the teenage goal machine has done such an incredible job in the U18s, that he has now made six appearances for the U21s.

It’s not just the output that should excite fans, though, as he looks to be a complete package.

According to one analyst, he “has a strong physique that allows him to shield and hold up the ball effectively”, and his “off-ball movement is outstanding.”

Ultimately, it is still very early in his career, but Ezenwata appears to be a seriously impressive prospect and someone who could rival Delap for gametime in the coming years.

Enzo Maresca responds to Juventus approach as Chelsea demand mammoth compensation fee

The Old Lady are searching for a new boss after sacking Igor Tudor.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 30, 2025

West Ham United and new manager Julen Lopetegui are hoping to strike a deal for a third summer signing this week, according to The Guardian.

West Ham make second signing after Guilherme

The Hammers and technical director Tim Steidten have been hard at work behind the scenes at the London Stadium, making new additions ahead of Lopetegui’s first season in charge.

Brazilian teenager Luis Guilherme was the first signing of the Lopetegui era, joining from Palmeiras on a five-year contract. The winger has reportedly cost more than £25m, and the Hammers have now made their second signing of the window.

West Ham could now sign "top striker" for just £17m

Talks have already been held.

1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 26, 2024

On Wednesday, West Ham announced the signing of former Sheffield United goalkeeper Wes Foderingham on a free transfer. The 33-year-old has penned a two-year deal with the Irons and said after officially joining:

“It feels brilliant to be a Hammer! As soon as I heard of the interest, it was something that I was keen to get sorted and get done and I’m just delighted to be here.

“I've been fortunate to play for teams with a real strong fanbase, a fanbase that's passionate about their club, and West Ham are no different. They're a fanbase that care deeply about their football club, it’s a family club as well, and I find it's always better to play for a team where you have those supporters cheering you on week in, week out.

"Especially in the last few years, the Club has had some really good success in Europe and in the Premier League as well. I think the Club has gone from strength to strength and I think I'm joining at a very, very good time as it's a positive time for the Club.”

After Guilherme and Foderingham, West Ham now look to be turning their attention to signing centre-back Max Kilman from Wolves. They have already had a bid rejected by those at Molineux for the player who worked under Lopetegui in the Midlands, but it looks as if there could be movement in the coming days.

West Ham hoping to seal Kilman deal this week

According to The Guardian in the last 48 hours, West Ham are hoping to seal a deal for Kilman this week. It is stated that Wolves could be tempted into selling their star centre-back for £45m, with West Ham’s opening proposal being worth around £30m plus add-ons.

The 27-year-old, praised as a "monster" of a player by presenter Tom Parker, has missed just one Premier League game across the past two completed seasons for Wolves, making more than 150 appearances for the Old Gold in total. Kilman also praised Lopetegui and his Wolves teammates following a win over West Ham in 2023.

"We've put our heads down and worked really hard in training. And it has paid off today [against West Ham]. We're defending better and we're more solid – this is the real Wolves. We're just delighted to get the win and go from there. We've bonded a lot over the break and have gelled together, and you can see that on the pitch.

"Every game in the Premier League is so tough, and West Ham are a great side, so to get the clean sheet means everyone is delighted."

Arsenal have made an approach to sign a £162,000-per-week forward for manager Mikel Arteta, coming after a U-turn behind-the-scenes.

Arteta tipped to sign new striker at Arsenal despite Havertz form

Kai Havertz resurrected his debut campaign at Arsenal after a slow start to life at the Emirates last term, impressing in a makeshift forward role and ending 2023/2024 with 14 goals and seven assists in all competitions.

Arsenal could hijack deal for "marvellous" ace attracted to PL

He’s a man in demand…

ByTom Cunningham Jul 27, 2024

Havertz has been praised for his Arsenal form since the turn of the year, which could be worrying for striker Gabriel Jesus, following the Brazilian's lacklustre 23/24 campaign blighted by fitness issues and overall lack of form.

Jesus missed 16 games for Arsenal through injury last season, all while Havertz grew into his role under Arteta and earned plaudits. To make matters more concerning for Jesus, there are still reports that Arsenal could look to sign a striker before summer deadline day.

Bukayo Saka

20

Leandro Trossard

17

Kai Havertz

14

Martin Odegaard

11

Gabriel Jesus

8

Arteta is rumoured to be keen on a striking partner for Havertz, while the Spaniard also reportedly wants an alternative to Jesus going forward. Arsenal did attempt a deal to sign RB Leipzig sensation Benjamin Sesko earlier this window, but to no avail, with the Slovenian penning an extension at his current club instead.

As per various reports in the press, alternatives to Sesko since then have ranged from Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres to cheaper options like Ajax forward Brian Brobbey.

Another ambitious target comes in the form of Napoli star Victor Osimhen, with the Nigerian widely tipped to leave the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium if interested sides can reach an agreement with club president Aurelio De Laurentiis.

Arsenal have been backed to make an offer for Osimhen, while journalist Ben Jacobs told GiveMeSport earlier this year that the Gunners have a chance.

“We still can't rule out Arsenal in the race for Osimhen," said Jacobs in February.

"It’s also true that PSG have Osimhen very, very high on their list of targets and can move in the market because they will free up money due to Kylian Mbappe’s departure. I'm still told by sources that Osimhen’s priority is the Premier League, which is encouraging for Chelsea and Arsenal. He would be looking for about £250,000 per week, which Arsenal, Chelsea and PSG would all be happy to pay.”

Arsenal make new Osimhen approach after U-turn behind-the-scenes

Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport have an update on Arsenal's links to Osimhen, claiming they've re-joined the race, with Arteta's side seemingly pulling a U-turn after cooling their interest.

They also state that Arsenal have made an approach to sign Osimhen, who is apparently on around £162,000-per-week at Napoli. The former Lille star's release clause is set at around £109 million, so it remains to be seen if Edu Gaspar and co deem a price anywhere near this amount worth paying.

Meanwhile, they face competition from PSG and Chelsea, who are also in the picture for Osimhen. Former Napoli boss Rudi Garcia has described his ex-star as a "crazy driving force", and this is backed by his excellent Serie A goalscoring record.

West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui is working hard to build a side which could get back to securing European qualification next season.

So far, Max Kilman and Luis Guilherme have joined the side, while a deal is reportedly close for Leeds United winger Crysencio Summerville.

Lopetegui is also chasing another centre-forward, with Borussia Dortmund’s Niclas Füllkrug closing in on a move to London after the side agreed a fee of £27m with the German side for the player.

Slowly, but surely, a team which could break back into the European spots during the 2024/25 campaign is being built.

Opponent

Date

Aston Villa (H)

August 17

Crystal Palace (A)

August 24

Manchester City (H)

August 31

Fulham (A)

September 14

Chelsea (H)

September 21

West Ham United closing in on World Cup winner

It isn’t just his attacking options that Lopetegui is looking to bolster, as a move for Argentinian World Cup winner Guido Rodriguez is reportedly close.

That’s according to the Standard, who claim that the Irons are in advanced talks with the former Real Betis midfielder, who is currently a free agent after leaving the La Liga side at the end of his contract.

The 30-year-old will bring a wealth of experience to the club, and he would be an ideal signing for Lopetegui, especially on a free transfer.

Could the Spaniard land Rodriguez a perfect midfield partner? As he is chasing a midfielder who has won the Champions League twice…

West Ham United eyeing up move for ex-Barcelona midfielder

According to Pete O’Rourke, who was speaking on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast (via Football Insider), West Ham are considering a move for Sergi Roberto, the former Barcelona midfielder.

Having left the Catalan giants following the expiration of his contract, Lopetegui would be able to sign him for nothing in a move similar to that of Rodriguez. Judging by his experience at the highest level, he could be a worthwhile addition to the squad.

Roberto and Rodriguez may even form a wonderful partnership in the heart of the midfield as West Ham chase a top-eight finish next season.

Sergi Roberto & Guido Rodriguez partnership

Rodriguez typically operates as a defensive midfielder, making 29 appearances in that position for Real Betis last season.

He demonstrated his defensive capabilities in the Spanish top flight last term, winning 4.9 total duels per game – a success rate of 60% – while making 2.2 tackles and recovering 6.5 balls per game throughout the 2023/24 campaign.

When compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, Rodriguez ranked in the top 13% for interceptions per 90 (1.49) and the top 12% for clearances per 90 (2.05), yet more evidence of his defensive skills.

Roberto, on the other hand, tends to perform slightly further forward than Rodriguez, and he made 24 appearances for Barcelona last term, registering six goal contributions – three goals and three assists – in the process.

During his 14 La Liga appearances, Roberto created one big chance, succeeded with 75% of his dribbles, averaged 0.6 key passes per game and finished the season with a 90% pass success rate, not bad considering he only averaged 62 minutes per game.

Metric

La Liga

Champions League

Goals

3

0

Assists

2

1

Accurate passes per game

40.7

23.8

Total duels won per game

2.6

1.6

Big chances created

1

2

Despite this lack of game time domestically, he still shone when compared to his peers. Indeed, across Europe’s top five leagues, Roberto ranked in the top 2% for non-penalty goals (0.25), the top 5% for assists (0.25) and the top 4% for touches in the opposition penalty area (3.22) per 90, showcasing his attacking talents from the heart of the midfield.

These statistics clearly show that Rodriguez and Roberto could form a solid partnership in the West Ham midfield, offering both defensive and attacking skills to complement each other well.

Not only that, but the Spaniard is also like a current Manchester City star who was the player of the tournament at Euro 2024…

Why Sergi Roberto could be West Ham’s own Rodri

Rodri shone for Spain as they won their first major international tournament since 2012, finishing the tournament with a stunning 93% pass success rate while recovering 6.8 balls per game and winning 5.2 total duels per game.

He was the beating heart of this wonderful Spanish side and if Lopetegui could sign a player who performs like him, then West Ham would be all the better for it.

According to FBref, Rodri is the seventh-most comparable player to Roberto, which means the club could be signing their own version of the City gem should a deal be made for the 32-year-old this summer.

Last season, the pair registered similar domestic statistics with regard to shots per 90 (1.05 vs 1.9), pass success percentage (89% vs 92%), successful take-on percentage (50% vs 65.6%) and goal-creation actions per 90 (0.31 vs 0.71), evidence of their similarities last term.

Although he may not be at his peak anymore, Roberto – who has been described as "extraordinary" by ex-Barca boss, Xavi – would bring a host of big game experience to this West Ham side.

Throughout his career, the Spaniard has won seven La Liga titles plus two Champions League crowns, proving that he has what it takes to shine on the biggest stage of all.

Overall, Roberto made 373 appearances for his boyhood club since making his debut during the 2010/11 campaign, scoring 12 goals while grabbing 34 assists in the process.

It would certainly signal a major statement of intent if they were to bring the former Spain international to London in the next few weeks, showing that Lopetegui means business in the transfer market.

If deals can be done to bring him and Rodriguez to the club, then the midfield area will be bolstered significantly heading into the new season.

If the pair hit the ground running, completing both signings without spending a penny could soon be seen as a masterstroke by the former Wolves manager.

Time will tell however, but the signs are looking good for West Ham heading into a new season.

In the race: West Ham want "complete midfielder" who can replace Paqueta

Things are happening over in east London.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 2, 2024

Southampton are set to complete the signing of a 20-year-old ace with lots of international youth team experience, according to an update from journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Southampton transfer news

The Saints lost 1-0 away to Newcastle United in their opening Premier League game of the season, despite the Magpies having 10 men for much of the game. While on-pitch duties are now at the forefront of Russell Martin's thinking, that's not to say that new signings still aren't possible this summer.

Lazio goalkeeper Christos Mandas has been spoken about as a possible target, coming in and providing much-needed competition between the sticks. Alex McCarthy started at Newcastle, but he is now a veteran figure who should arguably be a backup option at the highest level.

Belgium and Antwerp midfielder Mandela Keita has also been linked with a summer move to St Mary's Stadium, with a £10m move for the 22-year-old mooted, following a bid of that amount.

In fact, Keita is seen as a possible alternative option to Tottenham ace Oliver Skipp, who has also been mentioned as a possible addition for Martin between now and the end of the summer transfer window. The Englishman could struggle for minutes at Spurs this season, so he may see a move away as ideal at this point in his career.

Now, it looks as though Southampton are closing in on another signing this summer, following a significant fresh transfer claim that has emerged.

Southampton agree deal to sign 20-year-old ace

According to Romano on X, Southampton are "set to sign" Sporting CP midfielder Mateus Fernandes, snapping him up in a potential £15.3m deal after moves for Cameron Archer and Lesley Ugochukwu.

Fernandes may not be the household name that many Southampton supporters want to see arrive in the coming weeks, but he is an exciting young footballer who could be an excellent long-term addition for Martin.

At just 20, the Portuguese has already made 10 appearances for Sporting, scoring and assisting once apiece, and he has been capped for Portugal in four different age groups, as the table below shows:

Portugal Under-21s

7

2

Portugal Under-20s

2

0

Portugal Under-19s

9

0

Portugal Under-18s

9

1

Granted, Fernandes isn't a player who is may not arrive as an immediate starter for Southampton, making a huge difference in their attempts to avoid relegation from the Premier League this season, but he could be a handy squad player from the off.

Premier League Table: Latest EPL standings for 2024/25 season

Stay up to date with the English Premier League standings after matchday 33.

ByStephan Georgiou Apr 22, 2025

He has enough experience at a high level to suggest that he should be able to do a solid job, but most exciting is the fact that he still has so many years ahead of him, and could therefore mature into a fantastic option for Saints over time.

Leeds United have had some exceptional strikers during the Premier League era. One of the most iconic of the lot, although not necessarily the best, was Tony Yeboah. He only played 66 times for the Whites but scored 32 goals, including stunners against Wimbledon and Liverpool in 1995.

Another excellent striker for Leeds since 1992 was Mark Viduka. He is undoubtedly one of the greatest Australian players in the history of the Premier League, and he scored 72 goals and grabbed 16 assists in 166 games for the club. He was a deadly striker.

Another centre-forward who was excellent at Elland Road, but did not actually play for the club in the Premier League, was Chris Wood.

Chris Wood’s Leeds record

It has been an extraordinary season in 2024/25 for Wood, who has been on fire for Nottingham Forest. In 25 Premier League appearances this season, the New Zealander has found the back of the net 18 times.

That is the kind of form that might not be a surprise to Leeds supporters. He was just as deadly for the Whites, although he did it in the second tier of English football rather than the first, for two seasons between 2015 and 2017.

In 88 appearances for the Yorkshire outfit, Wood managed 44 goals and grabbed nine assists. He was clinical in the Championship, bagging 13 goals in his first season and 27 goals in his second, which came in 44 games.

The centre-forward, who was born in Auckland, New Zealand, was sensational for Leeds during his two-year stint at Elland Road.

As much as they would love him back today, manager Daniel Farke has someone at his disposal who is certainly showing similar form to their former marksman.

The Leeds star showing shades of Wood

Leeds’ attackers have all been in impressive form this season, but perhaps none have been as good as Joel Piroe. The Dutchman has been clinical in front of goal and is leading the line superbly for Farke’s side.

Chalkboard

The 25-year-old joined the club in 2023 from Swansea City, where he was adored and highly rated by the fans. Swans social media personality Jordan Webber described Piroe as a “special” player during his time at the Liberty Stadium, and his time at Elland Road so far has certainly shown why he was so highly praised.

The Whites have certainly seen the best of Piroe during his time at the club. This season, he has found the back of the net on 14 occasions and has grabbed six assists, in just 34 Championship games. The Dutchman is a key reason why Leeds are top of the table.

One of the best recent contributions from the attacker came against Watford. The former PSV Eindhoven star scored and assisted against Tom Cleverley’s side in a 4-0 win, dancing past onrushing defenders with quick feet before slotting home.

Statistically, Piroe has been excellent this term, and there are certainly similarities between his season so far, and Wood’s 2016/17 campaign.

For example, as per Sofascore, the Dutchman has a 20% conversion rate, compared to Wood’s 25% according to Sofascore.

Stat

Piroe – 2024/25

Wood – 2016/17

Goals per game

0.4

0.6

Shots per game

2.2

2.4

Conversion rate

20%

25%

Big chances created

5

5

Dribbles completed per game

0.3

0.3

Piroe is valued incredibly highly amongst the rest of his teammates, worth £11.6m according to Transfermarkt. That is more than fellow attacker Manor Solomon, who is also starring this season, with 14 goals and assists to his name in the Championship. The on-loan Tottenham Hotspur man – who has netted four in the last six league games – is worth a reported £7.5m.

There is no doubt that Solomon’s shining colleague, Piroe, has shades of Wood about him this term. With roughly a third of the season still to be played, it is quite conceivable that he could even overtake the Kiwi’s tally from 2016/17 and help his side to promotion.

At this rate, Piroe is well on his way to writing his name into the history books and becoming another cult-hero striker at Elland Road.

Leeds have unearthed their own Le Fee in star who's "like tackling smoke"

Leeds United have hit the jackpot with their own version of Enzo Le Fee.

ByDan Emery Feb 16, 2025

After parting ways with Paul Warne, Derby County are now reportedly set to make a formal approach to hire a rival manager from within the Championship.

Derby recuse point at Norwich after Warne departs

Having suffered as many as eight defeats on the bounce, Warne was always likely to be a manager in danger of being shown the door and a 1-0 loss against Sheffield United proved to be one too many as the Rams jumped into action. In the depths of a relegation battle, it’s fair to say that those at Pride Park must get their next appointment right.

Releasing a statement after sacking Warne, Owner David Clowes said: “Paul is a man of great integrity and embodies the values we hold important at Derby County. No fan should ever forget his contribution in securing promotion to the Championship. I certainly won’t.

“However, results in football dictate decisions and we felt that to give us the best chance of retaining our Championship status, the time was right to make a change.

“Paul goes with our thanks, gratitude and best wishes. He and his family will always be welcome at Pride Park.”

Now in need of a replacement after Jerry Yates’ late goal earned a point at Norwich on Saturday, the Rams have turned towards a Championship rival. According to John Percy of The Telegraph, Derby are now set to make a formal approach to hire John Eustace, who is currently in charge of Blackburn Rovers.

Given that Blackburn are a side competing for a place in the play-offs, Derby’s attempt to lure Eustace to Pride Park is certainly an ambitious one but they may be hoping that his connection as a former player lures him back to the club.

"Solid" Eustace would be incredible coup

If Derby managed to convince Eustace into ditching his current Blackburn project, which is currently on course for the playoffs, in favour of a relegation battle then it would undoubtedly be among the moves of the season. The ambitious Rams have not been scared away by the contrasting position that Blackburn find themselves in and where there’s a will there is certainly still a way.

Of course, it wasn’t so long ago that Birmingham City were left regretting their decision to sack Eustace in what led to their relegation despite being well-placed to compete for a top six finish when they made their decision. Now, Blackburn should be desperate to keep hold of the Derby target and avoid a similar fate.

Praised for the “very solid job” that he did at Birmingham by fan pundit HLTCO when the shock news of his departure emerged, Eustace should avoid being at the centre of another managerial change and remain on a path to success at Blackburn.

Derby, meanwhile, may find themselves with their tails tucked between their legs if their incredibly ambitious move is shut down before it can even accelerate in the coming weeks.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is facing an absolutely huge week in N17 amid mounting pressure on the Australian, with an all-important Europa League quarter-final clash against Eintracht Frankfurt on the horizon.

Ange Postecoglou facing key Tottenham decisions

However, before their most vital game of the season to date, Spurs must get past bottom side Southampton in the Premier League – and nothing but a win will do for Postecoglou as serious doubts surround his future.

Tottenham ready to move for "elite" Postecoglou replacement after Chelsea loss

The Australian is treading on very thin ice right now.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 4, 2025

The 59-year-old must get supporters back onside and inspire unity once again – a mountainous task for Postecoglou considering his row with the Tottenham away end over Pape Matar Sarr’s introduction during their 1-0 loss to Chelsea on Thursday.

Southampton (home)

April 6th

Wolves (away)

April 13th

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 21st

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Following a dismal campaign, with Spurs languishing fairly near the relegation zone after 16 league defeats, reports claim chairman Daniel Levy is in the market for a new manager, and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola is Tottenham’s top target.

“It’s been a ridiculously challenging season on all fronts and every fan has the right to show their frustration and again,” said Postecoglou on Tottenham’s disappointing 2024/2025.

“I think at times it has overstepped and when it oversteps, I will not stand for it because I am a little bit old school with that, but they have every right.

“I think I said before the game it is up to us to try and find a way to get them back on board with what we’re doing. I still can’t get away from the fact we have a real massive opportunity for ourselves between now and the end of the season.

“I think it would be different if that didn’t exist. It would be a tougher road to navigate, but I am hoping that irrespective of how the fans feel about me, what I’m doing and the project we’ve embarked on, I hope when the games come around, they just get behind the players and the team because they can make an enormous difference.”

Ahead of their clash with the Saints, a report by journalist Dan Kilpatrick has shared how Postecoglou is planning to shape up.

Tottenham to recall Porro whilst dropping Maddison and Son

According to the Standard Sport reporter, Postecoglou will likely completely overhaul his starting eleven and drop key men, with their European bout against Eintracht firmly in the tactician’s thinking.

It is believed the Spurs boss will recall right-back Pedro Porro to the starting lineup versus Southampton, having recently lost his place to the rejuvenated Djed Spence, while big-name duo James Maddison and Son Heung-min will be dropped and rested for Frankfurt.

Criticism has centered on Son this season, with the South Korean megastar failing to replicate his best form this term and talkSPORT pundit Jamie O’Hara questioning his leadership qualities.

“Son Heung-min did not show the demeanour of a captain,” said O’Hara on Son after the defeat to Chelsea.

“Son Heung-min is a player who sets an example, and he did so in the past, but that is no longer enough. Son Heung-min cannot dominate opponents and his sharpness has diminished, failing to make a difference.”

Maddison, meanwhile, has been in and out of the line-up recently despite bagging 11 goals and seven assists this term.

Following the news that Kevin De Bruyne is set to depart as a free agent this summer, Manchester City have now been handed a fresh concern by Real Madrid’s reported interest in signing one of Pep Guardiola’s star men.

Guardiola preparing for Man Utd revenge

In what will now go down as De Bruyne’s final Manchester derby, Guardiola and his Manchester City side will be seeking revenge over their rivals after Amad Diallo’s shock last-gasp winner left them on the losing side earlier in the campaign. In what has been a campaign to forget, the Citizens will be hoping to at least compile the misery on Manchester United.

Forget Foden: Pep already has the perfect De Bruyne replacement at Man City

Manchester City will lose Kevin de Bruyne this summer, handing Pep Guardiola a task to replace him.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 4, 2025

Guardiola reiterated that his side are currently in a good place ahead of the chance to earn revenge against their rivals, telling reporters: “Good. The last two games we were good and hopefully we continue in the last eight games in the Premier League and prepare. The people rest and tomorrow we’re going to prepare the game.”

However, the Spaniard’s main focus was on De Bruyne’s announcement and how he will miss the Belgian’s quality, saying in his pre-match press conference: “Sad day. It’s a happy day for the fact of the pleasure that I live this time that I have with him. He gave all of us his humanity and of course his influence in all our success. The last decade would not be possible to imagine without him.”

That said, De Bruyne may not be the only star man that Guardiola is left bidding farewell to this summer, with Real Madrid now readying a shock move to sign one particular Manchester City star.

Real Madrid readying Bernardo Silva move

According to reports in Spain, Real Madrid are now readying a move to sign Bernardo Silva this summer, with the midfielder keen to leave the Etihad and end an incredibly successful tenure in the Premier League. Like De Bruyne, Silva has played a pivotal part in City’s dominance over the years as a jack of all trades at Guardiola’s disposal.

After a difficult campaign, however, the Portugal international could be among those allowed to leave the club in what would arguably be coming at the right time for all involved.

Once dubbed “irreplaceable” by Guardiola, Silva is now struggling to keep up with the pace of the Premier League and must make way for a much-needed rebuild at Manchester City this summer. And if that means a move to Real Madrid, then not many could argue over whether a player of his success deserves such a move.

Rangers are among the clubs who are interested in signing a legendary player in the summer transfer window, according to an exciting new update.

What's going on with Rangers' manager search?

The Gers are continuing their search for their next manager, as they look to get their appointment spot on after the disappointing reign of Philippe Clement.

Davide Ancelotti is still a leading option to take charge at Ibrox ahead of next season, having left his role as assistant manager at Real Madrid. Only 35, the Italian may want to test himself in management, going his own way rather than working alongside with his legendary father, Carlo Ancelotti.

Meanwhile, Rangers are also believed to have held talks with former Ajax boss Francesco Farioli about becoming their next manager, following a sad end to the season for his side, being pipped to the Eredivisie title by PSV Eindhoven.

The likes of Russell Martin and Steven Gerrard are also among the front-runners to come in and hopefully guide the Gers to greater heights moving forward, and it is essential that the club pick the right man, during a period in which they have only won one Scottish Premiership title since the end of the 2010/11 season.

Whoever is given the job will know the importance of adding to their squad, and a hugely exciting transfer rumour has now emerged.

Rangers lining up stunning summer signing

According to The Daily Record [via Ibrox News], Rangers are keen on signing Leicester City legend Jamie Vardy this summer, with the 38-year-old now a free agent.

There is plenty of interest in the striker,however, including from some Premier League clubs, so it may not be easy for the Gers to strike a deal.

At 38, Vardy clearly isn’t the force he used to be, not possessing the electric pace of old, but that’s not to say he couldn’t still be an effective signing for Rangers.

The Englishman still scored nine goals in the Premier League last season, in a team that got relegated, and Gary Lineker paid tribute to him recently, calling him “inimitable”.

Vardy has the character to be a hero at Ibrox, always enjoying goading opposition fans, but most importantly, he remains a good goalscorer who could add firepower to Rangers’ squad.

49ers not messing: Rangers advancing free transfer to sign 29 y/o defender

He could be the first arrival of the 49ers era.

ByTom Cunningham May 31, 2025

Signing him on a one or two-year deal would make sense for the Gers, during which time he could have the potential to be a cult hero, doing his best to get his hands on the Scottish Premiership trophy.