All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Manchester United have been keeping tabs on the situation of Sofyan Amrabat this summer and they may have been handed a welcome boost, with Corriere dello Sport, via The People's Person, reporting his time at Fiorentina may be over.

How many games has Sofyan Amrabat played for Fiorentina?

Having been with Fiorentina for three seasons, the midfielder has managed to play in 83 league games for the club so far. Whilst that has only amounted to one goal and one assist in Serie A, his game is not all about goal contributions. Instead, the 26-year-old impresses in other areas.

His 158 passes into the final third in 2022/23 indicates a player who loves to get the ball forward and can pick out his teammates with exceptional vision. It's even more impressive when you consider this stat ranked him as the eighth best in this area in the entire division. He also managed 176 progressive passes – putting him ninth in the league standings for that too.

It was his time with Hellas Verona that really put him on the map. Having joined the Italian outfit on loan, he shone in Serie A and it ultimately led to La Viola buying him on a permanent basis. With his former side, he helped them to a very surprising ninth place in the standings that year and his individual performances didn't go unnoticed either. His 75 successful take-ons – very good for a midfielder – put him fourth in the entire league in that area. He also had the ninth best progressive carrying distance that campaign.

Are Manchester United signing Sofyan Amrabat?

With the player continue to wow with his ability to drive the ball forward and start attacks from the centre of the field, there is now interest in his services from afar. Premier League side Man United have long been keeping tabs on Amrabat and have been weighing up a move as they look to improve their midfield ranks.

Now, they may have the opportunity to sign him. That's because, according to a report from Corriere dello Sport, via The People's Person, the 26-year-old may be shown the door by Fiorentina. It states that he is no longer seen as a part of the "project" with the Serie A outfit and that there is no chance that the "bond" between himself and the Italian side will be fixed.

It means that he is now unwelcome as part of the plans next season and if a good offer comes in, he will be sold on. It adds that Man United remain very keen to snap him up and that they are also the frontrunners to land his signature. It's all promising news then for the Red Devils.

He's received a lot of praise over the last year, with Amrabat especially impressing during his stint with Morocco at the World Cup. The African side were unfancied but went all the way to the semi-finals of the tournament – and the midfielder was one of their stand out players.

Luis Enrqiue certainly thought so – the Spain manager stated that the 26-year-old was "extraordinary" after his side were dumped out by them. It shows how good the player has been on the big stafe then – and if United want to boost their midfield options, adding the Fiorentina man could be a real way to do it.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was rocked by the exit of one of his star players earlier this month as Portuguese winger Jota completed a move away from Parkhead.

The 24-year-old phenomenon opted to join Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad, where he will play alongside French internationals Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kanta, in a deal reportedly worth £25m.

However, the Hoops will not see all of that fee as Benfica, who sold him to the Scottish giants last summer, are due to receive £7.5m from their 30% sell-on clause.

£17.5m is still a hefty profit on the £6.5m they paid to sign the exciting winger on a permanent basis in 2022 and it could provide Rodgers with the funds he needs to find a replacement.

Who could replace Jota at Celtic?

The Northern Irish tactician could find Jota's heir by securing a deal to sign Yang Hyun-jun from South Korean side Gangwon FC this summer.

Football Scotland reported earlier this month that the club have agreed to a £2.1m deal to sign the young winger but the K League 1 outfit are pushing to keep their prized asset until January as they battle against relegation to the second tier.

Celtic must now push to bring him in immediately as the potential is there for him to be an exciting replacement for Jota heading into the 2023/24 Scottish Premiership campaign.

Yang's form for Gangwon in 2022 suggests that he could be an excellent addition for Rodgers as the 21-year-old magician impressed in spite of his team's average season.

The South Korean side scored 47 goals in 33 league matches and lost more games (14) than they won (13).

During that time, the South Korea U23 international plundered eight goals – 17% of the club's total – and created six 'big chances' for his teammates, which was rewarded with five assists.

The talented youngster, who was described as "highly creative" by FC Twente philosopher and analyst Joost van der Leij, was able to showcase his attacking quality as a scorer and creator without playing in a successful team.

Now, imagine what he could do as part of a dominant Celtic squad that scored 114 goals and won 32 of their 38 Premiership matches last season. 17% of that goal tally would work out as 19 strikes, which highlights the difference playing in a more productive outfit can make for an attacker.

Jota proved himself to be a consistent performer out wide as he scored 11 goals and provided 11 assists in 26 league starts for the Hoops, with only Kyogo Furuhashi (27) able to boast a better goal return for the club.

Yang, who is three years younger than the Portuguese ace, may not have reached those impressive numbers at the top end of the pitch in his career so far but his form for a struggling Gangwon side in 2022 indicates that he could thrive if given the opportunity to line up as part of a lethal Celtic attack next season.

Therefore, Rodgers could unearth a dream replacement for Jota by getting a deal over the line for the South Korean whiz and helping him to adjust to playing in a thriving team, which could – in turn – improve his output in the final third.

Allan Saint-Maximin is "an option for Saudi Arabia" this summer as the former Nice man is no longer "in Eddie Howes plans", claims transfers expert Graham Bailey.

Newcastle transfer news – What's the latest on Allan Saint-Maximin?

The Toon finally made their grand entrance into this summer's transfer window last week when they announced the £55m signing of AC Milan star and Italian international Sandro Tonali.

The transfer has been viewed by some, such as The Athletic's George Caulkin, as a transformative moment, a moment in which the Magpies truly announce themselves as a new club among the Premier League elite.

However, this bar to which the Toon will be held means that some of their stars over the last five or six years are becoming surplus to requirements, none more so than the ever-popular figure, Saint-Maximin.

The Frenchman arrived in Tyneside from Nice in the summer of 2019 and made an instant impact on his new Geordie fanbase. It was his attacking threat and style of play more than anything that won fans over, he was helping them to win games, and he looked like he genuinely loved doing it.

However, with the takeover 18 months ago, the arrival of new talent and the revised expectation to challenge for Champions League places, the tricky winger has seen his minutes dramatically dwindle.

This has led to reported interest from teams like Everton and AC Milan, but also teams in the burgeoning and ludicrously wealthy Saudi Pro League, per Graham Bailey.

He explained the situation on the Talking Transfers podcast, saying:

"He is an option for Saudi Arabia, they're looking at him. He's not going to get a new contract at Newcastle. He's still got, I think, 2026, I think his contract ends, he signed a huge deal when he arrived, and he wanted a new deal. He's not going to get one. Last season showed he didn't, he started about a dozen games, he's not in, not in Eddie Howe's plans to start games regularly."

Was Allan Saint-Maximin good last season?

It was a tough season for the fan favourite at St. James' Park last year, from being a star player during the club's worst times in recent years to being left to rot on the bench whilst the side went on and qualified for the Champions League.

According to WhoScored, the winger who was once labelled "magic” only started just 12 Premier League games under Eddie Howe, for which he did manage to produce five assists, one goal and an average rating of 6.8.

In the league campaign before last, he started 31 games and has never started fewer than 19 since breaking into senior football in the 2016/17 season, indicating that his reduced role last year was probably tough to take.

He is a frustrating footballer because there are some elements of the game at which he is elite, but then some fairly major aspects in which he is considerably worse than the average player and his underlying numbers reflect this reality perfectly.

According to FBref, who compare players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, he sits in the top 1% for progressive carries and successful take-ons, the top 4% for assists and expected assists, the top 8% for touches in the oppositions' penalty area, the top 9% for shot-creating actions and the top 12% for progressive passes, all per 90.

Those statistics look unbelievable in a vacuum, but FBref also places the player in the bottom 9% for non-penalty goals, the bottom 13% for non-penalty expected goals, the bottom 36% for pass completion and the bottom 46% for attempted passes, per 90 minutes.

With that information, it's clear that whilst his unpredictability was an added benefit for a team desperately trying to avoid relegation, for a team that needs to consistently win their games to qualify for European football, he can become a bit of a liability.

It is probably time for the Toon to move on from the exciting winger, but he'll likely remain beloved at St. James' Park.

Newcastle United may have moved their attention to defence in regards to their next transfer business, with Spazio Napoli, via Sport Witness, reporting that the Toon are now keeping close tabs on Giovanni Di Lorenzo.

How many games has Giovanni Di Lorenzo played for Napoli?

The right-back has spent the last four seasons with current club Napoli, and has long been an important player for the side. Even when he first linked up with the Serie A outfit from former club Empoli, he was thrown straight in and given 33 appearances in that very first campaign.

He has since managed to rack up 139 league outings for the now champions of Italy during his time there, and with ten goals and seventeen assists along the way, he has proven to be an asset going forward for the club too.

Having spent the entirety of his career in Italy though, it appears a potential change may be on the cards. That's because according to a report from Spazio Napoli, via Sport Witness, the right-back is now on the radar of Newcastle United.

The Premier League side are keeping a close eye on the player now, with the 29-year-old seemingly now on their transfer wishlist. It adds that this interest in Di Lorenzo has only materialised over the "last few hours".

It means that no bid has yet been made and no official approach has come forth but Napoli are "worried" by the interest due to the financial might the Magpies now possess.

How much is Giovanni Di Lorenzo worth?

It's unclear how much a potential deal for Di Lorenzo may cost Newcastle. However, Transfermarkt suggest that his value is around the 25 million Euros mark (or £21.5m). It means that a deal wouldn't break the bank for the Toon if it was that amount, especially considering their new ownership, but it would still represent a profit on the player for Napoli.

He could be worth that amount too when you consider how well he has played for Napoli. Football journalist Josh Bunting has previously stated that a goal from Napoli was helped by a "perfect" ball from Di Lorenzo and has also called the player "excellent" too.

The Napoli man has warranted these superlatives then and it means that his signing could represent good business for Newcastle. They already have Kieran Trippier on that right flank but he would provide a good battle for that spot and sufficient depth as they embark into four competitions next term.

Newcastle United are interested in signing Atletico Madrid winger Yannick Carrasco this summer after securing qualification to the Champions League with a fourth-placed finish.

What's the latest on Yannick Carrasco to Newcastle?

According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona's option to secure Carrasco's signature for €19m (£16m) expires this week, which has consequently opened the door for Eddie Howe's Magpies.

The report goes on to claim that with Newcastle having previously registered an interest in the dynamo, they could initiate a move now that European football is on offer.

With the Wanda Metropolitano team 'counting' on the player to continue his emphatic form in Spain's capital, a deal won't be easy, but with just one year remaining on his contract, it could well work out.

How would Yannick Carrasco perform at Newcastle?

As a dynamic left-flanker, Carrasco boasts all the skills to enhance the Toon attack while also retaining the defensive fortitude absorbed over his 263 outings for the Colchoneros.

This term, the 66-cap Belgium international plundered ten goals and five assists from 44 matches across all competitions for Diego Simeone's side, earning praise for his "underrated" impact by journalist Josh Bunting.

Primarily a left-midfielder, Howe could replicate the successful deal to sign Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid for £12m in January 2022, with the right-back earning the club's Player of the Season award after playing a pivotal role in the resurgence of the team.

Trippier has made 53 appearances for United, scoring three goals, supplying ten assists and earning praise for the "ridiculous amount of quality" in his passes by journalist Charlie Gordon.

Given that Carrasco has refined his skills under Simeone's wing in the same manner as the 32-year-old England international, who won the La Liga title before departing, there is every chance Howe would be tempted to try to repeat the trick.

As per FBref, the £125k-per-week Carrasco ranks among the top 2% of positional peers for goals, the top 4% for shot-creating actions, the top 1% for progressive carries and the top 2% for successful take-ons per 90.

Indeed, having been dubbed the “complete” package by his Madrid-based manager, the 29-year-old could craft a successful career for himself in the Premier League with a transfer, and will undoubtedly provide a different dimension to a robust and refined outfit.

The return to Champions League competition after a two-decade absence has galvanised a proud fanbase that is now dreaming of the tantalising thought of a place at the forefront of Europe's elite, and by making considered and calculated moves to sign players of Carrasco's ilk, it could be that the squad remains on the cusp of greatness.

Manchester United have been dealt a blow as transfer target Adrien Rabiot is now set to stay at Juventus, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed.

Do Man United want to sign Rabiot?

Erik ten Hag is looking for additions to his midfield, and the club are currently in negotiations for Mason Mount, but France international Rabiot was a target.

Conversations for the "immense" talent had taken place over the 28-year-old, and he could have been a serious option should he have elected to depart Juventus on a free transfer in favour of a move to Old Trafford.

However, speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed that Rabiot has received an improved offer to keep him in Turin, and this now looks like the most likely outcome.

"Currently, could be a free agent, Adrien Rabiot, who is out of contract at Juventus. We know there were conversations between Erik ten Hag and people close with Rabiot, because he's always been a big fan of the player, and he's one of the names, of the options considered into the club for Manchester United's midfield," he stated.

"Rabiot has always been one of the players appreciated at Man United, but Juventus made an improved proposal to extend his contract. So to sign a new deal at Juventus for Adrien Rabiot, and now they are confident to get it done.

"So the conversation between Juventus and Rabiot is positive, it is not done yet. But Juventus are really trying to extend his contract. In this case, of course, no Man United or no to any other option for Rabiot, who dreams of Premier League football but didn't receive the right proposal yet."

What do Man United need in midfield?

Whilst Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro have been two of United's better performers, signing a third option to complement both in the middle of the park will be crucial for Ten Hag this summer.

Although Christian Eriksen did well going forward, notching up ten assists in all competitions, the 31-year-old received criticism for his lack of defensive intensity, which often led to Casemiro and the United defence being exposed.

United experimented with Marcel Sabitzer on loan in January, but it appears that neither he nor Brazil international Fred have a future at the club.

If United's pursuit of Mount fails, then they may find themselves back at square one when it comes to reinforcing their midfield, and the lack of clarity over their ownership situation means that they could be held back in the market when pursuing their top targets.

Michael Beale could face a few tough decisions as Glasgow Rangers manager this summer, especially with regards to which players depart the Ibrox side across the transfer window.

A major overhaul is needed and with Nicolas Raskin and Todd Cantwell arriving in January, Beale has already added another four new signings this summer, with the possibility that there are still a few more to arrive over the coming weeks.

The likes of Scott Wright and Jon McLaughlin look certain to depart, playing only bit-part roles last season, while money could also be freed up by moving on Kemar Roofe, who largely struggled with injury during 2022/23.

The forward missed 35 games due to a knee injury, making only six appearances and scoring twice, and while there isn’t any denying his undisputed quality in front of goal, scoring 36 goals in 78 games for the Gers, earning a reported wage of £26k-per-week is a waste if he is playing so little.

Beale could move him on by making a swoop for one of his former players this summer; Lyndon Dykes.

Could Rangers sign Lyndon Dykes?

The Ibrox side have been linked with the Scotland international since the January transfer window, however, just a few weeks ago, it was claimed by Football League World that Queens Park Rangers could now sell the £6k-per-week forward as he failed to agree terms on a new contract.

With just one year left on his deal, Beale could perhaps secure him for a low fee and he would be another reliable option that the Gers could call upon in front of goal.

Former manager Steven Gerrard lauded him back in 2020 when Dykes was playing for Livingston, dubbing the striker as “quite dangerous” and following 14 goals and ten assists during the 2019/20 campaign, the 27-year-old got his big move to the Championship and has continued his rich vein of form ever since.

29 goals and 11 assists across the previous three seasons isn’t prolific by any stretch of the imagination, but Dykes, like Roofe, has more qualities than simply sticking the ball in the back of the net.

He is able to bring other players into games with his ability to hold the ball up, while he is excellent in the air, ranking in the top 8% over the next eight European leagues out with the top five for aerials won per 90 (5.74) and three of his eight club goals last year came from headers.

Nine goals in just 29 appearances for Scotland suggest the 6 foot 2 machine can certainly cut it on the international stage and with Beale looking to add some strength in depth to his playing squad, the Australian-born star could be an excellent addition, one that helps banish Roofe in the process.

Leeds United have been a side never shy in front of goal, whether it be under the exceptional Marcelo Bielsa or even the struggling Jesse Marsch.

Even when trundling towards the drop last term, the Whites still managed to notch 48 goals, outscoring most of their relegation competition. This does mark a far cry from the 62 they scored during that imperious return to the top flight though.

However, recent reports have emerged suggesting that Rodrigo, their top scorer from that torrid later campaign, has a release clause of just €3.5m (£3m), making the Spaniard ripe for the plucking from Elland Road.

A huge chunk of that aforementioned figure could be set to depart.

Given he was initially bought for £27m, the club are set to make a monumental loss on the 32-year-old who offered a brief glimmer of hope throughout a dark and depressing year in Yorkshire.

To offset such financial failures, the 49ers will have to be shrewd in this summer window, likely scouring from within the Championship or the free-agent market to find their deals.

Fortunately, an option within the latter has come to light, with soon-to-be departing Lyon forward Moussa Dembele free from his £51k-per-week contract this summer, and reportedly on the list of Leeds' new ownership.

Could Moussa Dembele replace Rodrigo at Leeds United?

Having scored 13 league goals for a relegated side, Rodrigo has already proven himself a fine asset more than capable of starring in the top flight. His exit is almost a guarantee given the tiny fee attached to him.

However, this French forward could perhaps pose a fine alternative, despite the statistics of late suggesting a recent loss of form.

Just three goals in 23 Ligue 1 showings are a harsh indicator, given the form of Alexandre Lacazette ahead of him. The 26-year-old has only started eight games in the league.

As the machine-like striker in the season prior, he showcased his true talents by finding the net on 21 occasions, proving himself more than capable of leading the line. When handed confidence and a run of games, the former Celtic man has proven his talent in front of goal.

That spell in Scotland, where he would score 51 goals in just 94 games, saw Brendan Rodgers rush to praise him. The currently out-of-work manager claimed:

"Moussa has everything with his power and pace. It was a different sort of system and the boys looked a real threat and linked up really well.

“His opponent at centre-back was strong but Moussa is so powerful with ability, touch and work rate. He was excellent. I am very pleased to have him back and his contribution."

With the 49ers having inherited something of a mess in this Leeds team, still licking their wounds from a relegation that three different managers could not halt, they could offer some clarity by making a confident first foray into the market.

Not only would it mark a huge statement of intent, but it would also offer an immediate replacement should Rodrigo exit Elland Road.

Liverpool are on the verge of confirming Alexis Mac Allister as their first summer signing and now a new update has emerged on another Brighton and Hove Albion star who could be set to join his teammate at Anfield.

What's the latest on Liverpool's interest in Moises Caicedo?

According to The Telegraph reporter Sam Dean, Liverpool could become involved in the race to sign Moises Caicedo this summer.

Dean tweeted: "Brighton will demand significantly more than £70m for Moises Caicedo this summer. Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United have all shown interest — and Liverpool could yet become involved, depending on the eventual cost."

Should Liverpool sign Moises Caicedo this summer?

There is no doubt that Liverpool have a desperate need to complete an overhaul in midfield and the imminent announcement of a completed deal for Mac Allister will be a fantastic start to the club's intentions to inject some youth and high quality into the centre of the pitch.

The Anfield faithful will be under no illusion that FSG will be willing to splash the cash to match the extreme spending of Chelsea and Manchester United, but instead will focus on getting cost-effective deals done, with the World Cup winner reportedly costing the Reds a cool £35m for his services.

Having said that, the American owners scrimping has ultimately denied Liverpool the chance to compete in the Champions League and the struggles of last season should serve as a warning to the club hierarchy that their top-flight rivals are strengthening around them.

As a result, the signing of Caicedo would be an incredible opportunity for Jurgen Klopp as he would have a ready-made unstoppable midfield partnership if a deal could be done to reunite the Ecuadorian ace with his Brighton teammate Mac Allister at Anfield.

The dynamic duo dominated their opponents in domestic competition this term, with the pair part of a phenomenal side under Roberto De Zerbi who excelled to reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup and qualify for Europa League football with a sixth-place finish in the Premier League.

Caicedo's partnership with the 24-year-old has often been highly praised, with journalist Julien Laurens claiming that the pair are exactly what Liverpool need:

"The Mac Allister – Caicedo partnership is just so so good. They are exactly what Liverpool need so badly."

Whilst the Argentine boasts explosive attacking strengths, Caicedo – dubbed "terrific" by Tim Vickery – ranks in the top 15% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for pass completion, tackles and interceptions, whilst also ranking in the top five Premier League players this season for tackles won and interceptions completed, proving he is one of the most prolific ball-winning midfielders in Europe.

Whilst Mac Allister is likely to serve as a replacement for Naby Keita and an upgrade on Curtis Jones or Harvey Elliott, Caicedo would be the perfect alternative for either Jordan Henderson or Fabinho, injecting energy, consistency and creativity from the deeper role.

Indeed, Caicedo's reported £80m price tag will pose as a stumbling block for Liverpool as it is unlikely they would be willing to commit to such a high transfer fee, however, securing the young talent's signature alongside Mac Allister would set up Klopp's midfield for years to come.

Hibernian are keeping tabs on defender Morgan Feeney as they look to bolster their defensive options ahead of next season.

What’s the latest on Morgan Feeney to Hibs?

According to the Daily Record, Hibs are eyeing up a move for Carlisle centre-back Feeney as Lee Johnson aims to bolster his back line.

The 24-year-old is out of contract at the English side this summer, meaning Hibs could secure him on a free transfer, although they could face competition from fellow Premiership sides Hearts and Aberdeen, while there is also interest from League One – suggesting that the Easter Road outfit face a tough battle to sign him.

Could Morgan Feeney improve Hibs?

In the top flight last term, Johnson’s side conceded 59 goals, which was the joint fifth lowest across the whole league, however, they face a big problem in terms of centre-back options ahead of 2023/2024.

The departure of Mikey Devlin leaves Hibs with just two senior centre-backs at the moment and there will need to be a few additions over the coming weeks in order to improve the depth of the squad.

Johnson could secure a reunion with Feeney, having coached him during his spell as Sunderland manager and the 6 foot 2 gem could certainly come in and solve their defensive problem, no doubt about it.

The Englishman made his debut for Everton when he was just 17, and although he didn’t make the grade at Goodison Park, he has played for Tranmere Rovers and Sunderland, before finally enjoying a solid run of matches at Carlisle, featuring 76 times for the club.

The defender played 31 times in League Two as Carlisle secured promotion via the playoffs, however Feeney missed the end of the season due to injury. The 24-year-old did play a big part in the club achieving a top seven spot however, achieving a Sofascore rating of 6.96/10, which ranked him as the third-best player in the squad.

He also ranked in the top five for accurate long balls per game (2.2), interceptions per game (1.3) and clearances per game (2.8) to further underline his importance to the team and Johnson must act sooner rather than later to snap him up ahead of next term.

Journalist Nathan Ridley lauded the player following his injury in April which ruled him out for the rest of the season, saying: “A real shame if Morgan Feeney's time at Carlisle ends like this. He's more than capable of playing in League One.”

Luring him North of the border for nothing would represent a good piece of business for Hibs, and they need to make defensive signings a priority considering just how thin they are at the back.