All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Glasgow Celtic are starting to make meaningful strides in the transfer market and could now be set to compete for the signature of a talented midfielder, according to a report.

Brendan Rodgers addresses Celtic's next steps in the window

Five signings have made their way to Celtic since the window opened, and plenty more will be expected from the Hoops support as the countdown to their curtain-raiser against St Mirren draws closer.

Speaking after his side’s 3-2 defeat to Estrela de Amadora in pre-season, Brendan Rodgers confirmed his side are working on securing new faces in midfield and attack, admitting his side are a little short amid the departure of Nicolas Kuhn.

He stated: “I think there’s work going on behind the scenes. It’s clear we need to improve the squad. A lot of work is going on behind the scenes, there are loads of names floating about.”

“I think the positions you’ve mentioned, we’re clear that we need to improve our frontline. We lost Kyogo in January and another player with Nicolas gone. That’s a lot of goals that’s gone out of the team. So for us, we need to strengthen that area of the field. But the guys back home are working hard on that.”

Kawasaki Frontale striker Shin Yamada is set to join Celtic next week. However, their search for attacking reinforcements is unlikely to end there due to their pursuit of Napoli forward Giuseppe Ambrosino.

The next Jota: Celtic are now attempting to sign "very exciting" £3.2m star

As Celtic continue their busy summer transfer window activity, could the Hoops win the race to sign a “very exciting” £3.2m-rated Portugues youngster?

ByBen Gray Jul 13, 2025

Admittedly, there is a growing feeling among some supporters that Celtic are yet to really kick off the summer window in earnest, but that could all be about to change if recent developments are anything to go by.

Celtic fighting rival suitors for Salvatore Esposito

According to The Boot Room, Celtic are one of several clubs in the race to sign Spezia midfielder Salvatore Esposito, who could be allowed to leave his homeland on loan with an option to make any move permanent.

The scenario of an outright sale hasn’t been ruled out. Nevertheless, Brighton & Hove Albion, Burnley, Brentford, Fulham, Everton, Sunderland, and Rangers are also reportedly pursuing the one-cap Italy international.

Salvatore Esposito in Serie B – 2024/25 (Fotmob)

Chances created

78

Pass completion

85%

Dribble success

81.1%

Tackles won

36

Recoveries

207

Despite predominantly operating in a deep-lying midfield role, Esposito chipped in with seven goals and ten assists in 37 appearances across all competitions for Spezia, even if his sizeable contribution wasn’t enough to win his side promotion.

Previously, the 24-year-old has been likened to former Arsenal midfielder Jorginho by Jacek Kulig, so it will come as no surprise to see a lengthy list of clubs in the mix for his services.

Celtic have long sought another body in the six position to dictate play, albeit it would be intriguing to see whether Esposito and Callum McGregor could fit in the same side.

Leicester City have now held talks with a 57-year-old over the vacant manager position at the King Power Stadium, according to a recent report.

Despite the terrible campaign for the Foxes in the Premier League, it took them nine weeks after the season had ended to announce Ruud van Nistelrooy had in fact left the football club. After managing just five wins from his 27 games in charge, his departure was expected; just the time it took to announce it left many supporters confused.

Leicester City may now approach 4-4-1-1 boss who has coached 322 PL matches

Ruud van Nistelrooy could find himself ousted at the King Power Stadium.

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 5, 2025

Alas, the Foxes are finally on the lookout for a new manager to lead them in the Championship. One person that Leicester looked keen on appointing was Russell Martin. It was even reported that Martin had agreed a deal in principle to join Leicester, but that didn’t come to fruition, as the former Southampton manager decided to join Rangers instead.

Since then, out-of-work Sean Dyche has been mentioned as an option, while Danny Rohl has emerged as their number one target, with his release clause slashed from £5 million to £1 million.

But if a deal still cannot be agreed with Rohl, Graeme Bailey has revealed that Leicester could make an approach for Dyche, who has done wonders in the Championship before.

Leicester hold talks with experienced Championship promotion winner

However, there is now a new name in the frame to possibly replace Van Nistelrooy. According to Football League World, Leicester have held talks with Chris Wilder over their managerial vacancy.

Wilder is another manager who is currently out of work, as he left his post at Sheffield United nearly three weeks ago. The Blades’ new owners decided it was time for the club to go in a different direction, despite the fact that Wilder led United to a third-place finish and the play-off final.

The 57-year-old would be considered a more experienced option for the Foxes, especially at Championship level, as he’s taken charge of 189 games in that division, winning 93, averaging 1.69 points per game and, in that time, he guided the Blades to the Premier League during the 2017/18 season.

However, a concern would be his Premier League record, as he’s won just 20 of the 90 top-flight games he has been in charge of.

Games

305

Won

140

Drawn

57

Lost

108

Points

477

Points per game

1.56

Wilder is just the latest in a string of names to be added to the list of options for the Foxes, but appointing the former Sheffield United boss may be easier than chasing other managers. That is because Wilder is represented by the same agency as current Leicester defender Luke Thomas, with the club no doubt holding an existing relationship with the agency which could smooth negotiations with no current employer to worry about.

With pre-season approaching, Leeds United have now reportedly held talks to sign a much-needed Illan Meslier upgrade who could yet arrive in a cut-price deal.

Had Daniel Farke not dropped Meslier at the end of last season, Leeds may have been forced to gain promotion through the play-offs rather than courtesy of an impressive title win. As Sheffield United found out the hard way, there are no guarantees in the play-offs and whilst that Meslier verdict may seem harsh, the Frenchman was proving to be far too costly at Elland Road.

Leeds fighting to sign "excellent" £21.5m star with nine assists last season

The Whites could strike a surprise deal…

BySean Markus Clifford Jul 5, 2025

In fact, according to Planet Football, the 25-year-old had already cost the Whites 10 points by the time that April arrived last season, which forced Daniel Farke to drop his No.1 in favour of the experienced Karl Darlow. From that point onwards, Leeds marched towards convincing promotion. But Darlow is certainly not a permanent solution at 34 years old.

Instead, the 49ers must invest in a new No.1, especially with reports suggesting that they could be about to cash-in on the struggling Meslier courtesy of Fenerbahce.

After dropping Meslier last season, Farke told reporters: “Obviously he was involved in both [Swansea] goals in the last game, and it was a shame because after the penalty save he was on his way to being man of the match.

“So it was clear we had to make a decision. And we had to make it early in the week, because in that position the players need clarity, and Karl [Darlow] needs the time to prepare.”

Now, as the German manager prepares to take his side into the Premier League, he could finally have the chance to welcome an instant upgrade on the Frenchman.

Leeds hold talks to sign Lucas Perri

According to The Guardian, Leeds have now held talks to sign Lucas Perri, who could be allowed to leave Lyon at a cut-price amid their financial turmoil. The French club will drop into Ligue 2 if they fail with in an appeal against financial sanctions and that is likely to result in an exodus of star players below their valuations.

Potentially among those, Perri would be the perfect solution for Leeds’ goalkeeper problem. After arriving January of 2024, the Brazilian instantly took Anthony Lopes’ starting place and didn’t look back. Now, 18 months on, he could hand Meslier the same fate at Elland Road.

Starts

33

39

Saves per 90

3.52

1.62

Save Percentage

74.4%

72.7%

Errors leading to shots

1

3

Dubbed “outstanding” by South American football expert Nathan Joyes, Perri outperformed Meslier in a number of areas last season and crucially made fewer errors leading to shots.

At a bargain price, the shot-stopper would be an excellent addition to Farke’s side to hand the German the reliable No.1 that he has desperately needed.

Leeds United have submitted an offer worth more than £25m to sign a former Championship title winner for Daniel Farke.

Leeds transfer business heating up with Nmecha and Bijol

The Whites and the 49ers Enterprises have made early progress in the summer transfer window, with Lukas Nmecha agreeing to move to Elland Road on a two-year contract from July 1.

The German forward will leave Wolfsburg for Leeds and won’t cost the 49ers a penny, providing competition to the likes of Joel Piroe, Patrick Bamford and Mateo Joseph.

At the back, Leeds are now set to sign Udinese centre-back Jaka Bijol after weeks of talks and rumours. The Slovenia international was in Yorkshire on Wednesday and will be the next through the Elland Road door.

With the fixture list announced, Leeds still have plenty of time until their opening game of the Premier League season against Everton and will be hoping to make more additions after Nmecha and Bijol.

Another attacker is wanted alongside Nmecha, and a top target appears to be Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz.

Leeds submit bid to sign Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz

Reports from Sky Sports in recent days claimed Leeds were interested in signing the Brazilian this summer.

According to The Evening Standard, Leeds have made a bid worth an initial £26m to bring Muniz to Yorkshire. The offer also included £6m worth of add-ons, however, those at Craven Cottage have declined the bid from the 49ers.

Fulham see Muniz ‘as one of the club’s most valuable assets’ but they ‘may be forced to consider his exit if an offer too good to refuse arrives’.

It is added that ‘Leeds plan to sign a top striker this summer but are expected to move on to other targets now that their bid for Muniz has been rebuffed’.

Rodrigo Muniz Premier League stats

23/24

24/25

Games

26

31

Goals

9

8

Minutes played

1,599

950

The 24-year-old, who won the Championship title with Fulham in 2021/22, has scored 17 Premier League goals in the last two seasons in the equivalent of just over 28 full games.

He has also caught the eye of Premier League icon Alan Shearer, who called Muniz “horrible to play against” in 2024.

For now, though, it looks as if Leeds will have to look elsewhere for their top striker signing.

He's better than Diarra: Leeds now looking at deal to sign £26m "threat"

Leeds United are eyeing up a midfield star who could be even better than Habib Diarra.

1 ByDan Emery Jun 19, 2025

Newcastle United will be aiming to bolster their defence this summer, and Marc Geuhi is still earmarked as a target.

The Crystal Palace defender has been on the club’s radar for a while now, and, with his contract set to expire next year, Eddie Howe may look to strike a deal to bring him to the club.

A recent report states that the Toon might be able to strike a deal worth £40m to sign Guehi this summer, given his contract status.

With other interest in him from elsewhere, however, might Howe target an alternative?

Newcastle could target a move for Liverpool defender

While Guehi has been a target for the Magpies for quite some time now, it looks as though he could perhaps miss the boat.

According to The Chronicle, Liverpool centre-back Jarell Quansah is a player who remains on the club’s radar this summer, as they look to bolster their defensive options.

Although the Anfield side won the Premier League title last term, the Englishman played a bit-part role in the success and could move on to pastures new.

He is also attracting interest from Bayer Leverkusen, with Erik ten Hag looking to launch a bid worth around £40m for the Liverpool starlet this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

While Guehi remains one of the players that Howe is desperate to bring to Newcastle, the window is getting shorter for this move to happen.

Could he perhaps strike a deal to bring Quansah north instead? Only time will tell.

Why Newcastle must sign Jarell Quansah

There is no doubt that Guehi is heading into the peak years of his career. He will turn 25 next month and helped Palace win the FA Cup just last month.

Quansah, on the other hand, just turned 22 earlier this year and still has plenty of years left before he hits his peak, which is why he could be a dream alternative to the Eagles star.

Metric (per 90)

Guehi

Quansah

Pass success rate

87%

89%

Tackles

1.1

1.5

Total duels won percentage

60%

64%

Possession lost

7.4

8.4

Interceptions

0.7

1.1

Balls recovered

4.8

4.2

As you can see in the table above, the England U21 international has the potential to offer more than Guehi from a defensive perspective, as he won a higher percentage of his duels and averaged more tackles and interceptions per 90 in the Premier League.

Under Jürgen Klopp, the defender made 17 league appearances throughout the 2023/24 campaign. He suitably impressed, finishing the season with an 89% pass success rate while winning 64% of his total duels contested and losing possession just 8.4 times per game.

When compared to his peers in the top flight that season, Quansah also ranked in the top 11% for aerial duels won per 90 (3.4) and in the top 3% for non-penalty goals (0.15) per 90.

It was perhaps no wonder that he was dubbed an “absolute monster” by talent scout Jacek Kulig that season for his performances. He hasn’t quite settled into Arne Slot’s side during the Dutchman’s maiden season at Anfield, however.

The defender was restricted to just 25 appearances during 2024/25, with only 13 of those coming in the starting XI.

Does he need a fresh start to fulfil his potential? Newcastle would be the perfect place for him to gain regular gametime.

With Champions League football on the horizon, Quansah could become a regular under Howe at the Magpies as a dream alternative to Guehi this summer.

He could be better than Mbeumo: Newcastle enter race for £38m "future icon"

Newcastle need a new forward this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 14, 2025

Aston Villa excruciatingly missed out on a Champions League spot on the final day of the Premier League season as a controversial 2-0 away loss at Manchester United went completely against them.

Unai Emery’s men won’t have dwelled on this disappointment for too long, however, with the grandeur of Europe’s elite competition actually congesting their fixture list across a busy 2024/25, leaving them potentially a little empty in energy to push into those top five positions.

It could also be a summer of much change at Villa Park with Emiliano Martinez and Emiliano Buendia set to leave the West Midlands giants, alongside a whole host of exciting additions potentially entering the building.

Whenever it comes to new faces joining the Villans’ ranks, the Premier League high-flyers will surely always be on the lookout for their next Jack Grealish, with a reunion deal also not completely off the table.

Grealish's current situation at Manchester City

It’s been bubbling away in the background for some time now, but the former homegrown Villa talent could now finally exit the Citizens this summer, having been left out of Pep Guardiola’s camp for the upcoming Club World Cup.

Unfortunately for Grealish, his time at City has now been reduced to a sorry state of affairs, with the former £100m buy only starting seven top-flight games last season.

It’s a far cry away from the days where Grealish would terrorise many a Premier League defence donning Villa claret and blue – as seen in his 32 goals and 43 assists from 213 Villa contests – with the ultimate confidence boost needed for the 29-year-old to salvage his fading career potentially an emotional return to home soil.

However, Emery and Co. could instead go after this alternative target away from sentimentally snapping up Grealish, with this fresh target displaying shades of Grealish’s game all across his own bumpy career path.

The "special" Aston Villa target who has shades of Grealish

After all, Villa Park will be seen as a worthwhile next destination for this low-on-confidence winger, considering Marcus Rashford managed to collect a promising four goals and six assists this season just gone for Villa on loan, after the start of his messy Manchester United divorce came to the surface.

Jadon Sancho is also deep in his own exit route out of the Red Devils, with a report from TEAMTalk earlier this week speculating that United are desperately trying to offload their expensive flop, which has led to Villa taking an interest in the out-of-sorts attacker as a potential Rashford replacement.

There is some method to Villa’s madness here with Sancho displaying flashes of his “special” quality – as he was lauded by Enzo Maresca during his brief Stamford Bridge stay – at Chelsea, as seen in his promising tally of five goals and ten assists in West London.

With 12 strikes also next to his name during his cursed United stint, it’s not completely ludicrous to suggest that Emery can work his magic on another Red Devils outcast here.

His swagger down the left and ability to twist and turn defenders for fun at his peak, not far off Grealish’s own exuberant game, when confidence is also coursing through his veins.

Indeed, that similarity in possession is seen in the fact that Grealish ranks in the top 1% among his European peers for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref, while Sancho is not too far behind, amid his ranking in the top 13%.

LW

Sancho

61

7

11

RW

Sancho

19

4

0

CF

Sancho

2

1

0

AM

Sancho

1

0

0

LM

Sancho

1

0

0

LW

Grealish

121

24

23

AM

Grealish

26

1

4

LM

Grealish

11

2

2

CM

Grealish

8

0

2

CF

Grealish

3

0

0

RW

Grealish

2

0

0

SS

Grealish

1

0

0

Sourced by Transfermarkt

It’s even clearer from the table above where both Sancho’s and Grealish’s strengths lie, with Emery potentially getting the best out of the ex-Borussia Dortmund man to come by playing him down his preferred left flank, away from shoehorning him in elsewhere. With a transfer value of £31m, according to Football Transfers, a move could be a no-brainer.

Both players find themselves at a crossroads in their careers, with Grealish a certainty to leave the Etihad, alongside Sancho at Old Trafford – the latter could well thank Villa Park down the line for mending his broken career.

He's Grealish 2.0: Aston Villa keen on £55m star who has the "X Factor"

Aston Villa are looking to upgrade their attacking options this summer

ByJoe Nuttall Jun 3, 2025

This summer appears to be a huge window for Liverpool Football Club as Arne Slot looks to build on the magnificent job he did during his first year at the helm.

The Dutchman claimed the Premier League title at the first attempt, doing so after only making one senior addition in the form of Federico Chiesa, who only featured for a total of 104 league minutes.

Such an achievement is nothing short of remarkable, with the 46-year-old deserving of the opportunity to make his own additions and change the squad as he wishes.

With the transfer window now just around the corner, it’s a surprise to no one that work has already commenced in an attempt to land new players for Slot this summer.

Over the last couple of days, numerous names have emerged as key targets, with a real impetus on improving the options currently at the manager’s disposal within the final third.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new attackers this summer

In their pursuit of a new talisman this summer, RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko has emerged as a potential signing for Slot’s side during the upcoming transfer window.

The Slovenian, who scored 21 goals in 2024/25, has appeared on their shortlist, but could cost a pretty penny over the coming months, with the Bundesliga side demanding at least £70m for his signature.

However, he’s not the only talent from such a division to be touted with a switch to Anfield, with Eintracht Frankfurt talisman Hugo Ekitiké the latest name linked, according to journalist Florian Plettenberg.

He states that the Reds have entered the race for the 22-year-old’s signature, even holding talks with the striker over a move, with Slot personally wanting the Frenchman.

Plettenberg also confirmed that Frankfurt are demanding €100m (£84m) to part ways with the 22-goal forward, who also has keen interest from fellow English side Chelsea.

Why Liverpool’s £84m target would be perfect for Wirtz

Liverpool’s hunt for new additions has shown no signs of slowing down over the last couple of weeks, with Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz another name on their shortlist this summer.

The German has already held talks with the Reds over a summer switch to Anfield, but they face competition from Manchester City and Bayern Munich for the 22-year-old’s signature.

Any deal would likely set Slot’s side back over £100m this summer, with a switch to Merseyside certainly going to break the club-record £85m paid for Darwin Núñez back in 2022.

Should the hierarchy land a move for Wirtz and Ekitike, it would be a mammoth investment that highlights their ambitions of retaining their Premier League title in 2025/26.

However, the pair could form a deadly partnership for the Reds next season, with their respective figures from the Bundesliga fitting perfectly into one another’s skillset.

Ekitike, described as the “next Mbappe” by journalist Graeme Bailey, loves to play on the shoulder of the defender, often darting in behind and causing all sorts of problems.

He’s received 7.6 progressive passes, which has aided him in his tally of 22 goals this season, with Wirtz able to add to such a figure if they both joined the Reds, registering a tally of 6.7 progressive passes per 90.

Games played

33

Goals & assists

23

Goals per 90

0.53

Shots on target per game

1.6

Key passes made

1.6

Passes into 18-yard box

1.1

Progressive passes received

7.6

The striker has also managed to register 1.6 shots on target per 90, whilst also registering 0.53 goals per game in the Bundesliga – allowing the German to increase his assist tally when operating alongside the Frenchman.

He’s also made 1.6 key passes per 90, with 1.1 of which being played into the opposition’s penalty area, which could see him return the favour to Wirtz – highlighting why they could be so dangerous together at Anfield.

Whilst the pair could set the hierarchy back just short of £200m this summer, their tender ages gives them the chance to develop further in the years ahead – allowing the club to sustain their recent success.

Should they transfer their skillset to Merseyside in the coming months and hit the ground running, the pair could prove to be the difference in attacking areas, making Liverpool a real force to be reckoned with in 2025/26.

Mac Allister 2.0: Liverpool working on another amazing signing after Wirtz

Liverpool could be about to replicate a deal for Alexis Mac Allister durng the upcoming summer window.

ByEthan Lamb May 28, 2025

Everton are beginning to make big changes after a positive end to the season and could now have an advantage in the race for a prolific striker, per a report.

Everton announce departures after victory at Newcastle United

In the immediate aftermath of an impressive triumph at Newcastle United last weekend, Everton have announced that loanees Jack Harrison, Armando Broja, Orel Mangala and Jesper Lindstrom have returned to their parent clubs.

Carlos Alcaraz is still in discussions over a permanent move to the Toffees, while confirmation on others is expected shortly as the end of the campaign enters full swing.

Ashley Young will leave the building before a new era begins at the Hill Dickinson Stadium that could see a spate of new arrivals to excite supporters ahead of pre-season.

In controversial fashion, Liverpool winger Ben Doak is a surprise target for Everton and could complete an unexpected move across Merseyside, breaking a 33-year record since the last time the two rivals conducted business.

Lindstrom and Harrison’s departures have left the Toffees light on the right-hand side, so it is reasonable to suspect there will be movement across the front four positions.

Moyes already has Everton's Doucoure replacement in future "top PL player"

With Abdoulaye Doucouré set to leave Everton after Sunday’s visit to Newcastle, does David Moyes already have a ready-made replacement?

ByBen Gray May 23, 2025

Centrally, Everton could now have a major advantage in their efforts to bring in a prolific striker following recent developments that have left the man in question impressed.

Liam Delap could join Everton after positive meeting

According to journalist Simon Phillips on Substack, Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap has been impressed by Everton’s pitch to him after a meeting over the England Under-21 international’s future, which still hangs in the balance.

His camp are set for a fresh round of talks with Newcastle United, and a decision on his next destination is expected this week as clubs battle to win the race for his signature amid his £30 million relegation release clause, but the striker was very happy after speaking with Goodison chiefs.

Liam Delap in 2024/25 – Premier League

Shots

68

Shots on target

32

Chances created

21

Expected Goals

9.34

Successful dribbles

40

Exceeding his expected goals total, Delap registered 12 goals in the top-flight this term alongside two assists in 37 appearances, which is a fine total in a first debut season for a side that eventually got relegated.

There is plenty of competition for his signature, but a likely shot at being the leading Everton striker in competition with Beto would see the former Manchester City star gain plenty of opportunities to continue developing under David Moyes.

Delap clearly likes what he sees from the Toffees’ initial discussions over a move to Merseyside, so it will be intriguing to see if a deal can be thrashed out between all parties.

Manchester City’s Premier League title success at the end of the 2023/24 season feels like a lifetime ago now with their reputation as English football’s dominant force taking a bruising this campaign.

Indeed, Arne Slot showed no fear coming up against Pep Guardiola’s assured outfit during his debut season at the Liverpool helm with top spot secured in style by the Dutchman. Moreover, Newcastle United would reign supreme in the EFL Cup, away from City getting their hands on another honour.

There is still the FA Cup up for grabs for the Citizens – alongside a space inside the Premier League top five – but it’s fair to say it’s been a big reality check for Guardiola and Co regardless. To potentially regain their position as the top dog soon, a handful of new signings could well do the trick this summer.

The latest on Man City's transfer plans

Even though their stature isn’t quite what it used to be, City do still have plenty of spending power when it comes to transfers into the Etihad.

After all, in January alone, Guardiola’s men managed to splash out a whopping £180m on new recruits, with faces being linked to the building now in the form of Morgan Gibbs-White and Florian Wirtz not coming in on the cheap side either.

Gaining the German’s services looks especially tricky, with anything below £127m deemed as unsatisfactory on Bayer Leverkusen’s end, meaning alternate targets in attack are being lined up.

One of those targets is Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo. According to reports from Spain, it’s stated that City are planning to come forward with a bid for the captivating Brazilian.

Transfer Focus

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

It’s noted that City’s ‘strategy is clear’ as they go about launching an offer and engaging in talks with Madrid.

If previous rumours are anything to go by, a more modest – but still excessive – £85m could be seen as acceptable here.

Amazingly, acquiring the sensational South American could see City still win their own answer to Wirtz, with the 24-year-old similar in play style to the £100m+ man according to FBref, despite not lining up as a primary number ten option like the Leverkusen ace.

Why Rodrygo could be Man City's answer to Wirtz

Of course, Rodrygo hasn’t exactly been firing on all cylinders for Madrid as of late, with the 33-time Brazil international letting the last 12 La Liga games pass him by with no goals or assists being picked up.

Yet, he still has an encouraging total of 23 combined goals and assists this season from 50 overall clashes, which included one assist even being notched up against Guardiola’s side in Champions League knockout action back in February.

City will be very familiar of his “world-class” ability – as he was once lauded by revered teammate Luka Modric – away from just this assist, with four strikes also tallied up from nine appearances against his potential new employers.

But, away from his explosiveness in-front of goal being similar to Wirtz’s – who has amassed 16 goals himself in both the Bundesliga and Champions League for Xabi Alonso’s giants this season – both stars in question are capable of being flexible to fit their team’s needs, seen in the many different attacking positions they can slot into at a moment’s notice.

AM

Rodrygo

3

0

1

CF

Rodrygo

82

22

8

RW

Rodrygo

145

43

30

LW

Rodrygo

78

23

16

CM

Rodrygo

0

0

0

SS

Rodrygo

1

0

0

CF

Wirtz

11

4

4

RW

Wirtz

11

4

3

LW

Wirtz

9

2

3

CM

Wirtz

5

0

3

SS

Wirtz

4

3

3

As can be seen glancing at the extensive table above, both players can pop up in a wide array of positions, with Rodrygo’s varied game in particular seeing him accumulate 69 goals and assists combined as a winger across his career to date, away from just lining up as a central option up top.

Whilst Wirtz might well be their more desired target, an opportunity to land Rodrygo – who has openly been lauded as “special” in the past by Carlo Ancelotti – would be too good an opening to reject, especially if he’s a slightly more price-savvy alternative to the in-demand 22-year-old.

Man City target who Pep loves not happy with £5m salary offer at PSG

Man City are now ready to sign a big name…

ByBrett Worthington May 7, 2025

Glasgow Rangers are set to miss out on the Scottish Premiership title for the fourth season running, and only an Ianis Hagi equaliser against Aberdeen prevented it from having already happened.

The Gers came back from 2-0 down against the Dons to secure a point away from Ibrox, when a defeat would have seen their city rivals crowned once again.

Rangers know that they have to improve significantly to compete for the title in the 2025/26 campaign, and that means that they will have to move on from some players who have failed to show their worth, including Ross McCausland.

Why Rangers should sell Ross McCausland

The academy graduate made his first-team breakthrough last season under Philippe Clement, but he has failed to kick on and establish himself as a key figure for the Gers.

McCausland, who was sent off for two yellow card offences against Aberdeen, has produced three goals and five assists in 42 appearances in the Premiership in the last two seasons.

The Northern Ireland international has as many red cards as goal contributions (one) in 13 outings in the Premiership so far this term, which illustrates his lack of impact at the top end of the pitch.

Chalkboard

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

This is why Rangers should finally move on from the 21-year-old attacker. However, he is not the only attacker who should be ruthlessly ditched by the Gers, as Oscar Cortes should also be on the chopping block.

Why Rangers should move on from Oscar Cortes

The Colombian winger is currently on loan to the club from Lens, as he has been since January of last year, but the Scottish giants have an obligation to make that deal permanent this summer.

Rangers have to sign him permanently at the end of his loan spell, and Football Insider recently reported that those inside the club now see that as a ‘gamble’, due to his lack of success on the pitch to date.

Cortes (£6k-per-week) earns even more than McCausland (£4.7k-per-week), as per Salary Sport, and has offered even less than the Northern Irish forward in the past 18 months.

Appearances

6

8

Starts

3

4

Goals

1

0

Key passes per game

1.2

0.5

Big chances created

1

0

Assists

1

0

As you can see in the table above, the Colombian flop – who pundit Michael Stewart claimed has a “heart the size of a pea” due to his lack of desire – has rarely been available to make appearances in the Premiership, playing just 14 times in almost a season-and-a-half.

Cortes, who has dealt with several injury issues this season, was given an opportunity from the start against Aberdeen last weekend and was withdrawn at half-time after losing five of his six duels in the first 45 minutes.

Like McCausland, the 21-year-old attacker has failed to prove that he has the quality, or the availability, to be a key player for a team that wants to compete for the title in the Premiership.

This is why Rangers must immediately, and ruthlessly, move on from Cortes as soon as they officially sign him on a permanent deal, whether that means loaning him out to another team to go and attempt to play regular football, or to another team on a permanent basis.

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Rangers need reliable players who can perform week-in-week-out to put themselves in contention for the biggest trophies, which is why McCausland and Cortes should be axed this summer.