All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Nottingham Forest have got off to a fairly strong start, winning two and drawing two of their opening four Premier League fixtures. Their two victories came versus newly promoted Southampton and Liverpool, with draws against Bournemouth and Wolves.

All three of their fixtures have been tight, scoring three goals and conceding two. The defensive unit has looked fairly tight, with real quality in attack, especially on the counter, with Anthony Elanga, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Callum Hudson-Odoi.

One of their key defenders is Ola Aina, who made 22 appearances for Forest last season, scoring one goal, providing one assist, and contributing to two clean sheets in his 1,701 minutes played.

That said, he’s not quite as good as one player who departed Trentside a number of years ago…

Matty Cash at Forest

Matty Cash joined Forest in 2014, making his jump to senior football in 2016, spending a few months on loan at Dagenham & Redbridge, making 12 appearances, scoring three goals and providing three assists.

He then went on to make 141 appearances for Forest in four years at senior level, scoring 13 goals, and providing 14 assists in 9,900 minutes played for the club. It’s safe to say he was a pretty fine addition to the squad.

However, the impressive form of Cash attracted an offer of around £16m in 2020 for the Poland international, giving him the chance to play in the Premier League, an offer both Forest and Cash couldn’t refuse.

Cash vs Aina comparison

Cash and Aina are both 27-years-old, both play right-back, and are both a similar height. However, Cash is worth more than double Aina, according to Transfermarkt’s market value.

The current Villa star is currently valued at £24m, whilst the Nigeria international is only valued at £10m. So, how do they compare from a statistical point of view as well?

Stats (per 90 mins)

Cash

Aina

Goals

0.11

0.05

Assists

0.08

0.05

Progressive Carries

2.69

2.82

Progressive Passes

4.19

3.62

Total Shots

1.38

0.59

Key Passes

0.66

0.59

Crosses into Penalty Area

0.28

0.32

Shot-Creating Actions

1.84

2.02

Tackles

2.06

2.50

Interceptions

0.75

0.96

When comparing the two player’s metrics from the 2023/24 season, it is important to note Cash played double the number of games of Aina (44 to Aina’s 22) and, in turn, double the minutes, 3,257 minutes to 1,692.

So, where does he come out on top? Well, Cash excels in his attacking metrics, providing more goals and assists per 90, playing more key passes, and making more progressive passes per 90. He also takes more shots which shows that the former Forest defender finds himself in attacking areas more often, and isn’t afraid to release the trigger.

Aina, however, does excel in defensive metrics, averaging more tackles and interceptions than Cash per 90, perhaps indicative of the amount of defending each team does. That said, he is a threat going forward too, averaging more progressive carries compared to Cash, and more crosses into the penalty area per 90.

Whilst both players have their strengths, and Aina is doing a fantastic job for Forest at right-back, Cash being valued at more than double is telling of their quality, and could perhaps have offered even more going forward for this already dynamic Forest attack.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast's Where Are They Now series.

Leeds United suffered their first defeat of the Championship season on Saturday to Burnley, and it is a result that may have put manager Daniel Farke under significant pressure.

The Yorkshire side were unbeaten in their opening four league games, winning two and drawing two, but the 1-0 defeat to the Clarets leaves Leeds on eight points, already five adrift of leaders West Brom.

Cost £12.8m: Leeds could now lose “immense” star for nothing

Leeds United will not want to lose this gem for nothing.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 16, 2024 Journalist provides an update on Leeds’ pursuit of a striker

Leeds are unable to do any more business until January, so the focus will be on the football side of things and looking to pick up wins as they try to return to the Premier League.

However, the club will also be putting plans in place in the background, and according to Football Insider’s Pepe O’Rourke, Leeds will look to sign a striker in January. He states that owners the 49ers Enterprises are set to make the money available to bring in a new marksman.

Sunderland’s Eliezer Mayenda has emerged as a potential target for Leeds, but it appears a move for the striker is unlikely, as the Black Cats will be unwilling to strengthen a promotion rival. The Whites are said to be in need for a new centre-forward, and the club’s owners are willing to sign one in January, as they have put funds aside to bring in a new player.

The Yorkshire side have Patrick Bamford, Mateo Joseph, Joe Gelhardt, and Joel Piroe as their options for centre-forward, but it appears as though the club and Farke are keen to add to that area of the pitch in the new year after losing several key players during the summer. But while Farke may be keeping an eye on what could happen in January, his future at the club may not all be guaranteed as speculation emerges.

Graham Smyth makes claim on Daniel Farke's Leeds future

According to YEP reporter Graham Smyth, relayed by MOT Leeds News, Farke’s future at Leeds United no longer feels “as certain as it once did”. This comes as it’s been claimed that pressure was always going to have been on the German this season after failing to seal promotion to the top tier last term.

Smyth wrote for the Yorkshire Evening Post on 15 September that it is “unknown” how the manager’s bond with the 49ers will hold up if pressure starts to increase. Plus, Farke’s indications of dissatisfaction with the transfer window have hinted that the relationship between manager and board might not be all that well, with CEO Angus Kinnear even alluding to tension behind the scenes over the summer.

Smyth wrote on Farke’s future at Leeds: “And what about the right manager for where Leeds United are in a year’s time? The question naturally asked itself as Kinnear’s statement hung in the air.

Matches

61

Won

33

Drawn

13

Lost

15

“There is, of course, only one way that Farke will be at Leeds come September 2025, and that is if they are playing Premier League football.

“Even then, it does not feel as certain as it once did, because of the way the window played out, because of what he said, what Kinnear said, and what fans were left saying after the 1-0 defeat by Burnley.”

Blackburn Rovers have now agreed personal terms with an experienced midfielder ahead of a proposed move to Ewood Park before Friday's transfer deadline, according to a new report.

It has been a productive summer for the Lancashire side, as they have made some changes to their squad despite the fact that there are still financial uncertainties surrounding the club. As well as the strong summer off the pitch, it has also been a good start to the campaign on it, as John Eustace’s side have picked up seven points from their first nine available.

Breakthrough: Blackburn set to sign "fantastic" Premier League gem on loan

Talks are believed to be at an advanced stage and a deal is now close.

ByHenry Jackson Aug 27, 2024 Blackburn Rovers transfer news

Blackburn have brought in six new players over the course of this summer so far, with those additions being a mix of free transfers, loan deals, and bargain signings. The majority of those arrivals have made a good impact, but with only a few days remaining, Eustace may still have his eye on a couple of late deals.

Makhter Gueye

RWDM

Yuki Ohashi

Sanf. Hiroshima

Andreas Weimann

Bristol City

Danny Batth

Norwich City

Jack Barrett

Everton

Owen Beck (Loan)

Liverpool

Blackburn’s latest signing has seen them add Liverpool defender Owen Beck to their ranks, as it was reported earlier this week that the defender was closing in on a move to Ewood Park, signing for the Lancashire side on a one-year loan deal.

Rovers are still looking to improve the squad, with it being reported by Hungarian journalist Bence Bocsak that the Championship club are looking into a move for goalkeeper Balázs Tóth before Friday’s 11 p.m. deadline. Eustace is said to be keen on adding to his goalkeeping options, and Fehérvár, who Tóth currently plays for, are said to be open to a move before the window closes.

As well as looking to sign a new goalkeeper, Blackburn are also said to be interested in signing Newcastle United defender Harrison Ashby. Stoke City and QPR are also after the young defender, with Newcastle open to letting Ashby leave on loan once again. Whoever is to sign the player would have to give Newcastle and the player enough encouragement that he is going to play enough games.

Blackburn Rovers agree terms to sign Todd Cantwell

Sky Sports News reported this week that Blackburn will also now hold talks with midfielder Todd Cantwell over a move to Ewood Park. Cantwell is currently playing for Scottish Premiership side Rangers, but he submitted a transfer request earlier this summer and has since been training with the club’s B team.

Journalist Alan Nixon has since reported on Wednesday afternoon that Cantwell has agreed a deal to sign for the club, though certain details still need to be finalised between the clubs. The 26 year-old reportedly earned just over £1 million a year at Ibrox, so it will be interesting to see what number he lands on in Lancashire.

Sky's report stated that there is a belief a deal can be struck for the midfielder, who has been with Rangers since January 2023, scoring 14 goals in 64 games. Cantwell came through the academy at Carrow Road, and his former youth coach, Gary Cockaday, described the player as a “god-given” talent who went on to do very well for Norwich’s first team.

Southampton are in "advanced talks" to sign an "absolute monster" on loan this summer, according to an update from reliable journalist David Ornstein.

Southampton transfer news

The summer transfer window has to be considered a positive one at St Mary's Stadium, with important signings made ahead of Saints' return to the Premier League. Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Flynn Downes were both integral loan players last season, playing a big role in Russell Martin's side getting out of the Championship, so the fact that both have joined on permanent deals is a huge positive, among other additions.

That's not to say that more new players won't come in, however, with Lazio goalkeeper Christos Mandas linked with a move to Southampton in the coming weeks. The 22-year-old is an impressive up-and-coming young player, and could be viewed as an upgrade on Alex McCarthy.

In midfield, Oliver Skipp and Mandela Keita have also emerged as reported targets, with the former possessing plenty of Premier League experience in a Spurs shirt, but not seen as a key man in north London.

In terms of potential outgoings at St Mary's before the end of the month, Armel Bella-Kotchap looks highly likely to move on, with Hoffenheim one of the clubs believed to be working on getting a deal over the line for him. Now, it looks as though another new signing could be heading to the South coast, following an encouraging claim.

Southampton in "advanced talks" to sign Chelsea gem

Writing on X on Thursday evening, Ornstein said that Southampton are in "advanced talks" to sign Chelsea youngster Lesley Ugochukwu on loan for the 2024/25 season.

While Ugochukwu isn't coming in on a permanent basis this summer, nor is he available to sign next summer, he could be a brilliant addition for Southampton in 2024/25. The 20-year-old Frenchman will add much-needed depth to Martin's midfield, allowing him to rotate effectively during a relentless Premier League season, and he has been lauded by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who has said that he is an "absolute monster in the making".

Ugochukwu has already made 15 appearances for Chelsea, 12 of which have come in the Premier League, so he has shown that he can handle playing in arguably the toughest and biggest league in world football, which can only bode well for Southampton.

Forget Skipp: Southampton moving to sign "exceptional" midfielder

Southampton could forget about signing Oliver Skipp by picking up this gem instead.

ByKelan Sarson Aug 14, 2024

Not only that, but he is now a France Under-21 international after making the jump up from the Under-20s, winning four caps to date and no doubt harbouring dreams of playing for the senior side one day. A loan move to Saints makes sense for all parties, allowing him regular playing time and boosting the South coast club's chances of staying in the Premier League.

Arsenal have been linked to Inter maestro Nicolo Barella as the Gunners aim to recruit reinforcements this summer.

Mikel Arteta’s quest to secure the signature of Declan Rice was reported to have taken a turn on Thursday, with journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reporting that Manchester City were ‘getting closer’ to signing the Englishman.

The news has come as a shock for the north Londoners, who have been in pursuit of the West Ham United captain for weeks. However, Arteta could land a strong alternative in the Nerazzurri star.

What’s the latest on Nicolo Barella to Arsenal?

As reported by Italian outlet FC Inter News, Arsenal hold an interest in Inter midfielder Barella, with the report claiming that both Manchester United and the Gunners are eyeing the Serie A ace.

The report claims that Inter are expecting ‘two very important offers’ from Arsenal and United in the ‘coming days’ following the 26-year-old’s decision to reject Newcastle United.

A separate report from CalcioMercatoWeb stated that Inter have priced the Italian at €50m (£44m).

What could Nicolo Barella offer to Arsenal?

The prospect of missing out on Rice at the hands of City would be a tough pill for Arsenal to swallow, though the blow could be significantly softened should the Gunners strike a deal for Barella.

Branded as an “exceptional player” by scout Antonio Mango, the Cagliari-born sensation has lit up the San Siro this past campaign, assisting his side in getting to the Champions League final and a third-placed Serie A finish.

Likened to Arsenal’s very own Martin Odegaard based on his statistics by FBref, the Italian has operated as one of the most impressive box-to-box midfielders in Europe over the past year.

Such praise is supported by his numbers, with Barella contributing six goals and six assists in 34 Serie A appearances from the middle of the park, maintaining an average match rating of 7.08, via Sofascore.

As well as his efforts in the final third, the 26-year-old is defensively competent, as highlighted by him winning 55% of his total duels in the league this term, averaging 4.4 per game.

An area of Rice’s game that attracted Arteta to the 24-year-old appears to have been his progressive play, with the Englishman averaging 6.6 progressive passes and 2.42 progressive carries per 90 over the past year, via FBref.

While the Hammers captain’s numbers are impressive, his efforts are not just matched but slightly improved upon by Barella, who averaged 6.62 progressive passes and 2.8 progressive carries per 90 – showing the player Arteta could recruit in the event of talks over Rice falling through.

Only time will tell how the saga plays out, but the Gunners must recruit sensibly this summer in order to remain tight to champions City, with a defensive midfielder a priority.

With it now seemingly a matter of when and not if Brendan Rodgers will be named as the successor to Ange Postecoglou at Celtic, attention can begin to turn to just how the returning boss will alter the current Hoops squad this summer.

The ex-Leicester City boss – who had been out of work since being sacked by the Foxes back in April – will likely be hoping to keep hold of the Old Firm outfit's key men ahead of mounting another domestic and European charge next summer, with midfield maestro Reo Hatate, in particular, having been mooted for a reunion with Postecoglou at Tottenham Hotspur.

As well as attempting to persuade the likes of Hatate and Kyogo Furuhashi – who has been linked with a move to Spurs – to stay in Glasgow, the Northern Irishman may also have a plan to ditch those who he deems surplus to requirements among the first-team ranks, with Stephen Welsh perhaps among those who could well face the axe.

A recent report from Football Insider claimed that the Scottish champions are open to offers for the 23-year-old this summer, with the former Scotland youth international seemingly also keen to secure increased game time elsewhere.

While the young centre-back may be hoping that his standing could be improved with Rodgers in the dugout instead of Postecoglou, the one-time Liverpool boss could pull off the first blinder of his second spell in charge by showing the 6 foot 3 dud the door.

Will Stephen Welsh leave Celtic this summer?

It is seemingly not the first time that Welsh has been linked with a move away from Celtic Park in recent times, with reports back in January 2022 revealing that the club had rejected a loan approach from Serie A side Udinese, while Ligue 1 outfit Toulouse also made an enquiry last summer.

That was followed by further speculation heading into the winter window that the Coatbridge-born brute could be on his way, albeit with Postecoglou and co ultimately opting against sanctioning an exit following the abrupt end of Moritz Jenz' loan spell.

The latter man's exit did not aid Welsh's bid for increased game time, however, as he ultimately ended last season with just four Premiership appearances to his name – all of which came prior to the World Cup break.

The £4.6k-per-week asset notably underwhelmed when he was handed an opportunity to impress, however, having been branded "weak" by pundit Michael Stewart following the shock 2-0 defeat away to St Mirren back in September, while journalist Josh Bunting suggested that both Welsh and Jenz were "all over the place" on the day after getting "bullied" by the likes of Curtis Main and Jonah Ayunga.

That lack of physicality has been a theme of the criticism that has fallen the Scotsman's way of late, with pundit Frank McAvennie also stating that the academy graduate needs a loan move to "toughen him up", while also labelling him as someone who "ball watches".

With Rodgers set to inherit a squad that includes the likes of Carl Starfelt, Cameron Carter-Vickers and January arrival Yuki Kobayashi – all of whom have been above Welsh in the pecking order of late – the 50-year-old can then make the decision to send the one-time Greenock Morton loanee packing, either on a temporary basis or permanently.

Manchester United could be set to make a move for Everton midfielder Amadou Onana as Erik ten Hag aims to add some strength in depth to his midfield area ahead of next season.

What’s the latest on Amadou Onana to Manchester United?

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Onana is on United’s recruitment list ahead of the summer window, though he isn’t one of their main targets.

Ten Hag will be looking to add another few players to his midfield before the start of next season, and it was previously reported that if Everton were relegated to the Championship, they would have let the Belgian go for a fee of around £50m.

He could cost substantially more now considering they retained their top-flight status, and this could be a key factor in any potential deal this summer.

Could Amadou Onana be a good signing for Manchester United?

Having spent just a single season in the Premier League, joining the Toffees last summer, the 21-year-old showcased his vast potential, averaging a rating of 6.92/10 across 33 appearances, ranking as the third-best midfielder in the squad, certainly justifying his £33m fee.

He was lauded for being “superb” in Everton’s win over Arsenal earlier this year by reporter Richard Buxton, and having registered three goal contributions, a move to a side like United could give him a chance to flourish even further, whilst also becoming an ideal Casemiro heir for Ten Hag.

The Brazilian still has a few years left in the tank yet following his move from Real Madrid last summer, however, the 31-year-old won’t be around forever and signing a player who could replace him just now could be a wise move from the Dutchman.

Having enjoyed a trophy-laden spell at Madrid, he arrived at Old Trafford with pressure on his shoulders and he duly delivered, ranking as their second-best player in the league last term (as per Sofascore) while winning the League Cup, United’s first trophy in six years.

His defensive ability at the heart of the midfield was key to United securing Champions League football, winning 6.4 total duels per game, while averaging 3.2 tackles and 2.1 clearances per match and across Europe’s big five leagues over the previous 365 days, Casemiro ranks in the top 4% for tackles, blocks, clearances and aerials won per 90 (as per FBref), indicating he is one of the best on the continent in his position.

Onana on the other hand has shown glimpses of his vast talent, and across the same metrics, he ranks in the top 26% for all, with the midfielder particularly impressing in terms of aerials won, ranking in the top 7% across Europe’s big five leagues.

Add to the fact he made 2.2 tackles and 1.1 clearances per game last term – while also winning six total duels per game – he arguably has the potential to take over from the Brazilian in United's engine room, being able to protect the back four and have a positive influence on the team.

He may not be a priority for Ten Hag, however, if he becomes available for the right price, a move should be launched as soon as possible.

Arsenal are confident that Reiss Nelson will sign a long-term contract to stay at the club very soon, journalist Charles Watts has revealed.

What's the latest on Nelson and Arsenal?

The 23-year-old has struggled to break into the Arsenal first team this season as a result of injuries and the form of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, but has delivered when called upon as a substitute.

His cameo against Bournemouth saw him provide an assist for the equaliser and score a stunning winner as Arsenal completed a dramatic comeback, and some impressive substitute appearances followed as he finished the season with six goals and assists in 18 games across all competitions.

Nelson's contract expires this summer, and it appeared that he was going to depart the club, but he now looks set to stay following a breakthrough in talks.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Watts revealed that there is now confidence within the club that the winger is going to commit his future to Mikel Arteta's side.

"All signs are that this is going to be a done deal with Reiss Nelson and his contract, after rejecting a few previous offers," he stated.

"A breakthrough in talks has happened and people that I'm speaking to at Arsenal think this is going to happen. Until it's signed, until it's done, you never know something can change and other clubs can come in and wave a big contract offer under his nose and he could decide to go elsewhere.

"But at the moment there is a lot of positivity that Reiss Nelson will sign his new contract, we're just waiting for it to be done and announced."

What are Arsenal's aims for Nelson?

Given that Saka played in every league game last season, Nelson can be used more as rotational cover for the England international as Arsenal return to the Champions League.

Losing Nelson for free would have made a replacement necessary, and keeping Nelson, even with a wage rise, would likely be better value than spending a large fee on another winger, when Saka and Martinelli are the undisputed first choice options.

Arteta recently described Nelson as "important," and it is hard to imagine a scenario where Nelson will have committed his future to the club without assurances over his game time.

The winger was once regarded as one of the best talents in the academy, and after a difficult few seasons and a number of loan spells away, it now seems that he is in prime position to fulfil his potential at the club.

Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic may be moved on this summer as part of the Blues' rebuild under Mauricio Pochettino, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest transfer news involving Mateo Kovacic?

As per Football Insider, Chelsea will demand £30-£40 million for Kovacic this summer amid interest from Manchester City in signing the Croatia international.

The report states that Pep Guardiola is a 'huge fan' of the 29-year-old, who is entering the final year of his £100k-a-week contract at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea may look to cash in on his services to raise transfer funds.

Intriguingly, the same outlet also claim that Manchester United are monitoring his situation heading into the off-season as Erik Ten Hag eyes midfield reinforcements.

Bayern Munich are also looking into potentially adding Kovacic to their ranks, with Chelsea having 'accepted that they are likely to lose' the playmaker in the not too distant future, as per The Guardian.

Blues' co-owner Todd Boehly is believed to be keen to sell players that enter the final 12 months of their contract in west London, which is something that could put Kovacic's Chelsea future in serious doubt.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs thinks Kovacic's importance at Chelsea has declined since former boss Graham Potter was relieved of his duties back in April.

Jacobs told FFC: "Mateo Kovacic is another one that could go, Manchester City amongst others, are admirers and again, under Graham Potter, he was playing and Potter particularly wanted to try and keep him. Now Potter's gone, the situation has moved in a different direction and Kovacic hasn't extended and that one is a little bit uncertain as a consequence as well."

Should Chelsea look to sell Mateo Kovacic in the summer transfer window?

Chelsea are going to need to refresh their squad this summer and reduce how bloated it has become, meaning that someone like Kovacic may be an easy candidate to recoup a sizable fee for to then reinvest in prospective transfer targets.

In 2022/23, the Croatian managed to make 37 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea, registering two goals and two assists, as per Transfermarkt.

WhoScored also notes that Kovacic has been safe pair of hands in possession this term for club and country and maintained a pass accuracy of 88%.

Kovacic has also successfully manufactured 83 shot-creating actions this season, as per FBRef, illustrating his inventive nature from the heart of the midfield.

Nevertheless, it looks as if his time may be up at Chelsea and there is no surprise that multiple sides are looking to offer him a new challenge away from west London.

Arsenal have been handed an almighty boost in their pursuit of their top target.

What’s the latest on Declan Rice to Arsenal?

That’s according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who spoke on the House of Champions Podcast about the Gunners’ pursuit of Declan Rice.

He shared an update on the widespread interest, noting that the north London outfit might just have pulled out in front in the race: “Yes, (Ten Hag is) an admirer and I think that’s normal, but it is the same with Mikel Arteta and I still think that Arsenal are the favourites to sign Declan Rice.

“They have been working on that deal, it was in January when they discussed Rice internally. They’ve already had him at the top of their list for the midfield, so I’m sure Arsenal will make a bid for Declan Rice in the next weeks.”

Despite the clamour surrounding any progress, his mouth-watering £120m price tag still looms ominously over a potential deal.

Would Declan Rice improve William Saliba?

It is common knowledge that a good midfield partnership to protect the back four is what truly allows the latter to flourish.

For every Rio Ferdinand, there was a Roy Keane patrolling ahead, just like with Patrick Vieira and Sol Campbell and even Rodri and Ruben Dias today.

Now, in north London, it is William Saliba who will be hoping to gain such solidity with the West Ham United captain just in front of him.

Having enjoyed a fine debut year in the Premier League, starring at the heart of a squad that has conceded just 43 goals in 37 games, this has been with the exploits of Thomas Partey as the Frenchman's screen.

The Ghanaian has maintained a 7.10 average rating, upheld through defensive excellence that has included 2.1 tackles and 0.9 interceptions per game, via Sofascore.

Meanwhile, Rice improves upon all those attributes, boasting a superior 7.20 average rating paired with 2.2 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game, alongside six goal contributions, via Sofascore.

Such consistency, continuing on from last year’s successes where he was branded a Hammers “legend” by Ray Parlour, only emphasises just how influential this deal could be in taking them to the next level.

Whilst offering a colossal defensive presence, the England international somehow also manages to be a creative threat too.

The expectation would be that by placing these bolstered defensive numbers in front of him, Saliba could build upon an already admirable 6.96 average rating in the league to reach the levels of the likes of Ferdinand and Campbell.

Having already been branded one of the top centre-backs in the division by pundit Darren Bent, perhaps the presence of such a solid and reliable midfield general could be that legendary asset akin to Keane and Vieira, affording the 22-year-old that license to truly reach outstanding levels on his way to Premier League glory.