All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Merry Christmas, City fans!

Following a historic 2021, Pep Guardiola’s Sky Blues are soon set to draw the curtain on what has been a thoroughly entertaining year at Eastlands.

City clinched a fifth Premier League title and third under Pep Guardiola, enjoyed yet another Carabao Cup win and played in a first-ever Champions League final, all whilst dazzling supporters with enthralling football and breaking even more records. Off the pitch, the Sky Blues and sporting director Txiki Begiristain smashed City’s transfer record by signing England star Jack Grealish for £100m.

It’s also been a phenomenal year for the academy as even more more top talent emerged following Phil Foden footsteps, with many of them making their senior debuts at the back end of the year.

As a thank you for reading our content as The Transfer Tavern aims to report only the most engaging news possible for Citizens, we’ve prepared a City-related quiz to break up your festivities.

Are you good with ex-players’ nationalities? If so, this challenge will really put your trivia to the test.

We’ve given you four options for each question in a multi-choice format – you just have to correctly select the home country of each of the following ex-Man City players. Starting off fairly easy and becoming harder and harder, some will make the hardcore Cityzens stand out.

Good luck and remember to share your score!

Rodrigo De Paul would have been at the top of Marcelo Bielsa’s transfer shortlist this summer, claims former Leeds United midfielder David Norris.

Leeds have been heavily linked with a move for the 27-year-old, with Goal reporting on the Yorkshire club and Atletico Madrid’s interest at the start of the month.

It is the latter, though, who have seemingly come out on top. According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the La Liga champions have struck a €35m (roughly £30m) deal with Udinese for De Paul.

It comes as a huge blow to Leeds, whose interest goes all the way back to the last summer transfer window.

Speaking exclusively to FFC about the Whites’ failed pursuit of De Paul, Norris said:

“It probably would have been in their top one or two targets, so when that doesn’t come off, it is always a little bit disappointing for the manager and obviously sometimes doesn’t look great from the outside in.”

Indeed, it certainly is disappointing for Bielsa given how long Leeds have been chasing De Paul.

As well as that, the Premier League outfit, of course, quite simply missed out on a quality player.

Last season, the Argentina international scored nine goals and provided nine assists in Serie A. He also averaged an impressive 3.4 dribbles per game, more than any Leeds player (via WhoScored).

Plenty of Aston Villa fans have been sharing their love for Matt Targett on social media after the left-back signed a new deal at Villa Park.

The club confirmed the news on Thursday evening, with the 25-year-old extending his stay until 2025.

Targett has been a regular under Dean Smith this season, starting each of Villa’s 32 Premier League fixtures so far.

He’s registered one assist and has been the club’s sixth-best performer of the current campaign, as per WhoScored.

His previous deal was thought to be worth £35,000-a-week, and it remains to be seen if he has received a pay rise for his impressive displays, but one would have to assume so.

Villa fans react

The club posted the news on their official Twitter page on Thursday evening, and it didn’t take long for hundreds of Villa supporters to give their thoughts on the update.

This is what some had to say, with one fan describing it as ‘brilliant news’.

“Great news been our most improved player this season by far different class”

Credit: @GW_94

“Brilliant news, one of our best players this season”

Credit: @JackJenningss_

“Yesssssssssss get in! Been absolutely bang on all season. This is great news”

Credit: @TheAsgardian

“Get in!! Made my day and well deserved”

Credit: @beetleguise74

“Yesssss Matty”

Credit: @LukeKing_

“massive improvement from last season you absolutely love to see it”

Credit: @catrinedwards18

In other news: Many AVFC fans go wild at another club post regarding Villa starlet, find out more here.  

West Bromwich Albion have had an incredibly busy period behind the scenes since the club were relegated from the Premier League last season.

Having appointed Valerien Ismael as manager and brought in a number of players in the previous summer transfer window, the Baggies got rid of the former Barnsley coach after just seven months in charge.

Now with Steve Bruce at the helm, the Midlands club are currently sitting in 13th place in the league table.

With promotion out of the question, the Baggies will be facing another season in the second division.

Before that, the club have the chance to make some more changes to their squad during the upcoming summer transfer window, which is apparently on Bruce’s mind already.

What’s the word?

Speaking about the window and what sort of business they’ll be looking to do in it, Bruce had this to say on the matter:

“It’s what I’ve done for the past 20-years and I’m quietly confident that we can do it.

“I think they have seen the same players too often maybe. It’s not the players’ fault either. But we need to freshen the whole place up.”

“We are going to work as hard as we can. Not everyone is going to go and let’s be fair we have still got some good players for this division here. But the club needs to be freshened up.”There is a lot that have been here for a long time and I think the supporters want to see some new faces more than anything. And the players that do stay will respond to that. Absolutely they will. You can change the manager or the coach. But there is nothing like a new player, a good player, coming in. Maybe it will be three, four, five, six, maybe.”Great news for Baggies fansTaking what Bruce had to say into account, it seems as though there will be a significant amount of transfer activity going on at the Hawthorns this summer.This should therefore be an exciting bit of news for the Baggies fans and increase their hopes that next season will be much smoother than this current one.One area of the squad that the Midlands club should definitely look to strengthen is their attack given how they’ve only scored 47 goals in 44 league games. However, that will be smoothed out by the return of Daryl Dike after injury; someone that Bruce is surely relishing the opportunity to finally let loose.Combine him with a few new additions in the final third and their chances of promotion next term will look far brighter.Bruce has plenty of experience when it comes to signing players, and this could be vital for West Brom’s hopes of having a successful next campaign if they get their recruitment right.In other news: Bruce could now save WBA millions with £9m-rated “monster”, he’ll be key next season – opinion

Diego Laxalt is unlikely to extend his Celtic stay beyond the summer, according to Italian outlet Sempre Milan.

Reports back in January claimed that the Uruguayan rejected a lucrative move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal worth ‘almost’ €3m a season, as it was his ‘priority’ is to join Celtic in the summer.

Laxalt’s Milan future addressed

However, it doesn’t seem as if a permanent switch to Parkhead will materialise, going off the latest report.

Sempre Milan also add that is it unlikely the left-back will remain with AC Milan, so it seems as if the 28-year-old, who has made 24 appearances in Scotland this season, will have a new side for the 2021/22 campaign.

Transfer Tavern take

Laxalt has been in and out of the side in recent months but has regained his place ahead of Greg Taylor in Celtic’s last three games due to the latter’s injury issues.

Taylor, statistically, has actually outperformed Laxalt in the Scottish Premiership, as per WhoScored. The Scot has averaged a league rating of 6.96, higher than Laxalt’s average of 6.82.

The South American’s Milan wage is also thought to be around £57,000-a-week. Scott Brown is Celtic’s highest permanent earner on £23,000-a-week, so we don’t see Laxalt not returning in a permanent deal next season as a huge blow due to his high salary and average displays.

In other news: Roy Keane’s potential No.2 at Celtic revealed, find out more here. 

West Ham United face an uphill battle in their pursuit of Barcelona striker Martin Braithwaite, with Brighton & Hove Albion, Burnley and Norwich City also interested in his signature [Sport].

Enjoying a respectable 2020/21 campaign, the Danish forward registered 11 goal contributions from 42 fixtures for the Catalan giants, with seven goals and four assists [Transfermarkt].

The Premier League quartet are all said to be keen on the 30-year-old, who is also subject of attention from an unnamed Russian club.

David Moyes reportedly wants to strengthen his offensive arsenal this summer, whilst he is believed to be an admirer of Braithwaite’s qualities as the Irons stride towards the 2021/22 campaign [The Sun].

In light of these recent developments, plenty of Hammers diehards have taken to Twitter to voice their concerns over the latest news, with many unconvinced by Braithwaite’s abilities.

West Ham United fans react:

Replying to popular West Ham fan outlet West Ham News, here is how some fans summarised their opinion on the links with the Denmark internationalist:

“A player who through his career averages a goal every 4+ matches & last season in La Liga managed 2 in 1,160 minutes. Excuse me if I’m not overcome with excitement.”

Credit: @MrRobertGates”If it’s a battle with the likes of those 3. Then let them have him lol”Credit: @eva1whu”He’s 30 so no”Credit: @thorpe9214″He’s got the touch of a trampoline”Credit: @BubbleNeal”No thanks”Credit: @costahammer”No thank you. Must have a good agent to have got him a gig at Barcelona. Rather have Dolberg.”Credit: @Jay____PeeIn other news, these West Ham fans flock to news of a summer signing.

Lots of Wolves fans have been expressing their delight as the Midlands club confirmed the signing of Trincao on their official Twitter channel.

As per the club’s official website, he joins on a season-long loan from Barcelona, with an option to buy him in the future.

Wolves technical director Scott Sellars has described Trincao as an ‘exciting’ player, who ‘drives with the ball well’ and has ‘good creativity’.

The winger will be very familiar with some of his new teammates given that he has played in six senior games for the Portugal national team, and also played with Pedro Neto at Braga, with whom he briefly featured against Wolves in the Europa League in the autumn of 2019. He clocked nine goals and 13 assists in that season to earn his move to Camp Nou.

Trincao is an emerging talent at just 21 years of age, and by playing alongside the likes of Lionel Messi, he will have gained a lot of experience and knowledge from some of the best footballers in the world.

Wolves fans on Trincao signing

These Wolves fans erupted as the news was shared on Twitter, with one describing the transfer as ‘unbelievable’:

“WE ARE WINNING THE LEAGUE”

Credit: @portopom

“Go on boys!!! Quality”

Credit: @C7Burton

“WOW! What a surprise!?! Amazing signing! Unbelievable.”

Credit: @idmahon

“YAAASSSSSSSS”

Credit: @Cal_Wood1990

“Get in!!”

Credit: @PhilChiller77

“Class signing”

Credit: @itsmebrody44

In other news, find out what transfer update Tim Spiers has dropped on this Wolves fans’ favourite

Leeds United centre-back Pascal Struijk has been tipped to be a regular starter for the Whites next season, as he continues to develop impressively.

Leeds snapped up the centre-back from Ajax back in January 2018 and he has since gone on to become a key part of Marcelo Bielsa’s plans at Elland Road.

Struijk has made 27 first-team appearances for the Whites to date, including 20 in the Premier League this season, where he hasn’t looked out of place.

[freshpress-quiz id=“351040″]

Struijk tipped for starring role for Leeds

Still only 21 years of age, the future looks bright for the centre-back and that’s certainly the way former Leeds striker Noel Whelan sees it.

Speaking to Football Insider, the ex-Whites man went as far as to say that Struijk will be a key starter for Bielsa’s men in 2021/22:

“I mean he’s getting recognition from the Belgian national side under Martinez. That shows enough progress and potential to the manager and Leeds United to how important this kid is to us.

“He’s got a great future ahead of him. He’s aggressive, he’s dominant in the air and he’s got two good feet. He keeps getting better and better in that position.

“Struijk’s only going to get better as well now that Koch and Llorente are fit.

“He’s training next to them and he’ll be having a look at them. They’ll be getting to know each other a little bit better on the training ground. That will then progress on to first-team level on match day.

“There are lots of positives with him. He’s definitely, for me, one, that should be pushing to start the season next year.”

Transfer Tavern take

Struijk is a hugely promising young defender – one who former Leeds man Dominic Matteo recently claimed has ‘got it all’ as a player.

He has enjoyed an 85.7 percent pass completion rate in the league this season, showing that he can thrive in Bielsa’s ball-playing style, not to mention also averaging 1.9 tackles and interceptions apiece per match, excelling in his defensive work.

Struijk will have to keep working hard in order to oust the likes of Diego Llorente, Liam Cooper and Robin Koch, but Whelan’s comments suggest the club have a ready-made replacement for Cooper in the long term, who is set to turn 30 this year.

In other news, one Leeds favourite is set to be offered a new deal at the club. Find out who it is here.

Leicester City are close to completing the signing of Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare, just days after he secured the Ligue 1 title.

What’s the story?

According to Sky Sports, the Foxes are set to complete an £18 million deal for the 22-year-old after his compatriot Wesley Fofana convinced him to make a move to the Midlands outfit.

The report states that contractual details are yet to be finalised and that Soumare will first compete for France in the U21s Euros before confirming any transfer.

Fans will be buzzing

Soumare has been a long-term target for Brendan Rodgers’ side, who are keen to bolster their ranks after narrowly missing out on a Champions League qualification spot for the second consecutive campaign.

It appears as though Leicester have finally got their man, with just the formalities left to be completed, and the club’s supporters will surely be buzzing to learn of his imminent arrival.

The Frenchman made 32 league appearances for Christophe Galtier’s side as they spectacularly dethroned Paris Saint-Germain to secure their first top-flight in 10 years.

Although Soumare rarely grabs the headlines, scoring just once in 112 appearances for Lille, his influence over the team can be felt in many other ways.

Lille’s former CEO, Marc Ingla, described him as “a powerful and technical player who can evolve to several positions in the field” upon his arrival at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy back in 2017, and he has certainly lived up to that billing.

Soumare has drawn comparisons to ex-Manchester City man Yaya Toure in the past thanks to his lung-bursting drives through the centre of the park, but he’s much more than just an impressive athlete.

The youngster is extremely comfortable and competent with the ball at his feet and boasts an impressive passing range, attributes that should ensure a smooth transition in Rodgers’ system.

Adding a natural box-to-box midfielder to Leicester’s already impressive trio of Wilfried Ndidi, Youri Tielemans and James Maddison is extremely clever business from the Foxes’ hierarchy, and their impressive record in the transfer window looks set to continue.

And, in other news…Rudkin could land Leicester’s new Evans in £4.5m-rated beast who kept Mbappe quiet 

Football Insider pundit Noel Whelan has been sharing his thoughts after news emerged of Celtic’s interest in Solihull Moors forward Kyle Hudlin. 

The Lowdown: Hudlin links

The Hoops have been keeping tabs on Hudlin recently, with the 6 foot 9 striker emerging as a January target.

Should his situation remain the same with the National League side, Hudlin will be available to discuss pre-contract terms with Celtic due to his deal expiring next summer.

Celtic scout Andy Thorne has watched Hudlin on a number of occasions, and former striker Whelan has been sharing his opinion on a possible cut-price move.

The Latest: Whelan’s comments

Whelan was talking to Football Insider about Celtic’s interest in Hudlin in a story on Tuesday morning.

The 46-year-old labelled Hudlin as a ‘brilliant asset’ and appeared to give his backing over a transfer.

“Celtic are looking for a different dimension.

“You can see that they want a focal point. I completely get that. Wyke is one of those players who has a stature about him.

“You can play long balls up to him and play off him. He holds the ball up so well and that’s what Celtic want.

“They have a lot of technical players in and around that one centre forward Postecoglou would love to have.

“A player like that can draw out defenders which then frees up space for the players in behind.

“I can see why Celtic want to do that. Also, look at when they concede, they aren’t the tallest team in the world.

“Adding a brilliant asset who can attack and defend at corners makes sense.”

The Verdict: Worth the risk?

Even though Hudlin has been plying his trade in the fifth tier of English football, a cut-price move could be worth a gamble.

Manchester City have been linked with the striker, so he clearly has the talent to go alongside his record-breaking height.

He could add a different dimension to Ange Postecoglou’s attacking options, so Dominic McKay may make his move in the New Year, should Thorne provide a glowing scouting report.

In other news: Ange handed another injury blow with Wednesday news on ‘excellent’ ace emerging.