All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

West Ham United need a big summer window to rectify the misgivings of the 2024/25 campaign. It has been a tough season for the Hammers, who are likely safe from relegation but sit in 17th in the Premier League, 15 points clear of Ipswich Town.

However, the Tractor Boys host Graham Potter’s side on the final day of the season, so a huge swing of momentum in the final throes of the campaign could add more significance to the game for the East Londoners.

Potter will need to be backed this summer, to shape the squad his way and improve the Hammers fortunes in 2024/25. Already, they have been linked with someone who could add quality to their side.

West Ham want to sign Chelsea outcast

The Hammers have made some big signings over the past couple of transfer windows, chiefly spending a lot on the likes of Max Kilman and Mohammed Kudus.

However, with the threat that Kudus heads to Chelsea, as per reports, they could actually look at bringing in someone from Stamford Bridge as a replacement.

Transfer Focus

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

According to a report from TBR Football, the Hammers are ‘interested in a deal’ to bring Joao Felix to the club next summer, after Chelsea ‘made it clear to the Portugal international that he is not of the club’s long-term plans’ beyond this season.

He is currently contracted to Chelsea, and on loan at Italian giants AC Milan, but the Blues seemingly have not been impressed by his displays in Italy.

Unsurprisingly, the East Londoners will not be the only side considering a move for the £45m playmaker. Fellow Premier League strugglers Wolverhampton Wanderers are also interested, with both clubs plotting a move. Both teams are thought to be ‘willing to consider loan moves’ for the Portugal star next season.

Why Felix would be a good signing

It has not been an easy season for Felix in the 2024/25 campaign, since his summer move back to Chelsea from Atletico Madrid. He struggled to make an impact at Stamford Bridge and departed on loan to Milan in January.

Overall this season, he has played 34 times for both Chelsea and Milan, scoring eight goals and grabbing three assists. However, just one of those goals has come in a top-flight, for Chelsea against Wolves in their 6-2 win on the opening day of the season.

Yet, despite the tough campaign so far, Felix’s stocks have previously been incredibly high. As a youngster for Benfica, he managed 20 goals and 11 assists in 43 games, and for Atleti, he had over 50 goal contributions.

Benfica

43

20

11

Atleti

131

34

18

Chelsea

40

11

2

Barcelona

44

10

6

Milan

14

1

1

One thing he would bring to the London Stadium is experience. Despite being just 25 years of age, and having not been in the best form, he has played for some of Europe’s biggest clubs. He was also on loan at Barcelona last season, and managed ten goals and six assists in 44 games.

Should Felix make the move to the London Stadium over the summer, Hammers fans would surely hope he can replicate the impact of another magical playmaker, Dimitri Payet. Jamie Carragher once described him as “sensational” and said it was a “joy to watch” him play. How right he was.

The Frenchman was exceptional for the Hammers, despite his short time at the club. In just 60 appearances, he scored 15 goals and grabbed 22 assists, leaving him with an impressive goal involvement ratio of 0.61.

He was a wizard with the ball at his feet, running rings around opponents with ease, week in, week out. Just look at this goal against Middlesbrough, a prime example of how dangerous Payet can be with the ball at his feet.

Although Felix has struggled for form, he possesses the same ability to create something out of nothing. The flair is there for the 25-year-old, too, with talent scout Jacek Kulig once describing him as a “nightmare for defenders”.

It would be a statement signing from West Ham, with the impact Felix could have if he finds his best form astronomical.

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ByConnor Holden Apr 17, 2025

Glasgow Rangers’ foray deep into the Europa League this season is vital not only in restoring pride after a dismal domestic season but also in boosting the club’s finances ahead of next term.

Of course, the prize money in Europe’s second-tier club competition is nowhere near as lavish compared to the Champions League, and this is something that the Ibrox side must strive for next term.

Indeed, reaching the quarter-finals in the Europa League has seen the Gers win £2.1m, which is added to the £3.6m they claimed after reaching the group stages.

In comparison, those in the Champions League have netted £10.8m for reaching the same stage, with a win in the group stages being valued at £1.8m, proving how much of a gulf there is between the two competitions.

Having not qualified for the Champions League proper since the 2023/23 season – finishing bottom of the group without a win – it is clear that the Light Blues need to reach this stage again to bolster their coffers.

If not, at least selling a player or two for a sizeable fee will help make up the shortfall hopefully. Since 2022, only three players have departed the Gers for a solid profit; Nathan Patterson, Joe Aribo, and Calvin Bassey.

The latter became the club’s record sale when he moved to Ajax from Glasgow, but just how much did they receive for the defender?

How much Rangers sold Calvin Bassey for

After making just 15 appearances during his maiden season at the club, nobody at Ibrox thought that a year later he would be joining one of Europe’s most iconic clubs for a record fee.

Originally looked at as a potential long-term heir to Borna Barisic at left-back, Bassey was called upon to slot into the heart of the defence alongside Connor Goldson due to an injury crisis.

This turned out to be one of the best things to happen to the Nigerian international defender. He went on to play a total of 50 games for the Gers that term, winning the Scottish Cup and helping them reach the Europa League final during the 2021/22 season.

He won 64% of his ground duels per game throughout the heroic run to Seville that season, while also being dribbled past on just 0.2 occasions each game for the Light Blues.

His form attracted the interest of Ajax, who wanted to bring Bassey to the Netherlands ahead of the 2022/23 season.

Eventually, they got their man, signing him for a fee of just under £23m, including an initial fee of £19.6m, which is still a club-record sale for the Glasgow side.

Player

Transfer fee

Calvin Bassey

£19.6m

Nathan Patterson

£11.5m

Alan Hutton

£9m

Giovanni Van Bronckhorst

£8.5m

Jean-Alain Boumsong

£8m

This allowed Giovanni Van Bronckhorst to strengthen his squad by using the funds, although the club failed to win a trophy that term.

Bassey has since gone from strength to strength since departing Ibrox, however.

Calvin Bassey is now starring in the Premier League

While his spell at Ajax didn’t quite go to plan, Bassey moved to Fulham in the Premier League back in 2023 and has impressed during his two seasons with the Cottagers.

He has already featured 31 times under Marco Silva this term, scoring twice in the process, and has been a key member of the squad that looks set to seal a top-half finish in the Premier League.

Still only 25, if he continues to perform like he has done this season, a move to a better club could crop back up sooner rather than later, as he has been a regular for the Cottagers in their push into the top half of the table.

His sale was the biggest in Rangers history. Could the emergence of one player this season see the Gers replicate this masterclass? Nicolas Raskin could command a massive fee if he moves on from Ibrox in the upcoming summer transfer window.

What is Nico Raskin’s transfer value

TEAMtalk reported last month that English sides Aston Villa and Leeds United are showing some interest in the Belgian midfielder ahead of the summer transfer window.

He has been a mainstay in the starting XI since coming back into the squad just weeks into the new season after injury had hampered his pre-season. Since then, he has scored against Celtic, captained the Gers and even made his full international debut for Belgium.

Hardly a bad few months and TEAMtalk suggest that Rangers will be seeking a fee of around £20m should they even consider selling him this summer.

If they do, it will be a massive profit on the £1.3m transfer fee they shelled out in January 2023, that’s for sure, and would follow in Bassey’s footsteps as another gem signed on the cheap before being sold for roughly £20m.

The question is, will he want to leave so soon? Or is another season at Ibrox perhaps the best for his development as a player?

Why Nico Raskin is worth £20m

This valuation is best attested by his performances in the Europa League for Rangers this term. Not only does the Belgian average 3.5 tackles per game, but he also recovers 7.5 balls, wins 6.4 total duels, and averages 1.1 key passes each match in Europe.

When compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, Raskin even ranks in the top 1% for tackles (4.02), the top 11% for interceptions (1.55), and in the top 13% for aerials won (1.75) per 90 across the previous 365 days.

These statistics clearly prove why there are a few English clubs showing interest in him and it won’t be long before he moves on from Rangers.

Kris Boyd dubbed the former Standard Liege starlet as “unbelievable” following the 1-1 draw between Rangers and Tottenham Hotspur back in December, and he has improved massively since then.

He, alongside the likes of Hamza Igamane, Mohamed Diomande, and Jefte, could all be players who eventually rake in significant profits for the Light Blues in the next few years.

Celtic have shown how effective a player trading model can be, selling Jota, Matt O’Riley and Kieran Tierney for massive fees in the previous few years.

Raskin might just be the catalyst for the Ibrox side, especially if he does leave during the summer transfer window. if so, then expect a fee close to, if not higher, than the one Bassey was sold for.

Rangers messed up selling "mountain" who is better than Propper

Rangers sold a player last year who is better than Robin Propper.

ByRoss Kilvington Apr 11, 2025

With just five games remaining and three points standing between themselves and the relegation zone, Portsmouth have been dealt another ill-timed injury blow as they look to confirm their Championship safety.

Portsmouth facing crucial run-in

Having achieved promotion back to the Championship last season, it would be an incredible success if Portsmouth managed to stay afloat at the first time of asking. On that front, John Mousinho’s side have still got a job to finish, however. As things stand, they sit 17th and a precarious three points above the dropzone ahead of a crucial few weeks.

Portsmouth vs Derby County

12/04/2025

Norwich City vs Portsmouth

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Portsmouth vs Watford

21/04/2025

Sheffield Wednesday vs Portsmouth

26/04/2025

Portsmouth vs Hull City

03/05/2025

Squaring off against two of the eight sides currently below them in the Championship standings ahead of their final five games, Portsmouth will hope to get back to winning ways as soon as possible after losing in the 94th minute against Coventry City last time out.

Mousinho had his say on the devastating last-gasp defeat, telling reporters: “It was a really difficult one. I was going to say what a really good point away from home at Coventry, a very, very solid performance, we caused them problems and nearly caught them at the very back end of the game.

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ByCharlie Smith Mar 4, 2025

“The difference between that – the positivity – to where we are now. It’s obviously a solid display and then 10 seconds of madness.We have to be realistic about that. We can’t have those moments in games where we make really, really poor decisions because the ball ends up in the back of the net.”

What certainly didn’t help Pompey was the fresh injury news that they suffered in the build-up to the Coventry game, adding to their list of absentees alongside the likes of Connor Shaughnessy, Rob Atkinson and Ibane Bowat.

Milosevic adds to Portsmouth's injury woes

Now without four central defenders, Mousinho confirmed that Alexander Milosevic is set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering an injury in the build-up to Portsmouth’s defeat against Coventry. Left to call on Connor Ogilvie, who can play left-back or centre-back, and Regan Poole, Pompey are one more defensive blow away from a makeshift backline.

Mousinho confirmed Milosevic’s injury, telling reporters: “Alex picked up an injury in training so we are going to scan that on Thursday and see how he is.”

Having arrived in March on a free deal, the 33-year-old is yet to make his Portsmouth debut and will now have to wait even longer just when Mousinho may have needed his services most amid an injury crisis.

Those around Fratton Park will simply be hoping to avoid another lengthy absence at a crucial time for the club. With just five games left to play, Portsmouth are so close to Championship safety and confirming that before a nervous game against Hull City on the final day would certainly come as a major relief.

Had Liverpool been dispatched at the London Stadium right now, the calls for Arne Slot’s dismissal would have risen a few decibels, higher than the din that followed successive Anfield defeats against PSV Eindhoven and Nottingham Forest.

But Liverpool secured a 2-0 win over the Hammers in the Premier League, with Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo sealing three much-needed points for the struggling Redmen.

Still, the Merseyside outfit have left so much to be desired this term, lacking all of last year’s balance and belief as Slot was crowned king in his first year in charge.

So much has gone wrong, and the forthcoming league fixtures against Sunderland and Leeds United will determine whether a true crisis has been averted.

Much more is needed. The likes of Florian Wirtz and Isak are beginning to show signs of world-class quality, but FSG must feel pretty rueful over their decision to sell Luis Diaz and opt against sealing a like-for-like replacement for the Colombian winger.

How Luis Diaz has performed since leaving Liverpool

In fairness, Diaz was set to enter the penultimate year of his Liverpool contract, and there was no sign of a resolution. The Reds cashed in for a healthy £66.5m sum.

However, the 28-year-old’s blistering performances in Germany this season have underscored the dimension that Slot has lost down the left channel. Moreover, let’s not forget that Diaz played plenty of football as a makeshift number nine last year.

Bayern score a lot of goals, and they are the dominant force in the Bundesliga. However, Diaz is impartial as to who he picks apart, having played some immense stuff in the Champions League too.

His prolificness has catapulted him to a seat at the highest table, marrying his athleticism and electricity with a new sharpness in front of goal.

Harry Kane

24 + 3

27

Kylian Mbappe

23 + 3

26

Erling Haaland

19 + 1

20

Michael Olise

9 + 10

19

Luis Diaz

12 + 6

18

This serves as a reminder that the grass is not always greener. Diaz will have no regrets over his summer transfer, but Liverpool desperately miss his speed and energy and potent threat.

And now, FSG are in danger of losing their next version of the versatile forward.

Liverpool star could be "the next Diaz"

Liverpool opted against directly replacing Diaz this summer, hoping to keep a road to the first team for Rio Ngumoha clear from clutter.

But Diaz is an elite player, and he is not easily replaced. Perhaps some of a Liverpool persuasion regret their frustrations directed toward him last season, with the clinical performances coming in pockets throughout the year.

History may repeat itself with Alexis Mac Allister, who has been described by prominent Liverpool fan John O’Sullivan as being “the next Diaz” in that he is being hounded out by some segments for his performances this year.

While it’s true that the Argentina “superstar”, as he has been called by pundit Joe Cole, has been off the boil this season, he is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, instrumental for the club’s success since joining from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2023.

Few know the byways of the midfield game like Mac Allister, who is combative and creative and cerebral in his performance in the engine room. Not just a steely lieutenant, he is smart and savvy, and that sets him apart.

Matches (starts)

35 (30)

12 (11)

Goals

5

0

Assists

5

2

Touches*

55.8

49.2

Accurate passes*

35.5 (87%)

33.1 (86%)

Key passes*

1.3

0.8

Dribbles*

0.5

0.3

Ball recoveries*

4.2

3.1

Tackles + interceptions*

3.3

1.6

Clearances*

0.8

0.8

Duels (won)*

4.9 (48%)

2.8 (46%)

Form is temporary, as the old adage goes. Mac Allister will surely bounce back, but if Liverpool are set for a rocky road through the 2025/26 season, the 26-year-old may be considered for sale next summer, though reports suggest sporting director Richard Hughes and the club’s officials want him to stay put.

It’s as clear as day: Mac Allister will thrive if sold to a superpower in Germany or La Liga.

And Liverpool, as with Diaz, will be left rueing their decision as they scramble to find an adequate replacement.

Semenyo upgrade: FSG enter race to sign £88m "superstar" for Liverpool

Liverpool and FSG are getting ready to sign a new forward in 2026.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Dec 2, 2025

Sky Sports reported on Monday that Celtic are closing in on the appointment of Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy as their successor to Brendan Rodgers in the dugout at Parkhead.

The Hoops are poised to make the French tactician their new permanent manager, which will end Martin O’Neill’s time in interim charge after he takes the next two matches.

With the January transfer window on the horizon, it will not be long before the incoming head coach will have the chance to bring his own players in to bolster the squad.

Celtic set to make move for new centre-forward

According to The Scottish Sun, Nancy is set to make a move for Columbus Crew centre-forward Wessam Abou Ali as one of his first transfer targets in January to add to his options at the top end of the pitch.

Transfer Focus

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

The report claims that the incoming Celtic manager views the Palestine international as a ‘perfect goalscoring machine’ and wants to reunite with him at Parkhead ahead of the second half of the 2025/26 campaign.

It adds, though, that Columbus Crew and Nancy only signed him in July from Egyptian giants Al Ahly for £5.7m, which means that the Hoops will have to pay a fee in excess of that as he has only been with the American side for a matter of months.

If the Scottish Premiership champions can seal a £6m+ deal for the MLS sensation in the January transfer window, it could end Johnny Kenny’s career at Parkhead.

How Abou Ali could end Kenny's Celtic career

Kenny has scored four goals in five matches under O’Neill, which is an impressive return, but he was subbed off at half-time in the 1-0 win over St Mirren in the Premiership last weekend.

The Ireland international has been playing as the main number nine due to an injury to first-choice number nine Kelechi Iheanacho, who is on his way back in the coming weeks.

This suggests that the arrival of a big-money centre-forward signing could put him third in the pecking order, behind Abou Ali and Iheanacho, when they are all fit and available, which may make him consider his short-term future in Glasgow.

Kenny has shown, with five goals this season, that he can be a capable goalscorer at this level. This means that he could find another club where he can play regularly and score goals consistently, if that does not continue at Parkhead.

Abou Ali has scored three goals in five matches for Nancy in the MLS for Columbus Crew since his move in the summer, after he scored three goals in three games at the Club World Cup.

2025/26

6 goals

5 goals

2024/25

15 goals

6 goals

2023/24

19 goals

13 goals

2022/23

10 goals

5 goals

As you can see in the table above, the Palestine international has outscored Kenny in each of the last four seasons in all competitions, which suggests that he would be a much better option for Nancy to call upon up front for Celtic.

Abou Ali was described as a “clinical” and “proven” goalscorer by Columbus Crew General Manager Issa Tall, and his statistics suggest that was an accurate description of his qualities.

The 26-year-old scored three goals from 0.75 xG in the MLS in the 2025 campaign and bagged three goals without missing a single ‘big chance’ at the Club World Cup, per Sofascore, which shows that he is a lethal finisher.

Therefore, the Columbus Crew centre-forward could be a fantastic signing who could lead the line impressively for the Hoops, whilst also potentially ending Kenny’s career at the club, as falling down the pecking order may force him to reconsider his future.

£1.5m Celtic flop has been an even bigger waste of time than Balikwisha

This Celtic flop has been an even worse signing than Michel-Ange Balikwisha for the Scottish giants.

1 ByDan Emery Nov 25, 2025