All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Wolverhampton Wanderers have enjoyed a decent start to 2024 and Gary O’Neil will be aiming for a top-half finish in the Premier League.

The Old Gold have defeated Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea (twice) in the top flight this term, being spured on by the likes of Matheus Cunha and Hwang Hee-Chan, who have scored 22 goals between them this season.

It finally looks as though the club have reliable attacking options to depend on and these performances from the duo during 2023/24 will ensure their market value increases rapidly.

One player who has decreased in value over the previous few years is Nelson Semedo, as the former Barcelona defender has failed to really shine during his spell in the Midlands.

Nelson Semedo’s market value at Wolves

The Portuguese right-back joined Wolves from the La Liga giants in 2020 for a transfer fee of £37m, and it looked like a key signing for then-boss Nuno Espirito Santo, especially as he had made over 100 appearances for Barcelona, winning two top-flight titles.

The defender has so far failed to live up to these lofty heights during his spell at Molineux, however, and according to Football Transfers, his current market value is just €13.8m (£12m), meaning he is now worth £25m less than the fee they shelled out on him three and a half years ago.

Why Nelson Semedo’s value has decreased

The former Benfica defender has made a grand total of 130 appearances for the Old Gold since 2020, but has managed to score just three goals and register five assists, poor numbers for a player who has been regularly utilised as a right-wing back and even as a midfielder on certain occasions.

When compared to his positional peers over the previous 12 months in Europe’s top five leagues, Semedo fails to rank in the top 30% for progressive carries, progressive passes and touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 and this indicates he has been poor in an attacking sense.

He even fails to rank in the top 25% for certain defensive metrics, including interceptions, blocks, and tackles per 90, while ranking outside the top 50% for aerial duels per 90. Once again, evidence that he is failing to contribute effectively.

The £80k-per-week defender certainly looks as though he is on the decline at the highest level and with a contract that does not expire until 2025, O’Neil may be best looking to move him on this summer in an attempt to recoup a transfer fee.

Journalist Nathan Judah dubbed him “frustrating” during the 2022/23 season, and it is clear O’Neil needs to look for different options to operate on the right side of the defence.

Splashing £37m on a defender for a club like Wolves is always going to be a gamble, but Semedo has failed to live up to this lavish fee throughout his time in the Premier League and this could certainly be his final few months at Molineux.

Market Movers

Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?

It is evident that the club – and Nuno – had a mare on the 30-year-old and there is no way they will manage to recoup anywhere near the money they spent on him.

Manchester City are believed to be preparing an offer for a "really, really good" player this summer, having shown lots of interest in him in the past.

Man City transfer news

Pep Guardiola's side continued their impressive form on Saturday afternoon, winning 2-0 at home to Everton and going top of the Premier League table for a few hours. Erling Haaland was the hero on the day, scoring both goals, and they look in an ominous place, in terms of what their rivals must be thinking at the moment.

Once this season is done and dusted, attention will again turn to new signings, with Guardiola no doubt keen to bolster his options again, keeping things fresh in the process.

Barcelona teenager Pau Cubarsi has been linked with a move to City at the end of the season, with sporting director Txiki Begiristain keen on snapping him up from the Nou Camp. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich has also been backed to a seal a move to the Etihad, with the German someone who could be such an exciting signing, given the superb career he has enjoyed.

Man City readying Lucas Paqueta bid

According to a report from Spain, Manchester City are readying an offer for West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta this summer, with Guardiola seeing him as a priority target. The figure mentioned is more than €70m (£60m), with the Brazilian thought to be keen on an Etihad move.

The Citizens were constantly linked with a move for the Brazilian last year, but betting allegations ended up seeing him stay put at the London Stadium, with Matheus Nunes joining from Wolves instead.

Paqueta really could be a sensational signing by City this summer, given the technical brilliance he possesses, coupled with an outstanding work ethic, meaning he ticks all the boxes that Guardiola is looking for in the middle of the park.

Appearances

18

Goals

2

Assists

5

Tackles per game

2.4

Aerial duel wins per game

1.8

Dribbles per game

1.6

Key passes per game

1.4

The 26-year-old has been a huge loss for West Ham through injury of late – he was missing for the 6-0 defeat at home to Arsenal on Sunday, for example – and David Moyes has heaped praise on him in the past, saying:

"I thought 65,000 people stood to their feet and applauded him because he played as well as anybody. They were all cheering him because of his ability, he’s a really, really good player. He showed character never hid away from the ball and his performance was very good especially in the second half. I thought he did brilliantly well today. I’m only interest in how he performed today."

Manchester City now eyeing £200m double deal for “bulldog” and “strong” player

The Premier League champions are not messing around…

ByTom Cunningham Jan 19, 2024

Paqueta could feel that this summer is the right time to enjoy a fresh challenge and move to one of the best teams in Europe, and at 26, he appears to be at a sweet spot in his career where he is both experienced and young enough to go up another level.

The January transfer window is due to slam shut on Thursday night and Leeds United are yet to make an addition to Daniel Farke's playing squad.

They are vying to secure automatic promotion back to the Premier League and may be looking at possible signings to bolster their chances of doing so.

However, they should also be open to long-term projects and one move that could bring future benefits is the signing of Liverpool forward Mateusz Musialowski.

Football Insider reported earlier this month that Leeds have registered an interest in the Polish youngster, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

Farke could unearth his next Todd Cantwell over the years to come if the Whites secure a late swoop to sign the talented gem before the deadline.

Todd Cantwell's Championship form for Farke

The versatile attacker, who played in midfield or out wide, made his first-team breakthrough at Norwich City under the German head coach – as the likes of Ben Godfrey, Jamal Lewis, and Max Aarons did – and thrived.

Cantwell started 18 matches in the Championship during the 2018/19 campaign – his first season as a regular for the Canaries – as the Norfolk-based side romped their way to the league title.

He contributed with one goal, two assists, and six 'big chances' created for his side before enjoying a fantastic season in the top-flight with six goals in 30 Premier League starts.

Norwich were relegated at the end of the 2019/20 campaign and Cantwell – under Farke's management – excelled in the second tier with six goals, six assists, and seven 'big chances' created in 30 Championship starts as the Yellows won another league title.

Why Musialowski could be Cantwell 2.0 for Farke

The Leeds head coach could work his magic once again by helping Musialowski to make a breakthrough in first-team football, as he did with Cantwell – who was also a goalscoring attacking midfielder and winger.

He is yet to make a senior club appearance in his career but his form for Liverpool at youth level suggests that the potential is there for Farke to unearth another gem.

Appearances

Four

Sofascore rating

7.15

Goals

Three

Assists

One

Key passes per game

1.5

As you can see in the table above, the 20-year-old gem has played against senior teams in the EFL Trophy – against Blackpool, Morecambe, Barrow, and Bradford – and caught the eye at the top end of the pitch.

He has also produced three goals and one assist in seven Premier League 2 outings for Liverpool's U23s this season, which means that the Leeds target has racked up six goals and two assists in 11 appearances in all competitions.

The 5 foot 8 whiz, who was hailed as "very special" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, made the step up to the U23s after an incredible return of 18 goals and four assists in 31 U18 games for the top-flight giants.

Musialowski is a goalscoring midfielder, who can play centrally or out wide, like Cantwell, and could develop into a lethal option for Leeds if Farke is given the time to work with him over the coming months and years, which is why he could be an excellent long-term signing for the club.

Aston Villa are slowly making strides in the transfer window and now look close to announcing their first signing of the month after a fresh development, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.

Aston Villa's transfer activity so far

January can be a laborious window for many teams looking to do early business as clubs around the world look to keep hold of their star players at the mid-way point in the campaign, although some countries may run to an alternative schedule to that of the Premier League. This month has yet to ignite regarding big top flight arrivals and Aston Villa aren't exempt from that fact, which is reflected in the reality that Unai Emery's men have yet to announce any new signings.

Aston Villa to launch bid to sign their most exciting talent since Grealish

Unai Emery is eyeing up a move for a Turkish prospect who has a bright future.

ByTom Lever Jan 17, 2024

The Villans are known to be in the market for additional bodies though and FootballTransfers claim that Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder Giovanni Reyna has emerged as a target in the West Midlands. Jadon Sancho's arrival at Signal Iduna Park has cast doubt on his future in Germany. Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastien Kehl has already acknowledged that the United States international may be dissatisfied with his current situation at the club.

He stated: "Gio had a difficult time and was often injured. It's not easy because of the line-up we have in the middle. I can understand that he may be dissatisfied at the moment. But it's also important for him to step on the gas."

England Under-21 forward Jonathan Rowe, who plies his trade at Norwich City, is believed to be on Emery's transfer wishlist and is also being tracked by West Ham United. Now, white smoke has arisen and Aston Villa are close to completing their first acquisition of the January window, according to transfer guru Romano.

Aston Villa close to signing Kosta Nedeljkovic

Previously, reports suggested that Aston Villa were close to signing Red Star Belgrade full-back Kosta Nedeljkovic for a fee of just under €9 million after tracking the 18-year-old for a considerable period of time.

Kosta Nedeljkovic key statistics in 2023/24 – Mozzart Bet Superliga (Sofascore)

Tackles per game

1.5

Accurate passes per game

30.4 (86%)

Interceptions per game

0.9

Clearances per game

0.8

Errors leading to goal

0

Average match rating

7.04/10

Romano has now provided an exciting update on his prospective arrival and has given the Serbian defender the famous "here we go" treatment, signalling that he will indeed put pen to paper to join the Villans after his medical is completed, before returning to his homeland to see out the rest of the campaign.

The Italian journalist stated in full: "Kosta Nedeljković to Aston Villa, here we go! 2005 born right back will join the club from Crvena Zvezda! Medical tests will take place in the next days, travelling on Friday. He’s expected to stay at Serbian club until end of the season."

Labelled "aggressive" by Serbian Football Scout, the Serbia Under-19 international has made 26 appearances in all competitions this campaign, notching three assists (Nedeljkovic statistics – Transfermarkt).

Emery clearly has one eye on the future at Villa Park and NSWE now look to have got their man in an exciting transfer for all involved with the club.

Since signing Joe Rothwell on loan this month, Southampton have stood still in the January transfer window as Russell Martin's side push to leapfrog Ipswich Town in the race for automatic Championship promotion and fend off close challengers Leeds United. Now, however, with just one week left until the window slams shut, the Saints could get one over on their rivals by signing a Premier League right-back.

Southampton transfer news

Even though just one fresh face has arrived at St Mary's so far this month, plenty of potential reinforcements have been linked with a winter move to Southampton. The likes of Hungary international Mihaly Kata and Burnley's Manuel Benson have both been mentioned when it comes to potential arrivals during the January window, but still Southampton remain without another arrival after Rothwell.

Of course, a lot can still happen in the final week though, with the promotion hopefuls potentially dipping into the Premier League market to land what could prove to be a difference-maker for Martin in pursuit of the Championship's top two.

According to Lewis Steele of The Daily Mail, Southampton are eyeing a move for Calvin Ramsey in a deal that would see them beat Leeds United to the Liverpool right-back's signature.

That said, whilst they do battle on the pitch to secure an automatic place into England's top flight, Southampton and Leeds may well go head-to-head in the transfer market in an attempt to hand Ramsay a fresh start.

"Fantastic" Ramsay needs next move to work out

It's fair to say that Ramsay hasn't had the best luck since moving into English football, whether that be on loan or at Liverpool. His first loan spell away from Anfield at Preston North End failed to work out as all involved would have hoped and the young Scot found himself back in Merseyside. Now, however, Southampton could offer the former Aberdeen man the chance to kick on – the Saints will have to be wary of Ramsay's injury history though.

2021/22 – Hamstring Injury

9

2021/22 – Illness

2

2022/23 – Knee Surgery

32

2023/24 – Illness

4

Nonetheless, even amid his fitness struggles, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been full of praise for Ramsay in the past, saying via BBC Sport: "Everything we heard about him was that he is a fantastic boy. And what a player he is – what he did for Aberdeen last year, absolutely exceptional. In his age group and you know the things we need from a full-back, he is as close as it gets to the things we want and is still a kid. So we really expect a lot from him in the long term."

Newcastle United enjoyed a fantastic January transfer window as they made a number of key additions to Eddie Howe’s squad.

PIF brought in Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Bruno Guimaraes, Matt Targett and Chris Wood and they have all played a part in the club’s revival in the second half of the season.

The Magpies are now 14 points clear of the bottom three and look set for another campaign in the Premier League, with central defender Burn playing a huge role in their recent success.

He joined from Brighton in January and has averaged a solid SofaScore rating of 7.01 in the top-flight this season for the Toon and the Seagulls combined.

Forget Dan Burn

Whilst the giant Englishman has been an excellent addition to the team, the Magpies now have the chance to sign a player who will make the fans quickly forget about him.

German outlet Bild recently reported that Newcastle are interested in signing Frankfurt defender Evan Ndicka, who is valued at £24m (€28m).

The French tank can be the club’s new defensive leader and be an upgrade on Burn or play alongside him as he has proven his quality in Germany this year.

Frankfurt boss Adi Hutter previously showered the gem with praise, saying: “I honestly have to say that I was surprised by his development. Evan has developed phenomenally. He’s very attentive in the analysis of his own game. He’s very modest and always takes a lot on board.”

The centre-back has also received applause from former Frankfurt player Alexander Schur as he claimed the Frenchman “shows no nerves” and “plays with great authority.” 

In the Bundesliga this season, Ndicka has averaged a fantastic SofaScore rating of 7.14. He has made an impressive 3.4 tackles and interceptions per game and won 60% of his duels, showing that he has been putting in consistent performances and dominating opposition attackers throughout the campaign.

Ndicka also ranks higher than Burn for progressive passes, progressive carries, dribbles completed and pass completion per 90 mins over the last 365 days. This means that the Frankfurt man would be an upgrade on the current Toon star in terms of what he offers in possession, whilst his statistics in the Bundesliga in comparison to Burn’s in the Premier League suggest that his all-round displays would also be better.

Therefore, Howe can land a new defensive leader for Newcastle by bringing him to the club this summer. He has shown that he has the quality to be a major player at St. James’ Park and he has the potential to improve further at the age of 22, which means that he would be a sublime signing for now and for the future.

AND in other news, Bid planned: Howe must seal NUFC deal for £30m “monster” whose “simplicity is genius”…

Liverpool are in talks with various companies over a new big-money kit deal at Anfield, according to reliable journalist James Pearce.

The Lowdown: Current deal expiring

The Reds are in a superb moment currently, still battling on all fronts for what would be an unprecedented quadruple this season.

Jurgen Klopp’s men currently don a Standard Chartered-sponsored kit but their current deal is set to expire at the conclusion of the 2022/23 season.

At that point, there could be a scramble to be Liverpool’s next sponsor, especially given their recent dominance, with a fresh update from Pearce bringing positive news on that front.

The Latest: Pearce makes new claim

Taking to Twitter on Monday, Pearce confirmed that there are interested parties in becoming the Reds’ new kit sponsors, sharing an article written by The Athletic‘s David Ornstein:

“Standard Chartered’s £40m a year shirt sponsorship deal with LFC runs out at the end of next season. No guarantees at this stage they will renew. Talks with a number of companies ongoing.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-29/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Thriving on and off the pitch

There was a point when Liverpool simply didn’t have the worldwide appeal they do today, with big companies not as interested in sponsoring the club even despite the large fan base across the globe.

Jurgen Klopp has transformed the Reds as a whole, however, and they are now one of the most appealing and valuable sporting teams in the world to be a part of.

For that reason, Liverpool’s next sponsor is sure to be a big hitter, if Standard Chartered don’t renew, which can only be positive in a financial sense, in terms of signing new players and continuing the impressive training ground and stadium renovations.

In other news, one Liverpool player has been backed to leave this summer. Find out who it is here.

Everton are now preparing a fresh offer for a player who is valued at £40m by his current club, according to a new update from journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Everton "not ready" for new Premier League season

Blues supporters may be growing a little restless at the lack of activity on show at the club this summer, even though The Friedkin Group have made plenty of funds available for David Moyes.

While it is clearly a case of bringing in the right players rather than rushing into deals, Moyes has admitted that Everton are “not ready” for the start of the Premier League season currently, which may cause some alarm among the fanbase.

That’s not to say that the Blues haven’t already conducted some strong business, including Thierno Barry and Carlos Alcaraz, but more new faces are needed if the Merseysiders are to make a genuine impression next season.

Southampton youngster Tyler Dibling has emerged as a hugely exciting target, with the reliable Paul Joyce of The Times reporting that they have seen a £27m bid turned down for the Englishman.

Everton preparing second offer for "special" £40m star

According to Romano on X, Everton are now preparing a new offer for Dibling – one that is likely to be closer to the £40m that Saints reportedly value him at.

The idea of Dibling in a Blues shirt is mouthwatering, with the attacking midfielder one of the few bright sparks for a Southampton team that were comfortably relegated from the Premier League last season.

The 19-year-old popped up with two goals apiece in the league and the FA Cup, catching the eye with his left foot from either a right-sided or central role, both of which have to be areas of focus for Everton this summer.

Dibling has shown that he can excel in the Premier League in a struggling team, so hopefully, he will shine even more alongside superior players than at Southampton.

Everton pushing in race to sign "superb" Douglas Luiz alternative for Moyes

Moyes is still seeking reinforcements.

ByTom Cunningham Jul 31, 2025

If the Blues had Iliman Ndiaye on one flank and the Saints star on the other, it could make for highly entertaining viewing for supporters in their new stadium.

Dermot Gallagher has now revealed why one Arsenal star wasn’t sent off in a controversial moment during the 2-1 victory against Newcastle United on Sunday.

Gunners come from behind to win at St. James' Park

Prior to Sunday’s encounter, Newcastle had won four of their previous five matches against the Gunners at St. James’ Park, but Mikel Arteta’s side sent out a statement by ending their hoodoo, picking up all three points in dramatic fashion.

Arteta has received widespread criticism for his decision to persist with Mikel Merino in recent weeks, but the Spaniard rewarded his manager for his faith by bagging a late equaliser, before Gabriel headed home in stoppage time to secure an important victory on the road.

Arsenal battling Tottenham to sign "exceptional" £87k-a-week Real Madrid star

The Gunners are in the race for an attacker, following a scouting mission.

ByDominic Lund Sep 29, 2025

Speaking after the match, Arteta insisted his side thoroughly deserved the victory, saying: “When you get what you deserve at the end there’s no better feeling. I’m so proud of the team and the way we controlled our emotions and navigated through the different stages of the game. We showed the conviction, the courage the desire and the quality we need to get where we want to be.”

However, things could’ve been very different. Gabriel may not have even been on the pitch to bag the late winner if Nick Woltemade had made more of a bust-up with the Brazilian earlier in the match, where the defender appeared to punch the Newcastle striker away from the ball.

Speaking Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, Gallagher said: “I think he’s lucky he didn’t actually strike him properly, because where he’s got lucky is is the referee hasn’t seen it, it’s gone to VAR and the VAR say red card or nothing, and it’s decided it’s not a red card. I don’t think it’s a red card, but I think if the referee sees it he’s certainly going to get a yellow card.”

Gabriel fortunate Woltemade didn't go down

Had the Newcastle striker made more of the incident and gone to ground, the Arsenal centre-back could have been in trouble, given that he clearly makes contact with the German’s face, albeit without a great deal of strength.

That said, the Magpies can also consider themselves fortunate that the decision to award Arsenal a penalty in the first half was overturned, with VAR getting involved after Jarred Gillett pointed to the spot for what he perceived to be a foul on Viktor Gyokeres.

Decisions went against both teams during the match, but Arteta’s side ultimately showed great character to come out on top, moving just two points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool in the process.

With the beginning of their fourth consecutive Scottish Premiership title defence just days away, Celtic have reportedly set their sights on signing a Premier League gem.

Rodgers hopeful of new Celtic arrivals this week

Despite the fact that his side return to league action this weekend, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has still got his sights set on further reinforcements this week.

The former Liverpool manager has already welcomed Shin Yamada, Benjamin Nygren, Kiern Tierney, Ross Doohan, Callum Osmand and Hayato Inammura this summer, but is still keen to bring in more fresh faces before the window slams shut.

With that said, the big question will be just who arrives this week if Celtic are to get any deals over the line. To that end, recent reports have mentioned the likes of Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, who broke into Manchester City’s first-team for the first time last season.

Now in search of consistent minutes, the 19-year-old may yet be on his way to Celtic Park to hand Rodgers one of the most promising defenders in Pep Guardiola’s ranks.

Premier League gems seem to be taking priority in Scotland too. Alongside Simpson-Pusey, the Bhoys are now reportedly targeting a 20-year-old Liverpool midfielder.

Celtic targeting Stefan Bajcetic move

According to TeamTalk, Celtic are now targeting a summer swoop to sign Stefan Bajcetic on loan from Premier League champions Liverpool. Rodgers has seemingly set his sights on welcoming an impressive talent from his former club and one that the Reds have allowed to leave on loan ahead of next season.

Confirmed: Player's agent informs club he wants to leave and join Celtic

The Hoops could stand a chance of landing a new reinforcement.

3 BySean Markus Clifford Jul 30, 2025

The Spanish midfielder is full of talent and finally showed that in the second-half of last season. After struggling at Red Bull Salzburg, Bajcetic swapped Austria for Spain and Las Palmas and quickly impressed.

Since then, however, it has been a familiar story for the Liverpool youngster on the injury front, having missed the Reds’ pre-season tour due to hamstring surgery.

That injury record has been Bajcetic’s biggest obstacle in recent years and stood in his way after initially breaking into a Liverpool side amid an injury crisis in the 2020/21 season and instantly starring.

Earning high praise from Mohamed Salah at the time, Liverpool’s Egyptian King told reporters when asked about the young midfielder: “He’s a great player and person, he always tries to work hard. Since he started playing for us, he has been our best player maybe so hopefully he keeps that confidence and keeps going.”