All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

It's set to be a massive campaign for Tottenham Hotspur next season as Ange Postecoglou looks to lead his squad up the Premier League table and back into the Champions League.

The Australian enjoyed a relatively successful debut year with the club, but he'll need his team's stars, such as James Maddison, to step it up a level in 2024/25.

Fortunately, Daniel Levy and Co appear to be doing their job to help the manager, as based on recent reports, the club are focussing their efforts on signing an incredibly exciting talent who's won comparisons to Maddison and could make a real difference in North London.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

According to journalist Alex Crook on talkSPORT's latest episode of the Premier League All-Access Podcast, Tottenham's interest in Eberechi Eze remains high and is "more advanced" than that of their competition.

Alongside the Lilywhites, Crook claims that Manchester City are fans of the Englishman.

However, their interest depends on what happens with Kevin De Bruyne in the coming weeks, and while the North Londoners want to "shift some players first," their desire to sign the midfielder is "genuine."

It's widely reported that the Palace ace would cost Spurs about £60m due to a release clause in his contract. While that is a lot of money, it would be money well spent – especially given his comparisons to Maddison.

Why Eze would be a great signing and his comparison to Maddison

Before getting into why Eze would be an excellent signing for Spurs, let's address the comparisons to Maddison, which stem mainly from FBref.

They compared every player in the 2022/23 Premier League season, created a list of the ten most comparable players for each one, and, in turn, concluded that the Spurs ace was the most similar midfielder to the Palace man across that whole campaign.

However, this wasn't done purely on the eye test or through the number of goal contributions they produced. Instead, they looked at how closely the pair measured up to one another for a multitude of underlying metrics, including non-penalty expected goals, actual non-penalty goals, shots on target, live passes, goal-creating actions, tackles won and interceptions, all per 90.

Non-Penalty Expected Goals

0.22

0.24

Non-Penalty Goals

0.31

0.33

Shots on Target

0.85

0.98

Live Passes

34.8

36.2

Goal-Creating Actions

0.55

0.47

Tackles Won

0.82

0.94

Interceptions

0.44

0.47

Now, while the comparisons to Maddison are certainly a nice bonus when it comes to the Eagles ace, they shouldn't be the main reason behind his potential signing, as he proved last season that he was among the most dangerous players in the league.

For example, in just 31 appearances last season, the 26-year-old "entertainer," as data analyst Ben Mattinson dubbed him, scored 11 goals and provided six assists, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 1.8 games, which is even more impressive considering he did that for a team that finished in midtable.

Ultimately, while signing Eze will take a lot of money and hard work from Levy and Co, it would be well worth it, as he could reach another level entirely playing under a manager like Postecoglou and alongside a teammate like Maddison.

Exit expected: Spurs target £25m Porro rival who could be Ange's own White

The impressive full-back could add a lot of quality to the Lilywhites.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 24, 2024

Malick Thiaw has been constantly touted with a move to join Newcastle United this summer as Eddie Howe aims to try and bolster his defence ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

The Magpies have already added Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer from Bournemouth, but Howe seemingly still wants reinforcements to avoid a repeat of last season’s defensive crisis.

Jamal Lascelles and Sven Botman both suffered ACL injuries and could be out until 2025, with Thiaw just one of the options being considered over a move to St James’ Park this summer.

The AC Milan talent has been subject to bids from Newcastle this window, but no deal has yet been agreed, with the new campaign now less than three weeks away.

However, with the deal no closer to completion, the Magpies could turn their attention to another defender who is set to leave his current club this summer.

Newcastle could sign £30m talent instead of Thiaw

It has previously been reported that Newcastle are one of a number of Premier League sides monitoring the situation of Chelsea centre-back Trevoh Chalobah this summer.

The English youngster, who came through the ranks in West London, was omitted from the Blues squad for the tour of the US – a sign that new boss Enzo Maresca doesn’t see the talent being in his plans.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that he would be allowed to leave should the club receive an offer in the region of £30m – a great price for a player of his quality.

Chalobah made a huge impact at Chelsea towards the back end of 2023/24, starting eight of the final nine league matches, helping the club secure European football.

His potential departure could allow Howe to sign a very underrated talent, who’s previously been compared to one other player who’s been on his radar.

Why Chalobah could be Newcastle’s own Marc Guehi

In the club’s attempts to add defensive cover, they’ve been linked with a whole host of talents – including Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi, as reported back in May.

He represented England at Euro 2024 – an indication of how impressive he’s been for Palace – with his form catching the attention of the Magpies.

Like Chalobah, he left Chelsea back in 2021 for more regular first-team minutes – a decision that has worked wonders for his career, as displayed by his rapid rise to being a full international.

Newcastle now have the opportunity to complete a similar deal, with Chalobah a comparable talent to Guehi, as demonstrated by their respective stats on FBref, who have claimed the pair are similar players.

Games played

13

25

Minutes played

952

2,021

Pass accuracy

89%

87%

Tackles won

1.1

0.8

Clearances

4.8

4

Aerials won

1.8

1.3

The “monster” Chelsea man, as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, featured in 12 fewer games than the Palace star, but managed to achieve a higher pass accuracy rate – a quality that would undoubtedly slot him into Howe’s possession-based system.

He’s also won more tackles per 90, whilst winning more aerial battles, demonstrating the excellent defensive qualities that he possesses – helping the Magpies improve on last season’s tally of goals conceded.

Whilst Thiaw undoubtedly remains the club’s main target at the back, Chalobah could prove to be a brilliant option should no progress be made for the AC Milan star.

With his desire to leave his boyhood club evident, it could be a great opportunity for Howe’s side to secure a deal for a player who has the ability to improve Newcastle’s squad whilst having the potential to get even better with consistent game time.

Forget Madueke: Newcastle could land "the new Obafemi Martins" for £25m

The Magpies are still eyeing reinforcements in the final third.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 30, 2024

With another win under their belt last night, it would be fair to say that Arsenal's preseason has largely been a success this summer, and there is still one more game to go.

Mikel Arteta's side were electric against Bayer Leverkusen and look ready to fight for the Premier League title for the third year running next season. Still, to ensure they have the best chance of succeeding this time, Edu Gaspar and Co must bring in some more quality signings before the transfer window slams shut.

Riccardo Calafiori remains the only new addition to the first team, while Martin Zubimendi, a player the club were heavily linked to in the past, could now be on his way to potential title rivals Liverpool.

However, while this news may leave some fans feeling a little annoyed, the player they have been heavily linked with since is a better option anyway.

Arsenal transfer news

According to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano via GIVEMESPORT, Arsenal have maintained their strong interest in Real Sociedad ace Mikel Merino.

The Italian journalist revealed that, similar to the Calafiori deal, Arteta has been "pushing" the club to pursue the Spanish midfielder as he is a "player he would love to have at the club."

According to Romano, the Spanish manager has been "very influential" for the club this summer, and in good news, the Sociedad star is "very keen on the move."

There is no mention of how much the player could cost the Gunners, but other reports this summer have suggested the fee could be around £25m, and while that's not insignificant, it could prove to be value for money, especially as Merino would be a better signing for Arsenal than Zubimendi.

How Merino compares to Zubimendi

Okay, so the first thing to point out is that, yes, both Merino and Zubimendi are talented midfielders who would bring a lot to Arsenal. After all, the Gunners were supposedly interested in the latter earlier this year, but overall, the former would be a better signing for a few reasons.

The first is that while both players can start in either central or defensive midfield, the 28-year-old is more of a natural eight, while his younger compatriot is a more natural six, and at this point, the North Londoners clearly need someone to fill the left-eight spot.

For example, while Declan Rice did play there at points last season, he admitted that starting in the six was his "best position," and considering it's where he's spent the vast majority of his career, it's hard to disagree with him.

The second reason is that the former Newcastle United ace has proven himself to be more of a goal threat, and with Arsenal scoring five goals fewer than Manchester City last season, this is clearly an issue he can effectively address.

For example, in 45 appearances for La Real last season, the 6 foot 2 "monster," as data analyst Ben Mattinson dubbed him, scored eight goals and provided five assists, equating to an average of a goal involvement every 3.46 games.

In contrast, the Liverpool target scored four goals and provided one assist in 45 appearances, equating to a goal involvement on average every nine games.

Lastly, the 28-capped international also comes out on top when we examine their underlying numbers.

Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists

0.23

0.13

Non-Penalty Goals + Assists

0.33

0.12

Progressive Carries

0.92

1.07

Progressive Passes

6.10

5.21

Shots

1.35

0.77

Shots on Target

0.50

0.29

Passing Accuracy

76.5%

86.0%

Key Passes

0.84

0.56

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.07

0.48

Shot-Creating Actions

2.52

1.79

Goal-Creating Actions

0.26

0.11

Tackles Won

1.48

0.92

Blocks

1.27

1.12

Interceptions

0.63

1.08

Clearances

2.02

1.76

Successful Take-Ons

0.98

0.45

Aerial Duels Won

5.98

1.55

Ball Recoveries

7.28

5.94

For example, his attacking prowess is evident in the fact that he ranks far better in metrics such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, actual non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive and key passes, passes into the penalty area, shot and goal-creating actions and successful take-ons all per 90.

Interestingly, despite not playing in a slightly more attacking position than Zubimendi, he also performs better in several defensive metrics, such as tackles won, blocks, aerial duels won, and ball recoveries per 90, showing that he can excel in both phases of play.

Arsenal in the race for £109m star who's better than Solanke

The “world-class” striker would be a game-changer for the Gunners.

4 ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 6, 2024

Ultimately, while both midfielders are serious talents, Arsenal fans can rest assured that in Merino, they're getting a signing who suits them better and has Zubimendi comfortably beat in most measurable metrics.

Enzo Maresca kicked off his reign as Chelsea boss with a 2-0 defeat against defending champions Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.

The inevitable Erling Haaland and former Blues man Mateo Kovacic found themselves on the scoresheet, as Pep Guardiola’s side secured their first win of the new Premier League season.

Despite not starting the encounter, there were first competitive appearances off the bench for Pedro Neto, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Renato Veiga and Marc Guiu.

None of the aforementioned quartet were able to make an impact on the game after their late substitutions, with City in control for the vast majority of the encounter.

It was a disappointing opener for new boss Maresca, with his forward line reduced to little opportunities in the final third – lacking that presence at the top end of the pitch to compete with City.

Chelsea’s attacking stats vs Man City

Chelsea’s front four that started the game against Guardiola’s side consisted of Christopher Nkunku, Enzo Fernández, Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson – with the attackers costing the club a combined £235m – a staggering amount of money.

However, they failed to deliver in the final third, having a higher xG despite the defeat – a sign of how disappointing the Blues were when presented with opportunities.

Both sides had one big chance during the meeting, with Maresca’s side squandering their golden opportunity, whilst Guardiola’s men punished the Blues – showcasing Chelsea’s lack of a clinical goalscorer – something they desperately need if they are to progress up the table in 2024/25.

Goals scored

0

2

Expected goals (xG)

1.23

0.82

Shots taken

10

11

Shots on target

3

5

Touches in penalty area

26

29

Big chances taken

0

1

Big chances missed

1

0

The visitors only managed one more shot than the hosts, but crucially had 46% of their efforts on target compared to Chelsea’s tally of just 30%, with Maresca’s side wasteful when they managed to get in promising attacking areas.

One player in particular out of the forward line produced a disastrous display, potentially putting his starting place in the side at risk.

Nicolas Jackson’s stats against Man City

Senegalese striker Jackson has been a man under fire, as the club try and sign a more clinical option at the top end of the pitch to try and bridge the gap to the division’s top four.

During his 67-minute display, he only managed 20 touches, a tally fewer than goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who managed 36 during the defeat.

Jackson also lost 100% of the duels that he entered, whilst missing a big chance and losing possession five times in an all-around disappointing performance from the 23-year-old.

Minutes played

67

Shots taken

1

Big chances missed

1

Touches

20

Pass accuracy

71%

Duels won

0/3 (0%)

Possession lost

5x

He was subsequently handed a 3/10 match rating from The Express' Alex Turk, who criticised the striker for failing to stay onside for his goal – the bread and butter for a striker following up on a rebound.

His disappointing display is another indication that owner Todd Boehly needs to get his chequebook out and sign a new talisman before the window shuts on August 30th.

Maresca’s side lack that cutting edge in attacking areas, with Jackson unfortunately not the man to take the club to the next level under the Italian’s guidance.

After such a showing, he will be lucky to keep his place in the starting lineup for the Europa Conference League qualifier against Stamford Bridge on Thursday, with youngster Guiu deserving of an opportunity to stake his claim for a starting role.

Deal nearly done: Chelsea close in on signing their next Eden Hazard

The Blues could be about to make yet another new addition.

ByEthan Lamb Aug 18, 2024

Despite the addition of Iliman Ndiaye and the re-signing of winger Jack Harrison, Everton still look to be struggling in the final third.

In the 3-0 opening day defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion at Goodison Park last weekend, Sean Dyche’s side only managed to register nine shots, only putting one on target – whilst failing to create any big chances.

Striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin could only manage 20 touches in his 76-minute display, failing to register a single effort on goal – further highlighting the need for added reinforcements.

The Toffees have previously targeted moves for Eddie Nketiah and Armando Broja, but they appear to have missed out on both options, with the pair looking likely to move to Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town, respectively.

As a result, the club will have to target alternative options in attacking areas, including one youngster who’s recently caught the eye.

Latest Everton transfer news

According to GOAL, Everton are one of multiple sides in the race to sign Atletico-MG’s Brazilian forward Alisson Santana this summer.

The 18-year-old, who has a €60m (£51m) release clause in his current deal, could be allowed to leave this summer, with Everton needing to offer €10m (£8.5m) to open negotiations, as Goodison is just one potential destination.

Whilst it’s unknown who else is interested in a move for the youngster, the club may have to act quickly to avoid missing out on a deal for the talent.

In the Brazilian Serie A in 2024, he’s failed to find the back of the net, but often only deployed as a substitute, only making four starts for Atletico.

He could follow in the footsteps of another Brazilian who made a huge impact during his time for the Toffees on Merseyside.

Why Alisson could be Richarlison 2.0 for Everton

Back in the summer of 2018, Everton forked out £40m to sign Brazilian striker Richarlison from Watford – in a move that raised eyebrows of the majority of supporters.

However, the deal proved to be a sensational piece of business, with the now 27-year-old registering 45 goals and 12 assists in his 135 Premier League appearances for the Toffees.

He also made the club a hefty profit when he departed Goodison for Tottenham Hotspur for £60m back in 2022 – helping the club’s finances in the process.

2018/19

35

15

1

2019/20

36

13

3

2020/21

34

7

3

2021/22

30

10

5

Two years on, Dyche and Co have the opportunity to sign another talented Brazilian forward in the form of Alisson, with the winger having all the attributes to thrive in the Premier League should a move come to fruition.

The attacking “difference maker” as described by analyst Ben Mattinson, has averaged three shots per 90, alongside 3.5 shot-creating actions per 90 in 2024, demonstrating his eye for goal in the final third – something which Everton desperately lack.

Games played

10

Shots taken

3

Shot-creating actions

3.5

Progressive carries

4.4

Successful take-ons

2.9

Touches in opposition area

4.2

Alisson has also averaged 4.4 progressive carries and 2.9 successful take-ons with both figures ranking him within the top 1% of all attackers in the Copa Libertadores.

Whilst it may be a risk to fork out a chunk of money on a youngster who’s unproven in Europe, it is an opportunity worth taking, with Nottingham Forest just one side who have enjoyed success with the likes of Danilo and Murillo.

Given Everton’s woeful run in front of goal in recent times, new additions are needed and, as demonstrated by his stats, Alisson has the raw ability that could transform the fortunes of Dyche’s side in attacking areas.

Everton could land a bigger talent than McTominay in move for £13m star

The Toffees are still targeting reinforcements before next Friday’s deadline.

ByEthan Lamb Aug 22, 2024

Amid such a disappointing start to their Premier League campaign, Everton reportedly failed to sign a midfield reinforcement for Sean Dyche late on in the summer transfer window after exploring a move.

Everton transfer news

Eased past by Brighton & Hove Albion, smashed by Tottenham Hotspur, and shocked by last-gasp Bournemouth, Everton couldn't have asked for a worse start to the season.

The Toffees looked on course to secure their first three points of the season at the third time of asking after gaining a commanding 2-0 lead over Bournemouth, only for the Cherries to begin their comeback in the 87th minute and end it with victory in the 94th in astonishing fashion.

Those at Goodison Park are heading towards another relegation battle and one they might not survive this time around, forcing them to look back on their summer window as a case of what might have been, especially in pursuit of one player.

According to talkSPORT, Everton failed in a late move to sign Sofyan Amrabat from Fiorentina, who sanctioned a loan move to Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce in the end instead.

Everton have hit the jackpot on "monster" who's worth more than Broja

The Chelsea forward has joined on loan with an option to buy for £30m…

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 4, 2024

The midfielder spent last season on loan at Manchester United and Erik ten Hag was reportedly blocked by the club's new hierarchy under Sir Jim Ratcliffe from attempting a reunion of his own this summer. Opening the door for Everton, the Toffees could have found a last-gasp replacement for Amadou Onana, only to fail in their attempts.

An experienced international who initially stole the headlines at the Qatar World Cup, Amrabat would have been a shrewd signing to end Everton's summer business.

"Important" Amrabat could have replaced Onana

Replacing Onana was never an easy task for Everton in the summer transfer window, but they would have been wise to go for experience over the risk of youth in Tim Iroegbunam. And that should have led them to Amrabat's signature. The midfielder ticks that box and should still be at the peak of his powers at 28 years old.

Progressive Passes

6.35

4.61

Tackles Won

1.54

1.64

Ball Recoveries

5.77

6.90

Progressive Carries

0.58

0.91

Whilst still a level below Onana, Amrabat's ability to progress play as well as his work off the ball would have left Everton in far better stead than the replacements that Dyche has instead been handed for the Belgian.

Amrabat earned the praise of Manchester United boss Ten Hag last season, with the Dutchman saying via The Metro: "I think he played a very good game. Very important for us in the pressing and the counter-press. He’s doing a really good job keeping the team together, keeping the team compact and we had good moments to press, to control the game."

Despite that praise and those aforementioned numbers, however, Everton's move came too little too late to benefit and land a replacement for Onana.

TalkSPORT pundit Dean Saunders has claimed that Mikel Arteta risks losing a big-name member of his Arsenal squad if one thing doesn’t change.

Arsenal preparing for north London derby without key players

The Gunners are preparing to face-off against Tottenham on Sunday, with Arteta looking to get back to winning ways on the biggest stage after Arsenal’s 1-1 draw at home to Brighton a fortnight ago.

Arteta confirms "great news" for Arsenal ahead of Spurs with injury update

A key player looks ready to feature against Tottenham.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Sep 14, 2024

Arsenal travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium unbeaten from their opening three Premier League games, but their 100 per cent record ended at the hands of Brighton at the Emirates, with fierce title rivals Man City yet to drop points.

Arteta will be desperate to come away from N17 with all three points after signing a brand-new three-year contract and committing his future to Arsenal, but it won’t be an easy task for the Spaniard, who has a few tactical conundrums staring him in the face.

Tottenham (away)

September 15

Man City (away)

September 22

Leicester City (home)

September 28

Southampton (home)

October 5

Bournemouth (away)

October 19

Summer signing Mikel Merino is ruled out through injury, having fractured his shoulder in training at London Colney, while Declan Rice will also be a sore miss after he picked up two yellow cards and was sent off in their last game.

The good news for Arsenal is that club captain Martin Odegaard could actually play against Tottenham, despite initial fears that the Norway international would be out for weeks after twisting his ankle on international duty.

Gabriel Jesus and Riccardo Calafiori are in the same boat, with Arteta stating in his pre-match Arsenal press conference on Friday that both men are contending to be fit for the derby, though it’s also no guarantee they’ll play.

“Gabi was out there,” said Arteta on Jesus’ fitness. “He’s got another session tomorrow and if everything goes well he’ll be ready to be selected in the squad which is great news for us. He’s [Calafiori] another one where we’ll have to wait another day or so.”

It is still touch-and-go whether Jesus, Calafiori and Odegaard will be able to start, but at least there is still a chance – going by Arteta’s update.

Dean Saunders says Gabriel Jesus could decide to leave Arsenal

If Jesus is ready, Arteta will have a dilemma on his hands. Reports suggest that Raheem Sterling could be played as a false-nine against Tottenham, with Kai Havertz relinquishing his favoured position so he can drop into midfield.

This would mean the £265,000-per-week Brazilian is benched for Spurs, as he has often been in the last 12 months. Ten of Jesus’ 27 league appearances came off the bench last season, and the former Man City star has played just five Premier League minutes so far this term.

Speaking to TalkSPORT, via The Boot Room, pundit Saunders believes that Jesus could decide to leave Arsenal if he doesn’t start getting more game time.

The 27-year-old joined from Man City in 2022 for around £45 million, and has gone to rack up 19 goals and 15 assists in 70 appearances across all competitions.

In search of their first Premier League victory, Ipswich Town have been handed a welcome boost on the injury front, with one player now in line to make his first appearance of the season.

Ipswich injury news

It was always going to be a tough start for Kieran McKenna's side, whose first two games came up against Liverpool and champions Manchester City in which they at least showed glimpses of their quality. Handing Arne Slot a difficult first-half, before they were eventually brushed aside by Liverpool's quality, the Tractor Boys then took a shock early lead against City only to ultimately suffer the same fate.

Ipswich let an "intelligent" star leave for £0, now he's outscoring Delap

This former Ipswich Town striker is excelling at his new club.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 10, 2024

What would have disappointed McKenna after those tough tests is his side's 1-1 draw at home against Fulham. In a game that Ipswich should be winning if they want to avoid Premier League relegation at the first time of asking, they couldn't find a way to retake the lead against Marco Silva's side having initially opened the scoring through Liam Delap's sensational first goal for the club.

Arguably in need of more firepower alongside Delap, those at Portman Road have at least been handed a major boost on that front. As confirmed by McKenna, George Hirst is in line to make his first Premier League appearance for Ipswich up against Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend, returning to the squad for the first time since his injury against Fortuna Dusseldorf in pre-season.

McKenna told the press via the East Anglian Daily Times: "Wes Burns and George Hirst both trained with the group this week, while Harry Clarke (Achilles surgery in May) joined in with the group for a little bit today for the first time."

When quizzed on whether Burns and Hirst could play a part against Brighton, the Ipswich boss went on to say: "It's not impossible. They've trained with the group pretty much all week and are both ahead of schedule really.

"Both are feeling really good. Of course we'll make the right judgement not just for this weekend and won't take any unnecessary risks. But both, as it stands today, are available to be involved with the squad."

"Important" Hirst adds physical element to Ipswich attack

Whilst Hirst isn't the striker that will score over 15 goals a season, what he does provide is a crucial presence when leading the line; a presence that Ipswich have otherwise lacked so far this season. Earning a reported £28,000-a-week, the 25-year-old will have the chance to more than prove his worth once again upon his return from injury.

McKenna praised his role at Ipswich last season, saying via the East Anglian Daily Times: "The role he does leading the line for us is a unique balance, really. There’s not many strikers who are 6’3 but can also stretch the game and run behind like he can.

“He’s really worked hard to improve his build-up, back to play, holding off defenders and dropping to connect with the midfield. He’s got an important role in set plays and he’s got an important role in this team. He’s really developed as a player."

Ipswich Town will know that this current Premier League campaign is a marathon and not a sprint, with their main aim obviously being to avoid relegation straight back down to the Championship.

The Tractor Boys couldn’t stave off relegation during the 2001/02 season, however, after iconic former Ipswich boss George Burley had guided the Suffolk side to unbelievably play in the UEFA Cup just the campaign prior.

Burley’s underdogs even faced off against Inter Milan in this competition before their demise down to the second tier, with Kieran McKenna just hopeful that he can get enough out of his troops in the here and now to beat the drop.

Titus Bramble was a promising young defender around the same time Ipswich last fell down to the Championship, with the homegrown Tractor Boys product going on to eventually win himself a big move, after his then employers exited the top-flight.

Bramble's time at Ipswich

Before he would go on to become a household name in the Premier League – with 292 games in the elite division managed by the time he retired – Bramble would cut his teeth at Ipswich to start off his fledging career.

Bramble would make 61 appearances in total for the Tractor Boys before seeking out pastures new in 2002, with three goals scored from the centre-back along the way, including even memorably scoring in the UEFA Cup.

Despite only featuring 18 times during his side’s relegation season, Bramble would still manage to win himself a bumper move to Newcastle United, costing the Magpies a hefty £6.1m to land his services.

That doesn’t seem too excessive compared to Ipswich’s spending this summer just gone, however, with the newly promoted outfit splurging out around the £15m mark to land Hull City centre-back Jacob Greaves to strengthen at the back for the step-up.

But, if the same deal took place today for Bramble to switch allegiances to Tyneside, the one-time Ipswich prodigy would go for far more.

That can be calculated using Totally Money’s Transfer Index, with the defender coming in as being worth way more than Greaves’ £15m fee, by the standards of today’s inflated transfer landscape.

Bramble's worth in 2024

According to the Transfer Index, the same deal would cost Newcastle in the here and now an eye-watering £23.4m, far above the £15m forked out to snap up Greaves’ signature recently.

Ipswich wouldn’t have been too gutted about their defender’s exit further down the line, however, considering the amount they actually did sell him on for at the time was substantial, but also the fact Bramble ended up struggling away from Portman Road.

Club played for

Games played

Goals scored

Assists

Newcastle

157

7

2

Wigan Athletic

104

5

3

Sunderland

51

1

0

Whilst the former ten-time England U21 international would be a hit with the St James’ Park faithful during his lengthy stay there, with ex-Ipswich great Sir Robby Robson even helping to oversee early development at the Magpies, Bramble won’t be fondly remembered by those on Wearside when he crossed enemy lines to play for Sunderland.

Bramble would end up being released by the Black Cats in 2013 after 51 games, bringing to an end to his Premier League playing days in the process.

Greaves will still take some inspiration from Bramble’s career, however, as he aims to become an established top-flight defender in his own right, having excelled in the second tier with Hull previously.

He has a big price-tag to live up to, but with a clean sheet already under his belt under Brighton and Hove Albion recently, the towering 24-year-old could be key for McKenna going forward as his side aim to stay above the dreaded bottom three spaces in the league.

Ipswich flop who left in 2021 is now outscoring both Delap & Szmodics

This former Ipswich Town striker just never got into his goalscoring groove at Portman Road.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 18, 2024

Cardiff City have now been without a manager for almost three weeks, having parted ways with Erol Bulut on September 22. The Bluebirds sacked the Turkish boss after a dismal start to the season that saw them earn just one point from their opening six games and rooted to the bottom of the Championship.

Omer Riza is currently in charge on an interim basis, and while Cardiff’s form has improved under his guidance – they’ve beaten Millwall and drawn with Bristol City already this month – the board is still on the hunt for a permanent successor to Bulut.

Cardiff City manager latest

According to Wales Online, Cardiff’s board have spent the past two weeks “poring over a longlist of candidates” and have discussed a number of names, including Ruben Selles.

Selles, the current manager of League One side Reading, has drawn plaudits for keeping the Royals in the third division despite a number of issues behind the scenes, which include the club failing to pay its players and being issued a winding-up petition by HMRC over unpaid taxes.

Despite continuing with the club, the Spanish manager recently hinted that he could soon be on his way out of the Madejski Stadium.

“I have had enough of this situation now,” Selles told BBC Radio Berkshire a fortnight ago after a proposed club takeover by American lawyer and businessman Rob Couhig fell through.

“All the bad situations that can happen in football have happened to me in the last 16 months,” he said. “I have a fantastic group of players that have been fighting against those situations but it gets to a point where you cannot anymore, you are repeating the things in the cycle.”

Selles said that while he’s not somebody who “likes to quit,” he needs “to reflect on where could be the ending point.” According to Wales Online, Selles will be a “central part of the hierarchy’s discussions” at Cardiff, but it appears they have another target in mind too.

Slaven Bilic talks held

Selles isn’t the only man the Cardiff board have been considering for the vacant manager’s position at the Principality Stadium. According to Wales Online’s report, they also recently held talks with Slaven Bilic.

The Croatian, who often plays a 4-2-3-1 formation and has actually beaten Cardiff twice in his career, gained promotion to the Premier League with West Bromwich Albion back in July 2020 and has also managed West Ham United and Watford, but has been without a job since leaving Saudi Pro League side Al-Fateh back in August.

Bilic left the Saudi club, which is the current home of former Manchester City and Lyon defender Jason Denayer, by mutual consent due to “disagreements in strategy,” the club said in an official statement.

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Wales Online report that talks between Cardiff and Bilic were held this week, however it is “increasingly unlikely that the 56-year-old, who is back home in his native Croatia, will take the job”.

Among the other names being touted to succeed Bulut as Cardiff manager are Sam Allardyce, Mark Hughes, Tony Pulis, and Neil Warnock, as well as former Plymouth Argyle duo Steven Schumacher and Ryan Lowe.