All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Arsenal: Edu Could Now Axe High-Earning Star

Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe "will certainly" leave the Emirates Stadium "soon" as the Gunners have shown to be "ruthless", says reporter Charles Watts.

Who will leave Arsenal?

The Gunners have been very busy this transfer window, having spent north of £200 million already and further additions haven't been ruled out.

Germany international winger Kai Havertz put pen to paper on a £65 million move from Chelsea, while Arsenal eventually confirmed the club-record signing of midfielder Declan Rice in a £105 million deal.

Former Ajax defender and Netherlands international Jurrien Timber is now an Arsenal player as well, strengthening Mikel Arteta's ranks significantly ahead of the 2023/2024 Premier League season.

However, to balance the books, certain stars need to be ejected from the squad. Thomas Partey, who has attracted interest from Saudi sides in the Middle East, is being repeatedly linked with an Arsenal exit while their USA international Folarin Balogun can also leave for around £50 million.

Pepe, who was once Arsenal's club-record acquisition after his £72m move from Nice in 2019, is certainly on the chopping block as journalist Watts explains to TEAMtalk.

“He’s got one year left on his contract and he’s not part of Arsenal’s plans. It’s very, very clear," said Watts.

“He’s on such high wages; they’ve ended up cancelling contracts with a lot of those big name players from that era at the club. Pepe is probably the last of them who they haven’t managed to deal with.

“[Sead] Kolasinac, [Shkodran] Mustafi, as well as [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil. They’ve shown they can be ruthless.

“Edu’s talked about it before. He’d much rather cancel a contract than have someone on big wages just sitting around for a season because he says that does a squad no good at all. He’s gone on record as saying that.

“It would not surprise me if that happened which seems remarkable when you think this is Arsenal’s club-record signing, a £72m signing.

“We’ll have to wait and see but I think Arsenal, from their point of view, they would love someone from Saudi Arabia becoming interested in Pepe.

"We shall wait and see what happens but one thing’s for sure: he’s got no long term future at Arsenal. He’ll certainly be gone soon. He’s one of the highest earners, probably in the top five.”

How good is Nicolas Pepe?

Despite some injury problems on loan at Nice last season, Pepe displayed moments of real quality – chipping in with six goals over his temporary spell (WhoScored).

Statistically, he was actually one of the Ligue 1 side's most potent threats in the final third – completing more successful take-ons per 90 than any other player in their squad (WhoScored).

The 28-year-old also ranked in Nice's top two for both attempts at goal and key passes completed on average – making him a credible candidate for any side who wish to add firepower.

After-all, there's a reason Arteta's side once smashed their transfer record to bring him to north London.

However, his salary could be an issue for any interested side, so the player himself may need to take a considerable pay cut on his reported £140,000-per-week wages.

Newcastle United: "One of the most exciting players around" Open To Magpies Move

Juventus winger Federico Chiesa is open to a move to Newcastle United this summer, according to Corriere dello Sport, via Sport Witness.

The Magpies have already raided the Serie A once this summer, signing Sandro Tonali from AC Milan. Now, they could be set to return for Chiesa.

What's the news on Newcastle United and Federico Chiesa?

After struggling to regain the form that initially got people talking at Euro 2020, with injuries playing a part in that, Chiesa wouldn't be opposed to a fresh start away from Juventus according to this update, as the player himself would "gladly listen" to offers.

With that said, the Italian giants are reportedly looking for €55m (£47m) if they are to sell the winger this summer. Despite the hefty fee, Newcastle are reportedly interested in making their move for Chiesa, and potentially his Juventus teammate Dusan Vlahovic too, who has struggled to replicate his Fiorentina form since making the switch.

As of right now, the Magpies have only signed Tonali this summer. And, with Champions League football to think about next season, Eddie Howe may well need more than one reinforcement, potentially leading Newcastle to turn to the Serie A once again this summer. Newcastle will certainly have the funds available, it just remains to be seen how they spend them in the coming months.

Should Newcastle United sign Federico Chiesa?

federico-chiesa-liverpool-transfer-news-premier-league

Newcastle have an array of attacking talent, with Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson leading the way going forward. And, with Luke Edwards of The Telegraph reporting that the Magpies are looking to sell Allan Saint-Maximin this summer to fund a move for Harvey Barnes, a move for Chiesa seems like it would be unnecessary this summer.

Perhaps though if Newcastle fail in their pursuit of Barnes, they can turn their attention to Chiesa. Speaking after Chiesa's ACL injury, journalist Josh Bunting said: "Horrible news for Juventus and Italy that they have confirmed that Federico Chiesa has suffered an ACL injury, expected to be out for six months so that’s the season over. Will miss Italy’s World Cup playoff he’s a real difference maker. One of the most exciting players around."

He's an extremely exciting talent with a high ceiling – when Saint-Maximin, Barnes, and Chiesa are compared statistically, it is the Leicester winger and Juventus man who stand out above Saint-Maximin when it comes to end product.

As per FBref, out of the three, Chiesa had more goal involvements per 90 last season, though unsurprisingly falls behind Saint-Maximin when it comes to progressive passes and progressive carries.

In the end, it all comes down to what Howe wants from his wingers. Whilst the trickery of his current option can be admired, the Newcastle manager may opt for output over fancy footwork – therefore preferring either Barnes or Chiesa.

With a long summer ahead, and plenty of money to spend, Newcastle must choose wisely when it comes to reinforcements before the Premier League season gets underway. Whilst they'll need added depth due to their Champions League commitments, they must ensure that the right type of players are welcomed.

Wrexham Boss Phil Parkinson Reveals Exciting Transfer Plans

Since the takeover of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney at Wrexham, the Welsh club have enjoyed a fitting Hollywood script, which is yet to reach its end. Last season saw things get even better, with Phil Parkinson’s side securing the National League title, and, therefore, promotion to League Two, and back to the Football League for the first time since the 2007/08 season.Ending 15 years of misery, it seems as though the actors are only just getting started, with their sights firmly set on League Two, and ensuring success in the next few years.When the Hollywood duo first arrived, there may have been some hesitation when it came to supporting them. After all, why Wrexham? And then when the cameras came out for the documentary, more fans may have been slightly wary. Yet, so far, they’ve simply understood the club from the bottom to the very top.They arrived without an ounce of knowledge about a sport they even called soccer previously. Now, it could be said that Reynolds and McElhenney are one of the best ownership partnerships in football, based on just how far Wrexham have come.In League Two, such is their ambition, they’ll be looking to do more than just survive. And, with that said, Phil Parkinson recently revealed his transfer plans for this summer.

Who are Wrexham going to sign this summer?

Speaking to the TWS Sports Podcast, Parkinson said: “I don’t think we need loads of players. I think we already got 20-plus players and if we can bring one or two key players, then I will be happy. If we didn’t and we continued with the same squad, I won’t be complaining.

“We are looking abroad as well. So we are looking at those markets as well. There’s been new rules brought in recently, the rules to bring in a couple of foreign players have been relaxed, so we are looking at those markets as well. Obviously, it’s quite complex judging players at those levels. We are looking across the board really, and we are trying to get the best quality we can in our budget.”

Is Wrexham the oldest football stadium?

Playing at the Racecourse Ground – the oldest international football ground still in use since hosting its first international match on 5 March 1877 – the club will hope to see some exciting new faces arrive over the coming months.

With the summer transfer window well underway, Wrexham are reportedly interested in making a move for Bristol City’s Kai Naismith this summer, according to Thomas Wynne Lewis of North Wales Live.

The versatile defender made 25 appearances for the Robins in the Championship last season, and would be an incredible coup for the Welsh side, given his quality to play far higher than the League Two level.

The fact that Wrexham have even been linked with a Championship defender shows just how far they’ve come. Players are attracted to the Reynolds and McElhenney project. They are willing to drop a level or two just to benefit from where the duo could take the club in the future.

We saw Paul Mullin make the drop-down to the National League in 2021, and he has thrived since, finding the back of the net a sensational 74 times in just 90 appearances for the club.

So, whether it be transfer targets in England or abroad, the attraction to play for Wrexham is there for all to see this summer.

Leeds Could Land Their Own Gakpo In £12m "Surprise"

Leeds United will no doubt still be reeling following their return to the Championship at the end of last season, with a rather turbulent 2022/23 campaign having ended in relegation after just three years back in the top flight.

That being said, the club will now be hoping for a brighter future under their prospective new owners – with the 49ers Enterprises having agreed a deal last month – while a new face in the dugout also appears to be on the horizon, amid rampant speculation that Daniel Farke is likely to be named as the permanent manager at Elland Road.

If and when the one-time Norwich City boss is handed the reins, the German will likely be in need of reinforcements in order to help oversee a push for promotion, with intrigue building as to just who will be welcomed through the door over the coming weeks ahead of the start of next term.

There has been speculation of late that Leeds are interested in a move for Swansea City marksman Joel Piroe, with the Yorkshire outfit having previously been linked with the 23-year-old – who has just a year left on his existing deal – last summer.

The club are, however, likely to face competition from fellow relegated side Leicester City in the bid to sign the Dutchman, with the Daily Mail reporting that the 6 foot 1 ace could be available for a fee of around £12m.

Should Leeds sign Joel Piroe?

The former Netherlands U20 international has warranted that interest in his signature after enjoying a standout 2022/23 campaign in the second tier, having scored 20 goals and provided two assists in 45 games in all competitions.

The one-time Sparta Rotterdam loanee had previously recorded 30 goal involvements for his current side the year prior, ensuring he boasts a respectable haul of 44 goals and eight assists in just 92 games during his time at the Liberty Stadium.

As talent scout Jacek Kulig stated, the impressive marksman has proven something of a "surprise" following that stellar hot streak, having previously been "unwanted" at former club PSV Eindhoven, where he made just 14 first-team appearances.

Liverpool's Cody Gakpo

As Kulig also noted, Piroe was part of a "very interesting generation of PSV academy players born in 99" alongside the likes of his compatriot, Cody Gakpo, with the latter man having also previously been a target for Leeds a year ago.

Reports last summer indicated that Gakpo had even agreed a move to Elland Road only for the Eredivisie outfit to rebuff an approach from the Whites, with the towering forward subsequently going on to join Liverpool on a £35m deal in January.

Since then, Piroe's ex-teammate has quickly impressed at Anfield after bagging seven goals in just 21 league games in the second half of last season, having thrived through the middle and on the flanks for Jurgen Klopp's side.

Like his fellow Dutchman, the Swansea ace also possesses the ability to feature in a number nine berth or on the flanks if required, offering a useful creative force in that central role having averaged 2.40 progressive passes per 90 across the last 365 days, with Gakpo only just ahead having averaged 3.28 in that regard.

That should indicate that the signing of the "clinical" menace – as hailed by ex-Swansea boss Russell Martin – could prove to be Leeds' answer to Gakpo if a deal is to come to fruition, with the club having frustratingly missed out on the Reds ace prior to his move to Merseyside.

Aston Villa Preparing Offer For "Untouchable" £21m Defender

Aston Villa are preparing an offer in an attempt to bring AS Roma defender Roger Ibanez to the Premier League, according to reports.

Who is Roger Ibanez?

Ibanez is naturally a centre-back who has played his football at the Stadio Olimpico permanently since 2021 after joining following a successful loan spell from Atalanta, as per Transfermarkt, where he’s clocked up a total of 149 appearances to date.

The Brazil international still has another two years to run on his contract, but having established himself as Jose Mourinho’s second top-performing defensive player last season, he’s grabbed the attention of Unai Emery and Monchi in the Midlands.

Back in May, CalcioMercatoWeb credited the Villans with an interest in the 24-year-old and claimed that they had been monitoring him for several months, and if the following update is to be believed, the Villa hierarchy are now considering an official approach.

Are Aston Villa signing Ibanez?

According to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport (via TEAMtalk), Aston Villa will "soon submit an offer" for Ibanez. AS Roma signing Evan Ndicka means that the defender is "free to find a new club" and the English top-flight outfit are "ready to present" a bid in the hope of securing his services. The Serie A side would "accept" a fee of €25-30m (£21.4-25.7m), which is "easily within the reach" of NSWE.

AS Roma defender Roger Ibanez.

Aston Villa are set to welcome Villarreal defender Pau Torres for a medical this week so it’s difficult to see why Emery would want big money new centre-backs, but should that be the case, Ibanez could be the perfect partner for the Spaniard having been dubbed “untouchable” in a starting XI by Mourinho.

The 2021/22 Europa Conference League winner was a rock at the heart of his side’s backline last season having won 33 tackles and with the second-highest success rate throughout his squad, via FBRef, not to mention that he also averaged 2.8 clearances per league game so he likes to get stuck in and clear the ball away from his area.

Finally, Ibanez, who has the versatility to operate anywhere across the backline and even two roles in the midfield, shares the same agent, Bertolucci Sports, as Diego Carlos, so this existing connection that his representative already has to the club could give them a small advantage when trying to get a deal over the line.

Aston Villa Edge Closer To Signing ‘Extraordinary’ Star

Aston Villa are closing in on Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres, as Unai Emery eyes a reunion with his former star.

Monchi will be hoping to deliver a strong summer of signings in his opening spell as president of football operations, with the La Liga gem having the potential to be a marquee capture.

Villa’s quest for the Spaniard extends back to January, where 90min suspected that the defender could follow Emery to the Midlands.

News this week reported by Spanish outlet Sport claimed that the 26-year-old’s next destination is in the ‘final stretch’, with both Villa and Bayern Munich named as the clubs that have made ‘firm offers’.

It was reported by Football Insider that the Yellow Submarine require a figure succeeding the £40m mark to see Torres depart.

What could Pau Torres offer to Aston Villa?

Ranking as one of the best centre-backs in Europe for his progressive play, the Villarreal ace has excelled this season and could be a thrilling asset for Emery to integrate into his side.

Lauded as “extraordinary” by former coach Javi Calleja via The Athletic, Torres placed in the top 1% of central defenders on the continent with an average of 2.24 progressive carries per 90, as per FBref, showing his competency on the ball.

Winning 61% of his total duels in La Liga this campaign, the Spaniard is a colossus in defence with a presence that could take Emery’s side to the next level.

Introducing a talent of the calibre of Torres could inspire Villa to hit further heights than what was achieved this season, in a way similar to the influence fellow centre-back Virgil Van Dijk had when signing for Liverpool.

The Reds captured the Dutchman’s signature in the January window of the 2017/18 season, in a campaign that saw Jurgen Klopp's side finish fourth.

The following two campaigns highlighted the importance of the controlling defender in the side, taking them to their sixth Champions League trophy in his first full term and then on to winning their first Premier League title the following season in 2020.

virgil-van-dijk-liverpool-tottenham-hotspur-richarlison

Hailed as “the best defender in the world” in 2019 by pundit Paul Merson via Sky Sports, Van Dijk was integral to Liverpool’s rise to success, acting as a true leader at the back and excelling in his defensive duties.

As per Sofascore, the Dutchman won an astounding 75% of his total duels in Liverpool’s title-winning campaign, recording an average of 1.1 interceptions and 4.3 clearances per game, being dribbled past an average of just 0.2 times per game.

Similar numbers have been hit by Torres this season in La Liga, recording a per-game average of 4.1 clearances and being dribbled past only 0.4 times, via Sofascore, showing the levels the Spaniard is operating at.

Villa had a fantastic campaign in clinching European football under Emery, and could potentially replicate the rise of Liverpool’s form by introducing their own world-beating centre-back.

The Villa boss described the 26-year-old to football.london as being a player he’d “never seen” anyone like, posing as a dominant figure to have in central defence and an individual that could inspire the squad at Villa Park to reach further heights. Indeed, like Van Dijk, he is progressive, composed and a titan at the back.

Man City: Guardiola Could Repeat Jesus Exit Masterclass With £60m "Genius"

Pep Guardiola could be about to pull off another stroke of genius in the transfer market after winger Riyad Mahrez was linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.

Man City transfer news – Riyad Mahrez

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Mahrez has been subject to an approach from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.

Romano stated that the Algerian winger had been the target of a bumper bid from Saudi Arabia as clubs from the country target top talent in Europe with the help of the nation’s Public Investment Fund.

Soccer Football – Premier League – Manchester City v Southampton – Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain – October 8, 2022 Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez celebrates scoring their third goal REUTERS/Phil Noble EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player publications. Please contact your account representativ

Mahrez has two years left on his contract at the Etihad Stadium, so the European champions would look for a sizable fee from Al-Ahli to let the winger leave the club.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Italian journalist Rudy Galetti confirmed the approach and expects a decision on the future of Mahrez to be made soon.

"We know for sure he received a big offer from Al-Ahli three weeks ago that he rejected. But a few days before the Champions League final, the Saudi Arabian club presented a new huge bid. The response of the player has not yet arrived and is expected soon," he said.

Could Guardiola repeat his Gabriel Jesus masterstroke?

One of the reasons Man City and Guardiola have been so successful in recent seasons is their ruthlessness in the transfer market.

Unlike rivals like Manchester United and Liverpool, City don’t fear letting club legends and fan favourites walk before their sell-by date, and Mahrez – who was previously hailed as a "genius" by both The Guardian's Barney Ronay and his former Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri – could be the next player to depart, despite still possessing much of the magician-like quality a treble-winning side needs.

The club continue to rebuild and reshape the team even while the team is performing on the pitch, as opposed to changing things once it is desperately needed.

Take the sale of Gabriel Jesus to Arsenal, for example.

City offloaded the Brazilian striker to their Premier League rivals for £45m last summer after signing him back in 2017 for an estimated £27m from Brazilian club Palmeiras.

gabriel-jesus-manchester-city-arsenal

The Spaniard let Jesus walk in his prime at the age of 25, and eyebrows were raised over the sale.

City wasted no time in replacing him, snapping up Julian Alvarez the same summer after agreeing a deal for the Argentinian in the January window.

Alvarez cost just £14m and has shown fantastic potential playing behind arguably the best striker in the world in Erling Haaland.

City legend Richard Dunne praised City for their remarkable work in the market.

Speaking to Virgin Media Sport, Dunne stated:

“The whole recruitment, they don’t make many mistakes.

“They did get it wrong at the start maybe with a couple of players here and there but now over the last three or four years every single player who has come in, you look at Alvarez, he was £15m, £16m so well affordable for the whole of the Premier League and most of Europe, but City were the ones who went out and got him."

The sale of Jesus not only made the club a significant profit but replacing him with the cheap option of Alvarez has worked wonders and created City more breathing room under the Financial Fair Play rules.

Mahrez, who cost £60m in 2018, could be another man who leaves the Etihad Stadium despite still having significant potential to help the side. It’s a smart business decision from Guardiola and City and allows more funds to be made available to City to spend this summer.

Man Utd Could Repeat Lukaku Disaster With £30m Dud

One priority position that Manchester United may be looking to strengthen this summer is the goalkeeping ranks, with speculation rife as to whether long-serving asset, David De Gea, will be kept on beyond his current contract.

With just a matter of weeks left to run on the Spaniard's existing deal, there have been reports that the 32-year-old is set to be offered an extension on reduced terms, albeit with manager Erik ten Hag unlikely to guarantee that the former Atletico Madrid man will remain his first-choice pick ahead of next season.

The £375k-per-week man has arguably become a "big problem" for the Red Devils – according to pundit Jamie Carragher – having been culpable for Ilkay Gundogan's winner in the FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City.

According to Manchester Evening News journalist, Samuel Luckhurst, that inability to deal with the German's 'saveable' attempt is another reason why De Gea 'needs moving on', with the question now as to just who could usurp the Premier League title winner at Old Trafford.

One potential surprise option that has emerged of late is that of Everton and England stopper, Jordan Pickford, with The Sun claiming that Ten Hag is eyeing a move for the 29-year-old, even if De Gea does stay at the club.

The report suggests that despite the former Sunderland man having only recently signed a new long-term deal at Goodison Park, a fee of around £30m could be enough to seal a deal this summer.

Should Man United sign Pickford?

While the experienced 'keeper has arguably been "outstanding" for his country in recent years – according to pundit Jamie O'Hara – after starting in the last three major tournaments, the jury is out on whether he can be relied upon on a consistent basis at club level.

In the view of BT Sport's Chris Sutton, the £125k-per-week asset is a "strange goalkeeper" and something of a "liability" between the sticks, as he simply "makes too many errors".

The 52-cap maverick notably made two errors leading to goals in the top flight in 2022/23 – the same tally as De Gea – with it clear to see that such a move would not be without risk for United.

Romelu Lukaku for Man United

The Old Trafford hierarchy may also be fearful of getting stung once again with the signing of a high-profile addition from Goodison, having memorably sealed an ultimately flawed deal for Romelu Lukaku from the Toffees back in 2017.

The Belgian international – who notably missed a gilt-edged chance for Inter Milan in Saturday's Champions League final – did score 42 goals in 96 games during his time in Manchester, although the towering marksman was unable to truly impress through the middle, having been lambasted by Luckhurst for his "woeful" and "costly" finishing in 2018.

Club legend Paul Scholes was also heavily critical of the striker's link-up play after suggesting that the one-time Chelsea man's "control isn't great", while fellow treble winner Gary Neville went as far as to claim that he was "delighted" when Lukaku was eventually sold to Inter for a fee of around £74m in 2019 – having been signed for a similar price two years earlier.

With those at the Theatre of Dreams evidently not warming to the Antwerp-born powerhouse, there may be fears that a similar disaster could occur if Pickford is to plot the same path this summer.

Arsenal Could Make Sensational £180m Double Swoop

Arsenal are still potentially in the market to launch moves for both Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo this summer as they aim to bolster their midfield.

How much is Declan Rice worth?

Although Mikel Arteta and his men may have narrowly missed out on landing the Premier League title, it seems they are not looking to dwell on what could have been.

It was a mightily impressive 2022/23 campaign for the north London side until the final stages of the season where their grip on the title faded.

However, looking ahead to the summer, it seems as if Arsenal are looking to make some significant upgrades to their starting XI to launch another title charge for next season.

Indeed, the Gunners have been strongly linked with a potential move for West Ham United's captain with reports claiming they have their opening bid at the ready for the £100m-rated midfielder.

But it also seems as if the north London club could look to add more than just Rice to their midfield this summer with the Brighton & Hove Albion man also on their radar.

And speaking on TalkSPORT, insider Alex Crook has suggested this could be the case with Arsenal potentially launching what would be a huge double swoop this summer:

"Arsenal are still there. I wouldn't rule out Arsenal signing both Declan Rice and Caicedo because we know that Granit Xhaka is going to leave Arsenal. Midfield was an area where they looked a bit light at the end of the season anyway."

What is Arsenal's transfer budget?

According to reports, Arteta is set to be handed a £150m transfer kitty ahead of the summer window which would leave Arsenal seemingly needing to sell a number of players to fund a potential double swoop.

It has also been suggested that Brighton will be looking for a deal in the region of £80m for their Ecuadorian midfielder.

But there is the belief that Arsenal are already eyeing up a number of potential departures from the Emirates Stadium over the coming months.

moises-caicedo-brighton-arsenal-transfer-gossip-edu-arteta-jorginho

Indeed, the likes of Jorginho and Granit Xhaka are two midfielders who could soon be packing their bags to join a new club over the summer.

Although that may provide Arsenal some much-needed funds if they are to pursue these two Premier League midfielders, it may not quite be enough.

Neither West Ham nor Brighton will feel pressured into allowing their star talents to depart for a cheaper fee to accommodate Arsenal's transfer budget.

This will potentially leave Arsenal with a decision to make as to whether they need to spend in the region of £180m on two midfielders or whether the money could be better spent elsewhere.

Leeds Could Appoint ‘Genius’ Bielsa Upgrade

Leeds United have just been handed a huge boost in their hunt for a new manager, with Andrea Radrizzani looking to make the club as attractive as possible in preparation for a likely sale.

What's the latest Leeds manager news?

French outlet RMC Sport detail OGC Nice's interest in Graham Potter initially, before outlining a host of alternatives.

With a few English clubs vying for his signature, it is expected that the former Chelsea boss would prefer such a move, as Crystal Palace and Leicester City circle.

However, the Whites are another option touted, who could tempt the 48-year-old to Elland Road in an effort to escape the Championship at the first time of asking.

Is Graham Potter better than Marcelo Bielsa?

In snagging this progressive long-term coach, it seems like the Yorkshire club are truly serious about building a brighter and more sustainable future than the one Marcelo Bielsa conjured.

After all, despite the huge success he achieved in returning this club to the Premier League, his methods were what ultimately let him down. Stubbornly standing by a smaller group of players, he forged closer bonds but left himself wide open to an injury crisis.

Around the time of his sacking, he had been without Liam Cooper and Kalvin Phillips for large parts of the season, yet he retained his aggressive all-action style that was leaking goals for fun.

That year, when they narrowly avoided relegation, his side shipped 79 goals across the 38 games.

Meanwhile, Potter was quietly making a name for himself at Brighton and Hove Albion, spearheading their steady progression that has culminated in their Europa League finish in the most recent campaign.

Whilst Roberto De Zerbi will earn all the plaudits for finishing off the job, it was the Englishman who led them from a side that escaped the drop by just two points the year before his appointment.

marcelo-bielsa-leeds-united

His fluid 3-4-2-1 system allowed him to nurture his squad into a group of high-quality and versatile players, all able to play various roles well above their expected levels. This culminated in their highest-ever top-flight finish in his last full season (until this year), and when he left for Stamford Bridge, the Seagulls sat in fourth.

Such were his achievements, even the great Pep Guardiola sought to laud him, noting: "I am a big fan of Graham Potter. From the first time at Swansea, it was a joy to analyse his teams but also a concern when you play them. His players have the courage to play, they all know what to do. The first thing I would tell my players is: 'We have to be at a high level against them.'"

Although De Zerbi has since proven the following statement wrong, it was a testament to his work at progressing a club far smaller than Leeds that journalist Sam Morton spoke so highly of Potter: "It was a shame to see Cucurella and Bissouma leave Brighton but Graham Potter is the only irreplaceable asset at the club, you feel. The man is a genius."

Although he had his struggles in west London, many would argue that he was given particularly unfavourable circumstances with which to work. Perhaps a return to management where he could awake a sleeping giant under Radrizzani, could be the perfect place to rebuild his reputation and surpass Bielsa's legacy by earning promotion and a sustainable future in the top flight.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus