All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Everton are among a host of clubs to have “called” about the availability of a “fantastic” attacking player, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Barry expected to oust Beto at Everton

The Blues have completed the exciting £27m signing of Thierno Barry from Villarreal, with the Frenchman feeling like a statement signing by The Friedkin Group and David Moyes.

The 22-year-old has replaced Dominic Calvert-Lewin at Everton, coming in to battle Beto for minutes, but journalist Graeme Bailey has claimed that he will be the undisputed first-choice striker for the Merseysiders next season.

“Barry will be leading the line for Everton this season, I have little doubt. Will he start the campaign, I wouldn’t rule out Beto starting at this point, but Barry is going to be the main man long-term. Everton are so excited by this lad, he really is a great signing. There are few deals this summer that I have personally been more impressed by than this deal. We will have to see how he settles, but I don’t think it is going to take too long for him to be leading the line.”

Everton fans will hope that there are further signings to play alongside Barry, though, and a new update certainly bodes well in that respect.

Everton have "called" about £17m winger – Romano

Taking to X, Romano claimed that Everton have “called” about signing PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko in a potential £17.3m deal this summer, with many clubs in the same boat to sell the forward who PSV are “set to sell”.

Bakayoko is a player with so much long-term potential, having already racked up a tally of 33 goals and 22 assists in 131 appearances for PSV, as well as being hailed as a “fantastic” player by football talent scout Jacek Kulig last year.

Better signing than McGinn: Everton holding talks over "world-class" star

David Moyes is looking to sign a midfielder or two this summer at Everton

ByRoss Kilvington Jul 11, 2025

The 22-year-old also isn’t short of confidence, either, once talking up his hopes of winning the Ballon d’Or one day: “In the next five years, I want to be close to winning the Ballon d’Or. I’ll do my best and see where it can end, but I don’t want to give myself limits. I don’t want to say, ‘I remember when I won the Ballon d’Or’, or something like this. I want to keep going.”

A right-sided winger who can cut onto his left foot and wreak havoc, Bakayoko could be an ideal choice, adding similar quality to Iliman Ndiaye on the opposite flank.

With James Trafford already on his way, Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie reports Newcastle United may soon complete another deal to sign a £60m reinforcement and finally kickstart their summer.

James Trafford set to join Newcastle

While the narrative around Newcastle’s transfer window has so far been failure, that could be about to change. The Magpies are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign long-term target Trafford in what could be the start of their summer finally turning around.

After Trafford, those at St James’ Park are likely to shift their focus back towards their frontline. Although their need for a striker has been somewhat eased by the fact that Callum Wilson has put pen to paper on a new deal, they’ve still got their sights set on signing a new right-winger.

Just who that will be is the question. Already this summer, Newcastle have been rejected by Bryan Mbeumo and then by Joao Pedro, who now looks set to join Premier League rivals Chelsea. It’s rejection that they will be frustrated by given their Champions League place, but rejection that they must move on from.

Even better than Guehi: Newcastle now in talks to sign £43m "top talent"

Newcastle are in talks to sign a defender

ByRoss Kilvington Jul 1, 2025

Alternatives mentioned so far includes Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott. The 22-year-old enjoyed an excellent U21 Euros tournament – winning Player of the Tournament as England won the competition for a second time under Lee Carsley. Now available for around £50m, Newcastle could make their move.

If not Elliott, however, then it could still be one long-term target who one reporter now expects to complete a move to St James’ Park this summer.

Keith Downie now expects Elanga to join Newcastle

As reported on his YouTube channel, Sky Sports’ Keith Downie now expects Newcastle’s deal to sign Elanga “will get done” this summer with the Swede happy to swap Nottingham Forest for Tyneside.

Downie said on his YouTube channel: “All the noises are that Elanga is the number one choice. Of course, that was Bryan Mbeumo, but it’s now been moved to Elanga, and I can see him being perfect for Eddie Howe’s style.

“I feel that deal will get done. Newcastle aren’t in competition with anyone and they know that they are close in terms of the fee. I think the player would be happy to move here from what I’m being told. And it’s a case of Newcastle coming up with the numbers.”

“They offered £45m last week but Forest want £60m. I feel if Newcastle split the difference and offered £52-53m, they’d get the deal done, and I’d hope there will be some movement on that in the next few days. I expect Newcastle to come back in with an improved bid if they haven’t already.”

After missing out on Mbeumo and then Pedro, signing Elanga would be seen as a huge success for Newcastle who would be turning their fortunes around on the transfer front with the addition of both the Forest star and Trafford.

Newcastle United enter the market looking to build on the success of last campaign and now find themselves in the mix for a young defender who could add another layer of solidity under Eddie Howe, according to a report.

Newcastle United see bid turned down for Anthony Elanga

Some Premier League fans could’ve been forgiven for wondering if there was much transfer business going on at the Magpies at an early stage in the window, but it is clear that signs of life are starting to show as Eddie Howe scours the market.

David Ornstein delivered some intriguing news yesterday, detailing that Newcastle have saw a bid in the region of £45 million turned down for Anthony Elanga and also revealing Nottingham Forest’s stance on the Sweden international.

He stated on social media platform X: “Newcastle make offer to sign Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest. Bid in region of £45m. NFFC rejected without counter; no intention of selling Sweden int’l. NUFC considering whether to maintain pursuit or focus on other targets.”

Between the sticks, Newcastle are in advanced talks to sign Burnley stopper James Trafford for £30 million and could finally bring a long-winded saga to acquire the England Under-21 international to an end if all goes to plan.

Marcus Rashford is also a potential Magpies arrival on loan, albeit that may hinge on whether Brighton & Hove Albion forward Joao Pedro opts for St James’ Park or Stamford Bridge.

Newcastle and PIF in contact to sign £300k-a-week Champions League winner

He was once called “best player” in the Premier League.

2 ByHenry Jackson Jun 24, 2025

All in all, there is plenty to be encouraged about in the North East, though supporters will be desperate to see more movement occur over the coming weeks ahead of the Magpies’ pre-season preparations.

They may well get their wish, with Newcastle now in the hunt for a central defender who had starred at the recent UEFA Under-21 EURO Championships.

Newcastle enter race to sign Cesar Tarrega

According to reports in Spain via Sport Witness, Newcastle, led by Howe, are looking to sign Cesar Tarrega from Valencia and there is also further interest in his services from unnamed Premier League clubs as well as in Italy from Bologna.

Standing at 6 foot 4, the 23-year-old made 38 appearances across all competitions last season, registering two goals and a solitary assist from central defence. His camp are aware of interest in his services.

Cesar Tarrega in La Liga – per 90 min (FBRef)

Tackles

1.46

Interceptions

0.65

Blocks

1.22

Clearances

6.60

Aerial duels won

2.59

His Serie A admirers view him as a potential replacement for Jhon Lucimi, though he reportedly wants to sign a contract extension at his current club, where he is tied to until the summer of 2028.

Appearing three times for Spain at the Under-21 European Championships, Tarrega’s stock is rising and Newcastle are now minded to convince him that a move to the North East would be the most beneficial for his development.

Juggling both domestic and European endeavours won’t be easy for the Magpies, so it makes sense to add strength in depth to lead the fight on all fronts in 2025/26.

Chelsea are involved in the FIFA Club World Cup in the USA this summer, looking to become the inaugural winners of the new-look competition.

The Blues took advantage of the first summer transfer window by signing striker Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, with Todd Boehly activating the forward’s £30m release clause.

Delap has been included in Enzo Maresca’s Club World Cup squad, as are fellow summer signings goalkeeper Mike Penders, centre-back Mamadou Sarr and midfielder Dario Essugo.

However, there is still plenty of time for Chelsea to make more signings, with the second market not closing until September 1.

Chelsea's most expensive signings of all time

Todd Boehly has spent big in recent years.

ByCharlie Smith Sep 5, 2025

With more arrivals on the cards at Stamford Bridge, Grok, the AI tool on X, has predicted five more signings Chelsea could make this summer.

AI predicts 5 players Chelsea will sign this summer 1 Victor Osimhen Napoli (£60m)

Starting with another striker after Delap, Chelsea continue to be linked with a move for Victor Osimhen.

After spending last season on loan at Galatasaray, Osimhen has returned to Napoli but could be on the way out this summer.

The Nigeria international’s entourage were working on a Stamford Bridge transfer, and Grok say a £60m transfer would see Osimhen ‘provide a focal point in attack, complementing Delap and Nicolas Jackson’.

2 Jamie Gittens Borussia Dortmund (£55m)

A player who Chelsea wanted to sign before the Club World Cup, Jamie Gittens could still make the move to London in the second summer transfer window, and Grok can see a move materialising.

The Blues had a £42m bid rejected for the English winger, and Grok say they’ll need to get to £55m for a transfer to happen.

Grok say ‘Gittens would bring pace, creativity, and goal-scoring ability to the flanks, fitting Maresca’s attacking system’.

3 Jarrad Branthwaite Everton (£50m)

Despite signing Sarr, more central defenders could also be on the to-do list at Stamford Bridge to rival the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo and Levi Colwill.

Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite has been catching Chelsea’s eye, and there have been rumours of the Blues weighing up an offer later in the window.

A figure of at least £50m has been mooted by AI, however, stories elsewhere suggest the England international could cost more at £75m.

4 Alejandro Garnacho Man Utd (£40m)

After coming close to a deal in January, Man Utd winger Alejandro Garnacho is set to depart Old Trafford and has told his agents he is interested in a move to Stamford Bridge.

The Argentine wants to remain in the Premier League, which should give the Blues an advantage, with Grok believing a deal could be worth £40m.

Garnacho can play on the left or right-hand side, so could be a replacement for Jadon Sancho, who returned to the Red Devils following his Chelsea loan.

5 Marc Guehi Crystal Palace (£50m)

It might not be all new faces this summer, though, with Marc Guehi linked with a return to Stamford Bridge, four years on after leaving for Crystal Palace.

Crystal Palace

155

Swansea City

59

Chelsea

2

England

23

The England international has been going from strength to strength at Selhurst Park but now has just a year left on his current contract, resulting in rumours of an exit this summer.

Claims in May said that Guehi was tempted to move back to Chelsea and that the Blues were confident of a deal. Now, with Champions League football on offer, that confidence could have grown.

Wrexham are currently preparing for a season in the Championship after they finished second in League One to earn promotion up to the second tier.

The Red Dragons are yet to make their first signing since the end of last season, but there will be plenty of work going on behind the scenes to identify targets to improve the team.

Phil Parkinson will have to judge which of his players are ready to make the step up to the Championship after a season in League One, which means that some difficult decisions could have to be made.

Why Thomas O'Connor may be replaced

One player who could be replaced as a regular starter is left-sided central defender Thomas O’Connor, who has been at the club since they were in the National League.

The former Southampton academy graduate has never played above League One level in his career to date, and was a regular starter – starting 25 of his 31 appearances in the 2024/25 campaign – for Wrexham this season.

O’Connor was, however, an unused substitute in five of the last seven matches and it remains to be seen whether or not he will be able to handle the step up to the Championship, a level that he has never played at before.

Transfer Focus

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

The BBC reported earlier this month that Wrexham, Norwich, Birmingham, and Sheffield United are among the teams interested in a deal to sign Harry Darling on a free transfer from Swansea City.

His contract with the Welsh side is due to expire at the end of this month, and the Red Dragons are one of the sides looking to snap him up for nothing.

Why Darling would be an upgrade on O'Connor

Parkinson must push to convince Darling to make a move across Wales rather than joining Birmingham, Norwich, or Sheffield United, as he would improve the club’s options at the back.

Despite being right-footed, the 25-year-old Englishman often plays on the left-side of a centre-back pairing and this means that he could take O’Connor’s place as the left-sided centre-back in a back three at Wrexham.

Unlike the current Red Dragons defender, Darling is an experienced Championship defender who has made 108 appearances at that level, which means that he would arrive at the Racecourse as a proven second tier star.

He would be a relatively risk-free signing as someone who has been there and done it and could immediately improve Wrexham’s team, particularly when you take his performances this season into account.

Appearances

31

39

Goals

0

5

Clearances per game

2.9

5.0

Dribbled past per game

0.5x

0.3x

Ground duel success rate

53%

66%

Aerial duel success rate

57%

64%

As you can see in the table above, Darling’s defensive work in the Championship, in terms of his success rate in duels and how often he was beaten by opposition attackers, was more impressive than O’Connor’s was at a lower level.

This suggests that the Swansea star, who was hailed as “outstanding” by former boss Luke Williams, is a big upgrade on the current Wrexham left centre-back, particularly from a defensive perspective.

Darling also, as shown in the table, scored five goals from centre-back, compared to O’Connor’s barren return in League One, and this suggests that he would offer a much greater goal threat in the 2025/26 campaign.

The English titan, who ranked in the top 31% of centre-backs in the league for progressive passes per 90 (3.70), is a ball-playing defender who has shown that he can mix technical quality and class on the ball with strength and reliable out of possession at Championship level.

Big Rathbone upgrade: Wrexham still in race to sign "outstanding" PL star

Wrexham could be about to land a big upgrade on Oliver Rathbone by signing this Championship-experienced ace.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 12, 2025

Therefore, he would be the perfect signing, as a proven second tier star, to come in as a big upgrade on their left-sided centre-back position this summer.

Chelsea’s capture of Liam Delap was Enzo Maresca’s first signing of the 2025 summer transfer window.

It will likely be the first of many as the Italian looks to sign high-profile stars that will improve his squad ahead of next season.

With Champions League football to look forward to for the first time since the 2022/23 season, Maresca is going to spend in order to be fully prepared for the group stages.

As such, the club have been linked with numerous attacking players in recent weeks. Hugo Ekitike is someone that the manager is keen on bringing to Stamford Bridge.

Date

Opponent

Venue

Monday, June 16

Los Angeles

Mercedes-Benz stadium

Friday, June 20

Flamengo

Lincoln Financial Field

Tuesday, June 24

Esperance

Lincoln Financial Field

Via Chelseafc.com

He could cost around £84m, however, which may prove to be a stumbling block. Samu Aghehowa is another striker on Maresca’s list of targets, but he could cost roughly the same as Ekitike if Chelsea are serious about bringing him to London.

Wide options are also being targeted and Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens is a talent that the Blues are desperate to have before the start of next season.

How much would the German side demand for the Englishman to let him move to the Premier League?

The latest on Chelsea's pursuit of Jamie Gittens

Gittens has been linked with a move to Chelsea over the previous few weeks, and it appears the club are serious about signing him.

According to Ben Jacobs on Sunday, the Blues have had a bid rejected. He said on social media: “Understand Dortmund want around £42m for Jamie Gittens. Chelsea’s opening bid of £30m has been turned down but positive talks continue. Chelsea happy to wait until after the June 10 deadline if no breakthrough ahead of the Club World Cup.”

Less than a year ago, Gittens was hailed as the future of Dortmund and was looking to follow in the footsteps of Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham.

Since Nico Kovac took over as coach, however, the youngster has struggled to fit into his system, and it now appears they are looking to cash in on the winger.

Since making his debut for the club in the 2021/22 season, the 20-year-old has amassed over 100 competitive appearances.

A total of 31 goal contributions – 17 goals and 14 assists – have been registered in that period, establishing him as one of the most promising young wingers on the continent.

While landing a player of Gittens’ quality this summer, do the club need another wide option?

Maresca can already count on the likes of Pedro Neto, Noni Madueke, Tyrique George and Mykhaylo Mudryk (when he returns from his suspension) to play on either wing.

Add in the fact that they have signed Sporting CP winger Geovany Quenda, it is evident that this area is rather stacked with players.

Instead of spending another £40m-£50m on someone like Gittens, no matter how talented he is, perhaps directing these funds to other areas of the squad should be deemed a bigger priority.

A new goalkeeper, for example.

Chelsea preparing to make move for new goalkeeper

It is no secret that the Blues have struggled to find a consistent number one goalkeeper in recent years.

Kepa Arrizabalaga, Edouard Mendy and Robert Sanchez have all held the position over the previous few years, but none truly convinced the supporters, with Kepa and Sanchez notably-error prone.

As such, signing a new ‘keeper this summer should be what Maresca is focusing on.

Well, according to Sky Sports, the Blues have told AC Milan that they are willing to pay a transfer fee in the region of €15m (£12.6m) to secure the services of Mike Maignan.

It’s a fee that could get them close to completing a move with journalist Graeme Bailey reporting on the saga that the Blues now expect to sign the Frenchman in time for the Club World Cup.

The Milan number one has been with the club since the summer of 2021, making a total of 163 appearances for the Serie A side, notably impressing at club level and on the international stage, most recently against German in the Nations League.

If Maresca wishes to improve his options between the sticks, then signing the 29-year-old is clearly a must.

Why Mike Maignan would be a better signing than Jamie Gittens

The Blues have a plethora of wingers available to make an impression under Maresca but their goalkeeping department leaves plenty to be desired.

Last year, Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen were both used by Maresca. The Spaniard made 34 appearances, while Jorgensen played 23 times for the club.

Transfer Focus

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

Across his 34 games, the Spaniard kept just ten clean sheets, conceding 37 goals in the process. Jorgensen managed to keep only nine clean sheets while shipping 22 goals.

To summarise, the Blues need someone who could be the main choice under Maresca. A player that will win them points when the club aren’t playing well.

In that regard, Maignan is the ideal choice. He was hailed as “world-class” by writer Carlo Garganese in 2022 for a stunning performance against Inter Milan.

Across his 163 games for the Italian giants, Maignan has kept 59 clean sheets, working out as one every 2.7 games.

In the Italian top flight last season, the Frenchman made 2.7 saves per game – a 71% success rate – while also keeping 12 clean sheets, conceding 1.1 goals per game, was successful with 95% of his passes within his own half and averaged 46.5 touches per match.

When compared to his positional peers in Serie A, Maignan ranks in the top 10% for passes attempted per 90 (37.02), while also ranking in the top 7% for defensive actions outside his penalty area (1.86) per 90.

That last statistic is important, signifying that the 29-year-old plays quite far off his goal line in order to distribute the ball and stop opposition attacks.

Maignan is now the French number one and with Milan not in any European competition next season after an eighth-place finish in Serie A, joining Chelsea makes sense for all parties.

He will be able to establish himself as the number one ‘keeper at Stamford Bridge while playing in the Champions League once again.

Could they secure his services for a fee just north of £10m? It would be tough, but not impossible, that’s for sure. He could turn out to be a much better signing than Gittens should Maresca get a deal over the line.

Better than Delap: Chelsea step up move for £85m "monster in the making"

Chelsea are looking to improve their attacking options further

1 ByRoss Kilvington Jun 9, 2025

Sunderland are now only one nail-biting clash away from finally returning to the Premier League.

Of course, this isn’t going to be a straightforward passage back up to the promised land, as Chris Wilder’s intimidating Sheffield United will be aiming to make the Wearside outfit’s day out to Wembley dour by securing their own reentry to the exclusive division.

If Regis Le Bris’ side do perform to the heights they know they’re capable of and hold their nerve, however, top-flight football could finally be back on the menu at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland's key stars at Wembley

The Blades might well boast the Championship’s Player of the Season in Gustavo Hamer among other standout performers, but the Frenchman will back his own set of stars to get the job done regardless.

After all, Le Bris has his own creative menace down the left flank too in Enzo Le Fee, with the slick loanee’s excellent corner kick delivery against Coventry City last time out sealing Sunderland’s dramatic progression to Wembley.

Of course, Daniel Ballard also had to be in the perfect spot to power home the 25-year-old’s cross, with this ability to pop up with a moment of magic an effective weapon to call upon in the nerve-wracking final.

Alongside both Ballard and Le Fee, Le Bris also has Jobe Bellingham, Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda at his disposal in attack, with both Mayenda and Isidor getting in on the goalscoring action during the first leg victory over the Sky Blues.

But, Patrick Roberts might not be as fortunate as the tricky trio when it comes to making the starting XI for Wembley.

Consequently, the Black Cats boss could now be tempted to start Sunderland’s new version of Jack Clarke for the one-off tie over the hit-and-miss 28-year-old.

Clarke has history in the play-offs, albeit in League One, notably playing at Wembley on that day in 2022 when the Black Cats defeated Wycombe 2-0 courtesy of goals from Elliot Embleton and Ross Stewart.

GK – Anthony Patterson

RB – Lynden Gooch

CB – Bailey Wright

CB – Danny Batth

LB – Dennis Cirkis

CM – Corry Evans

CM – Luke O’Nien

RW – Patrick Roberts

CAM – Alex Pritchard

LW – Elliot Embleton

CF – Ross Stewart

While Clarke didn’t start, he did come on as a second-half substitute for Embleton. On this occasion, however, their new Clarke must be given his big day out in the capital.

Sunderland's new Jack Clarke

In an ideal reality, the promotion-chasers would still have their former hero around as they attempt to navigate a passage back up to the Premier League.

But, Clarke chose to join Premier League-bound Ipswich Town last summer instead. Yet, that doesn’t diminish his superb tally of 23 goals and 28 assists for the Black Cats when he was performing at the peak of his powers.

Whilst Roberts has shown throughout his long stay on Wearside to date that he can also conjure up moments of quality like Clarke before him – with nine goals and 17 assists coming his way from 144 games – Sunderland’s next iteration of their revered ex-number 20 could instead be Romaine Mundle.

This could result in Mundle coming in for Roberts down the right, despite the ex-Standard Liege man being more of a natural option on the left flank. But, after the 29-year-old failed to register a single on-target effort on the Sky Blues goal across two legs, drastic measures might be deemed necessary.

LW

39

8

6

RW

35

6

5

LM

11

2

3

AM

5

0

2

RM

4

1

0

CF

3

0

0

RB

1

1

0

This suggestion doesn’t even look that radical when you assess the table above with Mundle actually playing 35 career games down the right wing previously, culminating in a healthy six goals and five assists coming his way.

Away from his overall career numbers, however, and he’s already showing why he could be the most fitting recipient of the baton from Clarke when donning a Black Cats strip, with Mundle tallying up five goals and two assists across 23 league contests this season when injury-free.

Previously hailed as “brilliant” by Sunderland skipper Dan Neil, Mundle could well find he’s chucked out to the right flank for his team’s all-or-nothing playoff final, therefore, with the Frenchman having to play his best possible XI no matter what.

Le Fee 2.0: Sunderland set sights on signing "fantastic" star from France

Sunderland could be about to pick up their next Enzo Le Fee with this summer buy.

ByKelan Sarson May 21, 2025

Sunderland might well have closed out their regular campaign in the Championship with a worrying five league defeats on the spin, but heading into the second leg of their playoff affair with Coventry City later on, Regis Le Bris’ Black Cats are firmly in the driver’s seat.

Indeed, the promotion hopefuls lead Frank Lampard’s Sky Blues 2-1 on aggregate after a confident display on their travels last time out, with a potentially bouncing Stadium of Light atmosphere tonight seeing them over the line.

Le Bris will further hope he’s the boss that can consolidate Sunderland as a Premier League regular again if promotion is reached, with the Wearside outfit enjoying many a top-flight season previously when Jermain Defoe was heroically leading the line.

Jermain Defoe's heroics at Sunderland

It’s been a long time coming for Sunderland to be on the cusp of a Premier League return, with the Black Cats competing outside the luxuries of the top-flight since 2016.

The former Tottenham Hotspur star would attempt to keep his forlorn side up during the 2015/16 season against all the odds, but not even his regular heroics would be enough to keep the Wearside giants from sinking down despondently to the EFL.

The campaign prior, however, Defoe’s 15-goal haul in the tricky division would be enough for Sunderland to just about avoid relegation in 17th spot, but that same goal tally the season after would unfortunately go to waste.

In total, the firm Stadium of Light fan’s favourite would notch up a century of Sunderland appearances across three seasons, with 37 goals tallied up, definitely making him a standout purchase.

Well, it’s safe to say that as the Mackems potentially approach another campaign in the top-flight, they’ve found their best signing since the iconic Defoe.

Sunderland's best purchase since Defoe

Le Bris has managed to tempt some top-quality personnel to Sunderland since taking charge of the EFL giants, with Wilson Isidor up to 15 goals now from 50 games this season after netting in the first leg away at Coventry.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

While Isidor has certainly shone bright, it’s the remarkable coup of Enzo Le Fee who stands proud as Sunderland’s best signing in recent years.

As it happens, he had a huge role to play in his French compatriot finishing past Ben Wilson with confidence last Friday, with his defence-splitting pass giving Isidor plenty of time to compose himself before firing home.

This sublime moment of quality on such a pressurised stage backs up how much of an outrageous coup it was that Sunderland managed to obtain Le Fee’s services on loan in January, with Defoe also seen as a statement purchase back in 2014, considering his devastating prowess in front of goal in the Premier League was clear for all to see before relocating to the Black Cats.

Le Fee has also displayed his midfield elegance in some grand settings before Sunderland came calling, with the stylish Frenchman once on the desired shopping list of Liverpool off the back of picking up 15 assists on the books of Le Bris’ ex-employers Lorient.

Minutes played

90

Goals scored

0

Assists

1

Touches

43

Accurate passes

17/19 (89%)

Key passes

4

Big chances created

1

The classy 25-year-old would never manage to pull on the famed red strip of Arne Slot’s men, but he certainly looks comfortable donning the red and white of Sunderland at the moment, with the midfielder registering four key passes in total during the first leg win.

Therefore, much like Defoe managed in the Premier League when securing safety for Sunderland, the “really talented” midfielder – as he’s been labelled by his manager – could be as key to Le Bris’ men now as they attempt to leap back up to the big time.

After all, his sensational ability to produce a moment of spellbinding quality in an instant is a hugely effective weapon, particularly if a playoff final to come at Wembley is tense and in need of a game-changing spark.

Delegation travels to Sunderland amid imminent talks to sign 19 y/o

This is a worrying time for Black Cats supporters.

ByHenry Jackson May 9, 2025

Real Madrid and Barcelona often serve up a treat when they meet, with El Clásico watched around the globe by millions.

The era of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo may be over, but this fixture always promises drama, history and often a bit of spice.

Whether these two iconic rivals are meeting in a cup final or a crunch league clash, there is no love lost between the pair, who have even met in the Champions League on eight occasions, most recently in 2011 when Messi’s Barcelona emerged victorious.

Thankfully, there is more to this fixture than the two foremost attackers from either club, with plenty of star names getting on the scoresheet since the turn of the century.

Since 2000, nearly 100 different players have had the honour of netting in the Clásico, from legends like Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry, to more modern stars like Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal.

But who has grabbed the most goals this century in this fixture? From goalscoring defenders to lethal strikers, here is the list of El Clásico’s highest goalscorers…

The last 15 players to score on their El Clásico debut

FFC takes a look at the last 15 players to score in their first Clásico. Can anyone follow in Jude Bellingham’s footsteps?

ByMark Marston May 9, 2025 11 Ronaldinho 5 goals

During the 2004/05 and 2005/06 seasons, Ronaldinho was a thorn in Real Madrid’s side.

In four games for Barcelona against Los Blancos, the silky Brazilian superstar scored five goals, including two in a 3-0 win in November 2005 – a game which is best remembered for being Lionel Messi’s El Clásico debut.

Messi, 18 at the time, got the assist for Samuel Eto’o’s opener on the day.

Goal(s)

Date

Competition

Result

20th Nov 2004

La Liga (H)

W 3-0

10th Apr 2005

La Liga (A)

L 2-4

19th Nov 2005

La Liga (A)

W 3-0

1st Apr 2006

La Liga (H)

D 1-1

10 Pedro 5 goals

Many forget just how good Pedro was for Barcelona (and indeed for Chelsea later down the line).

A graduate of the club’s famous La Masia academy, the Spanish winger made 321 appearances for Barca between 2007 and 2016, scoring 99 goals.

Five of those goals came in 21 games against Real Madrid, including during their Champions League semi-final in 2011.

Goal(s)

Date

Competition

Result

10th Apr 2010

La Liga (A)

W 2-0

29th Nov 2010

La Liga (H)

W 5-0

3rd May 2011

Champions League (H)

D 1-1

25th Jan 2012

Copa del Rey (H)

D 2-2

23rd Aug 2012

Spanish Super Cup (H)

W 3-2

9 Xavi 5 goals

Widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time, Xavi often stepped up to the mark when Barcelona played Real Madrid.

In 42 matches against Los Merengues, La Computadora, as he was known, scored five goals and registered a further 10 assists.

The most important of those five strikes came way back in April 2004 when Xavi hit a late winner by lobbing Madrid keeper Iker Casillas with a superb acrobatic volley in a 2-1 victory for Barca at the Bernabeu.

Goal(s)

Date

Competition

Result

16th Mar 2002

La Liga (H)

D 1-1

25th Apr 2004

La Liga (A)

W 2-1

29th Nov 2010

La Liga (H)

W 5-0

10th Dec 2011

La Liga (A)

W 3-1

23rd Aug 2012

Spanish Super Cup (H)

W 3-2

8 Sergio Ramos 5 goals

Despite being a central defender, Sergio Ramos was well known for his ability to score goals for Real Madrid.

To date, the former Los Blancos captain has scored well over 100 career goals, making him one of the highest-scoring defenders the game has ever seen – and Barcelona were one of his most frequent victims.

In 49 games against the Blaugrana for Madrid between 2005 and 2021, he scored five goals, including a memorable late winner in a 2-1 win for his side in March 2013.

Goal(s)

Date

Competition

Result

10th Mar 2007

La Liga (A)

D 3-3

2nd May 2009

La Liga (H)

L 2-6

2nd Mar 2013

La Liga (H)

W 2-1

3rd Dec 2016

La Liga (A)

D 1-1

24th Oct 2020

La Liga (A)

W 3-1

7 Robert Lewandowski 5 goals

Robert Lewandowski scored a double at the Bernabeu in October 2024 to help make his way onto this list, with his first La Liga goals in El Clásico helping Barcelona to a thumping 4-0 win on their enemy’s patch.

The Pole’s other goals against Real Madrid since signing for Barcelona have been in Spanish Super Cup finals, with his penalty in the 2024/25 clash making it three years in a row of scoring in that competition against Los Blancos.

Now in his mid-thirties, one can only imagine how many he would have racked up had he been playing for Barcelona in his pomp, especially considering his goal record since arriving in 2022.

Lewandowski has been the scourge of Madrid throughout his career, netting in the Champions League against them for Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich – even netting four in one game for the former back in 2013.

6 Raul 6 goals

Spanish striker Raul scored 15 goals against Barcelona during his 16-year career at Real Madrid, but just six of those came since the millennium.

Arguably the best of those goals came in May 2002. Facing off against Barca in the second leg of a Champions League semi-final tie, Raul thumped the ball into the top corner from outside the penalty area just before half-time, sending the crowd at the Bernabeu into hysterics.

The final score on the night finished 1-1, but with Madrid having won the first leg 2-0, the draw was enough to see them into the final, where they went on to beat Bayer Leverkusen.

Goal(s)

Date

Competition

Result

3rd Mar 2001

La Liga (H)

D 2-2

1st May 2002

Champions League (H)

D 1-1

10th Apr 2005

La Liga (H)

W 4-2

22nd Oct 2006

La Liga (H)

W 2-0

7th May 2008

La Liga (H)

W 4-1

5 Vinicius Junior 7 goals

Barcelona must be sick of the sight of Vinicius Junior. In just 17 games against the Catalans, the Madrid winger has scored seven goals, three of which came in last season’s Spanish Super Cup, a game which Madrid won 4-1.

He’ll have the chance to add to that total this weekend, and given that he’s already hit 8 goals in 14 games this term, don’t be surprised if he does.

Goal(s)

Date

Competition

Result

1st Mar 2020

La Liga (H)

W 2-0

12th Jan 2022

Spanish Super Cup (N)

W 3-2

5th Apr 2023

Copa del Rey (A)

W 4-0

14th Jan 2024

Spanish Super Cup (N)

W 4-1

21st Apr 2024

La Liga (H)

W 3-2

4 Luis Suarez 11 goals

Luis Suarez spent six seasons with Barcelona between 2014 and 2020, scoring 195 goals in 283 games.

During his spell in Catalonia, the Uruguayan particularly enjoyed scoring against Real Madrid, finding the net 11 times in just 15 games, averaging a strike every 120 minutes against Los Blancos.

Madrid thought they were done with Suarez after he was let go by Barcelona in August 2020. However, just a month later, he joined their city rivals Atletico, where he would again find the net against them in March 2021 as Diego Simeone’s side stormed to the title.

Goal(s)

Date

Competition

Result

22nd Mar 2015

La Liga (H)

W 2-1

21st Nov 2015

La Liga (A)

W 4-0

3rd Dec 2016

La Liga (H)

D 1-1

23rd Dec 2017

La Liga (A)

W 0-3

6th May 2018

La Liga (H)

D 2-2

28th Oct 2018

La Liga (H)

W 5-1

27th Feb 2019

Copa del Rey (A)

W 3-0

3 Karim Benzema 16 goals

2022 Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema scored 16 goals against Barcelona during his 14-season spell in the Spanish capital.

Eight of those goals came in La Liga, four came in the Copa Del Rey, and four in the Spanish Super Cup.

The French striker was never able to find the net against Barca in the Champions League, drawing a blank in each of the three games he faced off against them in Europe – all of which came during his time at Lyon.

Goal(s)

Date

Competition

Result

17th Aug 2011

Spanish Super Cup (A)

L 2-3

10th Dec 2011

La Liga (H)

L 1-3

25th Jan 2012

Copa del Rey (A)

D 2-2

2nd Mar 2013

La Liga (H)

W 2-1

23rd Mar 2014

La Liga (H)

L 3-4

25th Oct 2014

La Liga (H)

W 3-1

2nd Apr 2016

La Liga (A)

W 2-1

16th Aug 2017

Spanish Super Cup (H)

W 2-0

10th Apr 2021

La Liga (H)

W 2-1

12th Jan 2022

Spanish Super Cup (N)

W 3-2

16th Oct 2022

La Liga (H)

W 3-1

15th Jan 2023

Spanish Super Cup (N)

L 1-3

5th Apr 2023

Copa del Rey (A)

W 4-0

Ballon d'Or past winners: The best XI of former champions

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1 ByBarney Lane Oct 23, 2024 2 Cristiano Ronaldo 18 goals

Following his then-record £80 million move to Real Madrid in 2009, it took Cristiano Ronaldo a while to get going in El Clásico.

He was unable to find the net in his first three games against Barcelona, with Madrid coming out on the losing end every time.

However, when the Portuguese star did get going, there wasn’t much anyone could do to stop him. Between April 2011 and August 2017, he scored 18 goals against Barca, four of which were winning goals, including an extra-time strike in the final of the 2011 Copa del Rey.

Goal(s)

Date

Competition

Result

16th Apr 2011

La Liga (H)

D 1-1

20th Apr 2011

Copa del Rey (N)

W 1-0

17th Aug 2011

Spanish Super Cup (A)

L 2-3

18th Jan 2012

Copa del Rey (H)

L 1-2

25th Jan 2012

Copa del Rey (A)

D 2-2

21st Apr 2012

La Liga (A)

W 2-1

23rd Aug 2012

Spanish Super Cup (A)

L 2-3

29th Aug 2012

Spanish Super Cup (H)

W 2-1

7th Oct 2012

La Liga (A)

D 2-2

26th Feb 2013

Copa del Rey (A)

W 3-1

23rd Mar 2014

La Liga (H)

L 3-4

25th Oct 2014

La Liga (H)

W 3-1

22nd Mar 2015

La Liga (A)

L 1-2

2nd Apr 2016

La Liga (A)

W 2-1

13th Aug 2017

Spanish Super Cup (A)

W 3-1

6th May 2018

La Liga (A)

D 2-2

Liverpool are preparing a massive bid for a “brilliant” holding midfielder who is loved by Pep Guardiola and has been compared to Manchester United star and Real Madrid legend Casemiro, according to a new report.

Liverpool expecting big summer

Despite enjoying a superb first season under Dutch head coach Arne Slot, Liverpool and FSG are not planning to rest on their laurels and are expected to be very busy in the upcoming summer transfer window – especially with a number of players set to leave Anfield.

The most high-profile of the imminent departures is, of course, Trent Alexander-Arnold, who looks likely to join Real Madrid as a free agent at the conclusion of the campaign.

His reported move to the Santiago Bernabeu has split opinion among fans – some feeling the Englishman is deserting his boyhood club, others wishing him luck as he embarks on a new chapter after playing a crucial role in Liverpool’s return to Europe’s elite.

Elsewhere, midfielder Wataru Endo could move on, while Portuguese forward Diogo Jota could also leave, having struggled with persistent injuries and been unable to put together a consistent run of games.

On the incoming front, several names are already being floated.

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They include Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, West Ham United’s Mohamed Kudus, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, and Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak – who is believed to be Liverpool’s top target after a stellar season in which he scored over 25 goals, helped the Magpies lift the EFL Cup, and pushed them to the brink of Champions League qualification.

Liverpool preparing £50m+ Adam Wharton bid

Another player reportedly on Liverpool’s radar is Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton.

The Englishman, who has already drawn comparisons to Manchester United star and Real Madrid legend Casemiro, has been superb since joining Palace from Blackburn Rovers in February 2024. His all-action performances in the middle of the park have caught the attention of clubs across Europe, including Real Madrid, and recently earned him a place in the England squad.

According to a new report from The Sun, Liverpool are preparing a £50 million-plus bid for Wharton this summer in an effort to beat out the competition and lure him to Merseyside from Selhurst Park.

The newspaper claims that while Palace have enjoyed an excellent season, reaching the FA Cup final, the lure of Champions League football could prove too strong for Wharton to resist, and that “he may take the chance” to move to Anfield.

Wharton’s performances have earned widespread praise, including from Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola. Speaking ahead of City’s 5-2 win over Palace last month, Pep described the 20-year-old as “an excellent holding midfielder.”

“The impact has been really good, coming from the Championship to the Premier League. Brilliant left foot, a really good player,” Guardiola said.