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Manchester United have splashed the cash once again this summer, with the board handing manager Ruben Amorim the opportunity to make the desired changes to his first-team squad.

Such spending is no surprise to the fanbase, especially after previous manager Erik ten Hag was handed over £600m in the transfer market during his own tenure at Old Trafford.

However, there will be hope that the additions made by the 40-year-old will be more impactful, hopefully making a positive impact and subsequently catapulting the side up the Premier League table.

Antony and Rasmus Hojlund are just two players signed by the Dutchman, but both departed Old Trafford on deadline day after falling down the pecking order since Amorim’s arrival.

Their departures highlight the faith the manager has in his new additions to help provide the goods in his quest for future success during his time in England.

United’s moves to land Cunha & Mbeumo this summer

After scoring just 44 times in the Premier League in 2024/25, attention was turned to United’s frontline – with £200m being spent on new additions in such a department.

Matheus Cunha joined the Red Devils in a £62.5m deal from Wolverhampton Wanderers, offering an added threat within the attacking department after scoring 15 times last season.

Whilst the Brazilian is yet to score since his big-money transfer, he has shown glimpses of his talent, creating 1.3 chances per 90 to date – but he may be set for a spell on the sideline after picking up a hamstring injury against Burnley.

He’s been joined in such a department by Bryan Mbeumo, after the Cameroonian international also cost a whopping £65m from Brentford – after netting 20 goals of his own in England’s top-flight in 2024/25.

The 26-year-old has already opened his account at Old Trafford, netting against Burnley last weekend – helping the side claim their first win of the new campaign.

The United player who’s worth more than Mbeuno & Cunha

Despite Ten Hag’s failures in the transfer market, he did make some impressive additions to the United squad – including that of centre-back Lisandro Martínez.

The Argentine joined the Red Devils in a package totalling £57m in the summer of 2022, going on to make 91 appearances for the club over the last three campaigns.

Whilst injuries have massively halted his progress at Old Trafford, he’s still produced numerous moments of magic, including his superb strike against Liverpool at Anfield last season.

The 27-year-old still remains sidelined with a knee injury, but could return in November, potentially partnering Leny Yoro at the heart of the backline once again.

The Frenchman joined United in a £52m transfer from Lille last summer, with the teenager seen as an immediate and long-term option to help bolster the club’s defensive department.

He’s since racked up 36 first-team appearances over the last 12 months, starting in all three of the Red Devils’ league outings in the 2025/26 campaign to date.

Despite his defensive role, the 19-year-old has already found the net once, scoring in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final against Lyon last campaign – subsequently helping Amorim’s side reach another European final.

In the early stages of the new season, Yoro has already won 60% of the tackles he’s entered, whilst winning 82% of his aerial battles – offering Amorim’s side a commanding presence at the heart of his defence.

As a result of his performances of late, the youngster is now valued at £69.4m by FootballTransfers – a figure that is higher than the fees paid for Mbeumo and Cunha this window.

September 2024

£31m

December 2024

£29.3m

February 2025

£57.8m

April 2025

£57.6m

July 2025

£63.1m

September 2025

£69.4m

At just 19, Yoro has bags of time to develop further at United, potentially cementing himself in the club’s first-team for at least the next decade and maybe even beyond.

Should he build on his impressive start to life in England, it would be a sensational transfer, with the Frenchman having the chance to make himself a fan-favourite and take the side back to their former glory.

Man Utd struck gold on "electrifying" star worth even more than Baleba

After Manchester United failed to sign Carlos Baleba for £100m+, did the Red Devils snap up a bargain worth even more than the Brighton midfielder?

ByBen Gray Sep 2, 2025

عانى نادي برشلونة من صعوبات كبيرة خلال الشهر الماضي حيث تعرض العديد من لاعبيه الأساسيين لإصابات بدنية منعت تواجدهم مع الفريق.

ومن بين اللاعبين الذين غابوا عن برشلونة بسبب الإصابة، فيرمين لوبيز الذي تعرض لإصابة عضلية في وقت متأخر من مباراة خيتافي في الدوري الإسباني.

وذكر النادي في بيان رسمي في وقت سابق أن لاعب خط الوسط المهاجم صاحب الـ23 عاماً سيغيب عن الملاعب لمدة ثلاث أسابيع.

ووفقاً للصحفي “أليكس بيتانيل” فإن فيرمين لوبيز لاعب خط وسط برشلونة أستأنف تدريباته على العشب متخذا خطوة إيجابية في تعافيه، مما يشكل دفعة معنوية لمدربه الألماني هانز فليك.

أقرأ أيضاً.. يوضح أسبابًا قد تدفع تشافي هرنانديز لتدريب مانشستر يونايتد

ومن المتوقع أن يعود نجم برشلونة في الوقت المناسب لمواجهة جيرونا في الدوري الإسباني، مباشرة بعد فترة التوقف الدولي القادمة.

وكان فيرمين قد قدم مستوى كبيرًا مع برشلونة قبل إصابته، واثبت نفسه كلاعب أساسي في مركز الرقم 10 متقدماً على داني اولمو، بعد عروضه الرائعة ضد فالنسيا ونيوكاسل يونايتد.

وتمثل هذه الإصابة ضربة موجعة لنجم برشلونة الشاب الذي رفض عرضاً مغرياً من تشيلسي في الصيف لمواصلة مسيرته مع برشلونة.

El Tri will face South Korea at GEODIS Park in Nashville after a disappointing 0-0 draw with Japan

Mexico return to action this Tuesday following a lackluster performance against Japan, where manager Javier Aguirre and his squad came under heavy criticism after a goalless draw at the Oakland Coliseum. Even Aguirre himself admitted afterward that Mexico didn’t deserve the win, but also stressed that progress is more important than scorelines at this stage. 

Despite winning the Nations League and Gold Cup earlier this year, the “Vasco” still appears far from settling on a definitive roster for the 2026 World Cup, which Mexico will kick off on June 11 at the Estadio Azteca. The coach has also faced scrutiny for some of his call-up decisions – both for players included and those left out. He is likely to make some changes heading into his match against South Korea Tuesday. 

Midfielder Edson Álvarez has been ruled out for three weeks with a muscle injury, meaning he will miss the clash with the Taegeuk Warriors. Other regular starters against Japan – Jorge Sánchez, Jesús Gallardo, Roberto Alvarado, and Raúl Jiménez – could also be dropped to the bench. It remains to be seen whether Aguirre sticks with the same core from Saturday or opts for significant changes.

Now, after a flat showing against Japan, the pressure is on. are expected to deliver a stronger performance against South Korea, as another disappointing result could increase the pressure on Aguirre.

GOAL projects the lineup Aguirre is likely to field on Tuesday.

Getty Images SportGoalkeeper

GOAL's pick: Luis Ángel Malagón 

Malagón has played the most full matches (13) under Javier Aguirre’s current tenure. The Club América goalkeeper has faced criticism for his recent performances, but all signs point to him being Mexico’s starting keeper at the World Cup if things continue this way. It remains to be seen whether Aguirre will make any changes in goal for the match against South Korea.

Meanwhile, backup goalkeeper Raúl Rangel holds the record for the most appearances on the bench (15) during Aguirre’s stint in charge. If Aguirre makes a change, Tuesday could present a good opportunity for him to finally earn a start.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportDefenders

GOAL's pick: Rodrigo Huescas, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Mateo Chávez

Against Japan, the starting full-backs were Jorge Sánchez and Jesús Gallardo, but for the match at GEODIS Park, expect to see Rodrigo Huescas of Copenhagen and Mateo Chávez of AZ Alkmaar in the lineup. This back four could well be the ideal option heading into the next World Cup, with Huescas currently one of the Mexican players in the best form and Chávez considered one of the country’s top prospects, having made the jump to Europe this year. Unless Aguirre decides to test another option, the center-back pairing should remain unchanged for Tuesday’s clash.

Getty Images SportMidfielders

GOAL's pick: Erik Lira, Marcel Ruiz, Erick Sánchez

With Álvarez sidelined due to injury, his usual replacement is Erik Lira, as was the case on Saturday when “El Machín” had to leave the field. Marcel Ruiz could retain his spot in the lineup, providing creativity and versatility to the team. In place of Orbelín Pineda, Erick Sánchez is expected to start; at Club América, he not only serves as a solid defensive midfielder but has also proven capable of making key runs into the box. There is a slight uncertainty here, as Carlos Rodríguez could also feature in the starting eleven, possibly replacing Ruiz instead.

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Getty Images SportForwards

GOAL's pick: Diego Lainez, Santiago Gimenez, Alexis Vega

Rotate or keep the same attack? Javier Aguirre fielded Roberto Alvarado, Alexis Vega, and Raúl Jiménez on Saturday. While all three have been regular starters under Aguirre, they still haven’t fully found the chemistry needed to turn chances into goals. Diego Lainez could start in place of Alvarado, while Santiago Giménez might take Raúl Jiménez’s spot. The key lineup question revolves around San Diego FC's Hirving Lozano. Will he replace Alexis Vega from the start, or will he be introduced in the second half?

This summer is shaping up to be a spectacular one for Chelsea.

Off the pitch, for example, the club have improved their squad with yet more promising youngsters, such as Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens.

Then, on the pitch, Enzo Maresca’s side have looked sensational, and thanks to two goals from newcomer Joao Pedro, are through to the final of the Club World Cup.

However, things could get even better, as reports are now linking Chelsea to a Premier League star who would be unreal alongside Pedro.

Chelsea target Premier League stars

Even though Chelsea have already been so busy in the market this summer, they continue to be linked with several Premier League stars, such as Morgan Rogers.

Transfer Focus

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

The Aston Villa star was brilliant for the Birmingham outfit last season, racking up a monster haul of 14 goals and 15 assists in 54 games, and would undoubtedly be a fine addition to Maresca’s side.

However, with a price tag that could end up being as high as £100m, and only one full top-flight season under his belt, there are still a few unknowns with the 22-year-old, which isn’t the case for Eberechi Eze.

Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Chelsea are one of a few clubs in the picture for the Crystal Palace star.

Alongside the Blues, the report credits Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City with interest in the Englishman, but makes it clear that, as things stand, Arsenal are leading the race for his signature.

However, there might still be a way for the West Londoners to get their man.

The report claims the Gunners are looking to secure a deal for less than the player’s release clause, which stands at £68m, so if BlueCo activates that, there is every chance they could get ahead in the queue.

In all, it’d be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line this summer, but given Eze’s immense talent, one well worth fighting for, especially as he’d be unreal with Pedro.

Why Pedro would love playing with Eze

There are really two main reasons Pedro would love playing with Eze, and the first is down to his output.

For example, despite playing in a team that were probably mid-table at best, the former QPR gem was able to score 14 goals and provide 11 assists in 43 games, totalling 3303 minutes last season.

In other words, the England international, who teammate Tyrick Mitchell dubbed “one of the best players in the Premier League,” averaged a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes last season – an undeniably impressive level of output.

Eze’s 24/25
Appearances	43
Minutes	3303′
Goals	14
Assists	11
Goal Involvements per Match	0.58
Minutes per Goal Involvement	132.12′
All Stats via Transfermarkt

Just imagine the numbers the Brazilian would be able to put up playing in front of the Palace ace, especially when he was able to produce 17 goal involvements in just 30 appearances for Brighton & Hove Albion last season.

The second reason the former Watford poacher would love the Greenwich-born monster is that he’d be able to help him fulfil the reason he joined the Blues in the first place: to win titles and silverware.

​​​​​​

We say this because something else that was revealed last season was the Englishman’s ability to step up in the biggest of games, and in the crunch moments when other players might wilt.

For example, he not only scored in the quarter-finals and semi-finals of the FA Cup but also scored the only goal in the final to secure the Eagles their first major honour in the club’s history.

Therefore, should the West Londoners find themselves in a final next season, the former Seagulls star could be confident in the knowledge that his number ten wouldn’t let him down.

Ultimately, while it won’t be cheap, and it is likely to be complicated, Chelsea should do all they can to secure the signature of Eze this summer; he’d be incredible and help get the most out of Pedro.

Forget Pedro: 8/10 Chelsea star showed why he's Maresca’s "best player"

Chelsea confidently progressed through to the final of the Club World Cup with this star standing out once more.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jul 9, 2025

Glasgow Rangers completed their latest signing of the summer transfer window on Tuesday when they confirmed the arrival of Djedi Gassama at Ibrox.

The 21-year-old winger has arrived at Rangers on a four-year deal to bolster Russell Martin’s options on the flanks, after he scored seven goals in 43 games last season.

Gassama will be hoping to provide a threat in the final third on a regular basis for the Scottish Premiership giants next term, and could be in line to make his debut against Panathinaikos in the Champions League qualifier later this month.

The French forward may not be the only player to arrive at Ibrox this week, though, as there is another player who wants to make the switch to Glasgow in the coming days.

English star pushing to sign for Rangers

One of Martin’s transfer targets is said to be pushing for a move to Ibrox this week, and it could be an even better signing than Gassama if they can get it over the line.

Transfer Focus

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

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According to the Daily Record, Leicester City central defender wants to complete a transfer to Rangers from the Championship side by the end of this week.

The report claims that the former England international is ready to plead with the Foxes to give him the green light to make the move to Ibrox, in order to be in the squad to face Panathinaikos later this month.

It adds that Martin is a big fan of Coady and that the player wants to join the club to be the ‘linchpin’ of the new defensive set-up at Ibrox next season.

Why Coady would be a better signing than Gassama

At least for next season, the veteran central defender could be an even better signing than Gassama because of the quality and experience that he could use to hit the ground running.

Gassama, at the age of 21, is a young and promising forward who may need time to adapt to Scottish football and to grow as a player, having only managed eight goal contributions in 43 games in the second tier in England last term.

Meanwhile, Coady is 32 and has made 198 appearances in the Premier League. He has proven himself at the very top level in domestic European football, and showcased his in-possession qualities when Leicester were in the Championship in the 2023/24 campaign.

23/24 Championship

Conor Coady per 90

Percentile rank vs CBs

Passes completed

84.99

Top 5%

Pass accuracy

93%

Top 1%

Progressive passes

7.20

Top 1%

Passes into the final third

7.20

Top 2%

xAG

0.05

Top 16%

Progressive passing distance

556 yards

Top 3%

Through balls

0.26

Top 2%

Stats via FBref

As you can see in the table above, the English star is a centre-back who has the quality and mentality to be incredibly progressive with his use of the ball, helping his team to play through the thirds quickly and effectively in a ball-dominant team.

Off the ball, Coady won 64% of his duels that season for the Foxes in their title-winning campaign, which shows that he can also dominate opposition attackers in physical tussles.

The former Wolves captain, who was described as an “infectious” character by Gareth Southgate, is a proven quantity who would be able to arrive at Rangers to provide instant, almost guaranteed, quality on the pitch with his abilities in and out of possession as a centre-back.

There is far less risk attached to signing a proven player like Coady, who was playing in the Premier League last season, than bringing in a 21-year-old from the second division in England.

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That is not to say that Gassama will be a bad signing, or that he is not an exciting addition, but Martin also needs instant quality and that is why Coady may be an even better piece of business if they can get it over the line this week.

The start of Glasgow Rangers’ season is now fast approaching with the Gers’ first pre-season fixture taking place a week on Saturday, with the start of European qualifying coming up as soon as 22 July.

That’s all before the new Rangers manager, Russell Martin, will commence his Scottish Premiership campaign on Saturday 2 August.

Ahead of that busy fixture list, the Light Blues have been busy off the field overhauling their squad, so could they secure a “phenomenal” new signing in the process?

Rangers' busy transfer activity

On Wednesday, Max Aarons put pen to paper, joining Rangers on a season-long loan from Bournemouth.

He is the club’s second signing of the summer, after Lyall Cameron, but many more are forecast in the coming days and weeks.

Indeed, according to a report by EFL analysis, new manager Martin is targeting a move to bring in goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who he signed for Southampton just 12 months ago, for a reported fee of £25m.

Bailey adds that, due to the fact he is earning £120,000-per-week, the Saints are willing to sanction a loan ‘with an option to buy’ for Ramsdale this summer; Wolves and Leeds United also ‘interested’,

A fee could prove prohibitive for Rangers, given that their record-signing of the post-liquidation era is the £7.5m spent on Ryan Kent in 2019.

Nevertheless, with Southampton looking to offload, thereby open to a loan move, could the England international end up in Glasgow?

Why Aaron Ramsdale would be a game-changing signing for Rangers

Max Aarons has arrived at Rangers to much excitement, and rightly so.

The 24-year-old did just endure a pretty miserable campaign, barely featuring for Bournemouth, thereby spending the second half of the season on loan at Valencia, albeit he then made only five appearances for los Murciélagos, totalling a miserly 208 minutes.

Nevertheless, the youngster is still a player of great potential, almost joining Tottenham for £15m as a teenager, with Tom Quartly of Breaking the Lines asserting that he offers ‘fluidity in both attacking and defensive phases’ from full-back.

Aarons’ arrival does bring into question the future of Rangers’ two existing right-backs, namely captain and long-serving stalwart James Tavernier, as well as the promising Dujon Sterling, as this was not an area of obvious need.

The same, however, cannot be said about goalkeeper, with the potential arrival of Ramsdale addressing a pressing issue.

After arriving two years ago, for so long, Jack Butland was Rangers’ undisputed number one, starting 102 of his first 111 matches at the club, before being dropped by interim manager Barry Ferguson, following a sequence of high-profile errors, hence why deputy Liam Kelly got the nod for the Europa League quarter-final tie against Athletic Club.

Even though the Scotland international shot-stopper dramatically saved Álex Berenguer’s late penalty in the first leg at Ibrox, the table below emphasises that neither Kelly nor Butland are perhaps what Martin is looking for.

Rangers’ GK statistics Premiership 2024/25

Statistics

Butland

SPFL rank

Kelly

SPFL rank

Goals against per 90

1.11

3rd

1

2nd

Save %

65.5%

17th

67.9%

11th

Clean sheet %

37.5%

5th

40%

4th

All statistics courtesy of FBref.com

So, would Ramsdale be a major upgrade?

Well, former Arsenal goalkeeper asserted that Ramsdale’s performances for the Gunners as “phenomenal”, while manager Mikel Arteta described him as “exceptional”, following a man of the match performance during a 2-2 draw at Anfield two seasons ago.

So, let’s take a deeper look at his statistics in the Premier League.

Ramsdale’s Premier League statistics

Stats

Ramsdale in 24/25 (Rank in PL)

Ramsdale in 22/23 (Rank in PL)

Saves

120 (2nd)

94 (10th)

Save %

67.6% (15th)

70.6% (11th)

Post-shot xG – goals conceded

-0.08 (17th)

-0.05 (12th)

% of crosses stopped

5.5% (16th)

5.8% (16th)

Short passes attempted

1,026 (9th)

956 (8th)

All statistics courtesy of FBref.com

The table includes last season, when Ramsdale was plying his trade for a historically terrible Southampton team, hence why only Mark Flekken made more saves than he did, as well as his final campaign as Arsenal’s number one, this 2022/23.

While the England international’s statistics don’t all leap off the page, it is clear that he is certainly a Premier League-level goalkeeper and a very good one at that, one that should not be playing for the team at the bottom of the division, that’s for sure.

His passing numbers are also impressive, which would very much fit into Martin’s style that prioritises control through possession.

Thus, if Rangers are able to lure him north of the border, this would be a massive coup, especially considering the trials and tribulations endured by Butland and Kelly last season.

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A “quality” Liverpool player’s agents have reportedly held multiple discussions with the sporting director of a huge European club over a move there this summer.

Liverpool players who could leave this summer

The Reds’ attack is in need of being bolstered in the summer transfer window, with an elite-level No.9 required to come in and make the Premier League champions even more formidable ahead of next season.

Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota don’t represent the long-term solution leading the line for Liverpool, while Luis Diaz isn’t a natural in a central role, even though he has performed well there at times in 2024/25, scoring 17 goals in all competitions.

The Reds need to sign a striker who is strong in terms of both end product and availability, with Nunez lacking in the former and Jota a constant issue in the latter, taking them to the next level and easing some of the pressure on Mohamed Salah, who has carried the attack at times.

The likes of Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko have all been mentioned as options – in fact, journalist Ben Jacobs has only recently talked up the Merseysiders’ chances of signing RB Leipzig ace Sesko, saying he has “become high” in Liverpool’s thinking.

Napoli sporting director in touch with "quality" Liverpool ace

According to Calciomercato journalist Daniele Longo [via Sport Witness], Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna has spoken to Nunez’s representatives about a summer move to the club.

It is claimed that he has had “more than one contact” with the Uruguayan’s agents, seeing him as a backup option to Lille star Jonathan David, who they are finding it hard to sign. The report also states that Nunez has decided he wants to leave Anfield this summer.

An exit for the 25-year-old feels like the ideal outcome for all parties in the coming weeks and months, with Liverpool’s No.9 simply not at the level required.

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The £140,000-a-week Nunez may be a popular figure among the fanbase, due to his personality, but patience has now worn thin with many, even though Jurgen Klopp said of him last year: “He had absolutely more than an OK first season but he had to adapt, that’s done, and he is settled in the middle of the team.

“He loves to play for this team together with these boys and has quality coming out of his ears, to be honest. Is he at his absolute peak in general? Not now for us. But can he develop? Yes. Is he a threat all the time? Yes.”

Appearances

29

Starts

8

Minutes played

1094

Goals

5

Assists

2

Key passes per game

0.3

Dribbles per game

0.3

Pass completion rate

70.9%

Ultimately, Nunez’s Liverpool career has been disappointing, considering the expectations of him when he arrived in 2022, with his finishing far too unpredictable and his all-round game lacking intelligence and subtlely. A summer farewell is a no-brainer, with a big upgrade on him required.

Leeds United have held internal talks to sign a £20m+ striker who Robbie Keane has compared to himself.

Leeds clinch Championship title thanks to late Solomon winner

The Whites won the Championship title on Saturday afternoon in dramatic fashion after a late winner from Manor Solomon gave them a 2-1 victory over Plymouth Argyle.

Wilfried Gnonto cancelled out a Sam Byram own goal which gave the hosts the lead at half time before Solomon netted in stoppage time to give Daniel Farke’s side the trophy.

Both Leeds and Burnley ended up on 100 points for the season, and talking after his late heroics, Solomon said: “I can’t put into words what I’m feeling right now. It’s a dream come true for me to score the winning goal and to take this championship.

“I think throughout this season we showed that we deserve it, we deserve this trophy, we deserve to finish in the first spot and we’re super happy. I’m so glad it happened.”

Solomon has reportedly said yes to a permanent Leeds move, and more attacking reinforcements in the Premier League appear to be on the agenda for Leeds, despite scoring 95 goals in 46 Championship games.

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Now, a new target has emerged to rival Championship Golden Boot winner Joel Piroe at Elland Road next season.

Leeds chasing move to sign £20m+ Troy Parrott

According to TEAMtalk, Leeds are looking at a move to sign AZ Alkmaar centre-forward Troy Parrott this summer.

The Whites have held internal talks over a potential transfer but have yet to firm up their interest with an enquiry or offer to the Dutch side.

Signed from Tottenham, Parrott has been starring for AZ, scoring 20 goals in 2024/25, and an offer of up to €25m (£21.2m) could tempt them into selling.

Patrick Bamford is expected to leave Leeds, meaning Parrott, who is 23 years of age, could come in as his replacement at Elland Road.

Games

45

Goals

20

Assists

5

Minutes played

3,411

Interestingly, former Leeds forward Keane, now manager of Ferencváros, recently praised Parrott and said they are “similar” in playing styles.

“I have a lot of time for Troy. We are very similar in terms of how we play and also our upbringing. I completely respect what he is doing. I know he had a couple of loans, some did okay, but he is playing in Europe and for a really good team.

“You learn a lot more about yourself [at a European club]. When I went to Italy at 19, 20 years of age, even in that short space of time I learned a lot in terms of how to play.

“Look at Troy now, he is still young, still learning his trade. As a young player you have to go on these journeys. Take a few loans. Take a few hits and then go to a club where you feel valued and are the main guy.”

Now, a move back to the Premier League with Leeds could be one to keep an eye on for Parrott.

Strikers have captured the hearts of supporters over the years at Chelsea, but none more so than Didier Drogba given his time as a player at Stamford Bridge.

The Ivorian joined the Blues under José Mourinho back in the summer of 2004, with not many knowing what to expect after he arrived from Ligue 1 outfit Marseille.

However, he would provide the goods on a consistent basis, notching a total of 147 goals over two separate spells – spanning a total of nine years in West London.

Such a record has cemented him in the club’s history forever, currently sitting as the Blues’ second-highest Premier League goalscorer behind the iconic Frank Lampard.

Fast-forward to the present day, boss Enzo Maresca has the opportunity to land another version of the Ivorian with a move for a star currently plying his trade in France’s top division.

Chelsea plot summer move for new talisman

According to French journalist Mohamed Toubache, Chelsea are keen on a summer move to land Strasbourg striker Emanuel Emegha to improve the current forward department.

The 22-year-old, who’s currently plying his trade for the Blues’ sister club, has notched a total of 12 goals in all competitions this campaign, in what has been a breakout year as a professional.

He’s in his second year at the French outfit after joining from Sturm Graz in the summer of 2023 but has enjoyed a rapid development over the last couple of months.

Whilst no fee has been touted for his signature over the off-season, it’s likely the Dutchman could demand a decent fee given his form in Ligue 1 throughout 2024/25.

Emegha may not be many supporters’ first choice to improve the current situation, but when comparing him to the other options on the table, he’s managed to match or better them in numerous key areas.

How Emegha compares to other strikers linked with Chelsea

Although the summer transfer window is yet to open, Chelsea have wasted no time in targeting a new talisman to aid Maresca’s first-team squad next season.

Matheus Cunha is just one player linked with a move to West London, with the Brazilian stating his desire to leave Wolves this summer to reach the next level in his career.

The 25-year-old also has admirers from the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, with a real battle facing the sides upon the opening of the window.

Dušan Vlahović is another player on the club’s shortlist, once again appearing on the radar after previously being of interest back in the January transfer window.

However, despite the previous names mentioned, Emegha, who’s previously been labelled “phenomenal” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has managed to produce stats way beyond the levels of the pair.

Games played

22

26

23

Goals & assists

14

17

11

Goals & assists per 90

0.7

0.7

0.6

Shot-on-target accuracy

58%

41%

35%

Pass accuracy

79%

70%

69%

Aerials won

45%

31%

44%

The Dutchman may have registered slightly fewer combined goals and assists than Cunha, but has matched him for contributions per 90 – highlighting the threat he poses in attacking areas.

He’s managed to notch a higher shot-on-target accuracy than the pair, showcasing his accuracy when the ball falls his way, offering Maresca the dangerman he’s been hunting for.

Emegha has also completed more of the passes he’s attempted this campaign, whilst also coming out on top in more aerial battles, demonstrating his all-round ability – something which they’ve desperately been craving.

His 6”4 frame coupled with his pace and ability to run the channels makes him a similar build to Drogba, potentially being the club’s next version of the fan-favourite.

Should the hierarchy complete a deal for his services this summer, it would undoubtedly be an exciting addition, with the Blues getting themselves a future icon should he get anywhere close to the Ivorian’s level after his own move from Ligue 1 over 20 years ago.

Maresca must unleash Chelsea star who's the "key to unlocking Cole Palmer"

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Their warring fans have united and are now railing together against the team management, while we wait, series on series, to see if they can make it to the 2027 ODI World Cup

Sidharth Monga17-Oct-20252:16

What to expect from Rohit, Kohli in this phase of their careers?

If you are the type that follows cricket for cricket’s sake, you have surely missed them. If, on the other hand, you fiendishly go looking for cricketers’ holiday photos or training photos or reassurance that they matter, you have had your fix.Actually, for once, forget social media, forget the smattering of promotional “content” reminding you how they are getting ready for the “2027 World Cup”. Forget anything that makes you cynical. This is bigger than all the cynicism and PR and pettiness and fan wars.Seven months after they last played international cricket, nearly five months after they were seen playing in the IPL, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are coming back to do what we love them for, in their best format, now their only format for India, against a team that provided the highest purpose in their working lives, in a country that proved to be the scene of their last Tests. It is hard not to be emotional.Related

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There will be so much going through our minds and hearts during these three ODIs against Australia in Perth, Adelaide and Sydney. It is a chance to watch again two of the greatest ODI batters of all time. The effortless, almost risk-free accumulation of Kohli, and the joyful explosiveness of Rohit in the back half. Okay, let’s not give in to nostalgia too much. For about three years now, Kohli has been taking risks but with the same efficiency, and Rohit has taken on such high-risk starts that he rarely ever bats into the back half.We will be looking for changes in their appearance, in their fitness, in their games to imagine what they have been up to all this time. For more than a decade, they never went away for this long except during Covid. For more than a decade, our times have been shared. We have given them our hours, they have given us theirs.Now time is what they are running out of. Not just we, but the selectors and the team management will be looking for signs to see if they can last till the 2027 ODI World Cup.Not long ago, these two were making such decisions for others.Neither, arguably, had to make such big calls.Just imagine, Kohli tweets something that is not an ad and news channels end up doing shows deciphering the meaning and significance of the tweet only for him to reveal that it was a teaser for an ad. This happened on Thursday.5:49

Agarkar on Kohli-Rohit: ‘Too early to think about 2027 ODI World Cup’

These are huge names. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Ro-Ko is how this series is being sold everywhere. At some point, without us noticing, these two supposedly bitter rivals became hyphenated. At first, it was just a media creation, but look at them now. One gets selected for the T20 World Cup because the other is the captain and you can’t drop just one of them. They end up winning the title, and retiring together. Their Test career ends in the same series. Now their “fan armies” are united in their hatred for the team management.A part of that team management is a young man, who has already benefitted immensely from these two. Kohli has always been a barometer for Shubman Gill, somebody whose scores at the same age the kid Shubman used to check to measure up to. Rohit’s new incarnation of a fiery opener has allowed Gill the ODI opener the time to be able to play a more sedate role and accumulate relatively risk-free runs.Now Gill has to be part of the decision on whether his trusted Test opener Yashasvi Jaiswal will serve him better than Rohit. Not just in this series and the next, but two years down the line. He has to decide whether the hyphen is fair on Kohli, who might have arguably benefitted from it in T20Is.We will watch not knowing if any given series could be the last for one or both of them. We will wait for every ODI series selection. For now, though, we will savour the three full ODIs. For we have missed them. And there the hyphen is okay.