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Had Liverpool found another stoppage-time goal at the weekend, they would have beaten Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park and extended their flawless streak in the Premier League, six wins from six, 18 points from 18.

But Arne Slot’s side cannot subsist on a diet of last-gasp joy across the span of the campaign, and they got a taste of their own medicine as Eddie Nketiah struck late to condemn the Reds to their first defeat of the year.

In some ways, Liverpool’s never-quit attitude has papered over a few cracks in Slot’s squad across the early weeks of the 2025/26 season, with tactical imbalances clear after a summer of significant spending and upheaval.

Florian Wirtz, for example, has flattered to deceive since his £116m move from Bayer Leverkusen, but FSG are calm and confident, retaining full belief that the German playmaker, 22, will come good.

Liverpool have also added two of the most exciting strikers in the business to their ranks. Indeed, in Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak, the Merseysiders have goalscoring options capable of firing the club toward more illustrious success after last year’s Premier League triumph.

Isak & Ekitike are Liverpool's future

Isak might be the record-breaking man, but the events of the summer transfer window have meant that the former Newcastle United striker has integrated late at Liverpool.

Ekitike, ostensibly the 26-year-old’s understudy, has started his Liverpool career with lightning speed, scoring five goals and registering one assist across eight matches, six of which were starts.

Much has been made of how Slot can appease the pair, who will both want to start regularly across the campaign, but he has hinted that they could play alongside against each other, and given the many shoots of Liverpool’s season, having a wealth of attacking options is hardly a bad thing.

One thing’s clear, FSG have landed a pair of elite attackers, with both having been likened to a former Premier League great in Thierry Henry.

TNT Sports pundit Owen Hargreaves acknowledged in August that there is a likeness between Ekitike and his retired countryman, who also shifted between left-flanked and central striking berths.

And Isak has long been tagged as a similar sort of player to the Arsenal legend, with former footballer Nedum Onuoha saying the marksman is “vibes of Thierry Henry”, BBC pundit Alan Shearer also calling him “the complete striker”.

Goals

0.64

0.53

Assists

0.18

0.24

Shots taken

3.18

3.64

Shot-creating actions

3.04

3.06

Progressive passes

3.22

1.90

Progressive carries

2.72

2.74

Successful take-ons

1.43

1.66

Ball recoveries

1.97

2.40

Tackles + interceptions

0.54

0.87

Aerials won

0.82

1.92

Two fantastic forwards, but Liverpool actually already had their own version of Henry, and they still do at that.

Liverpool's own version of Thierry Henry

Mohamed Salah started off poorly in the Premier League, arriving at Chelsea from Basel as a young and unpolished prospect with a clear quality on the ball and impressive athleticism besides. He didn’t manage to pull it all together, though, and left for Italy to forge his path.

And forge his path he has. The 33-year-old made an impression in the Serie A and joined Klopp’s Liverpool for £34m, now recognised globally as one of the greatest players of his generation, the poster boy of this illustrious modern era at Anfield and hailed as a “superstar” by Sky Sports’ Gary Neville.

With 188 goals scored in the Premier League, Salah is fourth in the all-time standings and looking to rise higher still. Last season, he put to bed any doubts that he is a divisional great, scoring 29 goals and supplying 18 assists as the Reds sealed their first Premier League title since 2019/20.

Time was last season when Salah almost appeared a shoo-in for the Ballon d’Or, so impressive was his start to the term. But he petered out across the second half of the campaign and was anonymous as Liverpool were knocked out of the Champions League by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain.

In this way, the iconic forward shares with Henry a certain grievance over having been snubbed for the award, coming in at fourth during last week’s ceremony in Paris, with the one-time Les Bleus star missing out to Pavel Nedvěd in 2003 despite an extraordinary campaign with the Gunners, scoring 32 goals and supplying 24 assists across all competitions in 2002/03.

Inarguably two of the greatest players in English football history, both could make a compelling case for the crown.

For Salah, he will have brushed off any frustration over being snubbed, having, after all, been the talisman in Liverpool’s Premier League title triumph.

But it must still sting, and with Henry and the Egyptian being ranked against each other so many times, this is seemingly something they will share when Salah eventually joins the Frenchman in retirement.

Set to soon pass the torch, the veteran will no doubt feel that the 2024/25 campaign marked his best chance to win the Ballon d’Or. It wasn’t to be, with the Egyptian no doubt frustrated that he didn’t even reach the podium after what will go down as one of the greatest season-long efforts in English history.

Salah might be approaching the final stretch of his legendary Premier League career without a Ballon d’Or title to his name, but he will still go down as an all-timer, having played an instrumental role in putting Liverpool back on their perch over the past eight-and-a-half years.

Likewise, Henry never got his mitts on the pinnacle individual accolade, but fans of the two persuasions will be sure to agree that both were good enough to have claimed the prize.

Not Isak or Ekitike: Liverpool struck gold on star worth more than Salah

This unsung Liverpool hero continues to prove a fantastic signing for the club.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 26, 2025

The signing of Xavi Simons marks nearly a month-long pursuit for Tottenham Hotspur to find their James Maddison replacement.

In a World Cup year, this was set to be an important campaign for the Englishman, who was notably excluded from England’s squad at the European Championships.

More heartbreak has befallen Maddison, set to miss most of the 2025/26 campaign with an ACL injury.

Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White were the main targets but the former joined Arsenal instead and the latter was handed a shiny new contract by Mr Marinakis at Nottingham Forest.

So, Simons ended up being the man, penning terms after Spurs agreed to pay RB Leipzig £51m to attain his signature.

Yet, the Lilywhites may not be done there.

Spurs could conclude one last deal

If Spurs are to conclude any last-minute deals then it’s likely to be in attack. Dominic Solanke has picked up another injury problem while Richarlison has had his own setbacks throughout his time in the capital.

As such, going into the campaign without another forward player signed could be a recipe for disaster as far as Thomas Frank and Co are concerned.

A number of players have been linked in recent days, notably Lucas Paqueta and Ademola Lookman, but the more likely name to join is Manchester City winger, Savinho.

A number of weeks ago reports emerged that stated Spurs were in talks to sign the Brazilian winger and indeed, the Lilywhites are still trying to conclude a deal worth around £69m.

Transfer Focus

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

City are reluctant to sell but the 21-year-old is trying to force through a move in the remaining hours of the transfer window, having been left frustrated by his club’s stance.

Now, according to journalist Graeme Bailey, both player and club are trying to make a deal happen.

Bailey states that Spurs “love” Savinho, suggesting that a deal “is not dead in the water yet”. That’s presumably due to the player’s stance.

Indeed, the report further notes that the Brazilian is ‘keen to make the switch’, with his desire to leave a factor that could ‘yet make the deal possible’.

Why Xavi Simons would love playing alongside Savinho

The addition of Simons in the last few days is undoubtedly a landmark addition for the Lilywhites.

He will bring goals, having scored 11 times last season, and he will bring assists, registering eight in all competitions throughout 2024/25.

Games

25

Goals & assists

17

Pass accuracy

83%

Chances created

2.2

Successful dribbles

1.4

Tackles won

75%

Duels won

5.7

The Dutchman is certainly one of the best playmakers in European football and at the age of just 22, he’s only going to get better.

Combine his playmaking ability with the creativity of Savinho and you have a duel threat that could transform the fortunes of Frank’s attack.

While Spurs didn’t struggle to fashion chances against Burnley and Manchester City, scoring five goals, they really did against Bournemouth on Saturday. Spurs managed just five total shots to Andoni Iraola’s side’s 20, and they failed to carve out a single big chance.

Therefore, Simons and Savinho could work in tandem to boost the forward line. After all, they are two of the most creative players in Europe.

Last season, while the Brazilian struggled in front of goal with just three strikes, he was particularly creative.

A “superstar in the making”, in the words of Paul Merson, the 21-year-old contributed with 13 assists in all competitions. As such, he ranked among the top 13% of positionally similar players in Europe’s top five leagues for assists per 90 minutes.

He also sits inside the best 3% for progressive carries and the top 6% for successful take-ons, rubberstamping his credentials as one of the most exciting wide players on the continent.

Those numbers draw similarities to the likes of Bukayo Saka and Florian Wirtz, with FBref declaring the two Premier League stars as some of the most similar players in Europe to Savinho.

That creative and progressive nature would make him a phenomenal player for Simons, a player who possesses very similar traits.

Indeed, over the last year, the former Leipzig man ranks among the best 13% of players in his position for progressive passes. With Savinho, a willing runner, and Simons, a willing creator, this feels like a match made in heaven for Spurs.

What this would open up are multiple areas of attack. Simons would have the remarkable pace of Brennan Johnson to feed and then he’d also have the more skilful nature of Kudus and Savinho to tee up.

It really does feel like Frank would be covering all bases behind the main centre forward if this occurred.

Better signing than Simons: Spurs to send bid for £35m star in coming hours

Tottenham are looking to seal one or two more signings before the end of the transfer window.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Aug 28, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

O São Paulo realizou mais um treinamento na manhã desta terça-feira (11), visando o clássico contra o Palmeiras, na quinta-feira (13), às 20h, no Allianz Parque, pela volta das quartas de final da Copa do Brasil. O técnico Dorival Júnior comandou um treinamento com trabalhos táticos e de bola parada.

+ Veja tabela e as próximas rodadas do Brasileirão

Uma dupla que anima a comissão técnica e deve jogar desde o início no Allianz é Luciano e Calleri. Os dois atacantes se recuperaram bem de dores na panturrilha direita e dores nas costas, respectivamente, e treinaram normalmente junto com os companheiros.

Para os tricolores paulistas apaixonados: produtos a partir de R$39,90 na FutFanatics!

Em contrapartida, a defesa segue sendo uma ‘preocupação’ para Dorival. O zagueiro Beraldo, com lesão ligamentar no tornozelo esquerdo, foi mais uma vez ao gramado para exercícios com a fisioterapia e não treinou com o restante do elenco. Já Alan Franco, que tem dores na perna direita, ficou em tratamento na parte interna do CT da Barra Funda. A tendência é que os dois sejam desfalques.

Sendo assim, um provável São Paulo para o confronto decisivo tem: Rafael; Rafinha, Arboleda, Diego Costa e Caio Paulista; Pablo Maia, Gabriel Neves, Wellington Rato e Rodrigo Nestor; Luciano e Calleri.

Como foi o treino?

O dia começou com um vídeo exibido pela comissão técnica aos atletas. No gramado, após o aquecimento, Dorival Júnior e seus auxiliares aplicaram um exercício de confronto, com situações de um contra um e dois contra dois.

Na sequência, laterais e zagueiros permaneceram em um gramado para um trabalho tático posicional apenas para os defensores. Em um outro campo, Dorival comandou um trabalho de construção de jogadas e finalizações para o restante do elenco.

Em seguida, houve um trabalho tático de 11 contra 11 seguido de repetições de bolas paradas.

Shakib Al Hasan’s suspension from bowling in the County Championship and the Hundred has been lifted after his action was cleared by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).Shakib was suspended from bowling in top-flight domestic and international cricket after the ECB found his action to be illegal in September 2024 during his single County appearance. His action had been reported by the standing umpires while he was playing for Surrey against Somerset.Shakib, who had never previously been reported in his professional career spanning 20 years, gave his third bowling assessment test at Loughborough University on March 9 and learnt of the outcome on Wednesday. All 22 deliveries during his test were cleared. A BCB statement further said that Shakib has “successfully remedied his action”.Shakib was first suspended from bowling in all forms of cricket in December. He failed his first test at Loughborough University, prompting the ECB to suspend him. In accordance with clause 11.3 of the ICC’s regulations for illegal bowling actions, his suspension was automatically recognised and enforced by the ICC in international cricket and by all national cricket federations in their respective domestic competitions.He failed a second test in Chennai in January, after which the Bangladesh selectors didn’t pick him for the Champions Trophy, which was supposed to be his international swansong.

It all feels a little inevitable, doesn’t it? A bright pre-season swiftly squashed as Manchester United fall behind to an early Viktor Gyokeres goal at Old Trafford, the camera duly panning to his former boss Ruben Amorim looking forlorn on the touchline. It’s written in the stars.

Amorim has been forced to witness his one-time Sporting CP talisman join Arsenal for a fee of around £64m this summer, despite prior claims that the Portuguese coach was keen on a reunion with a player who scored 66 goals in just 68 games under his watch in Lisbon.

Hopefully, however, it is a different number nine stealing the headlines when the two sides go head to head later this month, with speculation ramping up regarding United’s own search for a striker.

At present, the leading name to fill that striking void appears to long-term target, Benjamin Sesko, although would the 22-year-old RB Leipzig starlet really be the right solution?

Latest on Man Utd's move Sesko

It’s been a summer all about strikers, with Sesko right at the centre of the transfer merry-go-round.

Indeed, the Slovenian marksman at one stage appeared to be the leading target to join the Gunners, before Mikel Arteta and co settled on Gyokeres, having also emerged as a leading target for Newcastle United.

Identified as the man to potentially replace the wantaway Alexander Isak at St James’ Park, Sesko might be yet another high-profile target to spurn the Magpies’ advances, however, if the Red Devils get their way.

As reported this week, the Old Trafford side are also now in the mix for the striker’s signature, with United said to be working on a deal for a player who could cost in the region of £60m-£70m.

There have been differing reports over whether the former Red Bull Salzburg man would favour a move to Manchester or not, although journalist Graeme Bailey has outlined that Amorim’s side are “confident” of securing a deal.

With a potential exchange involving Rasmus Hojlund also mooted, there are avenues for United to seal this switch before the season rolls around. That said, is there not a better target out there to consider?

Why Man Utd need to avoid Benjamin Sesko

Sesko has reached double figures for league goals in each of his last two seasons in Germany, although whether that form would translate to English football remains to be seen, with United having been stung by their £73m investment in a certain Jadon Sancho from the Bundesliga.

Transfer Focus

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

The capture of the then-Borussia Dortmund man – who has scored just 12 times in 83 games in four years in Manchester – saw the Red Devils fork out for an exciting talent with sky high potential, with Sesko’s addition likely to be with the same aim in mind.

However, at a time when Amorim’s side are still reeling after a season in which they finished 15th in the Premier League, after netting only 44 league goals collectively, perhaps a more proven, risk-averse option is required.

Enter, Ollie Watkins.

While Sesko has nudged ahead on the centre-forward shortlist, reports have suggested that Amorim’s preference would be to go for Watkins, with the England international following in the footsteps of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo as a top-flight-ready acquisition.

Although Aston Villa appear to have rebuffed any interest so far this summer, a suitable bid of around £60m may well tempt them into a sale, not least with the former Brentford man approaching 30.

There is a sense that Watkins would be a mere short-term fix due to his age, although having scored at least ten league goals in each of his five seasons in England’s top tier, he would represent one of the few guarantees on the market.

United only have to look to the past for reason for optimism, having famously plucked Dwight Yorke from Villa Park on a £12.6m deal back in the summer of 1998, following the enigmatic striker’s stunning stint in the Midlands.

2024/25

36

16

8

2023/24

37

19

13

2022/23

37

15

6

2021/22

35

11

2

2020/21

37

14

5

Total

184

75

34

Like Watkins – who boasts 87 goals in 223 games for the Villans – Yorke had been a revelation for his former side, prior to joining Alex Ferguson’s ranks, having netted 98 times in 287 games.

While he would go on to last just four years at the Theatre of Dreams, the Trinidad and Tobago sensation more than made an impact, having notably scored 29 times in all competitions during the famed treble-winning season.

Much like Yorke – who was 26 at the time of the move – Watkins is still at the peak of his powers, having registered 31 goals and assists in all competitions last time out under Unai Emery. That tally includes 14 assists, showcasing that he is as much of a provider as he is a supreme goalscorer.

Lauded as “one of the best strikers in Europe” by Emery, the 29-year-old should need no period of adaptation to life at United, with the prospect there for him to also rekindle his prior partnership with Mbeumo, following their days together at Brentford.

Sesko might be the young, glamour name, but Watkins’ brilliance has already been seen first-hand across five consistent years at Villa. As Ferguson witnessed in the case of Yorke, adding a proven Premier League striker into the mix could well be devastating.

Most important deal since Bruno: Man Utd make enquiry for "world-class" gem

Manchester United are set to make another key move within this summer’s transfer window.

1 ByEthan Lamb Aug 2, 2025

German striker Timo Werner has chosen to remain at RB Leipzig despite being informed he would be out of the squad this season. Expert Stefan Effenberg has warned that Werner is in a dangerous phase of his career, risking a loss of motivation and the drive to push himself to the limit if he continues to stay out of the team.

Werner's current situation

Werner, who returned from Tottenham after his loan move was not made permanent, has been left out of RB Leipzig’s plans for the 2025-26 season. Despite receiving several offers, including one from MLS side New York Red Bulls, he rejected them all in order to guarantee his €10 million salary from the Bundesliga club, which means he could be in danger of not receiving any playing time until the transfer window opens once again in January.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesRB Leipzig director attempted to persuade Werner to leave

Speaking on , Leipzig sporting director Marcus Scahfer explained the open and honest conversation with Werner. 

"That's why we suggested to him in the summer that if he wanted to be a regular starter and get plenty of playing time, it might be better to look elsewhere. Werner made a conscious decision to stay in Leipzig," he said. "Werner behaves very professionally; we really have a good exchange. He doesn't let himself get down."

Ex-Germany and Bayern Munich star gives advice to Werner

Effenberg, a former Bayern Munich, Wolfsburg and Germany midfielder, feels Werner should be careful as lack of playing time can lead to a lack of motivation, warning the next few months could be detrimental to his career. 

"What's not good for such players, of course, is not getting any playing time," he added. "Training is one thing, and at some point, it wears you down if you continue that into the fall. I know examples of players I've played with. Then at some point they're no longer happy and no longer have the willingness to push themselves to the limit. it is a dangerous situation for Timo right now. I'm not sure if it was the wisest decision he made there."

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Getty Images SportWerner's future at Leipzig

Werner will hope to work hard in training and convince coach Ole Werner to give him a chance despite his refusal to leave the club. Leipzig, however, remain hopeful that once the transfer window reopens, the striker will agree to move on.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz takes over as captain, while Shahadat Hossain has been named Shanto’s replacement

Mohammad Isam10-Nov-2024 • Updated on 12-Nov-2024Najmul Hossain Shanto* and Mushfiqur Rahim have both been ruled out of Bangladesh’s upcoming two-Test series in the West Indies. While Mushfiqur has a finger injury, Shanto has a groin strain. The absence of Mushfiqur means Bangladesh will go into a Test series for the first time in 16 years without any of Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal or him.Mushfiqur, a veteran of 94 Tests, has also been suffering from a shoulder injury since the Pakistan Test series in August. He suffered the finger injury during the first ODI against Afghanistan in Sharjah last week.Shanto, who will also miss the third and final ODI against Afghanistan in Sharjah on Monday, sustained the injury during the second ODI, a BCB statement said. He left the field, and scans later confirmed the nature of the injury.”We have received the team physio’s report and the scan report, which has confirmed a Grade II strain on his left groin,” BCB senior physician Dr Debashis Chowdhury said in a statement. “This will require a period of rest and rehabilitation. We will reassess his condition after two weeks. He will return home from the UAE to continue his rehab.”Mehidy Hasan Miraz will captain the side in Shanto’s absence.Shahadat Hossain, the 22-year-old right-hand top-order batter, has been named Shanto’s replacement.He has played four Tests after debuting against New Zealand last year, and has an average of 14.75 with a highest score of 31. He was dropped for the home Tests against South Africa in October, and averages 26.33 in four matches in the National Cricket League, including a century in his last game. Possible alternatives could have been Amite Hasan, who has 466 runs at an average of 77.66 in the NCL, and Anamul Haque and Amit Majumder, who have also crossed the 400-run mark in the competition.Mushfiqur Rahim had hurt his shoulder during the Test series against Pakistan in August•AFP/Getty ImagesBangladesh have also left out Khaled Ahmed and Nayeem Hasan, but will welcome Litton Das back in the fold after the wicketkeeper-batter missed the second Test against South Africa in Chattogram, and the three ODIs against Afghanistan due to fever.The touring party has a strong pace attack, including Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam and Nahid Rana. Uncapped left-arm spinner Hasan Murad has been added to the spin department that includes vice-captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam.Bangladesh have kept faith in their regular top-order batters Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Zakir Hasan. Shanto and Mominul Haque will bat at No. 3 and 4 respectively. Mushfiqur’s role could fall on Jaker Ali or Mahidul Islam Ankon, with Litton back with the gloves, and likely to bat at No. 7.Bangladesh will start the tour with a four-day warm-up game at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua, followed by the first Test in Antigua from November 22. The second Test is in Jamaica, starting November 30. The visitors will then play three ODIs and as many T20Is, but their white-ball squad hasn’t been announced yet.Bangladesh Test squad: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shahadat Hossain, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Litton Das (wk), Jaker Ali, Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Hasan Murad

A Glasgow Rangers target has now been put up for sale in a twist from the reports of a loan offer with a £10m buy obligation.

Rangers now eyeing multiple new faces

Russell Martin is already putting his own stamp on his Rangers team, as the Gers have brought in eight new players in this transfer window so far. The arrivals have been a mixed bag of positions and roles, but with still over a month and a bit left of the window, Rangers are looking to remain active.

Dream Cerny replacement: Rangers make offer for a "truly special talent"

As the Russell Martin revolution continues at Rangers, are they about to sign a “special talent” for £10m to be their dream Václav Černý replacement?

ByBen Gray Jul 24, 2025

Earlier this week it was reported that Rangers are interested in signing Johannes Bjarnason from KR Reykjavik. The midfielder is only 20 years old, but it is his impact in the final third that has attracted attention.

However, the Scottish side are not the only team chasing the youngster, as Genk and Pro Vercelli are also keen. Bjarnason has already netted an impressive 15 goals and recorded 10 assists in 72 appearances for his club.

However, Bjarnason is not the only midfielder the Gers are looking at, as, according to Edinburgh News reporter Barry Anderson, the Scottish giants are keen on a deal for Andrej Bacanin, who plays for FC Cukaricki.

There is strong competition for the Serbia under-19 international, as Celtic, Ajax and Udinese are also chasing a transfer agreement.

Rangers target up for sale in £8m twist

According to Rangers Review journalist Chris Jack, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi has now been put up for sale after Rangers made a loan offer to Crystal Palace.

David Orstein reported on Thursday that Rangers saw a loan bid with a £10 million obligation to buy Rak-Sakyi turned down by Palace. Orstein stated that the Gers remain interested in the winger alongside other suitors from England.

However, Jack reports the Gers did make a loan offer but it did not include a £10 million buy option. They are still keen to strike a loan deal with Crystal Palace for Rak-Sakyi, but the Eagles are now looking to sell the winger on a long-term basis.

Rangers are now looking at their options, which do include possibly making an £8 million offer, but they may have to wait until late in the window to do so.

Clubs

Apps

Goals

Assists

Charlton

49

15

9

Palace U23

40

24

8

Sheffield United

36

7

2

Palace U18

17

8

8

Crystal Palace

10

0

0

Chelsea U18

1

0

0

Brighton U18

1

1

0

Rak-Sakyi has spent the last two seasons away from Selhurst Park, as he spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Charlton Athletic, during which he scored 15 goals in 43 League One games.

Then, last season, the 22-year-old scored seven goals in 34 Championship games, as he spent the campaign at Sheffield United. Rak-Sakyi is under contract until 2027, but the Premier League side have clearly decided it’s time to cash in for good.

Chelsea are set for a short pre-season after winning the Club World Cup final, with just five weeks separating their 3-0 win over PSG in New Jersey and their first Premier League game of 2025/2026 against Crystal Palace.

Chelsea hold talks with £100k-per-week England star this week

Enzo Maresca is prioritising one key area.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 17, 2025

They have scheduled just two pre-season matches as a result of their CWC triumph, needing to fit a holiday in for both players and staff after what was a successful but very long campaign.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Chelsea will take on both Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan on August 8 and August 10 respectively, but as things stand, these are the only friendlies they’ll play before facing Palace in the top flight a week later.

It remains to be seen how Enzo Maresca’s side will fare given their minimal preparation, but the Italian did get a chance to try out new tactics during their CWC campaign in the US.

He also managed to give some of his major summer signings a run-out. Joao Pedro seriously impressed at the tournament in particular, scoring three goals in three CWC games, including a brace in their semi-final against Fluminense and a goal in the final against PSG.

Despite Chelsea’s need to sell players and balance out the squad due to a pact with UEFA (Kaveh Solhekol), Maresca could still add more fresh faces before their new season kicks off against Palace.

This will be dependent on departures (Simon Phillips), but perhaps Djordje Petrovic’s £25 million move to Bournemouth has freed up space for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan to come in.

The France number one was a serious target for Chelsea earlier in the window, and they tried to complete a deal for him before competing in the CWC. However, Milan and Chelsea failed to find an agreement, despite Maignan’s eagerness to join.

Despite reports to the contrary, Chelsea could go back in for Maignan before deadline day on September 1, with Robert Sanchez also told he’s free to find a new club away from Stamford Bridge (Graeme Bailey).

Mike Maignan very keen to join Chelsea, he's a top target

TEAMtalk have another update on the situation this week, claiming Maignan remains a top target for Chelsea.

The 30-year-old is also “enthusiastic” about joining Maresca’s side this summer, even if negotiations previously failed, with the main roadblock being Milan’s £22 million asking price – a figure deemed too high by Chelsea considering both his age and his contract situation.

However, given Maignan’s pedigree as one of world football’s most commanding shot-stoppers, £22 million is surely a price worth paying – especially if they sell Sanchez.

Every title-winning side in history have one thing in common – the presence of a world-class keeper. Maignan, who’s been lavished with praise by his fellow top-level players, arguably stands out as the best option by far this summer.

“He is physical, quick, he has clean technique. He is very strong. He is one of the best in the world,” said Liverpool keeper Alisson about Maignan’s quality.

“The quality of goalkeepers has really increased – Mike Maignan is within this elite.”

أعلن أحد أفراد الجهاز الفني لنادي الزمالك رحيله عن منصبه بالجهاز المعاون بقيادة البلجيكي يانيك فيريرا، بعد فترة امتدت لثلاثة أعوام رفقة الفريق الأول لكرة القدم.

وقرر علاء رجب، مخطط أحمال الفريق، الرحيل عن منصبه بنادي الزمالك، موجهًا رسالة مؤثرة لجماهير القلعة البيضاء ومجلس الإدارة وزملاءه.

وكتب علاء رجب عبر حسابه الشخصي على موقع التواصل الاجتماعي “فيس بوك”: “بعد 3 سنين عمل في نادي الزمالك العريق وجمهوره الوفي العظيم، تعلمت الكثير ونلت شرف التتويج ببطولة السوبر الإفريقي وبطولة كأس مصر وبطولة الكونفدرالية”.

وتابع: “أحب أوجه الشكر لجميع الإدارات وجميع الأجهزة الفنية والطبية والإدارية وجهاز المهمات على مدار هذه المدة، وفي الختام حسن الكلام، أتمنى من الله التوفيق لنادي الزمالك العريق فيما هو قادم”.

طالع أيضًا.. خاص بالتفاصيل | إصابة صفقة الزمالك الجديدة قبل مواجهة المصري

وفي سياق آخر، استأنف الزمالك تدريباته مساء أمس الجمعة، عقب انتهاء فترة الراحة السلبية التي حصل عليها الفريق بعد مواجهة وادي دجلة، والتي خسرها بهدفين مقابل هدف ضمن الجولة الخامسة من مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

ومن المقرر أن يلتقي الزمالك في مباراته القادمة مع المصري البورسعيدي في الجولة السادسة، وذلك يوم السبت المُقبل الموافق 13 سبتمبر.