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Chelsea have not wasted much time during the summer transfer window as Todd Boehly and his team have worked hard to make additions to the squad.

Marc Guiu, Tosin Adarabioyo, Omari Kellyman, Renato Veiga, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall have all been snapped up to bolster Enzo Maresca's options across the pitch, although Kellyman, Veiga, and Guiu are younger players who may be viewed as long-term options.

The Blues missed out on a top four finish in the Premier League and failed to win any major trophies during the 2023/24 campaign under Mauricio Pochettino, who was consequently removed from his post at Stamford Bridge.

They should now be hoping for better success on the pitch this time around under Maresca, who won the Championship title with Leicester City last term.

One area they may still have to dip into the market to improve in, however, is the forward department as Chelsea underperformed their xG last season, scoring 76 goals from 80.18 xG.

With this in mind, the London-based outfit's reported interest in a striker from one of their Premier League rivals this summer makes a lot of sense.

Chelsea's interest in Premier League star

According to GOAL, Chelsea are one of the clubs 'believed' to be keen on a potential swoop to sign Manchester City centre-forward Julian Alvarez before the end of the transfer window.

The report claims that the Blues and French giants Paris Saint-Germain are both in the running to land the Argentina international to bolster their respective forward lines.

It adds that they would have to splash out a fee of £70m to secure his services, though, and it remains to be seen whether either side would be willing to pay that price.

GOAL also references a recent report from Spanish outlet El Chiringuito, which claimed that Alvarez asked to leave City ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

The former River Plate star has turned down the chance to sign a contract extension with the Premier League champions and is now seeking an exit from The Etihad.

Fabrizio Romano, meanwhile, has claimed that City will sit down to speak with the player's representatives this month to discuss his future, as the young sensation wants to play more.

The Italian journalist added that the Cityzens are not eager to cash in on the Argentine marksman, though, and it remains to be seen whether or not that stance can be changed.

If Chelsea can convince City to part ways with Alvarez, possibly for the £70m fee mentioned by GOAL, then Maresca could land a lethal partner for Cole Palmer to play with next season.

Cole Palmer's outstanding creativity

The Blues swooped to sign the attacking midfielder, ironically, from Pep Guardiola's side last summer and could repeat that trick with a deal for the Argentina international.

Palmer enjoyed a sensational debut season at Stamford Bridge with a consistent stream of outstanding attacking performances from a wing or number ten position.

The left-footed star's goalscoring prowess was on display for all to see. He scored 22 goals from 18.21 xG across 29 starts in the Premier League under Pochettino, which shows that the young whiz can find the back of the net regularly at an efficient rate.

While the focus may, understandably, have been on his terrific ability to score goals week-in-week-out for the London giants, his creativity was also exceptional.

Palmer ranked within the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Men's Top 5 Leagues and European competitions over the last 365 days for Expected Assisted Goals per 90 (0.38), and the top 8% for shot-creating actions per 90 (5.57).

This shows that he has been one of the most creative players in Europe over the last year, thanks to his ability to consistently create high-quality chances for his teammates.

As you can see in the table above, Palmer created an eye-catching 17 'big chances' in 34 appearances in the Premier League last season, one every other game on average.

However, his fellow attackers only found the back of the net from 11 of the chances that he created and Chelsea now appear to be on the search for a striker to make more of those opportunities.

Why Chelsea should sign Julian Alvarez

The Blues should swoop to sign the Argentine star as his goalscoring record since his move to Manchester City suggests that the potential is there for him to be a lethal scorer for the Blues.

He racked up nine goals in 13 starts in his first Premier League season with the club before producing a return of 11 goals in 31 starts last term.

The 24-year-old star, who was once hailed as "sensational" by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has plundered 36 goals and 18 assists in 103 games for City in all competitions, including eight in 17 Champions League outings.

He played 29 games as an attacking midfielder or second striker for the Cityzens last term and was at his best in the 2022/23 campaign when the majority of his appearances came as a striker.

The forward ended that season with a fantastic return of 17 goals and five assists in 23 starts in all competitions, which included 12 goals from 9.37 xG in the Premier League and Champions League combined.

This shows that the potential is there for him to be a reliable goalscorer and finisher if Chelsea bring him in to play week-in-week-out in his favoured position, rather than either being a bit-part player as a striker or a regular starter in the hole behind Erling Haaland.

As you can see in the table above, Alvarez also offered quality as a creator for City in the Premier League last season, whilst being reliable as a passer.

This means that he could, potentially, provide Palmer with chances to add to his already-impressive goalscoring record in a Chelsea shirt, whilst also having the finishing quality to be a lethal partner for the England international.

Chelsea struck gold on £0 signing who's now worth way more than Mitoma

He’s cemented himself as a regular starter in the last 12 months.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jul 14, 2024

Pepi's early goal proved enough for U.S. to escape with win over Jamaica in first leg of CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals

It wasn't pretty. It never was going to be. Given the field conditions, the location, the stakes, this was always going to be a classic grind-it-out scenario. First legs of quarterfinals always are but, hey, first legs are also about results, right?

The U.S. men's national team got their result they needed on Thursday night in Kingston. An early goal from Ricardo Pepi was ultimately enough to escape with a 1-0 win over Jamaica in a feisty first leg of the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals. Barely enough, mind you, but enough.

Pepi's goal came just 5 minutes into the match, allowing the USMNT to breathe just a little bit. Played in by Christian Pulsiic, Pepi made no mistake, offering more evidence to show that he should be starting more for club and country. It was Pepi's 12th goal before the age of 22 for the USMNT, tied with Jozy Altidore and behind only Landon Donovan (15) and Pulisic (14) on the team's all-time list.

"The team showed out, we're here to fight," Pepi said. "We knew it was going to be difficult but at the end of the day, we got the result and now it is time to take care of it at home."

Breathing room or not, the U.S. was never in position to cruise, as Jamaica had their moments.

The biggest came in the first half, in the 14th minute, when the U.S. defense collapsed to concede a poor penalty. USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner was called for the penalty on Shamar Nicholson in the box, but then got instant redemption, stepping up and parrying away Demarai Gray's shot to keep the Reggae Boyz off the board. It was one of just two saves for Turner, who also brushed away an Olimpico in the second half. Both of those saves were huge, to put it lightly.

Those saves protected the USMNT lead, allowing them to head back to St. Louis for leg two on Monday night with a one-goal lead over Jamaica. Heading home with that advantage is huge, and anyone who follows CONCACAF knows just how hard it is to get results like this consistently away from home.

Since dropping a 2-1 friendly in Washington, D.C. in 2019, the USMNT have are now on an eight-game unbeaten streak vs. Jamaica. The  challenged the USMNT deep into the semifinals of the 2023-24 Nations League before a brace from Wright powered the U.S. to the tournament final. The U.S. went on to score another Dos a Cero victory over Mexico for its third-straight title.

For this night, job is done – well, at least the first half of it. The U.S. will need a draw or win on Monday to move on to the semifinals in the spring of 2025. This wasn't pretty but that'll be just fine for USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino, who has his team one step closer to where they need to be.

GOAL rates the USMNT players from the National Stadium.

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  Goalkeeper & Defense

  Matt Turner (8/10):

  Gave away a penalty, then swatted it away. That penalty-kick save was a huge moment for a player who certainly could use one given his lack of minutes on the club level. His second-half save on an Olimpico attempt was very good, too.

  Antoene Robinson (7/10):

  Did his usual thing on that left-hand side. No massive moment but, in a game like this, there really wasn't one needed.

  Tim Ream (6/10):

  Struggled with Shamar Nicholson on the penalty sequence. Was largely OK afterwards, but did have a few tough moments against Jamaica's attack.

  Mark McKenzie (6/10):

  Needed to do much, much better in the seconds leading up to the penalty and had a nervy moment or two after. Settled in more as the game went on, though.

  Joe Scally (6/10):

  Had the one bad giveaway in the first half that led to, you guessed it – that penalty, showing how much of a combined effort that mess was. Generally did well against Jamaica's wingers, which is never easy.

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  Midfield

  Tanner Tessmann (7/10):

  Had some tough moments early, but really grew into the game. Completed nearly all of his passes and generally won his duels in midfield. Job well done.

  Johnny Cardoso (6/10):

  Actually looked good in his 19 minutes. Unfortunately, that was all we saw, as Cardoso had another USMNT chance derailed by injury. It's unfortunate, too, because it seemed like he was on the way to what could have been a statement performance.

  Weston McKennie (7/10):

  Played much higher up the field than usual and certainly seemed up for it. If anything, there were moments where the game could have opened up if he pushed even further. A good first showing for him under the new coach.

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  Attack

  Christian Pulisic (8/10):

  Another game, another goal contribution. He's had plenty lately, but don't let that distract you from how impressive this is. Yes, Pepi did the hard part with the finish, but Pulisic's pass to spring him was great as well.

  Ricardo Pepi (8/10):

  That's how you take your chance. On one of his first touches and coming in at a tough angle, Pepi was still able to pick out a corner and score the decisive goal A great finish from a striker who, despite not playing as much as he wants, still has that confidence to score.

  Yunus Musah (6/10):

  Had an absolutely massive block to keep Jamaica off the board in the second half. Didn't quite have an attacking impact as he started in his third different position in three games, but that defensive sequence alone was enough to call this a solid night.

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  Subs & Manager

  Malik Tillman (7/10):

  Always a tough spot coming in as an early sub. Played a little bit deeper than we're used to seeing, but generally did well with it as he passed well and had a few decent defensive moments.

  Gianluca Busio (6/10):

  Replaced McKennie, who was on a yellow card. Brought some energy to help wrestle back midfield control from Jamaica.

  Brandon Vazquez (6/10):

  Came on and immediately won a header from a set piece. Did lots of good dirty work, even if he never quite got a clear-cut chance at goal.

  Auston Trusty (N/A):

  Thrown in with just a few minutes left to add another defender to the mix.

  Alejandro Zendejas (N/A):

  A late sub, but definitely brought life. Another good burst of energy, much like in Mexico last month.

  Mauricio Pochettino (8/10):

  Not easy, but it never was going to be. Changed things up with the starting XI in his first competitive match as USMNT coach and had to ride out some storms but the U.S. leave with a hard-fought road win. Can't ask for much more.

Tottenham are considering a hijack on Crystal Palace as they make an approach to sign one £11 million forward wanted by the Eagles.

Postecoglou calls for drastic change as Spurs work to back him

So far, Spurs have agreed to two major signings in the form of a loan extension for winger Timo Werner and a £40 million deal to sign English sensation Archie Gray from Leeds United.

Hijack as Borussia Dortmund meet asking price to sign "quick" Tottenham ace

The Germans have swooped in to spoil a big club’s talks.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 13, 2024

The north Londoners have also shipped plenty of deadwood, with Eric Dier, Ivan Perisic, Ryan Sessegnon and Japhet Tanganga leaving upon the expiry of their Tottenham contracts. Joe Rodon joined Leeds in a £10 million permanent deal as well, helping to sweeten the deal for Gray, with Tottenham also agreeing to terminate Tanguy Ndombele's contract as the former club-record signing joins OGC Nice on a free transfer.

Tottenham are expected to make another attacking signing after Werner too, as the likes of Wolves winger Pedro Neto, Palace star Eberechi Eze and others become linked with N17 moves.

Club chairman Daniel Levy is ready to back Postecoglou in the coming weeks, according to various reports, and it is believed Spurs are even willing to pay the entirety of Eze's £60 million release clause in their pursuit of a new forward.

"We need change. Change has to happen," said Postecoglou on Spurs' summer transfer business.

"You can’t want to alter your course and expect the same people are going to be on that. It’s just not going to happen. We’ve had two windows and we’ve had some development of players, for sure, but when I say we’ve still got a long way to go, that’s what I’m talking about. It’s impossible to say you’re going to have drastic change and yet expect everyone to be on that journey.

"It’s not for the want of trying. It’s just that we’re going to play a certain way, we’re going to train a certain way and we’re going to have a certain mindset. And that’s not for everyone."

Another interesting player they've been linked with is former academy gem Marcus Edwards, and they could get him on the cheap. Portuguese newspaper Corriere de Manha recently claimed that Sporting value the winger at around £17 million, but Spurs' 35 per cent sell-on clause means that figure would come down to just £11 million if Postecoglou's side bid.

Tottenham consider hijacking Palace bid for Edwards

Football Insider have another update on the matter, and they claim Palace are readying their own bid for the 25-year-old.

However, Levy is still in the background, with FI writing that Tottenham could rival Palace in the race to sign Edwards and hijack Oliver Glasner's side – similarly to how they prised Gray from Brentford's clutches earlier this summer. Spurs have also made an approach by asking to be kept informed about the situation.

The Englishman racked up 15 goal contributions, six goals and nine assists specifically, in 44 appearances across all competitions last season. Edwards has been praised for his form at Sporting in flashes, and it is believed he is open to a Premier League return.

Wrexham director Shaun Harvey has confirmed co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are ready to splash the cash again in January.

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• January transfer window fast approaching
• Wrexham set to strengthen squad
• Want players who can shine in Championship

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Wrexham are aiming to continue their incredible rise under the Hollywood duo by securing promotion from League One to the Championship this season. The Red Dragons currently sit third in the table, behind only leaders Wycombe and Birmingham City. The approaching January transfer window offers the opportunity for clubs to spend and strengthen their squads, and Wrexham look set to invest once again in a bid to boost their promotion hopes.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Harvey has confirmed that Wrexham are not only looking at players who can help the club make it out of League One but are eager to bring in new signings who will also be able to thrive in the Championship. Wrexham have been linked with a big-money swoop for an experienced Championship striker this winter, and Harvey has admitted it is easier for his club to recruit players after their rise up the divisions.

• WHAT WREXHAM HAVE SAID

  Harvey said via : "Rob and Ryan have always supported Phil's ambition. We will be active in the transfer market during January, because we're in a position of strength. If we go any further forward from where we are now, we get promoted, and that is the objective. It's difficult to say what and where, because there's still six weeks to go before the window opens. Then it is a case of who's available, and who will actually strengthen us.

  "We've had a policy of trying to ensure that we sign players, not just for this division, but for the next division as well. Fortunately, it's easier now with the higher we get in the leagues, because players never really wanted to drop down. We had to pay for that privilege and we called it the non-league tax. Where we are now is that there are players that would come to play for Wrexham in League One that would not play for any other club in that division. That's what we've been able to create so I suspect we'll be busy."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM

  Before the window opens, Wrexham will be aiming to keep their promotion push on track. Phil Parkinson's were beaten last time out by rivals Stockport County but will aim to get back to winning ways on Saturday when they host Exeter at the SToK Cae Ras.

Newcastle United’s hunt for a new forward continues for Eddie Howe and the Saudi PIF, with talents from Europe and South America linked with a move to Tyneside this summer.

One player who has been strongly linked with a move to St James’ Park is Leeds United forward, Crysencio Summerville, after his impressive campaign in the Championship which saw him register 28 goals or assists.

The Magpies aren’t the only Premier League side eyeing a move for the Dutch youngster, with Chelsea, Fulham, West Ham United and Liverpool all credited with an interest in his services.

Summerville undoubtedly would be a huge signing for Howe’s side, but the rumoured £30m fee for his services could prove to be a potential risk for a talent who has only featured in England’s top flight for one full season, registering just six goal contributions in 2022/23.

Newcastle would be better off investing their money in a Premier League-proven talent, with the Magpies once again linked with a move for a player who has been on Howe’s radar in recent months.

Newcastle still interested in signing £45m talent

According to Caught Offside, Newcastle are still actively looking to sign Nottingham Forest forward Anthony Elanga after his impressive debut campaign at the City Ground.

The Swedish international, who joined the Reds from Manchester United for £15m last summer, registered a total of five goals and nine assists, as Nuno Espírito Santo’s side secured their top-flight status on the final day.

Elanga was linked with a move to the Magpies back at the end of June ahead of the PSR deadline, but, instead, Odysseas Vlachodimos was included in a swap plus cash deal that saw Elliot Anderson move to the East Midlands.

However, Howe is still interested in securing a deal for the 22-year-old, who Forest value at £45m, after his impressive displays against his side last season that saw him star with one goal and two assists.

His talent has been evident with his consistent first-team minutes, with the youngster producing some very similar stats to one current Newcastle first-team member.

Why Elanga could be just as important as Gordon for Newcastle

Ever since the Saudi PIF's takeover of the Magpies back in 2021, they have invested heavily in the playing squad to try and bridge the gap created by sides at the top end of the Premier League in recent years.

One of the additions completed during their reign has proven to be a huge success, with Anthony Gordon excelling on Tyneside after his £45m move to the club during the January transfer window back in 2023.

In the 18 months since his arrival, the 23-year-old has made 64 appearances for the Magpies, scoring 13, 11 of which came during the last campaign – his best goalscoring season to date.

However, despite registering fewer goal contributions than Gordon in 2023/24, the “electric” Elanga, as dubbed by Statman Dave, has been ranked as a similar player to Gordon by FBref.

Their comparison is understandable when analysing their respective stats from the aforementioned campaign, with the duo posting very similar stats per 90.

The Magpies attacker averaged 0.65 goals or assists per 90, with Elanga only just trailing the England international with his tally of 0.52 – an impressive return for a player in a relegation battle.

The Forest forward has also only managed a 4% lower successful take-on rate than Gordon, but has averaged more progressive passes received, with his teammates often giving the ball to create carnage in the final third.

Elanga had an excellent first campaign in a Forest shirt, undoubtedly exceeding all expectations placed on him upon his move this time last year.

Whilst £45m might seem a hefty price tag, it would be an excellent deal, with the 22-year-old having the ability to improve further.

His blistering pace would add a new dimension to Howe’s attack and finally complete the Magpies’ attacking trio ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

Bigger talent than Gordon: Newcastle could land £30m "monster"

The attacker has been a man in demand this summer, with Newcastle needing to act quickly.

1

By
Ethan Lamb

Jul 24, 2024

The Kopa Trophy winner paraded his award before the game and showed why was named the world's best goalkeeper as Villa drew 0-0 with the Bianconeri

Aston Villa were denied a famous Champions League win over Juventus by a controversial refereeing decision, but they were indebted to the brilliance of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in a goalless draw with the Italian giants.

It took 36 minutes for either team to create a major opening but Ollie Watkins was denied by Michele Di Gregorio after being sent through on goal.

The hosts came within inches of opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time, but Lucas Digne's free-kick rattled the crossbar.

After the hour, and a tense, tetchy opening to the half, Francisco Conceicao was denied in astonishing fashion by Martinez, the Argentine goalkeeper sensationally diving to keep his low header out of the bottom corner from point-blank range.

Soon after, at the other end, John McGinn saw an effort cleared off the line as, suddenly, the contest spluttered into life.

And Morgan Rogers thought he had won the game in injury time with a fine finish after Diego Carlos challenged Di Gregorio, but the goal was ruled out by VAR for a foul on the stopper in a chaotic end to the league phase encounter.

GOAL rates Aston Villa's players from Villa Park…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Emiliano Martinez (8/10):

  Not tested as much as he would have expected but made an astonishing save just after the hour to deny Conceicao, securing Villa's clean sheet and their point.

  Matty Cash (7/10):

  Saw a goal-bound shot blocked in the first half. Rarely beaten down his side and tried to push forward where possible. A good performance.

  Diego Carlos (6/10):

  Very good on the ball and can launch Villa attacks with ease. Did that and stood up to Juve's admittedly laborious attacks. Put off the Juve defence with his presence before Rogers' finish, which was controversially disallowed.

  Pau Torres (6/10):

  Headed just wide early on. Was rarely stretched and never really looked troubled.

  Lucas Digne (7/10):

  Hit the crossbar with a superb free-kick on the stroke of half-time. Like Cash, played well, as Villa effectively limited Juve's flanks and pushed them inside.

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  Midfield

  Boubacar Kamara (5/10):

  Terrible passing accuracy slowed Villa down at times. He was effective defensively but on the ball, less so. Subbed with 12 minutes to go.

  Morgan Rogers (4/10):

  Struggled against Juve's physicality in midfield and couldn't embark on his trademark lung-busting runs. Kept plugging away though, and thought he had the winner, before it was bizarrely ruled out.

  Youri Tielemans (6/10):

  Booked early. Did fine thereafter, keeping Villa ticking as he toed the disciplinary line.

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  Attack

  Leon Bailey (4/10):

  Booked in the first half. Went at Juventus when he could but met resistance in defence and couldn't get beyond them.

  Ollie Watkins (5/10):

  Ploughed a lone furrow. Won a couple of fouls, tested the goalkeeper once, and did nothing else of note. A frustrating night.

  John McGinn (5/10):

  Just not skilful enough to make the left-wing spot his own. Saw an effort cleared off the line but his influence was negligible.

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  Subs & Manager

  Ross Barkley (5/10):

  On for Kamara. Couldn't pick the lock.

  Jhon Duran (5/10):

  Asked to perform his usual rescue act but barely touched the ball.

  Jaden Philogene (N/A):

  On for Bailey. Didn't have time to swing the game Villa's way.

  Unai Emery (6/10):

  Will be happy with a point, as his side defended resolutely and never really looked like losing the game. Will also be fuming at what was undoubtedly a soft decision to rule out Rogers' winner.

FIFA has found a broadcast partner in DAZN, which will distribute all 63 Club World Cup matches for free globally

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• DAZN will broadcast Club World Cup
• All 63 tournament matches free globallly
• CWC kicks off on June 15 in Miami

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  After months of waiting, FIFA has landed a broadcast partner for Club World Cup, announcing Wednesday a distribution deal with DAZN. In a landmark agreement, all 63 matches will be made available for free for fans around the globe on the streaming platform.

  The pact is reportedly for $1 billion for the tournament, which will kick off its first match in Miami on June 15.

  DAZN, which is not widely watched in the U.S. compared to Europe and other parts of the world, has the option to sub-license to local free-to-air broadcasters as part of its deal with FIFA.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  FIFA's ambitious plans for the Club World Cup hasn't always been met with equal anticipation or excitement. The governing body struggled to find a broadcast partner, despite having top line headliners in Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Inter Miami.

  The tournament has also been a source of consternation for players, who have voice concerns of heavy match load and fatigue.

  Still, the tournament will be another litmus test for the 2026 World Cup as the tournament will be held in several World Cup venues and several A-list teams will be involved among the 32 sides in the tournament, along side several teams in CONCACAF – including Miami, Seattle Sounders, Monterrey among others.

• WHAT FIFA SAID

  "I am delighted to announce that FIFA, in partnership with DAZN and FIFA+, will bring the best of club football for free to everywhere in the world, meaning that every single football fan across the globe can watch the best players from the 32 best clubs compete in the new FIFA Club World Cup to be the first official ‘FIFA Club World Champions’," FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement.

  "The new FIFA Club World Cup is a merit-based, inclusive tournament that will be the pinnacle of global club football, capturing the imagination of players and fans across the world. Through this broadcasting agreement, billions of football fans worldwide can now watch what will be the most widely accessible club football tournament ever – and for free. Football Unites the World."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  The FIFA Club World Cup 2025, which kicks off on June 15, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, will bring together the 32 leading club sides from all over the world for matches to be played in 12 venues across the USA over a 29-day period, culminating with the final at MetLife Stadium, New York New Jersey on Sunday, 13 July 2025.

  FIFA Club World Cup 2025 – participating clubs

  Africa: Al Ahly FC (EGY), Espérance Sportive de Tunis (TUN), Mamelodi Sundowns FC (RSA), Wydad AC (MAR)

  Asia: Al Ain FC (UAE), Al Hilal (KSA), Ulsan HD (KOR), Urawa Red Diamonds (JPN)

  Europe: Atlético de Madrid (ESP), FC Bayern München (GER), SL Benfica (POR), Borussia Dortmund (GER), Chelsea FC (ENG), FC Internazionale Milano (ITA), Juventus FC (ITA), Manchester City (ENG), Paris Saint-Germain (FRA), FC Porto (POR), Real Madrid CF (ESP), FC Salzburg (AUT)

  North and Central America: CF Monterrey (MEX), CF Pachuca (MEX), Club León (MEX), Inter Miami CF (USA), Seattle Sounders FC (USA)

  Oceania: Auckland City FC (NZL)

  South America: CA Boca Juniors (ARG), Botafogo (BRA), CR Flamengo (BRA), Fluminense FC (BRA), SE Palmeiras (BRA), CA River Plate (ARG)

Reporter Graeme Bailey has provided an exciting update on Leeds United's potential move for Norwich City winger Jonathan Rowe.

Leeds make opening verbal bid for Rowe to replace Summerville

The Whites are on the hunt to replace Crysencio Summerville after his move to West Ham was announced over the weekend. Daniel Farke admitted after Leeds’ final pre-season game against Valencia on Saturday that the club are working to find “good solutions to compensate his loss”.

"Obviously he was not just named but also in general I would say the best player in this league last season, with many goals and assists, it will never be easy to replace him, especially one on one. We have to be aware to bring a player in, in his position definitely, but as a team and a group we have to make sure we share his goals and assists.

“To bring a new player in who will be the new best player in this league will be pretty difficult, you can't have so much money as you need to spend in order to bring in a new Summerville. I've spoken about how much I like and value him and of course we'll miss him but a club never relies on just one person, not on player, one coaching staff member or even the manager, the club and the team is always bigger.

“We work to find good solutions to compensate his loss and try to be in other areas perhaps even a bit stronger. This is what we will do once this business happens but I expect this to happen."

Farke's own Klich: Leeds express interest in signing "exciting" £12m star

The Whites are reportedly keen on a deal to sign the Premier League youngster.

By
Dan Emery

Aug 5, 2024

Rowe is emerging as the top target to come in at Elland Road, with talks being held with Norwich over a potential deal. Football Insider have gone one step further and claimed that Leeds have made a verbal £7m offer to Norwich which was swiftly turned down.

Bailey shares update on Leeds’ move for Rowe

Speaking to LeedsUnited.News in the last 48 hours, Bailey has been told that Leeds are looking to seal a deal for under £10m, with those at Carrow Road seemingly willing to cash in this summer.

“Leeds are talking to Norwich about Rowe, came up in Sara talks. I’m told they want him for less than £10m overall and it seems they [Norwich] are willing to let him go.”

The 21-year-old is into the final 12 months of his Norwich contract, although the Canaries have the option to extend that deal by a further 12 months.

However, it looks as if a deal is there to be done following this promising update from Bailey, and Rowe appears to be a fan of Leeds as a club also, saying about the Elland Road atmosphere previously: “Elland Road had the most noise that I can remember. It was a crazy game. Even though we lost I was just in awe of the atmosphere.

"I couldn't believe it, this was what my dream was literally about. Even though we lost, it was just like, 'wow'. Imagine being on the opposite side to that. I feel like that's a feeling that I always chase. Those kinds of moments, they kind of keep you motivated and hungry for trying to make yourself feel that emotion in the future."

A marquee player is now "working very hard" to join Chelsea via his representative doing all the legwork, as another pretty exciting transfer window at Stamford Bridge continues to offer many twists and turns before deadline day.

Chelsea fail in Omorodion bid as they renegotiate Gallagher exit

Despite reaching an agreement with Atletico Madrid over the signing of young striker Samu Omorodion, with reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano giving his famous 'here we go' to the transfer as well, the move fell through at the eleventh hour due to contractual issues (Sky Sports).

Chelsea could now offer £150k-per-week ace with Lukaku to seal Osimhen deal

The Nigerian is back on their radar after failing to sign Omorodion.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Aug 13, 2024

This has resulted in Conor Gallagher's move to Atletico stalling, as the La Liga side were seemingly going to reinvest the cash received for Omorodion to seal a deal for the England midfielder.

As such, despite his medical being completed and documentation finalised, Gallagher has been forced to fly back to London, as he waits for Chelsea to find a solution and reopen the door for his switch to Spain.

“The Conor Gallagher situation at Chelsea remains one of the biggest sagas of the summer transfer window," said Romano in a Chelsea update on Gallagher to CaughtOffside.

“The player is back in London and is now back at Cobham to train today, but not with the Chelsea first-team squad as he’s not considered an important player or regular starter under manager Enzo Maresca. So, after everything was done, contracts ready, medical okay with Atletico Madrid, the two clubs have still not signed the contracts because of what happened with Samu Omorodion.

“Now Chelsea and Atletico are negotiating over Joao Felix, trying to find a solution to the situation. Gallagher is waiting and the deal remains on, but the England midfielder is no longer in Madrid, he’s in London waiting to understand if Chelsea and Atletico can find a solution.

“It’s a crazy situation as Gallagher starts training at Chelsea.”

Felix will be key to this situation, as Chelsea enter talks to re-sign the Portugal international as an alternative to Omorodion. The 24-year-old could indirectly grant Gallagher his desired move to Atletico, and it is believed Felix has already agreed to join Chelsea before deadline day.

Felix "working very hard" to join Chelsea via Jorge Mendes

The player's agent, Jorge Mendes, is apparently in England right now – attempting to get his £51 million client a move to Stamford Bridge (Fabrizio Romano).

Reporter Graeme Bailey, speaking to Chelsea News this week, says Mendes is "working very hard" to seal a transfer to Chelsea on Felix's behalf, so it is pretty clear at this point that the ex-Barcelona and Benfica sensation wants to sign for Maresca.

“I think there is a belief that Felix to Chelsea might get done," said Bailey.

"Jorge Mendes is working very hard on that deal. There is a belief that will happen.”

Ruben Amorim has told Antony how to earn a lifeline at Manchester United while identifying a key weakness in the Brazil star's game.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Antony linked with January exit
• Has been playing at wing-back in recent games
• Amorim challenges him to improve

• AFP
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Antony has become a figure of ridicule at Old Trafford since his £85 million ($108m) move to United from Ajax in 2022. The Brazilian winger has only managed to score five Premier League goals across his first two-and-a-half seasons at the club, and has been regularly criticised for his predictable dribbling style and lack of end product.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  It has been reported that United are ready to cut their losses on Antony in the January transfer window, but Amorim has come out to tell the 24-year-old how to earn a lifeline in Manchester. Amorim has been using Antony in a wing-back role in recent matches, including off the bench in Sunday's derby win over Manchester City, and the new Red Devils boss has been pleased with his progress.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT AMORIM SAID

  Amorim has suggested that Antony's destiny is in his own hands, but also admits the Brazil international still needs to work on one vital facet of his game.

  "I think, when we started, everybody is from scratch," the United head coach told . "We took like one month to explain that everything has a new beginning because every person deserves a new beginning and the power is in their hands because, if they show it, I will put them in to play. I just want to win. They are responsible to play, not me. He did a great job improving in that position. He has to defend more but he has the ability to do it and has to do it himself."

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• WHAT NEXT FOR ANTONY?

  Antony has only started one game under Amorim so far, United's 3-2 Europa League win over Bodo/Glimt, but will hope to be back in the starting XI when they travel to Tottenham in the League Cup quarter-finals on Thursday. The Red Devils are due back in Premier League action at Old Trafford three days later against Bournemouth.