توخيل: عودة لاعب إنجلترا رائعة.. ولا أشغل نفسي بكأس العالم

أجرى توماس توخيل مدرب منتخب إنجلترا مؤتمراً صحفياً للحديث عن استعدادات الأسود الثلاثة لمواجهة صربيا غداً في تصفيات أوروبا المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026.

وسئل توماس توخيل حول إذا كان وقت التجارب قد انتهى، ورد في تصريحات نشرتها “بي بي سي” البريطانية :”لم أشعر أننا كنا نجري تجارب في آخر معسكرين ولن نبدأ في هذا المعسكر، نهتم بالأمر، هذه تصفيات كأس العالم على أرضنا ونريد البناء والمواصلة”.

وأضاف عن ماركوس راشفورد وحول إذا كان يشعر بالقلق من تراجع حالته النفسية مع نهاية إعارته لبرشلونة: “لا نحن في نوفمبر الآن، إنه في برشلونة لأنه يستحق ذلك، عليه أن يثبت جدارته كل ثلاث أيام هناك، هذا أمر جيد لنا وعليه أن يثبت جدارته في معسكراتنا وهذا أمر طبيعي وصحيح، لا يزال أمامنا وقت طويل، لم أصل بعد لكأس العالم، نحن نتعامل مع كل شيء عندما يتعلق الأمر بذلك، إنه في وضع جيد الآن، هو تنافسي ولهذا السبب هو هنا، عليه أن يثبت جدارته في المباراتين القادمتين”.

وواصل عن بيلينجهام: “عودته رائعة، لقد سادت أجواء رائعة خلال اليومين الماضيين والجميع سعيد بالتواجد في المعسكر، الجو تنافسي والأجواء هادئة والجميع سعيد بالتواجد في المعسكر، الروح المعنوية والطاقة في الملعب التدريبي هذا ما نطمح له، لدينا جلسة تدريبية أخرى غداً لنكون أكثر تنافسية، بيلينجهام جزء من هذه التدريبات”.

اقرأ أيضاً.. آلان شيرر: محمد صلاح لديه حقد.. وليفربول فقد المنافسة على البريميرليج

وتحدث عن خطته وتشكيله الأساسي: “لا أعرف الكثير عن الغد، لكنني لا أعرف الكثير في مايو ويونيو، أمنع نفسي من معرفة الكثير أو التظاهر بذلك، لأن الكثير وارد، لا أحد يريد الإصابات لكنها واردة، وقد ينسحب اللاعبون وقد يتراجع مستواهم وقد يكون آخرون في أفضل حالاتهم لذا أنا منفتح جداً، لا أشعر بالضغط أو رغبة كأس العالم حالياً، أشعر فقط بالحماس والضغط قبل الغد، الأمر يسير خطوة بخطوة والخطوة التالية هي صربيا غداً”.

وسئل عن فكرة الاعتماد على فودين وبيلينجهام معاً: “فودين وجود لم يتدربا كثيراً حتى أمس، سيعودان للملعب اليوم، لكن لأول مرة وبكامل طاقتهما، من الرائع دائماً وجود فودين، هو شخص لطيف ومثل بيلينجهام، هو جزء من الفريق وأنا سعيد بتواجدهما معاً”.

وحول رأي توخيل في صربيا إذا كانت تغيرت منذ آخر مباراة: “ما زلت أعتقد أنهم كانوا فريقًا رائعًا يملكون سجلًا رائعًا في بلجراد، الفضل يعود لنا في عدم السماح لهم بإظهار جودتهم، ويعود ذلك لجودتنا، لم نسمح لهم بالتنفس أو الدخول في أجواء المباراة، الآن لديهم مدرب جديد بطاقة جديدة ونفس المجموعة القوية وعلينا أن نكرر ذلك، لا يجب إساءة تفسير المباراة السابقة أنها مباراة سهلة ويتعين علينا بذل الكثير من الجهد غداً، هو اختبار كبير لنا للتكيف في المباراة وضغطنا وتشكيلتنا اعتماداً على ما يقدمه الخصم ولا نعرف ما سيحدث في هيكلهم ويمكننا فقط التخمين والافتراض، ليس لدينا أي دليل على أن الفريق والمدرب يلعبان معاً”.

وأكمل توخيل عن توقعاته من فودين وبيلينجهام: “أتوقع ما يظهرانه، أن يكونا جزءاً من المجموعة مباشرة، كنا نحقق المستويات المطلوبة بدونهما، نحن ملزمون بتحقيق معاييرنا الخاصة وبناء على ما يمكننا بنائه، فقد عادا ومن مسؤوليتهما المساهمة في هذا وهذا ما يفعلانه، المعايير واضحة”.

واختتم عن جاهزية لاعبيه: “الجميع يتدربون باستثناء جويهي، إصابته مؤلمة للغاية، يعاني من ألم ومن المحتمل أن تتحسن حالته بشكل ملحوظ من يوم لآخر، لذا نعمل بواقعية استعداداً للمباراة القادمة، إذا لم يتدرب الجمعة ولم يتدرب السبت، فلن يسافر معنا وسيحصل على الراحة والعلاج، نريده أن يبقى معنا وقريباً منا لأنه أحد قادتنا ولاعب مهم، هو حلقة وصل بين العديد من اللاعبين ومن الجيد أن نراه يبذل قصارى جهده للمشاركة في المباراة القادمة وسنقيم حالته يومياً”.

Newcastle's "world-class" star is becoming another Woltemade-type figure

Newcastle United didn’t rest on their laurels after winning the Carabao Cup and restoring their place in the Champions League last season, breaking their transfer record for expenditure in a summer transfer window.

Of course, Eddie Howe’s side parted ways, rather acrimoniously, with centre-forward Alexander Isak, who had refused to train throughout August in order to force his way out and to Premier League champions Liverpool.

There is no two ways about it: this was a big blow for a club on the up. However, if you are going to lose your star man, swap him with an elite-class replacement.

Having banked £125m for the Sweden star’s signature, funds were redirected toward Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade, who completed a £69m move at the end of August.

Why Woltemade could be one of Newcastle's best signings

Given that he’s Newcastle’s club-record purchase, you’d hope that Howe would be receiving bang for his buck when welcoming the striker to the fold, not least because he is stepping into Isak’s boots.

But seven games into his career in black and white, the German international has scored four goals from seven matches and is grasping the opportunity to nail down his spot as Yoane Wissa continues to recover from a knee injury suffered before he could make his debut.

Praised by Stuttgart captain Atakan Karazor in the past as “the two-metre Messi”, the 6 foot 6 striker is as rangy as they come, but he’s anything but ungainly.

Endowed with a deft technical skill and an awareness that allows him to link up fluidly with his teammates, there’s so much potential for Howe to tap into over the coming years, and if he continues as he has started, Toon fans will remember Isak as little more than an afterthought.

It’s hard to hit the ground running in the Premier League, and the likes of Isak and Anthony Gordon stand as evidence at St. James’ Park as to why it’s important to give players time to integrate.

Howe's original Woltemade-type signing

Though his first foray into English football was heavily disrupted by a ten-month fan as a result of betting breaches, Sandro Tonali started as he would eventually go on, netting on his debut for Newcastle against Aston Villa in August 2023.

It was clear from the off that Howe had signed a high-quality midfielder, welcoming Tonali from AC Milan in Italy for a £55m fee. Hailed by Italian reporter Carlo Garganese for his “world-class” potential when cutting his teeth in his homeland, Tonali has rebounded from that first-season setback and now plays as the linchpin at the heart of the Magpies’ engine.

Elegant and effortless on the ball, the 25-year-old works perfectly alongside Bruno Guimaraes, with his control and reading of the game opening up avenues for the Brazilian, whose athleticism and ability to cover vast stretches of ground have seen Howe nudge him into a slightly more advanced berth.

Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali

As with Woltemade, Tonali’s signature came at a heavy financial cost, but he is playing with a gusto and quality that suggests he could be one of the key pillars of Howe’s tactical vision for many years to come.

Both players have yet to hit their prime, and that’s an exciting thing. Moreover, Tonali is becoming ever more important as the architect of Newcastle’s ball-playing fluency, just as, with Wissa injured, Woltemade is tasked with scoring the goals for this title-chasing team.

Kieran Trippier

6

10.4

Sandro Tonali

7

7.31

Jacob Ramsey

2

7.14

Bruno Guimaraes

6

6.33

Lewis Hall

3

6.00

He’s been ever-present in the Premier League so far this season, and there’s a reason Howe has entrusted him with such an important role.

Tonali, like Woltemade, faced questions upon completing a big-money move to Tyneside, but his quality on the pitch has prevailed and he has risen to a standing in Howe’s squad as one of the most significant cogs in the machine.

Forget Gordon: Newcastle's "Geordie striker" could be England's next superstar

Newcastle have replenished their academy system in recent years.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Oct 15, 2025

Wayne Rooney loved ex-Rangers record breaker and called him his "favourite player"

Wayne Rooney spent his career playing alongside some of the best to play the game. With the pinnacle of his career being a part of a Champions League-winning side that included the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Nemanja Vidic and Ryan Giggs.

Before he was playing in the red of Manchester, Rooney broke through as a young Evertonian starlet. Making his Premier League debut at 16 years old, he played in his home city of Liverpool before being picked up by Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United two seasons later.

Wayne Rooney

When Rooney was breaking into the first team, Everton had a number of impressive attack-minded players that he could model himself after, including Wales winger Mark Pembridge and the late Kevin Campbell. However, there was one striker in particular that Rooney favored, and they would go on to play together on 31 occasions.

Rooney's "favourite player" growing up

Rooney’s rapid development as a youngster saw him make his Premier League debut at only 16 years old. Some players don’t break into the first team football until they are in their 20s, but being able to play at a high standard at such a young age allowed Rooney to play alongside Duncan Ferguson.

At an Everton legends game in March, Rooney reminisced about the start of his career and his admiration for Ferguson growing up, calling the £4m ex-Rangers record signing his “favourite player”.

While Rooney admired Ferguson for his striking abilities, many know the Scot for his hard-man persona and his less-than-reputable disciplinary record.

Wayne Rooney and Duncan Ferguson at Goodison Park

During his 319 career appearances, he received 44 yellow cards and six red cards, meaning he received some form of card on an average of just over once every six games.

Ferguson's concise approach to dealing with Rooney

Ferguson was clearly aware of his reputation and took it into consideration when dealing with a young and impressionable Rooney. When speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, he said:

“Wayne was only young at the time, you know, coming through at Everton. You could see where he was going to get to; he wasn’t quite there, but he was still a top, top player; you could see what he was going to be.

“I kind of tried to shy away from Wayne. Wayne was younger than me, and I think he looked up to me. I was a bit worried because I wasn’t the best role model, and he was just a young kid. He was the biggest talent in Britain, and if he got into trouble, I was going to get the blame for it. So I tended to keep away from him.”

When Ferguson gave advice to Rooney, it seemed to be the best advice of his career, as he advised him to move to Manchester United rather than Newcastle United. Ferguson said his advice to Rooney was: “Newcastle’s a wonderful club with great fans, but if you’re going to leave and Sir Alex Ferguson wants you, then you’ve got to go there”, and given his success at United, it was clearly the right move.

Zaib century builds on strong foundations for Northants

James Sales makes 92, Luke Procter 64 as visitors respond positively after being inserted

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay11-Apr-2025A superb century by Saif Zaib and a vital 92 from James Sales helped put Northamptonshire into the strong position of 355 for 5 against Lancashire after being put in to bat on the opening day of this Rothesay County Championship Division Two match at Old Trafford.It proved to be an excellent day with the bat for the visitors as Lancashire’s attack, featuring West Indies pace bowler Anderson Phillip for the first time this season along with loan signing John Turner, were made to work hard on a pitch not offering the bowlers much assistance.Luke Procter made 64 and shared a century partnership for the third wicket with Sales during the first half of the day, and the latter then forged another excellent 97-run alliance with Zaib for the fifth either side of tea. Zaib reached his fourth first-class hundred from 149 balls just before the close, ending the day unbeaten on 111 after forging an unbroken partnership of 99 with Lewis McManus.After two poor batting performances last week against Kent, Northamptonshire must have feared a potential repeat when they were 54 for 2 just an hour into the opening day, seamer George Balderson having Ricardo Vasconcelos caught behind for 16 and George Bartlett falling lbw for the same score to a searing yorker from overseas quick Phillip during a lively early spell.Visiting skipper Procter, who produced a typically calm and unhurried innings, found an ally in Sales and the pair staged a superb fightback either side of lunch with a mixture of solid defence and a number of attractive drives. Procter, who reached 5000 runs for Northamptonshire in all forms of cricket during his innings, was the first to go to his half-century from 107 balls with Sales taking a brisker 78 balls to arrive at the same landmark in a 104-run partnership across 29 overs.It was loan signing Turner, handed his Red Rose debut cap at the start of play by James Anderson – before the news of Anderson’s impending knighthood broke – who made the breakthrough for Lancashire midway through the afternoon. The England fast bowler had made a tentative start earlier in the day but produced a much better sustained effort during his second spell and was rewarded when Procter gloved a leg side delivery to wicketkeeper Matty Hurst for 64. Balderson backed that up by trapping Rob Keogh lbw for a duck in the next over to leave the visitors on 159 for 4.The day was in the balance at that point, but Sales and Zaib responded with a good, positive partnership that added 75 in 17 overs by tea, with Zaib becoming the third Northamptonshire batter to post a half-century soon after the break from 70 balls.Just when a third first-class career century beckoned, Sales departed eight runs short to an injudicious shot, aiming to hit Tom Hartley over the top but picking out Marcus Harris at wide mid-on instead.Zaib, who pulled Phillip over square leg for six, and McManus negotiated the rest of the day – and the arrival of the new ball – in some comfort to finish strongly and leave Northamptonshire in excellent shape going into day two.

Tottenham make "surprise" bid to hijack another deal after Xavi Simons

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to hijack another deal after completing a move for RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons, with Spurs appearing determined to end what has been a very difficult transfer window on a high.

Ironically, a week after Eberechi Eze was stolen from under Daniel Levy’s nose, Spurs have pulled off one of the standout transfer hijacks of the summer with Simons joining the north Londoners.

Mohammed Kudus

£55 million

Kota Takai

£5 million

Mathys Tel

£30 million

Joao Palhinha

Loan

Kevin Danso

£21 million

According to Fabrizio Romano, Thomas Frank’s side reached an ‘overnight’ agreement with Leipzig and have signed the Dutch international in a deal worth £52 million.

The transfer is complete, and it is a major boost for Frank, who has been pushing for extra firepower and creativity in the final third. Having missed out on Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White in spectacular fashion, the arrival of Simons delivers the kind of quality and versatility their attack has been crying out for.

At just 22, Simons is regarded as one of Europe’s brightest young talents. He can operate as an attacking midfielder, out-wide and can even drift between the lines – offering Frank a range of tactical options that will give Spurs greater attacking freedom throughout the campaign.

Most importantly, it gives the Lilywhites an extra option with James Maddison injured, Dejan Kulusevski injured and Son Heung-min gone for the MLS.

The former PSG sensation, who was also a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, has been impressing for Leipzig in the Bundesliga since 2023 and now has the chance to showcase his sky-high potential in the Premier League.

Simons bagged 11 goals and eight assists over 33 appearances last term, despite missing a chunk of the season with ankle ligament damage, which makes for promising reading as supporters yearn for another proven creator.

Tottenham make "surprise offer" for Man City defender Manuel Akanji

After completing a deal for the Netherlands international, one of Levy’s next orders of business is signing a new defender.

Tottenham have been looking at centre-backs since Radu Dragusin is still out with an ACL problem, and Man City defender Manuel Akanji has emerged as a late option.

The Swiss ace has two years left on his contract and hasn’t played a single minute for City so far this season, with Turkish champions Galatasaray already having a club-to-club agreement over signing Akanji from the Sky Blues.

That is according to The Mail and journalist Jack Gaughan, who report that Tottenham have made a “surprise” bid for Akanji, who is taking time to assess his options and wants Champions League football.

Spurs’ approach means the 30-year-old will likely favour remaining in England as a result, with Galatasaray’s move for the player now in danger of being hijacked.

Pep Guardiola, while not calling on Akanji this term, has lavished him with praise in the past.

Ornstein: Newcastle considering move for "monster" with 27 goals in 2024/25

Newcastle United are upping the ante in search of a new striker and could now be set to further their pursuit of one of Europe’s prolific forwards, according to a report.

Newcastle United searching for a new striker or two

Eddie Howe has endured a transfer window that has yielded some frustration along the way when it comes to pursuing key targets, though the former Bournemouth boss will be certain he can end the market period on a high.

Alexander Isak’s potential move to Liverpool has yielded plenty of discussion over who his potential replacement could be, if a transfer were to come to fruition, alongside finding Callum Wilson’s successor.

Delivering a strong statement on the Sweden international, Howe has reminded Isak of his responsibilities in public fashion, even if he has since excluded the star from pre-season training.

He stated: “The player has a responsibility here to be part of a team and part of a squad, and you have to act in the right way. No player can expect to act poorly and train with the group as normal.”

Nicolas Jackson is one potential solution that Newcastle could utilise if he were to be offloaded by Chelsea. though it remains to be seen where he stands on the priority list.

Newcastle submit offer to sign "brilliant" ace who has same agent as Gordon

He would solve one of Eddie Howe’s problems.

ByTom Cunningham Aug 7, 2025

Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins is also on the Geordies’ radar, as is Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, offering plenty of alternatives with Premier League experience that could step into the fold by the close of play.

Now, Newcastle could be set to add another option to that list who has caught attention across Europe this year due to his excellent goal return, according to David Ornstein.

Newcastle have Samu Aghehowa high on priority list

Taking to social media platform X, Ornstein confirmed Newcastle United are considering a move for Porto striker Samu Aghehowa as they probe the market to land a new number nine.

He stated: “Newcastle United considering move to sign Samu Aghehowa from FC Porto. 21yo FCPorto striker high among small number of options to bolster attack. No formal approach or guarantee it happens but Spain int’l liked by NUFC.”

Samu Aghehowa in 2024/25 – all competitions

Appearances

45

Goals

27

Assists

3

Possessing the same strike rate as Isak last term, purely factoring in goals, Aghehowa has been labelled a “monster” by scout Jacek Kulig and is now appreciated in the corridors of power on Tyneside, even if no official approach has been made.

The Spain international outperformed his 14.07 Expected Goals total significantly last season, netting 19 times in the Portuguese top-flight, illustrating his ability to convert difficult chances.

With Isak looking set for the exit, Newcastle need someone who can replicate his impact, and Aghehowa may be a safe bet due to his recent exploits in a division that has a rich history of translating over to the Premier League.

Jansen stars with 11 wickets after SL's resistance for WTC boost

Jansen finished took 4 for 73 in the second innings to add to his tally of seven in the first

Firdose Moonda30-Nov-20242:56

Takeaways: Coetzee’s injury a real concern for SA

South Africa 191 (Bavuma 70, Asitha 3-44, Kumara 3-70) and 366 for 5 dec (Stubbs 122, Bavuma 113) beat Sri Lanka 42 (Jansen 7-13) and 282 (Chandimal 83, Dhananjaya 59, Jansen 4-73) by 233 runsSouth Africa have moved to second place on the World Test Championship (WTC) table after a 233-run victory over Sri Lanka in Durban to break the visitors’ unbeaten record at the venue. Marco Jansen finished with 11 wickets in the game with 4 for 73 in the second innings.After setting Sri Lanka a target of 516 and taking five wickets on the third evening, South Africa may have expected play on the fourth day to be nothing more than a formality. But they were made to work for their win after half-centuries from Dinesh Chandimal and Dhananjaya de Silva and 48 from Kusal Mendis made them toil until deep into the second session. Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 282, an improvement on their first-innings effort by multiples.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Ultimately, they will look back at the 78 minutes of madness, in which they were bowled out for 42, as where the match was lost. It gave South Africa a 149-run first-innings lead, the best batting conditions of the match and the cushioning to build a big lead at their own pace. They then got to work defending it.Under blue skies and with a dry wind blowing, the pitch was placid on day four as well and Sri Lanka took advantage. Chandimal and Dhananjaya put on a sixth-wicket stand of 95 runs before Chandimal and Mendis combined for 75 against a South African attack that was without the injured Wiaan Mulder and the movement of the first three days.Related

Injured Mulder ruled out of remainder of Sri Lanka Tests

Bavuma overcomes nerves to bring up his third Test hundred

Stubbs and Bavuma's centuries add colour to festive Kingsmead

Still, South Africa started threateningly when Kagiso Rabada beat Dhananjaya’s edge with the fifth ball of the morning and Gerald Coetzee found it with the 12th. The chance fell to the left of Jansen at gully. Dhananjaya responded by piercing the midwicket gap to hit Rabada for four and pulling Coetzee in front of square. Chandimal also dealt with a Coetzee short ball well and cut him for four through point.Rabada bowled a five-over spell that cost 18 runs without success, and once he was off, Sri Lanka’s pair could settle in. Dhananjaya drove Jansen through the covers, Chandimal whacked him in the same area to bring up the 150 and they both took on Maharaj, who got almost no turn. By the first drinks break, Sri Lanka had scored 61 runs in 16 overs at a rate of just under four to the over.Chandimal brought up his fifty immediately after the interval with an authoritative pull off Jansen and Dhananjaya reached his milestone in the next over, off 66 balls, a sign of the aggression with which he batted. He played one more shot in anger when he hit Maharaj over long-off for six. Maharaj had the last laugh, though, when Dhananjaya chipped an innocuous delivery to Tristan Stubbs at short midwicket for 59.That brought Mendis, on the back of four ducks in South Africa, to the crease. He got his first runs in five innings with a cover drive that went for four, and also raised the Sri Lankan 200. He was nearly run out later in the over when he took off for a run without conferring with Chandimal but made it back in time.South Africa brought back Rabada for a pre-lunch burst but a selection of short balls were well negotiated. Rabada also took his no-ball count for the innings to 10, with five in the morning session as Sri Lanka went to lunch on 220 for 6. They scored 117 runs in 32 overs in an extended first session.The 10 overs post lunch were laced with gifts from South Africa as Sri Lanka piled on 47 runs helped by a team that could afford to try things, given the runs at their disposal. Without a gully in place, Mendis square drove Jansen for four and then took 15 runs off his 19th over, as Jansen missed his lengths completely. Maharaj was also on the receiving end of Mendis’ aggression as he moved in sight of a half-century.Not long into his third spell, Coetzee sent down a half-volley down leg and it seemed South Africa could get nothing right either side of the pitch. His next ball was on middle and Chandimal tried to flick it away but closed the face of the bat too early and got a leading edge back to Coetzee. He let his relief out into the pitch with a series of throat-curdling screams.In the next over, Maharaj drew Vishwa Fernando forward and had him caught at slip by Aiden Markram. Jansen was brought back and he cleaned things up when he had Mendis caught behind to take his 10th for the match and bowled Asitha Fernando as he tried to cover the line of a ball sliding down leg. Jansen’s 11 for 86 are the second-best figures at Kingsmead after Clarrie Grimmett’s 13 for 173 in 1936.

Chelsea in talks to sign £40m "superstar" who'd brilliantly replace Madueke

After being crowned champions of the world on Sunday, are Chelsea serious contenders to win the biggest prizes next season?

At the weekend, the Blues sprung a massive surprise by demolishing Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the Club World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium, with Cole Palmer scoring two, near-identical quick-fire goals, before João Pedro added a third on the cusp of half time.

After the win, club captain Reece James stated that the team’s ambition is to be “competing” to win the Premier League and Champions League next season, so could signing a highly-rated player from an historic rival help them achieve this?

Chelsea targeting another wide-forward

Going out the exit door this summer is Noni Madueke.

He left the Chelsea squad ahead of the final to fly back to London so he could undergo a medical ahead of a reported £52m move to Arsenal, which is reportedly set to be finalised this week.

So, as they search for a replacement, Laurie Whitwell of the Athletic is reporting that Chelsea ‘remain in contact’ with Manchester United over the possibility of signing Alejandro Garnacho.

Back in May, manager Rúben Amorim reportedly informed Garnacho “to find a new club”, hence why he’s currently exiled from first-team training at Carrington, alongside Marcus Rashford, Antony, Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho, recently of Chelsea of course.

After Chelsea paid a £5m penalty fee to not sign Sancho permanently, Jacob Steinberg of the Guardian reported that the Blues’ priority this summer was to sign a ‘right-footed winger capable of playing on the left flank’.

Jamie Gittens has already arrived from Borussia Dortmund for a reported fee of £48.5m, but already having options in a certain position has not stopped them in the past has it?

Garnacho has reportedly turned down the chance to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, so could the Argentine international be on his way to Stamford Bridge, available for as little as £40m, according to David McDonnell of the Daily Mirror?

How Alejandro Garnacho would fit in at Chelsea

As has been their want since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital’s takeover of the club three years ago, Chelsea have been busy in the transfer market, particularly when it comes to signing attackers.

João Pedro has been the headline arrival to date, bagging a brace against former club Fluminense in the Club World Cup semis, before also netting in Sunday’s final demolition of PSG.

Transfer Focus

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

Meantime, in terms of wide attackers, Kendry Páez, Estêvão Willian and Jamie Gittens will all arrive at Cobham once pre-season commences, meaning Enzo Maresca will have plenty of options.

Yet, it would appear the Blues aren’t content with their options, now targeting a certain Garnacho.

He impressed last season, despite playing for a generally dismal Manchester United team, with football content creator Liam Canning lauding him as a “superstar” – and Statman Dave asserting that he was one of the two “brightest young talents on the planet”, alongside Lamine Yamal; esteemed company to keep.

Meantime, Kurosh Moghtader of Total Football Analysis labels him an ‘outstanding ball carrier’, adding that he is a ‘constant threat in the final third’, while Andy Mitten of the Athletic believes he was one of Man United’s few ‘bright sparks’, particularly impressed by his ‘ability to beat players’.

So, let’s analyse his importance to Manchester United last season.

Garnacho’s 2024/25 statistics

Statistics

Garnacho

Man United rank

Minutes

3,571

5th

Goals

11

2nd

Assists

10

2nd

Shots

146

2nd

Shots on target

52

1st

Shot-creating actions

128

2nd

Attempted take-ons

136

1st

Progressive carries

204

1st

Carries into final third

103

1st

Carries into the box

107

1st

Progressive passes received

429

1st

All statistics courtesy of FBref.com

As the table outlines, Garnacho ranked first amongst his Manchester United teammates for all dribbling metrics last season, while second only to Bruno Fernandes in terms of goals, assists, shots and shot-creating actions.

Those metrics, notably carrying, make him particularly alike to the man he could replace in the shape of Madueke.

Yet, just how do they compare? We’ve crunched the numbers.

Garnacho vs Madueke 2024/25 Premier League

Statistics (per 90)

Garnacho

Madueke

Goals

0.3

0.4

Shots

2.3

2.6

Shooting accuracy %

55%

56%

Chances created

1.6

1.4

Shot-creating actions

3.4

3.5

Attempted take-ons

3.7

4.5

Take-on success %

32%

49%

Touches

52.4

47.4

Statistics courtesy of Squawka and FBref.com

As the table emphasises, Garnacho and Madueke’s statistics in the Premier League last season were remarkably similar, with the Argentine most notably coming out on top in terms of chances created.

He also produced a similar number of successful take-ons and was similarly prolific in front of goal.

Alejandro Garnacho

Madueke’s departure will make way for Estêvão to see some action on the right wing, but perhaps Maresca would like another option on the left, and Garnacho could be his man.

£80m Gittens upgrade: Chelsea have looked at signing "one of the PL's best"

Chelsea are hoping to make several more signings in the summer transfer market.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 13, 2025

He's a dream for Simons: Chelsea agree personal terms to sign £60m star

Chelsea have been on a tear this summer.

Enzo Maresca’s side stunned plenty of fans and pundits alike on the pitch by adding a Club World Cup title to their Conference League title and have been just as active off of it.

For example, the board have been able to shift a number of players they no longer wanted, like Noni Madueke and Kepa Arrizabalaga, while also bringing in several who could seriously improve the squad, like Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens.

However, they aren’t done there, as they’ve been heavily linked with the mercurial Xavi Simons, and now it would appear as if they are closing in on another player who’d be a dream teammate for the Dutchman.

Chelsea target dream teammate for Simons

While Chelsea continue to be linked with a host of players this summer, one of the more prominent over the last week or so has been Simons.

Transfer Focus

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

Reports from earlier today even claimed that the Blues are actually closing in on a deal for the RB Leipzig ace, which could see him move for around £52m.

While that is no small sum of money, it does feel like fair value for a 22-year-old star who racked up 11 goals and eight assists in just 33 appearances last season.

Interestingly, in addition to signing the Amsterdam-born star, the West Londoners now also seem intent on bringing another player to the club who’d be a dream teammate for him.

At least that is according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, who has reaffirmed that Chelsea are incredibly interested in Jorrel Hato, suggesting that he is ‘ready to accept personal terms’.

More than that, the Italian journalist has revealed that the Blues are in talks with Ajax and view the defender, who is keen on the move, as their “next top priority.”

Romano makes no mention of the fee required to sign the player, but stories from earlier this month claim it could be around £60m, and while that is a lot, it might be worth paying, especially as Hato could be a perfect teammate for Simons.

Why Hato would be a dream teammate for Simons

So, one of Simons considerable strengths is that he’s comfortable playing in the middle of the park as a ten, or out wide as a winger – and sometimes up top – so when it comes to forming a partnership with full-back, it would be incredibly beneficial if they could overlap and come inside depending on what is needed in that moment.

Fortunately, Hato is such an intelligent and gifted footballer that he can do just that.

While he prefers to come inside and invert, at least that’s what he does more often at Ajax; you can see his ability to overlap in his heat map from last season.

This ability to fulfil both roles without much bother will do two things.

Firstly, it will mean he can avoid getting in Simon’s way, depending on where he is on the pitch.

Secondly, it could also see him get more game time due to his adaptability, which in turn will allow him to develop a more effective partnership with the Leipzig star.

Away from their position, the reason they’d be great teammates at Chelsea is that the “exceptional” talent, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, is also a part of the Dutch national team.

Therefore, they’ll have even more time than most to get a proper understanding of one another’s game.

Finally, while the 19-year-old wonderkid’s primary role will be to defend, he’s also shown an ability to create chances for his team, as in 33 league appearances last season, he racked up six assists to go with his two goals, which suggests he could provide a decent number of chances for the former PSV Eindhoven star to score.

Hato’s 24/25 League Season

Appearances

31

Starts

30

Minutes

2592′

Goals

2

Assists

6

Goal Involvements per Match

0.25

Minutes per Goal Involvement

324′

Points per Game

2.23

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Ultimately, Simons looks like he’ll be a brilliant signing for Chelsea, but if the Conference League champions want to get even more out of him next season, signing Hato as well would be a good place to start.

Unofficial Chelsea swap deal possible as club open talks for Maresca outcast

It could be one in, one out at Stamford Bridge.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 23, 2025

Wolves ready to step up interest and make move for "elegant" £12m colossus

Wolverhampton Wanderers are now plotting a move for an “elegant” player who they made a bid for during the January transfer window, according to a new report.

Wolves set sights on new defender

Rayan Ait-Nouri and Craig Dawson departing Molineux means Vitor Pereira will be tasked with bringing in new options in defence this summer, and there is a strong desire to bring in a new centre-back.

With Wolves recording the worst defensive record outside the Premier League relegation zone last season, it is no surprise that signing at least one new centre-back is on the agenda, and a number of potential targets have been identified.

Target

Current club

Potential cost

Christopher Wooh

Rennes

Over £4m

Igor Julio

Brighton

Under £13m

Jhon Lucumi

Bologna

£24m

The need to sign a new defender may also be exacerbated by the fact January signing Nasser Djiga could be making a move north of the border to Rangers, as revealed by Liam Keen.

There has now been a new update on Wolves’ interest in Udinese’s Thomas Kristensen, with a report from Football Insider revealing they are plotting a move for the defender, who they made a £12m bid for in the January transfer window.

Despite that offer being knocked back, the Old Gold are ready to rekindle their interest in Kristensen, having been long-term admirers, but there could be competition in the race for his signature, with AFC Bournemouth and Como said to be eyeing moves of their own.

"Elegant" Kristensen could be solid signing for Wolves

Scout/analyst Jacek Kulig has previously dubbed the Dane an “elegant” and “dominant” centre-back, while also praising him for his ability in aerial duels, which has regularly been on display over the past year.

Indeed, the 6 foot 6 colossus has been able to use his frame to his advantage, placing in the 90th percentile for aerials won per 90, when compared to other centre-backs in the top five leagues in Europe.

Wolves make first approach to sign £34m Club World Cup goalscorer

He’s been in excellent form at the Club World Cup.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 27, 2025

There are also some indications that Wolves could stand a good chance of luring the 23-year-old to Molineux, given that he expressed his desire to move to the Premier League in an interview with Zach Lowy last season.

“If you want to improve as a defender, Italy is the best place to do it. Right now, I’m here in Udine, I have a lot to improve on, and Udinese is a great place to improve…but I still have a dream of playing in England one day.”

Kristensen could now be ready to take the next step in his career, having made his mark during his second season in Italy, so it is promising news that Pereira’s side are now ready to rekindle their interest.

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