There must have been a palpable sense of relief from Sunderland supporters when Regis Le Bris' appointment was confirmed late last week, finally bringing to an end the Black Cats' drawn-out search for a new manager.

The ex-Lorient head coach put pen to paper on a three-year deal at the club on Friday, eager now to get down to work and restore pride into the Wearside outfit again after a poor season saw Sunderland finish in a lowly 16th spot.

The new French boss will no doubt want a number of incomings to stamp his authority but there could also be some outgoings too, which may well include one of his former players at Lorient being moved on.

Aouchiche's time at Lorient

Sunderland fans might have been excited by the prospect of Adil Aouchiche and what he could do this coming season after shining in spurts last campaign, despite such a poor overall year for the team.

The daring 21-year-old would help himself to a promising five goal contributions from 30 games in all competitions, but could find his fledging Sunderland career cut short with Le Bris rarely using him when the two were at Lorient together.

Aouchiche would only end up making 13 appearances for his ex-employers with Les Bris at the helm, with just one league start handed out to the 5 foot 11 attacking midfielder during the 2022/23 campaign by the new Black Cats manager, before leaving for England under his tenure.

The Sunderland number 22 would also be demoted to the Lorient B team on one occasion by the 48-year-old, with Aouchiche fearing now that he could be chucked to one side by Le Bris again, especially with the likes of Jobe Bellingham looking to nail down that number ten role as his own soon.

Now, he could be heading towards a premature Stadium of Light exit, if Le Bris decides the 21-year-old isn't to his liking again.

Aouchiche's transfer value at Sunderland

This doesn't have to be a crushing development, with Aouchiche's estimated transfer valuation – according to Football Transfers – making him a more valuable asset than first-team regular Dan Neil currently.

Although the attacking midfielder only started ten of the 28 Championship games he amassed last campaign, Aouchiche's valuation still stands at a hefty £4.8m, which means the Black Cats could cash in and not feel too disheartened.

For a player who was once purchased on a free transfer by Lorient, Sunderland would be in for some pretty profit, you imagine, if they did sell him on.

Neil, who featured in all but four of his side's 46 league games in contrast, finds his valuation surprisingly at a lesser £4.5m, meaning Sunderland might strike whilst the iron is hot and offload Aouchiche soon, before his value takes a hit.

1. Anthony Patterson

£10.9m

2. Jack Clarke

£7m

3. Jobe Bellingham

£6.9m

4. Trai Hume

£5.5m

5. Abdoullah Ba

£4.9m

Aouchiche isn't even that far off entering the top five table above when looking at the highest-valued players currently on Wearside, with the former Paris St. Germain youngster's pedigree in the game clearly outweighing his mediocre debut season in England.

It will be intriguing to see if the new manager does give Aouchiche a fair shot after discarding him at Lorient, with Neil, on the contrary, presumably a guaranteed first-teamer if the 22-year-old commits his future at the Stadium of Light, after rumours circulated he was unsettled with no boss occupying the dug-out.

Le Bris will just hope he can be the fresh injection of life the Black Cats need in the manager's hot seat next season, as Sunderland eye up a much higher finish than their car-crash 2023/24 offering.

Sunderland could sign "terrific" Bellingham replacement

Sunderland will be drafting up a list of replacements in case Jobe Bellingham does walk away soon.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 19, 2024

England Under-21 star James McAtee paid a touching tribute to the late George Baldock as he scored a brilliant brace for the Young Lions.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• McAtee played with Baldock at Sheffield United
• Baldock found dead in Greek villa earlier this week
• McAtee pays tribute after goal

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  McAtee scored twice as England's U21s beat Ukraine on Friday, with his first goal coming in the 88th minute – a scorching free-kick that found the top corner – and his second in injury time. After netting what was a brilliant set-piece, the Manchester City ace, who spent two seasons on loan at Sheffield United, revealed a tribute to Baldock, who was found dead earlier this week. On his undershirt, a message read: "GB 2 (referring to Baldock's old squad number). Rest easy brother x."

Advertisement

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Baldock joined Panathinaikos from Sheffield United in the summer and, earlier this week, he was found dead in the swimming pool at his Greek villa after his wife raised the alarm from England, having failed to contact him. Tributes have been paid from across the game, and Greece dedicated their win over England in midweek to their late team-mate, who won 12 caps.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  McAtee's brilliant brace was exactly what England needed, as they cut the gap on Ukraine to two points in Group F of their U21 European Championship qualifying group. It remains to be seen if it leads to more opportunities at the Etihad. The midfielder has made four first-team appearances in all competitions this season, scoring against Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• WHAT NEXT?

  McAtee is likely to play when England face Azerbaijan on Tuesday. He will then return to City to prepare for their Premier League clash with Wolves at Molineux.

MatériaMais Notícias

Líder isolado da Série B e cada vez mais próximo do acesso, a questão emocional e psicológica do Coritiba para conter uma possível empolgação excessiva foi abordada pelo lateral Romário.

RelacionadasCoritibaNatanael comemora sequência, assistências e boa fase do CoritibaCoritiba08/09/2021Futebol NacionalSegue o líder! Coritiba goleia Brusque e aumenta vantagem na Série BFutebol Nacional07/09/2021Futebol NacionalÍdolos do futebol brasileiro se reencontram na Copa Brasil Legends 2021; veja onde assistir e a tabela de jogosFutebol Nacional03/09/2021

>Aplicativo de resultados do LANCE! está disponível na versão iOS

Para ele, o trunfo existente na formação do elenco é a quantidade de atletas experientes visando a administração dessa expectativa que envolve tanto os jogadores como também a torcida do Coxa.

Nessa linha de raciocínio, Morínigo deu ênfase a questão de manter o foco em objetivos mais próximos (como vencer a partida da próxima rodada frente ao Vila Nova, novamente no Couto Pereira) e não necessariamente nas metas de médio e longo prazo:

-É um grupo muito experiente. O que me deixa tranquilo é que desde o início da temporada a gente vive jogo a jogo. Não pensamos que faltam 15 jogos (para o fim do campeonato), pensamos que tem o Vila Nova na próxima sexta-feira, então quando você pensa jogo a jogo, passo a passo, isso te deixa mais tranquilo ao decorrer do ano.

Em raro momento de pausa no ritmo das partidas na Série B, o Coritiba volta a campo para duelar com o time goiano apenas no próximo dia 17 de setembro às 19h (de Brasília).

Leeds United have made their stance clear amid reports that Spurs could launch a player-plus-cash offer for Daniel Farke's £50 million star.

Leeds facing player exodus after failed promotion bid

Losing the Championship play-off final to Southampton could have dire consequences for the West Yorkshire side, who faltered in their bid to seal promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

£15 million Leeds United star now ready to quit as Dortmund eye deal

He wants to jump ship after promotion failure.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 8, 2024

A succession of first-team stars from last campaign could pack their bags and leave Elland Road. Leeds are looking to raise cash for their own transfer activity, while also dealing with the fact players will want to be playing top flight football for the sake of their own careers.

Crysencio Summerville is attracting interest from big Premier League sides as the transfer window opens for business, and it is believed that midfielder Ilia Gruev is ready to quit Leeds as Borussia Dortmund eye a move.

Joe Rodon is also returning to Tottenham following the expiry of his loan deal, and it is unclear as to whether Leeds will be able to bring the Welshman back for next season. Wilfried Gnonto, in similar fashion to last year, is also being linked with a move away yet again.

There is also the matter of highly rated Leeds starlet Archie Gray, who enjoyed an absolutely terrific Championship campaign last season. The teenager made 52 appearances in all competitions as a mainstay of Farke's backline, with reports suggesting he is valued as high as £50 million.

Appearances

52

Goals

1

Assists

2

Minutes played

4,268

There have been rumours that Tottenham are interested, and they could even instigate a player-plus-cash bid for Gray including Oliver Skipp.

Leeds stance made clear as Spurs swap deal bid mooted for Gray

This latest claim come courtesy of TEAMtalk, which also reveals Leeds' stance on selling Gray this summer.

The outlet claims that Gray is happy at Leeds and the club do not want to do business over him, dealing a blow to Ange Postecoglou's side, who now look unlikely to do a deal for the 18-year-old.

This will come as music to the ears of supporters, who wish to hold on to one of England's most exciting talents.

"Archie's had a fantastic season for Leeds," said pundit Carlton Palmer to Football League World last campaign.

"Gray's only 18, but he's doing well under Daniel Farke by playing regularly, so shouldn't be in any rush to leave. But Leeds want to protect themselves, for sure, by tying him down to a longer-term contract, and I'm sure there would be a massive release clause in there.

"Leeds would probably be looking for £70-80 million for him. Obviously, Archie Gray should be sensible enough to know that if Leeds United are promoted – and I think they will be – that he has the chance to play in the Premier League. Whilst Leeds themselves will know that if he performs well, then his value skyrockets."

Six of the directors had already resigned following a meeting on Sunday.

Firdose Moonda26-Oct-2020

Getty Images

Cricket South Africa’s entire board – consisting of 10 members at last count – have resigned. The news comes after six of the directors, including former acting president Beresford Williams, four other non-independent members and one independent member Dheven Dharmalingam had stood down following a meeting on Sunday.By Monday morning, the other non-independent director, Zola Thamae, and the three remaining independents, Eugenia Kula-Ameyaw, Marius Schoeman and Vuyokazi Memani-Sedile, also quit.”After the Members’ Council had deliberated and resolved that in order to best serve the interest of cricket in South Africa, the entire Board should resign – which they did. All Independent and Non-Independent Directors have now resigned,” CSA confirmed in a statement on Twitter.The standing down of the board clears the way for an interim steering committee to be put in charge of CSA, as per the instruction of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC). Until a time when such a committee is put in place, Rihan Richards, who was named president of the Members’ Council yesterday, Thamae, Donovan May and John Mogodi, will constitute a four-person interim board.As recently as last Thursday last week, CSA had refused to disband, rejecting a suggestion from the Members’ Council – the country’s highest decision-making body in cricket made up of the 14 provincial affiliate presidents – to comply with SASCOC.As a result, SASCOC had referred the matter to the country’s sports minister, Nathi Mthethwa, who had given CSA until Tuesday to provide him with reasons not to use the National Sports and Recreation Act to intervene. Mthethwa also issued the ICC with notice that he would be wading in to CSA in a bid to stabilise the organisation. Now, CSA may be able to avoid government interference by working with SASCOC and instituting a new administrative structure.Speaking from the Eastern Cape, Mthethwa indicated he was happy with the news that the board had stepped down, because that was what he wanted from them.”I’m still going to get the whole story. I have been in the Eastern Cape for the last three days but I have heard rumours that they have resigned, That’s what I said they should do to start with,” Mthethwa said.”The ultimatum I put for tomorrow was precisely for that so, if they have done that, they are doing what they are supposed to do and it will take everything forward. We are where we are today precisely because of a lack of leadership, of the centre not holding at the level of cricket. If they have realised that, then it’s progress.”By close of business on Tuesday, CSA will need to present Mthethwa with their plans for an interim steering committee, which is expected to include at least one former player. It remains unclear whether the CSA executives will follow the board in leaving their positions, with further developments expected in the next day-and-a-half.As things stand, South Africa’s domestic and international fixtures should be unaffected by these developments, with the franchise four-day competition set to start next week and England scheduled to arrive for a six-match white-ball tour in mid-November. CSA is also in talks with Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Australia to complete the summer’s fixtures.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have received a Wrexham documentary taunt, with Charlton preparing for their game with a “Welcome to London” message.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Hollywood stars guiding Red DragonsAward-winning series promotes clubRivals eager to halt meteoric riseFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱FXWHAT HAPPENED?

Hollywood co-owners at SToK Racecourse have opened up a window to the world with an award-winning series that lifts the lid on life on and off the pitch in North Wales. ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ has followed a remarkable journey from a takeover in 2021 through to League One football in 2024.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

There have been suggestions that EFL rivals feel a little “jealous” of the Red Dragons, given the global exposure that they now enjoy. Opponents are taking great delight in trying to get one over on the Welsh outfit, with Charlton about to take on that challenge.

WHAT CHARLTON HAVE DONE

Wrexham are due at The Valley on October 26, with the countdown already on to that contest in south-east London. The Addicks are ready to take on their fellow promotion hopefuls to the English capital, with a “Welcome to London” promotional campaign being spotted as Charlton seek to pull in a sell-out crowd.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

Questions have been asked by some supporters of whether the right approach is being taken, with Wrexham needing no added incentive in pursuit of precious points. They have two games to take in before facing Charlton – away at Rotherham on Saturday and at home to Huddersfield on October 22.

The USMNT didn't play in Bournemouth's stunning win over Arsenal, but his return to the bench is a positive sign.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Adams returned to the bench after lengthy injury
• Arsenal stunned by Bournemouth
• The Cherries now 10th in the Prem

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  U.S. international Tyler Adams took another step forward in his recovery from a long-term injury as he made the bench for AFC Bournemouth in their stunning upset 2-0 over Arsenal Saturday.

  The midfielder, who has had a tough period with injuries in 2024, will be encouraged in his progress from his back surgery over the summer and could be in the mix for Andoni Iraola's squad in the near future.

Advertisement

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Iraola revealed Adams was available for selection in Friday's prematch press conference, so his inclusion wasn't a surprise. With Bournemouth having unexpected success against Arsenal at home, it is likely the manager didn't want to tinker with a successful formula.

  Adams struggles with injury are well-documented since his arrival at Bournemouth at the start last season as he's only made three league appearances for the side. Yet, when he is healthy, he is one of the U.S.'s elite players and a top ball-winning midfielder in Europe.

• AFP
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  Adams was an academy product of the New York Red Bulls, where he made 59 league appearances. His standout play for the Harrison, NJ earned him a move to one of the Red Bulls affiliate clubs in RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga. From there, he would move on and star for Leeds before earning another move to Bournemouth.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• WHAT NEXT FOR ADAMS?

  Adams could be set to make his return to club action when Bournemouth travel to Aston Villa on Oct. 26.

West Ham United will have a primary objective in mind ahead of Julen Lopetegui's first term at the helm: reclaim their place in European competition and look to push for a domestic trophy.

The club has a taste for gold after winning the Europa Conference League under David Moyes in 2022/23, but the chequered form of last season and Scotsman's perceived pragmatic style of play have beckoned in the new era.

There are several hurdles to be overcome in the transfer market, but the rumoured sparsity of coinage at the London Stadium could be mitigated by the sale of Mohammed Kudus, who has an £85m release clause in his contract and reportedly wants to leave this summer.

1.

Jarrod Bowen

44

20

2.

Mohammed Kudus

45

14

3.

Tomas Soucek

52

10

4.

Lucas Paqueta

43

8

5.

Michail Antonio

32

7

5.

James Ward-Prowse

51

7

The Hammers must sign a striker this summer. Michail Antonio is ageing and started only 21 Premier League games last season while Jarrod Bowen cannot be expected to spend another campaign pulled away from the right wing to counter a lack of options – albeit, he does so convincingly.

West Ham transfer news

According to Sky Sports' Dharmesh Sheth, West Ham are among the growing list of Premier League. teams taking note of Jonathan David's situation at LOSC Lille.

The Canadian centre-forward is out of contract in one year and has been transfer-listed for £25m, having enjoyed several years of clinical success in Ligue 1.

Chelsea are believed to be the frontrunners at this stage but the Blues have a range of options to strengthen their frontline, and West Ham will hope to entice the player with a role of high importance in east London.

Jonathan David's season in numbers

David has scored 84 goals and added 18 assists across just 183 appearances for Lille – working out at a rate of 0.56 goal contributions per game – since signing from Belgian side Gent in a €30m (£25m) deal in 2020.

Last season, across all competitions, the 5 foot 11 striker scored 26 goals and supplied nine assists across 47 outings. He only bagged twice over Lille's opening 12 fixtures but found his shooting boots in November and has fired unceasingly since.

2023/24

34

19

4

0.68

2022/23

37

24

4

0.76

2021/22

38

15

0

0.39

2020/21

37

13

3

0.43

He's always been a sharpshooter but has reached new levels over the past two campaigns, ranking among the top 12% of centre-forwards in Ligue 1 last season for goals scored per 90 last season and the top 6% for pass completion too, as per FBref.

Furthermore, David's 0.9 key passes per game and nine big chances created (Sofascore) speak highly of his dynamic skill set, a product of that crisp passing ability referenced above.

Said to be "one of the best strikers in the world" by media personality Tony Marinaro, David has spent several years honing his craft in France and now has the striking quality and overall technical acumen to make a real impression in a division such as the Premier League.

West Ham would love to bring him on board.

Why West Ham should sign Jonathan David

It's pretty simple, in all honesty. West Ham desperately need a top-class goalscorer to ensure the transition in the dugout goes off without a hitch.

His demonstrably consistent level would give the Hammers the reliable talisman that they require to fight for a place in European competition, as well as boasting the depth to push through the levels in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

It goes without saying that he would replace Antonio as United's No. 1 figure at the front of the pack. The Jamaica international, aged 34, ranks among the top 17% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and the top 14% for successful take-ons per 90, though among the bottom 40% for goals scored per 90.

Entering the final year of his Irons contract, the veteran ace – West Ham's record scorer in the Premier League with 67 goals – is going to play a part under Lopetegui but he simply cannot be entrusted with the leading role.

David, however, has the robust and athletic skill set to make a real impression, especially as his link-up play eclipses the kind of ball-playing ability that Antonio possesses.

Antonio might be something of a charging bull at times, highly effective and utilising his brutish physicality to great effect, but he is limited when it comes to contributing effectively to advancing patterns.

Indeed, despite only completing 65% of his passes in the English top flight last term, the £85k-per-week forward created just 0.3 key passes per game. David, as discussed above, is making three times the creative passes in Ligue 1 while also proving to be one of the crispest distributors that European football has to offer.

David is still only 24 and ostensibly has several years until he hits his prime. That said, he's already proving himself to be a deadly goalscorer with the kind of expansive style of play to make a real impact in West Ham's team, perhaps even being the perfect man to take the baton passed onto him by Antonio.

West Ham lining up "world-class" £40m Kudus replacement

This talented winger would mark a stunning piece of business for the Hammers.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 25, 2024

Jamieson, Santner and Conway also impress for the hosts

Debayan Sen29-Nov-2020
New Zealand rode on a virtuoso performance from Glenn Phillips, who cracked a 46-ball century, the quickest in T20Is by a New Zealander, to take a winning 2-0 lead in the T20I series. The highlight apart from his century was a record 183-run partnership with Devon Conway (65 not out) for the third wicket.The bowlers and fielders backed up the batting effort, where New Zealand racked up their third-highest total in the format, superbly. Phillips helped himself to a fantastic direct hit, swooping in from cover-point to run out Andre Fletcher, and two catches, one of them diving away to his right after running in from deep mid-wicket at full tilt towards wide long-on to get rid of debutant Kyle Mayers.Watch the cricket on ESPN+

New Zealand vs West Indies is available in the USA on ESPN+. Subscribe to ESPN+ and tune in to the series

New Zealand’s spinners Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi, the latter brought into the team at the expense of Hamish Bennett, applied the choke. They utilised a slow pitch and bright sunshine, in contrast to the rain and spittle of the first half the match, to their advantage to stymie the West Indies reply in the middle overs, after Kyle Jamieson and Lockie Ferguson had made early inroads. Stand-in captain Tim Southee and Jimmy Neesham, the other two bowlers employed, also picked up wickets in a near-perfect performance.A steady start with ball
Showers through the morning delayed the toss by 25 minutes. When conditions were deemed good enough to play, Kieron Pollard elected to bowl. The early exchanges indicated a lack of pace and bounce on the wicket, with Martin Guptill and Tim Seifert needing to generate pace of their own against some early discipline from Sheldon Cottrell in particular. However, Pollard himself set the tone for a poor fielding performance from his side, allowing a lofted Guptill drive off Mayers to graze his fingertips at mid-on and run away for four.Pollard decided to hold Cottrell back after two overs for just 7, perhaps emboldened by how Oshane Thomas got Seifert to play on to his stumps, attempting a paddle shot, with two balls left in the powerplay. Four balls later, Guptill fell to a fine tickle down the leg side off Fabian Allen, and New Zealand found themselves at 53 for 2, with a rebuild job for Conway and Phillips to do.The partnership that took the game away
With a persistent drizzle hanging over the Bay Oval, Pollard decided to ration his specialist bowlers’ quotas, lest there be a reduction in overs, and brought himself and part-timer Rovman Powell on. It allowed Conway and Phillips to play themselves in, running hard after placing the ball between gaps in the outfield.Once Phillips had accumulated nine off the first nine balls he faced, he waited on a Pollard slower ball, and whipped it over deep square leg to bring up his first six, from where there was no looking back. Phillips ended with 108 from 51, 88 of those in boundaries, including eight sixes, and scored all around the ground.With strong forearms, electric bat speed, and decisive footwork, he drove, pulled and cut with venom as West Indies shoulders began to drop, allowing misfields and a general lack of discipline from the bowlers. Conway was the perfect complement, going at just over a run-a-ball, before exploding himself in the final overs.There was a 22-minute interruption for rain shortly after Phillips brought up fifty, but how well Phillips and Conway accelerated can be gauged by the fact that 84 for 2 at the 10 over mark was doubled inside the next six. No bowler was spared — Allen’s left-arm spin travelled for 24 in the 13th over, Phillips following three successive sixes with an audacious switch hit for four.Phillips did offer a chance at 88, holing out to Pollard at wide long-off in Cottrell’s final over, the 17th of the innings, but it was a full toss met above waist height with the batsman deep inside the crease. In the same over, Cottrell had sent an intended knuckle ball on one bounce to Shimron Hetmyer at short third man, and he finished with none for 40 off his four overs.Phillips had his kneecap pop out again in the final over — a repetition of the freak injury he’d suffered on Friday — and after getting some treatment, he holed out to point against Pollard, but by then he had eclipsed Colin Munro’s record for the fastest T20I ton by a New Zealander, celebrating the milestone with a leap, a roar and outstretched arms. By the time he walked off to deserved applause, he and Conway had put New Zealand in a commanding position with the highest ever non-opening partnership in T20Is, and the highest for New Zealand.Killing the chase off early
Fletcher took 10 off Southee’s first over, but Jamieson came in and yorked Brandon King with the first ball he bowled. Hetmyer walked in at three, but struggled to get going against pace, and Fletcher was done in by a smart bit of fielding from Phillips.Ferguson came on and in his first over cranked the pace upwards of 150 kph. He also pinged Hetmyer on the helmet with a sharp bouncer that the latter had no time to respond to. Mayers, promoted to four, hit a couple of straight sixes, one each off Santner and Neesham, before perishing to a superb outfield catch by Phillips off the latter. Nicholas Pooran tried to take the attack to Santner, but ended up top edging an intended swipe over mid-wicket and gave a return catch.West Indies’ last hopes rested with Pollard, who raced to 28 off 14 after hitting Santner for successive sixes over cover, long-off and deep mid-wicket, but then went for another shot over wide long-off, only for Southee to complete a smart catch, staying clear of the ropes.There were some lusty blows late in the piece by Keemo Paul, which eventually lifted him to second-highest scorer with 26* ahead of Hetmyer’s disappointing 25 off 32, but it was New Zealand who made all the running with bat, ball and eventually the field.The third and final T20I will be played in Mount Maunganui on Monday, with Santner filling in for captain, as the Test regulars in the New Zealand team will be leaving to prepare for the series.

Chelsea have been boosted by a fresh report that claims they have now "moved ahead" of other clubs in the race to sign a midfielder, according to a new transfer update.

Chelsea transfer news

The Enzo Maresca era is set to get underway, with the Blues' new manager no doubt wanting to sign players who can suit his style of play. RB Salzburg defender Strahinja Pavlovic has emerged as an option to strengthen the west Londoners' backline, being seen as an alternative to Italy and Bologna ace Riccardo Calafiori.

Chelsea are also reportedly interested in signing Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma. A tally of three goals and four assists in the Premier League last season admittedly wasn't an earth-shattering tally, but he has the potential to be a hugely exciting addition following his dazzling performances for Brighton & Hove Albion in recent seasons.

It does appear as though centre-back is seen as a primary area to improve in for the Blues under Maresca, and Nottingham Forest ace Murillo has also been backed to move to Chelsea in the coming months. The Brazilian was a standout performer at the City Ground in 2023/24, starting 32 matches in the league and helping the Reds stave off relegation. Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez has been another defender linked with the west Londoners.

Chelsea boosted in pursuit of midfielder

According to Spanish outlet AS (via Sport Witness), Chelsea have "moved ahead" in the battle to sign Renato Veiga this summer, with the Blues believed to have potentially "closed the hiring" of the Basel midfielder.

It is thought a fee of €14m (£11.9m) has been agreed, which could represent a bargain compared to the extravagant spending we have seen from Chelsea of late.

The report states that Chelsea are set to seal the addition of a player "with a great future ahead" of him, as they pip other interested clubs to his signature in the process, including Italian giants Milan.

Veiga could be a strong long-term signing for Chelsea, even though he wouldn't necessarily come in as an immediate starter for Maresca, given his age. That being said, the midfielder has already shown that he can perform consistently at a high level, featuring 26 times for Basel in total, as well as winning seven caps for Portugal's Under-21s.

It has been claimed by journalist Fabrizio Romano that a medical has taken place earlier in the week, further highlighting the fact that a move feels imminent, and it will be fascinating to see how he fares for the Blues should this be confirmed in the coming days.

After Veiga: Chelsea in the race to sign £25m Calafiori alternative

He is wanted by several PL clubs this summer.

ByJoe Nuttall Jul 7, 2024

Signing young players who are long-term investments has been a key transfer strategy for Chelsea, rather than simply spending big on ageing individuals who are only seen as quick fixes, and the hope is that Maresca feels he can get the best out of Veiga, turning him into a key player as the years pass. Where he would stand in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge remains to be seen, but Veiga would nevertheless be an intriguing addition.