Chelsea have already seemingly struck gold when it comes to some of their early summer additions to Stamford Bridge.

Indeed, Joao Pedro couldn’t have wished for a better introduction to life in Chelsea blue after leaving Brighton and Hove Albion out at the Club World Cup, powering home a clinical three strikes from three games, with fellow new attacking recruit Liam Delap also chipping in with a promising assist.

Enzo Maresca will be delighted with how quickly his fresh recruits have got up to speed with the pace of their new side, with more signings now surely in the pipeline.

Chelsea eyeing cut-price deal for new defender

Chelsea have a reputation for a reason when it comes to splashing the big bucks, with £90m already denting the bank account off the back of Delap and Pedro entering the building in quick succession.

An even steeper £78m expense might soon be signed off on, too, with Morgan Rogers deemed a top priority move by the powers that be at West London, on top of other exciting playmakers appearing on their shopping list in the form of Dutch superstar Xavi Simons.

However, not every summer pick-up Chelsea go after has to be the flashiest or the most daring capture, with Footbal.London now reporting that a cut-price deal for Ajax defender Jorrel Hato could be on the table.

Football.London speculates that the Blues are considering a move for the young Dutchman and will try to snap up the services of the 19-year-old gem for a cut-price £40m – even as his Eredivisie employers state they want £60m to part ways.

Chelsea are particularly keen on the defender owing to Renato Veiga potentially heading out the door.

How Hato could be a Palmer repeat at Chelsea

Coincidentally, Cole Palmer cost around the same £40m region when he left Manchester City behind as a wide-eyed youngster attempting to make a name for himself.

It’s fair to say he’s certainly done that – as his glorious solo effort helped his side lift the Club World Cup. They may not be positionally similar but Hato could potentially go on to be Chelsea’s next Palmer; another emerging talent that explodes into life at Stamford Bridge.

Before exploring Hato’s rise in Amsterdam, it’s only right to further analyse how much of a wild ascent Palmer has been on since ditching the Etihad for pastures new in West London.

On the senior books of the Citizens, Palmer only mustered up a meagre eight goal contributions from 41 appearances, making Chelsea’s splurge of £40m on the 23-year-old attacker two years ago look like a rash shot in the dark.

Now, however, he has a mammoth 43 goals and 29 assists next to his name from 97 Chelsea appearances and counting, resulting in his transfer value sitting at a pretty £104m, according to Transfermarkt.

Hato will be dreaming of being the next star to undergo this sharp trajectory; therefore, with the 19-year-old already making significant waves back in his native Netherlands to suggest he has an extremely bright future in the game.

Games played

11

33

31

Goals scored

0

1

2

Assists

0

2

6

Touches*

57.4

94.8

67.2

Accurate passes*

42.6 (91%)

72.8 (93%)

45.2 (90%)

Total duels won*

3.1

5.5

4.1

Clean sheets

1

5

11

If anything, Hato is actually ahead of Palmer’s development now, when the 23-year-old was still situated at City, with three standout seasons already under his belt in the Dutch top-flight.

In a similar manner to Palmer then, the teenage sensation will hope he can arrive in West London and instantly battle it out for starting spot in Maresca’s main side, with the “immense” talent – as he’s been heralded by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – a capable performer both in the heart of defence or as a left-back option.

Further lauded as being “very mature” by ex-Ajax teammate Jordan Henderson, don’t be surprised if Hato becomes a key first-teamer from the get-go if he does spread his wings to England, as another Palmer-like steal excites spectators at Stamford Bridge.

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In quite the twist, Newcastle United are now reportedly the frontrunners to land one of their top targets who has given PIF the green light to move forward with the deal.

Howe: "Complex" Isak situation "far from ideal"

Whilst Newcastle continue to chase transfers of their own, the saga of the summer has been threatening to unfold between Alexander Isak and those at St James’ Park. After deciding to train away from the club and at former side Real Sociedad, it looked as though the Swede had done enough to open the door to his exit as Liverpool came calling with an opening offer.

Ultimately, however, the Reds didn’t do enough and have since had the door slammed in their face by Newcastle, who are demanding as much as £150m to sell their star man. Liverpool’s offer worth £110m was, therefore, always likely to be turned down.

Whilst some around St James’ Park may celebrate Liverpool’s latest stance, it’s Eddie Howe who has been left to pick up the pieces of the Isak saga.

He told reporters when asked about the situation: “I think from my situation, I am very much removed from everything that is happening back home. I was made aware there was a bid yesterday. That bid was turned down before I heard about it.

The Newcastle boss then went on to say when asked if he knows where Isak is: “I know where he is through the media, so I think from that perspective it’s difficult for me to go into any detail. The situation is far from ideal. It is quite complex. I think that is all I have got to say.”

Meanwhile, as that situation continues to unravel, another key factor in any potential deal has reportedly progressed in Newcastle’s favour.

Sesko chooses Newcastle

Delo, the number one newspaper in Slovenia, has revealed Benjamin Sesko ‘has made a decision’ and ‘will continue his career with Newcastle United’, while also confirming the rival interest from Manchester United.

And according to Sky Sports’ Keith Downie, Newcastle have now matched Sesko’s price-tag with a blockbuster “formal bid” worth as much as £70m. Jumping ahead of Manchester United in unexpected fashion, the Magpies could now solve their striker problem with what would become their biggest ever signing.

After a summer of rejections, the news that they are now leading the race to finally sign the striker that they’ve been craving will be music to the ears of all those in Tyneside.

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There’s still a way to go, of course, but there’s no doubt that Sesko would be an excellent addition. Described as “special” by former Leipzig technical director Christopher Vivell, the towering forward looks destined for the Premier League.

Support from coach and captain helped spinner rediscover his enjoyment for the game

Matt Roller21-Oct-2024Jack Leach believes that being dropped by England during their home summer enabled him to fall back in love with cricket, aided by an unexpected phone call from Ben Stokes in the aftermath of a Test win.Leach is the leading wicket-taker in England’s series in Pakistan with 14, but had only played two Tests in the 18 months before the tour and failed to complete either due to back and knee injuries. He had returned to full fitness after knee surgery by the time England picked their first Test of the summer in June, but they selected his Somerset team-mate Shoaib Bashir instead.Bashir earned widespread praise after his match-winning five-wicket haul against West Indies at Trent Bridge, and was preferred throughout the rest of the summer. But when England returned to their Nottingham hotel after that win, Stokes called Leach to tell him that Bashir’s success did not mean he had been forgotten.”I felt really happy and proud,” Leach recalled on Monday, speaking at England’s hotel in Islamabad. “He just wanted to tell me how great I was, basically, in the way that he does, and just recognise how I’ve dealt with the situation. That gave me a chance to say some nice things back to him about what he’d given me, probably going back to 2019 at Headingley.Related

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“There’s just a mutual respect there, so it was a nice conversation to have for sure. It just reminded me that I was going about things in the right way, and gave me confidence I still had something to offer the team and I was a part of it, in a small way. That gave me good motivation for the remainder of the summer… a nice reminder that there was still a chance to play.”Leach admitted that he briefly feared that his England career would be over when he initially learned of his omission. “You always do,” he said. “After a long time out with injury, I maybe felt that might be it… I really understood the situation. If you’re not able to stay fit, then other people come in and do well, and Bash certainly did that.”But he was happy with the level of communication from England’s management throughout, and received a similar call from Brendon McCullum the day after speaking to Stokes in July. “I was really happy with that – and in a way, not surprised, because of what I’d experienced when I was there [in the squad],” he said. “I’m very thankful for that, and my relationship with those guys.”After a slow start to the season which saw him take nine wickets at 50.44 in his first four appearances for Somerset, Leach thrived at the end of the year with 36 at 15.86 in five matches. He said that the secret was as simple as “remembering what I’m about, and being happy with that” rather than worrying too much about making minor technical changes.

“This summer actually provided a really good opportunity to go back to play for Somerset and simplify everything; just do what I was good at, and build the confidence that that was good enough”

“I just felt like I needed to rediscover that kid-like mentality of why you play the game,” Leach said. “You have that on the journey up to playing for England, that nothing-to-lose mentality. Then it’s like, ‘I’m here now, I want to keep that’. That’s tiring, it’s stressful, it’s not enjoyable… You forget what your main strengths are.”This summer actually provided a really good opportunity to go back to play for Somerset – which is what I always wanted to do as a young boy – and to just simplify everything; just do what I was good at, and build the confidence that actually, that was good enough… I’ve discovered that again: just being myself, and actually really enjoying that.”Leach has outbowled Bashir in England’s first two Tests in Pakistan, but said that reclaiming his status as first-choice spinner is “not important” to him. “That’s not really in my thoughts,” he said. “I just want to keep building on what I’ve done in the summer and what I’m doing out here… For me, it’s all about the team. Maybe I’m at an age where that’s all that really matters to me.”The pair have worked closely together in Pakistan. “He’s just done so well,” Leach said of Bashir. “He’ll just be learning so much, so quickly. He’s quality. We have a good relationship, good fun, and try to work together. I try to help where I can. I don’t want to overload him with stuff: I feel like he’s just learning through playing, and it’s all going to come quite naturally.”The series decider starts on Thursday in Rawalpindi, with another turning pitch in prospect after Pakistan’s 152-run win last week. Two years ago, it was the scene of a famous England win: they racked up 657 in 101 overs in their first innings, and Leach applied the finishing touches when trapping Naseem Shah lbw on the final evening to seal the victory.”That’s probably my favourite wicket: just the pictures of the appeal, and then just after of everyone celebrating,” Leach said. “It was just such a good game to be part of.” England will hope for something similar this week, in their bid for a 2-1 series win.

Allrounder Mitchell Marsh will bowl in the upcoming Sheffield Shield round as he prepares to help cover Cameron Green’s absence during the India Test series.Marsh’s fitness and whether he can return to bowling have grown in significance for Australia since it emerged that Green will miss the entire season due to a stress fracture of his back.Green was heading to Christchurch on Wednesday for surgery and in an Instagram post said: “Heartbroken but let’s get a new back.”Related

• Australia's selection race: who is in the running to face India?

• Green out for the season as he takes surgery option

• Cummins to prepare for Test summer in Pakistan ODIs, Marsh and Head on paternity leave

• Australia quicks' unbroken summer could be an 'outlier'

There has been uncertainty if Marsh, who turns 33 on Sunday, can physically handle the rigours of bowling. Since tearing his hamstring during the IPL, Marsh has bowled just four overs – all of which were in the fourth ODI against England at Lord’s last month.Marsh made 13 and 94 as a specialist batter for Western Australia in their drawn Shield opener last week against Queensland at the WACA. While in the field he was mostly based in the slips and and occasionally helped carry the drinks.But Marsh said he felt “really good” physically as he builds up his bowling loads against Tasmania in the Shield fixture starting on Sunday at the WACA.”I won’t bowl too much for WA, it’s all part of the building process to get ready for that first Test,” Marsh told reporters in Perth at the launch of the 2025-26 Ashes fixtures. “It’s been a slow build. I’ve been really well looked after by Cricket Australia, Ronnie [Australia coach Andrew McDonald] and Patty [Pat Cummins], with our planning and when I bowl.”I love bowling, so I’m looking forward to bowling for Western Australia this week and build from there.”Mitchell Marsh’s overs could be vital this summer•Getty Images

With Australia’s frontline pace attack unchanged last summer, and with Tests played on bowler-friendly surfaces, Marsh wasn’t greatly needed with the ball but still did produce several handy spells.There has been an expectation that the five-Test series against India will be more gruelling, magnifying the importance of Marsh being able to provide support.With Steven Smith to move back to No. 4, Australia’s selectors will likely call in an opener rather than a like-for like replacement for Green. Marsh moving to the top of the order, following in the footsteps of his father Geoff and brother Shaun, has some support, including from legendary Australia batter Greg Chappell.But Marsh dispelled the notion with his focus firmly on contributing as an allrounder and he did not put a cap on how many overs he could bowl in the Tests. “Once you’re in the field of battle, you bowl as many overs as the captain needs you to bowl,” he said.”I see the allrounder role as being really important, especially for when our bowlers need a bit of a break. I think if you look back at the last few seasons, our allrounders have bowled maybe 10 to 13 overs a game, which is not really a lot.”But those 10 to 13 overs can be really important. So for me, it’s about preparing to bowl as much as I can, as much as Patty needs me to.”Marsh said he was “shattered” for Green who is expected to be sidelined for six months.”From all reports he’s pretty good, initially there is always a shock. It all happened pretty quickly,” he said. “Certainly with stress fractures they can be quite a gradual thing, but this one came pretty quickly.”Someone like Cam with his attitude towards the game, he loves it. The thought of missing that much cricket is probably a little daunting for him, but he’s accepted it now and as an athlete you go through these things.”It’s an opportunity for him to come back better and I have no doubt that he will.”

Real Betis are launching a unique clothing range inspired by Antony's neck tattoo as the club look to fund £21.6m move from Manchester United. The Brazilian winger had already won fans over during his loan spell in Seville last season, but finances threatened to derail the deal. United stood firm on their valuation, leaving Betis to search for creative ways to bridge a £5m gap.

Antony's new clothing line inspired by Iluminado tattoo

Betis and Antony have collaborated on a fashion range inspired by the winger’s iconic neck tattoo, which reads Iluminado; “enlightened” in English. The collection will see royalties shared between the club and the player, generating non-sporting income designed to offset the transfer fee.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesBetis chief Alarcon reveals bold commercial plan

Chief executive Ramon Alarcon said: "We’ve launched a clothing line with Antony, we’re participating with him through royalties. And he’ll also have some non-sporting income from that merchandising. If he ends up being the world star he has been, we at Betis hope to recover the investment and even what it cost us the previous year. It carries a certain risk because this is locked in for five years and at a high cost, but you can potentially reap benefits. It’s the most difficult signing I’ve made as CEO because there was a lot of pressure from all the Betis fans. It was taken for granted that he was coming, everyone was asking when he was coming.”

United’s stance and Glazer green light caused Antony delay

Despite Betis’ inventive financial approach, the move nearly collapsed just two days before the deadline. Antony was involved in a dispute with Manchester United over a payment he believed was due. That issue was eventually scrapped to push the transfer over the line. Adding to the drama, the deal could not be rubber-stamped until the Glazer family signed it off from the United States on deadline day. Betis had to hold their nerve until the very last hours before finally confirming Antony’s arrival.

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Red Devils secure sell-on clause in Antony deal

While Betis celebrated their coup, United made sure they did not walk away empty-handed. The Premier League club inserted a 50 per cent sell-on clause into the deal, ensuring they will pocket half of any future transfer fee if Antony is sold again. For United, it represents a long-term safeguard after letting go of a player who cost them £82m from Ajax in 2022.

Manchester United’s ability to clinch the signatures of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo has massively improved the options at Ruben Amorim’s disposal ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

After taking the reins back in November, the Red Devils only managed to score 32 times in their 27 Premier League outings, highlighting the need for new additions within attacking areas.

The new attacking duo managed to score 35 top-flight goals combined last season, with such records leading to the pair’s big-money additions to Old Trafford.

Both deals set them back a combined £133.5m, including add-ons, which will undoubtedly place pressure on the pair to hit the ground running in their debut years in the North West.

However, if they are to succeed in their new colours, the hierarchy will have to make further additions to help provide the duo with the chances to find the back of the net.

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The midfield department has been subject to interest as of late, with numerous big-money options being considered by the recruitment team over recent days.

Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba are the two players who have been largely linked with a move to join United, but either would cost a pretty penny – given their £100m valuations.

However, another name has been thrown into the mix over recent days, with Barcelona star Fermin Lopez another option for the hierarchy, according to one Spanish outlet.

They claim the Red Devils have already made a €80m (£69m) offer to the LaLiga giants over a move for the 22-year-old, who made 46 appearances across all competitions last season.

Transfer Focus

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

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It also states that he has been impressed by the ambition of the club, potentially wanting a move to join Amorim’s side, given his lack of reassurance over a regular role under Hansi Flick in Spain.

Why United’s £69m target would be perfect for Mbeumo & Cunha

Bruno Fernandes has for so often been the main creative presence in the United side, as seen by his tally of 19 assists across all competitions in 2024/25 – the highest of any member of the first-team squad.

However, the deals for Cunha and Mbeumo would likely force the Portuguese international to drop into a deeper role and occupy one of the two central midfield positions.

Given the unfamiliar role he will have to operate, it’s key that the board provide the captain with a top-level player alongside him to help take the creative pressure off his shoulders.

Whilst Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro all remain at the club, further depth is being targeted, which could allow a move for Lopez before the September 1st transfer deadline.

The Spaniard may be a young talent, but he’s already racked up 88 senior appearances for Barcelona in the last two years – helping the club win Spain’s top-flight last campaign.

He registered nine assists across all competitions, with such figures aiding Cunha and Mbeumo, but his underlying stats further showcase the creativity he possesses.

Lopez, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, completed 5.7 progressive passes per 90, 4.7 of which were into the final third, handing the new additions the chance to thrive within attacking areas in their first season at the club.

Fermín López’s stats for Barcelona in LaLiga (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

28

Goals & assists

11

Pass accuracy

82%

Progressive passes

5.7

Passes into final third

4.7

Shots taken

3.1

Take-ons completed

1.8

Tackles won

1.4

Key passes made

2.1

Recoveries made

4.7

Stats via FBref

Further talent on the ball is reflected in his tally of 2.1 key passes made per 90, subsequently able to consistently get the ball into dangerous areas for the aforementioned duo.

However, as previously mentioned, he will need to be capable without the ball to offer that deep-lying presence, but it shouldn’t be an issue if he can replicate his figures of winning 1.4 tackles per 90 and 4.7 recoveries per 90 from last season.

Whilst £69m would be another huge sign of ambition from the hierarchy, it would be a deal that could prove to be worthwhile if the youngster can continue on his current trajectory.

If he can provide Cunha and Mbeumo with the ammunition in front of goal and regain possession for the side in the middle of the park, there’s no reason as to why he can’t become a fan-favourite in the club’s hunt for success in the near future.

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Related He's more important than Baleba: £43m star now keen to join Man Utd

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MatériaMais Notícias

Neste domingo, o Palmeiras venceu o Goiás por 5 a 0 com direito à quebra de jejum de gols de Dudu, que finalmente balançou a rede em 2023. O feito foi celebrado por todos os jogadores e pela comissão técnica que, em nome de Abel Ferreira, teve uma participação no fim dessa zica. Isso porque, em outra ocasião, possivelmente o camisa 7 seria substituído em um processo de controle de desgaste, que agora pode ser um problema.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasDudu quebra jejum pelo Palmeiras em 2023 e fala em gol ‘choradinho’ contra o GoiásPalmeiras07/05/2023PalmeirasDudu desencanta, Palmeiras goleia o Goiás fora de casa e assume a vice-liderança do BrasileirãoPalmeiras07/05/2023PalmeirasCom a janela fechada, Palmeiras deve ter ‘reforço’ do sub-20 para substituir MuriloPalmeiras07/05/2023

+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Em entrevista coletiva após a partida em Goiânia, Abel falou da “sorte” por ter mantido o atacante em campo até o apito final. Segundo o técnico, ele sabia do desejo de seu jogador e optou pela manutenção em campo. No entanto, atentou para as consequências disso daqui para frente.

– Hoje deu sorte que eu não o tirei, porque ele joga numa posição que eu chamo de acelerador de jogo. Hoje acabei por deixá-lo até o fim, porque sabia que ele queria muito fazer esse gol, mas depois isso vai ter consequências à frente. Isso é com todos, nós temos pouco tempo para recuperar e quando eu tiro os aceleradores de jogo, é pensar um pouquinho à frente. Eu sei que às vezes eles ficam chateados, porque todos querem jogar até o fim, vocês viram o Menino “agora que o jogo está bom, vai me tirar?”.

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De acordo com Abel Ferreira, esse pensamento à frente faz parte das funções do treinador, mas não deixou de comemorar o presente pelo feito de Dudu. Ainda em cima do gol, o técnico português fez questão de destacar a comemoração do grupo pela bola na rede.

– A função do treinador é ver à frente, é ver o que o torcedor não vê, é ver o que os jogadores não veem, é ver o que a diretoria não vê, por isso somos treinadores. Eu particularmente hoje deixei ele e o Artur ficarem até o fim para ver se essa zica saía. Felizmente deu certo para ele para nós. Gostei, mais do que o gol, da forma com que nós festejamos o gol.

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+ Dudu quebra jejum pelo Palmeiras em 2023 e fala em gol ‘choradinho’ contra o Goiás

Além do que aconteceu em campo, Abel Ferreira explicou todo o processo que possibilitou esse gol de Dudu. Segundo Abel, o camisa 7 tem pedido para ficar mais tempo no treino para aperfeiçoar finalizações. Por fim, o treinador descreveu a dinâmica do ataque do Verdão.

– Nós temos uma dinâmica diferente na direita e na esquerda. Na esquerda temos um estrutura mais fixa e na direita uma estrutura mais móvel. Dudu não está sempre por fora nem sempre para dentro. O Piquerez está por fora ou está por dentro, quando o Dudu está por fora, o Piquerez está por dentro. O Dudu, além de de ser um finalizador, é um assistente, tem muita assistência, não é um finalizador nato. É um jogador que em uma temporada normal tem que fazer dez a 15 gols, um jogador do nível dele tem que fazer, ele sabe, ele se cobra, ele pede para ficar mais para aprimorar o gesto técnico – disse Abel antes de completar:

+ ATUAÇÕES: Piquerez participa de três gols, e Dudu espanta seca em goleada

– Não é por falta de ocasiões que ele tem tido, é pelo futebol, que a zica às vezes não sai, eu não acho, é tudo no tempo de Deus. Eu estou aqui para ajudar os jogadores, a minha missão é essa, é ajudar, é corrigir, é educar, se for preciso, para quando chegar dentro de campo façam o máximo esforço a serviço do Palmeiras – finalizou Abel.

O Palmeiras agora é o vice-líder do Brasileirão com dez pontos em quatro rodadas. O próximo compromisso do time no campeonato é nesta quarta-feira, às 21h30, no Allianz Parque, quando recebe o Grêmio, pela quinta rodada da competição.

Tudo sobre

Abel FerreiraPalmeiras

There’s much fanfare around Liverpool’s pursuit of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, and rightly so.

Hugo Ekitike has left Eintracht Frankfurt and signed for the Premier League champions in a deal worth an initial £69m, but the hungry Reds want more, want to consolidate their imperious position at the summit of the mountain.

Isak, 25, has informed Newcastle that he wishes to pursue a move to Anfield, and with sales of stars like Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott, it might just be possible.

However, it’s not just the frontline that Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes are hoping to improve before the window slams shut.

Liverpool's summer transfer plans

Away from the front of the ship, Liverpool also plan to add some depth at the back, with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi having emerged as the top target over the past several weeks.

Transfer Focus

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

However, Tottenham Hotspur are also eager to make their own bid, and so the Anfield side appear to have lined up a potential alternative who has taken his first strides onto the senior stage.

Indeed, as per Corriere dello Sport – via Sport Witness – Liverpool have initiated contact with Serie A club Parma as they look to swipe their rising defensive star Giovanni Leoni.

Leoni, 18, exuded confidence and quality across his breakout campaign in Italy, and Inter Milan are also looking to sign him this summer.

Previous reports have suggested Leoni would be available for a fee of around €40m (£34m).

Why Liverpool want Giovanni Leoni

Liverpool made an attempt to sign Bournemouth’s Dean Hujsen in May, seeking to activate the young Spaniard’s £50m release clause.

He signed instead for Real Madrid, but Liverpool’s intent was clear.

Leoni fits a similar profile, and in this way, he could turn out to be an even more exciting talent than Guehi, who, aged 25, is one of the Premier League’s standout performers.

Though Liverpool wouldn’t be signing the same level of ability in the 6 foot 4 Leoni, he has the chance to leap ahead of the Palace captain, having been hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig as “one of the most complete teenage centre-backs in Europe.”

That roundedness is better highlighted through data-led platform FBref, who ranked Leoni among the top 17% of centre-backs across Europe last season for goals scored, the top 38% for successful take-ons and the top 17% for passes blocked per 90, highlighting that blooming technical variation.

Guehi is, of course, riding the crest of a wave as one of Europe’s most talented defenders, but Leoni would be cheaper and could be shaped by Slot’s coaching expertise over the next several years, absorbing the fruits of Virgil van Dijk and Konate’s labours (should the latter stay put).

As you can see, Guehi far outstrips his younger positional peer, but there’s a lot to like from the Italian, who has established himself as a crisp passer and a defender who is strong in the duel.

Also, Leoni made just one error across the campaign, which bespeaks his composure and coolness under pressure. A calm head is something that has proved a staple of Guehi’s skill set over the past few years.

Leoni is a work in progress, but Slot is a master at bringing up-and-coming prospects to the fore. Given the cheap price tag and the existing completeness about Leoni, he might just come to prove the bigger talent in the long run.

Isak's new Gordon: Liverpool lining up "explosive" £51m Diaz replacement

Liverpool are still ready to be active in the summer transfer market.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 25, 2025

Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique has undergone surgery after a bicycle crash, leaving him a major doubt for their Champions League opener.

• Enrique suffered broken collarbone in cycling accident
• Faces race against time for Champions League opener
• Rafel Pol steps in to lead PSG training

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to , the PSG coach has undergone successful surgery after suffering a broken collarbone in a cycling accident. The 55-year-old Spaniard, who guided the Parisians to their first-ever Champions League crown as part of a 2024-25 treble, crashed during a bike ride in Spain and was taken to hospital. The Ligue 1 giants confirmed the news and offered full support to their manager, but his recovery timeline remains uncertain. He is now considered a serious doubt for PSG’s Ligue 1 clash with Lens on Sunday and their Champions League opener against Atalanta on September 17.

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  The setback arrives at a critical moment for PSG, who are under pressure to build on last season’s historic treble. Les Parisiens have won all three matches in Ligue 1 this season and are preparing for the Champions League to get underway, but the absence of their coach on the touchline could still prove disruptive. Assistant coach Rafel Pol has already stepped in to lead training and will front the press conference ahead of the Lens clash.

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  The Asturian coach is widely regarded as one of Europe’s elite tacticians, having previously managed Barcelona and the Spanish national team. Since joining PSG in 2023, he has reshaped the squad and delivered unprecedented success with a Ligue 1 title, domestic cup victories, and their long-awaited Champions League triumph in 2025.

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  Enrique’s recovery will continue in Spain, with PSG monitoring his progress closely. While there is no official return date, the club are preparing for several games under interim leadership if necessary. Pol will remain in charge until the coach is declared fit to return, with Enrique’s presence for the Atalanta clash still highly doubtful.

Fulham are now “working on” a deal to sign a “special” forward, having already struck an agreement on personal terms, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

Khan tipped to sell amid quiet transfer window

The Cottagers have been extremely quiet in the summer transfer window, with back-up goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte the only addition they have made up to this point, and journalist Sebastien Vidal believes owner Shahid Khan may now want to sell up.

Not only have the likes of Aleksandar Mitrovic and Joao Palhinha been sold, but the west Londoners could also be in line to lose their star striker this summer, with Serie A side Atalanta now confident they will be able to get a deal for Rodrigo Muniz over the line.

As such, there is not much to shout about for Fulham fans at the moment, but it has now been revealed they are stepping up a pursuit of a new forward, who could be in line to join in a club-record deal…

According to an update from Romano on X, the Cottagers are now “working on” a deal to sign Shakhtar Donetsk winger Kevin, with an agreement being struck on personal terms, although they are yet to agree a fee with the Ukrainian club.

Fulham now open talks to sign "outstanding" £20m forward with 123 PL goals

The Cottagers are in negotiations over a deal for an attacker.

1 ByDominic Lund Aug 6, 2025

Shakhtar are insisting on €50m (£43m) for the Brazilian, which means Marco Silva’s side may need to shell out a club-record fee to get a deal over the line, with Emile Smith-Rowe currently their record signing at £27m.

Talks are set to continue in the next few days, with Fulham clearly keen to get a deal done, although negotiations could continue into next week.

"Special" Kevin could be exciting signing for Fulham

With Willian and Reiss Nelson exiting Craven Cottage this summer, Silva could do with bringing in a new winger, and the Shakhtar star could be an exciting addition to the squad.

The 22-year-old has been a reliable source of goals ever since arriving at Shakhtar, finding the back of the net 16 times in 55 outings, while also providing ten assists.

Shakhtar boss Arda Turan has been left impressed by his forward’s performances too, saying: “Kevin is a special player for our attacking decisions. I love him like a brother, not just as a football player.”

Should Muniz depart, Fulham will also need to bring in an out-and-out centre-forward, but Kevin’s displays for Shakhtar indicate he could be capable of replicating his compatriot’s attacking output.