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With Thomas Muller’s 25-year Bayern Munich journey behind him, Harry Kane and the new leadership core are stepping up to uphold the Bavarian spirit and carry forward the winning mentality the legendary forward embodied. While director Christoph Freund admits Muller's personality is irreplaceable, Kane says the squad already have a “sense of togetherness” despite the loss of their "vocal" leader.

The void left by Thomas Muller

Muller’s departure at the end of the 2024–25 season marked the end of an era for Bayern as the veteran forward opted to join Vancouver Whitecaps after his contract expired. A talismanic presence at the club, his leadership as vice-captain and intimate connection with the fans made him irreplaceable. While Bayern remain a powerhouse, they squad now faces the challenge of filling the void left by a player whose presence extended far beyond goals and assists.

With Muller gone, though, a new hierarchy is taking shape within the dressing room, reports. In addition to captain Manuel Neuer, and his vice-captain Joshua Kimmich, 32-year-old Kane and summer signing Jonathan Tah have taken on more responsibility within the team, as have established stars Leon Goretzka and Serge Gnabry. 

AdvertisementAFPKane believes new leadership brings different dynamism

With Muller gone, the responsibility to lead has shifted across the squad Kane explained: "It's a mix of other players. Thomas was always a loud leader, but that doesn't mean we don't still have others like Josh, Manu, myself, or even Serge and a few others. When a player like him leaves, a leader like him, it puts pressure on other players to step up and be a little louder in certain situations than in the past.

"That's why I think it's a bit more spread out across the team now. But as you can see, we have a strong environment right now. The current team has a very good sense of togetherness. And that's how we started the season!"

Bayern sporting director Freund admits that no one can replace Muller but claims the team has divided their work and responsibilities making the leadership less stressful and more effective.

"Thomas Müller is a legend! I don't think replacing him one-to-one is possible. He was there for so long and had such a personality that you can't replace. But the team lives very, very well within itself, and things are simply divided up. It's great in the dressing room.

"There are a few young players, Alex Pavlovic, Tom Bischof. Besides Manu, Jo Kimmich, who have been here longer. Michael Olise feels extremely comfortable in the group. It's just a good mix at the moment."

The heart of Bayern: Muller’s influence beyond the pitch

Muller’s influence stretched far beyond his 13 Bundesliga titles, two Champions League trophies, and countless other accolades. A native Bavarian, he personified the club's ethos – resilient, authentic, and deeply connected to his home culture. His loyalty, humour, and leadership made him part of a much larger community, from the youth ranks to the senior squad, fans, and the city itself. 

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Getty Images SportKane and the team carry Bayern forward

With Muller gone, Kane has stepped up, scoring 13 goals in seven Bundesliga games – including two hat-tricks – and becoming the fastest player to reach 50 league goals. His clinical form has powered Bayern to a record 18 goals and 12 points from four matches, while the new leadership core, including Kimmich, Neuer and key young players, ensures team unity and the winning mentality Muller once embodied.

Alongside the avalanche of major honours, Chelsea fans have been able to watch some genuinely incredible superstars play for their club over the last two decades.

The likes of Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, John Terry and Eden Hazard are some of the best players to have ever graced the Premier League, and are unquestionably legends of the game.

Another, perhaps somewhat underrated, superstar who consistently dazzled the Stamford Bridge faithful during his time in West London was Cesc Fàbregas.

The former Arsenal gem was a key member of the Blues side that won two league titles in the mid-2010s and beat the Gunners in the 2019 Europa League final.

Therefore, fans should be excited about reports linking them to another midfield gem who could be their new Fabregas.

Chelsea target their new Fabregas

As they are every year, Chelsea have been busy in the market this summer, as on top of selling a host of players they don’t really need, the club have made several exciting additions to Enzo Maresca’s squad.

Transfer Focus

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

For example, while they didn’t look great on Sunday, the likes of Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens should make the side far more dangerous this season, and it feels like a matter of when, not if, Alejandro Garnacho joins them.

Yet, even with the Argentine set to join, the West Londoners look set to make more signings before the window slams shut and are eyeing a midfield talent who could be their new Fabregas.

At least that is according to a recent report from Spain, which has claimed that Chelsea are very interested in Marc Casado.

In fact, the report goes further than that, revealing that the Blues have now made an offer for the Barcelona gem, which could be worth up to €50m, which is about £43m.

Interestingly, the story claims that Hansi Flick does not want the 21-year-old to be sold, but that the Catalans need to raise funds, which is why they have not outright rejected the offer yet.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Casado’s ability and immense potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could be Chelsea’s new Fabregas.

How Casado compares to Fabregas

It should go without saying that, at just 21 years old, Casado is not at the level Cesc was when he first joined Chelsea, but with time, he could certainly get there.

After all, there are several key similarities between the players and their moves.

For example, it would be another instance of the Blues going all out to sign an exciting Spanish midfielder from Barcelona.

Additionally, while the “spectacular” prospect, as dubbed by Sergio Busquets, does play that little bit deeper than Cesc did during his time at the Bridge, he is still a creative force from the middle of the park.

In 36 appearances for the Catalan outfit last season, he scored one goal and provided six assists, which comes out to a reasonably impressive average of a goal involvement every 5.14 games.

His underlying numbers are even more impressive and point to a player who could be a metronomic midfielder for the West Londoners.

According to FBref, he sits in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for tackles in the middle third, the top 6% for completed passes and touches, the top 7% for passes into the final third, the top 9% for goal-creating actions from live passes and more, all per 90.

Tackles (Mid 3rd)

2.01

Top 1%

Touches (Mid 3rd)

58.41

Top 2%

Passes Completed

68.11

Top 6%

Live-ball Passes

73.50

Top 6%

Touches

85.36

Top 6%

Pass Completion %

90.0%

Top 7%

Passes into Final Third

7.23

Top 7%

Total Passing Distance

1049.21

Top 8%

Tackles Won

1.88

Top 8%

Assists

0.21

Top 9%

GCA (Live-ball Pass)

0.38

Top 9%

Tackles

3.05

Top 10%

Carries

46.04

Top 11%

In other words, the midfield “genius,” as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, can take the ball from deep and either control the pace of the game or kickstart an attack, just like the World Cup winner used to.

Finally, despite still being so young, the twice-capped international shows he isn’t one to be overawed by the big occasion, nor was he flustered by the task of helping Barcelona win a league title last season, which is just the sort of player Maresca would want in his side.

Ultimately, it might not be a cheap transfer to get over the line, but Casado looks like the real deal and could be Chelsea’s new Fabregas.

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The dangerous international would be a far better signing than Garnacho for Chelsea.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 21, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

O São Paulo conseguiu diante do Tolima na última terça-feira (2) o seu sexto empate na temporada até aqui. O curioso é que foram cinco por 0 a 0, como o anotado na Colômbia.

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Com isso, o Tricolor igualou uma marca que não acontecia há 33 anos.

Segundo informações do historiador Alexandre Giesbrecht, do ‘Anotações Tricolores‘, o São Paulo não tinha uma sequência tão grande de empates sem gols em tão pouco tempo desde 1990.

A única outra vez que isso também ocorreu na história são-paulina até então foi em 1975.

O recorde tricolor de jogos empatados sem gols em um só ano é de 16, estabelecido em 1973.

+ Confira os jogos e classificação resultados da Brasileirão-23 na tabela do LANCE!

Liverpool were at the foot of an unscalable mountain when Jurgen Klopp up and left at the end of the 2023/24 season, but Arne Slot has since proved himself a more than worthy successor.

He won the Premier League in his first term at the helm, after all. And the Dutchman did it, having been rewarded with minimal spending in the transfer market, Federico Chiesa the only first-team addition, and starting just once in the top flight all year.

Now, though, Liverpool have built themselves up and are financially able to spend freely this summer, with the evidence lying with the acquisitions of recent months, including the British-record £116m signing of Florian Wirtz.

A move for Alexander Isak remains on the cards.

However, with Luis Diaz on the verge of finalising his move to Bayern Munich, a new left winger may be needed too.

Why Liverpool are selling Luis Diaz

Diaz has been one of the Premier League’s standout wingers over the past few years. His return of 25 goal contributions last year was a haul bettered only by that man, Mohamed Salah, as Liverpool steamrolled their way to the league title.

But the 28-year-old has also entered the penultimate year of his contract, and the relevant parties have been unable to find common ground when discussing the possibility of an extension.

The Colombian had also made it clear to the powers that be that he wanted to leave this summer. Such demands undoubtedly centred around financial desires, and justified ones at that, but the fact remains that Slot would not want an unhappy leading squad member to remain in the ranks.

Diaz is on the cusp of his big move, and though the thought of Real Madrid’s Rodrygo is exciting, the Brazilian having been routinely linked with the Reds of late, the finances involved would be too much, especially with a deal for Isak in the works.

Instead, FSG might be convinced to head down a shrewder track.

Liverpool enter race for Rodrygo alternative

As per Spanish reports, Liverpool have entered the race for RB Leipzig’s Antonio Nusa, though the report claims that Rodrygo very much remains on FSG’s shortlist.

Nusa, 20, is early into his professional career but has earned acclaim for his performances, with previous reports this summer detailing Newcastle United’s interest, claiming he would be available for a €45m (£38m) fee.

Given how much cheaper this would be than signing Rodrygo, who is believed to have been priced at an initial £78m by Los Blancos, this might be a rumour FSG want to chase.

Why Liverpool should sign Antonio Nusa

Cody Gakpo will reprise his role as Liverpool’s chief left-sided forward next year, having matched Diaz’s 25 goal involvements last year. Pundit Peter Crouch remarked that he’d “gone up a level” since Slot arrived.

The Netherlands international’s abiding place in Slot’s plans means that Nusa will be able to jump right into the thick of things without being overburdened by responsibility.

Last season, Nusa scored five goals and provided seven assists across 36 matches for Leipzig, only starting 23 of those fixtures across all competitions.

The Norway international joined Leipzig from Club Brugge in Belgium after previously holding talks with both Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, with Nusa’s 23/24 campaign underscoring his potential as a “future icon”, as he was described by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Left winger

53

9

9

Right winger

23

1

2

Centre-forward

7

0

0

Attacking midfield

6

1

1

Though his fleet athleticism lends itself to success across a range of positions, it’s clear through the data so far that Nusa’s most productive role comes off the left flank.

Nusa isn’t just a balanced striker in the final third, but an athletic phenomenon with a vicious blend of speed and balance when dribbling. In this way, he has the blueprint to make Liverpool forget all about Rodrygo, with Slot instead fashioning a new elite winger.

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has even waxed lyrical about his compatriot’s qualities, saying this: “He’s exceptional. We need to be careful not to put too much pressure on him, even though he’s incredibly talented. His continued development is what matters most.”

Moreover, he’s a hard-working defensive player, giving back to his manager’s faith by fighting for success across the different phases of play. In the Bundesliga last year, Nusa averaged 1.2 tackles and won 4.1 duels per game, as per Sofascore.

FBref underline these points. The data-driven site have revealed he ranked among the top 14% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe last season for successful take-ons and the top 19% for tackles per 90.

After becoming the second-youngest goalscorer in Champions League history two years ago, you might even say he has the potential to emulate someone like Rodrygo and become a superstar on Europe’s elite stage. He’s a ‘future icon’, is he not?

Sure, Rodrygo hit 14 goals and 11 assists across all competitions last year, highlighting the fact that Nusa is not at his level yet. But the Norwegian remains a special talent with the ingredients for something spectacular.

Rodrygo is one of the world’s standout wide forwards, of that there is no doubt. But he left plenty to be desired last season, only scoring six league goals.

He’s an immense figure on the major stage, and playing at Liverpool would give him a new lease of life.

But for double the price that Nusa would cost? It doesn’t make sense, for the 20-year-old is destined for the top.

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Maharaj, Rabada’s heavy workloads could not force a result in a Test where 142 overs were lost across five days

Firdose Moonda11-Aug-2024

South Africa ran out of time, ideas and most importantly bowlers, as they fell five wickets short of winning the first Test against West Indies in Trinidad. The hosts weren’t too far from challenging for a win themselves: West Indies were 97 short of their target when the curtains came down.With 142 overs lost to rain over the five days, South Africa made a fist of the final day when they batted quickly, declared early and gave themselves a little over two sessions to bowl West Indies out. But, Alick Athanaze, playing in his eighth Test match, scored a career-best 92 and shared in half-century stands with Kavem Hodge and Jason Holder to deny South Africa and save the match. This was the first drawn Test worldwide in 28 matches, since July last year.Related

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Weather aside, questions will be asked of South Africa’s selection after they chose an extra batter at the expense of a fifth frontline-bowling option and were forced to rely heavily on two players. Keshav Maharaj bowled 66.2 overs and Kagiso Rabada 30 out of the 148.1 West Indies faced across both innings, while Lungi Ngidi and Wiaan Mulder contributed 30.5. In the absence of a second specialist spinner, Aiden Markram delivered 21 overs.There may also be some scrutiny on the Queen’s Park Oval pitch. It lacked pace and bounce and did not facilitate a free-flow of runs, ostensibly because the square has already been used extensively for club cricket this season. Whatever the reason, it made for an attritional style of play, emphasised by the amount of time lost, and both teams did well to turn most of the final day into a cat-and-mouse battle with all four results possible.Maharaj and Rabada bowled 96.2 overs between themselves in the Test•AFP/Getty Images

South Africa came out with clear intent on the fifth morning: to get runs and get them quickly. Tony de Zorzi and Markram scored 48 in the first 10.2 overs and the 13 they took off Jayden Seales’ third over best illustrated their approach. De Zorzi appeared to defend the first ball but somehow timed it well enough to get through mid-off and almost to the boundary and the pair ran three. Then Markram smashed a short ball through midwicket and drove a full one over mid-on for two fours. Timing, power and finesse all went into their 78-run opening stand.When Jomel Warrican was introduced in the 16th over, de Zorzi tried to be innovative and paddle him away fine but gloved a leg-stump delivery to Joshua Da Silva, ending his 60-ball stay. He fell five runs short of scoring successive half-centuries in this Test and has put a peg in the ground as an enterprising opening option.Tristan Stubbs was in at No.3 and edged the fourth ball he faced past the only slip to frustrate Holder, but Stubbs calmed his nerves with a sweep off Warrican in the next over. The sweep shot was profitable for him and Warrican was a clear target. Markram hit Warrican for six over long-on once but when he tried it a second time, he did not get enough behind the shot and was caught on the boundary by Holder.Tristan Stubbs celebrates his maiden Test fifty•Gallo Images/Getty Images

Temba Bavuma stayed in his No. 4 spot and provided a foil to Stubbs, who was given a licence to thrill. He reverse swept and advanced on Warrican to hit him over the leg side and scored 36 runs off the 25 balls he faced from him. In the process, he reached his first Test fifty, off 42 balls – the second-fastest maiden half-century by a South African after Dudley Nourse’s 40-ball fifty on debut. Stubbs also took on the senior seamer, Kemar Roach, and scored 13 runs off three balls from him before Roach took out his leg stump, and South Africa declared half an hour before lunch.They gave their bowlers 20 minutes in the first session but only had 15 before the rain came down. Maharaj opened the bowling and, with his third ball, had the usually sedate Kraigg Braithwaite attempting a big shot from a full ball and caught at sweeper cover. Stubbs judged his run from the boundary well to hold on to the catch.At the other end, Rabada tested Keacy Carty by beating his outside edge, almost having him played on, and thought he had him caught behind but didn’t. He then reviewed an lbw appeal that hit Carty’s front pad in line with off-stump. Ball-tracking showed it was clipping the top on umpire’s call and Carty survived but then rain arrived.Rain affected play in all five days of the Test•AFP/Getty Images

An hour was lost and when play resumed, Rabada returned with a plan. He set up Mikyle Louis with a series of full deliveries including a fabulous yorker that was well kept out and then bowled a short one. Louis got a top edge to midwicket where he found Stubbs, who held on to a second good catch.With Carty and Athanaze at the crease, South Africa would have hoped to exploit their inexperience but the young pair survived and then thrived. Athanaze became comfortable sweeping and Carty took 12 runs off Ngidi’s second over. The third-wicket stand grew to 46 before Carty hit Maharaj towards cover where Mulder dived forward to take a low catch.South Africa could not prise West Indies open in the second session and put down two chances. Hodge offered Markram a return catch when on 9 and survived again on the last ball before tea when, on 24, he gloved a Maharaj delivery in Bavuma’s direction at second slip. Bavuma went to his right but the ball evaded him. Hodge’s dance with danger ended in the first over after tea when Maharaj found turn and bounce and Hodge got the faintest of edges to Kyle Verreynne.But Athanaze was not easily moved and was excellent against the short ball. He scored quickly, reached 50 off 58 balls and took on South Africa’s main bowlers. He scored 18 runs off 19 balls he faced from Rabada and 47 off 62 from Maharaj and had three figures in his sights until he top-edged a sweep from Maharaj to Ryan Rickelton at deep-backward square leg. By then, West Indies were on safe ground and it was too late for South Africa to push for a result. The captains shook hands on a draw in fading light with 6.4 overs of play remaining.

Manchester United are working hard to get it right in the transfer market this summer, having approached a critical juncture in INEOS’ ownership.

Things didn’t go to plan last season, with Erik ten Hag dismissed by October and his successor, Ruben Amorim, struggling to get a tune out of the suffering Red Devils, who ultimately finished 15th in the Premier League.

But with Matheus Cunha already signed from Wolverhampton Wanderers, his £62.5m release clause activated, there are signs that Old Trafford will rise again.

Man Utd open talks for new striker

Cunha is a brilliant forward, but he’s not a centre-forward. The Red Devils need a partner to field as the number nine, and contacts have been made for such a striker.

Transfer Focus

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

Manchester United are looking to replace Rasmus Hojlund this summer and have set their sights on Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani, as per Tutto Juve, who has resurrected his career on loan at Juventus.

The 26-year-old Les Bleus star was on United’s radar – along with Tottenham Hotspur – in January after falling by the wayside in the French capital, though ultimately settled on a short-term stint in Turin.

Now, the above Italian report claims INEOS have made first contact with PSG for the versatile striker, although the same can be said for Newcastle United. Juventus, moreover, hope to purchase him permanently too.

What Kolo Muani would bring to Man Utd

Amorim is carefully piecing together a strikeforce capable of challenging for honours, capable of going punch for punch with the biggest hitters in the Premier League.

Kolo Muani on his A-game would certainly help in that regard. Leaving Eintracht Frankfurt to sign for PSG for around £76m in September 2023, the France international’s stock has since decreased, but he’s demonstrated with Juve his lingering quality, scoring ten goals and assisting three more across 21 matches in total.

With Cunha bringing his wide-ranging attacking skills to the table, Kolo Muani could find himself born again, thriving as the forward of a Premier League team chasing a return to European competition.

Sometimes, a change of scenery can help reignite the fire that has flickered out for a player. PSG proved to be the wrong career choice for the Frenchman, but a Man United project that he can lead that is showing signs of progress (on the transfer front, at least) is something he should consider pursuing.

United might find that Frankfurt’s €100m (£85m) valuation for Hugo Ekitike is a tad on the costly side, but they could snap up another of Die Adler’s star forwards in Kolo Muani, with that £76m price tag creeping down to a reported £50m if PSG sell this summer.

Once labelled a “superstar” by German legend Lothar Matthaus, Kolo Muani is a dynamic and incisive striker who has found his footing once again in Italy, ranked among the top 8% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues last year for touches in the attacking penalty area and the top 6% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

Furthermore, to have finished the campaign with a scoring rate of 0.50 is pretty impressive, given his woes across the first half of the year. In fact, as per Sofascore, his eight-goal haul in the Italian top flight also saw just four big chances missed, which makes an interesting comment on his prolific instincts.

Working with Cunha, Amorim could create a truly devastating strikeforce (and that’s without even discussing the potential addition of Bryan Mbeumo), with the Brazilian forward having averaged 1.8 key passes per Premier League match last season, creating 13 big chances. He was instrumental in staving off relegation for the Old Gold.

Of course, Kolo Muani is not just restricted to sharpshooting. His silky and furnished attacking style lends itself to creative support, and Cunha would delight in this, having demonstrated an incredible scoring ability for Wolves.

This is exactly the kind of electric signing United need to make to bring them back to a respectable position. That famous Theatre of Dreams pull will need to come into play once again.

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1

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Arsenal have many targets on their radar for the coming months, in keeping with Andrea Berta’s transfer philosophy, with the sporting director known to spin many plates at any given time in pursuit of signings.

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The Italian has already held “numerous” talks with certain players’ representatives, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg recently, and they’ve been “very active” behind-the-scenes.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Berta is still currently working on simultaneous deals for Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko (Miguel Delaney), which comes as his most high-profile work right now by far, with Arsenal supporters extremely keen for their club to finally sign a proven goalscorer.

Unfortunately, the potential departure of veteran star midfielder Thomas Partey is now increasingly more likely with new contract talks at a stalemate, so Mikel Arteta might find himself requiring another man for the engine room after Martin Zubimendi, who’s put the finishing touches on a move to Arsenal (Fabrizio Romano).

Arsenal are actively discussing alternatives to Partey behind-the-scenes, but it is a tricky situation, as the north Londoners may not have a big enough transfer kitty to bring in another premium midfielder with Zubimendi (The Athletic).

Nevertheless, internal conversations are happening about a replacement for Partey, with Sevilla’s Lucien Agoume high on Arsenal’s list of targets in that regard.

Arsenal tipped to make "shock" move for Brentford captain Christian Norgaard

Now, as per “very well-connected” former Premier League chief scout Mick Brown, Brentford captain Christian Norgaard is an option for Arteta’s side as well.

The Dane has been a mainstay for Brentford, and pivotal for ex-Bees boss Thomas Frank. Norgaard started 34 top-flight games last season, chipping in with five goals and four assists in the league over that time, with the 31-year-old boasting proven top-level experience.

Brown, speaking to Football Insider, claims that Arsenal are considering a “shock” move for Norgaard amid reports that Partey could call time on his Emirates Stadium career.

“Norgaard is a better player than a lot of people give him credit for,” he said.

“So interest from clubs like Arsenal might come as a shock, but he would be a good option for them. He’s a very consistent performer who goes under the radar a lot of the time, and that’s what these clubs are looking for, a solid, consistent player.

“Arsenal have been keeping an eye on him because they want to strengthen their midfield options.

“They have to decide where he would fit in their team and what his role would be. But he’s certainly a player they feel would strengthen their squad because he’s a good player, he’s a leader and he’s got plenty of experience.

“It looks like a lot of players could be leaving Brentford because the manager is gone. That will be a blow to them, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see people like Norgaard tempted to move on.”

Chelsea booked their place in the Europa Conference League final last night with a routine 1-0 victory over Swedish outfit Djurgarden at Stamford Bridge.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s first-half strike was enough to secure a 5-1 aggregate win, with Enzo Maresca’s side facing Real Betis in the final at the end of the month.

The Blues have reached their eighth major European final, looking to add to their two Champions League and two Europa League triumphs in previous years.

Given their form in the competition, it would be a surprise to no one that Maresca’s men are the favourites to go all the way – topping off a superb first year in the role for the Italian.

Numerous players impressed during the second leg victory, potentially handing the manager a selection headache ahead of the remaining Premier League fixtures.

Chelsea’s star performers against Djurgarden

Alongside scoring the goal that clinched another win, midfielder Dewsbury-Hall enjoyed an evening to remember, producing numerous impressive figures throughout.

The 26-year-old created three chances – the most of any player in the match – whilst also completing 100% of the dribbles he attempted, showcasing the threat he carried in attacking areas.

He wasn’t the only star to impress at the Bridge last night, with 16-year-old academy graduate Reggie Walsh getting the opportunity to start from the off after his cameo last week.

The teenager impressed with the opportunity, completing 91% of the passes he attempted, whilst winning four fouls and posing a serious threat to the opposition despite his tender age.

However, despite the showings by the aforementioned duo, one other Blues star managed to impress, with the boss simply unable to drop him from the side after such a positive showing.

The Chelsea star who now looks undroppable after Djurgarden

The Europa Conference League run has been extremely beneficial for Maresca over the last few months, handing the manager the opportunity to fully evaluate the players at his disposal.

Many players, like Walsh, have taken the chance handed to them with both hands, but the same can’t be said for others, with departures likely over the summer window.

That being said, investment is also to be expected in West London as the club looks to push towards the summit of the Premier League during the 2025/26 campaign.

However, such events shouldn’t affect youngster Josh Acheampong, who’s managed to go from strength to strength after originally being frozen out during the early stages of the Maresca reign.

The 19-year-old featured for the entirety of the clash once again last night, thriving in the side as the Blues booked their place in the final of yet another final.

He registered a staggering 122 touches on the ball, completing 85 passes at a completion rate of 91% – not looking out of place in the first-team ranks despite his youthful years.

Acheampong also managed to make 10 passes into the final third and won two tackles, having a huge impact at both ends of the pitch during the triumph – leading to journalist Nizaar Kinsella labelling him as “Chelsea’s best player”.

To top off his magnificent showing, the teenager was handed a 7/10 match rating by The Express’ Dom Smith, highlighting how impressive he was during the meeting at the Bridge.

After such a display, Maresca can’t drop the academy gem, handing him a selection headache ahead of the weekend’s huge clash with Newcastle United.

The Blues need an excellent end to the campaign if they are to secure Champions League football for next season, with Acheampong deserving of the opportunity to help the club in their quest.

He's better than Gittens: Chelsea in talks to sign "world-class" £64m star

Chelsea are making moves over a deal to land new attacking stars ahead of the summer transfer window.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 8, 2025

Arne Slot has done a sensational job in charge at Liverpool during his first campaign at the helm, producing a seamless transition after taking over from Jürgen Klopp last summer.

Their latest win over Tottenham Hotspur secured their second Premier League title with four games to spare, highlighting the impressive work conducted by the Dutchman.

The success endured has been made even more impressive given the fact that only one addition was made last summer in the form of Federico Chiesa, who’s only featured for 33 league minutes in 2024/25.

However, if they are to build on their achievements in Slot’s second season, additions are needed to bolster the squad and inject further quality in key areas of the pitch.

With the title secured, undoubtedly attention will now shift onto the transfer window, with numerous names already thrown into the mix over a switch to Anfield.

An update on Liverpool’s hunt for new attackers

In recent days, it’s emerged that Liverpool are one of a number of Premier League clubs in the race for Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman during the summer window.

The Nigerian, who has scored 18 goals this campaign, also has admirers from Chelsea and Manchester United, with the Serie A side demanding a £50m fee for his signature.

However, despite the interest in his services, the Reds have also made a move for Monaco’s 20-year-old forward Eliesse Ben Seghir, making an approach for him, according to French outlet L’Equipe.

The report also states that Slot’s side have been keeping a close eye on his progress in Ligue 1, with Manchester City also in the race to land the Moroccan international.

It also goes on to state that he’s frustrated at his current outfit, potentially being open to a move to England should the side give the attacker first-team assurances.

Why Liverpool’s target would be an upgrade on Luis Diaz

After joining in January 2022, many expectations were placed on winger Luis Diaz to succeed, especially after Sadio Mané departed Merseyside just a few months after his arrival.

Whilst he’s managed to net 40 goals in his 145 appearances to date, frustrations have been growing around the Colombian in recent months, leading to rumours around his future at the club.

Barcelona have recently been credited with an interest in signing the 28-year-old, whose current contract is set to expire in the summer of 2027 – but could yet extend his stay on Merseyside.

Such a situation could lead to a move for Ben Seghir in the months ahead, offering Slot an upgrade on the former Porto ace, adding a new dimension to his already impressive front line.

The Moroccan, who’s been labelled a future “£100m” star by The Athletic’s Euro Expert, may have registered fewer goals and assists, but has managed more progressive carries and carries into the final third per 90 – highlighting the threat he poses in attacking areas.

How Ben Seghir compares to Diaz in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Ben Seghir

Diaz

Games played

30

33

Goals & assists

9

17

Progressive passes

6.5

4.1

Progressive carries

4.5

4.1

Carries into final third

4.5

2.1

Take-ons attempted

4.9

4.4

Fouls won

2.9

1.2

Aerials won

37%

26%

Stats via FBref

Ben Seghir has also managed to achieve a higher tally of take-ons, whilst also winning more of the aerial duels he’s entered, offering Slot an excellent all-round option within the final third.

His talents don’t stop there, winning more fouls per 90, along with more progressive passes completed, demonstrating his relentless athleticism, which has seen countless defenders struggle to contain him.

At just 20, he has the current ability and potential to transform into an elite-level talent, having all the tools to back up the Euro Expert’s predictions around his future at the top level of the professional game.

Whilst it’s unclear what the situation is with Diaz heading into the summer, a move for the Monaco gem would allow the club to cash in should no contract be agreed – also landing a star who could improve tenfold and secure his place in the side for many years to come.

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair Apr 30, 2025

Everton are nine games unbeaten in the Premier League. Nine. David Moyes lost his opener against Aston Villa after replacing the beleaguered Sean Dyche, but the progress has been otherwise breathtaking.

This Toffees team is a far cry from the previous version, refashioned only a few months ago with just Charly Alcaraz welcomed from the transfer gates in January.

If the 15th-placed club are to compete at a higher level over the coming years, it’s important that the market is well utilised. What Everton need is a superstar signing, comparatively speaking.

Well, The Friedkin Group certainly have a shock move lined up. You need only look over to Anfield Road to find this player’s signature.

Everton lining up move for Liverpool star

According to recent reports, via The Mirror, Everton are weighing up a move for Liverpool talent Ben Doak in what would be a shocking transfer. Doak has excelled on loan at Middlesbrough this season and Moyes is thoroughly impressed.

The Toffees are preparing to test the waters with a £25m offer, which falls into a similar ballpark as bids from Bournemouth and Crystal Palace back in January, both rebuffed by the Reds.

Dealings between the Merseyside rivals have been sparse in modern times. In fact, Abel Xavier is the last player to transfer directly between the two teams, joining Liverpool from Everton in 2002.

Everton could land their next Wayne Rooney

Let’s be honest, this would be as difficult a deal to orchestrate as any. However, saying that, Liverpool have been open to selling Doak in recent months and their ostensible interest in Jarrad Branthwaite suggests negotiations could be somewhat amenable.

And Doak would be worth the effort. Only 19, the Scotland winger has dazzled through the maiden years of his career, so brisk and powerful and purposeful down the right flank.

On that note, with Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom’s loans at Goodison Park wrapping up this summer, the urgency for a fresh right flanker is doubly important.

Across 24 Championship appearances this term (21 starts), he’s scored three goals and assisted seven more, leading former Scotland manager Craig Levein to say: “This kid could be a world-class player.”

Few teenagers carry themselves with such swagger and potency, but Doak’s certainly one of them. Moyes knows a thing or two about developing exciting prospects – he handed Wayne Rooney his professional debut, after all.

Rooney: scorer of great goals, leader of men. He’s one of the greatest footballers to do it in the Premier League, behind only Alan Shearer and Harry Kane in the division’s all-time scoring charts (with 208 goals).

Any youngster compared to the retired Three Lions captain is worth their salt, and Doak has indeed been claimed to have a stylistic semblance to Rooney, with his agent, Jackie McNamara, actually labelling him “a Scottish Wayne Rooney.”

His electric pace, his strong-limbed bursts into the danger area, do carry a hint of the former Premier League star, with Doak’s metrics from the 2024/25 campaign highlighting his barrelling style.

Championship Stats 24/25 – Ben Doak

Stats

Per 90

Percentile

Goals scored

0.15

Top 69%

Assists

0.35

Top 9%

Shot-creating actions

4.15

Top 30%

Pass completion

79.1%

Top 21%

Progressive passes

2.83

Top 65%

Progressive carries

6.78

Top 1%

Successful take-ons

1.77

Top 24%

All stats via FBref

Everton need such a player, and Moyes has shown in the past that he has the tactical nous to bring the best out of such a youngster’s talent.

Now, it boils down to Liverpool and Everton’s ability to negotiate. It won’t be easy, but this could be quite the deal if pulled off.

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair Mar 31, 2025