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Sunderland’s season might well have hit a bump in the road at Old Trafford on Saturday, but the Premier League newcomers won’t feel completely derailed by the 2-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester United.

After all, the Black Cats are still sitting in an encouraging ninth position in the early standings, with an expectation that they can bounce back immediately from the defeat at the Theatre of Dreams when Vitor Pereira’s winless Wolverhampton Wanderers next come to Wearside.

Regis Le Bris should very much be commended for this top start to the season, as well, with the Frenchman actually up for the honour of September’s Manager of the Month accolade.

He is joined by Granit Xhaka and Robin Roefs in being recognised for their efforts over the last month with the Mackems pair up for Player of the Month.

In an alternate reality, the current make-up of the Black Cats team could look disjointed and messy after a hectic off-season that saw signings aplenty join the building, but also saw Jobe Bellingham disappointingly up and leave for the glamour of Borussia Dortmund.

Fortunately, even without him, they’ve been right as rain in 2025/26 to date.

How Jobe Bellingham is faring at Dortmund

Amazingly, despite garnering much hype at the Stadium of Light, the ex-Sunderland boy wonder never pulled on the famous red and white stripes of the Black Cats in the Premier League.

Instead, the 20-year-old’s final chapter on Wearside fell in the Championship as Le Bris and Co. sealed promotion, with journalist Josh Bunting even hailing the England U21 international as “sensational” when strutting his stuff at the promotion chasers.

While he did begin his footballing education at Birmingham City, it’s fair to say Bellingham very much honed his craft at Sunderland, with the standout number seven managing to mature at a rapid pace, after being handed the first-team reins initially by Tony Mowbray.

A bumper tally of 11 goals and four assists from 90 Sunderland clashes would eventually alert the Bundesliga giants of Dortmund to his services, with the Black and Yellow forking out a substantial £27.8m to land the exciting midfielder.

It hasn’t all gone to plan for Bellingham on German soil so far, though, with just two Bundesliga starts coming his way this season.

In fact, his spell in Germany has been a little controversial thus far with his father, Mark, reportedly unhappy with his son’s playing time, directing anger at manager Niko Kovac.

However, it still goes without saying that the 20-year-old was a stunning success story on Sunderland’s end, with the youngster once just a wide-eyed teenager but now a Champions League figure for Kovac’s side.

So, where could the next Bellingham come from?

Sunderland's biggest talent since Bellingham

Just one glance at those who have previously donned the number ten shirt at Sunderland gives you a quick indication as to why it’s a cherished number.

Kevin Phillips wore that exact number when he bagged 30 goals for the Black Cats during one single top-flight season, while Jordan Henderson also briefly pulled it on, too, before the might of Liverpool came knocking.

While it is, of course, early days into his Sunderland development, Timur Tuterov might well be in line to also pull on that much-talked-about number very soon.

It’s a bold call, indeed, but the Ukrainian is displaying a Phillips-like potency for the U21s this season, as one of his efforts – which saw Tuterov score a fine solo effort – seeing him nominated for Sunderland’s goal of the month competition for September.

Indeed, from just four Premier League 2 contests so far this campaign, the Ukraine U21 international has managed to bag a blistering five strikes in just four games, with back-to-back braces falling into his lap against West Ham and Burnley.

It’s rather evident to see why academy manager Robin Nicholls once described him as “an exciting prospect.”

LW

12

5 + 2

CF

5

1 + 1

RW

3

1 + 0

LM

2

1 + 0

AM

1

2 + 0

RM

1

0

Should he continue scoring goals at that rate of knots, then Tuterov could also be the biggest talent Sunderland has managed to produce since turning Bellingham into a Dortmund superstar, with the 20-year-old also an adaptable presence, much like the Englishman.

With Le Bris also well-known for getting plenty out of youngsters at his disposal, with Chris Rigg turned into a first-team starter last season, it does feel as if Tuterov could be the next shouted-about name ready to leave an impression on the senior ranks.

Patience will have to be exercised here, but Sunderland’s glittering track record does seem to suggest that Tuterov could be the next gem ready to pull on the number 10 jersey, living up to Bellingham’s insane hype in the process.

Forget Isidor: "Awesome" Sunderland man could be a £30m star in the making

New signing impresses at Sunderland, ensuring he could be the next big-money departure from the Stadium of Light…

ByWill Miller Oct 3, 2025

West Ham chairman David Sullivan and the Hammers board have come under fire from supporters for a long time — even more so after their downward trajectory since 2023.

West Ham braced for fan protests as tension with ownership escalates

As per The Telegraph, West Ham supporters are poised to stage protests against the ownership at every Saturday home game this campaign — sending a clear message of discontent towards the hierarchy.

Their controversial move to the London Stadium, which forced loyal supporters to wave goodbye to the beloved Boleyn Ground in 2016, was promised to bring a change of direction — with supporters told they would get a “world-class stadium for a world-class team” (The Telegraph).

However, after what was an unforgettable closing ceremony at the Boleyn, made better by a 3-2 win over Man United that night, West Ham have done little to make good on their pledge to kick on.

David Moyes guided the club to three consecutive seasons in Europe during his second spell in charge, including a journey to the Europa League semi-finals in 2022, and West Ham topped off their exploits abroad by winning the Conference League.

Their glorious night in Prague ended the Irons’ 43-year-wait for silverware, with West Ham also lifting their first European trophy since 1965.

However, apart from a brief adventure under Moyes, their move to the London Stadium has failed to deliver what was promised by the board — and West Ham have only got worse since their Conference League victory.

A succession of managers in Julen Lopetegui and Graham Potter were shown their marching orders after failing to build upon Moyes’ era, with Nuno Espírito Santo now in the West Ham hot seat as he seeks to deliver where his predecessors failed.

Worst West Ham managers in the Premier League

Win percentage

9. Sam Allardyce

30.7%

10. Julen Lopetegui

30%

11. Gianfranco Zola

27.8%

12 Graham Potter

26.1%

13. Avram Grant

18.9%

via StatMuse

Nuno is making his presence known by axing James Ward-Prowse already, and some reports suggest that West Ham are prepared to back their new manager with new signings in January.

However, tensions between the fanbase and West Ham have now reached breaking point, with former boss Harry Redknapp now predicting a bold move by Sullivan to transform the club.

Harry Redknapp predicts David Sullivan decision to transform West Ham

Speaking to GiveMeSport, the ex-West Ham and Tottenham manager has predicted that Sullivan will sell his West Ham shares to billionaires from the Middle East.

Interestingly, the 78-year-old has actually moved to defend Sullivan too — claiming that the divisive chair has pumped his own money into the club and a lot of the blame for West Ham’s woes lies with their recruitment department.

West Ham take on Arsenal this Saturday as Nuno prepares for his second game in charge, with Mikel Arteta’s side overwhelming favourites, especially considering their major threat from set pieces.

Failure to deal with dead balls has been a real thorn in West Ham’s side this season, so Nuno’s men are seriously up against it at the Emirates, as they also look to contain Arsenal’s plethora of attacking talent.

MatériaMais Notícias

O técnico Jorge Sampaoli se deparou com mais dores de cabeça para definir o Flamengo que encarará o América-MG. No encerramento da preparação para o confronto deste sábado (22), às 16h, no Maracanã, o comandante teve a confirmação de que não poderá contar com Erick Pulgar.

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O volante, que sentiu dores no aquecimento do confronto com o Athletico-PR, pela Copa do Brasil, teve constatada uma grave lesão no bíceps femoral da coxa direita. Com isso, precisará de duas a três semanas para se recuperar e a expectativa é de que retorne apenas para disputar a Copa Libertadores.

+ Copo Stanley a partir de R$120,00. Bebida gelada nos 90′ de jogo do Mengão!

+ Flamengo vê De La Cruz mais distante e entra em cena por Wendel; entenda a situação no mercado

Além do chileno, Thiago Maia cumpre suspensão por cartão amarelo. Allan, Victor Hugo e Gerson são os únicos volantes para suprir o lugar vago no meio-campo do time, mas apenas Gerson atua mais avançado. Outro jogador que não atuará é Luiz Araújo, que foi expulso no clássico diante do Fluminense.

O técnico manteve mistério e treinou diferentes formações. Sampaoli teve à sua disposição Pedro e Bruno Henrique, que se recuperaram, e Matheuzinho tem chance de ser relacionado. Fabrício Bruno e David Luiz também participaram bem dos treinos. O Rubro-Negro se reapresentará no sábado (22), onde se concentrará e fará a preleção antes do jogo.

O Flamengo deve ir a campo com: Matheus Cunha, Wesley, Fabrício Bruno, Léo Pereira e Ayrton Lucas; Allan, Victor Hugo, Gerson, Everton Ribeiro e Arrascaeta; Gabigol.

Still in the market for an attacking reinforcement even after signing Jack Grealish, Everton have now reportedly been handed a major boost in pursuit of a top target.

Moyes "looking forward" to "best version" of Grealish

It wasn’t so long ago that Grealish was breaking records by becoming the most expensive British player of all time, and everyone involved at Everton will be desperate to see a player worthy of that £100m price tag arrive and not the version that Manchester City have witnessed in the last couple of years.

There’s plenty of debate over whether the former Aston Villa man ever truly lived up to his price at The Etihad, but it’s hard to forget the impact that he made during their infamous treble-winning campaign – even if that was not reflected through goals.

That’s the calibre of player that Everton have welcomed to The Hill Dickinson and David Moyes is keen to see the “best version” of that player.

Whether Grealish will be ready to make his Everton debut as soon as Monday’s Premier League opener against Leeds United remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt that he’ll play a key role in the Toffees season with minutes under his belt.

Everton and TFG submit huge £37m bid to sign "powerful" new star for Moyes

The striker in question is wanted by multiple clubs.

By
Callum Kemp

Aug 14, 2025

His arrival was a statement of intent by The Friedkin Group and they’re not done there on the transfer front. In fact, reports are now suggesting that they’ve received a major boost in pursuit of a La Liga star.

Kubo now wants to leave Sociedad amid Everton interest

According to reports in Spain, Takefusa Kubo has now asked to leave Real Sociedad following news that Everton submitted an opening offer to secure his signature earlier this summer.

Initial offers from those in Merseyside as well as from West Ham United and Bournemouth were believed to be around the €40m-mark (£35m) and, therefore, short of the winger’s €60m (£52m) release clause. As such, it would be easy to assume that all parties are still fairly far apart in negotiations, but Kubo’s request to leave could yet soften Sociedad’s stance in a major boost for Everton and others.

Since earning the praise of scout Jacek Kulig, who dubbed his start to the 2023/24 campaign as “fantastic”, Kubo has only kicked on and deservedly earned interest from the Premier League.

It’s a new era at Tottenham Hotspur, and the imminent departure of iconic captain Heung-min Son perhaps best encapsulates the changing of the guard.

After winning the Europa League in May, Daniel Levy decided to dismiss Ange Postecoglou and bring in Brentford boss Thomas Frank, who has done such good work in west London.

Ange left a hero, but it was probably the correct decision, for Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League and looked so susceptible defensively.

But he made a promise, and he kept that promise.

It’s a new era, but Tottenham’s pre-season preparations with Frank at the helm haven’t been without their disruptions. Son is set to play his football away from N17, and James Maddison faces a lengthy return to the infirmary.

Pre-season blows at Spurs

Son, having won silverware in his final competitive month at Tottenham, has established legendary status at the club. However, he will leave having restored title-winning success, closing in on a move to LAFC in the United States.

This has been coming, but the departure of a key attacking talent has been exacerbated by the cruel injury suffered by Maddison in pre-season last weekend, stretchered off against Newcastle United with a suspected knee injury.

Following the Morgan Gibbs White debacle, failing in their pursuit of the Nottingham Forest playmaker after being accused of an illegal approach, this is a bleak setback for Frank’s project in its infancy.

And Son’s exit too highlights the need for reinforcements, with the new Premier League season less than two weeks away.

All in all, though, banking £20m for a player who is on the decline, no matter how influential, is decent business for the Lilywhites, but they will need to sign a replacement, even having landed West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus for a £55m fee.

Spurs lining up deal for CL superstar

According to Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, 24, withis set for face-to-face talks with president Florentino Perez as his future continues to be a talking point amid Tottenham interest.

Despite interest from Arsenal and Liverpool this summer, it’s beginning to look like Spurs are the most likely destination for the Brazil international, should he jump ship this summer.

Son’s departure opens up a window of opportunity for the outfit, who are now expected to formally pursue a deal and secure Frank a marquee man at the beginning of his tenure.

Why Spurs must push for Rodrygo

Kudus is a fantastic winger who will add some electric athleticism to Tottenham’s senior set-up, but he’s not yet proven himself to be a goalscoring presence in the vein of Son.

Rodrygo, however, is “terrifyingly good” in front of goal, so says Sky Sports reporter Sam Tighe, having scored 50 goals across the past three campaigns with Real Madrid despite having routinely played out of position on the right flank.

Because of this, Rodrygo’s natural aptitude for making the net bulge suggests that he could fit right into life at Tottenham as Son’s successor, for he actually clinched six goals and six assists apiece over just 12 games as a left-sided forward in 2024/25, limited in his natural position due to Vincius Junior’s presence.

The South Korean has been recorded to have been the statistical best finisher in football since 2014, one year before his Tottenham career commenced, and is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous Premier League wingers of his generation.

Big boots to fill, but that’s why Rodrygo is perfect. The Brazilian is accustomed to pressure, having played out the lion’s share of his senior years at the biggest club in the world, and is dynamic enough that his goalscoring ability, described as “unstoppable” by Madrid columist Kiyan Sobhani when at its slickest, is built atop a wide-ranging skill set.

As you can see below, the two forwards actually rank up rather similarly over the past year, so he could dovetail right in, especially with Frank being something of an expert at raising the level of his wide forwards.

Rodrygo vs Heung-min Son (past 365 days)
Stats (per 90)	Rodrygo	Son
Goals	0.35	0.32
Assists	0.22	0.32
Shots taken	2.54	2.46
Shot-creating actions	4.56	4.89
Pass completion	85.7%	78%
Touches (att pen)	5.84	4.70
Progressive passes	4.69	4.28
Progressive carries	5.07	5.41
Successful take-ons	2.15	1.59
Data via FBref

However, Rodrygo’s tactical dynamism and propensity for success across a range of positions have also seen him likened to Maddison by data-powered site FBref, along with Son.

Maddison, 28, faces the unknown once again, and the potential loss of his creativity and passing for a large chunk of the upcoming term is a concerning thought indeed.

However, Rodrygo has the skill set to add some sparkle to the playmaking side of the Tottenham system, averaging just north of a key pass per game across the entirety of his Real Madrid career, as per WhoScored.

Let’s not forget, Maddison blew the Premier League away upon signing for Tottenham, picking up the division’s Player of the Month award for August 2023 as he served as the fulcrum of Postecoglou’s staggering start to life at the helm.

The Real Madrid man’s 85.7% pass completion average further bespeaks his ability to promote fluency and control through deeper build-up phases of play, something Frank will undoubtedly look to capture and direct as he implements a slower, more controlled style of football than that of his predecessor.

Ultimately, Tottenham have suffered a setback through the injury to Maddison. It’s not what was needed as Son prepared for his poignant send-off.

However, there remains almost a month of the market being open for business, and if Levy can pull off a deal for Rodrygo, there’s no question that this football club will be primed for success on an even grander stage than the 2024/25 season.

The Premier League season is upon us, and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is determined to reclaim his crown.

It’s curious to think that Guardiola is entering the campaign as something of an underdog as far as the title chase is concerned, but perhaps the critics are forgetting that the peerless tactician will have a chip on his shoulder, and that he’s responded from a bump in the road with a domestic double in 2020/21, winning the top-flight title and the Carabao Cup.

But there’s no denying City were reduced to a state of mortality last season, at times so vulnerable in defence and lacking throughout the seamless fluency and grace that the manager’s illustrious project has come to be defined by.

With Guardiola ostensibly stepping into the penultimate year of his contract, he will demand nothing less than glory from both himself and his squad.

Let’s have a look at the state of play.

The state of play at Man City

Manchester City haven’t quite completed as noisy a rebuild as some of their prominent Premier League rivals, but that hardly denotes a worrying transfer window for Pep and his suits.

The dethroned champions have won six of the past seven league titles, and despite losing Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish, have added to their ranks talents such as Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Ait-Nouri to recalibrate the creative flow.

James Trafford has also been added between the sticks in a £31m deal, but with Ederson’s future up in the air, it’s felt that a bid is forthcoming for ostracised Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

These are all good signings, perhaps ingredients from which the Spanish boss can work his magic. But given that down the M62, Arne Slot’s Liverpool, the reigning champions, have made sweeping, startling changes, more could be required.

Liverpool are gearing up to sign Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, but the Etihad Stadium side may well plan to land their own version of the Swedish forward.

Man City eyeing marquee signing

According to sources in Spain, Man City are preparing a seismic offer for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, with Guardiola having registered his interest in the Brazil forward this month.

The trophy-winning outfit haven’t splurged nearly as much as some of their rivals this summer, and have the means to fork out a significant fee on the 24-year-old, who Los Blancos have valued at €100m (£86m).

With Tottenham Hotspur chasing a deal for Savinho, completion there would accelerate the Sky Blues’ bid. This one will likely drag into the closing stages of the window.

What Rodrygo would bring to Man City

It’s impossible to accurately predict how each side will fare in the build-up to any given campaign. Invariably, certain players and clubs exceed expectations, while others shock the world with their withering away.

However, it would be fair to suggest that Man City expect to improve on their woes from last season, finishing third with and losing the FA Cup, going trophyless but for success in the Community Shield.

And should they complete a marquee move for Rodrygo, the chances of returning to their finest form increase exponentially. He is that good.

Hailed as “the jewel in the crown” by one analyst discussing Real Madrid, Rodrygo struggled to reach his peak levels last year and maybe even fell by the wayside, unable to break his duck across his last 17 La Liga matches and only scored six times in the division.

However, the right-footer was also limited to performances on the right flank, and he prepares to peel off the left so as to maximise his goalscoring potential. Across all competitions, he featured 12 times as a left winger in 2024/25, scoring six goals and supplying six assists.

Should Guardiola succeed in energising Rodrygo’s potency, he might land his answer to Isak, who could secure his place as Liverpool’s talisman in the coming weeks.

The South American star would rival Erling Haaland as the club’s standout forward – marking an upgrade on Savinho – by turns supplying the Norwegian and then cutting into space and striking on goal himself. Given that he only missed one big chance in the Spanish top-flight last term, via Sofascore, prolific levels could be achieved by a manager in Guardiola, who certainly knows what he’s doing on the tactical front.

Rodrygo vs Savinho (past 365 days)

Stats (per 90)

Rodrygo

Savinho

Goals

0.35

0.08

Assists

0.22

0.35

Shots taken

2.54

2.77

Shot-creating actions

4.56

5.15

Pass completion

85.7%

80.6%

Touches (att pen)

5.84

7.57

Progressive passes

4.69

3.19

Progressive carries

5.07

6.61

Successful take-ons

2.15

2.69

Data via FBref

Even after his lowest ebb, the £209k-per-week talent managed to far outstrip the talented but untapped Savinho from an output perspective, and he has the physical and technical skills to rise further still, with his teammate Jude Bellingham even saying that he’s “probably the most talented and most gifted player in the squad.”

Securing a world-class winger of his distinction, who is versatile and can play across the frontline, thus aligning with Pep’s demands of his forwards, could certainly prove the answer to Isak, who is sure to bring more goals to the Anfield table than his predecessor Darwin Nunez, should he sign for Liverpool this month.

Rodrygo, moreover, has a remarkable track record in the Champions League; City know all too well the Brazilian’s prowess in the knockout rounds. This is something that could bear dividends as the club quest for their second title in Europe’s elite competition.

Isak might have scored 27 goals across all competitions last season, but Rodrygo has the capacity to rain both goals and assists on Man City’s opponents next season, and across multiple competitions at that.

There seems to be a strange kind of deflation around the expectations of England’s dominant team of the age, but rivals and critics can doubt the Etihad side at their own peril.

Guardiola’s done it all before, and so, interestingly, has Rodrygo.

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Man City are in the market for a new number 10

Posts ByJoe Nuttall Aug 15, 2025

كشفت رابطة الدوري الإسباني عن جائزة رجل مباراة نادي برشلونة أمام نظيره ريال أوفييدو ، والتي لعبت اليوم الخميس ضمن منافسات المسابقة المحلية.

وحل برشلونة ضيفًا على ريال أوفييدو اليوم الخميس، ضمن منافسات الجولة السادسة من بطولة الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى.

واستطاع برشلونة قلب تأخره بهدف أمام ريال أوفييدو، إلى انتصار مثير بثلاثة أهداف مقابل هدف واحد، حيث حافظ البلوجرانا على مركز الوصافة في الليجا.

وبات لدى برشلونة 16 نقطة في المركز الثاني على سلم ترتيب الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى، وذلك خلف ريال مدريد بنقطتين فقط والمتصدر ب18 نقطة بالعلامة الكاملة.

أقرأ أيضًا .. فيديو | أراوخو يسجل هدف برشلونة الثالث أمام ريال أوفييدو

وتم اختيار مدافع نادي برشلونة، إريك جارسيا، كرجل مباراة البلوجرانا وريال أوفييدو، بعد مستواه في لقاء اليوم.

جارسيا لعب بشكل جيد للغاية وسجل هدف برشلونة الأول، والذي كان بوابة انتصار الفريق الكتالوني اليوم.

ولعب جارسيا في لقاء اليوم كظهير أيمن، لكن اللاعب أصبح ظهيرًا أيسر في شوط اللقاء الثاني بعد خروج جيرارد مارتن.

ويعول مدرب برشلونة، هانز فليك، على جارسيا بشكل أساسي خلال هذا الموسم، وذلك في ظل مستوى اللاعب المميز.

استقر يانيك فيريرا المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك، على تشكيل فريقه في مباراة نظيره المصري اليوم السبت، ضمن منافسات مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وتقام المباراة على استاد برج العرب بالإسكندرية، ضمن منافسات الجولة السادسة من الدوري المصري الممتاز موسم 2025-2026.

طالع.. خاص | سبب استبعاد شيكو بانزا من مباراة الزمالك والمصري

ويحتل المصري المركز الأول في جدول ترتيب الدوري برصيد 11 نقطة من 5 مباريات، بعدما حقق 3 انتصارات وتعادل مرتين

فيما يأتي الزمالك ثانيًا برصيد 10 نقاط، جمعها من الفوز في 3 مباريات والتعادل مرة والخسارة في أخرى.

تشكيل الزمالك أمام المصري في الدوري.. آدم كايد أساسيًا تشكيل الزمالك المتوقع أمام المصري

حراسة المرمى: محمد صبحي

خط الدفاع: محمود بنتايج وحسام عبد المجيد ومحمد إسماعيل أو صلاح مصدق، عمر جابر

خط الوسط: دونجا – ناصر ماهر – عبد الله السعيد

خط الهجوم: خوان بيزيرا – عدي الدباغ – عبد الحميد معالي.

So far, this summer has been a brilliant one for Chelsea.

The Blues are the last English side at the Club World Cup and stand a great chance of winning it all.

On top of that, the fans haven’t had to wait very long for the club to bring in some exciting players, with the likes of Liam Delap and Mamadou Sarr already through the door.

Moreover, João Pedro completed his medical yesterday afternoon. However, if reports are to be believed, he could have some serious competition next season as the West Londoners are now linked with a goalscorer who’d be an even more exciting signing than the Brazilian.

Chelsea target goalscoring machine

With Champions League football back on the agenda for Chelsea next season, the Blues have been linked with a plethora of incredibly exciting attackers in recent weeks, such as Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho.

Transfer Focus

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

The former is reportedly available for around £60m, and managed to rack up a haul of 19 goal involvements in 33 games this season, while the latter could cost up to £60m and recorded a tally of 21 goal involvements in 58 games.

However, while both players would surely help improve the West Londoners’ squad and offensive options, neither one plays up top and therefore wouldn’t really be competition for Pedro, unlike Hugo Ekitiké.

Yes, according to a recent report from The Athletic, Chelsea have maintained their interest in the Eintracht Frankfurt star from earlier in the season.

The report claims that the prolific Frenchman is still ‘being monitored’ by the Blues, despite the signing of the Brighton ace.

A potential price is not mentioned in the story, but according to reports from late last month, the 23-year-old is valued at €100m by his club, which is around £85m.

It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but one Chelsea should pursue, as Ekitike would be a more exciting signing than Pedro.

Why Ekitike would be a more exciting signing than Pedro

What is it that excites football fans more than anything else? Goals, goals and more goals.

Therefore, the first and arguably most important reason why Ekitike would end up being a more exciting signing than Pedro is the simple fact that he is a far more effective scorer and assister of goals.

For example, in 48 appearances this season, totalling 3644 minutes, the former Paris Saint-Germain ace scored a mammoth 22 goals and provided 12 assists for good measure.

Appearances

48

30

Minutes

3644′

2136′

Goals

22

10

Assists

12

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.70

0.56

Minutes per Goal Involvement

107.17

125.64′

That means he was able to maintain an average of a goal involvement every 1.41 games, or every 107.17 minutes.

In contrast, the former Brighton star scored ten goals and provided seven assists in 30 appearances, totalling 2136 minutes, which comes out to a less impressive average of a goal involvement every 1.76 games, or every 125.64 minutes.

Okay then, after goals, what else do fans want to see when they watch football?

Well, for our money, we reckon they want to see attackers running at, taking on and beating opposition defenders, either through intricate skill or marauding strength.

Interestingly, this is once again another area in which the Frankfurt star, whom journalist Graeme Bailey once dubbed the “next Mbappé,” comes out on top.

According to FBref, he outperforms the new Blues ace in successful take-ons, carries into the final third and into the penalty area, all per 90.

Therefore, he’s not only likely to score more goals than the Brazilian, but he’s also likely to cause more mayhem for the opposition’s backline to boot.

Ultimately, both strikers would be excellent additions to Chelsea’s squad, but from everything we’ve examined here, it looks like Ekitike would be the more exciting signing.

Chelsea offered £337k-per-week ex-Aston Villa star with decision made

They once came close to signing him.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 1, 2025

Aston Villa have now submitted an enquiry over a deal to sign a “highly-talented” midfielder, according to reporter Mohamed Toubache-Ter on X.

Villa's summer transfer plans taking shape

Villa’s summer transfer business could be significantly hampered by their failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League, following Thomas Bramall’s controversial decision to rule out Morgan Rogers’ opening goal at Old Trafford last Sunday.

Missing out on the top five may also be a double whammy for Unai Emery, as the manager could now find it more difficult to hold on to some of his better players, with Emiliano Martinez looking like he could be heading for the exit door this summer.

£25m Aston Villa target set to snub Barcelona to seal Premier League move

Unai Emery has been handed a boost in his pursuit of an “elite” summer transfer target.

ByDominic Lund May 27, 2025

As such, signing a new goalkeeper is on the agenda for the Villans in the upcoming window, while they are also clearly keen on bringing in a new central midfielder, having been linked with a range of different targets in both positions.

Target

Current club

Potential cost

Aaron Ramsdale

Southampton

£25m

Joan Garcia

Espanyol

£25m

Mateus Fernandes

Southampton

£30m

Angel Gomes

Lille

£0

Caoimhin Kelleher

Liverpool

£40m

Fernandes and Gomes could be able to make an instant impact at Villa Park, given that the former has experience in the Premier League, while the Lille star’s performances in Ligue 1 last season earned him a first England call-up from Lee Carsley.

However, there have also been reports that Aston Villa and NSWE could be willing to take a risk on more of an unknown quantity, with Toubache-Ter taking to X to reveal Emery’s side have now made an enquiry about “highly talented” Lens midfielder Neil El Aynaoui.

A further report goes on to state that Italian giants Juventus have also expressed an interest in El Aynaoui, who is now looking likely to leave Lens this summer, having previously been close to joining AS Monaco before failing a medical.

El Aynaoui impressing in France

Gomes may be the more well-known Ligue 1 central midfielder, but the Lens star was arguably just as impressive last season, putting in some particularly solid performances in an attacking sense, having picked up eight goals and one assist in 24 games.

The Nancy-born midfielder routinely finds the back of the net for Lens, but he is also clearly a well-rounded central midfielder, considering he places in the 95th percentile for interceptions and blocks per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

As such, while El Aynaoui, 23, wouldn’t be the most high-profile of signings for Aston Villa, there are plenty of indications that he could be a shrewd acquisition this summer, and it is promising news that steps are being taken to assess a potential deal.