Sunderland chiefs are now in talks to sign an experienced “leader” for around £8.5 million as the Black Cats join the race to secure his signature, according to a recent report.
Sunderland eyeing new midfielders with spending spree set to continue
Sunderland are set to make their long-awaited return to the Premier League, and Regis Le Bris and co. have been busy in their preparations as they look to make a good go at remaining in the division. The play-off winners have already added six new players to their ranks, which has seen them surpass the £100 million barrier, and it looks as though the spending is set to continue.
£26m release clause: Sunderland considering move to sign "outrageous" ace
He’s reportedly been granted a summer exit by his current club.
ByTom Cunningham Jul 15, 2025
Strengthening their midfield options appears to be a top priority for the Black Cats, as last week it was reported that Sunderland had made an approach to Marseille over the signing of Valentin Rongier. The midfielder is in the final 12 months of his contract with the French side.
The Premier League newcomers are keeping their options open, and at the start of this week, L’Equipe also reported that Sunderland have approached Leicester City over signing Bilal El Khannouss.
Leicester City's BilalElKhannoussin action
The 21-year-old also has interest from AS Monaco and West Ham United, as the Foxes are open to a sale as long as they receive a fee of £22 million. But the list of options to strengthen their midfield doesn’t stop there…
Sunderland in talks to sign £8.6m ex-Arsenal star Xhaka
According to Sky journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Sunderland have joined the race to sign Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen, with Kristjaan Speakman and Florent Ghisolfi in talks with the former Bundesliga champions over a deal worth €10 million, which is roughly £8.5 million.
The Black Cats are not the only team chasing the Switzerland international, as Saudi Arabia side NEOM SC are also keen on striking an agreement. However, this isn’t putting Sunderland off, as they have already offered Xhaka a three-year contract.
Xhaka, who has been labelled a “leader” by football writer Craig King in the past, is under contract with Leverkusen until 2028, but he is expected to leave the club this summer after two seasons, one of which saw his Leverkusen team win the treble in an undefeated domestic season.
Last season, Xhaka scored two goals and registered seven assists in 33 Bundesliga games, as they finished runners-up to Bayern Munich.
Apps
225
Goals
17
Assists
24
Before moving to Germany, Xhaka spent seven seasons at Arsenal, during which he won the FA Cup and Community Shield twice. A potential move to the Stadium of Light would see him return to the Premier League, where Sunderland would hope his experience and leadership skills would help them in their bid to beat the drop.
West Indies will welcome back Akeal Hosein, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran and Andre Russell for their T20I series against England after they were named in a 15-man squad for the first two games, to be played in Barbados on Saturday and Sunday.The quartet missed West Indies’ previous T20I fixtures, in Sri Lanka last month, for personal reasons. Hetmyer was then recalled for the ODIs against England.The squad is otherwise largely the same as that which lost 2-1 to Sri Lanka. Alick Athanaze, Andre Fletcher, Fabian Allen and Shamar Springer were the players to drop out, while the uncapped Terrance Hinds kept his place. Matthew Forde comes in as cover after Alzarri Joseph received a two-match suspension for walking off the field in the third ODI.Related
Holder: England's frequent tours are 'boosting WI's survival'
Joseph suspended for two matches following 'unacceptable' behaviour
Romario Shepherd was fit to be included despite having to depart mid-over in the deciding ODI against England after suffering from cramps.”The T20 team is our most settled team with lots of experienced players,” West Indies head coach Daren Sammy said. “However, the difficulty will be picking the XI, as every single player is challenging for a spot. As we face a very good England team, I am confident that the selected squad will continue to play a brand of cricket that allows us to win games, and this ‘Rivalry’ series.”After the Barbados leg, the teams will move on to St Lucia, with West Indies due to confirm their squad for the remaining three games.
West Indies T20I squad for first two T20Is vs England
Rovman Powell (capt), Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Terrance Hinds, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd
Valencia winger Diego Lopez has slammed the uncertainty over Barcelona’s home venue as the club await approval to re-open Camp Nou.
Valencia’s Lopez slams uncertainty
Barcelona home venue still unconfirmed
Final decision due this week
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Barcelona are still waiting on clearance to reopen part of the Camp Nou ahead of their first La Liga home match of the season, with the final decision expected after an inspection by the city council. If approval is denied, the fixture will be relocated to the much smaller Estadi Johan Cruyff. The uncertainty has caused frustration for players and fans alike, with Valencia forward Lopez, who came through La Masia before joining Los Che in 2021, questioning why the issue has not yet been resolved just days before the clash.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
The saga has left the Catalan giants scrambling for answers. The partially reopened Camp Nou would host around 27,000 supporters, while a switch to the Estadi Johan Cruyff would reduce that figure to just 6,000. Such a drastic cut would create a ticketing nightmare for fans and generate a subdued atmosphere for what should be one of the season’s marquee fixtures. For Valencia, the uncertainty adds a layer of distraction before a high-profile encounter. The 23-year-old, who renewed with the club until 2029, will be returning to face his former side after suffering heavy defeats to Barca last season.
WHAT DIEGO LOPEZ SAID
In an interview with , Lopez did not hide his frustration at the situation, and said: “I find it incredible that five days before the game, we still don’t know where the game will be played. It’s a situation that should have been resolved long ago by the team and our fans. Let’s see if it’s resolved during the day.”
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WHAT NEXT?
Barcelona City Council are set to carry out their final inspection on Tuesday afternoon, with an announcement on the venue expected shortly after. If Camp Nou fails to meet requirements for its partial reopening, the fixture will be moved to the stadium that hosts their women's and youth team fixtures, leaving thousands of ticket holders disappointed.
Tottenham Hotspur ended 17 years without silverware in May, defeating Manchester United to lift the Europa League. The cabinet has not only received a new ornament, but the road to next season’s Champions League has also been unlocked for the Lilywhites.
This wasn’t enough to save Ange Postecoglou, though. The Australian manager was dismissed weeks after his incredible triumph due to the wretched domestic campaign, finishing 17th in the Premier League.
Now, with Thomas Frank at the helm, Tottenham can begin anew, working from the foundations set by the craggy-faced Aussie and building a sustained period of success.
However, there’s no question that the pace has dropped in the market down N17. With pre-season underway, this is the perfect time for Daniel Levy to reel in a few impactful additions across the park.
And it seems to be the engine room that Tottenham desire an extra bit of quality.
Spurs in contact for new midfielder
Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White was Tottenham’s dream signing to strengthen the midfield this summer, although after accusations regarding an illegal approach by the Lilywhites, the Englishman has since quashed any speculation by penning a new deal at the City Ground.
With both Rodrigo Bentancur and the routinely under-fire Yves Bissouma potentially on the move this summer, however, a more defensive midfield addition could be the more necessary addition anyway.
Well, as Fabrizio Romano has confirmed, Tottenham have made an approach to Joao Palhinha’s camp, though Bayern Munich have not received official contacts at this stage. Bayern would be looking to bank at least £30m for the 30-year-old.
Though Spurs would rather an initial loan for the Portugal international, these recent advancements suggest there could be some leeway on Levy’s part.
Why Spurs want Joao Palhinha
It hasn’t worked out for Palhinha at Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich, who he joined from Fulham in a move worth an initial £42m.
Bayern Munich's Joao Palhinha in action against Bayer Leverksen.
Bayern, in any case, were getting their mitts on one of the Premier League’s most underrated stars, he who had played under the wing of Marco Silva for a number of years at Craven Cottage, making 79 appearances and scoring eight goals.
Widely regarded as one of the division’s most unrelenting ball winners, Palhinha had been described as a “defensive monster” by data analyst Marcus Bring and a “tackling machine” by Sky Sports’ Adam Bate.
This is evidenced through his data from the 2023/24 season, winning a shedload of tackles, far more than anyone else in the division.
Premier League 23/24 – Most Tackles
#
Player
Club
Tackles
1.
Joao Palhinha
Fulham
152
2.
Joao Gomes
Wolves
128
3.
Vinicius Souza
Sheffield Utd
125
4.
Emerson Palmieri
West Ham
106
5.
Tyrick Mitchell
Crystal Palace
105
Data via FBref
This level of tackling intensity is something that Tottenham will need to add to their ranks if Frank is to achieve a level of unity and coherence that wasn’t quite there last year.
Someone like Bissouma has been supposed to perform that role at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but his rash temperament and inconsistencies on the field limited him to a minor role in Postecoglou’s plans.
Tottenham Hotspur's YvesBissoumareacts after being substituted
The Telegraph claimed earlier this month that the 28-year-old is expected to leave London this summer, one year away from the expiration of his contract. Turkish Super Lig side Fenerbahce have engaged in talks as they weigh up an official bid.
Tottenham signed Bissouma from divisional rivals Brighton & Hove Albion for £35m in June 2022, and he’s since completed 100 games, scoring two goals, failing to register a single assist and picking up two red cards.
In Palhinha, Tottenham would sign themselves a far more composed and reliable man, whose impact in the Premier League at a lower level with Fulham speaks for itself.
Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha.
And the Iberian star, even having lost his way somewhat in a Bavarian shirt, still ranked among the top 3% of central midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues last year for pass completion and the top 3% for tackles won per 90, as per FBref.
Bissouma is strong in the challenge, to be sure, but there’s little question that the Malian is error-riddled and unconvincing as a whole, having made six errors in the Premier League last season, as per Sofascore, in spite of only starting 16 times.
By contrast, Palhinha didn’t make a single error over the 2023/24 English league season, and just one last term in the Bundesliga.
There’s something to be said about Palhinha’s ball-playing skills. Though he’s crisp and calm, his progressive passing leaves something to be desired.
However, this is a foible that Frank could surely abide. After all, the Danish manager has used no player more across his managerial career than Christian Norgaard at Brentford, playing him 262 times. The Danish defensive midfielder has recently signed for Arsenal in a £15m package.
Norgaard is not a forward-thinking distributor, but his rooted defensive principles in the middle of the park worked a treat for Frank over so many years.
Palhinha could emulate this, maybe even taking a more complete and wider-ranging approach at Tottenham. With the likes of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski already residing within the Lilywhites ranks, it makes sense that such a profile should be signed.
Bissouma has played his part at Tottenham, and indeed leaves having won a trophy, but to keep him on the books after such unconvincing and irrational performances in recent years would be negligible.
Luckily, Spurs are forging ahead with plans for a new midfielder, and Palhinha could be the man for the job.
Perfect alongside Palhinha: "Phenomenal" star has agreed terms with Spurs
Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a boost in their pursuit of one talent this summer.
Benfica presidential candidate Cristovao Carvalho has made a bold claim as he vows to replace Bruno Lage with Jurgen Klopp should he be elected.
Benfica in middle of a hotly contested presidential election
Candidate Carvalho promises to replace Bruno Lage
Carvalho's preferred choice is Jurgen Klopp
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WHAT HAPPENED?
The 2025 Benfica presidential election is heating up, with candidates making ambitious and often sensational promises to win over the club's supporters. The race has already seen candidates like Joao Noronha Lopes make big promises of bringing Bernardo Silva back from Manchester City. Now, another candidate, Carvalho, has made the most significant pledge yet, promising to dismiss current coach Bruno Lage at the end of the season and replace him with ex-Liverpool manager Klopp, a coach he believes can lead Benfica to a Champions League title.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Candidates are not just vying for power but are presenting radically different visions for the club's strategic direction. While some candidates like Noronha Lopes focus on player recruitment, and Joao Diogo Manteigas on club values and governance, Carvalho has gone for a big-name managerial appointment. The move is a direct challenge to the current administration and a clear statement of Carvalho's intent to bring Benfica back to the elite level of European football.
WHAT CARVALHO SAID
Speaking with , Carvalho laid out his plan for the club's managerial future, insisting that a Champions League-winning coach is essential to his project.
He said: "With me, Bruno Lage won't stay beyond his contract [which ends at the end of the season]. I need a coach of the highest level, who has already won the Champions League and who wants to win a Champions League with Benfica. There's only one name that comes to mind: Jurgen Klopp. He even said that Benfica is a great club that he would like to coach one day. Someone who says this has something more than others to be at the club."
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WHAT NEXT FOR BENFICA?
Klopp joined RB Leipzig this January and is currently serving as the Head of Global Soccer and has a contract with the club that runs until 2029. The Benfica presidential election on October 25 is a battle for the club's future and Benfica supporter's will hope for the best man to win. However, it will be difficult to bring Klopp, who has already stated that he might never return to football management.
Liverpool beat Bournemouth to get their Premier League title defence off to a flyer, though it was hardly a match without its vulnerabilities for the Anfield side as their defensive frailties were exposed against a spirited Cherries side.
Arne Slot cut a cool figure throughout his maiden year at the Liverpool helm, but he was left hot under the collar after Antoine Semenyo led a fightback from the visitors, who found themselves two goals down after the hour mark when Cody Gakpo coolly dispatched following Hugo Ekitike’s first-half goal, making it two in two for the £79m summer signing.
But while there was plenty of attacking intent on display, the Reds struggled to produce the kind of complete performance that the fanbase would have hoped for as they kicked off their title defence.
Liverpool's performance vs Bournemouth
Mohamed Salah got his goal in the last embers, paying an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota as he did so. His goal followed the volleyed strike of Federico Chiesa, who restored the lead before stoppage time after Semenyo’s double exposed Liverpool’s defensive problems.
But the Merseysiders got the job done, cementing their title defence with three points. Virgil van Dijk improved after his error-strewn display at Wembley in the Community Shield, but Slot’s backline struggled to perform, with Ibrahima Konate in particular singled out as a weak link, looking rusty in central defence.
While the pursuit of Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak continues to rumble in the background, there will be plenty of attention on the other end of the field, with a £26m deal completed for 18-year-old Giovanni Leoni and a move still in the works for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.
But Liverpool have already welcomed some new quality to their ranks, with two new starters playing against Bournemouth.
One of the newbies showed shades of the recently sold Darwin Nunez, and it wasn’t the goalscoring Ekitike.
Liverpool's new Darwin Nunez
Liverpool might have earned themselves a winning start to the Premier League campaign, but it was far from convincing against a slick Bournemouth side who implemented a high press to a good effect.
And Milos Kerkez certainly left plenty to be desired on his first league appearance in a Liverpool shirt. It was always going to be a match freighted with nerves for the 21-year-old, especially when pitted against his old Bournemouth teammates and Semenyo, who emerged the victor in that individual battle.
The young Hungarian lacked control and composure, lunging in with a series of challenges and being shown the flash of Antony Taylor’s yellow card before being replaced by the veteran Andy Robertson before the hour mark.
It was an erratic display which evoked memories of that man Nunez, who was sent off on his Anfield debut three years ago in a 1-1 draw with Fulham.
Minutes played
59′
Goals
0
Assists
0
Touches
47
Accurate passes
25/27 (93%)
Key passes
0
Dribbles
0/0
Tackles
1
Duels won
4/10
Bookings
1x
According to Sofascore, the 21-year-old won four of his ten attempted duels and made five clearances for Liverpool, also completing 93% of his passes, but he was also handed a 5/10 match rating by the Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle, who drew attention to Semenyo getting the better of his former teammate at the Vitality Stadium.
Though Nunez ultimately succumbed to his mercurial nature, unable to channel it and succeed under first Jurgen Klopp’s wing and the Slot’s, his high-level talent was never up for question on Merseyside.
And the same could be said of Kerkez, who last season was remarked to be “one of the most talented left-backs in world football” by scout Jacek Kulig.
The rising star will hope to establish more of a stable level of success at Liverpool than Nunez, who joined Al Hilal this summer after three years with the Reds, but there’s no question that he will need to temper his aggression if he wishes to succeed Robertson and play a confident part in a backline that even at this early stage has shown that improvements are needed as Slot quests for a successful title defence.
He'd get Isak & Wirtz firing: Liverpool could sign "one of the best LWs"
Liverpool may yet sign a few more forwards in the transfer market this summer.
After the appointment of Thomas Frank earlier this summer, it’s become apparent that Tottenham Hotspur are desperately trying to improve one area of the pitch this window.
Mohammed Kudus has already completed his £55m transfer from West Ham United to join the Lilywhites this summer, but their business appears far from done within the final third.
The Ghanaian will add key goals and assists to the side throughout 2025/26, that’s if his Premier League tally from last year is anything to go by, after he notched eight combined goals and assists for the Hammers.
However, despite Spurs’ tally of 64 league goals last year, it’s evident that further improvement is desired by the hierarchy during the off-season in an attempt to rise up the table.
Numerous names have been mentioned with moves, highlighting the ambition shown by Daniel Levy to avoid a repeat of their dismal league finish in 2024/25.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new attackers this summer
Yoane Wissa is a player who has been firmly on their radar this window, potentially following Frank in joining Spurs from Brentford during the off-season.
The DR Congo international has stated his desire to leave the Bees this summer, opening the door to a move across the capital, but they could face competition from Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest for his signature.
Brentford's YoaneWissacelebrates scoring their first goal
However, he’s not the only forward currently in their sights, with Roma star Mathias Soule also on their radar, according to Italian outlet Radio Radio via Tutto Juve.
They claim that the Lilywhites are preparing a £28m bid for the Argentinian winger, but they’re not alone, with Aston Villa also lurking for the 22-year-old’s signature.
The report also states that the Serie A side may have to raise funds this window, opening the door to a potential move to North London, but fails to mention whether the player would want the move.
Why Spurs’ latest target would be their answer to Rodrygo
Rodrygo has emerged as one of Europe’s leading talents over the last couple of years, starring on countless occasions for European giants Real Madrid.
Real Madrid's Rodrygo
The Brazilian has registered 270 appearances for the LaLiga outfit, managing to score 68 times, including an infamous double against Manchester City in the Champions League.
However, he looks set to depart this window, seemingly not part of Xabi Alonso’s plans after the Spaniard took the reins from Carlo Ancelotti ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Spurs have been named as one of the interested parties in the 24-year-old’s signature this summer, but it appears he’s rejected any move to join the Lilywhites in favour of a bigger move.
Such a decision appears to be a big disappointment given his stature in the professional game, but the supporters shouldn’t be worried if they miss out on his signature.
Fellow target Soule, who’s been dubbed “Messi-esque” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has also been labelled a similar player to the Brazilian by FBref, subsequently showing the talent he possesses.
When delving into their respective stats from the recent campaign, the Roma star managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, offering Frank’s side a cheaper alternative this window.
Games played
27
30
Goals & assists
10
11
Goal per shot on target
0.4
0.3
Key passes made
2.6
2.2
Passes into opposition box
1.7
1.2
Crosses completed
4.4
3.8
Fouls won
1.8
1.7
Aerials won
37%
30%
The Argentine may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but posted a higher goal per shot on target rate, showcasing the added threat he carries in front of goal.
He also managed to complete more key passes and more passes into the opposition’s box per 90, highlighting the creativity he possesses over the Real Madrid star.
Soule’s dominance is further reflected in his higher tally of crosses completed and aerials won, having the tools to provide Frank’s side with a more all-rounded talent within the final third during his quest for success.
£28m for a player of his talents could prove to be a huge bargain, especially given the chance he has to develop further in North London, given his tender age.
If he can continue on his current trajectory, he could surpass the levels achieved by Rodrygo, allowing them to forget about a move for his signature and be the club’s own version of the superstar.
A better deal than Gibbs-White: Spurs open talks to sign £87m superstar
Tottenham still need to make a few more signings in the summer transfer market.
Barishal, meanwhile, picked up their first win of the season after beating Dhaka Division
Mohammad Isam03-Dec-2024Rajshahi Division upset the champions Sylhet Division, beating them by 54 runs in the last round of the 2024-25 National Cricket League. The result ended Sylhet’s unbeaten run, which had paved the way for their maiden title.Batting first, Rajshahi were bowled out for 226, with Sabbir Hossain hitting his third first-class century. Sabbir and Habibur Rahman Sohan added 119 runs for the opening stand but Rajshahi collapsed thereafter. Fast bowler Sofor Ali took his maiden five-wicket haul while Tofael Ahmed took four wickets.Sylhet were then bowled out for 212 despite fifties from captain Amite Hasan and Pinak Ghosh. Amite reached 700 runs in the tournament in this innings. Left-arm spinner Nihaduzzaman took four wickets, while Shafiqul Islam, Asaduzzaman Payel and legspinner Wasi Siddiquee nabbed two each.Sofor, Tofael and Nabil Samad took three wickets each as Rajshahi were bowled out for 186 runs in their second innings. Amite struck his second fifty of the match but it wasn’t enough as Sylhet were bowled out for 146 runs in the fourth innings.Nihaduzzaman took 5 for 24, giving him career-best match figures of 9 for 85. It earned him the Player-of-the-Match award. Amite, meanwhile, was adjudged the Player of the Tournament for finishing on 785 runs, and leading Sylhet to the trophy.Dhaka Metropolis finished the competition in second place after they beat Chattogram Division by five wickets in Rajshahi.Batting first, Chattogram were bowled out for 160, with the left-arm spin pair of Rakibul Hasan and Arif Ahmed taking four wickets each.Aich Mollah then struck 57 as Dhaka Metro finished on 268, leading by 108 runs. Left-arm spinner Ashraful Islam Rohan took four wickets. Sajjadul Haque and Nayeem Hasan made fifties as Chattogram reached 246. Arif took five wickets while left-arm quick Abu Hider picked up four.Dhaka Metro then completed the fourth-innings chase of 141 runs in 29.5 overs.Sylhet captain Amite Hasan was named Player of the Tournament•BCBBarishal Division picked up their first win of the season after beating Dhaka Division by 122 runs in Bogra.Batting first, Sohag Gazi and Fazle Mahmud made fifties to take Barishal to 289. Rony Talukdar then struck his 12th first-class hundred, to help Dhaka to 310 for 9. Barishal got bowled out for 241, taking their lead to 220 runs.Left-arm quick Ruyel Miah then took six wickets as Dhaka were bowled out for 98.Fast bowler Mehedi Hasan Rana took eleven wickets in the drawn match between Khulna Division and Rangpur Division in Khulna. It was only the second 10-wicket match haul of the season, while it was the first of Rana’s first-class career.He took 7 for 31 to help bowl out Rangpur for just 133, in reply to Khulna’s 244. Khulna then declared their second innings on 147 for 6, before Rangpur batted out the remaining 55 overs to finish on 242 for 7. Rana took four wickets in the second innings.
We’re just a week away from the return of the Premier League, and Chelsea are looking like a scary proposition.
Enzo Maresca’s side finished last season in fine form, and the board have only made them stronger with their work in the transfer market this summer.
The likes of Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap and Joao Pedro will make them far more dangerous in attack, while Jorrel Hato looks like he could be one of the next great defenders.
The Blues aren’t done there, though, as they also appear intent on adding Xavi Simons to their squad, as well as another international who’d be brilliant alongside the Dutchman.
Chelsea target Simons' perfect partner
Simons has been one of the more prominent names linked to Chelsea over the last few weeks, and while it started as nothing more than an interest, it now looks like they’re dead set on signing him.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Reports from the last week or so have gone as far as claiming that personal terms have already been agreed and that an offer of around £61m would be enough to seal the deal.
It would be a brilliant bit of business if the Blues could get it done, and yet, they still want to do even more, as they’re now closing in on someone who could end up being unplayable alongside Simons.
At least that’s according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, who has reaffirmed that Chelsea want to sign Alejandro Garnacho this summer.
The Italian journalist goes further than that, though, revealing that the Argentine ace has now agreed to “every detail of personal terms” with the Blues and that he “only wants” a move to Stamford Bridge.
Romano doesn’t mention how much the 21-year-old could end up costing, but based on stories from the last few weeks, it would appear that the Pensioners do not want to pay much more than £40m.
While Garnacho could still end up costing a little more than that, this feels like a deal that’s worth pursuing, as he’s got plenty of potential, and alongside Simons, he could become unplayable.
Why Garnacho could be unplayable with Simons
While it might have seemed unlikely a few weeks ago, Romano has made it quite clear that Chelsea want to sign Simons and Garnacho this summer, and though some might see that as overkill, we reckon they could be perfect teammates.
The first reason stems from their raw output last season, as an attacking player is always judged on their goal-scoring or chance-creating abilities.
For his efforts, the RB Leipzig star scored 11 goals and provided eight assists in 33 appearances, totalling 2763 minutes, which comes out to an impressive average of a goal involvement every 1.73 games, or every 145.42 minutes.
Garnacho & Simons in 24/25
Players
Garnacho
Simons
Appearances
58
33
Minutes
3568′
2763′
Goals
11
11
Assists
10
8
Goal Involvements per Match
0.36
0.57
Minutes per Goal Involvements
169.90′
145.42′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
Then, in his 58 appearances last season, totalling 3568 minutes, the Madrid-born “superstar,” as dubbed by journalist Liam Canning, scored 11 goals and provided ten assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.76 games, or every 169.90 minutes, which is very impressive considering he was playing in a historically bad Manchester United team.
Not only do these numbers suggest that both players would be able to contribute in a meaningful way for the Blues next season, but they also make it clear that they’re both as good at scoring goals as they are at creating chances.
In other words, when playing together, opposition defenders will be unsure which one of them will be the creator and which one will be the finisher, and those minute moments of hesitation could allow them the space to thrive.
On top of this, both youngsters are more than comfortable playing as a ten or out wide on the wings.
This would allow them to play more games together, interchange with relative ease on the pitch, and crucially, cover for one another when one needs to be rested.
Ultimately, on their own, Simons and Garnacho would be excellent signings, but together they could become unplayable at Chelsea.
The next Cole Palmer: Chelsea "keep working" to sign £61m "game-changer"
The superb international would be an unreal signing for Chelsea.
Ex-Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has reportedly rejected a return to one of his old clubs in a bid to protect his finances following his sudden departure from Bayer Leverkusen. Ten Hag returned to management in the summer after being sacked by the Red Devils last October, but only lasted two leagues games in the BayArena hot seat.
GettyWhy Ten Hag won't accept FC Twente job?
According to , Eredivisie side FC Twente had shown interest in Ten Hag, who previously enjoyed three spells with the club as a player. Twente have parted company with Joseph Oosting, leaving them with a void to fill in their dugout. Ten Hag has decided not to head back to his homeland, though, because joining a new club so soon after his Leverkusen sacking would severely impact his €6m (£5.2m) severance package, which equates to €100,000 (£86,631) a day.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportAnother ex-United coach could benefit
Twente could now approach another man with strong ties to United in the form of Ruud van Nistelrooy. The former United striker coached the club on a caretaker basis after Ten Hag's sacking, and is said to be a potential candidate for the Twente job after seeing his 27-game spell in charge of Leicester City brought to a close in June.
Why did Leverkusen sack Ten Hag?
Leverkusen collected just one point from their first two Bundesliga games of the new season, with a 3-3 draw against ten-man Werder Bremen proving to be the last straw for Ten Hag. The 55-year-old later expressed his frustration at the club's "unprecedented" decision to let him go and accused the board of failing to give him any trust.
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Getty Images SportLeverkusen preparing for Champions League opener
Leverkusen moved quickly to hire former Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand as Ten Hag's replacement. Hjulmand inspired Leverkusen to their first win of the season against Eintracht Frankfurt last week. The club are now preparing to face Copenhagen in their Champions League opener on Thursday.