England batter steps up senior status with first leadership role since Under-19 World Cup
ESPNcricinfo staff05-Jul-2024Harry Brook has been handed his first taste of captaincy since his England Under-19 days, after taking over from Wayne Parnell at Northern Superchargers for this year’s men’s Hundred.The appointment is a significant step up for Brook, 25, who is seen as a potential successor to Jos Buttler as England’s white-ball captain, in the wake of their disappointing World Cup defences across 50 and 20 overs in recent months.His prior captaincy experience included leading the Under-19 team in their World Cup campaign in New Zealand in 2018, but he has been given the chance to lead Superchargers by their incoming head coach, Andrew Flintoff, who has been working with the England white-ball team in an assistant capacity in recent months.”It’s an honour to captain Northern Superchargers, and I’m really excited for it,” Brook said. “It’s always special to play at Headingley and to represent the area, and to do that as captain in the Hundred this year will be extra special.”Brook played one of the greatest innings in Hundred history in his most recent appearance for Superchargers, against Welsh Fire at Headingley last August, an unbeaten 102 from 42 balls out of a total of 158, which helped to make his case for inclusion in the 50-over World Cup squad.The Superchargers squad includes England Test captain Ben Stokes, as well as West Indies’ Nicholas Pooran and two of Brook’s team-mates from the recent World Cup campaigns, Adil Rashid and Reece Topley. It was recently reinforced by the signing of former England opener Jason Roy, who takes over from the suspended Brydon Carse.”I really like the look of the squad we’ve formed, and I think there’s a lot to be excited about,” Brook said. “I can’t wait to work with Freddie and the rest of the group and hopefully it’ll be a year to remember.”In the women’s team, Hollie Armitage will continue as captain, alongside head coach Dani Hazell, after finishing the 2023 campaign as runners-up to Southern Brave.
Newcastle United are in the hunt for a striker this summer and Eddie Howe may be growing in confidence that he can land a proven Premier League marksman, according to a report.
Newcastle United's search for reinforcements
Eddie Howe has become something of a recruitment specialist at St James’ Park, producing an excellent track record that means more additions become hits than not when convinced to move to Tyneside.
Hoping to continue that feat, Keith Wyness reckons Newcastle may sacrifice some stars to expand their potential to spend even with the threat of PSR being a live consideration to ponder.
Newcastle United managerEddieHoweapplauds fans after the match
He stated: “It used to be that when you sold a big player, you had loads of money to spend. Newcastle are going to have to work hard in this window.
“I think there will be some disposals. Sean Longstaff may have to move on, and there will be others going too. Anything that will allow Newcastle to spend as big as they can, they will do.”
That much may be true, but where do Newcastle plan to strengthen their arsenal? According to reports, Manchester City star Jack Grealish could move to Tyneside, potentially adding a sprinkle of European pedigree as the Geordies prepare for a return to the Champions League.
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Brentford’s Mikkel Damsgaard is also wanted by Newcastle, demonstrating that they mean business in a summer that could produce a fair amount of incomings and exits in the North East.
Evaluating their forward line, the Geordies now have one of the Premier League’s hottest properties on their radar and confidence is growing over their chances of landing his services.
Newcastle United accelerate move for Joao Pedro
According to The Telegraph, Newcastle are confident they can strike a deal for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro as his future on the South Coast becomes increasingly uncertain.
The Brazilian forward is open to a move to the North East and is admired by Howe and his coaching staff due to a degree of versatility than can see him feature through the middle or on either flank.
Joao Pedro’s Premier League statistics in 2024/25 (Fotmob)
Shots
47
Shots on target
20
Chances created
30
Completed dribbles
29
Aerial duels won
42
Labelled “amazing” by Billy Gilmour, Pedro registered ten goals and seven assists in 30 appearances across all competitions this term as the Seagulls narrowly missed out on a place in Europe.
Internally, there is now a feeling that Newcastle can complete a deal to sign the former Watford striker, though there is still plenty of work to be done before that dream can become a reality.
Alexander Isak is the main man in attack for the Geordies. Nevertheless, Pedro is a force to be reckoned with at full flight and could be another dangerous asset against opposition domestically and on the continent.
The champions of Europe may have already been crowned, although there is an even bigger prize on offer this summer, as 32 teams compete to be named the best club side on the planet.
Yes, amid much excitement and intrigue, the revamped FIFA Club World Cup is now finally on the horizon, with things kicking off on Saturday 14 June, ahead of what will be a month-long feast of football in the United States.
Every English club to play at the Club World Cup
Chelsea and Man City are preparing to head to the United States in the summer.
1 ByBrett Worthington Dec 6, 2024
Among those from across the globe who are bidding to reach the showpiece on 13 July are Premier League giants – and recent Europa Conference League winners – Chelsea, with the Blues set to take on MLS outfit LAFC on Monday (16 June).
The west Londoners have earned their place following their Champions League triumph back in 2021, while for their opponents, the Los Angeles-based hopefuls saw off Club America in a lucrative play-off showdown to secure the final spot in the competition.
Watch the FIFA Club World Cup live and on-demand here
Chelseaplayersposefor a team group photo before the match
Ahead of what should be an enthralling opening fixture for two of the four sides in Group D, here’s everything you need to know on how to watch – and who to be looking out for – when Monday rolls around…
Where to watch Chelsea vs LAFC at the Club World Cup
63 games. The world’s best players. All in one place. All without paying a penny. It really doesn’t get much better than that, does it?
Indeed, FIFA revealed back in December 2024 that this bumper Club World Cup edition will be available for free globally, with the world’s current largest sports streaming platform – DAZN – showcasing every game from this footballing extravaganza.
Available worldwide in 14 languages, DAZN really is the go-to place for this summer’s affair, with easy access provided to watch the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland – and many more – strutting their stuff at the highest level.
If you are already a DAZN subscriber, then the Club World Cup action will already become a part of your membership. For those who haven’t yet signed up, all you have to do is use your email address to register a free account on the DAZN website, with no hidden costs or fees added. You will then be able to watch every game on the DAZN app via your TV, computer, phone or even on your games console.
Chelsea vs LAFC (Monday 16 June – Atlanta – 8pm UK time, 3pm local time)
FIFA Club World Cup Current Champions Manchester CityFounded 2000Most Championships Real Madrid (5)
DAZN
Watch all FIFA Club World Cup games free on DAZN. The biggest clubs and the best players in the world compete in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Watch Every Game Live on DAZN Chelsea vs LAFC – Who to look out for
Fresh off the back of their recent European success, Enzo Maresca’s youthful side have already bolstered their ranks with a handful of key signings, with Strasbourg’s Mamadou Sarr joining Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap in making the move to Stamford Bridge.
Those two new arrivals will be in line to make their Chelsea debuts against their MLS opponents, while there is further excitement surrounding new man Dario Essugo and the returning Andrey Santos.
Delap, in particular, will strengthen a frontline that already includes the dazzling Cole Palmer, with the Blues talisman seeking to build on his return of 67 goals and assists in just 91 games for the club to date. Behind the Englishman, the South American duo of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo will likely prove crucial to the club’s fortunes once again.
As for the side hoping to throw an early spanner in the works, LAFC boast a handful of familiar faces to Premier League audiences at their core, with the World Cup-winning French duo of Hugo Lloris and Olivier Giroud operating at either end of the pitch.
This meeting will, of course, be something of a reunion for Giroud, following his prior three-and-a-half-year stay in west London, with the veteran striker memorably scoring six goals en route to Chelsea’s Champions League triumph four years ago.
The 38-year-old – who has scored just five goals during his time in the States – is not manager Steve Cherundolo’s danger man, however, with number 99, Denis Bouanga, having hit 20+ MLS goals in each of his last two seasons, prior to netting eight in 15 league games in 2025. One-time Roma and Marseille starlet, Cengiz Under, will be another for Chelsea to keep tabs on down the right flank.
Who else is in Group D?
Chelsea’s Premier League status will make them overwhelming favourites to progress from Group D, although Brazilian outfit, Flamengo, will provide a stern test, having won the Copa Libertadores back in 2022.
Those two sides go head to head in the second round of games, with that fixture providing the chance for another potential reunion, as former Chelsea man Jorginho bids to make his debut for the Serie A side, amid his recent free transfer exit from Arsenal.
16 June
Chelsea vs LAFC
Atalanta – (3pm/8pm)
16 June
Flamengo vs Esperance
Philadelphia – (9pm/2am June 17
20 June
Flamengo vs Chelsea
Philadelphia – (2pm/7pm)
20 June
LAFC vs Esperance
Nashville – (6pm/11pm)
24 June
LAFC vs Flamengo
Orlando – (9pm/2am June 25)
24 June
Esperance vs Chelsea
Philadelphia – (9pm/2am June 25)
Elsewhere, aside from latecomers LAFC, the final place in Group D has been taken by Tunisian outfit, Esperance de Tunis, with the relative outsiders having earned their place as the highest ranking eligible side in the CAF – African football’s governing body.
With the chance for new rivalries to be made, this quartet is not one to be overlooked…
FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Qualified teams, format, venues & how to watch
The FIFA Club World Cup takes place this summer, with plenty of teams set to head to the United States in July 2025.
The closest Tottenham Hotspur have come to winning the Premier League in generations was under Mauricio Pochettino.
The Argentine’s best team may have ended up being less successful than Ange Postecoglou’s current side – trophy-wise, anyway – but it was stacked with some outrageously talented players.
The likes of Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen and a young Son Heung-min will always get the plaudits from those outside of the fanbase, and understandably so, but the Lilywhites faithful know full well that Mousa Dembélé was just as important to that side.
adam-wharton-mousa-dembele-tottenham-opinion
The Belgian was an utterly superb central midfielder, so supporters should be excited about recent reports linking the team to a youngster who has shades of the retired monster about him.
Spurs midfield targets
Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other central midfielders who have been touted for moves to Spurs in recent weeks, like Quinten Timber and Angel Gomes.
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Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The former is the brother of Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber, the captain of Feyenoord, reportedly worth £25m and could be an ideal addition to the squad, as he’s capable of playing in attacking, central and defensive midfield.
Likewise, Gomes could be a sensational signing as, thanks to his contract with LOSC Lille expiring this month, he’ll be available for nothing, and at just 24 years old, he already has experience of national team football, the Champions League and top-flight football in both Portugal, France and England.
Yet, neither one of these internationals could really be described as having shades of Dembélé to them, unlike Adam Wharton.
Yes, according to a recent report from TEAMtalk, the Crystal Palace star is now a serious target for the North Londoners.
The report has revealed that the club are ‘prioritizing a central midfield’ signing this season, and the young Englishman ‘figures highly on their shortlist.’
However, it won’t be an easy deal to get done, as the Eagles are after upwards of £60m for the midfield maestro, but even then, with his ability and potential, that may be a fee worth paying for Spurs, especially as he could emulate parts of Dembélé’s game.
How Wharton compares to Dembélé
So, before the pitchforks and torches come out, it’s important to state that we are not saying that Wharton is currently as good a player as Dembélé was during his pomp at Spurs, as that would just be silly.
However, given the fact that he’s still just 21 years old and will be until midway through next season, it’s not that out there to suggest he could reach that level in time, especially as there are some similarities between the pair.
The first, and perhaps most significant, is the fact that the Palace gem very rarely loses the ball.
In fact, according to FBref, the “generational” talent, as dubbed by members of the media, sits in the bottom 40% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues for the frequency he is dispossessed, coming in at just 0.89 times per 90, or, in other words, less than once a game.
A great example of this was in the FA Cup final against Manchester City, as, on top of winning duels, making tackles and playing a number of excellent passes, he was also able to hold onto the ball brilliantly despite the immense amount of pressure Pep Guardiola’s side tried to exert on him.
This ability to keep the ball was one of the Belgian’s most impressive, and it seems like the young Englishman has it in spades.
Then there are the more surface-level comparisons, such as both players coming from a London club – Fulham in Dembélé’s case – and the fact that they could and can play in either central or defensive midfield.
Appearances
51
43
Minutes
3571′
3011′
Goals
4
0
Assists
5
5
Ultimately, while it’s a lot of money, Spurs should do what they can to sign Wharton this summer, as he looks like he has the raw abilities and ceiling to become the club’s next Dembélé.
Eriksen 2.0: Spurs looking to sign "extraordinary" £25m Sarr upgrade
The young leader could be just what Spurs are after.
Ahead of Vitor Pereira’s first summer in charge, Wolverhampton Wanderers are now reportedly moving to seal their move to sign a South American talent at their manager’s request.
Pereira already requesting Wolves incomings
With Matheus Cunha reportedly on his way to Manchester United this summer, it should come as no surprise that Pereira has requested attacking reinforcements in the coming months. Recent rumours have indicated that the Portuguese manager is a particular fan of Corinthians forward Yuri Alberto and has now asked Wolves to make a reunion happen between himself and his former star.
Appearances
34
Goals
13
Assists
1
Having worked with the Brazilian before, Pereira will already know all about Alberto’s potential. At 24 years old, he has shown consistent promise at Corinthians over the years and only added to his goal tally this season – scoring 13 in 34 games.
The Portuguese manager also knows just how important it is to get recruitment right at Wolves in the coming months, having told reporters when asked about the summer transfer window back in April: “I expect to go with Wolves to the next level, the next step. This is what I’m thinking about.
“We don’t need a lot of money, we just need to make the right decisions and have a plan. My focus is on this team and trying to get the best results possible until the end of the season.
Yuri Alberto celebrates for Corinthians.
“Keeping almost all of the players (is important) because we have a very good group. I want to work for another level, I want to take the next step with this club.”
Signing South American talents seems to be the manager’s chosen route towards that next step, too, with another promising talent now reportedly on Wolves’ radar ahead of the summer window.
Wolves moving to seal Araujo deal
According to reports in Brazil, as relayed by Sport Witness, Wolves are now moving to seal their deal to sign Evertton Araujo, who has a release clause worth as much as €40m (£34m) at Flamengo. Whilst such a price may seem steep, reports suggest that Pereira has requested the arrival of the midfielder and the Midlands club have already made contact over a potential deal.
Pereira’s request should come as no shock and Wolves, themselves, are no strangers when it comes to signing Brazilian talents after welcoming Andre last summer.
Wolves now eyeing £14m Argentinian prodigy who's already met with Arsenal
He’s a wanted man.
ByTom Cunningham May 22, 2025
Described as “strong” and “composed” as well as “aggressive” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Araujo could go on and make the same impact as Andre if he followed him to the Midlands in the coming months. Wolves’ transfer strategy has seemingly taken them towards Brazil once again and that should be seen as no bad thing.
Newcastle United supporters will be praying that Eddie Howe can keep hold of Alexander Isak this summer.
Securing Champions League football for next season would give the club a big boost in this regard, but with interest in the Swede circling, it may be difficult to persuade him to stay.
Newcastle United manager EddieHowebefore the match
Liverpool and Arsenal are the leading contenders to attempt a move to sign the centre-forward when the transfer window opens.
Why Newcastle must keep hold of Alexander Isak
The former Borussia Dortmund forward has enjoyed the finest individual season of his career throughout 2024/25. Across 41 games for the Magpies in all competitions, Isak has scored 27 goals while recording six assists.
At the time of writing, the Toon sit third in the Premier League table, and Isak’s 23 league goals have gone a long way in powering the club to what could be Champions League qualification next term.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal
This would allow Howe the chance to bring more high-profile players to the North East, while enabling him to potentially keep the likes of Isak, Anthony Gordon, and Bruno Guimaraes for another season.
If the Swedish striker does decide to move on in the summer, Howe will need to bring in a replacement who knows what it takes to score at the very highest level.
Could he turn to La Liga in the coming weeks?
Newcastle could replace Isak with Alexander Sorloth
Signing another centre-forward is certainly on Howe’s wishlist, especially with sparse options in this area of the team.
With Isak’s future uncertain and Callum Wilson not getting any younger and missing the majority of the season due to injury, money will need to be spent.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal
Reports in Spain, Newcastle are keen on signing Atlético Madrid frontman Alexander Sorloth this summer.
Atlético signed him last summer for a fee of £27m, although it remains to be seen just how much he could cost this year, especially coming off an excellent campaign for the La Liga side.
The Norwegian was dubbed “legendary” after scoring three goals in the opening 11 minutes of the club’s 4-0 success over Real Sociedad. He ended up netting all four, in what was a stunning display.
Compared to his peers across Europe’s top five leagues, Sorloth demonstrated his sublime abilities in the final third.
Indeed, not only does he rank in the top 1% for non-penalty goals (0.96), but the striker also ranks in the top 3% for total shots (4.24) and in the top 7% for touches in the opposition penalty area, which speaks to how lethal he is in front of goal and why he would be a dream replacement for Isak.
Metric
La Liga
Appearances
33
xG
13.91
Goals
17
Shots per game
2.1
Goal conversion percentage
25%
Goal frequency (minutes)
87
Assists
2
Considering he has scored a total of 21 goals for the Spanish side, signing Sorloth could give Newcastle supporters hope that not all is lost if Isak moves on from St. James’ Park.
He has history with the Premier League, playing 16 scoreless games for Crystal Palace during the 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons, but now appears to be prepared to be a key player at that level thanks to his experience in Madrid.
Should he return, the striker has matured and surely wouldn’t be fazed this time around, that’s for sure.
Newcastle battle Arsenal to sign star for less than £50m after scouts sent
Leeds United will be playing Premier League football in the 2025/26 campaign after they secured their promotion from the Championship earlier this month.
The Whites celebrated their ascension to the top-flight after Burnley’s win over Sheffield United on Easter Monday, which came shortly after their own 6-0 win over Stoke City at Elland Road.
Daniel Farke and his staff will now be looking ahead to the summer transfer window, although there is still one more match to play against Plymouth Argyle at Home Park this afternoon.
It is going to be a critical summer of business for the West Yorkshire outfit because they know that they have to build a squad that is capable of avoiding an instant relegation from the Premier League.
Daniel Farke
This means that the players in the current squad will be under the microscope as Farke will have to judge which players are good enough to make the step up, and which of them will need to be replaced with better talents.
One of the stars whose place in the squad is up in the air heading into next season is centre-forward Joel Piroe, who is unproven at Premier League level.
Why Joel Piroe may not be Premier League quality
There is no doubt that the former Swansea star has been a key player for the Whites in this promotion-winning campaign with his goals and assists.
Piroe has racked up 19 goals and seven assists in 45 appearances in the Championship so far this term, and is currently the top scorer in the division – leading by two goals – ahead of the final round of matches today.
This shows that the Dutchman has been the most effective goalscorer in the second tier, as no one has scored more than him, but that does not guarantee that he will be a success in the Premier League.
Sammie Szmodics (27), Adam Armstrong (21), and Leeds’ Crysencio Summerville (19) ended the 2023/24 campaign as the top three scorers in the Championship, and all went on to play in the Premier League this season.
This season, Szmodics (four), Armstrong (two), and Summerville (one) have combined for seven goals in the Premier League for their respective clubs, which illustrates just how big the gap is between the second and the first tier.
Appearances
45
Goals
19
Assists
7
Duels won per game
1.6
Ground duel success rate
33%
Aerial duel success rate
20%
As you can see in the table above, Piroe has made an impact at the top end of the pitch, but he has also been dominated in physical battles.
This suggests that he could fall the same way as the likes of Szmodics, Armstrong, and Summerville, who are all slight in frame, by failing to make the step up to the Premier League.
Leeds eyeing up Premier League striker
The Whites could, however, sign a striker who is way better than Piroe as they are reportedly keen on a star who has already proven himself in the Premier League.
According to The Boy Hotspur, as relayed by MOT Leeds News, Leeds United are one of a number of clubs to have shown an interest in Tottenham Hotspur centre-forward Richarlison.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The report claims that the Whites, Newcastle United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Fluminense, Al Hilal, and Al Shabab are among the teams keen on a swoop for the Brazil international.
It also states that Everton are already in talks with Spurs over a deal to sign the versatile attacker, who left Goodison Park to join Tottenham in the first place.
The outlet adds that the Premier League side would like to sell him permanently, for a fee in the region of £30m, but that a loan with an obligation to buy the forward next summer is also a possibility.
With this in mind, Leeds must push to win the race for the Brazilian striker’s signature because he could come in as a way better option than Piroe next season.
Why Richarlison is way better than Joel Piroe
Richarlison is a Premier League-proven centre-forward who would come in as an experienced, high-quality, option for Farke at the top end of the pitch.
Richarlison injured for Tottenham
The 27-year-old star, who was once described as a “goalmouth monster” by Ange Postecoglou, has scored five goals in 19 appearances in an injury-hampered season this year, but did produce 12 goals in 31 games in all competitions for Spurs last term.
Richarlison has a good track record of scoring goals throughout his Premier League career with Watford, Everton, and Spurs in his eight years in England, which means that Leeds would be signing a player who is a known quantity in the top-flight.
Whereas, Piroe has yet to make an appearance in the top-flight and his goals in the Championship are not enough, as proven by last year’s top scorers, to suggest that he will be a star in the Premier League.
24/25
14
4
103
1
23/24
28
11
137
4
22/23
27
1
1,023
4
21/20
30
10
253
5
20/21
34
7
410
3
19/20
36
13
237
3
18/19
35
13
206
2
17/18
38
5
565
4
As you can see in the table above, Richarlison, bar a disappointing 2022/23 campaign, has been a reliable presence at the top end of the pitch throughout his time in the league.
The Brazil international has also scored 20 goals in 48 caps for his country at international level, whilst Piroe is yet to be capped by the Netherlands, which further illustrates the gap in quality between the two players.
These statistics, in club and international football, suggest that Richarlison would be a way better option for Leeds than the Dutch marksman, who is set to fight against history to prove himself in the Premier League after a decent goal return in the Championship.
Bad news for Byram: Leeds want to sign "outstanding" £34k-per-week star
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ByDan Emery May 1, 2025
Therefore, Leeds should push to sign the Brazilian star from Spurs in the upcoming summer transfer window because it would provide Farke with a Premier League-proven goalscorer who has the quality to hit double figures for goals in the league, whilst there are still big question marks over Piroe’s suitability for the top-flight.
Liverpool are enjoying life as Premier League champions, but could now be about to make their first serious summer move to land a prodigious target, according to reports.
Liverpool look ahead to the summer transfer window
While Arne Slot and company fulfil their remaining fixtures for the season, they are now nothing more than a formality as the countdown continues until they can lift the Premier League trophy.
Opening the celebratory champagne will be the immediate priority. Still, there is plenty of focus at Anfield on what comes next as Liverpool aim to stay one step ahead of their domestic rivals for years to come.
Richard Hughes and Arne Slot
Looking to make a mark once the window opens, the Reds have Brighton & Hove Albion striker Joao Pedro on their radar after his top-flight performances have made a major impression behind the scenes on Merseyside.
Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen has been heavily linked with Liverpool amid stiff competition for his signature. The Spain international has a £50 million release clause that is active this summer, making him an attractive target.
However, any notion of a sensational move to Anfield for Kevin De Bruyne is false, with the Manchester City icon not considered to be a priority despite his availability on a free transfer.
FSG considering selling £55k-a-week Liverpool star who Slot wants to keep
Would getting rid of him be an error by the Reds?
ByHenry Jackson May 9, 2025
Either way, stories are starting to pick up as Liverpool probe for new additions in the market. Following a fantastic debut campaign for Slot, the Dutchman will be keen to establish a dynasty over a longer period at Anfield.
With that in mind, the Reds are now plotting a serious move for an exciting winger who could add another dimension to their forward line.
Liverpool expected to make 'serious move' for Lyon winger Malick Fofana
According to CaughtOffside, Liverpool are set to make a ‘serious move’ to sign Lyon’s Malick Fofana, who could be allowed to leave the Ligue 1 outfit this summer amid their financial problems.
Valued at €50m (£42.26m), the Belgium international has registered 11 goals and six assists in 39 appearances across all competitions this season.
Successful dribbles
23
Chances created
22
Successful crosses
17
Shots on target
14
Touches in opposition box
94
Pass accuracy
83%
Likened to Vinicius Junior by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Fofana is attracting interest from a multitude of clubs, with Arsenal, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus all keeping an eye on his situation.
Intriguingly, Liverpool are expected to up the ante in their pursuit of the Aalst-born man due to doubt over the long-term futures of Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota.
Roma have targeted Federico Chiesa of late after the Italy international spent most of the campaign on the fringes at Anfield, so there could be plenty of scope for bodies to make way for Fofana to move to Liverpool if circumstances align for all parties.
Chelsea have been in constant contact to discuss the signing of an “unbelievable” Barcelona player who they absolutely love, according to a report.
Blues' summer transfer plans taking shape
The Blues’ form in the second half of the Premier League season has been patchy to say the least, but they have returned to form in recent weeks, securing two wins on the spin to ensure they are firmly in contention for the Champions League places.
As such, Enzo Maresca should be well-positioned to attract some top players this summer, and the manager appears to be especially keen on signing a new striker, with Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap among the targets.
Maresca is also eager to bolster his options at the opposite end of the pitch, with a new centre-back of interest, and the west Londoners are now believed to be the favourites to sign AFC Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, having proposed a seven-year contract.
Chelsea now have "strong" chance of signing £206k-per-week Barcelona star
Enzo Maresca’s side have thrown their hat in the ring.
1 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 26, 2025
Huijsen is attracting widespread interest, however, which means Maresca may have to move on to alternative targets, and a report from The Boot Room has revealed Chelsea absolutely love Barcelona defender Jules Kounde.
The Blues have been in constant contact with Kounde’s agents, such is their level of interest, with the Frenchman’s future now up in the air, given that he is yet to commit to a new contract to extend his stay at the Camp Nou beyond 2027.
FC Barcelona'sInigoMartinezand Jules Kounde celebrate
Barca want to keep hold of the defender, and talks have been held over a new deal, but a move could be possible if the two parties are unable to make any progress, with Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool also in the picture for his signature.
"Unbelievable" Kounde could upgrade Maresca's backline
It is little wonder the Blues are so keen on signing the France international, given that he has been a vital player for a Barca side on course to win a treble this season, after defeating Real Madrid 3-2 in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday.
Kounde scored the winning goal with just minutes left to play in extra time, finding the back of the net for the fourth time this season, while he has also showcased his attacking threat by picking up eight assists.
The 26-year-old has predominantly featured at right-back, but he is also very much capable of playing in the centre of defence, and he has impressed manager Hansi Flick with his fitness levels, which were lauded as “unbelievable” earlier this season.
The £223k-a-week defender could be a fantastic signing for Chelsea this summer, but it looks like it could be difficult to pull off, given that he has been one of Barcelona’s most important players this season, and his recent performance against Real Madrid may make them even more hesitant to sanction a departure.
Chelsea are now preparing a £60m swoop for an “insane” forward, who has put in some very impressive performances in the Champions League this season, according to a report.
Blues set sights on new striker
With Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku struggling in front of goal since the turn of the year, it has become apparent that Enzo Maresca will need to bring in a new striker in the summer transfer window, and a number of targets have been identified.
Talks have been opened over a deal for Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, and there is a feeling the Blues could be willing to fork out a fee of £65m for the Sweden international, although they will face competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Newcastle United.
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Given Gyokeres’ huge price tag, however, it could be wise to consider alternative options, and it has recently emerged that Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap is set to be available for just £30m this summer, should his side be relegated from the Premier League.
Delap has been extremely impressive in front of goal in the Premier League this season, but according to a report from Spain, Chelsea have now set their sights on one of this season’s Champions League revelations, namely Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy.
The west Londoners are preparing a €70m (£60m) offer for Guirassy’s services, given that the striker has shone in the Champions League this season, most recently scoring a hat-trick against FC Barcelona in the quarter-final.
Serie A giants Juventus and Napoli are also interested in signing the Borussia Dortmund star, but Stamford Bridge is said to be his most likely destination this summer, with Maresca looking to bring in a striker who guarantees goals, amid concerns over Jackson.
"Insane" Guirassy could be huge upgrade on Jackson
Despite some promising signs near the start of the season, Jackson has been largely ineffective in front of goal this season, while Guirassy has been extremely impressive in both the Bundesliga and the Champions League throughout the campaign.
The Guinea international has amassed a remarkable 36 goal contributions in 40 appearances in all competitions, having been particularly prolific in front of goal in Europe, prior to his side’s exit at the hands of Barcelona earlier this week.
Competition
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Bundesliga
25
15
3
Champions League
14
13
5
U23 football scout Antonio Mango has lauded the France-born striker as “insane” in the past, and his performances this season suggest he deserves to be playing in the Champions League next season, which is now extremely unlikely to be the case at Dortmund.
As such, it seems likely that a move to Stamford Bridge could appeal to Guirassy this summer, should the Blues manage to qualify for the Champions League, which underlines the importance of Chelsea having a strong end to the campaign.