Tag: Moises Caicedo

  • Fiery star gets his wish as PL side ‘reluctantly’ confirms $99m Saudi switch: Done Deals

    Fiery star gets his wish as PL side ‘reluctantly’ confirms $99m Saudi switch: Done Deals

    Aleksandar Mitrovic joined the Premier League exodus to Saudi Arabia by leaving Fulham for a club record fee to join Al Hilal on Saturday.

    The Premier League club confirmed the Serbian’s departure following Saturday’s 3-0 Premier home defeat against Brentford.

    Stream Over 50 Sports Live & On-Demand with Kayo. Join now and start streaming instantly >

    Al Hilal are reported to have negotiated a £50 million ($AUD99 million deal for the 28-year-old.

    “The club can confirm that Aleksandar Mitrovic has this evening left to join Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League for a club record transfer fee,” Fulham said in a statement.

    “The club had reluctantly accepted a revised offer as the player had consistently made his desire to leave known.”

    Mitrovic pushed for a move in order to join the growing list of players swapping Europe for a lucrative switch to the Gulf state.

    He will be Al Hilal’s latest high-profile signing after their swoops for Neymar, Kalidou Koulibaly, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Ruben Neves and Malcom.

    Mitrovic has gone to Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    MORE COVERAGE

    ‘Need to issue health warnings’: Ange’s full circle moment as ‘bold’ change pays off

    ‘Angeball has arrived’: Spurs’ statement in ‘landmark’ win over ‘embarrassing’ United

    ‘It is like a movie’: Messi leads MLS side to first trophy after bonkers penalty shootout

    Mitrovic scored 14 times for Fulham last season as he finally made his mark in the Premier League.

    Since joining Fulham in 2018, Mitrovic had played an important role in Fulham’s three separate promotions from the Championship.

    In the 2021-22 campaign he netted a Championship record of 43 goals.

    PL DONE DEALS

    Arsenal

    In

    Declan Rice [West Ham] £105m

    Kai Havertz [Chelsea] £65m

    Jurrien Timber [Ajax] £38m

    David Raya [Brentford] Loan

    Out

    Granit Xhaka [Bayer Leverkusen] £21m

    Pablo Mari [AC Monza] £6m

    Marquinhos [Nantes] Loan

    Nikolaj Moller [FC St. Gallen] Undisclosed

    Mazeed Ogungbo [Barrow] Undisclosed

    Ben Cottrell [NS Mura] Undisclosed

    Mauro Bandeira [Colchester United] Loan

    Auston Trusty [Sheffield United] Undisclosed

    Matt Turner [Nottingham Forest] Undisclosed

    Tom Smith [Colchester] Free

    Ainsley Maitland-Niles [Lyon] Free

    Matt Smith [Released]

    Joel Ideho [Released]

    George Lewis [Released]

    Tom Smith [Released]

    Zach Awe [Released]

    Kaleel Green [Released]

    Alexandar Kovacevic [Released]

    Tino Quamina [Released]

    Mathaeus Roberts [Released]

    Declan Rice joined Arsenal for one of the biggest fees ever seen in British football. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    Aston Villa

    In

    Pau Torres [Villarreal] £35m

    Youri Tielemans [Leicester] Free

    Rico Richards [West Brom] Free

    Moussa Diaby [Bayer Leverkusen] Undisclosed

    Out

    Marvelous Nakamba [Luton Town] Undisclosed

    Wesley [Stoke City] Undisclosed

    Morgan Sanson [Nice] Loan

    Kaine Kesler-Hayden [Plymouth Argyle] Loan

    Louie Barry [Stockport County] Loan

    Lamare Bogarde [Bristol Rovers] Loan

    Finn Azaz [Plymouth] Loan

    Ashley Young [Everton] Free

    Declan Frith [Released]

    Hayden Lindley [Released]

    Arjan Raikhy [Released]

    Ruben Shakpoke [Released]

    Myles Sohna [Released]

    Jed Steer [Released]

    Brad Young [Released]

    Bournemouth

    In

    Justin Kluivert [Roma] Undisclosed

    Romain Faivre [Lyon] Undisclosed (sent on loan to Lorient)

    Hamed Traore [Sassuolo] £20m

    Milos Kerkez [AZ Alkmaar] Undisclosed

    Andrei Radu [Inter Milan] Loan

    Out

    Siriki Dembele [Birmingham] Undisclosed

    Jefferson Lerma [Crystal Palace] Free

    Jack Stacey [Norwich City] Free

    Brooklyn Genesini [Swindon] Free

    Ben Pearson [Stoke] Undisclosed

    Will Dennis [Kilmarnock] Loan

    Mark Travers [Stoke] Loan

    Junior Stanislas [Released]

    Josh Popoola [Released]

    Tarik Gidaree [Released]

    Matthew Burgess [Released]

    Christopher Francis [Released]

    Brooklyn Genesini [Released]

    Justin Kluivert linked up with Bournemouth. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    Brentford

    In

    Nathan Collins [Wolves] £23m

    Kevin Schade [Freiburg] £22m

    Mark Flekken [Freiburg] £11m

    Kim Ji-soo [Seongnam] Undisclosed

    Ethan Brierley [Rochdale] Undisclosed

    Ethan Laidlaw [Hibernian] Undisclosed

    Romeo Beckham [Inter Miami] Undisclosed

    Erion Zabeli [Oxford United] Free

    Out

    David Raya [Arsenal] Loan

    Pontus Jansson [Malmo] Free

    Daniel Oyegoke [Bradford] Loan

    Fin Stevens [Oxford] Loan

    Matthew Cox [Bristol Rovers] Loan

    Paris Maghoma [Bolton] Loan

    Tristan Crama [Bristol Rovers] Loan

    Ben Winterbottom [Welling] Loan

    Alex Gilbert [Middlesbrough] Free

    Paris Maghoma [Bolton] Loan

    Saman Ghoddos [Released]

    Tariqe Fosu [Released]

    Joel Valencia [Released]

    J’Neil Bennett [Released]

    Lachlan Brook [Released]

    Nico Jones [Released]

    Roco Rees [Released]

    Roy Syla [Released]

    Lucias Vine [Released]

    Brighton

    In

    Joao Pedro [Watford] £30m

    Bart Verbruggen [Anderlecht] £16.3m

    Igor Julio [Fiorentina] £14.5m

    Jacob Slater [Preston North End] Undisclosed

    Mahmoud Dahoud [Borussia Dortmund] Free

    James Milner [Liverpool] Free

    Out

    Moises Caicedo [Chelsea] £115m

    Alexis Mac Allister [Liverpool] £55m

    Robert Sanchez [Chelsea] £25m

    Antef Tsoungui [Feyenoord] Undisclosed

    Taylor Richards [Queens Park Rangers] Undisclosed

    Aaron Connolly [Hull] Undisclosed

    Michal Karbownik [Hertha Berlin] Undisclosed

    Kjell Scherpen [Sturm Graz] Loan

    Abdallah Sima [Rangers] Loan

    James Beadle [Oxford United] Loan

    Marc Leonard [Northampton Town] Loan

    Jeremy Sarmiento [West Brom] Loan

    Carl Rushworth [Swansea] Loan

    Ed Turns [Leyton Orient] Loan

    Toby Bull [Released]

    Billie Clark [Released]

    Matthew Everitt [Released]

    Teddy Jenks [Forest Green] Free

    Todd Miller [Released]

    Sam Packham [Released]

    Haydon Roberts [Released]

    Casey Gabriel-Shann [Released]

    Jack Spong [Released]

    Fynn Talley [Peterborough] Free

    Lorent Tolaj [Released]

    Antef Tsoungui [Released]

    Ben Wilson [Released]

    Joao Pedro is Brighton’s biggest signing of the summer to date. (Photo by Harriet Lander/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    Burnley

    In

    James Trafford [Manchester City] £19m

    Dara O’Shea [West Brom] £7m

    Luca Koleosho [Espanyol] £2.6m

    Sander Berge [Sheffield United] Undisclosed

    Zeki Amdouni [Basel] Undisclosed

    Jordan Beyer [Borussia Monchengladbach] Undisclosed

    Lawrence Vigouroux [Leyton Orient] Undisclosed

    Michael Obafemi [Swansea] Undisclosed

    Nathan Redmond [Besiktas] Free

    Jacob Bruun Larsen [Hoffenheim] Loan

    Out

    Ashley Barnes [Norwich] Free

    Lewis Thomas [Harrogate] Free

    Wout Weghorst [Hoffenheim] Loan

    Bailey Peacock-Farrell [AGF Aarhus] Loan

    Michael Mellon [Morecambe] Loan

    Will Norris [Portsmouth] Free

    Lukas Jensen [Lincoln] Free

    Luke McNally [Stoke] Loan

    Chelsea

    In

    Moises Caicedo [Brighton] £115m

    Romeo Lavia [Chelsea] £58m

    Christopher Nkunku [RB Leipzig] £52m

    Axel Disasi [Monaco] £38.5m

    Nicolas Jackson [Villarreal] £32m

    Robert Sanchez [Brighton] £25m

    Lesley Ugochukwu [Rennes] £24m

    Kendry Paez [Independiente del Valle] Undisclosed

    Dujuan Richards [Phoenix All Stars Academy] Undisclosed

    Angelo Gabriel [Santos] Undisclosed

    Alex Matos [Norwich] Undisclosed

    Diego Moreira [Benfica] Undisclosed

    Ishe Samuels-Smith [Everton] Undisclosed

    Out

    Kai Havertz [Arsenal] £65m

    Mason Mount [Manchester United] £55m

    Christian Pulisic [AC Milan] £20m

    Mateo Kovacic [Manchester City] £30m

    Ruben Loftus-Cheek [AC Milan] £15m

    Kalidou Kouilbay [Al-Hilal] Undisclosed

    Edouard Mendy [Al-Ahli] Undisclosed

    N’Golo Kante [Al-Ittihad] Free

    Cesar Azpilicueta [Atletico Madrid] Free

    Ethan Ampadu [Leeds] £7m

    Kepa Arrizabalaga [Real Madrid] Loan

    David Datro Fofana [Union Berlin] Loan

    Cesare Casadei [Leicester City] Loan

    Angelo Gabriel [Strasbourg] Loan

    Dujon Sterling [Rangers] Free

    Baba Rahman [PAOK] Free

    Derrick Abu [Released]

    Prince Adegoke [Released]

    Tiemoue Bakayoko [Released]

    Nathan Baxter [Bolton] Free

    Juan Castillo [Released]

    Bryan Fiabema [Released]

    Joe Haigh [Released]

    Henry Lawrence [Released]

    Sam McClelland [Released]

    Silko Thomas [Released]

    Ethan Wady [Released]

    Jayden Wareham [Released]

    Charlie Webster [Heerenveen] Loan

    Dion Rankine [Exeter] Loan

    Chelsea broke the British transfer record to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton. (Photo by KARIM JAAFAR / AFP)Source: AFP

    Crystal Palace

    In

    Matheus Franca [Flamengo] £26m

    Jefferson Lerma [Bournemouth] Free

    Out

    Wilfried Zaha [Galatasaray] Free

    Rob Street [Cheltenham] Free

    Luke Plange [Carlisle] Loan

    James McArthur [Released]

    Luka Milivojevic [Released]

    Jack Butland [Rangers] Free

    Joshua Addae [Released]

    David Boateng [Released]

    Ryan Bartley [Released]

    Maliq Cadogan [Released]

    Reece Hannam [Stevenage] Free

    David Omilabu [Released]

    Daniel Quick [Released]

    Everton

    In

    Youssef Chermiti [Sporting Lisbon] £15m

    Ashley Young [Aston Villa] Free

    Arnaut Danjuma [Villarreal] Loan

    Jack Harrison [Leeds] Loan

    Out

    Ellis Simms [Coventry] £7m

    Yerry Mina [Released]

    Andros Townsend [Released]

    Niels Nkounkou [Saint-Etienne] Undisclosed

    Einar Iversen [Released]

    Isaac Price [Released]

    Tom Davies [Sheffield United] Free

    Harry Tyrer [Chesterfield] Loan

    Lewis Warrington [Plymouth] Loan

    Stanley Mills [Oxford] Loan

    Fulham

    In

    Raul Jimenez [Wolves] £5m

    Calvin Bassey [Ajax] Undisclosed

    Willian

    Out

    Aleksandar Mitrovic [Al Hilal] £50m

    Shane Duffy [Norwich] Free

    Kieron Bowie [Northampton Town] Loan

    Ibane Bowat [TSV Hartberg] Loan

    Luciano D’Auria-Henry [Cheltenham] Loan

    Joe Bryan [Millwall] Free

    Thorsteinn Antonsson [Released]

    Paulo Gazzaniga [Girona] Free

    Sonny Hilton [Released]

    Sylvester Jasper [Released]

    Neeskens Kebano [Al-Jazira] Free

    Ziyad Larkeche [QPR] Free

    Jonathon Page [Released]

    Steven Sessegnon [Released]

    Jean-Pierre Tiehi [Released]

    Raul Jimenez swapped Wolves for Fulham. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    Liverpool

    In

    Dominik Szoboszlai [RB Leipzig] £60m

    Alexis Mac Allister [Brighton] £35m

    Wataru Endo [Stuttgart] £16.2m

    Out

    Fabinho [Al-Ittihad] Undisclosed

    Jordan Henderson [Al-Ettifaq] £12m

    Rhys Williams [Aberdeen] Loan

    Calvin Ramsay [Preston North End ] Loan

    Sepp van den Berg [Mainz] Loan

    Fabio Carvalho [RB Leipzig] Loan

    Jakub Ojrzynski [Den Bosch] Loan

    Roberto Firmino [Al-Ahli] Free

    James Milner [Brighton] Free

    Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain [Besiktas] Free

    Naby Keita [Werder Bremen] Free

    Jack Bearne [Released]

    Liam Hughes [Released]

    Oscar Kelly [Released]

    Fidel O’Rourke [Released]

    Oludare Olufunwa [Released]

    Leighton Clarkson [Aberdeen] Undisclosed

    Harvey Davies [Crewe Alexandra] Loan

    Adam Lewis [Newport County] Loan

    Owen Beck [Dundee FC] Loan

    Anderson Arroyo [FC Andorra] Loan

    Luton Town

    In

    Tahith Chong [Birmingham] £4m

    Ross Barkley [Nice] Free

    Marvelous Nakamba [Aston Villa] Undisclosed

    Tim Krul [Norwich] Undisclosed

    Ryan Giles [Wolves] Undisclosed

    Mads Andersen [Barnsley] Undisclosed

    Chiedozie Ogbene [Rotherham United] Free

    Issa Kabore [Manchester City] Free

    Thomas Kaminski [Blackburn Rovers] Undisclosed

    Out

    Harry Isted [Charlton] Free

    Josh Neufville [AFC Wimbledon] Free

    Sonny Bradley [Derby] Free

    Henri Lansbury [Released]

    Fred Onyedinma [Rotherham United]

    Elliot Thorpe [Shrewsbury Town] Loan

    Jack Walton [Dundee United] Loan

    Joe Taylor [Colchester] Loan

    Manchester City

    In

    Josko Gvardiol [RB Leipzig] £77m

    Mateo Kovacic [Chelsea] £30m

    Spike Brits [AFC Wimbledon] Undisclosed

    Out

    Riyad Mahrez [Al-Ahil] £30m

    James Trafford [Burnley] £19m

    Shea Charles [Southampton] £15m

    lkay Gundogan [Barcelona] Free

    Carlos Borges [Ajax] £17.3m

    Terrell Agyemang [Middlesbrough] Free

    Alex Robertson [Portsmouth] Loan

    Finley Burns [Stevenage] Loan

    Rowan McDonald [Released]

    Benjamin Mendy [Released]

    Morgan Rogers [Middlesbrough] Undisclosed

    Kian Breckin [Wycombe] Loan

    Liam Delap [Hull City] Loan

    Callum Doyle [Leicester] Loan

    Gvardiol arrived to help bolster the City defence. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)Source: AFP

    Manchester United

    In

    Rasmus Hojlund [Atalanta] £72m

    Mason Mount [Chelsea] £55m

    Andre Onana [Inter Milan] £47m

    Jonny Evans [Leicester] Free

    Out

    Anthony Elanga [Nottingham Forest] £15m

    Alex Telles [Al Nassr] Undisclosed

    David de Gea [Released]

    Zidane Iqbal [Utrecht] £850,000

    Fred [Fenerbahce] Undisclosed

    Ethan Laird [Birmingham City] Undisclosed

    Ethan Galbraith [Leyton Orient] Free

    Issa Kaboure [Luton Town] Free

    Di’Shon Bernard [Sheffield Wednesday] Free

    Nathan Bishop [Sunderland] Undisclosed

    Will Fish [Hibernian] Loan

    Phil Jones [Released]

    Axel Tuanzebe [Released]

    Di’Shon Bernard [Released]

    Eric Hanbury [Released]

    Charlie Wellens [Released]

    Manni Norkett [Nottingham Forest] Free

    Newcastle

    In

    Sandro Tonali [AC Milan] £52m

    Tino Livramento [Southampton] £40m

    Harvey Barnes [Leicester] £38m

    Yankuba Minteh [Odense Boldklub] Undisclosed

    Out

    Chris Wood [Nottingham Forest] £15m

    Allan Saint-Maximin [Al-Ahli] Undisclosed

    Karl Darlow [Leeds] Undisclosed

    Matty Bondswell [Newport] Loan

    Yankuba Minteh [Feyenoord] Loan

    Jamal Lewis [Watford] Loan

    Kell Watts [Wigan] Loan

    Garang Kuol [FC Volendam]

    Max Thompson [Northampton] Loan

    Niall Brookwell [Released]

    Ciaran Clark [Released]

    Dan Langley [Released]

    Matty Longstaff [Released]

    Josh Stewart [Released]

    Isaac Westendorf [Released]

    Tonali scored on his Premier League debut for Newcastle. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    Nottingham Forest

    In

    Chris Wood [Newcastle] £15m

    Anthony Elanga [Manchester United] £15m

    Manni Norkett [Manchester United] Free

    Ola Aina [Torino] Free

    Matt Turner [Arsenal] Undisclosed

    Out

    Will Swan [Mansfield] Undisclosed

    Braian Ojeda [Real Salt Lake] Undisclosed

    Sam Surridge [Nashville SC] Free

    Steve Cook [QPR] Undisclosed

    Jack Colback [QPR] Free

    Cafu [Rotherham] Free

    Josh Bowler [Cardiff City] Loan

    Oli Hammond [Cheltenham Town] Loan

    Josh Bowler [Cardiff] Loan

    Andre Ayew [Released]

    Jesse Lingard [Released]

    Jordan Smith [Released]

    Lyle Taylor [Released]

    Billy Fewster [Released]

    Alex Gibson-Hammond [Released]

    Ryan Hammon [Released]

    Nicky Hogarth [Released]

    Adnan Kanuric [Released]

    Lewis Salmon [Released]

    Sheffield United

    In

    Tom Davies [Everton] Free

    Anis Slimane [Brondby] Undisclosed

    Benie Traore [Hacken] Undisclosed

    Yasser Larouci [Troyes] Loan

    Auston Trusty [Arsenal] Undisclosed

    Vinicius Souza [Lommel SK] Undisclosed

    Out

    Sander Berge [Burnley] £12m

    Illiman Ndiaye [Marseille] Undisclosed

    Sander Berge [Burnley] Undisclosed

    George Broadbent [Doncaster Rovers] Undisclosed

    Jake Eastwood [Grimsby Town] Undisclosed

    Harry Boyes [Wycombe] Loan

    Jack O’Connell [Released]

    Billy Sharp [Released]

    Enda Stevens [Stoke] Free

    Kyron Gordon [Released]

    Tottenham

    In

    James Maddison [Leicester City] £40m

    Micky van de Ven [Wolfsburg] £34m

    Alejo Veliz [Rosario Central] £13m

    Ashley Phillips [Blackburn] £2m

    Manor Solomon [Shakhtar Donetsk] Free

    Guglielmo Vicario [Empoli] Undisclosed

    Dejan Kulusevski [Juventus] Undisclosed

    Out

    Harry Kane [Bayern Munich] £100m

    Harry Winks [Leicester] £10m

    Lucas Moura [Released]

    Jamie Bowden [Released]

    Kallum Cesay [Released]

    Malachi Fagan-Walcott [Released]

    Marqes Muir [Released]

    Maddison joined Spurs from Leicester. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    West Ham

    In

    Edson Alvarez [Ajax] £34m

    James Ward-Prowse [Southampton] £30m

    Sean Moore [Cliftonville] Undisclosed

    Out

    Declan Rice [Arsenal] £105m

    Gianluca Scamacca [Atalanta] £21.5m

    Arthur Masuaku [Besiktas] £2m

    Nikola Vlasic [Torino] Undisclosed

    Kamari Swyer [Crawley Town] Loan

    Freddie Potts [Wycombe Wanderers] Loan

    Krisztian Hegyi [Stevenage] Loan

    Manuel Lanzini [Released]

    Brian Kinnear [Released]

    Mipo Odubeko [Released]

    Armstrong Okoflex [Released]

    Wolves

    In

    Boubacar Traore [Metz] £9.5m

    Matt Doherty [Atletico Madrid] Free

    Tom King [Northampton Town] Free

    Out

    Ruben Neves [Al-Hilal] £47m

    Nathan Collins [Brentford] £23m

    Conor Coady [Leicester] £8.5m

    Raul Jimenez [Fulham] £5m

    Ryan Giles [Luton Town] Undisclosed

    Jeong Sang-bin [Minnesota United] Undisclosed

    Hayao Kawabe [Standard Liege] Undisclosed

    Tyler Roberts [Doncaster] Loan

    Luke Cundle [Plymouth] Loan

    Dexter Lembikisa [Rotherham United] Loan

    Adama Traore [Released]

    Joao Moutinho [Released]

    Diego Costa [Released]

    Michael Agboola [Released]

    Lee Harkin [Released]

    Luke Matheson [Released]

    Source link

  • Chelsea beat Reds to $115m teen star but Klopp hits back with Japan gun: PL Done Deals

    Chelsea beat Reds to $115m teen star but Klopp hits back with Japan gun: PL Done Deals

    It’s been a busy couple of days for Premier League transfers, with Liverpool responding to sign a much-needed midfielder following Chelsea pipping them to yet another star signing, while Aston Villa have secured a major coup.

    FIBA Basketball World Cup | Starts Aug 25. Watch every Boomers, Team USA and Finals game FREE & LIVE on ESPN with Kayo Freebies. Join Kayo now and start streaming instantly >

    REDS LAND ‘LATE BLOOMER’

    Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said on Friday he was happy to sign “late bloomer” Wataru Endo, with the Japan midfielder arriving at Anfield after Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia opted to join Chelsea instead.

    No fee has been disclosed for the 30-year-old Endo’s “long-term contract” but reports valued his move from Bundesliga club Stuttgart at £19 million ($24 million, 22 million euros).

    Liverpool have been on the hunt for a defensive midfielder since both captain Jordan Henderson and Fabinho made the move to Saudi Arabia during the ongoing transfer window.

    The Reds’ attempts to sign Brighton’s Caicedo and Southampton’s Lavia failed, with both players heading to big-spending Chelsea.

    Liverpool have finally got a new number six.Source: AFP

    But Klopp, speaking ahead of Saturday’s match against Bournemouth — the Reds’ first home game this season following last week’s draw at Chelsea — told a press conference he had long been an admirer of Endo.

    “First of all, I’m really happy that we can have an agreement with a club and a player which is really cool,” Klopp said.

    “I am from Germany, I watch a lot of Bundesliga, I’ve known him since he is at Stuttgart, I liked him pretty much from the start when he started playing there.

    “He’s a little bit of a late bloomer and usually for us for the way our owners see it, he was already too old when he joined Stuttgart but I obviously have a different view on that and I always liked him.”

    MORE NEWS

    Massive $200m grassroots funding vow after Matildas’ epic run

    Shock claim amid $890m World Cup reveal as FIFA boss tells women ‘pick the right fight’

    On Liverpool’s transfer market issues, Klopp added: “The last week was obviously a tricky one, no doubt about that. But when you have a problem you can stick to the problem or find a solution, I’m more than happy to have the solution.

    “The transfer business is like that — you talk to people, the players and clubs and sometimes it works out and sometimes not.

    “There’s nothing else to say about that. All things that were said in these conversations, they stay between me and the specific other party, nothing to say about that, really.”

    BLUES SIGN ANOTHER MIDFIELD SUPERSTAR

    Chelsea have signed Romeo Lavia on a seven-year contract from Southampton it was announced Friday in the latest addition to their squad after the teenage midfielder rejected a move to Premier League rivals Liverpool.

    No fee has been disclosed but British media reports stated the deal was £53 million rising to £58 million ($A115m).

    Lavia, 19, is the eighth player to join Chelsea in the current transfer window, with the London club, now owned by a consortium led by American businessman Todd Boehly, having spent more than £350 million — although they have sold several high-value footballers as well.

    Belgium international Lavia has made 29 Premier League appearances and has arrived at Stamford Bridge following south coast side Southampton’s relegation from English football’s top-flight last season.

    Lavia scored against Chelsea last season.Source: Getty Images

    “I can’t wait to meet all my new teammates and build a chemistry together to achieve great things together,” Lavia told Chelsea’s website.

    He is now set to compete for a place in Chelsea’s midfield with Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo — the two most expensive players in English football transfer history.

    Caicedo arrived from Brighton earlier this month for a reported fee of up to £115 million, surpassing the £107 million the Blues paid Portuguese giants Benfica for Fernandez back in January

    Aston Villa have signed former Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo.Source: AFP

    VILLA LAND ITALIAN GUN

    Aston Villa signed Italy midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo on loan from Galatasaray on Friday.

    Zaniolo, 24, is the Premier League club’s fourth signing since the end of last season.

    The deal reportedly involves an option for Villa to make the move permanent. “Aston Villa is delighted to announce the loan signing of Italian international Nicolo Zaniolo,” a statement on the club’s website said.

    Zaniolo spent five years with Roma and scored the winning goal in their Europa Conference League final success in 2022.

    He left for Galatasaray in February and helped the club win the Turkish league title.

    Zaniolo, who has 13 caps for Italy, joins Pau Torres, Youri Tielemans and Moussa Diaby as new faces in Unai Emery’s squad.

    Villa were thrashed 5-1 at Newcastle in their Premier League opener last weekend and host Everton in their second game on Sunday.

    FIBA Basketball World Cup | Starts Aug 25. Watch every Boomers, Team USA and Finals game FREE & LIVE on ESPN with Kayo Freebies. Join Kayo now and start streaming instantly >

    Source link

  • Arsenal have signed well but none of their deals stand out for being the best

    Arsenal have signed well but none of their deals stand out for being the best

    Aston Villa’s acquisition of Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen is the Premier League’s signing of the summer… so far.

    That’s according to talkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor, though we suspect there’s some bias given his loyalties to his former employers.

    8

    Diaby joined Villa earlier this summer from German side Bayer Leverkusen for £51.9millionCredit: Getty

    The forward enjoyed a brilliant pre-season, before scoring on his debut in the Villans’ Premier League opener away at Newcastle.

    Though it wasn’t the result Unai Emery’s men were hoping for given they were hit for five at St James’ Park.

    But Diaby, who made the move to the Midlands in a £51.9m deal, was one of the shining lights in an otherwise disappointing display.

    He is just one of a number of high-profile signings made by Premier League clubs this window, which has seen Chelsea fork out almost £360m on eight new players.

    Klopp opens press conference with Caicedo gag after announcing Liverpool deal which failed
    Lavia video calls Hazard and admits three reasons for choosing Chelsea over Liverpool

    Arsenal have also spent big as they look to mount another tilt for the Premier League title after coming up just short last season.

    Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber have joined on permanent deals, while David Raya has been brought in on an initial loan transfer.

    Meanwhile, Manchester United have handed over almost £200m by snapping up Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount and Andre Onana.

    But as we approach the final stretch of the transfer window, who are the best Premier League transfers so far this summer? Agbonlahor has named his top five.

    Chelsea are the biggest spenders this summer, with the club forking out almost £1bn in the last year, with a British record being spent on Moises Caicedo

    8

    Chelsea are the biggest spenders this summer, with the club forking out almost £1bn in the last year, with a British record being spent on Moises CaicedoCredit: Getty

    Gabby’s top five signings so far

    5. Rasmus Hojlund to Manchester United – £72million

    “What I’ve seen of him, he is the next [Erling] Haaland, he really is.

    “He’s strong, he’s quick, he can shoot with both feet, finish with both feet, he’s good in the air, he’s good at link-up play.

    “I really feel like he’s one that’s going to really shine for Manchester United.

    “I don’t look at [his nine Serie A goals in 2022/23 campaign], I look at his age, I look at a young lad who is learning season by season, he’s going to be playing in a better side.

    “He’s going to have the service of [Chrsitian] Eriksen, [Bruno] Fernandes, [Mason] Mount, Antony – if he wants to cross the ball every now and then.

    “He’s going to be that physical striker that Manchester United need.”

    United paid £72million to Atalanta to bring Denmark striker Hojlund to Old Trafford

    8

    United paid £72million to Atalanta to bring Denmark striker Hojlund to Old TraffordCredit: Getty

    4. James Maddison to Tottenham – £40m

    “He’s the player that Spurs have been missing, I’ve watched him for years, I watched him against Brentford [Tottenham debut] – he just wants the ball.

    “He’s addicted to the ball, that’s who Spurs need, a No.10 that wants the ball all the time, wants to make things happen.

    “He’s got a set piece in him, he’s got a goal in him, he’s got a great touch in tight spaces to turn and put people through.

    “That’s the player that Spurs have been crying out for since they lost Eriksen [to Inter Milan in January 2020].”

    Maddison chipped in with two assists on his Spurs debut against Brentford

    8

    Maddison chipped in with two assists on his Spurs debut against BrentfordCredit: Getty

    3. Harvey Barnes to Newcastle – £38m

    “I love him. When I first heard he was available, I was like, ‘Aston Villa please’.

    “This guy is lightning quick, always wants to run at defenders, can finish.

    “He’s got to a learn a bit more composure, but that will come.

    “He’s a really, really good player, and I feel that Newcastle have got a real gem.”

    Barnes scored and assisted in Newcastle's Premier League opener against Aston Villa

    8

    Barnes scored and assisted in Newcastle’s Premier League opener against Aston VillaCredit: Getty

    2. Moises Caicedo to Chelsea – £115m

    “I’ve seen enough of him now to know he’s a top, top player.

    “And the thing about Caicedo is that Reece James struggles a lot with injuries, so there’s cover at right-back.

    “He played for Brighton against Arsenal [at right-back] and he was outstanding, no one could get any change out of him.

    “He’s just the sort of player that can play anywhere and he would be outstanding.

    “He can play at centre-half and he’d be good, he’s strong, aggressive, he’s good on the ball, got an eye for goal when he gets forward.

    “And I really feel that he’s the one that is money well spent.”

    Chelsea forked out a British record £115m to prise Caicedo away from Brighton

    8

    Chelsea forked out a British record £115m to prise Caicedo away from BrightonCredit: Getty

    1. Moussa Diaby to Aston Villa – £51.9m

    “You know why? I just feel like value for money, he turned down Saudi Arabia for Aston Villa, which no one else has been doing really,

    “And I’ve just enough of him now, I saw him against Newcastle – he’s frighteningly quick – low centre of gravity.

    “He’s strong, can finish, can get in the box in the back post like he did against Newcastle to get his goal.

    “I feel that value for money and what he’s going to offer that Aston Villa attack from that right hand side, he’s a great, great signing for Aston Villa.”

    Diaby was on the score sheet for the Villans in their 5-1 defeat at St James' Park

    8

    Diaby was on the score sheet for the Villans in their 5-1 defeat at St James’ ParkCredit: Getty

    Honourable mention

    Declan Rice to Arsenal – £105m

    “Listen, Declan Rice is an outstanding player, he will help that Arsenal side a lot.

    “But I think that Arsenal team are going to be helped out by the goals of [Bukayo] Saka, [Gabriel] Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and [Eddie] Nketiah.

    “I think Declan Rice is going to have a key role, but more breaking up the play, maybe not allowed to go forward as much in certain games.

    England fans stunned to discover Lucy Bronze's middle name during World Cup win
    I dreamed of playing for Newcastle but Klopp changed my mind, then I went to Arsenal
    Rice won the Community Shield on his competitive debut for Arsenal against Manchester City

    8

    Rice won the Community Shield on his competitive debut for Arsenal against Manchester CityCredit: Getty

    “Especially as Thomas Partey has injury problems.

    “A great signing Declan Rice.”

    The new talkSPORT match centre

    Keep up-to-date with all the latest football fixtures, results and standings in our new match centre.



    Source link

  • Liverpool set to seal surprise deal for Japan player after Caicedo and Lavia setbacks

    Liverpool set to seal surprise deal for Japan player after Caicedo and Lavia setbacks

    Liverpool are set to sign Stuttgart midfielder Wataru Endo, talkSPORT understands.

    The Japanese international has been given permission to undergo a medical with the Merseysiders.

    2

    Endo looks set to join Liverpool in the coming daysCredit: Getty
    The Stuttgart skipper will add vital steel to Jurgen Klopp's midfield

    2

    The Stuttgart skipper will add vital steel to Jurgen Klopp’s midfieldCredit: Getty

    The 30-year-old joined German side Stuttgart in 2019 on an initial loan deal before signing on a permanent basis in 2020.

    In that time, Endo has made 133 appearances for the club, scoring 15 goals and being named as captain.

    Renowned for his tackling ability and work rate, the midfielder was a key part in helping Stuttgart to avoid relegation from the Bundesliga in each of the last two seasons.

    With a contract that expires next summer, Endo has previously been a transfer target of Crystal Palace, who considered a move to sign him in January.

    Liverpool open talks with Man United target Amrabat and revive interest in Bayern man
    Chelsea and Southampton agree Lavia fee as Liverpool snubbed and Man City set for windfall

    Liverpool are desperate to sign a defensive midfield player after the arrivals of Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister from RB Leipzig and Brighton respectively.

    The Reds had been eagerly pursuing deals for both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, however Klopp’s side have suffered torrid luck having seen Chelsea hijack both deals, leaving the Merseysiders with a lack of steel in their midfield.

    Liverpool have also been linked with Sofyan Amrabat and Ryan Gravenberch, with the club still holding two non-homegrown spots in their Premier League squad for the season ahead.

    More will follow.For the latest on this and other breaking news stories, listen to talkSPORT



    Source link

  • Liverpool open talks with Manchester United target Sofyan Amrabat and revive interest in Bayern Munich man

    Liverpool open talks with Manchester United target Sofyan Amrabat and revive interest in Bayern Munich man

    Manchester United target Sofyan Amrabat has held talks with Liverpool, talkSPORT understands.

    Fiorentina midfielder Amrabat has been on Man United’s radar all summer, but talks are yet to develop, with the Red Devils wary of Financial Fair Play restrictions.

    3

    Amrabat is keen to seal his move to the Premier League this summer with Liverpool joining the raceCredit: Getty
    And Liverpool are also coming back in for Bayern man Ryan Gravenberch

    3

    And Liverpool are also coming back in for Bayern man Ryan GravenberchCredit: Getty

    Amrabat starred in the Morocco team that reached the World Cup semi-finals in Qatar and talkSPORT can exclusively reveal Liverpool are looking to swoop in after missing out on the signings of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.

    talkSPORT also understands Liverpool have revived their interest in Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch.

    The Reds, who were linked with the Dutchman earlier in the transfer window, are hoping to persuade Bayern to sell Gravenberch having become increasingly desperate to rebuild their midfield.

    They’ve signed Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai from Brighton and RB Leipzig respectively but later said goodbye to Fabinho and club captain Jordan Henderson. They also let James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain leave earlier in the summer.

    Liverpool will introduce safe-standing areas at Anfield this weekend
    Robbie Fowler 'will put a word in' with Mohamed Salah over Saudi Pro League transfer link

    Caicedo looked set to join the Reds after they agreed a £111million fee with Brighton but the Ecuadorian wanted to join Chelsea, a move he sealed earlier this week.

    Jurgen Klopp then turned his attention to Lavia and Liverpool agreed a £60m fee with Southampton for him.

    But like Caicedo did to them, Lavia snubbed Liverpool for Chelsea and is expected to complete his move to Stamford Bridge imminently.

    Liverpool begun their 2023/24 season with a 1-1 draw at Chelsea, a match which highlighted their holes in midfield.

    Liverpool are looking very bare in midfield and the season has already begun#

    3

    Liverpool are looking very bare in midfield and the season has already begun#Credit: Getty

    Recent seasons have seen Liverpool up there in the Premier League title challenge but former player Didi Hamann insists that shouldn’t be a target for them this season.

    “I think they are as far away as they were last season, if not further,” Hamann told talkSPORT.

    “If they go into the season like this, if they don’t sign anymore players, I think top four will be a big success.

    “I can’t see them challenging for the title, I watched Newcastle, Arsenal were a bit underwhelming, I think City will be there again and Chelsea won’t be far away as well.

    “You’ve got to beat one or two of these teams to finish in the top four, I think that will be hard enough. Title challengers? I don’t see them as title challengers at all, and it remains to be seen who they do bring in.

    “Fabinho, [James] Milner, [Jordan] Henderson, I know they’re coming to the end of their careers but they’ve lost a lot of grit and a lot of steel and a lot of identity and a lot of influence in the dressing room.

    “They’ve only signed two players so far so if they were to go into the season like this or finish the transfer window as they do now with just two signings, I think top four will be a success.”



    Source link

  • ‘Bigger than they’ll ever be’: Reds legend says ‘good riddance’ to $225m star in salty Chelsea rant

    ‘Bigger than they’ll ever be’: Reds legend says ‘good riddance’ to $225m star in salty Chelsea rant

    Liverpool legend John Aldridge has ripped into Chelsea following the $225 million signing of Ecuador midfielder Moises Caicedo, accusing the rival club of lacking integrity.

    Earlier this week, Chelsea secured the services of Caicedo for a reported Premier League record fee.

    The Blues, who were desperately seeking a defensive midfielder before the end of the summer window, said the 21-year-old had agreed to an eight-year contract at Stamford Bridge, with a club option for a further year, after Chelsea beat off competition from Liverpool for his signature.

    Last week, Liverpool had a $216 million offer accepted after Brighton set a deadline for bid, but Caicedo turned down the opportunity to join the Reds to pursue a move to the Blues.

    Chelsea are desperately seeking a defensive midfielder before the end of the summer window.

    Aldridge, who won an FA Cup with Liverpool in 1989, insisted his former club are “far bigger” than Chelsea in a stunning rant, claiming the Blues “bought” their way to success.

    Stream Over 50 Sports Live & On-Demand with Kayo. Join now and start streaming instantly >

    John Aldridge of Liverpool FC. Photo by Zak Kaczmarek/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

    “As soon as the player made clear he wanted to go to Chelsea over Liverpool, I didn’t want him at all. We are far bigger than Chelsea will ever be,” Aldridge penned in the Liverpool Echo.

    “Missing out on this transfer has not hurt me like when (Fernando) Torres left us to go there, that was awful and hard to stomach. Going to Chelsea? When I was at Oxford United, we beat them three times in the space of four months. They have bought their way to where they are.

    “In terms of the reasons behind Caicedo choosing Chelsea over Liverpool, they are a London club and some players see that as a big pull. With the Louis Vuitton shop on Oxford Street and the London way of life, they view that as a huge attraction.

    “Chelsea have got that, but they haven’t got the same selling point of Liverpool Football Club: history. We are a massive club in world football and that will always be there. If Caicedo wants to go to Chelsea, good riddance. We have to overcome this and trust Jurgen to get a player who can do that job.”

    Chelsea got their 2023/24 campaign off to a strong start on Sunday, clinching a 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

    Source link

  • PL club set to sign Liverpool’s new target Tyler Adams after recent Chelsea snub – Reports

    PL club set to sign Liverpool’s new target Tyler Adams after recent Chelsea snub – Reports

    Bournemouth are reportedly close to winning the race for Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams following a failed move to Chelsea and rumored interest from Liverpool.

    According to TEAMtalk, the Cherries have met the American’s £20 million release clause and are hopeful of finalizing a deal. They will hope to do so soon as the 21-year-old has plenty of interest from some of the Premier League’s top clubs.

    Adams looked to be on his way to Chelsea several days ago when the Blues too met his £20 million relegation release clause. However, the west Londoners pulled the plug on the deal and have instead signed Moises Caicedo for a British transfer record £115 million.

    Liverpool had reportedly been circling for his signature after they admitted defeat in their pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion’s Caicedo, per Paul Joyce. However, it’s the Cherries who looked to have pipped them to the post.

    Adams was in fine form for Leeds last season despite their relegation. The American arrived at Elland Road for a fee in the region of £20 million. He featured 26 times across competitions and was a constant presence in the heat of the Peacocks’ midfield.

    The USMNT international has four years left on his contract with Daniel Farke’s side. However, the Midlands outfit’s relegation has activated a £20 million release clause in his deal.


    Chelsea new-boy Moises Caicedo hints that he turned down Liverpool

    Caicedo has sealed a move to Stamford Bridge.
    Caicedo has sealed a move to Stamford Bridge.

    The Blues have broken the British transfer record for the second consecutive transfer window. They have done so by signing Caicedo for a staggering £115 million fee.

    However, Chelsea had to fight off completion from Liverpool in the process. The Reds had agreed on an £111 million deal with Brighton prior to the transfer but Caicedo informed them he wanted the Stamford Bridge transfer.

    The Ecudoarian has seemingly hinted that he did in fact reject Jurgen Klopp’s Anfield giants. He is seen stating in a video released on Chelsea’s official Twitter account:

    “It was never in doubt. I was always a Blue.”

    Caicedo joins a Blues midfield that is undergoing an extensive rebuild. Enzo Fernandez was the first arrival in January for a then-British transfer record £106.8 million.

    The Ecuadorian has been the next to seemingly become an immediate starter in Pochettino’s midfield. Romeo Lavia may be next as he has agreed a deal to join Chelsea from Southampton for a fee in the region of £50 million plus add-ons. He has also picked the Blues over Liverpool in the process, per The Athletic.

    Quick Links

    More from Sportskeeda




    Source link

  • Chelsea draw to Liverpool but win Caicedo war, Maddison stars – Things we learnt on Sunday

    Chelsea draw to Liverpool but win Caicedo war, Maddison stars – Things we learnt on Sunday

    The mesmerising weekend of Premier League football continued with two more pulsating matches that lived up to their billing.

    Tottenham began life without Harry Kane with a testing trip at Brentford but showed they didn’t lose their ability to play despite losing their star man as they played out a 2-2 draw.

    8

    Heung-min Son is Spurs’ new captainCredit: Getty
    While there's a new man in the home dugout for Chelsea - ex-Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino

    8

    While there’s a new man in the home dugout for Chelsea – ex-Spurs boss Mauricio PochettinoCredit: AFP

    It was a first Premier League outing for new manager Ange Postecoglou, who will be impressed by the fighting spirit they showed having bounced back from losing their 1-0 lead to claim a point against a side that claimed the scalps of Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United at home last term.

    And later in the afternoon saw Chelsea and Liverpool face-off at Stamford Bridge.

    Plenty happened on the pitch in the 1-1 draw but the contest was played with an undercurrent of the battle for the signatures of Brighton star Moises Caicedo as well as Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia.

    talkSPORT.com takes a look at the six take-aways from Sunday’s Premier League action.

    Caicedo set for Chelsea medical on Monday as Brighton star nears British record transfer
    De Bruyne fears see Man City push for Paqueta, West Ham want third Man United star

    Tottenham’s forward line must improve

    It was a frantic clash with Brentford and while they scored twice, they came from Cristian Romero and Emerson Royal.

    Up top, Richarlison was full of hustle but unable to get meaningful touches of the ball in dangerous areas, missing his one clear-cut chance, despite growing into the game.

    Dejan Kulusevski was bright but lacking a final ball, while Heung-Min Son struggled to get in possession close to goal before being substituted.

    The Bees are, of course a tough opponents, but more will be needed from that three in the long run.

    Richarlison livened up in the second half but didn't show anything to suggest he can emulate Kane

    8

    Richarlison livened up in the second half but didn’t show anything to suggest he can emulate KaneCredit: Getty

    Madd about you

    A debut as your club’s new £40million star signing is always tough, chuck in the fact you’re the new No.10 replacing their legendary striker, you’re in for a rough ride.

    But Maddison came through in excellent fashion, showcasing his creativity in the final third against a Brentford team who barely gave Spurs any room for manoeuvre.

    His wicked free-kick delivery found Cristian Romero for Tottenham’s opening goal, while he nudged the ball to Emerson Royal for their second too.

    Even a first-half yellow card for dissent couldn’t dissuade him from making a hustling display for 90 minutes.

    Oh, and he ended the match as captain after Heung-Min Son’s substitution. Only a win could have made it better.

    Maddison was all over their attack in west London

    8

    Maddison was all over their attack in west London

    Bissouma is back

    He’s been a Spurs player for over a year but Yves Bissouma had all the energy of a new signing at the Gtech Community Stadium.

    Postecoglou’s men dominated possession for large parts of the match and just lacked that cutting edge needed to prise open the stout Brentford defence a third time.

    But props should be given to Bissouma, who was constantly recycling the ball and playing some neat passes in the direction of the more creative Maddison.

    Bissouma didn’t get going last season, although injury kept him out for a large part of it, but his performance on Sunday afternoon suggests his Spurs career is finally going to be kickstarted.

    Bissouma showed why Spurs paid Brighton £30m for his services last summer

    8

    Bissouma showed why Spurs paid Brighton £30m for his services last summerCredit: Getty

    Enzo the master baker

    From one top midfield performance to another; like Bissouma bossing things at Brentford, Fernandez had plenty of joy during Chelsea’s draw against Liverpool.

    After a slow start which saw Liverpool take the lead on 18 minutes, Chelsea grew into things, getting their equaliser through debutante Axel Disasi, but Fernandez was at the centre of things.

    Fernandez was cooking at Stamford Bridge, earning the player of the match award, impressing former Liverpool star Michael Owen, who said Chelsea will boast the Premier League’s best midfield if they get the Moises Caicedo deal done.

    Fernandez dictated the pace of the game at points

    8

    Fernandez dictated the pace of the game at pointsCredit: Getty

    A draw in the battle, but Chelsea win the war

    And speak of the devil, the drama at Stamford Bridge showed exactly why Chelsea and Liverpool have been battling for the Brighton star’s signature.

    Despite Fernandez’s brilliance and some nice moments by Reds midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, the way both midfields found themselves overrun during the match will remind Mauricio Pochettino and Jurgen Klopp that neither of their squads are complete just yet.

    talkSPORT understands that although it was honours even on the pitch, Chelsea have won off it having agreed a deal worth a British record £115million with the Seagulls for Caicedo.

    It was honours even at Stamford Bridge

    8

    It was honours even at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty
    But off the pitch it's Chelsea who have won with Caicedo set to join them instead of Liverpool

    8

    But off the pitch it’s Chelsea who have won with Caicedo set to join them instead of Liverpool

    When Studge met Keano

    And a little bit away from the actual football, it looks like we have a new bromance among the Sky Sports punditry team.

    We’ve fallen in love with the brilliant rapport Roy Keane and Micah Richards have, but it appears a new partnership is blossoming between the Manchester United legend and Daniel Sturridge.

    As well as offering some great insight into both of Sunday’s matches, former Chelsea and Liverpool striker Sturridge cracked plenty of jokes to proceedings.

    Sturridge mimicking Keane’s Irish tones as well as doing an unexpected rendition Usher’s Nice and Slow for his Sky Sports ‘initiation’ showed there won’t be any shortage of fun when ‘Studge’ is around.

    Eddie Hearn and Simon Jordan in ANOTHER heated clash at Anthony Joshua weigh-in
    From Spurs debut to Arsenal nemesis and World Cup heartache - Harry Kane's highs and lows

    And although his antics drew a signature scowl from Keane, it bore a remarkable resemblance to the looks he gives his mate Richards during his punditry.

    Let’s hope three isn’t a crowd in this case.

    The new talkSPORT match centre

    Keep up-to-date with all the latest football fixtures, results and standings in our new match centre.



    Source link

  • Chelsea, Liverpool in explosive draw… as $215m transfer tug-of-war plays out in the background

    Chelsea, Liverpool in explosive draw… as $215m transfer tug-of-war plays out in the background

    Chelsea and Liverpool had to settle for a 1-1 draw to start their Premier League season on Sunday.

    After a week of battling to land the signing of Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo for a Premier League record transfer fee, both Chelsea and Liverpool’s need for the Ecuadorian was exposed in an explosive encounter.

    Liverpool’s bright start was rewarded when Luis Diaz prodded home the opening goal, but debutant Axel Disasi earned Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino a point on his first game in charge.

    ANGE’S PL DEBUT: Tottenham’s wild ‘ride’ as dramatic draw starts new Spurs era

    Reds set to sign Caicedo in record deal | 01:04

    The American executives of both clubs were in attendance at Stamford Bridge ahead of an intense few days of negotiations after Liverpool had a £110 million ($A215m) offer accepted for Caicedo, only for the player to remain keen on a move to Chelsea instead.

    After his defensive midfield options were gutted by the departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to Saudi Arabia, Jurgen Klopp named an offensive front six with new signings Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai alongside Cody Gakpo in midfield.

    Liverpool settled the better and Mohamed Salah was inches away from opening the scoring when he rattled the crossbar on 12 minutes.

    Salah was involved when the Reds did take the lead six minutes later with a brilliant cross that Diaz prodded home at the back post.

    The Egyptian’s record of scoring on the opening weekend every year of his Liverpool career came to an end, but only due to a VAR review that ruled out a slick finish that would have made it 2-0.

    However, the momentum of the game swung after Disasi bundled home Chelsea’s equaliser.

    Seconds later Ben Chilwell thought he had turned the game on its head, only for VAR to this time ride to Liverpool’s rescue for offside.

    Chances continued to come and go at both ends, but a seventh consecutive clash between the sides ended in a draw.

    Gunners fire in EPL season opener | 00:44

    Chelsea manager Pochettino said he was disappointed just to take a point from his opening match in charge.

    Pochettino took over a side that had finished 12th last season — Chelsea’s lowest finishing position since 1994. And the Argentine believes they will only improve as the season goes on. “Fantastic way to start the season, unbelievable game,” said Pochettino, who previously managed Southampton and Tottenham in the Premier League.

    “Overall I think we deserve a little bit more. We feel pleased and at the same time disappointed.

    “That is only the beginning and I am so pleased with the performance of the players.

    “If we want to be a contender we need to improve in all areas,” added Pochettino.

    “It’s time to work all together, once the transfer window closes, to find the best dynamic. This result makes us believe, that is why I am positive.”

    Meanwhile, after a bright start the Reds’ defence was easily picked apart with an attack-minded midfield offering little protection.

    Postecoglou says Kane was always leaving | 01:06

    “The start was pretty convincing,” said Liverpool boss Klopp.

    “We scored two wonderful goals, one was disallowed for an offside.

    “We opened up the door for Chelsea, we lost the ball in moments where it was difficult to prepare for it. It gave the game a different direction, so we were not in control of the game.” However, Klopp insisted he is still “really looking forward” to the season ahead.

    Liverpool are aiming to bounce back after missing out on Champions League qualification last season for the first time in seven years.

    “Today didn’t decide where our season will go, it’s just important information,” added Klopp. “This team deserve so much trust, they will go for it.”

    Source link

  • Premier League side eye surprise move for Chelsea target and plan swift bid – Reports

    Premier League side eye surprise move for Chelsea target and plan swift bid – Reports

    Chelsea have been joined by Premier League rivals West Ham United in the race for Montpellier striker Elye Wahi, according to French daily L’EQUIPE.

    The Blues have made two major additions to their frontline this summer, signing Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson. It’s worth noting that they forked out a combined sum of €97 million to acquire the aforementioned player. It appears that the English giants are keen to further bolster their options in attack.

    It, therefore, emerged last month that Chelsea are working on a deal to sign Wahi, 20, from Montpellier. They were tipped to make a formal offer for the France U21 international early in July but have not seemingly made progress in their bid to sign him.

    The London giants are yet to ramp up efforts to sign Wahi despite holding direct talks with him over a move to Stamford Bridge. Mauricio Pochettino’s side have to act quickly to sign the Frenchman, as they risk facing increased competition.

    West Ham have entered the race to sign the right-footed frontman after selling Gianluca Scamacca to Atalanta. The Premier League club are expected to step up their interest in Wahi with a formal offer imminently.

    Eintracht Frankfurt, who are on the hunt for a replacement for Paris Saint-Germain target Randal Kolo Muani, have notably already made a bid for Wahi. However, their €33 million offer, including add-ons, reportedly falls well short of Montpellier’s valuation of the player.

    It, therefore, remains to be seen if West Ham can reach an agreement with the Ligue 1 club for Wahi. They’re certainly not short of cash after selling Declan Rice to Premier League rivals Arsenal in a deal worth up to €121.5 million.


    Chelsea focused on signing Moises Caicedo

    Chelsea‘s reluctance to accelerate their interest in Elye Wahi could be explained by their pursuit of midfielder Moises Caicedo. The Ecuador international has long been identified as the Blues’ top target for the summer. They have had multiple bids, including €115 million, rejected by Brighton & Hove Albion, though.

    It emerged on Thursday (August 10) that Liverpool agreed to sign Caicedo for €127 million. Mauricio Pochettino’s side have since been hard at work to scupper the Reds’ deal. The player’s desire to move to Stamford Bridge has bought them some time.

    As per The Daily Telegraph, Chelsea are now on the verge of agreeing a €133 million deal for Caicedo. They hope to get the deal across the line without further hiccups. The Ecuadorian could be present at Stamford Bridge for their Premier League opener against Liverpool on Sunday (August 13) afternoon.

    Quick Links

    More from Sportskeeda

    Edited by Dakir Mohammed Thanveer




    Source link