All posts by n8rngtd.top

Bangladesh have often blooded relative unknowns in international cricket, including Mashrafe Mortaza, but it hasn’t always gone well

Mohammad Isam18-Sep-2019Mahmudur Rahman (formerly known as Ranjan Das)
Mahmudur, a left-arm medium pacer, was part of Bangladesh’s first Test XI. He picked up one wicket in that game against India in Dhaka, but never played for Bangladesh again. That match, interestingly, was only his second in first-class cricket, although he did turn out for the Under-19 and ‘A’ sides in the 12 months leading up to it. He was talked up by his coach Dipu Roy Chowdhury, a former Bangladesh player, but the emergence of the steadier and fitter Manjurul Islam put Mahmudur out of the reckoning, for good. He turned to left-arm spin in domestic cricket, before concentrating on his career as a banker.Mashrafe Mortaza
The man who later became Bangladesh’s captain – he’s still their ODI skipper – is the country’s most successful bolter. Mashrafe was the first cricketer this century to make his first-class debut in his first Test. That, against Zimbabwe in the 2001 home series after Andy Roberts predicted big things from the 17-year-old paceman, took place when Mashrafe was on a Bangladesh A tour to India, after having made headlines with the Under-17 side earlier in the year. Incidentally, Mashrafe’s ODI debut was also his List A debut.Talha Jubair played seven Tests and six ODIs between 2002 and 2004•Getty ImagesTalha Jubair
Among the young pace bowlers who had impressed Roberts during his bowling camp in Bangladesh in 2001 was also Talha, who made his Test debut the year after Mashrafe’s debut. He was quicker than Mashrafe with a whippy action, and made his debut after he had played just a single first-class game and three List A games, although he was a regular in the Dhaka Premier League for a couple of seasons leading up to the call-up. Injuries, however, never left Talha alone, and although he had a decent domestic career, he never quite fulfilled his early promise for the national team.Nazmul Hossain
Like Mashrafe, Nazmul too made his first-class and List A debut in his first Test and ODI, as he too was fast-tracked after playing the 2004 Under-19 World Cup. Nazmul was quicker than most of the pace bowlers at the time and with many of them, including Mashrafe, regularly missing games because of injuries, the selectors picked up the rookie. But Nazmul had his own share of injuries, and ended up playing only two Tests and 38 ODIs in an international career that spanned eight seasons.Jubair Hossain
If then coach Chandika Hathurusingha had had his way, legspinner Jubair would have also made his Test and ODI debuts before playing a major domestic match. Jubair impressed Hathurusingha in the nets during the Bangladesh team’s preparatory camp ahead of their tour of the West Indies in 2014. He was rushed into the Bangladesh A team immediately after, and made his first-class and List A debuts against Zimbabwe A. The Test debut came on cue, against Zimbabwe, and he impressed with his flight, turn, and control. But after he became the centre of a spat between Hathurusingha and then chief selector Faruque Ahmed, in 2015, his stocks started to go down. He was benched in domestic cricket and after a poor one-off T20I performance, he had a hard time convincing coaches that he could be an attacking option. He hasn’t played for Bangladesh since.

Manchester United have “initiated a move” for a 21-year-old international defender who has impressed the club’s chiefs, according to a new report.

Man Utd defence still struggling as Onana dropped by Amorim

After a horribly poor start to his Old Trafford tenure, United were beginning to show signs of improvement under manager Ruben Amorim.

The Red Devils lost just two of their last 10 matches in all competitions, however, they fell to a heavy 4-1 defeat to Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

Amorim’s men continued to ship too many goals – even with Andre Onana being dropped at St James’ Park.

Onana continued to make errors between the sticks in the week as they were held to a 2-2 draw by French side Lyon in mid-week. The goalkeeper, who is unsettled at Old Trafford, has been heavily linked with a move away this summer.

However, injuries and a lack of both depth and quality in defence are also to blame, meaning United will no doubt need to strengthen in the summer if they are to continue their gradual improvement under Amorim.

Man Utd in talks for Basel defender Jonas Adjetey

One man who is reportedly interesting United as they look to bolster their options at the back in the summer is FC Basel centre back Jonas Adjetey.

According to a new report from Africa Foot, per Sports Witness, the Red Devils have already “initiated a move” by opening negotiations to sign the Ghana international, who they think of as “one of Europe’s most promising defenders.”

Despite being just 21, Adjetey has been a nailed-on starter for Basel this season, making 30 appearances across all competitions, and Africa Foot report that United have sent “emissaries” to watch him play on numerous occasions, and have been won over by his “immense potential.”

With talks open over a move to Old Trafford, there is no agreement yet on a potential fee for the youngster, who is valued at just £3.5 million by Transfermarkt.

According to Scout Europe, Adjetey “stands out for his physical attributes and his approach to the game.”

“Having developed in Basel’s youth system, his early step into the professional arena signals that his career is poised to shine even more in the coming years. After showcasing his talent in local competitions, Jonas seized the opportunity to prove himself at a renowned club like Basel in more competitive European leagues.

“From the moment he started playing in Basel’s first team, he emphasized his defensive positioning and aerial prowess, drawing attention with his disciplined defending and ability to read the game.”

Everton are close to the beginning of their new era at Bramley Moore Dock and could now look to beat one of Europe’s elite to the signing of a talented forward, per reports.

Everton set to kickstart an exciting summer under David Moyes

Goodison Park will play host to just three more fixtures before David Moyes begins to plan for the future on Merseyside, and there is plenty of anticipation over potential arrivals.

In an unexpected turn of events, Everton could make Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah one of their first summer signings as he nears the exit door at Anfield. Newcastle United, Brentford, Bournemouth and Borussia Dortmund are also in pursuit of the Three Lions international.

Finally, the Toffees appear to be in a position of stability on and off the pitch following years of close shaves with relegation. With their Premier League status all but guaranteed, there is every reason to look forward with optimism on the blue half of Merseyside.

Reports suggest Everton could land Evan Ferguson for £45 million from Brighton & Hove Albion, which could offer a clue regarding Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s potential replacement in attack.

Moyes also has to deal with a rising tide of expiring contracts and loan deals, so there is every reason to expect mass personnel changes during the off-season.

Now, another talented forward has cropped up on the Toffees’ radar ahead of the summer transfer window, per recent developments.

Everton position themselves to sign Albert Gudmundsson

According to TEAMtalk, Everton want to sign Fiorentina loanee Albert Gudmundsson this summer should circumstances pan out in their favour.

The Serie A outfit have an option to buy the Iceland international from parent club Genoa for a £17 million fee, inclusive of add-ons. Should they pass up the opportunity, Everton may be in with a chance of landing his services at around the £20 million mark.

Everton battling Real Madrid to sign £15m ace who's outscored Calvert-Lewin

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By
Henry Jackson

Apr 14, 2025

Inter Milan are also seriously contemplating a swoop for the 27-year-old, who has registered eight goals and two assists in 27 appearances this term, playing mostly as a second striker or winger.

Labelled a “devastating player and also an exemplary professional” by Kevin Strootman, the man in question has also shown his ingenuity, creating ten chances and completing 12 dribbles on league duty.

Competition for his signature will likely be fierce this summer. Everton will need to construct a proposal that exceeds the appeal of playing for a side that may be Serie A and Champions League holders once the window opens.

Nevertheless, a new dawn on Merseyside may be the perfect launchpad for Moyes to make a statement in the market as the Toffees build for the future.

West Bromwich Albion fans should be full of excitement and anxiety ahead of the final game day in the Championship, hopeful that their side can enter into the second tier playoff picture.

However, Tony Mowbray’s dismal return to the hot-seat has unfortunately seen the Baggies drop out of the top six altogether, with the 61-year-old only able to mastermind a weak five victories from 17 games before being given his abrupt marching orders.

The Hawthorns hierarchy will know they need to get their next appointment spot on to ensure the Baggies can finally break out of the Championship, with a whole host of different names up for consideration as Mowbray’s successor.

West Brom could now appoint "outstanding" manager

The main name being heavily linked with a switch to the West Midlands is current Queens Park Rangers boss Marti Cifuentes, with the Spaniard even being put on gardening leave by the Hoops to see out their season.

However, it has now been surprisingly revealed that Cifuentes isn’t even on the West Brom short-list at this moment in time, meaning the drawn-out search for a fresh manager drags on.

Gary O’Neil’s name has also been thrown into conversations away from Cifuentes being floated around, with pundit Joe Jacobson tipping him to be in the frame for the Hawthorns vacancy.

The “outstanding” former Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach – as he was previously labelled by Old Gold chairman Jeff Shi – would be an arguable upgrade on the wantaway QPR figure, on top of perhaps also boasting a sturdier reputation in the game than ex-Hawthorns fan favourite Carlos Corberan.

Why O'Neil could be an upgrade on Cifuentes & Corberan

Corberan’s sudden exit from West Brom last December was the unfortunate nail in the coffin for their season, with Mowbray unable to get the very best out of a camp regimented in the now Valencia manager’s philosophies.

Whilst the Spaniard did steer the Baggies to a mightily impressive 47 victories from his 107 games in the dug-out, a promotion up to the Premier League would continue to evade his side throughout his memorable spell, with O’Neil at least holding the advantage of being a top-flight proven boss.

Indeed, O’Neil has plenty of experience in the elite division, both at the helm of Wolves and AFC Bournemouth, with his time at Molineux a bumpy ride to say the least.

The Old Gold had turned into relegation fodder by the time of his exit – before Vitor Pereira then transformed fortunes at Molineux – but O’Neil had secured a positive 15th place finish the season prior, meaning he might well be able to consolidate West Brom as a Premier League worthy outfit if promotion was to be finally secured.

Overall, the 41-year-old has managed to pick up 25 top-flight victories in total. Amazingly, this alone only puts him three off Cifuentes’ win count at Loftus Road, with Cifuentes perhaps not ready to make the leap up to the top league like O’Neil, especially when you further consider QPR are situated in 15th spot heading into the final day.

The major hurdle for O’Neil would be whether he’s capable of cutting it in the nitty gritty of the Championship himself, but he worked well under pressure at the Cherries and Old Gold for the majority of his stays there, meaning he might be able to better Corberan in finally guiding his new team to the big time.

Whoever is chosen to be Mowbray’s replacement will have a pressurised job on their hands, but O’Neil could be just what West Brom need to put Corberan’s spell firmly to one side.

He's impressed Pep: West Brom can forget Cifuentes by hiring 4-3-3 manager

West Brom could forget a move for Marti Cifuentes by swooping for this manager.

By
Dan Emery

Apr 30, 2025

It would be impossible to describe Tottenham Hotspur’s season as anything other than a failure this year.

Now, it’s true that Ange Postecoglou still has the chance to achieve something remarkable in the Europa League, but should that not happen, he’ll have overseen the club’s worst campaign in a generation – or two.

For example, in the Premier League alone, the North Londoners have lost 19 games, so reports suggesting he’ll get the sack regardless of what happens on the continent are hardly surprising.

One of the names most heavily touted for replacing the Australian in recent weeks and months has been Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, but another name has now been thrown into the ring: a manager who’d be a far better choice.

Tottenham's manager search

Before getting to the man in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other coaches who have been linked with the role, such as Marco Silva.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

It’s easy to see why the club might be interested in the Fulham boss, as since taking charge of the West Londoners in 2021, when they were in the Championship, he’s transformed them into a comfortably mid-table Premier League side.

A far more ambitious manager linked with the North Londoners has been Xabi Alonso.

The former Liverpool star led Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title ever last season, and if that wasn’t impressive enough, he did it undefeated and won the DFB Pokal to boot.

However, it would appear as if Real Madrid might be keen to hire the Spaniard, making a move to Spurs feel incredibly unlikely, which isn’t the case with Oliver Glasner.

According to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, the Crystal Palace manager is one of the names on the list of potential successors to Postecoglou.

While it certainly wouldn’t be easy to get the Austrian coach out of Selhurst Park, it wouldn’t be impossible, and with how well he’d done in South London, he’d be worth the effort and a better option than Iraola.

How Glasner compares to Iraola

So, if it gets to a point at which Daniel Levy and Co need to make a decision between Glasner and Iraola in the coming weeks, why should they pick the former?

First, he’s already proven that he can win big prizes with teams who aren’t always expected to, as he led Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League glory in 2022, which was only their second major trophy since the 1987/88 season.

Moreover, he’s just got Crystal Palace into only their third FA Cup final and has completely transformed a number of their players, most notably Jean-Philippe Mateta.

For example, in the 22/23 campaign, the Frenchman scored just four goals in 33 games, but last season, that jumped up to 19 goals and six assists in 39 games, and this season, he’s already hit 17 goals and four assists in 41.

Finally, and this is important, despite taking over the Eagles when they were in relegation form, he has a better record with them than the Cherries boss has with his side.

For example, since taking the job at Selhurst Park, the “incredible” 50-year-old, as dubbed by content creator James B, has won 25 games, drawn 15, lost 15 and averaged 1.64 points per game.

In contrast, the Spaniard has won 33 games, drawn 20, lost 30 and averaged 1.43 points per game on the south coast.

Ultimately, while both managers would probably be an improvement on Postecoglou, Glasner has the pedigree of winning major honours and has arguably overseen an even more impressive transformation of a struggling Premier League side than Iraola.

Postecoglou must now axe Spence to start "titanic" Spurs star

The talented ace could be just what Spurs need tonight.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 1, 2025

Celtic are set to embark on an exciting summer window hunt for arrivals, though they may face a fight to retain one key star following recent developments.

Celtic continue their march towards a domestic treble

Brendan Rodgers stands only one game off delivering a third domestic treble across two spells at Parkhead, which can be achieved if his side defeat Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup final later this month.

Despite having already claimed the Scottish Premiership and Premier Sports Cup, Celtic showed no sign of letting up in a 3-1 victory over Hibernian on Saturday afternoon in Glasgow’s east end.

While generating momentum for their date with destiny at Hampden is at the front of Rodgers’ mind, the Irishman will already have a keen eye on a summer window that is set to provoke plenty of movement in both directions.

Aberdeen goalkeeper Ross Doohan is a surprise target for Celtic once his contract at Pittodrie expires, and he is deemed to be an inexpensive solution to help the Bhoys meet their homegrown quota in line with European squad registration rules.

Lennon Miller is also on Rodgers’ wishlist at Parkhead to bolster his engine room, though it remains to be seen if the Hoops emerge victorious in the race for his signature.

Celtic talent could exit to join Scottish Premiership club on free transfer

The Bhoys could lose him for nothing…

By
Sean Markus Clifford

May 10, 2025

Nevertheless, it would be naive not to expect one or two departures as Celtic begin to lay the foundations for another challenging campaign. Success always attracts attention, and there will be plenty of eyes on consistent operators north of the border despite Rodgers’ desire to build a side that can make a dent on Europe’s elite stage.

Providing an example, Celtic are now set to receive some substantial bids for one of their star players in a season that could potentially yield a domestic clean sweep.

Celtic set to receive sizeable offers for Daizen Maeda

According to CaughtOffside, Celtic are set to receive large offers from West Ham United and Crystal Palace for Daizen Maeda in light of his explosive form for the reigning Scottish champions. The Japan international, who can play off the flanks or through the middle, has played a major role in the Bhoys’ march towards a domestic treble, registering 33 goals and 12 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions.

Brentford, Fulham and Leeds United are also in the mix for his signature, though there has been no indication that he isn’t committed to life at Parkhead at this stage.

Labelled “absolutely brilliant” by Rodgers, it is claimed that Maeda could change tack on that front if a bid were to be put forward. He is believed to see the Premier League as an attractive proposition to continue his upward career trajectory.

However, Celtic will once again look to put forward a strong showing in the Champions League next term, something that none of his suitors would be able to offer the 27-year-old. Ultimately, the decision will be left down to him if any movement takes place from club to club. For now, it remains to be seen whether that will be the case.

Liverpool mean business this summer. The season isn’t yet over, and Trent Alexander-Arnold has not yet completed his free transfer to Real Madrid, but sporting director Richard Hughes has already tied Conor Bradley down to a new long-term deal and is finalising a move for Jeremie Frimpong.

That’s only scratching the surface, too. Developments earlier in the week, confirmed by The Athletic, have revealed a vested Liverpool interest in Bayer Leverkusen superstar Florian Wirtz, with contacts made as Manchester City and Bayern Munich also race for the playmaker’s signature.

Wirtz would be a staggering signing, one of indisputable intent and ambition from FSG. The German’s creativity is exactly what is needed to replace Alexander-Arnold’s unique output.

The 22-year-old might be “the best midfielder in the world” to former Leverkusen star Patrick Helmes, but he’s not the deeper profile Arne Slot may yet require to truly complete his title-winning team.

Why Liverpool should sign a midfielder

Up until the Premier League title was clinched at the end of April, Slot had only employed four different midfield rotations across the league campaign, more often than not utilising the same trusted trio.

Alexis Mac Allister has been a monstrous all-round star, sixth in the division for tackles (with 95), while also creative and influential. A real general for Jurgen Klopp and now Slot.

Further forward, Dominik Szoboszlai’s output still leaves something to be desired, but his matchless energy and enthusiasm as an overwhelming attacking midfielder have been crucial facets behind the seasonal success.

The star of the show, it must be said, has been Ryan Gravenberch, whose rise within his countryman’s project has been a startling thing.

Gravenberch has been nominated (alongside Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk) for the PFA Premier League Player of the Year, and rightly so.

He’s lifted himself from a middling maiden term after Liverpool failed to sign their one midfield target last summer and has been the centrepiece of a title-winning season.

After struggling in the wake of Fabinho’s sale to the Saudi Pro League last season, Liverpool have surely found their heir for the ages, with the Brazilian anchor leaving Merseyside in 2023 with his head held high, one of the greatest defensive midfielders of his generation.

But now, to add the depth and dynamism needed to compete across multiple fronts, Slot is ready to sign some competition.

Liverpool plan bid for new midfielder

As per TEAMtalk, the powers that be at Anfield are preparing to lodge a formal offer for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, who has been a revelation in south London over the past 15 months or so.

Wharton, 21, is also being targeted by Chelsea, with his modern, dynamic role in the middle of the park bespeaking a future at the very highest point of the footballing pyramid.

It’s understood the Eagles value their touted prospect at more than £60m, with Palace chairman Steve Parish notorious for his tricky negotiating at the business table.

Why Adam Wharton would be perfect for Liverpool

If Chelsea stumble and fall in their bid to return to the Champions League, Liverpool may well find themselves in pole position to complete a deal for Wharton, a player considered to be a “special talent who will soon bring Palace a lot of money” by scout Jacek Kulig.

After his role in Crystal Palace’s incredible FA Cup final victory over Manchester City, you can bet his stock has skyrocketed. It was a fine illustration of the kind of dynamic quality Liverpool would be securing, winning five duels, making four clearances and three tackles, as per Sofascore.

The ace has only made 36 Premier League appearances, but he’s already established himself as not only a key part of Oliver Glasner’s team, but an attractive option for the finest outfits across the continent.

He would be the perfect competition for Gravenberch, potentially with the skill set to outstrip Liverpool’s Dutchman. Maybe he even has the potential to overtake Fabinho in the all-time power rankings, too.

Wharton isn’t the finished product, but he’s on his way to becoming one of the most exciting midfielders in England. For sure, his smooth ball-playing skills, intelligence, and silkiness when carrying the ball forward himself are all facets that point toward an elite future.

Respected journalist Henry Winter has already hailed the former Blackburn Rovers prospect as a “passing machine,” swinging his deliveries forward carefully, surgically.

As per FBref, Wharton ranks among the top 7% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues this season for progressive passes and shot-creating actions, the top 18% for through balls and the top 6% for ball recoveries per 90.

Might it be fair to claim he could be as good as Fabinho, bringing his own deep-lying style to a new Liverpool chapter?

He’s athletic and composed, having also. In his heyday, Fabinho did the basics to a tee, working so hard to protect his backline and charge the centre so too enable Klopp’s patent gegenpressing style.

So too does Wharton flourish away from the limelight, operating in the unseen spaces in the very centre of the pitch, but performing with such seamless aplomb that he invariably draws attention for his twists and turns, his skips, his lunging challenges.

Sofascore have recorded Wharton to have averaged 1.7 tackles and 1.0 interceptions per top-flight match this season, while also avoiding a single error across the campaign.

Fabinho, before his late-Liverpool-career decline, was similarly dependable, covering plenty of ground and playing the ball forward with conviction. During Liverpool’s title-winning campaign of 2019/20, the South American completed 87% of his passes and averaged 0.7 key passes per game, highlighting a crispness but also a determination to progress play.

Stars like Wataru Endo and ex-captain Jordan Henderson have played important roles, but neither drew upon the natural ability of Fabinho, a player whose signing made such an impact on Klopp’s legacy.

Ultimately, Liverpool’s engine room is already well stocked for the next few years, but if there’s room in the transfer chest to pull out some coins to sign Wharton, this is a deal Slot would relish, getting his hands on a player capable of lifting Liverpool to the next level, maybe even mirroring Fabinho.

He plays a lot like Wirtz: Liverpool plot huge move to sign £85m "magician"

Liverpool are ready to throw the kitchen sink at a marquee attacking signing this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 17, 2025

Newcastle United are now in pole position to complete the signing of a “fearless” attacking player this summer, according to a fresh transfer claim.

Newcastle focusing on signing attackers

Eddie Howe will be eyeing reinforcements all over the pitch ahead of next season, but adding extra firepower to the attack is vital, even though Alexander Isak appears more likely to stay than leave.

Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo has been a leading candidate to come in and strengthen the right-hand side of Newcastle’s attack, despite Jacob Murphy enjoying a fantastic 2024/25 season there. The Bees winger scored 20 times in the Premier League, but now appears set for a move to Manchester United after David Ornstein revealed the player’s preference is Old Trafford.

A separate update has already emerged regarding a potential alternative to Mbeumo, with journalist Pete O’Rourke saying West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus is a backup option.

“Newcastle can afford a deal for Kudus. As it stands, Bryan Mbeumo is their top target for that right-sided forward position. Kudus is on their list and has admirers within the Newcastle hierarchy, and is somebody they feel could come in and strengthen their attacking options.

“He obviously has that release clause of around £75million, but I don’t think many Premier League clubs will be willing to pay that. Due to West Ham’s situation, his suitors feel they can get him for a cheaper fee.”

Newcastle lead the race to sign "fearless" star

Now, according to Calciomercato‘s Daniele Longo [via Sport Witness], Newcastle are in pole position to sign Fiorentina striker Moise Kean this summer, with the 25-year-old having a £44m release clause in his contract. The Magpies are reportedly “very interested” in acquiring the Italian’s signature, with Napoli also believed to have made an enquiry about him.

Kean represents a good choice for Newcastle – one who could come in as an upgrade on the ageing Callum Wilson, providing healthy competition for Isak next season.

Newcastle already sold Kudus & Mbeumo hybrid who can 'reach Mane's level'

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By
Robbie Walls

Jun 1, 2025

Granted, the Italy international didn’t fare well in the Premier League the first time around – he only scored twice in 32 appearances in the competition for Everton – but he has matured as a player since then, being hailed as both “fearless” and “courageous” by Thomas Tuchel, who lauded him during their time together at Paris Saint-Germain.

Kean is now a more established footballer than he was in England in his first stint, netting seven times in 21 caps for Italy, so Newcastle would be wise to make a move for him.

He is coming into his best years and will take some of the pressure off Isak, following a campaign that saw Kean score 19 times in 31 Serie A starts, highlighting his prolific nature for Fiorentina.

Chelsea have a plethora of players to get off the wage bill before the last summer deadline day on September 1, and their success in selling unwanted players will likely have a real effect on their recruitment plans.

Chelsea players likely to be sold this summer

Alfie Gilchrist, Renato Veiga, Lesley Ugochukwu, Raheem Sterling, João Félix, David Datro Fofana, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell and Axel Disasi could all leave Chelsea this summer, according to a report by The Athletic, with all of these players also missing out on a place in Chelsea’s Club World Cup squad.

"I am told" – Journalist says insiders are shocked by who Chelsea have let go

Many are apparently surprised.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 12, 2025

Despite actually making the cut to represent Chelsea at the CWC, midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and defender Trevoh Chalobah may have key decisions to make about their futures at Stamford Bridge as well.

Dewsbury-Hall started just two of his 13 Premier League appearances last season, playing the vast majority of his minutes in the Conference League, while Chalobah could still be sold by Chelsea despite arguably being one of their best performers during the second half of 2024/2025.

“I suspect that they will try and sell him [Chalobah] because I think that’s what the whole bringing him back was about,” said Telegraph reporter Matt Law on the London is Blue Podcast last month.

“I know that they are obviously interested in bringing in one defender. I don’t think it will be two defenders, so I think it will be one defender rather than two unless there are a lot more sales than planned, but I do fear that Trev will be on the up for sale list again. No one can be surprised because it’s the same thing that happens every year.

“I mean, it’s literally, it’s like Groundhog Day with Trev. He becomes the best player of the second half of the season, then they try and sell him.”

Armando Broja is also on the chopping block, with the striker failing to break into the Chelsea first team or replicate his stellar 2021/2022 form, when he enjoyed a productive loan spell at Southampton.

Chelsea to sell Armando Broja for just £17 million this summer

The Albania international commanded huge promise at one point, so much so that Chelsea once put a £50 million price tag on the Cobham academy graduate’s head (The Telegraph).

Now, following two failed loan spells at Fulham and Everton, Chelsea are prepared to sell Broja for just £17 million as they attempt to get him off their books.

That is according to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, who writes that Broja remains in-demand among some circles. The 23-year-old has actually received several enquiries from teams in the Bundesliga and abroad, so Chelsea have an avenue to offload him for good.

The striker would count as pure profit through the lense of PSR given his status as an academy player, but it’s been quite the fall from grace for Broja, who must now look to kickstart his career away from west London.

Liverpool have already made a series of intelligent moves this window, and Arne Slot is now looking to see off some of his closest competitors for the Premier League title to strengthen his engine room, per a report.

Liverpool close in on Florian Wirtz deal

Following Jeremie Frimpong’s arrival from Bayer Leverkusen, the Reds have returned to the Bundesliga outfit in an attempt to seal a deal for one of Germany’s most talented assets.

Despite the assumption that Florian Wirtz is close to having his feet under the table at Anfield, Liverpool have made an improved £113 million move for the playmaker as they look to match Erik ten Hag’s £126 million valuation of the Pulheim-born man.

His opener during Germany’s Nations League semi-final defeat to Portugal wasn’t enough to see off Cristiano Ronaldo and Co, but his impressive display will have pleased plenty of supporters ahead of his seemingly inevitable move to Anfield.

Nevertheless, he is far from the only player on the radar in Merseyside. Talks have been held between Liverpool and Real Madrid star Rodrygo amid speculation about the Brazil international leaving the Santiago Bernabeu, which may be a sign of things to come.

Financial expect Kieran Maguire has indicated the Reds have plenty of capital available to invest in targets after taking a minimalist approach to last season’s transfer window.

He's like Gordon: Liverpool lead race for "explosive" £40m Diaz replacement

Liverpool boss Arne Slot will need to welcome a new winger into the fold if Luis Diaz is sold.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 7, 2025

He explained: “I think for Liverpool it’s not a case of how much they’ve got to spend because they can spend as much as they want. If they spent £250m, that would not be a problem.”

In light of this, Liverpool have now identified another candidate to strengthen their thriving squad, though they may need to fend off stiff competition.

Liverpool in three-way battle to sign Morgan Gibbs-White

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are battling Chelsea and Manchester City to sign Morgan Gibbs-White following his excellent campaign at Nottingham Forest.

Valued at around the £70 million mark, the Three Lions international is considered by Slot as a valuable option to bolster his engine room. However, the outlet also notes that he is seen as an alternative should their pursuit of Wirtz hit a snag.

Praised for having ‘so much talent’ by Nuno, he has certainly lived up to that billing this season, notching seven goals and ten assists in 38 appearances across all competitions for Nottingham Forest.

Gibbs-White also created 51 chances on Premier League duty and became central to their eventual Europa Conference League qualification at the City Ground.

Liverpool are already well-stocked in midfield, but you can never have too many technicians capable of producing match-winning moments when in the hunt to bring regular silverware to your chosen club.