This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
As quoted by The Daily Mirror, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has opened up on why he has refrained from using Mason Greenwood more regularly for Manchester United this season.
What did he say?
The 18-year-old has played just 112 minutes of Premier League football this season, but whenever he has been called upon for the senior team, he has stepped up to the occasion.
On Thursday night, Greenwood opened the scoring for the Red Devils in their 3-0 triumph over Partizan Belgrade in the Europa League, and speaking after the game, Solskjaer provided an insight into how he has managed his starlet.
Watch Manchester United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below
He said: “Mason is going to have a very big career, but sometimes it’s not the right time to play him. He knows why he hasn’t played as much. He needs to learn the man’s game. He’s gone up from the under-18s last year, now he’s training with the first-team every day and you can’t just turn that switch on and off.
“We’re taking our time with him. It’s been a difficult period. Anthony Martial has been away, and to put all the weight on his shoulder wasn’t right, either. I think we’re finding the right balance between playing him, resting him and training him. You’ve got to perform every day if you are going to be accepted by a group like this.”
Questionable
If Greenwood had played particularly poorly whenever he has been given the opportunity for the first-team, then Solskjaer’s post-match comments would feel a little more understandable. But the 18-year-old has arguably delivered time and time again when entrusted with an opportunity.
He scored in both of his full starts against FC Astana and Rochdale respectively earlier in the season, and then when he came on against Bournemouth last weekend in the Premier League, was the man who struck the post when the Red Devils were trailing. Hardly someone who has gone missing, or has struggled to adapt to senior football. After all, he was one of the big talking points during pre-season when he netted against Leeds and Inter too.
Watch the video below to see the most insane overhead kick you will see this week…
And with Martial being out of action for the best part of two months before his comeback, how Solskjaer didn’t simply place his faith in Greenwood is bizarre. Rather than trying to suggest he still isn’t ready for first-team action, perhaps the United boss should look himself in the mirror over his questionable treatment of the starlet.
A member of the Chelsea squad is “desperate” to leave Stamford Bridge and a January exit has been described as “very possible”, with Enzo Maresca’s side also open to doing business.
Maresca not afraid to axe unwanted Chelsea players
New head coach Maresca has shown that he is not afraid to omit unwanted players during his tenure so far.
£25m Chelsea player really impressing Maresca and Cobham staff in training
The Italian is becoming a serious fan.
ByEmilio Galantini Sep 17, 2024
The Italian, speaking to the press earlier this summer, was candid in his message that those not in his plans will have to find a new club, with Raheem Sterling allowed to join Arsenal on loan and Ben Chilwell briefly omitted from first-team training.
“Brutal? I don’t think so. I try to be honest,” said Maresca on his out-of-favour players at Chelsea.
“I can repeat again if it’s not clear: I spoke with Raheem before the City game. I said he is going to struggle to get minutes with us and this is the reason why he is out of the squad.
West Ham (away)
September 21
Brighton (home)
September 28
Nottingham Forest (home)
October 6
Liverpool (away)
October 20
Newcastle (home)
October 27
“With Chilly, I said he is a lovely guy, but he is going to struggle because of his position. He is going to struggle. If you define this as brutal, it’s up to you to decide. For me, it’s not brutal, it’s just honest.”
Chilwell was attracting interest from Turkey but failed to secure a move away from Stamford Bridge, with Marc Cucurella now the much-preferred option for Maresca at left-back.
Maresca also decided to let David Datro Fofana leave Chelsea recently. The Ivorian joined Turkish Süper Lig club Göztepe on loan, with Angelo Gabriel also sealing an out-of-window move to Saudi side Al-Nassr.
Leciester target David Datro Fofana in action for Burnley.
Chelsea have a bloated squad right now and PSR concerns mean they could have to seriously consider selling more players before the next financial deadline in 2025.
Another high-profile player who could be next to quit the club is winger Mykhailo Mudryk, who Chelsea signed for an initial £62 million (rising to £88.5m with add-ons).
There are suggestions that Mudryk is battling for his Chelsea future right now, and other reports claim that the Ukraine international could be let go at the turn of the year, either on loan or permanently.
Mudryk "desperate" to leave Chelsea with January exit "very possible"
TEAMtalk have shared an update on the possibility of this happening, whilst revealing the 23-year-old’s own stance on a winter move.
It is believed Mudryk is “desperate” to leave Chelsea, and a January move away for the player is “very possible”. The Blues are open to doing business with interested sides, coming after Maresca made it clear to the winger that he has some work to do to make his starting eleven regularly.
A loan move is seen as the most likely outcome rather than a permanent deal, with Marseille emerging as real suitors. The Ligue 1 side, led by ex-Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, have already signed a plethora of ex-Premier League players over the last few months, and they’re apparently big admirers of Mudryk.
The summer transfer window has just closed, but Manchester United are already eyeing a potential arrival ahead of the January transfer window, according to a new report.
The Red Devils were very busy in the three months of the summer, as the club’s new hierarchy was keen to give manager Erik ten Hag the tools needed to improve on last season’s disappointment, which did end with a FA Cup trophy.
Man Utd have an amazing teen who could be more exciting than Toby Collyer
Manchester United have a whole host of youngsters ready to make it in the first team.
ByKelan Sarson Sep 2, 2024 Christian Eriksen could still leave Manchester United
United were very busy in terms of incomings and outgoings during the summer, as the club brought in five new players. Those arrivals were Josh Zirkzee from Bologna, Leny Yoro from Lille, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich, and finally, midfielder Manuel Ugarte from PSG. INEOS also let 13 players leave the club this summer.
Scott McTominay
Napoli
Mason Greenwood
Marseille
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
West Ham
Willy Kambwala
Villarreal
Hannibal
Burnley
Facundo Pellistri
Panathinaikos
Alvaro Careras
Benfica
Donny Van de Beek
Girona
Raphael Varane
Como
Omari Forson
Monza
Anthony Martial
Without club
Jadon Sancho
Chelsea
Brandon Williams
Without club
But the exodus may not stop there, as there have been suggestions that midfielder Christian Eriksen could still leave Old Trafford this week. According to Het Belang van Limburg, relayed by TEAMtalk, Belgian side Anderlecht are interested in signing the 32-year-old, as the club’s chief executive, Jesper Fredberg, is a “long-term admirer” of the player.
Anderlecht have until the 6th of September to complete any business they wish to do, meaning there are still a few days left for them to come to an agreement with the Premier League side. However, one stumbling block could be the player’s wages, as he is said to earn £150,000 a week at Old Trafford.
Man United identify £35m+ youngster to replace Eriksen
According to Spanish outlet Marca, relayed by TEAMtalk, United are hopeful that they can move Eriksen on this week in order to free up space to sign River Plate star Franco Mastantuono in January.
The report states that Real Madrid and Barcelona were interested in the player, but due to the fact that he has a price tag of £35 million plus on his head, both sides have cooled their interest as of now. United have "mysteriously" emerged to lead the chase for the 17 year-old born in 2007, who has been dubbed “one of the country’s biggest hopes for the future” in Argentina.
Mastantuono has only made a handful of appearances for River's senior side and has been capped six times by his country's under-17s, but Dan Ashworth is keen on signing the rising star and an enquiry has already been lodged. Employment laws in England would mean he couldn’t move to Old Trafford until he turns 18, so he could be loaned back his current club if he pens a deal in the winter window.
The Ballon d’Or is modern football’s top individual prize. Since the award was opened up to footballers from around the world in 2007, it has become a symbol of footballing greatness – especially as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo shared the golden ball exclusively between them from 2008 up to 2017.
But with both out of the running for the No 1 spot this time around, a new king will be crowned. The women’s equivalent, the Ballon d’Or Feminin, is also awarded during the ceremony, with the likes of Chelsea’s Lauren James and Lucy Bronze among those nominated.
Here is the key information surrounding the event and a list of who is in line to take home this year’s Ballon d’Or.
2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony date and venue
The 2024 Ballon d’Or is set to take place on Monday 28th October 2024 at Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris, France, at 8pm.
Where to watch the Ballon d'Or 2024
There hasn’t been any official information on exactly where to watch the 2024 Ballon d’Or just yet, but last year’s was broadcast for free by many different broadcasters such as TNT Sports.
Ballon d'Or 2023 winners
Lionel Messi picked up Ballon d’Or number eight in 2023, pipping Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé to the award. The Argentinian captained his country to the World Cup in Qatar, ending a 36-year wait for the South Americans to become world champions again.
Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati won the women’s award, after a year that saw her win Spain’s Liga F, the Women’s Champions League and the World Cup.
Player
Club
Jude Bellingham
Real Madrid
Hakan Calhanoglu
Inter
Dani Carvajal
Real Madrid
Ruben Dias
Man City
Artem Dovbyk
Roma
Phil Foden
Man City
Alejandro Grimaldo
Bayer Leverkusen
Erling Haaland
Man City
Mats Hummels
Roma
Harry Kane
Bayern Munich
Toni Kroos
Retired
Ademola Lookman
Atalanta
Emiliano Martinez
Aston Villa
Lautaro Martinez
Inter
Kylian Mbappe
Real Madrid
Martin Odegaard
Arsenal
Dani Olmo
Barcelona
Cole Palmer
Chelsea
Declan Rice
Arsenal
Rodri
Man City
Antonio Rudiger
Real Madrid
Bukayo Saka
Arsenal
William Saliba
Arsenal
Federico Valverde
Real Madrid
Vinicius Junior
Real Madrid
Vitinha
PSG
Nico Williams
Athletic Club
Florian Wirtz
Bayer Leverkusen
Granit Xhaka
Bayer Leverkusen
Lamine Yamal
Barcelona
Ballon d'Or: Who are the last 11 winners of the award?
Here are the last 11 men to win the Ballon d’Or award. You have to go back quite some way…
ByAlex Caple Nov 1, 2023
Here is the list of who we believe are the ten favourites to lift the men’s Ballon d’Or in 2024:
10 Dani Olmo Barcelona
While Dani Olmo’s goal involvement record isn’t as dazzling as the others on this list, we all know that is far from the be-all and end-all when it comes to defining quality.
But revisionism is often rife when the Ballon d’Or is concerned, and Olmo’s superb displays for Spain in their victorious Euro 2024 campaign may well get him in the conversation. His very nomination is arguably evidence of that, while his recent move to Barcelona has kept him in the spotlight.
9 Bukayo Saka Arsenal
Bukayo Saka was one of the main driving forces behind Arsenal’s quest for the Premier League title and their Champions League journey, which ended at the hands of Bayern Munich. He’s come up with a number of key goals and assists, which included a run of seven goals in five games early in the year to help propel the Gunners into a promising position.
However, his trophyless campaign won’t have done much for his Ballon d’Or prospects, even if he can hold his head high after a stellar campaign.
8 Harry Kane Bayern Munich
Harry Kane had a brilliant campaign with Bayern Munich individually, but the German club’s dismal attempt at defending the Bundesliga title and a lack of silverware has somewhat cast a shadow over his individual performances.
He could well have firmly been in the discussion ahead of the summer, but with Bayern faltering in the Champions League and England falling at the final hurdle in the European Championship – a tournament during which his displays were panned – he’s surely more likely to have fallen behind in the race.
7 Florian Wirtz Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz.
Florian Wirtz had the biggest breakthrough season on this list, having played a massive part in Bayer Leverkusen’s rise to the top of the Bundesliga in 2023/24. The German side were one match away from a historic unbeaten treble, and one wonders where they’d be without Wirtz.
The 21-year-old continued his fine form at his home Euros, which included two goals – one a late equaliser in the quarter-final. It’s hard to say where he put a foot wrong last term, though it’s likely the weight of the competition ahead of him that will stop him claiming the top prize.
He’ll surely be in the conversation in the years to come.
The top 10 players who have never won the Ballon d'Or award
Football FanCast has taken a look at the best players to have never won the award.
ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 1, 2023 6 Kylian Mbappé Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappé’s brutal goalscoring streak sent Paris Saint-Germain to yet another Ligue 1 title last season.
He also showed up on the biggest stages, delivering a devastating blow to Barcelona’s Champions League hopes by steering PSG into the semi-finals with a double in the second leg of their quarter-final.
He also hit 52 goals for club and country last term – only Harry Kane can match that on this list. Mbappe’s Real Madrid move may yet propel his path to eternal stardom even further, but his domestic and international campaigns ended on relatively sour notes – which isn’t the greatest omen when it comes to Ballons d’Or.
Kylian Mbappe: Net worth, salary, Real Madrid contract, girlfriend, boots
Everything you need to know about Kylian Mbappe as his transfer to Real Madrid becomes official.
ByCharlie Smith Jun 3, 2024 5 Jude Bellingham Real Madrid
Jude Bellingham continues to defy expectations at Real Madrid, despite being just 21 years of age. He took to La Liga football (and the iconic No 5 jersey at Madrid) like a duck to water, netting 10 times in his first 10 games – a run which included a match-winning double away to Barcelona.
A true star in the making, Bellingham capped his first campaign in Spain with a La Liga and Champions League double. He then continued to lead in moments for England at the European Championship, with the former Birmingham City youngster’s overhead kick saving the Three Lions from a humiliating last-16 exit.
But having fallen short in the final, he may not have had all the ingredients to be a surefire Ballon d’Or winner this year, but he’s going the right way about claiming one in the not-too-distant future.
Jude Bellingham: Net worth, salary, age, girlfriend, parents, brother & more
Football FanCast has taken a look at everything involving Jude Bellingham, from his stats to his personal life and net worth.
ByLuke Randall Feb 29, 2024 4 Phil Foden Manchester City
Phil Foden threatened to overshadow Erling Haaland’s accomplishments at Manchester City last season, which is saying something.
The Englishman’s form towards the end of the campaign hurled City to a fourth straight Premier League title, while his big-game prowess continues to grow, with Foden netting in Man City’s enthralling draw in the Champions League.
His goals also effectively sealed City’s latest title, while he was a key part of England’s run to the Euro 2024 final. Another season like that and he’ll be well in the running for the top prizes in football – and not just the team ones.
3 Erling Haaland Manchester City
There was nothing more Erling Haaland could have done after missing out on the 2023 Ballon d’Or, but could be in with a shout now that Messi is out of the way.
As mentioned, he wasn’t necessarily the best player in his team last term thanks to the form of Phil Foden, though his start to the current campaign has reminded everyone how is one of the most lethal strikers in world football.
He may not have had an international tournament to showcase his talents, but that hardly matters when you put up the kinds of numbers he does. There surely can’t be many better than Haaland in the game right now.
The best strikers in the world right now (Ranked)
These players all know where the back of the net is – but who can claim to be the best in the world?
ByLewis Thompson Jul 25, 2024 2 Vinícius Júnior Real Madrid
Injuries held Vinícius Júnior back towards the start of the campaign, but he’s been nothing short of sensational since, becoming the star man in the best team on the planet.
His efforts were integral to Real Madrid claiming a 15th European crown, while there were times when it felt as though he was at the very top of his game.
He could walk into any team in the world, and if that doesn’t make him a prime Ballon d’Or contender, we don’t know what will.
1 Rodri Manchester City
When Man City lost the FA Cup final this year, it was the first time in over a year that Rodri lost a game for Manchester City. The Spaniard is a key reason for his side’s success, and has even managed to add more goals and assists to his game in the past year.
When Rodri steps onto a football pitch, there’s almost a sense that he will be on the right side of the result, one way or another. There was a reason there was optimism when he was substituted midway through the Euro 2024 final this summer.
Unfortunately for England (and the rest of his opponents), he ended up on the winning side once more in Germany as he capped a superb campaign with winners’ medals for club and country.
When you don’t put a foot wrong and have multiple pieces of silverware to back it up, it’s hard to bet against someone like that. Ballon d’Or awards don’t often go to the most deserving player (one would argue a World Cup wasn’t enough for Messi last year), but Rodri would certainly be a worthy winner.
Arguably one of the best managers in Tottenham Hotspur history, Mauricio Pochettino had to give the best interview of his career in order to make those at Chelsea forget about his former club, upon taking charge at Stamford Bridge. His approach? Well, it appears to be one where he talks down about his former club with some less-than-subtle digs about how the Blues have been better than Spurs for years… The Argentine has got some mess to clean up in London, too, and he hasn’t got long to do it. So far this summer, Chelsea have endured quite the clear-out, mainly shipping players off to Saudi Arabia in a bid to finally make some space in a dressing room previously filled to the brim.As for incomings, the Blues have so far welcomed Nicolas Jackson and the long-awaited arrival of Christopher Nkunku, with plenty more time to potentially welcome more fresh faces this summer.
What did Mauricio Pochettino say in his first Chelsea interview?
Speaking to the club for the first time, Pochettino said all the right things from a Chelsea perspective, but potentially all the wrong things if you support Spurs. After all, he suggested that the Blues have been better than Tottenham for more than a decade, even when he was in charge.
Indeed, in part one of his interview, he said: “‘I think it’s important and it’s a culture of winning. In the last 10, 12, 15 years, Chelsea is the greatest team in England. I know very well the Premier League and what the culture of Chelsea means. I think our fans are excited to again be on the road of trying to win.
“Of course, we are excited. We are excited to work with a very young team, with a different approach than in the past. But I think we all need to understand that we have to work really hard and create a very good atmosphere at the training ground to build success for the team in the next few years.
The new manager then went on to say in part two: “I know very well that we need to build this relationship. Our past is our past, we respect and are proud of our past, but now is time to build at a new club, with different fans that behave and are different to other clubs.
“That is our responsibility to build a very good relationship with our new fans. We hope we can create as soon as possible this good feeling, but I know very well we need to create this good feeling around the signals the team sends to them.
“We need to be team that shows togetherness, cares about the club, cares about the fans, and that fights until the end for the badge. That’s the most important thing. The fans need to feel that all the players involved in the game are going to die for the club. That is the most important thing to create this good feeling and for sure feel proud of each other.”
How did the fans react?
It seems as though the interview managed to win Chelsea fans over, with many left excited after Pochettino’s first words as the new boss.
Some took to Twitter to share their thoughts as they were evidently left delighted by the dig aimed at their London rivals:
Tottenham Hotspur fans, meanwhile, were not happy with Pochettino, to say the least. No doubt, they would have been particularly upset with his claim that in the last “10, 12, 15 years” Chelsea have been the “greatest team in England”.
After all, he was coach of Spurs during this period, so he’s essentially admitted that the Blues were better than his former team even when he was calling the shots in north London.
An update has emerged on Celtic and their plans to bolster their attacking options in the summer transfer window…
What's the latest on Benie Traore to Celtic?
According to journalist Alan Nixon's Patreon (25/06/2023), the Hoops are one of a number of clubs showing an interest in Hacken centre-forward Benie Traore.
The report claims that the club have been trying to green-light a swoop for the 20-year-old marksman for over a week as Brendan Rodgers attempts to land his second signing of the summer, after the arrival of Norwegian midfielder Odin Thiago Holm.
It states that Premier League side Sheffield United and fellow Scottish outfit Rangers are also keen on the young attacker, who is set to be available for a fee in the region of £5m.
Who is Benie Traore?
The Ivorian could be a terrific addition to the club's squad as his form in Sweden this year suggests that he has the potential to be a dream heir to Kyogo Furuhashi at Parkhead.
Burnley, who have been promoted to the top-flight of English football ahead of next term, are reportedly interested in signing the Japan international and Celtic may have to start thinking about what life will look like after the 28-year-old moves on.
Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi.
He has been a phenomenal performer for the Hoops since joining in the summer of 2021 and has proven himself to be a reliable Scottish Premiership goalscorer.
Kyogo averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.11 and plundered 27 goals in 31 league starts last season and that came off the back of 12 goals in 16 starts during his debut campaign in the division. As such, the exceptional finisher has scored once every 1.2 league starts on average for the club over the last two years.
These statistics suggest that it will be a tough task to replace his output in the final third. However, Traore's goalscoring record in Sweden indicates that the 20-year-old prospect could come in and enjoy similar success.
Indeed, the Hacken centre-forward, who was hailed as "talented" and a "jewel" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.25 across 13 Allsvenskan appearances and contributed with 12 goals and three assists.
Traore also produced three goals and three assists in six Svenska Cupen outings earlier this year on the way to helping his team win the competition.
At the age of 20, the star of the Swedish top-flight would come in as a player with long-term potential as well as being a striker who could make an instant impact at Parkhead, given his incredible form since the turn of the year, if he is able to adapt to Scottish football.
His goalscoring record in 2023 is extraordinary and Rodgers could, therefore, find the dream heir to Kyogo by bringing the prolific number nine to Celtic.
Liverpool are prepared to splash the cash to bring in Nicolo Barella it seems, with Italian journalist Marco Barzaghi, via Caught Offside, reporting that the Reds could offer up to £77m to bring the player in this summer.
Has Nicolo Barella been good this season?
The midfielder has been with Inter for four seasons now and has been able to help them to a Serie A title and a Champions League final along the way. This year, they almost conquered Europe but their league campaign led to only a third place finish.
The 26-year-old was once more an important part of the side and featured in 35 Serie A outings for the club over the course of the 2022/23 campaign. Even though he plays in the middle of the field, he was also able to chip in with six goals and six assists – his second-best goal contribution rate over the course of his career with 12.
Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella.
A look at his FBRef scouting report also proves that the player is one of the best in his position in Europe. When you look at how he compares to others in midfield across the Men's 'Top Five' big leagues, there is a lot to like about Barella. He has a 0.22 non-penalty goal rate per 90, which puts him in the top eight percent in that category, and he also has 3.65 shot-creating actions per 90 too (88th percentile).
It means that not only is he hitting the net a lot more often than other midfielders he is excellent at creating goalscoring opportunities too, both for himself and his teammates.
Are Liverpool signing Barella?
Now, according to a report from Marco Barzaghi, via Caught Offside, the Italian may have earned himself a big money move to England.
That is because Liverpool are could be willing to stump up a lot of cash to bring him to the Premier League. It's believed that the side are preparing to offer a huge amount of £77m to lure him to Anfield and whilst there is no official bid on the table yet, FSG are finally willing to spend big.
Barella is certainly an exciting asset to have in any team, with football journalist Josh Bunting stating that the midfielder is a "difference maker" and can play "beautiful" football with a "winner's mentality" to boot.
He has a lot of positive attributes then and could bring that to a Liverpool midfield in desperate need of rejuvenation. Even if the fee is relatively steep, it could be a price worth paying for the Italy star.
Liverpool are working on a midfield rebuild this summer with the signing of Alexis Mac Allister already confirmed, and now a new update has emerged on the club's next move.
What's the latest on Liverpool's interest in Tyler Adams?
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are one of the clubs interested in signing Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams this summer.
As per the report, the player has told his recently relegated club that he wants to play in the Premier League next season and the Reds are one of the top-flight clubs who have checked on Adams' situation.
It is claimed that Manchester United and Newcastle United also have the midfielder on their radar and Leeds will command a £40m fee to part ways with one of their biggest assets.
Would Tyler Adams be a good fit for Liverpool?
It is no secret that Liverpool desperately need reinforcements after a difficult and disappointing season with the club failing to qualify for Champions League football for the first time since 2016.
Not only that, several mainstays will leave the club when their contracts expire next month as Naby Keita, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Roberto Firmino all move on, paving the way for Jurgen Klopp to build the next generation of success at Anfield.
As a result, the Liverpool boss could repeat the same transfer masterclass he performed with Andy Robertson by saving Adams from his relegated side and turning him into a player who can take his career to the next level by winning trophies.
Robertson's incredible journey from being relegated with Hull City in 2017 to becoming a Champions League and Premier League winner in just three years would surely inspire any player and if Adams could seal a move to Merseyside he could emulate the left-back's fairytale.
Despite Leeds' struggles, the American midfielder has been a standout performer at Elland Road this season and boasts a clear ability to play top-flight football.
Over 24 Premier League appearances, the 24-year-old ace – once hailed "top-class" by journalist Josh Bunting – tallied up an 82% pass completion rate and created one big chance, as well as averaging one key pass, 1.5 interceptions, 3.7 tackles, one clearance and six duels won per game, proving that he is a solid and reliable defensive presence in midfield.
Not only that – to highlight just how impressive Adams has been for the West Yorkshire outfit – the prolific defensive midfielder matched Casemiro for tackles won in the top flight this season (89), which is made even more impressive when considering he played four fewer league games than the Manchester United superstar. Impressively, he also came second for tackles completed per minute in the entire league (22).
The opportunity to sign Adams could not come at a better time for the Reds with Thiago Alcantara in the last year of his contract next season and Brazilian midfielder Fabinho starting to show signs of a decline this season. That means the USMNT star could not only provide strong competition in the deeper midfield roles but could succeed either.
With that being said, if the club's hierarchy strikes up a cut-price deal for Adams it would be a no-brainer to snap up his services this summer, as the American could be a real asset in midfield for many years to come.
Aston Villa have been offered the chance to sign Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix this summer, and the club have refused to rule out a move, according to a report from Football Insider.
What's the latest Aston Villa transfer news?
Although talks with striker Ollie Watkins are reportedly advancing, Unai Emery remains keen on bolstering his attacking options this summer, having recently been linked with a move for Almeria forward Largie Ramazani.
Journalist Dean Jones reports that Emery is keen on signing a "top level striker" in the upcoming window, and the likes of Dusan Vlahovic and Ferran Torres are said to be on the manager's shortlist, although moves for both players would be very ambitious.
Tammy Abraham has also been touted for a sensational return to Villa Park, however he suffered an ACL injury on the final day of the Serie A season, which could make potential suitors think twice before launching a move.
According to a report from Football Insider, Villa have now been offered the chance to sign Felix, with the Atletico Madrid forward's agents trying to secure him a move ahead of next season, after recently spending time on loan at Chelsea.
The 23-year-old is set to seek another move this summer, after previously clashing with Atletico boss Diego Simeone, potentially opening the door for a move to Villa Park.
The Villans have refused to rule out a move for the Portugal international, despite his hefty reported wage of £244k-per-week.
Should Aston Villa sign Joao Felix?
The Viseu-born attacker already has some experience in the Premier League, spending the latter part of last season on loan at Chelsea, where he managed to score four goals in 16 league games.
That return was not enough to tempt Chelsea into pursuing the attacker on a permanent basis, however he has previously demonstrated a keen eye for goal with Atletico, recording eight goals and four assists in 24 La Liga games in the 2021-22 season.
Joao-Felix-celebrating-against-Bournemouth
Not only that, the former Benfica man is also a very impressive dribbler of the ball, ranking in the 93rd percentile for successful take-ons per 90 in the past year, when compared to his positional peers.
Hailed as "sensational" by members of the media, Felix has all the attributes to be a success at Villa Park, however his goal return indicates that he is not an out-and-out striker, and he should be brought in to play a supporting role.
Inter Milan are reportedly believed to be interested in signing Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah during the summer transfer window.
Is Chalobah likely to stay at Chelsea?
The £50,000-a-week Blues youngster has more than held his own this season, trying his best in a team that has struggled hugely in the Premier League.
Chalobah started 18 of Chelsea's 38 league games, which is a good return for an emerging talent, and he also enjoyed six outings in the Champions League.
Whether Mauricio Pochettino sees the Englishman as a key figure at Stamford Bridge moving forward remains to be seen, however, with the Blues' incoming new manager set to take a close look at his squad when the player return for pre-season.
Chalobah's current deal runs until the summer of 2028, though, so any potential interest in him would likely have to see a sizeable bid tabled.
Trevoh-Chalobah
Could Inter snap up Chalobah this summer?
According to Football Insider, Inter have "made a move" to snap up Chalobah in the summer transfer, seeing him as an exciting option to bring in. They have reportedly "contacted the Londoners to register their interest in a potential deal", with the player himself "keen to hold talks if permitted by his club".
It is even stated that the upcoming Champions League finalists "made enquiries over his availability in January as they were keen on a deal back then", suggesting that they have been long-time admirers of the Chelsea man.
This is a tricky one for the Blues, mainly because Chalobah remains such a big prospect who could potentially be a key man in west London one day, having been described as "the future of this club" by teammate Thiago Silva. Former Manchester United and England centre-back Rio Ferdinand also once called him "unbelievable", which futher outlines what a talent he is.
Should a huge bid arrive for the three-time capped England Under-21 international, however, Chelsea must at least consider it, with Pochettino arguably needing to bring in genuinely elite defenders in their primes this summer, especially with both Silva and Kalidou Koulibaly now in their 30s (the former is almost 40, in fact).
Chalobah's contract situation puts the Blues in a strong position, and while keeping hold of him remains the preferable outcome, given his long-term potential, if the player wants to move in order to get more minutes, it is something that should be considered by the club.