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      Cost of sacking Ange Postecoglou revealed with Tottenham forced to pay out millions on top of £2m Europa League bonus

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      THE cost for Tottenham to sack Ange Postecoglou has been revealed.The Aussie boss made good on his promise that he “always wins things” in his second season by lifting the Europa League trophy to end the club’s 17-year trophy drought.The cost of sacking Ange Postecoglou has been revealedCredit: AlamyDaniel Levy will reportedly need to fork out around £4m to give Big Ange the bootCredit: PAThat is on top of the £2m bonus Postecoglou earned for winning the Europa LeagueCredit: GettyHowever, a 17th-placed finish in the Premier League backed up by 22 defeats – the most ever by a team not to be relegated – means Postecoglou is in a perilous position over his job.Should chairman Daniel Levy opt to give Big Ange the boot, the decision will see the 59-year-old manager take home a compensation package worth around £4million.And according to The Telegraph, that is ON TOP of the £2m bonus Postecoglou collected for winning the Europa League and getting the north London club into the Champions League next season.Postecoglou has two years remaining on his Spurs contract, with the terms of his exit being decided before he signed his contract to take him to the capital from Celtic.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe report adds that the manager has now returned from holiday and should be receiving clarity over his position in the near future.He appeared to hint he wanted to stay at Tottenham’s trophy parade after he declared: “All the best TV series, season three is better than season two.”However, that decision will come down to Levy.While sacking Postecoglou will take around £4m on its own, the total cost of then appointing a replacement could see Spurs splash out roughly £10m.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBrentford’s Thomas Frank is understood to be among the leading candidates for the position, along with Fulham boss Marco Silva.While there is the headache over the future of the first-team coach, behind the scenes the club are also going through a major shake-up.Postecoglou unrecognisable in amazing throwback video as first club share emotional 3-minute tribute after Europa LeagueLevy, 63, has lost his right-hand woman in executive director Donna Cullen, who has left after 20 years of service.Elsewhere, Ryan Mason has also left the club to further his managerial career by taking up the vacant position at Championship side West Brom.They are set to be the first two of many departures this summer, which may include Postecoglou.The shake-up also includes the appointment of Vinai Venkatesham as CEO, who previously served bitter rivals Arsenal in the same role.Sources add these moves could be the prelude to majority owners Enic pumping fresh funds into the club.Tottenham ratings: Bissouma dominates Europa League final as occasion gets to UdogieBRENNAN JOHNSON was Tottenham’s hero as they finally ended their 17-year trophy drought in the Europa League final.Despite being without James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski for the clash in Bilbao, Spurs came up with a massive win against Manchester United.Johnson scored the goal as he helped bundle in from a corner in a tussle with Luke Shaw to send fans into dreamland.But Spurs also owe a huge thanks to Yves Bissouma who was totally dominant in midfield.At the other end, Destiny Udogie struggled to get up to the pace of the match as he was up against Manchester United’s Amad Diallo.Spurs had just three shots, only 27 per cent of the ball, and completed a mere 115 passes over 90 minutes.But it didn’t matter, as United never really looked like finding a leveller to take it to extra time.SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson gave his ratings for the Tottenham players… More

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      Man Utd’s 51-year streak over, goal-shy Arsenal and Moyes a Champions League manager? Last season’s most bonkers stats

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      THE 2025-26 Premier League season has officially started.Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton have handed over their shares to Leeds, Burnley and Sunderland.Kai Havertz managed nine goals in the Premier League – but no one reached ten for ArsenalCredit: GettyCaoimhin Kelleher’s penalty heroics made him a Liverpool record breakerCredit: GettyLamine Yamal has as many LaLiga titles as Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Shutterstock EditorialAnd the Prem confirmed the new top flight got underway on Wednesday – 73 days before the next ball is kicked in the competition. But that also means the 2024-25 campaign has finally reached its conclusion.So what better time to reflect on some of the most bonkers stats of the season?Here are some of our favourites…READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFor the first time in 101 years, no Arsenal player reached double figures for goals in the league.Kai Havertz managed nine, one more than Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.Arsenal missed out on the Premier League title to Liverpool. And the Reds won the league despite adding just one player to their squad – and that man, Federico Chiesa, started just one match.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSticking with Liverpool, goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher now holds the record for the most penalty shootouts won (four) and most shootout penalties saved (six) in the club’s history – despite only featuring for the Reds 67 times.Jonny Evans’ impending exit from Manchester United will mean the 2025-26 season is set to be the first since 1974-75 where the squad has no players who featured under Sir Alex Ferguson – a whopping 50 years ago.Premier League reveal new ball for next season after major brand change United’s nightmare campaign saw them lose to Tottenham in all four of their meetings, including the Europa League final.Incredibly, wins over the Red Devils accounted for 15 per cent of Spurs’ victories across the season.On the other end of the spectrum, Tottenham lost 22 Premier League matches.That is the most defeats of any team in a 38-game Prem season who have avoided relegation.The season, though, ended in glory for Spurs with the triumph in Bilbao, which means they now have more European trophies than Barcelona in the last nine years.Barca lost in a barnstorming Champions League semi-final to Inter but did pip rivals Real Madrid to the LaLiga title.Lamine Yamal was one of their standout players and at 17, he now has two LaLiga winner’s medals – after making his debut aged 15 near the end of the successful 2022-23 campaign. That is as many as Cristiano Ronaldo collected in his nine seasons with Real Madrid.Tottenham won the Europa League but domestically lost 22 league gamesCredit: AFPEverton’s form under David Moyes was enough for Champions League qualificationCredit: Shutterstock EditorialJonny Evans’ departure marks the end of a 51-year streak for Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyYamal delivered a staggering 43 goal involvements this season across all competitions, with 18 goals and 25 assists. But his tally of nine LaLiga goals was beaten by Jorgen Strand Larsen (14), Jarrod Bowen (13), Kevin Schade (11) in the Premier League – and matched by Tomas Soucek, Harvey Barnes, Alex Iwobi and Iliman Ndiaye.Back in England, Chelsea had the youngest average age of starting XI across the season at 24 years and 36 days.Lastly, from David Moyes’ return to Everton to the end of the season, the Toffees would have finished fourth and qualified for the Champions League.And here are a few more Premier League belters from our friends at Opta…Bryan Mbeumo’s strike after 38 seconds against West Ham saw Brentford become the first team in Premier League history to score in the opening minute in three consecutive games.Brentford 5-3 Wolves was the first ever Premier League match to produce eight different goalscorers, all of a different nationality.Manchester City became the first reigning English top-flight champions to lose five games in a row in all competitions since Chelsea in March 1956.At Wolves, Justin Kluivert became the first player in Premier League history to score a hat-trick of penalties, with teammate Evanilson also the first to win three spot-kicks in the same match.Read More on The SunRuud van Nistelrooy became the first manager ever to win consecutive Premier League games that were for and against the same side (3-0 vs Leicester with Man Utd, 3-1 with Leicester vs West Ham).West Ham 2-0 Leicester was the first ever Premier League game to see three players appear on their birthday (February 27 – Tomas Soucek, Alphonse Areola and Boubakary Soumare).Justin Kluivert scored a hat-trick of penalties against WolvesCredit: GettyTomas Soucek scored on his birthday against Leicester in FebruaryCredit: Getty More

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      Wanda Nara, 38, ‘dating PSG star and most eligible bachelor, 26,’ who was team-mates with ex-husband Mauro Icardi

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      MAURO ICARDI’s ex-wife Wanda Nara has reportedly found a new man – and he used to be team-mates with her former husband.The 38-year-old married Icardi in 2014 but endured multiple break-ups and reconciliations.Wanda Nara has reportedly found love after her split from Mauro Icardi (pictured)Credit: Instagram @mauroicardiThe super WAG was in attendance at the CL final and sent out this snap to her 17.5m followersCredit: instagram @wanda_naraWanda has been single since splitting from Icardi last yearCredit: INSTAGRAMNara and the Galatasaray striker finally split for good last summer.And after a spell of enjoying single life, Nara has been linked with a new flame. The Wag-turned-agent was in Munich last Saturday to watch the Champions League final between PSG and Inter Milan.Spanish journalist Yani Latorre claims Nara is seeing PSG’s “most eligible bachelor” Achraf Hakimi, 26, – a former team-mate of Icardi.READ MORE ON SPORTLAM host Yani Latorre claimed, via the Daily Star: “I have the name of the PSG player [Nara is dating].”He’s PSG’s most eligible bachelor. She knows him from Mauricio’s time at PSG.”It seems she is with Hakimi.”Wanda stayed where the PSG players and their families are [in Munich]. She participated in the intimate celebration at the hotel. Most read in Football”[She] was recording for MTV in Italy. They sent her a plane ticket, a hotel reservation, and a ticket to the stadium – someone from PSG.”Nara took over the duties of her husband’s agent, and helped mastermind a loan move from Inter Milan to PSG in 2019. Wanda Nara risks Instagram ban as Mauro Icardi’s ex-wife poses naked to promote new singleThe couple announced they had split in 2022, only to get back together.But last summer, Nara opened up about the end of their relationship, with the pair now heading for divorce.Nara told America TV: “For personal and health reasons, I tried once more, but it didn’t work. Let everyone talk. I’ve saved my silence for the last. “I know how hard endings are and what they cost. There are things on TV and the internet that aren’t true, but I accept it as part of the bad and who I am.Nara has been linked with PSG star Achraf Hakimi – a former teammate of IcardiCredit: Getty”I decided to end it, but Mauro and I will still be a family. It wasn’t a mistake to try more when there was love. “I regret nothing. These years were the best of my life, but now I must be alone.”There is no villain or third party. Our relationship was always stronger than it seemed from the outside. “My priority has always been my children, and now more than ever. Thank you for your respect.”Hakimi began his career at Real Madrid and is the captain of Morocco.He joined PSG in 2021 and has played 168 times for the Ligue 1 giants, scoring 23 goals.The star is currently single after divorcing ex-wife Hiba Abouk in 2023. Read More on The SunHakimi was married to the Spanish actress for three years.The couple have two sons, born in 2020 and 2022. Wanda has been single since splitting from Icardi last yearCredit: InstagramThe Argentine is a model and TV presenterCredit: InstagramShe boasts almost 18 million followers on Instagram aloneCredit: Instagram @wanda_naraWanda acted as Icardi’s agent during their time togetherCredit: Instagram @wandanara More

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      Club World Cup winner will be given special shirt design to wear for FOUR YEARS

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      THE winner of the Club World Cup will wear a special badge for the next FOUR YEARS.Manchester City and Chelsea head Stateside for the most-expensive Fifa club competition – which starts on June 14.The winner of the Club World Cup will wear a special badge until 2029Man City were granted special permission to wear a golden Fifa Club World Cup badge for the last two seasonsAnd the inaugural champion of the expanded competition will keep the gold logo until 2029.That’s because the winners will be reigning champs for four years until the second edition in 2029.The exact badge design has not been released yet, but it will likely mimic the golden crest Man City have been wearing since 2023.As well as that, the winner will bank an eye-watering £100million.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPep Guardiola’s side added a gold plate to their blue jerseys after winning the old version half-way through the season in December 2023.But City were then granted unprecedented permission to wear it AGAIN this season as they’re still technically the reigning champions.The Club World Cup was replaced by the Fifa Intercontinental Cup in 2024, with Real Madrid claiming the trophy.This year’s new-look 32-team competition will see Madrid and Atletico Madrid fly the flag for Spain in 10 days’ time.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe other European teams include Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg.Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan, Porto, Benfica, and Juventus make up the rest of Europe.Man City drop Jack Grealish transfer hint as they launch stunning new kit for Club World CupLionel Messi’s Inter Miami were awarded the host country spot after winning the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield.Madrid, City and Champions League winners PSG are favourites to win the golden gong on July 14.Meanwhile, Gary Lineker has agreed a deal with a new broadcaster for the Club World Cup after leaving the BBC.He has joined DAZN that will see his The Rest Is Football Podcast broadcast highlights. More

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      Inter Milan ask Cesc Fabregas for permission to speak to Cesc Fabregas as they target next manager

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      INTER MILAN have asked Cesc Fabregas for permission to speak to… Cesc Fabregas.The humiliated Champions League finalists have seen boss Simone Inzaghi leave in a shock exit, ahead of an expected moneybags move to Al-Hilal.Inter Milan want to speak to Como manager and co-owner Cesc FabregasCredit: Shutterstock EditorialIt comes after coach Simone Inzaghi left the clubCredit: EPAAnd the Italian giants face a mad rush to get a new boss in place – with the Club World Cup beginning in less than TWO WEEKS.Top of their wishlist, according to reports in Italy, is Arsenal legend Fabregas, who has impressed in charge of Serie A minnows Como.The ex-Barcelona midfielder is the manager of the club, who finished tenth in their first season this campaign after achieving promotion last season.But Fabregas, 38, is also Como’s CO-OWNER – alongside Thierry Henry and the mega-rich Indonesia-based Djarum Group.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat means an approach to the board to open discussions with Farbegas with have to go through the World Cup-winner himself.The Spaniard has already reportedly turned down a job offer from German side Bayer Leverkusen after they allowed Xabi Alonso to leave to join Real Madrid.While Roma were also said to be keen, before turning their attention onto legendary Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini instead. Sky Sport Italia claims Fabregas is “tempted” by the offer, but is yet to give any indication over a decision.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFabregas would face a rebuilding job at Inter after they were mercilessly swept aside in a 5-0 thrashing to PSG in Saturday’s Champions League final.The scale of the task has seen Inzaghe, who led the club to two Champions League finals, one Serie A title, two Coppa Italias and three Italian Super Cups, be tempted to take the money in Saudi Arabia instead.Cesc Fabregas like you’ve never seen him before as mild-mannered ex-Arsenal star explodes in fiery dressing room rantA club statement read: “The Club and Simone Inzaghi’s paths separate. This is the decision taken by mutual agreement after the meeting that took place a few minutes ago.”Inzaghi’s management at Inter will be remembered by fans, players, managers and employees as being characterised by great passion, accompanied by professionalism and dedication.” More

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      Chelsea pair were like ‘Mr and Mrs’ and ‘drove each other mad’ in rows over moisturiser… but arguments HELPED squad

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      CHELSEA need brotherhood, shower gel and plenty of moisturising cream to get back to the summit of football.Legendary Blues midfielder John Obi Mikel believes dressing room chemistry is the key to success on the pitch. And he can see it brewing in the current squad.Chelsea legends John Obi Mikel and Salomon Kalou had a funny feudMikel and Kalou’s friendly feud created morale in Chelsea’s dressing roomHe was part of the all-conquering Chelsea team which landed title after title, cup after cup during his 11 years at Stamford Bridge.But small details are behind big wins and Mikel revealed how his bizarre relationship with Salomon Kalou epitomised the strong bonds between the players of the time.Together they won the Champions League, Premier League and four FA Cups when team spirit was the fear factor which often made the difference in key games.Mikel, 38, said: “It is very important, the friendship between your teammates in the squad, because It brings you guys together. Read More on Chelsea“The chemistry is there, not just the chemistry on the pitch, the chemistry outside the pitch because you already know your partner, your team-mates. “You know what they like and what they don’t like. How to approach them in terms of when they’re not performing,“How do you get them to wake up? Do you go to them? Do you scream at them, or is it like a quiet word you need to have and get them to keep going?“So that relationship is very important. And of course, Salomon Kalou, what can I say about the guy? Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge“Listen, we were Mr and Mrs at the football club, we were called Tom and Jerry.“He drives me mad, a guy I absolutely love. I can never say a bad word about Salomon Kalou.Here is why Liam Delap is the perfect striker for Chelsea “He never bought his own shower gel, his own cream, he always went to my locker and nicked mine. “I’d finish having a shower and I go to my locker trying to get my cream, it’s not there. Salomon Kalou’s nicked it.“Sometimes it’s fine to use it, but please, return it to my locker. He didn’t.“And when I go to him and ask where’s my cream? He says, ‘buy another one’. I’m like, ‘what? Why don’t you buy yourself your own cream?’“He just drove me mad. But then on the pitch, when you’re that honest and open with each other, on the pitch, you know each other so well, right and it helps so much. “I’d love to see the players create that friendship, that chemistry between each other. Looking at this team squad, They’re young but I can see a little bit that they have that.Mikel insists the current Chelsea team need a similar dressing roomKalou and Mikel had some hilarious exchanges“I need to see a bit more. It’s so important to create that atmosphere.”Where Mikel won, lost and partied alongside superstars like John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba, modern day Chelsea is about building reputations through ambitious young players like Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo and soon-to-arrive Liam Delap.Mikel said: “We enjoyed good times together. We went out to central London every time we won a trophy. We celebrated quite heavily because we were successful and were given a licence to go out and enjoy ourselves.“That brought that chemistry together because every year, every other year, we had something to celebrate. We were always winning something. So we were always having a massive party come the end of the season. That brought us together.“They have to win trophies in order to be able to bring that chemistry in the squad.”New Chelsea have started the process by qualifying for the Champions League and winning the Conference League. But the post-match party was tame by previous standards, mainly because a lot of the players are now on international duty before travelling to next week’s Club World Cup.I’d finish having a shower and I go to my locker trying to get my cream, it’s not there. Salomon Kalou’s nicked it.John Obi MikelThe month-long tournament in the US Club World Cup railroads through the traditional summer. Mikel said: “It’s silverware to be won and we want to go out and compete to win it. “We have to talk about the prize money as well.  Almost £100million. That puts you in a great advantage in terms of in the summer, transfer window, bringing in players, strengthening your squad. There’s a lot there for these players to think about.“I know we players talk about having a rest, which we should. But we actually don’t rest when we go on holidays.“We fly back to our different continents where we’re from, countries where we’re from.“And then we go back after a week or a few days, playing locally with the local teams where we grew up from, kicking the ball about, playing five-a-side, ten-a-side games.“You don’t want to rest for two, three weeks without doing anything. When you come back for pre-season, it takes you even longer to get in shape.“During the summer, you’re looking at yourself thinking, I need to get back into it. You start running, you start playing football and make sure you come back, so that it doesn’t take you a long time to get back into shape. We all did that. I get it, I understand. Read More on The Sun“The Club World Cup, for the teams involved, it’s a great opportunity, a great way for those teams to keep their players fit, keep them ticking over, knowing that when the season starts, they are almost half there.”John Obi Mikel was speaking ahead of the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Watch all 63 games live on DAZN for free.  More

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      Barcelona face starting Champions League 2025/26 with POINTS DEDUCTION with Chelsea and Villa also set to be punished

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      BARCELONA are facing the threat of Uefa sanctions after breaching financial rules for a second year running, reports claim.It comes after the Spanish giants lost an appeal in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) over a £420,000 fine imposed by Uefa for wrongly reporting profits in October. Barcelona are facing severe sanctions from Uefa after breaching financial rulesCredit: APA CAS ruling in October said a second breach would lead to ‘harsher’ finesCredit: GettyThe CAS ruling at the time warned the club would face “harsher” punishments if they failed to comply with rules again.And according to The Times, they have been found wanting again under Uefa rules, and the La Liga champions are now due to be hit with severe sanctions.These could include a reduced limit on the number of players they can register for next season’s Champions League or even a points deduction in the league phase. English sides Chelsea and Aston Villa are also understood to have breached Uefa rules.However, because they are first-time offenders, they will be slapped with financial penalties only.Both have been in talks with the Uefa’s Club Financial Control Board (CFCB) over a financial settlement.The governing body of European football are due to confirm the sanctions imposed on each team later this month.Barcelona have tried a number of unorthodox ways to help them climb free of financial ruin. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIn 2022, they sold 10 per cent of their broadcasting revenue over the next 25 years for £225million (€267million).They wanted to claim this as “other operating income” on the books, which would have counted towards their FFP calculations.Barcelona win LaLiga at Espanyol as fierce rivals turn sprinklers on to dampen celebration before Hansi Flick intervenesHowever, Uefa insisted it must come under “profits on disposal of intangible assets” which do not count towards FFP.Barcelona then sold another 15 per cent of their broadcast rights for £337m (€400m).But the CAS ruling means it cannot be classed as operating income, which is said to have been the ultimate cause of their latest breach.Barca made the Champions League semi-finals this year, losing to beaten finalists Inter Milan.Chelsea’s breach comes down to Uefa not counting the club’s world record £220m sale of the women’s team to a sister company on their books.This is in contrast to Premier League financial rules which do allow it.Uefa financial rules state clubs can make a maximum loss of £170m (€200million) over three years.Read More on The SunClubs also cannot spend more than 80 per cent of their UEFA-allowed revenue. But this will reduce further to 70 per cent next season. More

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      Chelsea files: Why Blues snubbed Luis Enrique and how Conference League karaoke party was too boring for club icon

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      CHELSEA’S triumphant squad enjoyed a night of team bonding after their Conference League win over Real Betis last week.But even karaoke until 4AM is tame by comparison to what club hero John Obi Mikel and his old team-mates used to get up to after winning one of their many cups or titles.Chelsea celebrated the Conference League with karaokeChelsea hero John Obi Mikel looked back at legendary celebrations after the Conference League triumphMikel, 38, was part of a formidable Blues squad that won the Champions League, Premier League, three FA Cups and the Europa League.He told SunSport: “We enjoyed good times together. We went out to central London every time we won a trophy. We celebrated quite heavily because we were successful and were given a licence to go out and enjoy ourselves.“That brought that chemistry together because every year, every other year, we had something to celebrate. We were always winning something. So we were always having a massive party come the end of the season. That brought us together.“They have to win trophies in order to be able to bring that chemistry in the squad.”Most of Enzo Maresca’s squad were up and out of the team hotel in Poland to report for international duty before reuniting at the Club World Cup in the US later this month.A singalong is not Mikel’s idea of fun to toast victory.He said: “Well, listen, it is the kind of party they wanted to have. But I know back in our days, it wouldn’t have been that. It would have gone full on.”New Chelsea are becoming a stronger team but they still have a lot to learn off the pitch it seems.DEL OF A BUYLIAM DELAP is the perfect striker signing for Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side and here’s why…When the Blues signed Cole Palmer in what now looks like a cut price deal, not many knew the talent that they had on their hands – but anyone who had watched Manchester City’s EDS sides knew, one of whom of course was Maresca.Chelsea have a history of spending big on star names to fill the number 9 spot, of which the majority have failed to do so.From Alvaro Morata to Gonzalo Higuain to Timo Werner, no one has been able to fill the boots of Diego Costa since he left.Nicolas Jackson has – all things considered – been pretty good so far, but many fans have concerns over his finishing ability and dominance in the box.Liam Delap is set to sign for the BluesDelap is a signing that addresses that issue, a physical penalty box presence with an incredible ball striking ability and a lethal burst of pace – which means at LAST the likes of Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke will have a target to aim those curling crosses at in the middle.However, it’s likely his understanding of Chelsea and Maresca’s style that really secured the deal for a star who was a hot commodity in the transfer market.Having played under his new gaffer at City, he also starred alongside Romeo Lavia and Cole Palmer in the EDS, his understanding with the latter potentially being what will make him such a potent threat next season, but also improve Palmer too.It wasn’t always a Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, or Harry Kane and Son Heung-min partnership, where both would rack up huge direct goal contribution numbers, but one where Delap’s movement and inter play would allow Palmer to be even more dangerous and get into the box with more ease.We’ve seen in games at times this season where because Palmer has been almost a lone threat, he can be doubled up on and nullified, but with Delap in the side that becomes much more difficult.When you add the incoming Estevao Willian to that mix, as well as the ever improving Madueke and Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea can be a real threat next season.OL’ TIMERIT’S OFFICIAL, Chelsea will play LAFC in their first Club World Cup fixture on June 16th.The Blues will be re-united with Champions League and Europa League hero Olivier Giroud, as well as facing off against familiar foe Hugo Lloris.The MLS side secured their spot in the competition with a 2-1 win over Club America in extra time, with Giroud grabbing the game-winning assist.They join Chelsea’s group alongside Flamengo, who will be in action against Enzo Maresca’s men on June 20th, and El Tunis who they will play on June 24.Chelsea fans wonder ‘What if?’LUIS ENRIQUE’S Paris Saint-Germain Champions League win has left many Chelsea fans wondering, “What if?”When Graham Potter was sacked as the Blues’ head coach in April 2023, the now PSG boss was flown into London for talks with the head honchos at Stamford Bridge, only to be DENIED the job.Julian Nagelsmann was the favourite to get it at the time, but it ended up being Mauricio Pochettino who was bought in instead.Chelsea reportedly had doubts over Enrique who “made several demands” during talks, before deciding to go with the former Tottenham manager in his place.Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique almost joined ChelseaFast forward two years, and Enrique is a Champions League winner (again), using a model that admittedly is not too dissimilar to what the the Blues are trying to build – an incredibly young but talented team who can compete with the best.In fact the two teams have shared many transfer targets over the years, including Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola and Khvicha Kvaratshkelia.Enrique himself is now being lauded for his style of play and giving his young talent freedom on the pitch to express themselves, while Maresca is often criticised for the opposite.The Blues may well get to test themselves against the newly-crowned European champions at the Club World Cup, as if the most likely scenario takes place they will play PSG in the quarter-finals.It remains to be seen if Chelsea can build on their strong end to the season and become Champions of Europe for a third time in coming seasons.BLUE RINSESECTIONS of the Chelsea fan base have been left unhappy after the club announced further price increases for tickets ahead of next season.A report published by the Chelsea Supporters Trust has outlined the key details of the plan by those in charge at Stamford Bridge.The cost of tickets for members will increase by 4 per cent, while the total cost of tickets for season ticket holders will increase by 7 per cent.The senior concession age is also being raised from 65 to 66, while the discount for those eligible for those tickets is being reduced from 50 per cent to 25 per cent.A new tiered membership is being introduced, including a “premier membership” which can be purchased for priority access to tickets.In good news for supporters, a youth concession for those aged 20-22 is being introduced with a 25 per cent discount at least.Fans online reacted, and weren’t happy at all, with one fan claiming, “Premium membership LOL like I’m not ripped off enough as it is.” While another fumed: “A perfect lesson on how to undo the feel good factor after Wednesday. Wondered for a while if this ownership felt any loyalty to true fans. Here is the final proof they don’t.”JOE COLE delighted Chelsea fans drinking in Wroclaw ahead of their Conference League triumph.The night before the game, the Chelsea icon joined jubilant Blues fans along with his fellow TNT Sport pundits.Another ex-Chelsea man, Steve Sidwell, and West Ham’s Michail Antonio joined Cole in the bar opposite their hotel.But it was only Cole the Chelsea fans were interested in as they chanted his name over and over again.JT was back at a Chelsea European final – and again not on the pitch!The club’s legendary former skipper famously joined the celebrations in full kit after being suspended for the 2012 Champions League final and sitting in the stands.Last week, it was noted that JT was at the Wroclaw Stadium to see the team beat Real Betis 4-1 – only this time it was Joe Terry, a reporter for UEFA.com covering the game for Europe’s governing body.Surely that’s more than a coincidence? More