Chelsea transfer news

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Injured Chelsea star gives update with gruelling training pic after long layoff as he hints at return to football

      by

      WESLEY FOFANA has hinted that his return to Chelsea’s first-team may happen sooner rather than later.The centre-back, 22, posted a picture on his Instagram story of himself working hard in Chelsea’s Cobham gym.
      Fofana was not expected to feature this seasonCredit: Reuters
      But his Instagram story has offered some hopeCredit: Instagram @lawestt_
      The defender looked to be doing sit ups and was hooked up to a machine that was strapped around his thigh.
      Fofana has had rotten luck with injuries stemming all the way back to 2021.
      Then still playing for Leicester, the defender suffered a broken leg on the eve of the 2021-22 season against Villareal which ruled him out for seven months.
      After returning in March 2022 to play the closing stages of the season for Leicester, he made the £70million transfer to Chelsea that summer.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      The defender then suffered a knee injury in Chelsea colours in October of that year which ruled him out until February 2023.
      After returning, he played 13 times for the Blues before suffering the devastating blow of an ACL injury in pre-season.
      A time frame has not been put on his return and he was widely expected to miss the entirety of this season.
      But his Instagram story does offer some hope for Chelsea fans that they may see him before this season ends.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      When asked about Fofana’s latest injury in the summer, manager Mauricio Pochettino said that he and his staff are keen to give Fofana all the support they can for him to return to the team.
      He said: “We can only help him and to be again with the team we know it is tough. We need to help him and wish him all the best. We need to keep going, the competition is there. The competition doesn’t wait for anyone and we need to be ready.”
      On whether Fofana could feature this season, Pochettino said: “I hope yes. You have all of the information that this is difficult. He is evolving in a different way but hopefully his recovery goes very well.”
      Christopher Nkunku is another long-term absentee with a knee injury that Blues fans could see soon.
      Manager Mauricio Pochettino said after Chelsea’s 4-1 victory over Tottenham that he has hope that Nkunku may be back after the November international break. More

    • 188 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal and Tottenham legend Pat Jennings rushed to hospital after collapsing before Spurs vs Chelsea

      by

      TOTTENHAM legend Pat Jennings was rushed to hospital after collapsing ahead of last night’s clash with Chelsea.The iconic goalkeeper, 78, was in attendance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to watch his former club.
      Pat Jennings, pictured at Spurs last month, collapsed at their stadium last nightCredit: Rex
      The legendary goalkeeper suffered a health scare before Spurs’ clash with ChelseaCredit: Pacemaker Press
      The former Northern Ireland ace played for Spurs for 13 yearsCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Jennings remarkably went on to achieve icon status at bitter rivals ArsenalCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      However, he missed the Blues emerge victorious in an extraordinary 4-1 victory against his beloved Spurs after falling ill before kick off.
      A Tottenham statement confirmed the worrying news on Tuesday.
      It read: “We can confirm legendary former goalkeeper Pat Jennings (455) was taken ill at last night’s game,
      “After undergoing precautionary tests at hospital, he was discharged shortly after midnight and given the all-clear to attend his statue unveiling in his hometown of Newry, Northern Ireland tomorrow.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      “We wish you well, Pat, and look forward to seeing you tomorrow.”
      Jennings made more than 450 appearances for Tottenham after joining them from Watford in 1964.
      During that period he helped them to lift the League Cup twice and the FA Cup.
      And he was also in the side that won the 1972 Uefa Cup.
      Most read in Football
      Jennings won a host of trophies for both Spurs and the GunnersCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Jennings also famously SCORED against Manchester United in the 1967 Charity Shield – now known as the Community Shield.
      The 119-capped Northern Ireland international left Tottenham after 13 years in 1977 – but he did not go far.
      Remarkably, he joined North London rivals Arsenal and went on to achieve iconic status there too despite his past with Spurs.
      Jennings made over 250 appearances for the Gunners, winning the PFA Players’ Player of the Year in 1977, and added another FA Cup medal to his collection before the much-loved star departed in 1985 to seemingly retire and begin his coaching career.
      However, he signed on briefly for Everton the following year after they suffered an injury crisis but failed to make an appearance for the Toffees. He eventually retired from playing after representing his country at the 1986 World Cup.
      He would later go on to be goalkeeper coach at Spurs and he was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2003.
      Jennings married Eleanor Toner, a singer from Newry, in 1967 and they have four children together, daughters Mairead, Siobhan, Ciara and son Patrick Junior.
      Jennings was due to watch Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs try to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign from the stands as ex-boss Mauricio Pochettino returned to his old side for the first time with Chelsea.
      The pulsating London derby topped the list for drama and controversy with Spurs receiving two red cards, while there were five disallowed goals and a whole new string of VAR debates.
      Read More on The Sun
      Spurs were reduced to nine men in the 55th minute but bravely held out until 75 minutes when Nicolas Jackson made it 2-1.
      Their high line, which Postecoglou vowed to keep using even if he only had five players, was exposed two more times in the dying stages as Nicolas Jackson made them pay and sealed his hat-trick.
      The icon pictured with his wife Eleanor and daughters Siobhan and Ciara in 1972Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Jennings famously scored in the 1967 Charity Shield against Manchester UnitedCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd More

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea ratings: Jackson doubles goal tally for season but Fernandez struggles to impose himself in barnstormer

      by

      NICOLAS JACKSON’S late hat-trick finally sank nine-man Tottenham – yet it was still a mixed night for Chelsea’s costly signings.

      Spurs deserved their early deflected opener from Dejan Kulusevski – but their two sendings-off understandably turned a game of non-stop drama.

      Nicolas Jackson rounds off his late triple as possession finally told

      Enzo Fernandez had another disappointing evening for Chelsea

      Big summer signing Moises Caicedo had one of his best nights for Chelsea

      Cristian Romero’s reckless red-card challenge sparked Cole Palmer’s penalty leveller, before Destiny Udogie picked up his second careless yellow on 55 minutes.

      Jackson finally eased his own struggles for the season and Chelsea‘s on the night by slotting home on 75 minutes – before completing a counter-attacking treble and 4-1 Prem away win with a double in stoppage time. Here’s how the Blues rated on an incredible evening.

      ROBERT SANCHEZ  – 6

      Helpless for the opening goal but looked nervous early on and was guilty of dodgy distribution more than once. But made a decent late save in stoppage time to stop Son Heung-Min equalising.

      REECE JAMES  – 6 

      Happy to see Brennan Johnson sacrificed after Cristian Romero’s red card and took advantage of having less to worry about at the back by getting forward more. Went close just before the hour mark. 

      AXEL DISASI – 6

      Didn’t look happy under the early Spurs pressure and fortunate Son Heung-Min strayed just offside for what would have been 2-0. But grew into the game as his side enjoyed a man advantage.

      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS

      THIAGO SILVA – 7 

      The most composed member of the Blues’ defence, but that wasn’t saying much at times in the early stages. Gave his team stability and calm when they needed it in a match which was utter chaos at times.  

      LEVI COLWILL – 4

      Horrible opening 15 minutes capped by turning his back on Dejan Kulusevki’s shot and so wrongfooting Sanchez with half-hearted block. Got in a row with Pape Matar Sarr and was hooked at half time for his own good. 

      MOISES CAICEDO – 7

      Typified Chelsea’s approach with some very robust challenges, on James Maddison in particular. On a night that called for hard running and some dark arts, he was more than happy to do his bit. 7

      ENZO FERNANDEZ – 5

      Lost track of Pape Matar Sarr in build-up to opening goal and mostly looked nothing like a £100m midfielder. Caught horribly by Romero’s follow-through for the penalty and didn’t last long in second half.

      COLE PALMER – 6

      The calmest player on the pitch when converting his penalty after 20 minutes of madness. Did not have loads of touches, but barely wasted one. Should have put second-half effort on target and faded after break.

      CONOR GALLAGHER – 8

      Lined up in a No 10 position but did his best work off the ball, and it was no surprise to see him moved back into a deeper role when Fernandez went off. But still had energy to set up Jackson’s second to kill the game.

      RAHEEM STERLING – 8

      Up for it from the start, running past Pedro Porro for fun and creating chances for himself and others. Didn’t always make the right decision or pass but kept asking questions all night and then set up second goal. 

      NICOLAS JACKSON – 8

      It sounds mad, but until he put in a match-winning hat-trick, another performance to suggest he is not a first-choice PL striker, with a host of chances missed including a point-blank-range header, Maybe this is the turning point, for him and Chelsea.

      SUBS

      Reece James fires in a shot as the Blues struggled to get on top

      The return of Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino to old club Tottenham could hardly have been more dramatic but ended in victory

      Nicolas Jackson finally slotted Chelsea in front before a stoppage-time double

      MARC CUCURELLA (for Colwill, half time) – 5 

      Had some trouble with Kulusevski and failed to convert a really good chance to make it 2-1.

      MYKHAILO MUDRYK (for Fernandez, 58) – 4

      Coming on against nine men was a golden opportunity that he didn’t take.  

      MALO GUSTO (for James, 77) – 5

      Gave away needless free kick in dying minutes that almost cost his team.

      LESLEY UGOCHUKWU (for Sterling, 90+1 ) – 5.

      Not used: Petrovic, Badiashile, Madueke, Ugochukwu, Maatsen, Washington. More

    • 275 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Gary Neville says ‘you just don’t do that any more’ as Destiny Udogie escapes red for horror lunge in Spurs Chelsea game

      by

      GARY NEVILLE fumed at Tottenham’s Destiny Udogie following his horror tackle on Raheem Sterling – which resulted only in a yellow. The defender dived in with both feet and his studs up on Sterling, who managed to pull out of the challenge just in time.
      Destiny Udogie escaped red with his tackle on Raheem SterlingCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun

      Replays revealed just how close Udogie was to making full contact on Sterling.
      Commentator Neville said: “That’s the one the footballers, the professionals hate.
      “You don’t do that. That tackle went about 15, 20 years ago. You just don’t do that any more.”
      Despite a VAR check, Udogie escaped with just a yellow card.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      It was just one of many crazy incidents in the action packed first half in North London.
      Dejan Kulusevski opened the lead for Spurs after just six minutes and Son Heung-min thought he doubled it shortly after.
      But there was an offside in the build up and VAR – not for the first time in the match – chalked off the goal.
      Udogie later walked away with just a booking while Cristian Romero faced a red card himself.
      Most read in Football
      He kicked out at Chelsea’s Levi Colwill after a coming together but no card was shown.
      On 27 minutes, Premier League record signing Moises Caicedo thought he had levelled with a stunner from outside the box.
      But it was taken away due to striker Nicolas Jackson standing in front of keeper Guglielmo Vicario in an offside position.
      The drama continued as the goal was ruled out by VAR but a penalty was eventually given for a Romero foul on Enzo Fernandez.
      Romero’s studs were high on the leg and gave referee Anthony Taylor no choice but to show red.
      Cole Palmer converted from the penalty spot but he needed the post to do so.
      The rollercoaster half was not over there though as Jackson also found the back of the net following a counter attack.
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      But VAR again intervened to deny Chelsea from leading the game.
      Despite Udogie getting away with an early red, he was eventually sent off for a second yellow having wiped out Sterling.
      England forward Sterling helped put Chelsea ahead against the nine-men host’s as a counter attack was squared to Jackson, who finished.
      Tottenham amazingly looked to have made it 2-2 as sub Eric Dier volleyed home following a free kick but the flag was up.
      Read More on The Sun
      It was the FIFTH goal in the match to be denied upon a further look.
      Eventually, Jackson wrapped up the game with a further two goals with the hat-trick sealing a stunning 4-1 London derby.
      Nicolas Jackson grabbed a Chelsea hat-trickCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea suffer huge blow as key member of Mauricio Pochettino’s backroom staff leaves for new job

      by

      CHELSEA suffered a huge blow to their coaching staff ahead of their clash with Tottenham.The club’s head of loan moves, Andy Myers, 50, has left his role in order to join Joe Edwards’ backroom staff at Millwall.
      Myers has left his role as Chelsea’s loan managerCredit: Getty
      Edwards held a prominent role on Chelsea’s coaching staff under ex-boss Frank Lampard before taking over England’s Under-20s team in August.
      He was appointed Millwall manager today and his Chelsea connection has seen him poach Myers away from Stamford Bridge, meaning Chelsea will now need to appoint a new loan player technical coach.
      Chelsea’s ‘loan army’ has always been a key pillar of player development at the club.
      While the days are now gone when Chelsea would have 40 players on loan at one time due to new regulations – Myers was still in charge of keeping an eye on the progress of 11 players this season.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      The coach was tasked with keeping a particularly close eye on the squad’s younger talents such as Harvey Vale at Bristol City, Cesare Casadei at Leicester and Omari Hutchinson at Ipswich.
      There are also the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Hakim Ziyech and Kepa Arrizabalaga who are all loan players with no future at the club.
      It would have been under Myers’ remit to help find these players permanent moves at the end of their loan spells.
      Myers came through the youth academy at Chelsea in the 1990s before making over 100 first-team appearances for The Blues.
      Most read in Football
      After retiring in 2005 he moved into coaching and became involved with the youth set-up at Cobham in 2012.
      He has held a number of coaching roles at the club before he took up the role of loan manager last summer.
      His departure to join Millwall brings an end to his over a decade long association with the club’s management. More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea ‘identify Thiago Silva replacement’ with club ready to cash in but they could face battle with Man Utd

      by

      CHELSEA have eyed up Jean-Clair Todibo to replace Thiago Silva – who is set to leave the Blues at the end of the season.The centre-back – who is also wanted by Manchester United – has been warned by Nice he could be up for sale in 2024.
      Thiago Silva’s contract at Chelsea expires at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
      Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo is lined up as Silva’s replacement at ChelseaCredit: Getty
      Silva, 39, is renowned as one of the best defenders in the Premier League.
      The veteran has made 137 appearances for Chelsea across four seasons after moving from Paris Saint-Germain in 2020.
      But with his contract at Stamford Bridge set to expire next summer, the Brazilian’s future at the club is uncertain.
      The West London side will be short of centre-half options if Silva departs, as Trevoh Chalobah’s Chelsea spell comes to an end too.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      And with Wesley Fofana currently recovering from a knee ligament injury there is no guarantee he will be fit enough to start the 2024-25 campaign.
      Todibo is potentially an excellent choice to take Silva’s spot in Mauricio Pochettino’s squad.
      The ex-Barcelona star has spent just over two seasons on the French Riviera.
      The 23-year-old has enjoyed a successful start for Nice, playing 104 times and helping his side on their way to the Coupe de France final in 2021-22.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      Despite missing out on Todibo in the summer due to Harry Maguire’s failed transfer to West Ham – the Red Devils still have an eye on the Frenchman.
      Whether Nice allow the French international to depart mid-season depends on their standing in the Ligue 1 table.
      So far this term, the French giants are unbeaten in 11 games and sit top of the league – a point ahead of rivals PSG.
      Nice have conceded just four goals in 2023-24 thanks to the help of Todibo’s defensive prowess.
      But Nice may still choose to cash in on the defender in the New Year to maximise their profits.
      This would be great news for Chelsea as, like Silva, Tobido is right-footed and plays on the right-hand side of the pitch. More

    • 188 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League fans who are best in bed revealed – where does your team rank?

      by

      MALE Chelsea fans are the best lovers in the Prem — in stark contrast to their side’s performances, a poll claims.More than one in ten women — 12 per cent — said a Blues supporter had been their most memorable partner.
      Chelsea fans are the best lovers in the Prem, a poll claimsCredit: Getty
      More than one in ten women said a Blues supporter had been their most memorable partnerCredit: Getty
      It comes amid Chelsea’s disappointing start to the season, languishing in mid-table despite spending fortunes.
      Meanwhile, Brentford fans were at the bottom end of the lovers’ table.
      Just one per cent recalled a passionate fling with a Bees follower.
      Liverpool fans came second, with ten per cent of lovers raving about them, according to the poll of 1,100 female fans by BettingTips4You.com.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur fans came joint third with nine per cent.
      Arsenal fans came fourth on eight per cent just ahead of Sheffield United and Wolverhampton Wanderers fans.
      Spokesman John Pentin said: “Chelsea may be a little mediocre on the pitch this season but their fans are on fire in the bedroom.
      “Sadly for Brentford however its fans are the worst in the Premier League in the bedroom.”
      Most read in Football

      Which football fans by team are the best lovers according to a poll of 1,100 women.

      Chelsea – 12 per cent
      Liverpool – 10 per cent
      Manchester United – 9 per cent
      Tottenham Hotspur – 9 per cent
      Arsenal – 8 per cent
      Sheffield United – 7 per cent
      Wolverhampton Wanderers – 7 per cent
      Everton – 6 per cent
      West Ham United – 6 per cent
      Aston Villa – 5 per cent
      Bournemouth – 5 per cent
      Luton Town – 4 per cent
      Burnley – 3 per cent
      Manchester City – 3 per cent
      Brighton and Hove Albion – 2 per cent
      Crystal Palace – 2 per cent
      Newcastle United – 2 per cent
      Fulham – 2 per cent
      Nottingham Forest – 2 per cent
      Brentford – 1 per cent More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Mauricio Pochettino refuses to rule out managing Tottenham again despite taking Chelsea job, saying ‘why not?’

      by

      MAURICIO POCHETTINO is refusing to rule out the possibility of managing Tottenham again.The Chelsea chief reckons bossing their fierce rivals does not mean he cannot go back.
      Mauricio Pochettino has not ruled out a return to TottenhamCredit: Getty
      Ahead of his first return to Spurs since being sacked four years ago, Poch said: “Who knows? It’s like life, you never know what is going to happen tomorrow.
      “We need to enjoy today and I think now, at 51, I am thinking more about that and enjoying today and not looking too much into the future.
      “But why not? The other day a guy asked me to maybe come back to Argentina to manage Newell’s Old Boys, because it would be an emotional way to end your career.
      “Hopefully, I can stay here until I die! Twenty or 25 years, but you never know in football.
      Read more Chelsea news
      “If I’m not working, maybe if they want me one day, then why not?”Pochettino did not even get a chance to say goodbye when he was sacked by Spurs in November 2019.
      He added: “It’s strange to go back but we need to move on. We are professional but at the same time we are human.”
      Poch admits it will take time to grow his love for Chelsea.
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      He said: “After four months? I cannot lie. I hope we can arrive on the same level that I had at Tottenham — because then it would mean we are doing really well here.”
      Most read in Football
      Pochettino officially joined the Blues on July 1 on a two-year contract.
      However, there is an option of a one-year extension should things go well. More