Chelsea transfer news

Subterms

    More stories

    • 188 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Big-hearted former Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger sells signed shirt to help save endangered pygmy hippos

      by

      FORMER Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger is set to sell a signed match-worn Real Madrid shirt to help save endangered pygmy hippos.The German, 31, is already the honorary sponsor of Berlin Zoo’s pygmy hippo, Toni.Antonio Rudiger has teamed up with Berlin Zoo to protect pygmy hipposCredit: NewsflashRudiger is auctioning off the Real Madrid shirt he wore in the win over Osasuna earlier this monthCredit: Berlin Zoo/NF/newsXBut now the centre-back has partnered with the zoo for an auction which will take place on the online platform Catawiki.Among the items on sale are hippo Toni’s first mini football and a life-sized sculpture of the zoo’s Indian rhinoceros, Betty.But perhaps the most eye-catching collectable on offer has been donated by Real Madrid star Rudiger.The two-time Champions League winner has signed the shirt he wore during Los Blancos’ 4-0 win over Osasuna earlier this month.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAll proceeds will go to the Pygmy Hippo Research Project in Sierra Leone’s Gola Rainforest National Park – which attempts to protect pygmy hippos in their natural habitat.As reported by Newsflash, Rudiger said: “The habitat of pygmy hippos in West Africa is under severe threat, and it would be truly heartbreaking if these unique animals were to disappear forever.”Little Toni and I are proud to be ambassadors, working together to protect this endangered species and its habitat.”The auction supporting the conservation project in Sierra Leone is a great opportunity to actively contribute and help ensure the survival of pygmy hippos and many other species.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”That’s why I hope as many people as possible will join this initiative.”It is the latest in a long line of Rudiger’s charitable endeavours.The ex-Chelsea man, whose parents were born in Sierra Leone, flew back to the West African country in 2022 to unveil The Antonio Rudiger Foundation.Also in 2022, the German donated the money he earned from playing in the World Cup to pay for 11 childrens’ life-changing surgeries.Rudiger spent five years at Chelsea where he played 203 games, winning the FA Cup, Champions League, Europa League, Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup.He joined Real Madrid on a free transfer in 2022 and has already won a LaLiga title, Copa del Rey, Champions League, Spanish Super Cup, Club World Cup and two Uefa Super Cups. More

    • 175 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea coach QUITS after 18 years at club to join Thomas Tuchel’s England set-up

      by

      HENRIQUE HILARIO is set to end 18 years with Chelsea by leaving to join Thomas Tuchel at England.The goalkeeper signed for the Blues in 2006 as third-choice behind Petr Cech and Carlo Cudicini.Henrique Hilario will leave as Chelsea goalkeeping coach to join EnglandCredit: GettyHilario provided back-up for Chelsea stoppersCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdAnd he spent almost a decade providing back-up before retiring in 2014 having been part of Premier League and Champions League-winning sides.Two years after hanging up his gloves, Hilario returned to Chelsea under Antonio Conte as assistant goalkeeping coach. He was then promoted two years later by Maurizio Sarri and remained in that role – under Tuchel too. But the German manager – who succeeds Gareth Southgate as Three Lions boss – will take Hilario with him to Wembley. READ MORE ON CHELSEASunSport revealed in November how Tuchel plotted a swoop for his former keeping coach.The FA officially announced the out-of-work German as Gareth Southgate’s successor in October.But he won’t take charge of the Three Lions – who he’s signed an 18-month deal with – until January 1.Tuchel, 51, is using the time off to get his backroom team in place.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe’s also convinced Chelsea’s current performance analyst James Melbourne to join him.Hilario and Melbourne will be welcomed by a familiar face in former Blues coach Anthony Barry, who Tuchel has installed as his No2.’Why should a player have to be from a country and not the manager’ says Wenger as he questions Tuchel as England boss More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘You couldn’t’ – Ice cold Cole Palmer shuts down Amelia Dimoldenberg in viral interview at GQ’s Men of the Year awards

      by

      COLE PALMER had fans in stitches as he quickly shut down Amelia Dimoldenberg in a cheeky interview.The pair met on the red carpet at GQ’s Men of the Year awards.Cole Palmer and Amelia Dimoldenberg had an interesting exchange on the red carpetCredit: X @BritishGQPalmer had a cheeky retort for one tricky questionCredit: X @BritishGQAnd Palmer put his interviewer on the spot with some clever retorts, comfortably dealing with Amelia’s trademark awkward style.He was asked a string of questions from his potential to be a pundit to whether he would rather score an own goal or be substituted in the first half.Palmer, 22, manoeuvred each question with composure before turning things back around on Amelia, after she asked whether he would score a bicycle kick or a goal from his own half.The Chelsea star replied saying: “It’s tough I don’t know. I feel a bicycle kick is harder.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAmelia interjected, saying: “I could probably do both.””You couldn’t”, Palmer hit back immediately, before adding: “I can’t really do a bicycle kick though.”Fans loved the reaction with some suggesting it is another example of ‘Cold Palmer’ in action.One fan said: “You couldn’t”🧊🥶”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother added: “Haha classic Cole Palmer response 🤣”A third wrote: “Did cole palmer kinda keep up with Amelia… whaaat.”Chelsea Cole Palmer reveals his favourite post-match meal which includes ‘chippy chips’ More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Cole Palmer makes first public appearance with girlfriend at GQ Men of the Year… and brings his MUM along too

      by

      COLE PALMER charmed the red carpet with his choice of two extra special companions at a glamorous GQ Men of the Year event.The England winger and his girlfriend – fellow Mancunian Connie Grace – made their first public appearance together.Cole Palmer and girlfriend Connie Grace looked ultra elegant togetherCredit: RexCole was also with mum Marie at the big do in LondonCredit: RexConnie reportedly met Palmer in their native Manchester but it was on holiday in Ibiza back in August where they were spotted outCredit: InstagramPalmer has joked he ‘just wears trackies’ away from the cameraCredit: GettyPalmer and Kobbie Mainoo made the front cover of GQCredit: Dan Martensen / GQAnd Palmer’s mum Marie was also alongside the Chelsea hero at the Kensington Roof Gardens bash in London.The two main women in the life of the ex-Manchester City starlet were snapped next to him separately – but with equal elegance.Palmer himself went for the timeless look of black tuxedo and bowtie.Connie, a nail artist, opted for a daring cut-out dress in the same colour.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn tandem, that meant a partnership as stylish as they come – in fashion or in football.Meanwhile, Marie wore a shimmering black dress and carried a matching clutch-bag on an occasion that underlined the great value Palmer places on his family.The 22-year-old credits dad Jermaine for teaching him all he knows about football, claiming: “He was Pep before I met Pep [Man City boss Guardiola].”Cole’s elder sister Hallie completes the happy unit.Most read in FootballThe nail artist is now in a relationship with PalmerCredit: instagram @conniegrace_Connie was on a holiday with him three months agoCredit: instagram @conniegrace_FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThree Lions’ pal Kobbie Mainoo was also at the London night-out – after he and Palmer adorned the cover of GQ’s magazine’s Men of the Year edition for December.Mainoo’s garb was brasher – a loose-fitting, leather-look suit and white T-shirt.Cole Palmer gives injury boost ahead of Arsenal clash as Chelsea star seen at Stamford BridgeBut in their GQ interview each was dressed in an array of spectacular outfits for the accompanying interview.However, it was in that chat when Palmer joked “I just wear trackies” – when away from the spotlight.Tuesday evening is not the first time he’s posed in public with Connie.They were snapped as he held his PFA Young Player of the year award in September.But the GQ do is their photographic debut together at a specific public event.Palmer and Connie were initially spotted in August – during an Ibiza holiday.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd he might have had a little downtime over the past week too – as one of nine players to drop out of the England squad due to fitness issues.But apart from taking in a Wrexham game, Palmer was spotted at a McDonald’s Drive Thru – suggesting his taste in food is just as casual as his ‘trackie’ taste in clothes!Palmer was joined by Usain Bolt at the eventCredit: GettyKobbie Mainoo was another big name at the London eventCredit: RexMainoo looked to be loving his cool outfitCredit: Rex More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League fines hit nearly £1MILLION after just 11 games with worst teams revealed as behaviour worsens

      by

      SO much for the Respect campaign — it is already starting to look more like Anarchy in the UK.Well, in English top-flight football, certainly.The biggest fine so far was £125,000 to Nottingham Forest after the spat with ChelseaCredit: PANottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is still serving a five-game banCredit: PAFor Premier League clubs to be approaching £1million in matchday misconduct fines before the Christmas decorations have gone up is the clearest possible signal that behaviour is heading in the wrong direction.Not just the players and managers are losing control, but assistant bosses, sporting directors and even one notoriously combustible owner.And with the most cluttered part of the entire season about to launch — clubs face as many as 12 matches in just five weeks across various competitions — the FA probably need to hire more staff for its fines department to cover for holiday absences.Whether it is behaviour falling, a response to perceived refereeing inadequacy, or that fines are an increasingly ineffective means of controlling tempers, is a question that may not be possible to answer.Read More on FootballBut what is clear is that almost every week brings another financial penalty or FA misconduct charge, with the current Prem aggregate standing at £917,500.The biggest single fine levied so far was the £125,000 Nottingham Forest were ordered to pay  after the spat sparked by Neco Williams’ shove on Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella in the latter stages of October’s  Stamford Bridge draw.Defender Cucurella was pushed into Blues boss Enzo Maresca, leading to a fracas involving both benches  and players.The melee also cost Chelsea £90,000,  half of which was after the Blues picked up six yellow cards from ref Chris Kavanagh.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMaresca responded not with  any contrition, but praise. He said: “I like the way the team is fighting. I don’t see any problems with that.”Perhaps unsurprising then the Forest game was the second of THREE matches in which Chelsea picked up six bookings this term — costing them £150,000 in total.Premier League referee David Coote update after statement from UEFA and revelation that referees don’t get drug testedForest, in turn, really are walking a financial tightrope following their repeated offences. Last  season’s attack on VAR Stuart Attwell, ‘outing’ him as a Luton fan, cost them £750,000 — plus  a £40,000 fine for boss Nuno Espirito Santo and £24,000 for defender Williams.But it means that Forest started this season with their copybook already blotted.And that was before owner Evangelos Marinakis opted to spit towards officials in the  tunnel after their home loss by Fulham.Marinakis is still serving the five-game ban imposed by an independent commission and which was upheld on appeal.To be fair, so far at least, we have not witnessed the chaos that marred Fulham’s FA Cup defeat at Manchester United in 2023.Cottagers striker Aleksandar Mitrovic received an eight-game ban and the two clubs rattled up fines adding up to £180,000. PGMOL bosses want their officials to report any instances in which they are harassed or feel intimidated, on or off the pitch.More casesLeicester, Tottenham and West Ham have all been punished for collective misbehaviour by players.Southampton skipper Jack Stephens ended up with a five-match ban and £50,000 fine after his furious response to a clear red card against United.Man Utd coach Darren Fletcher and Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs have both been unable to keep a lid on their frustrations with decisions they did not like.And there have been 14 instances of clubs receiving six or more cards in a match, with Bournemouth and United both guilty on two occasions, each offence adding a further £25,000 to the standard fine.No wonder that within the FA there is a feeling that a light needs to be shone on the snarling petulance being shown time and again on the pitch, from the dugout and even the directors’ box.Wembley chiefs know that what happens in the Premier League is reflected across the country on grassroots pitches, leading to a worrying shortfall in referees.It is an ugly look for the beautiful game and there is little reason to think it will not get worse.READ MORE SUN STORIESMaybe the punishments need to become even more severe, even leading to points deductions. That might, at last, make people think. More

    • 188 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League clubs fear huge delay to introducting semi-automated offsides amid concerns over major glitch

      by

      PREM clubs fear the promised semi-automated offside technology may not now be introduced until NEXT season.Clubs agreed to bring in the system this term at their April meeting after Prem chiefs agreed a deal with US-based Genius Sports.Semi-automated offside technology is used in the Champions LeagueThe tech utilises ‘mesh tracking’ of 10,000-plus data pointsCredit: FIFAAt the time, it was announced that the new system would not be available until after one of the autumn international breaks.That was to ensure thorough testing of Genius’ system of 28 special cameras, which utilise “mesh tracking” of 10,000-plus data points on the surface of each player rather than the limb and skeletal tracking concepts used by Uefa and Fifa.Earlier this season, it was confirmed that more testing was required before Prem bosses could give the green light, with the introduction of the technology pushed back until after Christmas.But club bosses anticipate they will be told this week that they should not expect all the remaining wrinkles to be ironed out in time for the system to run live before the end of the season.READ MORE ON SPORTAn update from PGMOL and the Prem executive is due to discuss the current state of play amid concerns about semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) which were heightened in Spain before the international break.A glitch in the system used in La Liga meant Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski was wrongly ruled offside after scoring against Sociedad when a defender’s boot was mis-identified as being worn by the Polish striker.Barca sporting director Deco spoke about the decision after the game and suggested that another system is needed as a back up.He said: “I don’t think VAR, and not just because of this game, has fixed what in theory it was going to fix.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I don’t understand if it’s semi-automatic, not automatic, if someone has to press the button.”It’s like having a car and not knowing if it’s automatic, if it’s hybrid … someone will have to explain it to us.Fans left stunned at worst VAR offside line in history as they joke ‘absolutely NOT rigged’ – but all is not as it seemsRobert Lewandowski was failed by the technology earlier this seasonCredit: Getty”Why is it semi-automatic? I am lost. I still don’t know if the boots were yellow [Lewandowski’s] or black [Sociedad defender Nayef Aguerd’s].”We don’t want to go there because we don’t want excuses, but there’s a question: what happened?”Where’s the error occurred, if there’s an error? If not, no problem, but we need an explanation because we’re lost with what semi-automatic means.”If there’s an involvement from VAR, if the referee really can’t do anything.”If the semi-automatic system doesn’t work, then we need to return to another system. This isn’t a Barca issue, it’s about improvements for all teams.”Some things have improved, but in other areas we still have one person’s interpretation. We still have controversial decisions, like the one at (Real Sociedad’s ground) Anoeta on Sunday, which was probably incorrect.”Prem bosses want to ensure the new system is foolproof before its introduction although the delay after the pre-season promises are an embarrassment. More

    • 188 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea slam ‘unacceptable’ homophobic comments aimed at Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis after pregnancy news

      by

      CHELSEA have hit out at “homophobic” remarks directed at Sam Kerr and her partner Kristie Mewis after the couple announced they are expecting a baby. On Monday, the Blues star took to Instagram to reveal that West Ham midfielder Mewis is pregnant, with their child expected in 2025. Sam Kerr is working her way back to fitness from an anterior cruciate ligament injury she sustained in JanuaryCredit: GettyKerr announced she and her partner Kristie Mewis are expecting a baby togetherCredit: Instagram / samanthakerr20Kerr and Mewis are expecting their first child together with their baby due to be born next yearCredit: PAThe post featured black and white photos of the couple with Kerr seen pointing towards her fiancee’s stomach.An accompanying message which read “Mewis-Kerr baby incoming”.The duo, who got engaged last year, were also pictured holding up an ultrasound image. While several WSL players and coaches, including West Ham boss Rehanne Skinner, took to X and Instagram to congratulate the couple, other social media accounts posted vile remarks.Read More Football StoriesAnd Kerr, who is working her way back to fitness from a knee ligament tear sustained in January, was forced to block comments on her post soon after the announcement was published. And WSL leaders Chelsea have now hit out at the “hateful homophobic” remarks.In a statement shared today, they said: “Chelsea Football Club is aware of recent unacceptable and hateful homophobic comments published across various social media platforms.”There is no place in society for any form of discrimination and we will not accept any abuse directed towards our players, staff or supporters.Most read in Football”We are extremely proud to be a diverse, inclusive club that celebrates and welcomes people from all cultures, communities and identities.”A supporters group for Blues fans in the LGBTQ community described the comments directed at Kerr as “heart-breaking and infuriating”. In a post shared via their account on X, Chelsea Pride wrote: “Homophobia has no place in football, at Chelsea, or in our society. “It’s heartbreaking and infuriating to see social media flooded with hateful comments when we should be celebrating love, pride and unity. “Over the weekend, our club was forced to shut down comments and even delete posts. England boss Sarina Wiegman says the homophobic abuse aimed Kerr and Mewis is “disappointing”Credit: Alamy”Posts that should have been shining moments of joy, from the powerful symbolism of Rainbow Laces, to the incredible news that Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis will welcome a child in 2025. “We refuse to stand by in silence. “We fight for a football world where every player, fan and family can live openly and be celebrated, without fear or prejudice.” More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Spanish newspaper’s XI of best U18 starlets in 2016 goes viral with forgotten English prodigy and ‘9 of them top tier’

      by

      A 2016 best XI of wonderkids has gone viral on social media – and nine of them have hit the heights.But one English-born ace has fallen off the radar and now plies his trade with an unfashionable German outfit.Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard was among the most promising talents at the timeCredit: GettyArsenal’s Kieran Tierney was also part of the list during his success at CelticCredit: GettyMarca predicted Europe’s best Under-18 talents in 2016Spanish newspaper Marca put together the best XI of Under-18 talents in Europe back eight years ago.Among them was an unknown Monaco kid called Kylian Mbappe, who is now considered by many as the best in the world.In the 2016 version, the now-Real Madrid superstar was joined by Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal.Donnarumma had just taken football by storm with AC Milan before moving to PSG – where he played with Mbappe – in 2021.Read More on FootballRomanian Cristian Manea was at right-back with Arsenal ace Kieran Tierney on the other side, with Liverpool’s Joe Gomez and forgotten England prospect Reece Oxford at centre-back.Rapid Bucharest’s Manea was playing for Belgian outfit Mouscron, on loan from Apollon Limassol, but got lost in the shuffle as did Oxford, who was a revelation at West Ham before joining Augsburg.Gomez is a utility defender for the Reds, while Tierney’s success at Celtic has yet to be replicated at the Emirates due to a raft of injury set-backs.Renato Sanches, Youri Tielemans and Ruben Neves formed the midfield.Most read in FootballSanches was considered the next big thing during his successful stint at Benfica but failed to live up to expectations and even endured a painful loan stint at Swansea.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe midfielder is currently on PSG’s books but returned to Benfica on loan in his bid to rediscover his old form.Tielemans played for Anderlecht at the time and went on to enjoy success with Leicester – where he won the FA Cup – and current club Aston Villa, who are standing out in the Champions League.Meet Ayden Heaven: Arsenal’s next William SalibaNeves burst onto the scene with Porto and became a star at Wolves but has dropped from the spotlight after moving to Saudi Arabia for Al-Hilal.Mbappe was joined by Martin Odegaard and Dominic Solanke up-front.Odegaard was struggling for minutes at Real after his major move from Norwegian outfit Stromsgodset, where he emerged as one of the world’s most promising wonderkids.But the playmaker found his groove at Arsenal and quickly earned the captain’s armband.Solanke played for Vitesse at the time on loan from Chelsea, where he failed to earn a permanent spot and endured a disappointing stint at Liverpool.But the striker showed exactly why there was so much hype around his name with a stunning spell at Bournemouth, which led to a big move to Tottenham last summer.Mixed fan reactionMbappe dominated at Monaco and earned a big move to PSG where he quickly developed into one of the world’s biggest stars and ultimately completed a highly-anticipated move to Real.Fans were left in awe by that nostalgic post, which received some mixed reaction.One fan posted: “Pretty good tbf.”Another commented: “I miss Kieran Tierney.”A third wrote: “As a West Ham fan, Reece Oxford not fulfilling his potential was so sad.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThis fan wrote: “9 out of the 11 are top tier.”And that one stated: “Not a bad return to be fair.” More