Chelsea transfer news

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Jules Kounde blames Thomas Tuchel for failed Chelsea transfer as he reveals how Xavi was able to lure him to Barcelona

      by

      JULES Kounde has claimed that he snubbed Chelsea over a move to Barcelona because Xavi is a better communicator than Thomas Tuchel.The French international looked on course to make the switch to Stamford Bridge from Sevilla earlier this summer, only for the La Liga giants to swoop in and secure his services in a £55m deal ahead of the new season.
      Tuchel was sacked by Chelsea earlier this month following their slow start to the seasonCredit: EPA
      Kounde revealed that he also spoke with ex-Chelsea boss Tuchel, but he was sold by the ‘new wave’ at the Nou Camp.
      He told L’Equipe: “First, I come to a huge club, which has known good times and which, lately, has had less.’
      ‘I come to a project that I would not call reconstruction, because we already have a competitive team, but rather, being upturned.
      ‘I was interested in being part of this new wave, in search of titles, and to put Barça back where it has always been, among the best clubs. 
      read more football stories
      ‘Then there was the conversation with the coach.
      “We talked about football, mainly. I felt a real confidence from him, that he had a real knowledge of myself, my game and my qualities.’ 
      ‘I spoke with Tuchel and I also felt that he wanted me to come but I simply preferred Xavi’s speech’.
      Despite being ineligable for the first two games after the club were unable to register him, Kounde has enjoyed a strong start to his Barca career since coming into the team.
      Most read in Football
      He has started three of the last four La Liga matches to help Xavi’s men remain unbeaten and stay two points behind leaders Real Madrid, while he’s been ever-present in the Champions League.
      But Kounde was mocked by Chelsea defender Thiago Silva following Barca’s 2-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
      Silva shared a photo on Instagram with a caption that read ‘he almost joined us’, clearly taking a swipe at Kounde after his side were beaten for the first time this season.
      Chelsea hardly fared much better 24 hours later after Graham Potter’s opening game in charge was a 1-1 draw against Salzburg, leaving them winless in Europe.
      Kounde holding the Barcelona shirt after completing his move from Sevilla back in JulyCredit: AFP More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea ‘to offer Romelu Lukaku for Harry Kane in sensational swap transfer with Potter desperate for England captain’

      by

      CHELSEA are plotting a move for Harry Kane and could offer Romelu Lukaku in exchange, according to reports.New Blues boss Graham Potter is reportedly a big fan of the Tottenham striker.
      Graham Potter is said to be a big fan of Harry KaneCredit: AFP
      Chelsea want to offer Tottenham Romelu Lukaku in exchange for KaneCredit: Getty
      So Chelsea could make a move for Kane once Lukaku returns from his loan at Inter Milan.
      Chelsea plan to offer Spurs cash plus Lukaku in exchange for the England striker, report Calciomercato.
      But the Belgian is happy at Inter Milan and Chelsea have an agreement in principle with the Italian side for Lukaku to spend a second year on loan at the San Siro.
      Transfer guru Gianluca Di Marzio reports a second loan switch could cost £9million, though a permanent transfer is also on the cards.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      Lukaku has made no secret of his love for Inter and would likely be keen to stay, though joining Tottenham would give him the chance to reunite with Antonio Conte.
      Kane, however, is unlikely to be keen on moving to Stamford Bridge given the rivalry between Chelsea and Spurs.
      He could also be enticed to move to Bayern Munich after the Germans reportedly made him their number one summer transfer target.
      Bayern view Kane as the long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski who joined Barcelona in the summer.
      Most read in Football
      And it is believed Kane is “tempted” by the prospect of joining Bayern.
      Kane has less than two years remaining on his current contract with Tottenham, so if club chiefs cannot tie him down to a new deal they risk losing him for nothing in 2024 if he isn’t sold next summer. More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea on verge of deal to hire Christoph Freund with Salzburg sporting director to work alongside Graham Potter

      by

      CHELSEA are reportedly close to landing Red Bull Salzburg chief Christian Freund as their next sporting director.Owner Todd Boehly has been keen to bring in a transfer boss after conducting Chelsea’s summer business.
      Chelsea are close to bringing in Christoph Freund after reportedly agreeing personal termsCredit: Getty
      And now he has a new manager at the helm in Graham Potter, he wants a new sporting director in place to work alongside him.
      According to Fabrizio Romano, the Blues are close to hiring Freund after agreeing personal terms with the Austrian.
      Salzburg has been informed of the agreement and next Chelsea have to finalise a compensation package with the club to secure Freund’s arrival.
      Chelsea have also been linked with a move for Paris Saint-Germain advisor Luis Campos and reportedly offered him £135,000-a-week.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      Former Liverpool transfer chief Michael Edwards was also on the Blues’ radar in the summer but it appears Boehly has turned to other targets.
      And it seems he has found his man in Freund, who gave Erling Haaland his first shot at the big time when he signed him at Salzburg.

      Haaland first came to prominence for the Austrian side with his scintillating performances in the Champions League and subsequently earned a move to Borussia Dortmund.
      Freund was also responsible for identifying the talent of a raw and unproven Sadio Mane, as well as Naby Keita and Bayern Munich star Dayot Upamecano.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Freund will likely be given significant funds after Chelsea spent big in the summer – breaking the British record for total spend in one transfer window.
      The West Londoners splashed a record £273.5m during this past summer transfer window.
      Chelsea signed Marc Cucurella, Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Carney Chukwuemeka, Cesare Casadei, Gabriel Slonina, Omari Hutchinson, Wesley Fofana, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Denis Zakaria.
      And Boehly is now prepared to back more signings as the club still targets a top-four finish. More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea coach Anthony Barry on shortlist to become new Huddersfield boss and take up first managerial position

      by

      CHELSEA coach Anthony Barry is on the managerial hit list at Huddersfield.Highly-rated Barry, 36, is happy at Stamford Bridge but could be tempted away if the Terriers match his ambitions.
      Anthony Barry might be tempted by Huddersfield but is content at Chelsea, where his coaching reputation is still on the riseCredit: Rex
      The ex-Wigan backroom man was picked out by Frank Lampard when he was Chelsea boss.
      Huddersfield gave their ex-midfielder Danny Schofield the chance to impress by promoting him from the ranks but results and performances failed to improve.
      Former Huddersfield boss David Wagner is the bookies’ favourite after a disappointing turn to his time in German football.
      And Plymouth chief Steven Schumacher is an interesting contender after stepping up as number one following the exit of Ryan Lowe.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Schofield was sacked shortly after Tuesday’s 2-1 home defeat to Wigan, having been in charge only 69 days.
      It was Huddersfield’s SIXTH defeat in their opening eight Championship fixtures.
      But without a manager they sunk Cardiff 1-0 on Saturday, courtesy of Jordan Rhodes’ early strike.
      Narcis Pelach and Paul Harsley coached them to a battling victory, although the Terriers remain second bottom.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Wagner has been rated the 1/3 favourite to succeed Schofield, who only lost out to Nottingham Forest in the promotion play-off final last season.
      After axing Schofield, Huddersfield said in a statement: “Everyone at the club would like to thank Danny for his hard work and dedication and wishes him the very best for the future.” More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea star Jorginho being tracked by Barcelona over contract situation and could make January transfer move

      by

      BARCELONA are keeping an eye on Jorginho’s contract situation at Chelsea and they could make a move for him in the new year.The Italian is in the final year of his deal at Stamford Bridge and Barcelona are interested in bringing him to the club on a free transfer.
      Jorginho is wanted by BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      Barca see him as a possible replacement for long-serving Sergio Busquets.
      Nou Camp legend Busquets, 34, is also out of contract at the end of the season and the Spanish giants accept he will need replacing soon.
      If Jorginho does not agree an extension soon he will be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs in January.
      It remains unclear whether the 30-year-old is part of Graham Potter’s plans at Chelsea.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      However he did play the full 90 minutes in his first game in charge of the Blues versus Salzburg in the Champions League.
      Jorginho has been a Chelsea player since 2018 when he signed from Napoli.
      He has since gone onto play 196 times for the West Londoners scoring 27 goals.
      At the club he has won the Champions League, Europa League, Super Cup and the Club World Cup.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      He also played an important role in Italy’s Euro 2020 win.
      Jorginho already has connections to the Barcelona squad as Chelsea duo Andreas Christensen and Marcos Alonso both joined the club in the summer.
      Xavi continues to look to revamp their squad despite financial problems.
      And more central midfielders could be needed especially if Manchester United and Chelsea go back in for Frenkie de Jong. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea along with Man City and Liverpool in transfer race for Linfield’s Northern Ireland teenager Cole Brannigan

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY face competition from Liverpool in a bid to sign Northern Ireland Under-16 international Cole Brannigan.Chelsea and Leeds are also keen on the Linfield teenager.
      Potter was appointed as Chelsea’s new manager earlier this monthCredit: Getty
      The Blues have a reputation for bringing young players through and putting them into their first team.
      Reece James, Mason Mount, Trevoh Chalobah, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Conor Gallagher have all come through Chelsea’s youth set-up.
      And Brannigan may be enticed by the impressive development of academy prospects at Stamford Bridge.
      Chelsea are currently in the process of much change at board and coaching levels.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Roman Abramovich sold the club at the end of last season, with Todd Boehly taking ownership from the Russian.
      And earlier this month, manager Thomas Tuchel was sacked by the Blues and replaced by Graham Potter.
      The ex-Brighton boss kick-started life at Chelsea with a 1-1 draw against RB Salzburg in the Champions League on Wednesday.
      Speaking after the game, Potter said: “I’ve been very positive with the players, their response, attitude, intelligence, they are top players and are working hard for each other.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      “There is a nice spirit in the group but they are disappointed because results haven’t gone as well as they’d like which is normal and you can feel that disappointment and frustration.
      “But it’s my job to help them get the results they want, that we all want.
      “Today is not the best start in terms of points for us but in terms of how we acted on the pitch as a group, lots of positives.”
      Chelsea now head into the international break after Sunday’s clash with Liverpool was postponed due to a lack of police resources following the death of The Queen. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City join Chelsea and Tottenham in Milan Skriniar transfer race with his Inter Milan deal expiring at end of season

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY have joined Tottenham and Chelsea in monitoring Inter Milan’s highly rated defender Milan Skriniar.The Slovakia international’s contract expires at the end of the season and the 27-year-old is set to be one of the most-wanted free agents available next summer.
      Milan Skriniar looks set to leave Inter Milan with his contract up at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
      He been at the San Siro since 2017 and he has featured 223 times for the club.
      Skriniar played an integral role in the squad that won the Serie A title back in 2020/21.
      City’s priority for 2023 is reinforcing their midfield in the future but the ex-Sampdoria man remains a target.
      But boss Pep Guardiola has publicly spoken about how his centre-backs have struggled to stay fit and Nathan Ake almost left the club in the summer.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      City snapped up Manuel Akanji towards the end of the recent window but they are open to the idea of buying another centre-back.
      Skriniar has long been on the radar of Chelsea and despite opting for Wesley Fofana they could be in the market again for a defender if Graham Potter wishes.
      Spurs have also shown an interest in Skriniar too as he has worked under boss Antonio Conte at Inter.
      Paris Saint-Germain wanted him too but the Italian giants rejected approaches from them in the summer.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      The Ligue 1 champions reportedly saw a £43million bid turned down.
      But unless Simone Inzaghi’s side can persuade Skriniar to sign a new deal, they could lose him for nothing as he will be free to discuss pre-contract agreements with non-Italian clubs from January.
      Inter Milan could be set for a busy transfer window come next summer with reports suggesting they could look to loan Romelu Lukaku again. More

    • 200 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea could send Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan for ANOTHER season-long loan transfer in £9m deal

      by

      CHELSEA could again send Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan on loan next season, according to reports.Lukaku is currently back at the San Siro for just this season after being desperate to return after an underwhelming year at Chelsea.
      Romelu Lukaku has said he was unhappy at ChelseaCredit: Getty
      The Belgian was signed by the Blues in the summer of 2021 from the Serie A side for £97.5million.
      But soon after he expressed his desire to go back to Inter Milan and journalist Gianluca di Marzio has revealed the two clubs will hope to find a solution to the Lukaku saga that could involve another loan.
      DI Marzio stated: “He [Lukaku] did everything to return to Inter. I think Chelsea and Inter will find the best solution, maybe another loan, but I see his return unlikely.
      “In this deal, Inter paid £7million for the loan and would pay another £9million for a new loan next year. The price would then go down more and more if Inter decided to buy him back.”
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      Reports also suggest that under Chelsea’s previous ownership where director of football Marina Granovskaia was in charge, she wouldn’t have allowed the 29-year-old striker to leave.
      But as Lukaku is not a Todd Boehly buy he was willing to let him go out on loan.
      The ex-Manchester United man is having a tough start to the season in Italy scoring just once so far as he battles ankle injury that has ruled him out recent matches.
      His overall record for Inter is exceptional though having netted 65 times in 98 matches.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Lukaku formed a deadly partnership with Lautaro Martinez and the duo fired Inter to a title win in 2020/21.
      His form last season in West London was less impressive scoring 15 goals in 44 appearances as he complained that Thomas Tuchel’s tactics didn’t suit him.
      It remains to be seen if he will be part of new Chelsea boss Graham Potter’s long-term plans. More