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    Chelsea could be better off without Cole Palmer, claims England legend as he picks out two Premier League examples

    JOHN BARNES has questioned whether Chelsea would be better off without star man Cole Palmer. Palmer has been a rare spark in the Blues’ rather bleak season so far with 21 goals after joining for £45million from Manchester City. Cole Palmer has been Chelsea’s best player this seasonCredit: GettyBut John Barnes questioned whether Chelsea would be better off without Cole PalmerCredit: PABut there is only so much the England international can do to inspire his struggling team-mates with Chelsea slumped in ninth. And Liverpool legend Barnes shared a bizarre theory that Chelsea could actually be better without Palmer. He told BonusCodeBets: “Well has anyone considered that if Cole Palmer wasn’t playing and someone else was, could Chelsea be better off? “We don’t know. They could be higher up the league.READ MORE ON CHELSEA“It’s not a question of individual players where we say if he wasn’t playing Chelsea would be worse off because we just don’t know.”Palmer is Chelsea’s top scorer this season but Barnes used Philippe Coutinho and Harry Kane as examples to his shock theory. Coutinho was Liverpool’s main man when he moved to Barcelona for £142m in 2018 while Kane joined Bayern last summer as a Spurs legend. And Barnes said: “We do know he is playing well for Chelsea but remember when Coutinho was at Liverpool and he was their best player. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Then Coutinho and Liverpool became a better team.“We can’t say if Cole Palmer wasn’t there, Chelsea would be a worse team because they may have to play better as a collective team.Chelsea fans furious as Raheem Sterling appears to take penalty off Cole Palmer… before barely troubling goalkeeper“Look at Harry Kane when he left Tottenham. You could argue Tottenham are a better team without Harry Kane as good as Kane was.” “However, Palmer is certainly having a great season at Chelsea.” More

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    Ivan Toney’s transfer price tag plummets to ‘super cheap’ figure as Chelsea circle

    BRENTFORD are braced for frenzied interest in Ivan Toney following the striker’s new “super cheap” valuation.The Bees could sell the Manchester United and Chelsea target for just £30m-£40m – while the England ace has cheekily named his dream destination.Ivan Toney may be sold at HALF the fee expected just months agoCredit: GettyThe twice-capped England striker, 28, is under contract until 2025.And Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg believes West Ham are among “many” Premier League clubs now monitoring Toney’s situation.The fee wanted for the Euro 2024 hopeful has reportedly plummeted from the £80m-£100m touted in January.That’s when Toney returned looking sharp after an eight-month ban.READ MORE TOP STORIESPlettenberg reckons the Hammers have already “inquired” – while Chelsea and Arsenal are “monitoring him closely”.However, SunSport understands the Gunners have ruled out a move for the striker.Meanwhile, fans shocked by Toney’s much-reduced valuation are predicting a huge fight to land him in the next transfer window.One said, “That’s super cheap wtf” and another was equally astonished as he posted, “Only £30m-£40m?! Wow.”Most read in FootballA third wrote: “Man United would be sleeping if they don’t throw everything at Brentford to get him in the summer.”And a Red Devils’ supporter urged: “Swap for Rashford I beg.”Meanwhile, Stamford Bridge boss Mauricio Pochettino has been plagued by frontline problems all season.Man Utd wonderkid likened to Rooney tipped to ‘shock a lot of people very soon’ after training with first team at 15And one Blues’ fan said of Toney: “Chelsea should go for him at that price.”Meanwhile, the powerful poacher had fans wondering if he was joking last month when he revealed his ideal transfer this summer.He told Sky Sports: “If Brentford were to sell me, they make their money, I’ll move to Madrid, then it’s all good.”The Bees currently sit four points above the relegation zone – with boss Thomas Frank having already admitted he expects to lose Toney in the next transfer window. More

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    Fans spot Reece James’ classy gesture when Mason Mount came on for Man Utd – before Enzo clashed with ex-Chelsea star

    REECE JAMES has been praised by fans for his classy gesture when his former teammate Mason Mount was subbed on for Manchester United.Mount, 25, left boyhood club Chelsea for Old Trafford last summer in a £60m move.Fans spot Reece James’ classy gesture when Mason Mount came on for Man UtdCredit: X/UtdFaithfulsJames could be seen applauding Mount’s substitution in Chelsea’s 4-3 victoryCredit: X/UtdFaithfulsMount made his first return to Chelsea and was greeted with boosCredit: GettyThe pair came through Chelsea’s academy togetherCredit: GettyBut his return to Stamford Bridge was rather forgettable, after United suffered a calamitous Chelsea comeback to lose 4-3 in the final moments of stoppage time.Mount’s appearance marked the first time the Red Devils have lost to Chelsea in the Premier League since 2017.He made his first return to west London via substitution late on Erik ten Hag’s men 3-2 up at the time.The midfielder cut a frustrated figure at the full-time whistle after seeing his side throw away yet another victory in the dying moments.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPlenty of boos could be heard as Mount made his way onto the pitch, while he also got into two heated scuffles with Enzo Fernandez.But now eayle-eyed fans have commended James for showing a mark of respect as he applauded Mount’s substitution.The clip shows James – who is currently out injured with a hamstring issue – clapping when Mount was being introduced by the fourth official. One fan wrote: “A class act from James. He’s a real one for that.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnother said: “Once a blue always a blue.”A third declared: “That’s what this game is all about love and unity no matter who we represent on the pitch.”A fourth questioned: “Chelsea fans never booed Mata or Matic. So it’s really odd that they go for a guy that literally won them a Champions League.”The England international used to be a huge favourite with the Chelsea faithful having come through the club’s academy.Man Utd star Mason Mount tipped for stunning career change after Alan Shearer describes him as ‘perfect’James and Mount progressed through the youth ranks together and were part of Frank Lampard’s side of the 2019/20 season.The pair then lifted the Champions League together in 2021 under Thomas Tuchel.Meanwhile, TNT Sports cameras caught the moment when a Chelsea fan lifted up a 2021-22 edition of their home shirt which read ‘JUDAS 19′.Though Mount wears the No 7 for United, during his Chelsea days he wore No 19 – making it a clear reference by the home supporters. Mount won the Champions League, Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup during his time there but left under a cloud last summer.James offered an ’emotional goodbye’ to Mount when he left Chelsea last summer – with a picture posted from their playing days togetherCredit: INSTAGRAM @reecejames More

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    Todd Boehly and Co are running Chelsea into the ground, it would be ‘crazy’ to sell Conor Gallagher, says former star

    ONE former Chelsea star can’t believe that the club are open to selling Conor Gallagher and has claimed it sums up the mess at board level.The Blues are widely reported to be willing to sell Gallagher in the summer despite the midfielder being one of their stand out players this season.Conor Gallagher could leave Chelsea this summerCredit: RexFormer Chelsea hero Emmanuel Petit has slammed the idea of letting Gallagher goCredit: GettyGallagher has started all but one game for Chelsea in the Premier League this term scoring three goals and registering six assists in the process.But despite being a crucial cog in Mauricio Pochettino’s machine, the club are said to be open to parting ways with the 24-year-old at the end of the season.Former Chelsea icon Emmanuel Petit has voiced his frustration at the potential transfer, slamming it as a “crazy” decision and blaming the board for the potential exit.Speaking to Genting Casino, he said: “Chelsea selling Gallagher? If anything summed up the board of Chelsea, it is this. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Can you believe that? They are running the club into the ground.”Boehly has signed so many players that he may have to get rid of Gallagher, one of their most important players. “He’s one of the only leaders, too, so it really is crazy to be a Chelsea fan right now. I’m happy I wasn’t around in the Boehly era.”Chelsea are flirting with breaches regarding Financial Fair Play (FFP) and Profit and Sustainabilty Rules (PSR) following Boehly’s mega spending since his arrival.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChelsea chairman Todd Boehly has spearheaded a mega spending spree at the clubCredit: AlamyThe American owner has splashed over £1BILLION on players alone since he and Clearlake Capital took over at Stamford Bridge.Offloading stars is one way to re-balance the books for the club and academy graduates such as Gallagher would represent “pure profit” in the eyes of FFP and PSR rulings.Could Jose Mourinho return to Chelsea?The dire financial situation has also led to rumours that the club are willing to let go of other home grown stars such as Reece James and Armando Broja.Chelsea already made the decision to part ways with Mason Mount in the summer when he joined Manchester United in a £55m deal.And despite once being a fan favourite in SW6, Mount was greeted with boos on his return to West London during Chelsea’s 4-3 victory over United last week.Petit, who knows a thing or two about switching clubs to play for a rival after joining Chelsea following a previous spell with Arsenal, has slammed Blues supporters for their frosty reception during the clash.He said: “It’s embarrassing from Chelsea fans that they booed Mount. “However, you can’t just want to leave the club when things aren’t going well on the pitch, you have to be stronger than that mentally.”Right now, he’s playing for Man United, one of the biggest clubs in the world, and you know what you signed up to when you signed for them.”Mason Mount was booed on his return to Stamford Bridge last weekCredit: Getty More

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    Chelsea urged to sign Bruno Fernandes AND Marcus Rashford in shock double transfer from Man Utd by club legend

    WILLIAM GALLAS has urged Chelsea to sign both Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes this summer in a shock double transfer swoop.The Blues clinched a dramatic 4-3 win over Manchester United last week after scoring two late goals at Stamford Bridge.William Gallas has urged Chelsea to make two key signingsCredit: ReutersGallas wants Chelsea to sign Marcus Rashford and Bruno FernandesCredit: ReutersHowever, they failed to maintain the winning momentum against Sheffield United on Sunday.Mauricio Pochettino’s side were held to a 2-2 draw by the Blades despite taking the lead twice.They failed to climb above ninth in the Premier League table as a result, putting another dent in their hopes of European football this season.With Chelsea still struggling, Gallas thinks Pochettino should raid the club’s league rivals when the transfer window opens.Read More on Man UtdThe former defender believes Man Utd duo Rashford and Fernandes would be ideal additions.Gallas told Gambling Zone: “Both Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes could be good options for Chelsea. Both are quality players.”Bruno could definitely be the kind of midfielder who has the quality to play in the number ten role where Chelsea lack strength.”Chelsea are a team of young players and Bruno Fernandes has the leadership qualities to get through certain periods. He’d be a good signing if the rumours are true.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRashford has received some criticism from fans this seasonFernandes is still a crucial player for Man UtdEx-Blues star Gallas has also urged his former team to keep home-grown stars Conor Gallagher and Reece James.”Chelsea won’t sell Reece James, you have to keep players who have come through the academy and you need players with that identity,” he added.Neville and Carragher’s reaction to Man Utd vs Liverpool emerges in behind-the-scenes clip but fans spot bigger concern”He is the captain, but unfortunately he is often injured – despite this, we should keep him. It’s the same for Connor Gallagher, they both have to stay.”I know that there are problems with the finances at the moment, but they have to sell another player to fix this.”Chelsea next face Everton on April 15.They then take on Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals followed by Arsenal in the Premier League.Chelsea were held to a 2-2 draw by Sheffield United at the weekendCredit: PAChelsea have a difficult run of fixtures coming up More

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    Shock Premier League stat is dreadful omen for Man Utd ahead of trip to Chelsea with top four hopes hanging by a thread

    MANCHESTER UNITED are looking to turn the top-flight form book upside down by winning away at Chelsea.Erik ten Hag’s team are hoping to complete a Premier League double over the Blues for only the second time.Erik ten Hag’s Utd will have to turn the Prem form book on its head to win at ChelseaCredit: AFPAnd Chelsea have certainly struggled against the Red Devils.They are winless in the last 12 league meetings, having drawn seven and lost five.That is their longest run without a league victory against United.But if the side from Old Trafford are to claim just a second double over the West Londoners in the Prem, then they will have to end a shock stat that has emerged over the past month.READ MORE MAN UTDTop four rivals Aston Villa were hammered 4-1 at Man City in last night’s late kick off.That means that it has now been 25 matches – over 2,250 minutes – since an away side celebrated a win in the Premier League.The last club to do so was Tottenham, who romped to a 4-0 triumph at Villa on March 10.Therefore, United will have to smash that pretty mental stat to bits in order to claim the three points at Stamford Bridge.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut there are also a number of other statistics that are going against them as they look to avoid a joint-record 12th Prem defeat of the campaign.Despite it being a poor campaign for Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea, they have only lost once on home turf in their last 15 games in all competitions.Ten Hag tells senior players to ‘stand up and take responsibility’ as horror stat shows stat Brentford draw was new lowAnd United have only won once in their past nine top-flight visits to the capital city, losing four of the last six.Meanwhile, Ten Hag confirmed United have launched an internal investigation into their ongoing injury crisis ahead of the clash.That was after defenders Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof became the latest casualties.United are currently sixth in the table going into today’s game.CHELSEA vs MAN UTDThe last ten Premier League results between the two sides at Stamford Bridge:
    22 Oct, 2022
    Chelsea 1 Man Utd 1
    28 Nov, 2021
    Chelsea 1 Man Utd 1
    28 Feb, 2021
    Chelsea 0 Man Utd 0
    17 Feb, 2020
    Chelsea 0 Man Utd 2
    20 Oct, 2018
    Chelsea 2 Man Utd 2
    5 Nov, 2017
    Chelsea 1 Man Utd 0
    23 Oct, 2016
    Chelsea 4 Man Utd 0
    7 Feb, 2016
    Chelsea 1 Man utd 1
    18 Apr, 2015
    Chelsea 1 Man Utd 0
    19 Jan, 2014
    Chelsea 3 Man Utd 1

    They are nine points behind fifth-placed Tottenham, who have played a game more.But they know that anything less than a victory will make it almost impossible to reach Villa, who are fourth.Unai Emery’s men have 59 points, 11 more than United, although they have currently played two matches more.Man Utd vs Chelsea – so what? They’re sinking towards irrelevance, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
    MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea were the two dominant forces in English football when Sir Alex Ferguson and Roman Abramovich were in their pomp.
    But when they meet at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night it will be a ‘so what?’ match between dysfunctional clubs lurching in and out of crisis.
    On Saturday, Erik ten Hag’s United failed to build on an FA Cup win over Liverpool and were poor in the 1-1 draw at Brentford.
    And Mauricio Pochettino put out a Blues side that failed to beat ten-man Burnley at home.
    Will either be in a job next season? And will it make much difference?
    United have only won a League Cup in seven years and Chelsea’s last domestic honour was the 2018 FA Cup.
    Both clubs are sinking towards irrelevance. More

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    ‘It has upset me so much, please stop’ – Pochettino fiercely defends Gallagher as Chelsea ace slammed over mascot ‘snub’

    MAURICIO POCHETTINO has fiercely defended Conor Gallagher following a barrage of criticism that the Chelsea captain ignored a mascot.Video shows Gallagher appear to leave the young kid hanging when he holds out his hand for a high five in the tunnel before Saturday’s 2-2 home draw with Burnley.Chelsea say this tunnel moment involving Conor Gallagher and the mascot has been ‘taken considerably out of context’Gallagher was shown focusing intensively ahead of the Burnley game but at one stage also had his arms around two mascotsIt has prompted a wave of abuse on social media – to the extent that Chelsea issued a statement in support of the midfielder before boss Pochettino waded in.He said: “It has upset me so much because no-one wants to do something like this, with this intention.“He did so well, with so many photos, videos and photography with both mascots. When you play football, you are focusing on so many things, to play, to start the game, that sometimes it can happen.”People always try to find things to create a mess and to abuse people. I know Conor.READ MORE TOP STORIES”There is no intention. Conor is a great kid, always caring about everything. I hate it when people feel free to abuse on social media.”It is so easy and it gives too much attention to people that want to create this type of situation or mess. Please, stop.”Who believes Conor wanted to ignore a mascot? Come on. It makes me sad because Conor doesn’t deserve to be abused.“No-one deserves to be abused but him? Come on.”Most read in FootballThe incident was branded ‘shameful’ and ‘embarrassing’ in the more extreme reactions on social media.It prompted the Blues to publicly back their player, who has been with them for 16 years.Erik Ten Hag previews Man United’s Premier League clash with ChelseaA statement read: “Chelsea Football Club is aware of a video clip circulating on social media from Saturday’s fixture against Burnley, which has been taken considerably out of context.”The subsequent level of abuse and defamatory comments directed towards Conor Gallagher is completely unacceptable.“We are proud to be a diverse, inclusive club where people from all cultures, communities and identities feel welcome.”Whether words from Pochettino or the club will ward off the trolls is open to doubt but it means Gallagher will be under more scrutiny when Chelsea face Manchester United on Thursday night.There is no intention. Conor is a great kid, always caring about everything. I hate it when people feel free to abuse on social media.Mauricio PochettinoHe is already favourite to leave the club come summer as owners Clearlake Capital bid to raise cash to avoid breaking Profitability and Sustainability Rules for overspending.With barely a year left on his contract things are coming to a head.Thursday’s clash underlines how things have not changed at Stamford Bridge when it comes to muddled negotiations with players – particularly home grown ones.Mason Mount is due back at Stamford Bridge nine months after being sold to United for £60m when he was in precisely the same position as Gallagher is now.The symmetry is compelling and should be concerning for Chelsea as they prepare for another summer clearout to stay on the right side of spending rules.Mason Mount hopes to face old club Chelsea on Thursday after grabbing his first goal for Man Utd in Saturday’s 1-1 Prem draw at BrentfordCredit: AlamyThere is just a year in age between Gallagher and Mount. Both grew up at Chelsea’s renowned academy and forced their way into the first team. They have worn the captain’s armband.Talks about a new deal for Mount drifted and he ended up leaving last summer under a cloud with just a year left on his contract. What should have been the easiest deal to negotiate collapsed.Gallagher is approaching that point whilst remaining popular with the fans as ‘one of our own’.His energy and ability to score vital goals in the nick of time makes him highly prized – just like his old stablemate.Man Utd vs Chelsea – so what? They’re sinking towards irrelevance, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
    MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea were the two dominant forces in English football when Sir Alex Ferguson and Roman Abramovich were in their pomp.
    But when they meet at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night it will be a ‘so what?’ match between dysfunctional clubs lurching in and out of crisis.
    On Saturday, Erik ten Hag’s United failed to build on an FA Cup win over Liverpool and were poor in the 1-1 draw at Brentford.
    And Mauricio Pochettino put out a Blues side that failed to beat ten-man Burnley at home.
    Will either be in a job next season? And will it make much difference?
    United have only won a League Cup in seven years and Chelsea’s last domestic honour was the 2018 FA Cup.
    Both clubs are sinking towards irrelevance.

    A player’s value is considered  highest with two years left on a contract. Mount slipped past that point and Chelsea have let it slide with Gallagher too.Accountants can argue that £60m was a good price for Mount. He has been injured much of this season and needs to start paying back on the investment.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut he scored his first goal for United on Saturday so is primed to return to Stamford Bridge and hit his old club hard.Ironically, rookie academy first-teamer Alfie Gilchrist signed a new two year contract just two days ago but Gallagher is still swinging in the wind like a mascot’s hand. More

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    Conor Gallagher tipped to leave Chelsea as Todd Boehly makes same transfer mistake for THIRD time

    CONOR GALLAGHER is tipped to leave Chelsea this summer.Just as he was in January, last summer and the January before that.Conor Gallagher looks set to leave Chelsea this summerCredit: GettyGallagher finds himself in a similar situation to the one Mason Mount was in last yearCredit: AlamyTodd Boehly could come under more criticism from fansCredit: AlamyAt some point something has to give and with barely a year left on his contract things are coming to a head.Tomorrow’s clash between Chelsea and Manchester United is a timely reminder of how things have not changed at Stamford Bridge when it comes to muddled negotiations with players – particularly home grown ones.Mason Mount is due back at Stamford Bridge nine months after being sold for £60m when he was in precisely the same position as Gallagher is now.The symmetry is compelling and should be concerning for Chelsea as they prepare for yet another worrying summer of transfer dealings as they hover dangerously close to breaching strict spending rules.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSThere is just a year in age between Gallagher and his old stablemate Mount.Both grew up at Chelsea’s renowned academy in Surrey and saw off competition from within and from outside to force their way into the first-team set up at one of the most successful clubs in the world.But with the change of ownership two years ago, came a change in priorities from above that coincided with a clampdown on reckless spending.Most owners are thinking twice now about splashing the cash because of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNot so Americans Todd Boehly and his sidekick Behdad Eghbali. A £1billion super-spend on an entirely new squad means the money has to be clawed back by other means.Mount was the first victim of this. With roughly two-and-a-half years left on his contract, negotiations collapsed.Simon Jordan slams ‘pathetic’ Chelsea fans for criticising Todd Boehly They never really resumed. And with 12 months left on his deal, Mount left the club he had served since aged eight.The fee is logged as pure profit and it will be the same with Gallagher, when and if Tottenham finally do get their a****s in gear and strike a deal for the midfielder who has carried his team for a significant part of this stuttering season.Gallagher is popular with the fans as “one of our own” – his energy, drive and ability to score vital goals in the nick of time makes him valuable in every sense.Player transfer value is at its highest when they have two years left on their contracts. Mount slipped past that point and Chelsea have let it slide with Gallagher too.Accountants can argue that £60m is a good price for Mount. Unfortunately, he has been injured much of this season and needs to start paying back on the investment.He scored his first goal for Man Utd at the weekend and football fate is primed for him to return to Stamford Bridge and do further damage. What should have been the easiest contract in history to thrash out became a standoff and ultimately a bitter parting of the ways.Chelsea have to make up their minds about Gallagher. It is evident that they set the bar too high in transfer dealings.Demanding £50m for another academy graduate, Armando Broja, last January proves that. He is now on loan and warming the bench at Fulham.Although it was under the previous regime, Antonio Rudiger was allowed to walk away from Stamford Bridge into the arms of Real Madrid for nothing. Same for Andreas Christensen and Barcelona.READ MORE SUN STORIESEghbali and Chelsea overlord Paul Winstanley need to get a grip and get realistic. If Gallagher does not sign a deal this summer or is sold, it will be another stick for the already frustrated fans to beat the new owners with as they look up at their rivals from the bottom half of the table.WHAT IS FFP?SunSport’s Martin Lipton breaks down what it is all about…
    FFP – or Financial Fair Play – is a concept originally introduced by Uefa in 2009, officially to prevent clubs from spending money they could not afford.
    Yet many critics have rounded on the system, accusing it of being a protective instrument, drafted by the so-called “legacy clubs” to prevent insurgent and wealthier clubs from buying their way onto the top table.
    The Premier League introduced its own FFP regulations which came into effect for the 2013-14 season and which, while less stringent than Uefa regulations, they do impact on club spending.
    Under the current Prem “Profitability and Sustainability” regulations, clubs who are constant members of the top flight for a three-year period are allowed total losses of £105m over those three campaigns.
    But it is not as simple as totting up outlay and income.
    The biggest outlay, of course, is transfer fees. The 20 Prem clubs spent a total of around £2.4bn in last summer’s transfer window.
    Yet that does not mean they “spent” that money as far as the Prem rules are concerned.
    Transfer fees are “amortised” over the length of the contract, so, for example, a £100m fee for a player who signs a five-year deal is amortised at a cost of £20m per season for each of those five campaigns. More