More stories

  • in

    Chelsea facing transfer headache as Eddie Howe casts doubt over £35million deal despite obligation to buy

    LEWIS HALL may be heading back to Chelsea after Eddie Howe could not confirm if the left-back will be a Newcastle player next season.Hall, 19, moved to Tyneside from Stamford Bridge on loan in August with the Magpies expected to make the deal permanent at the end of the campaign for around £35million.
    Lewis Hall could return to Chelsea next summerCredit: Getty
    But the youngster must hit certain performance-related criteria to activate the permanent switch, with Howe casting doubt on whether Toon want him beyond this season.
    Hall has only played 234 minutes this campaign, struggling for action despite Newcastle’s injury crisis.
    And with Dan Burn returning from injury and Tino Livramento excelling over the recent weeks, it is hard to see Hall featuring much over the coming weeks.
    In further blows to the Mags, winger Harvey Barnes and midfielder Joe Willock have suffered setbacks from their recovery from injury.
    READ MORE ON CHELSEA
    The pair won’t feature until 2024 having initially been on course to play again before Christmas.
    Newcastle host Fulham tomorrow on the back of three straight defeats.
    They were dumped out of Europe by AC Milan on Wednesday and, sat seven points off the top four, desperately need to get their campaign back on track.
    Howe said: “It’s going to be a big test of our ability to respond, our resilience.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    “There’ll be a narrative that will be negative and we have to override that.
    “It can become more negative if you don’t react in the right way.
    “We can’t deny exiting Europe is a disappointment but we can control how we respond to it.
    “The mood is good, there is some pain and anguish, but that can’t stay around in professional football.”
    Tino Livramento has shone at St James’ ParkCredit: AFP More

  • in

    Chelsea boss Pochettino ‘to bring £17.5m wonderkid into first-team training’ two years before transfer deal is official

    CHELSEA are flying in wonderkid Kendry Paez for first-team training aged 16 – two years before he can complete his £17.5million arrival.Blues’ record buy Moises Caicedo is among those raving about his fellow Ecuadorian, who has already won five senior caps.
    Kendry Paez will arrive at Chelsea officially in 2025 and is here seen celebrating scoring a World Cup qualifying goal for EcuadorCredit: AFP
    Independiente del Valle midfielder Paez is the youngest debutant and scorer ever in the Ecuadorian top flightCredit: Getty
    But midfielder Paez can’t officially sign from Independiente Del Valle until he is 18.
    Chelsea agreed a big-money deal with his Ecuadorian club last summer.
    And Paez is due to arrive in London next week – ahead of practice at the the Blues’ Cobham training ground in Surrey.
    The Telegraph suggest it will be the first of three or four visits aimed at helping the teenager adjust to life in the UK.
    READ MORE TOP STORIES
    Chelsea’s £115m midfielder Caicedo spotted Paez’s potential while the 22-year-old was at Brighton.
    The anchorman said then: “He’s a star. It’s good to see those talents in Ecuador because we know we have very good youth.
    “I’m very happy for him, for everything that he’s doing. 
    “All I can tell him is keep on the right track, doing things really well, and he’s going to go really far because the talent he has is incredible.”
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    Paez himself is delighted to get the chance to join other South American players at Stamford Bridge – under Argentine boss Mauricio Pochettino.
    After his move was finalised, he said: “I don’t feel pressure, I am focused on Independiente, on the Libertadores and trying to continue playing in the best way. 
    “To get there [Chelsea] I have to keep working, be focused on learning.
    “It will be something special to share things with players like Enzo Fernandez, with other special ones. 
    `It’s wonderful, but now I’m focused on Independiente del Valle. There are two years to go, I know it goes by quickly and I’ll keep doing my thing here.” More

  • in

    It was impossible to say no to Chelsea… even when Liverpool tried to hijack transfer, reveals Moises Caicedo

    MOISES CAICEDO insists it was “impossible” not to join Chelsea – despite a huge “last moment” offer from Liverpool.Britain’s most expensive player ever has struggled since his £115million summer switch from Brighton.
    Moises Caicedo claims he was always sure he wanted to join ChelseaCredit: Rex
    🗣️ “It was impossible to say no”Moisés Caicedo reveals why he chose to join Chelsea over Liverpool when he left Brighton in the summer 🔹 pic.twitter.com/zmLPVMSWLk— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 14, 2023

    Caicedo says his summer departure from Brighton was ‘complicated’Credit: PA
    And Anfield boss Jurgen Klopp has now suggested he was “lucky” the Reds failed with bids for Blues’ summer recruits Caicedo and £58m Romeo Lavia.
    But Caicedo claims Liverpool never stood a chance of signing him anyway.
    The Ecuador anchorman, 22, told Sky Sports: “It was impossible to say not to Chelsea, because they were with me supporting me.
    “In the last moment Liverpool called me but it was [too] late because I wanted to play for Chelsea.”
    READ MORE ON CHELSEA
    However, the 38-cap star also revealed his record move was not without its problems.
    Brighton realised early last summer their top asset was sure to go.
    That sparked a bidding frenzy eventually won by Chelsea.
    But whether the Blues will see the capture of Caicedo as a victory in the long term depends on how dramatically he transforms his fortunes.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    Mauricio Pochettino’s erratic side sit just 12th in the Premier League, with the defensive midfielder in and out of the team.
    A knee problem and international duty have hampered Caicedo.
    But his form has been way below his Brighton level – persuading Pochettino to hold a special meeting with him to talk through any issues.
    Meanwhile, with Liverpool top of the Prem, Klopp felt able to make a cutting jibe this week at Chelsea’s spending woes.
    The German said: “The summer we had a few strange things happen in the transfer market but here, between us, I can say, ‘My God, were we lucky, eh?’
    “We didn’t know that in that moment and it didn’t feel like it in that moment, but yeah, I’m really happy that it worked out, but you never know before.”
    The Reds instead spent £148m in all on Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo.
    Klopp added: “We obviously realised that other central defensive midfielders don’t want to join Liverpool.
    “You see what happens, and then we found Endo. He’s an exceptional player.” More

  • in

    Ivan Toney ‘really excited’ about Arsenal transfer interest as they battle Chelsea for £100m England striker

    IVAN TONEY is said to be “really excited” about the prospect of joining Arsenal, reports suggest.The Brentford star has been sidelined since May after being hit with a betting ban.
    Ivan Toney’s transfer preference has been revealedCredit: Alamy
    However, that has not stopped the rampant speculation on his future.
    Arsenal and Chelsea have been the clubs most heavily linked with a move for the England forward, with some reports suggesting he could cost as much as £100million.
    And now with the January transfer window fast approaching, Fabrizio Romano has revealed Toney’s preference for a transfer.
    Speaking on his Kick channel, via The Boot Room, Romano said: “From what I’m hearing, this is one more detail on Ivan Toney.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    “This is a rumour I’m hearing that his preference in terms of a top club move in January or the summer would be to go to Arsenal.
    “From what I’m hearing Ivan Toney could be really excited by the possibility of joining Arsenal.”
    However, SunSport reported in November that Toney was torn over the idea of a transfer in January, with a source saying that he feels he has a debt to pay to Brentford for sticking by him.
    Toney, 27, scored 20 Premier League goals for the Bees last season before his ban.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    His record marked him out as one of the most prolific forwards in the division under Thomas Frank.
    Brentford have managed in his absence and find themselves firmly in midtable.
    However, the Bees have just lost fellow star man – and this season’s top scorer – Bryan Mbuemo to injury.
    Despite that, Brentford may still choose to cash in on Toney with his ban set to expire.
    Toney cannot return to competitive action until January 17 at the earliest.
    He has already appeared in a couple of behind-closed-doors friendlies, scoring on his return game in October before netting again in a match against Watford last month.
    How Ivan Toney performed for Brentford last season More

  • in

    Chelsea ‘relaxed about Victor Osimhen’s new club-record contract’ thanks to clause in transfer target’s deal

    CHELSEA are confident about their top transfer target Victor Osimhen despite signing a new club-record contract, a report claims.Even with a hefty £112million release clause the Blues still aim to secure the Napoli striker as Mauricio Pochettino is desperate to add firing power to his frontline.
    Chelsea remain ‘confident’ over Victor Osimhen transfer despite his £112million release clauseCredit: Rex
    Osimhen has agreed to new terms with the Serie A side meaning he will not come cheap for Chelsea to buy.
    The Nigeria forward has agreed with Napoli on a contract until 2026 with the deal set to end any anticipation of him moving in January.
    But according to The Standard, the 24-year-old could still head to Stamford Bridge next summer.
    Pochettino’s side are relaxed about the transfer as Osimhen is open to a move to West London.
    READ MORE ON CHELSEA
    The report claims the African Footballer of the Year has described Chelsea legend “Didier Drogba as one of his football idols” and is not against playing in top-flight English football.
    Chelsea now faces a big decision as to whether they want to fund the £100,000-a-week wage that he demands in return to land a top-class striker.
    Napoli are said to have already begun to plan for Osihmen’s departure in the hope a major club can meet his release clause.
    Chelsea are still debating whether to go for the forward in the new year or wait till the end of term.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    With a rocky start this season due to a hamstring injury the Nigerian star is getting back on his feet.
    Last term Osimhen assisted Napoli to the Serie A title scoring 31 goals in 39 appearances.
    Meanwhile, the Blue’s perpetual struggles continue as Poch’s squad sit 12th in the league with just five victories this season.
    Despite spending a whopping £1billion since the arrival of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital the Argentine boss is not happy with the level of his squad.
    And the West London side are “confident” they can splash more cash and remain in line with Financial Fair Play rules. More

  • in

    Chelsea fans moan Frank Lampard ‘has blood on his hands’ after Tomori turns into prime Maldini to deny Newcastle tap-in

    CHELSEA fans were furious after seeing old boy Fikayo Tomori produce a miraculous block in AC Milan’s 2-1 win at Newcastle.One Blues’ supporter even claimed former Stamford Bridge boss Frank Lampard had “blood on his hands” for letting Tomori go in 2021.
    Fikayo Tomori timed this block from Miguel Almiron to perfection
    Almiron was preparing to slot into an empty goalCredit: Reuters
    The five-cap England centre-back somehow stretched to bend a foot round and stop Miguel Almiron slotting the Toon in front.
    Newcastle needed victory to have any chance of qualifying for the Champions League knockout stages.
    And Tomori earned comparisons with Italy legend Paolo Maldini for the way he judged his last-ditch slide as Almiron zoomed in virtually on the goal-line.
    Viewers reckon “Chelsea would weep” after watching the intervention from the Stamford Bridge academy product.
    READ MORE TOP STORIES
    Another fan suggested the magical moment shows the 25-year-old should be an England regular.
    He posted: “Yet Gareth Southgate plays Maguire and benches Tomori.”
    Joelinton cracked the Magpies ahead on 33 minutes as the home side dominated possession.
    But ex-Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic levelled for Milan just before the hour mark.
    Most read in Champions League
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    And Samuel Chukwueze angled the clincher for the Serie A giants with a sweet finish to a sweeping counter-attack in the 85th minute.
    Defeat left the Magpies bottom of Group F and out of the Champions League.
    Newcastle went on to take the lead after this near miss but AC Milan fought back to break their heartsCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Chelsea’s transfer strategy is ‘ridiculous’ and no manager could succeed with Blues squad, ex-Man Utd star claims

    FORMER Manchester United striker Louis Saha has berated Chelsea’s “ridiculous” transfer strategy.The Blues have spent over £1BILLION in the transfer market since Todd Boehly took over in May 2022.
    Chelsea’s transfer strategy has been criticisedCredit: Reuters
    Louis Saha has branded the Blues as “ridiculous”Credit: Alamy
    Amid the huge cash splash 30 new players have walked through the doors of Stamford Bridge in the last 18 months.
    However, Chelsea are still struggling in the Premier League.
    Mauricio Pochettino’s side currently sit 12th in the table with just 19 points from 16 games.
    Blues fans have grown increasingly frustrated in recent weeks, with some even calling for a new manager.
    Read More on Chelsea
    But ex-Prem striker Saha is not convinced that such a change would spark an improvement.
    Speaking to Paddy Power, the former United star said: “From the start of the season I never understood the strategy behind Chelsea’s signings – it was ridiculous.
    “You could put any manager in there and I doubt that he will manage those young players well.  
    “The structure is really hard to find – it seems like they don’t know each other, especially when playing at Manchester United – there was quality, but no links between players.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
    Chelsea have the worst points-per-game record in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
    “This is why they are struggling – they can impress and be frustrating, they are good players but there is no strategy behind it.  
    “Those are the basics of football – you can’t just expect signings to be the solution, you have to give the players the right time and get the proper education on how they will play and put the players in the best positions.
    “At the moment, I don’t see any of it – there are some games they are playing very well, but the Premier League is tough.”
    Chelsea currently have the worst points-per-game record in the Premier League for 2023.
    This record is only matched by Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest, however, they played one less game than the Blues. More

  • in

    How Todd Boehly became world’s most generous sports owner as LA Dodgers break MLB record for Ohtani after Chelsea spree

    TODD BOEHLY has made waves since taking over from Chelsea thanks to his splurges in the transfer market.This summer, moves for the likes of Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Cole Palmer saw his spending since taking over from Roman Abramovich break the £1billion mark.
    Todd Boehly has just broke the record for the biggest contract handed out in MLB historyCredit: Getty
    Shohei Ohtani is on a $700million contract at the LA DodgersCredit: Reuters
    Boehly also owns American baseball team the LA Dodgers and his latest deal to bring Shohei Ohtani to the franchise will see the pitcher paid as much as $700million over 10 years.
    In a typical Todd Boehly deal, the contract will be amortised across the duration of his contract.
    Ohtani will be paid $2m a year for the first ten years of his deal but will be paid a deferred $680million in his final season.
    It’s a record-high contract for the MLB, with Ohtani set to become the best paid player in history.
    READ MORE ON CHELSEA
    Ohtani is 29, meaning he will need to stay at the Dodgers until he is nearly 40 to receive the full $700m.
    This type of long-term deal has been used extensively by Boehly since he took over Chelsea.
    Enzo Fernandez, Mykhailo Mudryk and Moises Caicedo joined The Blues for a combined £310.5m all on contracts of at least eight years.
    The long duration of the contract allows Chelsea to spread the cost paid for these players out over eight years in their accounts – allowing them to fall within FFP constraints.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFER
    That will soon be a thing of the past though, with Premier League clubs voting to introduce a limit of five years on amortisation going forward.
    Boehly’s deal to bring Ohtani to LA comes after Mauricio Pochettino suggested the club need to dip back into the transfer market in January to sign MORE players.
    He said after Chelsea’s defeat to Everton: “I’m really disappointed. This was a game to play and to win. It’s a problem we need to check.
    “We need to talk and to try and improve in the next transfer market.”
    A striker is thought to be the club’s top priority with Victor Osimhen, Ivan Toney and Viktor Gyokeres all said to be options. More