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    Weird football transfers from Jesse Lingard’s FC Seoul deal and Alves’ €1 salary… to Bendtner joining Juventus

    NEVER underestimate football’s ability to shock.Over the years, we have witnessed some weird transfers. Players swapping their glamour days for a runout at Barnet, for example, and more.
    Andy Carroll signed for Reading in a short-term deal last year a surprising moveCredit: JASONPIX
    Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano shocked the world when they signed for West Ham in 2006Credit: PA:Press Association
    Former Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard is unveiled by FC SeoulCredit: AP
    Jesse Lingard struggled to find a Premier League club that matched his ambitions, and ended up at FC Seoul in this year.
    Back in 2021, Dani Alves returned to Barcelona at the age of 38, and will reportedly be paid just ONE EURO a month.
    And who can forget that same year, Andy Carroll coming out of the wilderness to sign for Reading on a two-month contract.
    Here are some of the weirdest transfers we’ve ever come across.
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    JESSE LINGARD
    In the summer of 2023, Lingard’s spell at Nottingham Forest came to an end.
    He trained with West Ham, who he previously enjoyed a loan spell with, after his City Ground departure but then decided to join up with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.
    However, he was unable to sign a contract with them because they had a limit on foreign players in the Saudi League.
    The former Man Utd ace was then linked with a move to Everton and allegedly offered himself to Barcelona but neither move failed to materialise.
    Instead, he penned a two-year deal with FC Seoul reportedly worth £17,500-per-week.
    Ex-Arsenal ace Bendtner opens up on boozy parties, depression and fallout with dad after ‘letting the black wolf rule’
    It is claimed he snubbed 26 clubs to sign for the South Korean outfit.
    NICKLAS BENDTNER
    On the final day of the transfer window in August 2012, Juventus were short of a centre forward.
    But even Arsenal fans, who had grown tired of Nicklas Bendtner’s off-the-field antics, were shocked the Italian giants went for their Danish striker.
    Especially since the previous season he had failed to pull up any trees at Sunderland.
    That didn’t deter Juve gambling on the forward, but injury problems restricted him to just 11 appearances – and he failed to score.
    Unsurprisingly, the Serie A side didn’t take up an option of buying him permanently.
    Arsenal fans were left stunned when Serie A giants Juventus took troubled striker Nicklas Bendtner off their handsCredit: AP:Associated Press
    Bendtner failed to score in 11 games for the club and a permanent move was quashedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    BOJAN KRKIC
    The former Barcelona man was the epitome of the question; can he do it on a rainy Tuesday night at Stoke?
    The simple answer was no, despite Bojan having the benefit of playing for the home side too.
    Mark Hughes concluded the surprise deal for the man labelled the next Messi in 2014 for just £1.8million.
    “Anyone who knows European football will be aware of him as a player and the fact that he sees his future at Stoke City is really exciting,” Hughes beamed at the time.
    16 goals in 85 games later he was sold to MLS side Montreal Impact in 2019.
    Bojan Krcic swapped Barcelona for StokeCredit: Action Images – Reuters
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    STEVEN CAULKER
    Although it was only a loan move, Jurgen Klopp bringing in Caulker at Liverpool from QPR in a January transfer window in 2016 was one no-one saw coming.
    A centre-back who came through the ranks at Tottenham, the one-time England cap managed to play four games for the reds.
    What was even more unbelievable was he was asked to play upfront.
    Sadly, his Liverpool was cut short before a deal could be thrashed out, when Caulker was admitted into rehab with addictions to alcohol and gambling threatening his career.
    Steven Caulker was asked to play upfront for LiverpoolCredit: Reuters
    TEVEZ AND MASCHERANO
    Probably one of the most audacious double-signings in Premier League history.
    No wonder then West Ham boss Alan Pardew had a smile like a Cheshire cat at their unveiling back in 2006.
    The Argentinian duo were plucked from Corinthians, and only stayed with the Hammers for a season with Tevez joining Manchester United and Mascherano signing for Liverpool.
    Tevez would write his name in the history books by scoring the goal that secured the club’s Premier League safety in a 1-0 win over Man Utd.
    Later, Pardew revealed he had only asked his chief executive to buy James Milner and that his Christmas came early.
    Carlos Tevez helped save West Ham from relegationCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    LUTHER BLISSETT
    Cruelly called Luther ‘Miss it’ by away fans, Blissett is a Watford legend and their all-time top goalscorer.
    After winning the First Division Golden Boot in 1983, AC Milan paid £1million to bring him to Italy.
    But Blissett struggled to settle in Italy, scoring just five times in 30 appearances in the club.
    His dietary requirements were also unfulfilled.
    “No matter how much money you have here, you can’t seem to get Rice Krispies,” he said.
    AC Milan gambled on Watford legend Luther Blissett, who failed to settle in ItalyCredit: AP:Associated Press
    EDGAR DAVIDS
    One of the finest midfielders of his generation, it was a shock to see Edgar Davids end up at Barnet.
    After all, this was a former Dutch international who had won the Champions League with Ajax, and played for AC Milan, Juventus, Inter Milan and Barcelona in a star-studded career.
    Still, in 2012 – still living in North London after a spell at Spurs and then Crystal Palace – he became player manager of League Two Barnet.
    However, he struggled to keep his discipline on the pitch – getting sent off three times in his first eight games of the 2013-14 season and picking up a booking in every one of those matches.
    His bizarre managerial career took a new turn when he decided to wear the No1 jersey normally worn by goalkeepers, insisting he was setting a trend for midfielders to don that number. He resigned in 2014.
    After starring at Ajax, Juventus, AC Milan and Tottenham, Edgar Davids opted to end his career at League Two BarnetCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    FERNANDO HIERRO, YOURI DJORKAEFF AND JAY-JAY OKOCHA
    There was no doubt Sam Allardyce had big plans for Bolton Wanderers.
    Although they were in their twilight years, between 2002-2005 Real Madrid legend Fernando Hierro, France World Cup winner Youri Djorkaeff and the remarkably gifted Jay-Jay Okocha all played for the club at the same time.
    Okocha joined from PSG on a free transfer, and soon became a fans’ favourite.
    Djorkaeff scored an impressive 21 goals from 87 games from midfield, initially snubbing interest from Manchester United and Liverpool for three years with the Trotters.
    While Hierro finished his illustrious career playing for Wanderers aged 37, launching long balls from the back.
    Youri Djorkaeff and Jay-Jay Okocha were part of a dream team of foreign signings at BoltonCredit: Reuters
    Real Madrid legend Fernardo Hierro enjoyed his final year as a pro with the TrottersCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    ROBERTO MANCINI
    Mancini enjoyed a stellar career at Sampdoria, where he helped the club win Serie A, four Coppa Italia titles, as well the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
    Three years followed at Lazio, but no one could’ve envisaged what was going to happen next.
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    Mancini joined Peter Taylor’s Leicester City on loan – making his debut against Arsenal in 2001 at the grand old age of 36.
    However, he failed to complete 90 minutes in his five games for the club.
    His contract was torn up in February, when Mancini decided he wanted to manage Fiorentina.
    Roberto Mancini joined Leicester City at 36 from Lazio, but failed to reach previous heightsCredit: PA:Press Association
    PHILIPPE COUTINHO
    The Villans shocked everyone when they announced the loan signing of Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona in 2022.
    The third most-expensive player of all time uprooted his life in Spain to link up with former Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard in the Midlands.
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    And he made an instant impact on his debut as he came off the bench against Manchester United to score a late equaliser in a thrilling 2-2 draw.
    However, over time he looked a shadow of himself and when Unai Emery came to the club he was frozen out of the first team.
    Aston Villa signed Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho on loan from Barcelona in 2022Credit: Getty More

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    Meet Britain’s richest man Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is on verge of buying Man Utd and already owns Nice

    BRITAIN’S richest man Sir Jim Ratcliffe – worth a staggering £15billion- and his Manchester United takeover is set to be announced TODAY.The billionaire businessman wants in after the Glazer family put the club up for sale – as long as it’s for the right price.

    Getty – Contributor

    Britain’s richest man, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, wants to buy Man Utd United announced last year that the Glazers were “looking to explore strategic alternatives” for the club.
    Ratcliffe, 70, is a lifelong Red Devils fan and it was revealed in the summer he was interested in taking over the club.
    He is now planning to formally launch his bid to take over the club.
    A spokesperson said: “If the club is for sale, Jim is definitely a potential buyer.
    “If something like this was possible, we would be interested in talking with a view to long-term ownership.
    “This is not about the money that has been spent or not spent.
    “Jim is looking at what can be done now and, knowing how important the club is to the city, it feels like the time is right for a reset.”
    Back in April 2022, Ratcliffe put in an offer for Chelsea after speaking with former Blues chairman Bruce Buck, when sanctions placed on Roman Abramovich triggered a fire sale.
    Ratcliffe is a petrochemicals tycoon who at his peak was worth around £21BILLION.
    He runs multi-billion-pound chemicals giant Ineos, which owns French club Nice, Swiss side Lausanne, plus a third of Formula One team Mercedes. More

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    I was an England star but quit football to launch fashion brand – now I make £35m-a-year and have an Oxford Street shop

    IN 2013, unfulfilled by his football career, Reece Wabara decided to set up a clothing line as a side-project.The former Man City right-back ploughed £15,000 into fashion label Maniere De Voir, after taking on advice from school pal Lewis Morgan, who co-founded leisure wear giant Gym Shark.
    Reece Wabara quit football and built a fashion empire
    Wabara was a former England under 20 international and played for Man CityCredit: AFP – Getty
    Today, Wabara is a cutting edge fashion designer with his own London storeCredit: The Times
    “I kept asking, where can I maximise my potential to be great,” he told The Times back in 2021.
    “I always had a way of dressing that was different and Lewis (Morgan, co-founder of Gymshark) said to me, ‘You should do something in fashion’.”
    Some ten years later, the company is now turning over a staggering £34.7million-per-year.
    It has clothed sports stars including Anthony Joshua and Raheem Sterling, while Little Mix singer Perrie Edwards is also a fan.
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    Better still, it has just opened its first flagship store on London’s Oxford Street – with queues forming around the block.
    Choosing a different destiny
    Football was in Reece’s blood.
    His grandfather Lawrence played for Nigeria, while his uncle Mark Walters starred for Rangers and Liverpool.
    At 16, he was scouted by Man City. Three years later, he was handed a £1million-per-year three-year contract.
    Most read in Football
    But, he had a sense he could achieve much more.
    He saved up £15,000 and launched online clothes store Maniere De Voir, inspired by a chat with his dad.
    “I signed to Manchester City at a transitional period, there was two or three managers in the time I was there and two or three owners too,” Wabara said.
    “I knew my football days at City were coming to an end and my dad always taught me I needed a second option to ensure you’re relevant and financially stable.
    “I founded MDV in late 2013 and launched a collection, the first clothing I produced was tracksuits, T-shirts, hoodies…I put them on the footballers that I knew and it took off.”
    In 2017, at the age of 26, following a spell at Bolton Wanderers, former England U20 international Wabara decided to hang up his boots and concentrate on his business.
    “The transition from footballer to fashion owner was a gradual one and only when the numbers and politics in football started to eat away at me did I need to make a choice,” he told Sports On Screen.
    “My football wasn’t progressing in the way I intended it to.
    “The business was progressing at an alarming rate and I had to choose one or the other because focus is important.”
    Wabara launched Maniere De Voir in 2013Credit: Twitter / @ManiereDevoir
    Raheem Sterling is a fan of the brandCredit: Instagram / @manieredevoir
    Success story
    Wabara, who is originally from Bromsgrove, Worcs, put his life and soul into his new project – working seven days a week.
    Initial turnover was slow. So, he had to revert to a ‘Plan B’.
    Noticing that the Sports Luxe market was male-dominated, he introduced womenswear to Maniere De Voir.
    “Men are very simple by nature,” he said.
    “There’s only so much you can do with those silhouettes.
    “Whereas women are more experimental – and they shop a lot more, typically.”
    The decision paid dividends.
    From his first year turnover of £1million, some seven years later he was raking in £30.2million.
    Wabara’s Maniere De Voir turned over £35million this yearCredit: Free for editorial use
    In 2022, Wabara was a new entry in the Sunday Times’ Young Rich ListCredit: Instagram
    Today, that number has swollen to a staggering £34.7million.
    The numbers catapulted Reece into last year’s Young Rich List in the Sunday Times – with a personal fortune of £26million, above footballer Marcus Rashford and level with rapper Stormzy’s net worth.
    And there’s more…
    Earlier in the year, Maniere De Voir signed a 10-year lease for the entire 5,189 sq ft retail space at 354 Oxford Street.
    “We are delighted to announce Oxbourne House as our London Flagship store,” Wabara revealed.
    “We strongly believe that the balance between online and physical retail space is key to growing and solidifying a brand that stands the test of time.
    “We hope to weave ourselves into the fabric of the high street’s resurgence, inspiring other successful online pure plays to become a part of the iconic location which is Oxford Street.”
    Already a buzz has been created – with queues of fashion fans lining up on the street to get a glimpse inside.
    Read more on The Sun
    Maniere De Voir has opened its first store on London’s Oxford Street
    Queues have been forming outside Maniere De Voir to get a glimpse inside the store
    Wabara is now ready to take over the high-streetCredit: Instagram
    Football may have provided Reece with a platform, but it was his business acumen and eye for fashion that earned him his enormous wealth.
    Now, he is taking over the high-street. Watch out JD Sports. More

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    Deontay Wilder net worth 2023, career earnings and boxing record

    DEONTAY WILDER is one of the hardest-punching heavyweights in boxing history and will return to the ring on December 23 after more than a year away.Wilder, 38, is set to face fellow former world champion Joseph Parker in Saudi Arabia, ahead of a blockbuster clash with Anthony Joshua in March – should both win.
    Deontay Wilder will fight Joseph Parker in Saudi Arabia on December 23Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Wilder will fight AJ – who is also fighting on the card – in March should both men winCredit: Reuters

    AJ will fight Otto Wallin on the same card, dubbed the Day of Reckoning, which is set to be one of the richest cards in boxing history.
    Here is everything you need to know about the former WBC heavyweight world champion who is famed for his ferocious power.
    What is Deontay Wilder’s net worth?
    According to Forbes, Wilder made a massive $46.5M (£33m) in 2020 alone – despite fighting just once.
    That made him the third wealthiest boxer behind Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Anthony Joshua.
    Wilder took home $2 million when he faced Luis Ortiz in March 2018 and made $20 million in their 2019 rematch.
    He made $10 million for his knockout victory over Dominic Breazeale in 2019.

    Read More on Net Worths
    The trilogy fight against Tyson Fury meant a huge increase in Wilder’s salary.
    He earned $10 million (£7.8m) in the first bout and around $28 million (£21.9m) in the rematch.
    For the third fight, Wilder took home a guaranteed purse of $10 million, including a share of the pay-per-view revenue.
    Wilder has only fought once since that trilogy ended in October 2021 – destroying Robert Helenius inside one round in New York City.
    The Bronze Bomber earned a reported fortune for his 2 mins 57 seconds of work that night, earning an estimated purse of $20 million (£15.68m).
    According to Forbes, Wilder has earned approximately $500,000 (£292,000) through endorsement deals.
    He has partnered with Everlast Boxing, PureKana CBD and Raising Cane’s.
    As of December 2023, Wilder has more than 3 million followers on Instagram.
    Read More on Deontay Wilder
    He owns a number of luxurious cars and expensive jewellery and plans on focusing on music once he retires from the ring.
    Whether that proves to be a massive money-maker for Wilder is yet to be seen.
    While the exact figures for his fight with Parker are not yet known, Wilder reiterated how lucrative this Saudi Arabia deal will be for Joshua – leading to claims that Wilder will also make out big.
    The American claimed AJ will make more than £50 million over his two-fight Saudi deal, which will see the Brit face Wilder should he beat Otto Wallin.
    Wilder said: “Everyone will get in the ring for the right price, especially when there is over $50m on the table.
    “Everything is going in the right direction now and the fight will happen.
    “The time is finally here and people are going to get what they have wanted for years.”
    What is Deontay Wilder’s boxing record?
    From 2015 to 2020, Wilder held the heavyweight title and successfully defended the belt on 10 occasions.
    In 2015, Wilder became the first American world heavyweight champion since 2007.
    This marked the end of the longest period in which an American had not held a heavyweight title.
    Wilder’s record today stands at 43-2-1 – the two losses and one draw all from his trilogy with Tyson Fury.
    He suffered his loss against Fury via 7th-round TKO on February 22, 2020, which ended his 42-fight win streak.
    Both of Wilder’s losses came via stoppage.
    Aside from Fury, Wilder has beaten every other man that he’s stepped into the ring with.
    He entered the professional boxing scene in November 2008 at the age of 23, securing victory in his debut with a 2nd round TKO.
    Following this, he embarked on an impressive streak of 39 more consecutive wins, including 38 via stoppage.
    Wilder’s first world title fight came in January 2015, when he faced Bermane Stiverne for the heavyweight WBC title.
    He defeated Stiverne in round 12 in a unanimous decision to become the heavyweight champion of the world.
    Some of his notable victories include winning against Robert Helenius, Dominic Breazeale, Luis Ortiz, Gerald Washington, Artur Szpilka, and Éric Molina.
    Read More in The Sun
    Despite his successful career, Wilder has faced criticism for his fighting style, with some commentators arguing that he heavily relies on his right hand and lacks versatility in his boxing approach.
    However, his fans appreciate and applaud his raw power, which has earned him the nickname “The Bronze Bomber.” More

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    I played for Real Madrid and drank 10 beers a day and once turned up to training drunk but managed to hide it

    CICINHO revealed he “drank 10 beers a day” and turned up to training drunk at Real Madrid.

    The ex-Brazil right-back spent 18 months with the Spanish giants before joining Roma in August 2007.

    Cicinho won 15 caps and played for Real between 2006-2007

    AP:Associated Press

    The Brazilian played for Madrid in their golden era alongside David Beckham

    He also won 15 caps for Brazil all between 2005 and 2006 and scored one international goal.

    The star opened up on the harrowing off-field issues he endured with Real, for whom he played 32 games.

    Speaking to Ressaca on Brazilian network EPTV, Cicinho delved into his battle with alcohol during his stint in Madrid.

    Now 43, he admitted: “If they ask if I’ve ever been drunk to train with Real Madrid, I did.

    “I drank coffee to take my breath away and showered myself with perfume.

    “In my profession, as a professional footballer, it was easy.

    “I didn’t need money to get drinks.”

    On how he fell into alcoholism, he added: “When I was 13 years old, it was when I tried alcohol for the first time, and I never stopped.

    “I lived in the countryside, and on weekends, we met with friends and went out to the squares, discos.

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    “I asked adults to go to buy and drank secretly from my parents and the police.

    “Alcohol surrounds you with people who like that lifestyle, and the people who really love you are left out.

    “When they hit a wall and tell you it’s not okay, you don’t want to hear it.

    “I have a 15-year-old son and I’m always apologising to him.

    “At that time, he was two years old and he didn’t even understand it well, but that was recorded in my head.” More

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    I was the ball boy ex-Chelsea star Eden Hazard kicked… now I’m worth £40m aged 26 and on Times Rich list

    CHARLIE MORGAN looked destined to be forever known as the ball boy kicked by Eden Hazard.So it is quite the revelation when you learn that he now owns a £40million empire.
    Eden Hazard kicked Charlie Morgan while trying to retrieve the ballCredit: Action Images – Reuters
    The incident ended up with Hazard being shown a red cardCredit: Action Images – Reuters
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    Morgan, left, has gone on to make a fortune through his vodka companyCredit: Instagram / @charliem0rgan_1
    Charlie’s empire has become a multi-million pound industry in recent yearsCredit: Instagram / @charliem0rgan_1
    He has posted several pictures of himself jetting off around the worldCredit: Instagram / @charliem0rgan_1
    As a 17-year-old back in 2013, the youngster attempted to waste some time during Swansea’s League Cup semi-final second leg against the Blues.
    Working pitchside for the Welsh club, he appeared to shield the ball from Hazard when it went out for a corner.
    Chelsea were 2-0 down from the first leg and had just 10 minutes of the return fixture to try and find two goals.
    Hazard’s frustration at the state of play and Charlie’s antics led to him kicking the teenager in an attempt to free the ball.
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    The Belgian forward was shown a red card for the violent conduct and Swansea went on to knock Chelsea out – before lifting the League Cup thanks to a 5-0 win over Bradford at Wembley.
    A decade on, Charlie has made a name for himself outside of that bizarre moment with Hazard.
    In fact, he is a multi-millionaire with a thriving vodka company worth £40m.
    He set up the business – named Au Vodka – in 2016 alongside school friend Jackson Quinn.
    Most read in Football
    They were steadily increasing their sales but in December 2019 really began to take off when they shifted 10,000 bottles of black grape vodka in a single month.
    And Charlie’s empire saw him named on the Sunday Times Rich List for 2022.
    The young entrepreneur’s father is Martin Morgan – Swansea FC director and owner of Morgan’s Hotel.
    But Charlie has certainly made a name for himself – with a host of celebrities pictured endorsing his product.
    Among them is ex-footballer Ronaldinho, club owner Wayne Lineker, and boxing legend Floyd Mayweather.
    Charlie has even claimed that Mayweather got in contact with the business.
    Ronaldinho is one of the famous stars to have been pictured with Morgan’s vodkaCredit: Instagram / @auvodka
    Mayweather is thought to be interested in working with MorganCredit: Instagram / @auvodka
    Wayne Lineker is another star to have been snapped with the drinkCredit: Instagram / @auvodka
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    Speaking to WalesOnline in 2021, he said: “We got a contact for Floyd – through a mutual friend of Frost the music producer – and we were told that Floyd absolutely loves the brand and loved the black grape flavour.
    “We were asked whether he could have few bottles before he goes home.
    “We said yeah, OK sure, and Floyd said he would post a photo on Instagram as long as we included him when we do something big in America.
    “Back years ago we were asking ourselves, who would be the best ambassador we could have holding the bottle and I think our answer was Floyd, so it’s amazing how it has manifested itself.
    “Seeing the brand in the hands of someone you admire is crazy.”
    Au Vodka now produce 35,000 bottles PER DAY, although Morgan has admitted a couple of flavours really did not work out.
    The manuka honey and chocolate orange flavours were both discontinued as they did not taste nice, while Charlie himself labelled a banana one “particularly disgusting”.
    But that has not stopped the business from continuing to grow.
    Read More on The Sun
    That being said, Morgan, now valued at £40m, is still some way off the net worth of Hazard – who he had that famous altercation with all those years ago.
    As for Hazard, who is estimated to have a £80million fortune, the Belgium legend hung up his boots following his release from Real Madrid in October. More

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    Chelsea’s 2008 schoolboy side produced James and Guehi along with Man City and Liverpool stars

    CHELSEA’S prolific academy can be summed up in just one photo.In 2019, Blues assistant manager Joe Edwards shared an astonishing picture from 2008 when 15 youngsters had just signed their first schoolboy forms with the London club.

    Twitter / @JoeEdwards86

    Chelsea assistant boss Joe Edwards, back row, centre, shared a picture of his academy side in 2008 which now contains nine professional players Two of those – Marc Guehi and Reece James made their debuts for Chelsea in the Carabao Cup demolition of Grimsby in September 2019, while another was on the bench. Guehi has since signed for Crystal Palace for £20million and has been linked with a move back to Stamford Bridge, with Arsenal watching closely.
    James, of course, is now Chelsea’s captain and plays for England.
    And the line-up of fresh-faced kids also boasts players who featured regularly in the Premier League.
    Rhian Brewster, bottom left, impressed at Anfield before joining Swansea on loan and then Sheffield United permanently.
    Ian Carlo Poveda, bottom right, made his City debut in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup before joining Leeds.
    It shows the huge strength of the academy system at Stamford Bridge which saw the club win five successive FA Youth Cups between 2014-18.
    While Mason Mount made a £60million move to Man Utd in the summer, after coming through the ranks.
    The previous sales of Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori for £34million and £25million respectively certainly swelled the coffers to allow Chelsea to buy Romelu Lukaku for £98million, although the Belgium forward has since moved on loan tom Roma after falling out of favour. More

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    Ex-Arsenal transfer chief explains why Gunners made infamous £40m+£1 bid for Suarez, when there was NO release clause

    ARSENAL’S former transfer chief Dick Law revealed why the club made their infamous £40million and £1 bid for Luis Suarez.The Uruguay international looked set to move to the Emirates Stadium in the summer of 2013 after Liverpool failed to qualify for the Champions League.

    PA:Press Association

    Luis Suarez was heavily linked with a switch from Liverpool to Arsenal in summer 2013 The now 36-year-old, who plays for Brazilians Gremio, had a clause in his contract with the Reds that they had to inform him of any transfer bid if it was more than £40m.
    And Law insisted that Arsenal were always aware the figure was not a buy-out clause and they simply added the extra pound to kick-start negotiations.
    But Liverpool owner John W. Henry took offence to the offer and, after it was publicised, he tweeted: “What do you think they’re smoking over there?”
    Suarez ended up remaining at Anfield for another season where he was named PFA Player of the Year before sealing a £75m move to Barcelona.
    Several years later and the striker was available for a nominal fee, leaving Barcelona for Atletico Madrid in 2020, where he won the LaLiga title.
    The Gunners’ then-transfer guru Law would later explain that the North London side had never wanted to antagonise their Premier League rivals. More