Transfer News

Subterms

    More stories

    • 288 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea striker curse laid bare with £550m spent, only five hits and no No9 for two years – can Delap finally break it?

      by

      OVER the last 22 years Chelsea have spent almost £550million on strikers — but only a handful have proven to be a success.The No9 shirt has been “cursed” at Stamford Bridge and nobody has worn the number since flop Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang departed two years ago with one league goal to his name.Liam Delap is joining Chelsea from Ipswich for £30mCredit: GettyThe club have a long-running striker curse dating back to Adrian MutuCredit: GettyNobody has worn the No9 shirt since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leftCredit: RexLiam Delap is next to fill the centre-forward boots, arriving for £30m from Ipswich.But despite the 22-year-old’s talent shining through in a relegated side, there are no guarantees he will end the club’s long-standing nightmare.It dates back to 2003 when Adrian Mutu arrived for £15.8m from Parma.The Romanian managed just six Premier League goals before he was released following a positive test for cocaine.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSince then, the likes of Hernan Crespo, Andriy Shevchenko and Fernando Torres have all failed to match expectations after joining for massive fees.In more recent times, Alvaro Morata and Timo Werner have been added to the long list of big-money mistakes.Romelu Lukaku has cost Chelsea a total of £117.5m, taking into account his two spells at Stamford Bridge.And in his 36 league matches, the Belgian hit the back of the net a disappointing eight times at a rate of £14.7m per Prem goal.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe difficulties also stretch to loan signings like Radamel Falcao, Alexandre Pato and Gonzalo Higuain.They managed just seven goals between them before the club happily showed them the exit door.From embarrassing Chelsea pal to interview with dad – Five times Cole Palmer stole show AFTER Conference League finalsEven away from centre-forwards, the “cursed” No9 shirt usually worn by goalscorers went to others like midfielder Steve Sidwell and defender Khalid Boulahrouz.Success stories are hard to find with the £24m deal for legend Didier Drogba and the £32m splashed on cult hero Diego Costa among the few that have not been weighed down by the pressure of leading the line for the Blues.But Delap has the ability to join them in becoming a Chelsea hero.His movement is exceptional, he links up play well and boasts the pace to stretch the pitch.The Blues risk becoming predictable in Enzo Maresca’s structured approach and when Nicolas Jackson was out injured, the team struggled for goals and an outlet.But Delap is also a provider, creating 21 chances for his Ipswich team-mates on top of his 12 goals for a side that hit the back of the net just 36 times all season.BBC pundit Danny Murphy believes Delap can be Harry Kane’s England successor, saying: “I think he’s the best young English striker out there. “I know he’s got a bit to learn, and wisdom comes with experience and game time in this league, but he’s got all the attributes to be a top international player.Read More on The Sun“I just don’t see a weakness for him. He’s scored enough goals in a struggling side, really, but he gets a lot of chances and he’ll score more.“He’s just got that lovely balance between physical and technical. Rarely you get both. He’s really just super talented.”Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeAndriy Shevchenko was another expensive flopCredit: Times Newspapers LtdFernando Torres’ form dipped when he arrived at Stamford BridgeCredit: AFP More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Newcastle set to announce first summer signing after beating Real Madrid and Barcelona to stunning free transfer

      by

      NEWCASTLE are set to announce Spanish whizkid Antonio Cordero as their first summer signing.SunSport revealed in January that the winger, 18, would reject a contract extension at Malaga to join the Magpies on a free.Newcastle are closing in on Spanish whizkid Antonio CorderoReal Madrid, Barcelona and Porto held talks with Cordero but he has opted for a five-year deal at St James’ Park.Malaga confirmed last night the teen — who hit six goals in Spain’s second tier this season —  will leave on June 30.Newcastle have held talks with ex-Madrid executive David Hopkinson about taking over as CEO from Darren Eales, who is stepping down due to ill health.Cordero’s family visited the North East earlier this year ahead of his proposed move to Tyneside.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt’s understood that Newcastle could initially loan him out to continue his development away from the glare of the Prem.Ajax have been listed as a potential destination for the teenager next season.Cordero, who will turn 19 in November, played 40 times for Malaga this season, with 39 of those games in the league.Meanwhile, Newcastle have checked on 19-year old Rennes centre back Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal who has starred for Morocco U20s.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBoudlal is yet to make his senior debut for Rennes and spent the second half of the season on loan at Ligue 2 Amiens. Eddie Howe’s side are also interested in Crystal Palace centre back Marc Guehi and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.Champions League places CONFIRMED after Aston Villa VAR controversy as Newcastle have to be saved by Man UtdMbeumo has reportedly said he would prefer a move to Manchester United, with Arsenal also linked.Newcastle earned a place in next season’s Champions League on the final day, but could lose goalkeeper Nick Pope to Leeds.Cordero looks set to sign a five-year deal at Newcastle More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Marcus Rashford a shock transfer target for Inter Milan as Man Utd outcast desperately looks for next club

      by

      MARCUS RASHFORD has emerged as a target for Inter Milan – as they look to bounce back from their Champions League final horror show. The Manchester United forward, 27, spent the second half of the season on loan at Aston Villa, with his red-hot form securing him a place back in the England squad.Marcus Rashford is wanted by Inter Milan after rediscovering his top form at Aston VillaCredit: GettyRashford reportedly fell out with Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim and is expected to leaveCredit: PABut Villa, who narrowly missed out on a Champions League spot for 2025-26, are unlikely to make a permanent move for Rashford due to the player’s sky-high wages.Unai Emery and Co are now firmly focused on other targets and hope to keep hold of Ollie Watkins, who has been linked with an exit from Villa Park. Sources close to Rashford told SunSport he doesn’t see a future at Old Trafford under Ruben Amorim. The pair reportedly fell out last season with the Portuguese manager unhappy with Rashford’s attitude during training and off the field.READ MORE SPORT STORIESAnd that means Rashford is frantically searching for a new club, which has put Inter Milan on red-alert.The Italian giants are looking to rebuild their side in the wake of the Champions League final demolition at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain.Inter were thrashed 5-0 in a defeat which came on the back of them throwing away the Serie A title late in the season, opening the door for Napoli.Club chiefs believe that Rashford could be a key acquisition and would excite supporters.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd although Man Utd would prefer a permanent deal, Inter are also exploring the option of a long-term loan move. A source said: “Marcus is open-minded to a move abroad, and a fresh start.Aston Villa star Marcus Rashford hits the race track as he works out on holiday in St Tropez “Lots of players have made the move from the Premier League to Serie A in recent years and performed very well. That’s why the idea of such a switch excites both the player and Inter.”Rashford is one of a number of players in limbo at United.Team-mates Jadon Sancho and Antony both ended the campaign on loan at other clubs and are deemed surplus to requirements.But United face a challenge in offloading all of them due to their massive wages. More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Bryan Mbeumo ‘chooses Man Utd over Arsenal with transfer talks with Brentford to begin in huge boost to Ruben Amorim’

      by

      BRYAN MBEUMO has decided to join Manchester United over Arsenal, according to reports.The winger has a year left on his Brentford contract and is expected to leave the club this summer.Bryan Mbeumo has picked Man Utd over ArsenalCredit: GettyMbeumo has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs.But he has chosen United and the Red Devils are set to open talks with the Bees over his transfer, reports The Athletic.Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle are also said to be in the running to sign the Cameroon international. Mbeumo, 25, is hot property after scoring 20 Prem goals this season, while notching eight assists.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe Brentford ace returned from a lengthy injury he sustained in the 2023-24 and proved his fitness, featuring in all 38 league games.Brentford boss Thomas Frank admitted his talisman could be sold this summer if the right offer was made.He said: “If the right price — and that’s going to be expensive — is coming, then I’m sure the club will be open to it.”United are looking to complete their transfer business early this summer having already wrapped up a deal to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThey have also been linked with a move for former Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic as Ruben Amorim seeks to bolster his attack.Ipswich’s breakout star Liam Delap was the club’s No1 striker target, but the former Manchester City academy star is set to join Chelsea instead.Rashford to Inter Milan? Man Utd Star Eyes Shock Serie A Move!United scored just 44 league goals this term, with main striker Rasmus Hojlund netting just four times.That has led Amorim to overhaul his forward line, with Alejandro Garnacho set to join a list of potential departures that includes Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Gutted Liverpool fans convinced star has played his last game as stunning partner pens emotional ‘farewell post’

      by

      LIVERPOOL fans are fearing the worst after Luis Diaz’s girlfriend dropped a cryptic social media bombshell – sparking panic that the Colombian winger may have played his last game for the Reds.Diaz, 27, has been a fan favourite since his 2022 arrival from Porto, dazzling Anfield with his silky skills and tireless work rate.Luis Diaz scored 13 goals for Liverpool as they won the leagueCredit: ReutersHe plays with a commitment and fight that the fans loveCredit: EPADiaz could leave Liverpool this summer with interest from abraodCredit: GettyBut supporters were left reeling this week after his partner Gera Ponce posted a seemingly emotional farewell message on Instagram.The post which included a carousel of photos featuring Diaz and their young family, was captioned: “To the incredible Liverpool fansFrom the first day we arrived we felt first-hand what it means to be a part of this club.”We knew the slogan was ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ but to hear it sung with such passion, to see fans support each other at every moment and show such unconditional love.”It confirmed to us that here you truly never walk alone. This fanbase doesn’t just support — it feels. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS “And what you’ve made my boyfriend and our entire family feel is something we carry in our souls.”She concluded: “Thank you for so much love, for so much dedication, and for making us feel at home.”Being a part of this fanbase is a privilege. There’s no doubt- they’re the best in the world.”This is a real bond, deep and strong, that reaffirms we’ll never walk alone.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe post sent almost the entire Liverpool fanbase into meltdown.One fan replied: “Don’t do this to us, Gera. Is Lucho leaving.”Another added: “This feels like goodbye. Absolutely gutted if true.”The timing of the post has only fuelled speculation coming just days after reports linked Diaz with a move to Barcelona.While no official word has come from the club or Diaz himself, the silence has only increased speculation.Liverpool are already bracing for a big summer, having seen the departure of local hero Trent Alexander-Arnold and the arrival of Jeremie Frimpong. More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal set to reward Myles Lewis-Skelly with mega long-term contract to ward off Real Madrid’s advances

      by

      ARSENAL are confident Myles Lewis-Skelly will sign a long-term deal this summer.And the Gunners full-back has cooled Real Madrid links by reiterating his love for the club and his desire to win “back-to-back” trophies in North London.Arsenal are confident Myles Lewis-Skelly will sign a new contract at the clubCredit: GettyLewis-Skelly is expected to stay at Arsenal alongside Bukayo Saka – with the England squad enjoying a day out at F1’s Spanish GP on SundayCredit: PALewis-Skelly, 18, signed his first senior contract back in October 2023.It expires next summer – and Spanish giants Madrid are reportedly monitoring the situation, having already snapped up Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool on a free transfer.But SunSport understands the club are calm over talks, which began in January, and hope to finalise the terms of his new bumper deal before pre-season begins next month.New sporting director Andrea Berta is believed to be taking a hands-on approach with contract extensions, needing to tie down fellow Hale End graduates Ethan Nwaneri and Bukayo Saka, as well as William Saliba and Gabriel.READ MORE SPORT STORIESAnd boss Mikel Arteta said in April: “The most energy we have to put in is making sure the players we have with us are happy, they feel valued, very much part of what we’re doing.”Arteta views Lewis-Skelly as the future of the club, already making him his first-choice left-back after a stunning breakthrough campaign for the teenager that saw him make his Prem debut in September before scoring on his senior England debut in March.Such is his faith in Lewis-Skelly, Arteta has let Kieran Tierney, 27, leave on a free back to Celtic this summer and is open to selling Oleksandr Zinchenko, 28, with Borussia Dortmund interested.Lewis-Skelly – alongside his first team pal Nwaneri, 18 – has also never hid his love for Arsenal as a boyhood fan, and recently revealed his ambitions for next term.Most read in FootballGoing five years without silverware and a third-successive second-place Prem finish, he said: “We just want to win, to make that jump to win a trophy, back-to-back trophies.”CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe continued: “Without Hale End, we wouldn’t be here. It’s everything… the friendships, the values.“I am a fan of the club, so I was growing up watching them on TV, going to the games. In your mind you’re always wanting to get where [the first team] is at.”Myles Lewis-Skelly winds up Real Madrid fans as Arsenal knock Los Blancos out of Champions League Midfielder Nwaneri is also holding talks with Arsenal over an extension, having signed his first professional deal in March 2024 after working his way through the academy from the age of nine alongside Lewis-Skelly.Nwaneri is expected to receive a hefty rise in wages, as is Lewis-Skelly, having proved himself to be one of the most exciting teenage attackers in Europe.Having made 37 appearances in all competitions this term – 16 of those starts – and scoring nine goals, Nwaneri has been happy with his involvement under Arteta and trusts the Spaniard with his development.However, there will need to be discussions over Nwaneri’s role next year, both in terms of position and regularity.Arteta is currently linked with bids for Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams.Read More on The SunDuring Bukayo Saka’s three-month absence from December following hamstring surgery, Nwaneri deputised on the right wing, but can also play as a false nine and No10.Despite the £51m midfield arrival of Martin Zubimendi, Arteta will view Nwaneri as an integral squad member whose flexibility and all-round ability is highly valued.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Oliver Glasner stalling on new Crystal Palace contract after transfer woes with deal up in just 12 months

      by

      CRYSTAL PALACE boss Oliver Glasner will hold off signing a new deal at the club until he sees how serious the board is about backing him in the transfer market.The Austrian manager has been a massive success in south London, defying the odds and delivering the club’s first major trophy in its history.Oliver Glasner has transformed Palace by winning the FA CupCredit: EPAStar player Eberechi Eze is attractiing interest from SpursCredit: GettyTrevoh Chalobah arrived at Palace on deadline day last summerCredit: PAHis FA Cup success has seen him linked to jobs elsewhere, but he has recently stated that he will remain at the club for the upcoming season.However Glasner is in no rush to commit long-term with just over a year remaining on his current deal.SunSport sources say he wants clear assurances that summer signings will be completed in good time before contract talks progress to the next stage.A Palace insider told SunSport: “He has a year left on his deal and is just waiting to see how this summer goes before signing a new one.READ MORE IN FOOTBAL“He was very critical of last summer, so the onus is on Parish to get deals done in time for pre-season.“Waiting until the last couple of days to bring in four players wasn’t ideal.”Eddie Nketiah, Maxence Lacroix, Matt Turner and Trevoh Chalobah all arrived at the club on transfer deadline day.Something Glasner himself highlighted during his press conference last season: “It’s not a public discussion- I’ve already mentioned it several times. We could have done better in the transfer window.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK“With four signings on deadline day, it’s not how you wish a transfer window would work.”‘Raiders of The Selhurst Park’ – Bidding war for Guehi and Eze imminient?The Eagles are keen to build on a promising end to the campaign and Sunsport exclusively reported last month that Glasner was willing to sanction the sale of the duo to fund a rebuild.Eze has interest from Tottenham and Guehi from Newcastle.SunSport has been told Glasner wants serious reinforcements, particularly in midfield and up front, to help Palace climb the table and mount a strong Europa League campaign, following their FA Cup triumph.Talks between Glasner and the board are ongoing, but for now, all eyes are on the transfer window- before any pens come out. More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd in three-way Aleksandar Mitrovic transfer battle with Premier League rivals after missing out on Liam Delap

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED are considering a shock swoop for Aleksandar Mitrovic after missing out on Liam Delap, according to reports.The Red Devils endured an horrific season in 2024-25, managing just 44 Premier League goals as they finished a barely-believable 15th.Aleksandar Mitrovic is wanted by Man Utd this summer, according to shock reportsCredit: ReutersMitrovic has Premier League experience from his time at Fulham as well as NewcastleCredit: AlamyRasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee are both rumoured to be on the chopping block after dismal campaigns.Ipswich’s breakout star Delap, 22, was the club’s No1 striker target, but the former Manchester City academy star is set to join Chelsea instead.And while United aren’t in a position to sign anyone without first selling, Old Trafford chiefs are contemplating a swoop for ex-Fulham striker Mitrovic, according to talkSPORT.The 30 year old has scored 68 goals in 79 games since quitting the Prem to join Al-Hilal in a £50million move two years ago.READ MORE SPORT STORIESHe has Premier League experience from his time at both Fulham and Newcastle.Mitrovic famously scored 43 times in just 44 games in the Cottagers’ promotion campaign in 2021-22, his best return in six Prem seasons across both clubs is just 14 goals.Yet that total is nearly DOUBLE United’s top scorer from last season, with Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo both scoring just eight apiece.Strikers Hojlund and Zirkzee managed just seven goals combined.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMitrovic would likely prove to be an upgrade, and a budget one at around £40m.He’s even believed to be willing to take a pay cut on his £400,000-a-week Saudi wages.Bruno Fernandes enjoys dinner with Al-Hilal ‘secret agent’ Joao Cancelo as he faces Man Utd exit decisionAfter missing out on Delap, in-demand Viktor Gyokeres is said to be the club’s ‘dream target’.However, he’s more likely to end up at Arsenal – especially after United failed to qualify for any European competition for next season.Al-Hilal are looking to bring in new faces, with Victor Osimhen and even Cristiano Ronaldo targeted, according to the report.Bruno Fernandes is also a huge-name target, with the United captain spotted with Al-Hilal’s “secret agent” ahead of a potential move.However, the Saudi giants would first need to sell – and Mitrovic could be moved on.One of Mitrovic’s most famous moments in England came AGAINST Man Utd – when he shoved referee Chris Kavanagh, receiving an eight-match ban for his troubles.West Ham and Everton are both said to be keeping tabs on Mitrovic.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More