Tag Futebol

Newcastle United are feeling optimistic after claiming their first three points of the season, though Eddie Howe has now been dealt a frustrating injury blow involving one of his prize assets.

Newcastle show resolve to defeat Wolves after Woltemade winner

Nobody of a black and white persuasion needed to be told twice how important their clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers was yesterday, and supporters will feel a sense of relief that they managed to secure a gritty 1-0 triumph courtesy of Nick Woltemade’s debut header.

After draws against Aston Villa and Leeds United with a defeat to Liverpool sandwiched in between, the Magpies are finally on their way up the Premier League table in another campaign where they will target Champions League qualification.

Making his feelings known post-match, Eddie Howe showered £69 million striker Woltemade with praise, complimenting his excellent showing and signalling that there is plenty more to come from his towering Alexander Isak replacement.

“There was a lot of love for Nick and a lot of pats on the back. The group are really good at doing that, when someone does well.

“It was a great moment for Nick. I was very pleased with how he played. You saw his technical qualities and his intelligence. But most importantly for a striker, when the ball comes into the box, you need to be there – and he was. It was a great finish. I’m really pleased for him personally because that just settles him down and relaxes him. He’s a very humble guy, he wants to do well and he’s delighted to be here.”

Related £60m Newcastle target now open to Tyneside as PIF hold talks over transfer

The Magpies could look to try again to land his signature.

Posts BySean Markus Clifford Sep 13, 2025

While drama surrounding Isak’s departure to Liverpool has come and gone, Howe has suffered another sizeable blow before some crunch fixtures as his side work to find their groove.

Newcastle striker Yoane Wissa out for at least a month

According to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie on X following the win against Wolves, Newcastle summer signing Yoane Wissa will be out for four to five weeks after sustaining a knee injury on international duty with DR Congo.

Despite disappointment over the £140,000-per-week earner being unable to feature since joining from Brentford on deadline day, the Magpies have evaded concerns that his knock is ACL-related. However, he will now miss their next six matches prior to the next international break.

This comes after the news about Jacob Ramsey, another summer signing, who will also be out for a month with an ankle problem, with things going from bad to worse for Howe.

Wissa scored 20 times in 39 appearances for Brentford last campaign and established himself as Thomas Frank’s go-to man in West London, albeit Howe will now face a period where he is short of striking alternatives behind Woltemade.

William Osula may deputise when needed despite seeing a late move to Eintracht Frankfurt fall through late on in the summer, while Anthony Gordon is another option once he comes back from suspension.

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O São Paulo vem vivendo o mesmo ‘fantasma’ das últimas temporadas: a quantidade de lesionados no elenco. Desta vez, oito jogadores estão no departamento médico, o chamado Reffis Plus, ou na transição física, perto de um retorno.

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Os machucados do São Paulo estão divididos em praticamente dois grupos: Calleri (dores nas coastas), Pablo Maia (dores na perna direita), Ferraresi (cirurgia no joelho direito), Galoppo (cirurgia no joelho esquerdo), Erison (aprimora a forma física após estiramento em fibrose na coxa esquerda), Michel Araujo (estiramento na panturrilha esquerda), além dos quatro em transição: Talles Costa (transição após sutura no menisco do joelho direito), Moreira (transição após cirurgia no joelho esquerdo), Igor Vinícius (transição após cirurgia no púbis), Welington (aprimora a forma física após cirurgia no tornozelo esquerdo).

Mas eles estão perto de um retorno? O Lance! te mostra.

Para os tricolores apaixonados: produtos a partir de R$39,90 na FutFanatics!

Calleri
Uma das novidades no Reffis. O camisa 9 deixou a partida contra o Tigre, nesta terça-feira (27), sentindo dores nas costas. Inclusive, chegou a relatar que ‘estava preocupado porque nunca sente dores’. De acordo com informações divulgadas pelo São Paulo, o atacante ficou no Reffis Plus e seguirá sendo assistido pelo departamento médico. Para o jogo deste sábado (1), é difícil que esteja em campo.

Pablo Maia
Também contra o Tigre, a Cria de Cotia sofreu uma entrada brusca e deixou o gramado de maca. Logo após o jogo, foi levado a um hospital, onde passou por exames iniciais. Nenhuma fratura constatada. Na reapresentação da equipe nesta quarta-feira (28), o departamento médico do Tricolor informou que Maia teve um trauma na perna direita. O Lance! apurou que ele também está sentindo muitas dores e seguirá sendo assistido.

Ferraresi
Após o clássico sem gols do São Paulo contra o Palmeiras no Campeonato Paulista, o zagueiro venezuelano passou por exame de imagem que detectou uma ruptura no ligamento cruzado anterior, após uma entorse sofrida na partida. Ainda em fevereiro, passou por cirurgia e continuou seu tratamento no CT da Barra Funda. O tempo estimado de recuperação é de 9 a 12 meses – o que abriu precedentes para que o defensor permaneça no Tricolor por mais tempo. Emprestado pelo grupo City, seu vínculo terminaria esta semana, mas deve ser prorrogado. O Lance! apurou que o plano do zagueiro é pelo menos prorrogar seu vínculo com o Tricolor até o meio de 2024, quando poderia enfim ser negociado com o futebol europeu.

Galoppo
Galoppo não atua desde o dia 13 de março, quando se machucou durante o duelo com Água Santa, pelas quartas de final do Paulistão, quando o São Paulo foi eliminado nos pênaltis, no Allianz Parque. Sua lesão foi no ligamento cruzado anterior do joelho esquerdo e ele optou por operar o local com médicos de sua confiança em Buenos Aires, na Argentina. Todo o processo foi acompanhado de perto por profissionais são-paulinos. No final de abril, retornou ao Brasil para dar sequência ao tratamento no Reffis. No entanto, no dia 10 de maio, o meia precisou passar por uma nova operação (artroscopia) no joelho para retirar uma fibrose, que é o nome dado por médicos para a cicatrização de intervenções cirúrgicas. Algo que atrasou um pouco o processo de recuperação. No começo de junho, Galoppo começou a trabalhar no gramado do CT da Barra Funda. Deve retornar somente no final do ano também.

Erison
A última vez que Erison esteve em campo foi no dia 11 de abril, no jogo contra o Ituano pela Copa do Brasil. A princípio, o clube relatou que Erison tinha sofrido um estiramento em fibrose na coxa esquerda. No dia primeiro de março, o Tricolor divulgou que o jogador estava se recuperando e começando com as atividades em campo. Mas não saiu mais disso, mesmo com quase 80 dias desde o anúncio da lesão. Esta demora para recuperação tem uma justificativa: é a primeira vez que ‘El Toro’ se lesiona durante toda sua carreira. Mesmo evoluindo, Erison estaria com muito receio de retornar. Ainda não estaria confiante, de fato, para voltar a jogar. Não tem prazo por este motivo.

Michel Araujo
No dia 15 de junho, Michel Araujo teve um estiramento panturrilha direita detectado após exames de imagem. Ainda deve demorar, pelo menos, duas semanas para conseguir voltar.

Talles Costa
Talles Costa foi operado no começo de março, após sofrer um trauma no joelho durante o jogo contra o São Bernardo, pelo Campeonato Paulista. O volante passou por uma sutura no menisco, após passar por alguns exames de imagem na época. Agora, alterna trabalhos no gramado e no Reffis Plus sob o comando dos fisioterapeutas. Muito pela idade, por ser mais jovem, o processo de recuperação do volante é mais cauteloso.

Moreira
No último ano, Moreira já tinha realizado uma artroscopia no joelho direito no início de setembro. Em outubro, precisou passar por outro procedimento, no caso, sofreu uma lesão ligamentar no joelho esquerdo. Em abril, começou a trabalhar com bola.

Igor Vinícius
Igor Vinícius sentiu pela primeira vez a pubalgia em 20 de outubro do ano passado, na vitória sobre o Coritiba, pelo Campeonato Brasileiro. Desde então, após passar por um tratamento convencional, o jogador chegou a ser liberado na pré-temporada. Atuou na estreia deste ano, contra o Ituano no Paulista, mas voltou a sentir o problema e ficou de fora desde então. Inclusive, precisou passar por um procedimento cirúrgico, e hoje também está em transição física, realizando algumas atividades no gramado. Porém, o Lance! apurou que o lateral-direito deve demorar um pouco para voltar. De acordo com o que foi informado para a reportagem, se trata de uma lesão complicada de tratar e que pode ter recorrências.

Welington
Dos lesionados que passaram por procedimento cirúrgico, Welington é o jogador que está mais próximo de retornar – mesmo que sem uma data definida. No começo desta semana, apresentou uma boa evolução no tratamento da sua lesão e voltou a treinar com todo o elenco pela primeira vez desde a sua cirurgia. Em março, a Cria de Cotia passou por uma cirurgia no tornozelo esquerdo após ter uma lesão ligamentar e lesão de sindesmose diagnosticada. Desde então, não entrou mais em campo.

تحدث خوسيه أنخيل كارمونا، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي إشبيلية، عن فوز فريقه الكبير أمام برشلونة، في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات الدوري الإسباني “لا ليجا”.

وواجه برشلونة نظيره إشبيلية عصر اليوم، الأحد، في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات الجولة الثامنة من بطولة الدوري الإسباني “لا ليجا”.

واستضاف ملعب “رامون سانشيز بيزخوان” المباراة المثيرة بين برشلونة وإشبيلية، ضمن الجولة السابعة من بطولة الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى.

وخسر برشلونة بأثقل هزيمة له هذا الموسم أمام إشبيلية بنتيجة 4/1 ليتوقف رصيده عند النقطة 19 ويخسر صدارة جدول ترتيب الدوري الإسباني لصالح ريال مدريد الذي يمتلك 21 نقطة.

وكان كارومونا صاحب الضربة القاضية بعدما سجل الهدف الثالث لصالح فريقه في مرمى برشلونة في الوقت بدلًا من الضائع ليتنفس مشجعوه الصعداء.

اقرأ أيضًا | ماركا تكشف عن “خطأ مؤثر” في مباراة برشلونة وإشبيلية

وقال كارمونا في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “ماركا”: “إنه يوم سأحمله معي إلى قبري، الفوز على برشلونة وأمام جماهيرنا كما فعلنا سيبقى في الذاكرة للأبد”.

وأكمل: “تفوقنا بشكل مذهل في 85 دقيقة، أنا سعيد للغاية، قرأت أنه قد مضى 10 سنوات منذ أن هزمنا برشلونة، وهؤلاء المشجعون يستحقون ذلك، لقد كانوا معنا في السراء والضراء”.

وأضاف: “ارتكبت خطأ وسجلت هدفًا اليوم (مازحًا) كنت في غاية الحماس فور وصولي إلى منطقة الجزاء ولم أرَ أن التمريرة ستصل إلى أكور، وقلتُ، سأُنهيها وأترك ​​الله يفعل ما يشاء، إذا أراد أن تُسجل، ستسجل وأنا سعيد جدًا بالفريق وبالفوز”.

وعن غرفة خلع الملابس أتم: “نحن نصنع شيئًا جميلًا، يمكنك أن ترى ذلك في الأجواء السائدة في غرفة خلع الملابس، إنها 3 نقاط رائعة، أسبوع من الاستمتاع، وأسبوع من الراحة، ثم العودة في الأسبوع التالي لتقديم كل ما لدينا”.

Leeds United and the 49ers Enterprises are eyeing a move for a 60-career goal star who has been compared to former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino.

Leeds and Farke want attacking additions before deadline

The Whites have spent more than £70m this summer on seven new faces for Daniel Farke’s squad, however, no money has been spent on wingers or strikers.

Lukas Nmecha

Wolfsburg

Free

Jaka Bijol

Udinese

£15m

Gabriel Gudmundsson

Lille

£10m

Sebastiaan Bornauw

Wolfsburg

£5m

Louis Enahoro-Marcus

Liverpool

Undisclosed

Sean Longstaff

Newcastle

£12m

Anton Stach

Hoffenheim

£17.4m

Lucas Perri

Lyon

£13.9m

Lukas Nmecha is the only final third arrival, joining on a free transfer at the beginning of the window after leaving Wolfsburg. Leeds were ready to splash the cash on Igor Paixao, however, the Brazilian decided to join Marseille from Feyenoord.

Talking after the 1-1 draw with Villarreal at Elland Road on the weekend, Farke admitted that Leeds “are not ready for Premier League level” in the final third.

Rodrigo Muniz of Fulham has been Leeds’ top centre-forward target, and now, a versatile attacking midfielder is being linked with a move to Yorkshire.

Leeds eyeing Oxlade-Chamberlain on free transfer

According to The Sun, Leeds are a possible destination for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is on course to become a free agent in the coming days.

Currently on the books at Besiktas, the former Arsenal and Liverpool star is set to have his deal terminated by the Turkish side, who will ‘pay his exit fee in full’.

The 31-year-old, capable of playing as a winger earlier in his career, has been playing as a central midfielder in recent years and is looking to return to the Premier League. He was previously a part of a Liverpool team who defeated Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds side 3-0 at Elland Road in 2021.

Leeds approached £18,000-a-week forward who has scored in Europa League

He’s got Premier League experience.

1 ByTom Cunningham Aug 6, 2025

Despite playing in a deeper role, he has been compared to ex-Liverpol attacker Firmino by Football Transfers, boasting a versatile skill-set of pace, trickery, goals and assists from anywhere across the attack or midfield – Oxlade-Chamberlain has scored 60 senior goals for club and country over the years.

A versatile option for Farke, he could be a shrewd pick up by Leeds if his wages are right, potentially challenging Brenden Aaronson in an attacking role or Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, Sean Longstaff, Anton Stach and Ao Tanaka in a deeper role.

Overseas players who make themselves unavailable for an IPL season after being bought at an auction without legitimate reasons will henceforth be penalised with two-year bans. That aside, overseas players’ maximum price in a mini auction will be the lower of the highest retention price (INR 18 crore, or US$ 2.1 million approx.) and the highest auction price at the mega auction.As reported by ESPNcricinfo earlier, the request to act against players opting out after being bought at auctions had come from all ten IPL franchises during their meeting with the IPL governing council in July. Disgruntled at their plans being thrown into disarray by late pullouts, the franchises asked the IPL to put in strong deterrents.In a document shared with franchises listing the retention rules, the IPL said: “Any [overseas] player who registers for [an] auction and, after getting picked at the auction, makes himself unavailable before the start of the season will get banned from participating in the IPL/IPL auction for two seasons.” The only exception, the governing council said, will be for “an injury/medical condition, which will have to be confirmed by the [player’s] home board”.

‘Maximum fee’ for overseas players at mini auctions

The IPL has also agreed to the franchises’ suggestion to make it mandatory for overseas players to register for mega auctions. This, they argued, will prevent players and their agents from trying to earn big money during the mini auctions, where teams are usually willing to shell out massive sums to plug specific holes in their squads.This was in evidence at the last IPL auction. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who went on to win IPL 2024, and runners-up Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) set auction records to acquire the services of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins respectively. Cummins was sold for an auction-high INR 20.50 crore (US$2.47 million approx. at the time) early on in the bidding process, and Starc later went to KKR for INR 24.75 crore (US$2.98 million approx.) to set a new record.Related

• Harry Brook pulls out of IPL for second year running

• IPL retention: How many players can a team keep? And at what cost?

• SRH set to retain Klaasen, Cummins, Abhishek

• IPL retention FAQs: What is the modified RTM rule? Has the auction purse increased?

• Decks cleared for 'uncapped' Dhoni to be retained

To counter that, the IPL has devised a twin strategy. Firstly, an overseas player will not be allowed to register for a mini auction if he does not register for the preceding mega auction. “Any overseas player will have to register for the big auction. In case the player does not register, then he will have to miss the subsequent small auction. Only exception will be in case of an injury/medical condition which will have to be confirmed by the [player’s] home board before the big auction.”The IPL has also decided to impose what it called “maximum fee” for overseas players at mini auctions.”Any overseas player’s auction fee at small auction will be lower of the highest retention price [of INR 18 crore] and the highest auction price at the big auction,” the IPL said in the document. “In case the highest auction price at the big auction is INR 20 crore, then INR 18 crore will be the cap. If the highest auction price at big auction is INR 16 crore, then the cap will be INR 16 crore.The rule in place going forward is that the auction for the player will continue as normal till the player is sold, and the final auction amount will be charged to the auction purse. The incremental amount over INR 16 or 18 crore, as the case may be, will be deposited with BCCI. The incremental amount deposited with BCCI will be utilised towards players’ welfare.”

As Thomas Frank prepares for his first season as Tottenham Hotspur manager this campaign, he will want to make an immediate impact and adhere himself to the fanbase.

The Dane has the responsibility of leading the club towards the top end of the Premier League after struggling to impress throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

He will also lead the Lilywhites into the Champions League, needing to have key depth across the squad if they are to be competitive in various competitions.

However, after taking the reins, Frank will unsurprisingly be wanting to make his own impression on the side, needing to make signings who will improve the options at his disposal.

Alongside incomings, outgoings are also needed to allow players not at the level required to move on, handing the manager the funds he needs to sustain their recent European success.

The latest on Spurs’ transfer activity this window

Centre-back Cristian Romero has been a name constantly mentioned with a move away from Spurs this summer, with Atlético and Real Madrid both interested in the Argentine.

It’s been reported over recent days that a £60m fee could be enough to prise him away from North London, potentially leaving a huge hole within the side’s backline.

However, the supporters shouldn’t worry, with moves already being made to land other defenders, leading to Castello Lukeba emerging on their shortlist, according to Foot Mercato.

The report claims that Frank’s side have been keen on a move to land the French youngster, who made 31 appearances for RB Leipzig across all competitions in 2024/25.

It also states that the 22-year-old currently has a €90m (£77m) release clause in his contract, but he could be allowed to depart for a lower fee should a deal be negotiated.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be the perfect Romero replacement

Whilst Romero has been a player who has divided opinion during his spell at Spurs, his showing in the Europa League final is evidence of the talent he possesses.

The 27-year-old was handed the Man of the Match award during the historical triumph, and understandably so when delving into his stats from such a performance.

He made 10 clearances, five of which were with his head, along with six duels won, helping the Lilywhites keep a clean sheet and end their near two-decade wait for a piece of silverware.

Losing the Argentine would be a huge blow, leaving Frank with a massive task to replace the star who’s showcased his talent over the last couple of months in North London.

However, a deal for Lukeba would be a superb one, having all the tools to move the club in the right direction and fill the void left should the centre-back depart this window.

When comparing their respective stats from the most recent season, the Frenchman has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, showcasing why he could be the perfect replacement.

Lukeba, who’s been labelled “one of the best centre-backs” by one writer at The Athletic, has registered more progressive passes and carries per 90 in 2024/25, highlighting the ability he possesses to play out from the back.

Games played

23

18

Minutes played

1577

1416

Progressive passes

4.6

4.5

Progressive carries

1.1

0.7

% of tackles won

71%

70%

Clearances made

4.2

3.6

Blocks made

1.7

1.1

Aerials won

67%

60%

Without the ball, he’s been just as dominant, winning more of the tackles he’s entered, whilst also making more blocks, subsequently handing Frank the defensive quality he needs.

The Leipzig talent has also won more aerial duels and made more clearances per 90, with his tallies nothing short of sensational given his tender age – having the chance to improve further in the years ahead.

Whilst losing Romero would be something no Spurs fan would want this summer, Lukeba is evidence that there are better options out there within the transfer market.

It’s unclear how much the Bundesliga side could command for his services, but if the Argentine does depart North London this summer, a move for the Frenchman must be the priority.

More important than Kudus: Spurs plot move for "phenomenal" £40m PL star

Tottenham Hotspur are making a move to land another talented Premier League star.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 3, 2025

Nottingham Forest’s sublime season in the Premier League might well have run out of steam towards the back-end – with only one league victory coming their way in May – but Nuno Espirito Santo’s men still have the Conference League to look forward to next campaign after finishing in a fantastic seventh spot.

Espirito Santo’s Tricky Trees won’t just be content with one unbelievable season in isolation, however, with an ambitious approach during this summer transfer window perhaps allowing Forest to upgrade all over the pitch ahead of European football coming to the City Ground.

Already, Forest are flexing their muscles as they aim to finalise a deal for Botafogo attacking sensation Igor Jesus, but they might not be done there when adding in some exciting options up top.

Forest's search for a striker

As per a report by the Athletic, Forest remain keen on a deal for Brentford ace Yoane Wissa, having previously been interested in the Bees sharpshooter back in January.

At that time, the Premier League high-flyers were put off by the 28-year-old’s steep £40m valuation, resulting in a £22m bid for his services falling flat.

Now, a move could be back on the cards, even as Forest edge closer to landing the aforementioned Jesus from Brazil.

Worryingly so for the South American hotshot, Wissa’s arrival in through the door could see Espirito Santo and Co. win themselves an instant upgrade on the one-time Arsenal target, with the Congolese international very much a revered marksman in the Premier League.

Why Wissa would be an upgrade on Jesus

Wissa could soon go down as a fan’s favourite at City Ground, even though the long-standing Brentford servant would score this delightful effort only last month versus Forest to seal a 2-0 away success.

Still, they won’t be turning their noses up at adding Wissa to their attacking arsenal alongside Chris Wood, with that breakaway effort just one of 20 strikes the 28-year-old would fire home last season for Thomas Frank’s regular overachievers – 19 of which came in the top-flight.

To add context, the much-talked-about New Zealand powerhouse would tally up that exact amount last season in all competitions, meaning the pair working together in unison could be a dynamite duo.

But, away from any potential partnerships forming, the electric Bees number 11’s dependable record in the Premier League means he would instantly get the first-team nod over Jesus, with the experienced top-flight presence never looking back after entering the level in 2021.

Wissa’s PL G/A record by season
Season	Games played	Goals scored	Assists
24/25	39	19	5
23/24	34	12	4
22/23	38	7	3
21/22	30	7	1
Sourced by Transfermarkt

Looking at the table above, Wissa has gradually improved by season by season at the daunting level, with that tally of 19 league strikes last season his most lethal return in the top-flight to date.

On the contrary, whilst Jesus is an entertaining watch with a hefty 3.5 total shots averaged on goal in Brazilian top-flight action this year, he doesn’t possess that same potency Wissa has in abundance, with a weaker output of seven goals coming his way from 24 Brasileirão Betano contests.

He does have an additional eight goals next to his name playing for Botafogo from 55 total appearances, but the concern will be that the four-time Brazil international could struggle to immediately make an impact in the English game.

Wissa wouldn’t have any of these issues to contend with, with the clinical number 11 once even labelled as “unbelievable” by his Brentford boss for his blistering goalscoring prowess.

Adding in both strikers could well be the dream scenario here, with Jesus able to bounce off a Premier League-recognised striker to up his standards.

After all, Forest might as well aim to strike up as many golden deals as possible whilst the club is on an all-time high.

Wow: Nottingham Forest could now sign £100m star in Gibbs-White swap deal

The Tricky Trees could look to bring in a forward, as part of a swap deal for Morgan Gibbs-White.

2

By
Dominic Lund

Jun 1, 2025

Sunderland have had some of the Premier League’s most iconic strikers down the years, but one man in particular has been praised as one of the best talents of his era.

No one at the Stadium of Light will forget the name Tommy Watson in a hurry regardless of how his move to Brighton pans out, but as the dust settles on a memorable campaign and that stunning late win at Wembley, the Black Cats must now turn their attentions to building a squad capable of surviving football’s toughest task.

Sunderland's promotion season in pictures

Regis Le Bris’ side were the lowest scorers in the Championship’s top six, with 58 goals to their name in 46 games, as Wilson Isidor (13) and Eliezer Mayenda (10) were their only players to score more than five league goals.

And it’s fair to say this is a club who have lived off the backs of great number nines down the years, with the likes of Jermain Defoe, Kevin Phillips and Niall Quinn all thriving on Wearside.

1. Kevin Phillips

61

2. Jermain Defoe

34

3. Niall Quinn

29

4. Kenwyne Jones

26

5. Darren Bent

24

6. Steven Fletcher

23

7. Adam Johnson

19

8. Stéphane Sessègnon

17

9. Fabio Borini

14

10. Kieran Richardson

14

Many of the club’s most iconic moments have come from their front men, from Darren Bent’s famous ‘beach ball goal’ against Liverpool to Fabio Borini’s incredible late effort to sink Alan Pardew’s Newcastle.

But while no one comes close to “Super Kev” Phillips from a statistical standpoint, few would argue that Defoe is right up there alongside him as one of the most talented players to ever put on the red and white shirt, and England legend David Platt once revealed he may be even better than that.

Platt: Defoe was as good as Michael Owen and Luis Figo

Speaking about his time as Defoe’s manager in the England Under-21 set-up, Platt, who earned 62 caps for the Three Lions himself, once revealed a 19 year-old Defoe was one of the greatest talents he had ever seen.

Defoe scored 163 Premier League goals in total, placing him inside the division’s top ten and behind only six other Englishmen – Alan Shearer, Harry Kane, Wayne Rooney, Andrew Cole, Frank Lampard and Robbie Fowler.

While his longest spell in England’s top flight came with Tottenham Hotspur, some of his most iconic moments were produced in a Sunderland shirt, most notably that stunning strike against Newcastle at the Stadium of Light, and fans will also never forget his relationship with Bradley Lowery.

Defoe’s love for the club hasn’t waned either, as the 42 year-old was spotted at Wembley celebrating their promotion, also praising Le Bris for the impactful substitutions of Patrick Roberts and Watson: “We spoke before about the manager not panicking, and the substitution, Patrick Roberts came on and done his thing.”

Sunderland lining up centre-back signing who Van Dijk said is "outstanding"

He could be perfect for Regis Le Bris.

ByHenry Jackson Jun 3, 2025

It’s hard to imagine the likes of Isidor and Mayenda will be able to replicate the Englishman’s stunning influence in the North East, but the young Spaniard’s equalising goal against Sheffield United was certainly a good start.

Chelsea appear to have wrapped up a move for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap. That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who confirmed that the Blues have an agreement in place to sign the player for £30m.

It could be a shrewd piece of business for the Stamford Bridge outfit, especially as they needed another centre-forward.

Enzo Maresca is also targeting a defender or two when the transfer window opens. With this in mind, it appears as though a Dutch talent is being earmarked for a move to London.

Chelsea in talks to sign new defender

Journalist Simon Phillips has claimed that the Blues have enquired about a move for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite regarding a summer move.

Elsewhere, he stated that Chelsea are “advancing on talks” for Ajax sensation Jorrel Hato, with the Blues ideally wanting to bring in two new defenders, ahead of next season.

Hato could cost the club £46m should negotiations go smoothly. On the surface, this certainly looks like a wonderful bargain given his age and potential for growth.

Champions League football next season should also be an enticement for the Dutchman.

Comfortable at playing either centre-back or left-back, Maresca will likely utilise the Ajax gem as his starting left-back. If so, he could be the club’s next Ashley Cole.

Why Chelsea must sign Jorrel Hato

Cole is arguably one of the finest left-backs that England have produced. Across eight seasons with the Blues, Cole racked up 337 appearances, winning the Champions League and Premier League with the club.

Excellent at bombing forward and creating chances for his teammates, while also offering plenty of defensive qualities, which contributed to him becoming arguably the “best” left-back in Premier League history, as per his former Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger.

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2013/14

26

0

2

2012/13

51

1

5

2011/12

48

0

9

2010/11

48

0

4

2009/10

35

4

5

2008/09

49

1

3

2007/08

41

1

2

2006/07

39

0

4

Hato – who talent scout Jacek Kulig has described as the “complete full-back” – exudes plenty of the same sort of qualities, and he would be a worthy heir to the Englishman, that’s for sure.

Going forward, the 19-year-old registered eight goal involvements, created six big chances and averaged 0.6 key passes per game in the Eredivisie last season.

Defensively, Hato helped Ajax keep 11 clean sheets in the league, while also winning 52% of his total duels, making 1.9 tackles and recovering 4.2 balls per game.

On this evidence, Hato – who has been dubbed “immense” by Kulig – could be a wise signing for Maresca this summer, especially as he could be a long-term option on the left side of the defence.

When compared to his peers across the men’s next 14 competitions, the teenager ranks in the top 1% for pass completion percentage (89.4%) per 90, along with ranking in the top 12% for aerial duels won (1.77) and the top 11% for touches in the attacking penalty area (2.33) per 90 over the previous 365 days.

No one will ever replace the genius of Cole, but in Hato, Chelsea can bring in a player who is still a few years away from being at his very best.

Still, he has the potential to become one of the best full-backs on the continent. For just £46m, Maresca could make a stunning signing.

He's better than Delap: Chelsea make enquiry to sign "world-class" striker

Chelsea appear to be making a move for another striker despite the links to Liam Delap.

ByEthan Lamb May 30, 2025

Chelsea are working on a “behind-the-scenes” deal for a former Man City gem who’s also being targeted by Premier League champions Liverpool, according to a former club chief.

Chelsea targeting new striker and winger this summer

As per credible media sources, Chelsea are in the market for a new wide player and striker this summer.

Chelsea set to hold talks with star forward who Juventus are "prioritising"

The west Londoners could spoil Juve’s main transfer plan.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 29, 2025

Supporters will be especially eager for BlueCo to bring in a prolific number nine, given Nicolas Jackson has bagged just one Premier League goal this calendar year, while Christopher Nkunku is also expected to leave Chelsea.

They’ve been targeting RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, Lille star Jonathan David, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitiké and Napoli outcast Victor Osimhen, according to Sky Sports, but some of these names will be in high demand at other elite European sides.

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Newcastle (away)

May 11th

Man United (home)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (away)

May 25th

Chelsea must also think of their Club World Cup campaign, as they could bring home a financial windfall of around £97 million if they win all of their group games and the tournament itself (BBC).

Stamford Bridge officials will be keen for Enzo Maresca’s side to perform well in the tournament, and the club will have a special early transfer window to utilise if they wish to reinforce the squad in time for the CWC, which will open from June 1st to June 10th.

The Blues also wish to require a new winger, amid the rumoured uncertainty surrounding Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and Jadon Sancho’s long-term futures.

There are reports that Chelsea could even offer Sancho in a separate swap deal for key target Jamie Gittens, who’s enjoyed an impressive 2024/2025 campaign at Borussia Dortmund.

Chelsea working on "behind-the-scenes" deal for Jamie Gittens

However, according to ex-Man United chief scout Mick Brown, speaking to Football Insider, Chelsea face competition from Liverpool in pursuit of the English sensation.

That being said, Brown hears Chelsea are working on a “behind-the-scenes” deal for Gittens, as they look to get in ahead of Arne Slot’s side.

“Chelsea look like they could have another busy window,” said Brown. “Maresca wants to sign a new winger because there are questions about where he sees Madueke and Sancho in his plans for the future. One name who has been on their radar for a while is Jamie Gittens.

“Lots of teams had the opportunity to sign him when he left Man City a few years ago, but he ended up making the move to Germany. After the season he’s had for Dortmund, there are a lot of teams in for him.

“He’s come into the team and has been playing regularly, so teams have been assessing him and I expect him to move back to England. Liverpool are one of those teams I’ve heard have been having a look, but I think the interest from Chelsea is a bit more advanced.

“From what I hear, they’ll be working on that deal behind the scenes and they’re aiming to get ahead of teams like Liverpool to sign him.”

The 20-year-old has racked up 12 goals and five assists in 45 total appearances for Dortmund this season, becoming a mainstay for both Nuri Şahin and Niko Kovač, and it appears Gittens fits Chelsea’s transfer mould of a young, exciting player with bags of potential. He’s also valued at just £35 million, so his signing wouldn’t exactly break the bank.