Crystal Palace are now “very interested” in signing a “terrific” defender, amid the uncertainty surrounding Marc Guehi’s future at Selhurst Park, journalist Patrick Berger has revealed.
Guehi's future remains up in the air
With Guehi’s contract set to expire next summer, Palace will need to cash-in before the transfer window shuts, if they are to receive a sizeable fee for his services, and the centre-back has now re-emerged as a target for Newcastle United.
With the Eagles set to hold out for £50m, and Newcastle reluctant to spend more than £40m, it remains to be seen whether a deal will be possible, but there are plenty of other clubs waiting in the wings too.
Liverpool are now said to be preparing an offer for Guehi, while Tottenham Hotspur have also been named as potential suitors in recent days, so it could be extremely difficult for Oliver Glasner to keep hold of his centre-back this summer.
Consequently, Crystal Palace have now started to work on finding a replacement for the defender, and Sky Sports reporter Berger has taken to X to reveal they are “very interested” in signing Middlesbrough’s Rav van den Berg.
There is set to be fierce competition for Van den Berg’s signature, however, with FC Köln submitting an offer worth up to €7m (£6m), having identified him as their top target to strengthen their backline, and the Boro defender is open to a move to the Bundesliga.
Rav van den Berg for Middlesbrough.
Feyenoord are also very interested in the Dutchman, alongside a number of unnamed Bundesliga clubs, so it remains to be seen whether the Eagles are able to tempt him into a move to Selhurst Park.
"Terrific" Van Den Berg could flourish at Selhurst Park
The Eagles have displayed a good eye for signing and developing Championship players in recent times, with Eberechi Eze perhaps the best example, and there are signs the Dutch defender could be another fantastic long-term addition.
Despite being just 20-years-old, the youngster has already racked up a great deal of first-team experience at Middlesbrough, making 66 appearances across the past two Championship seasons, during which time he impressed Michael Carrick.
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The former Boro manager said: “He’s a terrific individual, really grounded and humble, terrific character and great attitude. He has a real calming influence but quite sure of himself in a really good way.”
Van Den Berg has proven he could now be ready to make the step-up to the Premier League, so it is promising news that Palace are in the race for his signature, but they may have to move swiftly, given that FC Köln have already submitted an offer.
Chelsea are just two wins away from capturing the Club World Cup title following their win over Palmeiras in the quarter-final.
The draw has opened up kindly for Enzo Maresca’s side, as Manchester City were knocked out at the last 16 stage.
They were made to work hard for the victory against the Brazilian side. Their goal came courtesy of Estevao, the youngster who will join Chelsea in the next few weeks.
Given his performance, the Blues may have hit the jackpot.
Chelsea's plan for Estevao
The 18-year-old is well on his way to becoming the next big thing in Brazilian football. Neymar even hailed the winger as a “genius” in January 2024.
A tally of 27 goals and 15 assists across just 83 senior games suggests Estevao has the potential to be a truly magnificent signing for Chelsea.
Playing in an attacking midfield role against the Blues, Estevao looked bright throughout the clash. His equaliser came just after half-time, latching on to a pass before slotting home an excellent finish from a tight angle.
He tended to drift over to his natural position on the right and was a handful for the Chelsea backline during the game.
Maresca has a plethora of forwards to choose from ahead of the 2025/26 season, especially with the signings of Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens.
That being said, there could still be a role for the teenager at Stamford Bridge next season, with The Telegraph reporting that he is not expected to follow the recent trend of heading out on loan to the likes of Strasbourg, part of the BlueCo group.
Excitement is building over finally seeing Estevao in a Chelsea shirt, although could Maresca even make a move for someone who might turn out to be a bigger talent than the Brazilian?
Chelsea showing interest in Premier League starlet
Despite the depth of their attacking options, it appears as though the Stamford Bridge outfit are seeking to lure all the finest talent to London.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
While winning the Club World Cup remains Maresca’s main aim over the next week, it is evident that he is still looking to build a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League and Champions League next season.
A surprising name has been linked with a shock move across London recently, however, and if a deal goes through, it would signal a real statement of intent.
Indeed, Fabrizio Romano has shared news regarding Arsenal talent Ethan Nwaneri, and it looks as though Chelsea are lurking in the shadows in the hope that he doesn’t sign a new deal with Arsenal.
As Romano said on X, the Blues are potentially ready to pounce to sign the teenager, with Nwaneri seeking guarantees over his game time at the Emirates, prior to committing his future to the club.
The youngster is in discussions with the Gunners regarding a new deal as his current one expires next summer, leaving the door open for a potential move away from North London.
If a move did go through, where does this leave Estevao? And is Nwaneri an even bigger talent than the Brazilian?
Why Chelsea must sign Ethan Nwaneri
Estevao is just a month younger than Nwaneri, but he already has five appearances for Brazil at international level. The Arsenal starlet has yet to make his national team debut, however, but there is no doubt that the 18-year-old will take the next step up sooner rather than later.
Both have played plenty of games in their respective top-flight leagues, while also making appearances in the Copa Libertadores and Champions League.
As such, what separates them? Like Estevao, Nwaneri has been touted as being the next big thing to emerge from his nation.
Football talent scout Jacek Kulig even lauded his rise in May 2024, saying that the Arsenal gem was “one of Hale End & England’s biggest jewels” after a stunning season at youth level for the Gunners.
While the Palmeiras youngster has shone in his homeland, there is no guarantee that he will adapt to English football upon making the move to Chelsea. Maresca will give him plenty of opportunities to showcase his talents, no doubt about that, but he must hit the ground running.
Metric
Premier League
Champions League
Goals
4
2
Assists
2
0
Big chances created
1
1
Key passes per game
0.6
0.3
Successful dribbles per game
1.4
1
Nwaneri, on the other hand, played 26 top-flight matches for the North Londoners last term, scoring four times and grabbing two assists.
When compared via their domestic statistics from last term, the English teen not only registered more goals and assists (six vs three), but he also recorded more shots per 90 (2.41 vs 2.06), a higher percentage of successful take-ons (59.7% vs 31.8%), took more touches in the opposition penalty area (339 vs 257) and even won a higher percentage of aerial duels (33.3% vs 20%).
Given his performances in the Premier League, Nwaneri should be able to settle into this Chelsea side with ease should a move be secured in the coming weeks.
Estevao would have to work harder to make himself a success in England, despite all that he has achieved in his homeland.
Nwaneri even scored twice in the Champions League last term and Mikel Arteta was full of praise for his teen sensation after his first goal against Girona.
“That’s what we love about him – he’s very aggressive. Before that [goal], he had another action where he made the right choice, he went for it,” gushed the Spaniard.
Ethan Nwaneri for Arsenal
“He never [looks nervous], he’s so composed, calm and confident in his ability. At 17, scoring a really important goal in the Champions League is not very common.”
If the door is ajar for Chelsea to make a move, Maresca must seize the chance.
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With Andre Onana set to miss Manchester United’s pre-season tour through injury, INEOS are reportedly set to step up their interest in signing a £17m replacement.
Onana suffers untimely injury
In his first summer under Ruben Amorim, Onana would have been one of many players hoping to put last season behind him and finally convince the new manager that he’s good enough to keep his place. Before the former Inter Milan man has even received the opportunity to hand Amorim his verdict, however, injury has struck at the worst-possible time.
In a summer which has seen Manchester United linked with moves for the likes of Emiliano Martinez and Marco Carnesecchi, Onana could have done with some fortune on his side. Ultimately, however, his Old Trafford place is now more at risk than ever before.
In more bad news for the goalkeeper, INEOS have not hesitated to spend big so far this summer, either, and their next spending spree could be used to welcome another shot-stopper.
Before then, of course, it looks as though Bryan Mbeumo is set to finally arrive from Brentford in a deal worth as much as £70m. The impressive winger will join Matheus Cunha in an attempt to help transform a frontline which was often found wanting last season.
It’s not just the duo who could be handed the task of turning things around at Old Trafford, though. Reports are now suggesting that Manchester United are poised to intensify their move to sign Benjamin Sesko. The RB Leipzig striker has looked destined for the Premier League for some time and could now finally get his big-money move.
The Serbian’s arrival would end United’s attacking overhaul too, allowing them to shift their attention back towards replacing Onana.
Man Utd step up interest in Lammens
According to talkSPORT, INEOS and Manchester United are set to step up their interest in signing Senne Lammens, who Royal Antwerp value at around £17m this summer. The shot-stopper, still just 23 years old, is an ideal candidate to replace Onana and has already spoken about interest from Old Trafford in the past.
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He impressed at Euro 2024 last summer.
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The Belgian told reporters earlier this year: “The first time I heard I thought, ‘Wow’. Immediately a world [renowned] team that follows you. That is special. Of course, I was also spoken to about it a lot and when I made a save in training, it was United this, United that [from colleagues]… It’s only positive.
“Especially because it’s the best competition in the world and my profile, my stature and way of playing, is similar to English football. You have to physically hold your own there and that suits me.”
Lammens enjoyed a “superb season” last time out, according to scout Jacek Kulig, and if his previous interview is anything to go by, the Belgian wouldn’t need much convincing to join Manchester United this summer.
Essex wicketkeeper claims share of county record but hosts face difficult final day
ECB Reporters Network25-Jun-2024Essex 339 (Walter 134, Critchley 53, Potts 4-71) and 28 for 1 need a further 405 to beat Durham 587 and 184 for 8 dec (Borthwick 71, Harmer 4-75, Porter 3-18)Wicketkeeper Michael Pepper equalled the Essex record for the most Vitality County Championship dismissals in a match as his side were set 433 to win on what looks like being an intriguing final day.Pepper had taken four catches in the first innings and followed it up with another quartet and a stumping in the second to equal the county’s best of nine in the match.Earlier, Paul Walter had completed the second century of his career but Matthew Potts’ exceptional fast bowling gave Durham a 248-run first-innings lead.The visitors did not ask Essex to follow on, and Jamie Porter extended his lead as Division One’s leading wicket-taker with three scalps to take him to 32 wickets this season, with Simon Harmer picking up four before Durham declared eight down.That set Essex 433 to win in a minimum of 107 overs, and in the 11 overs in the evening, Potts nicked off Nick Browne as the hosts reached 28 for 1 with 405 still required to win.Walter had been restricted to two Championship appearances this season after hyper-extending a toe on his left foot. The left-hander had saved Essex with Matt Critchley the previous evening but their 147-run stand ended early on day three when Critchley slapped to mid-off having failed to settle in the morning.Walter continued with a lovely array of drives to reach a 146-ball century, the second of his first-class career and much quicker than his 263-ball effort against Yorkshire two summers ago.Potts has slowed his run-up down in recent times but has not lost his pace and was electric in the morning. He had only taken 11 wickets in his previous five outings this season, as his hopes of taking James Anderson’s spot in the England Test team diminished.Potts had already accounted for Browne and Jordan Cox before beating Pepper and Walter for pace to end up with a season-best 4 for 71.That left Essex 310 for 7, and the final three didn’t stick around. Shane Snater drove to cover, Harmer edged a ball that kept low behind and Eathan Bosch skewed to short third.Durham’s decision to bat again backfired initially as they slumped to 11 for 2 and then 77 for 4 with Porter continuing his season haul.Unlike Potts, Porter’s England dreams have seemingly faded but his appetite for wickets hasn’t lessened. He found a subtle amount of nip away to find Alex Lees’ outside edge first ball of the innings, then extracted a feather edge from Michael Jones’ bat in the seventh over. He could almost have had a couple more had he had a bit more luck with some chop-ons.The pitch, which had been a batting paradise, has developed some variable bounce and turn as the innings have progressed – which Harmer and Critchley exploited. Harmer got his wicket by teasing David Bedingham with a flighty delivery outside off stump, with the ball lobbing to Tom Westley at cover.Critchley also got first-innings centurion Ollie Robinson chasing a wider ball to edge behind, before Porter returned after tea to castle Colin Ackermann.The steady trickle of wickets was juxtaposed by Scott Borthwick’s 88th first-class fifty; a picture of serenity, simply picking off the wayward balls for 71. But his vigil was ended by Harmer, with Pepper grabbing his eighth catch of the match, and then Ben Raine slog-swept into the deep two balls later.Pepper stumped Bas de Leede to bring about the declaration, to join Kenneth Gibson, David East and James Foster as the only Essex keepers to effect nine dismissals in a match.Browne edged Potts – who ended the day with 1 for 9 from his five overs – behind as Durham made an early inroad.
Manchester United are now circling to sign an “incredible” attacker, in what would be a hugely controversial deal, according to a report.
Red Devils moving swiftly in the transfer market
Matheus Cunha became Man United’s first signing of the summer last week, with Ruben Amorim getting his summer rebuild underway early doors, and the manager has no plans to stop there, as another forward could be on their way to Old Trafford soon.
There are conflicting reports about who United’s priority target is at centre-forward, but recruitment chiefs certainly have a number of potential options in mind, with it being revealed they are now set to make a move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Target
Current club
Potential cost
Jean-Philippe Mateta
Crystal Palace
£29m
Benjamin Sesko
RB Leipzig
£84m
Bryan Mbeumo
Brentford
£60m
Viktor Gyokeres
Sporting CP
£67m
Any top striker is only as good as the service he receives, however, and with widespread reports linking captain Bruno Fernandes with a move to Saudi Arabia, Amorim may also be tasked with bringing in another attacking midfielder this summer.
According to a report from The Mirror, the Red Devils have a hugely controversial target in mind, as they are now circling to sign Manchester City maestro James McAtee, who could now be edging closer towards an Etihad Stadium exit.
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McAtee has been left out of Man City’s squad for the upcoming Club World Cup, which could spell the end of his time on the blue side of Manchester, with United believed to be keen on a surprise deal to bring the midfielder to Old Trafford.
With the 22-year-old’s contract set to expire in 2026, City may view this summer as their final opportunity to cash-in on the Englishman, and reports from elsewhere have detailed they could look to hold out for a fee in the region of £25m.
"Incredible" McAtee needs fresh start
Man City have already made the mistake of letting some exciting academy graduates leave in the past, most notably Cole Palmer, who has gone on to excel at Chelsea, and there are signs McAtee could be capable of following a similar path.
Lauded as “incredible” by former teammate Oli McBurnie, the Salford-born midfielder impressed when given the opportunity during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring seven goals in 27 outings, but unfortunately his game time was far too limited.
James McAtee
Not only is the City ace an attacking threat, but he is also clearly a well-rounded player, given that he has impressed on some key defensive metrics over the past year.
Statistic
Average per 90
Tackles
1.96 (89th percentile)
Blocks
1.96 (99th percentile)
Should McAtee be willing to cross the Manchester divide, there are signs he would be able to kick on at Old Trafford, but it could prove to be a difficult deal to get over the line, given the rivalry between the two clubs.
Ange Postecoglou and his team can make their fans forget about their diabolically poor domestic season by continuing their impressive European run and winning the Europa League Final.
However, with Manchester United having a stellar track record on the continent this season as well, it’s anyone’s guess who’ll get their hand on the trophy come full-time.
To give his team a better chance of coming away victorious, Postecoglou will have to make a number of changes to the starting lineup that lost away to Aston Villa on Friday night, like dropping Mikey Moore.
Why Moore should be dropped
The first thing to say is that while we think Moore should be taken out of the team, that doesn’t mean we don’t think he’ll have a large part to play for the club in the coming seasons.
After all, his youth record of 21 goals and 15 assists in 34 appearances across the various levels is nothing short of spectacular, and according to respected analyst Ben Mattinson, he’s a “future superstar” in the making.
However, he is still just 17 years old, and while he has looked reasonably impressive for the senior team here and there, he’s not had a significant enough impact – three goal involvements in 21 games – to warrant a start in the club’s biggest game since the Champions League Final.
Moore’s game vs Villa
Minutes
87′
Expected Goals
0.00
Goals
0
Expected Assists
0.00
Assists
0
Accurate passes
7/9 (78%)
Key passes
0
Crosses (accurate)
1 (0)
Shots on target
0
Ground duels (won)
9 (4)
Possession lost
7
Dribbled past
2
Dribble attempts (successful)
3 (0)
All Stats via Sofascore
Moreover, his inexperience showed somewhat at Villa Park, as he struggled to assert himself on the game and eventually came off the pitch in the 87th minute, having made just seven passes and failing in 100% of his dribbles.
Moreover, with Brennan Johnson still the team’s top scorer in all competitions this term, with 17 in 49 games, it should go without saying that he should be starting on the right ahead of everyone else.
The other Spurs star who should be dropped
Given the underwhelming nature of the game, there are a few other players you could bring up who should probably be taken out of the team for the final, like Archie Gray, Kevin Danso, Ben Davies and more.
Yet, in this instance, we are talking about another starter in the attack: Mathys Tel.
The young Frenchman might well be one of the more exciting players in the Lilywhites’ squad, with some at the club reportedly labelling him a “generational talent” before he arrived in February, but against the Villans, he didn’t do enough to convince us he should keep his place in the team for tonight’s monumental clash.
Tel’s game vs Villa
Minutes
96′
Expected Goals
0.00
Goals
0
Expected Assists
0.15
Assists
0
Accurate passes
12/14 (86%)
Key passes
1
Crosses (accurate)
1 (0)
Shots on target
0
Big chances created
1
Dribble attempts (successful)
5 (1)
Duels (won)
14 (4)
Possession lost
11
Fouls
4
All Stats via Sofascore
For example, despite leading the line for 96 minutes, he failed to take a single shot on target, registered just 0.15 expected assists, failed in 80% of his attempted dribbles, completed only 12 passes, failed in 100% of his crosses, missed one big chance, lost ten of 14 duels, lost the ball 11 times and committed four fouls.
Add to that the fact that he’s scored just three goals and provided one assist in 19 appearances for the club this season, and it’s almost impossible to make a convincing argument about why he should lead the line against the Red Devils.
Moreover, Dominic Solanke, the man who should come in to replace him, has been far more effective in front of goal this season, scoring 15 goals and providing eight assists in 43 appearances.
Ultimately, Tel could still be a useful asset for Spurs in tonight’s final, but to get the most out of him, Postecoglou would be better off starting him on the bench and then bringing him on later into the match as things get stretched so that he can exploit the opening spaces with his pace.
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Glasgow Rangers are set to miss out on the Scottish Premiership title for the fourth season running, and only an Ianis Hagi equaliser against Aberdeen prevented it from having already happened.
The Gers came back from 2-0 down against the Dons to secure a point away from Ibrox, when a defeat would have seen their city rivals crowned once again.
Rangers know that they have to improve significantly to compete for the title in the 2025/26 campaign, and that means that they will have to move on from some players who have failed to show their worth, including Ross McCausland.
Why Rangers should sell Ross McCausland
The academy graduate made his first-team breakthrough last season under Philippe Clement, but he has failed to kick on and establish himself as a key figure for the Gers.
Rangers forward Ross McCausland.
McCausland, who was sent off for two yellow card offences against Aberdeen, has produced three goals and five assists in 42 appearances in the Premiership in the last two seasons.
The Northern Ireland international has as many red cards as goal contributions (one) in 13 outings in the Premiership so far this term, which illustrates his lack of impact at the top end of the pitch.
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This is why Rangers should finally move on from the 21-year-old attacker. However, he is not the only attacker who should be ruthlessly ditched by the Gers, as Oscar Cortes should also be on the chopping block.
Why Rangers should move on from Oscar Cortes
The Colombian winger is currently on loan to the club from Lens, as he has been since January of last year, but the Scottish giants have an obligation to make that deal permanent this summer.
Oscar Cortes
Rangers have to sign him permanently at the end of his loan spell, and Football Insider recently reported that those inside the club now see that as a ‘gamble’, due to his lack of success on the pitch to date.
Cortes (£6k-per-week) earns even more than McCausland (£4.7k-per-week), as per Salary Sport, and has offered even less than the Northern Irish forward in the past 18 months.
Appearances
6
8
Starts
3
4
Goals
1
0
Key passes per game
1.2
0.5
Big chances created
1
0
Assists
1
0
As you can see in the table above, the Colombian flop – who pundit Michael Stewart claimed has a “heart the size of a pea” due to his lack of desire – has rarely been available to make appearances in the Premiership, playing just 14 times in almost a season-and-a-half.
Cortes, who has dealt with several injury issues this season, was given an opportunity from the start against Aberdeen last weekend and was withdrawn at half-time after losing five of his six duels in the first 45 minutes.
Like McCausland, the 21-year-old attacker has failed to prove that he has the quality, or the availability, to be a key player for a team that wants to compete for the title in the Premiership.
This is why Rangers must immediately, and ruthlessly, move on from Cortes as soon as they officially sign him on a permanent deal, whether that means loaning him out to another team to go and attempt to play regular football, or to another team on a permanent basis.
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Rangers need reliable players who can perform week-in-week-out to put themselves in contention for the biggest trophies, which is why McCausland and Cortes should be axed this summer.
Chelsea didn’t blow Everton away last time out in the Premier League but the 1-0 win on home soil was still crucial in the Blues’ bid to pick up a Champions League spot come the end of May.
Enzo Maresca’s men are flimsily holding onto fifth position in the current league standings, with Nottingham Forest only below the West Londoners on goal difference, meaning more wins need to be clinched across their last four clashes to possibly dine at Europe’s elite table.
Sealing a place in the esteemed Champions League would also enable Chelsea to attract some top stars through the door this approaching transfer window, with the Blues still insistent they can get one statement deal over the line to enhance their defensive options.
Chelsea remain in contact for "unbelievable" star
Much of the chatter from a defensive point of view in recent weeks when it comes to Chelsea has concerned Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.
Yet, the Blues may not be content with just strengthening the centre of their backline with a new full-back being lined up.
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Indeed, as per a report journalist Graeme Bailey, Chelsea remain in constant contact surrounding a deal for Barcelona’s star man at the back in Jules Kounde and would allegedly ‘love’ to sign him this summer.
The report further elaborates that Kounde’s future in Spain is up in the air, meaning Barca could soon cash in on the in-demand defender who has admirers in the form of Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool.
Fresh off scoring a late winner for Hansi Flick’s men in the Copa Del Rey final versus Real Madrid, the hope will be that the “unbelievable” 26-year-old – as he’s been described by his manager this season – can be the classiest right-back figure to grace the Stamford Bridge turf since Cesar Azpilicueta’s celebrated stint.
How Kounde could be Chelsea's best right-back in years
It’s clear from Maresca’s last team selection against the Toffees that a new, fresh right-back body is a priority, with Moises Caicedo the preferred option here over his regular midfield duties.
Therefore, everyone at Chelsea will be praying that Kounde’s potential arrival on the scene can be as impactful as Azpilicueta’s was back in 2012 when he left Olympique de Marseille behind for good.
Cesar Azpilicueta
Indeed, the current Atletico Madrid veteran went on to cement himself as a modern day great whilst at the Blues, with two Premier League title triumphs and one Champions League success major highlights of his lengthy 508-game stay.
Away from Chelsea’s trophy cabinet filling up with the 35-year-old a trusted member of the team, the Spaniard would also chip in with 17 goals and 51 assists as a constantly expansive and forward-thinking outlet down the right, with the new Blues target also unafraid to maraud forward for his side, away from completing his routine defensive duties.
Kounde’s La Liga numbers (24/25)
Stat – per 90 mins*
Kounde
Games played
32
Goals scored
2
Assists
3
Touches*
79
Accurate passes*
50 (89%)
Big chances missed
3
Big chances created
6
Total duels won
4.2
Stats by Sofascore
Since the former club captain left London behind, it’s safe to say Chelsea have struggled to replace him with Malo Gusto exciting but raw and Reece James spending more time on the treatment table than he has on the grass.
As a result, Kounde would be a brilliant asset and one who can provide the goods in both penalty boxes too, having managed to amass a mightily impressive 12 goal contributions as an explosive option, with five of those coming across 32 La Liga clashes as Barca aim to become champions come the close of May.
With that in mind, the £51m-rated France international would be able to offer everything James can when he’s fully fit by offering goals and assists galore from defence.
Barcelona's Jules Kounde
Before any signings enter the building, however, Chelsea will need to be calm and composed in their hunt for a top-five finish in the Premier League, whilst their coveted target aims to sensationally pick up yet another trophy in the Champions League at Barca.
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Chelsea have taken a huge tumble in their race for Champions League football next season, after drawing 2-2 with 18th-placed Ipswich Town, having gone in 2-0 down at half-time.
The Blues held a whopping 74% possession in the game, generated 2.14 xG, created four big chances and took 34 shots, only converting all of this attacking input into two goals.
Enzo Maresca’s side now sits fifth in the Premier League after 32 games played, one point behind fourth-placed Manchester City and three points behind third-placed Nottingham Forest.
With six games left to play, chances for points are becoming fewer and fewer.
Many will use this result to continue directing their frustration at Maresca, but after two defensive lapses in the first half and plenty of missed chances in the second half, it’s hard to look anywhere beyond the players on the pitch for this one.
One of those at fault (again) was Robert Sanchez.
Robert Sanchez's performance vs Ipswich
One of the worst performers for Chelsea once more was the man between the sticks. Sanchez has had a shocking spell between the sticks this term and it only got worse when the Tractor Boys came to town.
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Indeed, Sanchez only made two saves in the game, of course, conceded two goals and only completed 64% of his passes, often putting his own teammates under pressure.
The 27-year-old had 35 touches and only completed one of his nine long balls attempted. Not only did he put Chelsea under pressure when playing out from the back, but he also didn’t save the Blues to make up for it when Ipswich did get chances, conceding two goals from four shots on target.
The Sanchez issue isn’t a new one in the Chelsea fanbase; in fact, it is one of the most highly scrutinised. But their other highly scrutinised position is centre-forward, and today’s performance won’t help to eradicate any of those concerns.
Nicolas Jackson's performance vs Ipswich
Nicolas Jackson has only recently returned from injury, injecting some much-needed pace to the front line, working hard and giving opposition defenders something else to worry about.
However, after a 5/10 display from the Senegal international, according to The Express, it is clear that Todd Boehly needs to spend big in the summer to add to their striking department.
Jackson vs Ipswich
Stat
Jackson
Minutes
87
Touches
20
Shots
5
Accurate Passes
8/11
Ground Duels Won
1/4
Aerial Duels Won
3/7
Possession Lost
4
Stats taken from Sofascore
Jackson has made 27 appearances this season, scoring nine goals and providing five assists for the Blues. Despite adding much-needed directness from the front since returning to the side, it’s games like this one against Ipswich that highlight exactly why Chelsea need to invest in a different profile of striker in the summer.
The 23-year-old had as many as five shots in the match, with all five of those shots being off-target, as well as hitting the post from a tight angle at point-blank range. Jackson only managed 20 touches in the game, completing just eight of his 11 passes and losing seven of his 11 duels – ground and aerial.
Chelsea had 19 shots from inside the box, had 55 touches inside the box and put 46 crosses into the penalty area against Ipswich, but Jackson failed to make an impact with all of that action.
This proves Boehly and Clearlake will need to spend big this summer, adding a more box-dominant centre-forward to this squad to fight it out alongside Jackson for the striker position.
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Numbers reflect the dominance New Zealand and South Africa have had in Tests in India and how India have not been able to play to their strengths
S Rajesh18-Nov-2025India’s 30-run loss to South Africa in Kolkata has evoked strong reactions from home fans and pundits, and not without reason: this is India’s fourth defeat in their last six home Tests. In October-November 2024, they had lost 3-0 to New Zealand; only a 2-0 series win against a weak West Indies line-up separates those defeats from this one.Clearly, this is an unusual occurrence for India, who have not been used to losing at home over the last several years. Before this wretched run over the last 13 months, their previous sequence of four home losses spanned 28 Test matches, or seven years from February 2017 to January 2024.ESPNcricinfo LtdAfter the last of those defeats, against England in Hyderabad, India won six Tests on the trot going into that horrific New Zealand series. That means, in their last 34 home Tests before hosting New Zealand, India had a 25-4 win-loss record, the best among all teams at home in that period.Related
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From there, they have slumped to a 2-4 win-loss record at home in the last 13 months, their worst stretch at home in 53 years: the last time they lost four in a six-game sequence was way back in the 1969-72 period, against Australia and England.That wouldn’t have felt half as disastrous though, as India were nowhere near as strong a team then, even at home – they only had a 5-4 win-loss record from their previous 25 home Tests. Moreover, the last of those four defeats in the six-game sequence came three years after the fifth: India didn’t host a single Test between January 1970 and November 1972.
So what has gone wrong for India at home over the last year?
Wretched luck with the toss
To start with, the coin hasn’t fallen India’s way: they lost the toss in three of those four defeats and had to bat last in increasingly difficult conditions – in Pune and Mumbai against New Zealand, and at Eden Gardens last week. One of those defeats was when they won the toss, in Bengaluru, but they misread the conditions horribly, opted to bat first, and got bundled out for 46. There was no coming back from that debacle, even though they scored 462 in their second innings.Losing the toss and bowling first has denied the India batters the opportunity to capitalise on conditions when they are usually more favourable for run-scoring. However, that still doesn’t explain the recent capitulation. In the period between February 2017 to September 2024, India lost the toss and fielded first 16 times, but still managed an excellent 11-3 record in those games, including 7-3 in 12 matches against Australia and England. Even in short matches, like the one at Eden Gardens, losing the toss still didn’t hurt them: they had an 8-1 record in home matches which didn’t go beyond 270 overs.
Collapse after collapse
In those 12 Tests against Australia and England when the opposition won the toss and batted, India averaged 368 in their first innings (the second innings of the match), and took the lead eight times, including six instances by over 90 runs. That ensured they neutralised the disadvantage of losing the toss, though they did go on to lose one of those matches – against England in Hyderabad in 2024 – after taking a 190-run first-innings lead.ESPNcricinfo LtdIn their last three such defeats, though, India have failed to put up a strong first-innings total to neutralise the toss effect: their average total has reduced to 203, and while they have taken the lead a couple of times, they have been small ones – 28 runs against New Zealand in Mumbai, and 30 in Kolkata against South Africa.A small lead, or a deficit, has meant a challenging fourth-innings target, and India have floundered there too. Since the start of 2024, they have failed three out of five times in home Tests when chasing targets between 100 and 249. Between 1995 and 2023, there were 16 instances when India faced targets in this range at home – they won 14 times and drew twice.
Problems against spin, problems against pace
At Eden Gardens, India’s batters were undone against both spin and pace: they lost 12 wickets to spin at an average of 13.25, and six to pace at 17.33. It wasn’t too different versus New Zealand last year, when they averaged 23.43 against spin (37 dismissals), and 18.50 against pace (20 dismissals).Comparing the batting stats for India and their opponents against pace and spin in these four Tests indicates that the opposition batters have done better against both bowling types.
In the series against New Zealand, there was little to choose between the two teams’ numbers versus spin – India’s batters averaged 23.43 against New Zealand’s spinners, while the New Zealand batters averaged 23.86 against India’s spinners.The difference was huge for pace. India averaged 18.50 to New Zealand’s 44.71 – but that was skewed by the Bengaluru Test, where New Zealand’s seamers took 17 out of 20 wickets.ESPNcricinfo LtdIn these recent home defeats for India, the big surprise has been the fact that opposition spinners have matched – and even marginally outbowled – India’s.In the five years leading up to the New Zealand series, India’s spinners averaged 19.53 at home, compared to 34 by opposition spinners in India.Over the last year, that spin advantage has been obliterated, thanks largely to Ajaz Patel, Mitchell Santner and Simon Harmer. Collectively, those three bowlers have taken 36 wickets at 15.69. That has resulted in a team going from near-unbeatable to very fallible. Can India stem the rot in Guwahati?