Manchester United players have made their feelings known on Rasmus Hojlund in response to the striker's fast start at Napoli following his loan move. It took him just 14 minutes in a Napoli shirt to do what he so often struggled to do at Old Trafford: score when it mattered.
Getty ImagesFlop in Manchester, flying in Naples
Hojlund, who cost United a staggering £72 million ($98m) from Atalanta in 2023, endured two bruising campaigns in England where his promise never quite turned into consistent goals. After a season that saw him tumble down the pecking order under Ruben Amorim, his career in red looked finished. But in Naples, under Antonio Conte, he’s hit the ground running.
AdvertisementFrom burden to belief
Hojlund’s record at United tells its own story: 26 goals in 95 matches across all competitions, a return far below the expectations for such a hefty price tag. The arrivals of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha only pushed him further to the fringes. The 22-year-old accepted a loan switch to Serie A champions Napoli, with an obligation to buy if they secure Champions League qualification. And already, it looks like a gamble that could pay off after he found the net against Fiorentina.
United dressing room reacts
If United fans are conflicted about seeing their £72m flop thriving elsewhere, the players inside the Old Trafford camp have shown nothing but support. An Instagram post from Hojlund with the caption “First day at the new job didn’t disappoint” drew warm responses from familiar faces. Harry Maguire replied with: “Love it mate.” Antony, now plying his trade at Real Betis, responded with applause emojis. The likes of Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt and even Amorim’s summer signings, Sesko, Cunha and Mbeumo, all dropped likes. Whatever his struggles in Manchester, Hojlund clearly left behind allies who want to see him succeed.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
The redemption arc begins for Hojlund
Hojlund’s struggles at United may never be forgotten, but Naples has given him the perfect platform to rewrite his story. His next test? A return to Manchester to face City in the Champions League. A goal at the Etihad on Thursday evening would not just make headlines, it would underline his transformation from United misfit to continental danger man.
“It’s a bit of a homecoming for Ashwin, but he’s a world-class bowler,” Fleming says of the INR 9.75 crore buy
ESPNcricinfo staff24-Nov-20241:48
Moody ‘a little bit surprised’ by Ashwin’s price tag
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming called R Ashwin’s return to the franchise “a homecoming” after buying him for INR 9.75 crore (US$1.16 million approx.) at the IPL 2025 auction in Jeddah. Ashwin was with CSK from 2009 to 2015. To acquire Ashwin, CSK had to beat Rajasthan Royals (RR), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in a four-way bidding war.The franchise also signed Afghanistan’s left-arm wristspinner Noor Ahmad for INR 10 crore (US$1.19 million approx.). Mumbai Indians (MI), too, were interested in Noor but stopped bidding when CSK raised the price to INR 5 crore. Gujarat Titans (GT) exercised the right-to-match option but when CSK raised the bid, they backed off. Having retained Ravindra Jadeja ahead of the auction, CSK look all set to stifle teams on their spin-friendly home pitches.”It’s a bit of a homecoming for Ashwin, but he’s a world-class bowler,” Fleming said. “It’s not so much the price – you look at how someone fits in, and there’s an emotional attachment for Ashwin with Chennai, so it’s a nice fit. He has still got a very good skillset; his numbers are fantastic. He’s obviously towards the latter part of his career, but the experience he brings, he’s handy with the bat, and we think we can use him in a number of ways.”The Noor Ahmad pick was looking more at the middle [overs] to attack. So if we do get turning conditions, then we’ve got an opportunity to keep taking wickets. We’ve got [Matheesha] Pathirana at the end, which is the death aspect.
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) November 24, 2024
“We’ve just identified that the way the game is going, your bowling has to be really specific, and you have to take wickets to slow teams down. And if you’re just trying to contain, then some of the hitting power of players these days will just take the game away from you. So we’ve tried to be smart with our options given our retained players and add some variation, which maybe we lacked a little bit last year.”CSK also bought back the New Zealand pair of Devon Conway (INR 6.25 crore) and Rachin Ravindra (INR 4 crore). Fleming was asked if he was surprised not to see more tussle for them, especially Ravindra, who was the leading run-getter for New Zealand during their recent 3-0 Test series win in India.”Yeah, we were,” he said. “We thought Rachin, given his success in the Test series that often counts, the performances leading up to an IPL… but we obviously experienced the IPL with him last year, and to pick him up at a what I think is a low price, and continue his development. He could be a player with that skill set just same as Jadeja at the moment, but looking forward, there could be an opportunity. So if his development continues, he’s a very silky player, and we’re really happy to have him at that price. We’re happy to have him full stop.”
Nottingham Forest are making headlines with one of the most eye-catching transfer pursuits of the summer.
Fresh from securing Europa League football, the Midlands club have intensified efforts to strengthen their squad, targeting several high-profile young talents from across Europe.
Forest have already confirmed the signings of Dan Ndoye, Igor Jesus, and Jair Cunha, with deals for James McAtee and Omari Hutchinson also nearing completion.
The package for McAtee is worth around £30m, while Hutchinson’s deal could break Forest’s transfer record at £37.5m.
Talks are also ongoing for Rennes forward Arnaud Kalimuendo, while Callum Hudson-Odoi is close to agreeing fresh terms at the City Ground.
This ambitious activity comes after manager Nuno Espírito Santo publicly voiced concerns about a lack of progress in the transfer market earlier this summer.
The club’s hierarchy appear to have responded.
With Europa League football guaranteed after Crystal Palace’s unsuccessful appeal to CAS demoted them to the Conference League, Forest should see this as the perfect moment to cement their status as one of the Premier League’s rising forces.
Among their boldest moves has been a bid for one of Manchester City’s most highly regarded academy graduates.
Nottingham Forest working to sign Man City talent
The target in question is 20-year-old Rico Lewis, a versatile full-back and defensive midfielder who has been with Manchester City since childhood.
His progress through the ranks has been notable.
A player already described by Pep Guardiola as “exceptional”, Forest submitted an opening offer of £25.8m, which was swiftly rejected.
According to Fabrizio Romano, negotiations are ongoing between the two clubs as the Tricky Trees work on a deal to snap him up from the Cityzens this summer.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Debuting at 17, Lewis soon became a regular part of Guardiola’s treble-winning squad in 2022/23, demonstrating maturity far beyond his years.
Last season, he made 48 appearances across all competitions, starting 37 of them, per Transfermarkt. Along the way, he scored twice and provided five assists, while his positional flexibility proved invaluable for City. Capable of operating at right-back, left-back, or stepping into midfield, Lewis embodies the modern tactical demands of top-level football.
For Forest supporters, the pursuit of Lewis evokes memories of another bold move for a Manchester United academy graduate – Anthony Elanga.
Signed in 2023 for £15m after struggling for opportunities at Old Trafford, Elanga quickly became a star at the City Ground.
Over two seasons, the winger contributed 11 goals and 21 assists in 82 appearances, per Transfermarkt, his form earning him a big-money switch to Newcastle United earlier this summer worth £55m.
Why Lewis could be the next Elanga
The data, as per FBref, reinforces why Lewis is regarded as one of the most exciting defensive prospects in Europe. Among positional peers last season, he ranked in the 99th percentile for pass completion (91.9%), highlighting his composure under pressure and his ability to maintain possession even in tight areas.
He also ranked in the 91st percentile for progressive passes (5.93 per 90 minutes) – evidence of his willingness to advance play rather than simply recycling possession. His attacking instincts are further illustrated by his ranking in the 87th percentile for touches in the attacking penalty area (2.45 per 90).
Rico Lewis – Premier League Stats 2024/25
Matches played
28
Starts
21
Minutes
1,893
Goals
1
Assists
2
Progressive Carries
39
Progressive Passes
107
Source: FBref
Such numbers place him in the company of players like Andrew Robertson, Jules Koundé, and Malo Gusto – names that underline the calibre of Lewis’ performances despite his relative infrequency in the starting line-up.
With five international caps already to his name and a market value of around £35m, he is a player who would normally be well beyond Forest’s reach. Whether they can prise Lewis away from the Etihad remains to be seen.
His contract runs until 2028, and City are under no financial pressure to sell. The rejected bid of £25.8m may have been opportunistic, testing the waters to see whether limited playing time in a stacked City squad could make Lewis or the club open to a move.
But even if the pursuit proves unsuccessful, it is another signal of Forest’s intent to continue their rapid rise.
Their business so far this summer already paints a picture of a club determined to compete on multiple fronts. Ndoye, Jesus, and Cunha have added depth, while the potential arrivals of McAtee, Hutchinson, and Kalimuendo would give Nuno a squad brimming with energy and creativity.
Lewis would represent a statement signing that underlines Forest’s ambition to attract players capable of starting for Europe’s elite.
Just as Elanga helped elevate Forest during his time at the club, the arrival of Lewis could usher in another era of growth and excitement at the City Ground.
Após três derrotas consecutivas, o Flamengo voltou a vencer no Brasileirão, a primeira sob o comando de Sampaoli na competição. Na sequência do ano, o argentino terá uma ‘dor de cabeça’ positiva para montar o meio-campo, visto que as alternativas aumentaram. Joias da base entraram bem no setor, que ganhou com os retornos de Erick Pulgar e Arrascaeta e, em breve, terá a volta de Gerson.
RelacionadasFlamengoFlamengo confirma lesão na coxa direita do atacante Pedro, que está fora do jogo contra o BahiaFlamengo11/05/2023FlamengoFlamengo marcou dez gols nos jogos recentes em Salvador, mas perdeu último confronto com o Bahia na Fonte NovaFlamengo11/05/2023FlamengoRogério Maia, novo preparador de goleiros, começa trabalho no Flamengo; Santos treina com elencoFlamengo11/05/2023
+ Confira a tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro
Nesses primeiros jogos, o comandante tem sofrido com constantes problemas físicos e clínicos em seu elenco, sobretudo no setor que é a mola propulsora da equipe: o meio-campo. Mas tudo indica que duas opções estão prestes a retornar, já que Gerson e Thiago Maia seguem em suas recuperações. Por outro lado, na frente, Pedro teve uma lesão leve na coxa direita constatada, e a presença do atleta no duelo de ida com o Fluminense, pelas oitavas da Copa do Brasil, é incerta.
MAIS QUALIDADE NAS TRANSIÇÕES OFENSIVAS
Ao longo de 2023, Thiago Maia foi o atleta que mais atuou como primeiro homem do meio de campo, desde os tempos de Vítor Pereira. No entanto, oscilava e era questionado antes de se lesionar. Tal problema abriu brecha para Erick Pulgar aproveitar as chances que teve. O chileno foi titular nas últimas partidas e tem agradado tanto o treinador, quanto a torcida.
+ Todos os jogos do Brasileirão você encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe o seu time do coração
Sampaoli conhece o jogador desde 2015, quando o convocou pela primeira vez para a seleção chilena. Em campo, o volante ocupa bem os espaços e auxilia com qualidade na saída de bola. Tem as características que se encaixam ao estilo do treinador.
+ Flamengo confirma lesão na coxa direita do atacante Pedro, que está fora do jogo contra o Bahia
Paralelo a essa disputa, Gerson sofreu uma lesão no adutor da coxa esquerda, mas está bem próximo de retornar ao tempo do duelo das oitavas da Copa do Brasil, contra o Fluminense, na terça. O jogador já havia atuado sob o comando do técnico no Olympique, da França, e foi um dos principais destaques nesses primeiros jogos do argentino no time da Gávea.
+ Gerson, do Flamengo, inicia transição e pode retornar contra o Fluminense pelas oitavas da Copa do Brasil
Nessa faixa de campo, outro chileno teve chance de emplacar uma sequência como titular, mas deixou a desejar. Arturo Vidal ainda não mostrou a que veio na equipe carioca mesmo sendo comandado por um velho conhecido. Ambos ergueram o troféu da Copa América, mas o jogador está longe de ser aquele que brilhou com a camisa do Chile.
JOVENS PROMISSORES ESTÃO NA ROTA
Oriundo da base rubro-negra, Victor Hugo deslanchou no time, quando era comandado por Dorival Júnior. Polivalente, o meia pode atuar em todas as posições do setor e tem um futuro promissor. Contra o Esmeraldino, o atleta dominou o meio-campo com bons números e mostrou que está pronto para disputar uma vaga entre os titulares.
+ Flamengo marcou dez gols nos jogos recentes em Salvador, mas perdeu último confronto com o Bahia na Fonte Nova
Outro nome que teve origem na base e no ano passado fez sua primeira temporada como profissional foi Matheus França. Com versatilidade, o jogador também pode desempenhar mais de uma função e ajudar, inclusive, no meio. O garoto do Ninho tem capacidade técnica, força mental e vigor físico, requisitos que já o fizeram entrar no radar de clubes europeus. Mas antes de ser um ativo financeiro, deve amadurecer ainda mais e ajudar o Flamengo sob o comando de Sampaoli
DUPLA DE OURO CAMPEÃ
Everton Ribeiro marcou seu primeiro gol na temporada da melhor forma, de letra, no Maracanã. O meia, que fez parte do quarteto mágico de 2019, ainda não conseguiu ter regularidade no ano, mas esbanja qualidade e habilidade com a bola nos pés. O golaço pode fazer com que reconquiste a confiança para se firmar como titular novamente.
+ Rogério Maia, novo preparador de goleiros, começa trabalho no Flamengo; Santos treina com elenco
Por fim, Arrascaeta se recuperou da lesão e começou a buscar ritmo de jogo. Craque do time, o uruguaio traz mais dinâmica e qualidade de passe ao setor e tem tudo para ser o protagonista. O treinador confia muito no jogador e já frisou que ele pode decidir em uma bola e fazer o time progredir.
Manchester City are aiming to reclaim the Premier League title this season and could take a step in the right direction if they can push their latest pursuit over the line, per reports.
Manchester City set to seal deal for James Trafford
Earlier this week, it was reported that Manchester City were in advanced talks to sign Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, and it is now more of less confirmed that he will be on his way to the Etihad Stadium courtesy of Fabrizio Romano.
Taking to social media platform X, he stated: “More on exclusive story on James Trafford joining Manchester City: understand medical tests will take place early next week, main part on Monday. Man City to pay £27m fee to Burnley for the goalkeeper, as revealed.”
Now that the saga of bringing in a new goalkeeper is over, Pep Guardiola will be keen to swiftly move onto other targets and the Citizens are looking to bolster their backline.
In what would be a statement signing, Manchester City are preparing a £69 million bid for Barcelona defender Jules Kounde, though the Catalan giants are said to be working on tying him down to an extension.
Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea are among rival sides that have moved to strengthen their ranks ahead of the new campaign, laying the gauntlet down to Guardiola’s men after a disappointing campaign last time out.
Man City in talks to sign £34m PSG star, Pep once said he has "huge skill"
The Blues have stepped up their interest in a Paris Saint-Germain player, who Pep Guardiola rates very highly.
By
Dominic Lund
Jul 23, 2025
Undeterred by the challenge, the former Barcelona man could now look to sanction a deal to bring one of England’s brightest talents to the Etihad Stadium from one of their domestic rivals.
Manchester City make fresh Tino Livramento approach
According to TBR, Manchester City have made a fresh approach for Tino Livramento and would be willing to pay over £50 million to sign the Newcastle United full-back.
With three years left on his deal on Tyneside, the Magpies are keen to offer him a contract extension. Should he opt to remain in the North East, the Citizens could turn their attention to either of Juventus duo Andrea Cambiaso and Nicolo Savona.
Five similar players to Tino Livramento (FBRef)
Dennis Appiah
Saint-Etienne
Joe Scally
Borussia Monchengladbach
Destiny Udogie
Tottenham Hotspur
Pep Chavarria
Rayo Vallecano
Gideon Marsh
Auxerre
Labelled someone who is “developing into a top player” by legendary Premier League star Ashley Cole, Livramento registered a solitary assist in 45 appearances across all competitions last term as Newcastle secured Champions League qualification and won the EFL Cup.
Eddie Howe has no intention of selling the right-back this summer, but he is at the top of Manchester City’s shortlist, creating an intriguing scenario that may last the length of the window.
Time is of the essence as the league season draws closer, so it will be interesting to see if Guardiola and company can successfully progress in negotiations.
Mithali Raj, the former India captain, has parted ways with the Women’s Premier League (WPL) franchise Gujarat Giants (GG) ahead of the tournament’s third edition, which is slated to be held in February 2025.Mithali, who served as GG’s mentor during the first two editions, has taken up a similar role at the Andhra Cricket Association, where she’ll be in charge of looking after the state’s pathway structures, apart from working with the senior team.Also out of GG’s set-up is Nooshin Al Khadeer, the former India offspinner, who had served as assistant coach for the first two seasons. Al Khadeer is presently in charge of the India Under-19 women’s team that is currently preparing for the second edition of the Under-19 World Cup to be held in Malaysia early next year, with India looking to defend their title.Related
Gardner replaces Mooney as Gujarat Giants captain for WPL 2025
WPL 2025: Mini auction to be held on December 15 in Bengaluru
Dottin, Knight, Rana among big attractions at WPL 2025 auction
What each team needs at the WPL 2025 auction
While the announcement from GG comes just days before the WPL mini-auction that will be held in Bengaluru on December 15, ESPNcricinfo understands that a decision had already been made prior to the start of the 2024-25 domestic season.Michael Klinger, the former South Australia batter, will continue to remain in charge as head coach, with Daniel Marsh and Pravin Tambe coming on board as batting and bowling coaches, respectively. Marsh, who played 150 first-class matches during his career, served as Tasmania’s head coach from 2013-17, and was appointed assistant coach of the Australia women’s team in 2022.Meanwhile, Tambe, whose foray into the IPL with Rajasthan Royals from obscurity at the age of 41 has been well documented, is also currently involved as a spin-bowling coach at Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL.”We laid solid groundwork last season, and I’m excited to build on that with the talented players we have retained in the squad,” Klinger said in a statement. “Our focus remains on fostering a winning mindset, and pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve as a team.”It is incredibly rewarding to see so many of our Gujarat Giants players representing India since last WPL season. This invaluable high-level experience will undoubtedly strengthen our squad for the upcoming season.”Klinger, who had taken over early last year from fellow Australian Rachel Haynes after the inaugural season, was late last month also announced as the new head coach of Manchester Originals in the Women’s Hundred. He also serves as assistant coach of Sydney Thunder in the WBBL, and as a general manager of Washington Freedom in the USA’s Major League Cricket.GG, who are owned by Adani Sportsline, had finished last in the first two editions of the WPL, and now have the biggest purse of INR 4.4 crore going into Saturday’s auction, where they are likely to be quite busy. GG have released as many as six players, including Sneh Rana, who had captained them in the inaugural edition. Rana apart, GG have also done away with Lea Tahuhu and Veda Krishnamurthy, among others.
As deadline day approaches, one transfer insider now believes that Leeds United are “interested” in signing a Premier League rival for Daniel Farke.
Latest on Leeds' transfer targets
It’s a big week for Leeds. Even after signing Noah Okafor and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, there remain question marks about whether their frontline is capable of keeping Farke’s side afloat. As such, it is no surprise to see a number of targets emerge on their radar as the window enters its final six days.
Manager confirms he's considering replacing midfielder amid links to Leeds
The Whites could have a chance to seal a deal…
BySean Markus Clifford Aug 26, 2025
To that end, one interesting name that has been mentioned is Brighton & Hove Albion’s Facundo Buonanotte. According to Ben Jacobs, the attacking midfielder is a target for both Leeds and West Ham United, who are leading the charge to secure his signature in a late loan move.
The 20-year-old spent last season on loan at Leicester City and provided the Foxes with a rare bright spark in a season to forget – scoring six goals and creating another three in all competitions.
Now, as Leeds aim to avoid the same fate as Leicester, they could certainly do with a player of Buonanotte’s talent. Whether they can land an early victory over relegation rivals West Ham off the pitch remains to be seen, however.
It must also be said that the Argentine ace isn’t the only name on the club’s radar. Others such as Kobbie Mainoo have also threatened to steal the headlines as of late in what would be one of the most controversial moves of the summer from Manchester United. Meanwhile, another Premier League rival has reportedly attracted Leeds’ interest.
Leeds "interested" in Jota Silva
According to former Premier League scout Mick Brown, Leeds are now “interested” in signing Jota Silva from Nottingham Forest before the end of the transfer window. The winger has fallen down the pecking order following recent arrivals at the City Ground and could now get the chance to stay in the Premier League, courtesy of those in Yorkshire.
Although Brown described him as a “maverick”, Silva managed five goals in all competitions at Forest last season and only three of those came in the Premier League. That record is undeniably questionable and there’s no denying that Leeds would be taking a risk by asking him to solve their attacking issues.
Crystal Palace sold Eberechi Eze to Arsenal earlier this month and may well have found their replacement for the Eagles legend, per Fabrizio Romano.
Crystal Palace look for reinforcements amid Marc Guehi uncertainty
There is no secret that Crystal Palace are a club with in-demand players this window, and it is fair to say that Marc Guehi’s future at Selhurst Park is uncertain amid interest from Liverpool in taking the England international to Anfield.
Arne Slot’s men have remained focused on landing their target over the last few weeks, and Romano’s latest update on his future via X has made it clear that if he does leave South London, a move to the Premier League champions is the only possible outcome.
CrystalPalace's Marc Guehi lifts the trophy as hecelebrates with teammates after winning the FA Community Shield
He stated: “Despite reports on Man City and more clubs, Marc Guehi situation has not changed: Liverpool is his favorite destination. Guehi wants LFC, talks still ongoing for deal to happen before end of the window. If not possible with Palace, Liverpool will be on it for 2026.”
With his future still very much up in the air, Crystal Palace have transfer plans of their own involving Conor Gallagher as reports gather that they are about to spring a late move to bring the Atletico Madrid midfielder back to Selhurst Park.
Lucas Paqueta is also on the Eagles’ radar, even if if would be hard to envisage West Ham United selling to a London rival, though stranger things have happened in the world of football.
Crystal Palace want to complete £40m double deal to replace Eberechi Eze
The Eagles are ready to plough their summer budget into attacking reinforcements.
1 BySean Markus Clifford Aug 25, 2025
Speculation will continue to escalate as the window reaches fever pitch, though Crystal Palace fans will be doubled over with excitement amid reports that they could now be about to shatter their transfer record.
Crystal Palace in advanced talks to sign Yeremy Pino
Once again addressing his followers on X, Romano has confirmed that Crystal Palace are in advanced talks to sign Villarreal star Yeremy Pino for a fee in the region of £43 million, which would smash their transfer record.
Talks are still ongoing to fully agree a deal and nothing is signed and sealed yet, though they do appear to be closing in on a replacement for fan favourite Eze that will command nationwide attention.
Labelled “unique” by Antonio Mango, Pino has scored 22 times for Villarreal and laid on 23 assists in 173 appearances and featured in both of their opening La Liga fixtures this term against Real Oviedo and Girona.
After the heartbreak of Eze joining Arsenal, Crystal Palace are set to go all out for a quality alternative and supporters will be keen to see how he settles into life at Selhurst Park.
Despite already spending big this summer, Chelsea are now reportedly dreaming of signing a Premier League rival who Cole Palmer already knows well.
Chelsea still pushing in Xavi Simons pursuit
As ever, Chelsea’s spending is far from over in the summer transfer window. With Jorrel Hato signed and delivered, the Blues have instantly turned their focus back towards attacking reinforcements and, more specifically, Xavi Simons. The RB Leipzig midfielder could be on his way out of the German club this summer, and it is Chelsea who are reportedly advancing towards his signature.
The former Barcelona talent isn’t the only one on Chelsea’s list, either. As Fabrizio Romano claimed, Alejandro Garnacho is also on their shortlist of targets in a separate deal to Simons. As things stand, those at Stamford Bridge could yet land a double swoop to complete an impressive attacking overhaul this summer.
Garnacho, in particular, is destined to be on the move if the right offer arrives this summer. Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim told reporters when asked about the Argentine recently: “Garnacho is a really talented boy, but sometimes things don’t work out. You cannot explain specifically what it is.
“But I have the feeling that Garnacho wants a different thing with a different leadership. And I can understand that. It’s not a problem. Sometimes you adapt to one guy, you have the connection.
“Other times, you want a new challenge. We try to make everything okay to all the parts, to the club, to the coach and to the players. It’s a natural thing in football.”
That said, as much as they may be on their shortlist, neither Garnacho or Simons sit at the very top of Chelsea’s dream wishlist this summer. Instead, another Premier League rival has taken that place.
Chelsea dreaming of signing Rogers
According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Chelsea are now dreaming of signing Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa this summer and have increased their interest despite the midfielder’s £80m price tag.
The deal won’t be an easy one to negotiate, either, thanks to Villa’s reluctance to sell one of their most important players. But there’s no denying that an £80m sale would instantly relieve any PSR strain that they’re still dealing with.
Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers
The Blues’ dream signing likely sits near the top of Palmer’s wishlist too. The Chelsea star is, of course, close with Rogers from their time together at Manchester City and even stole what is now his infamous celebration from the Aston Villa midfielder.
A player who Glenn Hoddle dubbed “excellent”, Rogers is capable of taking Chelsea from top four hopefuls to shock title contenders, but it remains to be seen whether Aston Villa will sell their star man this summer.
Australia allrounder set to play T20 group stage as well as two rounds of Championship
ESPNcricinfo staff27-Jan-2025Will Sutherland, the Australia allrounder, has agreed to join Yorkshire as one of their overseas players for the Vitality Blast. The 25-year-old will also be available for two rounds of the County Championship in June/July.Anthony McGrath, Yorkshire’s new head coach, had previously tried to bring in Sutherland when in charge at Essex, only for a back stress fracture to rule him out of a stint at Chelmsford during 2023. Sutherland signed to play for Somerset last season but was forced to withdraw with another back injury.Sutherland, who has been capped twice in ODIs, will join up with Yorkshire in May for the start of the Blast and play the entire group stage, as well as being involved for Championship fixtures against Nottinghamshire and Essex.Related
Will O'Rourke to join Yorkshire for T20 Blast
Will shows the way: All-round Sutherland keeps Renegades alive
Edwards, Sutherland, Hardie in Australia A squad for Sydney four-dayer against England Lions
Blair Tickner rejoins Derbyshire for 2025 season
Hasan Ali agrees Warwickshire return for 2025
“Yorkshire are a Club with big ambitions, and I want to do all I can to contribute to a successful year,” Sutherland said. “I know how hard the guys will have worked to get promoted last season and I’m looking forward to putting in the hard yards with the team.”I’ve worked closely with Mags [McGrath] and Mick [Lewis, Yorkshire bowling coach] previously over in Australia so the opportunity to join them both again was one I couldn’t turn down.”Headingley and its atmosphere is famous in Australia, and I can’t wait to experience a Roses game. I know it’s the first fixture so many look out for, and I was no different.”Captain of Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash, Sutherland has taken 36 wickets in 63 appearances with an economy of 8.80. He strikes at 134.32 with the bat, and made his highest T20 score earlier this month – 70 off 45 balls – to help his side beat Perth Scorchers.McGrath said: “Will is someone I have admired for a long time and feel he can add something extra to our bowling attack for that middle period of the season as well as offering us an added dimension with the bat.”I know the Australian selectors think highly of him, and they know a thing or two about allrounders, so I am confident Will can hit the ground running and deliver for us in both red and white ball games.”Gavin Hamilton, Yorkshire’s general manager of cricket, added: “Will is an immense talent. His record is impressive, and I’m delighted that we have got his signing over the line.”Having discussed this opportunity with Will over recent weeks, it quickly became clear that he was aligned to our philosophy for the year ahead and his ambitions matched ours. We look forward to welcoming Will to Yorkshire.”