Ahead of their Championship play-off semi-final against Sheffield United on Saturday afternoon, Nottingham Forest have been handed a double selection boost over Ryan Yates and Jack Colback.
What’s the latest?
As per Nottinghamshire Live, the pair will be available to feature in the Reds’ match against the Blades at Bramall Lane this weekend.
Speaking about the health of his squad going into the crucial play-off clash, and addressing the aforementioned duo to begin with, Cooper said:
“They are making progress. We’ll give them every chance to be available. They’re obviously desperate to play, as you can imagine. Everybody is desperate to play.
“Max [Lowe], Keinan [Davis] and Lewis [Grabban] are as they were, still injured. Scott [McKenna] is fine – he was fine to be on the bench last week. Djed [Spence] is the same. And Steve Cook will be available. He had some personal stuff going on and he cracked his head open at Bournemouth, so he didn’t play at Hull for a couple of reasons. But he’s back with us now and is looking good.”
Cooper will be buzzing
With Yates and Colback missing Forest’s last match against Hull City a week ago, the news that they could feature again will come as a big boost to Cooper’s promotion-chasing side.
The 24-year-old has been an integral part of the Forest spine, finding his goalscoring touch along the way with eight in 43 appearances, and his efforts have been crucial in getting the club to within touching distance of the automatic promotion places during the regular campaign.
It’s the same for Colback, who has found himself as a regular in the Reds’ line-up, having started 78% of Forest’s Championship games this season. Like Yates, he also features in the top 10 on Sofascore’s performance ranking among the City Ground squad this season, a sure sign of how integral they both are to the cause.
Having that familiarity and stability in the Forest squad will be integral for Cooper’s team, and although the manager has cautiously claimed that “he will give them every chance” to prove their fitness, you would expect the pair to feature in what is such an important game if they can at all.
In other news –Imagine him & Johnson: Cooper must seal Forest swoop for “magic” 20-goal livewire
Aston Villa have received a huge boost in their pursuit of Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij, following reports regarding his potential price tag.
What’s the word?
As per Football Insider sources, the Dutchman has reportedly been told he can leave the San Siro this summer, with any prospective buyer likely to only have to fork out £15m to secure his services in the upcoming window.
The report suggests that the 30-year-old – whose exiting deal is set to expire in June 2023 – is ‘yet to open talks’ regarding a potential contract extension, hence the drop off in the Serie A outfit’s asking price, having previously been valued at roughly £40m.
A previous report from the same publication revealed that Villa boss Steven Gerrard ‘wants to sign’ a high profile centre-back this summer with De Vrij one of those on the club’s radar, although they are likely to face competition from both Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United.
Lange must move
The stars are aligning for a potential swoop for the Midlands side, with the former Lazio man seemingly the key to solving their defensive woes, amid reports that they are keen on a new left-sided centre-back.
Although he has slotted in as part of a back three during his stint in Milan – as well as for his country – the 55-cap international would seemingly be able to comfortable slot in to a back four, while also offering Gerrard the flexibility to switch formation should he so wish.
At present, the Villa Park outfit have the tenth-worst defensive record in the Premier League, having conceded 46 goals so far this season, with the arrival of such a high-quality addition likely to alter that.
The £31.5m-rated man – who has been dubbed a “monster” by former teammate Maurizio – has impressed thus far in Simone Inzaghi’s title-chasing side, winning 61% of his total duels, while also registering 1.8 clearances, 1.3 tackles and one interception per game in his 27 league outings.
A Scudetto-winner under current Spurs boss Antonio Conte last term, the £116k-per-week man offers a wealth of experience to a Villa side that currently find themselves in the wrong half of the table, while he also represents another potential high profile capture following the January arrivals of Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne.
Sporting director Johan Lange can prove just how ambitious both he and the club are by adding De Vrij to that list of notable acquisitions, with the defender offering undoubted quality at a bargain price.
IN other news, GSB must complete WHU swoop for “unbelievable” £31.5m-rated star, Moyes will love him
Wolves midfielder Connor Ronan is attracting interest from multiple clubs according to a report from the Scottish Daily Express.
The lowdown: Loan sensation
With Ruben Neves looking more and more likely to leave the Black Country this summer, it looks like Ronan may not be too far behind.
Signed from Rochdale in 2014, he came through the youth ranks at Molineux before making a senior debut in 2016 against Nottingham Forest.
The 24-year-old has made 13 appearances for the Wanderers’ first-team altogether but has spent a majority of his professional career out on loan with spells at Walsall, Portsmouth, Dunajska Streda, Grasshoppers and Blackpool.
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Having been sent to St Mirren for the duration of the 2021/22 campaign, Ronan is now attracting interest for a permanent move…
The latest: Permanent deal?
As per the Scottish Daily Express, St Mirren, Aberdeen and St Pauli are all keen on landing the Republic of Ireland youth international.
It’s claimed that the German Bundesliga.2 side have ‘registered an interest’ in Ronan ahead of the summer transfer window.
The report does however state that the man described as being ‘valuable’ by ex-teammate George Dobson is ‘keen’ to return to Wolves and break into Bruno Lage’s plans.
The verdict: Cash in
Under contract at Molineux until 2024 having signed a new deal in September 2020, Ronan would be well within his rights to fight for a place in the first team next season.
However, despite a stellar campaign on loan this term containing eight goals and five assists in 29 appearances across all competitions, at 24 and without a single Premier League minute under his belt, a move permanent move would perhaps be the best bet for all parties.
Even with the possible departure of Neves widely speculated, Lage would surely look to replace the Portuguese star in the market as opposed to from within and the 14-cap Under 21 international should seriously consider the reported suitors.
In other news, Wolves are reportedly eyeing up a move for an exciting player. Find out who it is here.
Liverpool are now plotting a bid for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham as Jurgen Klopp aims to strengthen his squad.
What’s the word?
According to Goal, the 18-year-old is one of the players for whom the German is expected to make a bid during the upcoming summer transfer window in order to boost the Reds’ ageing midfield.
The England star won’t come cheap, however, with a bid of around £85m required for Dortmund to even consider selling him.
Klopp would love Bellingham
Liverpool have had an excellent season so far, and it could get even better. They have won the Carabao Cup, are through to the FA Cup final, still in touch for the Premier League title and have one foot in the Champions League final.
Klopp’s recruitment has been astonishing in recent years, and his ability to snap up players who can take Liverpool to the next level is arguably his best trait.
Bellingham certainly seems to fit this mould, and at the tender age of 18, he could be the future at the heart of the Reds midfield.
Praise has been coming the youngster’s way from all angles, with England boss Gareth Southgate describing him as “phenomenal” after he named the Dortmund star in the Three Lions squad for the delayed Euro 2020 tournament.
Bellingham has featured for the club on 41 occasions this season, netting six times and providing 13 assists, an excellent return for the midfielder.
Given that Liverpool have struggled for goals from the middle of the park in 2021/22, with the notable exception of Fabinho, Klopp would surely love to add a rising star in Bellingham with a proven goals and assists record in a major European league.
With Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara both on the wrong side of 30, and players such as James Milner out of contract in the summer, signing a new midfielder will surely be high on Klopp’s list of priorities this summer.
Although Liverpool may need to break the bank to do it, securing the services of the 18-year-old would be a smart move, not just for now but for the long-term future.
AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano drops big transfer update which Liverpool supporters will love
First impressions are not everything, but they count for a lot for any new signing – just ask Jadon Sancho at Manchester United.
A protracted pursuit of almost 18 months ended with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side finally getting their man in the summer of 2021, securing a deal for what looked to be a knock-down price of £73m.
Hindsight might suggest otherwise, but it’s easy to forget just how exciting a capture that appeared at the time, with the young Englishman having racked up 107 goals and assists in just 137 games at Borussia Dortmund.
A “forward player in the best traditions of Manchester United”, in the view of Solskjaer, the ex-Manchester City product appeared to have all the tools to succeed at Old Trafford, arriving in a statement window that also saw Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo welcomed into the fold.
Frustratingly hampered by an ear infection following his move, however, that early setback set the tone for what was to follow, as the winger never truly found his groove under a succession of managers.
Jadon Sancho
Now out on loan at Aston Villa, the previously marquee signing could soon be heading for the ignominy of a free transfer exit from his parent club.
Latest on Jadon Sancho's future at Man Utd
It’s not wrong to suggest that Sancho never really recovered from that muted debut season, having registered just six goals and assists in the Premier League, while failing to score or assist at all under Solskjaer before the Norwegian was replaced.
2022/23 did start with a bang following the London-born star’s crucial strike against Liverpool under Erik ten Hag, although that relationship soon soured, with Sancho’s public criticism of the Dutchman a year later sparking the beginning of the end for his United journey.
Last season’s Community Shield aside, the 25-year-old has not played a competitive game for the club since that outburst amid the defeat to Arsenal in September 2023, since returning to Dortmund on loan, prior to joining Chelsea last summer.
There were signs of life for Sancho at Stamford Bridge, including his stunner in the Conference League final, although the Blues ultimately opted to pay £5m in order not to make the deal permanent, having failed to agree personal terms with the player.
A last-gasp move to Villa followed this summer, although the struggling talent – who last played for his country in 2021 – is yet to register a goal or assist, albeit while making an impact off the bench in the recent win over Arsenal.
United do have the option of extending his contract for a further year, with his existing deal set to expire in June, although the likelihood is that he will be allowed to leave for nothing, rather than the club having to fork out for his reported £150k-per-week salary.
There have been claims that former club Dortmund could look to re-sign their one-time boy wonder next summer, if he is available for free, with the Bundesliga perhaps representing the perfect place for his career to be revived.
A sorry tale then it has proved to be from a United perspective – let’s just hope it isn’t repeated.
Man Utd may have signed Sancho 2.0
From the woes of recruitment of recent years, this summer looked to be different.
Senne Lammens – a losing ‘keeper just once in his new surroundings – has settled in smoothly, while Bryan Mbeumo has already scored seven times across league and cup.
There is a sense that Matheus Cunha has been somewhat overhyped, amid club-led Eric Cantona comparisons, although the Brazilian has at least shown flashes of quality, notably teeing up Bruno Fernandes’ opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out.
Reasons to be positive regarding all three of those deals, although questions might be being asked over the wisdom of forking out a total fee of £74m on Benjamin Sesko, with the Slovenian following Sancho in being another expensive, young addition from the Bundesliga.
A player whom United have tracked since his teenage years, having even turned down the chance to sign him for just £2.5m back in 2019, there was a feeling that Sesko would always end up at Old Trafford, just like Sancho before him.
Like the Englishman too, the 6 foot 4 striker had showcased his quality on a relatively consistent basis back in Germany, racking up 40 goals and assists in just 79 games during his spell at RB Leipzig.
Much like Sancho was tipped to be the long-term solution on the flanks, Sesko has been tasked with finally solving United’s centre-forward woes, following a string of short-term or expensive gambles, be it from Odion Ighalo to Rasmus Hojlund.
Frustratingly, however, things haven’t got off to the most positive of starts, with eyebrows raised when United’s number 30 was merely the tenth penalty taker in the defeat to Grimsby Town, albeit while having reportedly been suffering from cramp.
Indeed, like Sancho’s beginning at Old Trafford, a need to get up to speed fitness-wise impacted the forward’s involvement in the early weeks of the season, having not started in the league until the Manchester derby defeat.
Two goals have since followed against Sunderland and Brentford, although there is a real desire to see more, with the 22-year-old brutally described as looking like “an academy player” last month by Liverpool legend, Robbie Fowler.
His display against Brighton was particularly impressive, having teed up Mbeumo for his first of the night with a delightful turn and pass, although such moments have been few and far between.
Games
11
13
Starts
6
10
Goals
2
4
Assists
1
0
Goal conversion
11%
20%
Big chances missed
3
5
Big chances created
0
2
Key passes*
0.6
0.7
Touches*
18.8
19.2
Total duels won*
38%
37%
Indeed, two missed chances against Tottenham Hotspur ultimately proved costly as United had to settle for a draw, with Sesko having been absent since then through injury.
A return to action could occur in Monday’s clash with Bournemouth, although with the New Year approaching, it already feels like a period wasted for Sesko, with little evidence to suggest he won’t merely follow in the footsteps of Hojlund – and Sancho – before him.
As already stated, first impressions may not be fatal, but they are crucial in winning over fans and pundits alike. Sancho, unfortunately, was never able to do just that, with Sesko in danger of following suit.
Man Utd have signed a "destroyer" who's a hybrid of Anderson and Fernandes
Manchester United already have their answer to all of their current midfield struggles.
Leeds United are already looking ahead to the January transfer window and could seek to target an international star who will currently be available for free in 2026.
Leeds trying to move on after transfer frustration
Daniel Farke has acknowledged that the Whites could’ve done more in the window as they look to stay in the Premier League, albeit the German coach will have to play with the cards he has at his disposal for the time being after a heartbreaking late defeat at Fulham on Saturday afternoon courtesy of a bizarre Gabriel Gudmundsson own goal.
Like any newly-promoted side, home form and being able to withstand barrages while on the road from elite outfits will be key to their chances of survival. Either way, the former Norwich City boss has admitted he will need to cope with the ‘reality’ of their situation.
He stated via The Independent on their transfer dealings: “I’ve got a few principles with how I work and this is crucial for me. One principle is I like openness and transparency. I like to name it how I see it.
“The second principle is once a transfer window is closed and I can’t influence things anymore, you won’t hear one bad word or comment from me in any way. I’m pretty fortunate to be allowed to work in the business. My job is to adapt to the reality and work with what I’ve got.”
Failed late Leeds moves for Rangers midfielder Nico Raskin, among others, have left the Whites a little light for Farke’s liking, but that is the way of the window, and he isn’t the only top-flight manager in that situation.
Ultimately, time is the greatest healer and January isn’t a million miles away, which could see movement emerge regarding another star who was heavily pursued during the summer.
Leeds United plan move to sign Fulham's Harry Wilson
According to Football Insider, Leeds are planning a renewed move to sign Fulham winger Harry Wilson in January after missing out on the Wales international in the final hours of the summer window.
Encouragingly, the £55,000 per week earner is out of contract in 2026 and the Whites are keeping a close eye on his situation, while the Cottagers may be willing to sell him should he fail to agree an extention over the next few months.
Leeds are brewing a homegrown Wilson in “very talented” 18-year-old star
Leeds United are brewing their very own Harry Wilson in this 18-year-old sensation.
ByKelan Sarson Sep 13, 2025
Labelled “outstanding” by Michael Beale, Wilson, who shares the Unique Sports Group agency with Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow, per Transfermarkt, scored six times in 27 appearances last term and has featured in all of Fulham’s matches so far in 2025/26, though is yet to get off the mark.
Clearly, Farke has had to deal with frustration at Elland Road in his mission to land key targets, but the chance to achieve retribution in pursuit of a player who could potentially arrive on a cut-price agreement or for free next year may sweeten his set of circumstances.
An “unbelievable” manager has now emerged as Manchester United’s top target to replace Ruben Amorim, who has made a poor start to the new campaign.
Doubts over Amorim's Man Utd future after slow start
With Man United winning their final game before the international break, defeating Burnley 3-2 at Old Trafford, Amorim appears to be safe in the short-term, but there are doubts about how long the 40-year-old will be able to last in the job.
Former Arsenal defender William Gallas has even suggested the Portuguese coach could be gone by the end of the year, saying: “He looks lost. I don’t think his body language and emotional response are giving a good impression to his players or the Manchester United fans,
“Looking at him, I’m not sure he’ll make it to Christmas, to be honest, because it feels like United are one poor performance or defeat away from a crisis.”
The former Sporting CP boss has struggled ever since his arrival at Old Trafford, with his points per match ratio particularly concerning, and the shock defeat at the hands of Grimsby Town in the EFL Cup certainly won’t have done the manager any favours.
Games
46
Wins
17
Draws
12
Losses
17
Points per match
1.37
Consequently, according to a report from Football Insider, Man United have now started to identify potential replacements for Amorim, and they have selected Aston Villa manager Unai Emery as their top target.
INEOS are not actively looking to bring in a replacement for their manager straight away, but they have now started to assess the market, and Emery has emerged as an appealing option, given the job he has done at Villa.
The 53-year-old replaced Steven Gerrard at Villa Park in November 2022, taking over when the Villans were just above the relegation zone, and he has since led them to the Champions League and Europa League in back-to-back seasons.
Man Utd join race to sign £40k-a-week England int'l who's impressed Tuchel
The Red Devils “have been looking at” an England player, who has impressed during the current international break.
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While the Spaniard has undoubtedly done a fantastic job at Aston Villa, there are doubts over how much further he can take them, given his current employers’ PSR issues, which limited their spending in the summer transfer window.
As such, a move to Old Trafford could potentially appeal to the Villa boss, who has enjoyed an incredibly successful career up to this point, winning 11 trophies across spells with Sevilla, Villarreal and Paris Saint-Germain.
Villa striker Louie Barry, who is currently on loan at Sheffield United, has also praised the former PSG manager’s training sessions, saying: “Unai Emery is an unbelievable coach for improving players. It was crazy to me how similar the training was to my time in Barcelona.”
Should they sack Amorim, Man United could do with bringing in a proven Premier League manager, who has a history of winning trophies, and Emery ticks both boxes.
Tottenham Hotspur are now the favourites in the race for a £67m “pocket rocket”, who wants to move to the Premier League in the summer, according to a report.
Spurs seal European glory in Bilbao
Ange Postecoglou made it clear that he is always successful in his second season, and nothing has changed this time around, with Tottenham’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United in Bilbao sealing Europa League glory.
Not only does the triumph end the 17-year wait for a trophy, but it also grants Spurs qualification to next season’s Champions League, which should make a move to north London far more appealing for some of Europe’s top players this summer.
In fact, the Lilywhites now have renewed hope of being able to sign Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi this summer, with club chiefs adamant that the prospect of playing in the Champions League could tempt the England international into a move.
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The doubt lingering over Cristian Romero’s future means signing a new centre-back could be important for Tottenham this summer, while they are also keen to strengthen in more attacking areas of the pitch.
Indeed, according to a report from Spain, RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons is now a priority target for Spurs, who are believed to be among the favourites in the race for his signature, but a deal will be on the expensive side.
Leipzig are set to hold out for a fee of €80m (£67m) in order to sanction Simons’ departure, amid widespread interest, with the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal recently being named as potential suitors.
Qualification for the Champions League means Spurs could have the funds to get a deal done, and a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium may appeal to the 22-year-old, as he is believed to be keen on a move to the Premier League.
"Pocket rocket" Simons could be exciting signing for Spurs
Of course, finally winning silverware was of key significance for Tottenham, but an added bonus of winning the Europa League is the fact it should allow them to compete for some top players this summer, and the Leipzig attacking midfielder could be firmly in that category.
After making a name for himself at PSV Eindhoven, the Dutchman has taken his game to the next level over the past two seasons, regularly contributing with goals and assists for Leipzig in the Bundesliga.
Season
Bundesliga appearances
Goals
Assists
2023-24
32
8
13
2024-25
25
10
7
Not only that, but the Netherlands international has been lauded as a “pocket rocket” by analyst Raj Chohan, who also insisted he would take the former PSV man at Liverpool ahead of Real Madrid star Rodrygo.
With Liverpool now closing in on the signing of Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, however, the path is now becoming clearer for Tottenham to sign Simons, and there are plenty of indications the Leipzig star could be an exciting addition to the squad.
Not many Liverpool fans would’ve expected the side to go all the way and claim the Premier League title during Arne Slot’s first season at the helm.
However, the Dutchman has created a seamless transition after taking the reins from fan-favourite Jürgen Klopp during the summer just under 12 months ago.
He’s won 68% of the matches across all competitions, losing just nine times in his 56 outings – with only two of which coming on home soil against Nottingham Forest and PSG.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
Despite such an impressive first year at Anfield, the 46-year-old has already made it clear that he wants new signings to help strengthen his first-team squad on Merseyside.
With the window just around the corner, the hierarchy have already wasted no time in pursuing moves for two players from the same outfit during the summer market.
The latest on Liverpool’s move for Wirtz & Frimpong this summer
Over the last couple of days, a deal has rapidly progressed for right-back Jeremie Frimpong, with the Dutch international set to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold on Merseyside.
The Reds are set to pay £29.5m for his services, with the 24-year-old flying to England over the last few days to complete his switch to link up with Slot’s side.
Jeremie Frimpong for Bayer Leverkusen
He could be joined at Anfield by current Bayer Leverkusen teammate Florian Wirtz next season, with the attacking midfielder also holding talks with the club’s hierarchy over a potential move during the off-season.
It’s been reported that the 22-year-old has chosen the Reds over Manchester City and Bayern Munich, but the two sides will need to agree a fee, which could prove to be over £100m and a new club-record.
Both players would add drastic quality to the current squad at Slot’s disposal, but it may require some players being offloaded to help balance the books given the figures involved in such deals.
The player who Slot needs to sell this summer
After such an impressive season in 2024/25, it would be harsh to offload many players from the Liverpool squad, but Harvey Elliott may want to depart the club for a new challenge elsewhere.
Harvey Elliott celebrates for Liverpool
The 22-year-old has dropped down the pecking order after the Dutchman’s arrival last summer, making just 18 league appearances in 2024/25 – only two of which came from a starting position.
He’s since been linked with moves away from Merseyside ahead of the summer window, with Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers just two options on the table for the youngster.
He could be joined out of the door by winger Federico Chiesa, who’s struggled to adapt to the demands of the Premier League after his £10m switch from Juventus last summer.
The Italian has only made six league appearances in 2024/25, starting just once and featuring for a total of just 104 minutes and failing to register a goal or an assist.
Liverpool's FedericoChiesaand Alexis Mac Allister
He did manage to find the back of the net in the Carabao Cup final defeat against Newcastle United back in March – which has undoubtedly been the best moment during his time in England.
Many have said that the 27-year-old will need time to settle in England, but after a year, he’s shown little signs of living up to the promise he arrived with – costing them a pretty penny in the process.
Games played
14
Cost per game
£557k
Minutes played
465
Cost per minute
£16.8k
Goals scored
2
Cost per goal
£3.9m
Assists
1
Cost per assist
£7.8m
Chiesa, who has been labelled “world-class” by journalist David Reverter, currently earns a staggering £150k-per-week, a figure that sees him take home £7.8m per sseason – a staggering figure given his lack of impact on Merseyside.
If the club are to take the jump and maintain their success, they will need to invest well this summer, with Wirtz seemingly the big-money signing that the hierarchy are desperately wanting to complete.
Given the German’s tally of 30 combined goals and assists in 2024/25, it’s a no-brainer for the board to try and land him this summer, injecting further quality into the side, which will likely drop Elliott and Chiesa further down the order.
It’s been an unfortunate spell for the Italian winger, but given his mammoth earnings every season, it’s a hefty figure that’s unjustifiable given his lack of impact on the side on Merseyside – allowing for needed funds to secure a deal for the Leverkusen sensation.
FSG must finally axe Liverpool flop who earns way more than Wirtz
Liverpool need to make a series of changes in the transfer market this summer.
It seems like Chelsea will try and sign a new winger in the summer transfer window. With Jadon Sancho potentially returning to Manchester United, if they decide not to buy him permanently, they could well need reinforcements in wide areas.
Enzo Maresca’s current crop of wide men are certainly not uninspiring. Aside from Sancho, those permanently at the club include the likes of Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke.
Those two wingers have six and 11 goals to their names across all competitions, respectively, this season. In recent weeks, Tyrique George has broken through, and Cole Palmer now plays a more central role.
However, they could well look to sign an additional player in wide areas, and are seemingly plotting an ambitious move this summer.
The latest on Chelsea’s pursuit of a winger
Chelsea have been linked with a number of options should they try and sign a new winger this summer. One of those players is another Red Devils star, Alejandro Garnacho. News broke on Thursday, courtesy of talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, that Chelsea are ‘interested’ in the 20-year-old.
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Alternatives are also seemingly being considered, as the Blues could well be set to target Real Madrid star Rodrygo, according to Caught Offside. The report suggests the West London outfit are ‘stepping up their pursuit’ of the Brazilian forward this summer.
According to the article, Chelsea are the side who ‘are currently leading the race’ to sign the Los Blancos superstar, but they are not the only team in the hunt.
Their Premier League rivals, Manchester City ‘are keeping a close eye on the situation’ and could also make a move. Whichever side win the race, Madrid could command a huge fee of £101m.
Why Rodrygo would be a good signing
Make no mistake about it, Chelsea would be signing a global superstar if they manage to bring Rodrygo to Stamford Bridge. Described as “terrifyingly good” by Sam Tighe, a football journalist and broadcaster, he has been fantastic for Madrid once again this term.
It has been a productive season again for the Brazilian this season. Across all competitions for the La Liga giants, he has found the back of the net 14 times and provided a further ten goals for his teammates in 51 games.
In fact, the 24-year-old’s underlying numbers from this season from Sofascore reinforce the fact that he has played well. For example, he has averaged 2.1 key passes and 2.1 successful dribbles in those 51 appearances this season.
Key passes
78
2.1
Big chances created
10
0.3
Dribbles completed
77
2.1
Tackles and interceptions
71
1.9
Expected goal involvements
12.12xGI
0.32xGI
If there is one competition that the winger thrives in, it is the Champions League. Rodrygo has a strong record in the competition, with 39 goals and assists in 64 games. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig rightly pointed out that he “loves the UCL”.
It is a competition that Chelsea are hoping to be in next term, and they will hope Rodrygo can turn up on the biggest stage again.
Should the West London side bring Rodrygo to the club, he could be the second coming of Diego Costa. Not in the sense of how he was as a player, of course, given the former Atletico Madrid star was a striker and Rodrygo is a winger.
Instead, the similarities between the two are the fact that they are both Brazil-born, high-profile La Liga stars, who were expensive, too. Sky Sports reported that the then-25-year-old striker cost Chelsea £32m, which in today’s money, according to The Transfer Index, would be £61.5m, a steep fee indeed.
Diego Costa
Costa was sensational for the Blues. The Spain international, who has not yet retired but is currently without a club, scored 59 goals and registered 21 assists in 120 games.
Across three Premier League seasons, they won two titles, and Costa scored 20 league goals in both of those.
If Rodrygo can have anywhere near the impact at Chelsea that Costa managed, then it would be an excellent piece of business. Of course, the fee is expensive, but to acquire a player of his talent, you have to pay that kind of money.
Costa joined the Blues from La Liga and became a club legend, taking the West Londoners to astronomical heights. They will surely want Rodrygo to do the exact same thing if he moves to Stamford Bridge.
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