Chelsea star Cole Palmer has been carrying a niggling groin injury for some time, but a new problem means the Englishman is now facing some time out.
Cole Palmer forced off in 2-1 Chelsea defeat to Man United
Enzo Maresca’s frustration was evident during an afternoon to forget at Old Trafford last Saturday, with their 2-1 loss away to Man United made worse only by Palmer’s haunting groin issue.
It is a problem that has plagued the Blues’ superstar player for some time.
Palmer has been carrying it since the start of 2025/2026, forcing him to miss their wins over West Ham and Fulham, with the ex-Man City sensation only getting around half an hour of match action in their 2-2 draw at Brentford.
The 23-year-old got on the scoresheet against Keith Andrews’ side, and scored a stunning goal on the counter-attack in Chelsea’s 3-1 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League – all whilst playing with a groin injury.
Speaking in his latest pre-match press conference before Chelsea take on Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup, Maresca said it is a problem being monitored day by day, but was quick to quash fears that Palmer might need surgery.
Now, as per journalist Simon Phillips, there has been a new update on Palmer’s condition, and it doesn’t make for pretty reading.
Cole Palmer suffers "new" injury to groin as Chelsea dealt blow
Writing via his Substack, the reporter claims that Palmer has suffered a “new” injury to the same groin that has been plaguing him non-stop this season, and he now faces several weeks on the sidelines.
The prospect of surgery also isn’t completely ruled out.
Phillips also stated that Chelsea have been managing his groin with painkiller injections before each game, and the forward started having further problems in that area late on in the Bayern game.
Despite this, Maresca started Palmer last Saturday, and it is a decision which the Blues will be ruing.
Sources have apparently made clear that he shouldn’t have participated in Manchester, and at the worst, Palmer could miss some crucial clashes.
Lincoln City (A) – EFL Cup
Brighton (H) – Premier League
Benfica (H) – Champions League
Liverpool (H) – Premier League
Nottingham Forest (A) – Premier League
Ajax (H) – Champions League
Sunderland (H) – Premier League
Tottenham (A) – Premier League
Chelsea will also regret not signing Xavi Simons in the summer window after being hijacked by Tottenham, with Maresca arguably in need of a quality playmaker alternative amid Palmer’s reoccurring struggles.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca boasts an array of star senior players in his large squad, but certain Cobham academy gems are still seriously impressing him.
In the last week, Ryan Kavuma-McQueen has made all the headlines as Chelsea’s next potential rising star after seriously impressing for England’s Under-17s.
The Young Lions starred in a 12-goal thriller, beating Germany 7-5, with Kavuma-McQueen scoring five and setting up another — making plenty of headlines in the process.
While a lot of noise surrounds 15-year-old Arsenal sensation Max Dowman right now – who recently become the second-youngest Premier League debutant in history behind teammate Ethan Nwaneri – there is reason to believe that Kavuma-McQueen could be the next star of England’s conveyor belt of budding starlets.
The 16-year-old is yet to be given a chance in the senior team by Maresca, but if he keeps up this imperious form at junior level, it may just be a matter of time.
Ian Hamilton
16 years, 138 days
1967 vs Tottenham
Kingsley Whiffen
16 years, 157 days
1967 vs Leicester City
Reggie Walsh
16 years, 193 days
2025 vs Djurgarden
Tommy Langley
16 years, 274 days
1974 vs Leicester City
Michael Woods
16 years, 275 days
2007 vs Macclesfield
Tyrique George is perhaps Chelsea’s biggest talent to watch out for right now, and the 19-year-old was on the verge of joining west London rivals Fulham before the £22 million move ultimately collapsed on summer deadline day.
Tyrique George in action for Chelsea.
However, Kavuma-McQueen is emerging as yet another gem produced by Chelsea’s famed Cobham academy set up.
That being said, the left-winger isn’t Chelsea’s only young prodigy who’s turning Maresca’s head right now.
Enzo Maresca watching Reggie Walsh at Chelsea
According to The Mail and journalist Kieran Gill, Kavuma-McQueen is one of three youngsters being closely monitored by Maresca, and of them is 16-year-old midfielder Reggie Walsh.
The Englishman became one of Chelsea’s youngest ever players to make their senior debut back in May, coming off the bench late on during their 4-1 win away to Djurgarden in the first leg of their Conference League semi-final.
Walsh is apparently on Maresca’s Chelsea radar for this season, as per Gill, and he could yet be given a path to more senior football with summer signing Dario Essugo now set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after thigh surgery.
The Blues have suddenly found themselves one man lighter in the engine room, with the prospect of more injuries there as Chelsea attempt to navigate the start of this season after a summer tournament and many games in 2024/2025.
Walsh should be given a chance to shine, as his “top quality” has even been noticed by senior stars like Nicolas Jackson.
Maresca also publicly praised the wonderkid, calling him a perfect player for Chelsea’s system.
Manchester United continued their pre-season preparations with a fairly drab 0-0 draw against fellow Premier League side Leeds United on Saturday.
Ruben Amorim’s side featured two new signings in Diego Leon and Matheus Cunha, whilst the Red Devils are still finalising a deal to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford.
Whilst there will be a lot of focus on who Manchester United bring in to bolster their squad during the summer transfer window, the club also need to move on the players who are not going to be involved under Amorim next season.
One of those players, Marcus Rashford, appears to be on the verge of a move away from Old Trafford, as Barcelona have agreed a deal to sign the England international.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona are set to sign the 27-year-old attacker on a season-long loan, with an option to make the deal permanent next summer.
David Ornstein has added that the Spanish giants are also set to pay 100% of the forward’s wages during that loan spell, in what will come as a welcome relief to Manchester United.
Why Rashford to Barcelona is a good move for all concerned
Rashford is reportedly on £300k-per-week at Old Trafford, as per Capology, and that equates to around £15.6m per year, which shows that the club are set to save a huge amount of money as part of this deal.
Whilst it is not set in stone that the winger will sign for Barcelona on a permanent transfer next summer, as it is only an option, United can be thankful that they are not paying his enormous wages next season, given that he was not a part of Amorim’s thinking.
Rashford
It is money that could be allocated elsewhere, potentially to bring in further attacking reinforcements, as Rashford has not been consistent enough in the final third to prove that he is worth spending that kind of money on.
The England international was sent out on loan to Aston Villa for the second half of the 2024/25 campaign, which shows that Amorim did not see a future for the academy graduate in his side.
24/25 (Man Utd & Villa)
11
£15.6m
£1.4m
23/24 (Man Utd)
8
£15.6m
£1.95m
22/23 (Man Utd)
30
£10.4m
£346k
21/22 (Man Utd)
5
£10.4m
£2.08m
As you can see in the table above, Rashford has failed to hit double figures for goals in two of the last four seasons in all competitions, and has only cost under £1.4m per goal scored in a season in one of the last four.
These statistics suggest that it is for the best that the English forward joins Barcelona on loan, with his wages paid in full, because United will be offloading a player, even if potentially just for next season, who has not justified his cost.
His exit will also create a space in the squad for United to bring in a replacement for him before the end of the summer transfer window, and the club are reportedly eyeing a star who could be an upgrade on him.
Man United make contact to sign Ligue 1 star
According to Foot Mercato, Manchester United are interested in a deal to sign Paris Saint-Germain’s versatile attacker Randal Kolo Muani.
The reporter claims that the Red Devils have already made contact with the Ligue 1 champions, as they pursue a potential transfer for the France international.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Aouna adds, though, that Newcastle United have also made contact with PSG over a potential deal for the forward, which means that there could be stiff competition for his signature this summer.
The journalist’s article on Foot Mercato also reveals that Juventus are interested in a deal to bring him back to Turin, after he spent the second half of last season on loan with the Italian giants.
This latest report does not outline how much money it would take to strike a deal with PSG for Kolo Muani, but a price tag of £50m was mentioned earlier in the summer.
Why Man Utd should sign Randal Kolo Muani
The Red Devils should push to win the race for his signature in the coming weeks because he could arrive at Old Trafford as an upgrade on Marcus Rashford.
Like the soon-to-be Barcelona player, the French attacker is a versatile talent who can play out wide on either flank or through the middle as a centre-forward, which would provide Amorim with a plethora of ways in which to utilise his qualities.
In fact, France teammate Kylian Mbappe described Kolo Muani as being a “very complete” forward, and United could benefit from his brilliant all-round play as their new centre-forward, if they can secure a deal for him this summer.
The 26-year-old star scored eight goals and provided one assist in 16 matches in the Serie A during the second half of last term, whilst Rashford only scored six goals in 25 outings in the Premier League.
xG
0.36
Top 41%
Goals
0.62
Top 9%
Shots on target
1.08
Top 27%
Successful dribbles
1.39
Top 20%
Touches in opposition box
6.03
Top 20%
Interceptions
0.31
Top 14%
As you can see in the table above, the Juventus loanee produced high quality in a host of key metrics, as he excelled as a dribbler and a goalscorer, whilst also putting in hard work to win the ball back for his side.
Whilst, with one assist, the creative side of his game was not on full display, Kolo Muani did assist 17 goals in 46 games for Eintracht Frankfurt in the 2022/23 campaign, which shows that he can be a fantastic creative threat when at his best.
The £50m-rated star, who scored two goals in three games at the Club World Cup, has delivered at least ten goals in all competitions in each of the last five seasons, whilst Rashford, as aforementioned, has only managed that in two of the last four years.
Kolo Muani could arrive as an upgrade on the England international because of his impressive form for Juventus in the second half of last season, as well as the almost guaranteed goals that his record suggests that he would provide in the final third.
Amorim's own Rodri: Man Utd agree personal terms to sign £26m sensation
Manchester United are starting to make things happen in the summer transfer market.
Tottenham are “now” actively looking at signing an intriguing alternative to West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus, with talks for the Hammers star far from straightforward.
£60m Tottenham man now up for sale, champions preparing bid, Saudi in contact
Spurs are actively looking for buyers.
ByEmilio Galantini Jul 5, 2025
Earlier this week, multiple reports began emerging that Spurs had entered talks for Kudus, with chairman Daniel Levy even reaching out to his east London counterpart, David Sullivan, for discussions over the 24-year-old (GiveMeSport).
These talks have been backed up by trusted transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano as well, who reported that a “positive” approach was made as negotiations get underway between all parties involved on the player and club side.
A very reliable Lilywhites source, insider Paul O’Keefe, even states that Tottenham have already seen an initial £50 million offer rejected for Kudus – which happened midway through June.
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
West Ham will reportedly sell for around £60 million (The Guardian), and if Spurs manage to get anywhere in pursuit of the former Ajax star, it would be the first transfer between both clubs since Scott Parker’s switch to north London in 2011.
With just under two months to go before the end of the summer window, Levy and co will not want to haggle for too long, with journalist Pete O’Rourke sharing news on a potentially viable alternative.
Tottenham actively looking at signing OGC Nice forward Evann Guessand
Speaking to Football Insider, O’Rourke claims that man is OGC Nice forward Evann Guessand, who’s fresh off the back of a 13-goal season in all competitions.
Evann Guessand in action for Nice in Ligue 1.
Tottenham have been tentatively linked with a move for Guessand this window, but O’Rourke tells Football Insider that Thomas Frank’s side are actively pursuing the versatile Ivory Coast international – who predominantly featured on the right-hand side in Kudus’ position last term.
As well as on both flanks, the 24-year-old can operate as a second striker and even as a centre-forward when required. Tottenham would also need a maximum of just £25 million to strike a deal for Guessand, making this an attractive option for Levy, and O’Rourke says he’d be the ideal signing for Frank’s system as well.
“A lot of Premier League clubs are looking at Guessand,” said O’Rourke.
“He had a very good season for Nice last season, he got 12 goals and seven assists in 33 Ligue 1 games, so he has a good record. He’s got the physical profile that you think would be a success in English football, and can play anywhere across the front line as well.
Nice's Evann Guessand.
“There’s been interest from Brighton, West Ham, Wolves and now Tottenham also have an active interest in Guessand.
“Nice are bracing themselves for interest in this upcoming transfer window. For Tottenham, he would be a good signing, he would fit into how Thomas Frank plays.
“The way Guessand can play anywhere across the front line would make him a valuable addition. Nice will be hoping they can keep hold of him after qualifying for the Champions League themselves.
“They’re looking for a big fee, around £20-25million for a player who still has three years left on his contract.
“It’s not an easy deal to do, but it’s no surprise that a lot of Premier League clubs are looking at him.”
Liverpool have announced the signing of Florian Wirtz, issuing an emphatic statement to the Premier League and Europe that Arne Slot’s side are at the top and they are there to stay.
The German international was one of the most sought-after players in the world, with Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid all keen, but he chose Merseyside as his destination, with Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes wrapping up the £116m deal this weekend.
The playmaker, who scored during an unforgettable career opening with Bayer Leverkusen, is aiming to win the full gamut of major honours at Anfield, and he certainly has the capacity to do so.
However, all this fanfare around Wirtz has somewhat drowned out the exciting deal for Milos Kerkez, who is all but confirmed as a new member of Slot’s squad.
Why Liverpool signed Milos Kerkez
Liverpool lost Trent Alexander-Arnold at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, the vice-captain running down his contract to sign for Real Madrid on a free transfer.
And now the Reds could be set to lose their other long-serving full-back in Andy Robertson, who, aged 31, has been on the decline and is entering the final year of his contract. La Liga’s Atletico Madrid are currently hoping to bring him over to Spain.
Luckily, Liverpool have already acted to bring in Kerkez, who hasn’t officially signed but is on the verge of leaving Bournemouth for Anfield, with a £40m fee agreed.
Hailed as “an elite player” who notably thrived when pitted against the likes of Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka last season, Kerkez is the perfect profile for the role of a modern full-back, balanced, steely in defence and a tireless runner.
He will provide Slot’s high-flying system with a new dimension down the left channel, potentially even proving the perfect partner for another Premier League star on FSG’s radar.
Liverpool line up new winger
According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are still keen on signing Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon, despite bagging Wirtz already this month.
Valued at £75m, the 24-year-old winger was of a vested interest to the Anfield side last summer, but Newcastle found a different way to navigate around their PSR problems.
Anthony Gordon
However, Liverpool are back in contention now and sporting director Richard Hughes is keeping a close eye on developments, joined by Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea. That said, Bailey is convinced that the England international favours a move to Liverpool over the Londoners, as it is his dream destination.
Bringing Gordon back over to Merseyside would likely be dependent on the future of Luis Diaz, who has been linked with Barcelona and suitors over in the Saudi Pro League.
What Anthony Gordon would bring to Liverpool
Gordon left his home city to sign for Newcastle in a £45m deal back in January 2023, ending his career beginnings with Everton.
Signing a former Toffee would always come laced with a certain contentiousness, but Gordon is actually of a Liverpool persuasion, released from the club’s academy when he was 11 years old.
Athletically dynamic and versatile, Gordon’s best years lie ahead of him, and he would prove the perfect Diaz replacement if the Colombian is indeed sold this summer, having shown his potential across the 2023/24 season when notching 28 goal involvements across all competitions and winning United’s Player of the Year award.
Last season, the return hasn’t been quite so rich, Gordon posting six goals and five assists in the league, but his trademark energy and enthusiasm were very much on show throughout.
Though the Three Lions man didn’t quite reach the same heights last term, he still gave a good account of himself for a Magpies side who qualified for the Champions League and won the Carabao Cup.
Matches (starts)
35 (34)
34 (28)
Goals
11
6
Assists
10
5
Shots (on target)*
2.3 (0.9)
1.7 (0.6)
Pass completion
82%
81%
Key passes*
1.6
1.5
Big chances created
16
6
Dribbles*
1.5
1.1
Ball recoveries*
3.6
2.9
Tackles + interceptions*
1.8
1.1
Duels (won)*
5.3 (49%)
4.4 (52%)
His eye-catching defensive contribution and determination in the duel highlight just how Gordon could not only benefit from Kerkez’s attacking qualities but also aid the Hungarian from a defensive perspective.
Of course, Gordon is hardly a blunt-edged attacking instrument himself, explaining himself to be a “nightmare for anyone” he comes up against, owing to his electric pace and a directness that Liverpool have seen plenty of before through Diaz’s showings.
The wide forward’s ability to stretch lines is truly something to behold. Moreover, Gordon’s running would help create creative space for Kerkez, who finished the 2024/25 league campaign ranked among the top 12% of positional peers in the Premier League for progressive carries and the top 20% for crosses made per 90, as per FBref.
We must, at this point, trust FSG’s judgment. Diaz is clearly one of the best wingers in the world but in Gordon, the perfect heir could be found. Were an ageing Robertson the one partnering him on the flank, fluency might not be in full swing, but given that Liverpool have all but wrapped up a deal for Kerkez, there’s plenty of reason to be excited.
The fact that Gordon wants to join the club only adds substance to the argument to bring him over. Currently off on holiday with Liverpool’s Curtis Jones, you wonder if the subject has been discussed.
As rumours of a move for Alexander Isak linger in the air too, might Slot have a vision of these two forwards combining under the Anfield lights for many years to come?
In any case, Gordon would be a brilliant long-term investment for Liverpool, especially as he will find a fearsome partner in Kerkez supplying him from behind.
Better finisher than Isak: Liverpool in the race to sign £60m "powerhouse"
Liverpool are looking to sign a new centre-forward this summer.
Newcastle United are in the hunt for a striker this summer and Eddie Howe may be growing in confidence that he can land a proven Premier League marksman, according to a report.
Newcastle United's search for reinforcements
Eddie Howe has become something of a recruitment specialist at St James’ Park, producing an excellent track record that means more additions become hits than not when convinced to move to Tyneside.
Hoping to continue that feat, Keith Wyness reckons Newcastle may sacrifice some stars to expand their potential to spend even with the threat of PSR being a live consideration to ponder.
Newcastle United managerEddieHoweapplauds fans after the match
He stated: “It used to be that when you sold a big player, you had loads of money to spend. Newcastle are going to have to work hard in this window.
“I think there will be some disposals. Sean Longstaff may have to move on, and there will be others going too. Anything that will allow Newcastle to spend as big as they can, they will do.”
That much may be true, but where do Newcastle plan to strengthen their arsenal? According to reports, Manchester City star Jack Grealish could move to Tyneside, potentially adding a sprinkle of European pedigree as the Geordies prepare for a return to the Champions League.
Nottingham Forest now want to sign £8.5m Spaniard if Elanga joins Newcastle
Nottingham Forest have now identified a player who could be seen as a replacement for Anthony Elanga.
ByBrett Worthington Jun 13, 2025
Brentford’s Mikkel Damsgaard is also wanted by Newcastle, demonstrating that they mean business in a summer that could produce a fair amount of incomings and exits in the North East.
Evaluating their forward line, the Geordies now have one of the Premier League’s hottest properties on their radar and confidence is growing over their chances of landing his services.
Newcastle United accelerate move for Joao Pedro
According to The Telegraph, Newcastle are confident they can strike a deal for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro as his future on the South Coast becomes increasingly uncertain.
The Brazilian forward is open to a move to the North East and is admired by Howe and his coaching staff due to a degree of versatility than can see him feature through the middle or on either flank.
Joao Pedro’s Premier League statistics in 2024/25 (Fotmob)
Shots
47
Shots on target
20
Chances created
30
Completed dribbles
29
Aerial duels won
42
Labelled “amazing” by Billy Gilmour, Pedro registered ten goals and seven assists in 30 appearances across all competitions this term as the Seagulls narrowly missed out on a place in Europe.
Internally, there is now a feeling that Newcastle can complete a deal to sign the former Watford striker, though there is still plenty of work to be done before that dream can become a reality.
Alexander Isak is the main man in attack for the Geordies. Nevertheless, Pedro is a force to be reckoned with at full flight and could be another dangerous asset against opposition domestically and on the continent.
Nottingham Forest were one of the standout sides of the Premier League last season. The East Midlands club, under the tutelage of Nuno Espirito Santo, qualified for the UEFA Conference League after they finished seventh in the top flight. For much of the campaign, they were in the race for a Champions League spot.
Unsurprisingly, with all that success, there has been plenty of interest in some of their key players. Anthony Elanga is one man who has been linked with a move away, with reports suggesting a £50m bid from Newcastle United would be enough for the deal to go through.
Anthony Elanga.
If that move does happen, Forest will need a replacement and have been linked with a player who is, in many ways, a hybrid between Elanga and right-back Ola Aina.
Nottingham Forest’s latest transfer target
It would certainly be a huge blow if Elanga was to depart the City Ground. The relationship he has formed with Aina down that right-hand side has been formidable. The East Midlands side must get his potential replacement right.
Well, perhaps the man they could bring into the club is AC Milan winger Alexis Saelemaekers. According to a report from TEAMtalk, the club ‘have held talks’ with the Serie A giants over a potential move for the Belgian this summer.
This is a longstanding interest; Forest have reportedly been ‘in contact with the Belgian international’s entourage for over a year’. The two teams are apart in valuation at the moment, with Milan demanding £21m, just over £4m more than what Forest want to pay.
However, the fact that they’ve been interested in the winger for so long might suggest a deal can be completed.
Why Saelemaekers would be a good signing
The versatile Belgian star spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Milan’s Serie A rivals Roma. Whilst he struggled with an ankle injury at the beginning of the season, he enjoyed a strong second half to his spell in the Italian capital.
Alexis Saelemaekers for AS Roma.
Saelemaekers played 31 games for Roma last season, grabbing an impressive 13 goals and assists in that time. Of those goal involvements, seven goals and three assists came in just 22 Serie A appearances.
One of the standout features about Saelemaekers’ game last season was, without doubt, his versatility. The 25-year-old played on both flanks and as a number 10, seeing success in all of those positions.
This is where the Elanga and Aina hybrid idea comes in. Not only is Saelemaekers able to play as a right-winger, thus replacing Elanga directly, but he can also slot in as a right-back.
As per Transfermarkt, he has played that role 14 times in his career, as well as featuring at right wing-back.
Replacing Elanga next season, if he leaves, will not be easy. The Sweden international was a standout player in Garibaldi Red last term, with six goals and 11 assists in 38 Premier League games, mainly operating on the right-hand side. However, Saelemaekers certainly has the ability to do so.
The similarities between the duo are clear to see. Both are right-footed wingers operating on the right and had a hand in a healthy number of goals.
In fact, both of them averaged 0.61 goal involvements per 90 minutes, as per FBref, with Saelemaekers playing more progressive passes than Elanga each game, with 3.48 to 2.27.
Goals and assists
0.61
0.61
Key passes
1.59
1.8
Progressive passes
3.48
2.27
Shot-creating actions
3.9
3.67
Ball recoveries
4.82
3.2
Saelemaekers can certainly be an apt Elanga replacement, and will be hoping he can form a deadly partnership with Aina, just as the Swede has done. They have played 57 times together, even combining for a goal away to West Ham United in 2022/23, in what ended as a 3-2 loss.
He could also provide cover, or even competition as a flying full-back, for a player Jamie Carragher said “could play for a team who expects to be in the Champions League every season”.
Nottingham Forest's OlaAinacelebrates after the match
There is no doubt that Saelemaekers could be a fantastic member of the squad at the City Ground. He is a player with reams of “quality” as football talent scout Jacek Kulig said, and with the abilities he possesses, can surely be considered a hybrid of Elanga and Aina, two of Forest’s most important players.
Better than Jesus: Nottingham Forest still targeting "unbelievable" PL star
Nottingham Forest could land an even brighter talent than Igor Jesus by signing this unbelievable attacker.
Regis Le Bris enjoyed what can only be described as a dream debut season as Sunderland manager.
Many Black Cats bosses have come and gone in quick succession in recent years as promotion to the Premier League has evaded them.
But, in the Frenchman’s case, it was a first-attempt job, with the ex-Lorient head coach now eager to prove himself in England’s elite league after an up-and-down stint in Ligue 1.
He will know that a stern defence will be key if Sunderland stand any chance of beating the punishing drop, with a new defensive brute reportedly now on his shopping list to toughen up the Wearside underdogs.
Sunderland considering move for 6-foot-3 colossus
The Championship playoffs did showcase Sunderland’s excellence in the centre-back department with Daniel Ballard taking his team to Wembley with a last-gasp header versus Coventry City, whilst loan ace Chris Mepham would complete a whopping 12 clearances against Sheffield United in total to shut out the annoyed Blades.
But another centre-back could soon join the building in the form of ex-West Bromwich Albion brute Cedric Kipre. Football outlet Africa Foot states that Le Bris and Co view the Ivorian as a serious option after promotion.
Whilst the 6-foot-3 colossus is well known to EFL fans for his imperious displays with the Baggies, he is just fresh off a season in the French top-flight with Stade De Reims. This venture might well have ended in relegation, but it bodes well for Kipre not finding the Premier League daunting.
How Kipre can be Ballard 2.0 for Sunderland
Regardless of his time out in Ligue 1, his standout showings in the Championship earn enough merit on their own, with his authoritative approach out from the back – matched by his ability to pop up with a crucial header – meaning he could become Ballard 2.0 for Le Bris.
He also shone in spurts for Reims despite relegation, with the headed effort above unfortunately just not enough to keep Samba Diawara’s men afloat.
Away from this unfortunate relegation on his CV, though, Kipre has proven himself in the past as a brave battler in the challenging second tier of English football, with the Baggies left gutted by the 28-year-old’s decision to depart the Hawthorns last summer.
Games played
44
20
Goals scored
2
2
Assists
1
1
Touches*
67.1
47
Accurate passes*
48.9 (87%)
33.2 (88%)
Ball recoveries*
4.3
2.3
Clearances*
3.7
4.0
Total duels won*
4.2
4.6
Clean sheets
14
2
Looking at the table above, Kipre was a rock-solid option for the Carlos Corberan-led Baggies, with a mightily impressive 14 clean sheets notched up from 44 clashes.
Further, the table shows off the similarities between the defensive duo, with both Ballard and Kipre chipping in with three goal contributions each, away from also being able to valiantly battle away with duels, winning a similar number.
Much like Ballard, too, the current Reims number 21 has had to bounce back from plenty of Premier League rejection, with his early career seeing him be let go of by Leicester City.
The Sunderland titan also had to wave goodbye to Arsenal to join the Stadium of Light, but he will now have a shot at top-flight redemption on Wearside next season.
Kipre will also fancy his chances at being a formidable presence for Le Bris’ outsiders, having once been labelled as “one of the best defenders in the division” by the Second Tier podcast when plying his trade in the EFL’s top league.
Now, it’s up to the “fantastic” defender – as he’s also been labelled by football journalist Josh Bunting – to earn his stripes up a league, with Kipre having the potential to be as loved as Ballard if his brick-wall presence allows safety to be secured.
Sunderland can land bigger coup than Henderson by re-signing £40m "wizard"
Sunderland supporters would love if this statement deal were to go through.
Reliable journalist Paul Joyce has claimed that Everton are interested in sealing a stunning move for a “special” attacking player this summer.
Moyes eyeing big future at Everton
After some grim seasons of late, which have included several relegation battles in the Premier League, there is a feeling of positivity with the Toffees, not least because David Moyes has returned as manager, easily steering them to safety ahead of the move to their new stadium.
The Scot has been forceful about how he is expecting a better future at Everton with him in charge, with the hope being that funds will be made available for important transfer business.
“I think more the feeling [is] that there might be a club which is coming back together. Signs that before there was a real break-up, of a sort of love affair with the supporters, the players, the club, the owners. So we’re all trying to get back. We’re obviously all looking forward to it. If we can take what we had today to the new stadium, it’ll be something.”
Everton manager DavidMoyesbefore the match
New signings are needed in various areas of the pitch for Everton, not least in attack, with goals coming at a premium at times this season, with 41 goals scored in 37 games. Now, a shock rumour has emerged regarding a potential attacking signing for the Merseysiders.
Everton keen on "special" Liverpool player
According to the reliable Joyce of The Times, Everton “hold an interest” in Liverpool winger Ben Doak, seeing him as an option to bring in this summer.
The 19-year-old has spent this season on loan at Championship side Middlesbrough, with the Reds unable to give him regular playing time, and a permanent move away from Anfield could now be on the cards.
The idea of Everton signing Doak is a mouthwatering prospect, not only because of the stunning nature of taking him from rivals Liverpool, but also due to his long-term potential.
The teenage winger is already a six-cap Scotland international, and he was enjoying a fruitful time loan at Middlesbrough before injury struck in January, bagging 10 goal contributions (three goals and seven assists) in the Championship.
Doak also caught the eye of Jurgen Klopp during their time together at Liverpool, with the German clearly a big admirer of the Scot, saying: “Special boy. Really confident, has something nobody else delivers, really; this kind of dribbling, this kind of straight-forward bravery, all these kinds of things.”
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Forgetting the Liverpool connection, Doak is a hugely exciting footballer who could reach great heights with his pace and unpredictability in the coming years, and while the Reds may be hesitant to sell to their rivals, Everton should look to strike a deal.
Brighton & Hove Albion are now eyeing a move for a “world-class” goalkeeper to replace Bart Verbruggen this summer, according to a report.
Verbruggen attracting interest after impressive performances
Brighton have enjoyed another solid campaign in the Premier League, with a top-half finish looking increasingly likely, and their goalkeeper has caught the eye with some impressive performances.
Most recently, Verbruggen kept a clean sheet in the Seagulls’ 2-0 triumph at Wolverhampton Wanderers, making two saves from inside the box to keep the Old Gold at bay, which earned him a 7.7 SofaScore match rating, the second-highest of any player.
The Netherlands international has also put in some top displays for his national side, making some impressive saves in his side’s UEFA Nations League clash against Spain back in March.
As such, it is little wonder the Dutchman is now starting to attract attention from some of Europe’s top clubs, with a report from The Sun revealing that Real Madrid are now eyeing a shock deal for the shot-stopper this summer.
In the same report, it is detailed that Brighton are now running the rule over top-class replacements for the 22-year-old, with Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher one of the goalkeepers under consideration, having tracked the Irishman for quite some time.
Reports from elsewhere have revealed the Reds have set an asking price of £40m for Kelleher, so the Seagulls will need to be willing to spend big, should they decide to pursue a move for the goalkeeper.
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Of course, Fabian Hurzeler will be hoping to keep hold of Verbruggen beyond the end of the campaign, but it could be difficult to retain the goalkeeper’s services if Real Madrid come calling, and there are signs the Liverpool shot-stopper could be an ideal replacement.
While Alisson has remained Arne Slot’s first-choice option between the sticks, the Irishman has certainly played a role in the Reds’ Premier League title triumph, making 10 appearances while the Brazilian was sidelined due to injury.
During that time, the 26-year-old received very high praise from Andy Robertson, who described his teammate as “world-class”.
Not only that, but the Ireland international ranks highly across some key goalkeeping metrics over the past year.
Statistic
Average per 90
Clean sheet %
50% (99th percentile)
Goals against
1.07 (81st percentile)
Save % (penalty kicks)
100% (98th percentile)
Having proven himself in the Premier League with the champions, Kelleher could be a fantastic replacement for Verbruggen this summer, but Hurzeler will be hoping Madrid cool their interest in his goalkeeper.