3 days ago
While the transfer window may be shut, Ajax are not quite done yet in reinforcing the squad. According to De Telegraaf, Ajax are just one of a number of sides keen on signing now former Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma. The 30-year-old is a free agent, having left Tottenham this summer. Other sides from top five leagues are interested in the former Tottenham man, so it is by no means guaranteed that Ajax will land the Malian international.
Yet Ajax have shown an ability to pull in some big named players this summer. Julian Brandt left Borussia Dortmund for Ajax during the recent transfer window and is already proving to be a good signing for the Dutch side.
Bissouma, when fit, would certainly add some quality to the Ajax midfield. Last year the Malian only managed 11 games for Tottenham. Overall, he played 111 games for Tottenham, scoring twice. Prior to that he excelled with Brighton after coming through the Lille system, having moved to France from Real Bamako as a teenager.
GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson
#ajax #year
Yet Ajax have shown an ability to pull in some big named players this summer. Julian Brandt left Borussia Dortmund for Ajax during the recent transfer window and is already proving to be a good signing for the Dutch side.
Bissouma, when fit, would certainly add some quality to the Ajax midfield. Last year the Malian only managed 11 games for Tottenham. Overall, he played 111 games for Tottenham, scoring twice. Prior to that he excelled with Brighton after coming through the Lille system, having moved to France from Real Bamako as a teenager.
GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson
#ajax #year
4 days ago
Coventry City host Brighton & Hove Albion in a Premier League fixture at the CBS Arena on Sunday, with Frank Lampard's side yet to collect a point this season.
A fourth straight defeat without scoring would match a mark Coventry have set only once before, in 1919-20, their first season in the Football League. Brighton, tenth on four points, have had a mixed start under Fabian Hurzeler, following a 4-0 opening win over Aston Villa with a 4-3 defeat to Chelsea and a 1-1 draw with Leeds United.
The Seagulls have lost each of their last three Premier League away games, and their most recent visit to Coventry — a 3-1 FA Cup fifth-round win in February 2018 — remains the sides' last meeting. The match kicks off at 14:00 and will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League.
Date: Sunday, 13 September 2026
Kick-off: 14:00 BST
#sunday #season #defeat
A fourth straight defeat without scoring would match a mark Coventry have set only once before, in 1919-20, their first season in the Football League. Brighton, tenth on four points, have had a mixed start under Fabian Hurzeler, following a 4-0 opening win over Aston Villa with a 4-3 defeat to Chelsea and a 1-1 draw with Leeds United.
The Seagulls have lost each of their last three Premier League away games, and their most recent visit to Coventry — a 3-1 FA Cup fifth-round win in February 2018 — remains the sides' last meeting. The match kicks off at 14:00 and will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League.
Date: Sunday, 13 September 2026
Kick-off: 14:00 BST
#sunday #season #defeat
4 days ago
Roberto Mancini was in the stands at the Stade Jean-Bouin to monitor the progress of two potential Italy internationals as Paris FC hosted Lyon.
According to L'Équipe, the Italy boss travelled to the French capital specifically to watch defender Diego Coppola and forward Luca Koleosho, both of whom started for the hosts. The pair have been capped twice each at senior level for the Azzurri.
CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Luca Koleosho in action during the UEFA Euro U21 Qualification match at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 14, 2025 (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
Paris FC now carry a distinctly Italian flavour after Coppola arrived permanently from Brighton this summer, while Koleosho completed his own switch from Burnley, having spent the second half of last season on loan at the club. Ciro Immobile was also on the books up until his retirement in the summer.
Koleosho, born in Norwalk, Connecticut, to a Nigerian father and an Italian-Canadian mother, is eligible for the United States, Canada and Nigeria but has committed to Italy, whom he first represented at senior level in June.
#luca #october #whom
According to L'Équipe, the Italy boss travelled to the French capital specifically to watch defender Diego Coppola and forward Luca Koleosho, both of whom started for the hosts. The pair have been capped twice each at senior level for the Azzurri.
CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Luca Koleosho in action during the UEFA Euro U21 Qualification match at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 14, 2025 (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
Paris FC now carry a distinctly Italian flavour after Coppola arrived permanently from Brighton this summer, while Koleosho completed his own switch from Burnley, having spent the second half of last season on loan at the club. Ciro Immobile was also on the books up until his retirement in the summer.
Koleosho, born in Norwalk, Connecticut, to a Nigerian father and an Italian-Canadian mother, is eligible for the United States, Canada and Nigeria but has committed to Italy, whom he first represented at senior level in June.
#luca #october #whom
4 days ago
There was a subdued atmosphere at the final whistle among Chelsea's players, staff and supporters.
They had watched the team's free-flowing attacking football come unstuck against a Hull City side who had not conceded a Premier League goal before kick-off.
Chelsea had previously beaten Fulham 3-2, won 4-3 at home to Brighton and lost 2-1 at ***** nal. They also overcame Leeds 6-3 in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
Having conceded twice here, Chelsea have now gone 20 Premier League matches without a clean sheet, a run stretching back to January. They have also conceded two or more goals in every match against Premier League opposition under new manager Xabi Alonso.
Although Chelsea are the division's top scorers with 10 goals this season, they have also conceded nine, more than all but two other Premier League sides.
#premier #brighton
They had watched the team's free-flowing attacking football come unstuck against a Hull City side who had not conceded a Premier League goal before kick-off.
Chelsea had previously beaten Fulham 3-2, won 4-3 at home to Brighton and lost 2-1 at ***** nal. They also overcame Leeds 6-3 in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
Having conceded twice here, Chelsea have now gone 20 Premier League matches without a clean sheet, a run stretching back to January. They have also conceded two or more goals in every match against Premier League opposition under new manager Xabi Alonso.
Although Chelsea are the division's top scorers with 10 goals this season, they have also conceded nine, more than all but two other Premier League sides.
#premier #brighton
9 days ago
Daniel Farke is "carefully optimistic" Daniel James will be available for Leeds' Carabao Cup clash with Chelsea despite suffering a fitness scare.
James reported discomfort in his back and hamstring during the warm-up at Brighton, but scans have shown no new injury.
The winger completed an individual session and will be ******* sed again before a decision is made on his availability.
"A little question mark behind Daniel James," Farke said. "He reported in the warm-up at Brighton some issues with his back and hamstring.
"The scan results were good, no new injury. He just had an individual session today which was okay. We have two more sessions, one this afternoon and a light session tomorrow morning.
#back
James reported discomfort in his back and hamstring during the warm-up at Brighton, but scans have shown no new injury.
The winger completed an individual session and will be ******* sed again before a decision is made on his availability.
"A little question mark behind Daniel James," Farke said. "He reported in the warm-up at Brighton some issues with his back and hamstring.
"The scan results were good, no new injury. He just had an individual session today which was okay. We have two more sessions, one this afternoon and a light session tomorrow morning.
#back
9 days ago
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Carabao Cup third-round tie against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (kick-off 20:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Farke said there's "a little question mark" over Daniel James as he "reported an issue with his back after the warm-up at Brighton". He added: "The scan results were good. We have two more sessions [so] if he comes through those then he is hopefully available. Carefully optimistic."
Farke confirmed there will be some squad rotation against Chelsea to help "integrate new players". The German also said he wants Leeds "to be difficult to predict and tactical".
"It's possible" that goalkeeper Michael Zetterer will make his Whites debut in the cup, but they "won't make a decision before the training session this afternoon".
#Chelsea #united
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Farke said there's "a little question mark" over Daniel James as he "reported an issue with his back after the warm-up at Brighton". He added: "The scan results were good. We have two more sessions [so] if he comes through those then he is hopefully available. Carefully optimistic."
Farke confirmed there will be some squad rotation against Chelsea to help "integrate new players". The German also said he wants Leeds "to be difficult to predict and tactical".
"It's possible" that goalkeeper Michael Zetterer will make his Whites debut in the cup, but they "won't make a decision before the training session this afternoon".
#Chelsea #united
9 days ago
After a quick turnaround following the weekend's Premier League draw at Brighton & Hove Albion, attentions now turn to the trip to Chelsea for Wednesday's EFL Cup Round Three tie for Daniel Farke's side.
The manager spoke to the press ahead of the visit to Stamford Bridge and hopes to have a strong squad at his disposal as the Whites look to progress in the competition.
When asked if there was any major updates to his players' availability, the boss explained: "Joe Rodon, obviously long-term injury out.
"Little question mark behind Daniel James. He reported during the warm-up at Brighton some issues with his back and also with his hamstring.
"Scan results were good so it seems like no new injury. He just had an individual session yesterday. It was okay.
#daniel #injury #round #three
The manager spoke to the press ahead of the visit to Stamford Bridge and hopes to have a strong squad at his disposal as the Whites look to progress in the competition.
When asked if there was any major updates to his players' availability, the boss explained: "Joe Rodon, obviously long-term injury out.
"Little question mark behind Daniel James. He reported during the warm-up at Brighton some issues with his back and also with his hamstring.
"Scan results were good so it seems like no new injury. He just had an individual session yesterday. It was okay.
#daniel #injury #round #three
10 days ago
Leeds United have now ended their academy transfer story, with 16-year-old winger Silva Mexes now across the Pennines after leaving Manchester United. MOTLeedsNews reported that the long chase was over once the summer window closed, ending speculation around the Thailand youth international and his next step.
Mexes joined United from Ipswich Town in 2024, aged 14, but he did not make a competitive senior or formal U18 league appearance during 2025/26, spending much of that period with the U16 group. His switch gives him a new setting at Thorp Arch, where the academy has a strong record. Leeds' 2026/27 squad listing now includes Tyler-Earnshaw, confirming his place at the club.
There's a reason this move makes sense from Leeds' side. Mexes has the athletic profile that can trouble academy defenders, with an 11.1-second personal best over 100 metres and a willingness to attack from the left. That speed gives him a weapon, yet acceleration alone won't earn him minutes with Daniel Farke.
Farke asks his wide players to contribute beyond the highlight moments. They need to track runners, keep their shape, combine cleanly and recognise when to attack ******* e rather than forcing a duel. Mexes has the directness ******* ociated with a player such as Daniel James, but the tactical detail will take time, as he steps into the U18 and U21 levels.
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 05: Daniel Farke, Manager of Leeds United, acknowledges the fans after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Leeds United at American Express Stadium on September 05, 2026 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Luke Walker/Getty Images)
#farke #brighton #september #league
Mexes joined United from Ipswich Town in 2024, aged 14, but he did not make a competitive senior or formal U18 league appearance during 2025/26, spending much of that period with the U16 group. His switch gives him a new setting at Thorp Arch, where the academy has a strong record. Leeds' 2026/27 squad listing now includes Tyler-Earnshaw, confirming his place at the club.
There's a reason this move makes sense from Leeds' side. Mexes has the athletic profile that can trouble academy defenders, with an 11.1-second personal best over 100 metres and a willingness to attack from the left. That speed gives him a weapon, yet acceleration alone won't earn him minutes with Daniel Farke.
Farke asks his wide players to contribute beyond the highlight moments. They need to track runners, keep their shape, combine cleanly and recognise when to attack ******* e rather than forcing a duel. Mexes has the directness ******* ociated with a player such as Daniel James, but the tactical detail will take time, as he steps into the U18 and U21 levels.
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 05: Daniel Farke, Manager of Leeds United, acknowledges the fans after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Leeds United at American Express Stadium on September 05, 2026 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Luke Walker/Getty Images)
#farke #brighton #september #league
10 days ago
Lisa Baum's first half goal was enough to separate the sides on the opening day in Sussex.
It was the hosts who created the first real chance of the game. Kiko Seike's effort was saved by Misa Rodríguez after the ****** anese forward latched onto Chiamaka Nnadozie's long ball.
Arsenal then took the lead in the 10th minute. Debutant Baum's left-footed shot hit the underside of the bar and flew into Nnadozie's goal.
Brighton & Hove Albion looked to equalise, but Fran Kirby's volley from close range flew over the bar before Charlie Rule was unable to find the top corner from the edge of the box.
After netting the opening goal, Renee Slegers' ****** nal side looked to create more chances, but Alessia Russo fired over before she saw a second chance blocked by Nnadozie.
#arsenal
It was the hosts who created the first real chance of the game. Kiko Seike's effort was saved by Misa Rodríguez after the ****** anese forward latched onto Chiamaka Nnadozie's long ball.
Arsenal then took the lead in the 10th minute. Debutant Baum's left-footed shot hit the underside of the bar and flew into Nnadozie's goal.
Brighton & Hove Albion looked to equalise, but Fran Kirby's volley from close range flew over the bar before Charlie Rule was unable to find the top corner from the edge of the box.
After netting the opening goal, Renee Slegers' ****** nal side looked to create more chances, but Alessia Russo fired over before she saw a second chance blocked by Nnadozie.
#arsenal
11 days ago
Sky Sports pundits Daniel Sturridge and Jamie Carragher have ruled Chelsea out of the Premier League **** le race after emphasising the "massive gulf" between the teams following the Blues' 2-1 defeat to **** nal.
Xabi Alonso's side were tipped to challenge the champions this season after a promising start to the new campaign that saw them win 3-2 and 4-3 against Fulham and Brighton in their opening two games, and they got off to the perfect start at the Emirates as Morgan Rogers opened the scoring within 90 seconds.
However, the Gunners dominated proceedings from there, with an equaliser ruled out before Kai Havertz fired past Emi Martinez to level it before half-time.
Martin Odegaard scored the winner as the Gunners maintained their 100% record (Reuters)
It was more of the same in the second half at the Emirates too, with the champions controlling the game and limiting Chelsea to very little in attack before Martin Odegaard finished a brilliant move to rifle in the winner.
#emirates #champions #half
Xabi Alonso's side were tipped to challenge the champions this season after a promising start to the new campaign that saw them win 3-2 and 4-3 against Fulham and Brighton in their opening two games, and they got off to the perfect start at the Emirates as Morgan Rogers opened the scoring within 90 seconds.
However, the Gunners dominated proceedings from there, with an equaliser ruled out before Kai Havertz fired past Emi Martinez to level it before half-time.
Martin Odegaard scored the winner as the Gunners maintained their 100% record (Reuters)
It was more of the same in the second half at the Emirates too, with the champions controlling the game and limiting Chelsea to very little in attack before Martin Odegaard finished a brilliant move to rifle in the winner.
#emirates #champions #half
11 days ago
Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates in the first clash between traditional big four (or five, or six, however you want to phrase it) clubs of the Premier League season. In life, you're either a red or a blue. **** nal vs. Chelsea is about as red vs. blue as they come. This will be the first meeting between Mikel Arteta and Xabi Alonso, notable because the pair are lifelong friends. They played on teams growing up together in Spain.
Both clubs have two wins from two to start the season. **** nal have done it with organization and defense, as you'd expect. They've not conceded a goal from either match (Hull City haven't conceded from three). Chelsea's attack has started the season quickly with seven goals scored from their opening two matches. They've also conceded five over those games, looking particularly vulnerable to crosses and set pieces.
Many expected new manager Xabi Alonso to setup his side to have plenty of the ball, as he did in previous coaching stops. In last weekend's 4-3 win over Brighton, Chelsea had 25% possession and completed just over 200 passes to Brighton's 590. The Blues attack quickly and directly. I'll be interested to see how they match up against **** nal's more robust defense and organization.
Arsenal are unbeaten in 11 straight matches in all competitions against Chelsea (8-3-0). The Blues last win against the Gunners came in August 2022. There will be just two players starting for their same teams from the starting lineups that day — Reece James and Bukayo Saka. Kai Havertz is also likely to start but, as we know, switched sides in the interim. The **** nal lineup from that match, woo boy — Leno, Cedric, Holding, Mari, Tierney, Xhaka, Lokonga, Saka, Smith Rowe, Pepe, Martinelli.
I'll be keeping a close watch on Bukayo Saka, who has scored in both matches this season for **** nal but has a pretty dismal record against Chelsea. He'll no longer be running at Marc Cucurella, who like him or not, rate him or not, always did well keeping Saka quiet. Chelsea's defense has looked unorganized way more often than Xabi Alonso would like, so if there ever was a time for Bukayo to improve his output against the Blues, it'd be today.
#season
Both clubs have two wins from two to start the season. **** nal have done it with organization and defense, as you'd expect. They've not conceded a goal from either match (Hull City haven't conceded from three). Chelsea's attack has started the season quickly with seven goals scored from their opening two matches. They've also conceded five over those games, looking particularly vulnerable to crosses and set pieces.
Many expected new manager Xabi Alonso to setup his side to have plenty of the ball, as he did in previous coaching stops. In last weekend's 4-3 win over Brighton, Chelsea had 25% possession and completed just over 200 passes to Brighton's 590. The Blues attack quickly and directly. I'll be interested to see how they match up against **** nal's more robust defense and organization.
Arsenal are unbeaten in 11 straight matches in all competitions against Chelsea (8-3-0). The Blues last win against the Gunners came in August 2022. There will be just two players starting for their same teams from the starting lineups that day — Reece James and Bukayo Saka. Kai Havertz is also likely to start but, as we know, switched sides in the interim. The **** nal lineup from that match, woo boy — Leno, Cedric, Holding, Mari, Tierney, Xhaka, Lokonga, Saka, Smith Rowe, Pepe, Martinelli.
I'll be keeping a close watch on Bukayo Saka, who has scored in both matches this season for **** nal but has a pretty dismal record against Chelsea. He'll no longer be running at Marc Cucurella, who like him or not, rate him or not, always did well keeping Saka quiet. Chelsea's defense has looked unorganized way more often than Xabi Alonso would like, so if there ever was a time for Bukayo to improve his output against the Blues, it'd be today.
#season
11 days ago
Derby boss John Eustace has explained why Eiran Cashin missed the Rams' defeat to West Ham following his season-long loan move from Brighton.
Cashin was absent from the squad because of an ankle problem which had also kept him out of action during his final weeks at Brighton.
"Eiran's struggling a little bit with his ankle," Eustace said. "I think he's missed the last couple of weeks at Brighton, so hopefully he'll be joining in at some point this week."
Bobby Clark was only fit enough to start on the bench after suffering a hamstring scare, while Filip Bilbija was ruled out with a back injury.
"Bobby had a slight scare after the game on Tuesday," Eustace added. "That's why he was on the bench and he's been really struggling with his hamstrings. We were lucky to get him on for 20 minutes.
#eustace #bobby #struggling
Cashin was absent from the squad because of an ankle problem which had also kept him out of action during his final weeks at Brighton.
"Eiran's struggling a little bit with his ankle," Eustace said. "I think he's missed the last couple of weeks at Brighton, so hopefully he'll be joining in at some point this week."
Bobby Clark was only fit enough to start on the bench after suffering a hamstring scare, while Filip Bilbija was ruled out with a back injury.
"Bobby had a slight scare after the game on Tuesday," Eustace added. "That's why he was on the bench and he's been really struggling with his hamstrings. We were lucky to get him on for 20 minutes.
#eustace #bobby #struggling
12 days ago
Starting for the first time this season in Leeds United's draw with Brighton & Hove Albion was defender Gabriel Gudmundsson, who was pleased with a point on his return to the team.
Jayden Bogle's first half strike opened the scoring for the Whites but a goal for the host after the break saw the Seagulls salvage a point.
"I have been waiting for this," the Swedish international told the media after the full-time whistle, delighted to get back out there on the pitch.
"Of course, it has been a tough period but again just a credit to the physio team that helped me here today very prepared.
"So, of course, overall very happy with the point here. I think Brighton, especially, is a very, very difficult place to come to. And to be honest, I think last year we were lost here quite bad.
#brighton #think #leeds
Jayden Bogle's first half strike opened the scoring for the Whites but a goal for the host after the break saw the Seagulls salvage a point.
"I have been waiting for this," the Swedish international told the media after the full-time whistle, delighted to get back out there on the pitch.
"Of course, it has been a tough period but again just a credit to the physio team that helped me here today very prepared.
"So, of course, overall very happy with the point here. I think Brighton, especially, is a very, very difficult place to come to. And to be honest, I think last year we were lost here quite bad.
#brighton #think #leeds
12 days ago
Roberto De Zerbi's Tottenham Hotspur were held to a goalless draw by Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon, as the Italian coach's 'revolution' in North London struggles to gather pace.
De Zerbi guided the club to Premier League survival after taking over late last season and helped engineer an expensive squad overhaul in the summer transfer window, with over €200m spent on midfielders alone.
However, Spurs remain winless and are now without a goal in their opening three league matches for the first time since 1974. Pressure is already beginning to mount on the former Sassuolo and Brighton boss to quickly find solutions to his side's mounting offensive woes, despite the vast amounts of money spent to supposedly improve it.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 01: Italy international Sandro Tonali of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring a goal during the Sydney Super Cup match between Chelsea FC and Tottenham at Accor Stadium on August 01, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
Both Sandro Tonali and Destiny Udogie started for De Zerbi at the City Ground today. Tonali, who completed a marquee move from Newcastle United earlier in the summer, put in a full ninety-minute shift and stood out as one of Spurs' few bright spots, dictating play from the base of the midfield.
#zerbi
De Zerbi guided the club to Premier League survival after taking over late last season and helped engineer an expensive squad overhaul in the summer transfer window, with over €200m spent on midfielders alone.
However, Spurs remain winless and are now without a goal in their opening three league matches for the first time since 1974. Pressure is already beginning to mount on the former Sassuolo and Brighton boss to quickly find solutions to his side's mounting offensive woes, despite the vast amounts of money spent to supposedly improve it.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 01: Italy international Sandro Tonali of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring a goal during the Sydney Super Cup match between Chelsea FC and Tottenham at Accor Stadium on August 01, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
Both Sandro Tonali and Destiny Udogie started for De Zerbi at the City Ground today. Tonali, who completed a marquee move from Newcastle United earlier in the summer, put in a full ninety-minute shift and stood out as one of Spurs' few bright spots, dictating play from the base of the midfield.
#zerbi
13 days ago
The new Premier League season continues on Saturday as Leeds United travel to the Amex Stadium to face Brighton & Hove Albion.
Daniel Farke's side are unbeaten from their opening two league games, following a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest with a 1-1 draw against Brentford at Elland Road last weekend.
Fabian Hürzeler's Brighton sit just one place behind the Whites in ninth, having opened the campaign with an impressive 4-0 win over Aston Villa before a narrow 4-3 defeat by Chelsea.
With the two sides separated by just one point in the early Premier League table, here's how supporters around the world can watch Brighton vs Leeds United.
Coverage starts from 2:30pm with the official pre-match show, live on LUTV and across the club's digital platforms.
#saturday #amex
Daniel Farke's side are unbeaten from their opening two league games, following a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest with a 1-1 draw against Brentford at Elland Road last weekend.
Fabian Hürzeler's Brighton sit just one place behind the Whites in ninth, having opened the campaign with an impressive 4-0 win over Aston Villa before a narrow 4-3 defeat by Chelsea.
With the two sides separated by just one point in the early Premier League table, here's how supporters around the world can watch Brighton vs Leeds United.
Coverage starts from 2:30pm with the official pre-match show, live on LUTV and across the club's digital platforms.
#saturday #amex
13 days ago
Chelsea's season is barely underway, yet questions are already emerging around Estêvão's role under new head coach Xabi Alonso.
According to ESPN Brazil, the young Brazilian is concerned that his opportunities could be reduced under Alonso, despite wanting to remain at Stamford Bridge. The report, written by Renato Senise, suggests the player has privately discussed his situation with close ****** ociates.
The timing is significant. Estêvão missed the final stretch of last season because of a right thigh muscle injury suffered in April, which also ruled him out of the World Cup. Having returned to Chelsea, he now faces a difficult battle for regular first team football.
Alonso has taken charge of only three Chelsea matches so far, two in the Premier League and one in the English League Cup, but the early signs have prompted concern.
Estêvão made a seven minute appearance against Fulham before starting against Luton Town in the cup. He was then an unused substitute during Chelsea's 4-3 victory over Brighton.
#brazilian #stamford
According to ESPN Brazil, the young Brazilian is concerned that his opportunities could be reduced under Alonso, despite wanting to remain at Stamford Bridge. The report, written by Renato Senise, suggests the player has privately discussed his situation with close ****** ociates.
The timing is significant. Estêvão missed the final stretch of last season because of a right thigh muscle injury suffered in April, which also ruled him out of the World Cup. Having returned to Chelsea, he now faces a difficult battle for regular first team football.
Alonso has taken charge of only three Chelsea matches so far, two in the Premier League and one in the English League Cup, but the early signs have prompted concern.
Estêvão made a seven minute appearance against Fulham before starting against Luton Town in the cup. He was then an unused substitute during Chelsea's 4-3 victory over Brighton.
#brazilian #stamford
13 days ago
The big team news question we all wanted to hear an answer to in today's Xabi Alonso press conference was about Moises Caicedo.
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Xabi Alonso was asked about the fitness of key midfielder Moises Caicedo in today's press conference previewing Sunday's game against **** nal, and tried to give as little away as possible.
"We'll check tomorrow," he said of the Ecuador star who limped off last weekend against Brighton just 11 minutes after coming on as a sub. There was no indication of whether Caicedo had trained today, or indeed had trained at all this week.
A second mention later in the press conference saw Alonso saying he wasn't worried, and again reiterating that a final decision would be made tomorrow after the last training session the team have together.
#tomorrow
If you enjoy Talk Chelsea coverage and want to see more of it, add us as a preferred source on Google to make us a favourite and see more of our content.
Xabi Alonso was asked about the fitness of key midfielder Moises Caicedo in today's press conference previewing Sunday's game against **** nal, and tried to give as little away as possible.
"We'll check tomorrow," he said of the Ecuador star who limped off last weekend against Brighton just 11 minutes after coming on as a sub. There was no indication of whether Caicedo had trained today, or indeed had trained at all this week.
A second mention later in the press conference saw Alonso saying he wasn't worried, and again reiterating that a final decision would be made tomorrow after the last training session the team have together.
#tomorrow
13 days ago
Most of the focus for Liverpool fans towards the end of the summer transfer window was on the club's efforts to sign a right winger to bring a little balance to a lopsided frontline, and to that end the club make an effort try to sign Yankuba Minteh from Brighton as well as Ismaïla Sarr from Crystal Palace.
Both moves failed, with Liverpool moving first for Minteh in their late window push before pivoting to Sarr when Brighton rebuffed £50M and £60M offers. Given Minteh is out until October or November due to injury, going higher after that was never seriously considered. What, though, in all of this for Minteh?
Liverpool may have missed out on a much-needed signing, but the 22-year-old player missed out on a lucrative move to a bigger club. Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler was asked about the mindset of the player at his pre-match press conference ahead of their game on the weekend against Leeds United.
"He still wears the Brighton badge," Hurzeler said. "He's been here for two years now and we've achieved great things together. Therefore, it's also about him now to commit. This will be the case this season: if the whole team is successful, then Yankuba will maybe fulfil his dream in the next transfer window."
Liverpool fans will be quick to read a potential January move into Hurzeler's response, and certainly depending on how the season progresses for the Reds it might be the case that January moves will be made. He does also stress that it's about Minteh buckling down and performing well this season.
#window #yankuba #sarr #hurzeler
Both moves failed, with Liverpool moving first for Minteh in their late window push before pivoting to Sarr when Brighton rebuffed £50M and £60M offers. Given Minteh is out until October or November due to injury, going higher after that was never seriously considered. What, though, in all of this for Minteh?
Liverpool may have missed out on a much-needed signing, but the 22-year-old player missed out on a lucrative move to a bigger club. Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler was asked about the mindset of the player at his pre-match press conference ahead of their game on the weekend against Leeds United.
"He still wears the Brighton badge," Hurzeler said. "He's been here for two years now and we've achieved great things together. Therefore, it's also about him now to commit. This will be the case this season: if the whole team is successful, then Yankuba will maybe fulfil his dream in the next transfer window."
Liverpool fans will be quick to read a potential January move into Hurzeler's response, and certainly depending on how the season progresses for the Reds it might be the case that January moves will be made. He does also stress that it's about Minteh buckling down and performing well this season.
#window #yankuba #sarr #hurzeler
13 days ago
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has confirmed Mats Wieffer will be sidelined until next month with a knee injury.
The right-back was forced off during Brighton's 4-3 defeat by Chelsea after being struck in the face by the ball, causing him to lose his balance and injure his knee.
Hurzeler explained the unusual injury by comparing it to a boxer being knocked off balance.
"I can explain this quite easily because I also like to watch boxing," Hurzeler said.
"Sometimes in boxing, when someone gets like a hit, then you see how weak his legs go and then the legs get in very strange positions and then it might happen that your knee gets injured or your ankle gets twisted.
#injury #brighton #fabian
The right-back was forced off during Brighton's 4-3 defeat by Chelsea after being struck in the face by the ball, causing him to lose his balance and injure his knee.
Hurzeler explained the unusual injury by comparing it to a boxer being knocked off balance.
"I can explain this quite easily because I also like to watch boxing," Hurzeler said.
"Sometimes in boxing, when someone gets like a hit, then you see how weak his legs go and then the legs get in very strange positions and then it might happen that your knee gets injured or your ankle gets twisted.
#injury #brighton #fabian
13 days ago
2
Manchester United had a quiet end to the summer after being linked with several names in the final days of the transfer window. The Red Devils entered the transfer market riding the optimism of last season's third-placed finish in the Premier League.
With the midfield earmarked as the area requiring urgent attention, the English giants moved quickly to secure the services of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. This was followed by a period of inactivity before INEOS managed to prise Carlos Baleba away from Brighton & Hove Albion.
With the midfield undergoing a revamp, United were next expected to focus on signing a new striker and a left-back. Consequently, the Red Devils were linked with Freiburg forward Igor Matanovic and Newcastle United full-back Lewis Hall, among others.
Unfortunately, United ended the summer without reinforcing either position. The Red Devils have now confirmed their squad for the Premier League season.
#premier #midfield
Manchester United had a quiet end to the summer after being linked with several names in the final days of the transfer window. The Red Devils entered the transfer market riding the optimism of last season's third-placed finish in the Premier League.
With the midfield earmarked as the area requiring urgent attention, the English giants moved quickly to secure the services of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. This was followed by a period of inactivity before INEOS managed to prise Carlos Baleba away from Brighton & Hove Albion.
With the midfield undergoing a revamp, United were next expected to focus on signing a new striker and a left-back. Consequently, the Red Devils were linked with Freiburg forward Igor Matanovic and Newcastle United full-back Lewis Hall, among others.
Unfortunately, United ended the summer without reinforcing either position. The Red Devils have now confirmed their squad for the Premier League season.
#premier #midfield
13 days ago
BBC Sport's FPL expert Gianni ***** ice looks at some of the biggest dilemmas facing Fantasy Premier League managers heading into gameweek three.
If you do not own Erling Haaland (£15.5m), using a chip to bring him in is much simpler than spending several transfers to fit in the game's most expensive player.
A Wildcard lets you move quickly on trending players, improve team value, and invest heavily in two sides you may not have much exposure to in Manchester City and Chelsea, who face Coventry and Hull at home over the next fortnight.
The Free Hit chip also has an upside, allowing you to avoid the ***** nal versus Chelsea fixture and consider players from Brighton, Newcastle, and Brentford.
If you are not using a Wildcard or Free Hit, choosing Haaland as your Triple Captain looks a strong option, which I am likely to run with.
#wildcard #using #chip #players
If you do not own Erling Haaland (£15.5m), using a chip to bring him in is much simpler than spending several transfers to fit in the game's most expensive player.
A Wildcard lets you move quickly on trending players, improve team value, and invest heavily in two sides you may not have much exposure to in Manchester City and Chelsea, who face Coventry and Hull at home over the next fortnight.
The Free Hit chip also has an upside, allowing you to avoid the ***** nal versus Chelsea fixture and consider players from Brighton, Newcastle, and Brentford.
If you are not using a Wildcard or Free Hit, choosing Haaland as your Triple Captain looks a strong option, which I am likely to run with.
#wildcard #using #chip #players
14 days ago
La Fábrica product Chema Andrés is joining Brighton after the English club decided to spend €23 million on his transfer from Bayer Leverkusen. That means that Real Madrid will make €11.5 million from this deal although they will also lose the 50% of Andrés' rights they still owned, which means that Los Blancos will not have the option to bring him back in the future.
Andrés had a breakout season for Stuttgart last season and some rumors suggested that Real Madrid wanted to trigger the buyback clause. However, Los Blancos stayed put and Chema Andrés will now be playing in the Premier League after Brighton's move.
Real Madrid have been using their canteranos to fund most of their signings for the first team and Chema Andrés hasn't been the exception. Players like Nico Paz, Gonzalo García or César Palacios also left the club this summer in deals that allowed Real Madrid to earn significant fees.
#blancos #million #means #season
Andrés had a breakout season for Stuttgart last season and some rumors suggested that Real Madrid wanted to trigger the buyback clause. However, Los Blancos stayed put and Chema Andrés will now be playing in the Premier League after Brighton's move.
Real Madrid have been using their canteranos to fund most of their signings for the first team and Chema Andrés hasn't been the exception. Players like Nico Paz, Gonzalo García or César Palacios also left the club this summer in deals that allowed Real Madrid to earn significant fees.
#blancos #million #means #season
15 days ago
Under Enzo Maresca at Chelsea, Enzo Fernandez helped the club win the 2025 Europa Conference League and the Club World Cup later that summer but noises emerged at the start of this year about him wanting to leave.
It began once Maresca left Stamford Bridge in January and two months later, following Chelsea's Champions League exit, Fernandez said he did not know whether he would be at the club next season.
His first choice was to join Real Madrid but the La Liga giants never came in with an offer, feeling the Premier League midfielder was overpriced.
New Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso spoke to Fernandez this summer in an attempt to try and change his mind and for him to stay, but the player's heart was set on leaving.
Having been jeered by his own supporters during the home pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad, there was only one direction of travel thereafter and that exit was seemingly rubberstamped after being left out of the wins over Luton and Brighton.
#club
It began once Maresca left Stamford Bridge in January and two months later, following Chelsea's Champions League exit, Fernandez said he did not know whether he would be at the club next season.
His first choice was to join Real Madrid but the La Liga giants never came in with an offer, feeling the Premier League midfielder was overpriced.
New Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso spoke to Fernandez this summer in an attempt to try and change his mind and for him to stay, but the player's heart was set on leaving.
Having been jeered by his own supporters during the home pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad, there was only one direction of travel thereafter and that exit was seemingly rubberstamped after being left out of the wins over Luton and Brighton.
#club
15 days ago
Brighton have signed Nigeria winger Femi Azeez from Millwall in a deal worth £12.5m - potentially rising past £15m with add-ons.
Azeez arrives at the Amex Stadium on a four-year contract and becomes Brighton's 11th signing of the summer window, including their club record £45m move for Tottenham centre-back Luka Vuskovic.
Azeez, 25, scored 11 goals and provided eight ****** ists in 37 games last season, earning a place in the PFA Championship team of the year.
Azeez has been pushing for a move to the Premier League, with Millwall rejecting at least three bids from Brighton in recent weeks.
His departure is a club record sale for Millwall.
#Millwall #year #move #femi
Azeez arrives at the Amex Stadium on a four-year contract and becomes Brighton's 11th signing of the summer window, including their club record £45m move for Tottenham centre-back Luka Vuskovic.
Azeez, 25, scored 11 goals and provided eight ****** ists in 37 games last season, earning a place in the PFA Championship team of the year.
Azeez has been pushing for a move to the Premier League, with Millwall rejecting at least three bids from Brighton in recent weeks.
His departure is a club record sale for Millwall.
#Millwall #year #move #femi
15 days ago
One of the most significant moves for Real Madrid on the deadline day of the summer transfer window, surprisingly, had nothing to do with a direct departure or arrival from the club.
Instead, it was the sale of Chema Andres who moved from Stuttgart to Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League for a big fee, part of which Real Madrid were entitled to as they held 50% of the player's rights.
The youngster, thus, became part of a historic transfer window for Real Madrid where the club made over €200 million from youth player sales, windfalls and other similar operations.
As reported by Diario AS, Chema's move from Serie A to the Premier League closed for a sum of €23 million last night, making it a costly operation for Brighton.
Owing 50% of his rights, Real Madrid pocketed €11.5 million straight from the transfer and will be pleased with that development. There is, however, a twist.
#real #madrid #million #brighton
Instead, it was the sale of Chema Andres who moved from Stuttgart to Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League for a big fee, part of which Real Madrid were entitled to as they held 50% of the player's rights.
The youngster, thus, became part of a historic transfer window for Real Madrid where the club made over €200 million from youth player sales, windfalls and other similar operations.
As reported by Diario AS, Chema's move from Serie A to the Premier League closed for a sum of €23 million last night, making it a costly operation for Brighton.
Owing 50% of his rights, Real Madrid pocketed €11.5 million straight from the transfer and will be pleased with that development. There is, however, a twist.
#real #madrid #million #brighton
15 days ago
Albeit they've conceded five goals from their opening two Premier League matches, Xabi Alonso seems to have Chelsea back on track after a dodgy 2025/26 campaign as the Blues have opened their season with three wins on the bounce. They beat Fulham 3-2 for their Premier League opener, topped Luton Town 2-0 in the Carabao Cup, and most recently beat Brighton and Hove Albion 4-3 in the league. While the former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid manager will certainly be hoping for more solidity in his defense, three straight wins is not a bad start to life in the English top flight at all.
Per statistics provided by OptaJoe, Alonso has become only the fourth manager to have his side open up the season with seven or more goals in his first two Premier League matches, and that's not even counting the scored against Luton Town in the EFL Cup. The other three managers to have done this are Bobby Robson in 1999 with Newcastle United, Michael Laudrup with Swansea City in 2012, and Marcelo Bielsa with Leeds United in 2020. Alonso joins an elite list of managers in a start that's breathed an air of reassurance after there was heavy speculation as to whether or not he made the right decision to join Chelsea in hi post-Real Madrid job search.
After his unprecedented Bundesliga ****** le campaign with Bayer Leverkusen in the 2023/24 season, Alonso was a man in HIGH demand throughout Europe and he was someone who was even on Bayern's radar at the time when it became clear they'd need to replace Thomas Tuchel. The who's who of European giants were all keen to try to line him up as their next manager, but Alonso had made the decision to stay with Leverkusen for the 2024/25 season and then ultimately wound up at Real Madrid to replace Álvaro Arbeloa.
Ironically enough, the pair of Spaniards will not be competing against one another in the Premier League as Arbeloa is currently serving as Fulham manager, though his start to life in England has not gone as swimmingly as it has for Alonso as Fulham lost their opening two league matches of the season, the first of which to Alonso's Chelsea and the second of which to Sunderland.
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#Chelsea #fulham #leverkusen #manager
Per statistics provided by OptaJoe, Alonso has become only the fourth manager to have his side open up the season with seven or more goals in his first two Premier League matches, and that's not even counting the scored against Luton Town in the EFL Cup. The other three managers to have done this are Bobby Robson in 1999 with Newcastle United, Michael Laudrup with Swansea City in 2012, and Marcelo Bielsa with Leeds United in 2020. Alonso joins an elite list of managers in a start that's breathed an air of reassurance after there was heavy speculation as to whether or not he made the right decision to join Chelsea in hi post-Real Madrid job search.
After his unprecedented Bundesliga ****** le campaign with Bayer Leverkusen in the 2023/24 season, Alonso was a man in HIGH demand throughout Europe and he was someone who was even on Bayern's radar at the time when it became clear they'd need to replace Thomas Tuchel. The who's who of European giants were all keen to try to line him up as their next manager, but Alonso had made the decision to stay with Leverkusen for the 2024/25 season and then ultimately wound up at Real Madrid to replace Álvaro Arbeloa.
Ironically enough, the pair of Spaniards will not be competing against one another in the Premier League as Arbeloa is currently serving as Fulham manager, though his start to life in England has not gone as swimmingly as it has for Alonso as Fulham lost their opening two league matches of the season, the first of which to Alonso's Chelsea and the second of which to Sunderland.
Sign up for a user account and get:
#Chelsea #fulham #leverkusen #manager
15 days ago
Derby County have re-signed Brighton defender Eiran Cashin and brought in Union Saint-Gilloise forward Mohammed Fuseini on loan deals.
Cashin, 24, started his career at Pride Park, helping the club win promotion back to the Championship in 2024.
He made 144 appearances for the club before departing for Brighton in January 2025 but has featured just twice for Fabian Hurzeler's side and spent last season on loan at Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers.
Cashin's arrival was confirmed before Derby's win at Portsmouth, while the addition of 24-year-old Fuseini on a season-long loan was sealed soon after the club's first win of the Championship season.
The Ghana international moves to the English game after two years in Belgium with Union Saint-Gilloise, a club he joined in 2024 from Austrian side Sturm Gratz.
#cashin #union #saint
Cashin, 24, started his career at Pride Park, helping the club win promotion back to the Championship in 2024.
He made 144 appearances for the club before departing for Brighton in January 2025 but has featured just twice for Fabian Hurzeler's side and spent last season on loan at Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers.
Cashin's arrival was confirmed before Derby's win at Portsmouth, while the addition of 24-year-old Fuseini on a season-long loan was sealed soon after the club's first win of the Championship season.
The Ghana international moves to the English game after two years in Belgium with Union Saint-Gilloise, a club he joined in 2024 from Austrian side Sturm Gratz.
#cashin #union #saint
16 days ago
Sept. 1 (UPI) -- Manchester City agreed to a $169 million deal for Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez.
Sources told ESPN, The Athletic and the BBC about the agreement Tuesday. Fernandez, who joined the Blues from Benfica in 2023, totaled 10 goals and four ****** ists over 36 appearances during the 2025-26 Premier League campaign.
He played for 26 minutes during the Blues' season-opening 3-2 win over Fulham on Aug. 24 in London. He did not play Thursday in a Carabao Cup win over Luton Town or in the Blues' second Premier League game, a 4-3 win over Brighton on Sunday in London.
The 25-year-old totaled two goals over seven appearances for Argentina during the 2026 World Cup. His $169 million transfer fee ties the Premier League record, which was set last summer when Liverpool acquired Alexander Isak from Newcastle United.
Manchester City sits atop the Premier League, at 2-0. The Sky Blues will host Coventry in the third match of their 2026-27 Premier League campaign at 10 a.m. EDT Saturday in Manchester.
#premier #league #fernandez #totaled
Sources told ESPN, The Athletic and the BBC about the agreement Tuesday. Fernandez, who joined the Blues from Benfica in 2023, totaled 10 goals and four ****** ists over 36 appearances during the 2025-26 Premier League campaign.
He played for 26 minutes during the Blues' season-opening 3-2 win over Fulham on Aug. 24 in London. He did not play Thursday in a Carabao Cup win over Luton Town or in the Blues' second Premier League game, a 4-3 win over Brighton on Sunday in London.
The 25-year-old totaled two goals over seven appearances for Argentina during the 2026 World Cup. His $169 million transfer fee ties the Premier League record, which was set last summer when Liverpool acquired Alexander Isak from Newcastle United.
Manchester City sits atop the Premier League, at 2-0. The Sky Blues will host Coventry in the third match of their 2026-27 Premier League campaign at 10 a.m. EDT Saturday in Manchester.
#premier #league #fernandez #totaled
16 days ago
AFC Wimbledon have signed goalkeeper Joe Bursik from Championship side Portsmouth, and defender Freddie Simmonds from Premier League side Brighton, both on loan for the rest of the season.
Bursik, 26, returns to Plough Lane, where he joined the academy as an eight-year-old before leaving for Stoke City aged 16.
He kept seven clean sheets in 16 Championship games for the Potters in 2020-21 before going on loan to Telford, Accrington, Doncaster and Peterborough.
Bursik signed for Pompey in September 2025, making 10 league appearances and starting against ***** nal in their 4-1 FA Cup third-round defeat at Fratton Park.
He told the Dons website: "It's great to be back. It's a bit of a full circle moment. Good feeling, good memories."
#wimbledon #portsmouth #freddie
Bursik, 26, returns to Plough Lane, where he joined the academy as an eight-year-old before leaving for Stoke City aged 16.
He kept seven clean sheets in 16 Championship games for the Potters in 2020-21 before going on loan to Telford, Accrington, Doncaster and Peterborough.
Bursik signed for Pompey in September 2025, making 10 league appearances and starting against ***** nal in their 4-1 FA Cup third-round defeat at Fratton Park.
He told the Dons website: "It's great to be back. It's a bit of a full circle moment. Good feeling, good memories."
#wimbledon #portsmouth #freddie
16 days ago
Manchester City have reached that familiar point in a transfer window where the story is about quality, timing and nerve. Deadline day tends to bring theatre, but for City the picture appears sharper than most. The priorities are clear, the names are substantial, and the sense from The Athletic is that Enzo Maresca's club are pressing hard to finish business that could shape the tone of the season.
For all the noise of the wider market, the relevant line for City is straightforward. "City will aim to push through a deal with Chelsea for Enzo Fernandez, who they had identified as a key target before the end of last season." That sentence carries weight. It speaks to long-term planning rather than impulse, and it frames Fernandez not as an opportunistic late-window raid but as a midfielder City have been tracking with purpose.
The second live issue is in attack. "City will also hope to complete a move for Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye, after a £60m deal with £5m in add-ons was agreed in principle on Monday evening." In the compressed language of deadline day, that reads as significant progress. When a fee is agreed in principle and a medical is scheduled, the transfer has usually moved beyond flirtation and into the final administrative bend.
Those two pursuits, Fernandez and Ndiaye, reveal much about where City believe the squad stands. There has been talent added, there has been movement out, and there has also been that slightly untidy feel that often comes when a powerful squad is being remodelled in real time. The challenge for Maresca is to weld all of this into a **** le-chasing whole quickly.
If City complete the Fernandez deal, it will be the headline move, because elite central midfielders alter the rhythm of teams. The report notes that Chelsea set "a public deadline of August 14 for bids", yet the matter has remained alive. More tellingly, "Fernandez has been left out of Chelsea's squad for games against Luton Town and Brighton." Those absences inevitably intensify the feeling that something material is developing.
#squad
For all the noise of the wider market, the relevant line for City is straightforward. "City will aim to push through a deal with Chelsea for Enzo Fernandez, who they had identified as a key target before the end of last season." That sentence carries weight. It speaks to long-term planning rather than impulse, and it frames Fernandez not as an opportunistic late-window raid but as a midfielder City have been tracking with purpose.
The second live issue is in attack. "City will also hope to complete a move for Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye, after a £60m deal with £5m in add-ons was agreed in principle on Monday evening." In the compressed language of deadline day, that reads as significant progress. When a fee is agreed in principle and a medical is scheduled, the transfer has usually moved beyond flirtation and into the final administrative bend.
Those two pursuits, Fernandez and Ndiaye, reveal much about where City believe the squad stands. There has been talent added, there has been movement out, and there has also been that slightly untidy feel that often comes when a powerful squad is being remodelled in real time. The challenge for Maresca is to weld all of this into a **** le-chasing whole quickly.
If City complete the Fernandez deal, it will be the headline move, because elite central midfielders alter the rhythm of teams. The report notes that Chelsea set "a public deadline of August 14 for bids", yet the matter has remained alive. More tellingly, "Fernandez has been left out of Chelsea's squad for games against Luton Town and Brighton." Those absences inevitably intensify the feeling that something material is developing.
#squad
