Chelsea welcome newly promoted Hull City to the Bridge today, though Hull have not been playing like newcomers, earning seven points from their first three games, keeping three clean sheets along the way. Can they resist our free-scoring attack? Let's hope not!
Xabi Alonso has made a couple changes to the usual early mix, with Maxence Lacroix taking a seat on the bench after starting every single game so far and Malo Gusto deployed at nominal left wing-back, at least according to the published lineup.
Here we go!
Chelsea starting lineup (3-4-2-1)
Martínez | Hato, Colwill, Fofana | Gusto, Lavia, James (c), Neto | Rogers, Palmer | João Pedro
Substitutes from: Penders, Acheampong, Lacroix, Chavarría, Barco, Quenda, Gittens, Estêvão, Welbeck

#Chelsea #lacroix #gusto

It may still be just the start of the new season, but some clear lineup preferences have already emerged — presumably not just for the WAGNH Community but for Xabi Alonso as well. Namely, we know that our best front-three at the moment are Cole Palmer, João Pedro, and Morgan Rogers. And we know that we have to have Maxence Lacroix alongside Levi Colwill in defense. And we know that we want Reece James on the pitch in some way, shape, or form.
So the major decisions in the lineup choices currently revolve around midfield, wing-backs, and the third defender.
For the latter, the WAGNH Community prefer Josh Acheampong over Wesley Fofana by a 49-39 margin.
For the wing-backs, the voters want Jorrel Hato and Pedro Neto, with Pep Chavarría garnering only 27% and Marco Palestra still out injured. Malo Gusto checks in at 43 per cent, not nearly enough at this position, or midfield.
For the midfield, perhaps most crucially, the vote favors Roméo Lavia alongside James. Moisés Caicedo's unknown injury status is reflected in his measly 24 per cent vote share. Still ahead of Valentín Barco, at just 20.

#still #midfield #pedro #alongside

Chelsea have had a few remarkable transfer summers since their forced sale from Roman Abramovich's control in May 2022.
Once again they were big spenders, outlaying £349m on 11 signings such as Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix and Emiliano Martinez.
But there was something different this time. Chelsea actually made a trading profit after selling 17 players.
Another 22 were loaned out, four of those with either sell-on options or obligations totalling more than £140m.
It meant a staggering 39 players left the club - and that is not including the four young players who were released.

#once #morgan #maxence

Chelsea and Real Sociedad have reached an agreement over Mamadou Sarr's (20) loan move to the Basque side, according to Foot Mercato. The Senegalese international centre-back's loan move includes no option to buy. Sarr joined Chelsea from BlueCo-owned Ligue 1 side RC Strasbourg in a €14m deal in the 2025 summer transfer window. Sarr was then allowed to spend the following campaign on loan at Strasbourg, until Chelsea recalled him in February.
Sarr only featured seven times for the Blues. The former Olympique Lyonnais Academy graduate has been allowed to leave Xabi Alonso's Chelsea side this summer with the Blues recruiting Maxence Lacroix from Premier League rivals Crystal Palace FC. Foot Mercato understands that Alonso, a former Real Sociedad midfielder, has proved instrumental in convincing Sarr to join the Basque side.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval

#basque

Pierre Sage, welcome to the Premier League and the fine margins that can swing a game.
Looking down at the French football manager in the second half, he was rubbing his chin with his hand after making a couple of substitutions to try to rescue something from a game that started so brightly for Crystal Palace.
He's the new man in charge, but he has an old problem to solve. How to get his team to finish off the many chances they create. They were on top early on. Jean-Philippe Mateta, Eddie Nketiah and Daniel Munoz all had more than decent chances that could have easily found the net. But once Everton exerted control then the chances disappeared.
The second half saw Palace offer very little threat and Sage said "we gave up a little". They were missing the quality of their top scorer last season, Ismaila Sarr, who didn't travel amid the links with a move to Galatasaray. With the loss of Maxence Lacroix in defence, it could be a tricky debut season for Sage if more signings don't arrive before the deadline.

#second #little

Crystal Palace have struck an agreement with Chelsea to loan Axel Disasi (28), according to a report from RMC Sport.
Disasi has no future at Chelsea. The former AS Monaco defender has spent the past two seasons on short-term loans, firstly at Aston Villa and then with West Ham United. He suffered relegation with the latter last season. As was the case under Enzo Maresca, Liam Rosenior, and now Xabi Alonso, he does not feature in the manager's plans, and he is now primed for another loan exit, this time to Crystal Palace.
RMC Sport understands that an agreement has been reached for a paid loan, without a buy option. The arrival of the Frenchman at Selhurst Park would numerically replace the departure of his compatriot, Maxence Lacroix, who, having competed for Les Bleus at the FIFA World Cup, made the short journey across London to join Chelsea. Talks between Disasi's representatives and Crystal Palace are now ongoing.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle

#palace #loan

Crystal Palace have agreed a deal to sign Chelsea defender Axel Disasi on loan without an option to buy, according to Fabrice Hawkins.
The Eagles desperately needed reinforcement at the back following the sale of Maxence Lacroix to the Blues. He was a priority target.
Palace have now turned to the Frenchman to anchor the defence alongside Chris Richards and Jaydee Canvot. Talks are ongoing with the player and his representatives.
A dry loan also gives the South London club the flexibility to sign Raphael Le Guen, a young defender they have been chasing for weeks.
Disasi could be Palace's sixth summer signing after Dwight McNeil, Anan Khalaili, Zavier Gozo, Oscar Mingueza, and Takehiro Tomiyasu.

#palace #Chelsea #fabrice #hawkins

After becoming one of the Premier League's main 'banter clubs' last season, Chelsea will head into the 2026/27 season with a point to prove.
The scattergun approach to transfer business coupled with impatience towards managers ultimately took a heavy toll on the Blues' fortunes last term.
Xabi Alonso has been appointed to steady the ship, and it will be intriguing to see if he can get Chelsea heading in the right direction again.
Without further ado, read on as we ******* s Chelsea's hopes of enjoying a productive 2026/27 Premier League campaign.
IN:Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa, £117m), Quenda (Sporting CP, £44m), Pep Chavarria (Rayo Vallecano, £16.3m), Denner (Corinthians, £8.7m), Dastan Satpaev (Kairat Almaty, £2.1m), Emmanuel Emegha (Strasbourg, undisclosed), Marco Palestra (Atalanta, undisclosed), Harrison Bettoni (Wigan Athletic, undisclosed), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace, undisclosed), Danny Welbeck (Brighton & Hove Albion, undisclosed), Jordan Henderson (free agent), Valentin Barco (undisclosed),

#Chelsea

Chelsea travels to Indonesia for another pre-season friendly as they face AC Milan on Saturday at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
Date: Saturday, 8th August.
Kick-off: 1pm BST.
Venue: Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso faces significant selection dilemmas ahead of the friendly in Jakarta, primarily driven by a heavily depleted squad following the World Cup. A large contingent of first-team regulars—including Enzo Fernández, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Jordan Henderson, Maxence Lacroix, Morgan Rogers, and Valentín Barco—remain entirely unavailable as they build up fitness. On a positive note, Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill are expected to return to action after being rested against Juventus due to minor knocks. Mykhailo Mudryk is also in line for increased minutes, building on his brief substitute appearance which marked his return to football after a 20-month anti-doping suspension. Meanwhile, Trevoh Chalobah has been left out of the touring squad entirely as he edges closer to a permanent transfer away from Stamford Bridge. This leaves room for new signings like Danny Welbeck and young winger Geovany Quenda to push for starting roles.

#Chelsea #stadium

Chelsea continue their pre-season tour with a trip to Indonesia, where they are set to take on AC Milan on Saturday at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
The Blues have not enjoyed the most convincing run of results under new head coach Xabi Alonso so far. Their preparations began on a positive note with a win over Western Sydney Wanderers, but momentum has since dipped. Chelsea have gone on to lose their last two matches, first suffering a narrow defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, then a 1-0 loss to Juventus in Hong Kong.
Alonso is currently dealing with several selection concerns ahead of the clash in Jakarta, largely due to a stretched squad in the aftermath of the World Cup.
Several key first-team players are still unavailable as they continue to regain full fitness. Those missing include Enzo Fernández, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Jordan Henderson, Maxence Lacroix, Morgan Rogers, and Valentín Barco.
There is some encouraging news, however, as Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill are both expected to return after missing the Juventus game with minor injuries.

#alonso

OH Leuven have once again changed manager to start the season. Felice Mazzu is out, with former Dender and Westerlo man Timmy Simons coming in. Can he finally help a side with a decent financial backing live up to its potential? Or will Leicester City's relegation from the second tier of English football diverted attention away from OH Leuven and towards the struggling foxes?
Transfers in: Emmanuel Addai (Qarabag), Jamie Lawrence (WSG Tirol), Takuya Ogiwara (Urawa Red Diamonds), Shin Yamada (Celtic), Dani van den Heuvel (Club Brugge), Lukasz Lakomy (Young Boys, converted loan)
Transfers out: Romeo Monticelli (Francs Borains), Casper Terho (Sparta Rotterdam), Takuma Ominami (Varen Nagasaki), Sory Kaba (Al-Dhafra), Takahiro Akimoto (Machida Zelvia), Theo Radelet (RAAL La Louviere), Youssef Maziz (Colorado), Mathieu Maertens (free), Maxence Prevot (Dunkerque)
Key player: Siebe Schrijvers
As a younger player, Schijvers was seen as a striker/winger, but in recent years he has converted into a very good central midfielder. The 30-year-old has been OH Leuven's best player for a number of years now, and will once again be key to their success this season. Injuries hampered him somewhat last season, with 30 games played and three goals scored. Keeping Schrijvers fit is key for an OH Leuven side that doesn't have much recognisable Pro League quality.

#side

Crystal Palace are making a move for Axel Disasi, who could join on a loan with an option to buy according to French media.
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Earlier today we were writing about Chelsea's situation defensively. With Maxence Lacroix now signed, there are ten central defenders on the books. The Blues need to get moving, and the good news is that things could move pretty fast now.
With five of them likely to stick around in Xabi Alonso's squad and two potentially going on loan, three are left to be sold. Trevoh Chalobah is on the verge of joining Como, leaving Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi as the most likely to make permanent moves away.
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 19: Axel Disasi of Chelsea of Chelsea during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Chelsea FC and Shamrock Rovers FC at Stamford Bridge on December 19, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

#loan

Crystal Palace have submitted a loan offer with an obligation to buy for Chelsea defender Axel Disasi, according to Fabrice Hawkins. Xabi Alonso and Pierre Sage are at Stamford Bridge and Selhurst Park with the Blues and the Eagles respectively.
The 28-year-old centre-back remains Palace's top target to replace Maxence Lacroix as negotiations between the two London clubs continue.
With Lacroix recently completing his move to Stamford Bridge, Palace have earmarked Disasi as the ideal successor to maintain defensive stability at Selhurst Park.
The French 'machine' brings extensive experience across the Premier League, Ligue 1, and European competition, offering physical presence, aerial dominance, and composure on the ball to anchor Pierre Sage's defensive unit.
While Chelsea initially preferred an immediate permanent transfer, Palace's structured offer guarantees the Blues a permanent sale fee, providing a workable compromise that aligns with both clubs' financial planning.

#palace #Chelsea

Chelsea have explored a move for Bologna centre-half John Lucumi, according to Quotidiano Sportivo.
The Blues are looking to shore up a defence that leaked goals last season and want to bring another centre-back to Stamford Bridge after completing a deal for Maxence Lacroix.
Chelsea are now eyeing Lucumi, who has caught the eye with his performances in Italy.
Last season, the reported Chelsea target won 58 percent of his aerial and 60% of his ground duels, earmarking himself as one of the better defenders in Serie A.
Levi Colwill is a world-class prospect but has struggled for consistency due to constant injury setbacks.

#blues

Ohio State's tight end room looks completely different entering 2026, but that doesn't mean the position is any weaker. In fact, there is a strong argument that it is deeper than it has been in years.
Gone are Max Klare, Will Kacmarek, and Jelani Thurman. Together, they accounted for virtually every meaningful snap at tight end over the last two seasons. Replacing that experience was never going to come from one player.
Instead, Ryan Day attacked the position by **** embling a room where every player has a defined role, and together, they may give the Buckeyes more flexibility than they've had in a long time.
The hierarchy entering fall camp appears fairly straightforward. Nate Roberts projects as the clear TE1. Mason Williams looks like the favorite for TE2. Behind them, Hunter Welcing and Bennett Christian are battling for rotational snaps, while Maxence LeBlanc and Brody Lennon continue developing as future contributors.
The names may not yet carry the same national recognition as previous Ohio State tight end rooms, but the fit of each player within Arthur Smith and Ryan Day's offense makes this group one of the more fascinating position battles on the roster.

#position

Crystal Palace are set to submit an offer for Chelsea defender Axel Disasi, according to Fabrice Hawkins. Palace manager Pierre Sage wants to replace Maxence Lacroix at the Selhurst Park club, and Disasi has emerged as the Eagles' priority target. The 28-year-old spent the second half of last term on loan at West Ham United, making 17 appearances. However, Disasi was unable to help keep the Hammers up and a permanent deal to move to the London Stadium club was chalked off the cards.
The Frenchman remains surplus to requirements at Chelsea, but Palace are keen on recruiting his services. They are preparing an official bid and talks are ongoing between both clubs over a deal. However, clubs in Serie A are also looking to bring him to Italy and are monitoring the situation. Disasi is not short of suitors and more clubs could join the Eagles and others in his pursuit.
However, a move to Selhurst Park could appeal to him as it will keep him in London. Palace are also playing in the Europa League next season after winning last term's Conference League.

#league

Xabi Alonso says Romeo Lavia will be available to face Tottenham in Chelsea's next pre-season friendly.
The midfielder did not feature in the win over Western Sydney Wanderers because of a hamstring issue.
But the Belgian is back in contention when the Blues take on their rivals in Australia.
"He's okay for tomorrow," Alonso said.
Chelsea completed the signing of defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace earlier this week, and Alonso says the France international can make an immediate difference to his squad.

#wanderers

Xabi Alonso has backed Maxence Lacroix to become a leader at Chelsea, following his £52m arrival from Crystal Palace.
Lacroix hascompleted his move to Chelsea with the defender signing a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge. He becomes Chelsea's fourth signing of the summer and reinforces the Blues' backline under new head coach Alonso.
Alonso knows the 26-year-old from his time in the Bundesliga and has been impressed with Lacroix's rise since arriving in thePremier League two years ago.
The centre-back won the FA Cup, Community Shield and Europa Conference League at Palace, while breaking into the France national side.
Alonso has no doubts that Lacroix will become a central figure in his Chelsea side this season. Lacroix will link up with Chelsea following the club's return from a pre-season tour of Australia and Asia.

#side

Maxence Lacroix says he has joined "the best club in the world" after completing his move to Chelsea from Crystal Palace.
The 26-year-old has signed a deal until 2032, with Chelsea paying a fee of around £52m to sign the Frenchman.
"I think it's the best move for me because it's the best club in the world," Lacroix said.
"I spoke with Malo. I spoke with Trev [Chalobah]. I spoke with Benoit [Badiashile]. It's easy for people to speak well about this club because it has a lot of big history and I'm really proud to be a part of it now.
"I spoke with the manager on the phone. We spoke about tactics, we spoke about how he sees the game. First of all, I was happy just to speak about football with him, and I saw that we have the same direction and desire for this club.

#club #lacroix

Chelsea have signed Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix (26), both clubs have announced. The two London-based Premier League sides reportedly agreed to a €60m transfer fee for the France international defender. Lacroix has signed a six-year deal with Xabi Alonso's Blues. The former Sochaux and Wolfsburg centre-back underwent his medical on Friday.
Chelsea were in the market for a centre-back due to the uncertainty regarding the futures of several of their defenders, such as Mamadou Sarr, Wesley Fofana or Benoît Badiashile. The Blues went for a Premier League-proven centre-back in Lacroix.
Lacroix only needed two seasons with the Eagles to become one of the league most reliable centre-backs. He joined the South London side in 2024 from Wolfsburg and went on to win the 2025 Emirates FA Cup, the 2025 Community Shield and the 2025-2026 Conference League, totalling 98 appearances across two campaigns with Palace. Lacroix's performances earned him a spot in Didier Deschamps' France World Cup squad.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval

#france

The big leap!
It was expected, and now it's official! This Thursday, Chelsea announced the signing of Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace.
The France international defender is said to have been transferred for a fee of €60 million.
The former Wolfsburg defender is therefore continuing his rise and joining one of England's biggest clubs, now under the guidance of Xabi Alonso.
However, he will have to break the curse that seems to hang over the French centre-backs who have joined Chelsea in recent years.

#Chelsea #defender #maxence #crystal

Chelsea are targeting deals for Maxence Lacroix, Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson - and the ages of the experienced trio seem to signal a major change in transfer tactics from the Blues.
At 26, it could be said that Crystal Palace and France defence Lacroix is in his prime, but the £52m target is still notably older than other recent Blues signings.
It has been two years since Chelsea signed a player older than Lacroix, and Tosin Adarabioyo was only marginally older when he arrived three months before turning 27.
Meanwhile, Brighton striker Welbeck is 35 and keen to move to Stamford Bridge, and Brentford and England midfielder Henderson is 36.
Welbeck's potential arrival could mean he replaces 23-year-old Liam Delap in the first-team picture.

#danny #crystal

Crystal Palace are reported to have made Stade Brestois 29's Raphaël Le Guen (19) one of their targets for the summer transfer window, according to the BBC.
At just 19 years of age, the Breton defender is seen as a potential successor to Maxence Lacroix (26), whose future looks set to be with Chelsea, where he is expected to sign a contract in the coming hours.
A product of the Brest youth academy, Le Guen made his professional debut last August, coming on as a substitute during his side's 3-1 defeat away to RC Lens. Selected again against AJ Auxerre (a 3-0 defeat) in March, the defender finally earned his first start against Paris FC (a 4-0 defeat) on matchday 32.
He put in a convincing performance and went on to finish the season as a regular starter, notably starting the matches against Paris Saint-Germain and RC Strasbourg-Alsace.
Under contract with Les Pirates until 2029, Le Guen could therefore soon make the leap to the Premier League, where he would have the opportunity to play under his compatriot Pierre Sage.

#guen #defeat #made #defender

FC Augsburg have immediately rejected a €20million offer from Crystal Palace for Chrislain Matsima this morning.
Matsima, once linked with Bayern Munich, has already reached a full agreement with Palace over an immediate move.
The 24-year-old is still eager to make the switch to the English Premier League and sign a contract with the London club.
Should an agreement be reached, the centre-half would replace ex-Wolfsburg star Maxence Lacroix, who is joining Chelsea.
Such is the French defender's desire to join Palace this summer, Augsburg are expecting an improved offer to arrive today.

#offer #reached #agreement #chrislain

In a recent report, Fichajes mentioned that Chelsea are eager to recruit Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix. It has been stated that the Blues have set their sights on the French centre-back and are keen on finalising a move for him this summer.
Lacroix was a rock at the back for the Eagles in the previous campaign when he produced a string of impressive displays for them on the defensive end of the field. The 26-year-old scored three times and earned three ***** ists in 55 matches for Crystal Palace last season across multiple competitions.
The English talent is currently one of the most talented centre-halves in the Premier League. Therefore, Chelsea would do well to bring him to Stamford Bridge in this transfer period.
His current contract at Selhurst Park will expire in the summer of 2029, which could make it tough for the Blues to sign him on the cheap later this year.
LEIPZIG, GERMANY – MAY 27: Maxence Lacroix of Crystal Palace celebrates with the UEFA Conference League trophy after his team's victory in the UEFA Conference League Final 2026 match between Crystal Palace FC and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid at Football Arena Leipzig on May 27, 2026 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

#leipzig #uefa

The back injury that France's centre-back William Saliba (25) had been carrying since the later stages of the domestic season finally caught up with him as he was forced off during the first half of les Bleus' semi-final defeat to Spain.
Arsenal defender Saliba had been playing through the pain in order to help the Gunners to win their first ****** le since 2004 and, while the injury had been kept largely under wraps, once the domestic season was over it became the main concern for France ahead of Deschamps' squad announcement.
The national team's staff have largely managed Saliba's back problem well, resting him in friendlies and against Norway in the final group match and dispensing him from much of France's training sessions.
Saliba's performances throughout the tournament alongside Dayot Upamecano had been excellent, despite his showing some signs of discomfort on the poor pitch of the MetLife stadium against Sweden in the round of 32. The Premier League defender's ****** ured showings were a big reason why France had conceded only two goals (one of them in the Norway match) leading up to the semi-final.
However, with France 1-0 down following Spain's successful penalty, Saliba kicked the ball away and slowly lowered himself to the ground on the half-hour mark, saying that his back had gone. He was helped off the pitch looking understandably upset and was replaced by Maxence Lacroix. The Crystal Palace defender put in a good performance considering the difficult circumstances of his entry into the match, but could do nothing to prevent les Bleus' defeat.

William Saliba was dealt a gut-wrenching injury blow early into France’s World Cup semi-final clash with Spain, which they went on to lose as their ****** le hopes came crashing down.
The influential defender went down untouched on the ball and immediately looked dejected, with it quickly becoming apparent the ****** nal man would not be able to continue.
Stretching out his leg, he was treated by France team doctors before being substituted, though he was able to walk off without help.
Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix replaced the 25-year-old for his second appearance this World Cup.
“That may be the end to William Saliba's World Cup,” said former England forward Chris Sutton on BBC Radio 5 Live.

French center back William Saliba was substituted during the first half of Les Bleus' FIFA World Cup semifinal against Spain after a persistent back problem ultimately took its toll.
The 25-year-old Saliba arrived at the World Cup carrying a back issue following an exhausting club season at ***** nal that culminated in a UEFA Champions League final loss to Paris Saint-Germain. Around the 29th minute against Spain, the French defender was routinely retreating when he abruptly lost his footing and dropped to the Dallas Stadium field, just minutes after Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring for La Roja from the penalty spot.
While French medical staff and teammates attended to him, the 25-year-old could be seen mouthing "My back is gone, my back is gone" in French. He was eventually replaced by Crystal Palace's 26-year-old defender Maxence Lacroix. The substitution followed fans disrupting a moment of silence before the France-Spain kickoff, as per The Mirror US.
World Cup fans furious as they claim tournament 'rigged' amid Argentina VAR win

France have suffered a major blow in their World Cup ******* le bid after William Saliba was forced off with a suspected muscle problem.
The influential defender went down untouched on the ball and immediately looked dejected, with it quickly becoming apparent the ******* nal man would not be able to continue.
France v Spain LIVE: World Cup semi-final score and latest updates
Stretching out his leg, he was treated by France team doctors before being substituted, though he was able to walk off without help.
Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix replaced the 25-year-old for his second appearance this World Cup.

30’ — Injury substitution for France. William Saliba down with apparent non-contact injury. Maxence Lacroix on in in his stead.
23’ — GOOOOOAL! Spain strike! Mikel Oyarzabal makes no mistake from the spot. France in an early hole.
20’ — Penalty Spain! Lucas Digne receives in the box by heading it to himself, then turning around to whip it. Unfortunately he only catches Lamine Yamal and conceded an early penalty for Spain!
Lineups are out!
France: Maignan; Koundé – Upamecano – Saliba – Digne; Tchouaméni – Rabiot; Dembélé – Olise – Barcola; Mbappé