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West Ham United’s Conference League-winning side of 2022/23 will go down in history at the London Stadium.

What a night it was for Hammers fans, with Jarrod Bowen becoming an instant legend of the club, scoring the winning goal to secure a late 2-1 win over Fiorentina.

West Ham supporters will surely remember the members of that team fondly for a long time. While some of them have now left the club, such as Declan Rice and Said Benrahma, several members of that squad are still playing at the London Stadium today, including matchwinner Bowen.

Another of those players still at the club is Tomas Soucek, but ahead of the summer transfer window, his future is up in the air.

The latest on Soucek's West Ham future

It does not appear as though Soucek will still be a West Ham player in five months, when the 2025/26 campaign will get underway.

The Czech Republic international is reportedly set to leave the club, according to Claret and Hugh, a reputable West Ham news source.

The Hammers-themed website spoke with a Premier League agent who said the 30-year-old ‘would like a new deal’, but at this stage, the East Londoners aren’t prepared to give him one, due to his age and the fact he has just two years left on his current contract. It is believed he could fetch upwards of £15m this summer.

It would surely be a shame for Hammers fans to say goodbye to a player who has given the club so much over the years. He’s donned the famous Claret and Blue shirt 241 times so far, scoring 40 goals and grabbing 13 assists.

He’s skippered the East London outfit at times, too, including once this season in a 3-2 win over Fulham, where he got on the scoresheet.

That goal was a classic Soucek strike, arriving into the box and getting on the end of a cross, this time with his foot, although it is often with his head.

However, the Czech star is not the only Hammers man who might be in line to leave this summer, with one high earner a player they could consider selling,

The West Ham player who should follow Soucek out of the door

There are famously two Czech players at West Ham, with Vladimir Coufal someone who has played a big part in their recent success over the years.

However, with the competition at right-back strong, and his high wages, there is every chance he could be in line to leave.

His involvement in the Premier League for the Hammers this term has decreased. Coufal has played just 18 times in the top flight, starting nine of those in total. He has not registered an assist and has actually only created one big chance, as per Sofascore.

With the signing of Aaron Wan-Bissaka last summer for £15m from Manchester United, and the switch to a back three, it does feel like Coufal’s role in the side has diminished, and it would surely not be surprising to see him depart.

Yet, he has been a wonderful servant for the club over the years. In total, the 32-year-old has played 176 games for the Irons, grabbing 20 assists in that time. Former club captain Rice once called him an “outstanding” player too. Sadly, he is not that anymore.

All good things must come to an end, and with the lack of involvement for Coufal in 2024/25, plus the fact he is coming towards the twilight of his career, the Hammers could well look to cash in.

He earns a sizeable amount per week too, a reported £35k to be exact. This would save West Ham money in the long term, given he earns £1.82m per year. It certainly feels like the money can be reinvested elsewhere.

Coufal has given lots to West Ham, and has been a loyal servant for the club. However, given his lack of involvement this season, and the cash the club can save on his wages, it might make sense if he was moved on at some stage soon.

Better than Soucek: Potter’s 137-touch West Ham star is now undroppable

West Ham made it back-to-back wins in the Premier League, beating limp Leicester in London.

By
Angus Sinclair

Feb 28, 2025

It has been an interesting season in 2024/25 for Chelsea. They face a fight on their hands to secure a spot in the top five, and are still competing in the UEFA Conference League, a competition many expect them to win.

In the top flight, the west London side are one of the biggest underperformers when it comes to expected goals, highlighting an issue in front of goal. As per Understat, they have an expected goals tally of 64.83xG, but have actually managed just 56 goals, an underperformance by 8.83. There are only four top-flight sides with a bigger underperformance.

Thus, it might not be a surprise that the Blues are targeting a new attacker this summer.

The forward Chelsea want to sign this summer

It has been a theme in the last few years that Chelsea have signed players, and even a manager, from Brighton and Hove Albion. Well, this summer might be no different, given they are linked with Seagulls attacker Georginio Rutter.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to a report from Florian Plettenberg, Enzo Maresca’s side are thought to be ‘closely monitoring the development’ of Rutter down on the South Coast, and could make a move for him this summer, having ‘added him to their shortlist’.

The situation between the versatile attacker and the West London outfit has been described as ‘one to watch’ by Plettenberg, ahead of what will be a busy summer at Stamford Bridge.

He did not clarify a price, but Football Transfers value him at upwards of £39m.

Why Rutter would be a good signing for Chelsea

It has been an impressive season so far for Rutter in his debut campaign for the Seagulls. This term, he has eight goals and five assists across all competitions for Fabian Hurzeler’s side, including five in the Premier League.

In fact, the 22-year-old Frenchman, who is capped at under-21 level for his country, might certainly help with the expected goals deficit at Stamford Bridge. He is generally a lot more consistent this term, with 5.68xG, a 0.68 difference from his actual tally, as per Understat.

Another reason Chelsea fans can get excited about signing Rutter is the flair he brings as part of his game. Described as an “entertainer” by football analyst Ben Mattinson, the former Leeds United star is a tricky customer for most defenders, and oozes confidence in one-vs-one scenarios.

Indeed, it is not just that video that showcases how exciting Rutter can be with the ball at his feet, but the numbers from FBref are also there to back it up.

For example, the Seagulls’ number 14 averages 1.47 successful take-ons per game, ranking him in the top 9% of forwards across Europe over the last year.

There are certainly shades of Chelsea legend Eden Hazard in Rutter. At his peak, the former Blues winger was described as the “best player in the league” by Jamie Carragher, who said he “does things that others can’t do”.

The legendary Belgian attacker was phenomenal in a Chelsea shirt. He scored 110 goals and grabbed 87 assists in 352 games for the west Londoners, becoming one of the most exciting players to watch in the Premier League.

That was thanks to his fearlessness on the ball, all the tricks at his disposal and the ability he had to glide past players. As per Sofascore per game, he averaged 5.8 successful dribbles in 2017/18, his highest on record.

If Rutter – registered 24 goals and assists for Leeds last season – is even half as good as Hazard was for Chelsea, they will have a world-beater on their hands. He certainly comes with lots of the flair their former number ten possessed, and has that ability to beat players in one-vs-one scenarios.

At just 22 years of age, there is plenty of time for Rutter to develop, too. He is a player who can score, create and carry in an effective manner, just like Hazard did. He could be a player Chelsea fans fall in love with.

Their best CF since Costa: Chelsea in talks to sign £65m "powerhouse"

Chelsea have made contact to sign “powerhouse” who would be a dream for Palmer

By
Connor Holden

Apr 15, 2025

One Rangers star could well be axed by prospective new owners 49ers Enterprises after internal Ibrox talks, according to a fresh update.

49ers preparing for summer after agreeing Rangers deal in principle

The 49ers agreed a deal in principle to take over in Glasgow earlier this year and are hoping to have completed all the relative paperwork by the summer. One of their first tasks looks set to be to find a new permanent manager, with Barry Ferguson currently doing a solid but unspectacular job in temporary charge.

Sam Allardyce gives intriguing response on links to be next Rangers manager

Would he be the right man for the job?

By
Henry Jackson

Apr 5, 2025

Whoever gets the job on a full-time basis could be backed by the 49ers in the transfer market, with claims Rangers could spend up to £25m this summer under the new owners.

One of the 49ers’ first signings could be to make Vaclav Cerny’s Rangers loan move from VfL Wolfsburg permanent. Asked if he wants to stay in Scotland with Rangers, Cerny said: “I definitely do. But there are so many aspects that I can’t control. All I can do is be the best I can and keep up my form and numbers.”

However, there could also be a plethora of departures, with midfielder Jose Cifuentes, currently on loan at Greek side Aris Thessaloniki, looking certain to be sold. Now, there has been a fresh update on the future of club captain James Tavernier.

James Tavernier could leave Rangers after internal talks

According to TEAMtalk, the 49ers could axe Tavernier from Rangers in one of their first major decisions in control at Ibrox. A ‘huge rebuild’ is on the cards in Glasgow, and internal discussions are underway over rebuilding the Rangers squad.

Tavernier, thought to be on £30,000-a-week and under contract until 2026, could be sold by the Gers and he is being eyed up by clubs in Italy and the United States.

The 33-year-old has been a regular under Ferguson, who kept the full-back as Rangers captain after taking over from Philippe Clement.

“I don’t feel the need to change that [captaincy]. He [Tavernier] came in last night, and we had a really good chat. I’ve looked him in the eyes, he’s ready to give 100%”, said Ferguson on the right-back.

Ferguson went on to praise Tavernier again as he approached 500 appearances for Rangers. “We’ve had a few good chats and he’s an important player for me. He deserves a lot of credit for 500 games. It’s part of playing at Rangers. When you suffer defeats or don’t play well, it’s generally the captain who gets it in the neck.

“He’s big enough to handle those situations. I’ve been through it as well, and it’s not nice at times, but I’m afraid that’s the nature of the beast.”

However, by the looks of things, Tavernier’s days at Rangers could be numbered after 10 years in Scotland, making this one to keep an eye on.

South Africa have rested a number of big names with a full India tour looming, while Pakistan’s T20I blueprint remains murky

Danyal Rasool27-Oct-2025This series sees the return of a star player whose presence in the top order of any T20 squad strengthens it. It also sees the return of Babar Azam.As Pakistan and South Africa go into the home stretch ahead of next spring’s T20 World Cup, it is the presence, once more, of Quinton de Kock, back from ODI retirement and T20I exile, and Babar, back after being dropped from the shortest format, that holds the greatest point of intrigue for both sides.Related

• Babar selected for SA white-ball series and tri-series against SL, Zimbabwe

• Miller ruled out of Pakistan T20Is; Coetzee to miss white-ball leg

• South Africa are selecting based on character rather than just stats now

De Kock never officially walked away from T20I cricket, but he hadn’t played for South Africa since their loss in last year’s T20 World Cup final, until his return against Namibia earlier this month. Having recommitted to both white-ball international formats, he strengthens a South Africa side that has kept much of its powder dry for this T20I series, resting a number of their premier batters.Babar’s return for Pakistan is somewhat more complicated; less T20 megastar strolling back into the side, more polarising figure returning to plug a vacancy that other candidates have failed to adequately fill. He is yet to play any T20 cricket since the end of the PSL in May, around the time his omission from Pakistan’s shortest-form squad began. At the time, coach Mike Hesson had said he needed to work on some aspects of his game and suggested the BBL as a pathway back into the team. Recently, though, some goalposts appear to have been shifted, with Babar, almost by default, finding his way back in without playing any competitive cricket to suggest those issues have been fixed.Pakistan have prioritised the return of their traditional core back into the T20I fold, with Shaheen Shah Afridi retaining his place and Naseem Shah also making his way back in. There is a surprising level of squad turnover from what was viewed as a largely successful Asia Cup campaign, in which Pakistan came to within one over of walking away with the title. Four of the men who started that final are out of the squad altogether; Sufiyan Muqeem and Hasan Ali, who travelled with that team, have also been discarded.There is an inherent danger with assuming any squad Pakistan select is indicative of what they are trying to do, what they might do next, or what they might do in the next big tournament they are building towards. Under Hesson, Pakistan have claimed to aspire towards a more progressive approach to T20 cricket. It is, perhaps, what has led to the recall of Abdul Samad as well as the belligerent but so far rarely effective Usman Khan. Hasan Nawaz keeps his place in the squad despite being overlooked for the business end of the Asia Cup for the more circumspect Hussain Talat, who drops out altogether.Babar Azam hasn’t played any T20 cricket since the PSL in May•AFP/Getty ImagesAt the same time, with Babar’s return, and under the captaincy of Salman Ali Agha, it remains to be seen how precisely Pakistan wish to build a T20 innings. In the Asia Cup they suffered on one Sunday by anchoring too much against India, and the following Sunday by ineffective attacking that got them bundled out on the cheap. There may be deeper reasons behind Haris Rauf’s omission, though it is hard not to suspect the bulk of the weight of that decision was borne by one poor death-overs spell in the Asia Cup final.For South Africa, this feels more like a straight bilateral series than a build-up towards a global tournament given the names missing from the squad. Aiden Markram and Tristan Stubbs were rested while David Miller withdrew with injury. Donovan Ferreira, who has played nine intermittent T20Is, has been handed the captaincy, while, with an all-format India tour looming, Keshav Maharaj has also been rested.The bowling attack features a mix of the inexperienced and the second-string. Gerald Coetzee’s injury means Lungi Ngidi is the only senior established fast bowler in the squad. Corbin Bosch and Nandre Burger bring pace, and George Linde brings experience. Ottneil Baartman, Lizaad Williams and Andile Simelane are the other seam options, while the budding legspinner Nqabayomzi Peter gets a chance for more game time.South Africa know what it’s like to play against Pakistan with a line-up that is decidedly not first-string. They have had to cope with it in just about every bilateral series between the sides over the past half-decade, either because of squad management or commitments elsewhere. Their depth of talent, combined with Pakistan’s tendency to play up or down to the strengths of the opposition, has generally guaranteed competitive cricket, and that is unlikely to change.Despite this series being treated as build-up towards the T20 World Cup, there is too much cricket to be played, and too many opportunities for teams to be further tweaked, for the upcoming three games to feel like they have much resonance for that tournament. But if two flawed and incomplete sides vying for a bilateral trophy is your thing, the next few days should be an entertaining if consequence-free watch.

Rookie pitcher Cam Schlittler put the Yankees on his back on Thursday night, pitching eight shutout innings against the rival—and his hometown—Red Sox to help New York advance to the American League Division Series for a second consecutive season.

Over eight frames, the 24-year-old allowed just five hits, no walks, and struck out 12 Boston batters on 107 pitches—and also made some pretty impressive MLB history in the process.

As relayed by ESPN's Jeff Passan on X (formerly Twitter), Schlittler is the first pitcher in baseball history to go eight innings with no walks and 12 strikeouts in a postseason game.

Factor in that it was the rookie's first-ever postseason appearance, against the team he grew up rooting for—Schlittler is a Walpole, Mass. native—and it made the night that much more special.

MLB World Reacts to Cam Schlittler's Dominant Performance vs. Red Sox

The MLB reacted justly to Schlittler's incredible performance against the Red Sox on Thursday night. Here's a look at some of the best posts across X (formerly Twitter):

The Yankees will now take on the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALDS. Game 1 from Rogers Centre is set for Saturday, Oct. 4 at 4:08 p.m. ET.

Former England batter ends playing career at Somerset to forge new beginning in Bristol

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Nov-2025Fran Wilson, the former World Cup-winning batter, has been named as Gloucestershire Women’s head coach after ending her playing career with Somerset.Wilson, 33, made 64 international appearances across formats between 2010 and 2021, including eight of England’s matches at the 2017 World Cup, en route to their victory over India at Lord’s in the final.She also featured in the 2020 T20 World Cup in Australia, and made the last of her international appearances on England’s tour of New Zealand in February 2021.Domestically, Wilson made her Somerset debut in 2006, before joining Western Storm in 2016, and also represented Gloucestershire in the 2022 and 2023 Vitality Women’s County T20 competitions while developing her coaching skills through the county’s Girls Emerging Players Programme.In the course of her career, she also represented Sunrisers, Middlesex, Kent, Hobart Hurricanes, Sydney Thunder, Welsh Fire, Trent Rockets, Oval Invincibles and Birmingham Phoenix.Now, she will be taking full-time charge of Gloucestershire in Tier 2 of the new women’s county structure, having worked with the first team on a consultancy basis during the 2025 season.”I’ve done a lot of coaching alongside playing over the last five or six years, but it’s really exciting to now step into that journey fully,” Wilson said, “especially with Gloucestershire, a great club that I’ve been involved with for a long time.”We all want results, but the real goal is to build sustainable success and to put the foundations in place that allow us to compete and thrive as a Tier 1 Club.”A huge part of my role is about building those foundations from the first team right through to the age groups, having a genuine influence across that pathway.”By developing the resources we already have in the county and creating a strong network and structure around the players, I believe we can achieve long-term success.”Jon Lewis, Director of Cricket at Gloucestershire Cricket, added: “Everyone at Gloucestershire is really excited about the appointment of Fran Wilson as Women’s Head Coach.”We went through a thorough recruitment process, and Fran was the standout candidate throughout. With strong roots in cricket across the South West, a deep passion for Bristol and Gloucestershire, and a long-standing connection with the Club, that understanding of the region was an important factor for us.”Fran demonstrated an exceptional range of qualities during the process and this marks a hugely significant appointment in an area where we have serious ambition. It also comes at the start of a landmark year for the Club, with Bristol set to host England Women v India in May, followed by six matches during next summer’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in June.”An outstanding playing career, a history of success at both club and international level and a deep understanding of elite performance make this an appointment we are extremely proud of. The environment Fran will build will be welcoming, driven and true to the ‘Gloucestershire way’.”Our aim is to provide the best possible environment for our players to learn and develop and we believe Fran is the ideal person to lead that journey.”

The Padres were down to their final outs in the ninth inning against the Cubs on Thursday in Game 3 of the wild-card series. San Diego trailed 3–1 while down to their final three outs of the game, and potentially their season.

Xander Bogaerts was at the plate with a full count, and he was rung up on a brutal called third strike from home plate umpire D.J. Reyburn. The pitch from Brad Keller appeared to be below the strike zone, but Reyburn ruled it a strikeout, leaving Bogaerts bewildered.

Brown missed the corner with a 97-mph fastball, which Bogaerts rightfully opted against swinging at. Despite the good plate discipline, Bogaerts was sat down on strikes, which prompted Padres manager Mike Shildt to storm onto the field to express his dismay.

It's a critical miss from Reyburn. Keller missed the zone entirely yet was awarded an important out. He then proceeded to hit the next two batters, putting the tying run on base.

Given the situation, it's a mistake that simply can't be afforded from an umpire. When MLB introduces the ABS system, that would be a challengeable play by the batter. Instead, Bogaerts was left seething as he was robbed of a free pass to first base.

San Diego's comeback attempts were stalled, partly because of Reyburn's missed strikeout call, and they fell 3–1 to Chicago to bow out of the postseason.

His temperament is his greatest gift, and both Sam Konstas and his friends expect him to profit from it if he makes his Test debut come Boxing Day

Alex Malcolm23-Dec-2024Sam Konstas stood in front of a huge media throng on the outfield at the MCG on Monday and looked not a day older than the 19 years and 82 days that he is.It was his third visit to the MCG this summer, having been there for a Sheffield Shield game in late October, and an Australia A game in early November.There was arguably more media peppering him with questions on Monday than patrons in the crowd for those two MCG first-class games combined.Related

• MCG pitch to have 'pace, bounce and excitement', but what about runs?

• Konstas' MCG debut confirmed, Head faces a fitness test

• Konstas handed Test call-up as changes loom for Australia

• Will Konstas put an end to Australia's musical chairs at the top?

• McSweeney 'devastated' by Test omission

If he were to make his Test debut on Boxing Day against India, he would become the fourth-youngest Australian to do so behind Ian Craig, current captain Pat Cummins, and Tom Garrett.And he would do so in front of 90,000 or more fans.You could have heard a pin drop in the MCC Members’ when he faced his first ball from Scott Boland in the Shield game back in October. On Boxing Day, if the crowd is anything like that India-Pakistan 2022 T20 World Cup game at the MCG, the first ball he could face from Jasprit Bumrah might sound like a sonic boom.”I think it’s just another day for me,” Konstas said while acknowledging his debut is yet to be confirmed. “Obviously, it’s a bit more special. Got my parents coming. Pretty simple, just back myself and see-ball-hit-ball really.”That clarity of mind is part of the reason he stands on the precipice of debuting for Australia at such a young age. The naivety and brashness of youth are seen as a strength, not a weakness.”The way he approaches the game, it does not bother him who he’s coming up against,” New South Wales and Australia team-mate Sean Abbott said of Konstas. “He’s pretty unfazed. And I’d imagine, should he get the opportunity, it’d be pretty similar. From what I’ve seen so far, I’d probably say it’s his most admirable attribute.”Sam Konstas is the third-youngest player in Sheffield Shield history to score twin hundreds in a match•AFPPart of it also comes from his relationship with former Australia allrounder Shane Watson. Konstas counts Watson as an idol and a mentor. The entire Watson family is set to fly down to Melbourne should he make his debut.Konstas is a disciple of Watson’s mental skills teachings. The former Australia allrounder has written a book called and has turned it into an online course to help young cricketers hone their mental skills. It is the story of his own mental journey from being paralysed by an intense focus on results during his Test career to discovering and implementing a simple process-driven mindset in his successful late-career renaissance in T20 franchise cricket. He has worked with New South Wales as a mental skills consultant, having already been a mentor to Konstas since he was 16.In that sense, Konstas might be the best mentally prepared 19-year-old to have ever been thrust into such a scenario given what he understands.Konstas was asked if he had been studying videos of Bumrah in preparation for a possible face-off. “Nah, not really,” he said. “I’ve watched him quite a bit, but [I am] just trying to be in the moment. Hopefully, I get the opportunity on Boxing Day.”How he got here is even more remarkable. As late as October 7, barely anyone in Australian cricket had given a thought to Konstas playing Test cricket this summer. By October 11, after becoming the third-youngest player in Sheffield Shield history to score twin hundreds in a match, he was being compared to Ricky Ponting and there were demands for him to be picked immediately.

“The way he approaches the game, it does not bother him who he’s coming up against. He’s pretty unfazed”Sean Abbott on Sam Konstas

Nine days later he was at the MCG under the microscope. Not one, but two Australian selectors – coach Andrew McDonald and Tony Dodemaide – watched him face Boland and Victoria at the MCG after chairman of selectors George Bailey had been in Sydney for his twin centuries.He made 2 and 43, sawn off by a dubious lbw in the first innings and undone by some immaturity in the second. There were glimpses that he was a player for the future, but it looked like he wasn’t quite ready for the here and now.Scores of 0 and 16 against India A in Mackay served to further consolidate that view. On his return to the MCG on November 7, he did not open the batting in the second A game, a further sign he was not likely to be chosen for the first Test. But his second innings of 73 not out batting at No. 4 showed a different set of gears. He struck seven fours and a six and played some outrageous shots in a tricky, pressurized chase.Nathan McSweeney’s temperament, his consistency of method, and his early-season form saw him get the Test nod over Konstas. But ironically the consistency of method across a brutal series so far has now gone against McSweeney and for Konstas.McSweeney’s struggles have been clear. He is 4 for 15 from 66 balls against Bumrah in the series. He is not alone there, with Usman Khawaja (4 for 17 in 71 balls), Marnus Labuschange (2 for 6 in 72 balls), and Steven Smith (3 for 20 in 54 balls) also having problems against Bumrah.But McSweeney is 57 off 146 against the rest of India’s attack, striking at just 39.04. It is the lowest strike rate of all of Australia’s top nine against Indian bowlers not named Bumrah. McSweeney has paid a price for being too similar to Khawaja and Labuschagne in method, and they have survived because they are doing more damage at the other end.Sam Konstas scored 107 off 97 balls against the Indians late last month•AFP/Getty ImagesKonstas over the last month has proved he can be the “different look” that Bailey and the selectors want to throw at India. His 107 off 97 in Canberra against all of India’s bowlers bar Bumrah backed up his last innings in the A series. He added 88 off 146 against a good Western Australia attack that featured Australia ODI quick Lance Morris and A spinner Corey Rocchiccioli, with his first 55 coming off just 64 deliveries. He then smashed a 20-ball half-century on debut for Sydney Thunder in the BBL, albeit against an Adelaide Strikers attack that McSweeney himself made 78 not out off 49 on Sunday night.It is understood a decision had been made to add Konstas regardless of the BBL scores, as they are no indicator of anything in relation to facing Bumrah on Boxing Day.There’s no guarantee Konstas will play either, as a decision is still to be made. But even at his first Australia training session on Monday, he looked completely unfazed. He kept his net session short, not trying to impress or over-exert facing deliveries that he didn’t need to face. It was eye-opening compared to the hour-plus nets that Khawaja, Smith and Labuschagne had. He was one of the few Australian players to help his team-mates out by flinging balls to Labuschagne before leaving the optional net early, joking with a couple of team-mates on the way out with the air of a 30-year-old veteran.He was asked about being compared to his mentor Watson on social media. “I don’t look through too much on social media, but I’ll take it as a compliment,” Konstas said. “I like to take the game on and put pressure on the bowlers. I think he’s [Watson] a legend of the game, and hopefully I can do that this week if I debut.”

While they’ve made more than their fair share of transfer mistakes in recent years, Chelsea have built themselves one of the best squads in the Premier League.

However, when it comes to picking out the best and most important player in Enzo Maresca’s side, there can only be one answer: Cole Palmer.

The Englishman joined the club in the summer of 2023 and, despite battling with injuries of late, has amassed a staggering tally of 45 goals and 29 assists in 101 games.

So, Chelsea fans should be very excited about reports linking them with another international superstar who could be a Palmer-esque signing.

Chelsea chase Palmer-type signing

Palmer has only played four games for Chelsea this season, in which he’s scored two goals, and while the club have fared okay without him, it’s clear that they miss his game-changing ability.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

For example, the often unplayable Englishman would surely have been able to find a winner in the game against Qarabağ, or grab another goal to ensure Sunderland never got their winner a couple of weeks ago.

It seems that the board might share the opinion that the side are lacking a bit of inventive cutting edge at the moment and, as a result, have turned their attention to one of the most exciting attackers in Europe.

At least that is according to a recent report from Spain, which claims Chelsea are interested in Julian Alvarez.

In fact, the report goes further than that and reveals that the Blues have joined the bidding war for his services, competing against the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona to bring him to London.

However, it won’t be a cheap deal to get over the line, with the story claiming that the Blues will make a club record €150m offer to sign the Argentine, which is around £133m.

Even so, this is a transfer worth pursuing, as Alvarez is one of the most exciting attackers in Europe and could be a Palmer-type signing.

Why Alvarez would be a Palmer-type signing

Now, there is certainly the Manchester City connection, but the primary reason Alvarez could be Chelsea’s next Palmer-type signing is the simple fact that he’s talented enough to have a similar monumental impact.

For example, from an output perspective alone, the Argentine international is operating at a level so far above most strikers in European football – other than Erling Haaland, of course.

The Atlético Madrid “monster,” as dubbed by journalist Pablo Gonzalez, ended last year with an astounding tally of 29 goals and eight assists in 57 appearances, totalling 3967 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.54 games, or every 107.21 minutes.

Then, as if to prove last year wasn’t a fluke, the former City gem has already amassed a tally of 13 goal involvements in 15 appearances, totalling 1216 minutes.

That comes out to a sensational average of one every 1.15 games or every 93.53 minutes, which lends plenty of credence to Pep Guardiola’s previous statement that he’s an “undroppable” force of nature.

In addition to his incredible output, the 25-year-old superstar has also got some unreal underlying numbers to his name.

According to FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of forwards in Europe’s top five leagues for passes into the penalty area, through balls, goal-creating actions, the top 2% for progressive carries, crosses and more, all per 90.

In other words, the Atleti ace is as effective at creating opportunities for his teammates as he is taking them himself – sound familiar?

Ultimately, even though it will require a club record fee, Chelsea should be doing everything they can to sign Alvarez, as he would have as significant an impact on the team as Palmer.

Forget Delap: Cobham star who "lives & breathes goals" is Chelsea's future #9

The incredible Cobham gem could be a star for Chelsea but a problem for Delap.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Nov 13, 2025

Albania manager Sylvinho heaped praise on Thomas Tuchel's England as the Three Lions near a perfect World Cup qualifying record. Having already booked their berth in the flagship competition next year, the Three Lions are now aiming to maintain their 100 per cent win record in the qualifying rounds. England will meet Albania in their last group game on Sunday in Tirana.

• England's fiery form under Tuchel

  Tuchel's journey as England boss has been near perfect as the Three Lions have won eight out of the nine matches they have played thus far, since March 2025. This incredible run of form includes a seven-game winning streak in the World Cup qualifiers and they are now on the verge of ending their qualifying campaign with a 100 per cent win record. They have also scored 20 goals in seven qualifiers and have kept a clean sheet in each of those games. 

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  Tuchel's England praised by Albania boss

  Albania manager Sylvinho, who has featured for clubs like Arsenal and Manchester City during his playing days, was full of praise for Tuchel's team as he told reporters, "Unfortunately, I have to say they are stronger than six months ago. The numbers are amazing. It's disgusting! What can I say? But we are happy, we are going to face one of the best tomorrow and we are going to try to do our job. My players have confidence and love what they are doing on the pitch. We are going to prepare something, try to score and have a great match. I've heard in my life in 90 minutes of football, anything can happen."

  He added: "They are in a completely different level [to us]. Don't make any confusion about us. We are very happy with our team, so we are for the first time going to play the playoffs in March, but it is completely different. Tomorrow is a great game, it's a difficult game as well. Great coach, love him, the way that he plays and also he has some of the best players in the world."

• Kane hailed Tuchel as one of the best managers ever

  Speaking about the former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager, England captain Harry Kane earlier said: "He's done a really good job. Coming in to being England manager is never easy, especially after Gareth who was one of our most successful managers. He's [Tuchel] tried to stamp his own feel into training, into meetings. He comes with a lot of enthusiasm. Tactically, we are really precise going into every game. 

  He's been building different ideas leading up to next summer. From now until then, there will be more he would like to add. Tactically, he has been fantastic. He brings a personality, he brings an aura that represents an England manager. Going into a major tournament that is important as well. Other teams know he is one of the best managers in the world and that brings weight as well."

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  Tuchel wants a strong bench in England squad

  Speaking on the importance of having a strong bench in the England squad, the German coach said: "We need a good bench, we play in 40 degrees and we will play after a long, long season, we are maybe the nation that suffers the most from international football, from long seasons, from two cups, from cup finals, from semi-finals. 100 per cent we need to be ready to do substitutions until hopefully the late stages of the World Cup. Once we go to a tournament, I think clarity in the role is very important. The better player can also think about it and be honest: 'Can I accept this, is it good for me, can I make the most of this for the team?'"