Over the years, Chelsea have had some outstanding talent on their books. From academy players including Ray Wilkins and John Terry to the likes of Frank Lampard and Eden Hazard who were brought in from other clubs both in England and abroad, all of whom have gone on to become club legends.

However, the Blues have also sold players who have left Stamford Bridge and become exceptional elsewhere. Perhaps the two most famous cases of that occurring are when Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah left the club. The pair are now considered Premier League legends having had unfathomable success after leaving Chelsea.

De Bruyne left Chelsea in 2012, after making just nine appearances for the Blues. He ended up at Manchester City, via Wolfsburg, and has gone on to become one of the all-time great Premier League midfielders. He has 102 goals and 170 assists in 382 City games, winning countless trophies including a treble.

Salah left Stamford Bridge in 2015 for Roma, having played 19 times for Chelsea. Since then Salah joined Liverpool, where he has scored 211 goals and registered 89 assists in 349 games for the club, and has won the Champions League.

As the summer approaches, Chelsea are in danger of repeating the process, with one player who came through the academy potentially on his way out of the club during the transfer window.

Chelsea could sell star midfielder

The player in question here is England midfielder and Cobham graduate Conor Gallagher. Despite playing a key role for the Blues in the 2023/24 campaign, he could depart the club in the summer transfer window.

At least, that is according to TEAMtalk, who reports that Tottenham Hotspur “remain firmly in the mix” to acquire Gallagher’s services ahead of next term, having had an interest in signing him since last year.

Spurs were thought to be close to getting a £35m deal over the line during the 2023 summer window, although he remained a Chelsea player during the most recent campaign.

However, a deal worth around £40m this time around could be enough to prise him away from Stamford Bridge, but the Chelsea owners could try and hold out for around £50m. Whatever the price, Spurs must decide soon if they wish to sign Gallagher. Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid are also thought to be interested, meaning the Lilywhites must close the deal soon.

Chelsea could repeat Man City’s mistake

One thing Chelsea must be careful of when selling such a talented academy product like Gallagher is not to repeat the mistake that Manchester City made when selling the Blues Cole Palmer last summer.

The England international became Chelsea’s key man during what was a bleak 2023/24 season. Palmer scored 25 goals and registered 15 assists in just 45 games in all competitions, as he helped them to a sixth-place finish and secured qualification for the Europa Conference League.

Indeed, despite the incredible depth that City have on the right-hand side, with the likes of Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva capable of playing there, it does feel like they missed out on homegrown talent Palmer, and potentially regretted selling the 22-year-old.

This is a feeling Chelsea could have in 12 months if they sell Gallagher and he ends up performing at his new club. The 24-year-old was described as “irreplaceable” by Glenn Murray on Match of the Day last season in January, and his game time certainly reflected that.

Gallagher played 37 Premier League games for the Blues in 2023/24, chipping in with seven goals and five assists along the way. However, it was his versatility that made him so important. The England international played in four different positions across the midfield, helping his side wherever they needed.

Gallagher's stats by position 2023/24
Position	Games	Goals	Assists
Attacking midfield	21	5	4
Central midfield	18	1	3
Defensive midfield	8	1	1
Left midfield	2	0	1
Stats from Transfermarkt

Chelsea might be left with no choice but to sell an academy graduate like the 24-year-old for pure profit next season, given they need to comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations. However, if that player is Gallagher, it could come back to bite them later on down the line.

Another Tomori situation: Maresca at risk of losing the "future of Chelsea"

He has asked for clarity over his future

By
Joe Nuttall

Jun 9, 2024

فجّر الإعلامي أحمد شوبير، مفاجأة بشأن أزمة صفقة انتقال المهاجم الفلسطيني وسام أبو علي من الأهلي إلى كولومبوس كرو، مؤكدًا أن النادي الأمريكي لم يلتزم حتى الآن بسداد القسط الأول من قيمة الصفقة.

وقال شوبير في تصريحات عبر برنامجه الإذاعي صباح اليوم الإثنين: “ما زال النادي الأمريكي (كولومبوس كرو) يراوغ، لم يُرسل القسط الأول من صفقة وسام أبو علي حتى الآن”.

طالع أيضًا | “لا أعرف”.. مدرب كولومبوس كرو يثير الغموض حول مصير وسام أبو علي

وتابع: “اللاعب ذهب إلى الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية، ويُعاني من مشكلة في أوتار الركبة، ويُقال إنها لسبب نفسي، وما زالت الأموال لم تصل”.

وشدد: “النادي الأهلي لن يُرسل البطاقة الدولية الخاصة بـ وسام أبو علي، ما لم تصل الدفعة الأولى من مستحقات القلعة الحمراء لدى كولومبوس كرو، والتي لا تقل عن 4 ملايين دولار”.

وكان نادي كولومبوس كرو الأمريكي قد أعلن إتمام التعاقد مع الفلسطيني وسام أبو علي، بعد إعلان الأهلي رحيل اللاعب بشكل رسمي بسبب رغبته بعد ضغط كبير على الإدارة للموافقة.

Angelo Mathews will “absolutely” be bowling through the course of the Lanka Premier League, even if Andre Russell – the tournament’s star player and Mathews’ Colombo Kings teammate – will take it easy with the ball initially.Kings will play in the tournament opener against Kandy Tuskers on Thursday, and the team’s two high-profile seam-bowling allrounders appear key to the franchise’s fortunes, on first glance. Mathews had bowled during the West Indies tour of Sri Lanka in February and March but in the past few years has closely monitored his bowling workload as he faced repeated, lengthy injury layoffs.”We couldn’t play for eight months, but I worked hard to get to a certain standard fitness-wise,” Mathews said a day out from the first LPL match. “We also had a ten-day camp in Kandy with the national squad, and I bowled little by little there. I’m hoping to bowl in ODIs and T20s in future so that I can contribute to the team. I’ll be bowling in the LPL as well.”Russell, however, will have to be assessed before it is ascertained whether he will bowl, Mathews said. Russell had suffered a hamstring injury in mid-October, during the IPL, and though he returned to play a match on November 1, he had not bowled in that game.”He has finished his quarantine and he trained with us yesterday,” Mathews said. “We have another training today, so we will see how he is going before he decides whether he will bowl in the first match. But hopefully he will bowl at some point in the tournament.”LPL teams face a challenging schedule over the next three weeks, with two matches slated for most days, while teams will frequently be required to play on back-to-back days. Each team will play eight league games before the tournament moves into the knockouts – two semi-finals and a final are scheduled.”Although T20 is only 40 overs, it’s the fastest game in cricket, and you have to push yourself physically, so it will be difficult,” Mathews said. “But every team has double-headers, but we can’t make that an excuse. The Sri Lanka team also has a South Africa tour next month, so they couldn’t extend this tournament. We just have to be grateful that we are getting on the field at all after eight months.”Mathews also thanked the tournament organisers and medical personnel whose work has allowed the LPL to begin in the midst of a global pandemic. Every team has a doctor assigned, and all those working in the hotels and around the ground are required to wear personal protective equipment.”I think we should thank the Sri Lankan government, ministers, health authorities, SLC and the medical staff who have done an amazing job to get us on the field and get this tournament up and running with all these challenges. This is what we love doing, and even in the middle of Covid, we’re able to play. The [military] forces are doing a great job as well.”We just have to be careful because we’re in a bubble. There’s lots of attention to detail and testing is being done every three to five days.”

Derby County are reportedly battling with five other EFL clubs to complete the signing of an "accomplished" new defender in the summer transfer window.

Derby planning for Championship return

The Rams enjoyed a triumphant 2023/24 season, sealing promotion from League One and ensuring they returned to the Championship for the first time since the 2021/22 campaign. It was a tremendous effort from Paul Warne and his players, but the key now is to kick on in the second tier, ensuring that they don't suffer a quickfire relegation back to where they were last term.

In order for that to happen, Derby will need to make a number of important signings in the summer transfer window, and they have been linked with plenty of individuals of late.

Versatile Sheffield United ace Ben Osborn has been touted as a standout addition for the Rams in the coming weeks and months, and it now even looks as though a move is all but done, with a medical reportedly booked in.

On the flip side, some current Rams players could move on before next season gets underway, with veteran striker James Collins backed to be moved on, as was the case with highest-earner Conor Hourihane.

Derby want in-demand new defender

According to a fresh claim from HITC, Derby are one of six EFL clubs interested in signing Gateshead defender Kenton Richardson in the summer window.

A reunion with Sunderland is mooted in the report, having left the Black Cats back in 2022, while Oxford United, Peterborough United, Barnsley and Notts County are all mentioned as potential suitors, too.

Richardson may not be the renowned type of player that many Derby fans will want to see come in this summer, but he could be an interesting signing who is coming into the peak years of his career. The 25-year-old has proven to be a rock at the heart of Gateshead's defence, and his performances helped them secure FA Trophy glory at Wembley back in May, following a penalty shootout win over Solihull Moors.

Meanwhile, he was once lauded by former Hartlepool manager Dave Jones during his stint there during his teenage years, with his ex-boss saying of him: "He’s only 17 but he looked accomplished too. What great experience that will have been for him."

Admittedly, Richardson isn't exactly experienced when it comes to the Championship, never featuring in the competition to date, but he has played once for England's C team and also made 20 appearances in League Two and the FA Cup combined, showing that he has some pedigree.

EFL Championship done deals: Every summer 2024 transfer

Who has made the biggest moves so far in the Championship? Every in and out this summer is listed here.

ByStephan Georgiou Sep 18, 2024

Perhaps most significant is the fact that the centre-back will be available on a free transfer at the end of this month, so even if he does join Derby and struggles to cut the mustard, the Rams won't have splashed out a huge sum of money on him. Essentially, it feels like a relatively cheap risk worth taking, giving Warne more defensive options in the process.

Chelsea are now open to selling a 2023 summer signing just under one year after he put pen to paper on a move to Stamford Bridge, as the west Londoners look to trim their bloated squad as well as acquire upgrades.

Players who could be sold by Chelsea this summer

Romelu Lukaku, Armando Broja, Conor Gallagher, Malang Sarr, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Trevoh Chalobah, Ian Maatsen, Omari Hutchinson and Conor Gallagher have all been linked with the Chelsea exit door already, with Enzo Maresca looking to make room for key new additions.

Chelsea express desire to sign £102 million forward as exit wish confirmed

His agent’s comments have caused a firestorm.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 19, 2024

Gallagher is set to be the most headline-grabbing name of the aforementioned group, especially given his importance under Mauricio Pochettino last season. The 24-year-old, who was rewarded for his fine form with a place in Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 England squad, became a Chelsea mainstay and supporters are keen not to see the boyhood supporter depart.

His contract expires next year, though, and with no extension in sight, Chelsea may have to make the ruthless business decision of finding a buyer for him this summer – or risk seeing him leave for nothing in 2025.

The likes of Lukaku, Broja, Maatsen, Sarr and Arrizabalaga appear out of favour at the club, so decisions on their futures will be much easier, but there are reports that Chelsea are open to offers for Chalobah despite the Englishman's re-emergence at the end of last season.

Pretty soon, a few of these players could join Thiago Silva in leaving Chelsea in the coming weeks, and it is believed that 2023 arrivals are not excluded from the chopping block. There have been suggestions that Chelsea want to attract bids for David Datro Fofana, who only joined last January from Molde.

Chelsea apparently don't need to sell players by June 30 of this year to avoid PSR sanctions, but they do need to sell in preparation for the June 30 deadline next year.

Moises Caicedo

£115 million

Enzo Fernandez

£107 million

Mykhalo Mudryk

£88 million

Wesley Fofana

£72 million

Marc Cucurella

£58 million

“We’re likely to see departures at Chelsea this summer, particularly with the players who are currently out on loan," said Fabrizio Romano to GiveMeSport.

“As previously reported, the plan is for Armando Broja to be sold once he comes back from his loan at Fulham, and Hakim Ziyech can already be considered to have played his last game for Chelsea.

“I also expect Romelu Lukaku and Ian Maatsen to leave Chelsea, but for the others, we have to wait and see what happens.”

Chelsea open to selling Lesley Ugochukwu

Now, alongside the likes of Fofana, it is believed midfielder Lesley Ugochuwku is being nominated for the transfer list.

The 20-year-old, who joined Chelsea from Rennes last summer and signed a seven-year contract, made 12 Premier League appearances last term. The Blues could send him out on a temporary deal to accumulate more game time, but journalist Simon Phillips also claims Chelsea are open to completely selling Ugochukwu for the right offer.

Less than 12 months into his long-term deal, it would be an unceremonious end for the Frenchman, especially after praise from Chelsea chiefs last year. Pochettino called Ugochukwu a "talented" player, while co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley called him "impressive" (via The Metro).

New Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Plan will feature independent commission and confidential forum

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Nov-2020

External view of the ECB offices at Lord’s•ESPNcricinfo Ltd

The England & Wales Cricket Board has stepped up its measures to drive out discrimination and increase diversity across the sport, with the announcement of a new independent Commission for Equality in Cricket, a forum for addressing racial issues in confidence, and a new Equality Code of Conduct for all organisations that fall within its jurisdiction.The measures, approved by the ECB board on Monday, will form part of a new Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Plan which will be rolled out over the coming months, and follow on from the work already undertaken in line with the ECB’s Inspiring Generations strategic plan – the primary aim of which, according to Ian Watmore, the chairman, is “to make cricket a game for everyone”.”While continuing with this work and increasing its impact, we are equally clear that all discriminatory behaviour is unacceptable,” Watmore added. “We are committed to drive it out of the game through better governance, education, training, role modelling and behavioural change, but also through disciplinary action when necessary.”Although the ECB has worked hard in recent months to address the issue of racism in cricket, the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020 has highlighted many areas in which the sport had long been lagging. Speaking in July at the launch of the board’s broader Inclusion and Diversity Strategy, Tom Harrison, the CEO, acknowledged that English cricket had been forced to confront some “uncomfortable truths”.The ECB’s announcement comes on the day that its two highest-profile active black cricketers, Jofra Archer and Chris Jordan, were unveiled as ambassadors for the ACE Programme, a charity set up by Surrey and chaired by Ebony Rainford-Brent which aims to address a 75 percent decline in cricket participation by members of the Black community.ALSO READ: What has English cricket been like for black players?Speaking in June, the former Test opener Michael Carberry claimed that “black people are not important to the ECB”, after the extent of that decline had been highlighted.More recently the sport has had to face up to claims of institutional racism at Yorkshire from their former player, Azeem Rafiq, while the former Test umpire, John Holder, recently hit out at the board for its failure to appoint any non-white umpires to the first-class list since 1992.”This year we have listened to many people from across the game and beyond, to understand where we must be better in making our sport inclusive and diverse, and tackling discrimination,” Harrison said.”The measures we have announced today, and the broader Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Plan we will launch, build on and accelerate the work we have already done in recent years. We will continue to learn how, as a game, we become more representative of the communities we strive to serve.”According to the ECB, the new commission will be led by an independent chair with independent members. It will consider the evidence of the sport’s historic failings, and provide recommendations for further action, based on information from people who have experienced discrimination in cricket, including that collected through the new Forum for Race in Cricket, the objective of which will be to provide a safe space for people to share their stories.”Continuing to listen to the experiences of people, whether positive or negative, and engaging with independent expertise will help to inform, strengthen and challenge our thinking and plans as we move forward,” Watmore added. “Taken together, these steps will ensure that the ECB achieves lasting change.”

Celtic could be closing in on their first summer signing, with one report now saying they’ve had a bid accepted for a long-term target.

Celtic want new goalkeeper

The Hoops and Brendan Rodgers are yet to make a summer signing following a Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup double last season, but a new goalkeeper to replace Joe Hart appears to be at the top of the list.

Alongside a shot-stopper, a winger and striker are also wanted at Parkhead, but when it comes to ‘keepers, there hasn’t been a shortage of targets.

Related Celtic hold talks to sign prolific teenage forward

He scored 16 goals in 17 starts last season.

Posts ByCharlie Smith Jun 25, 2024

Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher, Trabzonspor star Ugurcan Cakir, Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson, Werder Bremen colossus Michael Zetterer, Southampton’s Alex McCarthy, Koen Casteels of Wolfsburg and Dominik Livakovic are just some of the goalkeepers that have been linked with the Hoops.

Rumours have intensified over a move for Fenerbahce’s Livakovic who has been starting at Euro 2024 for Croatia, with a €9million (£7.6m) bid submitted to bring him to Scotland.

Celtic have Livakovic bid accepted

According to Turkish outlet Fotomac, Celtic’s offer for Livakovic has been accepted, with the player wanting to leave Fenerbahce this summer.

The €9m figure was mentioned again, and it is stated that an ‘official announcement will be made shortly’. Fenerbahce will reportedly replace Livakovic with Mattia Perin from Juventus, with Livakovic on course to become one of Celtic’s most expensive signings of all time, should a deal go through.

Celtic's 5 most expensive signings of all time

Signed from

Fee

Jota

Benfica

€16.2m

Odsonne Edouard

PSG

€10.3m

Chris Sutton

Chelsea

€9.5m

John Hartson

Coventry

€9m

Eyal Brkovic

West Ham

€8.8m

It looks as if Celtic could be about to seal a marque goalkeeper signing, and Croatian football expert Richard Wilson has explained to The Herald what he could bring to Scotland, highlighting his reflex saves as his main strength.

“His main strength would be his reflex saves, and he has that knack of getting to shots that 90 percent of goalkeepers can’t get to. It’s such a small difference between a good goalkeeper and a great goalkeeper at that level, and his reflexes have been shown to be among the true elite.”

Wilson then said a move to Celtic could be a “statement signing” for the Hoops.

“For Celtic to land a goalkeeper of his stature would be a statement signing, absolutely. Fenerbahce paid the best part of 7m Euros for him last summer, and they will make a profit on that, but if you compare Livakovic’s stature to Joe Hart’s, well, Joe Hart hasn’t been in World Cup semi-finals for instance.

“He’s one of the few goalkeepers that Celtic could get with a trophy cabinet of that size. It makes sense to me though because Celtic have been in for him before, so it is a renewal of interest.”

It could be just a matter of time until Celtic get their man, making this one to watch over the coming weeks.

Manchester United were left fuming after Matthijs de Ligt was forced off the pitch and not allowed back on before a Brentford corner.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• De Ligt suffered head injury against Brentford
• Was not on pitch when visitors scored
• Man Utd left fuming by situation

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Manchester United went behind to an Ethan Pinnock goal in their 2-1 win over Brentford on Saturday and were left furious on the touchline after the ball went in. De Ligt had been forced off for treatment and was a bystander on the touchline as Pinnock headed home. The Dutch defender had already been treated twice for a head injury, that had left the Dutchman covered in blood, but was forced off again to be patched up. He was then not allowed back on before Brentford's corner was taken, leaving the defender and Erik ten Hag both furious with the match officials.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE EXPLANATION

  De Ligt was forced off due to Premier League rules which dictate that players cannot be active if they have blood on their body or their kit. Yet if United had simply bandaged up De Ligt after his initial head injury, he may not have had to go off again and would have been on the pitch to mark Pinnock from the corner.

• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Manchester United did manage to channel their frustrations in a positive way and went on to claim a much-needed victory. Goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund secured Ten Hag a welcome three points, while De Ligt managed to complete the 90 minutes despite his head injury.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD

  Manchester United now face a trip to Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday. The clash sees the Red Devils come up against former boss Jose Mourinho.

Alexi Lalas says FIFA are making the Club World Cup “all about Miami and Lionel Messi” after absorbing the Herons into an expanded event for 2025.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

32 teams will grace revamped tournamentEvent set to take place on American soilArgentine icon helped Herons fill spotFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The best sides on the planet, with the most prestigious of honours being collected in recent seasons, will take part in a 32-team competition on American soil next summer. It has been revealed that Inter Miami will be joining 2022 CONCACAF Champions League winners the Seattle Sounders in providing MLS representation.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowAdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

With Argentine superstar Messi on board, the Herons did win the inaugural Leagues Cup in 2023. They have made more history this term by winning the Supporters’ Shield with a record-setting tally of points. Collective sights in Florida are now locked on ultimate MLS Cup glory.

WHAT LALAS SAID

Questions have been asked of whether Inter Miami deserve their Club World Cup spot, given the claims of others, and Lalas admits that marketing has played a huge part in a big decision. The USMNT legend has told his podcast: “I don’t think anybody is looking at Inter Miami representing, not just Inter Miami, but representing MLS and representing the US in this tournament that’s coming next summer as a bad thing.

“But it never should have gotten to that, it should have been done ahead of time. And I know that this was a work in progress and this is the first in this expanded type of club World Cup that they are going to have, even with the challenge that they have. And this is a very nice thing to have, not just Inter Miami, but obviously Inter Miami with Messi to kind of kick it off.

“And in that moment, Gianni Infantino even said that they will be hosting the first game in Miami. So it is all about Miami, it’s all about Messi using him as a promotional vehicle for this club World Cup that needs promotion.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MESSI & INTER MIAMI?

Inter Miami are about to enter the MLS play-offs as No.1 seeds. They will get that campaign underway against Atlanta United on Friday, with eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi already in MVP contention alongside club colleague and fellow Barcelona icon Luis Suarez.

علق القبرصي بابا فاسيليو المدير الفني لفريق الاتحاد السكندري، على الهزيمة أمام الزمالك بهدفين دون رد، بالمباراة التي أقيمت بينهما ببطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

الاتحاد السكندري حل ضيفاً على الزمالك، في استاد القاهرة الدولي، ضمن مباريات الجولة السابعة لمسابقة الدوري الممتاز.

وقال بابا فاسيليو في تصريحات خلال المؤتمر الصحفي عقب المباراة: “قدمنا شوط أول جيدًا، كانت لدينا فرص كثيرة، كاد أن نسجل هدفًا خلال أول 45 دقيقة، والزمالك لم يستطع تهديد مرمانا”.

طالع أيضاً.. حمادة عبد اللطيف: الزمالك يمتلك “ترمومتر” على أعلى مستوى.. ومدرسة الفن عادت

وتابع: “طرد عبد الغني أثر علينا، ومن الصعب أن نلعب أمام الزمالك بـ10 لاعبين فقط، وقرار الحكم كان سلبيًا جدًا”.

وأوضح: “كنا أخطر من الزمالك في الشوط الأول، ولكن لم نستطع أن نُسجل أهدافًا وهذا شيء سلبي”.

وأشار: “لدينا أجواء رائعة في الاتحاد، ورئيس النادي يقدم لنا كل شيء والجميع يدعمنا، ولعبنا بشكل مميز أمام الأهلي والزمالك ولا بد أن ندعم الفريق في يناير”.

واختتم: “شاركنا أمام الزمالك بعدد من اللاعبين المميزين وكان من الممكن أن نفوز بالمباراة”.