Given the high standards he’s set for himself in 2024/25, Liverpool boss Arne Slot has a huge job on his hands this summer to continue the process made in recent months.

The Dutchman took the reins from Jürgen Klopp last summer, offering a seamless transition and leading the side to Premier League glory at the very first attempt.

He managed to achieve such a feat with multiple games to spare, winning 25 matches out of a possible 35 to date, losing on just three occasions, with one coming on home soil.

However, the Dutchman faces a huge task on his hands next time around to maintain such a success and hand the club an opportunity to make it back-to-back titles.

If such an achievement is to happen at the same point in 12 months time, this summer transfer window will be crucial, with the hierarchy needing to hand Slot the funds to make the additions he needs.

An update on Liverpool’s pursuit of new signings this summer

With the transfer window just around the corner, numerous names have been mentioned over a potential move to join Liverpool, including Bournemouth’s left-back Milos Kerkez.

The Hungarian has been on their shopping list for many months now, with the Reds still in the hunt for his signature, leading to a potential saga throughout the off-season.

However, the opposite side of the pitch could also be in line for investment, with Slot’s men closely monitoring a move for Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong, according to reports in Spain.

They state that the Reds are to submit an offer in the region of £34m for the 24-year-old star, who’s made 47 appearances across all competitions for the German outfit this campaign.

It also claims that the Dutchman is the manager’s key target for the upcoming window, with Frimpong having the tools to come into the side and soften the blow of one player’s pending departure.

Why Liverpool’s £34m target is the dream TAA replacement

Over the last couple of days, Liverpool fans have been left dismayed after right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold confirmed he would be ending his 20-year stint with his boyhood club.

The 26-year-old has racked up over 350 appearances after making his first-team debut back in the summer of 2016, winning a staggering six major trophies – including two Premier League titles.

However, after such an impressive stint at Anfield, it’s going to be tricky to replace such a talent, which could subsequently have an impact on their ambitions of going back-to-back in the Premier League next campaign.

Premier League

257

18

67

Champions League

60

2

13

FA Cup

13

1

3

Carabao Cup

10

0

6

Europa League

5

0

2

Club World Cup

2

0

1

CL Qualifying

2

0

1

Community Shield

2

1

0

UEFA Super Cup

1

0

0

It’s a positive sign that the hierarchy have already wasted little to no time in targeting a replacement, with Frimpong having the tools to do just that – or even provide an upgrade on the Englishman.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats from 2024/25, the Leverkusen star has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas – with the fee touted potentially being a bargain for the Reds.

The Dutchman, who’s been labelled “one of the best wing-backs in Europe” by scout Jacek Kulig, has managed to complete more progressive carries per 90 this campaign – handing Slot an added attacking threat from full-back.

He’s also managed to complete more of the passes he’s attempted, but whilst also attempting more take-ons – highlighting the threat he poses with the ball at his feet.

Defensively, he’s been just as impressive, winning more tackles against players attempting to dribble past him – with Frimpong able to offer added stability, something which Trent often struggled with at Anfield.

£34m for a player of his calibre in today’s market is an absolute steal, allowing the club to land a player who can fill the role for many years, given his tender age.

Whilst losing Trent will be a huge disappointment to many, the Leverkusen star has the chance to allow supporters to forget about his departure and play a key role in any success endured under Slot in the years to come.

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Tottenham Hotspur sunk to another defeat, their 20th of the season, in the Premier League when they were beaten 2-0 by Crystal Palace on Sunday.

A double from Eberechi Eze, who scored just before and just after the half-time break, put Spurs to the sword, and it could have been even more if not for eight saves from Antonin Kinsky between the sticks.

The Czech star was given a rare run-out in goal as he is not eligible to play in the Europa League, but the shot-stopper was not the only player who was given a rare chance to impress, as Ben Davies also came in at centre-back.

Why Ben Davies should not start the Europa League final

The Wales international came in to start in the left-sided centre-back position against Palace, after he was an unused substitute in both legs of the semi-final clash with Bodo/Glimt.

Davies won seven of his 13 duels against the Eagles, just over half, and put in a decent, but unimpressive, display at the heart of the defence. He certainly did not do enough to suggest that the manager should keep him in the team for the Europa League final after the clash with Aston Villa next weekend.

Appearances

8

7

Tackles + interceptions per game

1.3

2.0

Duels won per game

2.9

4.5

Ground duel success rate

50%

54%

Aerial duel success rate

50%

86%

As you can see in the table above, Micky van de Ven has been far more defensively dominant than him in Europe, which is why the Dutchman should be in line to start against Manchester United.

Davies is not the only player from Sunday’s starting XI who should be ditched from the team after the Aston Villa game, though, as Djed Spence must also be binned for the final.

Why Djed Spence should not start the Europa League final

The English defender lined up at left-back against Palace and did not cover himself in glory for either of the goals with his positioning on that side of the pitch, whilst he also gave the ball away 12 times and only completed 76% of his attempted passes.

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Football.london handed him a player rating of just 3/10 and wrote that he was ‘all over the place’ and that Palace took ‘advantage’ of his poor positional play throughout the match, despite winning eight of his ten duels.

It is not the first time that his positioning has been questioned. When playing in his more natural right-back berth, Football FanCast suggested that he should have been dropped after the 5-1 defeat to Liverpool because he was allowed his market to get in behind on at least three occasions, once leading to a goal, on that day.

Ange Postecoglou, therefore, should not select Spence at left-back for the Europa League final because his unreliable positioning could cost them big time against the Red Devils.

Spurs will not want to gift chances away, as they did against Liverpool and Palace, with Spence at full-back because his positioning lets the United wingers in too many times down the flanks, which is why he should be dropped.

Destiny Udogie, meanwhile, has averaged 3.6 tackles and interceptions per game and won 66% of his duels in the Europa League, whilst also offering a naturally left-footed option to progress the ball in possession down that side.

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It is now down to Postecoglou to take Spence out of the XI, whether that is for Villa next week or after the clash with the Villans, in order to play Udogie at left-back in the Europa League final.

Leeds United will have to be ruthless in the upcoming summer transfer window in order to create a squad that can survive in the Premier League next season.

The Whites, who clinched the Championship title with a win over Plymouth Argyle on the final day, know that it will be difficult because the last two sets of promoted teams have been instantly relegated from the top-flight.

Daniel Farke and his staff will have to be ruthless when it comes to deciding which players are up for the task of making the step up to the Premier League, and one star whose future remains up in the air is Sam Byram, as his current deal is due to expire this summer.

Speaking to The Athletic, the English full-back said: Now we’ve achieved the final target, I’m sure they’ll speak as a team, investors, everyone, and make a plan for the future. Hopefully, I’m part of that, and, if not, I’ll watch on and always be a supporter.”

It remains to be seen whether or not the Whites will look to extend his contract beyond this summer, or if they will allow the former academy graduate to move on from Elland Road for the second time in his career.

Why Leeds should allow Sam Byram to leave

The 31-year-old defender has been a useful utility player for Farke to call upon since his return to West Yorkshire on a free transfer in the summer of 2023, thanks to his ability to play at right-back, left-back, and sometimes as an emergency centre-back.

He has made 75 appearances for the club in all competitions in the last two seasons, which shows how much the manager has relied upon him, but his recent availability is an outlier in comparison to the rest of his career.

Sam Byram’s availability issues

Season

Games played

24/25

38

23/24

37

22/23

16

21/22

18

20/21

0

19/20

18

18/19

7

17/18

10

16/17

18

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, in the seven full seasons he played, after leaving Leeds in January 2016 to join West Ham, Byram did not play more than 18 games in a single campaign for the Hammers, Nottingham Forest, or Norwich City.

That included missing the entire 2020/21 season for the Canaries through injury, as well as 39 games in the 2018/19 campaign and 40 matches in the 2019/20 term through injury, which shows that there are still concerns over his long-term availability.

Therefore, Leeds should consider releasing Byram when his contract expires this summer, instead of attempting to extend his deal, and use that space to bolster their squad with a new signing.

In fact, there is reportedly an active full-back target for the West Yorkshire outfit who could come in as a big upgrade on the former Norwich defender ahead of next season.

Leeds make contact to sign Premier League defender

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Leeds United have made contact with £15m-rated Southampton full-back Kyle Walker-Peters to discuss a potential move to Elland Road.

The reporter claims that the Whites are one of a number of clubs in the race to sign the English defender, whose contract at St. Mary’s is due to expire at the same time as Byram’s.

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Speaking to Leeds United News, Bailey said: “I’m told no decision just yet. Leeds have had contact, but as we know they’re one of many clubs to be in touch with him. West Ham, Spurs, Everton… there’s loads. And some foreign clubs are lurking too. Can Leeds get him? Of course. But from what I can make out it’s going to be tough.”

This suggests that Leeds have a fight on their hands to get a deal over the line for the two-time England international, as they line up a move for him alongside a host of other, more established, Premier League sides.

The 49ers must, now, push to win the race for Walker-Peters when his contract at Southampton expires this summer because he could arrive at Elland Road as a big upgrade on Sam Byram.

Why Leeds should sign Kyle Walker-Peters

Perhaps most importantly, the England international is not injury-prone and unreliable when it comes to being available for his team throughout a season.

Walker-Peters has never missed more than eight games in a single campaign and has only been absent for 24 matches through injury in his entire career to date, which suggests that the club could be far more confident of having him available week-in-week-out than they would be with Byram if they extended his contract.

The 28-year-old star has also proven that he can handle the intensity of the Premier League, when it comes to avoiding injuries, as he has played 148 times in the top-flight, which is the main reason why he would be a huge upgrade on Byram, given his availability.

Walker-Peters, who was once described as a “beautiful” footballer by former manager Russell Martin, is also similar to Byram in the sense that he can competently play as a right-back or a left-back, with over 50 appearances in his career as a left-back.

The English defender could also come in to provide Jayden Bogle with some strong competition for his place in the side, despite being part of a dismal Southampton team this season, as evidenced by his form in the Championship in the 2023/24 campaign.

Championship

Walker-Peters (23/24)

Bogle (24/25)

Byram (24/25)

Appearances

43

44

36

Goals

2

6

1

Big chances created

12

11

5

xA

7.43

5.87

1.50

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.9

3.0

1.5

Dribbled past per game

0.4x

0.8x

0.1x

Ground duel success rate

60%

55%

60%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Bogle offers a great goal threat, but Walker-Peters is more creative and harder for opposition wingers to beat with attempted dribbles.

These statistics also show that the Saints star would be a huge upgrade on Byram because he can provide the defensive solidity, given his duel success rate and tackles and interceptions per game, that the ex-Norwich man provides, whilst also offering a big threat as a creator from a right-back position.

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Therefore, Leeds could land a big upgrade on Byram, allowing themselves to release him this summer, by signing Walker-Peters, who can offer more quality on the pitch whilst also being less of an injury liability.

Ahead of what could be another busy summer at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have now reportedly held direct talks with one European club chief over signing a £42m defender.

Chelsea making summer transfer plans

As ever, the Blues will be ones to watch this summer. Even as their Champions League qualification remains unconfirmed, those at Stamford Bridge are likely to be in a position to splash the cash in an attempt to finally put a side together capable of taking Chelsea back into the Premier League title picture.

With the summer transfer window fast-approaching too, the rumours have already been coming thick and fast. Names such as Ollie Watkins and Dean Huijsen have particularly been mentioned among the headlines in recent weeks and there’s no denying that both would hand Enzo Maresca key upgrades at opposite ends of his strongest side.

Watkins would be a particularly interesting arrival thanks to his place at Aston Villa – a direct rival for Champions League qualification. A proven goalscorer in the Premier League, the England international could finally be the answer to the Blues’ striker problems if he decides to swap the Midlands for the London club this summer.

In pursuit of a rival star, to say that Champions League qualification would go a long way towards luring such players to Stamford Bridge would be a major understatement – especially if it means that Aston Villa miss out on a place.

Whilst it’s easy for the Blues to get ahead of themselves, however, Maresca chose to remain fairly grounded when quizzed on the frantic top five battle – telling reporters: “The mood is good and I’ve said for a few weeks now that it’s a matter of how we manage emotions until the end [of the season],’ the Blues head coach explained.

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“When we win games, we are happy and when we don’t win, we’re not happy. But it’ll be a race until the end and we need to manage the emotions. In this moment, the main thing is to watch ourselves and be focused on ourselves. This is the main point. For sure, there are more clubs involved [in the top-five race] but for us, it’s important to stay focused on ourselves.”

Chelsea step up move to sign Hato

Away from the action on the pitch, meanwhile, BlueCo have reportedly been busy. According to Dutch journalist Mike Verweij on De Telegraaf’s Kick Off podcast, Chelsea have now held direct talks with Ajax chief Alex Kroes over signing Jorrel Hato this summer.

The teenage full-back has enjoyed an impressive campaign in the Netherlands and BlueCo are now reportedly set to step up their chase for his signature in a deal worth £42m this summer. Adding competition for Marc Cucurella in the process, Hato would go a long way towards handing Maresca a complete squad.

Praised for an “excellent” season by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Hato looks likely to be one to watch as Chelsea push to welcome yet another young talent this summer.

Manchester United’s recent fortunes would suggest that a place in the Europa League final isn’t quite guaranteed, not just yet, although Ruben Amorim’s men certainly have one foot in the showpiece following a stunning first-leg triumph on Thursday night.

Up against an Athletic Bilbao side who had conceded just 12 goals at home all season in LaLiga and in European competition combined, the Red Devils romped to a brutal 3-0 win in San Mames, maintaining their unbeaten run in this year’s edition.

After a nervy opening – which saw Inaki Williams notably guide his effort over the crossbar – the visitors took control through Casemiro’s backpost header, before ever-reliable skipper, Bruno Fernandes, converted from the penalty spot following a last-ditch foul on Rasmus Hojlund.

With Dani Vivian dismissed for the action that led to the spot-kick to compound matters for the home side, United swiftly extended their advantage just minutes later, with that man Fernandes rounding off an intricate team move just before the break.

A fourth and potentially tie-clinching goal did not emerge after the interval, although Amorim can have few complaints on a night in which his experienced heads, in particular, kept their cool.

Casemiro and Fernandes rise above the rest

If the former Sporting CP boss is to have any reason for negativity following Thursday’s convincing win, the Portuguese tactician may be concerned at the shaky start which his side endured, with Victor Lindelof notably among those to have needlessly squandered possession in the early exchanges.

Key stats – Athletic Bilbao vs Man Utd
Stat	Highest ranking
Touches	Casemiro (109)
Accurate passes	Victor Lindelof (97)
Key passes	Bruno Fernandes (3)
Crosses	Bruno Fernandes (5/7)
Shots on target	Bruno Fernandes (3)
Successful dribbles	Ugarte & Sannadi (2)
Defensive actions	Casemiro (9)
Duels won	Casemiro (10)
Possession lost	Nico Williams (20)
Stats via Sofascore

The Swede did, thankfully, redeem himself soon after with a vital goal-line block, with Manuel Ugarte also enjoying his own in-game redemption, having shaken off a careless beginning to ultimately register two assists on the night, including a clever backheeled flick for Fernandes’ second.

Some initial nerves may have been understandable, although in the case of the captain and Casemiro, the experienced pairing proved to be “the difference again”, in the words of journalist Samuel Luckhurst, having been head and shoulders above the majority of their teammates.

For Fernandes, such a performance has simply become the norm, with the influential skipper now boasting 37 goals and assists this season in all competitions, including seven goals and four assists in the Europa League alone.

To see the 30-year-old pulling the strings is no surprise, although for his veteran teammate, this recent resurgence has been a welcome one, not least considering it appeared as if he was approaching the end of a storied career not too long ago.

Once looking like “he is playing in Soccer Aid” under Erik ten Hag last term, as per pundit Jamie Redknapp, Casemiro has been reborn in the Amorim regime, with the return to Spain seeing the former Real Madrid warrior win ten of his 12 attempted duels, alongside getting on the scoresheet.

A starter in every knockout stage game in the competition, this redemption arc continues for the 33-year-old – much like it does for Harry Maguire.

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The importance of Fernandes and Casemiro was evident as even at 3-0, Amorim opted not to rest the star duo despite making a raft of changes, with the two men simply pillars in this developing 3-4-3 system.

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In a similar manner, the fact that Maguire was withdrawn just after the hour mark was also a sign of his growing stature under the new regime, with Amorim unable to afford an injury setback to the 6 foot 4 Englishman.

The 32-year-old hasn’t been a stranger to periods on the sidelines this season, having actually only featured on 34 occasions, although at present he looks the real bedrock in a back three that repeatedly chops and changes with each passing game.

A player his manager previously described as “perfect” for this setup, following the extension of his contract by a further 12 months, Maguire looks at home in the centre of the defensive trio, having been largely untroubled against the Basque outfit.

There was one hairy moment just prior to his withdrawal, amid appeals from the home crowd for a red card following a ‘foul’ on Maroan Sannadi, although it was otherwise plain-sailing, with the former Leicester City man spraying passes with ease after racking up a 97% pass accuracy rate in total.

Much like last month and his stoppage time heroics to clinch victory over Lyon, it was actually his impact in the final third that was most memorable from Maguire’s outing, with the towering defender proving an unlikely menace down the right flank, before whipping in a cross that eventually found its way to Casemiro, via the head of Ugarte.

The sight of the big man twisting and turning truly was a joy to behold, with that marking another “glorious” moment – as per The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell – in the revival of a player who was memorably stripped of the captaincy by Ten Hag back in 2023.

There were even suggestions that a move to West Ham United was on the cards that summer, yet now the £190k-per-week powerhouse looks a key cog in the Amorim machine – with the aforementioned Luckhurst noting his ‘solid’ 8/10 performance on the night.

In an era of pursuing younger and younger signings, with the aim of looking to the long-term, the likes of Maguire, Casemiro and Fernandes are proving that experience and class are simply priceless.

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Birmingham City are preparing for a return to the second-tier of English football and have now cast their eye to the continent for a potential bargain signing.

Birmingham City's summer activity ahead of Championship return underway

Quick off the mark after securing the League One title in remarkable fashion, Birmingham have already wrapped up the permanent signing of Phil Neumann.

Speaking ahead of featuring at St Andrews, German defender Neumann believes that the Blues can earn promotion to the Premier League following his move from Hannover on a free transfer.

He stated: “I always wanted to play in England. Birmingham is such a big club with a big history, and they fought hard for me and gave me a good feeling. I can’t wait to play my first game here, meet the fans and also meet my team-mates. It’s a nice stadium, a really nice pitch and I’m really happy to be here.

“I think the club is not where it belongs and hopefully I can help the club get back to the Premier League.”

Kwame Poku, Mark Travers and Harry Darling are all reported Birmingham targets, which lends credence to Neumann’s opinion that Birmingham have the power to become a Premier League force before too long.

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Nevertheless, the Championship is a major step up in quality for Chris Davies, who still has to make decisions on the future of Grant Hanley and Lee Myung-jae ahead of next campaign.

While he takes his time over potential departures, Birmingham are continuing to be active on the transfer front and are now advancing in their pursuit of a top-flight midfielder.

Birmingham in advanced talks for Kanya Fujimoto after offer

According to journalist Sebastiao Sousa-Pinto on X, Birmingham have submitted an offer for Gil Vicente attacking midfielder Kanya Fujimoto and talks are believed to be at an advanced stage.

It isn’t yet certain that he will end up at St Andrews, but steps are moving in the right direction to close a deal that would see him arrive on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract at the Primeira Liga outfit.

What can Birmingham City expect if Kanya Fujimoto arrives? (top-flight statistics)

Chances created

35

Successful dribbles

19

Touches in opposition box

74

Duels won

61

Shots

40

Shots on target

14

Earning a reputation as a forward-thinking asset, Fujimoto, 25, has registered five goals and six assists across 33 matches in all competitions this season.

Ultimately, Birmingham will need to balance spending considerable fees with finding value for money on the market in order to fulfill their aspirations of being a competitive force in the second-tier.

Fujimoto, who shares the same CAA Base agency as Ben Davies, is operating at a distinguished level and would be seen as a coup by many Championship onlookers, though it now remains to be seen whether the Blues can push a statement deal over the line.

Celtic could look to make a move for a Premier League “superstar” in the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman.

Rodgers expecting busy summer at Celtic

The Hoops have again comfortably sealed Scottish Premiership title glory this season, but the next step is for them to become more of a force in the Champions League.

Brendan Rodgers will know this more than anyone and want to bring in some top-quality players. The Celtic manager has made it clear that he expects there to be plenty of business in the coming months:

“We have to look at and adapt to situations as well. We all know fine well here there’s a player trading model, which means that we will probably get offers for some of our players in the summer. And if that happens, then we have to be flexible and be able to adapt to that. If I said that everyone now would be here, then you’d maybe only have a few, two to three players coming in of high quality, but we’ll just have to see.”

There are sure to be ins and outs at Celtic before next season gets underway, with Arne Engels strongly linked with a move to Atalanta, but now a big claim has emerged regarding the Hoops signing a renowned player.

Pundit talks up Celtic signing superstar

In quotes provided by Celts Are Here, Goodman talked up the idea of Celtic signing Brighton striker Evan Ferguson in the summer window:

“I was shocked looking into Evan Ferguson’s season. He only started a combined three Premier League games for both Brighton and West Ham. To me, it looks like his confidence is on the floor. I thought in January, and this is no disrespect to the Scottish Premiership, that Evan Ferguson should aim higher. But given what’s happened, a move to Celtic wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world.

“If he goes to Celtic, he would be guaranteed goals, which would only boost his confidence and help bring out the player that we saw break through at Brighton. Evan Ferguson just needs to play football. If a move to Celtic means he can do that, then I understand why he would do it.”

In truth, it is arguably a left-field call by Goodman, with Ferguson unlikely to trade the Premier League for Celtic, but at the same time, it doesn’t feel impossible.

The 20-year-old Republic of Ireland international’s stock has fallen of late, hence Brighton deciding to send him out on loan to West Ham, where he hasn’t scored a single goal in the league this season.

That is in contrast to his breakthrough campaign on the south coast of England, where he netted 10 senior goals in 2022/23.

For that reason, he could see Celtic as a chance to rebuild his career, be a star man and play in the Champions League, having been called a “superstar” by Micah Richards in the past.

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As mentioned, Hoops supporters arguably shouldn’t get their hopes up too much, but even if Ferguson only joined on loan from Brighton for a season, he could still be an exciting addition.

Chelsea beat Djurgarden 1-0 at Stamford Bridge in the second leg of their Conference League semi-final to book their place in the final of the competition.

The Blues won 4-1 in the first leg away from home to give themselves a comfortable buffer heading into Thursday night’s clash, and they will now face Real Betis in the final.

Enzo Maresca has the chance to win a European trophy, albeit not the Champions League or the Europa League, in his first season in the dugout at Stamford Bridge.

The former Leicester City boss also has the Blues in fifth place in the Premier League table, which means that they are on course to qualify for the Champions League.

Despite the success that Chelsea have had on the pitch, domestically and in Europe this term, the club are still set to be active in the summer transfer window to bolster the manager’s options across the pitch.

A new winger could be on the agenda for the Premier League giants as they look to find their next version of Belgian wizard Eden Hazard on the flank.

Why Eden Hazard was a superstar for Chelsea

It is fair to say that the majority of Chelsea’s supporters will think fondly of the diminutive magician when they think back on his career at the club, as he delivered so many brilliant performances for the Blues.

Signed from Lille in 2012, Hazard spent seven years in English football with the club and racked up 110 goals and 88 assists in 352 appearances in all competitions, which illustrates both the quality and the longevity of his career at Stamford Bridge.

As you can see in the clips above, the Belgian dynamo was a superstar for Chelsea because he had the talent to create something out of nothing with a moment of magic.

For all the talk of tactics and systems, which are important, Hazard was the kind of player who could go and win a game on his own by beating several players and creating or scoring a goal, which is just priceless in football.

2018/19

37

16

15

2017/18

34

12

4

2016/17

36

16

5

2015/16

31

4

3

2014/15

38

14

9

2013/14

35

14

7

2012/13

34

9

11

As you can see in the table above, the former Lille ace delivered consistent quality in six of his seven seasons in the Premier League, with at least 12 goals in five of those campaigns.

Hazard was the kind of player Chelsea could look to in their lowest moments to drag them out of a hole with an electric run or a top-quality pass or finish, and Maresca could find his own version of the Belgian if the Blues can wrap up a deal for a player they are currently pursuing.

Chelsea make contact to sign Serie A star

According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea have made contact with Italian giants Milan over a deal to sign Rafael Leao in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The report claims that initial talks are already underway between the two clubs over a move for the Portugal international, and that the Blues are the team with the most advanced interest in him.

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It states that fellow Premier League side Arsenal, who made the semi-finals of the Champions League this season, are also keen on the Serie A sensation, but they are yet to make contact with Milan.

CaughtOffside adds that a fee of £64m could be enough to tempt the Italian side into cashing in on the forward, but it remains to be seen whether or not Chelsea are willing to pay that much for him.

It is now down to the club to ensure that these talks end with a deal agreed for Leao because he is a player who has the potential to be Maresca’s own version of Hazard next season and beyond.

Why Rafael Leao could be Chelsea's next Eden Hazard

Like the Belgian wizard, the Milan superstar is a right-footed forward who typically plays on the left flank, cutting in on his right foot to deliver goals and assists.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig described Leao as a “pure difference-maker” for the Italian side, which is also what Hazard was for Chelsea with his ability to score and create goals out of nothing.

Leao produced nine goals and nine assists in the Serie A last season and, as you can see in the clips above, he showcased his ability to produce magic moments in the final third on a regular basis.

As Hazard did for Chelsea, the Portuguese star has also delivered quality on a consistent basis over several seasons, with at least 12 goals and at least ten assists in all competitions in each of the last four seasons.

24/25

48

12

15

11

23/24

47

15

22

12

22/23

48

16

20

11

21/22

42

14

8

10

As you can see in the table above, Leao has been a difference-maker for the Italian side at the top end of the pitch by providing goals and assists consistently from the left wing.

But it is not just the numbers, which are impressive, that suggest the £64m-rated star could be Chelsea’s next version of Hazard, it is also the style in which he delivers quality for Milan.

The highlights above of his performance against PSG in the Champions League in 2023, for example, are Hazard-esque in the way he was marauding down the left flank, consistently taking on players with dribble attempts to get his team up the pitch.

Leao is a dynamic, exciting, forward who likes to take people on and be a difference-maker at the top end of the pitch, and he has the goals and assists for Milan in the past four years to back up his exciting play with end product.

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Therefore, Leao has all the attributes and the play style to arrive at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea’s new Hazard, whilst also having plenty of time left, at the age of 25, to build a similar legacy during his time at the club, if the Blues can strike a deal for him.

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has now been told by club chiefs to sign a “special” £25 million star this summer, according to a new report.

Crystal Palace eye multiple free transfers

The Eagles have still got an FA Cup final to prepare for this season, but already club chiefs are working hard behind the scenes to bring in new players this summer. Winning the FA Cup would see Palace play European football next season, and that might have something to do with the fact that the club are not wasting any time when it comes to contacting potential transfer targets.

Crystal Palace make enquiry to sign 28 y/o on free transfer ahead of Fulham

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It’s been recently reported that Palace have made an enquiry to sign midfielder Yvan Neyou, who will leave Leganes at the end of the season. The 28-year-old will be a free agent this summer, and Palace as well as Fulham have already made contact over a move to England.

As well as Neyou, the South Londoners have also been in contact with the agents of Junior Firpo over a possible move to Selhurst Park. The attacking left-back looks set to leave Leeds United when his contract expires, and Palace have now joined the long list of teams who are keen on snapping him up.

The free transfer targets don’t stop there, as a report has now revealed that the Eagles are close to signing Bright Osayi-Samuel from Fenerbahçe. Palace have offered a four-year deal to the right-back worth £3.8 million a season, and it seems to be enough to bring him to Selhurst Park.

Parish now told to sign £25m Newcastle star

According to The Everything is Black and White Podcast, relayed by The Chronicle, Crystal Palace officials have recommended signing Newcastle United’s Joe Willock.

Toon podcast host Andrew Musgrove revealed that Palace chiefs have put the idea forward to Parish: “I’ve been told that transfer chiefs at Crystal Palace have recommended Willock to Steve Parish and that they think they can get him. I think that move would work out for them.”

Willock, who was once dubbed a “special talent” by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, has been at Newcastle since August 2021, during which he has been a regular in the side. However, this season the 25-year-old has found it hard to nail down a regular starting spot, as he’s started just 11 of the 30 Premier League games he’s played.

Willock has fallen down the pecking order behind the likes of Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, and therefore he could be a player the Magpies look to move on this summer.

Joe Willock’s Premier League stats
Apps	157
Goals	15
Assists	9

His arrival at Palace could take some of the burden off finding a direct replacement for Eberechi Eze, who may be on his way out of Selhurst Park. Willock may not have produced the numbers Eze has, but the Newcastle man has shown that he can produce moments of quality in the Premier League, and his goals from midfield would take some pressure off any attacking signings.

Newcastle spent £25 million to get him from Arsenal, and the likelihood is that they are going to want to get their money back for the midfielder, who still has two years left to run on his contract.

Chelsea chiefs are now internally debating a potential deal for another rising star, according to a report out of Stamford Bridge this week.

Chelsea continue transfer policy of signing high-potential starlets

Since the start of 2025, despite Enzo Maresca strongly suggesting that Chelsea need to bring in more experienced players, BlueCo have shown no sign of slowing down when it comes to their transfer policy of signing world football’s brightest up-and-coming talents.

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Earlier this year, the west Londoners agreed a double-deal with Sporting CP to sign their rising star duo, Geovany Quenda (18) and Dario Essugo (20), for a total fee of around £62.5 million, with the former set to fully join them in 2026 and the latter this summer.

Rank

Team

Points

GD

Man City

71

+28

Chelsea

69

+21

Newcastle

66

+21

6

Aston Villa

66

+7

7

Nottingham Forest

65

+12

It is now also being reported by reliable media sources that Chelsea are planning a pre-2026 deal for 22-year-old Strasbourg striker Emanuel Emegha, as confirmed by Fabrizio Romano.

Since Romano’s initial report, French media sources have claimed that Chelsea have moved in with a six-year contract offer to Emegha, and an agreement for the Ligue 1 sensation is merely a “matter of time”.

“Chelsea have offered Emanuel Emegha a six-year contract valid until June 2031,” wrote Foot Mercato reporter Santi Aouna on X.

“The intention is for him to stay in Strasbourg for another year and then go to Chelsea. A full agreement is just a matter of time.”

As Maresca’s side carry on planning for the long-term, Brighton starlet Valentin Barco, who spent the 2024/2025 on loan at Strasbourg, has now entered their radar.

Chelsea hold internal talks over signing Valentin Barco from Brighton

The Argentine midfielder can play in a variety of roles on the left, and he was the “most signed wonderkid” on popular PC game Football Manager last year.

According to CaughtOffside, while no formal approach has been made yet, Chelsea are holding internal talks over a potential move for Barco, and Maresca is believed to be a personal admirer of the 20-year-old.

“(He’s a) left back but he’s not going to be playing there, I don’t think,” said South American football expert Tim Vickery.

“He’s a left-sided attacking midfielder. Very good running with the ball. Amazing power that he generates from his left foot. Good from set-pieces.

“He can combine well. He had a sweet little thing going with Edison Cavani at Boca Juniors.”

Barco is fresh off a productive campaign at Strasbourg, finishing 24/25 as one of their best-performing players in Ligue 1 by average match rating per 90 – starting 14 Ligue 1 matches and bagging two assists (WhoScored).

It is little surprise Chelsea have taken note of his displays, possibly while keeping tabs on Andrey Santos’ progress in France and scouting Emanuel Emegha. In any case, the Blues’ relationship with their sister club may end up paying dividends again.

Man City were once linked with a move for Barco in 2023 as well, indicating he’s a player of real promise.