Vesper

yes, we perhaps lost a monster player when Pool poached him away from us I was raging for weeks

those 2 are going to be the hardest to sell I fear and they are on INSANE salaries £550K to £575K PW combined

sounds like Trump's cognitive test (which he claimed he got the greatest score ever seen by his doctors🤪) LOLOLOL

the only ones I can think of are Maatsen van Ginkel (horrid luck with injuries) Aké van Aanholt The Cannibal aka Boulahrouz Winston Bogarde and then the Big Three Robben Hasselbaink (after Drogba he is my 2nd fav Chels CF) Ruuuuuud Gullit the legend and finally the super obscure (for a very recent player, but one who I had huge hopes for (when he came from Barca) until he destroyed his knee) Xavier Mbuyamba aka The X Man

Nominative determinism in football Arsenal Wenger, James Trafford and the players and managers destined for clubs… because of their names https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6524643/2025/08/04/football-names-clubs-managers-arsenal-wenger/ Nominative determinism, i.e. the theory that people gravitate towards jobs or activities that reflect their name, is a thing. Researchers once found that people called Dennis or Denise were more likely to gravitate towards dentistry (this is genuine). It’s not a universal truth. Someone called Louise Baker isn’t necessarily destined to wear chef whites for a living. Likewise, Tony Dull doesn’t have to become an accountant. But when Wolves signed David Moller Wolfe last week and James Trafford decided to join Manchester City, they became the latest quirks in football’s history of throwing up ironically placed players. Trafford will not only return to the city that houses the shopping mall the Trafford Centre or the Trafford Park area, but also, of course, Old Trafford, i.e. the home of City’s greatest rivals. It’s a bit like someone called James Park being in goal for Sunderland. He becomes the second goalkeeper in Manchester whose surname shares the name with a park in the city. Heaton Park, which recently hosted about 300,000 people across five glorious Oasis homecoming gigs, was named after Manchester United goalkeeper Tom Heaton in honour of his contribution to the club since he signed in 2021 (three appearances and counting). This is not true; the Heaton Hall estate dates back centuries, but hopefully you believed that for a second. Tom Heaton, not the inspiration for Heaton Park (Octavio Passos/Getty Images) Of course, Manchester United do have a young player named after them — Kobbie Mainoo. Or at least, to those fans who use Man U as a pejorative when referring to the club. The most shocking example of a rival’s home in a player’s surname, though, has to be the man we know as Barcelona legend Gerard Pique, or to give him his full name, Gerard Pique Bernabeu. The Bernabeu, of course, is the name of rivals Real Madrid’s home ground. However, the Bernabeu name is certainly no source of shame for Pique; his grandfather Amador Bernabeu was formerly a vice-president at Barcelona. Still, it’s pretty ironic that one of Real Madrid’s ultimate hate figures shares a name with the club’s home. Sometimes you see the name of a club and think it must be fate. That was certainly Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein’s take when, in 1989, he met some chap called Arsene Wenger for the first time. Wenger, then Monaco manager, attended an Arsenal match at their old Highbury ground, and Dein took him to a friend’s house for dinner. “I thought, ‘This guy’s something special, he’s a bit different’,” Dein later recalled to the BBC. “Just then it was like a flash of lightning, I sort of saw in the sky: ‘Arsene for Arsenal: it’s destiny; one day he will be our manager’.” Three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups later, Dein’s destiny worked out alright. Good job that he wasn’t called Dave Wenger. Perhaps the most blatant case of managerial nominative determinism is Wolfgang Wolf managing Wolfsburg. It was only his second career job (after Stuttgarter Kickers), and he lifted Wolfsburg to what was then the club’s highest-ever finish of sixth in 1999, lasting five years before he was kicked out of the pack. You might think Molineux was the next logical destination for Wolf, which sadly never happened. Wolves had already signed a namesake in 1994, though, in the form of Dutch defender John de Wolf. This wasn’t due to a flash of lightning that then Wolves manager Graham Taylor saw in the sky; Taylor had been impressed by De Wolf when seeing him play for the Netherlands against England. “I wrote a book in 1994 and said hopefully one day I’d play in England… the book came out in December and that was the month I joined Wolves,” De Wolf later told The Athletic. “Also, the name of the club — my name! It just fitted.” De Wolf was an instant cult hero. “De Wolf man” was a regular chant at Molineux when the burly defender with a lengthy golden mane would saunter up the field to take long throws. He’s now been followed up by Wolves signing AZ Alkmaar’s Norwegian left-back David Moller Wolfe for €11.5m (£10m). Wolfe told Wolves.co.uk: “Personally, I think it’s pretty cool to have that surname and then to play for Wolverhampton. “Me and my brothers have actually joked a little bit about it a couple of years ago, and now it is turning into a reality. I think it was meant to be.” There was only one club that recently retired midfield Salva Sevilla was supposed to play for, but sadly he only ever made the B team for the Spanish club. Surprisingly, he would go on to make his name at Sevilla’s big rivals Real Betis. Ditto former Tottenham Hotspur defender Mike England, who managed Wales for eight years in the 1980s. Mat Sadler, though, did get it right when he played for Walsall, i.e. the Saddlers, not once but twice during his playing days, and is now the club’s manager. Mat Sadler, the manager of the Saddlers (Morgan Harlow/Getty Images) Graham Potter served ‘the Potters’ with distinction during his playing days when he featured for Stoke City for three years. Christian Fuchs joined the right English club when he moved to Leicester City in 2015; Fuchs in German means fox. It’s not just club names that elicit destiny for players; positions do too. What other position on the field would former Belgian player Mark De Man play other than defence? It just had to be true. In fact, De Man played all across the back line, as a full-back or a centre-back and was even known to pop into defensive midfield, playing for Anderlecht in Belgium and with Roda JC in the Dutch Eredivisie, all the while shadowing his opponents extremely closely. Opposition players knew exactly who was arriving when their team-mates shouted; “De Man on!” In a less obvious but still fitting outcome, one-time Premier League player John Utaka simply had to play as an attacker, which he did pretty successfully for Portsmouth in the late 2000s, providing the cross that led to Portsmouth’s winning goal in the 2008 FA Cup final. Some names are curious given their styles of play, like beanpole 6ft 7in striker Peter Crouch, or legendary Italian defender Claudio Gentile, a player famed for being an aggressive nutcase rather than a serene ball-player. Names don’t always forge a path of fate in football; Gareth Barry never played for Barry Town, while Isaac Success only played for Watford in England. But when it happens, it’s pretty satisfying.

sounds like a stalker

just do NOT take any meds or supplements from him!! lol

it is not that late they have 4 weeks to sort it toss Jackson in as a large part of the price

If RB Limpdick keeps fucking about with Simons we should just splash out the extra £14m to 19m and buy Rogers from Villa Rogers is a new prototype for the late 2020s and beyond EPL player I still think Simons is a massive dice roll, at least compared to Rogers

agree 60m euros baseline fee + 2 or 3 or so million euros in add-ons or they can go fuck right off Bundesliga players are entirely overvalued compared to their EPL performances (when they come here) overall it is a fun league to watch but it is shit compared to the EPL

The third Prospect Sheet compiled by the CIES Football Observatory in collaboration with Impect highlights a young centre back with a great future: Luka Vušković. Aged just 18.4, the Croatian has already played two full seasons as a professional between his training club Hajduk Split, Polish side Radomiak Radom and Belgian side Westerlo. His last season in Belgium was particularly successful, with 36 Pro League games and no fewer than 7 goals. His performances earned him a move to his parent club Tottenham Hotspur. Already estimated at €40 million by the CIES Football Observatory’s statistical model, his transfer value is destined to rise with every game played in the Premier League. From a technical point of view, Luka Vušković has the profile of an aerial center back with attacking ability, his power being combined with outstanding technical quality. Players with similar characteristics quoted in the report include Germany’s Yann Aurel Bisseck, Ecuador’s Piero Hincapié and England’s Trevoh Chalobah. >>> Full report

I have zero personally against KDH great bloke and never whinged but he cost us points and he simply never will be up to a Chels standard bizarro buy and at least we broke even or so

absofuckinglutely

like Gusto he upped his game the last 10 games or so but he was dire for ages

Chelsea new boy Jorrel Hato explains why he joined Blues despite secret Liverpool visit Jorrel Hato has completed his move to Chelsea despite interest elsewhere as the Dutch defender claimed the Blues were the best place for him after previously being seen at Liverpool https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/jorrel-hato-Chelsea-deal-liverpool-35667533 Jorrel Hato has claimed that "Chelsea is the best place for me" after completing his move to the Blues despite the likes of Liverpool also being keen on the young defender. Hato had risen through the ranks at Ajax and had a number of clubs in Europe eyeing his services, but he has chosen to make the move to Stamford Bridge, signing a deal in the capital until 2032. Levi Colwill and Trevoh Chalobah were Chelsea's two central defenders when they claimed the Club World Cup, but they will now face competition from the 19-year-old, who has set the club back £37million. But Hato is convinced he's found the best environment for him. He told the club's website: "I’m very excited, I’m so happy to be here. I thought a lot about my future and wanted to take the next step in my career. Chelsea is the best place for me to do that so I’m very happy." Talk of a move to Liverpool ramped up after the defender was seen at Anfield during Liverpool's win over Ipswich in January. Hato's list of suitors was understood to include Liverpool, who have considered adding a new central defender this summer. However his weekend visit on Merseyside was due to his relationship with fellow Dutchman Ryan Gravenberch, who invited Hato as a guest to watch the Reds. The pair have been playing together with the Netherlands, with Hato making his senior debut at the age of 17 and picking up six caps. He also captained the Dutch side at the U21 Euros this summer. Liverpool have sold Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen this summer with Ibrahima Konate entering the final 12 months of his deal. He is thought to be keen on a switch to Real Madrid, which could leave the Reds light in defence. They have also been heavily linked with Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi. The defender had enjoyed a meteoric rise at Ajax (Image: Getty Images) Chelsea's latest arrival takes their summer spend to the £250m mark. Hato is the first major defensive arrival with Enzo Maresca instead choosing to bolster his frontline. Joao Pedro signed from Brighton for £55m and played a key role in the Blues winning the Club World Cup. Liam Delap has also joined from Ipswich, leading to questions over the future of Nicolas Jackson. Jamie Gittens has returned to his homeland after impressing with Borussia Dortmund for £48.5m. RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons is thought to be high on Chelsea's shortlist.

Chelsea told to pay £80 million to sign Morgan Rogers https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2025/08/03/Chelsea-told-to-pay-80-million-to-sign-morgan-rogers/ Aston Villa are reportedly play hardball as Chelsea push for top attacking target Morgan Rogers in the summer transfer window. Chelsea’s pursuit of Morgan Rogers has hit a financial wall, with Aston Villa reportedly demanding over £80 million for their prized forward. Enzo Maresca is believed to be a huge admirer of the 23-year-old and has placed him high on Chelsea’s summer wishlist, but the Villans are making it clear they have no intention of letting him leave on the cheap. According to a report by Football Insider, Rogers is viewed as a “dream signing” at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have been monitoring the former Manchester City academy product ever since his resurgence at Villa Park under Unai Emery, where he delivered an impressive campaign and became a fan favourite. Chelsea explore swap options as Aston Villa stand firm Chelsea have already tested the waters with an ambitious offer involving cash plus players, including Tosin Adarabioyo and Nicolas Jackson, in a bid to bring the England international to west London. However, Aton Villa swiftly rejected the approach, with insiders revealing that the Midlands club have no intention of weakening their squad, especially with Champions League football on the horizon. Despite Aston Villa’s financial concerns amid the Profit and Sustainability Rules, they remain steadfast in their desire to keep Rogers. He still has five years left on his current deal, giving the club the upper hand in negotiations and allowing them to set such a high asking price. Morgan Rogers move is not dead yet Former Aston Villa scout Mick Brown recently suggested that the club is “confident” Rogers will stay, and sources believe it would take an extraordinary offer to even tempt Villa to reconsider. That said, Chelsea are unlikely to walk away from their pursuit without trying every possible angle, be it an improved bid or a more lucrative player-plus-cash deal. Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke said, “Chelsea see Morgan Rogers as a player who could elevate their attack. They’ve tracked him for a long time and believe he fits Maresca’s system perfectly. But with Villa valuing him at £80 million+, it’s a difficult deal to do.” Still, this is a transfer window where Chelsea have been nothing if not bold, and with Maresca keen to shape the squad in his image, a late push for Rogers shouldn’t be ruled out. If Chelsea can get creative and persuasive, the Morgan Rogers saga could yet have a Stamford Bridge twist before the window slams shut.

'I thought a lot about my future and...': Jorrel Hato opens up on sensational move to Premier League club Chelsea https://www.firstpost.com/sports/football-news/Chelsea-jorrel-hato-football-transfer-news-premier-league-13918857.html Club World Cup champions Chelsea have completed yet another signing ahead of the start of the 2025/26 season. After solidifying the offence by adding Liam Delap and Joao Pedro to the squad, Enzo Meresca and Co. have shifted their attention to defense and roped in Dutch defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax. Chelsea spent a reported sum of 37 million pounds ($49 million) to bring Hato on board. The 19-year-old has signed a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge. He becomes the club’s eighth signing of the summer transfer window. Earlier, Chelsea signed- Joao Pedro (£60m), Jamie Gittens (£51.1m), Liam Delap (£30m), Estevao Willian (£29.1m), Dario Essugo (£18.5m), Mamadou Sarr (£12m) and Kendry Paez (£17.3m). Jorrel Hato on transfer move to Chelsea “I´m very excited,” Hato, who can operate in central defence or at left back, told the Premier League club´s website. “I thought a lot about my future and wanted to take the next step in my career. Chelsea is the best place for me to do that, so I´m very happy.” Jorrel Hato joined Ajax’s academy at 12 (from Sparta Rotterdam) and turned pro at 16. He made 111 appearances for Ajax, scoring 4 goals, before earning his international debut as a substitute in a 6-0 win over Gibraltar in November 2023. Chelsea starts its Premier League season on Aug. 17 at home to Crystal Palace. What will Jorrel Hato bring to the table? Jorrel Hato will bring a bag of skills to the table. His versatility, ball control, and distribution skills will make him a bankable left-back or centre-back at Chelsea. His leadership qualities, speed, and agility are notable assets. With growth potential, Hato is expected to provide competition for Marc Cucurella and bolster Chelsea’s defensive options. While Chelsea have been busy in the transfer market, making modifications to the squad ahead of the new season, the team seemingly still has room for improvement. Moreover, with Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal making notable signings, it will be interesting to see whether the club can challenge its rivals and contend for the top prize in English football.

Luuk de Jong turns 35yo in 3 weeks those plonkers on the X thread all act like this was some super masterful buy lololol

thank fuck Chelsea-linked player wants to stay at his current team Florian Plettenberg posted on X stating that sources close to Min-jae have rejected any claims of the centre-back looking to leave Bayern Munich this summer. They said: Chelsea have been linked with a move for Kim Min-jae for quite some time now. The former Napoli defender joined Bayern Munich in 2023. However, the South Korean international’s time at the German club hasn’t gone as he would have hoped. During the Club World Cup, Kim didn’t get a single minute of action despite being fit to play. The arrival of Jonathan Tah won’t help his case either, which could cause the 28-year-old to consider a move away.

lol

Everton turn to Chelsea's Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall as top target ‘pushed’ to join Nottingham Forest https://www.teamtalk.com/everton/everton-turn-to-Chelsea-star-as-top-target-pushed-to-join-nottingham-forest-report Everton are weighing up a move for Chelsea midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall this summer after hitting obstacles in the pursuit of another target. The Toffees are set for a very busy end to the transfer window as David Moyes looks to strengthen in multiple positions, with centre-midfield being one. Moyes wants to bring in more competition for the likes of Idrissa Gana Gueye and James Garner, with other options Tim Iroegbunam and Harrison Armstrong lacking Premier League experience. According to Paul Joyce of The Times, Everton have shown interest in Chelsea star Dewsbury-Hall, who could be available for the right price this summer. The 26-year-old started just two Premier League games last season and after Chelsea have made a slew of new additions this summer, he could see his minutes further limited. Dewsbury-Hall could therefore look to take on a new challenge this summer, with his eyes set on breaking into the England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup. TEAMtalk exclusively revealed Everton’s interest in Dewsbury-Hall back in April and the Chelsea star remains under consideration, while another target is proving difficult to get. TEAMtalk has consistently reported that Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz, formerly of Aston Villa, has also been considered by Everton. The Brazilian is keen on a return to the Premier League after failing to make a big impact in Serie A, but new reports suggest that Nottingham Forest hold the advantage over the Toffees in the race. GiveMeSport claim that Everton ‘cannot afford’ Juventus’ asking price, ‘which has recently been lowered to £34.9m (€40m).’ Forest are also in talks with Juventus and Luiz’s entourage, and the report states that the midfielder is being ‘pushed’ to join the Tricky Trees instead. TEAMtalk understands that it is not a case of Everton not being able to afford Luiz, but it is true that they are reluctant to overpay on targets. The Toffees’ position has always been that they want to sign Luiz on loan, with an option to buy included in the deal, which isn’t idea for Juve. Dewsbury-Hall represents an exciting alternative but again, Chelsea are reluctant to let him go cheaply, with a valuation of £30m reportedly in play. Everton, meanwhile, are also looking to bring in a new winger, with Southampton star Tyler Dibling a top target, while Sevilla right-back Juanlu is also under consideration. A loan deal for Manchester City ace Jack Grealish remains a possibility, but negotiations are only likely to progress later in the transfer window.

Let's kick some German arse!