mkh 627 Posted July 21 Share Posted July 21 Atlético Madrid has already made its second offer to Chelsea for Renato Veiga: £30m. The clubs are in talks. (@Tanziloic & @lequipe via @atletiuniverse) Fernando 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vesper 30,312 Posted July 21 Share Posted July 21 Nicolas Jackson is a unique No 9 – but which teams would he suit if he leaves Chelsea? https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6499756/2025/07/21/nicolas-jackson-transfers-Chelsea-newcastle-manchester-united/ It’s fair to say that Nicolas Jackson continues to divide opinion as a Premier League centre-forward. At his best, the 24-year-old is a bulldozing No 9; a tireless runner, lethal on the transition, capable of turning nothing into something with his all-action approach to the game. Catch him on an off day, and he can look clunky, untidy; a slightly chaotic striker who can snatch at his chances on goal. Chelsea’s decision to bring in Liam Delap and Joao Pedro this summer might suggest they are ready to move Jackson on, but those in the club remain convinced by his ability. Though their front line is starting to look slightly bloated, Jackson’s threat on the counter is unique — another attacking profile Enzo Maresca can lean on to overcome the different challenges the Premier League presents. There are several clubs who are on the lookout for a striker, including Manchester United and Newcastle United, while Aston Villa may be in the market too if Ollie Watkins were to leave this summer. So, what exactly is Jackson’s skill set, and what could he bring to each of the clubs linked? Looking back on his first two seasons in English football, it’s important to remember Jackson is still relatively inexperienced when it comes to top-flight minutes. He had only started 16 games in La Liga for Villarreal before Chelsea came calling, struggling to lock down a starting place for most of the campaign, before racking up nine goals in the final eight games. With that in mind, there is plenty of time for Jackson to refine his game. His time at Chelsea presented a steep learning curve, but the Senegal international has not been overawed by the step up, holding his own against tough Premier League defenders and clocking a respectable tally of 34 goal involvements along the way. The speed at which Jackson has adapted to new surroundings is impressive, and is appealing to suitors who believe they can tap into his potential further by providing him with space to continue flex his muscles on the break. In that respect, Newcastle’s interest adds up — they trailed only Liverpool for expected goals (xG) generated through counter-attacking sequences last season. According to advanced data provider Footovision, Jackson was the player with the most counter-attacking involvements via ball carries in the division, able to tear through teams with powerful, head-down dribbling and lead breakaways on his own. It’s something Eddie Howe saw first-hand as he took Newcastle to Stamford Bridge in October. Below, in frame one, Jackson drops deep to give his goalkeeper Robert Sanchez a passing option. With the opposition locked on man-for-man, Jackson spots the opportunity to roll his centre-back with a quick spin, before accelerating away and bursting through the middle of the pitch, eventually laying the ball off for Noni Madueke to cut inside and shoot. Inside his own half and facing away from goal, he turns a pressure-relieving pass into a chance in just under six seconds. Here is another example against Bournemouth; Jackson drifts into a similar position to get on the ball, but this time with Dean Huijsen much tighter to him. The broadcast footage cuts away, but returns with the defender desperately trying to pull the striker back. David Brooks tries to knock him off balance in frame three, but ends up on the floor, before Jackson powers towards the penalty area and thumps a shot off the base of the left post. Jackson works exceptionally hard without the ball to stretch opposition defences too, constantly looking to run at the defensive line. Only Watkins made more runs in behind per 30 minutes of team possession in the Premier League last season, going some way to explaining why he might be of interest to those at Villa Park. It’s not just the quantity of runs, but the speed and aggression with which he makes them that stands out. Jackson made 60 sprints in behind the defence — defined as SkillCorner as an off-ball run of at least 25km/h — nine more than any other Premier League player. Many of these, as highlighted below, led to a shot for his team within 10 seconds. It also helps to underline the selflessness of many of Jackson’s movements, happy to repeatedly run into the channels and break from deep to drag his team up the pitch and show for the dangerous ball behind a high defensive line. Here against Villa, for example, Jackson is quick to target the space after a turnover in possession, sprinting out to the flanks as the ball makes its way to Marc Cucurella, to provide an out ball for his team. The pass is difficult to bring down, and although Jackson gives away the foul after colliding with Ezri Konsa further down the line, he almost provides Chelsea with a lucrative escape route with the intensity of his running and that battering-ram approach down the wings. It’s not always neat with Jackson — there can be some quite scruffy passages of play where he charges in too hard, or is slightly too keen to start his run — but keep giving him the chance to get it right and the destruction he can cause is clear. The bar chart below illustrates the percentage of team runs in behind that were targeted with a pass from a team-mate last season. It suggests Newcastle could be a team that would make the most of his off-ball movement, a direct side who will be happy to seek out Jackson and get their other high-quality attacking players into the final third quickly around him. Jackson would be a potent addition — along with the electric Anthony Elanga — to increase their incisiveness on the break. All of the above will also be of interest to Manchester United, who are in search of a channel-running, physically dominant centre-forward themselves. They’re also looking for box presence, a forward who can generate high-value chances close to goal, as the team with the third-lowest proportion of shots inside the penalty area in 2024-25. Jackson is among the strikers being considered by United, but it is uncertain who they would go for — and they would have to sell first. A look to Jackson’s shot map since joining Chelsea points to a player who consistently creates danger, with his high xG per shot value of 0.2 — only bettered by four Premier League players across that time — outlining his ability to get into valuable goalscoring positions. Only six players have taken more shots from inside the six-yard box, too. That said, there are some concerns around Jackson’s ability to strike cleanly through the ball, particularly at speed, and when it is fed into his left side. Of his 24 Premier League goals, only four have come on his weaker foot — two of those simple finishes into an empty net— and he often struggles to keep his balance and lacks control as he looks to generate power. Below against Brentford, we see a great example of how Jackson can be incisive with his alert movement, setting off to attack the space as soon as the midfield line is broken with a pass into Enzo Fernandez. From there, the centre-forward does everything right — latching on to the through ball, setting himself, and taking it around the goalkeeper — but he is uncomfortable when it comes to wrapping his foot around the ball, taking too long to steady himself and he eventually drags the shot back towards the recovering defenders to clear. On his stronger side, Jackson generally strikes with power. His technique can be inconsistent — he sometimes leans back slightly when he strikes, occasionally to adjust his body and approaches shots at the wrong angle — but the volume of opportunities he carves out with his drastic movement allows him to keep up a good scoring rate. The chaos that follows Jackson around can see some incredible moments of poor fortune too, but when he does get it right, as he did below for the opener against Everton in April, he is a force to be reckoned with. Premier League rivals will likely need to pay a premium for Jackson’s services. While he is not yet a polished, clinical finisher at the highest level of the game, he makes things happen more relentlessly than many other players in world football. For a team willing to show patience in Jackson, the potential reward is clear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vesper 30,312 Posted July 21 Share Posted July 21 2 hours ago, Mr Harry said: Nkunku being on the market is surprising how so? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvin123 539 Posted July 21 Share Posted July 21 🚨 BREAKING: Chelsea have started talks with Xavi Simons camp. (@Plettigoal) guddy6969 and Fernando 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Special Juan 28,194 Posted July 21 Share Posted July 21 Yep, Plettenberg saying we have started talks for Simons Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mkh 627 Posted July 21 Share Posted July 21 BREAKING: Chelsea have started talks with Xavi Simons camp. (@Plettigoal) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pizy 18,995 Posted July 21 Share Posted July 21 Unfortunately, Plettenberg is super hit or miss. One of those engagement farmers who throws a million things at the wall. Until Ornstein, Fab, or Matt Law say anything then I’m not moved. Fernando, Strike and Nero 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mkh 627 Posted July 21 Share Posted July 21 The Blues Feed understand that for the LW/10 Hybrid role Chelsea are targeting Morgan Roger's remains the number one target. If Chelsea decided he is unattainable they will revert to Xavi Simmons. Vesper 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vesper 30,312 Posted July 21 Share Posted July 21 Summer transfers 2025: All the Chelsea ins, outs and new contracts so far https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/summer-transfers-2025-all-the-Chelsea-ins-outs-and-new-contracts-so-far With the transfer window now in full swing, here's a recap of everything that's happened so far during what has already been an exciting summer at Chelsea. Chelsea new signings 2025 Liam Delap The England Under-21 striker joined Chelsea from Ipswich Town after impressing in the Premier League last season, and scored his first goal for the Blues in the win over ES Tunis at the FIFA Club World Cup. Dario Essugo The Portugal Under-21s midfielder was our first new signing of the summer, completing a move from Sporting Lisbon after impressing during a loan spell in Spain with Las Palmas last season. He has signed a contract until 2033. Estevao The 18-year-old will link up with the Blues ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, with a deal agreed last summer to bring him to Stamford Bridge. Already a full Brazil international, Estevao featured for Palmeiras at the Club World Cup and scored against Chelsea in the quarter-finals. Jamie Gittens The young English winger completed a move from Borussia Dortmund to Chelsea on 5 July, signing a contract with the Blues until 2032. The 20-year-old made well over 100 appearances in Germany, gaining experience in the Bundesliga, Champions League and Club World Cup. Joao Pedro celebrates his goal in the Club World Cup final Joao Pedro The Brazilian forward joined Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion in time to make an instant impact at the Club World Cup, netting both our goals in the semi-final before scoring again as we beat Paris Saint-Germain in the final. Kendry Paez After turning 18 in May, Paez completed his move to Chelsea this summer. The teenager already has 18 senior caps and two goals for Ecuador, making him the youngest player ever to score in South American FIFA World Cup qualifying. Mike Penders The young goalkeeper's move from Genk to Chelsea was announced last August, before the Belgian officially joined the Blues this summer. Mamadou Sarr The France Under-20s defender impressed in Ligue 1 with Strasbourg last season before joining Chelsea this summer, signing a contract until 2033. Sarr signs his contract at Cobham Kian Best The teenage defender signed a contract until 2027 to join Chelsea from Preston North End, where he made his senior debut in the Championship aged 17. He is an England Under-19s international. Chelsea new contracts 2025 Ato Ampah The 19-year-old wide player has signed a new contract until 2028. Ampah was a regular for our Under-21s last season and also made his senior debut for the Blues off the bench against Astana. Max Merrick The young goalkeeper was part of our UEFA Conference League squad last season, before gaining senior experience on loan at Hampton & Richmond in the second half of the campaign. He has signed a new three-year contract with the Blues. Jimi Tauriainen The Finnish midfielder extended his stay with Chelsea until at least 2027. He has featured regularly for our Academy over the last five years, and has made two senior appearances. Chelsea departures summer 2025 Mathis Amougou The France Under-20 international returned to his homeland in a permanent move to Strasbourg. He made his Premier League debut against Southampton in February and was part of our matchday squad for the Conference League final. Eddie Beach The Wales Under-21 international signed from Southampton in 2022 and was named on the bench for the men’s team for two Premier League fixtures during 2023/24. He moved to Scottish side Kilmarnock this summer. Lucas Bergstrom The goalkeeper brought his six years with the Blues to an end before signing for Real Mallorca. In addition to featuring regularly for our youth sides, Bergstrom was named among the substitutes for our senior team on a number of occasions, including our victory over Real Betis in last season's Conference League final. Bettinelli and Bergstrom celebrate our Conference League victory with their fellow goalkeepers Marcus Bettinelli The veteran goalkeeper moved on to join Manchester City after four years at Chelsea. He only made one first-team appearance during that time, but provided cover during our 2025 Conference League and 2021 Club World Cup victories. Luke Campbell Campbell featured regularly for our Under-18s as we won the Under-18 Premier League southern title in 2023/24. He joined Nottingham Forest after the expiry of his Chelsea contract at the end of June. Bashir Humphreys After it was announced in May that Humphreys' loan to Burnley would be made permanent, that switch was officially completed on 1 July. He helped the Clarets earn promotion to the Premier League last season. Kepa Arrizabalaga The goalkeeper moved to Arsenal this summer after spending the last two seasons on loan, at Real Madrid and Bournemouth, having won four major trophies with the Blues. Delap scores his first Chelsea goal Noni Madueke The winger completed a permanent move to Arsenal after two-and-a-half seasons at Stamford Bridge, in which he scored 20 goals in 92 appearances and helped us win the UEFA Europa Conference League. Djordje Petrovic The goalkeeper left for fellow Premier League side Bournemouth after two years at Chelsea. He made 31 appearances during his first season here, before spending last term on loan at Strasbourg. Zak Sturge Having made five appearances in the Championship while on loan at Millwall last season, the young full-back made that move permanent this summer. Marcell Washington The Under-18s defender left Chelsea after his scholarship contract ended this summer, and has since signed for Arsenal. Dylan Williams Williams' permanent departure to Burton Albion, where he spent last season on loan, has now been completed after being confirmed in May. Chelsea loans summer 2025 Teddy Sharman-Lowe The goalkeeper, who spent the summer at the European Under-21 Championship with England, signed a new Chelsea contract until 2028 before joining Bolton Wanderers on loan for the 2025/26 season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mkh 627 Posted July 21 Share Posted July 21 Understand Renato Veiga said yes to Atlético Madrid! No issues on personal terms. Atlético and Chelsea remain in direct talks for Renato Veiga, as reported over the weekend. Chelsea insist on package reaching €40m with add-ons included. (Fabrizio Romano) Vesper and Fernando 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nero 1,878 Posted July 21 Share Posted July 21 26 minutes ago, Pizy said: Unfortunately, Plettenberg is super hit or miss. One of those engagement farmers who throws a million things at the wall. In Germany, he has become a meme: When he says something, the opposite is true. Vesper 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pizy 18,995 Posted July 21 Share Posted July 21 So if the Veiga deal happens we’ll have raised about £100m between him, Madueke, and Petrović. Players who wouldn’t have played major roles here at all going forward. Very nice. Wonder how many more sizable sales are required for the club to feel completely comfortable with our finances. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mário César 1,343 Posted July 21 Share Posted July 21 1 minute ago, Pizy said: So if the Veiga deal happens we’ll have raised about £100m between him, Madueke, and Petrović. Players who wouldn’t have played major roles here at all going forward. Very nice. Wonder how many more sizable sales are required for the club to feel completely comfortable with our finances. we will still sell some players nkunku, felix, sterling, chilwell and disasi mkh 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pizy 18,995 Posted July 21 Share Posted July 21 34 minutes ago, Mário César said: we will still sell some players nkunku, felix, sterling, chilwell and disasi I know there will be. I’m asking whether we’re comfortable right now after the sales we’ve already made or are we still under big pressure to sell more? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mkh 627 Posted July 21 Share Posted July 21 Newcastle are ready to offer Tino Livramento a NEW DEAL to fight off Man City, who are willing to pay £65m for the English full-back. (@mhardysport) Vesper 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OhForAGreavsie 6,095 Posted July 21 Share Posted July 21 (edited) 1 hour ago, mkh said: The Blues Feed understand that for the LW/10 Hybrid role Chelsea are targeting Morgan Roger's remains the number one target. If Chelsea decided he is unattainable they will revert to Xavi Simmons. Thanks for not typing 'revert back'. Seems these days a lot of people don't know what revert means. I know it shouldn't bug me but it feels like watching Spurs every time I hear, or read, 'revert back'. That phrase, along with 'very unique' are horrible English, irritate the heck out of me, and yet have become ubiquitous. Edited July 21 by OhForAGreavsie guddy6969, mkh and Vesper 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vesper 30,312 Posted July 21 Share Posted July 21 Prospect Sheet: Rodrigo Mora (FC Porto) The second issue of the CIES Football Observatory Prospect Sheet, developed in collaboration with Impect, features Portuguese talent Rodrigo Mora. Born in 2007 like Lamine Yamal, the FC Porto’s attacking midfielder achieved an impressive professional career start, scoring ten goals in the Primeira Liga and earning his first call-up to the senior national team, where he should soon make his official debut. With a contract valid until 2030, Rodrigo Mora’s transfer value, as estimated by the CIES Football Observatory’s statistical model, has already reached €53.4m for a top-flight club. This value is set to increase with his future performances, and could quickly exceed the €70m buy-out clause negotiated at the time of his recent contract extension. From a technical profile standpoint, Rodrigo Mora is particularly active in terms of finishing and take on, making him a shooting attacking midfielder with take on ability. Among the footballers with similar characteristics mentioned in the report, notably are another highly coveted player in the ongoing transfer window, Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman, and Brazil’s Philippe Coutinho. >>> Full report >>> Report glossary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mkh 627 Posted July 21 Share Posted July 21 Chelsea value Nicolas Jackson at between £80m and £100m with Man United and Aston Villa among the clubs interested in signing him. If he were to leave, the £79m Liverpool are paying for Hugo Ekitike would be used as a benchmark for any potential deal. If Jackson was to leave, they may sign a wide player instead of another No. 9 because Neto can also play through the middle. Xavi Simons, Garnacho, Rogers and Kenan Yildiz are some of the players Chelsea are currently looking at. (@SkyKaveh) Vesper 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pizy 18,995 Posted July 21 Share Posted July 21 10 minutes ago, mkh said: Chelsea value Nicolas Jackson at between £80m and £100m with Man United and Aston Villa among the clubs interested in signing him. If he were to leave, the £79m Liverpool are paying for Hugo Ekitike would be used as a benchmark for any potential deal. If Jackson was to leave, they may sign a wide player instead of another No. 9 because Neto can also play through the middle. Xavi Simons, Garnacho, Rogers and Kenan Yildiz are some of the players Chelsea are currently looking at. (@SkyKaveh) We know Rogers and Yildiz are virtually untouchable this summer so it’s between Garnacho and Simons surely. I pray we make the easy decision. mkh 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mkh 627 Posted July 21 Share Posted July 21 Chelsea have had Kenan Yildiz on our winger shortlist since April. (Simon Phillips) Vesper and kexik 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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